MOVIES | Backstage at the Academy Awards: Filthy dreams and solidarity with Wisconsin

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA—One of the best parts of being a credentialed press member with the Academy Awards is seeing my fellow journalists all dressed up in gowns and tuxedoes. We really don’t dress up that much on a regular assignment; casual is usually the code. Some journalists go all out and look like they are ready for an Oscar acceptance speech in their own right, but seasoned reporters wear ballet slippers under their gown and throw sweatshirts and coats over their evening dress. I can tell the “rookies” because they only bring their heels. I did that last year myself, when I was a newbie. Continue Reading

MOVIES | Academy Awards makeup artists and hairstylists demonstrate why they were nominated

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BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA—I always enjoy the Academy Awards’ Makeup and Hairstylists Symposium in the Grand Lobby of the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Last year it was thrilling to see how Star Trek characters evolved. This year’s outstanding film achievements in the make-up category were just as thrilling. The Wolfman Creature FX Creative Supervisor Dave Elsey was demonstrating his technique.Then, there was a power outage during the panel discussion. There were no PowerPoint capabilities and the theater went completely dark. Continue Reading

Want a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Former Minnesotan chairs the selection committee

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA—When the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce International Media Center staff found out I was from the Twin Cities, it was like old home week. I was surrounded by people who excitedly wanted to tell me where in Minnesota they were from. The Hollywood Chamber hosts a media center on the two days leading up to the Academy Awards for local, national, and international members of the media who will be covering the Oscars. The newest chairman of the Hollywood Walk of Fame selection committee, John Pavlik, was born in Iowa, moved to Minneapolis when he was three, and went to South High School until his sophomore year. Pavlik remembered exactly his two Minneapolis house addresses: “1216 Ninth Street and 4211 First Street.” Continue Reading

MOVIES | 83rd Academy Awards Governors Ball preview feeds the hungry press

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HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA—Jeff Rutherford and I were treated to what the stars will eat at the 83rd Academy Awards Governors Ball, the celebration immediately following the Academy Awards. The Ball’s Food and Beverage Preview on the Red Carpet Thursday was packed with media. It is always exciting to see what is unveiled. This year’s theme is a combination of Old Hollywood and South America, which seems like an odd marriage. Think Marilyn Monroe as a flamenco dancer. Continue Reading

MOVIES | Academy Awards and social networking: Where the Oscar comes to you

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You’re invited to join me on the Red Carpet at the 83rd Academy Awards—at least virtually. A new interactive feature will provide an experience to online audiences during the live Oscar show never before available. Beginning at 3:30 p.m. PT, Sunday, February 27, all Oscar.com visitors will experience Oscar’s red carpet through multiple camera positions capturing celebrity arrivals, glamorous fashions, and press activity. During the telecast, users can visit the show’s control truck, check out the backstage “Thank You Cam” at which winners continue their acceptance remarks, and watch and listen as the winners take questions from the world’s press in the interview room (maybe you will see me!). For a “premium” Oscar Night experience, users may register ($4.99) for additional, exclusive viewing opportunities. Continue Reading

MOVIES | “And the Oscar goes to…” New glam announcement envelopes and cards designed

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For 70 years, the use of sealed envelopes has been a part of the Academy Awards. Viewers and nominees watch in suspense as envelopes are opened with the words: “And the Oscar goes to…” But the envelopes always looked like someone was opening up, well, their personal mail. Until this year. Hollywood glam is vamping up the winner announcements. Continue Reading

MOVIES | 83rd Academy Awards Governors Ball preview

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A preview of the food and décor of this year’s Governors Ball—the celebration immediately following the 83rd Academy Awards—was held today in Hollywood. The Governors Ball is the first party on the roster for post-Oscar festivities. Some 1,500 guests will wine and dine on food headed up by Master Chef Wolfgang Puck and Executive Pastry Chef Sherry Yard. Attendees will enjoy floral arrangements by florist Mark Held. Home entertaining is by Moet & Chandon.Again this year, I will be reporting live from the media tour of the Governors Ball, along with Daily Planet photographer Jeff Rutherford, the evening before the Academy Awards. Continue Reading

MOVIES | Gwyneth Paltrow to sing live on Oscar night

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Gwyneth Paltrow will perform “Coming Home” from the film Country Strong on stage at this year’s Academy Awards, telecast producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer announced. Additional artists who will perform the nominated songs on the Kodak Theatre stage on Oscar Night are: Original Song nominee A.R. Rahman and Florence Welch, of Florence + the Machine, will perform “If I Rise” from the film 127 Hours. Rahman is nominated for writing the music (Dido and Rollo Armstrong are also nominated for the song’s lyric) Alan Menken, who is nominated for writing the music for “I See the Light” from the animated film Tangled, will accompany singers Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi on the piano (Glenn Slater is also nominated for the song’s lyric) Randy Newman will perform his nominated song “We Belong Together” from the animated film Toy Story 3 Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2010 will be presented on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre and televised live on the ABC Television Network.    Continue Reading

MOVIES | Oscar nominees enjoy Beverly Hilton lunch: Where everyone is equal for the day

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Oscar nominated for her role in The Black Swan, Best Actress contender Natalie Portman proved you could still look stylish while pregnant. Meeting with the press at today’s 30th annual Nominee Luncheon in Beverly Hills, Portman looked smashing in her blue Lanvin dress, Charles David red heels, carrying her Dior clutch. When asked what she will wear on the Red Carpet at the Academy Awards, Portman replied that it would be something that will leave space for her expanding figure. She pointed out that people seem more concerned with fashion than film. “It is always surprising. Continue Reading