Oscar Fashion and Foibles

The much-coveted Academy Award statuette. (Alan Diaz - AP)

You watched the Academy Awards last night. So did washingtonpost.com fashion and beauty editor Janet Bennett and movies editor Jen Chaney. Join them for a post-Oscar recap on the fashions and faux pas that characterized this year's ceremony. Tell us which gowns made you frown, whose style was worthwhile and who looked downright stupid on the red carpet.

You watched the Academy Awards last night. So did washingtonpost.com fashion and beauty editor Janet Bennett and movies editor Jen Chaney. Join them for a post-Oscar recap on the fashions and faux pas that characterized this year's ceremony. Tell us which gowns made you frown, whose style was worthwhile and who looked downright stupid on the red carpet.

A transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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washingtonpost.com: Good afternoon, everyone, and thanks for joining our Oscars discussion. We're sorry that our colleague at the Post, fashion editor Robin Givhan, could not be here, but she's shuttling from Milan to Paris covering the fall 2004 fashion shows. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Anyway, here's my take on last night: It seemed that there was a memo going around that old-time Hollywood was the look to have, and most of the participants read it and followed through, some more successfully than others: Nicole Kidman looked stunning in celadon Chanel, Patricia Clarkson was elegant in Bill Blass, as was Naomi Watts in Versace and Charlize Theron in Tom Ford for Gucci. Too much dress for Renee, and way too many frou-frou layers for Samantha Morton. Those glasses and that sideswept hairdo on Liv Tyler were ghastly. Alas, Julia looked too bulky for that Armani number. Now, Jen, what did you think?

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washingtonpost.com: I have to say I was underwhelmed by the fashions this year. Most everyone looked presentable, but no one knocked me out. I thought Patricia Clarkson looked stunning. She wore the nude gown really, really well, and she carries herself with such grace. Worst of the women: easily Uma. She's a tall, statuesque woman who normally does the sleek, glamour thing to perfection. She was drowning in the dress she wore, which looked like something she borrowed from a baby doll. For the men, my faves were Bill Murray and (mainly because I have a soft spot for Lloyd Dobler) John Cusack. And the worst-dressed guy was clearly Peter Jackson, but accusing him of being badly dressed is hardly even a fair fight. And if I may start the discussion with a controversial statement, I didn't so much mind what Diane Keaton wore. I agree that it would have been nice for her to go in a sexier direction, but since she clearly didn't feel comfortable doing so, I thought the Ralph Lauren suit was nice within the context of the Annie Hall genre. For a masculine woman's suit, I thought it was kind of cool. If Sarah Jessica Parker had worn it on "Sex and the City," I bet people would have raved about it. All right, get our your claws and start those catty comments.

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Washington, D.C.: What was that sash in back of Renee's dress? The front looked great, but the back? Oh, dear. I kept trying to figure it out. Was it a crooked bow? A check mark?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: The sash in the back of Renee Z's dress was a train. I usually love her choices, but I think this Carolina Herrera was wearing her!

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Florissant, Miss.: Why did so many women have on champagne-colored dresses?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I'm really not sure. Unless nude is the new black.

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Tallahassee, FL: Was it my imagination that the stars were avoiding Joan Rivers?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: It wasn't your imagination that Nicole Kidman did. I actually saw a replay of that this morning on E! (they run the pre-show in a continuous loop once the Oscars are over), and they actually cut away from Kidman's snub, it was so awkward. Rivers was fighting with a BBC reporter for Nicole Kidman's attention, and she just didn't seem like she wanted to talk to her at all. Normally she's very friendly to Joan Rivers, but this time she certainly wasn't. -- Jen

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My votes for best-dressed: I thought that Shohreh (forgot her last name) from "House of Sand and Fog" and Jennifer Garner were among the best-dressed last night. Both wore bright colors with an interesting and very flattering cut. And each wore simple hairstyles and jewelry, so that the focus was on the beautiful dresses, and of course, the stunning women themselves.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Jennifer Garner looked stunning and one of the few who got it all right. Not everyone can wear "tangerine," but Garner pulled it off with aplomb. She also looked like she was having a grand time. An up-and-comer on the fashion scene.

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Washington, D.C. : Just an observation: I thought Marcia Gay Harden looked fabulous, I thought she chose a very appropriate (and flattering) gown. Am I the only one who thought that?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Marcia Gay Harden did choose an appropriate dress, but I couldn't take my eyes off that beehive hairdo. It looked like she was wearing a loaf of braided bread on her head.
She looked great last year!

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Washington, D.C.: Peter Jackson - yeah, you kind of just don't have too high of expectations. Maybe if you work continously on one thing for sevem years, we all would look like he did.

Robin Williams - I find him to be annoying, and his fashion sense even more so.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I was too distracted by the fact that Robin Williams's date for the evening was Bobcat Goldthwait to even notice his fashion sense. -- Jen

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Washington, D.C.: Catherine Zeta-Jones didn't blow me away like I've kind of come to expect. It seemed like a re-tread of a red dress she's worn before. And Michael Douglas wearing those sunglasses for a portion of the show - please, get over your old self. It doesn't work unless you're Jack Nicholson.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: You're right; her glamour quotient wasn't in full force last night but I found that refreshing. She looked more relaxed, and I was so glad to see her hair down. I'm very tired of that chignon stuff.

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Washington, D.C.: I know this has nothing to do with fashion, but I'm wondering if either of you know: who was sitting next to Renee Zellweger? She gave him tons of credit during her speech, but I don't know who he is. Thanks!

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Someone asked this during last night's discussion, and I'm 95 percent sure it was Bob Weinstein, co-head of Miramax. Hence, Renee's effusiveness toward him. Contrary to rumors, that was not Jack White of The White Stripes after having his face rearranged in a bar brawl. -- Jen

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Alexandria, Va.: I thought Will Smith was pretty hard to top. He always looks sharp. Having his lovely wife at his side didn't hurt either.

-Monday PM Qback

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Jada Pinkett did look good, didn't she? The two of them usually look classy together. Good call, QB. -- Jen

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Baltimore, Md.: Tragic disappointment: Uma's frothy semi-Bohemian number. Lovely bursts of color: Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Garner (wish I could wear coral).

May I please suggest a moratorium on the too-much bronzer and nude-lips look? Charlize's dress was lovely, but she was channeling Harlow with the non-existent brows and her monochromatic make-up made her look she had a bad experience at Mystic Tan.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I know I'm in the minority here, but after seeing so many sequined sheath dresses, I found it refreshing to see Uma in a frothy, billowy confection. I'm in the minority I know. Yes, lovely colors on Scarlett Johanssen (although I'm not sure the dress fit that well) and Jennifer Garner.
-- Janet

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Atlanta, Ga.: I loved everyone's style. There weren't any off-the-wall outfits like Lara Flynn Boyle's depressed ballerina or Bjork's dead swan. However, Angelina Jolie sporting the tattoo with the elegant ivory silk was tacky. Although she is a favorite of mine, my advice next time would be for this beauty to conceal the artwork.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: She did look nice, but I agree about the tattoo. Though given how many Angelina has, it might be hard for her to hide them all. She also could have used a bit more, um, support underneath her dress. It gets a little chilly in the Kodak Theatre, if you catch my drift. -- Jen

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New York, N.Y.: I thought Jamie Lee Curtis' outfit looked terrific. Very soft and beautiful. She doesn't usually wear something like that, but I thought she looked great.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Jamie Lee has a dynamite figure. I really didn't think that was the best dress for it, though. Unfortunately, exaggerated her sagging chestline.

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Atlanta, Ga.: There were discussions last night? Are they archived? The archiving seems to only have M-F discussions...

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Here's the transcript from last night's chat, which you can find on our Academy Awards page. -- Jen

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K Street NW, Washington, D.C.: Shouldn't women of a certain age refrain from strapless/spaghetti straps? The woman who won and expressed gratitude for "Lord of the Rings" not being eligible for her category was a bit crepey/pastey in neck area ... perhaps a spray-on tan??

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Strapless is not the best look for a "femme d'un certain age." It's what not to wear unless your neck and chest are absolutely firm.

-- Janet

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Washington, D.C.: About the Liv Tyler glasses - it wasn't so much the actual glasses that bothered me, it was the affected way she kept putting them on and taking them off. That, and the possibility that they're just acutally GLASS, rather than a prescription necessary to read the prompter. I was watching either E! of the Style network before the show and they had her stylist on who helped her pick out the dress -- mmm, not so much. I just didn't care for it.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Liv Tyler's Givenchy dress was not bad; it was just maybe too sophisticated for someone in her mid-20s. Coupled with those glasses and her sideswept hairdo, it did not do her looks any favors.
-- Janet

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Washington, D.C.: I love Jack Black, but the annoying woman he was with - during Joan Rivers' red carpet spiel she could not stop insinuating herself every opportunity she got (or didn't get).

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: That was Jack Black's girlfriend Laura Kightlinger, who is a comedic talent in her own right. She was trying to insinuate a bit, but hey, that's Hollywood, baby. And being Jack Black's girlfriend probably requires insinuating yourself every once in a while, just because he's such a cut-up. Which reminds me, I actually thought Will Ferrell looked rather handsome last night. Frank the Tank cleaned up nicely. -- Jen

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Houston, Tex. re: Renee's seatmate: I think the man sitting next to Renee was John Carrabino (did a Yahoo search after she mentioned him so effusively in her remarks). He's her agent.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: You're probably right. This is what happens when you try to watch the Oscars and type at the same time. Actually, that makes more sense. Thanks, Houston. -- Jen

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Michigan: I loved Nicole Kidman's dress, but she is so incredibly skinny that I was almost sick watching her. She looked like an anorexic Tenessee Williams character.

And Rene looked more like a bride, in my opinion. Underwhealming.

I loved Jennifer Gardner's Valentino. The color was beautiful. Susan Sarandon was another favorite. What a stunning dress.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I agree. Nicole Kidman's dress was lovely. She and her buddy Naomi Watts must be on the same diet. It was not Renee Zelwegger's best fashion moment. She has looked far better in past years when she didn't win. Jennifer Garner looked fab. In my opinion, Susan Sarandon's dress was not that hot for her. Black is not her best shade, and I couldn't figure out whether one strap was supposed to be off her shoulder, or it just fell off and she left it that way.
-- Janet

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Washington, D.C.: What was with Clint's grey shirt? He looked like he needed more Clorox 2.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I think Clint Eastwood's shirt was blue, not gray, and I think it looked much better on him than donning the traditional white shirt.

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Washington, D.C.: Hair: Did not like the color of Nicole Kidman's. It blended right in with her face. Julia Robert's was too blond for her. And don't get me started on Marcia Gay Harding's sculpture!

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I agree, D.C. I wish Nicole Kidman would go back to her trademark auburn hair, which was so beautiful. I think the blond washes her out. I didn't mind it as much on Julia Roberts, but I think she looks better brunette, too. -- Jen

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Bethesda, Md.: So which self-tanning lotion did Charlize Theron use to get her skin to look that orange??? Honestly, it didn't complement her fabulous dress!

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I suspect that she probably had her own personal tanning booth monitored not very carefully by some "expert."

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Gotham City: My wife looks at dresses ... I think men look at faces. And I think Catherine Zeta-Jones looked the best last night, followed by Julia Roberts. Renee Zellweger, as usual, looked goofy.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I look at faces and dresses. Her dress was not the most outstanding by a long shot, but Catherine Zeta-Jones looked beautiful. She seemed relaxed and wearing her hair down does her wonders.
-- Janet

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Joan Rivers: I thought Joan was rather rude to Scarlett Johansson. Before wrapping up her interview with her, she turned her attention to a couple of washed-up comedian (Bobcat Goldwaith, and I've already forgotten the other guy). Scarlett was left standing there, and eventually just stepped away. Very awkward, and unprofessional on Joan's part. Not that she's known for her professionalism.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: It was Bobcat and ... Robin Williams. You know, some washed-up guy. Joan Rivers is known for many things. Being polite is probably at the absolute bottom of that list.

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Falls Church, Va.: Is it just me or does Scarlett Johansson's bottle blonde look HAVE to go??!! I loved her dress last night, but her hair lately just detracts from any of her other wonderful features.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: A tad too blonde, Scarlett. Maybe she thought it went with her red lips and aquarium green dress.

-- Janet

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Baltimore, Md.: I thought Julia Roberts was channeling Carrie Bradshaw's hair.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: You mean because of the dark roots showing?

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Washington, D.C.: Does anyone else find Joan Rivers incredibly annoying? No wonder Nicole Kidman was avoiding her. And who is she to judge best and worst dressed, when she herself always looks horrid?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Good question about Joan Rivers. Her claim to fame is her ability to talk to anyone about anything.

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Alexandria, Va.: Guess I was watching from a different planet, because I thought Renee Z. looked fabulous. That dress really showed off her curves, in a good way.

And I thought Nicole Kidman looked hideous, too pale and sickly, and about half a step from death's door. I didn't think that color did her any favors. And her hair looks like it was bleached almost white! Was that just an effect of the lighting or did she really look like that?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I didn't like all of the stuff on the back of Renee's dress, as Janet already noted, but I thought the color worked nicely on her. And from the front, the dress flattered her pretty well. Nicole Kidman could stand to gain a few pounds, yes. Janet and I weren't there, so I don't know if the whiteness of her hair was a lighting issue or not. But it's been looking very blond for a while now, so I think that's the way it is. I hope she goes back to her "Moulin Rouge" color, which is so stunning. -- Jen

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Angelina Jolie: And it was chilly when she wasn't in the theater - outside, she was being interviewed, and I noticed that too. But plenty of them had no support and seemed to be falling out of their dresses - Julia, Renee, Nicole...

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I didn't think Renee or Julia looked like they were falling out of their gowns, but I thought it was possible Kidman might. -- Jen

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McLean, Va.: How do the stars seemingly choreograph their appearance under a general theme? There wil always be outcasts, but the '40s look, which was elegant and a relief after other award shows recently, seemed to be everywhere. Who writes those memos?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: The same people who write the memos about what to put on fashion and news magazine covers.

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Washington, D.C.: This is fun!!!!!!

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: We agree!!!!!

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Silver Spring, Md.: What did you think of Oprah's dress? I thought she looked great... until I saw the humungous bow on her butt...

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I didn't see a butt bow, and I'm very much against those. When she presented she certainly looked good, but then I could only see her from the front. -- Jen

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Diane Keaton in Drag: I loved the old Annie Hall look back in the '70s, but gosh, why would she have chosen that look for the Oscars? Especially this year when she is the twenty- and thirty-something's how to be elegant, sexy, stylish and relevant after 50. The Charlie Chaplin thing was such old news and so sexless. Why Diane, oh why?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I was disappointed in Diane Keaton, too. That's what she feels most comfortable in, and I guess she doesn't give a damn what the rest of us think.
-- Janet

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Arlington, Va.: Where is that evil Robin Givhan? She'd really give Liv Tyler's glasses what for. Weren't there enough nerds with that group without the librarian glasses as a prop? Peter Jackson looked like an unmade bed.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Robin is covering the fashion shows in Europe. She was disappointed that they coincided with Oscar night, but ...
Yes, Liv Tyler's glasses were unflattering in the extreme, and what can I say about Peter Jackson. Absent-minded professor??
-- Janet

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Washington, D.C.: Are the men's tuxedos "off the rack"? Could I go into a Versace or Armani store and walk away with one for a fairly reasonable price?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I'm not sure but I would guess that you could buy an Armani or Versace tuxedo off the rack, meaning not custom. Fairly reasonable price is a totally other issue.
-- Janet

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Oooo, Mass.: So who was responsible for Uma's ensemble?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: The designer for her dress was Christian Lacroix.

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re: Joan Rivers: Actually, to be fair, Joan followed standard receiving line protocol. She introduced Scarlett to Robin and then started talking to Robin. I didn't think it was rude at all.

And watching it again (love Tivo), I think Scarlett didn't seem uncomfortable, 'though she's so young maybe she didn't know that particular technique. She waited one extra beat before continuing up the line, probably because she didn't want to appear rude.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I can't remember whether Joan was rude during that particular moment or not. I find it funnier when she demonstrates that she doesn't know what she's talking about (though at least she admits it). I loved when she asked Tim Robbins whether or not "Mystic River's" ending was sad or happy.
On another note, man, I wish I had TiVo.

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Arlington, Va.: Diane Lane looked great with a sleek look as opposed to her usual romantic curls. Please wash Peter Jackson. Thanks!!!!

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Diane Lane did look great, and her sleek hair was a refreshing change; furthermore, it went well with her white halter dress by Loris Azzaro.

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Washington, D.C.: I thought Ben Kingsley's whole family looked very sophisticated.

And yes, Oprah had a bow. I hate bows.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I also hate bows. Especially on butts.
And that's Sir Ben Kingsley, D.C. I understand if you don't use the term "Sir" when referring to him, a trapdoor will open and immediately deposit you in a medieval dungeon. -- Jen

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Washington, D.C.: What was with the tuxes and no bowties?? Please tell me that is just an LA thing!

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I think the tuxedo without the bow tie is a look that's been around for a while. But last night I thought most of the men were wearing bow ties or regular ties.

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Durham, NC: I know Diane Keaton considers this Charlie Chaplin get-up somewhat of trademark, but she needs to get over it.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: My colleague, Jen Chaney, agrees it's her signature look and one she feels most comfortable in. No matter what we think, I'm afraid.

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Washington, D.C.: More of an accessory question. Tim Robbins had on a peace pin the first time he went on stage. The second time, he didn't. What gives? Did he change his mind in the interim?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Yeah, he went backstage and all of a sudden, he said to himself, "You know what? I'm pro-war. Why am I wearing this silly brooch?"
Sorry, I get sarcastic when I've had little sleep. I actually didn't notice that. The second time he was on stage, he was presenting, wasn't he? Maybe he chose not to wear it while presenting.

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Fairfax, V.: I loved, LOVED Angelina Jolie's dress.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I thought Angelina Jolie looked great in that dress. Now, about those tattoos ...

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Washington, DC: What was Uma Thurman thinking with that outfit -- I can't even describe it!? Although when she was standing next to Jude Law (who is a rather good-looking guy), her absolute gorgeousness really overshadowed him.

And Samantha Morton's dress was a little overdone. I understand the fashionista aspect of it being vintage Givenchy, etc. but I didn't think it was all that flattering to her.

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Samantha Morton's dress did not do her justice at all. She was overwhelmed by it.

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Cubeland: Hmm ... I agree that Liv's hairstyle was unfortunate, but I sorta liked the glasses. She was retro-fun, and clearly not taking herself too seriously. Isn't there room for funky style anywhere at the Oscars??

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I also liked the glasses, but I didn't care for the hair. She was doing the geek-chic thing for a few moments there, and I thought that was OK. It works for Velma from "Scooby-Doo," doesn't it? -- Jen

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Silver Spring, Md.: OK, so Peter Jackson we may forgive because he's a creative genius ... but what about his wife???? Did you see her hair???

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: I'm not sure I agree we can forgive Peter Jackson's unkempt look. This is the Oscars after all, even if he is from New Zealand. I don't forgive his wife either.

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Dress Made of Diamonds?: There was an emcee pre-show in a dress made of $2.5 million in diamonds ... what did you think?

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Was that Maria Menounos's dress? I don't know if it was worth $2.5 million, but it looked nice on her. It certainly looked better than her questions sounded. (Meow) -- Jen

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Washington, D.C.: Worst Dress Award: Scarlett Johannson. Any time a woman that thin can be made to look like she's sporting a spare tire around her middle, you know it's bad news. Everything about it was awful. The color was bad, those weird ruffles were bad, and it was just cut too tight. Best: Samantha Morton and Jennifer Garner. Two very romantic looks. I loved them!

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: Great color on Scarlett Johanssen, but the dress didn't seem to fit her well at all. Jennifer Garner's dress scored big on both color and fit. Samantha Morton was lost in her vintage gown.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I'm a man and I'm sure I have no fashion sense at all, but I did not see anything wrong with Liv Tyler's look last night. I thought her glasses were HOT!

Janet Bennett and Jen Chaney: And there goes the theory that men don't make passes at girls who wear glasses.

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washingtonpost.com: We loved your comments and wish we could go for more time about the fashions and foibles of last night. But it's a wrap for us!

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