Gayle's Red Carpet Report
Oprah's best friend Gayle King had an all-access pass for Hollywood's biggest night! Before the show started, Gayle's exclusive report began on the red carpet where she scored interviews with some of the hottest stars!
Jessica Alba and Cash Warren
Hollywood starlet Jessica Alba, who was one of the presenters at the ceremony, walked down the red carpet arm-in-arm with beau Cash Warren. The cute couple told Gayle they spent the early part of "Oscar® day" cooking up waffles for breakfast.
Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger
Brokeback Mountain co-stars Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams recently welcomed their first child, Matilda, into the world. Heath and Michelle, who both received nominations for their roles in the film, said their thoughts before the Oscars® were focused on Matilda. "I think we felt rather guilty," said Heath, "Having to leave our little daughter at home and go to all these events!"
Viveca Paulin and Will Ferrell
Gayle asked funnyman Will Ferrell and his wife, Viveca, how they chose their outfits for the evening. "We planned it out for six months," Will joked. "We talked about it, we had numerous meetings, discussions—interviewed 30 different stylists!"
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton received an Oscar® nomination for writing and performing the song "Travelin' Thru," on the Transamerica soundtrack.
How long did it take Dolly to get ready for Oscar night? "About four days!" joked the pretty-in-pink country music star.
Keira Knightley
British beauty Keira Knightley, who received a Best Actress nomination for her role in Pride and Prejudice, found herself feeling starstruck after meeting acting legend Meryl Streep on the red carpet.
"It's unbelievable! Whoa!" she told Gayle. "I'm not normally speechless, but that's kind of lovely—God, she's nice!"
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston, who was one of the presenters at this year's ceremony, told Gayle she recently took some time to kick back and relax with friends. "I just went skiing with all the girls … a little ski week, which was great."
Matt Dillon
Matt Dillon received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in
Crash , which won the Oscar® for Best Picture. Matt says he kick-started his day in a healthy way.
"I had a nice breakfast, then I went for a run," Matt said. "I had three poached eggs, oatmeal and some yogurt [and] coffee."
Salma Hayek
Gayle complimented Salma Hayek, who was an Oscar® award presenter, on her blue gown, designed by Donatella Versace. "She makes good dresses for curvy girls," Salma says.
"You look gorgeous as usual," Gayle said. "The color, Salma, is stunning!"
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron , who won an Oscar® in 2004 for her role in
Monster , received another nomination this year for her role in
North Country .
"It's a high," Charlize says. "If someone told me two years ago when I was here when I was nominated that I'd be back here in two years, nominated again—it's insane!"
Jennifer Garner
New mom Jennifer Garner, an Oscar® presenter, was out for her first big night since baby Violet was born in December.
"[Motherhood] has been an amazing experience so far," she told Gayle. And hubby Ben Affleck is a wonderful daddy, Jennifer says. In fact, he's at home on Oscar night babysitting!
Hilary Swank
Two-time Best Actress winner
Hilary Swank said that she never walks down the red carpet without appreciating the fact that she's living her dream.
How's Hilary doing since she and husband Chad Lowe announced their separation? Together for 13 years, Hilary said she's not giving up on their marriage. "We've grown up together," she said. "We're very close and very good friends and it's definitely worth trying to work it out."
A Beautiful Night
Gayle had some fun when Jamie Foxx stopped by to chat and was soon joined by Will Smith, Morgan Freeman and
Terrence Howard .
"This is a beautiful night. I just noticed halfway up the red carpet how many of
us are here tonight," Will says of the number of African-American entertainers taking part in the awards this year.
"Black people at the Oscars®!" Gayle cheered.
George Clooney
Nominated for three Oscars®,
George Clooney won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in
Syriana . Gayle had a chance to interview the dreamy actor on the red carpet before the awards show—and she was the first to interview him right after he walked off stage!
"Congratulations!" Gayle told the stunned actor. "Is this your happy face?"
George broke out of his stupor and grinned ear to ear. "If [my Oscar statuette] unscrewed and it was a flask, I'd be a little happier," he joked.
Rachel Weisz
Gayle had a chance to talk to British star Rachel Weisz on the red carpet before her big win. "Somebody said to me, 'Babies bring blessings,'" the mom-to-be told Gayle. "I feel this year that that may be true." Rachel was right—she took home Oscar® gold as Best Supporting Actress for her work in The Constant Gardener.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Best Actor winner for his portrayal of author Truman Capote in Capote, was a favorite going into the evening. Philip says he knew he had a good shot…but that didn't make Oscar® night any less nerve-wracking!
Special Thanks
A big shout-out to the people and companies who made Oprah's After-Oscar® Party a success!
Special thanks to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, president Sid Ganis, producer Gil Cates and Hollywood's Kodak Theatre. SenovvA president Frank McMinn provided the high-tech curved screen for the set and Architectural Digest opened up its glamorous Oscar® green room!
