Simply BEYOND or BEYOND Tragic: The Best and Worst of Oscar's Red Carpet

Simply BEYOND.

Gwyneth Paltrow (Presenter) looked flawless in a sleek, white Tom Ford gown with matching cape and Jimmy Choo heels

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

BEYOND Tragic.

Angelina Jolie (Presenter) awkwardly flaunted her leg (no, it's not a third arm) in a gaudy black velvet Atelier Versace gown and Salvatore Ferragamo peep toe heels

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

Simply BEYOND.

Jessica Chastain (Nominated, Best Supporting Actress - The Help) looked positively royal in a black, gold embroidered Alexander McQueen gown and Harry Winston jewels

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

BEYOND Tragic.

Ellie Kemper (Presenter) was completely overpowered by a blinding copper toned Armani Prive gown, Lorraine Schwartz jewels, and too-long bangs.

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

Simply BEYOND.

Michelle Williams (Nominated, Best Actress - My Week With Marilyn) appeared poised and pretty as a picture in a red Louis Vuitton gown with Forevermark jewels and pink Bottega Veneta clutch

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

BEYOND Tragic.

Jane Seymour channeled T.V.'s Dallas in a red, sequined Pamella Roland gown.

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

Simply BEYOND.

Kristen Wiig seemed to be an effortless beauty in a nude J.Mendel gown and Neil Lane jewels.

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

BEYOND Tragic.

Kelly Osbourne officially forfeited her right to voice her opinion on other's fashion in a Georges Hobeika gown, Montblanc jewels and pale, purple hair.

{Photo courtesy of MirrorUK}

Simply BEYOND.

Milla Jovovich (Host of The 2012 Scientific and Technical Awards which took place on February 11th) exudeed classic Hollywood glamour in a glittering, white Vintage Elie Saab gown.

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

BEYOND Tragic.

Melanie Griffith (pictured here with husband Antonio Banderas) was misguided in a messy, oddly textured YSL gown.

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

Simply BEYOND.

Octavia Spencer (Winner, Best Supporting Actress - The Help) dazzled in a figure flattering, fully embellished Tadashi Shojo gown.

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

BEYOND Tragic.

Anna Faris was wickedly washed out by an ill-fitting, witch-like, Diane Von Furstenberg gown, Tiffany & Co. jewels and YSL heels.

{Photo courtesy of styledotcom}

Simply BEYOND.

Alexandra Edenborough (Pictured here with husband Gary Oldman) had a futuristic appeal in a stunning, modernly cut, black gown with silver beading.

And The Oscar Goes To...The Academy for Giving A Leg Up To Awards Season 2012

Despite widespread criticism of Sunday's television broadcast -for example, Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter dubbed host Billy Crystal a "safe, unfunny, retro-disaster"- the 84th Annual Academy Awards were, in fact, classically minimal (thankfully lacking unnecessary fluff  a la James Franco and Anne Hathaway).  

{Pictured Above: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.  Photo Courtesy of style.com}

Crystal, while perhaps "safe", kept things moving with obvious ease and a sort of "in their own words" actor segment which played in between each of the awards added an element of intimacy for the viewer that is rarely (if ever) attained during such ceremonies.  Overall, the Academy did a wonderful and discreet job of putting the focus back on film and if you're on to disagree, then I believe Meryl said it best, "Whatever".

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{Above: Meryl Streep, 2012 Best Actress Winner for The Iron Lady accepting her 3rd Oscar at The 84th Annual Academy Awards}

Dying For Downton

Now well into its second season here in the states, this British period drama (airing Sunday’s at 9pm on the public broadcast station PBS as part of its “Masterpiece Classics” segment) can be described in a single word: addictive.  Having watched the first seven episodes on Netflix in only two sittings, I was immediately captivated by the scene stealing beauty of the English countryside, the intricate detailing of costumes, and obvious juxtaposition of master and servant. However, what keeps me coming back for more is the unspoken animosity between those I may have initially assumed friends - sisters, servants and relatives alike all seem to hold quiet (and sometimes not so quiet) grudges against each other which they tend to with the most calculated approach. There is, of course, a good bit of romance involved as well.

{Pictured above: Jessica Brown-Findlay, Laura Carmichael and Michelle Dockery, who play the Crawley sisters. Photo courtesy of Jonty Davies for Glamour UK, October 2011.}

Led by a fabulous cast of younger, lesser knowns (Michelle Dockery, Dan Stevens, and Jessica Brown Findlay), plus some more notable acting vets (Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith and Elizabeth McGovern) and also the recipient of multiple Emmys and numerous accolades, Downton Abbey is a definite “must see”.