A Foreign Land : A 2012 Academy Award Wrap Up

As I type this, my butt has been planted on my couch for close to seven hours. My eyes are blood shot, my thumbs are a bit tired from texting, tweeting and the computer that's been sitting on my lap since the red carpet coverage started has burned through my cords. But I am happy. I am happy because, as usual the evening did not disappoint. Sure there were broadcast low lights - like almost every time that Billy Crystal was on stage. (Sorry, Billy, I love you. But tonight was not your best work.) There were red carpet low lights - I'm looking at you Oscar Award winner Melissa Leo. But overall, it was a glamorous and impressive spectacle.

This year, I was a very bad Oscar fan and didn't see very many of the films. It's the first time in years that I didn't even see every Best Picture nominee. (Look, we've been a bit busy this awards season.) So, I can't make very many educated comments about the films themselves. I can however compile a best dressed list.

So here goes...

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During a red carpet interview, Jessica Chastain said she made 11 films last year. Wow. She was in two of the Best Picture nominees (The Help and The Tree of Life) and shined in both. Her Alexander McQueen gown snuck up on me tonight. At first glance I was like, "no." But the more I looked at it the deeper I fell in love. Combine her lovely locks and spunky little personality and you've got a winner in my book. She's for sure one to watch with AT LEAST five films scheduled to release in 2012. I'll say it again, WOW.

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Another "Wow" goes to Viola Davis in Vera Wang. Her skin was absolutely radiant. She was practically glowing. And the deep green color of her gown has me looking forward to St. Patty's day which is right around the corner. I'll step out on a limb and say that I think she was robbed - even though I haven't seen The Iron Lady. Davis was so astounding in the Help; I'm disappointed she wasn't recognized for her work.

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Oh how I love Tina Fey when she gets all fancy. And there is no question that this Carolina Herrera number was fan-cy. Herrera dressed Miss Fey exclusively this evening and the partnership was a smashing success. I'm a huge fan of the peplum silhouette going on right now. What do you think?

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Once again Octavia Spencer wore a Tadashi Shoji gown. Although she's been killing it all season, I can confidently say, this gown was my favorite. It was a perfect choice to win Oscar gold. She looks like a movie star.

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Emma Stone and Ben Stiller provided, arguably, one the telecasts' funniest bits. Stone looked stunning in this fuchsia Giambattista Valli, and managed to deliver award show banter that was actually entertaining. Though the scuttle-but on the carpet was how similar this dress is to Nicole Kidman's 2008 Balenciaga, and it is, I still think she is breathtaking.

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But my very favorite frock of the evening was worn by Michelle Williams. Her tangerine Louis Vuitton gown is the stuff dreams are made of. Williams makes me want to be a better dresser. She inspires, awes and amazes me on a regular basis and tonight was no different. The delicate bow at the hip and understated necklace are just the right simple touches to allow her shocking pick clutch to pop. Though she may not have been the Academy's leading lady of the night, she sits atop my very best dressed list. (I'm certain she'll find that just as rewarding.)