I love the Oscars. I know it’s a tacky excuse for celebrities to get together and pat each other on the back (or stab) while competing like showy greyhounds. But when you work in the beauty industry you can’t help yourself. I’m surrounded by celebrity gossip magazines and so, whether I like it or not, I’ve become somewhat of an expert on Hollywood. Who dates who, celebrity kid names, you can test me on almost any aspect of the nonsense that goes on there and I can probably answer correctly. I’d like to say I watch just for the hair and fashion, but I’d be lying. It goes deeper than that. I make popcorn and snacks, have a glass or two of wine and just judge. It’s so fun. Plus who doesn’t love the movies?

The gorgeous Natalie Wood getting her hair and make-up done before the 1962 Oscars.

Marlon Brando with French singer and actress Line Renaud holding his Best Actor Oscar for On The Waterfront in 1955.

Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly waiting to present, backstage at the 1956 Academy Awards.

In the wings at the 1950 Academy Awards.

Zsa Zsa Gabor arrives at the 1958 Oscar rehearsals in pearls and a fur stole.

Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward, who won Best Actress for her role in The Three Faces of Eve – 1957 Academy awards.

Producer Buddy Adler’s Academy Award for From Here to Eternity stands trustingly amid hats in the coat check room at Romanoff’s restaurant in Beverly Hills during an Oscars after-party in 1954.

Cher and Val Kilmer at the 1982 Oscars. Cher is notorious for her Academy award outfits, which she wears well I must say.  But she looks so lovely here, I’m glad she does what she likes, crazy or not.

Did you know in 1974 there was a streaker at the Oscars? I know – awesome. David Niven was presenting an award to Elizabeth Taylor when Robert Opel, a photographer and gallery owner, did a classic 70′s move and streaked while peace-signing across the stage.

All images above from Life.Time

Below are a few of my favourite best and worst dressed. Although all of them are ‘best’ in their own way.

Also Tilda Swinton is the best.

All images above from either imdb, papermag or now daily.

2012 Oscars at the Hollywood and Highland Center Theatre. (img: bigstar)

Let’s hope there’s some scandal, lots of that awkward ‘actors trying to speak naturally’ banter and a little bit of real joy for someone who worked hard for it. Can’t wait. I’ll be rooting for Jackers, because I love him and Jackie Weaver, because she’s awesome.