Oscar Diary Madness -March 2003

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OSCAR DIARY MADNESS
Nathaniel reaches the climax of his annual pathetic obsession with all things naked and golden.

Thursday, March 27th, 6:55 AM/ 8:06 PM

It's the very last note about the 2002 OSCARS! We bid 2002 goodbye...

For the past 48 hours I haven't turned on the computer. That's been a really nice feeling. I'm so relieved that this season is over. Now, comes the cool off period. I've just got the fashion report and my predictions into next year (coming on Tuesday, April 1st) to go and then I'm on OSCAR hiatus. Don't fret dear readers. I'll be back... It's just that it would be nice to review films again rather than bet on races and watch awards shows.

One of the reasons that I can't turn my computer on so much is that I've noticed article headings that are already about next year's race. I want to make my predictions fresh (as opposed to derivative) so I can't visit any of the sites I normally visit -except for Greg's Previews. I have to go there to read up on cast lists, release dates, etc... But I even noticed yesterday at work that he had posted up Oscar contenders next year so I had to click off his site right away so as not to read the article: Call me superstitous. I don't have a great track record for one year in advance predictions -(except for the Best Actress category which I regularly do well in for some reason) but I want to stay unsullied. My list is like a virgin -it hasn't been around the block.

OK... I promised.... a mini photo gallery of my fashion takes and other notes on the participants:

Best Dressed

#1
Renée Zellweger

#2
Diane Lane

#3
Catherine Zeta-Jones

#4
Adrien Brody

#5
Nicole Kidman

I'm depressed as anyone that she seems to have lost yet another few lbs. But I LOVE this dress. I was so tired of seeing her in black. Beautiful dress.

I couldn't find a picture fast enough, but she's been looking better every ceremony. It's as if she's only warming up.

She's looked more and more radiant the closer she gets to her due date. Whether belting out "I Move On" with Queen Latifah or glowing in her seat, she was fab.

The evenings sharp dress man (Love the tie!) was also the surprise winner. Nice synergy there.

I am tired of all black but Nicole pulled it off well. And the evening's most popular look, assymetrical shoulder straps looked best on her.

Also looking Spiffy...

Kathy Bates Classy and raucous simultaneously -the only other diva who pulls that off so well is Bette Midler. Halle Berry But then, when doesn't she look great? Julianne Moore ahhhhhh, green!

Worst Dressed

#2
Luciana Pedrazo (Duvall's co-star and new girlfriend)

#1
Hilary Swank

#3
Luis whatsisname

#3
Cloris Leachman

#5
Salma Hayek

She looked like she was tricked into S & M gear and wasn't enjoying it. At all. To make matters worse the same exact outfit was featured in a commercial during the telecast.

Ever since winning for the Oscar for playing a transgendered victim she's gotten more and more girlie in attire. This see-through pink thing was the worst yet. Relax, Swank. We know you are all woman.

Despite my horror at Eminem now having the moniker of Oscar winner, I didn't need to see this guy. This is not appropriate attire for Hollywood's high holy day.

I love Cloris, but she must have known that the side saddle baby's breathish hat and the very busy metallic blue dress was going to inspire jeers. Perhaps that's why she put it on?

She seemed vaguely pissed off the whole night (except for in moments involving Frida) but what was with this half and half dress. She'd been looking so good all season.

Also Looking Rough Around the Edges...

Cameron Diaz The dress was all black but it was so busy with straps, belts, changes in texture... I couldn't stomach it. Heather Graham

Miscellania

Sally Kirkland

Julianne Moore

Meryl Streep

Jennifer Garner

Christine Vachon & Todd Haynes

As certain as taxes and death, Sally Kirkland shows up at the Oscars each year. This is her version of "toned down" -for her, it honestly is!

The color was unbelievably beautiful but that middle ruffle? What was that about? Distracting. Otherwise she looked heavenly.

I can't believe it. Meryl gave up the pantsuit. Quick, Meryl, have a chat with Sissy Spacek. How long has she been wearing the same outfit?

She's making a lot of best dressed lists but -Good lord- This dress did not fit. I bet it took hours for the crease to disappear from her double bosom.

I never thought I'd see two of the cinema's most important mavericks attending the Oscars but there they were. Hooray!

Activists

Michael Moore

Andy Serkis

How wierd to see him without a baseball cap on and all dressed up. Still, he was the same old Michael Moore when all was said and done.

His Gollum made The Two Towers resonate, but I guess he isn't a big enough star to generate media attention with his signage.

Also Speaking Out for Peace

Susan Sarandon
With a simple peace sign and her inimitable authoritative stare, she made her way to the podium.

Gael Garcia Bernal
Mexico's superstar is apparently beautiful both inside and out.

Adrien Brody
The night's best and most humane speech.

Hollywood's Foreign Outreach

Spain

Denmark

uAustralia & Wales

Germany took home the Foreign Film honors but it was Spain that made the big splash. Pedro Almodovar, master filmmaker, took home his second Oscar and came with his Talk To Her cast.

A team of exuberant Danes accepted the best live action short Oscar for their romantic comedy about racism towards immigrants "This Charming Man". Ha det!

Goddesses Nicole Kidman and Catherine Zeta-Jones aren't originally from America but they're so beautiful they scream "HOLLYWOOD!!!"

Monday, March 24th, 9:07 PM

I'm not sure I can do this anymore. I'm so exhausted. I hoped to write up a big rundown but you'll have to settle for the following little snippet lists. Go here to see the overview on my predictions versus results. All in all, it was one of my favorite Oscar nights ever: Slightly crazed, very twist & turny, genuine suspense, unexpected emotions... I'm seriously stunned at what a great show it was. I actually felt something watching it other than disappointment. What a wierd and wonderful night it was.

Lessons of the evening:
1. Precursors are fallible. It's not a science.
SAG had a bad night as its predictive power waned considerably. Only one of SAGs four winners triumphed a the Oscars. The DGA predictive rate took yet another recent hit as well.
2. Miramax didn't exactly get the shaft with several wins in their favor but if I'm not mistaken they got a mild slap on the wrist. The message last night seemed to be "we're sick of being told who to vote for!"
3. Freedom of Speech rules. Speak your mind!
4. They felt bad about shafting Julianne Moore (note the tremendous applause when she walked out to present) as well they should have.
5. Wear your heart on your sleeve. It looks good on you. Was there anything more lovely than Adrien Brody, Chris Cooper, Nicole Kidman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones genuine happiness?
6. Diane Lane is hot.
7. Adrien Brody is cool.
8. Nia Vardalos: Your clock is ticking.
9. Never bet against Eminem snagging a trophy. No matter what the trophy is or how unlikely his chances seem.
10. AMPAS voters actually watched their screeners this year. How else to explain such wise choices in several key categories.

A Few Downers In a Great Night:
5. Ben Affleck and J.Lo were there. Wake me when they're over. Zzzzzzzzzzzz So overexposed.
4. Renee seems to have lost another 5 lbs.
3. Salma Hayek's "bad sport" moment - her obvious displeasure when Mexico lost the foreign film award was unprofessional.
2. Chicago winning Best Art Direction. Why? This above Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings, Old New York in Gangs of New York? I don't get it. At all.
1. The boos for Michael Moore. He gets a standing ovation and then they dog him. No fair!

Top Dozen Favorite Moments:
12. Mizayaki has an Oscar. How cool is that?
11. Steve Martin's "people who've slept with me" Brady Bunch game. Funny. Jack Nicholson is such a great sport, is he not?
10. Peter O Toole tribute. How great is Lawrence of Arabia anyway?
9. Susan Sarandon signals peace and says nothing. Diva!
8. Pedro has another Oscar. Given the climate in America right now it was heartening to see
such love spread to deserving foreigners.
7. Steve Martin's "What is a movie star?" Very very funny. (I wish he'd been this on the whole night... sigh)
6. Michael Moore's rabble rousing. Freedom of speech is what makes this country great -whether or not you agree with anything being said by anyone. Good for Moore!
5. Chris Cooper's acceptance speech. Classy and moving.
4. Kathy Bates's great puncturing humor in her presentation.
3. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Queen Latifah singing "I Move On" -That was lotsa woman. Loved it! And eventually CZJ's deserving win!
2. Gael Garcia Bernal's ballsy speech. I could look at him all day.
1. Adrien Brody's dark horse upset win, his joy, "taking his shot" with Halle Berry, and the night's most moving speech. I'm in love...

OSCAR DIARY PREVIOUS / OSCAR DIARY BEGINNING

Best Dressed

#1 Renée Zellweger	#2 Diane Lane	#3 Catherine Zeta-Jones	#4 Adrien Brody	#5 Nicole Kidman
I'm depressed as anyone that she seems to have lost yet another few lbs. But I LOVE this dress. I was so tired of seeing her in black. Beautiful dress.	I couldn't find a picture fast enough, but she's been looking better every ceremony. It's as if she's only warming up.	She's looked more and more radiant the closer she gets to her due date. Whether belting out "I Move On" with Queen Latifah or glowing in her seat, she was fab.	The evenings sharp dress man (Love the tie!) was also the surprise winner. Nice synergy there.	I am tired of all black but Nicole pulled it off well. And the evening's most popular look, assymetrical shoulder straps looked best on her.
Also looking Spiffy...
Kathy Bates Classy and raucous simultaneously -the only other diva who pulls that off so well is Bette Midler. Halle Berry But then, when doesn't she look great? Julianne Moore ahhhhhh, green!

Worst Dressed

#2 Luciana Pedrazo (Duvall's co-star and new girlfriend)	#1 Hilary Swank	#3 Luis whatsisname	#3 Cloris Leachman	#5 Salma Hayek
She looked like she was tricked into S & M gear and wasn't enjoying it. At all. To make matters worse the same exact outfit was featured in a commercial during the telecast.	Ever since winning for the Oscar for playing a transgendered victim she's gotten more and more girlie in attire. This see-through pink thing was the worst yet. Relax, Swank. We know you are all woman.	Despite my horror at Eminem now having the moniker of Oscar winner, I didn't need to see this guy. This is not appropriate attire for Hollywood's high holy day.	I love Cloris, but she must have known that the side saddle baby's breathish hat and the very busy metallic blue dress was going to inspire jeers. Perhaps that's why she put it on?	She seemed vaguely pissed off the whole night (except for in moments involving Frida) but what was with this half and half dress. She'd been looking so good all season.
Also Looking Rough Around the Edges...
Cameron Diaz The dress was all black but it was so busy with straps, belts, changes in texture... I couldn't stomach it. Heather Graham

Miscellania

Sally Kirkland	Julianne Moore	Meryl Streep	Jennifer Garner	Christine Vachon & Todd Haynes
As certain as taxes and death, Sally Kirkland shows up at the Oscars each year. This is her version of "toned down" -for her, it honestly is!	The color was unbelievably beautiful but that middle ruffle? What was that about? Distracting. Otherwise she looked heavenly.	I can't believe it. Meryl gave up the pantsuit. Quick, Meryl, have a chat with Sissy Spacek. How long has she been wearing the same outfit?	She's making a lot of best dressed lists but -Good lord- This dress did not fit. I bet it took hours for the crease to disappear from her double bosom.	I never thought I'd see two of the cinema's most important mavericks attending the Oscars but there they were. Hooray!

Activists

Michael Moore	Andy Serkis
How wierd to see him without a baseball cap on and all dressed up. Still, he was the same old Michael Moore when all was said and done.	His Gollum made The Two Towers resonate, but I guess he isn't a big enough star to generate media attention with his signage.
Also Speaking Out for Peace
Susan Sarandon With a simple peace sign and her inimitable authoritative stare, she made her way to the podium. Gael Garcia Bernal Mexico's superstar is apparently beautiful both inside and out. Adrien Brody The night's best and most humane speech.

Hollywood's Foreign Outreach

Spain	Denmark	uAustralia & Wales
Germany took home the Foreign Film honors but it was Spain that made the big splash. Pedro Almodovar, master filmmaker, took home his second Oscar and came with his Talk To Her cast.	A team of exuberant Danes accepted the best live action short Oscar for their romantic comedy about racism towards immigrants "This Charming Man". Ha det!	Goddesses Nicole Kidman and Catherine Zeta-Jones aren't originally from America but they're so beautiful they scream "HOLLYWOOD!!!"