Monday, February 25, 2008

What a Night

Last night’s 80th Annual Academy Awards, hosted by Jon Stewart, celebrated the best in film, blah, blah, blah.

We all know what happens. Here’s what really matters.

Daniel Day-Lewis capped a year of accolades for his turn in There Will Be Blood, picking up his second Best Actor Oscar. Ditto Javier Bardem, who picked up his first for his supporting work in No Country for Old Men.

Surprises came in the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories when La Vie en Rose’s Marion Cotillard (pictured at right) and Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton) pulled respective upsets over leading contenders Julie Christie (Away From Her) and Cate Blanchett (I’m Not There).

Another surprise? Hearing the word “cojones” come out of Helen Mirren’s mouth.

As expected, No Country for Old Men pulled a trifecta when it was announced the winner of the Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director (for the Coen brothers), and Best Picture awards.

More importantly, the voters got it beyond right when they chose “Falling Slowly,” from Once, as the year’s Best Song.

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová performed the simply gorgeous song accompanied by Academy Awards conductor Bill Conti’s orchestra, leaving no question as to why they deserved to win.

And when the two finally took to the stage to accept their hardware, an excited Hansard urged everyone to “Make art! Make art!” in the cutest Irish accent, but Irglová wasn’t allowed to give thanks.

In what instantly became the night’s most gracious and unexpected moment, Stewart brought her back out so she could finally have a moment.

For a complete list of winners, click here.

And now on to the all-important fashion.

My pick for best dressed was Cotillard who dazzled in white Jean Paul Gaultier, followed by Cameron Diaz in pale pink Christian Dior, Keri Russell in champagne Nina Ricci, Heidi Klum in red John Galliano, and Jessica Alba in Marchesa.

Photo: MSNBC.MSN.com.

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