MONDAY
NOW
THE TONY AWARDS
ALL TOGETHER NOW: The casts of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “Spamalot” join forces for the Tony Awards opening.
Everyone Gets Into the Act RICHARD CORKERY DAILY NEWS
‘DOUBT’ & ‘LIGHT’ SHINE BRIGHT, BUT OTHERS DO THEIR PART
NOW
THE ACADEMY AWARDS
style star!
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JADA PINKETT SMITH
Nothing says super style like this deceptively simple peacock-blue strapless column gown, designed by Roberto Cavalli, and worn without fussy accessories by the very real Mrs. Smith.
SALMA HAYEK
The babe-a-licious brunette scorched her way down the red carpet in a bodacious blue Versace pleated number that kissed every curve — and then some.
MICHELLE WIL
The Brooklyn babe sh phisticated side last n chiffon mustard-yello gown with a flirty div
best-dressed
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howed her sonight in a fluid, ow Vera Wang va train.
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THE ACADEMY AWARDS
REESE, HIRE A STYLIST! N
ow that Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon is the highest paid actress in Hollywood, can someone please put that cash where it’s needed most? A new stylist. Forget the tabloids’ fixation on her marriage to Ryan Phillippe — the real mystery is why Witherspoon, nearly 30 and one of the loveliest young stars in Hollywood — continually chooses to dress like a desperate housewife. Case in point: last night’s frumpy mother-ofthe-bride vintage Christian Dior disappointment. She’s a winner — it’s time she dresses like one. Robert Dominguez
06 JAN. 20
HIPPY, NOT HIP JESSICA ALBA
The “Fantastic Four” star scored a perfect 10 in a liquid-gold, halter-neck vava-voom bodiced gown that cascaded into a shimmering, fluid floral embroidered skirt.
JENNIFER LOPEZ A demure Mrs. Marc Anthony dazzled in a vibrant sculpted Lily et Cie creation — the formfitting bodice laced up the back, corset-style.
For such a winner, Witherspoon picks mumsy styles. And for someone with such a hot bod, we’d love to see her do more than this Christian Dior dud.
05 NOV. 20
AP, SUSAN GOLDMAN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES, JEMAL COUNTESS/WIREIMAGE.COM
PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, IAN WEST/PA/ABACAUSA.COM, STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE.COM
BOOBY PRIZE Felicity Huffman crossed the line with a black Zac Posen gown plunged so low it revealed too much information. But Uma Thurman (in Versace) showed the best breasts of the night.
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THE ACADEMY AWARDS
style star!
FELICITY
HUFFMAN
APRIL 2005 A two-
tone number was her choice for the GLAAD Media Awards in Hollywood.
GREGG DEGUIRE WIREIMAGE.COM
FEB. 2006 She channeled her flower power — and looked a bit like a couch — at the BAFTAs.
DANIEL DEME WENN
last night!
SEPT. 2005 The world got to know Kevan Hall when Huffman wore this to the Emmys.
In low-dipping bla ck, Huffman defied her age. But the details — pleating at the hip , a sheer bodice — proved she’s got consistent style.
JAN. 2006 She GETTY
showed off her bod in a clingy Nicole Miller column for the SAG Awards.
GETTY
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THE ACADEMY AWARDS
NOW
They rustle, but don’t flow Oscar’s fashion disasters
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BY JOE DZIEMIANOWICZ
he Academy handed out a coveted Golden Boy last night to “King Kong” for the monkey movie’s visual effects, which are truly dazzling. On the other hand, some of the visual effects on display during Tinseltown’s party of the year were just, well, bananas. No, there were no backward tuxedos, à la Celine Dion or bird-brained swan frocks, à la Bjork. But make no mistake: Several celebrities laid fashion eggs.
GETTY
POUF, BE GONE! “Capote” star Catherine Keener went kaput in a Monique Lhuillier loser.
AP
SEEING RED
At Elton John’s Oscar bash, Nicollette Sheridan showed up looking desperate for attention.
MAKES US BLUE
Helena Bonham Carter looks like a bag lady bridesmaid. GETTY
CATER WAITER
Hey, Lauren Hutton, could you get us a couple glasses of Champagne? GETTY
! the worst
that ld unwrap eron shou harlize Th sity. Maybe there’s a C c! xi to Bow ior monstro derneath. Christian D ess un normal dr GETTY
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SHREDDED WHAT?
Naomi Watts goes ape in Givenchy’s nude-colored nightmare.
OLD FAVES AND NEW
The fashion awards go to ... BREAST DRESSED
Katherine Heigl brought the girls — and let them hang all out in a barely-there Escada frock.
SEXIEST EXPECTANT
Wonder how Heidi Klum managed to snag this Michael Kors number?
SHOULD ASK FOR HER MONEY BACK
Tyra Banks bragged that this Georges Chakra gown cost $50,000 — talk about a ripoff.
WORST ACCESSORIES OVERKILL
GETTY
STEVE GRANITZ WIREIMAGE.COM
GETTY
Sandra Oh looked more like Mr. T than an Emmy nominee, in Vera Wang.
GETTY
GETTY
PRETTIEST IN PURPLE
Evangeline Lilly, in the night’s hottest color. This Versace version of the regal shade reigned supreme.
RENEGADE ICE CAPADE
Hey Cheryl Hines: Michelle Kwan called, and she wants her skating uniform back.
BIGGEST ’DO DON’T
Love the Dior dress, but Ellen Pompeo’s hair is pulled so tight, her face is going to hurt in the morning. GETTY
STEVE GRANITZ WIREIMAGE.COM
GETTY
FACES SCORE EMMYS ‘Grace,’ ‘Entourage,’ ‘Wing’ take trophies
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BY RICHARD HUFF DAILY NEWS TV EDITOR
t was supposed to be the year the “58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards” honored new faces, but early on at last night’s presentation repeat winners were aplenty. It was also a night for shows that were no longer on the air, such as NBC’s “Will & Grace” and “The West Wing” and Showto say it’s gratifying to be chosen from time’s “Huff.” “I guess I have to thank Showtime, even though they’ve canceled us,” said Blythe Danner, picking up her second consecutive award as best supporting actress in a drama for her work on “Huff.” “They’re nice guys, even if they can’t help it.” Megan Mullally earned her second consecutive best supporting actress in a comedy award — she’s been nominated seven straight times — for her role as the cantankerous Karen Walker on NBC’s “Will & Grace,” which ended its eight-year run in May. “Oh boy, well, here come the waterworks; never cried on national television,” said Mullally, who this fall becomes a talkshow host. “I think I like it.” But not everyone was a returning Emmy winner. Jeremy Piven, who has won raves as the ruthless agent Ari on HBO’s “Entourage,” earned his first for best supporting actor in a comedy. “My first agent, when I was 23, said, ‘You’re not going to work until you’re in your mid-40s,’ ” Piven recalled. “I said, ‘I don’t know what to do for 17 years. I have to act.’ ” “Monk” star Tony Shalhoub, a fourtime nominee and previous winner, won the best actor in a comedy award. “It’s been a terrible mistake,” he said. “I never win anything. I just want
a distinguished group of losers … actors.” Veteran Alan Alda earned a best supporting actor in a drama trophy for his work as the Republican presidential candidate on NBC’s “The West Wing.” The nomination process was revamped this season in an effort to bring new names and fresh blood to the program. However, while there were just a few new names, the new system was notable for overlooking some shows, such as “Lost,” and actors, such as “House” star Hugh Laurie and the cast of “The Gilmore Girls.” Going into the night it was pitched as a battle between Fox’s action drama “24,” which had 12 nominations, and ABC’s medical soap “Grey’s Anatomy,” with 11 nominations. NBC’s “Will & Grace” was the third-most-nominated series with 10. The awards were presented at L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium and aired live on NBC. Conan O’Brien was the host. Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” earned the variety, music or comedy series award. “I think this year you actually made a terrible mistake,” Stewart joked. It was no mistake. “The Daily Show” was also given the writing award for a variety, music or comedy show.
THE EMMY AWARDS
MATHEW IMAGING FILMMAGIC.COM
WINNER BY A NECK Ascot-clad Jeremy Piven of “Entourage” was named best supporting actor in a comedy series.
THE WINNERS OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Tony Shalhoub – “Monk” – USA Network OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Blythe Danner – “Huff” – Showtime OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES
Jeremy Piven – :Entourage” – HBO
ø “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” – Comedy Central
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Alan Alda – “The West Wing” – NBC OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Megan Mullally – “Will & Grace” – NBC
OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE
Kelly Macdonald – “The Girl in the Cafe” – HBO AP
‘WILL’ & TESTAMENT “Will & Grace’s” Megan Mullally won for supporting actress in a comedy series.
AP
GLITTER GIRL There’s not a bead left in New York after they made Vanessa Minnillo’s dress.
JOHN ROCA DAILY NEWS
JOHN ROCA DAILY NEWS
JAMIE McCARTHY WIREIMAGE.COM
TRASH & FLASH
SHE’S GOLDEN
Christina Aguilera takes the plunge in Versace and retro pin curls.
UMMM . . .
Jennifer Lopez, in quite possibly the weirdest outfit, ever.
SAY, “AHHHHH”
NO “SOS” NEEDED New girl on the block Rihanna scored in this D&G dress.
KEVIN MAZUR WIREIMAGE.COM
BURBERRY BURNING A duchess, she ain’t: Fergie let it all hang out in this tiny, tacky British number.
JAMIE McCARTHY CARTHY WIREIMAGE.COM
JEFF KRAVITZ FILMMAGIC.COM
Jessica Simpson lost her voice — and her stylist’s number, apparently.
AS MTV HITS N.Y.C.
Moon Man mayhem out of this world
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BY JIM FARBER DAILY NEWS FEATURE WRITER
leeped lines, shameless plugs and sight gags galore. Welcome to the orgy of ritualized outrage and bald-faced pleas for attention that is the MTV Video Music Awards.
AP
ARRESTING! Beyonce stole the show in a startlingly sexy corset and hotpants for “Ring the Alarm,” off her new album.
n Don’t touch the talent. MTV staff last night gave the event’s lucky seat fillers a strict warning. “If you are sitting next to a celebrity do not speak to them or touch them. Act like they are not there.” n Johnny Knoxville came to the event prepared...to drink. The “Jackass” star brought a knapsack full of miniature airline bottles of whisky — and even offered us some. He and his ‘ass cohorts hit up gay bar Baracuda for a long night Wednesday. “One guy tried to put the bowling ball hold on me, but I clenched,” he said, refilling his glass. n Nicole Richie almost didn’t make it to the awards. Her grandmother in Alabama is sick and she was down visiting her. “I totally forgot I had to be here and present,” she told us as she schmoozed with her reported ex Steve-O at the bar. “I had to get on a jet and then have my dress Fed-Exed. It was a disaster,” she complained. n LL Cool J used the opportunity to lash out at Def Jam Records. “I think Def Jam needs to be a better promoter of hip hop,” he griped in the green room. So does he think Def Jam CEO Jay-Z has dropped the ball? “I think Jay-Z does a very good job... of promoting Jay-Z,” he sniped. n Jessica Simpson, still nearly voiceless, was happy to pig out backstage — regardless of the proximity of ex-hubby Nick Lachey and his new pixie squeeze Vanessa Minnillo. “I’m back on the Daisy Dukes diet and I got to get my white girl ass back in shape. I’m terrible. I can’t do anything in moderation because I’ll go crazy.” Simpson also sported a sexy new short haircut. “It’s all my real hair for once,” joked the extension-loving pop tart. Jo Piazza
JOHN SHEARER WIREIMAGE.COM
OVERHEARD BACKSTAGE
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SWAG What graft did the stars grab? Turn to Lowdown PAGE 26
TIMBER! Timbaland and Justin Timberlake rocked the coveted opening performance with Justin’s “SexyBack.”
Last night at Radio City, the most animated stars in modern pop gathered to pose and preen and sometimes play. Oh yes, along the way they also accepted some Moon Men awards for their videos, though few seemed to care overmuch about that part – no surprise since MTV stopped playing actual videos years ago. More important was noting who came with whom – or with what. The guys in Fall Out Boy brought along their pet monkey. “Jackass”s’ Steve-O arrived with a midget (who later appeared on screen naked). My Chemical Romance performed on the roof of Rockefeller Center joined by a choir dressed as human skeletons. Halloween came early this year, it seemed. The familiar outburst of bleeping began before the official show even kicked off. In a preshow performance by the Black Eyed Peas’ Fergie on her No. 1 single “London Bridge,” she dropped the F bomb within the first minute, then followed up with several more similar outbursts. Later, her group snatched up the Best Hip-Hop Award for their smutty smash “My Humps.” On the red carpet, Sean Combs, now known solely as Diddy, outsourced his MTV work in an innovative way. He hired a VIDEO “spokesperson” to answer all interview MUSIC questions. He would only make mute gesAWARDS tures. He had also brought along a booze butler to follow him with alcohol and a glass in case the mood should strike. Host Jack Black got into the self-satirizing spirit right away by announcing at the start that “this show has been laying farts for the last 20 years, and I’m gonna light the match.” He then introduced the coup appearance of the evening: Lil’ Kim, who was making her first public appearance since getting out of stir. Escorted by two mock prison guards and done up in regulation prison orange, Kim announced “they tried to get me – but you can’t keep a good bitch down.” The pop group OK Go stole the show by recreating their hiliarious video choreography comprised entirely of the band’s fast foot work on four side-by-side running machines. The most cutting edge comment was a musical one: The Raconteurs redid the old Buggles song as “Internet Killed the Video Star.” For the first time this year, MTV carried a simultaneous, separate show over the Net on its Overdrive site. But the “exclusive” backstage footage turned out to be just things like Paris Hilton dryly practicing her lines before going on or Pharrell Williams chatting on his cell phone. In terms of the actual awards – oh those – an upset gave the top Video of the Year award to the upstart band Panic! At the Disco for “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” The soft-voiced British singer James Blunt was another suprise winner, taking Best Male Video for “Beautiful.” Far less surprising was a “Best Choreography” win for Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie,” which stars her gyrating naked mid-section.
NOW THE GRAMMY AWARDS
BABY ON BOARD: Gwen Stefani is set to join the mommy jungle in a one-shoulder leopard wrap. Who looks this glam when they’re preggers?
AB FAB: Get Christina Milian’s trainer on the phone! A Max Azria Atelier gown bares her toned tummy. PHOTOS: AP, GETTY, REUTERS
BEADED BEAUTY: Ali-
cia Keys dips it low in a Giorgio Armani gown made just for her.
GETS IT OFF HIS CHEST: Kanye West barely had a chance to button his Yves Saint Laurent shirt before red carpet time.
A TANGLED WEB: Beyoncé weaves
something beautiful in a chic Elie Saab column that shows off her curves.
WHITE HOT! Ciara’s got
style to spare in an Oscar-worthy goddess gown.
HATCHER’S THERE? Give Teri the trophy for “Will Show Up to the Opening of an Envelope.”
Finest ‘Hour’ comes at the end But expectations were ‘Higher’
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ast night’s “48th Annual Grammy Awards” on CBS was a Grammy show with many solid, good moments — but not an iconic one. Not, that is, until the final minutes, when Bruce Springsteen, Sam Moore and Irma Thomas teamed up for “In the Midnight Hour.” Even that number, though, was diluted by interruptions from superimposed and announced ads. Otherwise, the segment with the most potential for greatness was the all-star tribute to Sly & the Family Stone, with its surprise capper — the first appearance by Sly Stone in more than a decade. Stone’s initial appearance, sauntering onstage with his white-cockatoo Mohawk to bring home “I Want to Take You Higher,” set expectations high. By the end, though, the sound drop-offs from several microphones around the stage dampened the fun a bit. And despite the onstage energy from the likes of Joss Stone, John Legend, Maroon 5 and Steven Tyler, Sly’s lack of eye contact with the crowd or cameras — and his apparently premature, nervous exit from the stage — made it more like a miniset by Shy & the Family Stone. It wasn’t the only instance of a Grammy-night performance that didn’t quite gel. The show’s opening number, in which animated Gorillaz shared the stage with a rejuvenated Madonna, probably played great in the hall, but looked odd on TV — though Madonna herself looked great.
At least stalwarts came through fairly well last night, with Bruce Springsteen, U2 and even Paul McCartney contributing solid moments. McCartney, after singing a new song and a raucous “Helter Skelter” with Foo Fighters, joined Linkin Park and Jay-Z in a version of “Yesterday,” which served as a nice bridge between generational hits and sounds. The show was best at giving exposure to specific genres. Faith Hill and Keith Urban provided strong country sets. Kanye West and Jamie Foxx got the crowd on its feet as drum majors, in a highenergy rap medley that ended with Diddy taking part as well. Mariah Carey, backed by a gospel choir, also roused the crowd. A duet between Herbie Hancock and Christina Aguilera, on Leon Russell’s “A Song for You,” just before the closing salute to New Orleans, was one of the more daring and satisfying moments of the three-hour affair. Well, three-and-a-half hours, to be exact.
DAVID BIANCULLI
HAIR-RAISING SIGHT: Sly Stone sports a white Mohawk at Grammy tribute.
A chorus of commentary backstage LOS ANGELES — There was the arrival of a new Legend and the return of an old one. Such were the topics of chatter backstage at the record industry’s biggest night, amid the marathon that is the Grammy Awards. With 108 categories in all, there’s much more going on than viewers at home ever get to see or hear: John Legend, who won three awards, commented on the perception that he’s reviving old soul. “I wasn’t trying to represent an era,” he said backstage. “I wasn’t trying to change R&B — I’m just trying to make good albums.” n n n Keith Urban, who won his first Grammy last night for Best Country Male Vocal Performance, had just started to address the press when Sly Stone appeared on the TV monitors with that giant, bleached-white Mohawk. As the whole room gasped,Urban
stammered: “I’m stoned and dreaming. Everything pales in comparison to this,” he said. “Except the Grammy, of course.” n n n Freddie Stone, who reunited to play with his brother Sly and their old band last night for the first time in more than 30 years, revealed that new music from the group is coming. He added that “There’s some evolution in the works as far as we’re doing today,” but didn’t say when we might hear it.
JIM FARBER
U2’s Bono seemed thrilled the top three awards went to rock bands. “There’s something stirring for sure,” he said. “There’s something about this bass, drum and guitar format that feels fresh.” n n n When Alison Krauss was asked why she’s such a Grammy pet — she has 17 prior wins, plus three more last night — the country singer just shrugged. “I’m not going to ask questions,” said Krauss. n n n Faith Hill, who won Best Country Collaboration with her husband, Tim McGraw, said the act she most wanted to see last night was Coldplay. That drew an eye-roll from McGraw. “I got to go home and hear Coldplay all night,” he whined.
E-mail: davidbianculli@comcast.net
THE LEGEND GROWS:
John Legend won three Grammys last night, including Best New Artist.
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Oscar’s color story:
Beautiful in Benicio Del Toro KRT
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Juliette Binoche
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Scarlet, gray and...
Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe
basic black By ALEV AKTAR
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DAILY NEWS FASHION AND BEAUTY EDITOR
ulia Roberts couldn’t have looked less like Erin Brockovich at last night’s Oscar ceremony. Instead of the trampy miniskirts and pushup bras she wore in the movie, the Best Actress looked every inch the Hollywood star in a sleek black-and-white vintage Valentino gown. Talk about dressing like a winner. Jennifer Lopez, on the other hand, chose a dove gray Chanel dress with a full skirt and a shockingly transparent top that gave new meaning to the word titillating. This is the second time that Lopez has attended an awards show in a daring cleavage-revealing dress. The first was the 2000 Grammys, when she stole the show in a plunge-neck green Versace gown. Although Roberts and Lopez were the standouts, good and bad, truly original looks were in short supply. Many actresses played it safe in simple column dresses, which seemed more appropriate for a wedding at the Waldorf than the most important fashion event of the year. Another trend was recession black, which usually looks flat on screen. That is, unless you’re Catherine ZetaJones. The Welsh bombshell was a knockout in a black beaded Versace corset dress that showed off her aerobicized curves. Like
Roberts, she wore her hair in a flattering updo. Juliette Binoche wore the same va-va-voom style with considerably less success. The raven-haired actress chose a Jean Paul Gaultier original with several distracting strands of flapper pearls. Although Hollywood actresses are accused of being fitnessobsessed, there is something to be said for a toned body. Binoche needs to hit the gym. Sarah Jessica Parker couldn’t be more fit, and she showed off her muscular legs in one of the evening’s only
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minidresses. The long-sleeved black Calvin Klein dress wasn’t exactly exciting, however, especially compared with the outrageous gear that she wears on “Sex and the City.” Apart from black, scarlet was the favorite color. Actresses Laura Linney, Lena Olin, Sigourney Weaver and Marcia Gay Harden all matched the red carpet. Harden wore a strapless ruby deb dress with a matching stole and a heavy diamond necklace — pretty on the Best Supporting Actress, but not exactly up-to-date. Weaver looked more current, but her Christian Dior couture gown was ill fitting and had an awkward arrangement of silk flowers on one shoulder. Kate Hudson’s dove gray Chloe dress with a matching fringed jacket was perfectly tailored, but didn’t do her justice. The bubbly blond starlet could have used a shot of color. Bright shades tend to look luminous on screen, exactly why Best Actress nominee Joan Allen looked so alluring in her coral-beaded Michael Kors dress. She may not have won an Oscar, but she took home fashion honors.
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Chris Robinson and Kate Hudson AP
Julia Roberts and Benjamin Bratt
Joan Allen AP
REUTERS