The worst oscar year was the year gladiator won best picture, and Julia Roberts won best actress over the amazing ellen burstyn. This year was pretty good all around.
I haven't seen Mystic River, so I can't say whether or not Penn was better then Murray, but it would have been nice to see murray get the award.
By the clip they provided alone, I could tell you that Sean Penn deserved it more than anyone.
I have said it once, and I will say it again, Bill Murray wasn't acting in "Lost".
Did anyone see him at the actual ceremony and during his interview with Billy Bush(?) He looked so dejected and detatched from reality, it makes me wonder if he is actually still alive?