I was wondering about the selection, as well. Chicago and Les Mis were Best Picture noms/winners, and Dreamgirls was a high contender for awards, and won some. Phantom probably should get some kind of recognition, whether audiences/critics liked the film or not.
That's a bit bizarre. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron produced CHICAGO, and they have a connection through producing Smash to DREAMGIRLS' Jennifer Hudson. And of course they have to do LES MIS. But otherwise, seems a bit of self-flagellation.
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I really don't see why tribute has to be paid to these three in particular. Of all the movie musicals? (Although, everythingtaboo, that makes a lot of sense.)
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I think that does have something to do with it, but these were also the films with the "Oscar love," I guess. Zadan/Meron produced Hairspray and that isn't being showcased...
From what I was told the original game plan (when the idea for a tribute first came up) was to have Renee and Catherine do the finale from Chicago, when they "shoot out" the backdrop that will transition into "It's All Over" from Dreamgirls and if time permits a shortened version of "And I Am Telling You" from there transition into the undecided Les Mis number.
But that was all dependent on who would commit, would they do full costumes, rehearsal time, TV time, etc.
I'd argue that for Chicago and Dreamgirls, the Best Supporting Actress award went to Leading Actresses in the wrong category, But that's a discussion for another day. I hope we get to hear Renee Z, and not Queen Latifah. I
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I doubt very much Jhud would have beaten Helen Mirren's Queen. Same with CZJ against Kidman in the Hours.
That "supporting actor" category seems like an easier win if you have a standout part. If Anne Hathaway had the Eponine role, I would bet anything that would be the nominee.
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There's always vivisection.
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I hope this doesn't turn into the mess that was in 2009 with Hugh Jackman, Beyonce, Amanda Seyfried, Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron, and I forget the 3rd guy. That was seriously not good.
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So true, does anyone remember the Debbie Allen years when she used to do all the choreography -- those numbers were so bad they were laughably BAD (especially the costume design montages).
I'll never forget Savion Glover trying to tap dance to the score from SAVING PRIVATE RYAN.
"If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about the answers." Thomas Pynchon, GRAVITY'S RAINBOW
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why just these three?? Maybe include something from Hairspray as well?? Include a classic movie musical - West Side Story, Sound of Music or Grease maybe?? Considering the most of the Les Mis cast should be in attendance, maybe we'll hear "One Day More" from them. Have Hudson come out and sing "And I Am Telling You" & have Zeta-Jones do "All That Jazz".
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