Entertainment

The Oscars Are The Best... & The Worst

by Nicole Pomarico

Jan. 14, 2015

Now that award season is officially upon us, my Sundays for the next few months are basically accounted for. There are few things better than watching people in ridiculously expensive gowns take on the red carpet while you get to be comfy on the couch with your sweatpants and wine. And although the 2015 Golden Globes are behind us, along with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's fabulous hosting days, there is still plenty to look forward to. Exhibit A: The Oscars. Nominations finally come out on Thursday, and the show is just barely more than a month away on February 22. There's one problem, though — I have kind of a love/hate relationship with the Oscars.

Don't get me wrong: There is no award show more prestigious or more glamorous. A competitor simply doesn't exist. But with prestige and glamour comes a terrible downside: The Oscars are incredibly boring. Not the whole show, mind you. Just, you know, everything after the past hour, except for the very end when Best Picture is announced — and the sound of Meryl Streep crying jolts you awake from your nap and you're like, "Oh, crap, what happened?!" The reasons to love and hate the Oscars are in equal measure, honestly.

Don't believe me? I'll prove it.

Reasons to Love the Oscars

1. The Stakes Are Higher

This isn't like winning an MTV Movie Award, guys. The Oscars actually count. This means reactions from winners and losers are going to mean more. And is there anything better than watching someone become totally astonished that they're being recognized for their talent? I love a good unexpected crier.

2. The Fashion Is Amazing

Which means the red carpet is the best to watch, too.

3. Legitimately Everyone Important in Hollywood Is There

You can't skip the Oscars if you have an invitation. You just can't. Which means we get to see all our favorite celebrities in one place, even the ones who look down their noses at award shows like the VMAs. Not even Michelle Obama can resist getting involved.

4. There Are No Terrible Music Performances

Basically, none of the riff raff. You will not find Miley Cyrus grinding on anyone at the Oscars. And while generally I'm entertained by shock value performances, the Oscars are a welcome respite.

5. Three Words: Neil Patrick Harris

The best host of all time is hosting the Oscars this year, and it's going to be amazing. Who doesn't want to watch Neil Patrick Harris do just about anything? Bonus points if he brings those adorable kids of his.

6. The In Memoriam Montage

It's incredibly sad to be reminded of the celebrities who have died in the past year, but it's also a really good excuse to have a good cry if you need one without looking stupid.

7. Leonardo DiCaprio Never Wins

It's not that I love that the poor guy never wins the Oscar he clearly desperately wants. It's just a running joke that I look forward to every year. Need a hug, Leo?

8. They're So Fancy

And not in the Iggy Azalea kind of way. Actually, in the exact opposite of the Iggy Azalea kind of way.

9. We're Probably Going to See a Lot of Jennifer Aniston

Because Cake is clearly going to be nominated for everything.

10. Acceptance Speech GIFs After the Show

I love a good influx of brand new GIFs.

11. No Scandals

Because they get so exhausting. It's so nice to know what to expect, and to not stress out that your fave celeb is going to say or do something completely stupid that makes it really difficult to keep liking them. The Oscars are classy.