The 79th Academy Awards ceremony on ABC seemed to be too long and too long-drawn. The show seemed to go on an on, may be cause it was the first telebroadcast in five years to run past midnight. The 2007 Oscars show appears to be the third-longest broadcast in history. Some specialists and amateurs predict the next year show length. Doubt it’ll be possible to watch next time. Most reviewers seem to agree it was extremely dull.

Tom Shales, The Washington Post

“Alternately (and sometimes simultaneously) a bore and a horror, the 79th annual Academy Awards, televised live from Los Angeles on ABC, had a few bright spots to keep weary viewers propping their eyes open as midnight approached - even if they had never heard of, much less seen, many of the nominated films.

“The number of big, emotionally rewarding moments was infinitesimal - but one had real oomph: Jennifer Hudson winning for Best Supporting Actress for her acting and singing in the hit musical ‘Dreamgirls.’ …

“Next year: the 80th annual Academy Awards. Imagine how long that one will be.

After this year’s ratings come in, though, maybe it will move to cable.”

Alessandra Stanley, The New York Times

“It took quite a while to get to the meatier categories, and Ms. DeGeneres’s aisle routine got a little old. Martin Scorsese received a standing ovation for winning his Oscar, but there were few surprises among the winners. Helen Mirren predictably showed sang-froid; Jennifer Hudson managed to look surprised and tearful, naming her grandmother as her inspiration. …

“The ritual is so universal that even rival networks festoon the event with lavish coverage. But by the time the event finally begins, viewers and even participants seem a little jaded and tired.”

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