Oscar Highlights

1. Hugh Jackman, Hugh Jackman, Hugh Jackman! Other than the clunky song and dance number with Beyonce (more on that in a minute!) I thought he did a great job. He's multi-talented (loved the opening song and dance number). He's well-spoken. He's witty. He exudes charm. And my God,the man is HOT!

2. Penelope Cruz's vintage dress. There were many lovely ladies in lovely gowns last night (Anne Hathaway, Sarah Jessica Parker, Marisa Tomei), but Penelope Cruz and her dress outshone them all. One word--STUNNING!

3. Meryl Streep flexing her muscles when Hugh Jackman (jokingly) accused her of being on steroids. I love how funny and gracious she is. Despite being a "serious" actress she's never let it go to her head or ruin her sense of humor. (Take notes, Gwyneth Paltrow!)

4. Jerry Lewis's speech. Oftentimes these lifetime achievement/humanitarian awards are a little painful to watch as the recipient rambles on and on incoherently and the audience squirms and pretends to be interested. Quite honestly I expected the same thing from Jerry Lewis. But he kept it short, sweet and to the point. Nicely done, Mr. Lewis!

5. Heath Ledger's win. Very deserved and very touching.

6. Steve ("Don't fall in love with me!") Martin and Tina Fey. What a perfect comedic pairing. I know these two are married to other people but I just want them to hook up and have a slew of hilarious children together.

7. The group of announcers for each acting nominee. I know it's getting mixed reviews, but I liked it. I felt like it put the focus on all of the actors as opposed to the usual rush through the list of names to get to the winner. This way each nominee got his or her own special moment whether they won or not. Nice.

8. Speaking of their special moment, I loved Anne Hathaway's reaction to all of the wonderful things Shirley MacLaine said about her. Anne Hathaway is what all young Hollywood should aspire to. (Sorry, Lindsay Lohan.)

9. The adorable Slumdog Millionaire kids. When everyone assembled onstage for the best picture award I could not take my eyes off of these adorable, beaming children! The Oscar techies could have killed all of the lights in the theatre and those kids' grins would have lit the place up! So cute!

And now for the lows....

1. The aforementioned clunky dance number with Beyonce. I get what they were going for, but it just didn't quite get there. And if I can be especially tacky for a moment, did Beyonce look a little...um...curvier than usual? Don't get me wrong--she's a beautiful girl and definitely in better shape than I am, pregnant or not, but I'm not on the Oscars in a red, spangly leotard either!! Just sayin.

2. All the young "stars" who either presented or walked the red carpet. Seriously? What the fuck were Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Miley Cyrus and Robert Pattison doing in the same BUILDING as Meryl Streep, much less on the freakin' Oscar stage???? Me no likey.

3. Philip Seymour Hoffman's knit cap. I know, I know, Mr. Hoffman. You're quirky and weird; we get it. But you are also at the Oscars. COMB YOUR HAIR!

4. Mickey Rourke's hair. I know, I know, Mr. Rourke. You're troubled and dark; we get it. But you are also at the Oscars. COMB YOUR HAIR!

5. Clapping during the memorial montage. This has always bothered me. I know some stars are more beloved than others (Sydney Pollack and Paul Newman were this year's popular kids judging from last night's applause), but all the other dead folks have friends and family watching the show too. It just feels disrespectful to me. "Oh yeah, some producer guy died but I've never heard of him so it doesn't matter." I'm sure it matters to someone. I say if you clap for one, you clap for all. And you keep it at the same level for everybody--producer, lighting guy, key grip or big star.