The Quest for "it"

The 81st Annual Academy Awards - Official New York Oscar Night Party

                                                            Hi,

While the film industry's finest walked the red carpet in Los Angeles at the Kodak Theater at Hollywood and Highland, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Official New York Oscar Night Celebration, at the famed Carlyle Hotel, New York was just getting under way.  New York based Academy members, including past Oscar winners and nominees, had been invited to attend a dinner and private viewing of the 81st Annual Academy Awards Telecast.

The elite group invitees made the entire evening a special one.  We spoke with renown Broadway and Emmy Award winning actress Elaine Stritch, asking how she became involved with the evening at the Carlyle -- "I live at the Carlyle, and I work at the Cafe Carlyle;  I do a performance once a year.  I play 4 weeks, so that's how I get involved, it's my home!"

Legendary actress Patricia Neal who won  Best Actress for her performance in Hud (with Paul Newman), and was nominated for Best Actress for The Subject Was Roses, as well as appeared in a number of other memorable films shared  her memory of winning Oscar.  " I've been up twice, but  I was not at the Oscars when I won because I'd had a baby, 3 days later I was in England so I couldn't be here...Annabella Power (Tyrone Power's wife) accepted for me."

Amidst glasses of the evening's specialty cocktail, the Red Carpet Fizz courtesy of Moet & Chandon, and trays of hors d'oeuvres, guests continued to pour in.  Others walking the red carpet included: Rip Torn, Shirley Knight, Burt Young, Celia Weston, Sylvia Miles, Amy Wright, Tovah Feldshuh, Lis Eichhorn, Tina Louise, Cynthia Wade, David Rasche, Sid Ramin, Nathaniel Kahn, Ken Ascher, Richard Barclay, Jimmy Picker, Robert Richter, Donna Zakowska, and  Bud Rosenthal.

Oscar's Best Acceptance Speeches for 2009

                                                                Hello!

The acceptance speech after winning any award is crucial, and if you miss one word you may have missed a lot. To follow are excerpts from the acceptance speeches of Oscar 2009's BIG winners.

Sean Penn-Best Actor, Milk

"Thank you. Thank you. You commie, homo-loving sons-of-guns. I did not expect this, but I, and I want it to be very clear, that I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me often. But I am touched by the appreciation and I hoped for it enough that I did want to scribble down, so I had the names in case you were commie, homo-loving sons-of-guns, and so I want to thank my best friend, Sata Matsuzawa. My circle of long-time support, Mara, Brian, Barry and Bob. The great Cleve Jones. Our wonderful writer, Lance Black. Producers Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks."

We've got to have equal rights for everyone. And there are, and there are, these last two things. I'm very, very proud to live in a country that is willing to elect an elegant man president and a country who, for all its toughness, creates courageous artists. And this is in great due respect to all the nominees, but courageous artists, who despite a sensitivity that sometimes has brought enormous challenge, Mickey Rourke rises again and he is my brother. Thank you all very much."

Kate Winslet-Best Actress,The Reader

I feel very fortunate to have made it all the way from there to here. And I'd like to thank some of the people along the way who had faith in me, my friends and my family, especially my mum and dad, who are in this room somewhere. Dad, whistle or something, 'cause then I'll know where you are. (He whistles.) Yeah! (Waving to him.) I love you

The Family of Health ledger-Best Supporting Actor- The Dark Knight

Kim Ledger: First of all, I have to say this is ever so humbling. Just being amongst such wonderful people, such a wonderful industry. Firstly, I'd like to thank the Academy for recognizing our son's amazing work, Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan in particular, for allowing Heath the creative license to develop and explore this crazy Joker character. To Steve Alexander, Heath's mentor, special friend and agent for 10 years. We love you, Steve.

This award tonight would've humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here, his peers, within an industry he so loved. Thank you.


Penelope Cruz-Best Supporting Actress ,Vicky Christina Barcelona

This is not going to be 45 seconds, I can say that right now. Has anybody ever fainted here? Because I might be the first one. Thank you so much to the Academy. I want to share this with my fellow nominees and

with the amazing ensemble of actors that I had the privilege to work with in this movie. Thank you, Woody, for trusting me with this beautiful character. Thank for you having written over all these years some of the

greatest characters for women. And I cannot talk about great female characters without thanking my friend Pedro Almodóvar for having made me part of so many of his adventures. Thank you, Bigas Luna, Fernando  

*photo by Photo Agency

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FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: Best Dressed at Oscars 2009

                                                      Hi,

In what was probably one of the BEST executed Academy Awards shows in many years, the Oscar fashions managed to be equally as DAZZLING.  It's back to black and white--yet again this year....how 2007!

2009 red carpet scene-stealers  who wore white, or off-white dresses ironically were many of the evening's nominated actresses: Anne Hathaway (Giorgio Armani Prive), Marisa Tomei (Versace), Penelope Cruz (Vintage Balmain Haute Couture), and Taraji P. Henson (Roberto Cavalli).  Those not nominated also seem to favor some form of white and included: Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cyrus, Melissa George and others.

In stark contrast dark to black gowns were worn by: Kate Winslet (Yves Saint Laurent), Anjelina Jolie, Monique Cotilliard,Vanessa Hudgens.  Other standouts included actress Natalie Portman (Rodarte) and Alicia Keys who both wore pink, Heidi Klum (Roland Mouret) in red and Best Supporting Actress nominee Viola Davis in a gold Reem Acra gown. 

To follow are select photos from the momentous occasion.

Left to Right: Kate Winslet, Anjelina Jolie, Penelope Cruz, Taraji P. Henson

*photos by Jason Merritt/ Getty Images North America   

The Official New York Oscar® Night Party Preview

                                         Hello!

The long awaited time has come, and select members of the press were granted access on Wednesday, February 11th to a look at some of the advance preparations for the Academy's Official New York Oscar® Night celebration*** at the Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel.  The event included a first peek at the decor, table setting, exclusive cocktail and the five specialty courses inspired by each of this year's Best Picture Academy Award nominees.

The presentation had much to offer, introductions and  demonstrations were made  by The Carlyle's Executive Chef James Sakatos, Chair of the Oscar Night CelebrationpProduction/Costume Designer Donna Zakowska, Celia Weston Vice Chari of the Oscar Night Celebration/ Actress (Junebug, in the Bed Room, The T alented Mr. Ripley),Robert Osbourne Official Biographer of the  Academy Awards, Moet  & Chandon's Andree Coroon,  Sterling Vineyards' Neil Tallantire, Bud Rosenthal AMPAS NewYork ERvents Committee Chair, and Patrick Harrrison, AMPAS New York Program Director.

So what will be served come Oscar Night at the swank New York City celebration?  After watching each of the five films nominated for this year's Best Picture Oscars, The Carlyle's  Executive Chef James Skatos was inspired to create a special five course menu for the Academy's official New York Oscar® Night Party. Here is an abridged version of the evening's  evening menu:

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button-Crawfish Bisque,Toamto Flan and American Caviar
  
• The Reader-Wild Mushroom Strudel, Ragout of Winter Root Vegetables, Riesling Sauce
  
• Frost/Nixon- Grilled American Snapper,Braised Salsify, Golden Beet, Lotus Root Chips, Californai Citrus Sauce
  
• Slumdog Millionaire- Tandoori Lamb, Red Lentil Dal, Tomato Chutney and Cucumber Mint Raita 
• Milk-Opera Cake, Chocolate Cream Tatlet, Truffles and Frozen Coconut Milk Foam
  

The official cocktail? The Red Carpet Fizz courtesy of Moet & Chandon which will be the EXCLUSIVE champagne of the 81st Annual Academy Awards. The specialty cocktail a combination of pomegranate juice, C reme de Peche, fresh lemon juice, a dash of Campari, all topped with Moet & Chandon White Star.  "Moet & Chandon is synonymous with the glamour of fabulous celebration and has a long standing tradition of being present at Hollywood's most prestigious events, says Mark Cornell, President and CEO of Moet Hennessey USA.  "Through this innovative partnership with the Academy, Moet & Chandon is thrilled to toast achievement in Hollywood and honor the work of the most talented members of the film industry, while sharing the magic and excitement of the Academy Awards and  with film-goers nationwide."

***-since 1990, the Academy has hosted a New York Oscar Night celebration for its East Coast members. many of whom are previous winners  and nominees.

*photos courtesy of Alex Oliveira/A.M.P.A.S. and Kevin Macdonald/A.M.P.A.S.

Tim Gunn, Robin Roberts & Jess Cagle to Host Oscar's Red Carpet 2009

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Looks like Tim Gunn, Robin Roberts, and Jess Cagle will host the official 30 minute red carpet show "Oscar's Red Carpet 2009," executive producer Robert Morton announced today.  This will be the first time they have hosted for the Oscar pre-show, which airs beginning at 5:00 pm on the ABC Television Network, immediately prior to the 81st Academy Awards® presentation.

Tim Gunn, who is chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne Inc.  and well known for his co-hosting of the Emmy® nominated program "Project Runway," will interview celebrities and comment on red carpet fashions during guest arrivals.  In addition to hosting "Project Runway,"he is also starring in the second season of his own show "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style," based on his book "Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style."

Roberts is a "Good Morning America anchor who has traveled from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to the Persian Gulf covering a wide array of topics.  Prior to joining "Good Morning America," Roberts was a commentator and contributor to  ESPN, where she covered the LPGA, NCAA women's basketball and the WNBA.  The highly regarded anchor and journalist will interview nominees as they make their way to the Kodak Theatre on Oscar Night ®.

Cagle is the managing editor of Entertainment Weekly, and the former executive editor of People.  He is a regular contributor to CBS News, and appears frequently on a number of shows such as "Today" and "20/20."  Cagle brings his extensive knowledge of film Hollywood history to his stint as an Oscar pre-show host.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday February 22, 2009 at the Kodak Theater at Hollywood Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Street Closures Announced for Oscar Week in LA

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As the time draws nearer we get a little more pertinent information on the Oscar mayhem that will keep the city of Los Angeles on its toes at least seven days.  To ensure public safety, support security strategies, and facilitate the production of the 81st Academy Awards® show, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and the City of Los Angeles have finalized street closure plans around the Kodak Hollywood Theatre at Hollywood Highland Center® in Hollywood.

To accommodate the construction of press risers, fan bleachers and pre-show stages along the Academy Awards red carpet, Hollywood Boulevard will be closed between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive beginning at 10:00 pm on Sunday, February 15.  It will re-open at 6:00 am on February 16,  close again at 10:00 pm  that same day, and then remain closed until 6:00 am on Tuesday, February 24.

MTA subway trains will bypass the Hollywood and Highland stations after the last regularly scheduled train on Saturday February 21, until 6: 00 am  Monday, February 23. Service at the stations will resume with the first scheduled train after 6: 00 am .

Between Sunday February 15, and Sunday February 22, the day of the Academy Awards presentation, additional streets and sidewalks will be closed for varying periods.

Details of the closure and maps of the affected areas are available from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the sixth and the Thirteenth District City Council field offices, at Navigatehollywood.com and on the Academy's website at oscars.org

81st Academy Awards Nominations Announced

Hey There,

 

Nominations for the 81st Academy Awards were announce today (Thursday, January 22) by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Sid Ganis and Oscar® Winner Forest Whitaker.

Ganis and Whitaker, who won an Academy Award for his lead performance in the "The Last King of Scotland" (2006), announced the nominees in 10 of 24 categories at a 5:38 a.m. PT LIVE news conference attended by more than 400 international media representatives.  Lists of nominations in all categories were  then distributed to the news media in attendance and via the Internet on the official Academy Awards Web site, oscars.com

To follow is an abridged listing Click link above for  full version.

Nominations for the 81st Academy Awards

Performance by an Actor in a leading Role

• Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
• Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
• Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
• Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
• Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

• Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
• Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
• Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
• Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

• Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” (Sony Pictures Classics)
• Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” (Universal)
• Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics)
• Meryl Streep in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company)

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

• Amy Adams in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)
• Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
• Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Achievement in Directing

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
• “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Ron Howard
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
• “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

Best Motion Picture of the Year

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
• “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production,Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
• “Milk” (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
• “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Nominees to be determined
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production,Christian Colson, Producer

Oscar Night® America 2009 Extends the Party to 52 Cities Nationwide

Hey There!

Looks like Oscar Night festivities will sweep the country more this year than ever before. Our best source reports Oscar Night America (ONA), the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' grassroots program that enables local charities to host glamorous Oscar viewing parties and raise money for their organizations, kicks off its 16th year in 2009.

Even in the best of times, the need for financial support keeps growing.  So this year we're especially gratified to have so many cities and charities participating in Oscar Night America," said Academy Executive Director Bruce Davis.

On Sunday, February 22, 52 cities including first-timer Grand Rapids , Michigan, will host official Oscar viewing parties during the 81st Academy Awards ceremony.  The events will all feature the live broadcast of the Awards presentation on the ABC Television Network. 

In addition, to Grand Rapids, ONA 2009 locations are Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnatti, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Greensboro/Winston-Salem, Greenville, Hartford, Honolulu, Houston, Inidanapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Lewisburg, Little Rock, Los  Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, Omaha, Orlando, Palm Beach, Palm Springs, Philadeplhia, Phoenix, Portland, Providence ,Raleigh, Richmond, Sacaramento, St, Louis, Salt lake City, San Anotnio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Springfield (MO), Tampa, Tucson and Washington DC.

Most parties are black-tie affairs, though some are less formal.  Some party goers dress up as famous couples, and some events feature limousine arrivals and red carpets complete with local celebrities, paparazzi and press interviews for arriving guests.  To set these parties apart from the thousands of other events taking place on Oscar Night, each ONA party receives from the Academy copies of the official commemorative poster and the official Oscar show program.  Only one charity party in a given market may participate in ONA.  Events are entirely produced by local non-profit organizations, with the active participation of the local ABC-TV affiliate station.

Last year 51 charities, hosted viewing parties for the 80th Academy Awards, raising ore than $3.3 million, all of it remaining in local communities.  With close to 16,000 guests attending nationwide, ONA 2008 benefited such charities as American Diabetes Association, American Red Cross, Ronald Mc Donald House, Special Olympics, the United Way and the Ellie Fund for Breast Cancer Research.  For more details visit Oscars.org

2009 Oscar Ballots Mailed

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It's here! The BIG day has arrived, well almost, the 2008 Oscar Nomination Ballots were mailed to voters today. Nomination ballots for the 81st Annual Academy Awards were mailed to the 5,810 voting members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

Completed ballots must be returned to PriceWaterhouseCoopers by 5:00 pm on Monday, January 12, 2009. Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted. 

Nomination and final award ballots are tabulated by PricewaterhouseCoopers to ensure that all aspects of the balloting process are conducted with fairness and accuracy.

Prior to mailing, the PricewaterhouseCoopers staff administers a thorough verification process to ensure that there are no duplicate ballots and that none are missing. In addition to being counted and sorted, the ballots are numbered to guarantee that each one is addressed to the appropriate Academy voter.

The 81st Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 22,2009, at 5:30 am PT in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater.  Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theater at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Hugh Jackman to Host the 81st Anuual Academy Awards

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Looks like People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive is now the proud host of the upcoming 81st Annual Academy Awards.  Hugh Jackman will host the 81st Academy Awards® telecast, announced today by producer Laurence Mark and Executive Producer Bill Condon .  "Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer, and an internationally renowned movie star," said Mark Condon in a joint statement.  "He also has style, elegance and a sense of occasion.  Hugh is the ideal choice to host a celebration of this year's movies--and have fun doing it."

This will be Hugh Jackman's first time as host at the Oscar show, although he has previously been a presenter.  Academy Awards for outstanding film achievement will be presented on Sunday, February 29, 2009, at the Kodak Theater at Hollywood and Highland Center, and televised by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation will also be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

*photo courtesy of Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences