Sunday, March 19, 2006
OSCARS
Dear All
*The Oscars* – well the Oscars are that rare event that really gets me excited, it used to make me mad as well but I think now I understand it for what it is. Anyhow we all sat around in the guys lovely house in the hills and my little ex-barman chum Scooter plastered me with enough marguerites to kill a horse, in an attempt I think to make sure I did not win the money pot for our Oscar guesses. We each filled in a sheet ticking what we considered to be the most likely choices – I must confess that while I take an avid interest in the main categories I very rarely think much about best documentary short. However out of the twenty-six categories I managed to correctly guess eighteen – not bad even though I say so myself and enough to win me the pot.
The day began in the best way – Ed took Laura and I on a tour of the back lot of Universal Studios where he works – we even went in the little white golf buggy, which a lot of them use. Since I was there four years ago there is a huge amount of productions going on including CSI, Crossing Jordan, Desperate Housewives and tons of adverts. There were also three films in production – Evan Almighty (the Sequel to Bruce Almighty), You Me and Dupree (Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson) and Prestige (Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman) which is being directed by Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins). Also Pirates of the Caribbean 2&3 filmed there recently on the big sound stage and may go back later. In the afternoon we had traditional and most yummy burgers from In & Out and Laura and I sat in the Jacuzzi enjoying the sunshine (boy has it felt like a long winter this year).
In England the Oscars begin at 2:00am but the preamble where you get to see all the dresses begins at 1:00am. So for the last TWELVE years I have been getting up at 1:00am and then if the ceremony is really long I will traipse up to bed at 6:00am. Now the whole reason this thing started is that I said one year I want to sit and watch it in the daytime with the boys and get drunk – instead of sitting up on my own with the cats glowering at me for disturbing their sleep and getting drunk. Mum of course then had to point out that if I was going to do it was going to need to be this year, because next year is teacher training and then I shall be working in a school (they don’t have holiday in March). So I then decided that I HAD to do it this year. It was weird watching in daylight but apart from that I loved it.
Any real surprises – No not really – I always thought Crash could sneak it – I think the buzz for Brokeback Mountain peaked too early – although personally I did not like Crash very much it was too much like Traffic in style and I think Traffic was a better film – that is not to say that some of the performances weren’t really good they were – but Best Picture means that the whole film should be good. I do not agree that Crash was the best picture this year. The rest was pretty much as I said it would be.
Best Dress – well my favourite was Michelle Williams in that amazing mustard yellow organza I thought it looked amazing, I also liked Sandra Bullocks dress with pockets (even though it was black) and Amy Heckerling’s brown dress. I wasn’t keen on Keira Knightleys, Zhang Zi’s and I really did not like Charlize Theron’s even without the huge bow what a dull dress to wear.
*The Oscars* – well the Oscars are that rare event that really gets me excited, it used to make me mad as well but I think now I understand it for what it is. Anyhow we all sat around in the guys lovely house in the hills and my little ex-barman chum Scooter plastered me with enough marguerites to kill a horse, in an attempt I think to make sure I did not win the money pot for our Oscar guesses. We each filled in a sheet ticking what we considered to be the most likely choices – I must confess that while I take an avid interest in the main categories I very rarely think much about best documentary short. However out of the twenty-six categories I managed to correctly guess eighteen – not bad even though I say so myself and enough to win me the pot.
The day began in the best way – Ed took Laura and I on a tour of the back lot of Universal Studios where he works – we even went in the little white golf buggy, which a lot of them use. Since I was there four years ago there is a huge amount of productions going on including CSI, Crossing Jordan, Desperate Housewives and tons of adverts. There were also three films in production – Evan Almighty (the Sequel to Bruce Almighty), You Me and Dupree (Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson) and Prestige (Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman) which is being directed by Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins). Also Pirates of the Caribbean 2&3 filmed there recently on the big sound stage and may go back later. In the afternoon we had traditional and most yummy burgers from In & Out and Laura and I sat in the Jacuzzi enjoying the sunshine (boy has it felt like a long winter this year).
In England the Oscars begin at 2:00am but the preamble where you get to see all the dresses begins at 1:00am. So for the last TWELVE years I have been getting up at 1:00am and then if the ceremony is really long I will traipse up to bed at 6:00am. Now the whole reason this thing started is that I said one year I want to sit and watch it in the daytime with the boys and get drunk – instead of sitting up on my own with the cats glowering at me for disturbing their sleep and getting drunk. Mum of course then had to point out that if I was going to do it was going to need to be this year, because next year is teacher training and then I shall be working in a school (they don’t have holiday in March). So I then decided that I HAD to do it this year. It was weird watching in daylight but apart from that I loved it.
Any real surprises – No not really – I always thought Crash could sneak it – I think the buzz for Brokeback Mountain peaked too early – although personally I did not like Crash very much it was too much like Traffic in style and I think Traffic was a better film – that is not to say that some of the performances weren’t really good they were – but Best Picture means that the whole film should be good. I do not agree that Crash was the best picture this year. The rest was pretty much as I said it would be.
Best Dress – well my favourite was Michelle Williams in that amazing mustard yellow organza I thought it looked amazing, I also liked Sandra Bullocks dress with pockets (even though it was black) and Amy Heckerling’s brown dress. I wasn’t keen on Keira Knightleys, Zhang Zi’s and I really did not like Charlize Theron’s even without the huge bow what a dull dress to wear.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Dear All
Well the Oscars were FANTASTIC and Scott and Ed looked after us like royalty. We packed far too much in to our four-day stay and we now look shadows of our former selves – but would we have done anything different – absolutely NOT.
We arrived Thursday afternoon and did what we always do when we meet the boys get drunk and gossip (is there anything better – I don’t think so). We ordered Chinese and I surprised everyone by not flaking out at all and being the last to bed (Yeah).
Friday it started off very wet, so we changed our plans and walked down Hollywood Boulevard to take a look at the red carpet, which was already out, and security was VERY tight. I must confess we did some shopping and Laura stocked up on some make-up supplies in this amazing Wig and Costume shop – the wigs were all beautifully dressed with pin curls, waves and updoos. At the front of the huge store the wig lady was at work only she wasn’t a lady – very tall, thin and blonde why is it drag queens look better in tight jeans than me it is not fair!! We then mooched over to the Grove and Farmers Market stuffed our faces and did loads more shopping I treated myself in the Apple Store. It will come as no surprise to anyone that while mum and Laura spent ages buying shoes I spent the whole time in Barnes&Noble pouring over all the new books I wanted but knew I would never be able to pack.
That night Ed organised for a friend of his Lisa to come over for dinner and drinks – she used to work for Price Waterhouse Cooper who organise and tabulate the Oscars – she had loads of interesting stories. Let me explain where the Oscars are now held. They used to alternate between the Shrine Auditorium and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion both of which had roughly 6,000 seats. Now they have moved to a purpose build site halfway down Hollywood Boulevard at a place called the Kodak Theatre which only has 3,000 seats (hence no ticket) is right near Graumans Chinese Theatre and is in fact inside a shopping mall called Hollywood & Highland (tasteful Huh). If you ever watch them arrive the stairs they walk up in fact normally have shops on both side, which are boarded up for the event.
We went to Hollywood & Highland for dinner and before hand went to a small exhibition where you could see the Oscars before they were given out and loads of other stuff. It is funny up close they look too much like the tacky plastic statues you can buy in tourist stores all along Hollywood Boulevard, however I understand they are incredibly heavy. It is fair to say that some of us got drunker than others that night and I think Scott and I were fighting for the title but this time he won – knocking a full glass of Bourbon and Coke all over the place is a terrible waste and a sure sign it is time to call – Cheque Please!!
Saturday – Ed is, as anyone who knows him, a superstar and had organised tickets for us three Hunt girls to attend the Third Annual Make-up Symposium – each of the pairs nominated for the Best Make-up Oscar gave a presentation and showed clips as well as bringing lots of interesting pictures etc… The three nominations were for The Chronicles of Narnia, Star Wars Episode III and Cinderella Man. It was held at the old Max Factor Building, which is an amazing Art Deco building it has just been turned into a museum – it had tons of interesting stuff in it. This was really interesting you found out how they got nominated i.e. how the system works but you also found out loads about how many people they had in their teams, the problems they faced and how they fixed them and then there was a nice schmoozy reception after. In the evening we went to White Lotus an Asian fusion restaurant and more famous for a certain Ms Spears snorting coke and Ms Lohan and others having fights in the private room at the back – very Hollywood. More coming soon…..
Well the Oscars were FANTASTIC and Scott and Ed looked after us like royalty. We packed far too much in to our four-day stay and we now look shadows of our former selves – but would we have done anything different – absolutely NOT.
We arrived Thursday afternoon and did what we always do when we meet the boys get drunk and gossip (is there anything better – I don’t think so). We ordered Chinese and I surprised everyone by not flaking out at all and being the last to bed (Yeah).
Friday it started off very wet, so we changed our plans and walked down Hollywood Boulevard to take a look at the red carpet, which was already out, and security was VERY tight. I must confess we did some shopping and Laura stocked up on some make-up supplies in this amazing Wig and Costume shop – the wigs were all beautifully dressed with pin curls, waves and updoos. At the front of the huge store the wig lady was at work only she wasn’t a lady – very tall, thin and blonde why is it drag queens look better in tight jeans than me it is not fair!! We then mooched over to the Grove and Farmers Market stuffed our faces and did loads more shopping I treated myself in the Apple Store. It will come as no surprise to anyone that while mum and Laura spent ages buying shoes I spent the whole time in Barnes&Noble pouring over all the new books I wanted but knew I would never be able to pack.
That night Ed organised for a friend of his Lisa to come over for dinner and drinks – she used to work for Price Waterhouse Cooper who organise and tabulate the Oscars – she had loads of interesting stories. Let me explain where the Oscars are now held. They used to alternate between the Shrine Auditorium and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion both of which had roughly 6,000 seats. Now they have moved to a purpose build site halfway down Hollywood Boulevard at a place called the Kodak Theatre which only has 3,000 seats (hence no ticket) is right near Graumans Chinese Theatre and is in fact inside a shopping mall called Hollywood & Highland (tasteful Huh). If you ever watch them arrive the stairs they walk up in fact normally have shops on both side, which are boarded up for the event.
We went to Hollywood & Highland for dinner and before hand went to a small exhibition where you could see the Oscars before they were given out and loads of other stuff. It is funny up close they look too much like the tacky plastic statues you can buy in tourist stores all along Hollywood Boulevard, however I understand they are incredibly heavy. It is fair to say that some of us got drunker than others that night and I think Scott and I were fighting for the title but this time he won – knocking a full glass of Bourbon and Coke all over the place is a terrible waste and a sure sign it is time to call – Cheque Please!!
Saturday – Ed is, as anyone who knows him, a superstar and had organised tickets for us three Hunt girls to attend the Third Annual Make-up Symposium – each of the pairs nominated for the Best Make-up Oscar gave a presentation and showed clips as well as bringing lots of interesting pictures etc… The three nominations were for The Chronicles of Narnia, Star Wars Episode III and Cinderella Man. It was held at the old Max Factor Building, which is an amazing Art Deco building it has just been turned into a museum – it had tons of interesting stuff in it. This was really interesting you found out how they got nominated i.e. how the system works but you also found out loads about how many people they had in their teams, the problems they faced and how they fixed them and then there was a nice schmoozy reception after. In the evening we went to White Lotus an Asian fusion restaurant and more famous for a certain Ms Spears snorting coke and Ms Lohan and others having fights in the private room at the back – very Hollywood. More coming soon…..
Sunday, March 05, 2006
OOPS - Sorry
Dear all. Sorry so here is my predictions -
Best Picture - Brokeback Mountain
Best Actor - Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Best Actress - Reese Witherspoon
Best Director - Ang Lee
Best Supporting Actor - George Clooney - although this is probably the most difficult one.
Best Supporting Actress - Rachel Weisz
I shall of course comment later on when the oscars are underway - dresses best and worse - much later.
Lisa
Best Picture - Brokeback Mountain
Best Actor - Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Best Actress - Reese Witherspoon
Best Director - Ang Lee
Best Supporting Actor - George Clooney - although this is probably the most difficult one.
Best Supporting Actress - Rachel Weisz
I shall of course comment later on when the oscars are underway - dresses best and worse - much later.
Lisa
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Dear All.Well this year you won't have to think of me sitting up from 2 until 6am watching the Oscars. Nope this year I have decided to fly to LA and try viewing them in daylight hours. Actually that is not true, I am going to avail myself of the delightful company and accommodation of Scott and Ed. I am sincerely hoping for margheritas and maybe even the Jacuzzi fired up in my honour, oh yes and the Oscars too! I think it only fair that I lay my cards upon the table so dangerous though it might be I shall place my bets here in writing. First I should say that this is only who I think will win, not who I think should win particularly - the Oscars have not really reflected who should win for years, if ever. No, instead the Oscars are about whose time it is, who hasn't won before or in a while - or a film/part that made the voters feel but not necessarily think. It sounds dreadfully sceptical I know and you would think that I did not like the Oscars, which I do. However I do understand and accept its limitations.
Anywho - the sun is shining here today (saturday) but was pouring with rain yesterday so the weather for sunday is anyones guess. It is all guarded with heavy security but I did go and have a peek yesterday they have the red carpet down but also the plastic tunnel over it. I think the Baftas should go out and pay for one because in London you can almost guarantee rain in Feb/March. I went and had a look at all the Oscars last night all ready to be given out and gleaming gold. I must confess to having imbibed more than my fair share of gin and tonics last night so this morning is a bit hazy.
This afternoon Ed has oranised for us to go to a meet and great with those nominated for best make-up you can imagine how happy and excited Laura is. To shmooze with people who actually make a living at her first love should be very exciting.
Well more tomorrow - when the real event gets underway. Bye from LA LA land.
Anywho - the sun is shining here today (saturday) but was pouring with rain yesterday so the weather for sunday is anyones guess. It is all guarded with heavy security but I did go and have a peek yesterday they have the red carpet down but also the plastic tunnel over it. I think the Baftas should go out and pay for one because in London you can almost guarantee rain in Feb/March. I went and had a look at all the Oscars last night all ready to be given out and gleaming gold. I must confess to having imbibed more than my fair share of gin and tonics last night so this morning is a bit hazy.
This afternoon Ed has oranised for us to go to a meet and great with those nominated for best make-up you can imagine how happy and excited Laura is. To shmooze with people who actually make a living at her first love should be very exciting.
Well more tomorrow - when the real event gets underway. Bye from LA LA land.
