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Clearly, the shadow of September 11 was visible over the ceremony. Tom Cruise, who opened the show, commented on Hollywood's responsibility in these wounded, chaotic times: "And what of a night like tonight? Should we celebrate the joy and magic that movies bring? Well, dare I say it? More than ever." He praised the power of cinema to challenge and change a world divided by hatred. "A small scene, a gesture, even a glance between characters can cross lines, break through barriers, melt prejudice, just make us laugh … it brings us all together."

It would be easy to write off these claims as the usual Hollywood self-congratulation. Cruise's praise of movies sounded like a television evangelist describing the influence of the gospel. But then again, Jesus knew very well the power of a well-told story to change things. And Shakespeare understood that "the play's the thing" that can "catch the conscience" of the viewer. Many of this year's films prodded hearts and minds—In the Bedroom, A Beautiful Mind, Waking Life, The Lord of the Rings, and The Devil's Backbone, to name a few. Movies can move us, from one step to the next in our maturing as thinkers and servants. Even if their storytellers fail to recognize the Source of their inspiration.

But I come to bury Oscar as well as praise him. Actor Kevin Spacey prefaced the traditional tribute to deceased Hollywood greats with a moment of silence in honor of the victims of September 11. A wise and respectful choice—it would have seemed frivolous to mourn celebrity deaths without acknowledging a loss that the nation feels much more deeply and painfully. But Spacey's words following the silence did not improve matters. "If the events of this past year have taught us anything," he said, "they have shown us that we must celebrate and honor life even in the face of death." Hmm. Is that really the most profound lesson we have learned?

Spacey continued: "Perhaps that's the true wonder of the medium that we gather here tonight to honor. Film freezes life in its finest hour with strength and courage and laughter and joy." True, cinema does allow us to look closely at life and to sift it for beauty, truth, and meaning. But then Spacey declared that the work of Hollywood "will last forever, and ever, and ever." Doubtful. Art has a lasting influence on culture, yes, but celluloid is fragile.

Others had more important, meaningful, and modest sentiments. Robert Redford, accepting a lifetime achievement award, offered humble observations in view of the nation's renewed sense of fragility in a dangerous world: "To be able to be a part of a freedom of expression that allows us as artists to tell our stories in our own way, about the human condition, the complexities of life, the world around us, is a gift … and not one to be taken lightly."

"A gift." It was a word repeated throughout the evening. Several celebrities, including Best Supporting Actress Jennifer Connelly, appeared genuinely humbled and grateful to be involved, referring to their opportunities and talents as "gifts." This may have reminded viewers of similar statements offered by Bono, U2's lead singer, when the band carried off several Grammies recently. Bono, however, went on to name the Source of the band's creative gifts. In Hollywood on Oscar night, the Giver remained largely unacknowledged, except in Halle Berry's grateful cries to God, during which she stammered, "I am so honored, I'm so honored, and I thank the Academy for choosing me to be the vessel from which this blessing might flow."

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March (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46