I’m not going to lie, I only watched half of Mudbound. The acting was superb, particularly from Mary J Blige and Rob Morgan, who played her husband, but it was hard to take. Mild spoiler – there’s a scene where Morgan’s character injures himself and it was so viscerally rich that it made me sick to my stomach. I regularly watch violent horror movies, but this just felt real. I guess that’s the hallmark of a great film though. (Also I’m a white lady and I realize I am still struggling with my prejudices.)

Mary J Blige made history for being the first person nominated at the same time for both Best Song, for Mudbound’s “Mighty River,” which she performed, and for Best Actress for her role in that film. She didn’t win in either category but she made it there and I have a strong feeling that we’ll see her again. She’s gone through a lot in her personal life with her contentious divorce and I hope this year brings her more financial and professional success. (Note that after I wrote this post I found these quotes by Mary defending Ryan Seacrest. I’m going to use a mom line. I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.)

On the red carpet Mary was in Versace, in a white sequin and chiffon dress which had some similarities to Jennifer Garner’s Versace. It was an amazing gown which fit her perfectly. During her powerful performance, a segment of which you can see on Just Jared, she wore red Vera Wang. Both gowns were perfect for the Oscars.

Dee Rees cowrote Mudbound with Virgil Williams, it’s an adaptation of a Hillary Jordan’s 2008 book. At the Spirit Awards she went on too long during her acceptance speech for the Robert Altman Award, but she wanted to thank everyone involved in the movie. Last night she was in a cool black and white Thom Browne suit. Her shoes are crazy and look like hooves. Dee was nominated in the Adapted Screenplay category, which went to James Ivory, the oldest Oscar winner in history at 89, for Call Me by Your Name.

Andra Day brought the drama in a puffy tiered floral Zac Posen gown. She was nominated for Best Song for “Stand Up for Something” from Marshall. Her performance with Common was one of the highlights of the night. They had activists standing on stage with them including Janet Mock and Tarana Burke and it was powerful. I don’t even care that this dress looks like a Victorian fever dream she is working it.

Also in Zac Posen we have Leslie Mann. This is too big and princessy for her and the print is ugly but she looks like she loves it. I don’t like this gown but she’s so cute in it anyway.

photos credit: WENN