Pop Guru's Annual Oscar Fashion Review!

Well, the beauty of borrowing internet is that it's unpredictable - I couldn't post my fashion review last night because my internet was out.  Guess I should pay for it!  What a fab show on Sunday!  Hugh Jackman, in all his girlish glory, actually did a pretty good job as the host.  I really liked the musical numbers, and what would any award show be without Beyonce forcibly thrusting herself into the spotlight.  The Oscars have nothing to do with you, you egotistical maniac!   You and Mama Tina need to realize the Dreamgirls moment has passed and finally accept the fact that Jennifer Hudson aka "American Idol" has an Oscar and you never will!  Beyonce is one unnecessary parade away from being Tyra Banks.

Although the show was ridiculously long, I loved the way past Oscar winners came out to introduce each nominee in the main categories.  Ben Stiller's impersonation of Joaquin Phoenix was hysterical and finally convinced me it's all a hoax.  My favorite moment by far was when Kate Winslet yelled out, "Dad, whistle or something so then I'll know where you are!"  So cute, and I'm really so happy for her that she was finally given the award she deserved.  Although, not so happy she chose such a matronly dress and hairdo.  Just cause you got the golden statue doesn't mean you need to dress like a Golden Girl!

I know I'm not the only one who thought it was cold hearted that they showed Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie during Jennifer Aniston's moment on stage. It was expected but I thought The Oscars might be better than that - boy, was I wrong! That was just so tacky. I absolutely loved Jennifer's hair, although it was "Hills" hair and I'll just have to come to terms with my support of that. Oh, who am I kidding?! I sport a ginormous Lauren Conrad Mark by Avon ring!

Now on to the fashion... Wasn't much to look at this year!  Most of it was humdrum or flat out ugly.  I'm talking about you, Miley.  I'm not sure if the stars are pulling a Nicolette Sheridan and being their own stylists because of the recession, but whatever the reason, they need a fashion bailout plan FAST!

Best Dressed:

Though Tina Fey didn't walk the red carpet, she was one of the most stunning of the night!  This dress fit her like a glove and it was just the right amount of cleavage, not overboard like she was at the Golden Globes!

Diane Lane hardly looked a day over 40! This really doesn't do her justice because she glowed on TV!

Taraji P. Henson was so cute and grateful to even be at The Oscars, but she really pulled off a classic red carpet look.  I loved her hair!  The small red handbag added just the right pop of color to the crisp white dress.

Ugh, as much as I hate to say nice things about Skeletor, I liked this ensemble.  Classic black dress with a grandiose flair by pairing it with sparkling green earrings.  I thought Debbie Matenopolus was going to hurl herself from the scaffolding upon Angelina Jolie when she arrived.  Debbie actually forgot she was on TV and started screeching "ANGIE!!!" and jumping up and down.  Like a real professional.  Debbie was having a major sugar rush from the one Skittle she had eaten that day, so her hysteria when she saw her Anorexia Idol was completely understandable.

By far the best and most fabulous of the night!  Natalie Portman dared to wear a flashy color, yet didn't overdo it a la Heidi Klum and opted for minimal jewelry.  Sophisticated yet bold - ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!

Worst Dressed:

Let ze Heidi Klum drape zeself in a red satin sheet that corresponds with ze gazillion Diet Coke Heart Healthy commercials that aired during ze telecast - no one will ever be ze wiser to ze subliminal messaging!  Oh Zack Morris, how you have taught me so much in ze ways of wiling women!  Auf wiedersehen!

Why must such a gorgeous girl pick such a terrible dress!  Freida Pinto has chosen gorgeous dresses all season long, and now she chooses this wretched thing with the mono sleeve?  Ew.  I have never been a fan of the one sleeve look - sleeves are meant to come with a partner or not at all!

Aside from looking like a rock opera costume gone wrong, Marion Cotillard's dress can't seem to decide if it wants to be short or long.  It cuts off mid-thigh, then decides to vomit out a mountain of tulle.  

Um, no.  Vanessa Hudgens looks like a teen Elvira.  Why must Disney Teens invade my award shows?  Doesn't she have a Nickelodeon's Kid Choice Awards she should be at right now?

Miley Cyrus = Hot Mess.  I don't even know what this is.  I feel as if it is something that might come from the sea, some kind of crackwhore mermaid emerging from the water to post YouTube videos and slowly destroy humanity.

This picture proves we should never let Whoopi Goldberg out of her cage.

Sarah Jessica Parker aka Wedding Barbie came out to play.

So did her boobs.

Be careful, Zac Efron.  We've watched a young hunk stop washing his hair and lose his charming good looks once before.  It can be a gradual decent into the pits of Bonaduce, but it can happen to you...

Just ask Mickey Rourke.

Photos: AP Images

OSCARS TONIGHT AT 8 ON ABC!

Hello, hello! Hope everyone is pumped about the Oscars tonight!! I know I am! I'm already watching the E! Preshow coverage. OMG - please stop grabbing your boobs, Debbie Matenopolous. Ugh, can't stand her. No wonder Barbara Walters kicked her off "The View." Anyhow, there's supposedly going to be a lot of suprises tonight - I sure hope so! I mean, not of the Chris Brown a la Grammys style, but you know something scandalous like a Brangelina-Aniston run in. Should be a fun night! Sidenote: Speaking of surprises, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden are going to have another baby. Perhaps a sis for little Harlow.

Tonight's host is Hugh Jackman. Ol' Twinkle Toes is going to wow us with his singing and dancing, apparently trying to keep the entertainment as low budge as possible. Remember his musical CBS show "Viva Loughlin"? Yeah, nobody does since it was cancelled after one episode. I don't know if the world can handle any more of his musical stylings...

I gave some predictions after the nominations were announced, but just as a refresher:

Best Actor:
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn - Milk
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler

Showdown! The media is abuzz that this will be a head-to-head match between Mickey Rourke and Sean Penn. Rourke has been taking home all of the awards, including the Independent Spirit Award last night. He gave a bit of a rambling speech about his dog Loki that died last week and Eric Roberts, who he claims is one of the best actors around. If Eric Roberts is a fantastic actor, then Tila Tequila deserves to be noted for her amazing skills as an actress. Please. But we all know Mickey likes his "candy," which obviously leads to his rambling and fashion choices. The video is entertaining though - definitely take a look.

Sean Penn did a fantastic job in Milk. It really was a good film and he embodied Harvey Milk perfectly. He's always the media's Prince of Awards, so he may just take home the gold. It will be a fight to the finish between these two.

Best Actress:
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie - Changeling
Melissa Leo - Frozen River
Meryl Streep - Doubt
Kate Winslet - The Reader

This could be a toss-up. Every one of these women have been voted to win by the media outlets, so it could be a shock who wins. Anne Hathaway is so young, so I think it would be great for her to be given time to continue to hone her skills. It's most likely going to come down to Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep. Kate did a phenomenal job in The Reader. I loved her in that movie and definitely think she should win. But damn, does that girl love to be naked! I've seen her naked more than I've seen myself. She did just say she's going to stop with all the nudity in her films, but we'll see if she can stand the feel of clothing for too long.

Best Supporting Actor:
Josh Brolin - Milk
Robert Downey Jr. - Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road

It seems like every category this year is unpredictable! This one will come down to Heath Ledger and Josh Brolin. Though Ledger is somewhat of a shoe-in, the media has been pushing for Brolin to win as of late. He did a great job playing the unhinged Dan White in the film, but the award could go to Ledger as people are wanting to honor him.

Best Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams - Doubt
Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis - Doubt
Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler

I'm pretty certain this award will go to Penelope Cruz. Though I think she's terrible in most everything else, she was wonderful in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. She really added the pizazz to the film. I feel like she always wears the same style dress in light pink, so let's hope she opts to add some pizazz to her ensemble tonight.

Best Picture:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

Ah, the moment you've all been waiting for... My choice is Slumdog Millionaire, but I will still be a happy camper if The Reader takes home the gold. I loved both films and think they are both worthy of the win. Slumdog was more heartwarming though and has swept all of the award shows so far. Milk stands a chance, but not so sure it will be able to beat these other two. Curious Case has the most nominations with thirteen so it's bound to win something, just not this category. Frost/Nixon was good, but the film lost a lot of the power that the live performance had. The pivotal part when Nixon admits his wrongdoing is more of a passing moment, while it packed much more of a punch in the play. Worth seeing, but not worth the gold.

We'll see who wins tonight when the show starts at 8pm on ABC! I can't wait! Time to go prepare my dish for the Oscar Party! I'm so pumped about tonight's festivities. I'm most excited about the glamourous dresses, and of course the chance to judge celebrities! Look for my fashion update tomorrow. Everyone enjoy the show tonight!! I'll be Twittering throughout so follow me @PopGuru!

SAG Fashion Awards

Now that's what I like about an award show - two hours and we're out of there! I was all settled into my couch for at least another hour and a half, so I was shocked (yet delighted) when it ended at 10pm. "30 Rock" swept the categories again - not surprised, but it's such a fantastic show that it definitely deserves the recognition. Was anyone else as confused as I was when Sean Penn was giving his speech? "Thank you. Good evening, Comrades. That was for O'Reilley." Bill O'Reilley? Because then you go on to say all these wonderful things about gay rights and accepting others - neither of which seem to be anything Bill O'Reilley would support. But sure, I can see how the two of you would be buddies. Drinking, ranting, dirty talk to inanimate objects - like a cell phone or Madonna.


Meryl Streep's speech was unexpected - Well, at least she sure as hell wasn't expecting it as she was guzzling down wine all night chatting up the crowd in her pantsuit. I've never seen someone so drunk on stage! And I'm obviously including Courtney Love circa "The Roast of Pamela Anderson." It was great! I felt like I was watching one of my friend's normally poised mothers jump on stage to sing karaoke after only a "few sips of wine" at a wedding. Mmmhmm... Well, bravo, Meryl! You certainly were the entertainment of the night! But let us not forget the fashion...

Best Dressed:

Of course, the BEST DRESSED OF THE NIGHT AWARD goes to the magnificent Kate Winslet! This dress fits her like a glove, it's classy, and it's a gorgeous color that stands out against the red carpet. CONGRATS, GIRL!

Now this has a very grandiose air about it, which naturally makes me LOVE IT! And it's in my favorite color - major plus!

Taraji P. Henson looks lovely in white! But the back is the best part of this dress.

Laura Linney has never wowed me in the past with her fashion choices, but lately she has chosen beautiful colors and silhouettes that suit her so well. Love the one shoulder/coral combo!

Anne Hathaway made a wise choice this week with a light Grecian dress - rather than a heavy black flower and lace motif straight from hell. Very wise, girl. Also, I like the hair.

Worst Dressed:

CAUTION: Please avert your eyes from Skeletor!!!

I mean, eat. Your intricate tattoos are disappearing into your rib cage. Just because you are helping starving children in other countries, that doesn't mean you can't chew on a celery stick every once in a while. And nice navy bedsheet. Really? That's what you chose to wear to the SAGs. Like, "oh, I can't be bothered to even try to look good - because even when I don't try I'm still the most beautiful there." Um, no. You look like The Corpse Bride - after she died and roamed the world as a zombie. Let's pick up the pace for the Oscars, Angie. Or you'll have to answer to me!

Amy - Um, honey , I don't really know where to start. Why must you always choose these drab colors? You either wear nude, garnet, or plum. Live it up - let's get some flashy colors on you, girl! We all know pale is hard to work with, but girl, I haven't seen the sun in 3 years and still at least make an effort. And always remember to leave the bundle of grapes at home - not under your boobs.

U-G-L-Y, you ain't got no alibi. That dress is ugly, yeah, yeah, it's ugly!

Not so bad from the front, right?

Wrong! That horrid corsage went all the way down the back and then vomited on her ass! Marisa - you know better, girl! And have you lost your mind? It's an awards show. People will see you! Put on some mascara and lipstick, for goodness sakes! Geez - I have so much to teach celebrities...

Photos: AP Images

It's Official - The Oscar Noms Announced!

Hola everyone! I hope you are all celebrating what a momentous week this has been! What's more important than the Oscar nominations being announced? Nothing! That's right - the official 2009 nominations for Academy Awards were announced today and the best award show of the season is underway. Designers are scrambling to get their best dresses to the nominees. People are planning their speeches in case they win. And Tom Cruise is busy trying to find someway to get an invite and pretend he has a legit excuse to be there. Because Scientology is always welcome on the red carpet. Here's the list of nominees:

Best Actor:
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn - Milk
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler

Every one of these nominations was expected, but I was blindsided when I saw Richard Jenkins was nominated. This is the man that everyone recognizes, but no one has a clue what his name is or what else he's been in (with the exception of geeks like me). He's steadily been in almost everything you've seen in television or film since the '90s - Flirting with Disaster, It Could Happen to You, "Six Feet Under", North Country, Rumor Has It, Step Brothers, Burn After Reading... The list goes on and on. You've seen him and thought - "Hey, who is that guy?" But he rarely gets more than the bat of an eyelash. Which is unfortunate because he was great in "Six Feet Under" and Burn After Reading. I haven't seen The Visitor, but I certainly will now that Richard Jenkins is finally getting the recognition he deserves after 30 years in the industry. The underdog story is always appealing to the masses, and I think his win would be a fantastic one for the people. Bravo, Richard!

Best Actress:
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie - Changeling
Melissa Leo - Frozen River
Meryl Streep - Doubt
Kate Winslet - The Reader

Anne Hathaway and Kate Winslet - get ready to duke it out for this one! All are great actresses (though never heard of Melissa Leo until now), but the press has been gunning for these two ladies to take home the gold since last summer. Be prepared to hear a lot more about Anne and Kate over the next month - not that that's a bad thing! Kate looks amazing in the new issue of InStyle, btw.

Best Supporting Actor:
Josh Brolin - Milk
Robert Downey Jr. - Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road

Wow - really? Robert Downey Jr.? I totally understood the Golden Globe nom and felt it was legit if he won, but comedic performances typically have a touch chance at the Oscars. He did a good job in that movie, I just really did not like Tropic Thunder. I guess I shouldn't fault him for being associated with Tom Cruise... It's just so hard! I still haven't gotten over Meryl Streep agreeing to be in Lions for Lambs with him. We'll see if Robert Downey Jr. can surpass Heath Ledger though - the noms were announced on the one year anniversary of his death.

Best Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams - Doubt
Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis - Doubt
Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler

Man, I need to see Doubt. They are all over these awards! Ok - that's my mission this week. Though I can't stand her, I'm happy Penelope Cruz was nominated because she really was the dominant force in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. See! I can be kind to those I hate! I'm not so evil... (Hear that, Tyra?) However, I don't really understand why Taraji P. Henson's role in Curious Case was that big of a deal? She played a mother - that's about it. She did well, but it wasn't the part of the movie that I thought much about. There's a lot of critics that would disagree with me on that, but whatevs!

Best Picture:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

And the winner is... Pink Panther 2! J/K - My vote goes to Slumdog Millionaire. I loved this film! If you haven't seen it, I suggest you brave the cold and get yourself to a theater...STAT! And if you've seen Curious Case... Well, you may have enjoyed it more the first time you saw it... When it was called Forrest Gump. This video points out the similarities, none of which I noticed!

Of course, I'm participating in Pop Guru's Oscar Challenge again this year for the fourth year running. I have to see every film nominated for Best Picture before the Academy Awards so I can have an educated opinion on who should win. It's the one time of year my opinions are based on solid facts and research, so cherish the moment. They're still unsolicited, but nonetheless, knowledgeable. I challenge you all to participate in this contest as well! You get nothing in return except an empty wallet and a fat ass from all the popcorn you consume, but it's worth it! You have one month until the big day - The Academy Awards air February 22 at 8pm EST on ABC.

Weekend Roundup

In sad news this week, Kanye West's mother, Donda West, passed away Saturday. She died as the result of complications with cosmetic surgery, her publicist confirmed to CNN today. Donda was chairwoman of Chicago State University's English department before leaving her post to become Kanye's manager in 2004. She also served as chairwoman of the Kanye West Foundation, an educational nonprofit helping decrease dropout rates and improve literacy. Donda recently released a book entitled Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Star.

- Britney Spears may have failed a drug test. I no longer know if I'm reporting on Britney or Anna Nicole Smith. UPDATE: The cause of the failed drug test was prescription drugs. A Britney source told TMZ, "The only thing that comes on the results are the prescriptions, that the court doctor prescribed. There has been no illegal drugs or even alcohol in any of the test results."

- Britney's new album "Blackout" is losing the top spot on the charts mighty fast.

- Elisabeth Hasselbeck gave birth to a baby boy this weekend, whose name she will reveal today when she calls into "The View". UPDATE: Elisabeth announced she and husband Tim Hasselbeck named their son Taylor Thomas Hasselbeck.

- Christina Aguilera had a blue-themed baby shower this weekend. And what would any baby shower be without a perfomance by a few drag queens?


- Angelina Jolie's leather pants began to split this weekend at the London premiere of Beowulf. But not to worry, Brad Pitt shielded the split by putting his hand on her ass.

- Does pregnancy cause your hair to thin out? Nicolette Sheridan reportedly asked her costars this question, prompting rumors that she might be preggers.

- News of the World is reporting that Chelsy Davy has dumped Prince Harry.

- Kate Hudson might be dating Heath Ledger these days. I can't keep up with her love life.

- Alicia Keys is glad she listened to her mama. She first chose her stage name to be Alicia Wild, which her mother told her made her sound like a stripper. Well, anything is better than her real name... Alicia Augello-Cook.

- A woman got so excited upon seeing Jessica Simpson at NYC's Waverly Inn restaurant last week that she "gets up and runs through the crowd to get a peek." But instead of catching up to Simpson, the woman fell over onto a table knocking it over, sending plates and glasses flying, and then she finally landed near the fireplace. I know what you are thinking... No, it wasn't me. I swear!

Photos: WireImage

2007 Cannes Film Festival

Thought you all might be interested in seeing some of the pictures from the Cannes Film Festival. There are lots, lots more, but these are the ones I thought you might like to see. All photos courtesy of Wireimage.com, unless otherwise noted. Sorry about the watermarks on the pics. Send me money to join if you'd like your pics without them!


This is the first time in like four years that Angelina Jolie has worn a color other than black. It is an extremely nice change of pace and I hope she keeps it up!


Closeup of Brangelina


The supposed sex partners during filming of Ocean's Thirteen, Ellen Barkin and George Clooney


George again


Quentin Tarantino and the scariest man in Hollywood, Harvey Weinstein


Jude Law at the premiere of My Blueberry Nights


Jude and Norah Jones, who has her first acting gig in My Blueberry Nights


Kerry Washington


Holy crap! Look how short this guy is! That is Brett Ratner with Kimora Lee Simmons (or maybe just Kimora Lee now that she and Russell Simmons are separated). I'll admit I just put this up so you could see how short he is. From the way he gets girls to obsess about him (Lindsay Lohan), I just pictured him to be this huge dude. I have been proven wrong on that assumption.


The always lovely Eva Mendes


Julianne Moore


I put this one up for the Adrian Grenier obsessors


I have no idea why Jessica Simpson is at Cannes. She has as much right to be there as I do.


Jerry Seinfeld dressed as a bee to promote his new Bee Movie


Jake Gyllenhaal and Chloe Sevigny at the premiere of Zodiac


When the hell did Tilda Swinton turn into Miranda from "Sex and the City"?


I couldn't resist. The last film Anna Nicole Smith ever made debuted at Cannes this year. Looks like a winner!

And the best one of all...



Mischa Barton smoking her "hand-rolled cigarettes" on a yacht during the festivities

Online shopping, Laguna Beach, O.J., and much more...

Hola! Sorry for my absence. Here is an update on what's happened in the last week...

- That horrendous looking movie Wild Hogs beat out my boo's Zodiac this weekend at the box office.

- However, we have broken up as I have just heard that Jake Gyllenhaal is dating his costar, Reese Witherspoon, from the movie they are currently filming, Rendition. Although, I don't really believe it and I will definitely take him back when he comes crawling back to me to apologize.

- I'm excited because I just found out that Hot Fuzz is coming out in limited release on April 20. It is the second movie from the Brits that made Shaun of the Dead, one of the funniest movies I have seen in years. Definitely put that one on your Netflix Queue.

- Owen Wilson and Kate Hudson have come out as a couple and have been seen making out all over the place. Shocking since we didn't know you were shacking it up months ago.

- Britney Spears is struggling in rehab and her family is worried she will skip out early on her treatment. She has been buying thousands of dollars worth of clothes online, replacing an old addiction with a costly new one. I can't imagine how awful this time must be for her. Massages, shopping, publicity, all the cigarettes she wants...my heart aches for you, Britney.

- "Laguna Beach" star Jason Wahler has been sentenced to sixty days in jail after pleading no contest to a battery charge in LA. How will he ever cope without getting his hair highlighted for that long? What a shame.

- Naomi Campbell will be mopping the floors of New York's Sanitation Department after throwing a cell phone at her maid. In an ironic turn of events, the maid will be given a cell phone and allowed one free shot at Naomi as she mops.

- Heaven help us. Star Jones is getting her own TV show about criminal justice and popular culture. She also says she doesn't watch "The View" anymore, but prefers to read up on all the controversy in the tabloids. Duh. Who actually watches "The View"? It's called YouTube.

- In "I couldn't care less but some of you idiots might like to know this" news, Daniel Radcliffe has signed on for the last two films in the Harry Potter franchise.

- The freak show keeps getting weirder and weirder. O.J. Simpson might also be the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby, Dannielynn. They are still uncertain as to how Anna Nicole died, but I'm voting for Howard Stern in the parlor with a candlestick.

- Elizabeth Hurley has gotten married like sixteen times in four days. Congrats.

- Tori Spelling and her second husband Dean McDermott have just opened their new bed and breakfast, Chateau La Rue. It is named after their pug, Mimi La Rue. It is located in Fallbrook, CA, just 100 miles south of LA. I'm thinking road trip. Who's coming with me?

- Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are adopting another kid, this time from Vietnam. When they get another one, they are planning on putting on little shows where the kids perform songs from the Jackson 5. But each one will sing in their native language. How cute.

That's all. Have a good week. I'll try to update more frequently if I can. Peace.