Originally posted: February 19, 2009 In the Chicago Tribune

10 reasons to watch the Oscars

We’ve heard the grumbling about how no one cares about the Academy Awards anymore and how this year’s show is doomed because populist movies such as “The Dark Knight” and “WALL-E” got passed over for best picture, Slumdog Millionaire” feels like a shoo-in, and Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce and Miley Cyrus couldn’t even get their songs nominated.

Yet the Oscars may wind up being surprisingly entertaining nonetheless. Here are 10 reasons to tune in:

1. Hugh Jackman has never previously hosted and should make a song-and-dance spectacle of himself. Could be brilliant, could be disastrous, definitely should be watchable.

2. Producers Bill Condon and Lawrence Mark (“Dreamgirls”) have never mounted an Oscar show before and reportedly are shaking up the set and format. Could be brilliant, could be disastrous…

3. The producers are keeping the presenters’ names under wraps and have encouraged them not to walk the pre-show red carpet. Who will show up, and what—and who—will they be wearing? Wanna know? Watch the show!

4. Sean Penn (“Milk”) vs. Mickey Rourke (“The Wrestler”) is a real race for best actor. The winner is likely to make a memorable speech. The loser very well may make a memorable scowl.

5. Best actress also promises drama as either Kate Winslet (“The Reader”) wins for the first time in six tries and explodes from excitement or Meryl Streep (“Doubt”) wins for the third time in 15 nominations and covers the room in sunshine. And that upstart Anne Hathaway still has a shot.

6. The late Heath Ledger almost certainly will win best supporting actor for “The Dark Knight,” guaranteeing a standing O and tear-duct eruptions.

7. Cinderella stories abound, particularly in the supporting actress category. Will Viola Davis or Taraji P. Henson become this year’s Jennifer Hudson? Or will Penelope Cruz have that long-awaited Hollywood breakthrough?

8. Grammy Awards producers have realized that the show is more entertaining when it’s about performances, not awards. Will this be the year when the Oscars come to a similar conclusion? We can’t wait to see how they snazz up costume design ,sound mixing and documentary short.

9. Oh, my God, it’s Jerry Lewis!

10. No matter how long, predictable and dull any Oscarcast may be, one element always delivers the goods: the death montage! Which recently deceased Hollywood figure will get the loudest tacky applause? Wanna know? Watch the show!