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There Will Be Bad Banter

Shorter schedule leaves this year's patter less edited, scribe says

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 24, 2008 9:40 AM CST
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(Newser) – Oscar banter may provide the show's shakiest moments, but stars and scribes are known to battle over these lines behind the scenes, the Los Angeles Times reports. This year though is different: The show's strike-shortened schedule is sparing writers from the usual pre-show scrutinty. "The celebrities and their support squads haven't had time to parse every word," banter pro Bruce Vilanch said.

Writers admit to wincing when their patter dies but also celebrate lines that fit a celeb's persona. Naomi Watts presented a special effects prize last year and "went through a long list of mind-blowing effects—lasers, bizarre creatures, stuff like that," one writer remembers. Robert Downey Jr. responded, “Sounds like a Wednesday night in the '80s for me." The line got such applause, he took a bow.

Actor Colin Farrell, who will be a presenter for the 80th Academy Awards, rehearses at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, Friday, Feb. 22, 2008. Writing appealing banter for presenters can be a major challenge. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Actor Colin Farrell, who will be a presenter for the 80th Academy Awards, rehearses at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, Friday, Feb. 22, 2008. Writing appealing banter for presenters can be a major challenge....   (Associated Press)
Bruce Vilanch, 59, is a longtime Academy Awards writer adept at mixing a star's image and her dialogue.
Bruce Vilanch, 59, is a longtime Academy Awards writer adept at mixing a star's image and her dialogue.   (Getty Images)
An Oscar statue is on display at ABC Studios in Times Square, Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
An Oscar statue is on display at ABC Studios in Times Square, Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)   (Associated Press)
The Oscar statue and sign at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after the nominations for the 80th annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., Tuesday morning, Jan. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
The Oscar statue and sign at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after the nominations for the 80th annual Academy Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., Tuesday morning, Jan. 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris...   (Associated Press)
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Writers get 11 days for 3 hours of material
Star-Ledger

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Los Angeles Times

Tips to Jon Stewart for a successful show
San Jose Mercury News

 
Academy Awards • Robert Downey Jr. • Writers Guild of America • Hollywood writers' strike • scriptwriters • Bruce Vilanch • Oscars

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