When it comes to awards shows, life is good these days. The Grammys’ ratings were up by a third over last year and rivaled what “American Idol” gets. The “Golden Globes” also did well, as Oscar is up next.
But one of the least rated and unspectacular shows of all time is the one that sets the stage for Oscar night. Yes, the Academy Awards were announced from Los Angeles this week, at dark-thirty in the morning with just a few fans and press in attendance. (You can see some immediate live fan reaction here.)

This year’s nominees weren’t surprising as much as there are just great story lines, including Sandra Bullock getting her first nomination, four-time nominee Jeff Bridges emerging as the perceived leader for Best Actor, several first time nominees and only the second African-American director to be nomined in his category. There are also some ex’s in the running against each other.
When the announcements were made early from Los Angeles, the popular Bullock was sleeping, and later was “not even awake enough to be sarcastic” on the phone with Matt Lauer.
Jeremy Renner, nominated for “The Hurt Locker,” had zero privacy as he sat on the set of “The Today Show,” awaiting his interview. The cameras caught him in a live reaction that was really as, well, precious as it was spontaneous.
Speaking of “Precious,” Mo’Nique was hilarious, answering Merideth Vierra and Lauer affectionately as “babies,” full with delight over her nomination and the success of her movie at its fellow stars.
Michelle Rodriguez, of “Avatar,” sounded confident but tried not to be cocky with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford. “I don’t mean to sound weird or anything,” she said shyly, “but I kinda expected it….There was a lot of magic on set.”
More reactions can still be found from “Good Morning America” and The Huffington Post, and a full rundown of the nominees is here .
By the time Oscar Night comes and the 82nd Academy Awards show takes place, it will be about glamour, fashion, celebrity relationships and, oh yes, the statues. But for now–and in weeks to come–there are some hard working people who’ve accomplished a dream in being nominated, and their lives will never be the same. It’s fun to watch and root for ‘em, even if less than one out of five will actually win.