I understand they dropped the name "Academy Awards," figuring it was old and stuffy. Apparently, they also dropped good taste with the juvenile jokes host Seth MacFarlane delivered, and they made no pretense of adding some zip to move the show along. I bailed at 11:00 when I could no longer keep my eyes open.
Speaking of a long show, the opening was way too long. The doozy was the song, "We Saw Your Boobs," which seems to have amused the men in the audience, but clearly annoyed most of the women. Piers Morgan tweeted, "This is unbelievably, unacceptably, gob-smackingly, hilariously inappropriate. Keep going..." That's one way of looking at it. Mine was, "Who thought the boob song was a great idea?" Other creepy jokes and routines did nothing but add time to the show.
That said, let's get to the fashions. For the most part, it was a glamorous night. Selecting the 10 best dressed women would be very difficult, with so many shining on the beautiful night. Here were some of my favorites - by no means all.
I loved Jessica Chastain's Armani Privé gown. The color suited her perfectly. Did you notice how many pale-skinned women wore pastel gowns? One who usually does - and gets washed out - is Nicole Kidman. Last night, she was shining in a L'Wren Scott gown and Fred Leighton jewelry
I thought Anne Hathaway was glowing in her Prada gown and Tiffany jewelry. Such a class act! Some were sure her gown exposed her nipples, but those critics have never taken a tailoring class and surely don't understand the concept of darts and seams. Perhaps the onsite observers saw something we couldn't see on television, but I doubt it.
Amy Adams was glorious in an Oscar de la Renta gown and Mouawad jewels. She pulled off her full skirt a bit better than poor, but beautiful Jennifer Lawrence, who fell on her way up the stairs to accept her award. What happened to those men who were always there in the past to ensure that such mishaps wouldn't occur?
Lawrence was a vision in her Dior Haute Couture gown. As the face for Dior, you knew she would wear something from the house. She stunned.
Lawrence looked just as pretty from the back as she did from the front. Look for necklaces to be worn backwards. I think she started a new trend. Want to see how her hair was styled by Peter Butler using Leonor Greyl products, check out
this video.
Amanda Seyfried was a picture of pale lavender loveliness in her Alexander McQueen gown. With her lavender eye shadow. she glowed.
When I first saw Zoë Saldaña, all I could whisper was, "Wow!" She mixed it up with an Alexis Mabille Couture dress, Neil Lane jewelry, Roger Vivier shoes, and a Salvatore Ferragamo bag.
Charlize Theron, another blonde beauty, took over the red carpet in her Dior Haute Couture gown and Harry Winston jewelry. Wasn't her dance with Channing Tatum during the show fantastic?
Has Jane Fonda ever looked better? At 75, she proved that we never have to look as if we were aging. Fonda wore Versace and Chopard with Jimmy Choo shoes and a clutch.
Naomi Watts glittered in a custom Giorgio Armani sequined gown in gunmetal grey.
Steady my heart, Jennifer Hudson was glorious in a sexy blue Roberto Cavalli gown with a Jimmy Choo clutch. This may have been her best look yet - in a contest of bests. She belted out her song from Dreamgirls. Made me well up as I thought about all that she has experienced since then.
Others whose style struck me as glamorous included Kerry Washington (who bucked the pastel trend), Jennifer Aniston in red, Adele (who returned to her signature black), 19-year old Corinne Bishop (daughter of Jamie Foxx), Catherine Zeta Jones (sexy in gold),Stacy Keibler, Sandra Bullock, Selma Hayek, Halle Berry, and Louise Roe.
Who could forget the darling Quvenzhané Wallis with her signature dog purse? The next Annie, she's one to watch.
On my what-the-heck list were Renee Zellweger (she didn't look like herself, and the back of the Caroline Herrera gown was ill-fitting), Kristen Stewart (girl, if you need crutches, use them; limping out to present looked ridiculous), Sally Fields, Melissa McCarthy, Brandi Glanville (we saw her boobs), Helena Bonham Carter (as usual) - really, there weren't any total disasters.
It was a glamorous night. Just as I thought, the celebrities have been saving it for the Oscars.
Most photos courtesy of the Hollywood Reporter
OK - I'll play!
ReplyDeleteI thought Seth McFarlane was funny at times, but some of the bits were TOO LONG...I thought the boob song was fun. The reactions were pre-recorded - I thought the women were good sports.
I really didn't like Anne Hathaway's gown - I know those weren't her nipples, but those darts were unfortunate, and I didn't like the design of the neckline - I read that people thought it looked like an apron, and I agree. I am, however, going to see Les Mis next Sunday!
Kirsten Stewart - I can't stomach her - she looked like a mess. Some commented that she looked drunk or high - I agree. I don't think she can act, I don't think she's attractive, and I think she projects a very ugly attitude. Can you tell she's not my favorite?
I thought Jennifer Lawrence looked beautiful, and I loved her performance. Amy Adams also was in my top looks. Sally Field was over-powered by that dress - if you wear a bright color, it needs to be more tailored, especially if you are petite. Loved Jane Fonda's dress - she looked great - but I think the color was awful. Love yellow, but that was screaming yellow! Not pretty.
I did not like Amanda Seyfried's dress - it looked like a pagent dress to me - too much embellishment. Zoë Saldaña's dress looked like the top didn't go with the bottom.
Charlize Theron is amazing - she is a real specimen!
Sorry to have written a book!
Good morning! I really enjoyed your commentary. I was at a matinée concert and missed the red carpet; but arrived home just as that infamous "We saw your boobs" was getting underway. Despite the locker room raunch, there were some wonderful live musical performances. Adele and Shirley Bassey delivered our dose of 007 with finesse and the production number from Les Miz was rousing--a real crowd pleaser. But, for me, it was Streisand ending the memorial segment with Marvin Hamlisch's bittersweet "Memories" that was the "singular sensation". Singing that song at 70, Streisand infused it with a heartfelt poignancy that brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteAs for the gowns, Wow!, indeed. The ladies and stylists really did a superlative job. After so many of the ill-fitting gowns at the Globes, the general lackluster attire at the SAGs, and some questionable taste at the Grammys, it was a real treat to see a bevy of beautifully dressed and coiffed actresses--from 9 to 85--who made it an evening of all out Glamour with a capital G. And the jewelry! There were so many stunning pieces. Both Jennifer Garner's Tiffany necklace and Kate Capshaw's Harry Winston collar simply took my breath away.
I was also a bit surprised when Jennnifer Lawerance stumbled and there was no usher there to help her. It was Hugh Jackman who dashed to her aide when she was having trouble getting up. That man is one class act! What a gentleman!
Hi Bisbee,
You'll love Les Miz. All the performances are memorable. Having the actors sing in real time gave it an authenticity that was passionate and tearjerking.
Wow, CG, you and I appear to have very similar tastes when it comes to red carpet fashion. Most of the time, I find that my picks only match 50% with the fashion pundits'. What can I say, I just prefer my red carpet fashions more classy than so-called "edgy" - although classy with a real edge is even better!
ReplyDeleteI think my favorite dress was Zoe Saldana's, especially the multi-layered/multi-colored train, although it did instantly call to mind a dress that I think she wore to another Oscars - a purple dress with an ombre "pom-pom" train. It appears that both Zoe and I have penchant for ombre. :)
I was a little disappointed by Quvenzhane's choice, as I thought her tiny, lithe frame was overwhelmed by her stole and dress. I adored her look at the Oscars nominee luncheon, hair included, and would have loved to have seen her in something similarly sleek for the "real thing". In any case, here's to hoping that she grows up well and fulfills the potential that she's displayed as a child actress!
Ah, Jennifer Lawrence and all the accolades! Then there she goes, standing there in her couture gown, holding her Oscar in one hand while flipping off a reporter with the other. Real class? Hardly. Class is the 3 young Los Angeles police women who saved the injured pit bull, or the garbage man who rescued the puppy someone had thrown out in the trash. Now they reflect real class. Jennifer Lawrence is real trash.
ReplyDeleteHi Bisbee!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it always fun to play critic for a day?
Eileen,
ReplyDeleteI saw a clip today in which a member of the NBC team told Jennifer Lawrence that Hugh Jackman had rushed to her aid. She didn't know!
She was "gob-smacked." After saying "Really?" a few times, she said, "Is it on tape?" I think it made her fall worthwhile. :) She looked sweetly impressed and delighted.
Poor girl. I never remember a show that had no ushers to help the women. Perhaps a poorly conceived budget cut?
The live Les Mis performance left me in tears. I can't see that show or listen to the music without crying. Wish I had seen Babs. It was just too late for us East Coast types. I hear it ended at 12:05, which is about what I predicted when I finally gave up.
Hi May,
ReplyDeleteYep, that little girl was swallowed by her dress, but who cares? She is so darn cute! She is nine years old. Can you imagine?
I didn't see that, Nemo, but she's a kid too. What, 22? I hear that's why the Seth MacFarlance humor was so juvenile. His fan base is apparently a bunch of college guys.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that the Academy was trying to attract the 22 year old male demographic. Maybe Tina and Amy will host next year.
ReplyDeleteThere were so many beautiful dresses - all the ones you've mentioned; and also Salma Hayek's, a black velvet halter number with a golden bejeweled neck. It was perfect for her (though I may be the only one who thinks so!). It skimmed her torso, brought her hips and bust line into equal proportion and drew the eye up to her face, which was beautifully made up. My other fave, Charlize Theron, was also perfectly turned out: just a few pieces of jewelry in the right places, and most importantly, the dress fit well. Anne Hathaway's dress was beautiful too, but the darts, which should have enhanced the fit of bodice, shot out too far instead, drawing lots of unwanted attention. I heard she chose the dress at the last moment so perhaps she didn't have time to have it altered.
Props to all the "vintage" divas, as someone called them last night with the hashtag "#takenotes." Like Eileen, I was thrilled to Streisand and stunned to learn that she is 70. Really? When did that happen? Her hair and nails looked great. Shirley Bassey looked and sounded great belting out "Goldfinger" at 76. 76 and rocking green eye shadow and red lipstick. I want to be her when I grow up! Jane's dress was a bright, I agree, but did you see the back? It was asymmetrical and cut out - stunning. We know that Jane works out and has had some work done. I would love to know what Shirley and Barbra's regimes are.
Re Jennifer’s fall: why didn’t some of the men in the audience jump up to help her?
Hi Ava,
ReplyDeleteHugh Jackman bolted out of his chair, but she recovered before he could reach her. That made him my super-hero.
I did mention Salma Hayek in my wrap because she was seriously stunning. At one point in the show, they caught a shot of her, and all I could think was, "OMG, she is one of the most gorgeous women in the room."
After last night, we don't need to worry about aging. We just need to find out their secrets. :)
I really loved the jewelry this time around. Jennifer Garner's necklace was stunning as was Anne's although it was swallowed up a bit by her dress. I agree about the darts, they were not as well tailored as I would have expected from a Prada dress. Charlize Theron looked fantastic too.
ReplyDeleteI saw the boob song. I wish I hadn't. I don't know who comes up with this crap. I think Piers Morgan must have had too much to drink. Inappropriate it was but if you're going to go to all that trouble for a skit, don't be boring. It was...boring. I was waiting for the musical performances. Please let Tina Fey & Amy Poehler host next year. It's the Oscars, pony up some money or something for a top notch host!
I was appalled that poor Jennifer Lawrence had fallen on the stairs and it took at least a few minutes for someone to get up and help her. Ladies or gentlemen, when someone trips, get up and go help! I think the Golden Globes had people around to help the ladies up the stairs.
I came across the Brandi dress. oh my. Heidi Klum had a similar problem. oh well. I will think of the hits and the beautiful jewels instead now, oh and that lovely shade of red Adele wore when she sang Skyfall.
Oh, yes, ladies! Let's have Tina and Amy next year. They are an incredible hosting team. Funny without being crude or juvinille, comfortable in their skin, those two women rock!
ReplyDeleteHi Ava,
ReplyDeleteI just read your comment. Isn't it ironic that although they were courting an audience of (immature) 22 year old males, three of the classiest ladies on that stage were all in their 70's? Bassey, Streisand, Fonda--stunning!
Hi Evelyn,
ReplyDeleteThey were chatting on Access Hollywood Live at noon about the terribly naked, sexposed looks of Brandi and Heidi. One, I think, was just bad taste (that would be the wannabe Brandi Glanville). The other is too gorgeous and too accomplished to do that to get attention.
We need to start a Tina and Amy movement. Everyone agrees! I've seen it all over the Web today.
Round 2!
ReplyDeleteI thought Heidi Klum and Brandi looked terrible - such poor taste!
On the other hand, do we know what the reporter was saying to Jennifer Lawrence when she flipped him off? I don't think that is so terrible...she didn't do it on stage - now THAT would be in poor taste. I would hardly call her trash for giving him the finger! I do it on occasion when drivers cut me off on the road!
And...it didn't take Hugh Jackman minutes to jump up to help her, more like 10 seconds if that, but she was already up. They should have had someone to help the women up the stairs.
Finally...I thought Shirley Bassey was fabulous! Even though I love Adele, her performance wasn't wonderful, and I thought she was drowned out by the other singers and the orchestra. And Barbra made me cry...but then, she always does!
Hi CG! I love all your picks for best dressed and I also liked Jennifer Garner and thought Daniel Day Lewis was the best dressed man. It did seem to me that just about everyone played it a little safe this year.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Jennifer Lawrence lacks class I think she just has her own kind of class. She is down to earth and unpretentious. You can tell she is not the type who stands for BS. She's also very young and still has lots to learn.
Seth McFarlane had his moments but had more misses than hits. The song of the night was Goldfinger. Tough to beat that act.
Ah, the Jennifer Lawerence brouhaha! According to reports, Jennifer was just playing around when she flipped the reported off. She was feeling ebullient and had just downed a shot before coming into the press room. She was joking the entire time. No one who was there took it personally or was in the least bit offended. I just think it shows how a picture can be taken out of context and how easy it is to make a mountain out of a molehill. She's not trashy. She's just very young and was a bit reckless--and, according to her, feeling the effects of the shot. Much ado about nothing.
ReplyDeleteHi Bisbee,
Wasn't Dame Shirley wonderful? She's still alluring and sexy at 76. I remember the first time I heard her sing Goldfinger back in 1964 when I fancied myself a Bond Girl. LOL I thought her voice smoldered.
I was appalled at the boobs song. I couldn't believe my ears. Talk about tasteless. Humiliating for the women, and any man that cares for one. Totally out of context with what this awards show used to be like. It belonged on Saturday Night Live, not the Academy Awards where children and older people are in the audience and watching around the world. Please, have we sunk to yet another level? Perhaps I'm a relict from the past but can't we leave something with good old fashioned class, good taste and manners? Does everything these days have to go for the shock value? I do agree with your fashion choices. Many lovely ladies with their gowns, hair, jewels, manicures etc.
ReplyDeleteDid no one get the ironic humor of having the Gay Men's Chorus sing the Boob Song?? It was very funny and yes, Seth MacFarlane is a hero of teenage boys. If you aren't familiar with Seth's oeuvre, I guess you would be shocked, but I was actually disappointed that he was so subdued.
ReplyDeleteThe contrast between peers like Jennifer Lawrence and Kristin Stewart is pretty profound! One is beautiful, talented, and appreciative of her success, and one is just miserable and exudes unhappiness wherever she goes. The press were haranguing Jennifer at the press conference and she had every right to flip them off - don't judge until you see the video.