Do the Oscars Need a Host?

If you’re new here, you should know that I like the Oscars, like a lot. It’s kind of my thing.

This Sunday’s telecast though, left me feeling like David Oyelowo here:

I’m sorry, NPH, but you just weren’t doing it for me. (I’m not the only one who thinks so, apparently: see here, here and here.) It’s not all on Neil Patrick Harris though — the show was way, way too long, and even worse, you could feel how tedious it was. Instead of honoring industry greats with the usual “In Memoriam” montage (who didn’t want to see another Robin Williams clip?), we got a slideshow and an unnecessary musical performance by Jennifer Hudson (singing a song from a canceled television show). Then, close to the scheduled end of the ceremony at 11:30 P.M., we were still forced to sit through a Lady Gage medley of The Sound of Music. (Granted, Julie Andrews is wonderful and The Sound of Music is a landmark film…but seriously?) Finally, there was the awful prediction-magic trick running gag that kept interrupting what little rhythm the show had.

I want every second of my life wasted on that bit back.

So no, all of the ceremony’s problems weren’t Harris’s fault, but the host is still the vehicle of the show. Worse, in this case, he served as a distraction from the night’s highlights — powerful and touching acceptance speeches. So if the host is a distraction, why is one necessary?

If the Oscars want to retain some semblance of relevancy, the ceremony needs to be less bloated. Cutting back on the technical awards during the broadcast, as some have suggested, is not the answer. What makes the Academy Awards special is that they honor so many behind-the-scenes aspects of movie magic, instead of just focusing on the acting and writing. Eliminating excessive musical performances would also help.

Still, I firmly believe that in most cases, hosts really don’t add much to the ceremony. It is so difficult for a hosting gig to go well, and when it so often doesn’t, the result is a bogged down show. So maybe we should just remove the pressure? I love the SAG Awards because it’s actors honoring actors, but they also don’t have a host. It just moves on nicely, and I’ve never felt like a host was missing. Maybe it’s time for the Academy to try that strategy, and see if we can avoid another clunker of a ceremony.

~ Sarah

Gifs via Vulture.

Ahora Amo

A collection of all the small things that I’m loving right now… ♥

Lupita N’yongo
♡ Ellen’s running pizza gag (still craving a slice)
♡ one of my favorite directors bringing home the Oscar (A Little Princess forever)

♡ productive mornings
♡ Chinese takeout on dreary days
♡ dinner in East Passyunk for Restaurant Week

♡ fresh flowers in the house
♡ funfetti brownies for dinner
♡ sunrises happening earlier and earlier

~ Sarah

3 Oscar Nominees To Watch For Fashion Inspiration

Oscar Fashion StarsIt’s the final night of award season (hello, Academy Awards), which means movie stars on red carpets and lots of movie talk. While those gowns are beautiful to look at, the costumes for the nominated movies have their fair share of enviable fashion too.

American Hustle
Oscar Nominations: 11, including Best Picture, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress
Stylish Scene Stealers: Amy Adams & Jennifer Lawrence

The ’70s are back in a big, thanks in no small part to this Oscar contender. The two leading ladies rock everything from fur coats to gravity-defying, cleavage-baring gowns. Capture the look in sequined pieces, pendant necklaces or even a wide-brimmed felt hat on a cold day. Maybe leave the cleavage for the Shore though.

Blue Jasmine
Oscar Nominations: 3, including Best Actress
Stylish Scene Stealer: Cate Blanchett

While you probably can’t afford any of the designer pieces Cate Blanchett wears before her New York socialite has a nervous breakdown (we’re talking custom Chanel, among others), you can still emulate it. The key? Well-tailored, classic pieces in a neutral color palette. You’ll look like a million bucks even if — like Jasmine — you don’t have it in the bank.

Wolf of Wall Street
Oscar Nominations: 6, including Best Picture and Best Actor
Stylish Scene Stealer: Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie, an Australian actress and Hollywood newcomer, plays Leonardo DiCaprio’s wife in this cautionary tale. She spends the movie decked out in vintage Chanel, Versace and Armani — the best of the ’80s and ’90s. Borrow some elements of her wardrobe with bold gold accessories, statement earrings and bold colors.

Any favorite movies this year inspiring you?

~ Sarah

Image Credits: 1, 2, 3