The Oscars 2011: Best Dressed

So the big night's all over and we all know who won the awards, but who gets a prize for best dressed...

First up is Best Actress winner, Natalie Portman, who wowed in a deep plum Rodarte gown. The soft fabric flowed beautifully over Natalie's baby bump to the floor, showing just a peep of her purple satin Jimmy Choos. The embellished low neckline and Tiffany tassel earrings added a bit of glamour to the beautifully low-key ensemble.

This wasn't love at first sight for me, but after closer inspection I can confirm Mila Kunis' place in the Best Dressed list. This pretty, lavender lace gown is a unique choice - feminine and a little bit sexy. Mila's simple up do sets the look off nicely.

It was good to see Sandra Bullock making a head start on this Spring's bright colours trend. Donning a structured, strapless Vera Wang, with matching coral lipstick, Sandra ensured all eyes were on her.

Amy Adams was stunning in this figure hugging, Sapphire blue L'Wren Scott gown. Encrusted with jewels and with a thigh high split, this dress shone on the red carpet. Amy gets extra points for daring accessorising - opting for a clashing turquoise stoned necklace and bracelet.

It's worth noting a few key trends that showcased at the awards last night. The return of the lady in red was one that couldn't be missed. Follow Zoe Saldana's lead and clash your red with a bright pink shoe or make yours evening appropriate by sticking to a dark crimson and some serious sequins a la Penelope Cruz.

Purple was another popular choice, and a personal favourite of mine for Spring. Scarlett Johansson worked the trend to the max in a seductive lace, backless Dolce and Gabana.

Film Review: Black Swan

I went to see Black Swan having heard that it was a must-see, but knowing little of the plot and having few expectations. I can honestly say I was blown away.

Natalie Portman's portrayal of Nina, a young ballerina feeling the pressure of being cast in her first leading role, is spot on. Portman manages, impressively, to present the fragility of a young girl in a seductive world suffering with mental illnesses and a difficult mother. Yet, is also pitch-perfect in Nina's darker moments where she is ambitious and deceitful. This is Portman reaching new heights, showcasing her acting expertise.

Nina's part in the production depends on her ability to delve into her darker side, as she does panic attacks and delusions become a regular occurrence. The viewer watches as Nina's performance improves and her mental health rapidly deteriorates. There is a fusion between an artistic breakthrough and a nervous breakdown.

The film is glossy and glamorous, exciting and very scary. Putting to one side, the astounding acting and the 'on the edge of your seat' plot, the film is also visually impressive. No detail is left to chance. The close up camera shots, grainy photography and behind the shoulder tracking of Nina may seem like obvious tricks to build tension, but the truth is these tricks work. And a consistent palette of black and white interior serve to emphasise the battle between Nina's own black and white swan. And, the dancing alone is reason enough to see this film; it is beautiful.

This is a thoroughly accomplished film. I would be surprised if Portman does not win Best Actress at the Oscars, she definitely deserves to.

The Oscars Best Dressed 2010

This year's Oscars saw Hollywood stars trying something different. Rather than the usual one-colour simple gown, this was the year for extravagance. There were ruffles, trains, sequins, florals - individuality was key. Here's my pick of the best:

Diane Kuger looked stunning in this black and cream, pleated and ruffled Chanel creation. The intricate detail of the glittering appliquéd flowers around the collar is true red carpet extravagance.

The romantic trend was alive and strong at this year's awards as Zoe Saldana walked the red carpet in an enchanting Givenchy dress. The sparkling bodice and every-shade-of-purple ruffled trail were a sign of true glamour.

The Time Traveller's Wife star Rachel McAdams looked heavenly in this sumptuous, romantic Elie Saab couture number. The voluminous gown featured a latticed bodice and the dusty blue and grey shades added an original rock-chick edge to the gown.

Actress Elizabeth Banks made sure all eyes were on her as she made her way down the red carpet in a pale grey, strapless gown by Versace. The figure hugging design stayed on trend with a ruffled trailing skirt.

One of the best dressed at this year's event had to be Maggie Gyllenhaal. Her Dries Van Noten column dress with its striking blue tropical print made sure she stood out in the crowd.

Sandra Bullock showed off her curves in a shimmering Marchesa gown, with a sheer, floral embroidered bodice and dramatic train. The winner of the Best Actress category kept the focus on her floor length dress by sticking to simple accessories, wearing only pearl drop earrings and a delicate bracelet.

Miley Cyrus edges her way onto the style list in this fairytale Jenny Packham gown. The champagne coloured silk bustier, high-waisted sequined skirt, swooping back and blood red nails create an ever-so-sexy take on a classic showbiz look.

Demi Moore wowed on the red carpet as she worked the romance trend, wearing a nude ruffled gown by Atelier Versace.