virtual party

For as long as I can remember, I have never missed the Oscars. And it's most fun watching it with friends. 

But Sunday is a good stay-at-home night. And the Oscars always run late. And wouldn't it be nice to watch the show live with friends, and lounge in bed at the same time? And I'm working Sunday, so buying food, putting it out, showering and getting ready is not something I really want to do. So I invite some friends to watch the Oscars with me — virtually.

Everyone can get in their sweats. Not worry about makeup. Eat their own food. Leave when they want. And text live.

At 8:30 I start a thread with six friends. One friend checks out ten minutes later. I think she was "attending" another virtual party with her family. Stephanie is gone within the hour. Two of my friends stay on but say little. Shari and Susan are the most vocal. Like me, they have seen all (or at least most) of the nine nominated films. 

Most of the fashion is tame. Not many big losers, which is too bad. I think Emma Stone is the most stunning. She looks ethereal in her shimmering gold dress. And why can't men stick to a black tux (or navy) with a classic, well-tailored white shirt? I don't like ruffles on men. Or black shirts with black tuxes.  Or necklaces, like Pharell wears.

The wins are fairly predictable.  I'm probably the only one who thinks Viola's acceptance speech feels like a performance. Or that Casey Affleck really needs to trim that beard (even if it is for some future role). Or that Justin Timberlake should win something; he embodies perfection.

But the show is long and slow, and I am tired. I fall sleep at my own party 

I get up early this morning to watch the last hour. I don't check my texts or emails. I want to be surprised.

And of course I am. Very.

How many expected tasks does that poor accountant from PricewaterhouseC have to do? He (or she) is not on stage. No need to worry about public speaking, or even what to wear. This person doesn't have to present before a crowd of millions. Sure, they may be nervous handing an envelope to Warren Beatty, but other than that, I'm guessing they have little to be worried about. All they have to do is make sure the envelope they are giving to Mr. Beatty is the right one. How difficult can that be?

Well, a major mix-up makes for compelling TV. 

Too bad both Moonlight and La La Land couldn't have won.