How Lady Gaga Saved the Oscars

Lady Gaga in Alaia (All photos: Oscar.com)

By its very nature, the Academy Awards is always a ponderous event with its endless number of categories and winners to be acknowledged but in recent years, the ceremony had been made even worse by ill-suited hosts (Seth MacFarlane, James Franco and Anne Hathaway) and stultifying direction. And let’s face it, the writing is always bad.

When it was announced that perennial award show host Neil Patrick Harris would host this year, I thought: meh. He’s fine for the Emmys and perfect for the Tonys, but this was the Oscars for goodness sakes! The truth is, there is no real mystery or allure left in Hollywood so NPH’s ubiquity and proven track record seemed like a sensible if not inspired choice to assure the producer some guarantee of safety things would go smoothly.

The results were mixed. NPH started out on a high note with a clever, lively opening number and with the exception of a few good jokes (John Travolta is nothing if not a good sport), he couldn’t maintain the momentum and things for him went downhill from there: the unfortunate tighty whiteys, his uncomfortable references to race and an awkward Oprah moment reminiscent of the Letterman fiasco. At three hours and forty minutes the show was about forty minutes too long and the host did indulge in an over-extended and annoying ‘look at me’ gag (the stupid predictions in the lock box). What does it say about the Academy Awards that the show still managed to be one of the more enjoyable broadcasts in recent years?

The emotional unscripted moments — and Lady Gaga’s stellar tribute to the Sound of Music — made up for NPH’s surprisingly uneven performance and the complete lack of suspense over the winners. From Patricia Arquette’s battle cry for women’s equality to the reaction shot of Best Actor nominee David Oyelowo with tears streaming down his face as he watched John Legend and Common performance “Glory” from Best Picture nominee “Selma,” there were plenty of moments worthy of remembering after everyone had left for Vanity Fair’s party.

Reese Witherspoon

When it came to Oscar fashion, it was all there in black and white. There was no ‘wow’ dress this year. I think that ship has sailed. But there were some lovely standouts. Reese Witherspoon may have gone home empty handed but she did nab the evening’s other prize – best dressed honors for her sleek, chic Tom Ford. It reminded me of the stunning all white caped column dress he designed for Gwyneth Paltrow a few Oscars ago. Witherspoon has really come into her own this awards season by consistently wowing on every red carpet. From her glittering Golden Globes column to tonight’s stunner – and she’s done it by looking strong not starved. Bravo. I also adored Cate Blanchett’s unexpected Martin Margiela Couture black velvet column and its subversive simplicity. I also loved the Tiffany statement necklace. It was a meaningful gesture of support for John Galliano who has designed so many of her most memorable Oscar dresses. She cleverly stood out among the sea of pretty but largely forgettable pearlescent dresses. And let’s face it: she’s Cate Blanchett. In my book, she can do no wrong.

Julianne Moore

Other fashion winners were Julianne Moore in custom Chanel, Sienna Miller who looked cool and elegant in Oscar de la Renta, the two ladies in red: Rosamund Pike in Givenchy haute couture (Does she ever smile?) and Dakota Johnson in Saint Laurent (but sorry, didn’t love the pony tail). Only Marion Cotillard could carry off the geisha-like Dior Haute Couture. Fashion darling Lupita Nyong’o who dazzled during her inaugural Oscar season last year, chose a custom Calvin Klein made from 6,000 pearls which looked better on stage then it did on the red carpet. I didn’t love it, but the dress did what it was supposed to do – it got everyone talking.

I don’t know what the solution is, but I hate the way the ‘trend of the moment’ — in this case white and blush colored dresses — saturated or more like washed out – the red carpet. I have to imagine all those actresses who chose them were more than a little disappointed to be lost in a sea of sartorial snowflakes. All except one:

Scarlett Johansson

And now the losers: Scarlett Johansson– what was that? Yes, you have an incredible body and a new baby but the Puff the Magic dragon-inspired dress and matching choker (not to mention that hair) was absolutely hideous. Emma Stone’s Vegas-inspired Elie Saab was so disappointing. I was expecting so much more after her daring Lavin bustled pants at the Golden Globes. And what the hell happened to Nicole Kidman? She inexplicably tied a red grosgrain ribbon around her nondescript Louis Vuitton and opted to carry a mini tool chest instead of an elegant clutch. I guess now that she’s happily married she’s gets less concerned with maintaining her fashion icon status.

The biggest winner: Lady Gaga who more or less saved the whole shebang with the night’s best performance and was anointed Queen of the Night by none other than Julie Andrews. Extra points for finally giving us a Cher moment in Azzedine Alaia accessorized with, what looked all the world like red Playtex gloves.

Here’s a rundown of the evening’s highlights:

8:30 Neil Patrick Harris clearly has the crowd with him with that clever opening number. Oprah is really rooting for him. And Sharon Stone will be sending him flowers tomorrow. His Billy Crystal 2.0 song and dance was lively and fun. Nice job, Anna Kendrick.

8:30 Lupita Nyong’o presents the Best Supporting Actor Oscar to J.K. Simmons. The first of what would be a long list of predictable winners. He gives charming acceptance speech. Extra points for telling the world to call their parents.

8:46 They’re bringing out the big guns early. Liam Neeson introduces Best Picture nominees The Grand Budapest Hotel and American Sniper.

8:49 Dakota Johnson and her Forevermark diamonds introduces Adam Levine who performs the first Best Song nominee.

8:52 Reaction shot of Lady Gaga in the audience. My ten year old says: “I don’t understand what’s going on with the red gloves.”

8:56 Nominees get a gift bag worth $160,000 — and an armored car when the revolution comes. Good one, NPH.

9:00 Sorry but I’ve got to sign off to watch Downton Abbey. This is the next to last episode of the season and I’m pretty sure I won’t miss too much.

10:00 Man did that hour fly by. Something tells me that’s the last time I’ll say that tonight. I just blew through the hour on my DVR I missed. So I did miss something. Wow. Patricia Arquette. My new hero. I’ll follow you anywhere.

10:08 Is Zoe Saldana the new Halle Berry? Yowza.

10:30 An emotional Meryl Streep presents the In Memoriam segment. So many greats left us in past year.

10:43 My husband thinks Benedict Cumberbatch should have worn an undershirt.

10:47 Who is Terrence Howard auditioning for with that squirm-inducing best picture introduction?

10:49 Jennifer Aniston may not have gotten an Oscar nomination, but she looks none the worse for wear. And that is one smokin’ hot Versace.

11:02 The audience is on its feet for John Legend and Common’s stirring performance of Glory.

11:03 The funniest moment of the night: John Travolta gets to redeem himself by presenting Best Original Song with Idina Menzel (that’s Adele Dazeem to you). NPH also killed it with his Benedict Cumberbatch-Ben Affleck joke.

11:15 An iconic Oscar moment with Lady Gaga and Julie Andrews.  Too bad whoever wrote Andrews’ remarks for her presentation of Best Original Score didn’t know that it was Johnny Mercer not Henry Mancini that wrote “Moon River.” As an aside I can’t help but think all these women with hideous tattoos are really going to regret them ten years from now.

11:33 Some guy just thanked his dog Larry in his Oscar speech.

11:36 Best Adapted Screenplay winner Graham Moore delivers what is sure to be one of the most memorable acceptance speeches in Oscar history and sets the Twittersphere on fire. Who else can say they saved a life with an Oscar speech? Brilliant.

11:42     Alejandro Gonzalez Inarrita wins Best Director for Birdman. A charming fellow who, it turns out, should have just stayed on the stage.

11:51 Eddie Redmayne wins Best Actor and wins the hearts of everyone everywhere with his utterly charming acceptance speech.

11:52 All right. All right. Matthew McConaughey presents the Best Actress Oscar to Julianne Moore. All right indeed.

12:00 I’ve lost track of the number of tuxedoes Neil Patrick Harris has worn tonight.

12:03 Sean Penn presents Best Picture. “Who gave this sonofabitch his green card?” Birdman wins proving Hollywood really doesn’t like Clint Eastwood and loves movies about actors.

GRADE: The broadcast: B-     The clothes: B







– Diane Clehane

In the Market Report: Fashion Notes on the Oscars

Lupita Nyong’o Oscars Red Carpet 2015

Long ago, I made peace with the fact that I will invariably be disappointed with the (usually ho hum) parade of fashions at the Academy Awards and nothing will never live up to my expectations. But last night, I actually gasped when I first caught sight of Lupita Nyong’o in her amazing custom made Calvin Klein dress which was comprised of 6,000 pearls. She tops my best dressed list because the creation, all in white, was not only truly spectacular, but it enhanced her beauty (when you saw close-ups of her on stage, it almost looked like she was wearing one big fantastical pearl necklace), and the style (slim and body conscious yet not too much so), completely suited her body and her style. And, it was unusual!

Lady Gaga in Alaia

Another unusual choice was Lady Gaga’s dramatically shaped custom made Azzedine Alaia (the dress took two months to make). She is really toning down her fashion choices as of late, and seemingly gone are the over the top hijinks that defined her on and off stage appearances. Of course, that being said, she did add monster red gloves (the kind better suited for doing the dishes than appearing on the red carpet at the Academy Awards). But regardless, nobody can deny her amazing talent. That woman can sing (and she can apparently sing anything).

Dakota Johnson

I also thought Dakota Johnson, in sleek, custom made red Saint Laurent, looked fantastic. With its bejeweled one shoulder, it was decorative in the most modern way. Rosamund Pike was another star to opt for red, and her fitted, strapless custom made Givenchy Haute Couture gown was undeniably a vast improvement over her last few red carpet appearances. (FYI, I’m getting a little tired of all those overly cumbersome ball gowns, such as the one worn by Jennifer Lopez, who admitted it was so heavy; she would be changing to a “party dress” afterwards. And yes, it was so unwieldy; she actually tripped when she left the stage. And while I’m at it, I’m also getting a little tired of seeing the boobs!)

Scarlett Johansson

Speaking of sleek, I almost gasped again, when I saw Scarlett Johansson. The beautiful star, known for her voluptuous curves, recently had a baby, and she has never looked so svelte (quite frankly, I wasn’t even sure it was her when I first saw her on the red carpet). Her body hugging green Atelier Versace not only perfectly accentuated her new body, it was accessorized with that fantastic face framing green bib necklace, which really made a statement when she appeared on stage. Another star who opted for a statement making necklace was Cate Blanchett. Her turquoise beaded necklace provided a perfect counterpoint to her simple yet dramatic black Maison Martin Margiela gown, which was covered up in front, but featured the surprise of a bare back (this has long been a Blanchett trademark.

By the way, I never understand why more stars (or rather, their stylists) don’t opt for face framing, statement necklaces, instead of going bare on top, or borrowing millions of dollars of teeny tiny diamonds that are almost invisible to the naked eye (and almost impossible to see on television). While I thought Julianne Moore looked beautiful in her embroidered white and black Chanel Haute Couture strapless gown, it did look a bit mother-of-the-bride and I somehow wish she had something a bit more face framing.

Meryl Streep

While Meryl Streep did not go home with a statue, she won my award as one of the evenings’ ‘most improved’. Meryl sometimes does not get it right at these award shows, but she really hit the nail on the head in her tailored Lanvin ensemble (a feminine take on a menswear staple), which completely suited her. Speaking of menswear, the 80 year old Shirley MacLaine, looked damned good, in her black sequined pantsuit, and 69 year old Milena Canonero, who won for costume design for Budapest Hotel, wins my award as chicest and most individual, in her black satin trench coat, black sequined pants, white shirt, black and red Roger Vivier pumps with crystal buckle, and black beaded choker, embellished with white lips.

Shirley MacLaine & Milena Canonero rocking black sequined pants

And now, for the disappointments. Emma Stone looked uncharacteristically matronly in her gold Elie Saab (I agree with The New York Times’s Alexandra Jacobs, who said she looked like the “mother of the bride”). Marion Cotillard’s white Dior Haute Couture was a bit sacky and did absolutely nothing for her. Sienna Miller’s (lackluster) long black Oscar de la Renta, is unlikely to do much to bolster the label, now under the direction of Peter Copping. Naomi Watts’s cut out, beaded Armani Prive, looked sort of poor and was not a great choice (and she is too skinny to have that much skin showing).

Barbie and Gwyneth Paltrow

And finally, perhaps one of the most surprising trends on the red carpet, was the sighting of pale pink (although, pink and red have always been considered a fashionable, if not surprising color combo). Giving credence to the trend, was Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who arrived in a pale pink gown and shrug, Karolina Kurkova, who wore a pale pink strapless gown, and Gwyneth Paltrow, (who wore a pale pink Oscar de la Renta when she received her Oscar many years ago). Her one shouldered baby pink Ralph & Russo gown, which featured a ginormous rose on one shoulder, drew a few comparisons to Barbie. Oh, baby!

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Lara Flynn Boyle’s tutu dress

As Oscar night beckons, it behooves us to review the history of Oscar dresses and to recommend some appropriate gown or pants choices for current nominees. Over the past decade we have seen some abominable fashion choices nearly end the career of numerous celebrities, such as Lara Flynn Boyle, Bjork and Kim Basinger. It is difficult to assess whether a bold outfit will catapult a star to stratospheric heights, or end up on the worst dressed list of every fashion blog and newspaper. Therefore, stylists have recently chosen to play it safe by veering starlets away from controversy and into safe territory by choosing an Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy or Armani confection, with little possibility of offending.

Cher in Bob Mackie

The delicate balance necessary to gain publicity without becoming a laughing stock is difficult to achieve and has ruined the fun of the show that was experienced back in the days when Cher showed up in 1986 in a feathered Bob Mackie. Consequently, an already too long, too staid Awards show has become nearly unbearable with predictable fashion choices leading most to let out a big yawn. Moreover, this year we face the added hurdle of bland host, Neil Patrick Harris, who averts controversy, and thinks tap dancing and show tunes are exciting. Needless to say, I will be sitting out this year’s show, but will nonetheless try to make some predictions as to who will dress appropriately, who will bore and who will shock.

Bjork’s swan dress

Bjork’s swan dress which she wore to the 2001 Academy Awards was the major fashion disaster of all time. Designed by Macedonian designer Marjan Pejoski, the dress was in the shape of a swan and at the Awards Bjork mimicked laying an egg on the red carpet.  While the dress has received some salvation by being reimagined for the Spring 2014 Valentino couture show, it is largely viewed as the fashion faux pas of the decade, and Bjork has largely disappeared from the public eye.  Similarly, Lara Flynn Boyle’s choice of a pink tutu like confection for the 2003 Golden Globes was just wrong.  Her look was “ballerina meets starving Hollywood wannabe” and it ensured the demise of her already shaky career.  Thankfully, we have not heard from her since this major fashion misstep, except to see her on some National Enquirer “who had terrible surgery” lists.  Kim Basinger, another fashion victim, showed up to the 1990 Oscars in a gown she designed herself, in which she looked like Cinderella after an encounter with a dangerous mugger, and we have not heard much from her thereafter.  While Cher’s outrageous look was lauded as one of the great fashion moments in history, these women virtually destroyed their careers by their daring and unfortunate getups.

Lupita Nyong-o in Prada couture gown

Last year’s nominees mostly played it safe with Lupita Nyong’o leading the crowd in a pale blue Prada couture gown-pretty but nothing outstanding. Jessica Biel bored in a metallic Chanel gown, and Julia Roberts made absolutely no list with her black peplum Givenchy. Even Lady Gaga showed up in a demure metallic Versace gown with a pink scarf-we are certainly in trouble if she underwhelms. Similarly, Kerry Washington, a usual fashion standout, showed up in a pale mauve Jason Wu gown-I am getting disinterested by just enumerating the blah fashion of last year. This year’s nominees are a fashionable group, yet they frequently play it safe and suffice it to say we will not be seeing any Jennifer Lopez green Versace gowns on the carpet. Julianne Moore, will most likely don a Givenchy gown with some sequins in either green, red or gold. It would be great to see her change it up and go for a more modern look, in a Naeem Khan feathered number or in an edgy pantsuit-however, this is unlikely.

Marion Cotillard In Dior couture

Another predictable dresser, Marion Cotillard, loves Dior and will probably appear in one of their elegant gowns, with her hair in some French chignon. Emma Stone, has been spicing things up a bit with a Lanvin pantsuit worn to the Golden Globes and a sheer tuxedo Dior dress worn to the SAG Awards, however, her unappetizingly boyish figure make her a “who cares what she wears” in my estimation. Assured is that Patricia Arquette who stated she “would love to wear overalls” to the Oscars, will appear in a dowdy, monochromatic dress designed by her friend Rosetta Getty and Felicity Jones will likely disappoint in a covered-up frock by Dolce and Gabbana or Dior. There is some hope that Rosamund Pike will choose poorly as she did with that dreadful off-white poorly fit Vera Wang she wore to the Golden Globes, but Reese Witherspoon will most likely disappoint in a safe single color, custom fitted gown with a stiff looking hairdo.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Oscar history has produced some audacious fashion choices that have awed the public, including Gwyneth Paltrow’s white Tom Ford cape worn in 2012 and Julia Robert’s vintage Valentino worn in 2001. These choices were edgy, fashion forward, and spectacular without resulting in a spectacle. This year there may be some provocative garb donned by Rihanna, Miley or Gaga but their excessive risk taking is becoming tedious and desperate. The wish this year is that someone relatively unknown, will create that fashion moment that will cause conversation for the next 30 years, following in the footsteps of fashion iconoclast, Cher.

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The nominees have been selected, but it still remains to be seen who will be taking home the Oscar at the 87th Academy Awards Ceremony on February 22nd at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. In the categories of Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress and Best Director, who will leave with the coveted statuette on Oscar night and who will instead receive a consolation gift bag with a value in excess of $167, 000?

Nostalgia Baskets

For the 16th year in a row, Distinctive Assets, the L.A. marketing firm founded by Lash Fary, will make Oscar night losers feel like winners by delivering a bag to their doorstep on Monday morning filled with “fun, fabulous and functional items.” Fary sheds some light on putting together a gift bag for those who have everything…

There are many new items on the list this year. How did you go about putting this year’s bag together?

“Yes, there are over 80 items in the bag this year . . . ranging from mass market consumer products to high-end vacation packages. Putting the gift assortment together is a year-long process for my team. We pitch companies, companies pitch us . . . we are always looking and considering items that would make a good gift for the nominees. We are already talking to numerous product and service providers about NEXT year’s bag in fact.“

Are there any items that stand out to you as being particularly distinctive or unusual?

“Many of the items are unique and distinctive . . .a few of the highlights for me:“

Rejuvel: this is the ONLY cosmetic product to use licensed NASA microgravity technology in their product . . . and the documented before and after results are STELLAR. $150 per bottle at www.rejuvel.com

Haze:  this is the first time we have ever included a vaporizer in one of our gift bags. Haze is the first portable dual-chamber aromatherapy vaporizer. Previous nominees James Franco and Matthew McConnaughey would approve!  www.hazevaporizers.com

Nostalgia Baskets: this is a completely personalized and unique gift bag experience. When I received one as a gift last year, I was blown away by the customization and every item I pulled out had me exclaiming “That’s so me!”. www.nostalgiabaskets.com

Lat & Lo: Lat & Lo inscribes the geographic coordinates of a special location onto jewelry for a gift with meaning. This year’s Oscar nominees are receiving a silver necklace with the coordinates of the Dolby Theatre inscribed. Love this as the perfect gift for an anniversary or other special occasion. www.latandlo.com

Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant: Many people are surprised that I would include such a non-glamorous item . . . but the reality is that even Oscar nominees sweat and need the ultimate odor and wetness protection on the red carpet!  And more importantly because it sprays on instantly dry there is no residue on your fabulous red carpet outfit! www.dove.com

Can you share any stories about the recipients of last year’s gift bag and how they reacted to this post awards ceremony honor?

“We are always thrilled when a recipient of one of our Oscar Nominee Gift Bags likes a product enough to wear it or when they use a gift voucher we have given them. Two years ago, Amy Adams wore the JNL Fitness t-shirt in her gift bag to the gym the day after we delivered and the photographs appeared everywhere. Marisa Tomei, Diane Keaton, Hugh Jackman, Ron Howard and Meryl Streep have all gone on trips we gifted them in the past. And last year, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Barkhad Abdi and June Squibb all chose animal shelters they loved to receive the 10,000 meal donation from Halo Natural Pet Food.“

Do you have any favorite movies or performances among this year’s nominees?

“I always watch all of the Oscar contender screeners over the holidays and my favorite films this year were St. Vincent (totally snubbed), Whiplash, The Theory of Everything (Eddie will FOR SURE win), Still Alice (Julianne Moore is a lock) and Big Eyes.“

If Fary’s Oscar predictions are correct, Julianne Moore and Eddie Redmayne may take home the gold on Sunday night, but miss out on some serious Oscar swag on Monday morning.

Other items in this year’s record-breaking gift bag include:

A Rocky Mountaineer Luxury Rail Journey through the Canadian Rockies valued at: $14,584.00


TerraVelo Tours ultimate “glamping” adventure valued at: $12, 500.00

A three-night stay in a suite at the exclusive Villa Armena in the heart of Tuscany valued at: $1,500.00

A year’s worth of luxury car rentals from Silvercar, the all-Audi airport car rental company valued at: $20,000.00

Ambrosia Apples, the ultimate eating apple for Oscar nominees, their name means “Food of the Gods”. Valued at: $75.00

– Rhonda Erb




Better Bets 2-20-15

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Watch your favorite movies on the Galaxy note 4’s brilliant 5.7inch QUAD HD Super AMOLED display. Writing with the S PEN on this large display is similar to writing with a pen on paper, allowing you to jot down notes or get creative with photos.

The Note 4 also features front (3.7MP) and rear (16MP) facing cameras. The wide-angle front facing camera lets you capture your best selfies. The rear camera allows you to take better photos thanks to built in Optical Image Stabilization.

Multi Window was designed for your busy multi-tasking lifestyle and the long lasting, fast charging battery saves time when you need to recharge.

Available at: http://www.samsung.com/us/explore/galaxy-note-4-features-and-specs/

Panasonic Magic Mirror

Photo: Rhonda Erb

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? This new concept mirror may answer that question and much more. The Panasonic Magic Mirror, featured at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas in January, provides skin analysis as well as showing you how you would look with various hairstyles, makeup looks and brow shapes. It can even show you how you would look with a mustache.

Expect to see this tell all mirror arriving in department stores in the near future.

For more Better Bets visit: http://betterbetsny.tumblr.com/

– Rhonda Erb

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