The longer I live in the UK, the less I miss the States. But I have to admit there will always be a few moments a year, usually in the darkest deepest part of night, that I have a twinge of longing. Last night, at about 2 am, was one of those moments. I got an email from my sister in New York. “Watching the Oscars and missing you. Remember, when you win for Best Screenplay, I want to be there!” Now that’s what sisters are all about — the shared dream, the bit of nostalgia, the blind belief in the possibility of the shared dream coming true. Yes, I admit it– I do stay up all night watching the damn thing. Yes, I can tape it — and I do that too. But there is something about being awake and sharing a moment with millions of others that is worth occasionally doing, maybe even worth occasionally thinking about.
I realize, though, that I hesitated to say I was watching it “with millions of Americans.” More and more, the Oscars are a global celebration – nominations going to films from all over the world, awards for Best Actor and Actress going to 2 decidedly non- American artists.
I think that’s fabulous. But I’m not talking about the Oscars this morning, right? Right. I’m really talking about fantasy.
Growing up in America, I had 2 main fantasies. The first I grew out of by the time I was 8 (I’m happy to say), and that was the dream of being in the Miss America Pageant. No need to say more about that, I think……
But the second fantasy persists, and that’s about winning an Oscar. The incredible dress is already imagined. I know exactly which body parts I’m willing to show off, which I intend to hide. And the speech? Needless to say, it’s well in hand — funny, heartfelt, a bit playful but always elegant. You’ll love it. But I now wonder if this is really one of those so-called American dreams or not. If I had grown up in 1960’s England, would I have that dream? What if I was Italian or Swiss or Chinese? The Oscars might be global now, but is the deep-seated childhood dream global, too?
Yet here’s the rub — this year was special for me because this year I had the glimmer of an idea that maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t only a fantastic dream after all. This year, I actually do know one of the winners. And the Oscar for Best Visual Effects went to….my friend Michael Fink. While he was here in London working on The Golden Compass, the families became friends, the kids became especially close. And there they were, all 3 of them, looking fabulous, sitting there in the audience, then jumping up in the aisle, then Michael was ON STAGE. Michael Fink, exactly the sort of funny, sweet, smart, slightly nerdy, unbelievably creative person I try to surround myself with. It doesn’t usually work, but sometimes it does. Michael Fink, seemingly the same sort of nice, funny guy we all at some time went to school with. Only he just happens to be an artist with an incredibly visual imagination; a genius who can close his eyes, see something, and then, when he opens them, figure out how to bring it to life. You know, just a regular Joe. So congratulations to my friend, Michael, and his entire family. And, hey — congratulations to all of us. Maybe we don’t
have to give up those fantasies after all.
“And the Oscar for Best Screenplay from a Previously Published Work goes to….”
The longer I live in the UK, the less I miss the States. But I have to admit there will always be a few moments a year, usually in the darkest deepest part of night, that I have a twinge of longing. Last night, at about 2 am, was one of those moments. I got an email from my sister in New York. “Watching the Oscars and missing you. Remember, when you win for Best Screenplay, I want to be there!” Now that’s what sisters are all about — the shared dream, the bit of nostalgia, the blind belief in the possibility of the shared dream coming true. Yes, I admit it– I do stay up all night watching the damn thing. Yes, I can tape it — and I do that too. But there is something about being awake and sharing a moment with millions of others that is worth occasionally doing, maybe even worth occasionally thinking about.
What a lovely story – it does give us all hope I think!
Great post.
I’m glad you’ve got your speech and dress sorted out. You’re going to need them one day:-)
Thanks! And you know what they say about your lips, God’s ears…. 🙂