Oscars entertain and surprise

by Lauren Nort_o_n_________ -::.::zrc= staff writer

And the winner is the 73rd Annual Academy Awards was hosted by Steve Martin on March 25. This is a night full of excitement and anxiousness for celebrities as they parade down the red carpet.

A year's worth of movies and months of awards campaigning boil down to Oscar nominations in 23 categories. It was no surprise to see "Gladiator" awarded with the highest honor: best picture. The $100 million film went home with five trophies, among them were best costume design, sound and visual effects. Also, Russell Crowe of "Gladiator" was awarded with leading actor. Crowe seemed genuinely surprised as he made his way to the stage.

Julia Roberts was an audience favorite as she accepted her award for best leading actress. Her true talents were demonstrated as the feisty, legal assistant in "Erin Brockovich."

Other winners were Steven Soderbergh, best director for "Traffic"; Benicio Del Toro, best supporting actor for "Traffic"; and Marcia Gay Harden, best supporting actress for "Pollock." This year's foreign film award was given to the well-deserving "Crouching Tiger, Hidden nominated for best supporting actor for "Gladiator." He strutted down the red carpet chewing gum, holding a water bottle and tugging at his untucked white shirt. Meanwhile, women flashed many different styles and designers. Those most commonly talked about were Julia Roberts' vintage Valentino. Her black gown had simple white straps forming a "Y" down the front. Bjork, nominated for best original song from "Dancer in the Dark," also made a dramatic fashion statement. She wore a white, feathered, knee-length dress meant to look like a swan, complete with a swan's head that wrapped around her neck. Jennifer Lopez, known for her eyecatching apparel, arrived in a one-shoulder, two-toned gown by Chanel with a gray, see-through top and billowing skirt.

Dragon."

Overall, the evening proved to be entertaining for all, both those involved and those viewing.