> The ratings were certainly down here in Australia. Last year it was the most watched program of the night, this year it was lucky to be in the top 20. I have yet to see a reasonable explanation for this, other than just lack of interest. Which is strange, because there was a lot of press coverage about how Cate Blanchett had a good chance of winning Best Supporting Actress. Why didn't that fuel the interest of the Australian veiwers?
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> However, I have to admit that I was one of the many Australians that didn't watch the ceremony. I'm not a big fan of award shows in general. I'd rather just skip the speeches and look up the winners.

I was impressed by Cate Blanchett. My first thought when she came on the screen was that she didn't look a thing like Hepburn, which was true, but she really nailed the role.
Howard