Online Oscar Party

Live online during the Academy Awards

Don't watch the Academy Awards alone. Spend Oscar night on washingtonpost.com.

For the fifth year, Jen Chaney -- washingtonpost.com's movies editor -- hosted a live discussion during the red carpet and Oscar telecast, beginning Sunday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. ET.

This year Jen welcomed special guest Liz Kelly, Celebritology blogger and fellow partner in "Lost" blogging crime, who participated in the red carpet portion of the evening. Jen continued chatting for the duration of the Oscar telecast.

We cannot promise there will be blood during the discussion. But there will undoubtedly be snarkiness.

A transcript follows.

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Jen Chaney: The strike got settled. The stars are showing up. And Oscar night is here.

I can't believe this is the fifth year of this discussion. I still remember when it was just a baby. (This discussion's first words? Cate Blanchett.) They really do grow up fast.

As always, we'll be making pointed observations about what's happening on the red carpet, sharing picks in various Oscar categories and doing spur-of-the-moment analysis of the winners and losers. Because this is such a special night, Liz Kelly -- washingtonpost.com's Celebritologist extraordinaire and my partner in "Lost" blogging -- will join me during the red carpet part of the proceedings. And believe me, she's got plenty to say about Ryan Seacrest.

By the way, throughout the night, I will add up the number of times the phrase "I drink your milkshake" is used, both during the telecast and in this discussion. A caveat: You can't just toss the phrase around haphazardly. It must be used to convey a. that someone is robbing another of something (as it's used in "There Will Be Blood") or b. that you admire someone else. As in, "Wow, I would totally drink George Clooney's milkshake." Consider it an Oscar night challenge.

That said, Liz, shall we activate our wonder-twin Oscar powers?

Liz Kelly: Let's do. And thanks, Jen, for welcoming me into the fold. While Jen is busy prognosticating the awards, my main purpose will be to point and laugh at the unfortunate outfits.

And, first, let me just say that Ryan Seacrest (for those watching E!) is wearing a valet's uniform.

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Centreville, Va.: Yay! The strike is over! Yay! Jen's Oscar chat is back! As a Chatological and Celebritological chatter, let me also welcome the esteemed Liz to the chat.

Since I'm submitting early, there's nothing to snark on yet, but I have a question: This will be my first year watching the O-telecast in HD. Am I going to be shocked or thrilled?

Jen Chaney: Oh, you will be thrilled beyond your wildest imaginings. Everything is better in high-definition. And the Oscars sparkles that much more on a super-duper TV.

You'll see Jon Stewart in a way you never have before.

Liz Kelly: And, remember, Nicole Kidman -- she can't use the Botox because of her "condition." I'm watching on my normal old Sony WEGA -- so you'll have to give us the HD report.

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Ellen Page: Do you think she'll go all Juno-esque or glam it up? I'm not the biggest "Juno" fan, (it was fine, but I nearly OD'ed on cute in the first 20 minutes) but think she's adorable. I hope she has a competent stylist and doesn't end up in a Gwynnie-like pink prom dress.

Liz Kelly: My guess is she'll glam it up, but not come out looking like the typical cookie-cutter starlet. She's one of Barbara Walters's guests on tonight's pre-Oscar special, so she isn't totally mainstream averse. After all, she's an actress trying to make her way in this town and needs to try to parlay her "Juno" buzz into a real future.

Jen Chaney: Agreed, I think she'll go alterna-glam. Chic but a little quirky. Diablo Cody? She'll be pure alternative, maybe less glam.

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Washington, D.C.: Why do you think the Academy chose not to nominate "4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days"?

Jen Chaney: This was clearly an oversight and a huge controversy, as Ann Hornaday mentioned in this article. As Ann implies, I think many of those voting are on the older side, and probably didn't care for the movie's subject matter. I don't mean to bust on older folks as a whole. There are certainly plenty of them who are very open-minded in their tastes. But I think some of the crustier ones sometimes dominate the votes, an issue for the Oscars in many categories, not just Foreign Language Film.

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Waterbury, Conn.: Don't you think "Juno" is overrated? I thought the dialogue was so distracting!

Jen Chaney: I have to say, in the first scene I was afraid the dialogue would distract me. All of Rainn Wilson's lines -- "doodle that can't be undid, etc." -- fell in the distracting category. But I thought the movie got better and moved beyond the dialogue, which is a little much at certain points.

I also think Ellen Page is a huge reason why that movie works. She makes you believe that she actually talks like that, which a lot of young actresses could not have pulled off.

Liz Kelly: I have to agree with Jen. The first few minutes had me a bit worried that "Juno" was perhaps a little too cute, but that impression quickly lifted for me, too.

And Ellen Page is totally why this movie worked. She carried the whole thing on her shoulders -- though the entire cast was fabulous.

The one I'll be watching in the next year or two is screenwriter Diablo Cody, who has been lauded as the next big thing. Has she got what it takes to go the distance or is she a flash in the pan?

Jen Chaney: Totally agreed. I don't think we'll know until we see Cody's next film. She's become so big, so quickly without many traditional credentials. Will she rise to the challenge or flame out? We shall see.

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Akron, Ohio: How much will the actors pay to go to the dinner by Mr. Puck? Who gets the money?

Liz Kelly: Akron, I could be totally wrong and often am, but I'm not sure the actors pay anything extra to attend the Governor's Ball following the ceremony. It's put on by the Academy.

BTW, for you non-E! watchers Kimora Lee Simmons is now on screen talking up her "million dollar" hair bling.

Liz Kelly: Oh, and she just called Ellen Page a "plain Jane."

Jen Chaney: Liz is correct. As far as I know, they do not pay to go to the Ball.

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Washington, D.C. : I have only seen a few nominated movies ("Juno," "Atonement" and "Ratatouille," of course) but I'm dying for a Diablo Cody speech for Best Original Screenplay! She strikes me as particularly hilarious.

Jen Chaney: Yes, I think that speech will be interesting. She seems like someone who will be spontaneous and speak her mind, a rarity (sadly) at the Oscars in recent years.

Cody is my pick to win Original Screenplay, by the way.

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Flyover, IN: Okay ladies. Who are you wearing? What are you noshing on? And most important, which channel are you viewing?

Liz Kelly: Dream: Marc Jacobs.
Reality: A big warm sweater, 7 for All Mankind Jeans and my wool slippers.

Dream: Vegetarian sushi.
Reality: Kale and carrots and, soon, chocolate.

Dream: A close-circuit feed from the Kodak Theater Restrooms (cuz you know that's where the real action is).
Reality: E! then, of course, ABC.

Jen Chaney: Dream: Reem Acra.
Reality: Fuzzy socks, pants that are way too big (thank YOU baby weight that went away) and a sweater from Lord & Taylor.

Dream: A steak topped with blue cheese and a big ol glass of Zinfandel.
Reality: Nothing. I am starving.

Dream: I wouldn't be viewing a channel. I'd be watching via my own personal Clooney cam, as his date for the evening.
Reality: I've got E! on the HD set, will check TV Guide soon and eventually switch to ABC and Regis.

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Flyover, IN: Uh oh, Joey Fatone! He just mentioned that TV Guide channel has an overhead cleavage cam.

Jen Chaney: Oy. I will have to check this out. After the Grammy red carpet, I am more than a little frightened.

Liz Kelly: I'm kind of scared of Lisa Rinna's lips, personally.

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Washington, D.C.: I saw "No Country for Old Men" last night and could barely watch any of it -- so much violence! "Juno" was cute, and I didn't see the other two movies. "Michael Clayton," however, was a superb film, well acted (George Clooney hubba hubba) and modern, with the environmental twist. Am I the only one who thinks "Michael Clayton" has been overlooked this year?

Jen Chaney: I found "No Country" tough to watch at times, more because of tension than the violence. When you think about it, a lot of the stuff isn't shown explicitly. It's more psychological.

I feel like "Clayton" has gotten a decent amount of attention, including several Oscar nods. Seems like it's best shot at a win tonight is Tilda Swinton, though.

Personally, I would pick "There Will Be Blood" for Best Picture. It really polarizes people, but I thought it was thought-provoking, epic, beautifully shot and riveting. I admired all of the nominees, but I have to say, there wasn't a film that I felt really passionately about. I thought many were well done but I wasn't in love, head over heels, with anything, perhaps because they all are on the dark side. (Not to quote John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band.)

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OMG: I just have to tell you how happy I am to be chatting with you two ladies on a weekend! I totally drink your milkshake during the week's chats -- this is a super bonus!

I have seen none of the Oscar movies, sadly. But I saw "Charlie Bartlett" on Friday night -- it was really good!

Liz Kelly: Well, if you tire of the ceremony tonight you can pop over to OnDemand to watch "Michael Clayton."

Heidi Klum just told Ryan Seacrest she's not wearing any panties.

Also, a little intel -- Angelina Jolie is not expected at tonight's show, but she did turn out for last night's Spirit Awards sporting a pretty obvious baby bump.

Jen Chaney: Yes, I rewound my Tivo last night while watching the Spirits to see the bump for myself. The image they just showed on E! seems to confirm. Not that we couldn't tell she was pregnant after the SAGs, when she showed up wearing a pup tent. (A pretty tent, but let's face it, a tent.)

We are super-happy to have you with us. I saw "Charlie Bartlett" too and didn't love it as much. Felt a little "been there done that" to me. I did like Robert Downey, but that's always a given.

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Liz Kelly: Here's a look at a small sampling from the Governors Ball:

Mini Kobe Burgers on Brioche with Sweet Pickles, Tuna Tartare with Wasabi Aioli on Togarashi Toast, and Chef Sherry Yard’s gold-dusted chocolate Oscars.

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Norfolk, Va.: I am having a heck of a time picking between Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Casey Affleck. Both performances were simply amazing, but with Hoffman's body of work it is hard NOT to pull for him. But Affleck's performance was so unexpected, and he inhabited Robert Ford so completely, that he is deserving as well. What do you think will happen in this category?

Jen Chaney: I have picked Javier Bardem because he seems to be the favorite. I loved both of those performances, too. But actually, I really want Hal Holbrook to win. He's the oldest male Oscar nominee in history and he is AMAZING in "Into the Wild." He turned that movie around in many ways for me.

Supporting Actor is the toughest category this year, I think. Tom Wilkinson was quite strong, too.

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middle of nys: Having a 5-year-old, I'm not up to date on movies nominated by the Oscars, after the show I plan on making my must-see movie list. What should I add to it not to disappoint?

Jen Chaney: I actually think all the Best Picture noms are must-sees. I would add "Into the Wild," "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" and "The Savages" -- one of my absolute favorites from last year -- to that list.

Liz Kelly: I would have to add "La Vie En Rose" to that list. Talk about a biopic. It managed to capture the sweep of Edith Piaf's life without feeling like an episode of "Biography." And Marion Cotillard just rocked. Well, as much as you can rock when you're lip-synching French pop standards.

Jen Chaney: Good call, Liz. I have predicted Cotillard as an upset for Best Actress. She was indeed tremendous.

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Falls Church, Va.: I LOVE Heidi Klum. Her dress is the bomb.

awwww Clooney's date is sweet looking.

Liz Kelly: Heidi did look good. As did hubby Seal.

Jen Chaney: Sweet, shmeet.

No, I'm sure she is lovely. I just have to hate her, you know, in principle.

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Centreville, HD: Ah, good point about Jon Stewart, Jen. I know he was pretty much panned by the Hollywood and WaPo (coughShalescough) old farts, but I looove him and thought he was very entertaining. I hope he had enough time to put together a good show.

Will Heath Ledger get his own "In Memoriam" segment? Otherwise, he'll totally upstage all the other dead folks. (I don't mean to sound flip about this. It's a terrible loss, but it must also be a touchy subject for the producers.)

Liz Kelly: I can't imagine that Heath wouldn't be included in the main "those we lost" montage. His segment may be a bit longer or emphasized in some way, but I think it would almost be disrespectful to the rest if he was somehow singled out.

Jen Chaney: Yes, Heath will get a little extra attention, I'd imagine. Still cannot believe he is dead. Cate Blanchett and Todd Haynes both mentioned him in their Spirit acceptance speeches.

I hope Stewart barely prepared. I'd prefer to hear him unscripted. Makes it more interesting.

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Heidi: said she wasn't wearing a bra, but was wearing panties.

Liz Kelly: Bra, panties -- who can keep track?

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Virginia Beach, Va.: Jan, I know how you feel when you are discussing Clooney's date. I have always liked Paul Bettany a lot, but since he married Jennifer Connelly (who is arguably the most beautiful actress of the last 50 years) I feel I must dislike, or at least resent him, simply on principle. The bugger.

Jen Chaney: Ah, envy. It does ugly things to use, doesn't it?

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Flyover, Ind.: Clooney's date is wearing my grandmother's couch. I thought she had access to his credit card. Where does she shop? Marlo Furniture?

Jen Chaney: Oh, snap! I didn't think it looked that bad, but the color is a little on the Nana's Tablecloth side. I need to take a closer look at it.

Liz Kelly: I think we can safely say she can wear a burlap sack and look better than most of us.

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Flyover, In: Ladies, you look wonderful in your fantasy outfits. Joan Rivers would be proud.

I hear screaming, so I think we have a Clooney sighting. Swoon!

Jen Chaney: Indeed. Could he be more Cary Grant-esque? Holy moses.

Liz Kelly: George indeed looks good.

Did everyone read the Time cover story with George this week that featured a home video of him dining at the reporter's apartment. He just comes off as an incredibly down to earth guy and, really, he has no reason to be so well adjusted.

Liz Kelly: Here's the link to that Time piece.

P.S. It is now raining on the red carpet -- or would be if it wasn't covered with a series of tents.

Jen Chaney: That's the thing, he is so down to earth. I interviewed him once and he immediately put me at ease simply because he's so funny, down-to-Earth and likable.

In a joking way, he actually called me a chicken [expletive]. I have never felt so good about being a chicken [expletive] in my entire life.

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Jen Chaney: I want to hear everyone's picks. I've revealed three of mine: Cotillard, Bardem (though hoping for Holbrook) and Diablo Cody. For Supporting Actress, I have Cate Blanchett. Anyone else willing to 'fess up to their picks?

Also, for the record, the "milkshake" score is now one, thanks to the previous poster's well-played reference.

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Anonymous: Is Seacrest's outfit a valet uniform or an organ grinder monkey's outfit?

Jen Chaney: I'll offer a third option: Guy passing hors d'ouevres at a Ritz-Carlton wedding reception?

Liz Kelly: I only wish. This guy is everywhere.

I'm watching TV Guide channel now and I think Lisa Rinna did in fact have some kind of lip plumping accident. Her upper lip is, well, misshapen.

Jen Chaney: The government actually didn't deploy a missile to knock that satellite out of the sky. They borrowed a chunk of Rinna's lips. I hate it when people mutilate their faces like that, especially in the name of looking younger or hotter.

Swoon: Jason Bateman is on TV Guide Channel right now...

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Liz Kelly: There's Diablo Cody... she seems to be wearing some kind of gold crushed velvet kind of criss-crossed collar thing. I've gotta say, I'm not crazy about it. Though she is showing off her tattoos and I can't fault a girl for that.

Jen Chaney: Darn, I missed Diablo. I'm sure we'll see her again soon.

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Norfolk, Va.: I have another question for you ladies. Why on earth wasn't Amy Adams nominated for SOMETHING? Her work in "Enchanted," and even more so in "Charlie Wilson's War," was simply stunning. That is my biggest, and most unfair, snub this year.

Jen Chaney: I love Amy Adams. I thought she was wonderful in "Enchanted" and sublime in "Junebug" a couple of years ago. I think the problem is that "Enchanted" is a comedy and, generally, the Academy doesn't honor them. I thought Nikki Blonsky was great in "Hairspray," too and she didn't get a nod either.

Adams will get another shot, though. I have a feeling.

Liz Kelly: Right -- the Academy really has a hard time figuring out how to reward musicals and comedies, not to mention kids' movies.

I was watching "Some Like It Hot" last night. Fabulous movie. Incredible comedic performances from Tony Curtis, Jack Lemon and of course Marilyn Monroe. And nominated for a whopping six Oscars. Not so sure that would happen in 2007.

By the way, I thought Amy was the best part of "Charlie Wilson's War." I wasn't overwhelmed by that movie. Just another step on Tom Hanks's road away from making good movies.

Jen Chaney: I actually thought Philip Seymour Hoffman was best part of "Charlie Wilson." He was phenomenal in that, as he is in pretty much everything. He pulled off a hat trick this year: He was in three movies -- each a radically different role -- and superb every time.

I also thought the screenplay for "Charlie Wilson" was strong. But I would have cast someone other than Hanks and Ms. Julia Roberts in those roles.

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Bateman!: I'm pretty sure Ryan Seacrest just responded to a comment by Jason Bateman that the "snowball" of an Arrested Development movie was rolling down the hill by saying he hoped the "coal ball" would gather steam. The look Jason gave him was priceless.

Jen Chaney: Shoot, I missed that moment.

I would drink Bateman's milkshake ... and possibly his bathwater.

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Dupont Circle, D.C.: This is only tangentially related to the Oscars, but Angelina Jolie totally drank Jennifer Lopez's milkshake in the baby-making news this weekend. Guess we all know who'll make the covers this week. Pwned!

Jen Chaney: Hmmm ... not sure if that's quite the right use of that phrase. But I'll give you a point anyway because you're smart to point this out.

Jolie will trump J.Lo, although she still has not officially announced her pregnancy even though it's apparent to pretty much anyone with a pair of working eyes and an understanding of human biology.

Liz Kelly: Let's remember that J.Lo played the same "Who me? Pregnant" game for quite some time before she and husband Marc Anthony admitted that they were indeed expecting. Jello was practically the size of a house before they made the news official.

Rut roh -- Ryan Seacrest is "interviewing" Ann Hathaway and she's trying to be clever. It's not working.

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Melbourne, Australia: As someone who has to wait until I get home from work to watch a rebroadcast of the Oscars (it is 10 a.m. down here), I wanted to know what are your picks for the best Web sites for dress successes and my favorite, malfunctions. Do you think any of the men will be wearing pleated pants?

Jen Chaney: We'll definitely have a fashion gallery later tonight. Other places to look: E! Online, People and some of the fashion mags, like Elle or Vanity Fair. Liz, other suggestions?

Liz Kelly: Yes, you might want to check out Us Weekly online and definitely gofugyourself.com if you're looking for drippingly sarcastic criticism of the malfunctions.

Jen Chaney: Oh, gofugyourself. Good call, Liz.

Is it me, or does E! have the worst camera angle ever?

Also, does John Travolta have hair or is it just air-brushed on these days?

Liz Kelly: Actually, some pix surfaced recently on the net of Travolta's scalp and it sure looked like he's given up toupees in favor of spray-on hair. Just not a good look. For any guys out there tonight who may be experiencing male pattern baldness, please please just shave your head.

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Jen Chaney: This just in: The Rock and John Travolta have the same hair.

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Jen Chaney: Saoirse Ronan should not have opted for the ponytail. It's a bit too tight. But I can't bust, being as how she's just a sweet Irish girl.

Liz Kelly: She is adorable. She's this year's Abigail Breslin.

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Flyover, IN: Mr. Flyover just said that Patrick Dempsey looks like Spicoli.

What is up with Travolta's GI Joe fuzz head?

Liz Kelly: I'm looking at Dempsey right now and he does not look like Spicoli. Or even Sean Penn. And, I'm sorry, but I don't get the Patrick Dempsey thing. He's still the nerd from "Can't Buy Me Love."

Also, I think we're close to being able to declare Travolta's spray-on hair one of the fashion moments of the night.

He must be so jealous of Patrick Dempsey and his full head of wavy locks.

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Centreville, Va.: I haven't seen enough of the movies to make many informed picks, but I'll go with Tilda Swinton. She was terrific in "Michael Clayton." So was George Clooney (swoon), but not his year.

What do you think about "Atonement" as a possible upset for best pic? I'm not pulling for it, but it's such Oscar bait. If you knew nothing of any of the movies but had to make a guess about best pic with only a description and a trailer, you know you'd pick "Atonement."

Jen Chaney: I really liked "Atonement," but you're right. It does scream Oscar movie.

I think Best Pic is more wide open than it has been in a long time. "No Country" is the presumptive winner, and what I predict will win, but it's totally possible that the old crusties I mentioned earlier could make this "Atonement's" night. I doubt it, but it's possible.

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Flyover, IN: Lisa Rinna has to be the worst interviewer ever.

Lot of red on the ladies. Anne Hathaway is wearing Kate Winslet's dress from a few years back - she bought some RIT to dye it. (Snark - but she DOES look good.)

Jen Chaney: Good call. Kate wore it in perwinkle, if memory serves.

I agree, Anne looked nice. Red pops beautifully on TV.

Liz Kelly: And, don't quote me on this, but there's been a big red-wearing push lately to raise awareness about women with heart disease -- apparently now the number one killer of women. So, maybe there's a connection?

Jen Chaney: Yes, there was a "wear red day" a couple of weeks ago. I'm a big fan of basic black and jewel tones. The whites and the nudes I almost never like. They wash people out too much.

There, I've said it. And I feel better now.

Liz Kelly: Though I'm strangely liking Kelly Preston in her mustard yellow gown. Reminds me of Michelle Williams's 2005 dress.

And now that we are getting a close up of Travolta, his hair looks a little like astroturf.

Jen Chaney: And the Rock follows Travolta, just to reemphasize the astroturf similarities.

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Washington, D.C.: What is up with John Travolta's hair? Is that spray on?

Jen Chaney: That, or paint.

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Atlanta: Okay, i got delayed in my watching so I'm a little behind (thank god for Tivo so i can catch up). I don't want to drink the milkshake of George Clooney's girlfriend. Again, I'm sure she's a lovely person, but I don't think she's really pretty. Cute, interesting, different, okay I can see that. But not beautiful in a classic way. Or maybe it's that I have little respect for spokesmodels.

I would kill for her body though.

Jen Chaney: Fair enough. She is very pretty, but not drop-dead gorgeous. Perhaps there is more to her than mere looks. Can I dare to imagine?

Laura Linney tonight: Simple, classy, lovely.

Liz Kelly: I love that The Rock is at the Oscars. Good for The Rock. I'd drink his milkshake any day.

As for Clooney's girlfriend -- I think she's lovely. I like that she's not cookie cutter Hollywood hot.

Jen Chaney: True.

Speaking of not cookie-cutter hot, here comes Seth Rogen...

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Flyover, IN: Amy Adams looks like she is in her corset waiting for the big poofy dress to go overhead.

Liz Kelly: Oh, I htink she looks great -- classic and the dress really shows off her cute little figure and her lovely hair.

And here's the pregnant (and also expecting twins) Jessica Alba. She seems to be wearing a fuzzy eggplant.

Oh, and Seth Rogan is sporting a beard -- he looks like Peter Jackson.

Jen Chaney: Adams is with Seacrest ... and he just stole her purse.

She is pretending to be delighted and amused. Ladies and gentlemen, that's good acting.

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Morgantown, W.V.: Is that Arthur Miller's daugher with Daniel Day Lewis?

Jen Chaney: It is. Rebecca Miller is Daniel Day's wife.

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Anonymous: Laura Linney is s serious class act. She looks lovely.

Jen Chaney: I really wish she would win for Best Actress. Loved her in "The Savages."

Liz Kelly: She was good in that, as was PSH -- but talk about depressing.

Jen Chaney: I disagree, actually. The ending was uplifting. And a lot of it is really, really funny. Darkly funny, but still funny.

Liz Kelly: Agreed. But a lot of it was also uncomfortable -- not that it's a bad thing, but you have to be in the mood for it.

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Presenters: OK, The Rock and Anne Hathaway are presenting awards? Did they book all the "no names" thinking that if the writers were still striking, the presenters who need the pub would still post?

And is The Rock no longer married?

Liz Kelly: A little harsh -- no names? Hardly. The Rock is a box office heavyweight. As is another face we should expect to see during tonight's ceremony: Miley Cyrus (aka Hanna Montana). Perhaps the Academy is actually trying to get people to tune in?

Jen Chaney: Yes, they often book people with box office appeal who were not nominated. An appeal for ratings; not sure it will work, though. It hasn't in recent years, anyway.

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Morgantown, WV: Why do you think "The Rock" is faster on his feet than most of Hollywood? He did a great job!

Jen Chaney: He's a former wrestler. He knows how to change up his moves at a moment's notice.

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Foggy Bottom, DC: Okay, admittedly I did not read all the previous. Did someone already mention that John Travolta looks like Curious George? Not flattering.

Liz Kelly: Yes, John Travolta is one of THE stories of the red carpet. There's just something supernatural about whatever is clinging to the top of his head.

Jen Chaney: If Travolta were smart, he would have showed up in full-on "Hairspray" garb.

Oh, look. It's Cameron Diaz, in a prom dress. Wow, that's a major flub.

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Chicago: I have the SAME earrings as Daniel Day Lewis!

Liz Kelly: Do the similarities end there? If not, please e-mail me at celebritology@washingtonpost.com.

Jen Chaney: Gary Busey is about to kill Seacrest.

I seriously was scared for a minute there. As was Jennifer Garner.

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Washington, DC: Is that mold growing on Jessica Alba's breasts?

Jen Chaney: No, dead flowers, actually.

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Liz Kelly: GARY BUSEY ALERT! He just accosted Ryan Seacrest while he was trying to interview Jennifer Garner.

I love Busey.

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Arlington: CRAZY BUSEY!!!!

Jen Chaney: That was AWESOME.

Totally inappropriate, a little scary. Quality live television.

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Washington, D.C. : That Gary Busey moment was priceless! Have you seen that episode of Entourage where he had a cameo? I think that exact same thing happened, if you substitute Ryan Seacrest for Kevin Dillon and subtract a terrified Jennifer Garner.

Jen Chaney: Yes! I have a feeling Busey wasn't riffing on his "Entourage" appearance. I think he's just nuts.

But proves that it is possible to hijack the red carpet. Which I would love to see more of.

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Juno cast: Love that Jennifer Garner just totally blew off Ryan Seacrest. Love her jewelry, not so much her hair. Plus, was she just attacked by Nick Nolte?

Jen Chaney: Nope, that was Busey. Don't demean Nick Nolte that way.

I think she was genuinely frightened and just wanted to get the heck out of there.

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Branford, Conn.: For those of you watching E... Who let that weirdo on the red carpet? I thought they had tight security at these functions. Poor Ryan.

Jen Chaney: On one hand, I feel bad for Seacrest and Garner.

On the other hand, I stick by my previous statement: AWESOME.

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NASCAR, not kidding: Okay, my hubby has commandeered the TiVo and is watching some kind of NASCAR race nonsence. Thank you for having this chat so I can kinda-sorta keep up with what's going on. I am looking forward to the actual Oscars ('cause I've got that LOCKED into the lineup tonight) and tomorrow's galleries to compare your thoughts with pictures.

Jen Chaney: You need to stop that now. Like, NOW.

The Oscars are once a year. You deserve the TV.

NASCAR. Phah.

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Norfolk, Virginia: Amy Adams can drink any item of food (or anything else) that she would like. Or I would be her slave and drink whatever she had on offer. She is a classic beauty on a par with Jennifer Connelly (and that is rare air indeed). What a beauty!

Jen Chaney: We're all in agreement. She rocks.

Liz Kelly: Indeed. Amy Adams is stunning. Though Jennifer Garner is looking quite lovely herself. Interesting to note she's wearing a similar look as Amy.

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OMG: Miley Ray Cyrus is WAAAAY too articulate to be 15.

Jen Chaney: She is articulate and she seems fairly grounded.

And yet, I am sick to death of her and the whole Hannah Montana thing.

Liz Kelly: I agree with the questioner. She is far too poised for 15.

Javier Bardem sporting the sideburns. Ai yai yai!

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Morgantown, W.V.: Is Nick Nolte drunk?

Liz Kelly: He's in a different dimension.

Jen Chaney: It's Busey. Busey, I tell you!

That said, Nolte could be drunk somewhere for all I know. He's just not accosting people on E!

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Amy Adams: I liked her dress when I thought it was black. But then I saw that it looked hunter green. ick.

Jen Chaney: Someone restrain Gary Busey, seriously.

Yes, it is indeed green. I don't mind it so much.

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Confused about the milkshake . . .: I thought drinking someone's milkshake, a la "There Will Be Blood," wasn't exactly a good thing -- in the movie it referred to siphoning oil from someone else's property, or something like that. So I figure saying Angelina Jolie stole Jennifer Lopez's milkshake in the baby attention grabbing stakes is probably more accurate than using the term to compliment someone. (Right?)

Liz Kelly: All I know is that Javier Bardem's milkshake brings all the girls to the yard.

Jen Chaney: Right. There are two uses, the literal one, which is siphoning from. Which is why I think I can allow a point for your interpretation.

But the phrase has been co-opted by the culture at large to also mean admiration. As in, I'd drink his milkshake.

I think our score right now is 6, but I've honestly lost count already. I know, shirking my duties.

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Falls Church, Va.: I didn't really mean that Anne Hathaway and The Rock were no-names. I meant to say: actors who don't seem to be doing a lot currently. or really fit into the Oscars' crowd.

Jen Chaney: Well, The Rock was in "The Game Plan," which was a big hit last year. And Hathaway is still working steadily, just not in one of the biggies this year. But I hear what you're saying.

Okay, Marion Cotillard -- who looked so beautiful at the SAGs -- literally is dressed like a mermaid. Not digging that.

Liz Kelly: Oh no -- I missed Marion. It's not Bjork level of ridiculousness, is it?

Jen Chaney: No. But it was scales on the skirt. Yikes.

Jen Chaney: I meant, has scales.

Liz Kelly: Well, better on her dress than her face.

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Silver Spring, Md: Lisa Rinna on TVGC just interviewed Amy Adams, and you could tell she was totally mixing her up with Amy Ryan, thinking she was nominated tonight for a second time, etc. Cringe.

Jen Chaney: Why does Rinna have this gig? Bring back Joan, pronto.

Liz Kelly: Seriously -- poor 47/==

Okay, my cat just walked across the keyboard, so "poor 47/==" was his contribution.

Anyhow, I was going to say -- Poor Joan. Melissa I'm not so worried about, but Joan pretty much invented the red carpet interview. She really should be there.

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Falls Church, Va.: OK, at first look, I like Cameron Diaz's dress. Jessica Alba - I thought she was having twins? Why did she not correct Ryan? Her fiancee is cute, I assume he is the babydaddy?

Liz Kelly: Cameron looks cute, but again with the ponytail. She's just such a California girl.

Cash Warren is indeed Jessica's baby daddy.

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Arlington, Va.: I really just want the Oscars to be three hours of listening to and watching James McAvoy. Is that wrong?

Jen Chaney: How about this: An hour of McAvoy, an hour of Clooney and then an hour of Amy Adams and Laura Linney?

That would be solid television.

Liz Kelly: But that doesn't leave any room for Gary Busey.

Jen Chaney: Oh, my apologies.

Actually, someone better make sure that if he gets into the theater, he stays in his seat. It's entirely possible he could reprise the streak.

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Ronan's ponytail: agreed, it was not a good look.

I love that Steve Carrell's wife was as funny as him.

Liz Kelly: Can we all agree that the ponytail is not Oscar appropriate -- for men or women?

Jen Chaney: In most cases, I agree. Leave the ponytail for another time.

Carell's wife ought to be funny. Nancy Walls was on "The Daily Show" and is a Second City alum.

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Norfolk: Jen, you asked so here are my picks. I included the stuff that no one seems to care about unless you are in Equity.

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Best Picture: There Will Be Blood

Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (finally! He should have at least been nominated for Boogie Nights)

Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis

Best Actress: Laura Linney

Best Supporting Actor: Any of them would be great, but I am going out on a limb here and say Casey Affleck

Best Supporting Actress: SHOULD be Amy Adams, but since she isn't nominated (figure THAT one out!) then Tilda Swinton (that is far and away the easiest one of the night)

Animated Feature Film: Ratatouille

Adapted Screenplay: There Will Be Blood, Paul Thomas Anderson

Original Screenplay: Michael Clayton, Tony Gilroy

Art Direction: There Will Be Blood

Cinematography: There Will Be Blood

Costume Design: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Colleen Atwood (of course).

Documentary: Sicko (even if Michael Moore DID make it)

Documentary Short Subject: Freeheld

Film Editing: The Bourne Ultimatum, Christopher Rouse

Foreign Film: Beaufort, Israel

Makeup: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Ve Neill and Martin Samuel

Original Score: 3:10 to Yuma, Marco Beltrami

Original Song: Happy Working Song (Film: Enchanted), Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz

Animated Short Film: Peter & the Wolf

Live Action Short Film: At Night

Sound Editing: The Bourne Ultimatum, Karen Baker Landers and Per Hallberg

Sound Mixing: The Bourne Ultimatum, Scott Millan, David Parker and Kirk Francis

Visual Effects: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and John Frazier

Jen Chaney: Thanks, Norfolk. I think our picks are different in almost every category. Everything is so hard to call this year. I hope that means we're in for some upsets and surprises.

I'll need something to keep me awake.

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Liz Kelly: Okay, I'm watching Marion Cotilard now and i love the dress. It's Gaultier baby!

Liz Kelly: Though she needs a little help with her accent. She tried to say she was having a "unique" time here, but it came out sounding like she said she was having a "eunich" time. Which was interesting considering that she was talking to Ryan Seacrest.

Jen Chaney: Dang, Liz!

On second look, it didn't look as it bad as I thought. But I still don't like it. No one should wear scales at the Oscars.

Tilda Swinton's dress does nothing for me either. She's a striking woman, and she's wearing a taffeta sack.

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Oh for God's Sake: Seacrest just asked Jessica Alba if she's going to breastfeed. Ugh. Cringe.

In related news, she looks suspiciously small if she's having twins and is in her third trimester, no?

Jen Chaney: A little bit. Maybe that's why she's being cagey.

That was just uncomfortable all around. And yes, still not as horrible as the red carpet was in the Starr Jones days.

Liz Kelly: Was it Carson Kressley who actually grabbed one starlet's rack on the red carpet? I can't remember.

Jen Chaney: No, that was Isaac Mizrahi.

He also was a train wreck.

They should hire us, Liz. We'd be way better on the carpet, don't you think?

Liz Kelly: Oh, hells yeah. I can promise now that I will neither grab anyone's chest nor use action figures as props.

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I think: Tilda = Carrot Top's sister.

Liz Kelly: Tilda needs a stylist. The dress was hideous and she seems to have opted out of wearing any makeup at all. I get that she's kind of anti-establishment, but puh-leeze.

Jen Chaney: Agreed. You can be anti-establishment without looking like you just didn't bother.

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Anonymous: Jennifer Garner had NO IDEA who accosted her. Which of course makes it scarier.

Jen Chaney: Indeed. I believe she referred to him as "this man." Classic.

Someone needs to tell Cameron Diaz not to talk.

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ugh: Jessica Alba should have slapped him; her reaction to his completely inappropriate question was a little too restrained.

Jen Chaney: She's trying to seem poised, I guess.

Liz Kelly: But hold on -- Ryan has a point. Ellen can ask the same thing of Xtina, but it's off limits for Jessica Alba?

Jen Chaney: Well, Xtina's breasts were popping out of her clothes at the time. And she's already delivered.

For some reason, it seems less personal to ask after the baby arrives than prior to. Also, Ellen is a woman so that makes it less icky, too. May not be fair, but I think that's part of it.

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Colin Farrell: (sp?) I hate his hair. Did any guy ever look really good with that hair style?

Liz Kelly: I don't know about other guys, but for Colin it does not work. He is perennially hair challenged. Remember his Alexander blond? Yech.

You know who looks great? Jennifer Hudson.

Jen Chaney: Agreed. As the E! ladies just said, this year's dress is a major improvement over last year's.

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Falls Church, Va.: Ryan was totally drinking up Keri Russell's milkshake

Jen Chaney: Can you blame him?

Liz Kelly: I thought Ryan liked milkshakes of a different flavor.

Jen Chaney: Okay, we're veering into libelous territory here.

Oh. Ellen Page. Not good.

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Arlington, Va.: Yay! Another year chatting with you during the Oscars.

Question: I consider myself to be pretty up on films, but I was horrified that I didn't recognize any of the Foreign Film nominees. Normally, I've seen them all. Were any of the nominees actually released on screens in D.C.? Do you have a favorite?

Jen Chaney: "Mongol" played briefly here. But the others did not open in D.C. that I recall. "Counterfeiters" will open here in a few weeks.

As mentioned earlier, the foreign language category was a bit of a debacle. I have no favorite, but I've picked "Counterfeiters" to win.

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Liz Kelly: OMG, Calista Flockhart loks horrible. She's got some kind of hair piled on top of her head thing going.

Jen Chaney: Hang on, rewinding...

Jen Chaney: Oooh, yeah. My hair looks better right now, and I didn't even brush it.

Zellweger also doesn't look so comfortable with her new short 'do.

Liz Kelly: No, Renee can't seem to keep her hands away from her hair. I'm guessing that's a new cut.

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Cincinnatti: Tilda looks like Conan's long lost twin

Jen Chaney: Conan, Carrot Top ... they all work.

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OK: Renee Zellweger = albino, especially in that dress.

Jen Chaney: I need a better view of that dress.

Katherine Heigl would look great if she toned down the roughe a bit. It's a little much. I like the dress, though. Red might be the color of the night.

Liz Kelly: Agreed. Katherine seems to have gone a little blush crazy. Maybe it's so "Knocked Up" co-star Seth Rogan won't recognize her. After all, she dissed the movie a month ago -- saying she thought it was demeaning to women (this after it pretty much made her a movie star).

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Honolulu, Hiawaii: Ugh-

I hate that I missing the actual play-by-play. It's a tease for things to come.

Ryan Seacrest hasn't even shown up yet-it's just the guy from PR a couple years ago vamping with some models and Debbie whats-her-name. And what's with the swimsuit portion? I'm so confused...

Liz Kelly: Hmm, I wonder if you can get a live feed online anywhere. Jen, do you know if the red carpet is being streamed anywhere?

Jen Chaney: You can check on E! Or oscars.com, but it wouldn't the carpet coverage, just a cam or something.

I never get to look around for that sort of thing because I am always here chatting with you fine people.

Four minutes 'til Regis!

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Adams Morgan: How bad is it that instead of watching TV, experiencing the Oscars pregame for myself, I am glued to this chat?

Jen Chaney: Bad? We think you're a genius.

Liz Kelly: I'm all for multi-tasking. Bring the 'puter to the TV, or the TV to the 'puter. Either way, why choose?

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Cameron Diaz: Someone please explain the appeal.

Also, how did Gary Busey get through security?

Liz Kelly: I don't know, but I"m so glad he did.

And there's Ellen Page. She's got kind of a flapper thing going -- complete with fingerwaves.

Jen Chaney: The first thought I had about Ellen's dress was: Dumpy. Hate to say it.

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Norfolk: Okay, Travolta's hair has been located. Somehow it jumped over to Viggo Mortensen's face!

Liz Kelly: Okay, this is my favorite comment of the night. Hands down.

And a perfect place for me to sign off and turn the other rein over to Jen so she can guide this chat through to the bitter end. I'm off to make a mug of tea, grab some chocolate and join the audience.

Thanks for having me, Jen!

Jen Chaney: Liz, it was a pleasure. Thanks a million.

By my count, I've got at least nine hours to g