A Dazzling Evening With Oscar

Last night, four of my galpals joined me to watch the Oscars. As we settled in for a long evening – made sweeter by two kinds of popcorn and Klondike bars – all of us were happily surprised at how entertaining Hollywood’s biggest night turned out to be.

The 81st annual Academy Awards was one of the best in years – and not just because the show managed to run only 30 minutes over its 3-hour running time.

Puttin' On The Hits: Host Hugh Jackman teamed up with Beyonce for a cheesy but entertaining movie tunes medley (photo credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Tightly produced with brilliant staging and choreography, the Oscars had a flow absent in previous telecasts, thanks to a clever ‘plot’ explaining how a movie gets from conception to post-production. Technical awards were finally given as much attention as their acting counterparts, rightfully shining the spotlight more on the behind the scenes magicians who bring movies to life.

Even the usually tedious montages were energized, with lively musical performances and seamless juxtapositioning of past and present films. Dashing and multi-talented Hugh Jackman did a great job presiding over the festivities, and who knew Anne Hathaway could sing?

Best of all, the stars themselves brought their A-game, delivering heartfelt, well-prepared acceptance speeches. Most touching – the tribute to late Best Supporting Actor winner Heath Ledger from his family. Most exciting – all 8 wins for the fantastic “Slumdog Millionaire.”

“Slumdog Millionaire” producer Christian Colson surrounded by cast and crew after the movie wins Best Picture (photo credit: Gary Hershorn/Reuters)

My friends and I were all in agreement about the Oscars’ tackiest moment – cutting to Brangelina not once but twice while Jennifer Aniston was presenting. They’ve all moved on, it’s past time for Hollywood do the same.

Overall, big kudos to Oscar's producers for a show truly worthy of the industry it celebrates. And to the talented, irresistible cast and crew of “Slumdog,” I have two words for you - Jai Ho!

Slumdog Millionaire: A Priceless Tale

Last week, my good friend Sara and I went to see “Slumdog Millionaire.” It’s not often that a movie lives up to any hype you hear about it, but this sleeper hit does exactly that and then some.

Based on Vikas Swarup's 2005 novel “Q&A,” “Slumdog Millionaire” is the story of Jamal (Dev Patel), an 18-year-old orphan who becomes the unlikely first winner of India’s “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” show. When Jamal is arrested under suspicion of cheating, he explains the difficult events of his life on the streets -- a life that led to him knowing the answers.

Against All Odds: Jamal (Dev Patel) and Latika (Freida Pinto) struggle to be together in "Slumdog Millionaire"

Tragedy brings Jamal (Dev Patel) and fellow orphans Salim (Madhur Mittal) and Latika (Freida Pinto) together when they're children. After they are separated from Latika, Jamal never gives up on finding her, and so begins the enchanting love story at the heart of “Slumdog.”

Jamal’s tale unfolds against the gritty backdrop of Mumbai’s slum villages and director Danny Boyle provides an unflinching look at this other world, helped along by a very talented cast. The children who portray young Jamal, Salim, and Latika turn in devastatingly heartfelt performances equaling the work of their older counterparts.

Patel is riveting as a man who refuses to be cast as a cheater or relinquish his longtime love. His perfect chemistry with the luminous Pinto has you falling for both of them – especially when she asks him why he can’t let go of the bond between them.

“It is our destiny,” he says simply.

“Slumdog Millionaire” is up for 10 awards including Best Picture at this Sunday’s Oscars.

By The Numbers: Valentine's Edition

Today may be Friday the 13th, but my mind is on Valentine’s Day -- an occasion I’ve always had a great affection for.

Any holiday celebrating love is a good thing, and this one has part of its origins in a fellow alum from my beloved alma mater Mount Holyoke College.

Victorian Valentine: A Mount Holyoke alum launched the tradition of Valentine's greeting cards

Artist and businesswoman Esther Howland, who graduated from MHC in 1847, is responsible for popularizing Valentine’s Day greeting cards. After receiving a Valentine from her father’s business associate, she marketed her own brand of Valentine’s cards – and so began the tradition that now keeps Hallmark in business and men scrambling at the last minute through the aisles of Victoria’s Secret.

Single and not, I’ve had more than a few memorable Valentine’s Days over the years. Here are a few standouts – By The Numbers:

Number of significant others with whom I didn’t get to spend Valentine’s Day: 2
Number of men who gave me a dozen roses for V-Day as I spent the evening with another: 1
Number of boyfriends who cut a business trip short to spend V-Day with me: 1
Number of romances that ended just before V-Day: 1
Number of teddy bears received for V-Day from long-distance sweethearts: 2

One of those teddy bears came from my high school sweetie Hogan, at a time when we hadn’t been in touch for awhile. The surprise was a wonderful reminder that Valentine’s Day is a great occasion for reconnecting with people close to your heart – and that it’s never too late to do that.

Up next…a girls night out double header and a look at the sleeper hit “Slumdog Millionaire.”