When I was a child, my mother used to pop a bowl of popcorn and tuck me in on the couch every Oscar’s Sunday night. While the rest of my family slept, my young eyes were glued to the stars – watching their every move and listening to their every word.

Not much has changed 20 years later. Last night I was still glued to the screen, and like many of you, Scott and I spent the evening laughing, crying, and enjoying the small glimpse into the pinnacle of Hollywood life and success.

Our favorite moments of the evening?

  • Ellen’s Opening- This woman has been one of my favorite hosts/comediennes for years. Scott and I were belly laughing on the couch last night during her opening monologue, and this morning I am still chuckling to myself over some of her jabs.
  • Jared Leto – No matter your beliefs, I stand behind any man who uses the awards season to thank his mother repeatedly and speak on behalf of humankind to endorse peace and understanding. This man just rose to the top of my Hollywood ranks, and I have a major infatuation with his soul. Scott and I were speechless.
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  • Pharrell’s Performance – This year it seemed that the stars were accessible, REAL people. They trip. They dance. They eat pizza in gowns that cost more than my car.  We loved how Pharrell’s song has become so much more, and this Happy movement infected all of Hollywood Royalty as they joined him in dance.
  • Pizza – Speaking of REAL people, we don’t care what others thought about Ellen’s pizza stunt – we loved it. To see Meryl, Brad, Jennifer, and Harrison take down a slice of pizza made our day (and made us hungry for our own…) Let’s not forget to add that Jared Leto added to our infatuation when he scored a piece for his mom.
  • Bill Murray shout out to Harold Ramis – Scott’s night was made when Bill Murray added to the nominee list by giving a heartfelt mention to his long time friend. Too many amazing talents were lost this year, which brings us to the next…
  • Tribute by Bette Midler – I admit that I shed a tear or two during the Memoriam, knowing that Philip Seymour Hoffman would appear last after the dozens of beautiful contributions to the industry. But when Bette walked out to the opening notes of “Wind Beneath my Wings” – I lost it. This woman and her voice are still iconic, but the tribute to those lost this year, many of whom are gone too soon, was absolutely my favorite moment of the evening. 
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  • Pink’s Performance – This ties in with the last, but last night Pink solidified her place in my heart and my circle of respected artists when she paid respect to Judy Garland and The Wizard of Oz. Many took to Twitter and Facebook saying they believed her performance to be second rate to Garland’s – but that’s not the point. The song was introduced to the world by Judy, but will live on in future generations because it will be given new life by talents such as Pink. To me, it was a beautiful rendition and she looked every bit as stunning as any actress walking the carpet last night.
  • Ellen’s Twitter Selfie – Need we say more??

  • Mathew McConaughey’s Speech – Though he was every bit deserving of the Oscar, it was his speech that resonated most with us. Though we thought it was all touching and genuine, I realized that he was right about something to ‘chase’. He put to words the urge we feel to continue to better ourselves, to improve upon who we are and what we do. I hope that the me in ten years is infinitely better than the me today, and that I have done more for the world in 20 years than in 10. I love this idea, and I love that he gave me a moment to realize how important it is. 

There were several other moments that stood out, but overall we felt the evening was a good representation of the talent that lives and breathes in entertainment. Too often the tabloids ruin our perception of Hollywood, but last night the men and women of the silver screen seemed like real people who have succeeded in their arena, and deserved the accolades for which they were bestowed. 

Every year I still tuck myself in for the Oscars and revel in everything that this night represents. I still plan my acceptance speech in my head, and contemplate what gown I would don on the red carpet. It has always been a magical night for me, and this year was no exception.

What were your favorite moments? 

-Al