Film Gecko

Oscars: Live on the Red Carpet!

by Jane Boursaw on February 24th, 2008

Big night tonight, as the Oscars kick into gear. Thought I’d do some Red Carpet intel as stars are arriving — beneath a plastic tarp, as it’s a wee bit drizzly out there at the Kodak Theatre in L.A.

6:25 ET: George Clooney arrives with girlfriend Sarah Larson. He’s looking dapper with a bow tie, and I’m guessing several million women are wishing they were her right about now. He’s the penultimate Hollywood actor. Suave and classy and fun.

6:37 ET: Amy Ryan chats with TV Guide’s Lisa Rinna. Amy is SO different from her character on “Gone Baby Gone,” which shows what a super actress she is. She’s nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and says she has no speech prepared! She’ll just speak from her heart, which is always best anyway.

Seal and Heidi Klum stop by and talk fashion with Lisa. Heidi is wearing a drapey red gown; says she had to keep the kids’ string cheese away from her at home.

More after the jump!

Switching to E! with Ryan Seacrest:

George Clooney tells Ryan that Michael Clayton is a film he’s really proud of, which makes the awards fun. And no, he didn’t buy Nic Cage’s beach-house while walking down the beach in Malibu with Sarah! Clooney mentioned the impending actor’s strike, and the fact that he and others have been talking with studio heads to try and nip it in the bud.

Jason Bateman says an Arrested Development movie is moving along.

Anne Hathaway is decked out in a red gown with a detail of rosettes on a one-shouldered neckline. As always, very elegant, with her porcelain skin. I love that Anne always seems like the girl next door, even with all of her many accomplishments. She and Ryan talk “Get Smart,” due in theaters this year. Anne plays Agent 99, with Steve Carell in the Don Adams role.

Ryan talks with Saoirse Ronan, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in “Atonement.” Her Irish accent is so sweet.

Back to TV Guide Channel…

John Travolta…what the heck is up with his hair?! It looks like it’s been spray-painted, like one of those commercials for spray-on hair. Kelly Preston is wearing a beautiful pale orange gown.

Awwww…Miley Cyrus is wearing a red gown — apparently, red is THE color tonight — and looks beautiful. Even with all the craziness of her year, she seems down to earth. I know everyone is hoping she doesn’t fall into the trap of so many young stars. (Photo: WireImage)

Daniel Day-Lewis arrives, and I SO do not get the hoopy earrings he has in both ears. You know, I’m not against guys wearing earrings, but maybe just a small stud in *one ear. Otherwise, it just seems like you’re heading into cross-dressing territory.

Lisa talks to Steve Carell, presenting for Best Animated Feature. The upcoming “Get Smart” and “Horton Hears a Who” both feature Carell, and he’s excited to be back to work on “The Office.”

7:16 ET: Duane “The Rock” Johnson…you know, for being kind of a burly, sports-type guy, he seems fun and down to earth. Says he’d love to work with George Clooney. Yeah, who wouldn’t?

Is it just me, or is Lisa Rinna not really with it tonight? It’s like she can’t get the microphone timing right, so the voices keep cutting out. And maybe do a wee bit more research on the stars and their movies…?! Even SHE says she’s not doing such a great job!

Travolta talks about his upcoming film with Samuel L. Jackson, “Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey,” and Kelly mentioned “Old Dogs,” a Disney movie she and John did with daughter Ella.

Amy Adams…ah, Amy Adams…You know, if I was going to pick any star to have as a best friend, it would be Amy Adams!

Gary Busey and his date are grilling Lisa on her “Dancing with the Stars” experience. Could he be thinking of doing it? Ok, he seems just a little bit creepy…’nuff said there.

Laura Linney talks about “The Savages.” I’m afraid this movie might get shunned because not many people have seen it.

7:36 ET: Ruby Dee, nominated for “American Gangster,” says it’s astonishing to be nominated after all these years. Also gushes about the “promise” of the arts and its ability to make an impact on the world. (Photo: WireImage)

Miley Cyrus… she is SO cute! Says she’s “stoked” to be presenting tonight, and looking forward to celebrating with everyone. Her red dress is all about “standing out and being classy at the same time…” Lisa says, “You’re a good role model - keep it up!” I bet Miley hears that just about everywhere she goes.

Sean Combs says he’s trying to be a throwback to the stars of old Hollywood, with a lot of different irons in the fire. Of course, he’s pushing “Raisin in the Sun” on ABC tomorrow night.

Keri Russell looks sleek and slim after having a baby. She’s introducing one of the Best Song nominees and says it’s all very exciting.

Viggo Mortensen, nominated for his role in “Eastern Promises,” (the naked-fight scene!) has quite the furry face going. It’s…manly…I guess…

Steve Guttenberg and Marlee Matlin, new on “Dancing With the Stars,” grill Lisa on how to win. “Push yourself further than you think you can go,” says Lisa. “And be yourself.” Good advice for just about anything.

Cameron Diaz, presenting for Best Cinematography, says her Dior gown feels like she’s “wearing nothing.” She works with stylists, but says she always has strong opinions on what she wears. “It’s a team effort.” Except what’s up with her hair? It looks like she just rolled out of bed. Could you at least put a little time and effort into the ‘do, Cam?  (Photo: WireImage)

Marion Cotillard, nominated for “La Vie en Rose,” is wearing a beautiful silvery-white gown that almost looks mermaid-ish. She’s flying to Chicago to work on “Public Enemy” with Johnny Depp. Sweet. Lisa tells Marion she should win the Oscar!

Patrick Dempsey talks about “Enchanted,” saying everyone turned in wonderful performances, and that he’s happy to have new opportunities coming his way. He’s presenting Best Song for “Enchanted.” His wife is wearing a red (of course!) Versace gown.

James McAvoy is presenting for Best Adapted Screenplay, and says “Atonement” will definitely take it. In fact, he says “Atonement” should win in all the categories for which its nominated. We’ll see, James…

Hal Holbrook and Dixie Carter are looking great. Hal says he’s never been nominated and never been to the Academy Awards. How can that be?! He says working with Sean Penn was wonderful. “He really understand actors, and he trusts you and gives you a kind of freedom where you don’t feel locked in.” Hal says it was exciting to meet Viggo Mortensen just a few moments ago. (Photo: WireImage)

Casey Affleck wishes others from “The Assassination of Jesse James” would have been nominated.

Michael Moore arrives decked out in a black tux and dark gray tie. Alright, so he cleans up pretty good. And may I just say he sat behind me in the State Theatre in Traverse City just a few weeks ago (and didn’t even bug me when my cell phone went off - a no-no at the State).

Switching to Regis Philbin on ABC…

Regis Philbin? What’s the scoop there? I mean, love Regis, but I think there are others who could do a better job on the Red Carpet.

Jennifer Garner is beautiful with plenty of bling, sideswept hair and dark gown. “Don’t think for a second I could go into a store and pick this gown out,” she says, crediting all of it to her stylist. She looks different…maybe the different look, heavy eye makeup…perhaps a little work done…? (Photo: WireImage)

Cameron Diaz talks to Regis about her experience with Daniel Day-Lewis in “Gangs of New York.” She says he stays in character throughout the entire movie experience. Yikes! He must have been in continual pain during “There Will Be Blood.”

Ellen Page just celebrated her 21st birthday, and says the reason people connect with “Juno” is that it’s “sincere and funny and has a sense of optimism mixed with truth.” Yep, that’s it.

Hilary Swank is wearing a dark Versace gown with dark eye makeup — which seems to be the trend this year. Her bun-ish hairdo seems a little old for her, but whatever. She’s always trim and toned.

On with the show!

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