I’m a huge fan of the Academy Awards and this year, I had a prime viewing spot at a place in Hell’s Kitchen. Most of my predictions were spot on! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s edition and thought that host Seth Macfarlane looked cute and was charming, though at times a little inappropriate. Here are some of my favorite moments:
Channing Tatum and Charlize Theron’s Opening Dance
Channing Tatum, my favorite actor and named The Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine last year, certainly looked the part in his well fitted suit and made me swoon as he made the dance look effortless. Charlize dazzled in her flowing floating pale pink chiffon dress. It was so perfectly lovely when Channing literally swept Charlize off her feet, twirling and ending with them gazing into each others’ eyes. It was all just so romantic and made me yearn to be in Charlize’s place.
Jennifer Hudson’s Dreamgirls Tribute
Jennifer Hudson absolutely killed it, singing “And I Am Telling You that I’m Not Going.” She looked and sounded amazing, and performed at ease giving it all her real soul and heart.
Les Miserables Performance
This medley of the songs “Suddenly, “One Day More” and “I Dreamed a Dream” was absolutely wonderful to hear and see. Such depth, such emotion, such beauty. I loved both Amanda Seyfried’s (scarlet and floating), Anne Hathaway’s (tiered and sparkly) and Samatha Barks’s (deep blue and elegant) dresses. And Hugh Jackman, his handsome and wonderful self with that rich tenor. Then of course Eddie Redmayne (Marius, the love interest) and Aaron Tveit both looked so dreamy hot.
Glitz & Glamour: Best Dressed List
Amanda Seyfried in a custom Alexander McQueen lilac organa gown with silver dragonfly embroidery. Sparkling, glamorous and gorgeous.
Jessica Chastain‘s Armani Prive rose-gold colored gown with strapless sweetheart neck, glittered in the light and showed off her figure beautifully. Beautiful Old-Hollywood glamour.
Sandra Bullock looked stunning in a glittering sheer black and silver Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, diamond earrings and bejeweled barrette. This gown had the most intricate, elaborate and beautifully elegant lace-sequin design.
Kerry Washington in a beaded coral Miu Miu dress with a gorgeous glittering iridescent white and pale pink bodice. I love that she took a risk and rocked it. Definitely a fresh and sweet look amid all the pale nude, white and black color palette of the night.
Quvenzhane Wallis looked perfectly lovely in an Armani navy blue dress with black tulle and sparkly rhinestone accents. And that little dog purse she held onto so tightly was just so precious!
Michelle Obama’s Oscar Appearance
Yes, it was a surprise and yes there is backlash (from the Conservatives) but I love that she announced the Best Picture winner via satellite from the White House (with military aides)! And the introduction itself was beautiful and inspiring: “”[These films] taught us that love can beat all odds. They reminded us that we can overcome any obstacle if we dig deep enough and fight hard enough and find the courage within ourselves.” Also, “It is through cinema our children learn to open their imagination and dream just a little bigger and to strive every day to reach those dreams.”
Heartfelt Speeches
I had predicted that Anne Hathaway would win Best Supporting Actress, and was not disappointed with her emotional speech. I especially loved the incredibly romantic quote about her husband, “By far and away the greatest moment of my life was the one when you walked into it.”
Even though I still haven’t seen Lincoln, I knew that Daniel Day-Lewis would win Best Actor for his amazing portrayal of Lincoln. He was so charming and witty, as well as appreciative, stating “I really don’t know how any of this happened, I do know that I have received so much more than my fair share of good fortune in my life.” Daniel, congratulations on your third win in the Best Actor category… You so richly deserve it!
I was glad that Ang Lee won Best Director, and believe he deserved it. His speech was sincere and humble. He really made it clear that he couldn’t have done it without the 3,000 that worked to make Life of Pi possible, including the writer, everyone at Fox, the cast, crew, cities they shot in and much more. I also appreciated that he ended with “Xie Xie” (Thank You in Chinese) and Namaste.
I also was beyond ecstatic to learn that my first choice (and favorite movie of 2012), ARGO won for Best Picture. Ben Affleck‘s speech was passionate, wonderful and real. I loved that he thanked his wife, Jennifer Garner for, “working on our marriage for 10 Christmases. It is work, but it’s the best kind of work, and there’s no one I’d rather work with.” And thought it was absolutely ridiculous when the immediate reaction by the public was that their marriage was in trouble. There is no relationship that doesn’t require work, and in his Ben’s own words (post-Academy Awards), “All relationships, to a certain extent, require your work. We work on it together, we try our best, nobody’s perfect.” I love Ben for keeping it real.
And below is a photo compilation of the best moments from this year’s Academy Awards Show!
Dress, Dine & Sparkle 