Tuesday News—Oscar Chatter, etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Academy Awards on Sunday, even though my top picks didn’t win. I was pleased that slightly offbeat newcomer Diablo Cody won for Best Screenplay for Juno.

And although I already liked Katherine Heigl and Anne Hathaway, I’m now completely infatuated with both of them. They’re talented and quite possibly the two most gorgeous people on the planet. Both looked absolutely stunning on Oscar night, but I also get the sense that both are grounded and genuinely nice people. And anyone who disses Katherine Heigl for looking like Marilyn Monroe is simply jealous :)

Speaking of Katherine Heigl, I recently read that the Grey’s Anatomy set has banned plastic bottles. Instead, every member of the cast and crew uses a refillable thermos. Not just eco-friendly, but probably healthier too.

And on the subjects of grounded people and going green, Newman's Own, the food company started by Paul Newman, is launching Newman's Own Wines next month. In partnership with Rebel Wine Co., they’ll be selling two organic California wines—a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon. According to the company's website, "Paul Newman has given over $200 million to thousands of charities worldwide since 1982." Very impressive.

Cheers!
Lee

Sunday Fun—It’s Oscar Night!

No need to guess where I’ll be tonight. You’ll find me curled up in front of the TV with a blanket and bowl of popcorn.

I tend to wait to see films when they’re on DVD so I haven’t seen many of tonight’s nominees. In a way it makes the show more fun to watch because I haven’t already picked my favorites. At least not many. Although I haven’t yet seen Juno, I’m rooting for Ellen Page as Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Juno has been nominated for four awards this year. Apparently it’s one of those films that has achieved critical acclaim even though it was produced on a low (by Hollywood standards) budget, so I hope it does well.

In the Best Actor in a Leading Role category, I have five favorites. George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis, Johnny Depp, Tommy Lee Jones or Viggo Mortensen—oh my.

I’ll also be rooting for Sarah Polley, nominated for Best Writing in a Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published, for the film Away from Her, based on Alice Munro’s short story "The Bear Came Over the Mountain.”

Serious stuff aside, I think Jon Stewart will make a great host. And I also plan to take in the pre-Oscar red carpet show for the proverbial question: Who are you wearing?

Next week I’ll follow up with the gals at Go Fug Yourself, whose irreverent, sometimes scathing and always hilarious comments address that other question: What were you thinking?

And I’ll start a new list of must-see DVDs, starting with Juno and Away from Her, of course.

Lee