Academy Award: <BR> <BR>Please note that I said I was surprised. Surprised because, among other reasons, yes, I would normally assume it was a French designer, but I couldn't imagine a French designer letting her go on stage wearing that thing she was wearing. <BR>In the end, I don't care what she wore. I still think she's a magnificent actress, no matter who dresses her.

Razz -- You forgot "Mary Reilly." <BR>

She looked like a man dressing like a woman (to paraphrase the infamous Ms. Grace Jones)

And please keep in mind that Julia was obviously not "honestly blown away" by being up there. She has known for weeks that she was going to win, so she had plenty of time to fake surprise. She looked beautiful but I was very unimpressed by her dress. And I totally agree with the poster who calls her a "textbook dingbat."

Julia's dress was, as she said, "vintage Gauthier." And my view on the whole thing is that it's rare that a truly talented person in that industry can get anywhere with any recognition. It's the nature of the beast, lowest common denominator and all that. Julia R. appeals to the lowest common demoninator.

Julia Roberts got my attention in Steel Magnolias. I don't care what you say, she, and that film, are both lovely. <BR> <BR>Talk about poor taste...Jennifer Lopez...yuk.

<BR>Jennifer gives new meaning to the word titillating!! <BR>BTW Julia's dress was <BR>"vintage Valentino" not Gauthier <BR>Julliette's lack of taste in fashion is well known-remeber the dress when she won best supporting actress--something out of a pirate movie <BR>Neverthe less she and julia are both lovely and terrific actors! (actresses) n

please note: <BR> <BR>GAULTIER

I don't know - I like Julia's dress. I thought it was very elegant. But I really like Joan Allen's coral dress. J. Lo? Gee it was nice to see her somewhat dressed for a change.

I, too, am a die hard Juliette Binoche fan. I can understand Julia Roberts' Hollywood appeal, but, at the risk of being lynched, I must say she is not one of my favorites. I don't know quite what to think of Juliette's dress, but I loved the way she refused to acquiesce to Joan Rivers. Whether you like the way she dresses or not, Juliette Binoche is class through and through.

I guess I must have seen all French films with Juliette Binoche so far. She has been a star in France and Europe for years already. But her role in "Chocolat" was weak and she was rather mediocre too. I was very disappointed. I liked the role of the little village's mayor though. He did a nice job.

I saw Tracey Ullman interviewed on the Today show the morning after the Academy Awards, dishing about the various getups, & her comment about Juliette Binoche was "Why was she dressed up as Jack Lemmon in 'Some Like It Hot'?" Meow. Catty, I know, but I still thought it was funny (and true).

Hey, how's about we start ragging on the appearance and behavior of the guys for a change? For what Russell Crowe gets paid, you'd think it wouldn't have killed him to smile just once during the evening.

Tom Cruise (who I usually swoon over!) didn't look too great, either! Tom Hanks was just so-so. I don't think I would even give Russell Crowe a second look... <BR>But, the handsome hunk that just gets my pulse throbbing...Steve Martin!!! Man, he just DOES something for me! <BR>Whew! I hear he's single again!!!

Yes, we ALL have known for weeks or months that Julia Roberts would win, but I did think she was honestly blown away. I'm not a Julia Roberts fan and haven't seen most of her films anyway, and I do think Juliette Binoche is a terrific actor. However, in theory, if not always (or usually) in practice, the Academy Award is given for the performance, not the career, and frankly the "Erin Brokovich" performance was a lot stronger than the "Chocolat" one--it's not exactly the role of J.B.'s career; I don't get what all the hoopla is about that film and agree with Ursula on it. The real question in my mind, though, is whay did "Gladiator" wine? Please. As for Russel Crowe, I think he one for his performance in "The Insider," which he didn't win for last year. Consolation prize.

Two comments on the whole Academy thing - <BR> <BR>Is it just me or is Bob Dylan starting to bear a striking resemblance to Vincent Price? <BR> <BR>I know Matt on Good Morning America mentioned it, but did anyone else notice that all the Best Songs were completely unsingable.....

I like Bob Dylan, but . . . a friend and I have joked about "closed captioned for the Dylan-impaired" (hint: see the lyrics so you know what he's singing). <BR> <BR>

Did anybody notice how Mike Powers had a double chin - his neck was inflating out past his jaw line - every time he spoke his chin would recede into his flabby adiposed neck - made me think of Jabba the Hut <BR> <BR>

You're right...Bob Dylan did look like Vincent Price! Spooookkkkky. And about Julia Roberts, I though her dress and her big ol' teeth were fine, but what the heck was that on the back of her head? It looked like a spaceship had landed back there. Maybe a "vintage Valentino" spaceship? I dunno.

I mean - Mike Meyers - and I believe it's Jabba the Hutt.