Will Natalie Portman's Big News Equal Oscar Gold?
Now that the holiday season is coming to a close, a more angst-ridden season is upon us -- Oscar season. The contenders have been unfurling their respective campaigns for months. Nominations are expected on Jan. 25, after which Academy members will vote on the winners. In a perfect world, the best films and actors would win Hollywood's most coveted award, but Tinseltown is far from perfect. The two factors that really drive a good Oscar campaign aren't talent and honor but likability and buzz. With her perfectly-timed
wedding and baby announcement,
Natalie Portman is garnering both.
"Oscars season campaigning is every bit as political as an election, because like a national election, it is a competition for votes. The likability factor is a huge part of that, because talent and popularity are equally important. There's no way Mel Gibson could win an Oscar with his current reputation, simply because so many voting members of the Academy can't stand him," explains
StyleList celebrity editor Ben Widdicombe. "Many big names coordinate their private lives to appear most appealing to industry voters during awards season -- like that actress with the huge smile who persuaded her actor boyfriend to stick by her side months after their relationship had actually ended so she didn't lose the glamor and synergy of being half of a celebrity couple. Once she had the little gold man on her mantelpiece, however, she quite happily shed the real man on her arm."
I think we know exactly who Widdicombe is talking about. Now that was a well-oiled campaign.
Very little generates more buzz or likability in Hollywood than baby news. Having a baby brings the most elevated celebrity to regular person level and elevates an unlikable celeb to best friend status. Ask Nicole Richie. Plus, being pregnant has been particularly stylish this year.
"If this past year has shown us anything, it's that pregnancy is fashionable. Victoria's Secret angel Adriana Lima confessed that she was approached to walk the runway pregnant, only to be turned down for the gig because she wasn't pregnant enough, and fellow Angel Miranda Kerr's naked pregnant belly was all over the pages of fashion glossies. And that's just to name a few. So news of Natalie's pregnancy should certainly keep the buzz going," says
Fashionista Associate Editor Leah Chernikoff.
At age 29, Portman will most likely be competing against a much more mature group of women, among them Annette Bening and Nicole Kidman. Yet her terrifying performance in 'Black Swan' has critics and audiences alike singing her praises, so
HollywoodLife Editor-in-Chief Bonnie Fuller doesn't think Portman needs a little pink baby to get herself a little gold man.
"Natalie is already the frontrunner for best actress because of her riveting performance in 'Black Swan.' I don't think her pregnancy will help or hurt her chances," Fuller says. "While it may not affect her chances for the Oscar, it will make the speculation about her gown choice all the more gripping!"
Ahhh, yes! The gown! Which designer will best accentuate a wee Portman baby bump?
"We'd be surprised if Portman didn't wear Rodarte on Oscar night. They designed the ballet costumes for 'Black Swan' and Portman is a fan of the Mulleavy sisters and has worn their creations to the Oscars before. Luckily most of Rodarte's spring 2011 dresses have got loads of ruffles and embellishments around the waist -- perfect for hiding a baby bump,"
Chernikoff says.
Who Should Play Christian & Anastasia In 'Fifty Shades Of Grey'?
Mad Men: 'Chevy Is Spelled Wrong!'
Add a comment
Good grief hollywood is really pathetic. If acting crazy nervous is acting...i can do that...Black Swan was mediocre at best and it was too much nervous Natalie on screen. would have liked to see more dancing and less crazy making.
Reply
Natalie Portman is a stunning actress. She was a contender for the Oscar already. Her personal life has nothing to do with it.
Reply
we should have been warned about all the vulgar blood it was too much and disgusting
Reply
why don't you screen test for "Black Swan 2". vulgar blood, did you see the whole movie?
Reply
After reading the article, I have decided to not watch the Academy Awards. It's not about the performance, just the like-ability of the performer? Why don't they just all give themselves and award and call it a day.
Reply
Who was the actress with the big smile who dumped her boyfriend after winning the oscar?
Reply
Julia Roberts
I think the author was referring to Sandra Bullock... maybe? Despite whatever hype may be involved, I think she did a fabulous job in The Blind Side and deserved to win.
It's not really a shock that the Oscars has to do with popularity, but I think this article gives that aspect too much credence. There have been plenty of less than stellar Hollywood characters who've cheated on their significant others or have been the "other woman/man" and they still win awards.
It was Hillary Swank. She dumped Chad Lowe.
Hollywood the only place where if you get naked and moan(Diane Ladd in Unfaithful, or you are beautiful and make yourself less attractive(Charlize Theron in Monster) or play a gay character (Sean Penn in Harvey Milk or Phillip Seymour Hoffman in TRU) or a mentally challenged person lets see( Sean Penn, Tom Hanks, Leonardo DeCaprio, Dustin Hoffman and John Malchovich). I guess if you play a mentally challenged ugly bi-sexual and have naked sex you're a shoe-in to win.
Reply
What the hell does engagement and pregnancy have to do with winning an Oscar? Maybe she should wear a fake cast or draw in a black eye for sympathy. Stupid articles: Can they be prevented? News at ten...
Reply
Oh puhlease..Sandra Bullock shouldnt have won a can of Spam for her performance in that stupid film...and by the way who gives a rats behind what Portman will be wearing ..????
Reply
zzzzzz
Reply
What an insult to Dustin Hoffmann to be mentioned in the same sentence as all those other 'tiny talents'
Reply
Natalie Portman was really good in Black Swan. She dances and acts well.
Reply