85th Academy Awards Features Plenty of Jewish Content

I’m not sure if it’s going to work, but due to an ill-timed engagement party this Sunday evening, I’ll be forced to PVR this weekend’s 85th Academy Awards extravaganza in Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, formerly known as the Kodak Theatre.

This year, as in most years, there is no shortage of Jewish representation at the annual Oscars, beginning with the Master of all Jews, His E.T.ness, Steven Spielberg, whose far-too-long, but often breathtaking “Lincoln” leads all others with 12 nominations, including Best Picture, and Best Director.

I don’t even know why I bother mentioning the impressive list of Jewish nominees. After all, it is common knowledge that we do own Hollywood.

This is the seventh nomination for Sir Spielberg as Best Director, and he’s hoping to complete the hat trick on Sunday after having won two previous statues for Saving Private Ryan and, of course, the unforgettable, Schindler’s List.

And, in the supporting category, the ageless and always brilliant Alan Arkin is up for Best Supporting Actor in one of the best picture nominees, Ben Affleck’s “Argo,” in which he uttered what is probably the most repeated line from any film this year, “Argo fuck yourself!”

And, in the best supporting actress category, Anne Hathaway, who might technically not be a shiksa, but who was married to a Jew last year – under a traditional chuppah, making her a Jewess to me – gets the nod for her emotional role in Les Mis, which combined some fine acting with some surprisingly impressive singing.

And, of course, as you probably know by now, two Israeli documentaries - 5 Broken Cameras and The Gatekeepers, are nominated for Best Documentary.

So, to all the Jewish nominees, I wish you the very best of luck, and to my wife’s cousin and his beautiful soon-to-be bride, I say, there better be a big-screen TV tuned into the Oscars this Sunday night, or you may not be terribly happy with your engagement gift.