OSCARS 07: OUT & ABOUT
Some quick post-Oscar thoughts…
Ellen
The Oscars are my Superbowl and Ellen was my MVP. I loved her from start to finish. I didn’t miss the mean-spirited pop culture references that hosts of old used to throw out there. She was true to form and made me laugh. Not her fault that the show ran long. I hope they ask her back next year. The ratings are up by about a million, which is a tribute to her talent and popularity.
One Giant Step Forward…
Last night signified a huge milestone both for the country and the entertainment industry; Ellen was only the second woman to host (after Whoopi) the Academy Awards, and certainly the first openly gay person to do so. I love that the camera focused on proud girlfriend Portia and proud mom Betty a few times; I certainly don’t recall ever seeing Billy Crystal’s wife during his stint as host. And although I’m sure there were folks who were less than thrilled with Ellen hosting and Melissa Etheridge’s smooch and speech combo…I don’t care. It was a momentous occasion for them and for the worldwide audience. I couldn’t stop smiling; it made my day that Melissa kissed and then thanked her wife. The woman won an Oscar, it was her moment, and she did what came naturally, just as all other winners do. A few months ago, Grey’s Anatomy actor T.R. Knight made a statement when he publicly came out: “I hope the fact that I’m gay isn’t the most interesting part of me.” I believe that Ellen and Melissa would agree with that wholeheartedly.
Just a Thought…
I wonder who would win an arm-wrestling match, Jada Pinkett Smith or Jessica Biel?
“Original” Score?
I love the CD and the artist, but does anyone else find it odd that the main theme song from
Favorite Moments
Arkin’s win
Melissa Etheridge’s win & speech
Pilobolus (the dance troupe who formed the iconic movie images)
Scorsese’s win
The sound effects choir
Jack Black, John C. Reilly & Will Ferrell
And now, for more trivial observations…
Awkward Moment of the Night
Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst presenting together. The animosity between them was visible…and entertaining. Rewind your TiVO and watch for her shoulder bump, followed by his stink-eye glance askew at her, and then her head turn/stink-eye at him right before they roll the nominees on screen. I know they were there to promote Spiderman 3 (as if that is even necessary), but these ex’s are clearly uncomfortable sharing the same few feet of space.
Of course it’s on YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=fBkujAxCMs0
In Need Of a Hairbrush
Cameron Diaz
Robert Downey, Jr.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Attire Analysis
Bed,
Beyonce
Kirsten Dunst
JLo
Blue is the new Black (and I like it)
Emily Blunt
Portia de Rossi
Ellen Degeneres’ navy ensemble with vest
Melissa Etheridge’s tuxedo jacket
Jodie Foster
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Bow, Hell No!
Anne Hathaway
Nicole Kidman
Favorites
Cate Blanchett
Daniel Craig
Leonardo DiCaprio
Djimon Hounsou
Diane Keaton (no pantsuits or high collars!)
Queen Latifah
Helen Mirren
Kate Winslet
Reese Witherspoon
Memo: “Flesh is Not a Flattering Color”
Penelope Cruz
Gwyneth Paltrow
UGH
Jessica Biel
Abigail Breslin (regardless of her age, someone should have prevented her from wearing an Easter Basket)
Cameron Diaz
Eva Green
Jennifer Hudson’s sci-fi/tanning foil jacket
Quincy Jones
Anika Noni Rose
Kelly Preston
Naomi Watts
Rachel Weisz