The big news of the 2010 Oscars was that for the first time in Academy Awards history, a woman was given the top award for “Best Director.” Then her film, Hurt Locker, went on to win “Best Picture.”
This was not just any woman, mind you. This was a real, genuine grown-up woman. A woman with closing in on six decades of personal history including a story line even Hollywood can’t beat: she was up against her ex-husband, and won.
Hurray for my new hero, Kathryn Bigelow. But hurray, too, for all the grown-up women at the 2010 Academy Awards, and for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for not only providing the opportunity for women at midlife and beyond to walk the red carpet, but to finally arrive.
When I refer to these women as grown-ups, I’m not just referencing age. From the opening credits on, there was just the right mix of dignity and spunk, irreverence and self-respect that to my mind constitute the real definition of maturity. Above all, there was a rapport both between these vibrant women and with the other honorees of all genders and generations that spoke to who we can all be when we are at our very best.
I’m talking here about not just the grand moments, like Oprah introducing Gabourey Sidibe of Precious to the world in stunning, color-coordinated blue; but the little ones, as well. Like the glimpse of Susan Geston beaming proudly as her husband of over 30 years Jeff Bridges wins his award for Best Actor. And the subtle, unspoken moments, too. Didn’t we all sense that Meryl Streep was holding back on purpose this year, graciously making room for Sandra Bullock to have her moment?
Who could resist the rapport between Meryl and Sandra all award-season long, from their kiss-and-tie at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards to the delightful glimpse of awkwardness at the Oscars as Meryl mistook the cue to hug Sandra while en route to the stage, with Meryl ending up semi-splayed halfway into the aisle on global TV. Is this any way for a 60-year-old to transport herself in public? Apparently, delightfully, yes!
In terms of hitting just the right balance between dignity and spice, the choice of the co-hosts, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, certainly didn’t hurt. This is a pairing that was birthed out of the duo’s frisky, competitive pursuit of Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated.
Meryl, herself, looked radiant in a Chris March draped white gown. In fact, all the vibrant women at the affair — whether at the podium or in the audience — looked gloriously, sexily and enthusiastically appropriate.
Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka was stunningly clad in silver, a shimmery web of crystals accentuating her curves while modestly covering her arms. Kathryn Bigelow’s scoop-necked silver silk and embroidered gown provided a stunning backdrop for the golden statue she clasped to her bosom — the best fashion accessory a 58-year-old woman could want.
Carol, I agree: the Oscars hit a home run this year. Now that these spectacular women are being acknowledged for their talent and skills, can we look forward to a new flush of movies about grown-ups and complex emotions? I believe so!
Right on sister!!! Its about time we, the mature women, came into our own and were given the respect and admiration we si richly deserve. For a long time I have talked about our need to be recognized and be invisible out in the world. I love watching Diane Sawyer, her grace, dignity and humor, come alive and be seen by everyone. It is empowering to know that we are finally getting our day. So how about a magazine geared to women over 55. There is one magazine I read, but it still shows women in their 40s predominately…..we need a stronger voice on a regular basis out there to represent our feelings and our talents.
I definately give kudos to ALL of the creative artisits at the Academy Awards: Any age, race, sex, with or without an award. To creative art is a special gift, whether it be promised or not, a gift to share to the world, and thankfully many creative souls have the chance to share their gift with all of us!
Thanks to the entertainment industry-and Everyone involved =)
I’m uncertain whether we’ll see any significant changes in the aftermath of Kathryn Bigelow’s win. What has happened is that she is now considered a noteworthy action movie director, but it remains to be seen how many producers will choose her over a male director.
True, “if we write them they will come,” but for the most part it is still young White male executives who wield the sacred greenlighting wand. Callie Khouri won the Oscar for the “Thelma and Louise” screenplay; where is she today? Co-writing a film with Ron Bass. Diana Ossana won for writing “Brokeback Mountain.” I’ve no clue as to her whereabouts, she’s probably still “co-writing” with Larry McMurtry. Groan.
Perhaps women filmmakers should borrow a page from Tyler Perry’s playbook (with the exception of mistreating his writing staff) and brand our projects and ourselves. I hope to be proven wrong, but I don’t predict the Bigelow win affecting women on the other side of the camera.
Glad you all agree. I heard one pan of the Oscar’s as a “boy’s club” who let in the girls for one night, esp. in light of Alec Baldwin apparently patting Kathryn on the butt…I missed that part!