I'm back in the press room waiting for Roeper to get here. I've disagreed with many of his reviews this year so I hope things don't get ugly back here between us. But, some more red carpet sightings. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is here and said something about how cool it is to be mayor of LA where you can go from a baseball game in Encino to the Oscars. That's all fine, but he really should not have shown up at the Oscars wearing baseball gear.
KIDDING!
The queen Helen Mirren has arrived with hubby Taylor Hackford and said she was feeling "a combination of nerves and feeling unbelievably excited..it's always the most amazing afternoon and evening of one's life." She says her nominated role in "The Queen," allowed viewers to "look behind the curtain a bit behind the mystery of the monarchy."
And finally, Celine Dion shows up (not wearing the ridiculous backward white suit from years back...remember THAT?) and she said, "It's our fifth time at the Oscars and it's an amazing honor."
I'm just grateful she is not going to be singing "My Heart Will Go On." I can go another 25 years before hearing that song again.
Leonardo DiCaprio whisked by looking super-sharp with his hair slicked back and only stopping to sign an autograph for some little kid. I don't think Leo will win for "Blood Diamond" but, I believe he deserves to win.
Also, Jennifer Hudson whisked by. She looks like a winner already!