also: worst & weirdest moments | wonderful moments | complete Oscar '09/10 season
Before we get to the best & worst, I would like to give out a shout out to the blacktresses that were working the red carpet on Sunday. Hollywood is even harder on them their white counterparts (so few roles to go around). So unless they're nominated -- like the Precious girls -- they almost never get any media attention. So let's take a brief looksie. I've omitted Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique because you've already seen the "money shot" and Mo'Nique got plenty of air time (but yes, I loved the Hattie McDaniel tribute with the dress color and the gardenia. I wish more people would do themes.)
Stacey Dash wasn't really there. I stole this from one of the parallel Oscar parties (a little more on those in part two) because I dig the slightly freaky spiderweb vixen dress. Anika Noni Rose (who we're always pulling for) didn't get to sing at the Oscars (boo! producers) so I wanted to feature her. She seems to be doing an inverted take on Carey Mulligan's favored look (the black poofy dresses with color hewhaw appliques on the bodice). Jennifer Lewis, who was also in the voice cast of The Princess and the Frog almost made my worst dressed list. But then I decided I loved that she was dressed as a cartoon super-villain that she made up in her own head "Cruela de Frill". Finally we don't usually see this much of Paula Patton (Precious's "Blu Rain") but there's more of her to be see since she's very pregnant! That's the most orange I've seen since Valentino: The Last Emperor.
BEST DRESSED
From left to right: Kristen Stewart finally looked great. And like the Fug girls said, she didn't have to not look like herself to do it. You have to give credit when it's due, so I have to say that she pulled it off. (I'm more surprised than you are). Jennifer Lopez seemed to be wearing a bubble-wrap wedding gown but it's breathtaking (and we don't normally go as gaga for her style choices as the rest of the media does). I thought Sandra Bullock was wearing silver and then somebody said "did you like her gold dress" and then I had to look again and whatever -- silver/gold/champagne -- it's the color of win. Vera Farmiga is #1 for me because this my berry-colored gown isn't "safe" and it's just BIG and confidently weird and beautiful enough to be an absolute head turner rather head scratcher.
Meryl Streep looked classy and pristine in white but I'm shocked to hear that this is by Chris March (who was always doing very over the top looks on Project Runway). I imagine Molly Ringwald will make the worst-dressed lists (I'm so behind on my interweb readings) but I think it's just weird enough with the curlicue accessories and the bold color and assymetry to be a daring choice that still totally works for her. Elizabeth Banks is as dreamy as she is funny. Are you following her on twitter? Finally, you knew I had to have my goddess in here: Michelle Pfeiffer wore red which is and always has been her very best color. This dress is saved from being too plain (she does always play it elegant/safe, that one) by it's interesting pattern and textures.
WORST DRESSED
From left to right: Virginia Madsen is stupendously beautiful but always look dowdy on awards night. The cut of the waist on Kate's dress is not flattering. That's right, cover it up Winslet. My friend Joe says that Miley Cyrus's dress is "dragging her down from the boobs" haha. I think that's just her posture. But you probably shouldn't be walking red carpets if you can't yet stand up straight. Faith Hill depresses me sartorially speaking...and otherwise speaking. Zoe Saldana looked like she was having a ball so points for that. But this belongs on top of a float or as the trim of a float since it's that type of pinata-esque fabric at the bottom. Different dress up top. For some reason SJP's outfit makes me think she was doing homage to A Single Man's era. I value her status as a fashion icon but I think this might be the worst she's ever looked. (Maybe if her hair hadn't have been sticking out all over the place?) I don't know what kind of fabric Melanie Griffith is wearing but it reminds me of a chain link fence trapped in an oil slick or perhaps the treated hide of The Blob. Hate it. And, oh Charlize... bra stuffing turned inside out? Really?
What did these dresses do to your eyes? And would you rearrange the best and worsts? I know there were a ton more but I can't stare at dresses all day. I had to draw the line at twenty.
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50 comments:
I loved SJP's Chanel dress but it belonged on someone else.
Charlize Theron must have been blind when she picked her Cabbage Patch Boob dress.
Kate Winslet....it's fine to be understated in a year when you are not nominated but the color was awful one her and the top and bottom looked like they came from two separate outfits.
I didn't see Penelope Cruz on your Best Dressed list but she looked ravishing in red.
I dunno why but I LOVED SJP,I just felt she looked like a glamor movie actress form old times if only she had a cigarette in one hand and a martini in another...and that Chanel dress was as beautiful from the front as from the back...but I agree she needed more hairspray!
I loved that Zoe's mullet dress was outrageous, she gets mucho points for not being boring
Anyone know why the Precious crew wore all decked in blue? Mo'Nique, Gabby, Oprah, and Mariah all sported the color. I mean it has to be more than a coincidence right? Unless it is...
I thought Carey Mulligan looked hot.
I kind of loved SJP's dress. It was sleek and very different and elegant.
I kept waiting for Charlize to signal that she was in on the joke. Maybe she wasn't.
Zoe looked young and fun and over the top. I give her a pass.
I thought Sigourney Weaver was spectacular in red with a black ribbon. Perfect for her age and her figure while still being young and fresh. She's my best dressed.
Yes, SJP's dress might have been great with a different hairdo. But I love that she tried something different.
And I must be the only person on earth, besides Charlize apparently, who likes her dress. Yes it is very boobs-sy, but I love that she has enough sass to wear it confidently and and it looked great on her.
I also like Zoe's dress. Isn't that what people always complain about how boring everybody looks in their same strapless, prom like dresses but when somebody finally does something different they land on the worst dress lists (like my aforementioned women).
Penelope on the other hand wore her same old same old strapless, prom like gown and she lands on everybody's best dressed list. Yes, the colour suited her well, but the rest was utterly boring.
My worst dressed: Miley. Ill fitting dress and bad posture are never a good combination.
And I loved Maggie Gyllenhaal's dress, though it looked more like Golden Globe red carpet than Oscar.
Vera looked like a big piece of seaweed. Definitely a worst in my book.
I liked Rachel McAdams and her big dress.
Anna Kendrick looked fantastic. Such a pretty soft color and light, flowing fabric.
Penny Cruz looked great in red too. I loved her Bardem accessory.
Carey looked lovely too, but she tends to wear black alot. That night, I finally liked her haircut and the new blonde colour. She wore some great earrings to compliment it.
I think both Zoe and Kate got bad raps though. Zoe Saldana brought some coutoure drama and some color to the carpet while Kate looked much, much, better on camera than in pictures.
In contrast, SJP looked like an even bigger disaster on an HDTV. Her hair looked so frayed and ratty.,,
and i LOVED Sandra. She reminded me of Halle Berry in 2002 in that they both came dressed to pick up their Oscar.
Charlize Theron looks like she is paying homage to the international movie star, film muse and Nathaniel's diva of the year Claudia Jenssen.
What about Dame Helen Mirren? She looked stunning, as usual.
I don't really see how you can have Vera on the best dressed list. at. all. At first it was interesting but I grew to loath it as the night went on and I swear it kept growing BIGGER. It's like she had some live coral on her that was slowly eating her.
I thought Kate looked fine, simple, and her hair looked luscious.
Rachel McAdams look like she flopped around in a mud puddle. Hated it.
Elizabeth Banks dress - as the Fug Girls pointed out - isn't as interesting depending on the pose and side. No one has yet to rock the intricate bodice and flowy, romantic dress like Penelope did in '06.
It didn't think Kate looked too bad.
I felt that SJP's dress was slightly crooked the whole night, which drove me crazy.
Vera was gorgeous. Dress, her, everything. My second place might actually go to Kristen. Weird
I loved Kate Winslet's hair, too!
How could you not include Rachel McAdams in your Best Dressed List?
I thought she was the best dressed out of everyone.
I thought Kate looked better than last year. I hate when Actress winners look better to present than the year they won. Reese Witherspoon and Rachel Weisz (although you were pregnant), I'm looking at you.
I liked Penelope Cruz's dress but I liked it more on Keira Knightley when she was nominated.
I thought Queen Latifah looked lovely but I was disappointed in Mo'nique a little bit. As much as I loved the sentiment, I think it was her least impressive ensemble this season.
And Laura I agree, Zoe gets point for taking a risk and I bet that her and J. Lo's dresses looked better in person.
Zoe Saldana was my absolute favorite, but the entire Internet agrees with you.
I think Vera Farmiga's dress was wearing her; it just looked like it was a berry version of Audrey II. Big and fab is great, daring and odd is great, but it overwhelmed her. Too near the face I think.
My best dressed were (in order) Zoe, Rachel McAdams, Elizabeth Banks, Meryl Streep, and of course the money shot.
My worst dressed were Charlize (grope-from-behind dress), SJP & Faith Hill.
I think the blue dresses were a tribute to Sapphire (author of Push)?
Zoe Saldana's dress looked better on tv..
when i saw the photos i didn't like it as much
I still think its THE best.
Kate's was awful.
Rachel McAdams looked stunning, I also liked Elizabeth Banks, Demi Moore and Anna Kendrick. On the other hand, I agree with your worst dressed but I would put Vera Farmiga and J-Lo in there too as well as Diane Kruger.
Ugh...fashion...can someone explain to me why ppl as presumably intelligent as those who frequent this website care so much about something so trivial and frivolous?
Kate's was boring, but I liked it. I think she shouldn't cover anything up at all. Just go naked, really. Everyone knows that's what looks best on her (HOT).
And I hated Molly Ringwald's look. Was she tributing the 80s at the same time as tributing Hughes? It looked gimicky.
But anon, that's exactly the reason. It's trivial and frivolous and fun.
Not sure what happened with Kate Winslet's dress -- on TV, I (and everyone at our party) thought she was one of the best-dressed of the night, but it looks so stiff and armour-like in the pictures. I guess some dresses just don't photograph well.
Sandra Bullock was my favourite hands down, and SJP takes worst-dressed honors just as easily.
I liked the dress of that woman who pulled the Kanye for the best short documentary (think her name is Elinor Burkett). If you looked closely, I think she was wearing an Issey Miyake.
Also, could anyone please acknowledge how great Sandy Powell looked?
You have lost my respect for 2 things: 1) For omitting Cruz in Best Dressed and putting Winslet in Worst. :'(
Where's Penelope????
I have a crush on Anika. That is all.
What about Carey Mulligan? I thought her dress was unique, elegant and modern.
And I'd also rank Penelope Cruz, Queen Latifah and Anna Kendrick in my top 10.
I agree with you on Elizabeth Banks for Best Dressed. I'd have picked her for Best Dressed Overall. Strangely, the fashion police shows after the Oscars chose to completely ignore her. Can't agree with you on Jennifer Lopez and Vera Farmiga in Best Dressed. JLo was wearing bubble wrap. All there is to it. Just didn't do it for me. Vera's looked form-fitting, but all of the ruffles and weird lines just destroy the beauty of the dress.
Can't agree with you on Kate Winslet. I actually liked that color and her hair. Yeah, it's a boring dress, but sometimes, simplicity is the way to go.
No comment on the men? Robert Downey's gigantic blue bowtie? Tom Ford WEARING Tom Ford? That fact amused my parents to no end.
the best dressed of the night for me was hands down, demi moore. i loved that dress.
Kate looked stunning, I think, absolutely beautiful. My top three fashion favourites this year are her, Meryl and Helen (not necessarily in that order :)). Also loved Queen Latifah in pink, totally ravishing with that colour. What I didn't like, though, was Vera Farmiga's dress. The colour was great but that cut... just too much.
Best dressed were Meryl Streep (finally), Demi Moore and Penelope Cruz.
Worst dressed were J-Lo, Tina Fey (who never gets it right) and Miley Cyrus (dreadful).
I thought SJP looked just fine. I actually loved her dress.
Agreed with basically all of those, except for Jennifer Lopez. She looked fug.
Best Dressed for me was, strangely, Kristen Stewart. She looks amazing. So too - and this was another huge surprise - did Cameron Diaz. She actually looked like a movie star and not like a surfer who had to get dressed up for an awards night that they feel awkward at.
Oh! We disagree at last! I loved SJP's Chanel and I hated Vera's.
My favourites were Sigourney, Meryl and Queen Latifah. Sandra look quite good too. Surprisingly I'm not a fan of Penelope's look this year. And that hair!
Peggy Sue... Penelope bored me to tears. I feel like she had 7 of those in her closet, in 7 different colorszzzz
Amir... i agree that Demi Moore's dress was flawless. But it was THE EXACT SAME COLOR as her skin... which to me is just so gross in clothing.
Lara and Anon -- i would also add that in addition to being frivolous and fun, it's the perfect palate cleanser before moving on from Oscar altogether. ;)
like the ginger you eat between sushi
Best dressed of the night was by far Sandy Powell.
Second place goes to Jennifer Lopez.
The more I look at Meryl's dress the more it looks like a Madeline Ashton costume from Death Becomes Her.
I think the blue dresses were a tribute to Sapphire (author of Push)?
Thanks Deborah. Since I haven't heard any other reason why they all wore blue, I'll take yours and stop thinking about it so much.
As for Kate Winslet, her outfit definitely does not photograph well because I thought she looked fantastic. I think the dress was less stiff when you see it move AND the two-tone/texture isn't as noticeable as well.
Please tell me you ust forgot to put Ally Sheedy in the worst dressed section. Remember that awful thing she was wearing that made her look like the bride of Frankenstein!?
I agree with you on how awful Sarah Jessica Parker looked but I don't get how anyone can like what Vera Farmiga was wearing, it was terrible.
Winslet looked fine, nothing amazing but it wasn't bad.
And for the few mentioning Weaver... really? I feel like she's worn that exact same dress 20 times... its incredibly boring.
Rachel McAdams' dress was STUNNING, but that tuft of hair above her right ear that was sticking straight out from her head drove me crazy all night!
I dislike Farmiga & Jlo dresses(they look fat)but i agreed with bad dressed list!
Charlize's dress was awesome. One of the best of the night. Really liked Sandra's entire look, and Gabby sold her look well (the "money shot" line really is priceless). Vera's dress was way too busy. And there were so many in blue. That was odd. Zoe's dress was a miss, though it wouldn't have been if that puffy explosion at the train could have been cut. Oprah looked sensational (and slimmer). I don't know what Sarah Jessica Parker was thinking. Maybe I could forgive the dress, but her hair! It made her look so matronly and ten years older than what she really is. Big ole' misfire there. But for the most part I think that this year's red carpet was successful.
"Derreck said...
Penny Cruz looked great in red too. I loved her Bardem accessory." LOL
IMAO, Best Dressed Top Ten are: 1. Michelle Pfeiffer, 2. Vera Farmiga, 3. Penélope Cruz (YES, I love fucsia and wine tones in sexy actresses), 4. Kate Winslet, 5. Sandra Bullock, 6. Meryl Streep, 7. Carey Mulligan, 8. Elizabeth Banks, 9. Helen Mirren, 10. Kristen Stewart
what I don't get is why the whole Internet seems to be hating Zoe's dress. It's fabulous. I've been dying to see that dress on the red carpet since I saw it on the runway. She was definitely the best dressed of the night.
Ummm, where is Sandy Powell? She aced just about all of these "best-of"'s and should be recognized for it.
Yeah, Pene's was nice, but just like everything else to do with Nine this year, it felt undercooked. Not exciting enough.
I loved SJP's Chanel, Julianne Moore's Calvin Klein and Michelle Pfeiffer's Carolina Herrera.
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