For his signature prepared sequence, Crystal was digitally inserted into a series of classic films. Then came musical tributes to Oscar nominees. The veteran actor not only humbly, graciously saluted his co-nominees, but, as the grand old man in this circle, he effectively blessed each of them. It was a moment striking in its purity. But during the long, long evening, viewers saw nothing embarrassing, silly or untoward to chortle about the next day.
Presenters read their scripted lines and got off.
Winners expressed their grateful, not too extravagant thank-yous, and got off. Behind his dark glasses, Jack Nicholson, introducing Irving G. Thalberg Award-winner Warren Beatty, seemed more doddering than rascally. She promised it wouldn't happen again. But on the Oscarcast, promises have a way of being broken. All Rights Reserved.