10 Things That Could Have Made the Oscars Better

Host Ellen DeGeneres had some great moments, but she didn't look like she was having that much fun. The opener sets the tone for the whole show, and instead of giving an exciting performance peppered with some slightly controversial jokes (à la Seth MacFarlane), DeGeneres just gave a monologue. Snooze.

Some of the best parts of the Oscars every year are the weird movie parodies and unexpected celebrity cameos. Last year, MacFarlane got William Shatner to do a bit with him, and former host Billy Crystal is the king of movie sketches. DeGeneres's opening monologue was funny, but it would have been a whole lot funnier if it was preceded by a video of DeGeneres floating in space next to George Clooney. Come to think of it, where was George Clooney?

Did you even know that was the theme? It just made for some unnecessary montages and didn't add much at all to the show. It felt more like an Oscars-themed Oscars show, which would have been fine.

Pharrell kicked off the night with a rousing performance of "Happy," his nominated tune from Despicable Me 2, but that was the only upbeat dancing of the night. While we appreciated his getting jiggy with Lupita Nyong'o, we wish there were more moments moments of levity like it.

Wherefore art thou, Leonardo? The Wolf of Wall Street nominee was in the front row of the audience, but he didn't get nearly enough screen time. We pretty much want all Leo all the time. In fact, any chance he can host next year?

Did you notice there was no music rudely interrupting acceptance speeches this year? Listen, we enjoy a bizarre speech from Matthew McConaughey just as much as the next person, but what would have happened if they tried to play him off? We're just curious.

Even Cate Blanchett knew she was going to win. There was no suspense! She, Jared Leto, and Matthew McConaughey had been sweeping award season. It was great that they all won, but it made for a really predictable show. Even odds-on favorite Lupita Nyong'o beat Jennifer Lawrence. Again, wonderful! But boring.