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Musings: the Oscars & the Outfits

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE watching the Oscars - which are tonight! - and we do so with good friends (it's an annual tradition). We've seen most of the movies in most of the categories, which makes the Academy Awards a lot more meaningful. Here are a few of my very unimportant musings:

Hope that "Spotlight" wins best movie.
Michael Fastbender and Kate Winslet were brilliant in "Steve Jobs". A very cleverly edited and produced movie.
I thought Brie Larson in "Room" was good, but completely outshone by Jacob Tremblay, the little boy - who I think was 5 in the movie but 8 in person. And the boy wasn't even nominated for an award! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT.
"Straight Outta Compton" needed more nominations. It was a brilliant movie.
I think Christian Bale walks on water in the acting world (my favourite actor of all time), but Steve Carell should have gotten the Oscar nomination for "The Big Short". He was soooooo good.
Brooklyn, Mad Max, Bridge of Spies, and The Martian were all fun movies, but not Oscar movies in my mind.
Haven't seen "The Revenant" because the subject matter puts me off. But I suspect it's a brilliant movie.
Have yet to see Carol. Will do soonest.
Hope that the Stars Wars movie wins an award too.
I think host Chris Rock will be VERY entertaining tonight.

As far as the red carpet fashion goes, I'm most excited about what Cate Blanchett, Helen Mirren and Jennifer Lawrence will wear. I love seeing twists on the classic tuxedos when it comes to the gents. Actually, I really enjoy seeing what EVERYONE wears because it's a fun event with lots of gorgeous outfits.

I don't like the Fashion Police because I can't handle people being torn apart for what they wore. The actors (and all other bloggers and celebrities who put themselves "out there") are people with real feelings like you and me. They are not immune to ugly talk from the media or from anyone else, although people think they are. That's why I don't ever do a Best and Worst Dressed list. I simply do a subjective Best Dressed or My Favourites list. I'll be doing that on the forum tomorrow - just for fun.

Over to you. Care to share your musings?

47 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Penny

Veteran

The Oscars bring film and fashion together, which is probably why I love the event so much. My dear friend and I watch it every year - he dons a tuxedo, I pull out a cocktail dress, costume jewelry, and heels, and we pour the prosecco to celebrate. Sure, the Academy often gets it wrong (my fingers are crossed for Spotlight, too), but it's a grand time!

BlondeAmbition

I won't be watching the Oscars tonight but I will be checking social media tomorrow morning to see what everyone wore. Cate Blanchett is so beautiful and her style is so different and so edgy, I love it!

I too hate the Fashion Police and really try to avoid any media that tries to put down a person for how they are dressed. Obviously these women spend weeks and preparing for this moment, they choose something that makes them feel beautiful and then they torn apart. It's a sick misogynistic obsession if you ask me. Someone has to stand up and say no to this and so it must be us!

Marina

I like to see red carpet dresses and styles even when I haven't seen most movies yet (I watch Oscar ceremony when I can and check on media the next day when I can't), but I don't have any favorite celebrities on this matter. There are always amazing looks in every possible styles.
About criticizing celebrities and so, I must admit I feel a sort of guilty pleasure reading a specific Brazilian blog that makes quite amusing comments on both good and bad outfits after red carpet events, but they are more "stand up like" than fashion patrol - and people who waste time seriously trashing celebrities styles on internet should stop fussing about celebrities clothes and get a life.

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Thank you for the reminder! I was wanting to watch. I'm kind of embarrassed to say that I am not really up on all of the movies. I love movies, but am very random in what I see and when. We tend to watch things long after they come out unless it is a big sequal like Star Wars or something our son follows closely. That said, I do adore watching what people wear and seeing the stars as themselves instead of in a role. All of the presenting of the awards and speeches from the winners is both interesting and uncomfortable to me. I'm always worried about the backlash and embarrassment over missteps and nerves. It all makes me a little anxious. But not enough to outweigh the excitement and fun of watching and enjoying the beautiful elegance of the event. As you said, I also hate seeing people torn down for what they wear and how they are styled. I enjoy it when someone takes the risk to try something outside of the box as well as see those who go completely classic. Unfortunately they often can't win for losing becuase they could be labeled as too boring or too crazy, all at the whim of the person critiquing. I think what would be boring is if everyone wore something completely to my taste or completely whacky or completely timeless and elegant. The fact that there is so much variety that showcases the incredibly diverse personalities, tastes, ages and ethnicities of the wearers makes it wonderful, interesting and... Art.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I need my sleep too much to watch the oscars live, the coverage runs from 10:30pm to 4:30am in the UK.

Not all of the films have aired in the UK yet, the things I'm interested in are:
Will all of Leo's schmoozing finally secure him the Oscar?
How many key names will boycott the ceremony?
Will Tom Hardy's complete lack of campaigning lose him the Oscar?
What will my style crush Rooney Mara wear?

Sal

Veteran

I have seen the following films up for contention in one way or another:
- Spotlight
- Brooklyn
- Star Wars
- Room
- Inside Out

I thought they were all excellent films, in their own way. I also hope Spotlight wins Best Film.

Typically my favourite Red Carpet looks come from Cate Blanchett, Marion Cotillard and Kate Winslet. I love looks with a bit of drama, that are not all about revealing as much as possible.

My favourite all time looks were Michelle Williams in mustard yellow with a red lipstick, and Cate Blanchett in pale pink beading with yellow accents. Both original and beautiful and totally suited to the Oscars.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Penny, how FUN. Have a beautiful Oscars event.

Jules, those are interesting questions. Like I said, I'm sure Chris Rock will be VERY entertaining tonight. I'm excited to see Rooney Mara too. She always works a more unique look, which is fun to look at.

Blonde Ambition and Marina, only positive comments about what the celebs wear on YLF. I am intolerant of celebrity bashing.

Sarah, watching the Oscar movies later is fab too. I like the SHORT and funny acceptance speeches best.

Anonymous

I like to watch - off and on through the night. Depends on which films are being touted each year - and this time, I've only seen The Big Short and Straight Outta Compton. I agree that SOC should have been nominated in at least one acting category - it was a great movie. I echo your feelings on Steve Carrell in The Big Short. I had no idea he was that good of an actor, never having seen him in anything other than the odd Office episode. I am surprised The Danish Girl wasn't more visible - that was another movie I thought was well done.

No fan here either of fashion police blather, and in face, I can barely stand the red carpet commentary from the usual people who do the interviews. I'm interested in what the women wear - but am over Cate Blanchette and JLaw - they both have been everywhere lately . Jane Fonda is one I'm always interested in seeing.But mostly - it's Chris Rock I am looking forward to listening to. He makes me laugh before he even opens his mouth

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

SNAP, Sally. Michelle Williams Oscars outfit is my favourite too. HER HAIR made the look. Inside Out was a great animation too. These are among my all time faves. I guess I like red gowns.

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Anonymous

btw - if you are at all intrigued by The Revenant, read the book instead. It's really good, a short read, and the actual bear attack is a very minor and subtle part of the story . It's historically an interesting book and quite well written.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good to know, Lisa. Although I suspect that Greg and I will see the movie too. We adore Tom Hardy. Steve Carell was BRILLIANT is The Office. The next best actor in the world in my book, after Christan Bale.

Anonymous

I'm out of it. I've heard of Tom Hardy but wouldn't know him if he landed in front of me. All of those actors in that age group are mysteries to me . I'm lucky if I see 5 movies a year

Aziraphale

Veteran

I haven't had time to watch many of the movies, although I did see the Steve Jobs one and thought it was quite good -- both Michael Fassbender and Kate Winslet were amazing in it. I did watch Revenant last night (stayed up late to do so!) and, while I can attest that it was beautifully filmed and Leonardo DiCaprio probably deserves an Oscar for Best Actor, it gave me nightmares. I was up all night. I felt the need to wash a lot this morning.

As for the clothes, I love watching everybody!

JAileen

Veteran

I haven't seen any of the movies. None. However, I've seen all of the nominated shorts, both animated and live action. Well, actually, we had to leave during the last live action short because it was too gruesome for me. Anyway, they were mostly very enjoyable.

Re The Revenant there was a NYT article about the author. He's the US Ambassador to the World Trade Organization. Talk about keeping your day job!

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02......html?_r=0

I love seeing the outfits. However, I liked it better in the old days when the actors and actresses wore their own clothes instead of acting as a model for this designer or that.

kkards

Veteran

Love to watch the pre-shows, the actaul award show itself, not so much-- I find it tedious....Plus the rules on who/what gets nominate and for whst category--don.t really understand. Thst being said, I'm hoping. The Big Short gets best pic nod....one of the best movies I've seen in years.....manages to take a dry and complex subject, interesting and entertaining. Loved how the film moved between stories as well as it's brillant use of cameos. I liked that no one really came out a hero in the film....

Runcarla

Veteran

ECanada does a nice job covering the red carpet. The presenters ask surprisingly intelligent questions in the seconds allowed and the fashion analysis is kinder.

Cate Blanchette, Charlize Theron, and Nicole Kidman are my fave's.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I haven't read the comments yet but just wanted to give you the biggest hug Angie. It's your attitude to this (& every thing else in life) that makes YLF such a wonderful place. I can't deal with the fashion police either, I won't support women tearing each other apart.

rachylou

Veteran

Eh, I don't see movies anymore on the whole. I can no longer sit still that long. But I DO like to see the clothes. I hope things are opulent and not too elegant, hehe. Full of frou and fun!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Great piece on Oscar fashions and stifling of creativity

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02.....&_r=0

deb

Veteran

Did you see my thread about film makeup? The gal interview did the makeup for the film Carol. My da d is in the hospital so I will miss the show tonight.

Anonymous

I might watch some of it with the sound off. It's gotten so political, gaaagh. Gotta see what Cate B wears. Unfortunately, I haven't seen any of this year's nominated movies. I'm pulling for Leo to win his first Oscar, though.

Joy

Veteran

I'm watching and just saw Eddie Redmayne in an Alexander McQueen tux. Wow!

MsMaven

Veteran

One good thing about the Oscars is that we get to see regular people--the behind the scenes creative and talented folks who make the films come together--also wearing their best duds. We get to see them at what has to be one of the most exciting moments of their lives, yet they are real in a way that the better-known celebrities are not. Love seeing what they choose to wear.

rabbit

Veteran

I'm rooting for Mad Max which was my favorite film of the year (feminism and gritty sci-fi/post-apocalypse is my catnip and I love when genre films get acknowledgement). Haven't seen Spotlight or the Big Short yet but they are on my list of movies to watch when they get to streaming -- (I have a hard time getting myself to the theater to watch 'ensemble of white men in offices, take 100' but enjoy great stories on the small screen).

I want to see what Chris Rock says about hollywood and diversity so will look his speech up afterwards.

If Lupita Nyong'o is there I always enjoy seeing her outfits.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Seconding how refreshing it is to see the backstage folk dress up in their finest. Some of those nominated this year for technical/artistic skills have accumulated an outstanding number of wins and nominations over their careers. Truly talented people, who come in a greater diversity of shapes and sizes to dress!

Marina

No mean comments, I promise (but maybe some funny ones?). I think accidents (like Nicole Kidman's facial powder malfunction under strong white lights) and odd coincidences (like Queen Elizabeth's quindim hat*) may happen to anyone. When something like this happens some sense of humor or constructive critics are in order if they are meant to be fun and helpful instead of mean, humiliating or judgmental. Besides, I'm against the idea of judging other people styles in right/wrong or in/out therms like "fashion patrol" members sometimes (often) do. Even if I don't particularly like something, so what? It doesn't mean there is something wrong about it and there is no reason for saying mean things about it too

*just explaining this one, Queen Elizabeth used a round yellow hat once that make many Brazilians to think about a quindim, a round Brazilian sweet make of egg yolks and coconut. Despite this funny coincidence she was actually very elegant in it, as always (and that makes it even funnier). I really hope no one feels offended about this sort of comment

Sara L.

Veteran

I'm very behind with my movie watching. I don't think I've seen any of the Best Picture contenders. However I love the fashion from all the big award shows. I used to read a blog called Red Carpet Fashion Awards that I liked because it wasn't snarky. I'm not saying the author liked every dress that a celebrity wore but at least she looked at them through the lens of that persons personal style (Sofia Vergara and Tilda Swinton were not judged the same). Unfortunately she stopped blogging a few months ago and I haven't found anything similar to follow.

Tanya

Veteran

I am having a blast watching it and have a huge crush on Kate Blanchet's dress, it is divine.

viva

Veteran

Angie, I agree about Steve Carrell in The Big Short and your assessments of Room and Compton. I still need to see Carole and The Danish Girl but have seen most others. We saw the Revenant this weekend and it was really powerful. There was some scenes I could not watch (it's a pretty rugged time in history) but it is gloriously filmed and, in ways that go far, far beyond the bear attack, you can really view the entire film as a rumination on the relationship between mankind and nature. I've never been a huge fan of Leo (except in the Departed) but he is pretty magnificent in this film. If it wins it will have deserved it. In my opinion, of course.

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