Zero Dark 8:30

You like me, you REALLY like me.

Yesterday, I practiced my annual tradition of waking up at the crack of dawn to go and watch the live announcement of the Academy Award nominations. This year, I was in Connecticut with a friend for her birthday celebration. Happy Birthday Brianna! I considered, briefly, that this behavior might have to be altered while I was at someone else’s house. But, with everyone who lived there out at work or appointments I was able to watch the press conference and freak out like any other year.

“Silver Linings Playbook” racked up eight nominations including one in every acting category including a Best Actor nod for Bradley Cooper.

 

A few days before the announcement I was telling someone that if the Academy only allowed five films to be nominated for Best Picture I had seen four of the five I felt were locks for nominations. “Les Miserables”, “Zero Dark Thirty”, “Lincoln” and “Silver Linings Playbook” were all checked off of my list before Award Season even started. I think this year we had a really good crop of films and unlike years past a lot of the films have commercial and not just critical appeal. Alongside those four films the Academy also nominated “Argo” which was the lock I hadn’t seen, “Amour”, Life of Pi”, “Django: Unchained” and “Beasts of the Southern Wild” are on my yet to be seen list. I try to make it my business to see a lot of the nominees but I think that “Lincoln” is the safe bet with “Pi” on it’s heels. “Zero Dark Thirty” is my dark horse, no one saw “Hurt Locker” coming in 2009 and ZD30 is a powerhouse. Tense and gritty I spent three hours on the edge of my seat.

Jessica Chastain racked up her second annual Oscar nod. This time for Best Actress.

In the acting categories Daniel Day Lewis leads the Actor race, far ahead of Bradley Cooper, Hugh Jackman, Joaquin Phoenix and Denzel Washington. I really am rooting for Cooper, because he was so amazing in “Silver Linings Playbook” and just between us friends with his proclivity to sign up for “Hangover” sequels that amazing performance came as a surprise to me. Best Actress isn’t as obvious a race. Quvenzhane Wallis and Emmanuelle Riva break records as the youngest and oldest nominees in history. While Jessica Chastain and Jennifer Lawrence battle it out for front runner. I am rooting for Jessica, no offense Katniss. The fifth nominee I almost forgot is Naomi Watts. Sorry girl, at least it’s an honor to be nominated. In supporting Anne Hathaway and Tommy Lee Jones lead their races. Best supporting actor is the win/win category this year since EVERY nominee has won previously.

I know nominations were just announced yesterday morning but Oscar Sunday will be here before you know it. I am planning on holding my annual Oscar party, and rooting for my favorites. If yesterday’s announcement alongside Emma Stone was any indication we have a great show to look forward to with host Seth McFarland. And, as I previously said I think we got a good crop of nominees and a very attractive set of films to watch in the mean time. My one gripe is the overcrowded director category. No love for Affleck who has experienced not a career comeback, but a resurrection of sorts with “Argo”. A similar fate for Katheryn Bigelow. But, at least they can cry their eyes out about their snubs clutching their previous Oscars.

The Longest Week: My NYFW Diary

While fashion is always important here in New York City, twice a year it enters a new level of importance. The tents pop up in Lincoln Center and create an epicenter where the fashion elite, the famous and everyone in between show up to see what we will be wearing next season. Every year, the Fall Fashion Week is kicked off by Fashion’s Night Out. I blogged that my FNO was less fabulous than year’s past, despite rubbing elbows with Coco Rocha and Kellan Lutz. Well, my NYFW more than made up for the sluggish start. I sat out Friday’s adventures as I had a date. And, while fashion may be a major love of my life, it’s not going to buy me candy this Valentine’s day. But, from then on I made sure to pop by the tents at least once a day to see what was happening. Saturday night, I stopped by and got to see that even though a literal storm was brewing, there was still a storm of fashion surrounding the tents. In the eye of that storm, was Brad Goreski surrounded by a camera crew for his Bravo reality series. Literally, right after my encounter with Mr. Goreski, the skies opened and the actual storm hit New York.

The next day, my friends and I organized an outing to the tents to watch the fashion and the stars together. The day was much better in terms of weather, I saw two MTV stars who were New York Fashion Week staples Lauren Conrad and Holland Roden. I got to chat with Holland for a few minutes, I made sure to congratulate her on the amazing season Teen Wolf just wrapped up. She said “we love you guys, as much as you love us. And it’s just so great and so fun to work on the show.” Sadly, she had no season three spoilers to share. and either did her co-star Colton Haynes who showed up a little later. Colton did however tell me “I’m going to see DVF, that’s going to be my favorite part” when I asked what was the best part of Fashion Week. Also in attendance to take in DVF’s show were Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen and Anna Sophia Robb. I was excited that the two actresses who played Carrie Bradshaw were in the same place, Anna told me on the way out they did in fact get to meet backstage. I wonder if SJP offered any advice on the role and running in heels. We also got to take in the outdoor Zac Posen show. The man of the hour himself even told us before the show that he was both “excited and nervous” and that you always want to feel like that before a show. His show of course was a tremendous success and hosted that super supermodel moment I blogged about.

Jessica Chastain and I after her NYT Q&A. While Jessica stuns in Alexander McQueen, I try to keep up with a Calvin Klein shirt, Mad Men for Banana Republic vest and jeans by H&M.

Monday, I took the day off from watching the action around the tents. Instead, Lauren had invited me to be her Plus One to a fabulous art party. TBD Art was hosting a party to celebrate their fifth artist collaboration. We got to see the art of Daniel St. George and even meet the artist himself all while enjoying absinthe cocktails and a delicious spread. Even though we were sure we would not run into Anna Wintour, both Lauren and I kept it stylish. While the party kept us from the New York Times Q&A our favorite actress Jessica Chastain was doing down the street. It allowed us to make the tail end of it and get to see Jessica. We discussed her Fashion’s Night Out which she said “was so much fun. I mean, could it get any better than that Jason Wu dress?” She also went on to say she’s currently in rehearsals for “the Heiress” and that they are going well. We also had a love fest complimenting each other’s outfits. After that absinthe fueled run-in with Ms. Chastain, I spent some of Tuesday at the tents with Lauren. We saw lots of people coming and going from various shows including Lauren Conrad, Kevin and Danielle Jonas, Minka Kelly and Jenna Dewan Tatum. The fabulous Mrs. Channing Tatum told me she had A LOT of fun filming American Horror Story and that she thinks the show came great and very scary. How could she not have fun when her scenes are rumored to be shared with Adam Levine?

I decided I had energy for one final day of NYFW, so after my friend Kathy got out of work Lauren and I met her to check out the Proenza Schouler show. Held at 5 Beekman the show was a perfect end to Fashion Week. It attracted all four Vogue heavy hitters, Anna Wintour, Hamish Bowls, Grace Coddington and Andre Leon Talley. Aside from the editorial power players, it also attracted fashionable stars like Florence Welsh, Kate Bosworth and Jessica Chastain. Kate Bosworth raved me to that the show was “incredible and absolutely amazing” while wearing a stunning ensemble from the designers. When I pressed Jessica Chastain for which show was her favorite she playfully shoved me and said “Oh honey! I couldn’t pick… It would be like picking a favorite child.” I think that’s the perfect way to put it, each day was a little different but each one was a lot of fun. Every fashion week I get to see and learn a little bit more, this year even getting to take in the al freso Zac Posen show. I was also struck by how many people who were hanging around the tents were from out of town. A woman from Mississippi was telling me about her interaction with Andre Leon. I didn’t even think they know had Vogue in Mississippi. That’s one of the amazing things about fashion, it attracts and unites so many different kinds of people and not just for two weeks a year, but every single day.

The Re-Appearance of Eleanor Rigby

Jessica posted this photo her first day on set. Those of you not feeling her Kate Goslin haircut, fear not – she showed us it is a wig.

If you live in New York, at some point your life will be affected by the filming of a television show or movie. Some roll their eyes or curse a production and the parking nightmare or street closures it brings. But, for me whenever I see something filming I get very excited. When it was announced earlier this summer that a movie called “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” would filmed here in New York, I was excited. Mostly because the title character will be played by no one other than Oscar nominee, YSL Brand Ambassador and all around sweet heart Jessica Chastain.

Who didn’t love Jessica in her scene stealing, Oscar nominated role in the Help?

I first noticed Jessica after her flawless portrayal of Celia Foote in “the Help”. While the entire cast was incredible, no one was a better fit in their role than Jessica. A few weeks after the film’s release I had the pleasure of meeting Jessica and found her to be just about the sweetest person ever. Since then we’ve met a few times and each time Jessica has been so amazing. Since cameras began rolling on the film my friend Lauren and I discussed when we were going to stop by and see her in action. One afternoon, we stopped by the set to find Jessica had wrapped for the day. However, our sadness was short lived after we got to meet James McAvoy. It was hard to be disappointed because James was quite nice and kind of funny. He also gets points for being down to earth lamenting that he was “fucking dying” in the NYC heat. As happy as we were leaving set that day, Lauren and I agreed to go back soon and try to meet Jessica. But, it never seemed to work out.

Jessica, James and myself on the set of the upcoming “the Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” last week.

Finally, the stars aligned and we went back one afternoon last week. They were filming in the Cooper Union building by Astor Place, and as time ticked by it seemed less and less likely our trip would amount to much. My best friend Dana walked over after work to meet us, and a while after Dana arrived, hope started to diminish. But, then we spotted them – Jessica and James walked towards the exit looking right us. Even when a PA pointed in another direction, Jessica insisted on walking out the front door. As soon as she came out of the revolving door she proclaimed “I remember you guys!”. Having met the two of them I knew they were nice, but meeting them together gave me a good feel of their chemistry. When I congratulated Jessica on her YSL campaign, James leaned in and went “Oh Yes! We all are so excited about that!” mockingly. Before I could think of a response Jessica lightly punched his arm and laughed before asking me if I really liked it. Jessica got her revenge when she was signing my Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue and asked James “where are you?” I don’t see you on the cover?” James laughed and said he was hiding behind one the lady’s gussets. We then all took our photos and wished them luck on the completion of the movie. Only time will tell if “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” is a success, but my experience on it’s set will definitely go down as a success in my books.

Prêt-à-Porter: NOT Ready to Wear

The Council of Fashion Designers of America gathered Monday night here in New York City, to celebrate achievements in the world of American Fashion.

I feel like every time a night out is planned, every person attending has that moment of dread where they have nothing to wear. But, what happens when you literally have nothing to wear? A few weeks ago, I overloaded our washer and burnt out the motor. My dad being Mr. Fix It is hellbent on replacing the parts himself. So on Monday night, when I was getting ready to go out and watch the red carpet of CFDA awards I had a legitimate case of nothing to wear. Everything stylish, on trend or dressy was sitting in the hamper. I thought about throwing in the towel, but instead decided to just wing it. I teamed a red and black checkered shirt with a hoodie. Seriously. I wore a hoodie to a Fashion Awards dinner. And, with the exception of not approaching Marc Jacobs because I didn’t want him to see me dressed like that it didn’t really hinder my fun.

One of my favorite actresses and favorite people Jessica Chastain. Who presented Mary Kate and Ashley their Womanswear Designers of the Year honor.

When we got there, a little section had been set aside for the public and there were a handful of fans waiting around. Dana and I had just been listening to the soundtrack to “Rock of Ages” due out later this month, so we were very excited to see Julianne Hough, who departed first and looked stunning in red. Also in attendence was one of my favorite actresses and perpetual sweetheart Jessica Chastain, Kate Bosworth and my favorite on-screen male stripper Matt Bomer. Lauren, Dana and I told him we would be seeing “Magic Mike” at midnight in almost unison. He was very flattered but didn’t seem to believe us. Trust us Matt, any movie that has you taking off your clothes alongside Channing Tatum and Joe Manganiello has my attention. Kate Bosworth, A list stylist Brad Goreski and supermodel and one of the MET Gala best dressed’s Karolina Kurkova were also all in the house. Aside from being a fashionable and fun night, it was relativity chill. There was no screaming or running, the stars in attendance seemed very excited about meeting the fans, and the fans… well that goes without saying.

While I shied away from Marc Jacobs, I wasn’t as shy around other fashion heavy hitters like Brad Goreski.

Now, while I did get a front row seat to see the fashion in real life I didn’t get a look at the honorees until this morning. Former tween queens Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were honored for best womenswear designer, and the menswear honor went to Billy Reid. While I still think of MK and Ashley as child actors, this honor really does legitimize them as fashion designers. Which I think is awesome, I love the idea that in our lives we can find success in multiple arenas. I hope that my success can be as widespread and as celebrated as the Olsens. Tommy Hilfiger was fittingly awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Coming of age in the late 90′s, I couldn’t agree more. While Marc Jacobs was the first high end purchase I ever made, I remember coveting and loving my Tommy Hilfiger sweaters. A Tommy hoodie was pretty much the peak of high style for a St. Margaret’s Middle School Dances. I guess it’s kind of a full circle moment that due to a laundry snafu I wound up in a hoodie while at the CFDA Awards honoring him.

Hugging Jessica Chastain

Last week, I posted all about my adventures at the MET Gala. While sharing my stories and sightings I mentioned that I had the pleasure of meeting Jessica Chastain. And lost my damn mind. Now, those of you who know me, know I am usually pretty level headed when it comes to meeting celebrities. So I wanted to share this picture of me and Jessica hugging on 79th street, where it is obvious I am having an excitement stroke. I feel like I should be embarrassed but she was so receptive and seemed equally as excited as I was that I feel like it’s funny. It’s not all good news though, when Jessica and I crossed paths there were rumors she would be starring opposite Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man 3. The idea of Gwyneth and Jessica starring in a movie together? AMAZING. But, sadly Jessica took to Facebook to announce her schedule was too full for her to take part and it won’t be working out. I look forward to seeing who fills Jessica’s shoes in Iron Man 3. But, I can pretty much guarantee whoever it is will never get as enthusiastic a reaction as Jessica did.

MET Ball-er…

God save the Queen.

It has been previously stated here on BEST Blog, that my favorite holiday is Fashion’s Night Out. The celebration of retail, fashion and celebrities is an annual Autumn cornucopia of things Brian Tuft lives for. But, if Fashion’s Night Out is Christmas, then Monday night’s MET Gala was Easter. It is the night Anna reserects after dying for our sins by planning a fabulous charity gala. Each year Anna is reborn more fabulous, more successful and more inspiring. Monday Night’s Gala was to celebrate the opening of the Costume Institute’s exhibit “Schiarpelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations”. The annual CI exhibit is one of my favorite things. I loved installations of years past like “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy”, “Celebrating Chanel” and “Model and Muse”. Obviously, last year’s McQueen exhibit “Savage Beauty” was more like a religious experience than a museum trip for me. Needless to say, May 10th cannot get here soon enough. But, until it does I have the memories of Monday night to keep me occupied.

Coco Rocha and I, doesn’t she look so chic in her vintage Givenchy suit? A recent acquisition from the Liz Taylor auctions.

My friend Lauren and I met outside the MET on Monday night and settled in to watch arrivals. We watched as Chace Crawford, Eva Mendez, Kristen Stewart and countless others filed out of their SUVs and into the tent. At one point, we could see directly into the lavish tent. Perfectly lit, lined with photographers and an immaculate red carpet draped down the most famous stoop in New York City. Watching Florence Welch and Rihanna walk up the stairs, it was like looking into a fabulous, A-list doll house. The night only improved from there, I got to see and encounter countless stars which is always exciting. But, with all of the gawkers and stalkers you were usually limited to a quick blur as Tim Tebow, Justin Timberlake and Liv Tyler ran from the madness in their black tie fab. I did get the chance to chat with Coco Rocha one of my favorite models. She was donning a yellow paint suit that was a recent purchase from the Elizabeth Taylor auction. The Hollywood legend not only wore the suit, but apparently spilled red wine on it. I couldn’t spot any stains but they almost apparently stopped Rocha from wearing it. Until Vogue editors reminded her that the stain was Liz Taylor’s and that makes it okay. I told Coco how chic she looked and guess what? She looked me in the eyes and said “you do too”. I DIE.

Cheyenne Jackson, he’s played roles on Glee, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty and frequently appears in my dreams.

Later, I got to meet Cheyenne Jackson, Broadway veteran, TV star and all around dream boat. I told him how excited I was to see him on the 30 Rock Live show last month and when I inquired why he was not on more regularly he said he wasn’t really sure and it wasn’t up to him. To which I say, Tina Fey get your shit together. After that, we spotted real life Snow White and Prince Charming Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas as they party hopped. They were as gracious as their storybook counterparts. Dallas even got to play White Knight to Goodwyn when an overzealous fan got a little excited. My favorite encounter of the night was Jessica Chastain. Regular readers know how much I love Jessica, but it may surprise you to know I lost my proverbial shit while speaking with her. I babbled incessantly about how much I love her, the Jessica Chastain movie club Lauren and I started and how sweet she is. She was so gracious and told me how sweet I was and that she loved me too. Ugh, I can’t with her she’s so flawless.

Finally, while I didn’t get to see all of the gowns in person I thought that the MET Gala had so many amazing fashion moments. The outfit I was most obsessed with was Florence Welch’s Alexander McQueen gown. It was over the top sure, but it was so fun and so beautiful and everything the MET Gala and Costume Institute is about. Beauty, glamor, craftsmanship. I got the chance to tell Flo how much I loved it and she thanked me wholeheartedly and even blew me a kiss. My second favorite was Amy Adams who looked stunning in Giambattista Valli. Third place goes to Hilary Swank who turned out the glam on the arm of date Michael Kors who made the beautiful red halter gown she wore. I also want to shout out my girl Gwyneth. I wasn’t crazy about the Prada apron. But, it was exciting to see you in a new silhouette. Still love you girl, and let’s be real you were never going to top the Tom Ford from the Oscars.

The thing that stinks about the MET Gala, FNO or even real holidays is that they are so short. I look forward to this evening every year, even before I went and gawked at the couture in real life. And even with all the anticipation it is still just one night, one fabulous, glamorous and star studded night. Just as I start to feel the post holiday depression we all get, I remember… Only a few more days until the exhibit opens to the public. And only 362 days until the next MET Gala. Forget the Conversation, the Impossible part is going to be the wait until next year.

I Want to Thank the Academy…

Look Meryl, I have three Oscars too!

Some people’s favorite season is autumn, for others it’s the summer heat that does it for them… but for me? My favorite season is Awards season. And, the high holiday we look forward to all season? The Oscars. Last night, we gathered at my house for the 84th Annual Academy Awards. I remember watching it with my mother when I was little, but last year I decided to throw a little party and I am hoping it is in the process of becoming a tradition. Since I had been on a tear with previous Best Picture winners, I did not have a chance to watch this year’s batch of nominees. While filling out my ballot, I realized I had only watched the Help, the Iron Lady, My Week with Marilyn, the Beginners, Drive and Harry Potter. Since it was the only Best Picture nominee i had seen, one of my favorite books and one of my top movies of last year I decided that my party would be The Help themed. Admittedly, I was nervous about the reaction since the movie got mixed reviews amongst my friends based on it’s racial subtext, but I forged on and decided to avoid anything that could be viewed as distasteful. Like blackface. Guess, Billy Crystal didn’t feel the same.

Ironically. I put together the party without hired help, unless you count my best friend Dana. But, I did do a Southern menu. I whipped up fried chicken, baked mac and cheese, some deviled eggs (with and without paprika for Ms. Hilly), ambrosia and even a chocolate pie. I was nervous as I was born and bred in New York City, but my guests all raved about the food. As an additional treat, I whipped Oscar statues made of Oscar cookies and a brownie base. My friend, Sara brought a Southern Comfort punch and my other guests brought their favorite bubbly to toast the winners and the losers alike.

Speaking of winners, four of the main five catergories turned out just as everyone expected and I wanted. Octavia Spencer rode the Help tidal wave from bit player to Oscar winner, Captain Von Trapp himself Christopher Plummer won for the Beginners and my new crush and owner of the best eyebrows in Hollywood and Paris alike, Jean Dejardin won for the Artist. Which also won Best Picture. The only snafu? Viola Davis lost to Meryl Streep in the Best Actress race. Meryl has spun gold year after year and the Academy has turned a blind eye. This year she delivers a good performance in a movie that is merely adequate and wins gold. She not only wins gold, but she wins it over Viola Davis who is the most amazing part of an incredible film. It was really unfortunate. But, as Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry and Nicole Kidman can attest that sometimes being the best actress doesn’t work out for the best. I am positive that Viola has a full career ahead of her and that her time at the podium will come eventually.

Now, on to the most important part of the night… the Fashion. Holy shit. How good did Gwyneth look last night? In a white Tom Ford that was a perfect blend of minimal feminine grace and masculine edge GP takes best dressed according to BEST Blog. And the cape? Some haters are saying it was too super womanish. But, come on Gwyneth is an actress, wife, mother, lifestyle guru, etc. She is Super Woman! So a cape is a natural fit. Moving on, some people hated it, but I die for Emma Stone in Giambatista Valli HC. The shade of red with her hair and skin? The bow on the neck? Its all amazing. And finally, some major snaps to this award season’s darling Jessica Chastain. Her finish to three month long red carpet bonanza was strong after what some may consider a bumpy fashion season for her. Decked in Alexander McQueen, Jessica was a winner even if she went home empty handed.

As for worst dressed, I have a few bones to pick. First, Natalie Portman, I know a lot of people loved it I was not about her vintage polka dot Dior. I’m not her biggest fan overall, but I felt like this year after her Oscar win for Black Swan and the birth of her baby that she needed to wow us. This Vintage Dior did not do that for me. She was not perfect. I did not feel it. Next, is Rooney Mara who told Ryan Seacrest that she picked her gown that morning, it shows baby girl. Your dress looks like you’re a little girl who borrowed something from mom for a school dance. It’s baggy, ill fitting and overall a snooze. It was like visual Klonopin. Finally, it pains me to write this. But, the only silver lining to Viola losing? That this Vera Wang seaweed gown won’t follow her for the rest of her life. I think that Viola looked incredible with her natural hair and think that her not feeling compelled to wear a wig is such a wonderful message. But, not even my love for her can excuse that dress.

All in all, I had so much fun with this year’s Oscars and am looking forward to next year. I feel like I will be hard pressed to top this year’s party according to my guests. But, I’ve already come up with a few ideas. I hope that in years to come we get to see Viola recognized by the Academy, I think she is one of the strongest actresses out there. And, on a more personal/selfish level I hope we get to see more of Jean Dejardin. What a dreamboat. I want to personally thank the Academy for introducing me to him. Thank you, now I know that you like me… you really like me

…And Away We Go.

I want to thank the Academy first and foremost. A big thank you to God, through whom all things are possible. Of course my parents who... oh Gosh. Its such a shock.

This morning I woke up at the crack of dawn to watch the live announcement of the Oscar nominations. Announced annually at 5:30 AM Pacific time, 8:30 AM Eastern time it was the earliest I had been up to watch TV since Kate Middleton’s wedding last spring. I have been a fan of the Oscars ever since I can remember, while I do prefer the Golden Globes ceremony since its a little more fun, the Oscars are the tops for film achievement, A-list atmosphere and red carpet glam. My already hot Oscar fever was made even hotter this year as I have been watching all of previous Best Picture winners as part of my 25 for 25 Project.  And, what a year it was for nominations! We had a few expected nominations, some snubs and some surprises, let’s get to them…

For Best Picture, we have War Horse, the Artist, Moneyball, the Descendents, the Tree of Life, Midnight in Paris, the Help, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, and Hugo. I have Moneyball on DVD from Redbox and of course I’ve seen the Help but I still have quite a few nominees to see before the big night, next month. Obviously, I’d love to see the Help win having watched it jump from page to screen. But, I do think the Artist has it on lock. I have heard its fun and light and also totally unique considering its a modern day silent film.

Viola Davis, my pick for Best Actress and I at the Director's Guld of America's Screening of the Help this summer.

For Best Actor we have Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Gary Oldman, Demian Bichir and Jean Dujardin. I have not seen any of the films the men are nominated for but would love to see Gary Oldman take it home. He’s a great actor and it would be lovely to see him be awarded by the Academy. I was disappointed to see Michael Fassbender not get a nod, but from what I’ve heard about Shame it sounds too sexual and too explicit for the Academy. In Best Actress we have Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Rooney Mara, Glenn Close and my pick Viola Davis. Michelle is amazing as Marilyn Monroe and Meryl is as great as ever as Margaret Thatcher but I think that Viola Davis is the most deserving. Her portrayal of Abileen is the best part of an amazing film and that’s an accomplishment given the amazing turn out of talent in the Help. I was disappointed to see Tilda Swinton not get recognized as I have heard so many terrific things about We Need to Talk About Kevin. But, the race is so tight already so it would be only harder to call with her thrown in.

In Best Supporting Actor we have Jonah Hill, Christopher Plumber, Kenneth Branagh, Max von Sydow and Nick Nolte. From the outcomes of all of the other award season contests so far, I feel we can all agree this is Christopher Plumber’s award to lose. I have heard so much about his turn in Beginners and cannot wait to see it. But, I am happy to see Jonah Hill recognized. He’s a young comedic actor, so its nice to see the Academy recognize his attempt to do something different. For Supporting Actress we have Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain from the Help, Melissa McCarthy, Janet McTeer and Berenice Bejo. I am torn in this category while Octavia seems to be the front runner, Jessica is amazing as Celia Foote and has just had the most incredible year. I am rooting for them both. And, this category has the most pleasant surprise with Melissa McCarthy getting recognized for her amazing, scene stealing turn in Bridesmaids. The Academy usually isn’t very generous to comedy roles but even they couldn’t deny how wonderful Melissa was in Bridesmaids.

I was excited to see the Academy recognize a young comedic actor like Jonah Hill this year.

Overall, I am pretty happy with this year’s list of contenders. But, I am sad about a few things. As mentioned before I think Tilda Swinton deserved it more so than Rooney Mara and would have loved to have seen Michael Fassbender in a tux on Oscar night. I was also shocked by the Academy’s lack of love for Ryan Gosling. He had an amazing year with three terrific performances in three diverse films. The fact that he is not nominated for his supporting work in Ides of March is the biggest snub this year in my opinion. I was also disappointed that Tin Tin did not get a best animated film nod as well. I have yet to see it, but considering this year’s crop of animated films it seemed like the best of the bunch. Plus the animation itself is so beautiful. Other than that I am excited to see what wins what next month. I gave you the big five, but to see all the nominations go to the official Oscar website at http://oscar.go.com/nominees.We are a short 33 days away from Oscar night. I will be hosting a small viewing party as is my tradition. While it won’t exactly be the Governor’s Ball or Vanity Fair party I am still super excited and have so much to do. Please tweet me or share your thoughts on all the nomination’s surprises and snubs below.

Sh*t Jessica Chastain says…

Jessica Chastain along with the rest of the cast of the Help were honored on Tuesday night at the National Board of Review Awards. When she made her departure she came right over to us fans and signed and took pictures with everyone who asked. She is very gracious, and so deserving of all of the attention and acclaim she is receiving currently. My friend Lauren was shooting video and caught this moment where Jessica and I thought we were in a Sh*t Girls Say video.

No seriously, Jessica…. You. Are. THE. BESSSTT!

Video via Professional Fan Girl