Screen Actors Guild Awards 2013 Best Dressed

The 19th Annual “Screen Actors Guild Awards” was in full swing as movie stars and TV personalities alike strutted their stuff on the red carpet, showcasing the amazing creations of various designers. The award giving body also known as the SAG Awards, is awarded yearly by the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television & Radio Arts to acknowledge chosen works by its members. But in here, we’ll award who did best on the red carpet! And yes, there were a lot of navy blue-to-black numbers!

Claire Danes in Givenchy; Tina Fey in Oscar Dela Renta; Amy Poehler in Zuhair Murad

Without further ado, French beauty and Female Actor in a Leading Role nominee for her work in Rust & Bone, Marion Cotillard kicks off the list in this Dior Haute Couture creation with a stunning Chopard necklace which complimented her classic good looks. I love that Marion kept her makeup simple which proved how naturally beautiful she is! At number 8 is Cotillard’s fellow best actress nominee and “Most Improved” awardee of the night Jessica Chastain who wore a body-hugging Alexander McQueen gown with that eye-catching Harry Wnston jewels! Jessica is most improved for this is a far cry from her Golden Globe look but in this gown, she sure is a movie star! We have the risk takers at number 7&6 and are certainly belonging to what I refer to as “the a-lists of the a-list”, Nicole Kidman & Julianne Moore. Nicole wore a Vivienne Westwood Couture creation she paired with Manolo Blahnik heels and Fred Leighton jewels, looking statuesque and every bit the movie star that she is! While Nicole is a constant on best dressed lists, Julianne’s relationship with fashion’s always on! Julianne stunned in this fresh off the runway Chanel dress that she accessorized with Van Cleef & Arpels jewels and Charlotte Olympia heels. You know what? She’s 52 and looking radiant as ever!

Female Actor in a TV/miniseries nominee for Hemingway and Gellhorn

Female Actor in a TV movie/miniseries nominee for Game Changed

Both are nominees for the same category but Julianne nabbed the award for her turn as Sarah Palin. Moving on to number 5 is everyone’s favorite “It girl”, Jennifer Lawrence – wearing the color of the night looked gorgeous in a Christian Dior Haute Couture, Chopard jewels and a pair of Jimmy Choos which no one probably saw because of the gown! JLaw was also the night’s big winner as she took home the Female Actor in a Leading Role award beating out Cotillard, Chastain, Helen Mirren and Naomi Watts (whom you will see as you read on). This girl is hardcore talented!

Is this is how post-pneumonia looks like then please, sign me up!

The best way to show support for your nominee husband? Apparently according to Jennifer Garner…be a trophy wife, literally! Jen caught everyone’s eyes in this golden Oscar Dela Renta stunner that she simply accented with David Webb sparklers! Her efforts paid off when hubby Ben Affleck’s Argo won Best Cast in a Motion Picture award! Taking the number 3 spot is the forever elegant, Naomi Watts embraced classic Hollywood glamour in a Marchesa creation with Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and loose curls that were just breathtaking! This lady is a real pro, winning our hearts one killer outfit at a time! Female Actor in a Supporting Role winner for Les Miserables, Anne Hathaway took the number 2 spot in a trendy Giambatista Valli gown which complimented her barely there makeup and classic custom vegan Jimmy Choo peep-toe pumps and of course, that edgy pixie cut completed the look. Anne may have won “the Actor” but her costar bagged my number 1 best dressed during the SAG awards red carpet! Amanda Seyfried looks beautiful in this crisp and chic Zac Posen navy blue creation and kept it simple by adding just the right touch of jewels by Lorraine Schwartz! And let’s not forget those blonde locks! I also love how her look showcased her beauty and style without sacrificing her personality and her age! It’s less than a month before the Oscars so I’m really psyched to see what these ladies will come up next!!! -F all photos are from Google

The Impossible

2012 has got to be the greatest year for films, many of the most anticipated and critically acclaimed films were produced the past year and this film was no different – “The Impossible”.

The Impossible is a disaster drama film directed by Juan Antonio Bayona (The Orphanage) with a screenplay by Sergio Sanchez and stars Naomi Watts (21 Grams, King Kong) and Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge!, Star Wars). It is based on a true story of a Spanish family’s struggle during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. From the very first frame up to the last, each one is as moving as the other – conveying the tremendous hurt and sorrow that the tragedy have caused. I was 9 when the said tragedy occurred so I wasn’t really familiar, but my research tells me that this tsunami which affected 5 countries (Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Maldives and Thailand – where in the film was set) was amongst the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history where almost 250,000 people died.
Watts (Maria) and McGregor (Henry) with their three children (Tom Holland as Lucas, Samuel Joslin as Tomas and Oaklee Pendergast as Simon) brought to life the miraculous journey of a family in the midst of a disaster. The film started as the family took off for a holiday vacation to Thailand the day before Christmas, where they welcomed Christmas with presents and spent time on the beach and by the pool but then by December 26th, their lives will never be the same…

The devastating disaster hit and the family saw themselves catching their breaths and looking for one another and begging for their lives. Brace yourself for this is the part where it gets really draining and where you’d suddenly ask yourself “what if this happens to me?”. First of all, the filming and creation of the whole disaster scene was unbelievable you can actually feel that you’re also there gulping massive amounts of water. This is a film you don’t need to see in 3D! However, part of the film’s weaker point was its dramatic touch during the “meeting” scene where you know the family will finally be united but the film wants to circle around for a few minutes before giving audiences the satisfaction (well, that’s just me.. I don’t know if it works for you). On a different note, I’d like to commend how the Thai culture was incorporated in the film – reflecting the profound sense of community, their willingness to help, their hospitality and their instinct to help the tourists are admirable despite their lost.
McGregor, with his limited appearance in the film was every bit the family man desperately putting the family back together (even if I don’t agree with some of his bizarre decisions) especially when he turned that simple phone call into a moving moment of heartfelt longing. Watts on the other hand proved to be the star of the film with a compelling performance as Maria. In fact, so compelling I need another word for compelling! She brought the house down with that incredibly difficult chase during the surge and even more so when she was bedridden and hopeless. But the breakthrough star of the film would have to be the children (Joslin and Pendergast) especially Holland who played Lucas, the short-tempered eldest son who was just surprisingly brilliant and spot-on believable!

With compelling scene after another, this film is a must-watch! And yes,I can’t think of a better title than the film title itself, for it would be impossible for you not to go see this film!

PS. Naomi Watts was nominated as Best Actress by the Academy Awards! Well deserved, If I may add!

-F

all photos are from Google

Excelsior

“Most people lose the ability to see silver linings even though they are always there above us almost every day…”

“Silver Linings Playbook” is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by David O. Russell (The Fighter, The Three Kings) based on a novel of the same name by Matthew Quick. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) and Bradley Cooper (The Hangover) bringing to life a screenplay also by Russell.

According to the Oxford dictionary, “Silver linings refers to a hopeful or comforting prospect in the midst of difficulty” – and this film will help you realize that there will always be something to be thankful for. After 8 months, Pat Solitano (Cooper) was just released from a mental facility due to his bipolar disorder and learned of the unfortunate events that’s happened – her wife, Nikki moved out of their house and his dad Pat Sr. played by Robert De Niro was out of a job and resorted to bookmaking to open a restaurant. Pat is determined to put his life back together but along the way, he met Tiffany Maxwell (Lawrence) – a recent widow and a recovering sex addict who agreed to help him get back with Nikki as long as he will also help her in return…by dancing with her in a competition no less! And thus the fun begins. Cooper and Lawrence’s chemistry was undeniable, both being characters of eccentricity they just exuded brilliance from their awkward first meeting, their bipolar arguments while running and dining out, their dance practices until the “reads the signs” scene, these two despite their strangeness will make you root for them! Individually, Lawrence stole the show with a no-holds-bar performance and just became the character she portrayed, I could not imagine any actor who would be better for this role than she was – she’s wise beyond her years and yes, she’s only 22 years old with 2 Oscar nods under her belt. Cooper on the other hand was surprisingly brilliant as a bipolar, he is believable as when he’s subtle and as he is over-the-top raging. It’s so refreshing to see Cooper portray a character far from his normal “pretty boy” roles, and this role certainly changed our perspective of him as an actor. Now, you know there is nothing ordinary when De Niro is present and yes, this film is definitely not your typical romantic film trust me. De Niro and Jacki Weaver played the roles of Cooper’s extremely understanding parents, both their acting were understated but their emotions radiate through their simple gestures – that’s what you call real acting! More than the acting, the script was flawless with clever one-liners and sharp punch lines that will make you think before knocking the socks out of you – the type of jokes that you don’t even know was funny but then it was. Another fine point of the film is its cinematography and editing, which convey underlying messages and deep sorrows of each of the characters – Silver Linings Playbook was a triumph for the human spirit. With a great film, I’m interested if the book is just as brilliant…

Silver Linings Playbook just dominated the Critics’ Choice Awards winning the Best Comedy Film, Best Actor & Actress in a Comedy and Best Cast. (Lawrence also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy.)
Recently, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Science(AMPAS) announced the nominees for the Academy Awards on February 25 and Silver Linings Playbook bagged 8 nods, making the film the 3rd most nominated film of the year after Lincoln(12), Life of Pi(11) and tied with Les Misérables(8)
Best Picture
Best Actor: Bradley Cooper
Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence
Best Supporting Actor: Robert De Niro
Best Supporting Actress: Jacki Weaver
Best Director: David O. Russell
Best Adapted Screenplay: David O. Russell
Best Film Editing

Trivia: Silver Linings Playbook became the first film to be nominated in all four acting categories – best actor, actress, supporting actor and supporting actress in 31 years; the last one to do so was 1981’s Reds. And after 8 years, became the only film nominated for the “Big Five” categories – best picture, director, actor, actress and adapted/original screenplay; the last to do so was 2004’s Million Dollar Baby.

Wow. The accolades just keeps on going, this film surely raised the bar for filmmaking.
The cast receiving their awards!

Probably you’re asking why the tile, Excelsior? For it means “ever upward” and this film will definitely teach you that whatever the problem or how heavy a situation is, there’s always a silver lining that will make things better. Watch this film, you won’t regret it!

Fashion Spotlight: Jennifer Lawrence

“I’d rather look chubby on-screen and like a person in real life.” -Jennifer Lawrence

For my very first Fashion Spotlight, I chose Katniss Everdeen herself for she emerged as a fashion force this awards season! Now, isn’t it refreshing to know that at least one Hollywood star is not feeling the pressure to be stick-thin just because it’s the “prototype”. Jen or “JLaw” captured everyone’s hearts as the courageous heroine of the worldwide phenomenon that is, The Hunger Games but it seems that JLaw also plans on conquering the red carpet one fierce outfit at a time!

JLaw started weak with this Valentino Couture she wore accepting the Favorite Actress & Favorite Face of Heroism awards during the People’s Choice ceremony. This dress just doesn’t do her amazing figure its rightful justice but, she looked comfortable in it.

And yes, those are Cartier jewels dangling on her ears!

Not to worry, JLaw made sure to bounce back with a knockout outfit that officially launched her as a fashionista to watch and she never looked back! She showed up at the American Film Institute Awards wearing this amazing Prabal Gurung dress accessorized with a Jill Milan clutch and Prabal Gurung for Cassadei pumps which are to die for! During the ceremony, her film Silver Linings Playbook was announced as part of the Top 10 Films of 2012!

Now, if there’s any truth about the rumor of her breakup from long time beau and X-Men First Class costar, Nicholas Hoult, she definitely looks nothing near heartbroken. Don’t you think so?
More of JLaw’s red carpet hits during the Los Angeles Film Critics luncheon, BAFTA tea party and Pre-Golden Globes party respectively…

L-R Valentino Couture dress & Roger Vivier heels; Altuzarra dress & Jimmy Choo pumps; Victoria Beckham dress & Christian Louboutin platforms

Just when you thought you’ve seen her best look yet, wait ’til you see these two red carpet moments! Up first is this beautiful black Prabal Gurung number she paired with Jimmy Choos and Chopard jewels during the Critics’ Choice Awards where she bagged both Best Actress awards for her work in The Hunger Games & Silver Linings Playbook! I tell you what, this girl’s on fire!

The soft makeup complimented her rather dramatic gown.

JLaw surely didn’t disappoint during the Golden Globes in this amazing Christian Dior Haute Couture gown which showed her statuesque figure, embracing her in all the right places! She kept her makeup subdued and her Ferragamo clutch simple, just adding the right touch of Chopard dangling earrings. Not only is she a scene stealer in the red carpet but she also nabbed the Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical award for her work in Silver Linings Playbook! If these awards are any indication, her future is looking extra bright!

With all these amazing looks, I can’t wait for her to kill it on the red carpet during the Academy Awards and steal the spotlight once again! More than beauty, personality is what keeps you interesting and this is a woman who’s brave, confident and is not afraid of being herself in a cutthroat business and I admire her for that! Keep it up, JLaw!

PS. I’ve repeatedly mentioned Silver Linings Playbook…More on that tomorrow!

-F

all photos are from Google

A Second Chance

After long hours spent at the office, weeks working on school works or you’re just feeling worn out…Sometimes, all you need is a feel-good movie! “Parental Guidance” is a comedy film directed by Andy Fickman (The Game Plan, You Again) and stars Billy Crystal, Bette Midler and Marisa Tomei and yes, the film’s about family!

And wait, if you think that this film’s just like any other family films – and actually, it kind of is. Expect the awkwardness between family members who rarely see each other where one tries to get close and fails but eventually will get it right making them one big happy family by the end of the film. Expect all that! I know – Predictable. Cliché. Formulaic. Before you decide not to see this film, take a good look of the photo below and tell me if I’m wrong.. Wouldn’t you be lying if you say your family is always this perfectly happy and gets along just fine every time of every day?

Now, compare that one to this photo below and many of you will agree that there’s just some times when our families make us crazy! Well maybe not like “movie crazy” but you know what I mean! And Parental Guidance will make you laugh, cry and realize that family is family.

Billy Crystal and Bette Midler stars as Artie and Diane Decker who were asked by their daughter, Alice (Tomei) to look after the children for five days as they were their last option – while Diane sees this as an opportunity of a second chance for parenting, Artie dreaded this day as much as Alice did, for he thinks it will just be all awkward. The three children; who hasn’t seen their grandparents for almost a year also dreaded the decision but have got no choice. They were eventually won over by Artie & Diane by allowing them to eat cake – their whole life, they’ve only been fed organically, by bribing them with money, by teaching them to stand up for themselves and by permitting them to go to a party. All of these were frowned upon by Alice and Phil (Tom Everett Scott) for they have a different way of parenting which for the grandparents is a very type-A kind of parenting. The first two days, as you expect is a complete mayhem and everything’s just wrong but the very modern kids and the old school grandparents eventually found a way to meet halfway and they all got their second chance to be better as parents, as a daughter and as a spouse. This film as I’ve mentioned is predictable but it is predictable as it is entertaining and heartwarming. The plot or the storyline may be something we already know and the script could have been sharper but hey, nothing’s better than a big hearty laugh! And you just might hear yourself say “my family’s totally like this!”. I did!

This film surely reflected the dynamics of the complicated relationships within family members; you fight like crazy but you will love each other just the same…

This scene’s just too hilarious not to include!

-F

all photos are from Google

I Dreamed a Dream

“I dreamed a dream in time gone by…” Feel these words, close your eyes and let the magic of “Les Misérables” take you. The musical adaptation based on the novel by Victor Hugo is directed by Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) with a screenplay by William Nicholson (Gladiator). Aside from the film’s established director and scriptwriter also comes an ensemble cast lead by Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter. A film that is as star-studded and with such caliber as this, it is only fitting to expect the best and I tell you what – Les Misérables will blow you away.

My love for Les Misérables goes way back when I was a Junior in high school when we read, discussed & analyzed the novel and I remember being totally attentive in class as I’m always interested about the history of France. Long story short, I witnessed this film being cast, being filmed and being anticipated by many and now, being awarded what is due.

“Les Mis” is set against the backdrop of political turmoil during the June Rebellion of France and spans 17 years starting with the introduction of Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) being released on parole after 19 years by Javert (Russell Crowe). The relationship of this two characters is vital to the film, with 17 years of escaping and hiding from one another also teaches the value of courage. determination, and just how much a person could sacrifice for what is right and for the ones they love. Jackman was phenomenal as Valjean, he did everything and more to make him believable – including dropping 30lbs off his weight he’s almost unrecognizable during the first scenes, which by the way were so beautifully directed it will haunt you and will give you goosebumps. The film’s other prominent character and Valjean’s nemesis was played by the Gladiator himself, Crowe. Now, his acting was nothing short of flawless and the singing was not as bad as many have said – you have to understand, he’s not a trained professional singer and the acting? That’s unquestionable but I just felt like Crowe’s Javert needed a little more intensity and could be made a little more mad like Geoffrey Rush’s 1998 turn.

As the plot thickens and 8 years later with Valjean as a changed man, Fantine (Anne Hathaway) was introduced as a worker for his facotry. Hathaway probably gave the most compelling and the best performance of her career in this film. From her banishment from the factory, that haircut scene, her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” to her last breaths longing and longing for her daughter, Cosette…Anne Hathaway was breathtaking (PS. Prepare your tissues and hankies for her scenes). Valjean upon Fantine’s death, ventured on to find her daughter for he promised to take care and to be a father to Cosette – with Javert on his tail, he paid the Thenardiers (Sacha Baron Cohen & Helena Bonham Carter) to allow him to take Cosette. A little background, the Thenardiers treated Cosette as their servant and they abused Fantine for asking a lot of money promising that they will take good care of her daughter. Every frame with Cohen and Carter, they were brutally mean and very convincing as the conniving innkeepers – their scenes served as breathers in between those emotionally heavy scenes with others.

9 years later, an all grown-up Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) was seen by Marius (Eddie Redmayne), a revolutionist and instantly fell in love with her. Seyfried and Redmayne will lift your hopes up as their characters showed how love really does conquer all but of course, a love story wouldn’t be complete without a third person and in this case we have Eponine (Samantha Barks) giving a very heartbreaking “On my Own” rendition. But I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with Redmayne for I didn’t know he could sing so well, too well actually and after watching the film, I swear girls were swooning over him and yes, I’m guilty. Anyway! These three young actors also delivered especially with strong singing and moving portrayals of a love story during trying times…(cue “do you hear the people sing…” for goosebumps)

With the kind of anticipation from all over the world, Les Mis didn’t disappoint – the directing, the writing, the editing, the production, the sound mixing and above all, the acting were flawless and incase you didn’t know, all those singing were done LIVE! I won’t spoil you but I will warn you now, the ending will make you sob like you’ve never sob before…

With all these said, Les Mis surely impressed everyone including the Academy! The film is nominated for 8 awards!
Best Picture
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Hugh Jackman
Best Supporting Actress – Anne Hathaway
Best Original Song – Suddenly
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Best Sound Mixing
Best Production Design

Here’s the cast enjoying the film’s success!

-F

all photos are from Google

All That Glitter

“and the Golden Globe goes to…”

Don’t you just love the anticipation those words bring? I know I do! While all of us is still on Golden Globe high, allow me to share my highs and lows during the ceremony which I have to say is the best so far! Congratulations to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) for keeping the show interesting and fresh every year!

First of all, I have to commend the two hosts of the show which are both incredibly talented and beautiful and just knock the socks out of everybody! Well done Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see them again next year. There are so many spiels and jokes and banters to choose from and among my top favorites were the one when Tina mocked Taylor Swift to “stay away from Michael J. Fox’s son!” – that one’s gotta hurt, ouch! Another favorite of mine was the joke about James Franco being high during last year’s Oscar and the one with Meryl Streep having the flu and “we hear she’s very good at it!”. Who wouldn’t remember that time when Tina & Amy were both up against in the Best Actress in a TV series category but found themselves losing to Girls’ Lena Dunham? That one’s a classic!

Now, I could blab on for hours about how witty the hosts were but I gotta think about you.. So, moving on! I know many of you will agree if I say Kristen Wiig & Will Ferrell’s spiel was the best among many presenters, am I right? They stole the show with that hilarious banter and I’m still laughing as I type this, trust me. Another highlight of the show was the surprise appearance of the 42nd President of the USA, Bill Clinton to present Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln – I’m telling you, only Spielberg could pull this kind of megawatt surprise and as I watch, I felt my jaw drop in gasp! I have a confession (my fellow Julia Roberts fans will understand this), I shed a little tear upon seeing Julia walk the stage in a Valentino jumpsuit no less to present the last award which is the Best Picture for Argo… Don’t judge me! In my defense, I know Julia would be presenting during the ceremony but I had my hopes down for I haven’t seen her for the first hours and I think if she’s there, the cameras’ gonna want to at least capture her so I was really taken aback!

On to the most prestigious award of the night, the Cecil B. Demille award which Jodie Foster accepted with a really impactful and tear-jerking speech. I am not saying this just because she was honored but I’ve truly admired her for I have watched her films and thought how brave and bold she is in every character she portrays. Aside from her flawless acting, she also writes and directs and does all of this while keeping a life away from the public eye. Kudos!

and yes Jodie, “normal is not something to aspire…”

Silence of the Lambs & Taxi Driver

I’ve made the liberty of putting up little collages of the big winners during the night! Enjoy as you browse through!

T-B Daniel Day Lewis for Lincoln; Jessica Chastain for Zero Dark Thirty; Jennifer Lawrence for Silver Lining’s Playbook; Hugh Jackman for Les Miserables

Ben Affleck wins big as the Best Director while nabbing Best Picture along the way! Way to go!

The cast of Les Miserables celebrating their big win! How cute are they?

And yeah, for the low? This is my favorite TV show so i’m kind of bummed Modern Family didn’t win anything at all, that’s all. But hey, look at how much fun they’re having!

Before I end this post, I’ll request you to take a moment of silence for these gorgeous men who are looking dapper in their designer suits!

Bradley Cooper; Robert Downey Jr.; Daniel Craig; Leonardo Dicaprio

This year’s awards season officially began so stay tuned for more!

-F

all photos are from Google

Golden Globes 2013 Best Dressed

There’s a certain rush upon watching your favorite Hollywood stars walk the red carpet and I for one get all giddy with each and every gown! As you all may know, the Golden Globes is known to bring in all the big names from both TV and film and this year is certainly no exception – in fact, it just keeps getting better every year! Especially with Tina Fey & Amy Poehler as the hosts, hilarious!

Okay, I woke up at 7am to catch the red carpet coverage by E! and The Today Show I immediately spotted the color of the night which are red and pale pink/nude aside from black – which by the way, is always a red carpet favorite.

Amy Adams in Marchesa; Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy; Megan Fox in Dolce & Gabbana

Claire Danes in Versace; Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture; Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior

Now, on to the best dressed! First up at No. 5 is Nicole Kidman who is a double nominee by the way for her work in Hemingway & Gellhorn and The Paperboy rocked an edgy Alexander McQueen creation with the perfect accessory in the likeness of Keith Urban.. How cute are they?

Coming in at No. 4 is Tv’s Scandal star Kerry Washington who is gorgeous and a risktaker in a semi-sheer Elie Saab number! I always love a risk and this one totally paid off for it worked and everything’s just lovely!

Anne Hathaway steals the No. 3 spot in this breathtaking Chanel ensemble! The hair, the makeup and her figure just says it all, beautiful! And yes, she’s got style and she’s got the globe for Best Supporting Actress! Congratulations, Anne!

Unsurprisingly, Naomi Watts takes the No. 2 spot in a perfect Zac Posen backless gown which fit her like a glove! Now, Naomi really brings it this awards season and I can’t wait what she’ll wear on the Academy! PS. Naomi is nominated for Best Actress in a Drama for The Impossible, well done!

Before anything else, I would like you to take a moment of silence and absorb this beautiful presence that is Kate Hudson. I mean, how beautiful does she look in that Alexander McQueen gown? Wow. She takes my No. 1 spot and rightly so, if I may add.

Stay tuned for my post about the actual Golden Globes ceremony!

-F

all photos are from Google

The Greatest Manhunt

The first woman to ever win the Academy Award for Best Director comes back with another knockout film 3 years after “The Hurt Locker”. Kathryn Bigelow, made history during the 2009 ceremony when she took home the award for best director beating some prominent directors like Quentin Tarantino, Jason Reitman, Lee Daniels and her ex-husband, James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar) now that’s something! Anyway gossip aside, Bigelow is making the rounds again with her highly-acclaimed spy thriller film, “Zero Dark Thirty”

Zero Dark Thirty is about the hunt on America’s number one enemy, the terrorist Osama Bin Laden (oftenly referred to as UBL). The film is from the people behind The Hurt Locker with an original screenplay from Mark Boal. The film centers around a woman CIA agent, Maya (Jessica Chastain) who helmed the whole hunt and was described by most of her colleagues as “a killer” for she has been recruited by the agency out of high school and has worked for them since. Jessica Chastain whom you may know from The Tree of Life & The Help among others has been involved in films with high acclaim and this one proved to be the same, so far Chastain’s track record is as good as it gets. Fortunately, Chastain didn’t disappoint in the film and gave a raw performance as the “motherf****r who found that place” – pertaining to UBL’s hideout. She was feisty, determined, convincing and just plain brilliant also thanks to a genius script which didn’t let her down. For the first time in a long time, a film made my heart stop again for its intensity – The Departed (2006) was probably the last one that did that to me. The very scene that made me skip a beat was the time of the attack, the time when the U.S. Navy SEAls are starting to put on their gears and the time when the countdown begins…whew! Just merely describing the scene takes me back in the moviehouse when everyone’s eagerly anticipating, anticipating and anticipating what will happen next and I even forgot about how really bad I want to pee! Seriously, the film is so good you don’t wanna miss a single scene. Anyway! The other strong point of the film is its’ editing, again it is the kind of editing where no one is allowed to blink an eye if you don’t wanna miss a statement or an action or a revelation – the editing was flawless. From the acting, to the editing and the scriptwriting, each of these won’t be done this way without of course the overall brain that is the director, Kathryn Bigelow. Now if you know me, I am someone who advocates for women and feels strongly regarding the discrimination between the two sexes and whatnots. I know I know I’m starting to sound all geeky now but I know I won’t be alone when I say that the film is honestly this good and one of the best films there is. I can’t tell yet who I think will win best picture this year for I have yet to see the 3 other viable films but I’ll get there…

And I’m glad to inform you that Zero Dark Thirty is up for 5 nominations for this year’s Academy Award ceremony
Best Picture
Best Actress: Jessica Chastain
Best Writing – Original Screenplay
Best Film Editing
Best Sound Editing

-F

People’s Choice 2013

As you know, award shows also translate to a fashion display by all our favorite stars. Before the ceremony when the winners will be announced, there’s the red carpet and everyone makes sure to bring their A-game.

This year’s People’s Choice Awards ceremony was actually a little less star-studded compared to last year’s but nonetheless, here are my best dressed who killed it on the red carpet.

At No.5 is Brittany Snow and she was part of the hit comedy musical film Pitch Perfect – she wore a Maria Lucia Hohan yellow dress that is simple yet appropriately accessorized with Giuseppe Zanotti heels, Judith Lieber clutch and those Norman Silverman earings.

Chloe Grace Moretz brightened up the red carpet in a neon Simon Rocha dress which complimented her seemingly fun personality. The budding fashionista paired the neon dress with black Casadei pumps and a Smythson bag.

Moving on to No. 3 is another fashionista Emma Watson who surprised in a graphic Peter Pilotto number which she complimented with simple and sweet makeup. Not only did she win in the style department, she also took home the Favorite Dramatic Actress for her work on The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Congrats, Emma!

Taylor Swift takes not only the Favorite Country Artist award but also the No. 2 spot in a white Ralph Lauren creation – the plunging neckline would have looked tacky for someone else but Swift took the plunge, pun intended tastefully. Now that’s how you bounce back from a split!

Taking the top spot for the best dressed during the People’s Choice is none other than Naomi Watts who literally dazzled in an Alexander McQueen gown. Her hair, her makeup and those Jennifer Meyer accessories completed her red carpet look, she was spot on!

Here are a list of some of the winners during the ceremony:
FAVORITE MOVIE: The Hunger Games
FAVORITE MOVIE ACTOR: Robert Downey Jr.
FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS: Jennifer Lawrence
FAVORITE MOVIE ICON: Meryl Streep
FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE: The Hunger Games
FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE STAR: Chris Hemsworth
FAVORITE COMEDIC MOVIE: Ted
FAVORITE COMEDY MOVIE ACTOR & ACTRESS: Adam Sandler & Jennifer Aniston
FAVORITE DRAMATIC MOVIE: ThePerks of Being a Wallflower
FAVORITE DRAMA MOVIE ACTOR & ACTRESS: Zac Efron & Emma Watson
FAVORITE SUPERHERO: Robert Downey Jr.
FAVORITE CHEMISTRY: Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson
FAVORITE HUMANITARIAN: Sandra Bullock

Tune in for more Best Dressed lists and other Hollywood news!

-F

all photos are from Google