OSCARS 2015

So in the past, I have honored the Oscars by doing a round up my favorite red carpet looks (2009, 2012, for example). But this year—and don't kill me for this—I just wasn't blown away by many looks. Yes, of course, everyone looked very beautiful but none of the dresses really wowed me.

You know what did impress me? Neil Patrick Harris. I thought, like Ellen last year, he managed to hit just the right note between impish, friendly, and just downright adorable. I thought his opening number was clever and fun, not the least because it was written by one of my fellow Williams College alums! Hosting the Oscars is a thankless job, and I thought NPH pulled it off!

(Also, on a random note, who knew Lady Gaga could sing like that?! Even so, Julie Andrews is still the best (just hearing her say 'Lady Gaga' made me smile) and her award presentation was so spot on classy.)

Did anyone else notice a concerted effort to add a creative eye to the visuals of the award show this year? Many pre-recorded cutaways (the tribute portion, the reading of non-acting-related nominations) involved quite beautiful visualizations. A lot focused on watercolor layerings of portraits and drawings, but my hands down favorites were the screens dedicated to Production Design.* The table top view, styled with emblematic props from the films, was evocative and arresting all at the same time. Plus it reminded me of Todd McLellan's gorgeous work, which is always a good thing, don't you think? Kudos, Oscars Art Directors!

*Note that I had to photograph my television to get these images, so forgive me for a bit of parallax and pixelation.

OSCAR FASHION OVER THE YEARS

Did you watch the Oscars on Sunday night? I watched with my friend Amanda and had a blast! I love Ellen and thought she was a really sweet response to the coarseness of Seth MacFarlene last year. The Glenda the Good Witch gag, for instance, had me in stitches.But let's be real, the true fun is always analyzing the fashion! Lupita Nyong'o's ice blue gown was my hands down favorite, but Jennifer Lawrence looked gorgeous too. Who was your pick for best dressed?No matter who you loved, this info graphic—of the gowns worn by all the best actress winners since 1929—is a fabulous look through fashion history. Check out Cher in 1968, and Loretta Young in 1948! Designed by Paul North, this graphic will be marketed as a poster soon; head over here for more information.

OSCARS RECAP 2013

Did you guys watch the Oscars last night? I had a ton of homework to do, but I decided to take a break and see how well Seth MacFarlane fared as a host. He was a little raunchy at times (as can be expected for the creator of Family Guy), but overall very very funny. I particularly loved the intro gag with William Shatner; it was smart and clever without being too dry or silly.

I was also impressed by the fashion on view . . . I'm totally in love with Jennifer Lawrence's dress (even though she fell walking up the stairs! clearly not a practical frock) and thought Amy Adams looked ravishing as usual. Did you have any favorites?

Read a complete recap and see more red carpet shots here. Watch key video clips here.

OUTSTANDING OSCAR

Did you watch the Oscars last night? Even though I have been woefully remiss about seeing movies this year, I watched it to see Billy Crystal's big hosting return. Did you like him? I thought he was funny but did not blow my socks off. What did impress me was the production of the whole event; I loved the graphic design for the titles, the filmed interview cutaways and the set design. It was classy and glamorous and inventive. Why can't the Oscars do that sort of thing every year?


But the best eye candy was to be found in the beautiful dresses being flaunted on the red carpet. I was really impressed with everyone's choices this year, but loved what Kristen Wiig, Octavia Spencer, Meryl Streep and Emma Stone wore. Who was your favorite?


Also, did you see that Sacha Baron Cohen showed up as the middle eastern dictator from his latest movie. Wild, right?


See more of the fashion and hear about the winning films here. Also see my past fashion recaps here and here.

RED CARPET RECAP

Did you watch the Oscars last night? I found it to be a bit of a bore. More and more the Oscars are becoming about the actors praising themselves for hours and hours instead of being about celebrating the best movies of the year. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, however, were pretty funny and you have to admit that Meryl Streep is a great (and elegant) sport. My hands-down favorite speech was Sandra Bullock's - if only more winners were as earnest and funny as she was.

Having said all of that, I thought I would share some of my favorite looks from the red carpet. I was impressed by how muted most of the dresses were; lots of shimmering grey, white and gold looks. These ladies--(top to bottom, left to right) Helen Mirren, Kathryn Bigelow, Cameron Diaz, Miley Cyrus, Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock, Rachel McAdams, and Amanda Seyfried--looked absolutely stunning. (You can click on the photos to see larger versions.)

See more Hollywood fashions on a NYTimes slide show here or the Washington Post here.

(Photos courtesy of the NYTimes.)

OSCAR GLAMOUR

There were some rather hideous dresses on the runway last night (cough Miley Cyrus, cough cough Sophia Lauren) but the ladies above looked both elegant and stunning.  If I had my choice, I steal Marisa Tomei's pleated gown (top, second from the left).  Check out more at the New York Times here.

OSCAR BINGO

How About Orange has made some pretty funny .pdf bingo cards to keep you occupied during the Oscars tomorrow.  Download and print your very own from here.

The BEST!

If you are ever feeling like the world is hating on you, do what Tina Fey (amazing amazing woman) does here. You officially become everyone's hero.


I was already having a good day. Watching this just made it a little bit better.

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