Oscars...Starlets & Studs stumble on fashion circuit @ Kodak Theatre! Swank surprisingly feminine!

Horizontal line at flubber waist a no-no

(Virginia Madsen)

Quite a few of the fair sex alighted from sleek black limos purring at the curb on Hollywood Boulevard last night in dazzling cocktail frocks fashioned in blood-red, as their macho counterparts abandoned the peacock "look" in favor of chic black finely-cut silhouettes, and a daring fashionista-or-two took a gamble on stylish adventures which more-often-than-not came apart at the seams when the prying eyes of the paparazzi zeroed in.

In sum, the little Gold Statuette has - for the most part - taken a back seat to the fashion circuit as a rule, as savvy social-climbing starlets (and enterprising studs on their bejewelled pearly-white arms) turn out to best one-another in outfits that amount to a handful of misguided silken threads tossed over bodacious - sometimes bimbo-inspired - half-naked bods.

A chic understated look is preferable to moi, but some - like hefty Queen Latifa, for example - have tossed caution (and their considerable weight) to the wind with disastrous results.

Uh-huh!

The God-awful trend - riddled with one glaring faux pas after another - persisted on the red carpet at the 83rd Annual Oscar Award at the Kodak Theatre last evening.

Although one of the beaming hosts (Anne Hathaway) snapped up nods of approval for her pretty frothy frock - over-sized mamma's like Virginia Madsen - caused style icons to twitter on the sidelines:

"Gosh, if only the fat lady would sing! This fashion fiasco could call it a night!"

A gaggle of par-tay stalwarts sashayed down the gauntlet in get-ups - Michelle Williams and Reese Witherspoon, for starters - that flip-flopped.

Nicole Kidman was beaded, padded, and fit to be tried - by the fashion police - by golly!

Meanwhile, Helena Bonham Carter was strapping - and strapless - with scraggly "do" crowning the unsightly mixed-up mash.

On-the-other-hand, Marissa Tomei's virginal spring special was overly-designed with matronly fashion flourishes, that bogged her youthfulness down.

Gwyneth Paltrow was a sexy bombshell, alright - which left a nasty aftertaste, though - metallic as hell.

And - sigh - Melissa Leo was obviously sleep-walking in her poorly-fitting gown which appeared to be fashioned out of a bath-room curtain or two.

Annette Bening's slinky cocktail nightmare was inside-out with unsightly seams showing.
Ouch!

Halle Berry - known as "scary Berry" in divorce circles - was sparkly, however.

The town was a-buz in respect to sultry Mila Kunis, who tripped-the-light-fantastic in a showy-gown splashed up with nubile flesh, which hinted at naivety.

Hailee Steinfeld - in Royal Blue (wrinkled) fabric - was too darn matronly (if 'ya ask me!).

As to the dudes, well, James Franco couldn't hold a candle to Marilyn (or any dummy female impersonator stupid enough to try to capture her dazzling star persona on-stage-or-off).

Billy Crystal?

If the lapels on that tux were any wider, he'd take flight when the next gust of wind fluttered in, unexpectedly.

Nope not even the zesty vigor (or sexy appeal) of the great white hope - James Franco - was capable of  boosting up the boot-straps of a posse of fops, fellas!

For instance, Russell Brand's purply-hued suit - teamed with a clashing striped shirt and lifeless black tie - screamed out the obvious:

"Big bucks can't buy 'ya taste (or love, for that matter, either)."

If Billy Crystal's lapels were any wider, he would have blown away in the stratosphere next big gust of wind!

Christian Bale (winner of best supporting actor for The Fighter) was in the right corner when he elected to sport a chic black designer suit and dark tie.

But, poor grooming - and bold-faced efforts to attain a wild he-man persona - nixed the otherwise fashionably-attired effort.

Colin Firth, Zachary Levi, Justin Timberlake, Mark Buffalo, andGeoffrey Rush sported sporting black or dark grey tuxedos from popular designers such as Tom Ford or Gucci.
No wonder folks mentioned above either ended up on my Best or Worst Dressed list for 2010.

Need a reminder about "Who's Who" on the fashion victim list?

Post:  01/01/2011

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2011/01/julian-ayrs-ten-worst-dressed-best.html

Post: 12/29/2010

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/12/julian-ayrs-3rd-annual-worst-dressed.html

By the way, there were quite a few humorous moments during the CBS Broadcast, too.

Off-the-cuff humor - on the heels of live! stage disasters - included Hathaway's quick ad-lib about "folks needing a drink at home" - after she tripped over a best-actress-winner intro.

Meanwhile, critics compared James Franco's low-key style to that of a laid-back monologue for flicks like drug-themed comedies such as "Pineapple Express".

Did he ever actually say the word - "Dude" on air?

At times, Anne and James also poked fun at each other and the Network for their ratings-inspired folly.

"Anne, I must say you look so beautiful and so hip," Franco gushed at one point on stage.

"Thank you, James," Hathaway giggled,

"You look very appealing to a younger demographic, as well."

I expect that due to the overall dismal reaction to the Oscar extravaganza (yawn!) last night, that hosting duties will return to the predictable old farts next year.

See 'ya there!



Hillary Swank surprisingly feminine

(instead of so butch!)

http://www.thetattler.biz

Oscars...Gwyneth Paltrow, Mandy Moore & Randy Newman slated to perform!

 

Ads for upcoming Oscars a bit flat!

Ever since the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences nabbed sizzling hot James Franco & sexy Anne Hathaway to host the upcoming Oscar celebrations in Tinsel Town, the power-brokers behind-the-scenes (Producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer) have been scrambling to round up a roster of heavy-weights to bolster their dazzling heady show-biz assignment on stage February 27th.

Gwyneth Paltrow has been lined up to warble "Coming Home" - for instance - a headlining tune she performed in the recently-released Country & Western gut-wrencher - "Country Strong" - which made a big splash in recent days at theatres around the country.

Randy Newman, Mandy Moore, and Zachery Levi and Florence Welch (The Machine) will also perform Oscar-nominated tunes when the curtain rings up in front of the glam-packed house at the Kodak Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard just before springs roars in at the end of the month.

Newman will also warble a tune from "Toy Story 3" - while Mandy Moore & Levi and Menchen - were hand-picked to harmonize "I see the Light" from the animated hit "Tangled".

Stay posted for the latest news Oscar buzz, eh?

Still waiting for my invite.

Oh well, 'ya know how it is with snail mail these days!

http://www.thetattler.biz/



The King's Speech...dazzling high-brow Art! Stellar acting by Colin Firth & Geoffrey Rush!

The King's Speech is a remarkable film!

Consequently, I was not surprised when the stellar Weinstein production rustled up a-dozen-or-so Oscar nominations on these shores at the crack-of-dawn this morning!

In addition, the Colin Firth vehicle nabbed a Producer's Guild Award, at the Producers' swanky annual Black Tie Soiree over the weekend.

The Darryl F. Zannick Award - which equates to a "Best Picture" nod in Oscar-speak - usually signals voting trends in the rarefied air over at the Academy of Arts & Motion Picture Sciences.

Critical acclaim aside, the high-brow offering is also being hailed by theatre-goers as a Masterpiece.

I whole-heartedly agree!

Indeed, English loyalists (and others) are just now tracking down the film for screening purposes around the country in anticipation of the upcoming 83rd Annual Oscar celebrations in Hollywood.

When the first scene flickers to life on the silver screen - even the most critical filmgoer can't help but be swept up into the lush period piece - which focuses on a little-known drama that unfolded behind-the-scenes when a Playboy Prince - the Duke Of Windsor - announced his intention to relinquish the English Throne in order to pursue an American divorcee he'd prefer to live in "sin" with (if necessary).

By now, many of the intriguing details of the run-a-way hit have leaked out - thanks to a dotting press - leaving little mystery about the plot line surrounding this passionate true-life-tale about a love that dared speak its name (and suffered dire consequences as a result).

According to the filmmakers, once King George V's eldest son begged off on his official role as the King of England, his younger brother - the Duke of York - was forced to step up to the Royal plate to take the reins with some reluctance.

Although Historians and Englishmen (in general) are familiar with the tawdry details of the "Simpson" affair, few were aware of ffrenzied behind-the-scenes maneuverings to force a stiff upper lip among handlers and politicians alike when the issue of King George VI's stammering came to light.

The King's inability to effectively communicate with leaders on the World Stage - and his peoples - must be kept under wraps at all cost for obvious reasons!

In a nutshell - "The King's Speech" is a dramatization of the Monarch's struggle to come to grips with the troubling speech impediment - and an awkward relationship which develops unexpectedly with a commoner who offers up helpful counselling capable of rectifying the problem.

For the greater part of the flick (which flies by, so engrossing is the footage) the drama zeroes in on the King's dreaded fear of being unable to effectively interact with his subjects - and thus - the unusual steps he undertakes to overcome a dilemma which threatens to topple the Empire shortly after he is forced into the limelight when war was declared with Germany.

Because the richly-textured project takes a departure from the norm - the material is elevated - and succeeds in conquering new narrative ground.

This especially rings true when "The King's Speech" explores - with great agility (and a lot of levity) - the issue of class distinction.

The touchy relationship between King and subject is turned on its ear at one point - then respectfully righted in a delightful inspiring way - that ends up resonating to the core.

Although the glossy flick is basically a drama - there is a lot of comic relief and side-splitting fun - that breaks the ice now and then during the course of the two-and-a-half-hour production.

For example, when the speech therapist observes that the King doesn't stutter when he swears, George VI erupts into a chorus of guttural curses that not only end up loosening the tongue - but also sending a torrent of words trilling trippingly off the tongue with eloquent ease.

A string of - sh**s, fu**s, - and what-have-you - never sounded so sweet before in my humble opinion.

Understandably, the house falls down in the aisles laughing uproariously.

In this version of the "Simpson" scandal, the Duke of Windsor's lover has been painted in an unlfattering light.

Normally, the uppercrust (and Historical biographers) have referred to Mrs. Simpson as a classy dame - the eptiome of style - who won the Prince's heart by virtue of her dazzling persona.

Here, the producers have depicted the interloper as a scarlet woman out to scoff up Palace spoils.

In some respects, the material reminds me of the hatchet job that was recently performed on Queen Elizabeth a scant couple of years ago in another feature film.

If anything, I expect the writers on both occasion, took a lot of poetic license.

Personally, in respect to the issue of Mrs. Simpson, I find it highly doubtful that the Duke of Windsor would be so easily hood-winked by a classless golddigger!

One fly in the ointment, as they say!

As to the performances, well, they're all stand out characterizations.

In recent years Colin Firth has been hailed for his fine performances in a handful of films (mostly produced overseas) under Iindependent banners.

In "The King's Speech" the talented actor is a tour de force to reckon with.

Indeed - his fleshed-out characterization of George VI - is literally spellbinding.

The Envelope, please!

Likewise, Geoffrey Rush once again establishes that he, too, possesses a remarkable gift for acting that appears to be bottomless.

The two in concert together make wonderful music!

A must-see 5 star feature!

http://www.thetattler.biz



83rd Annual Oscar Nominations...King's Speech nabs 12 nods! Wahlberg, Moore & Affleck snubbed!

Die-hard film buffs and a swarm of discerning film critics (anxious to yelp "I told 'ya so") tumbled out of bed at the crack of dawn today to catch a run-down of the Oscar nods for the calendar year of 2010.

I was brimming with pride when the nominees were named because - as it turns out - most of my own predictions in all the major categories fell in line with those drummed up by the Academy.

Top Ten Flicks

Post: 12/28/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/12/top-10-movies-for-2010social-network.html

Top 5 Actors & Actresses

Post: 01/02/11

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2011/01/julian-ayrs-top-5-picksactors-actresses.html

Top 5 Directors

Post: 01/09/11

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2011/01/julian-ayrs-top-5-picks-for-director.html

Top 5 Screenwriters

Post: 01/11/11

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2011/01/julian-ayrs-5-top-picksbest.html

In some respects - a handful of hopefuls who received a nod from the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences - were a shoe-in to capture the coveted honor.

But, there were a couple of nasty upsets, nonetheless.

For instance, Julianne Moore - considered a leading contender for her seamless characterization in - "The Kids are Alright" - was passed over.

Mark Wahlberg - who pined quietly in the sidelines the past few weeks (surreptiously biting his nails) watched supporting players on his highly-nominated film (The Fighter) rustle up nods while he was left out of the ring.

The Academy could have at least tossed a bone to Ben Affleck - in the category of Best Director - since the handsome actor did such a bang-up job on his first big-budget suspense-thriller (the talented kid also garnered great critical notices for his feataure "Gone Baby Gone").

Uh-huh!

The big winner was "The King's Speech" which nabbed a staggering 12 nominations.

"True Grit" trailed behind with ten of the little suckers.

As expected - "The Social Network" - made a fairly big splash alongside the oh-so-dark "Black Swan" and the well-received boxing flick "The Figher".

Mo’Nique - who was dressed-to-the-nines in a spiffy body-fitting frock which suited her dark sultry looks, nervously shared the heady task of announcing the Oscar nominees with the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at (yawn) 5:30 a.m. on CBS.

With little more ado - drum roll - please!

BEST PICTURE

• Black Swan
• The Fighter
• Inception
• The Kids are All Right
• Toy Story 3
• The King’s Speech
• The Social Network
• True Grit
• Winter’s Bone
• 127 Hours

BEST ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE

• Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network)
• Colin Firth (The King’s Speech)
• James Franco (127 Hours)
• Jeff Bridges (True Grit)
• Javier Bardem (Biutiful)

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE

• Annette Bening (Kids are All Right)
• Nicole Kidman (Rabbit Hole)
• Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone)
• Natalie Portman (Black Swan)
• Michelle Williams (Blue Valentine)

BEST ACTOR IN SUPPORTING ROLE

• Christian Bale (The Fighter)
• Mark Ruffalo, (Kids are All Right)
• John Hawkes, (Winter’s Bone)
• Jeremy Renner (The Town)
• Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech)

BEST ACTRESS IN SUPPORTING ROLE

• Amy Adams (The Fighter)
• Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech)
• Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit)
• Melissa Leo (The Fighter)
• Jacki Weaver (Animal Kingdom)

BEST DIRECTOR

• Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan)
• David Fincher (The Social Network)
• Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech)
• Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (True Grit)
• David O. Russell (The Fighter)

ANIMATED FILM

• How to Train Your Dragon
• The Illusionist
• Toy Story 3

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

• Mike Leigh (Another Year)
• Scott Silver & Paul Tamasay (Fighter)
• Christopher Nolan  (Inception)
• Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg (Kids All Right)
• David Seidler (The King’s Speech)

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

• Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufroy (127 Hours)
• Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network)
• Ethan Coen and Joel Coen (True Grit)
• Debra Granik & Anne Rosselini (Winter’s Bone)
• John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Michael Arndt
Toy Story 3)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

• Biutiful (Mexico)
• Dogtooth (Greece)
• Incendies (Canada)
• Outside the Law (Algeria)
• In a Better World (Denmark)

The Oscars will be handed out Feb. 27th amdist at lot of hoopla & dazzle at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, after nominees make the long arduous trek down the frenzied red carpet on Hollywood Boulevard.

Anne Hathaway and James Franco are hosting the splashy event!

See 'ya there.

As Bugs Bunny would say:

That's all folks!

http://www.thetattler.biz/



Casino Jack...Kevn Spacey pays tribute at screening! Film sleazy potshot @ lobbyists!

My favorite scene in "Casino Jack" is when an FBI snitch quotes a line from the "Godfather" to Kevin Spacey's character near the end of the fast-paced political potboiler.

"I know it was you Alfredo. You broke my heart!"

The moral of the story was crystal clear at that juncture.

There is no honor among thieves.

The "Spacey" vehicle was launched last night amid a lot of frenzied fanfare at the exotic Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

Sleek limousines purred at the curb, the paparazzi jockeyed for position, and celebrities trotted down the red carpet into the theatre with high expectations.

After all, "Casino Jack" has been garnering a lot of buzz in industry circles of late.

Inside, in the packed lobby - a bevy of bodacious babes and eager male suits - hovered about the fringes like moths to flame anxious to hob-nob with the tony elite.

Meanwhile, from my own perch on the sidelines, I was able to surreptitiously catch the scuttlebutt as it swirled all around me.

A few guests quibbled about the fact the ushers failed to seat them in the prestigious reserved section where they could pass themselves off as industry VIPs for appearances sake.

Tsk!  Tsk!

In another corner of the plush environs, a couple of seasoned pro's cynically advised their friends to gobble down a bit of popcorn during the screening,  before heading over to the Roosevelt for the chi-chi after-party.

"There isn't any food this year.The PR folks cut back."

Golly, how the mighty have fallen in these tough economic times.

Imagine that!

A powerful Hollywood studio scrimping on the Tinsel at a splashy World Premiere!

In due course, the lights were dimmed, signalling that the screening was about to get underway.

At this juncture, a posse of stragglers were hustled into their seats, just as Kevin Spacey was invited up to the podium to launch the premiere of the much-anticipated feature about a posse of smarmy lobbyists plying the hill in Washington D.C.

Unfortunately, there was sad news.

Director - George Hickenlooper - would not be attending the festivities because of his untimely death a couple of weeks ago.

The actor - recently bestowed with an honorary Commander of the "Order of the British Empire" (for his role in reviving London's Old Vic Theatre - proceeded to pay tribute to his good friend and business associate who he greatly admired.

Spacey - with a wide smile on his likable face - fondly recalled that he was cast for the role of the scoundrel - Jack Abramoff - on Facebook.

"Someone mentioned that I might be good for the part. So, George was poked," he chuckled with glee, looking back.

After flying over to London to meet with Spacey on location, the respected director signed the award-winning actor on for the five-week shoot.

"Casino Jack was well-received at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)," Spacey proudly noted to the attentive filmgoers - obviously saddened - by the loss of Hickenlooper.

"In fact, for the first time, George was starting to receive long overdue rave reviews and accolades for his work," Spacey underscored to the rapt audience now hanging on every word.

"Thank you for coming and supporting the film and his family who are in attendance tonight," he finished up, with a touch of emotion in his voice.

The applause was stupdendous!

In a nutshell, "Casino Jack" is a dark political satire that takes a pot-shot at unscrupulous snake-oil salesmen lobbying for special interests (and in search of good favor) on Capitol Hill.

Kevin Spacey turns-in a remarkable bravado performance - one of his best - to date.

In fact, the celebrated thespian not only gets beneath the skin of the slime-ball character he is portraying, but breathes like into an unforgettable role that won't be soon forgotten.

For Spacey, the remarkable performance is a defining moment in both his personal life and professional career.

In reflecting on the film after the screening, I was inclined to recall a piece of advice my Art Professor once offered up on the subject of critiques.

"When viewing a work of art - whether it be a painting, a movie, or dance performance - the viewer must first stand back and fathom what just washed over them."

In the instant case of Casino Jack, the fast-paced dark farce about dirty politics, is so slick (well-written, acted to perfection, lushly produced) that it capably seduces filmgoers right out of the starter's gate before they are aware of what hit 'em.

Unfortunately, once the credits crawl to a close, there is a rude awakening.

I'll wager that once the initial potent power of the story-telling wears off, that - ten to one - a gaggle of filmgoers will ultimately feel like the innocents depicted in the film - that they have been taken.

But, if they're keen on a couple of hours of delicious raucous fun, all will be forgiven!

http://www.thetattler.biz

John Lovitz & Kevin Spacey turn in brilliant performances!

Jane Lynch...star busting into stratosphere! Deserving success...

Jane Lynch rockets to success!

Jane Lynch is a tall, imposing woman in person, who commands attention.

The first time I crossed paths with the GLEE star was at the CineVegas Film Festival a couple of years ago on the frenzied red carpet for "The Rocker" premiere in the heart of the desert oasis.

Post: 06/13/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2008/06/cinevegas-film-festivalrainn-wilson.html

Although Ms Lynch’s acting career was not soaring into the stratosphere at that time, it was evident under the intense glare of the spotlight, that the charismatic actress had that indefinable something - the “it” factor - that is a prerequisite in the topsy-turvy entertainment business.

I was also impressed by her down-to-earth unpretentious manner.

What you see, is what you get.

The actress - who has met with considerable success since then -  this year in particular - offered up some great advice for performers stomping at the bit to break into the lofty realms of stardom.

“Just ‘do’,” she responded, when I asked her to offer up a few ingredients to acting success.

“Take an acting class. Get in a play. 'Do'  as much as possible,” she stressed above all else, as a posse of reporters (who hung on every word) scribbled down the quote in their notebooks.

A couple of he paparazzi on hand - turned their searing lenses in her direction - to capture the charismatic performer on tape (and for posterity's sake, no doubt).

When I reflect on that moment, I suddenly realize, Ms. Lynch was definitely in her element and inclined to soak up the entire heady high-energy experience because she was "ready" to make her grand entrance onto the world stage.

Appearances on Saturday Night Live, and a stint on Glee, are just icing on the cake at this juncture.
She’ll be making a lasting contribution in the industry- mark my words - in the next year or two.

Couldn’t happen to a nicer person!

You go, Jane!

 

 

 

 
 

Talented actress honored with likeness at Madame Tussaud's!

Fashion Faceoff: Kim K. vs. Tyra Banks

Are you ready for another style throwdown? Faceoff regular Kim Kardashian puts her best foot forward for a battle with fashion mogul Tyra Banks after both were spotted sporting the same Rachel Roy sheath. This time it's stilettos at ten paces, because our candidates both look mighty fierce! Question is, who wore it better?

 

Kim Kardashian rocked the red carpet in the coral-colored gown last Friday at the 2010 Cosmetic Executive Women Beauty Awards in New York City. The "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star paired her figure-hugging gown with a multi-colored Talita spiked clutch and Alti platform pumps, both from Christian Louboutin, and an elegant updo.

Read More ..

Source : http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/a-line/fashion-faceoff-kim-k-vs-tyra-banks/498?nc

Fashion's Super Bowl : Red Carpet

The Academy Award ceremonies have been around since l929 when a group of 270 guests met at the Biltmore Hotel and paid 5.00 dollars each for Lobster Eugenie and "Los Angeles Salad." Back then, it was all about the food, and apparently today, it's all about the fashion.

From feather boas and satin gowns of the twenties, to haute couture and the millions of dollars of jewels on loan today, this is the fashion industry's Super Bowl. And it's hard to remember a time when we watched the Oscars without the preliminary fashion show/product placement/walk of fame and shame that is known as the "Red Carpet."

 

The Sundance Channel tackles the phenomenon this Thursday (7:00 PM CST) with its documentary "The Red Carpet Issue." How does an awards ceremony honoring great achievements in film turn into an extension of the fashion industry? French journalist Olivier Nicklaus explores the trials and tribulations as stylists, fashion designers, publicists, and celebrities jockey for position for the best and brightest to wear on the red carpet.

 

As with everything in life, there is a dirty underbelly to the practice. According to the many editors, stylists, and industry insiders who were interviewed, the name of the game is exposure and press. Apparently fashion houses and clothing brands will do and pay just about anything to get their items on the back, on the arm or in the hands of a glamorous star.

How did it get to this point and what did we watch before? And does it matter if Penelope dons Versace, Angelina is wearing Prada, or Meryl is in Chanel? Nevertheless, the two-three hour pre-event (depending on which channel you watch) has become a permanent addition to the Oscar ceremony with the follow up best and worst dressed lists bumping everything off the news short of a nuclear holocaust. The red carpet has taken a life of its own -- I have even heard of college drinking games centered around how many times the viewer hears "what are you wearing" and "amazing." For a night, it's the ultimate reality television.

Source : huffingtonpost.com