Apparently, I Was Going By The Old Rules....

I suppose I'm safe in saying that when making my Oscar predictions, I made them going by the old rules. Well, Hallelujah! It looks to me as if the *old guard* of the Academy of Actors Guild is no longer dominate enough to use politics in their decision making processes. For the first time in many years, the actors and movies who were the best, actually won. Honestly, I'm still in shock.


After all the hoopla, it was the *New Academy Awards* this year. And, although it threw me for a loop, I was thrilled to see this metamorphosis. Once I realized Tom Hanks is the current Governor of the Academy, I understood why things had changed so much this year. Our generation is now steering the helm. Could I hear an "AMEN" please?


Although I had not seen all the movies, I did see little snips of each actor in their nominated role, and there were some very powerful performances. In my opinion, the most deserving actors won for their roles, as did the rest of the awards.




Now, one of my favorite parts about any awards show is the fashion. I saw very few tragic choices this year, which also surprised me. But, let's start with those few tragedies, shall we?


For instance, let's look at Zoe Saldana. She looked like she was going to do a Flamenco Dance for us. Or the Can-Can. Thank gawd she didn't. At least she wasn't holding castanets.  Or showing her hoo-hoo. (I like to look for the silver lining, okay?)


The next was... Oh wait! That's the only really bad dress I remember seeing.  





Sandra Bullock was breathtaking in her gossamer evening gown and her speech was as real as she is. Still, this woman does know how to work a crowd and a photographer. Bravo Sandra!

In case you didn't know, Sandra was in attendance with her hubby as well as the couple (in particular, the wife) she portrayed in the movie, who is also an incredible woman. Can you imagine what it must feel like to be portrayed by an actor who won an Academy Award for Best Actress, just for playing you on the Big Screen? That's pretty heady stuff. True story.






Cameron Diaz , although not nominated, was a presenter and looked perfectly stunning. She's always been one of my favorite comedic actresses. She's such a nut!





Carey Mulligan looked completely adorable and age appropriate. I loved that she was nominated for Best Actress in An Education, even though I knew she wouldn't win. She was brilliant in her role, in spite of her young age. She's definitely someone to keep your eye on for the future.






Anna Kendrick, even at her young age, looked absolutely divine in her Oscar gown. In spite of the fact that she didn't win, she was definitely Oscar worthy in the gown she chose. She looked very *Old Time Hollywood* and elegant beyond the comprehension of her years.







As always, Helen Mirren knew how to work the monochromatic look with sheer style, grace and elegance. Although not an Oscar winner this year, we all know that she's still The Queen, right? We know that she'll come back when we call her.... It simply takes the right role.

Oh Dear! Jennifer Lopez reportedly had a small warehouse of dresses to choose from so that, at the last minute, she could pick a dress that she wouldn't run into at the Oscars. Ooops! So much for that plan of action....














Sarah Jessica Harper looks stunning in her gown, with hubby Ferris Beuller Matthew Broderick. He appears to be aging while SJP just looks better than ever. Can we spell Botox? Oh yes we can!













I'm not sure why, but seeing Demi Moore looking so fabulous has me rethinking the whole face lift and exercise issue. Bitch!














Although the photographer had Kate Winslet standing in a most unfortunate position making it look like her hair was all wanky, she still managed to look incredibly elegant.

I loved seeing Kristen Stewart looking so grown up. However, Kristen, I should give you a heads up here. While you're young you should never pass up the chance to wear something colorful. You'll have many years ahead of you to wear black, trust me.











Even Tina Fey looked gorgeous. So, I'd say this was a landmark year for the Academy Awards. In every way.