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Barbara Walters bids adieu to Oscar special
by Ishita Sood - March 4, 2010 - comments
“The Barbara Walters Special” will be featuring the journalist interviewing Oscar nominees Sandra Bullock and Mo'Nique at 7 p.m. Sunday. The show will be broadcasted by ABC.
80-year-old TV journalist Barbara Walters will be quitting her Oscars television special this year, as she feels film stars are everywhere nowadays and that they have become famous for “doing nothing.”
Walters, criticized for her celebrity stories, will be hosting her final Oscar special on March 7 before the Academy Awards start.
“I'm kind of sad, too, but television has changed. Some nominees have just been in one movie. It's a different time, and I'd rather we left when people say, 'Weren't they wonderful?' than they said, 'Oh, I've seen that.' I want the memories to be fresh,” she said.
The TV host had started the show in 1981. “For the first seven years we were not allowed to interview any of the nominees because the (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) thought it would interfere with their Oscar special,” Walters added.
Walters to interview Bullock, Mo’Nique
“The Barbara Walters Special” will have the seasoned journalist interviewing Oscar nominees Sandra Bullock and Mo'Nique at 7 p.m. Sunday. The show will be broadcasted by ABC.
Bullock has been nominated for Best Actress for “The Blind Side,” while Mo'Nique has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for “Precious.” According to Walters, both stand a chance to win.
Walters also talked about her interviewing skills.
“I don't find it harder to interview celebrities now. I find it harder to interview a celebrity who hasn't been all over the place. And now everybody's a celebrity if that's the word you're using,” she said.
On hearing rumors about her retirement the TV host said, “I am not retiring! I will still be doing the 10 most fascinating people, I will still be on 'The View,' which I love. I will still be doing pieces for ABC News.”
Walters, who is also co-owner of the show with ABC, added by saying, “It is possible? There are discussions going on. I hear the same rumors. Oprah has another year. The idea has not quite ripened to that point yet.”
Walter recalls her favorite
The 80-year-old also recalled her favorite episodes, certain clips of which will be shown in this year’s interviews.
“Audrey Hepburn, she did the show in 1989 and died four years later. She said unlike other stars she could not balance career and children. She chose her sons,” said Walters recalling her special episode.
Her least favorite was the one on Warren Beatty.