The red carpet for the 2008 Oscars saw a very focused mix of red and black floor length gowns worn by the biggest names in Hollywood. The notables donning red? 2007 Oscar Winner Helen Mirren (Georges Chakra), Actress Anne Hathaway (Marchesa), and most effortlessly Supermodel Hedi Klum in a runway-ready Galiano. Notables in black, or near black were 2004/2006 Oscar Winner Hilary Swank (Versace), Actress Penelope Cruz (Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Haute Couture), and a very refreshing Actress Jennifer Garner in Oscar de La Renta.
Oscar Exclusive: Style Spotlight
However, the REAL red carpet draw this year? The Bling! Dripping in diamond and other exquisite jewelry at every turn were the celebs that dared to shine. To follow is a list of what many eyes did not spy on the red carpet, but we DID...read on....
Harry Winston
Anne Hathaway (Oscar Presenter) in Harry Winston, 10-carat diamond cushion-cut, micro-pave drop earrings; valued at more than $1 million. Harry Winston, diamond set-in platinum cross-over ring, featuring more than 60 brilliant cut diamonds.
Others include: Director Joe Drumwright, Actress Jamie King
Swarovski
Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose) carried Daniel Swarovskiâs white Lana long box clutch.
Ruby Dee (American Gangster) selected a vintage gold crystal clutch by Daniel Swarovski
Others include: Faye Dunaway, Kelly Preston, Adrienne Frantz, Nancy O'Dell, Shaun Robinson
*photo from lester Cohen, Wire Image
Wrap Up
The 80th Annual Academy Awards may most easily go down as one of the most artsy takes on the Oscars ceremony ever. Why? With all four of the top acting trophies going to European actors and several of the Red Carpet walkers not being the big-name box office draws much of the public is used to--artsy seems to be a "fitting description." Highlights of the ceremony lie in moments such as the brief, but gripping acceptance speech of Best Actress Winner Marion Cotillard. In a very sweet French accent, Ms. Cotillard ended by saying, "Well, I'm speechless now. I -- I -- well, I -- thank you life, thank you love, and it is true, there is some angels in this city. Thank you so, so much."
Comedic Host Jon Stewart was back in rare form after skipping a year of hosting. A bit more cautious with his comments, given the somber tone of the house, he did an excellent job as always. Performances by Kristen Chenowith Enchanted and others singing "That's How You Know" from the movie along with Marlon Saunders was touching; as was Jamia Simone Nash's "Raise It Up" from August Rush accompanied by IMPACT Repertory Theater of Harlem headed by Jamal Joseph.
Didn't catch the ceremony? Get the highlights now on You Tube. That's right the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences has stepped things up with a branded Oscar channel featuring Academy Awards® show highlights and exclusive video interviews with members from each of the Academyâs branches. Participants include Quincy Jones, Alfred Molina, Sidney Poitier and John Travolta.
As always, looking forward to next year....
*photos from Steve Granitz, Wire Image
Christian McKenzie is an Editor, Journalist and Film Producer based in New York and London. She has worked with IMG Fashion, Future Proof Productions, Acolyte Films, and Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation. For more information, visit ChristianMcKenzie.com
A life-long New Yorker currently residing in Maine, Richard has employed his writing and artistic talents in a wide variety of professions and projects. He presently does music promotion for underground artists, is a tireless community activist/organizer who has worked on several high-profile political and civil rights campaigns, and is also himself a musician who has performed in numerous bands, done some studio session work, and currently makes instructional guitar and bass playing videos.
George T. Wilson aka Georgeo is the owner of a small boutique PR agency Mangeo Public Relations Group which caters to a select group of clientele who are a brand or on thier way to becoming one. He has been involved in the entertainment field for a number of years and first got his start in the industry as a dancer/ choreographer of his own production company. With his passion for life he is inspired to greatness by walking in his destiny without apology .
New York based Lifestyle Consultant Peggie Walker is on a quest! As Executive Editor of this very blog (The Quest for "it") Peggie has recently re-ignited her longtime passions in the areas of inter-generational beauty, fashion, lifestyle and culture. Look for articles that reflect her quest as well as that of others. Some things borrowed, some things new some things old....here's wishing ALL your dreams come true.
The Quest for "it "welcomes our first official Guest Blogger on film, Sharon Abella. Sharon is a true girl about town reporting on Film premieres from the red carpet to the after parties. Coverage for 2007 includes: The Kite Runner, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street etc.
Check Sharon out in the Film Category of this blog--NOW!
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