But this year I'm having a little trouble mustering the enthusiasm as – despite the increase in actors and films nominated – most of the awards seem to be yawnfully predictable.
So I'll get on to them a little bit later.

Right now it seems more useful to mention (or remention) a few events coming up in Tauranga over the next couple of weekends. It's getting to that time in the season where people may be a little worn out from over-eventing, so hang in there – good stuff is coming up all the time and it would be a pity to miss out.
Let me remind you that the inaugural Tauranga Acoustic Festival takes place this Saturday, February 26 at 156 Works Road (Paul and Penny's place). It runs from 10am to 10pm and features a host of music from local, national and international performers as well as workshops and all the things you generally associate with a folk festival. Highlights include harmonica virtuoso Brendan Power and country blues band Hard Candy (including guitarist/singer Bob Cooper Grundy). Tickets are $20. For more details see
www.taurangaacousticmusic.com
Now on to next weekend,
when there are a couple of things
of interest.
First up on the Saturday, March 5 is an impressively innovative film session at the top of Mt Drury.
Yep, you read it right. At 8pm on the top of Mount Drury early New Zealand film My Lady of the Cave (1922) is getting an outdoor screening with live musical accompaniment from Marion Arts and Robbie Laven. The film was made by Rudall Hayward and shot in the Bay of Plenty, on Mayor Island, and at sea. A representative from the NZ Film Council will be on hand to introduce proceedings and for their musical backing Robbie and Marion's instruments will include an octave mandolin built in Gisborne in 1917 and traditional Maori instruments: koauau, conch shell and bullroarers.
The film itself is a romantic drama set in the Bay of Plenty during the 1890s and is based on a newspaper serial of the same name published in weekly instalments in the NZ Herald between September 1921 and February 1922. It screened throughout New Zealand and apparently did well at the box office. I can't resist quoting a review from the time in a plus ca change, plus la meme chose sort of way:
'The crowds of patrons who thronged to the Grand Theatre at all sessions yesterday to witness the first screenings of this really fine film found no need to exercise tolerance towards a local effort. On the contrary, they were very soon made aware that here was a picture that redounded to the credit of all concerned in its making. Of chief importance in any such venture, the photographic effects instantly commanded admiration. The beautiful land and seascapes of the Bay of Plenty, with occasional glimpses of glorious native bush, showed admirable taste in selection of locale and good judgement in the matter of lighting. The story is refreshingly wholesome, the scenic gems are a delight to view, and the New Zealand atmosphere is faithfully retained.” (NZ Herald 1922)
Given good weather this should be pretty unforgettable. Organisers are suggesting you park on Marine Parade and bring a cushion and a torch. Or come early and bring a picnic as well. Entry is free, but they are hoping for a $5 donation to cover the cost of the musicians.
And, moving right along, the next day – Sunday, March 6, is time for Gartshore's Tauranga Wine and Food Festival. It's at the Wharepai Domain and is always a really good time. The event runs from midday till 6pm and features a whole pile of local restaurants and boutique wineries. There's also music all day from the likes of Brilleaux, Kokomo, Jazzarena, and 5 O'Clock Shadow. Tickets are $25 and, allowing for a sunny day, it will be a blast.
And, finally, the Oscars. The King's Speech wins everything except Best Actress (Natalie Portman), Best Supporting Actor (Christian Bale), Best Adapted Screenplay (The Social Network), Best Animated Feature (Toy Story 3) and the odd technical category. Still, I'm looking forward to the hot dogs and popcorn.
Till next time…