AN AWARD FIT FOR A (LION) KING!

James Earl Jones with his OSCAR. Image: A.M.P.A.S.

Despite the always hilarious presence of Billy Crystal, this year's 84th Academy Awards presentation was a pretty pedestrian and predictable affair, though it was livened up by the occasional STAR WARS related mention or two, and the Academy finally giving an Oscar to the well deserved James Earl Jones for his outstanding contributions to the movies, especially for his iconic work as the voice of Darth Vader in the classic STAR WARS Trilogy, as well as other timeless hits like Disney's THE LION KING. Congratulations, Mister Jones!

Doug Trumbull with his OSCAR. Image: Richard Harbaugh/copyright A.M.P.A.S.

Also, a special mention of the achievement award that went to special effects pioneer Douglas Trumbull, a much liked and admired figure for his revolutionary work on landmark films like 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, SILENT RUNNING, STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE and BRAINSTORM. Trumbull continues to be a true magician who has made the impossible possible, much to the delight of millions of movie-goers around the world.

One annoying thing to say to the Academy, though: why was the legendary Swordsman/artist Bob Anderson not listed in the memoriam?