Rebel-ing and Reveling in the MTV Movie Awards

April 15, 2013

 

Just when you thought movie awards season ended with the Oscars and kudo- attention shifted to the Emmys, along comes the MTV Movie Awards to shower last year’s films with golden popcorn trophies.

 

That’s because the awards show, which aired live from Sony Pictures Studios Sunday April 14–and will be repeated numerous times on MTV–also acts as a great promotional opportunity for upcoming blockbusters to reach their target audience.

 

“The Hunger Games.” “Fast and Furious.” “Iron Man.” “Star Trek.” The sequels to those tentpoles all got prime play during the telecast with talent from each film introducing teaser trailers, nearly overshadowing the awards themselves.

 

The show was also an opportunity for host Rebel Wilson to become known to a wider audience. Wilson, who starred in last year’s “Pitch Perfect,” used her weight and her nationality — some consider her the Australian Melissa McCarthy–for a brand of Down Under humor of the below-the-belt variety.

 

It all got off to a fun start with a wink and a nod to the pitfalls and precipices of hosting an awards show, personified by none other than Oscar host with the least James Franco.

 

In a raunchy taped bit, Franco, currently starring in “Oz the Great and Powerful,” confronted Wilson in the real Oz, the Australian outback, with the offer to emcee MTV, and put her in an Iron Man suit to fly halfway across the world to Culver City.

 

And kaboom. She landed in a plume of smoke on a soundstage dressed and creatively set-designed for the occasion, as the cable network always does so well for its kudocasts.

 

Wilson herself walked away with several awards, including Breakthrough Performance, one of a series of unique categories like Best WTF Moment, Best Shirtless Performance, Best Fight and the always popular Best Kiss.

That went to Bradley Cooper and Katniss Everdeen—oops, wrong movie—Jennifer Lawrence in “Silver Linings Playbook.” Cooper also took Best Male perf for his role and during his acceptance speech, made a plea for taking better care of war veterans returning with emotional and psychological problems.

 

When it comes to MTV Movie’s honorary awards, things can also get pretty serious– and even a little teary.

Emma Watson took the Trailblazer Award, reflecting on how bad her hair looked in the first “Harry Potter” movie and how she was always the girl in school to first raise her hand and was teased mercilessly. “You’ve allowed me to grow,” she told the crowd and advised them that anything can happen if you put your heart into something.

 

Jamie Foxx, anointed with the Generation Award by “Django Unchained” co-star Kerry Washington wore a Justice for Treyvon Martin T-shirt that alluded to the recent firing of a Florida police training officer who put drawings of the slain black teenager on targets.

Foxx gave a special shout-out to director Oliver Stone, who was the first to hire him for a feature film (“Any Given Sunday”) when the actor only had experience in television. “I feel like I’m just starting,” Foxx said and mentioned that he was directing a new Syfy series to add to his acting and musical repertoire.

 

With Will Ferrell, presented with the Comedic Genius award by “Game of Thrones” star Peter Dinklage, there was nothing serious said, and perhaps some feathers ruffled when, clad in a suit apparently fashioned of dollar bills, he called his family up to the stage and brought out an Asian woman and multiple children he said were theirs.

 

Unless this relates to the new “Anchorman” movie, which it very well may, it completely bombed — and Ferrell should’ve stuck to his jokes like he always wanted to wake up in the morning and dress himself like Dennis Rodman. There was also a bit he did with actress Aubrey Plaza that didn’t hit its mark.

 

It was left to Wilson to re-inject some comedy with her portrayals of an unwanted character, Head Whore,  trying to upstage Anne Hathaway in “Les Miserables” and as fierce tiger Richard Parker in “Life of Pi,” battling on the boat with Pi.

The grand finale—MTV’s version of best movie– was presented by Brad Pitt, and the opportunity to promote his “World War Z.” It went to another film whose sequel is also heading down the pike, “The Avengers,” whose Tom Hiddleston also took the Best Villain trophy for his role as Loki.

 

And it was as Iron Mangina that Wilson blasted off to end the show, cementing her status as best female Australian awards show host, sometimes confused with British chanteuse Adele—or Melissa McCarthy.

 

 

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Sir Elton John Raises Millions for a Good Cause on Oscar Night

February 27, 2013

By the time Oscar Sunday rolls around, most of the people out celebrating have been doing so for days on end. But if you’re one of the lucky guests at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Viewing Party and afterparty, brace yourself for a grand finale to awards season –and to be on board for the whole afternoon well into the night.

 

Yet all of the glitzy celebration is for a good cause. The 21st annual event, hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, raised a whopping $6 million for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

 

Held at the tented City of West Hollywood Park across from the Pacific Design Center, guests began celebrating the Academy Awards with a cocktail reception before the broadcast began.

 

As they watch the ceremonies on monitors in a beautifully created ballroom festooned with red tablecloths and beautiful floral centerpieces, a five course dinner is served – and this year fell under the culinary supervision of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

On the menu: chilled Dungeness crab, braised beef short rib and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

A sizable contingent of guests that we spoke with flew across the country in order to attend and support.

“We come every year,” said one attendee from Miami. “We love L.A. in the winter and wouldn’t miss this,” his friend said.

The guest list was eclectic and included athletes, execs, artists and actors like Aisha Tyler, Andrew Rannells, Anna Paquin & Stephen Moyer, Bernie Taupin, Billie Jean King, Bono, Britney Spears, Bryan Singer, Carmen Electra, Chace Crawford, Chad Michael Murray, Chelsea Handler, Chris Brown, Chris Colfer, Chris Cornell, Dave Grohl, Dustin Lance Black, Emma Roberts, Emmy Rossum, Eric & Janet McCormack, Finola Hughes, George Takei, Heidi Klum, Ian Somerhalder, Jaime King, Jane Lynch, Jane Seymour, Jared Harris, JC Chasez, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Jenna Elfman, Jennifer Coolidge, Jessica Lowndes, Jim Carrey and Joel Madden.

Also attending:  John Waters, Judy Greer, Karina Smirnoff, Katerina Graham, Kelly Osbourne, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kyle MacLachlan, Lucy Lawless, Lydia Hearst, Matthew Morrison, Mehcad Brooks, Mel Brown, Mena Suvari, Michael Buble, Miley Cyrus, Molly Sims, Naomi Campbell, Natalie Imbruglia, Nia Vardalos Nicki Minaj, Nicole Richie, , Paz Vega, Peter Facinelli, Petra Nemcova, Quincy Jones, Rachel Griffiths, Randy Jackson, Rose McGowan, Russell Simmons, Ryan Kwanten,  Sharon Stone, Steven Tyler, Terry Crews, Tim Allen, Topher Grace and Wilmer Valderrama.

 

After dinner, it was time for the event’s noted auction, which always brings in the big bucks for a great cause.

An iconic photograph of Faye Dunaway taken the morning after she won her Best Actress Oscar for “Network” by famed photographer Terry O’Neill sold for $120,000. Two pairs of tickets to join Elton and David at the legendary Vanity Fair party sold for $150,000 each. Five days at Steven Tyler’s Hawaiian retreat brought in $250,000 and  Sir Elton also auctioned off four private performances by himself that went for $250,000 each, totaling $1 million right there.

The musical entertainment – also a keynote feature of Sir Elton’s annual party – featured music from soulful Scottish songstress Emeli Sandé, who performed a high-energy set, including the hit song “Next to Me,” much to the crowd’s delight.

Many of the guests we spoke to were big fans, and she gained many more with her performance.

The gala couldn’t happen without the support of its sponsors Chopard, Neuro, Wells Fargo and American Airlines. No wonder there were so many out-of-towners.

In his remarks, EJAF Founder Sir Elton John kept to the theme of the evening: AIDS research. He celebrated the Oscar-nominated documentary How to Survive a Plague, praising the extraordinary work of the early AIDS activists portrayed in the film and calling for a renewed emphasis on AIDS advocacy.

“How to Survive a Plague tells the story of AIDS activism in the earliest and most terrifying years of the AIDS epidemic.  But you know what?  Today, that activism is needed now more than ever if we are to achieve the promise of an AIDS-free generation,” said Sir Elton.  “Our Foundation is clear on what is needed, we’re vocal in standing for what we believe, and we invest in the work that needs to be done.  And I promise you that we’ll keep on fighting until the politics and bureaucracies yield to reason and justice.  I don’t care how long it takes, we’re going to fight, and we’re going to win.”

For more information, please go to www.ejaf.org

–Hillary Atkin

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Academy Awards Governors Ball Showcases Wolfgang Puck’s Winning Cuisine

February 26, 2013

As soon as the last envelope for best picture is ripped open, it’s showtime at the Ray Dolby Ballroom for 1,600 guests who will make their way over from the theater at the Oscars for some high class sustenance after the lengthy ceremony.

 

A much smaller number got an exclusive preview of the 2013 Governors Ball the night before in what’s become an annual tradition—a full dress rehearsal of the food, drink and design overseen by Cheryl Cecchetto and her team at Sequoia Productions, along with acclaimed chef Wolfgang Puck.

 

It’s his 19th year at the ball, supervising a kitchen staff of 350 that turn out everything from a raw bar filled with baby lobster tails, crab legs and shrimp to Puck’s famous pizzas and comfort food like lamb chops, chicken pot pie with black truffles and chestnut tortellini.

 

Our favorite: the smoked salmon and caviar Oscars, a customized take on his legendary Jewish pizza.

In total, close to 50 different dishes are served to the crowd of actors, producers, directors, writers and studio executives, topped off with desserts designed by noted executive pastry chef Sherry Yard, both served and serve yourself at a 24-foot-long chocolate bar.

Guests will not go thirsty. Sterling Vineyards is the wine sponsor, pouring its Napa vintages, the 2007 Sterling Reserve Cabernet, the 2009 Sterling Reserve Chardonnay and three limited production dessert wines. Thienot is supplying the champagnes, taking over from Moet, and Patron is mixing up special Oscar cocktails with its tequilas.

 

Mark’s Garden created the unique floral arrangements, many of which are under glass-topped tables, while others sit atop tablecloths more traditionally.

According to AMPAS, here are some of the numbers:

Pieces of California micro greens: 20,000

Pounds of troll-caught Atlantic bigeye tuna: 250

Stone crab claws: 1,250

Cage-free eggs: 5,000

Mini brioche buns: 6,000

Gallons cocktail sauce: 30

Local fruit and vegetable farmers: 80

Pounds of edible gold dust: 30

Cocktail forks: 6,000

Bamboo skewers: 4,500

Bottles of 2007 Sterling Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: 540

Total glasses of Sterling Vineyards wine served during and after the Oscars: 13,680

 

–Hillary Atkin

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Argo, Ang and the Academy Award for Awkward Oscar Host

February 26, 2013

Benjamin Affleck, we didn’t see your boobs. But now we can safely say that the members of the motion picture academy’s directors branch are in fact boobs for not nominating you– or Kathryn Bigelow. So the 85th Annual Academy Awards will go down in history as one of the few times that the winner of the best picture trophy was passed over for directing the film.

 

Or as host Seth McFarlane put it, the story of “Argo” was so top secret that the director was unknown to the Academy. The sheer force of the acclaim garnered throughout the six weeks since the infamous snub was hard to ignore, and so there was no real astonishment that “Argo” did take the top prize, only pleasure.

 

In fact, there were very few surprises in the contests for the top trophies. Daniel Day-Lewis as lead actor and Anne Hathaway as supporting actress were practical guarantees. Ang Lee’s win was rather unexpected over Steven Spielberg. The lead actress race had come down to the battle of Jessica Chastain versus Jennifer Lawrence.

 

And just as “Argo,” an historical drama in which Hollywood saves the day, seemed blessed, “Zero Dark Thirty” seemed cursed after influential senators Dianne Feinstein and John McCain questioned its authenticity and seeming conclusion that torture led to the intel that eventually caused bin Laden to sleep with the fishes.

 

After all, if you’re going to listen to any lawmaker talk about torture, it’s going to be John McCain, who was himself tortured as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for eight years.

 

Perhaps the ZDT filmmakers sealed their fate when they were widely quoted as saying theirs had been journalistic exploration of the hunt for bin Laden, which created unrealistic expectations as to its accuracy. Folks, this was a feature film, not a documentary, one in which many viewers thought the torture scenes were exploitative and went on for far too long.

 

Prior to that congressional contretemps, Bigelow and screenwriter (and former journalist) Mark Boal had been accused of getting special treatment from the Obama administration and from the CIA. All of this controversy apparently sent AMPAS voters scurrying to the safe harbors of other films—despite Amy Poehler’s famous quip at the Golden Globes, “When it comes to torture, I’m gonna trust the lady who was married to James Cameron for four years.”

Much as we wanted to like Seth MacFarlane’s hosting job, just about everything about it felt stilted and awkward, not to mention sexist, racist and anti-Semitic. The Captain Kirk thing at the top—hmm. Maybe for the Emmys? Oh, that’s right, there’s a “Star Trek” movie coming up. The song “We’ve Seen Your Boobs?” Just silly and juvenile and not befitting of the occasion.

 

The edgy jokes about “Django Unchained’s” screenplay being based on Mel Gibson’s voice mails and its violence against women being a date night movie for Chris Brown and Rihanna? Those were actually some of the funnier bits, although they fell into the category of trying too hard to be edgy and appeal to a younger audience.

 

Still, we say bring back Billy Crystal, or Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, or Jon Stewart. Just not David Letterman. Ever again.

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QVC Brings Oscar Red Carpet Style to Green Grass at the Four Seasons

February 25, 2013

Like many other Oscar week events, the QVC bash has become something of an awards season/Hollywood institution. For four or five years running, the shopping channel has taken over the back lawn of the Four Seasons Hotel on Doheny and transformed it into a beautifully lit garden wonderland with a high energy, ultra-fashionable vibe.

 

A clear tent overhead reflects the lights mounted in the trees, making for an even more festive atmosphere.

 

From the main lobby, hundreds of guests walk over a red carpeted bridge into the party, where hotel staff awaits with specialty cocktails and always delicious, but mini hors d’oeuvres that quickly disappear from round silver trays. Not to worry – the supply is endless, even as some regulars joke that eating 20 of the caviar-topped blinis equal about four regular size ones.

 

This year, a large circular bar that essentially cut the grounds in half was removed in favor of smaller bartended outposts along the sides, and allowed for greater freedom of movement to booze and schmooze.

Among the guests making the rounds were Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Richie, Heidi Klum, Jane Seymour, Miranda Kerr, Camilla Alves, Gilles Marini, Maria Menounos and Kristin Chenoweth and hosts of the party, QVC president/CEO Mike George and CEO Claire Watts.

 

Scenes from the celebration aired as a special on QVC, with several of the celebrity guests that hawk products on the channel, including Richie chatting about her Nicole Richie Collection, Klum discussing Wildlife by Heidi Klum, and Hudson talking the Jennifer Hudson Collection.

 

–Hillary Atkin

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Film Femmes Feted at Fig & Olive for Bubbly Pre-Oscar Fabulousness

February 25, 2013

Given the fact that women make up such an underrepresented proportion of those working in the film industry, it’s always lovely to attend an Oscar event that features and fetes the femmes.

 

Women in Film held its sixth annual pre-Oscar cocktail party at West Hollywood’s Fig & Olive, which provides more party space than the previous, but equally trendy location of nearby Cecconi’s.

 

WIF president Cathy Schulman and actress Octavia Spencer were the hostesses with the mostest for the soirée, which was sponsored by Perrier-Jouet, MAC Cosmetics and MaxMara.

 

We can’t even begin to imagine how many flutes of champagne were consumed by guests, and that is why P-J’s generous contribution to the event is especially appreciated.

Whether they imbibed or not, attendees included 2013 Academy Award nominees Amy Ziering, Cori Shepherd Stern, Cynthia Wade, David O. Russell, Estelle Fialon, Jacki Weaver, Jessica Chastain, Karen Baker Landers, Katie Spencer, Kief Davidson, Lucy Alibar, Philippa Kowarsky, Pilar Savone, Quvenzhane Wallis, Robin Honan, Sarah Greenwood, Sari Gilman, Stacey Sher and special guests Daniel Radcliffe, Gia Mantegna, Jared Harris, Jenna Elfman, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Kate Walsh, Katheryn Winnick, Kelli Garner, Louise Roe,  Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Molly Sims, Paz Vega, Sharon Lawrence and Viola Davis.

Due to inevitable traffic troubles on Oscar weekend, which on this night included a Sunset Blvd. shutdown,  Chastain made it just before the bash was scheduled to end, accompanied by Gian Luca Passe de Preposulo.  They kept the party going–and stayed for almost an hour longer with David O. Russell and Daniel Radcliffe.  Meanwhile, Spencer hung out with Viola Davis and Ahna O’Reilly, her fellow cast-mates from last year’s Oscar nominee The Help.

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An Awards Season Lounge Filled with Unique Designs and Luxury Treats

February 25, 2013

GBK is known for its award worthy gifting suites and it takes the cake – when it comes to the cake. A beautiful, baked for Oscars multi-layer confection topped by a sweet Oscar by renowned bakery Breadbasket Cakes was on full display at LA’s Sofitel Hotel, where the two-day event set up shop in the days leading into the Academy Awards.

 

Guests were indulged with luxury gifts, music, gourmet food and an opportunity to support several  charity sponsors featured at the event, including Global Green USA, the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation and City of Hope.

 

Among those attending: Chris Tucker, CCH Pounder, Joey Lawrence, Terry Crews, Wayne Knight, Chazz Palminteri and Bellamy Young.

 

Some of the vendors included the Puerto Vallarta tourism board, Revitalash, Tiro Jewelry Design and Magellan Jets.

 

One of our favorites was the Artisan Group (www.theartisangroup.org), a collection of artists who bring their handcrafted products from all over the country and the world to Hollywood, ranging from jewelry to children’s apparel, handbags to candles, fine art photography to designer stationery, paper goods, crocheted accessories and woodworked items. Each is unique and handmade by the artist and epitomizing the folks/roots movement that is musically interpreted by bands like Mumford and Sons and the Lumineers.

Some of the artists represented include Cindy Arnet with Sienna Grace Jewelry, Valerie Guerrero with Beez Kneez Designs, Libbi Shorts with Mt. Baldy Glassworks, Stephanie Sharer with Alchemy Lifestyle, Emma Maudsley with Sock Monkey Emporium from the UK, Rita Gruzman with Fascinators First, Jude McConkey fine photography, AB Glass Jewelry, Northern Adornments, Charms by Nash, Tucker Hill Designs, Honey & Ollie and Piccolo Paradiso luxury soap and body products.

 

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It’s a 007 Theme for Eco Oscar Sustainable Gift Lounge

February 24, 2013

The grass is always greener in the backyard of a Beverly Hills estate, perfectly in keeping with the theme of Debbie Durkin’s Main Event Red Carpet Lounge Eco-Oscar event celebrating the 85th Annual Academy Awards.

 

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the James Bond movies, 007 also played a big part in what is billed as a sustainable event. In honor of the fact that Ian Fleming wrote his spy novels in Jamaica, the Jamaican Tourist Board was fully engaged in the two-day event, telling guests about all of the attractions of the island nation.

 

Coley’s Cuisine served up authentic Jamaican food and signature cocktails and the Tennessee Spirits Company poured its whiskey brands including one called Forbidden Secret Dark Mocha American Cream.

Guests included Malik Bendejelloul,  Oscar winner for Best Documentary/Searching for Sugar Man; Reginald Hudlin,  Oscar nominee for Best Picture/Django Unchained, David Costabile, from Oscar-nominated Lincoln and cast members of  USA Network’s Suits.

 

There were also some live musical performances that benefited the charity The Mics, which aims to improve literacy and raise awareness about the environment amongst at-risk students in Stockton, California.

 

Brands participating included OPI nail products with its James Bond nail lacquer collection, jeweler Michael Greene, Hugrz boot wraps and Shaklee Get Clean Home Care Kits.

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Star Pampering at Roger Neal Style Hollywood

February 23, 2013

If anyone deserves an award for the longest running luxury awards season suite, it’s Roger and Lynn Neal, who just wrapped up their Style Hollywood Beauty and Couture Suite celebrating the 85th Annual Academy Awards.

 

The party ran for three days during Oscar week at L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, but for the Neals it has been going on for 17 years. They started off working with shoemaker to the stars Stuart Weitzman, outfitting the feet of Oscar attendees who wanted to dazzle from head to toe on the red carpet. They also ran Weitzman’s pre-Oscar dinner, known not only for its A-list guests, but for a lavish gift bag packed with electronics, beauty products and jewelry.

 

Neal says the concept evolved into a beauty and couture suite, which showcases designer fashions, jewelry, handbags, bath, body and hair products and pampers guests with beauty treatments. They included spray tans, facials and massages provided by SunLounge Studios, eyelash extensions by Daniel Dinh of Long Mi Lashes, blow drys from Olez haircare and shaves by the Art of Shaving in Beverly Hills

 

Those who indulged included the youngest and most adorable nominee for best actress, Quvenzhane Wallis, who is known for her love of unique handbags. Accompanied by her mother and grandmother, she had a grand old time perusing the purses of designer Timmy Woods before moving on to check out gowns from two designers, Shekhar Rahate and Addy Van Den Krommenacker and jewelry from Sisa by Brasil.

 

Other guests included Marcia Gay Harden and AJ Hammer, Oscar nominee for best short film Shawn Christensen, TV matchmaker Patti Stanger and the stars of the reality hit “Shahs of Sunset.”

 

Another fun element, unveiling the most expensive flat iron, an Iso Beauty hair tool adorned with a rare $500,000 30-carat orange sapphire. Young Q. checked that out, too.

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Sparkly Gowns and Crystal Trophies at the Costume Designers Guild Awards

February 22, 2013

Anne Hathaway had the crowd going when she dramatically announced, “We should all take a moment of silence…,” took a long pause, and then continued, “for the more than 100 disco balls that died for the sake of my dress.”

 

It was a comment that may have missed its mark comedically – Hathaway, a recent “Saturday Night Live” host, bowed to the greater expertise of Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph there– but her comment was perfectly appropriate within the context of the 15th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards.

 

Actor and comedian Joel McHale hosted the gala, held Tuesday February 19 at the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom.

 

Awards season regulars call it the most fun and loose of the guild presentations which, with the exception of the Screen Actors Guild ceremony, are not televised, and therefore foster a much wider swath of freedom of speech.

 

The Costume Designers Guild hands out awards for costume design excellence in seven categories in film, television and commercials, as well as four honorary statues.

 

Hathaway was honored with the LACOSTE Spotlight Award, which was presented by her “Les Misérables” co-star, Russell Crowe, in a rare public appearance.

“I did a lot of research on Anne. She originally wanted to be a nun, but ditched that idea because she wouldn’t be part of an organization that couldn’t love her gay brother,” Crowe said. “She measures everything with her heart,” he said in introducing a clip reel that showcased the costumes she wore in films ranging from “The Princess Diaries” to “The Devil Wears Prada,” Brokeback Mountain” to “The Dark Knight Rises” and her latest and much acclaimed  outing as Fantine in “Les Miz.”

 

“I have always wanted a crystal crocodile,” Hathaway said in accepting the award.

 

Earlier in the evening, Rudolph, Poehler, “30 Rock” and “SNL” costume designer Tom Broecker and Steve Martin had lauded producer Lorne Michaels for receiving the Distinguished Collaborator Award. Rudolph reflected on her days at “SNL” when her costume changes went from Beyoncé to Maya Angelou in the space of a commercial break.

 

“Lorne Michaels is a legend,” Martin said. “Lorne Michaels does it all. He produces…,” (insert audience laughter here), “and I’m glad were not giving him a plaque, and that it’s a trophy. Not one man in Hollywood wants a plaque wife. He wants a trophy wife.”

 

Another honorary award went to Eduardo Castro, for career achievement in television, spanning 25 years of his work on shows including “Miami Vice,” “Ugly Betty” and “Once Upon a Time.”

 

Castro gave a lengthy acceptance speech that highlighted anecdotes from his career, beginning as a student at Carnegie Mellon and moving on to an apprenticeship at Western Costume before touching on other stories from his years as a costume designer — a protracted speech that had McHale proclaiming “holy shit” when it finally ended.

 

Molly Maginnis kept her acceptance nice and tight when she took the prize for costume design in a contemporary television series for NBC’s “Smash.” “Downton Abbey’s” Caroline McCall won the trophy for period/fantasy television series and Lou Eyrich got the award for made-for-TV movie or miniseries with “American Horror Story: Asylum, Season 2.”

 

Judianna Makovsky took the stage twice, once for winning for commercial design with “Captain Morgan Black” and again in receiving the career achievement award in film for her work in pictures including “The Cotton Club,” “Dick Tracy,” “Big,” “Lolita,” “The Devil’s Advocate,” “Reversal of Fortune,” “Seabiscuit,” “Great Expectations” and “The Hunger Games.”

 

Another highlight of the evening, presenter Shirley MacClaine, who called costume designers “intricate people who mess with your body” and “people who make the past live.”

 

They also apparently get to keep whatever is left in the pockets of their costumes. Said McHale, “Edith Head made a fortune from black tar heroin she found.”

–Hillary Atkin

 

 

 

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