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Oprah hearts 'Australia'

Nov 11, 2008, 12:00 PM | by Dave Karger

Categories: Best Picture

Australia_l As if you didn't know this already, Oprah Winfrey devoted the entire episode of her talk show yesterday to Australia, hosting Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman in her studio, much to the squealing delight of her live audience. And Miss O didn't hold back, gushing about the movie's scenery, its young Aboriginal costar Brandon Walters, and even Jackman's physique. "It's the best movie I've seen in a long, long, long, long time," she enthused. I half expected her to jump up and down on a sofa this time. But there was one word she never brought up when talking about the movie: Oscar. (Well, actually, the word was spoken, but that's only because Jackman's son is named Oscar.)

Given all of her praise for the film, I have to say I found that a little peculiar. I do remember Winfrey repeatedly telling Reese Witherspoon (correctly, it turned out) that she would win an Academy Award when she was on the show for Walk the Line a few years ago. Does this mean the movie won't have a shot at next year's awards? Of course not. But even as I watched the sweeping, colorful clips of the film yesterday, I still couldn't tell if Australia is another English Patient or another Pearl Harbor. And it does make me nervous that Baz Luhrmann is apparently still finishing the darn thing. (The poor guy had to be Skyped in from Fox studios in Australia for the show.) Given Luhrmann's impressive body of work, though, I'm still holding out hope. Is anyone else?


J Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

Actually, the big O also mentioned that Nicole was an Oscar winner when she introduced Nic. So that would be twice that she mentioned Oscar...but who's counting ;).

scar2 Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

I'm hoping for the best. I love Luhrman & Kidman needs a hit (although I loved both 'Margot at the Wedding' & 'The Golden Compass').

Toeknee Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 02:22 PM EST

Its not a commentary about the show OR the movie, but more of a comment/suggestion to Nicole Kidman...LAY OFF THE BOTOX. WHAT LITTLE EMOTION YOU WERE ABLE TO CONVERY HAS BEEN LOST IN YOUR INABILITY TO MOVE YOUR FOR EYES!! APPRECIATE THE OSCAR YOU HAVE, BECAUSE I DOUBT YOU EVER SEE ANOTHER ONE....

Jeff Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 02:26 PM EST

Oprah did a whole show last year about Love in the Time of Cholera, book and film. See where that movie went?

Beth R. Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

I'm not sure why a movie has to be "Oscar-worthy" to be a good movie. Some movies can be enjoyed just for what they are - well told, well-acted stories set in a beautiful place. I enjoy a lot of movies that I would never imagine winning an Oscar. Maybe Oprah just really liked it and doesn't care if it ever wins an Oscar. I plan to see it whether or not it's nominated.

graeme Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 02:58 PM EST

I hope this is good. I love the trailer...not sure if this will click at the box office though.

Whit Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 03:02 PM EST

Baz makes popular films, not good ones. See Moulin Rouge for an example of one of the worst films ever made, but the mass audiences liked it. His update of Romeo and Juliet was another crowd pleaser, but it did not hold a critical candle to the Zeffirelli film. Baz does not make good films, just popular ones.

Brittany Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 03:03 PM EST

I can't wait to see the movie; Baz is a genius and even if it doesn't render any Oscars, it will still be great because everything he does is great. Any word on what the rating is going to be? I guess it makes sense that all the trailers don't have a rating yet, if he's not even finished with the movie, but I would still like to know sometime soon.

raprilc Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

I'm really looking forward to this movie. Seeing the Nic and Jack on Oprah yesterday just cemented it for me. And yes, Nic needs to lay off the lip injections. She looks ridiculous.

jake Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

Baz deserved a nomination and a win for Moulin Rouge. A great, great film.

Nathan Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 04:52 PM EST

I've got some pretty high expectations for this one, and I think Luhrmann will deliver.

starchild Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 05:00 PM EST

I, too think Baz is a genius and contrary to one of the posts, his work is not that popular - he is an artist.

MsDaisy Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 05:04 PM EST

I've seen the trailers and I'm not impressed.

jfms777 Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 05:14 PM EST

Nicole, please: Give the "work done" a rest. When it is combined with too much makeup, she begins to look scary.

Kristin Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 06:04 PM EST

Oprah also told Leo DiCaprio to "go get your Oscaaaaaar!!!" for The Aviator and then later got all buttered up on Jamie Foxx that year. So who knows?

(I'm still bitter that Leo lost btw...)

Kate Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 06:48 PM EST

I have been waiting to see this movie since I heard about it. The last time Nicole and Baz worked together it resulted in Moulin Rouge! I think that the exclamation mark at the end shows how great that was. I will see Nicole Kidman in anything because she is the greatest actress since 1990, if not of all time.

Emily Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 11:31 PM EST

I must say that I am extremely intrigued by the trailer it sees like it will be really good. But then again I once thought that Kangaroo Jack looked good from the trailer so who knows.

Joe Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 12:27 AM EST

Oh, I still think Nicole is lovely. Yes, she has had unnecessary work done, but she is still a wonderful actress and is quite attractive.

Rob Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 09:54 AM EST

Moulin Rouge is a wonderful, beautiful work of art. I have my MA in Film Criticism, and I can tell you that it is the only film I've seen more than 5 times in the movie theatre when it originally opened.

LoveMeSomeHugh Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 10:04 AM EST

Hugh Jackman has his shirt off. I will be there.

jaime Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 02:41 PM EST

I sure as hell dont give a flying FLIP what Oprah thinks. . .i cant wait to watch this movie and really who cares if she didnt mentions the BIG O word! She is not a critic she is a talk show host!

fj Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 03:10 PM EST

Definitely looking forward to this one. It's quite expensive though so I hope it recoups the money.

TP Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 04:10 PM EST

Must we change our lives to every word this woman says?

Brady Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 07:36 PM EST

I really like both of the trailers for Australia. I confess, I've never seen a Luhrmann film in its entirety, but Australia looks like a knockout. I'm excited to see it.

PC Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 10:54 AM EST

The reason you thought you might be watching Pearl Harbour is because the scenes depicting the Japanese attack on Darwin are lifted straight from Tora! Tora! Tora!

PMC Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 12:14 PM EST

I'm hoping for another Out of Africa or English Patient.It's time for another sweeping epic movie-very few are made and even fewer are well done (Pearl Harbour).On another note, i wish Nic would leave her face alone!

Nix Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 07:43 AM EST

Split the difference and get another Titanic.

peaches Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 05:35 PM EST

Other than Obama, I tend to stay far away from the things Oprah loves. Like John Travolta, red wagons filled with fat, $40 dollar cupcakes, and Celine Dion just to name a few.
However, this movie looks fantastic and I heart Lurhmann so I can't wait to see it!

peaches Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 05:36 PM EST

Forgot to add Tyler Perry! Why does she love him soo much?

jeaninelovett Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 06:30 AM EST

Puhleaz. What does Oprah know? I totally agree with Peaches w/no exceptions.


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