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If you go through a break up, get bored or just feel it’s time for a new you, there are things that you can do to revamp your beauty routine to feel and look fabulous!

Think about the overall effect. Find a celebrity that you like their style and then look at things that they wear and their makeup. It may not be suited to your own hair and skin tones, but you can get an idea of what you do want to make the changes on your own self.

A lot of people change their hair first. If you have thought about getting all of your hair cut off, or a dramatic change before, then this may be good. If it’s a reaction to something going on in your life, get a similar cut or color but don’t do anything drastic. You want to look good, not have regrets. If you don’t know what will look good, or what you want, then ask your hairstylists for recommendations and think think about them carefully.

A change in make up can also revitalize your routine. It doesn’t have to be anything major, even changing the color of your lipstick can make your face brighter. Speak to the people at the make up counter and sign up for the consultations. Listen to what they say and apply what you really like to your own routine.

Nails are a quick pick me up without having to make a major change. If you get a manicure with red every time, then change to pink. If you never get one done, then start pampering yourself. Pretty hands can make you feel pretty, and having color of immaculate groomed hands can make your day better.

Look at your closet. Is the things in there outdated? Are you unhappy with your clothes? Spend some time going through them and make a pile of clothes you love and can’t part with and plan on keeping these. Look at clothing that you hate and donate those in good condition and throw away those that aren’t. Everything else goes in a maybe pile, and see if they fit into the clothes you love. Then go shopping, keeping in mind a few trendy pieces can update your wardrobe and give it a much needed sense of newness, and you don’t spend a lot to get this effect.

When you get to the point you know what you want to buy, look online and at shopping centers to find bargains. It doesn’t have to be expensive to change your routines. If you see someone with something you do love, ask them about the item, so that you can find one for yourself. Be complimentary and they will be flattered and will love to share it with you.

If you only change one thing, and feel better, then you have succeeded. Making your beauty routine changes does not have to be drastic to get any good benefit to the process. Make sure that the changes you make are not drastic, unless you have given a lot of thought to it.

Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory – http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=543030&ca=Womens+Interest

Written by Adrianna Noton

Tags:   Beauty · Fashion · lifestyle1 Comment

With all of the different styles of pillows available out there, I know it can be pretty hard to sort through what you need to look for when shopping. So let me see if I can help you out a bit here.

There are two basic types of pillows out there. One kind it is man-made or synthetic, and the other is natural.
To me, a luxury pillow can’t be anything other than a down pillow.

Why? No other pillow feels as comfortable and a satisfying when sinking my tired noggin into it at the end of a long hard day. Down pillows allow you to shift around from your side to your back to your stomach and don’t try to force you into a certain position like some of the synthetic man-made pillows out there do today. This is another reason why I love down- it’s just more luxurious and comfy.

So for the sake of this article I’ll be focusing on how to best select a luxury down and feather pillow.

First off, the position you normally sleep and will be the starting place for selecting the correct pillow for you. Why? The entire goal of your pillow, no matter what it’s made out of, should be to align your spine, head and neck.

If you sleep on your side (like most people do), then you need something to support your head and neck correctly while you sleep so you wake up feeling refreshed and energized, and not with a crick in your neck like I used to get you far I learned this little bit of pillow info. You’ll normally want to look for a medium density pillow in this event to get the proper height and support.

If you sleep on your stomach however, you don’t want to use too high of a pillow, or chances are your spine will be forced into very unnatural positions while you sleep and you’ll end up with a major backache and probably a neck ache to boot. You’ll want to go for a softer thinner type of pillow.

If you sleep on your back then you’ll probably want to consider a medium or thinner pillow. It really depends on your body build as to what is the proper height. Sleep experts usually recommend adding an additional pillow underneath your knees when you sleep on your back to further help align your spine.

These are general guidelines for selecting the proper pillow for your sleeping style and body.

If you tend to sleep in all of these positions, like I do, the best option for you might be an all-around type pillow. This means it’s not too dense or high for most people and provides proper support for the average build in all positions. This may be a good place to start when buying a luxury pillow if you’re not absolutely a hundred percent positive that you’ll like the firmer, denser, higher pillows.

Moving on to other options to consider for your luxury pillow purchase, remember to look for a nice tight weave in the pillow shell, or outer cover.

This is important so all of the down and feathers remain inside your pillow and don’t eventually poke you in the ear on their way out. Check for 100% cotton with around thread counts of 220 or better. The higher the better on this point. You’ll want cotton of course because it’s a natural fiber and wicks away any moisture so we don’t get cold and clammy.

A side note here, invest in several pillow protectors. You just stuff your pillow inside it, zip it up and then put the pillow case over the whole thing. Pillow protectors add an extra layer to keep your pillows from absorbing dirt and oil and perspiration. An inexpensive way to protect your investment.

Another important thing to consider is the actual quality of the down and feathers inside your pillow. You should look for at least a 500 fill power number to assure that you get the best quality materials that will stand up to years of use unlike cheaper pillows that use little down and tiny feathers that collapse after not too long. The better pillow manufacturers also wash their down and feathers to guarantee an allergy free pillow.

I hope these luxury pillow buying tips come in handy!

By Pat Bowlin

Tags:   lifestyle · Luxury · pillows2 Comments

For Immediate Release

Los Angeles, Calif. (May 25, 2010) — The USC Master of Liberal Studies Program will offer a once-in-a-lifetime backstage tour of the “Siegfried” production during LA Opera’s presentation of Richard Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen,” the first “Ring” cycle ever presented in Los Angeles.

The tour on Saturday, June 12, 2010, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is part of the program’s four-session continuing education course “Wagner’s Ring Cycle: Meaning, Sources and Influences.” During the tour, participants will get a rare close-up look at Achim Freyer’s controversial costumes, set design, and other technical aspects of “Siegfried” with the LA Opera technical staff.

Course participants will explore the revolutionary impact that the “Ring” cycle has had on music, literature, philosophy, and politics in small-group discussions and hands-on activities led by USC Professor James Kincaid on the USC campus.

The course features prominent guest speakers from USC faculty, LA Opera, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and other cultural institutions; and will include musical demonstrations by professional musicians experienced in Wagnerian performance. The course takes place from June 7 to June 21. Registration for this non-credit course is $200.

“This course offers the opera aficionado and novice alike the chance to get beyond the ‘pre-concert lecture’ and delve deeply into multidisciplinary approaches to Wagner and the ‘Ring’ with world-class scholars,” says Susan Kamei, associate dean for advanced and professional programs in USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences and director of the Master of Liberal Studies Program. “We are proud that this course is an official ‘Ring Festival LA’ event and that USC College is an official ‘Ring Festival LA’ partner.”

Selected course topics include:

· The allure of tragedy and the role of catastrophe in the “Ring”
· The Ring Cycle’s political, history and philosophical backdrop
· Literary influences upon Emerson, Whitman, Joyce, T.S. Eliot and others
· Wagnerian intersections with issues of gender, melodrama, anti-Semitism, and popular culture
· The musicians challenge in performing the “Ring”

To register for the Wagner workshop and tour, go to http://college.usc.edu/registration-ll/.

Contact: Kimberly Maes
(213) 821-3901 or kmaes@usc.edu

USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences is the university’s primary center for research and education in the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences. The largest, oldest and most diverse of USC’s 19 academic schools, USC College is home to more than 30 academic departments,140 majors and minors, more than 20 Ph.D. programs and 30 research centers and institutes.

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Industry Icon and Media Personality Selects IMG for Commercial Endorsements and Fashion Related Opportunities

IMG announced today that media mogul and personality Tyra Banks has joined the company for commercial endorsements and fashion related opportunities. The announcement is the first of several expected in the coming months concerning new partnerships between IMG, Banks and Banks’ business interests.

“Tyra is a global brand and we are happy to welcome her back to the IMG family,” said Ted Forstmann, Chairman and CEO of IMG. “Her global reach and dynamic personality create numerous opportunities across multiple platforms.”

“In many ways, this is like coming home. The last time I was with IMG, I was set on taking on the modeling world in the high fashion and commercial sectors,“ said Tyra Banks, Founder and CEO of Bankable Enterprises. “Now I’m dreaming even bigger but this time for my company as well. Aligning myself with brands that I believe in, and helping them achieve the kind of success they’re looking for, helps all of us as we grow our businesses. And I know IMG is the right place at the perfect time. ”

“IMG is proud to work with Tyra, one of the world’s most iconic supermodels and media personalities, and it is our pleasure to welcome her back,” said Ivan Bart, SVP and Managing Director of IMG Models Worldwide. “She has an immense and loyal following, and we are thrilled with the opportunity to partner with her as she embarks on a new and exciting period of brand-building. IMG will help expand her relationships with companies through endorsements, and will assist her in developing business relationships with sponsors whose missions she feels strongly about”.

Banks’ Bankable Enterprises is a New York-based company creating programs for television and movies, as well as projects for publishing and digital media. Recently, Banks announced a deal with Random House for a series of young adult novels called Modelland and she announced plans for a new digital web portal. Tyra Banks is also the creator, executive producer and host of The CW’s reality television show America’s Next Top Model, a co-creator of ABC’s True Beauty, host of her own talk show, The Tyra Show, and she has new television projects in active development.

Banks began her modeling career in high school and went on to grace the catwalks for designer’s such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Michael Kors, Armani, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger and Yves Saint Laurent as well as the covers of fashion’s most influential magazines including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Elle, among others. Banks changed the modeling industry as a whole when she was the first African American woman on the covers of GQ, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and the Victoria’s Secret catalog, also becoming the first African American woman with a Victoria’s Secret contract. In 2003, Banks transitioned to the small screen with America’s Next Top Model, followed by the Tyra Show and she has appeared in feature films – her most recent being The Hannah Montana Movie.

Alison Levy

Tags:   Celebrities · FashionNo Comments.

EM & Co has been putting on events for years. Eveline Morel, the owner of the trendy LA boutique, has a passion for helping the emerging talent in Los Angeles, and for the past eight seasons has put on unique fashion events featuring some of LA’s best kept secrets when it comes to designing. The last two seasons, Morel hosted “Up Next Emerging LA Designers,” which was greeted with anticipation from not only the attendees, but just last season four million online viewers watched the shows stream live.

“It’s important to really support local talent. And there is a lot of talent in LA. When we see a designer that has that je ne sais quoi, we love spreading the word! And people are listening to us.” – Eveline Morel

EM & Co has attracted Hollywood’s elite, including Bijou Phillips, Cameron Richardson, Alex Breckenridge, Chris Masterson, Haley Bennett, Jesse Bradford, Lauren Hildebrandt, Johnny Lewis, Matt Dallas, Jon Foster, Sean Faris, Justin Chatwin, Taryn Manning, Kelli Garner, Samantha Mullen, Tia Mowry, Carmit Bachar and Melody Thornton of the Pussycat Dolls, Justine Bateman, Billy Duffy, Diva Zappa, Trenyce, Becca Hennesy, Irene Cara, Roscoe Umali, Teairra Mari, Shar Jackson, Chingy, Jerrell Scott, Mikalah Gordon, Colby O’Donis, Bo Benton, Justin Guarini, Ace Young, Kimberly Cole, Matthew St. Patrick, and Blair Underwood.

Morel’s motto is “think global and act local.” She finds the best designers from all around the world, brings them under one roof, but at the same time always supports the local talent: musicians, artists, designers.

“It’s important to do that. I know because having been a designer myself, I think it’s not just important to look outside, but to always make sure that you’re taking care of what’s in your backyard.”

This Fashion week, March 18, 2010, EM & Co will be presenting another event, themed “Brave New World,” which will feature a fashion installation in multiple acts with models posing together to create a still life. Lighting, music, and makeup will set the sometimes dark, hinting to the future mood, sprinkled with irony and humor. Angela Dean’s ready-to-wear pieces, inspired by some of her most successful styles, feature metallics and greys with splashes of color. The EM Reconstruct capsule-collection features artfully reconstructed garments.

“It’s the passion for beauty. It makes me happy, and it’s really about touching someone’s life. Clothing is a necessity, but it’s also something that inspires. It’s art.”

The event will be held Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 7:00pm to 10:00 pm at EM and Co, 7940 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles. 90048. For reservations call (323)782-8155 or rsvp@emandco.com.

Sponsors include Agenda Magazine, Honest Beverages, Habibi & Body, and Cinema Makeup School.

About Angela Dean/Deanzign:
Angela Dean has a loyal following of Hollywood’s top celebrities, and her fashion design powerhouse has evolved into one of the hottest best-kept fashion secrets in the music and entertainment industry. Founded in the 80s, Deanzign’s statement-making creations made the wearer look and feel like a star. Angela Dean’s gowns have been worn by Paris Hilton, Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry, and Queen Latifah, to name just a few. Angela was asked to design for Hollywood’s eight leading ladies: Halle Berry, Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica J. Fox, Michael Michelle, Elise Neal, Lorretta Devine, and Regina King.

About EM & Co:
EM & Co, a West 3rd Street boutique, supplies fashion-conscious shoppers with a well orchestrated mix of fashions from world-class designers (Vivienne Westwood, Iodice, Stella McCartney, JC de Castelbajac, Beatriz), as well as innovative styles from emerging L.A. talent. Featuring over 30 lines from around the world in its gallery-like space, EM & Co is also an active supporter of local talent, hosting monthly art exhibits and other events featuring local artists and designers.

About EM Reconstruct:
The EM Reconstruct line, first introduced in 2005, releases a number of mini-collections per year, sometimes grouped around a theme, and sold exclusively at EM & Co. EM Reconstruct represents the latest trend in eco-conscious fashion: Up-cycling of garments. It combines edgy, trend-setting style with eco-friendly practices; existing garments are re-fashioned and modified, sometimes beyond recognition, into new garments. Each garment is individually created and is generally unique; no two are alike.

Tags:   EM & CO · LA FASHION WEEKNo Comments.

“Just getting the proper fitting bra can take pounds off your figure instantly,” says Luciani. But there are also some other easy ways to trim your figure, without having to hit the treadmill. Now that we’re shopping for spring clothes and shedding winter layers, those extra pounds will surely show. So, before you hit the shops, keep these SEVEN slimming secrets in mind:

1. Beat Up the Muffin Man

“Finding the appropriate undergarments is one of the most important parts of looking your best,” says Luciani. If your underwear or bra is too tight, it can give you that muffin-top appearance or back fat that can make you appear larger than you are.

2. Get Waisted
“Adding a belt to highlight your waist – the thinnest part on most women’s bodies -can instantly make you look 7lbs thinner,” she says. Creating curves can often draw the attention to the waistline creating a slimmer and sexier style. You can find a belt that is customized for your own body at Badichi Customized Belts located at 159 Prince Street in Soho.

3. Boost Your Humps

Whether it’s your boobs or your butt, whatever your best feature, flaunt it. “Wearing something that flatters your figure best will draw more attention to those areas you’re proud of,” says the author. Bust UP Cups by KYMARO are a great addition to your bra for some extra cleavage.

4. Smooth Your Lumps

Smooth out lumps and bumps with a body shaper that sucks you in and tightens you up in all the right places. “Not only does it instantly make you look thinner, it also hides the cellulite and bulges you try endlessly to get rid of.”

5. Get High-er
”Heightening those heels can lengthen the look of your legs and give you a slimmer appearance. A good investment piece for spring that every woman should own is a pair of leg-lengthening, pointy toe, nude pumps. That’s the key to looking longer and leaner!

6. The Wrong Ruffles

Avoid bulky fabrics and ruffles in “all the wrong places.” “Ladylike trends like ruffles are huge this season but I’ve seen a big emergence of skirts with ruffles in places that aren’t flattering on most women, like the hips” says Luciani. The last thing you want to do is bring attention to trouble spots. Instead, opt for a fitted, hi-waisted pencil skirt, with some ruffle detailing on the hem.

7. Shine Bright, not Badly

Fabrics with sheen may seem sexy, but can really pack on the unwanted pounds. “Opt for shiny accents on clothes, as opposed to all over shine,” says the style expert. Also, we all love white pants for spring but if you’re heavier on the bottom, stick to a nice tailored trouser, as opposed to a white pair of skinny jeans, which can make you appear heavier. It’s also good to avoid big prints (which make you look BIGGER) and pay attention to details like neckline and the ‘rise’ on your pants.

Written by Alexandra Sorice

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New York, NY – March 11, 2010 – GUESS, the lifestyle brand famous for its trendsetting styles and unforgettable campaigns, and FIDM / Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, are thrilled to announce the GUESS Design Challenge launching during the Annual FIDM Debut Fashion Show to benefit the FIDM Scholarship Foundation.

Every year, ten top students are selected for an advanced third year fashion design program, to present their first-ever fashion collections, each consisting of ten to twelve looks. An audience, of over 10,000 people, sees the FIDM Debut Show. This annual event is being held at the Barker Hangar, in Santa Monica, California in March, 2010. The partnership between GUESS and FIDM adds an exciting real world experience to each designer’s education. In addition, to creating their individual collections, each of the Advanced Fashion Design students will also design and present one GUESS look to the executives at GUESS, Inc. As in true GUESS form, the look will be denim focused, using washes previously chosen by the GUESS? Inc. design team and FIDM designers, ranging from clean to medium and vintage washes.

Mary Stephens, FIDM Director of Fashion Design relates: “This wonderful design challenge typifies the commitment of GUESS?, Inc. to create opportunities for young people. Our organizations, GUESS? Inc. and FIDM, have deep roots of parallel growth, both having been founded in Los Angeles. We enjoy a vibrant relationship that supports young people and changes lives. We’re so fortunate to call them our friends…they have fostered scholarships and jobs for countless FIDM students.”

One lucky winner’s design will be selected by Maurice Marciano, Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of GUESS, Inc. The winning student will be offered the position of Design Assistant with the GUESS?, Inc. design department, as well as the opportunity to be involved in each step of the production process of their winning design, which will be incorporated into an upcoming season.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising for the annual Debut Fashion Show and are excited to expand on our long standing relationship with the college,” said Maurice Marciano, Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of GUESS, Inc. “One of our strengths at GUESS is keeping our brand relevant to the ever-evolving consumer and in order to do so, we must find young and innovative talent, such as the highly gifted students we are partnering with at FIDM.

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About GUESS?, Inc.

Established in 1981, GUESS began as a jeans company and has since successfully grown into a global lifestyle brand. Today, GUESS designs, markets and distributes full collections of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel as well as accessories. Throughout the years, the GUESS image has been portrayed in unforgettable, innovative campaigns that have made the brand a household name. GUESS is distributed throughout the United States and Canada in fine department stores, its retail specialty and factory stores, and domestically on its online stores. GUESS has licensees and distributors in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. In addition to shopping online, you can find more information on GUESS at www.guess.com.

About FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

FIDM/ Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is a private college for specialized professional education, accredited by WASC and NASAD, granting Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Business Management degrees. Over the last 40 years, FIDM has graduated more than 40,000 students, preparing them for careers in Fashion, Graphics, Interior Design and Entertainment. The college is headquartered in downtown Los Angeles, with other campus locations in Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco; 8,000 full-time students. FIDM Museum & Galleries has one of the nation’s finest costume collections dating from the 18th century and yearly presents major exhibitions.

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Whether we want to admit it or not, even for those who are adamant in their denial of watching the tabloid reports, we’re all affected by the news of celebrity break-ups.

How can we, as “mere mortals,” believe in ever lasting love? In the back of our minds we think that these celebrities have everything any couple could possibly need to enjoy the happiest “ever after” life imagined. I can’t tell you how many times I hear people say, “If only we had more money;” “A bigger house;” “If I were better looking;” “If I lost more weight;” “My life would be perfect;” “Our relationship wouldn’t have so much stress;” “I would be happy.”

We look at the famous and say, “They are the “beautiful” people.” “They travel the world.” “Have beautiful mansions and lots of money.” “They have an army of people waiting to do their every bidding: publicists, managers, accountants, housekeepers and chiefs.” “If only I were in their shoes.”

What a great example and lesson to all of us “not so fortunate” people who aren’t blessed with their lives and the kind of money they possess; that money doesn’t make a relationship happy. Time, effort and determination are what make a relationship thrive. I’m not implying they don’t put the time and effort into their relationships, only that all the things we say, “If only we had…” won’t make our relationships last longer or be happier than theirs were.

Key factors to a lasting relationship are laughter, a sense of humor about life as well as a lot of hard work. These three things have always been a common thread for every successful and happy relationship I have interviewed over the years. Every one of them say the same thing: They work hard; don’t go to bed angry, resolving “issues” right away; and they laugh with each other.

A step that can help you regain the spark in your love life is something I call Soul Gazing. It’s a simple technique of gazing into your partner’s eyes. I usually recommend 15 minutes, but in the beginning, 2-3 is fine. No talking, no looking away. I have seen this technique strengthen relationships that were already strong and help those relationships that were on the brink of disaster. Try it. If you want to have the love you deserve, remember my simple rule: Love is a gift, it’s not a right. Love is a decision, it’s not a feeling. Make the decision to make your relationship right, so you too can have the lasting and deep love you deserve.

Written By Jaci Rae

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=24783&ca=Relationships

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Through the years, the Oscars have put on the show of the year, honoring movies that have changed and forced opinions. The winning movies have usually been representative of the time, the technology, and were reflective of the current social climate. That’s why this year’s Academy Awards was so special. Virtual unknowns like Gabourey Sidibe of Precious were nominated and sleepers like The Hurt Locker beat out the sure bet winners like Avatar. First-time nominees like Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side won over the record holding-Oscar-winning Meryl Streep of Julia & Julia. And it was so nice to see a comedienne (Mo’Nique) win the Best Supporting Actress in a serious role for Precious.

For the first time ever Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin hosted. They made an interesting and rather comical impression. Ben Stiller’s interpretation of Avatar as he announced Best Makeup was hilarious, especially since Avatar wasn’t even nominated for that category. And there was even something for those who’ve seen the independent film Paranormal, which preceded a horror movie montage including the following films: Psycho, Interview with the Vampire, Beetle Juice, Jaws, The Blob, Rosemary’s Baby, Poltergeist, The Shining, and more; underscored by Bernard Hermann’s famous score to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.

Touching moments abounded with the Honorary Oscar given to Lauren Bacall and Roger Corman; a memorandum to John Hughes, as well as countless other actors who passed away in 2009 including Gene Simmons and David Carradine.  John Hughes’ family and fellow colleagues, including Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) and Molly Ringwald (The Breakfast Club) were on stage in his honor. “When you get older your heart dies” – John Hughes

Here are some quotes from this year’s Oscar winners that I feel will reverberate in our minds for years to come:

In Glorious Bastard – Best Supporting Actor – Christoph Waltz
“Everybody helped me find a place. This is your welcoming embrace. There is no way I can ever thank you enough. I can right start now. Thank you!”

Logorama – Best Animated Short – Producer, Nicolas Schmerkin
“I have to thank the 3000 unofficial sponsors who appeared in the film. It took 6 years to make this 16 minutes. I hope to come back and make a feature in 36 years!”

Star Trek – Best Makeup – Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, and Joel Harlow
“We had fifteen amazing [makeup] artists over 40.”

Precious – Best Adapted Screenplay – Geoffery Fletcher
‘This is for everybody who works on a dream everyday!”

Precious – Supporting Actress – Mo’Nique
“First I would like t thank the academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics!” I’d like to thank my husband for showing me that sometimes you have to forego what’s popular for doing what’s right!”

Avatar – Art Direction –Robert Stromberg
“Thirteen years ago doctors told me I wasn’t going to survive. I thought this dream of standing here was never going to come true. Yet here we are.”

Avatar – Best Visual Effects – Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, and Andrew R. Jones
“Avatar was about learning to see the world in new ways. Just Remember, the world we live in is just as wonderful as the one we created for you.”

The Crazy Heart – Best Actor –Jeff Bridges
“Thank you mom and dad for turning me on to such a groovy profession—they loved show biz so much. This is honoring them as much as it is me.”

The Blind Side – Best Actress – Sandra Bullock
“Did I really earn this or did I just wear you’all down.  To the moms who take care of those babies and children no matter where they come from. Those moms never get thanked. ”

The Hurt Locker – Best Director – Kathryn Bigelow
“I’d like to dedicate this to the women and men who risk their lives on a daily basis. May they come home safe.”

Written By Kaylene Peoples

Tags:   Academy Awards · OscarsNo Comments.

In the 82 years that  the Academy Awards has been around, it is hard to believe that a woman has never won Best Director. In 1968 Carol Reed (Oliver!) and in 2003 Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation) were the only females to ever be nominated.  Why has the Academy put up so much resistance when it comes to giving a woman the honor? Kathryn Bigelow, director of The Hurt Locker, is the only woman to ever win Best Director and Best Picture. With all things being equal, the Academy needs to shut down its good ol’ boy’s club and embrace the sea of diversity that’s been neglected for so long. Come on, in 82 years, no woman was considered talented enough to direct a movie worthy of Oscar recognition?  In last night’s Hurt Locker press conference, a reporter actually asked Ms. Bigelow if her previous marriage to James Cameron contributed to the betterment of her filmmaking. Can’t she just let Ms. Bigelow enjoy her moment? Why hasn’t anyone asked James if he’s learned a few things about filmmaking from Kathryn?

“I’d like to dedicate this to the women and men who risk their lives on a daily basis. May they come home safe.”—Kathryn Bigelow accepting the Oscar. “Well I hope I’m the first of many and I [can't wait] for the day when a modifier will be a mute point.”

We live in a country that is 233 1/2 years old. We’ve elected 44 presidents, none of them women and only one of them a black man. The reluctance to elevate women has been a mantra in this country since the Puritans and the struggles that people of color have endured are insurmountable. I know last night was a victory, so why doesn’t it feel that way? As I watched the 82nd Annual Academy Awards with the Organization of Black Screen Writers (I just happened to be in a Century City hotel lobby watching it on the big screen) I thought it was serendipitous that they too were there, and I have to admit that  it changed my viewing experience. I looked at the Oscars with a different pair of eyes.

Few blacks in over 4 generations have been placed in starring roles worthy enough for a nomination. It’s no surprise that there has only been a handful to ever win the Oscar. In 1939, Hattie McDaniel won Best Supporting Actress for Gone with the Wind. Hattie was forced to sit in the balcony during the show because she was ‘colored.’ And in 1963, Sidney Poitier won Best Actor for Lilly of the Fields. They are joined by Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Whoopie Goldberg, Jennifer Hudson, Lou Gossett, Jr., Forrest Whitaker, and now Mo’Nique (for Best Supporting Actress), and Geoffrey Fletcher (for Best Screen Play Adapted).  There have been others in the Best Song and Music Categories.

“This is for everybody who works on a dream every day . . . precious boys and girls every where. The entire cast, including Mo’Nique showed me how an actor can elevate the written word.” —Geoffrey Fletcher accepting Best Screenplay Adapted for Precious

“First I would like to thank the Academy for showing that it can be about the performance and not the politics!  I’d like to thank my husband for showing me that sometimes you have to forgo what’s popular for doing what’s right!” —Mo’Nique accepting Best Supporting Actress for Precious

“I hope there will come a time when it will not be about a woman director or a man director, but just a director.” —Barbra Streisand

Written by Kaylene Peoples

Photo Credits AFP/Getty Images

Tags:   Academy Awards · OscarsNo Comments.