I'd like to propose a toast . 2008 Oscars

Once all the mayhem of the Oscars are over, the after parties begin. With the glamorous partying the night away in their couture and carefully coiffed hair, the bubbly will be just as present as the media. Here is my nod to the Oscars with an after party of my own - I present my 2008 Oscar awards:

Like a strawberry in my champagne:
Kunio Kato, Winner of best short animation
His acceptance speech included the phrase "thank you to my pencil"* which warmed my heart (you know, a humbling nod to his craft) and made me giggle all at once. Also, instead of starting with a joke, he ended with one quoting the familiar phrase "domo arrigato, Mr. Roboto." I dare say, if nothing else was understood by the those in TVland, that phrase definitely was.

One too many sips of the bubbly:
Philippe Petit, star of the documentary Man on A Wire
He was brought onstage during the best documentary award. I could just note the man wore a full leather suit and leave it at that...but, he also pulled off a magic coin trick and balanced an Oscar on his chin all within his 15 seconds on the stage. It wasn't a performance rivaling Roberto Benigni's chair walking and demonic possession (1998), but it was the closest thing this year had to offer.

Just a bit flat:
Bill Maher, presenter of Best Documentary
I couldn't tell if Bill Maher was there to present the award or plug his own documentary, Religulous. Either way, it was a totally boring monologue and has me begging the question: does anyone review these introductions? Way to break down the pervasive stereotype that documentaries cannot be exciting and riveting, Mr. Maher. (note: not a sentiment I share, by the way)

Like a good pop of the bottle:
Ben Stiller and Natalie Portman, presenters
Often times good scripting and comedic timing don't align during award shows and even the best comedians have unfunny bits. Ben Stiller came out a la Joaquin Phoenix's recent drop-out reincarnation, namely the recent interview on David Letterman. Natalie played along well, noting with surprising accuracy that he looked like he was working at a Hasidic meth lab. The bit worked without being overworked.

Runners-up: Tina Fey and Steve Martin, presenters
Just before the nominees for best screenplay were announced Steve Martin turned to a purposely attentive Tina Fey and firmly stated "Don't fall in love with me." It was funny.

As impressive as a sabre service
Prior to announcing the best/supporting actors and actresses, former award winners in the respective categories presented speeches to the nominees basically singing their name on high. The impressive part came in the form of the nominees' award-winning acting during these little tributes, conjuring tears and gratitude toward the presenters. Meanwhile, most of the mini speeches were delivered with awkwardness that made it painful to even sit through. I say we do like the sabre service and completely cut it from future awards.

*The official thank you speech transcript says the phrase was "Thank you, my producer." But, with the power of DVR we replayed the speech and it sounds a lot more like "Thank you, my pencil." Plus, thanking a pencil is a lot more interesting, so let's go with that.