A weekly program focusing on the arts and entertainment

It's that time of year again. Almost anyway because the annual Academy Awards ceremonies are fast approaching.

It will be Oscar's 81st presentation and will, of course, be televised, this time with actor Hugh Jackman serving as host. His selection for that job is a bit unusual, maybe even daring. But Arts and Entertainment Editor Bob Sokolsky says we should not look for too great a show.

Sokolsky doesn't blame Jackman for this pessimism. It's just that the Oscar telecasts seem designed for failure. It's a live television show, he points out. And it features people who have seldom, if ever, worked in live television and don't know how to react when things deviate from form, as usually happens.

Sokolsky joins other TV critics in suggesting a much revised format. "But just try to get that idea past conservative movie officials and fans."