a LIFE of STYLE

The 82nd annual Academy Awards was long on nominees (10 for best picture!) and long on time, as in it ran 30 minutes long.   The show, chock full of Hollywood's finest was beautifully shot and produced.   The evening got off to a shaky start with the well executed but awkwardly written musical opener performed by Neil Patrick Harris.     Host's Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin were great together as a comedy duo.   I'm sure someone is writing a buddy film for them as  you read this!

I must say I thought the fashion was not so exciting.   Everyone looked pretty, but I felt like my brain was on auto pilot as I watched the entrances.  Maybe I'm just suffering from sensory overload from award season. SANDRA BULLOCK IN MARCHESA  

Sandra Bullock won an Oscar, which many thought would never be in the cards for the bankable movie star.   While Bullock has incredibly successful films, they aren't always the favorite of critics.  CHARLIZE THERON - CHRISTIAN DIORI'm not usually a big fan of Marchesa, and I don't think Sandra's dress flattered her all that much. She looked beautiful, but that was all on her own.   I wish the dress was a little more fitted and hugged her curves.   Bravo Ms. Bullock!  It is so pleasing to see someone of great integrity rewarded for their hard work.

Two stand outs in my mind were Demi Moore in Atelier Versace and Charlize Theron in Christian Dior.  DEMI MOORE - ATELIER VERSACE Both ladies chose colors that stood out and were flattering, and both know how to make an entrance.   Demi Moore amazes me,  that woman works it year after year!!  Bravo ladies!.

Special mention to the dreamy set designed again this year by David Rockwell.   Rockwell had the impossible task of topping himself from last years Swarovski studded set.  He succeeded, it was magical.

Here is the short list of winners:

Best picture

• "The Hurt Locker"

Actor
• Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"

Actress
• Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"

Supporting actor
• Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"

Supporting actress
• Mo'Nique, "Precious"

Director
• Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker"