Despite their unwieldy length and awkward banter, I still park myself in front of the TV for 4+ hours to watch the Academy Awards each year.  It is really an Event.  Of course, after the first half hour, when the show is firmly entrenched in boring technical awards and dull montages, I wonder why I consider it such an event.  But I do love movies, so always wait around until the bitter end, which is inevitably never, ever a surprise.

But, really, the part of the Academy Awards I love most is the fashion. So, let's take a look at some of my favorite outfits of the year:

I adore Kate. Not only is she a wonderful actress who picks interesting roles, but she always looks classy and gorgeous. And I so respect her for not dieting her way into oblivion to conform to a size 2.  She may always wear dresses of a certain style, but she always looks amazing, and picks fun colors. 

The other Cate also looked stunning.

Reese is looking slimmer than ever (and a bit more prominently chinned than usual).  Her red carpet looks are always impeccable.  Although I don't love this dress as much as I loved her ensemble last year (which is fitting, as last year, she was truly the belle of the ceremony with her "Best Actress" win), it is quite lovely and elegant.

Rachel chose an amazing color this year.  The detail and line of this dress are beautiful. 

As for the awards themselves, it was great to see "The Departed" and Martin Scorsese win.  The movie was an entertaining roller-coaster ride, and I love seeing entertainment-for-entertainment's-sake be rewarded.  It wasn't a self-important film with a deep message to bestow upon the masses.  It was just good.  And as a movie fan, that's what I'm looking for.