Fashion in Film - My Oscar Night Recap

The 86th Annual Academy Awards ceremony that was held last night in Los Angeles, CA was by far one of my favorite Oscar nights. There were several first-time winners, host Ellen DeGeneres was fantastic (per usj), and the speeches...ugh, the speeches. So humble and real. Truly their inspiration transformed that entire theater, as well as many who watched from home. It was a night full of past reflecting, forward thinking, and diversity encouraging.

Oh, and fashion. Here are a few of the 2014 Oscar Winners that made the biggest statements with both their look and their acceptance speeches.

The Women

Lupita Nyong'o - Best Actress in a Supporting Role, 12 Years a Slave

Lupita wore a custom Prada gown which she co-designed. She said she chose this blue because the color reminded her of home (Kenya). Lupita is the 7th female of African decent to win an Academy Award. A fantastic article was written by an editor of The Atlantic. You can read it here.

"It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s..."

Cate Blanchett - Best Actress in a Leading Role, Blue Jasmine

Cate was a walking chandelier in this Armani gown. The champagne tone of the dress was perfection against her flawless complexion. Her speech was also flawless, and I am excited to see what glass industry doors it helps shatter.
 

"...for so bravely and intelligently distributing the film and to the audiences who went to see it and perhaps those of us in the industry who are still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films with women at the center are niche experiences. They are not. Audiences want to see them and, in fact, they earn money."

Jasmine, Cate's character in the film, was strategically inseparable from her Hérmes Birkin bag. When you watch the film (again), be sure to note how costume designers enhance the story through fashion.

The Men

Jared Leto - Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Dallas Buyers Club

Jared Leto, in Saint Laurent, came back to the big screen after a 6 year hiatus to capture this recognition. His acceptance speech was one of the first to illuminate what this night of speeches held for us. You can read it in full here.

Mathew McConaughey - Best Actor in Leading Role, Dallas Buyers Club

If I didn't love McConaughey before.... Wearing Dolce & Gabanna, he came with two beautiful accessories (his wife and mother) and left with a third. His first Oscar. The moment his name was called.. Did you catch that? The sheer humble disbelief? Only to follow it by first acknowledging God's greatness.

"First off, I want to thank God, 'cause that's who I look up to. He's graced my life with opportunities that I know is not of my hand or any other human hand."

I remember several years back when he was on the sideline when his favorite Texas college football teams won the championship. He said the feeling was better than winning an Oscar. Now, after years of maturing his craft, I bet he can safely hold each experience dear to his heart.

The Film

12 Years a Slave - Best Picture

Steve McQueen directed and accepted on behalf of the cast and crew of the film. All the men from Brad Pitt to John Ridley looked dapper in their tuxes, and the women reigned as princesses for the night. Although a bit tongue-tied with names, McQueen was able to get his message across clearly when he said, "Everyone deserves not just to survive, but to live." This especially holds true when he refers to the trafficking that still exists in our world.

"This is for all the people who have endured slavery, 

and the 21 million people who still endure slavery today."

There are several articles I enjoyed reading this morning that represented the diversity at last night's award show, and you can read one here. You can also find a full list of Oscar nominees and winners here.

 "..every little child that no matter where you're from 
your dreams are valid." - Lupita

Happy [day]dreaming, codekeepers!

xo | din

Oh, wait wait wait. Even though Kate Hudson wasn't nominated, her presentation was on point. Best-dressed!

Kate Hudson radiates in Versace at the 86th Annual Academy Awards

photo courtesy | Getty Images