How to fix the Oscar's

Movie lovers look forward to the Oscars as much as football fanatics do the Super Bowl. And with the Barbara Walters specials and all the red carpet footage, they receive almost the same amount of pre-coverage. But afterwards Oscar viewers are left feeling let down and exhausted, as if they have just watched a blow out of a game that would never end.
I consider myself a movie buff, though due to rising ticket prices and a lack of dates, I usually wait until they are at Danbary (the “Dollar Saver” theater) or on video. Those I do see are usually not of the caliber which gain the attention of the Academy. I never understand how the esteemed members of the Academy can be such an integral part of the movie business and yet have no sense of humor. Comedies receive no respect, despite possibly being the most popular genre. Their dismissal is probably why the Oscars are so boring.
If I were in charge of the Oscars, I would make a few changes. First, I would shorten the length. After three hours, with midnight creeping nearer and my popcorn long finished, most of the major awards (the ones we care about) have still not been presented. When ratings are everything, it’s obvious a two hour program would be a greater success.
All most people care about, or me anyway, are the Best Actors, Director and Movie categories. While their work is respected, and it’s good to recognize those who spend endless hours behind the scenes, who really cares about the technical awards? I have never watched a movie and thought, ‘Wow! The Sound Editor really deserves an Oscar.’ Show only the major awards and you’ll have a fast-moving, entertaining show.
Also, I would include more of the widely seen movies, the type that normal people go to. I’m sure that Hurt Locker is a wonderful film and deserving of the top award, but who saw it? People camped out to see New Moon and it received not a single nomination. Everyone I know has seen Avatar, and sung its praises, but box office receipts don’t equate to Oscar trophies.
My favorite awards show is the MTV Movie Awards because categories like Best Kiss and Best Fight are interesting. And it recognizes the best-known movies. Nothing against Jeff Bridges, who won Best Actor for Crazy Heart, but it’s not a mainstream movie. Imagine the excitement if the battle included Ryan Reynolds for The Proposal, Sacha Baron Cohen for Bruno and Woody Harrelson for Zombieland.
While I did see Inglorious Basterds, and agree that Christoph Waltz deserves the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, I would have liked some competition from Zach Galifanakis, who was hilarious in The Hangover. Actors are always saying comedy is the hardest part of acting, so he should have at least received a nomination.
While I have your attention, I’d like to point out that like Christopher Waltz, I also fully support Mo’Nique’s Best Supporting Actress win. Her performance in Precious is absolutely bone chilling. She makes you seriously hate her character with a passion; a sure sign of great acting.
The Super Bowl can never guarantee a close game; but, by trimming down the time, featuring only the major awards and nominating more of the popular movies, the Oscars can be sure of a more entertaining awards show.