For any cinema professional in the world, the Oscars are the pinnacle of success and glory, in terms of achievement and success. As I walked the red carpet second time in my life after the dazed magical evening of February 23 last year, this time it was not just excitement, and nostalgia but also great moment to enjoy the biggest award ceremony. In the wave of Slumdog last year, everything just whizzed past.

The Oscars this year yet again reaffirmed how cinema is benchmarked by professionals. The success of Hurt Locker says that and all. Hurt Locker was this year’s Slumdog. Kathryn Bigelow did make history. Yet, some are shocked, some overjoyed, and some surprised at The Hurt Locker’s winning stride. Personally speaking, Inglorious Basterds, and Avatar were a favourite. Inglorious for its craft and Avatar for its marvelous vision. It was nice to see Kathryn win and create history as the first woman winner by pipping Tarantino and James Cameron, but for harcdcore cinema lovers it was shocking and disappointing I guess.

Another big thing to notice is that independent films are winning most of the Oscars this year too beating big studio films. That’s a welcoming change of trend. Last year Slumdog, and the year before Juno and this year Hurt Locker proves it beyond doubt. Even the overall change in presentation and hosts this year didn’t create a flutter.