And the award goes to...

[all photos from usmagazine.com unless noted]

As a movie lover, the Academy Awards show is my favorite awards show all year. I thought last night's show was quite entertaining, and I was pleased with the winners - from The Hurt Locker with Best Picture to Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges as Best Actress and Actor. The Tom Ford-clad hosts Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin did a pretty solid job too.

Now, for the fashion! There were a surprising number of risk takers last night, which you don't often see at the Oscars. Here are some of my faves (and not so faves)...

Best dressed

Sandra Bullock: Her shimmery, statuesque Marchesa sheath was gorge. The asymmetrical sleeve gave it a touch of edginess, and the red lips added a pop of color.
Maggie Gyllenhaal: The Best Supporting Actress nominee for her role in Crazy Heart stood out on the red carpet in a beautiful blue floral Dries Van Noten strapless gown. Way to go for picking a bold print, Maggie!
Rachel McAdams: Her sweetheart neck strapless Elie Saab gown with a criss-crossed bodice was so lovely. The muted floral print and simple hair and makeup looked so different from what everyone else was wearing too.

Meryl Streep: The Julie and Julia actress wore a super-flattering white Chris March gown with metallic heels and an upswept do. This could be one of her best looks yet.

Honorable mentions to Demi Moore in an Atelier Versace flesh-toned, flowing gown and Kristen Stewart in a dramatic navy Monique Lhullier strapless gown.

Risk takers
Sarah Jessica Parker: I may be in the minority, but I loved Parker's Chanel haute couture pale yellow and silver gown. The unique neckline wrapped around the back. I also liked her gigantic bun. Zoe Saldana: A lot of people hated the Avatar actress's Givenchy haute couture dress, but I kind of loved it. The sparkly top half juxtaposes interestingly with the voluminous purple ombré bottom half.
Carey Mulligan: The An Education actress's dress looks like a pretty black dress at first glance. Upon close inspection, the Prada gown it has tiny kitchen utensils sewn in. It's so bold and fun.

Yikes... Charlize Theron: Her Dior haute couture mauve satin gown looked wrinkled and oddly reminded me of Madonna's cone bra circa 1990.
Diane Kruger: Normally I appreciate her fashion-forward choices, but her camellia flower black-and-cream Chanel haute couture gown was not a favorite of mine. There's way too much going on with this gown.
Mariah Carey: Carey wore a navy Valentino gown. She's perpetually on the worst-dressed list because she wears her clothing too small and shows too much (as demonstrated by her thigh-high slit). More is more, Mariah.

Now for the gentlemen

The men don't get too much discussion at awards shows since most just don tuxedos. There are a few, however, that really stood out.

[esquire.com]

Tom Ford: Oy, can that man wear a tuxedo or what? I love that the designer/director paired his suit with a white flower and pocket square.

[esquire.com]

Ryan Reynolds: He looked so tall and handsome in his Tom Ford tuxedo. I like the simple black bow-tie. These bow-ties have me rethinking asking my fiancé to wear a regular tie for our wedding!