I have to admit that for me, Penelope Cruz stole the Oscar spotlight for sheer feminine class, glamor and style. Her pink silk and organza Atelier Versace  gown was breathtaking and she pulled off the look with classic makeup, hair in a bun to bring attention to her gorgeous face, and sophisticated Chopard diamonds to finish the stunning, polished look. Coming in a close second was Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani Prive’, the one-shouldered beaded pewter gown that drapped her in soft graceful lines.   Cate’s eyes shone in smokey plums and charcoals, and her face was framed by a waved upsweep that kept your eyes moving from gown to face.  So much of the look is knowing what hairstyle works with the particular gown, and then accessorizing with the right makeup and jewels.   It’s a complete package – the hair must complement the gown, not compete with it.  The makeup must work with the gown and hair, not overtake the look.  Finally, the jewelry must enhance the entire look, not become the focal point.  When all elements work together, the audience simply sees the wonderfully beautiful woman.  No one object detracts from her beauty or takes your attention away from her.  Helen Mirren was queenly in Christian Lacroix, totally befitting her award for best actress.  The gown was lovely and feminine, with an old-world charm in the details of the lace bodice.  Helen wore her hair in a soft pageboy which gave a sleek, slightly modern edge to complinent the romantic sensibility of the gown.  If you compare Cate Blanchett with Helen Mirren, you will see that both used the same technique only opposite to the other.   Cate wore a romantic hairstyle to compliment and soften the sleek modern lines of her gown where Helen did the reverse for her overall look.  In both cases, the look was perfect.
 
All in all, I was very pleased with this year’s Oscars.  No horrible mistakes, no truly embarrassing disasters.   This year one could say our Hollywood royalty lived up to Oscar status.  Bravo!