As we all slowly settle into the New Year, attempting to keep up with our resolutions and unfortunately finalizing our class schedules, our precious Sunday nights are once again open for mindless television watching. It's a good thing award season has begun.
The 66th annual Golden Globe Awards aired this past Sunday, exemplifying Hollywood's flair to impress as the red carpet showcased bright colors, dazzling jewels and individual personality radiating through selected attire.
Both men and women shone as they glided through the bevy of the press and paparazzi with sleek suits and fantastic gowns. Ruling the top of the best dressed list for women was one of the stars of television series Mad Men January Jones, who looked stunning in an ice blue zipper-trimmed Versace dress.
Adding to the list was Amy Adams of the film Doubt, who glowed in a black strapless Oscar de la Renta gown with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry. Kate Winslet, best actress winner for Revolutionary Road, gleamed in head to toe Yves Saint Laurent. Slumdog Millionaire newcomer Freida Pinto looked effortlessly beautiful in mustard Christian Lacroix.
Samantha Who nominee Christina Applegate paid her homage to old Hollywood glamour in a vintage strapless canary Roberto Cavalli dress. Newly re-blonde Drew Barrymore looked absolutely adorable in baby blue Dior, carrying a scarlet Roger Vivier clutch, and adorned with Lorraine Schwartz diamonds.
Finishing out the list is Dark Knight's Maggie Gyllenhaal in a turquoise cat print Lavin, The Wrestler's Evan Rachel Wood in a tiered, beaded black Elie Saab and eye-candied escort Rumor Willis in a raspberry Reem Acra, which perfectly complemented her fiery accented hair. Last but not least, Desperate Housewives presenter Eva Longoria finished the list in a vivacious ruby Reem Acra gown.
The best-dressed men of the night began surprisingly with Tropic Thunder nominee Tom Cruise in a midnight blue double-breasted Giorgio Armani suit, Revolutionary Road nominee Leonardo DiCaprio in black velvet trimmed pinstripe Giorgio Armani tuxedo, and The Mentalist nominee Simon Baker in a black vintage suit. In Treatment nominee Blair Underwood exuded simplicity and class in a bow-tied Calvin Klein Collection Tuxedo, while Grey's Anatomy star and the face of men's Versace, Patrick Dempsey, wowed suitors in none other than Versace.
With so many great stars impeccably dressed, the true beauty of watching the awards is seeing who lands on the worst dressed lists.
For the women, new mother Jennifer Lopez tried too hard to redeem her post-baby sexuality in a backless and plunging-neckline golden beaded Marchesa gown. As a mother of twins, it's time for her to tone down her award show antics.
Renee Zellweger follows Lopez in another 'what were you thinking' sheer-topped and mermaid-trained black Carolina Herrera, with a terrible just rolled out of bed tousled updo. Normally a fashion maven, Zelleweger missed the mark with this poor choice.
Both Beyonce, whose silver embroidered Elie Saab dress was far too snug for her bootylicious frame, and Eva Mendes, in all Dior, take the third and fourth place for their unimpressive gowns; their only saving grace was their unbelievably magnificent jewelry.
Best actor winner for The Wrestler, Mickey Rourke, takes the cake for the worst dressed man with his blue trimmed suit jacket, chain link wallet, burgundy velvet slippers and dapper shades, doing his best impression of a pre-prom Evanescence fan.
The Jonas brothers are being added to the list not only due to their uninspired wardrobe selections, but also because their pointless presence did nothing to add to the dull three-hour show.
Last but not least is Monk star Tony Shalhoub, whose Indian-inspired embroidered neckline made him looked ridiculous rather than unique.
With the Oscars just around the corner, the Golden Globes were just a preview of the creative fashion to come. Women this season are taking more daring leaps, breaking out into bold colors with symmetrical cuts and gaudy and eye-catching baubles. Heading in quite the opposite direction, the Hollywood males are returning to classic suits and tuxes reminiscent of Cary Grant. With Spring Fashion week starting in February, it will be exciting to see what will walk down the red carpet come the 22nd.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
