some media outlets received the broadcast more positively. television critic joyce millman of "the san francisco examiner" noted, "in his first stint as host of the oscar telecast, david letterman did the impossible—he made something entertaining from what is traditionally the most boring three hours of tv this side of a test pattern." "the buffalo news" columnist alan pergament praised letterman's performance as host writing "david letterman was a box full of chocolates on an oscar night that was empty of much emotion until the expected "forrest gump" sweep in the final 15 minutes." he also added that despite a lack of surprises amongst the awards, the emotional and unexpected humorous moments provided depth and entertainment throughout the evening. hal boedeker of the "orlando sentinel" gave an average review of the ceremony but singled out letterman noting that he "proved monday night that he's among oscar's top 10 hosts. he's definitely at the top of the list with johnny carson, billy crystal and bob hope."