And the Oscar goes to...

Jessica Chastain in a gorgeous McQueen gown!

As an avid Chastain fan, I had no doubt she would work the red carpet...and boy did she ever!  Her dress fit her perfectly (unlike many ladies this awards season), and her hair was to die for.  Chastain (or her stylist) really understands fit, color, and dressing appropriately for one's body type and age.  Well done!

Octavia Spencer also rocked the red carpet in a sparkly Tadashi Shoji gown.  It was her best look to date.  Congratulations to her on her Oscar-well deserved Ms. Spencer.  You make us proud.

Stacey Keibler took my breath away in a fitted bronze Marchesa gown-so glad she finally stepped out of her beau's shadow and had her own big moment.

I also LOVED Meryl Streep's gold Lanvin dress.  She's made some interesting wardrobe choices over the years, so I was quite pleased to see her bring it last night.  I thought Viola Davis would win but was incredibly thrilled for Meryl.  She is THE BEST actress of her generation, and I just love her.  Her speech thanking her husband brought me to tears.

Honorable mention goes to the always lovely Emma Stone in a bright red Giambattista Valli gown.  I didn't love this shade of red on her, but she looked gorgeous.  Her bit with Ben Stiller was HI-larious.  Well played Miss Stone.

All in all, it was a nice evening.  The speeches were extremely thoughtful and appropriate, and Billy Crystal was great.  I'm sad to say goodbye to awards season but look forward to seeing you on the red carpet in the fall.

(photos courtesy of www.instyle.com)