Commentator’s Harsh Wake-Up Call for Oscars Amidst the Presentation of Super Rugby Pacific Awards

It’s that time of the year again – the Oscars in the realm of entertainment – and we’re diving into a few categories for our weekly review.

Before we hop into the rugby talk, can we all agree that the nomination lists for the Oscars aren’t quite what they used to be?

If you’ve managed to watch more than half of this year’s best picture nominees, you’ve certainly earned a few complimentary choc-tops and large popcorns!

Wicked? Anora? Don’t get me started on Emilia Perez.

Those were the golden days, like in ’95 when we had The Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, and Pulp Fiction going head-to-head. Andy and Red, Forrest and Jenny, Jules and Vincent, Peas and Carrots – now that’s proper cinema!

But without further delay, let’s hand out some awards to our superstars of Super Rugby Pacific this week.

BEST SOUND

You’ll want to pop your headphones on for this one – and maybe have a couple of painkillers at the ready.

The Fijian Drua came swinging in their Super Rugby Women’s season opener against the reigning champions, the Waratahs, and absolutely dominated the match.

The hit of the match, possibly the year, went to Alowesi Nakoci, who didn’t hold back against Georgina Friedrichs.

So the award for ‘best sound’ goes to the Stan crew of Andrew Swain (commentator), ‘Wongy’, and Phil (audio technician), who turned that tackle into something truly spectacular with their audio mix.

Here it is once more.

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Carlo Tizzano of the Western Force appeared on local news in Perth last Friday with his girlfriend, Emma.

The couple spends their weekdays caring for a young boy named Vitor Coumbe, who has Down syndrome.

It’s a lovely feature that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

BEST FILM EDITING

This past weekend marked another fantastic ‘Culture Round’, celebrating each player’s heritage.

It all came together wonderfully, with Sky Sport NZ kicking things off online.

Captioned: ‘This is more than just a game, this is who we are,’ their opener got everyone excited on Friday afternoon and certainly wins for best film editing.

BEST MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING

It had been over 1000 days since Force back Reesjan Pasitoa last played due to injury, and he made a solid return against the Reds, marking a significant comeback for coach Simon Cron.

What made him even easier to spot was his haircut, which looked like it had been styled in pitch darkness with a pair of garden clippers.

Despite that, we’re awarding him best look of the weekend.

BEST DIRECTOR

This one is a no-brainer. Most TV production specialists will tell you just how challenging it is to capture a cultural challenge.

Getting the perfect blend of opponent reactions, wide shots, and tight angles from both front and rear is no easy feat.

Stan’s Hamish France hit the mark at Allianz Stadium as the Fijian Drua executed a stirring Na Bole.

Typically reserved for home games, Tevita Ikanivere and his team brought life to the stadium in Sydney with a powerful performance, all enhanced through ‘Hammer’s’ coverage.

BEST ACTRESS

Super Rugby Women’s is back in full swing.

We witnessed a massive surprise at Allianz, alongside another match that ended dramatically in a draw between the Force and Brumbies at HBF Park.

The Drua were fantastic across the board in their commanding victory over NSW, with their opening try scored just eight seconds into the match.

We’re convinced Vitalina Naikore’s score might be the fastest in women’s rugby at the highest level.

While Naikore was brilliant, as was Nakoci, the award goes to Merania Paraone from the Brumbies.

The inside centre bagged the Brumbies’ opener and, as a former Chiefs star, she was a real handful for the Force throughout the afternoon.

Her transition to Canberra from Hamilton appears to be a winning move as she gears up for a big season.

BEST ACTOR

This week’s nominees are Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, and Tate McDermott.

And the award goes to… Tate McDermott!

The Reds scrumhalf was electric, leading his team to victory against a tough opponent out west.

McDermott’s running game was outstanding, and his partnership with Tom Lynagh during the first half was top-notch, alongside his experience guiding replacement flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips to victory.

BEST PICTURE

This category’s nominations were SIZZLING, with four matches decided by five points or less.

The competition is incredibly tight right now, every game this year has delivered genuine tension right to the end.

Much like the best picture contenders at the ’95 Oscars, this one is hard to choose, but we’re giving the nod to the Reds versus Force match-up.

Once again, this match was decided after the full-time siren, with the victory coming only after Queensland decided to go all in, opting for a lineout instead of a penalty to try and tie it up, despite time running out.

Brave call, stellar victory, best picture.

See you tonight on Between Two Posts on Stan Sport with former Wallabies captain James Horwill and my old mate Morgan Turinui.