PENELOPE, NINE, & OSCAR

Yes, you read that correctly.   Although the big screen, bigger budget musical -NINE has failed to attract many viewers, one of it's leading ladies received an Oscar Nomination today!  Penelope Cruz was nominated in the best supporting actress category. PENELOPE CRUZ IN ARMANI PRIVE Her  portrayal of Carla, mistress to famed director Guido Contini is one of the highlights of the film.  Nine follows the mid-life crisis of the most famous movie director in Italy, Guido Contini.  We watch Contini,  played by Oscar Winner - Daniel Day-Lewis as his high profile life unravels.   Cruz gives an eye popping fantasy love dance to her Guido, that could make Lady Gaga blush!   What is so evident in Penelope's performance - and in all the performances for that matter, is how much they trust and admire the films director - Rob Marshall.   Best known for his smash hit- Chicago, Marshall was able to get these Hollywood heavyweights to give till it hurts (us more than them!).    Stars like Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman, & Dame Judy Dench step out of their comfort zones and sing us through this loosely woven story.   Day-Lewis had to sing lyrics that are more uncomfortable to watch than his amazing portrayal in There Will Be Blood!

MARION COTILLARD IN CHRISTIAN DIORThe other highlight besides Penelope Cruz is Marion Cotillard.   Her portrayal as devoted wife Luisa to Day-Lewis' Contini is sincere and authentic - and her singing is some of the best in the film.    Considering how lackluster the rest is, that doesn't sound like much of a complement - but it is!   I must admit that your time would be better spent by just renting the classic - 8 1/2 by Fellini.

Fans of Cruz should go and see Pedro Almodovar's latest - Broken Embraces.   It is classic Almodovar and Cruz is at the top of her game - blossoming as usual in the creative hands of Almodovar.KATE HUDSON IN MARCHESA

Kate Hudson also appears in NINE.   She portrays a Vogue editor, and even considering the fact that the film takes place in the 1950's - it's an embarrassing role.    Hudson's highlight is that she channels her real life mother - Goldie Hawn in a dance performance that could give you a flashback to Laugh-In from the 60's - if you are so historically inclined! 

The Ladies of Nine sparkled on the red carpet for the Golden Globes this year.  Penelope stole the show there as well in Armani Prive.  Cotillard was stunning in Christian Dior.   Hudson looked beautiful in white, but the dress by Marchesa didn't flatter. GEORGINA CHAPMAN & HARVEY WEINSTEIN  Also, the fact that the dress was designed Georgina Chapman, wife of the films producer - Harvey Weinstein - just felt forced.   It always does,  you will notice many starlets performing in Weinstein projects - suddenly choose Marchesa.

See Nine while you can, but don't say you haven't been warned.  Watch the trailer below - I know it looks great.