Oscars Recap: Winning Women... and Some Great Men Too

Here are the nominees for the most amazing women of the night...

1. Robin Roberts

 

First of all, how great is it to not hear Joan Rivers' voice on the red carpet! I digress...

ABC's own Robin Roberts was the epitome of healthy glow as she hosted the red carpet pre-show last night in a perfect gown.

She is not only an inspiration for cancer survivors and black women in media, but also for the LGBT community as an out lesbian news anchor on the popular news show, Good Morning America. Hopefully we continue to see her shine both on and off screen. Beautiful!

2. Kerry Washington

 

Her look was no scandal tonight! This mom-to-be plays a smart and steamy role on ABC's Scandal, with on-screen outfits to match her character's sass. Her real-life wardrobe choices are nothing short of classy and modest-- fit for a lady of grace . She looked poised in a strapless gown as she introduced the musical performance of the night. Can't wait for Thursday!

3. Viola Davis

 

 If you watch the red carpet pre-show, you know the deal: gowns, gowns, couples, and more gowns. Viola Davis managed to conquer both. Not only did she give us gorgeous in green, but she brought along her husband. Black love is alive and well, and they surely looked happy residing in it (and, reportedly, their hot tub).

4. Cheryl Boone Isaacs

The first African American, and only third woman, to serve as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 

Enough said.

5. Gabourey Sidibe 

 

Pretty in purple, Gabourey was a real life flower at last night's awards. She presented the award for Best Film Editing in what might be one of her greatest awards night looks. Excited for your next role, Gabourey! Keep it up. 

And the WINNER is...

Lupita Nyong'o

 

Taking home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave, Lupita shut it down from start to finish. She wowed in Prada on the red carpet and her acceptance speech brought a tear to the eye. This awards season has been hers and hers alone. Did anyone else actually matter? This young-blood showed the vets how it's done. Who else can pull off a dainty headband, dance with Pharrell, and be apart of the most retweeted selfie of all time, all in one night? 

And then there's this:

Lupita has proved herself as an actress and a role model for true beauty and self-love. Last night, she assured us, "no matter where you're from, your dreams are valid."

#winning
Congratulations, Lupita!




Well... we can't just ignore the men so, here we go:

Pharrell Williams

Never a disappointment, Pharrell put on a lively perfromance of his addictive classic "Happy". Aside from being a vampire (we know your secret!), Pharrell possesses the otherworldly ability to create hits that span more than two decades. You can't get much cooler than being nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars... unless of course you wear shorts on the red carpet alongside your suit-wearing wife. You, sir, are cool.

John Ridley & Alfonso Cuaron & Steve McQueen 

Winner for Best Adapted Screenplay (12 Years a Slave), Best Directing (Gravity), and Best Picture (12 Years a Slave), respectively. John Ridley has written for both television and film, and he has everything to be proud of. Alfonso Cuaron is the first Latino to win this award, and has done so with a groundbreaking film. Steve McQueen nabbed the greatest honor of the night. His role as director of the greatest film of the year rounded out the Oscars as a night to remember.  Congratulations to you all!


Honorable Mention:
Barkhad Abdi

From limo driver to Oscar nominee. An incredible journey and an inspiring performance. Although he did not win tonight, his nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Captain Phillips) proves that anything is possible. We can only hope that he gets more opportunities in the industry.
Three cheers for the underdogs! Here's to you, Barkhad Abdi.