Oscar Opulence 2013

by 

Every new calendar year brings out Hollywood’s best (disclaimer: this is a term I use loosely, mind you) for an award’s ceremony to rival all others known as The Oscars – or the Academy Awards. It’s always within the first two months of the year bringing out the most “elite” who never cease to embarrass themselves with their shenanigans. And, although I honestly didn’t plan on blogging about it, apparently… I changed my mind. Please, do not ask why this is – near as I can figure, I was bored. Or something!

Last year, the only acknowledgement of the show on this blog was a post picking my own winners, movies that the ballots would never think of including. Given that I’ve not seen a single best picture nominee – well, save for Les Misérables, nothing of any consequence really mattered.

Oscar Opulence 2013. Chatting through the Oscar show of 2013! What are YOUR thoughts on the show? Text © Rissi JC

However, I did have some opinions from the night. Again, the set was extravagant. Pretty but over-the-top ridiculous considering we are… well, broke. (Wonder how long this show would last if the movie stars themselves were told they had to pay for the ceremony themselves!? Effective immediately! *wink*) Despite it being a waste of time only for the benefit of “putting on a show,” the performances of the nominated best songs were well done. However, overall, it was two hours (which was the length I watched) too many in my book. This viewer was not impressed. Random thought went something like this…  

OSCAR OPULENCE 2013

The Bad:  

  • + Sorry those of you who like her, it cannot be helped, Kristen Stewart looked and acted awful. I am unsure what was wrong with her (aside from a cut foot), but her gown wasn’t complementary.    
  • + Ditto for Renee Zellweger! The girl even missed an unspoken cue to announce the winner. Can we say, awkward  
  • + The jokes. It wasn’t that host Seth MacFarlane was bad… exactly, more that the jokes were tired, crude and (in)appropriately PC. He did get in a good one about the show running so long the next break would be beginning 2014’s awards  
  • + Anne Hathaway’s dress. It just wasn’t… what I’d have expected from the classy actress
Oscar Opulence 2013. Chatting through the Oscar show of 2013! What are YOUR thoughts on the show? Text © Rissi JC

The Good:  

  • + Jennifer Lawrence’s win is priceless. Haven’t seen her award-winning performance but the gown that caused the trip and seeing Hugh Jackman rushing to her aid, it was all so cute     
  • + Anne Hathaway’s best supporting actress Oscar. Good for her!      
  • + Though I did not see it, knowing Brave picked up its Oscar was fabulous! It was such a good movie  
  • + Adele’s performance and subsequent win for “best song”  
  • + Some of the presenters; is Meryl Streep a classy lady or what!?    
  • + The gowns and glamour – some were not at all attractive nor did they complement the lady, however there were a few pretties

…and there you have my random thoughts of the Oscar Opulence 2013! What about you? What’d you like? Or not like? ♥ 

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

35 comments

  1. My family never watches the Oscars, however, I did regret not seeing the Cast performance of One Day More from Les Mis. YouTube here I come! lol I had not heard about Jennifer tripping, I'm sure that was a hoot. She seems to be such a fun person.

    1. Jennifer is a fun person although like nearly all of Hollywood, I think she has quite a mouth on her. ;)

      The Les Mis performance was nice – it was fun to see them back together, however I don't know if you'll find it on YouTube(?). I guess ABC pulled it. Hope you saw it and enjoyed it, Rosie!! :)

  2. I didn't watch it :P Maybe sometime in the next couple years I don't know. I like looking at dresses :D Sounds like it was only adequate this year. I had heard about Jennifer Lawrence's fall and Hugh Jackman's catch…which I thought was cuteeee! I keep seeing him as Wolverine now (after watching the movies) despite not thinking he was good for the part. But he seems like a nice guy :) Happy to hear about Adele! She is so talented! Sierra
    Keep growing beautiful!

    1. Sierra: Yeah, the gowns were nothing special this year. Anne Hathaway's look was unattractive, you can go simple yet still look elegant (um… hello, you are up for an Oscar!?) while Jennifer Lawrence looked really pretty – her dress could have been a more vibrant color though (it washed out under all those lights!).

      The whole "tripping" fiasco was cute! Loved just barely seeing Hugh Jackman in the camera frame. :) Funny how we do always associate certain character's with some actors, isn't it?! Guess we'll probably always do that. :)

      Micah: That moment was too cute. :)

    2. If *I* had tripped and Hugh jumped up and helped me…I would have completely fallen off the stage. Just sayin'. ;)

      And I knew I forgot something else – yes. Wished Jennifer's dress was a different color. Not crazy about the nudish-colors fad.

    3. That moment was awfully cute, Alexandra! :)

      I don't mind nude colors – usually, it was just this time, the design of Jennifer's gown was so pretty, I wished it'd had more "pop" to it. Otherwise, she was lovely. (The necklace down the back was unique.)

  3. I've not watched the Oscars…ever. We don't even have a TV. I did end up watching a few highlights of the MC though. :)

    Looked up Kristen Stewart's dress….ooo, don't like it. And she looks awkward and forced in all the pictures!

    As to Renee Z…ha, I don't even know who she is. But it seems to me like that color is bad for her? I don't know. But I would think she OUGHT to know…

    Seth…yeah, not so great. Funny (always good) but not a good kind? :P Yeah, no.

    Anne H…love the hairstyle (almost), it's very chic on her and she wears it well. But the dress…color's not as bad (can you tell I'm a colorful clothes person?) and I liked how modest the neckline was, but the style, not so much. And the back. And the front is also a little awkward. It's strange. Glad she got Supporting Actress though!

    I was glad about all the Les Mis wins, and wish Hobbit had gotten more. Fun post! :)

    1. Seriously, Kristen Stewart looked AWFUL. You'd think she would want to be known as an actress who can play all parts. No one will want her as a romantic lead if she constantly dresses like some Emo vampire….

    2. Chartity: Only one year did I watch the entire award show – from the red carpet to the end. Every year before and since then (that was probably 4 years ago), I only watch the final two hours or less. This year it was two hours too many. ;)

      You and Micah are SO right! Ugh! Kristen looked AWEFUL – and she acted it too. Don't know what the girl's problem is. It's sad how bad Renee looked since she is a great actress and is "cute" in her movies. Yeah, I didn't mind Anne's styling with make-up, hair and the like, it was that dress! It was just not nice. You'd think a nominee would want to STUN. You can go simple and still look elegant. Sadly, Anne didn't pull that off. (Her performance and after-part gowns were prettier.)

      Yeah, some of Seth's jokes were fun but most were plain and simple, crude.

      Thanks for reading!

      Micah: LOL! Right on!

  4. I didn't watch them, that kind of stuff's never really been on my radar, but after hearing people talk/blog about some of the highlights, I watched some online and looked at pictures. The One Day More performance was spectacular! I bet that was thrilling to see live. :)

    1. It was good, Kellie. It's always nice to see a cast like that reunited – plus Anne looked better in the performance than she did her show gown. :)

      Basically pictures can sum up the entire show – plus you don't have to listen to the crude jokes or overlong speeches! I watch the final two hours or 'til the end from when I turn it on then make fun and bemoan the entire thing. Guess it's all a part of the experience for me. ;)

  5. The only part of the Oscars I saw was the Les Mis segment the next morning, before ABC (?) took it off YouTube. I didn't miss much.

    I'm starting to think Kristen Stewart is a crackhead. She always acts weird.

    Renee is apparently a SUPER introvert. If so, she shouldn't agree to DO appearances in front of big crowds.

    Anne Hathaway's gown sucked. Jennifer Lawrence looked like a godess, though. Too bad she also posed for some photos flipping off a journalist. So much for class.

    The Oscars are officially a joke. They didn't bother nominating/awarding The Hobbit, The Dark Knight Rises, or The Avengers. Anna Karenina's director should have also gotten a nominaiton.

    1. No, you sure didn't! Basically, I rambled on telling the people to *shut up* the entire two hours, exasperated and annoyed at the show and jokes. Yes, I know: Why do I watch it then!? ;)

      I am thinking you are right about Kristen. She had something weird going on. Huh, I'd never heard that about Renee – she shouldn't agree to these things then. Silly lady.

      Anne's gown was horrible! (Her performance dress was better.) Here you'd think the shoe-in for "best supporting actress" would have wanted to stun. If she wanted simple but classic look, yeah, she failed. Big time. Jennifer did look gorgeous however I think the color was washed out by all those lights. Wish it would have been a different color. (Did you watch her post Oscar press conference? It was cute.) Yeah, she has a mouth on her – that is not classy. :/ Looking like a lady and acting like one should go together yet they don't.

      Oooh! Would have loved to see 'Avengers' get an award. That was a great one. :)

    2. The Oscars are always dull as dishwater. I'll probably never watch them again — total waste of my time, when I can find out everything the next morning. I didn't see any of the post-Oscar interviews, no.

      Kristen is very… odd. I almost think she's an extreme introvert too, since she has so much trouble expressing herself. =P

      I thought Amanda Singfreid's gown was lovely too, but I would have chosen red or something bold. What was with all the skin-tone dresses this year?

    3. Never? Like ever!? LOL! ;)

      Yes, each year they are more boring than the last. Doesn't stop me from watching a couple of hours. While making fun of the totally ridiculous show. ;D

      Hmmm… I don't know but golly, that girl is wooden. Sunday night she was just… weird. Something was up with her.

      Usually I don't mind "nude" gowns. They can be classy if its the right design/fit. However Amanda's dress was pretty (think she wore like three during the night! LOL!). Critics said it was "hit or miss." It was pretty with all the sparkles – almost had a purple tint to it if I remember. Ironically, her performance dress (singing) was red. It was pretty – had a nice A-line to it.

      Generally speaking, yes, a lot of "blah" dresses this year. With all there is at these stars disposal, you'd think they'd pick some stunners, right!?

  6. I was shocked that an animated film won over Les Mis…but STILL, it was great all together! And YES, The Hobbit and Les Mis deserved a lot more…. One Day More was FABULOUS. LOL Jennifer Lawrence tripping was great — but her hilarious one-breath speech after the win was also hilarious. :D I still have yet to watch the whole thing, but the gowns were GORGEOUS (I loved Jennifer's, and Amanda Seyfried's was STUNNING). Too much fun.

    1. Actually, Brave didn't "beat out" Les Mis, Micah. They were two different categories.

      Wasn't Jennifer's speech just the cutest!? Normally I don't watch that but it showed up on my Twitter timeline so I did. :) Amanda's gown was unique and pretty. Only complaint about Jennifer's was the color. Wish it's been different. :)

  7. Loooooved Meryl Streep – and Daniel-Day Lewis' speech. And Ben Affleck's speech – he was really nervous I think. And Ang Lee. And the gowns (minus Anne Hathaway – what was she thinking?).
    Seth McFarlane was ok, I'm not sure whether he was just trying to provoke or whether he meant everything he said.

    1. That speech was HILARIOUS, Mette! Loved it – that was probably the only one I laughed out loud at. :) Ben's was nice if not a bit random. He was likely honored that his picture won.

      We heartily agree with you: Anne's choice was awful! What was she thinking???

      I'd say Seth was trying to provoke a reaction but maybe not. Half the things he said could be true! :D

  8. I loved how classy Reese Witherspoon was.

    I felt bad for Kirsten. She looked so out of her element.

    I looove Barbara's song.

    Adele did fantastic but I could tell she was trying to take it easy on her vocal chords.

    Did you notice that Hugh Jackman jumped up to try to help Jennifer Lawrence? All those guys and he was the one that jumped up. I've always loved him but I love him more now.

    1. Hey, Juju! Glad you dropped by.

      Reese is always classy – she's just adorable! Yeah, I am not sure what was with Kristen. Aside from her injured foot, something was going on with her – she just wasn't "normal." It is sad! Poor girl.

      It was thrilling to see Adele win! Since first hearing 'Skyfall,' I've come to LOVE the song. That girl can sing.

      I did see Hugh coming to Jennifer's rescue. It was one of those awww… moments. One of the "best" of the show. :) Guess being a gentleman is a lost art. *sigh* It's sad.

  9. Hugh Jackman helping Jennifer – reason 1,508,327 why he's so perfect and I shall be single for life. LOL. ;)

    I was too nervous to watch…haven't been this nervous since I wanted Colin Firth and The King's Speech to win…unfortunately I wasn't as happy this year. Basically Hugh and Les Mis losing ruined my evening. Hehe. I was shocked at some of the wins, honestly.

    Anne's performance gown was SO much prettier than her actual Oscars one…WHAT was she thinking? Her hair looked adorable, though.

    1. I like your thoughts on Hugh Jackman, Alexandra. Made me smile. :)

      Yeah, usually how it works out, the max I watch is two hours. (We turn on the TV when we're through watching a movie or whatever activity we have planned.) For me, I wasn't impressed since none of the nominees I particuraly cared about. Les Mis wasn't the impressive movie I so wanted it to be and no critics were expecting it to sweep the show, so neither was I. Sorry you didn't enjoy it this year…

      Agree! What was Anne thinking?! YIKES! Where were her princess-ly senses!? :)

      As always, appreciate your thoughts, Alexandra. :)

  10. So, I've been keeping this stack of comments in my inbox so I could go back through and watch some of the things mentioned…here are my thoughts as I watched. :)

    Les Mis Cast One Day More — OMW, so amazing. I loved it!

    Jennifer Lawrence's fall — great recovery, so smooth! Yay Hugh Jackman for his rescue! ;)

    Daniel Day Lewis' acceptance speech — not sure I heard the whole thing, but the three or four lines I hear were sweet…love that he mentioned his mother.

    Adele's performance — not a fan of her. I'd like to hear Susan Boyle sing that song. I really liked the beginning, but when she started singing…I couldn't take more than a minute. Also, even I feel like she could have really sung out a lot more.

    Reese W's dress (picture, not video) — love the color, like the style stomach down. Not a strapless fan. :P

    Barbra Streisand's song…lovely, but I feel like her voice border-line cracked a time or two that I noticed towards the beginning? She sang Somewhere, right? With Il Divo? They were lovely, btw. You can tell she had a great voice, but I think it's getting to be over. :( That being said…I feel like it got better later on. Overall? Pretty good.

    Anne Hathaway's gown (picture) — I think I do like her performance gown better. Ha, I earlier considered commenting and saying I liked it better in motion (in the video) than in pictures (her Oscars gown, pix only, several days before video). But now…it makes much more sense. Two separate dresses, and the performance one better.

    Nude colored dresses (pictures) — Nope, not my thing. Then again, I'm a fair toned, blue eyed, blond, so if I wear nude colors…it's not good. Not at all. But I don't usually love them on others either.

    Amanda S's gown (picture) — Meh…not a big fan of the color or style.

    That's all! I know, a bit late…better late than never, though. :) Fun stuff, folks! My fav though? Definitely the One Day More performance. :)

    1. Hooray! Glad you came back to chat about all you saw, Charity. :)

      How nice that 'One Day' lived up to your expectations (Anne's dress was lots better while she sang) – what was she thinking with that pink creation!? :) From what I know of Adele's Oscar performance, she was using caution in singing because she's had some vocal problems. I'd quite forgotten that and still thought she sounded great. Only recently have I become a fan – she has some cool stuff but her sound is "unique."

      Barbara S didn't sound bad – guess I didn't even realize she sang! LOL!

      Depending on the dress/style, nude can be very becoming. However, I'd agree with you that the right skin tones/hair color needs to be taken into considering also.
      Happy you shared all these fun thoughts, Charity. :)

  11. Teeheehee, I'm a little scared to say this after all comments, but . . .

    I didn't hate Anne Hathaway's dress.

    Meh! Don't throw tomatoes!! I thought she looked classy from all the pics on Pinterest from the front. When I read everyone's dislike, I tried to find pictures of the back and I can kind of see why some people might dislike it, but . . . ahh, oh well.

    Enjoyed hearing your thoughts on the Oscars. I don't really watch them, but like to hear what people thought afterwards, and sometimes I watch the winners. When "Blind Side" or "King's Speech" wins, I'm like, "yeah, these people know what they are talkin' about!" Then I am brought back to reality by a raging politically correct award presentation and remember why I dislike Hollywood in general. (Cough, political figure presenting an entertainment award, cough).

    I need to look up the "One Day More" footage, everyone says it was wonderful. I did see the clip of Hugh Jackman running to help Jennifer Lawerence. Awwww! (Goes to smother myself with a pillow for sweetness).
    Have a fabulous week Rissi!

    1. Hey, Camille! Happy to see your comments here. :)

      Oh, gosh, I am glad you commented regardless of a differing opinion – trust me, no one will throw anything at you. It'd be a boring world if we all liked the same thing. :) Glad you thought Anne's dress was pretty – did you see her performance gown and her original dress? Both were prettier in my opinion although the color of her actual dress was sure attractive.

      Sometimes reading – or watching 2 minute videos – about the Oscars is more worthwhile than watching the awards themselves. I often tell myself that I shouldn't bother and watch the videos the next day. The truth is, I have too much fun making fun of them while watching! ;)

      Trouble is, Hollywood doesn't make movies like 'Blide Side' often enough. That was a good, inspiring film. (Love your not-so-subtle reference about PC stunts. It made me laugh! I hear ya and know just what you're saying. :D)

      Hope you can find 'One Day' – some said it was removed from YouTube. Jennifer tripping was cute, yes! It was so unexpected.

      Thanks! I was going for something "happy." :)

    2. I did manage to watch the "One Day More" footage. I loved it, and Anne's dress there was sooo much prettier. When compared, I do prefer that one. I don't normally like pixie hair either (I'm not even sure that's the correct descriptor), but she has made the style cute.

      2 minute analysis videos – agreed MUCH better than watching the whole ceremony.
      Cheerio!

    3. Hooray! Glad you were able to see it, Camille. I'd read that ABC took it down so I didn't know. :)

      Anne's dress while singing was prettier – as was her "alternate" dress which she chose not to wear ironically because it was too similar to Amanda's. When it comes to styles for myself, I detest the idea of a pixie. I think some girls can carry it off quite well though and Anne looks cute.

      Thank goodness for those 2-minute videos, right!? LOL! :)

  12. I have never watched the whole Oscar show (I would have to get up in the middle of the night for that on my side of the world!), but I do love to 'leaf' through various Red Carpet galleries the days after.

    As every year, there were some very pretty, some less and some downright ugly dresses. I loved Jessica Chastain, her dress really complemented her skin and hair colour and it was simple yet elegant. Also, Sandra Bullock was looking great. I would have liked to see some more colour in the dresses, I'm a bit done with all the 'nude'.

    1. Oh, golly, I'd have to agree Birdienl! If I had to get up in the middle of the night to watch this show, I wouldn't bother – it's so not worth it. :) However, I do usually watch some of it just for the fun of making fun of its silliness. LOL!

      Sandra always looks classy! I would definitely agree with that. But then, I think she's a classy lady. Also, yes, I was wondering about the fashion this year too. It was like most of it was just… "blah." I mean a few stuck out as being gorgeous but mainly it was lacking. Note to Hollywood designers: Bring back COLOR!

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