Oscar talk has begun. Discussions between film critics, industry experts and even movie fans have started and everyone is trying to guess who might be nominated for, or even win, an Oscar. Nominations will come out in January and the Academy Awards are slated for March 7, 2010.
This is October. Sounds about right.
At the 4th International Rome Film Festival last week, there was a lot of discussion and “Oscar watch” chatter about the film The Last Station. The movie, which chronicles the final year of Leo Tolstoy's life, stars Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer and Paul Giamatti.
Helen Mirren is no stranger to winning awards, and she is no stranger to the red carpet. Mirren, who is in her mid-60s, can certainly hold her own when it comes to choosing killer gowns. Not to mention, she looks good in a bikini (Remember the photos of her that were published last summer? We should all be so fit at 64)! Regardless, at the Rome Film Festival, she chose a black gown that is worth a little recap….
On The Last Station red carpet in Rome, Mirren wore a black full-length sheath dress. It was sleeveless, but went to her neck with some lace overlay on one shoulder and on the other shoulder rested one side of an oversized black bow. The rest of the bow was angled across her chest. In the center of the bow was a large circular diamond brooch. The bow was certainly a focal point of the dress, but it was actually not as overstated as you might think. The fabric was the same as the dress and the brooch was really gorgeous. The basic design of the dress was simple, so the bow was not overkill.
Are bows back? I think it’s safe to say they’re always around. Some work – I do believe Mirren’s worked – and some don’t. (I recall Anne Hathaway’s big black bow at the back of her knees a few years back -- not good). A bow adds a little pizzazz, I suppose, but it also adds an invaluable touch to any red carpet look -- guaranteed discussion.
And as early Oscar buzz proves that red carpet discussion, even in October, can only be good for any Oscar-contender.
South Jersey's Erica Salmon is the founder of Fantasy Fashion League -- the fashionista's answer to fantasy football. You'll see her Red Carpet Reports on the sport of fashion, every Monday on NBCPhiladelphia.com.
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