The 80th Academy Awards: Sex, Interrupted
THE DRESSES DID NOT DISAPPOINT, JON STEWART LOOKED DASHING, political zingers were kept to a minimum. The 80th Annual Academy Awards were positively understated, thanks in part to the lingering hangover of the 14-week writers’ strike. As Stewart said early in the show, “Welcome to the make-up sex.”
And like the best makeup sex, when both parties surrender to their need for the other, Hollywood seemed grateful to be celebrating at all in this year when “psychopathic maniacs” dominated at the movies. “All I can say is thank God for teenage pregnancy,” Stewart quipped at the top of the show, referring to the quiet charm of the movie “Juno.” The show opened with a flashy montage of movies from past and present, reminding the audience that the end product -- the power and magic that is filmmaking -- is bigger than all the egos in the room combined.
Let’s start with the winners in the “beauty” category. Presenter KATHERINE HEIGL looked scrumptious in a red strapless Escada gown and curled blonde hair that keen observers saw instantly channeled Marilyn Monroe better than LINDSAY LOHAN ever could. KERRY RUSSELL dazzled in a champagne strapless gown by Nina Ricci topped with diamond chains. NICOLE KIDMAN radiated in a simple black Balenciaga gown that showed off her baby belly and was the perfect backdrop from the diamond icicles hanging from her neck. The two JENNIFERS – GARNER and HUDSON – were no slouches in the Va Va Voom category either.
Looking a bit tired was CAMERON DIAZ, wearing a peach dress that looked like it was an 80s’ “Dynasty” castoff. And we’ll forgive CATE BLANCHETTE for her sloppy hair and distracting necklace, her being with child and all. HILARY SWANK looked pretty but was no standout in her black Versace. And DIABLO CODY showed spice in dangling skull earrings and a flowing, John Galliano leopard-spotted gown that showed off her tattooed lady arm.
The biggest wow of the night was when the little-known French actress MARION COTILLARD won for Best Actress for “La Vie En Rose.” There was no surprise when DANIEL DAY-LEWIS took home Oscar for his portrayal in “There Will Be Blood.
TILDA SWINTON won Best Supporting Actress for her role as a ruthless attorney in “Michael Clayton,” a win that Crabby actually had right in an an Oscar pool.
JAVIER BARDEM won Supporting Actor for “No Country for Old Men," an adaptation of a CORMAC MCCARTHY novel which took home the most awards. Directors JOEL COEN and ETHAN COEN won for directing, adaptation and best picture. The taller Coen thanked the Academy for letting them make movies, er, “play in our corner of the sandbox.” Check out a fuller list of winners here.
The most memorable lines were delivered by Diablo Cody, an exotic dancer-turned-writer who most of all wanted to “thank [her] family for loving me the way I am.” Marketa Irglova, the co-winner for Best Original Song, who was cut off from giving any thanks, was invited back after the commercial break by Jon Stewart. “The fact that we're standing here tonight, the fact that we're able to hold this, it's just proves that no matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible. And, you know, fair play to those who dare to dream and don't give up.” You can read her full thank you on the BBC. And Alex Gibney, one of two documentarians who won for “Taxi to the Dark Side,” told the audience his father had been a U.S. Navy interrogator. He closed his acceptance speech by saying, “Let’s hope we can turn this country around and move away from the dark side and back to the light.” Here, here.
Posted February 25, 2008
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