By Samantha Ferm, Integrated Marketing and Events, NCLR
(This was first posted to the Alma Awards blog.)
Thanks to everyone who has followed our brand-new ALMA Awards Twitter handle, @ALMAawards, and who joined our Sunday chat with the hashtag #ALMAandOscar. Now that we’re finally coming back down to earth after that Oscars adrenaline rush, let’s review the highlights, starting with Nina Garcia who held down red carpet coverage with her partner in crime from Project Runway, Tim Gunn. The Colombian queen of fashion didn’t miss a single sartorial detail in the parade of tuxedos and gowns that came her way!
Several of our favorite Latinas rocked the red carpet as well as the stage, including Penelope Cruz, Berenice Bejo, Jennifer Lopez, and Cameron Diaz. Lopez and Diaz hammed it up on stage as they struck a sassy pose while announcing winners—a refreshing break from the show’s usual formality—while Sheila E. played drums as part of the house band. We love Latinas who rock like these ladies do, on or off the stage!
Another highlight was the montage of celebrity mothers which played at the top of the show. It demonstrated the importance of family and was a touching glimpse of the journeys of well-known film stars as they strove to succeed in the entertainment industry. ALMA Awards nominee and Oscar nominee for best lead actor Demián Bichir brought his mother to the show and walked her through the red carpet ceremony, a sweet reminder of the importance of his familia in his own personal success (though we’re still drying our tears at Bichir’s loss of the Oscar to French star Jean Dujardin, who won for his role in the lovely film, The Artist).
One of the most genuine moments of the program came from Esperanza Spalding as she sang a glorious rendition of “What a Wonderful World” for the “In Memoriam” tribute. The touching program honored individuals, including Whitney Houston, throughout the entertainment industry for their lifelong contributions.
All in all, the 2012 Academy Awards® were compelling, memorable, and at times extremely witty with thoughtful tributes to family, history, and a lighthearted appreciation of the talent in the theater. What did you think of the show? Let us know on our Facebook or Tweet to us with the hashtag #ALMAandOscar!