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Cele|bitchy Archives
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Celebitchy Archives: Oscars
Aug
18
The end of swag!


Award shows like The Oscars and The Emmys are going to have trouble getting celebrities to accept their swag bags. The IRS is reminding everyone that all the crap they receive, typically worth $50,000 and up, is subject to taxation. Presenters at next week's Emmy awards have to sign a statement acknowledging that they accept tax responsibility for all the gifts they receive. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also said there will be no more skyrocketing swag bags for Oscar presenters! Oh no!

The Internal Revenue Service launched a campaign Thursday aimed at clarifying the tax consequences of the gift-jammed goody bags and luxury giveaway suites that surround awards ceremonies and film festivals. The bad news for every A-lister and low-level minion alike who ever pockets a freebie: It's taxable income.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in a related announcement, said it would eliminate the luxurious gift baskets it customarily offers to Oscar presenters such as Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks and Will Ferrell, starting with next year's show.

Without specifying whether any money changed hands, the academy and the IRS also said they have settled any tax obligations presenters may have owed the government from gift baskets received through 2005. Recipients of the Oscar gift baskets in this year's ceremony will soon receive a tax form from the academy detailing the fair market value of its contents.

It goes beyond the Oscars. Next week, an array of Emmy-timed swag suites are scheduled to open for business ahead of the Aug. 27 awards show. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences said it has also informed this year's Emmy presenters (among them Heidi Klum, James Gandolfini and Eva Longoria) that their gift bags are taxable, but would not say whether it planned on eliminating the bags altogether.

Gift bags and swag suites have exploded in recent years, as clothing companies, hotels, cellphone manufacturers and the makers of seemingly every imaginable kind of consumer goods (chocolates, lingerie, cufflinks, sunglasses, luggage, etc.) dole out items to celebrities in the hopes of garnering free advertising when those celebrities are photographed wearing those shoes or chatting into that cellphone.

So that's why George Cooney donated his presenter gift bag. The IRS had already announced that Oscar gifts were taxable at that point, it just hadn't received much press. You're going to see a lot more press releases about celebrities donating their spa stays and luxury goods to charity, except you'll know it's not so selfless. What's Life and Style to do now that they can't market a bunch of expensive products to laypeople that celebrities get for free? Those poor luxury goos manufacturers will have to find another marketing strategy.

This affects much more than just award shows, because companies often sponsor parties for celebrities, hoping to get pictures of them posing with the free stuff. Spa suites are set up before The Oscars to get celebrities "prepared" to market more crap. Hopefully the IRS will crack down on that practice, too. What will happen to Sundance? Will celebrities stop showing up to so many events? How will celebrities cope with having to buy their own stuff? Will divas get a little more humble?

Posted to Oscars | Swag

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Mar
07
The Parties just don't stop: Crash Cooldown Party

Pictures from what looks like a kinder, gentler after-party, the "Crash" Cool Down Party held on March 6th at the Beverly Towers in LA. It was hosted by director Paul Haggis and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges. Attendees included Jessica Alba and Cash Warren, Julie Delpy, Larenz Tate, Kathleen York (the mom of the redhead that used to be on the OC) and the ubiquitous Bai Ling.

Eight more after the jump.

Update: Images removed on request.

Continue reading "The Parties just don't stop: Crash Cooldown Party" »

Posted to Jessica Alba | Oscars | Photos

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Mar
07
Reese is bitter

Close up of Reese Witherspoon's face with the caption I will make you regret leaving me!
Reese Witherspoon wins best actress, and she can't think of anything better to do than harp on her ex-boyfriends:

The actress, who is now married to heartthrob actor Ryan Philippe, said: "Every time I got dumped, I always fantasised that one day he would be sorry - and I would go on stage and tell him what I thought.

"So for all the boys who ever dumped me, this is for you."

She's a rich and famous actress at the top of her career. She has two kids and super-hot husband, and she's still hung up on her exes! Reese, there are some things in life you just can't control so let go.

Men don't like women who try to run their lives, and most of the guys who dated you are probably grateful you moved on.

Posted to Arrogant | Oscars | Reese Witherspoon

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Mar
06
Oscar After-Party Pictures: Vanity Fair Party

Uma Thurman, Adam Brody, Naomi Watts, Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Aniston, and Joaquin Phoenix are just a few of the celebrities pictured here. These pics are higher resolution than the after-party photos posted earlier.

23 more after the jump!

[via]

Vanity Fair After PartyVanity Fair After PartyVanity Fair After PartyVanity Fair After Party

Continue reading "Oscar After-Party Pictures: Vanity Fair Party" »

Posted to Hillary Swank | Jennifer Aniston | Oscars | Photos | Sienna Miller

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Mar
06
Oscar After-Party Pictures: Governor's Post-Show Ball

George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Lopez and more at the Governor's Post-Show Ball.
[via]

Twelve more after the jump.

The Governor's Post-Show BallThe Governor's Post-Show BallThe Governor's Post-Show BallThe Governor's Post-Show Ball

Continue reading "Oscar After-Party Pictures: Governor's Post-Show Ball" »

Posted to George Clooney | J.Lo | Jessica Alba | Keira Knightly | Michelle Williams | Oscars | Rachel Weisz

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Mar
06
Why is everyone hating on Jon Stewart?

Jon Stewart at the Oscars with the caption It's not my fault people
First of all, it's not Stewart's fault that the Oscars dragged this year. A sense of self-importance colored the event, with the Academy forgetting that if it wants to draw viewers it has to be entertaining and not too industry-focused. Telling the nominees that they can't thank too many people just isn't enough to save this sinking ship. Clip after clip followed countless insignificant awards.

It's easy to blame Stewart as the focal point, but he's not the problem. Sure his first few jokes were wooden and forced, but he was soon in his stride, making funny off the cuff comments that helped add levity to the too-long ceremony. Reviews are focusing too much on his first three scripted minutes. Expecting Stewart to save the over-produced show is like thinking good acting could have made "Deuce Bigelow" Oscar-worthy:

Stewart began the show drearily, loping through a monologue that lacked a single hilarious joke with the possible exception of "Bjork couldn't be here tonight. She was trying on her Oscar dress and Dick Cheney shot her."

When "It's Hard Out There for a Pimp" won for best original song, Stewart quipped that Scorsese had no Oscars but that Three 6 Mafia had one. He was relaxed and funny, mentioning that he still heard the band celebrating backstage. He also noted that he was surprised that "Cinderella Man" didn't win for best makeup, as it must be difficult to make Russell Crowe look beat up.

The only worthwhile clips were the hilarious Oscar political parodies narrated by Steven Colbert. A montage of old westerns with gay themes was also amusing.

The Academy tried to remain relevant by hiring Stewart and enlisting "Daily Show" writers, and they made the best possible choice for host. The affair was just too old and the content too self-congratulatory to be saved by Stewart.

Posted to Jon Stewart | Oscars

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Mar
06
Best Picture: Crash

Image from Crash with Matt Dillion holding a crying Thandie Newton

There was at least one surprise at this year's Oscars, and it was a big one. Crash won best picture in an upset over favorite Brokeback Mountain! There was audible surprise from the audience.

Brokeback won best director for Ang Lee and best adapted screenplay. Crash won for best original screenplay and best picture. More Oscar results.

The Oscars are done finally and let's hope they cut them way, way down next year. Jon Stewart was great but there were too many clip montages and small, boring awards.

Update: The NYT predicted that Crash would win best picture. All of their Oscar predictions were accurate. I really wanted Brokeback to win and assumed that the NYT would be wrong.

Posted to Oscars

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Mar
06
Best Actress: Reese Witherspoon

The Oscars weren't a surprise so far this year. Reese didn't bother to watch the Academy video judging from her effusive acceptance speech.

It's still early but I'm going to write the post that Brokeback won for best picture. I could have done everything ahead of time and gone to bed as there wasn't a single surprise.

The Oscars are seriously a waste of time and they should think of reworking them next year. I don't need to see any of the nominated films now because I've seen enough clips to figure out each movie.

Pictures [via]

Reese Witherspoon at the OscarsReese Witherspoon at the Oscars

Posted to Oscars | Reese Witherspoon

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Mar
06
Best Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman has won the Academy Award for best actor for his work in Capote. He'll always be the camerman Scotty in Boogie Nights to me.

So far the NYT is three for three with their Oscar predictions.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman at the OscarsPhillip Seymour Hoffman at the OscarsPhillip Seymour Hoffman at the Oscars

Posted to Oscars

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Mar
06
Best Original Song: It's Hard Out There for a Pimp

Controversial song "It's Hard out there for a pimp" by 36 mafia from "Hustle and Flow" wins for best original song!

John Stewart is doing a great job as Oscar host, and I love the fake political ads by Steven Colbert!

The Oscars, though, should be cut to a two hour show. The program is full of small categories and self-congratulatory clips and in jokes. They relegate the technical awards to a separate event, and they should also move most of the small awards to a different ceremony. It's interesting to see the costume designers and special effects people get awards, and they should have their moment, but it's just way too long to sit through.

I'm just feeling guilty for staying up this long to watch a bunch of filler. It's too... long...
After about a half an hour the thrill of seeing all the celebrities in one room wears out. No wonder the ratings are getting lower every year.

Posted to Oscars

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Mar
06
Who is this woman and why was she on the red carpet?

While looking through the red carpet photo gallery at Yahoo! I came across this picture of a woman who clearly does not belong at the Oscars. Her look is so outrageous that I'm not sure whether she would frighten or entertain my child.

She is fashion and jewelry designer Zandra Rhodes. Why is it that fashion designers are the ones that dress the worst? They must be the type of people who think they actually look good, and they're so sure of it they've made a career out of convincing other people to dress like idiots too.

Woman with bright red hair, overdone clownish makeup, a bright green dress and multiple necklacesWoman with bright red hair, overdone clownish makeup, a bright green dress and multiple necklaces

Posted to Fashion | Oscars

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Mar
06
Charlize is overdone

Charlize Theron usually looks elegant and understated and her Oscar look is out of character. She's wearing a monstrous green gown with a huge bow on her shoulder. With a little purse made out of the same fabric, bejewled shoes, bangle bracelets, and a bouffant hairdo, she just looks like she's trying too hard.

There's a fine line between looking the same all the time (Jennifer Aniston) and trying a radical new look that isn't right for you.

Pictures [via]

Charlize Theron at the OscarsCharlize Theron at the OscarsCharlize Theron at the Oscars

Posted to Charlize Theron | Fashion | Oscars | Photos

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Mar
06
Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz has won best supporting actress for her role in The Constant Gardner.

Rachel Weisz at the OscarsRachel Weisz at the Oscars

Posted to Oscars | Rachel Weisz

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Mar
06
Live Oscar blogging is challenging

It's nearly 3:00 am here in snowy Switzerland and I don't know how much longer I'll be able to stay up!

As Jennifer Aniston presents the Oscar for best costumes - why does she always look the same? Couldn't she curl her hair or wear something other than black? She looks so boring.

There's lots more to say, but it's hard to keep up with everything and I'm half asleep.

If you're up watching the Oscars and are online you may want to check out PopBytes for live Oscar Blogging.

Posted to Oscars

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Mar
06
Best Supporting Actor: George Clooney

George Clooney has won Best Supporting Actor for Syriana. He must have seen the instructional video, because his acceptance speech was funny, quick, and political without being controversial.

We are a little bit out of touch in Hollywood, and that's probably a good thing. We talked about Aids when it was just a whisper, we talked about civil rights... and I'm proud to be part of this Academy.

Georg Clooney at the OscarsGeorg Clooney at the Oscars

Posted to George Clooney | Oscars

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Mar
06
Alba looks great as always

Jessica Alba glows as she arrives for the 78th annual Academy Awards.

Update: Lots of high-res Oscar pictures at Egotastic

Jessica Alba arriving at the OscarsJessica Alba arriving at the OscarsJessica Alba arriving at the OscarsJessica Alba arriving at the Oscars

Posted to Fashion | Jessica Alba | Oscars | Photos

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Mar
06
Heath and Michelle are darling

Heath Williams and Michelle Ledger arrive at the 78th annual Oscar awards. Michelle is wearing a bold yellow v-neck dress and minimal accessories. She looks lovely and very well put together.

Update: Lots of high-res Oscar pictures at Egotastic

Heath and Michelle arriving at the OscarsHeath and Michelle arriving at the OscarsHeath and Michellearriving at the OscarsHeath and Michelle arriving at the Oscars

Posted to Fashion | Heath Ledger | Michelle Williams | Oscars | Photos

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Mar
06
Keira missed her prom

It's clear that I don't like Keira Knightly. She stinks of pretension. That's why I'm pleased to announce that she's wearing a poufy prom dress to the Oscars. Her hair is a mess, too.

Keira Knightly arriving at the OscarsKeira Knightly arriving at the OscarsKeira Knightly arriving at the Oscars

Posted to Fashion | Keira Knightly | Oscars | Photos

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Mar
05
Paris Hilton wins an award

Paris Hilton by a door with the caption I can act - dazed and stupid
The Razzies were announced today, and Paris has won!

Paris Hilton, described by the Razzies as being the "notorious air-headed heiress," won worst supporting actress for her death scene in "House of Wax."

Other lucky winners included:
Worst Actor: Rob Schneider - Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo
Worst Supporting Actor: Hayden Christensen - Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Worst Actress: Jenny McCarthy - Dirty Love
Worst Screen Couple: Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman - Bewitched
Worst Sequel: Son of the Mask
Worst Picture: Dirty Love
Worst Director: John Mallory Asher (McCarthy's ex husband) - Dirty Love

And a new category was announced: "most tiresome"

The Razzies, which parody self-congratulatory Hollywood award shows such as the Oscars by roasting the worst of Tinseltown, this year added the "most tiresome" category to salute "the celebs we're ALL sick and tired of."

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes deservedly took home the "most tiresome" Razzie.

In case you haven't heard of the worst picture, Jenny McCarthy's "Dirty Love," don't worry, no one else has heard of it, either:

Billed by its producers as a "modern day Cinderella story," the movie grossed just $58,116 and was drubbed by critics.
Posted to Oscars | Paris Hilton | TomKat

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Mar
05
"How to accept an Oscar" starring Tom Hanks

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has produced and distributed an eight-minute how-to video for Oscar nominees. Ratings have declined over the years, and they want to maintain the ceremony's momentum and not lose bored viewers:

Every year, the Academy begs Oscar winners - mostly in vain - not to spend their allotted minute thanking their armies of anonymous agents, lawyers and accountants, or hugging and kissing so many people on their way to the stage that they run out of time to say anything.

This year, though, it has a new gimmick: an eight-minute instructional video, narrated by two-time Best Actor winner Tom Hanks, which it has distributed to each of the 150-odd nominees. A relaxed and wry-looking Hanks guides nominees through the art of handling that speech-making moment "with wit, flair, creativity - or at least with brevity".

Entitled An Insider's Guide: What Nominees Need To Know, the video includes clips of Oscar moments that stuck in the memory - such as Jack Palance doing one-arm push-ups, or Roberto Benigni gliding over the tops of everyone's chairs en route to the stage - and ones that decidedly did not - such as the interminable thank-yous delivered by the crew from Lord of the Rings two years ago, which was about as interesting as a reading from the New Zealand telephone directory. Another bad example was Gwyneth Paltrow's tsunami of tears.

They basically want people to keep it short, avoid lists, and be funny and interesting.

The most awkward Oscar acceptance I remember was Zellweger's 2003 Best Actress speech. She came off as insecure as she thanked everyone, including the lackeys at her agency, for their help. This year, The Academy hopes to placate over-eager winners with a special section of their website where they can post thank you messages.

Here are presenters Jake Gyllenhaal and J.Lo preparing for tonight. Three more after the jump.

Pictures [via]

JLo Practicing for the OscarsJake Gyllenhaal Practicing for the Oscars

Continue reading ""How to accept an Oscar" starring Tom Hanks" »

Posted to Jake Gyllenhaal | Jennifer Lopez | Oscars | Photos | Television

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Mar
05
More Oscar party pictures

More pictures from those backwards-etiquette Oscar parties. These are from The Weinstein Company pre-Oscar Party in LA on 3/4.

Six more including Josh Hartnett, George Clooney and Sienna Miller after the jump. [via]

Felicity HuffmanJessica Alba

Continue reading "More Oscar party pictures" »

Posted to Felicity Huffman | George Clooney | Jessica Alba | Josh Hartnett | Lisa Rinna | Oscars | Photos | Sienna Miller

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Mar
05
Oscar Cookies

Elenis has picture-perfect Oscar cookies with accurate illustrations of the nominated celebrities, and little boot, TV and book cookies to represent the best picture nomications. [via]

Two more after the jump.

Image hosting by Photobucket

Continue reading "Oscar Cookies" »

Posted to Oscars | Photos

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Mar
05
Oscar parties are boring and pretentious

The NY Times reveals the cut throat etiquette at Oscar parties, where only fresh nominated faces matter:

IF YOU'RE SOMEONE'S DATE, DON'T EXPECT TO BE INTRODUCED. No one cares about spouses, relatives and arm candy at Hollywood parties. You could be a Nobel laureate, but if you're a plus-one during Oscar week, no one will want to meet you. And your significant other probably won't introduce you. Don't take it personally...

IF YOU HAVEN'T WORKED ON ONE OF THE NOMINATED FILMS, CONSIDER STAYING HOME. Being at an Oscar party without a nomination is like bleeding in an ocean surrounded by sharks. The safest course is to stay out of the water...

KNOW WHEN TO SAY WHEN... Moderation is the word. Your behavior is always being watched, by the industry and by the press.

THOU SHALL NOT PITCH.

GIVE YOUR ENTOURAGE THE NIGHT OFF."It is truly the one night of the year where entourages are not tolerated," said Judy Levy... For those who don't make it into a party, rejection at the door can be painful since you are forced to do a reverse red carpet: a humiliating walk past the hundreds of publicists, television cameras and paparazzi who just witnessed your attempt to get in.

DON'T EXPECT TO MEET YOUR HOST. Although everywhere else it is considered good manners to seek out your hosts and thank them, in Hollywood the opposite is true.

If you're lucky enough to get invited to an Oscar party, you're meant to talk to people you know, not drink or eat, keep a low profile, and never introduce your significant other. It sounds like so much fun.

Here are Kiera, Sienna, Nicky & Paris at the Endeavor Pre-Oscar Party on 3/4/05. The Endeavor party strives to be press-free:

Endeavor agent Patrick Whitesell avoids competition by throwing the very last of the post-Oscar parties, a tightly exclusive bash in a mansion in the Hollywood Hills that begins in the wee hours and raves until dawn. Journalists aren't welcome there, either.

Four more of Nicky and Kiera after the jump. Pictures [via]


Paris HiltonSienna Miller

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Posted to Keira Knightly | Nicky Hilton | Oscars | Paris Hilton | Photos | Sienna Miller

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Mar
03
NYT Oscar Predictions

The NY Times predicts the Oscar winners using the categories "Conventional Wisdom," "Underdog," "Wildcard," and "Bagger." The rating system is a bit convoluted, with the first three categories independent of the last.

Best Picture:
Conventional Wisdom: Brokeback Mountain
Underdog: Crash
Wildcard: Good Night and Good Luck
NYT Predicted Winner (Bagger): Crash

Best Actress:
Conventional Wisdom: Reese Witherspoon - Walk the Line
Underdog: Felicity Huffman - Transamerica
Wildcard: Keira Knightly - Pride and Prejudice
NYT Predicted Winner (Bagger): Reese Witherspoon - Walk the Line

Best Actor:
Conventional Wisdom: Philip Seymour Hoffman - Capote
Underdog: Heath Ledger - Brokeback Mountain
Wildcard: Terrence Howard - Hustle and Flow
NYT Predicted Winner (Bagger): Philip Seymour Hoffman - Capote

Supporting Actor:
Conventional Wisdom: George Clooney - Syriana
Underdog: Paul Giamatti - Cinderella Man
Wildcard: Jake Gyllenhaal - Brokeback Mountain
NYT Predicted Winner (Bagger): George Clooney - Syriana

Supporting Actress:
Conventional Wisdom: Rachel Weisz - The Constant Gardner
Underdog: Amy Adams - Junebug
Wildcard: Michelle Williams - Brokeback Mountain
NYT Predicted Winner (Bagger): Rachel Weisz - The Constant Gardner

See more predictions in their pop-up graphic (warning: this link will initally resize your screen, but it is easily maximized again.)

And if you missed Reese's Oscar-worthy performance, here's a clip from "Walk the Line" with June telling Johnny off for partying too much:

Posted to Oscars | Video

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Mar
03
Mariah Carey poses for swag

Here are some pictures of Mariah Carey posing at Revlon's pre-Oscar celebrity "suite." [via] According to Entertainment Tonight celebs are getting pre-Oscar cosmetics:

Meanwhile, in other Oscar news and on the celebrity pampering front, to calm stars' nerves and prepare them for the big night, several "style suites" are available to help celebrities relax, refine fashion looks and stock up on key accessories.

What a creative way to explain that celebrities get stuff in exchange for free product promotion. I really hate the word "swag," it sounds so ridiculous.

Oh and that's Mariah's hairstylist Kristofer Buckle. In case you haven't heard the important news, hairstylists are the new BFs. Two more pictures after the jump.

Mariah Carey with her hairstylistMariah Carey posing

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Posted to Mariah Carey | Oscars | Photos

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Mar
01
Celebrity stylists hate nannies

picture of Rachel Zoe with nanny Joe Frost with the caption
The Independent reports on the cutthroat world of dressing for the Oscars, where bribes and last-minute gown changes have stylists scrambling to get clients ready in time. Not only do designers create custom-made gowns hoping to dress a fickle actress, Oscar attendees can even get paid to wear specific brands:

At the 2000 Academy Awards Hilary Swank caused an uproar at Christian Dior by swapping gowns the night before the Oscars. Instead of wearing Dior, as she had told the French couture house she would, she opted for one of Randolph Duke's gowns following a back-room deal between Duke and one of her stylists, that involved a gift to the stylist of a $1,200 Spanish wood bed. Less than 24 hours before the 2005 Golden Globes Charlize Theron and Hilary Swank made a last-minute switch. Both abandoned the Harry Winston jewels they had already picked out when Chopard offered each actress a six-figure cheque to wear their jewellery.

Renee Zellweger avoids the drama by having an exclusive contract with designer Carolina Herrera. No wonder she always looks the same.

Stylist to Catherine Zeta Jones, Fati Parsia, reveals her bitterness over a lifetime of nicknames by deriding overweight nannies:

"Actresses have deep insecurities and it really shows when it comes down to choosing which dress," says Parsia. "It's difficult for a stylist because actresses will listen to anyone's opinion. You get the agent, the publicist, the maid, the maid's daughter, the dog, the 300lb nanny, and they've all got an opinion and if you're the 300lb nanny and all you've ever worn is Lycra leggings and a big T-shirt... Well, it's very infuriating. They hire you as a professional, you work for months getting the perfect dress, and all of a sudden, the nanny's opinion is more important."

Parsia copes with last-minute stress and nanny competition by drinking excessively and not eating:

As the final countdown approaches, Parsia says her tactic is to introduce alcohol to the scene. "At the last minute, you've got the family there, the publicist, the hair and make-up people, the manicurist, myself... the nanny. It gets pretty nerve-wracking. Out on the roads it's a nightmare too. Just about every limo from all over America is shipped into LA and they are all trying to descend on the Kodak Theatre at the same time. It's frantic. You need a glass of wine."

By the time Parsia has waved off her clients, Parsia says she, herself, usually looks emaciated. "I don't eat for days in the run up to the Oscars. It's too stressful," she says.

It's nice to know that the Oscar attendees are being dressed by people they can relate to - neurotic, alcoholic anorexics.

(The stylist pictured above is Rachel Zoe, stylist to Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie. The Nanny is ABC's Supernanny, Joe Frost.)

Posted to Fashion | Oscars

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