Much like the Oscars there is some value to having a host that has something to do with the industry. So imagine my surprise when Jessica Biel was said to host the Sci-Tech Oscars. She seems the least tech savvy starlet, and it appears my assumption was right. Still she made for a good showing and was the subject of some tech geek flirting.
Biel, 26, who starred most recently in “Easy Virtue” and “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” said she’s far from tech-savvy but has been steadily learning about equipment used behind the scenes on her films.
“The older I get, the more movies I do, the more aware I am,” she said. She praised “WALL-E” and said animated films deserve a place among best picture nominees.
“They’re so emotional,” she said. “And most of the Pixar films, I usually laugh, cry, am frightened. Those types of movies could and should — if they’re good enough — win an Oscar. Why not?”
Among the other honorees Saturday: the makers of the Arrimax lighting system, the Hylen lens system, and Transvideo monitors. Computer scientist Mark Kimball, formerly of Disney, glanced from Biel to the medallion he’d been awarded for his technological achievements on films ranging from “Tron” to “Beauty and the Beast.”
“What a gorgeous thing!” he said, smiling broadly.
Despite her lack of tech smarts, Biel did fit in. After all, everyone of those tech geeks applies their craft to this industry to make actors like Biel look good (easy part) and Biel wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for all those tech geeks doing their job.
I am sure it levels the playing field. I recently had a contract position teaching computer tech to University Professors. As much as I viewed these braniacs as far smarter than I will ever be, it was a bit of an ego boost to find something I could teach them. Biel is that girl they couldn’t talk to in highschool, and now they get to see her honouring their craft struggling through the jargon that is so second nature to them.
