If you were to win a Hollywood award, what would you pick..and why would it be an Oscar?

Dear JAMMers,

Rachel Green opts to dream about a Grammy.  I say it is all about the illustrious Oscar.

Some people think the Oscars and similar award shows are self-indulgent, pretentious, and ignore the real problems of the world. And maybe they do. But it can also swing the other way—it distracts and sparkles for four hours amidst the Sunday Scaries.

For me, the Oscars is also about timeless fashion and elegance….oh, and Joan Rivers (may she rest in peace) gawking at red carpet moments.

Where were you when Angelina stuck out her leg? 

Who doesn’t want to be in Ellen’s famous selfie?

Who did you laugh with when John Travolta put Adele Dazeem on the map?

These are the burning questions of pop culture.

I’ll be honest.  I only saw maybe 3 movies in contention for this year’s awards season.  This year’s Oscars show was a bit of a snoozefest.  Had it not been for Cynthia and Ariana’s dynamic and heartfelt opening number, I may have given this show a failing grade.  While I enjoyed the James Bond medley, I am completely unclear as to why it fit into this year's show?

A not-so-quick rant:

Did any other swiftie boo Joe Alwyn when he presented? No, just me? Cool, cool, cool. I’ll get over it one day.

My non-artsy, mass-market movie-loving self was pulling for Wicked.  They won some of the smaller categories, but the monumental talent that is Cynthia Erivo was robbed of her EGOT realization. Wicked has not gotten its flowers this award season.  From Jon M. Chu being snubbed from the Oscar and Golden Globes’ Best Director categories, to Cynthia not winning ANY major award - it is a travesty.

As our parents told us when we didn’t win the big game or the spelling bee - winning isn’t everything.  But when someone brings such depth, devastation, and joy from their soul to a landmark story, I think it should be celebrated with the highest honor. Not to mention THAT VOICE!! In a harness, flying through the air, in A CORSET - that voice never wavered.

On the bright side, the Wicked movie brought people to theaters and certainly birthed a new generation of theatre kids. The world needs musical theatre folk because they bring unbridled elation to millions across the world.  

Back to my main point:

The Oscars is widely regarded as the highest honor and marks the end of “awards season,” Moira Rose’s favorite season.  As a fashion girl at heart, studying all of the designers on the red carpet was a core memory from my childhood.  I would draw ball gowns (terribly) for hours before going to sleep.

The closest thing I ever experienced to an awards show red carpet moment was my wedding. I started drawing my ideal wedding gown probably around age 6. I ended up wearing something relatively close to what I drew - a tulle a-line silhouette.

If I were ever to attend a real red carpet (not just the one I imagine in my head), my go-to designers would be:

Oscar de la Renta

Carolina Herrera

Tadashi Shoji

Armani Prive. 

These fashion houses have decade after decade both evolved and reminisced.  It is just my taste and style. Whenever I see a look I adore on a red carpet, the odds are very high it's from one of these designers.

As I awaited the 2025 red carpet with the excitement of a kid on Christmas morning, I started reflecting on some of the most memorable looks of Oscars past. Here are 5 unforgettable looks in no particular order. Tip: You really should look up videos of the ladies walking in the gowns. Still digital images rarely do justice to the textures, beadwork, and movement of these pieces of art.

First, Viola Davis is winning for just existing - but she also won an Oscar in 2017 for her film Fences. Her red Armani Prive moment was a showstopper.

Jennifer Lawrence stunned in Dior Couture, despite tripping on her way to accept her Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook in 2013. It is hard to define yourself outside of the major franchise that launched you into American homes, but she finds a way to continue to do that...and look damn good along the way.

In 2014, Lupita Nyong'o just about made my damn heart stop beating in this phenomenal Prada. She won Best Supporting Actress for her work in 12 Years a Slave. Did you know she has a Master's Degree from Yale School of Drama? I just learned that today. She is an effortless queen.

Constance Wu put the yes you "can" in canary yellow. She was a presenter (not a nominee) in her custom Atelier Versace dress. Yet, she stole the show in 2019. Actually, 2019 was a FIRE red carpet year for the Oscars. Worth looking up a full gallery. Lady Gaga, Gemma Chan, Michelle Yeoh, and Chadwick Boseman all ate (as the kids would say).

Last, but not least - we have Meryl motherfucking Streep. In 2012, she carried herself with the golden grace that even Miranda Priestly would have to applaud. This wasn't florals for spring; this was a golden Lanvin moment. She won her statue for The Iron Lady. The irony that she is bringing such youthful exuberance for recognition of playing such a bland person is hilarious. Bow down to Meryl always. From Kramer v. Kramer to Death Becomes Her to Mamma Mia - she gives us equal doses of true artistry and true entertainment.

I know the world seems like a dumpster fire, so let's carve out some time to admire really beautiful work today.

No worries, Jaclyn