Juan linked to a very good Salon critique of the Oscars. I do have to say one word in defense of Jennifer Connelly. The Salon writer states that her win was predictable because she was "the new girl"...and apparently the new girl always wins.

Can 18 years making movies still qualify Ms. Jen as the "new girl"? Connelly was making movies while Anna Paquin hadn't even been pushed into the biz by her parents (much less pushed into the world by her mom). Connelly was turning in good performances while Ms. Paltrow was cavorting around LA with her parents money. Connelly had her SAG card well before Kate Hudson grew into her mother's smile.

New girl. Harumph. Obviously the writer didn't see "Labyrinth". Could it be that the Academy was just making up for "Requiem"?

And I thought she looked pretty in that dress, elegant even.