Glamourizing the Oscars

Let's be honest. This year's Academy Awards show was in definite need of a glamour infusion. Of the 19 nominees for acting awards (Cate Blanchett is in there twice), only George Clooney and Johnny Depp have major movie star appeal. But this is Hollywood we're talking about, where making a show sexy and interesting is what it's all about. First, they invited back all four of last year’s winners in the acting categories—Alan Arkin, Jennifer Hudson, Helen Mirren and Forest Whitaker—and they all will be there to present the new winners with their awards. Then they asked some crowd pleasers to present, too, among them Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Steve Carell, Jessica Alba (at left), Josh Brolin, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Colin Farrell, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Garner, Tom Hanks, Anne Hathaway, Katherine Heigl, Jonah Hill, Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Kidman, James McAvoy, Queen Latifah, Seth Rogen, Martin Scorsese, Hilary Swank, John Travolta, Denzel Washington, Renee Zellweger and Miley Cyrus. Wait, Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, at the Oscars?  It's true.  I just hope she appears early so her fans can get to bed. It's a school night.

(photo © A.M.P.A.S.)