Inspiration: 2012 Academy Awards & The Artist

As a diehard movie lover, there is no better night of the year than Oscar night. I love the dresses, the makeup, the lame jokes, and most of all, the movies.

I am obsessed with old classic movies so of course I fell hard for the Artist this year. It combined old 1920's Hollywood glamour and black and white film with a beautiful story looking at the film industry from the inside. And of course director Michel Hazanavicius said it was partly inspired by Hitchcock, and there is no director I love better than Hitchcock. The costuming and makeup were spectacular! It definitely deserved the five Oscars it won.

Berenice Bejo was stunning as Peppy Miller in the Artist

Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo in the Artist

Click past the jump to see my favorite red carpet looks including Penelope Cruz, Jessica Chastain, and Angelina Jolie! 

 
Now on to the red carpet. My favorite celebrity on the red carpet tonight was Penelope Cruz. Penelope Cruz was channeling the classic 1950's with beautiful dress, jewelry, makeup, and hair that reminded me of Grace Kelly (one of my favorite Hitchcock stars!). This look was really different than any look I'd ever seen Cruz wear on the red carpet. I thought it was a great risk and I absolutely loved it. Then again I am obsessed with the 50's and 60's so maybe that's just me. Cruz wore her signature warm brown smokey eye with a matte pink brown lip and a strong brow.

Penelope Cruz channeling Grace Kelly?

Similar?

A very close second to me was Jessica Chastain.  I loved the way she paired the unusual and striking dress with simple hair and makeup. She kept her makeup simple with strong black winged liner, a mlbb lip, and perfect skin.

Jessica Chastain

Michelle Williams was simply elegant as always. I loved the slightly sheer brightish watermelon pink lipstick she accented with simple pink blush, black liner, and dewy skin. However I did feel like the lipstick didn't really go as well as it could have with the bright red/coral dress.

Michelle Williams

Angelina Jolie wore another show-stopping red lip look, almost exactly the same as the lipstick she wore to the Golden Globes. I'd lovee to know what the lipstick is! Regardless, I think the bold, slightly glossy pinky-red lip was absolutely beautiful on her and I loved the dramatic liner and loose hair. I'm still indecisive about the funeral drape-like dress though.

Angelina Jolie at the Oscars

Angelina Jolie at the Golden Globes -- is it the same lipstick?

Finally, Rooney Mara. Sometimes I loved her look and other times I hated it. I have to say the makeup is absolutely perfect. The deep rich red lipstick is so beautifully shaped and I love how it's paired with a simple face and bold brows. The hair though... I'm not quite sure about. Though I totally understand that it's her style and love that she rocks her unique look with confidence.

Rooney Mara. Look at that skin and her lips!!

So now that the Academy Awards are over, just 366 more days (darn leap year) until the next show!

What did you think about the Oscars this year? Who wore your favorite makeup looks and dresses this year?