YES, THEY REALLY ARE HIP AND CUTE:
Hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway got right to the point in
their opening moments, cleverly mocking the talk about how their
purpose was to lure a younger audience. He told her she looked "so
beautiful and so hip." She replied: "You look very appealing to a
younger demographic as well." Their taped montage may have
borrowed from Billy Crystal's days, with the actors inserting
themselves into nominated films. But it had charm. A highlight: the
actors invading a "Black Swan" rehearsal studio, she as a
tap-dancing Brown Duck, he in an all-body white leotard that made
him look more uncomfortable than when he cut off his arm in "127
Hours."
THE F-BOMB:
Was she channeling her role in "The Fighter"? Melissa Leo,
accepting her supporting actress award, unleashed the F-word,
getting bleeped on TV of course, but unmistakably clear. Suitable,
really, when you consider her salty turn as Mark Wahlberg's
relentless mom. Maybe she was frazzled not only by her Oscar win,
but also by flirting with presenter Kirk Douglas, who told her she
looked more beautiful in person than in the film. Would Leo's
language malfunction become a running theme in the show? "I'm not
gonna drop the F-Bomb like she did, but I've done it plenty,"
quipped fellow "Fighter" winner and best supporting actor
Christian Bale.
TEEN (FASHION) QUEEN:
Hailee Steinfeld may have lost her first Oscar race, but the
precocious 14-year-old from "True Grit" was victorious on the red
carpet in a shimmery, blush-colored gown with a tiara-like
headband. Totally age-appropriate, pronounced fashion guru Tim
Gunn. And gorgeous. Here's hoping she's back again soon.
GIVE HER A BROADWAY SHOW:
We already knew Hathaway could sing from a previous Oscar cameo.
But she really let her pipes rip in a "Les Miz" number. Sure, it
was puzzling to many why she was singing about being stood up by
Hugh Jackman. Still, the girl can belt.