Best Surprise of the Oscars 2018
I let my 14 year-old stay up past her bedtime to watch some of the Academy Awards show. It was a wonderful bonding experience for us. While winning an Oscar is a near impossible dream, it’s a cakewalk compared to having a meaningful conversation with a teenager.
I was blessed with a funny and profound conversation with my daughter. Questions at the dinner table are invariably met with a monosyllabic response, usually “good” or “fine.” But somehow the backdrop of gratitude for getting to break the bedtime rule, a couch setting that supports a lack of eye contact, and a TV show providing a ready escape if the conversation gets uncomfortable, we had one of our most meaningful conversations ever. An unexpected gift.
It was the perfect opportunity to discuss careers in the movie biz, how comedy works, sexual harassment, different lifestyles, and most importantly, inclusion and acceptance. I have discovered the secret of good parenting — watch more TV.
I’m a big Jimmy Kimmel fan, and he’s one of the best at surprises. Remember his “Worst Twerk Fail EVER – Girl Catches Fire” Prank, with 23 million views on YouTube? Last night’s surprise topped it.
Driving the brilliant bit was genuine gratitude. It filled both theaters with joy, and I was rolling on the floor laughing, because by this point, I had reverted to being an annoying dad and my daughter had kicked me off the sofa.
I loved seeing Jordan Peele win best original screenplay. I’m not a fan of thrillers and probably won’t go see “Get Out,” but I respect him so much for his creative genius.
If you haven’t seen Sam in “The Way, Way Back” with Toni Collette, Steve Carell, Maya Rudolph and Oscar winner Allison Janney, do yourself a favor and watch it this weekend. On the couch with your teenager.
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Love your post, Tim. With three 20-somethings fully launched, I miss those brief moments of connection, as well. The old times when they let me belt a Broadway musical song in the minivan. Or binge-watch Key & Peele or Say Yes to the Dress on TV together. Or how they still let me share a cautionary or inspiring piece via FB Messenger. And I second your recommendation for “The Way, Way Back.” 🙂
Three?? Congrats Rene! I’ve never been allowed to sing in the vehicle or anywhere else. I think I’ll watch TWWB again this weekend — I’m totally in awe of Rockwell in that film, but I wouldn’t call it a man-crush. #popnlock
If the film tarnished your view of Steve Carell, cleanse your pallet with “Dan in Real Life.”
You’re welcome.
https://youtu.be/VEsQYyi4Qk4
“A couch setting that supports a lack of eye contact…” I can remember having some of my best conversations with my dad while driving in a car– same idea. And it’s a wise pappy who takes advantage of such circumstances. Great Kimmel gag. I didn’t watch the Oscars, so thanks for sharing that. Only recently discovered you were no longer with Cisco. Hope things are going well for you.
Hey Mark – A few months ago I finally made the leap to focus on corporate comedy / public speaking full time. It’s been a blast so far, but I sure do miss the conference calls
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