Millions of people glued to the television Sunday night felt little disappointment by the time the 79th Academy Award’s drew to an end. The talented A-list celebrities, glamorous couture and omnipresence of the nation’s political face for global warming created a prestigious and… green event.
Yes, you read correctly. This year, the anticipated red carpet event went “green.” And who to thank but Al Gore? Not only did the former Vice President’s climate change documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” snag an Oscar, but several stars – directors, actors and musicians – applauded his activism with the global issue. Heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio (who regrettably didn’t make the cut for Best Actor in “The Departed”) presented an award with Gore, stopping a moment to personally thank his persistent work. The camera immediately zoomed to politically open Hollywood figures, including Steven Spielberg, David Geffen (“Dreamgirls” producer) and George Clooney. Gore then proceeded to pretend to announce his 2008 presidential candidacy before the event’s band cut him off.
The “green” theme didn’t stop there. Melissa Etheridge performed a song while a screen behind her displayed such environmental messages: Walk or take the bus when you can, and save the world your children will live in. She then gave a blurb about the importance of making lifestyle changes as the crowd gratefully congratulated her words of wisdom. Gore made another speech when his documentary won.
It was well calculated to show the nation’s celebrities so interested in a pressing predicament, showing the nearly one billion viewers they too believe scientists’ conviction that global warming is indeed real. But will it change people’s behavior? Or better yet, do stars, flashing multi-million-dollar Harry Winston diamonds, really care?
Aside from the event’s most popular politician of the evening, another man hit the spotlight. Nominated his sixth time for Best Director, Martin Scorsese finally got to hold a golden statuette for “The Departed,” which also won Best Picture. Presented by legendary filmmakers George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg, the coveted award shocked and delighted the 65-year-old, bushy-eye browed Italian. This year, Scorsese opted to not shell out funds for a publicity campaign wooing “The Departed,” as did “Dreamgirls.” Scorsese has received Academy nominations for his blockbusters “Gangs of New York” and “The Aviator.” He also directed gangster classics “Goodfellas” and “Casino.”
And, the elegant fashions are always an alluring visual at the Oscars. Among the most stunning included Penelope Cruz, Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz, each varying widely in their appearances. Cruz, the most glamorous, donned a Altelier Versace swooping gown. Witherspoon wore her blonde locks stick-straight in her gorgeous Nina Ricci violet dress with less deep-purple shades layered at the bottom. And Diaz looked angelic in Valentino Couture with a strapless, square top and gathered hemline. Some A-listers, however, always commit a fashion faux pas, as did both Kirsten Dunst in a Chanel Haute Couture gown with an attached blouse and Jessica Biel, who looked more ready to hop in a limo for high school prom, in a hot pink Oscar de la Renta floor-length dress paired with an above-the-waist thin black belt.
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