And while I was certain that Ledger's star was shining brighter due to the Deification of Death...I was wrong, he earned every scrap of praise heaped on him.

See, I think Ledger was quite good, but I'm not feeling the levels of love that some are (like saying he deserves the Oscar for his role). Part of that is probably that the Joker in general just irks me.

However! I said this over in Knut's LJ about the Joker: The Joker scene I loved the most was right after Rachel was blown up, when the Joker was leaning out the window of the police cruiser and there was no dialogue, no ambient chaotic background noise of Gotham, just the orchestral soundtrack (not orchestral like Beethoven, but, you know, like the soundtrack for a different movie -- a movie about a boy and his dog, let's say), and he looked *blissful.* That small moment was outstanding.

See, I still curse the studio for not letting Coppola cast Johnny Depp as Harker.

But! But but but! Harker is *supposed* to be a tool! Or am I misremembering Nosferatu, etc? I seem to remember Harker being a total milquetoast tool in Nosferatu, which was why casting Keanu was brilliant.

I think you deserve an oscar if you're one of my favorite actors and I forget that's you on the screen while I'm watching the movie.

I think you deserve an oscar if you're one of my favorite actors and I forget that's you on the screen while I'm watching the movie.

This. If I didn't KNOW that was Heath, I doubt I would have figured it out.

eta - and I'm not just talking about the makeup.

And I think if he receives an Oscar, it's going to be as much for his body of work as it is for this particular role.

(like saying he deserves the Oscar for his role)

This was a big debate I got into with the friend I saw the movie with.

I'm foot stompingly opposed to posthumous awards that are not for the purpose of inspiring others to avoid something terrible. (Medger Evers leaps to mind)

Appreciating a body of work is one thing. Special award to help us collectively work out "Oh Heath, we hardly knew ye," is one thing.

Depriving a living candidate of an opportunity so that we can collectively say, "It's a drag what happened to you," is to my way of thinking, a mistake.

I have not illusions that Oscars are based on actual merit. Tatum O'Neill in Paper Moon, I'm looking at you.

Tatum O'Neill in Paper Moon, I'm looking at you.

Well, yeah, but I love Paper Moon.

Peter Finch was awarded an Oscar posthumously for Network, the difference being that he passed away after he was nominated, but before the ceremony.

Well, yeah, but I love Paper Moon.

Totally agreed! Still...not a reward for the craft, but rather for the novelty.

Peter Finch was awarded an Oscar posthumously for Network, the difference being that he passed away after he was nominated, but before the ceremony.

I can see that. Still...even Miss America has a runner up if she can't 'perform the duties'.

Though, I suppose I would not want to be known as the 'also ran' and simply making the choice behind the scenes would be just like Batman bugging everyone's cellphones regardless of privacy laws for the 'greater good.'

Ironically parallel example.

Still, I'm not sure I would have come on Lucius' side of that argument either.

More thought required.

Well, yeah, but I love Paper Moon.

There should be a golden ascot award!

Heaven forfend!

I think I've made my stand on ascots quite clear.