And The Award Goes To...

Slumdog swept it…Kate Winslet got what she’s been deserving…Sean Penn coolly triumphed over Mickey Rourke as he called us all “commie homo-loving sons-of-guns”…Penelope Cruz beat out her fierce competition and Heath Ledger’s family displayed impressive composure as they accepted his posthumous award while the entire audience wept.

In case you missed it, I think that’s all you need to know about last night’s Oscars. I’ll skip Hugh Jackman and that annoying Anne Hathaway. Although I should mention Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black’s eloquent acceptance speech, establishing equal rights for gays as the evening’s political theme.

So now that all the hype and speculation are reduced to the single list of winners, what we can continue to discuss is the fashion. Here are my personal best and worst:

Best-Dressed goes to Natalie Portman in Rodarte. This gown flawlessly hugged her petite frame. The design was youthful and sophisticated, glamorous but understated, much like the actress herself. The color was bright and unexpected yet completely appropriate. Hair and makeup were gorgeous, contributing to the overall perfection of the look.

Second in line is Angelina Jolie. When you are a goddess like Angie you do not have to do much, and with this look less is more. A simple black Elie Saab gown and oversized emerald accents from Lorraine Schwartz created the effortless, elegant ensemble.

Third goes to Penelope Cruz in vintage Balmain. With simple hair, makeup and accessories, she let the gown, which Tim Gunn called “a museum piece,” speak for itself. This is the type of piece that could wear the woman, but with unrivaled beauty and grace, Penelope owned the gown.Jessica Biel and Amanda Seyfried get worst-dressed for the same reason; both gorgeous girls covered up their enviable, youthful figures in ill-fitting yards of unflattering fabric.

Final Word: While great effort was taken to tone down the ceremony (or was it just slow it down?) the red-carpet still managed to maintain its glamour.