2011 ACADEMY AWARDS WRAP-UP

The 2011 Academy Awards was generally okay but not spectacular. The ratings were even down from last year but still a nice show overall. Aside from Melissa Leo's F**K word on her speech and Anne Hathaway's seemingly endless line of gowns, there were lots of good moments and note-worthy performances that were well rewardedWell, I have my personal favorites and here's my take on some of the categories.

Natalie Portman

BEST PICTURE
- Well, King's Speech took the top prize but I was still keen on "Inception" or "Social Network" to grab the trophy. For me King' Speech was good but its plot is not something really new. "Inception" was really mind blowing and carefully made while "Social Network" was plain witty. Kings ended with 4 awards in total tied with Inception while the FB film grabbed 3.

BEST DIRECTOR
- OF all the categories, this is the only one that actually made me raise my eyebrows. Well, even before the start of the awards, I was expecting this one to be a surprise. Christopher Nolan (Inception) was not even nominated. And with that void, I was rooting for David Fincher to take the plum for "The Social Network".

BEST ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE
- The competition was not really strong this year as early on Colin Firth is already a shoo-in for the win. Even James Franco's hosting stint this year won't give plus points to enable him to grab the plum.

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE
- Natalie Portman for the win! Yehey! She was just so convincing in "Black Swan" that I was really rooting for her. Only Annette Bening  stood a chance of upsetting her.

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
- Christian Bale took the prize for "The Fighter". This category sees one of the weakest ones in the past years and anyone could have actually taken the plum. My choice was Bale or Mark Ruffalo for "The Kids Are All Right".

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
- Melissa Leo won as we all know and dropped the F word in her acceptance speech. I have actually favored Amy Adams also from "The Fighter" to take the top prize but well Leo was also a good choice. I still thought Mila Kunis should have been at least been nominated.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
- Toy Story all the way. Great film. One classic to always remember. Well deserved win. Although I was quite surprised "Tangled" did not even get a nod.

BEST ORIGINAL THEME SONG
- Toy Story 3's "We Belong Together"took the prize but I was actually rooting for "Tangled's I See The Light". Also notable snob was Cher's song for Burlesque which was not even nominated.

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Getting to Know McKenzie Westmore

You may recognize McKenzie Westmore from her 10 year run as "Sheridan Crane" on NBC's popular daytime drama Passions but that isn't all she is best known for - an actress, television host, wife, mother and fitness and health enthusiast are a few more titles she holds. Currently, she is host of SyFy's new special effects and make-up competition series FACE OFF - a new show we are loving. 

McKenzie also has quite the background in personal training and nutrition as a health, beauty, fitness and nutrition enthusiast! What else could she add to her full multi-tasking plate? A line of wellness products! McKenzie has created a line to enhance the health, beauty and well being of women everywhere. 

We are thrilled to share the lovely Mrs. Westmore with our readers as she truly is an inspiration of how you can do it all! 

{1} You do it all -- you hold so many titles. How do you manage it all?

Some days I wonder myself! Honestly, I am a very organized  person but even still it’s not easy and it’s always a juggling act. I am always making notes in my phone for the day of what needs to be accomplished, making sure Maddox is taken care of at all times! 

{2} Many of us watched you for years on Passions. Do you miss that chapter in your life? Do you have a favorite episode you filmed?  

There are certain aspects that I miss from my Passions days but am thrilled with where my life and career are headed now. As or a favorite episode I would have to say the first Tango between Luis and Sheridan.  It was really the first time seeing the sparks between the characters and my first time dancing on television, which scared me to death but I loved it! 

{3} Congrats on your new show, Face Off! What can you tell us about the new competition series? 

Face Off is a competition/elimination series exploring the world of special-effects make-up. The contestants are given a certain amount of time to create their own original works of art ranging from full body paint make up on models to creating their own horror villain. Not only does the show incorporate effects make-up but it will also include a wide range of skill sets. It all ends with one winner and one grand prize that will launch a career.  

Each episode brings something new and exciting.  If you have ever asked “How did they do that?” or “How did they make that?” in a movie or television show then FACE OFF is for you!

{4} Besides the new show you are working on developing a line of wellness products. Can you tell us a little about that?  

I’m working on a series of products for beauty, health, nutrition and wellness.  I'm very excited about these products because they have been inspired by my family's rich history, knowledge, and legacy as pioneers in the world of Hollywood make-up arts.  

{5} What can we find in your make-up bag?  

Oh boy!  What cant you find! I love trying and testing out new products but my staples are a bronze primer to start.  I’m not big on foundation since it’s so heavy on the skin and I love a more natural look so I use a tinted moisturizer with spf, mineral powder.  

As for my signature colors, I always stick with a pink blush and pink eye shadow with either brown or black eyeliner and use either white or light blue on the table of my eye to brighten them up.  For lips its usually just gloss and now I Love Lip Fusion XL!  It has totally pumped my lips naturally! 

{6} With background in personal training - what do you always tell your clients? Do you have a favorite work out?  

I always stress the importance of a well-rounded workout that is based in cardio and weight bearing moves.  I’ve always been a big fan of yoga because it not only is so great for the body but for the mind and soul too!  One of my all time favorite yoga practices is HP Yoga by Steve Ilg. 

{7} For those who always can't get to the gym - what do you suggest they do in their own home? 

When it’s a rainy day and I'm home I do a combination of yoga based moves as well as jumping jacks, pushups, jogging in place…etc…you really can get a great workout in wherever you are with simple tools we all have in our home.   Even when Maddox was a baby I would incorporate him in my workouts holding him close doing squats and such.  

10 THINGS WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT MCKENZIE! 

I’ve really been an open book most my life so here goes… 

1. I trained in opera and am a coloratura soprano.  I love to sing to this day! 

2. I am a trained equestrian rider in English and Gymnastics on horseback. 

3. I can raise one eyebrow and wiggle my ears.

4. I hate liver and onions.

5. I could live on sushi! 

6. I’m an expressive person and communicator and a huge pet peeve is when someone doesn’t pay me the same respect.

7. I first acting job was at 14 months old in a Bold Detergent commercial. 

8. My favorite color is turquoise.

9.  My favorite cars are a ’57 Chevy and Mercedes Gull wing.

10. I love to bake and make a mean cookie! 

Love her right? We do! Make sure you follow McKenzie on Twitter and tune in to Face Off on the SyFy channel, Wednesday at 10pm! 

Oscar Red Carpet 2011: cupcakeMAG's Best Dressed!

{Reese Witherspoon}
You can't go wrong with Giorgio Armani Privé mixed with $1 million worth of Neil Lane diamond and emerald jewelry. Her voluminous retro updo made her look like a grown-up Barbie. We LOVE it! 

{Sandra Bullock}
The scarlet Vera Wang gown was simply stunning paired with a crimson VBH clutch and Harry Winston earrings & bangle. 

{Mila Kunis}
The lavendar lace Elie Saab Haute Couture gown with Neil Lane diamonds topped our faves. 

{Jennifer Lawrence}
The newbie to the Oscars shows us that sometimes less is more. She swooned us with her bright red Calvin Klen Collection, elegant Chopard earrings and bangle, Juditch Leiber clutch and Jimmy Choo sandals. Perfection! 

{Michelle Williams}
In true vintage style, the white Chanel Haute Couture gown paired with Harry Winston diamon earrings and ring turned heads on the red carpet. 

{Anne Hathaway}
We loved this vintage Valentino Haure Couture taffeta gown with a beautiful floral applique train. She tops it off perfectly with a scarlet red lip and Tiffany & Co. 

{Cate Blanchett}
Perfectly structured! In an eleabroately beaded Givenchy Haute Couture gown with yellow beaded accents and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry -- she looks her best. We also love her fresh chic bob! 

Tell us: Who was on your best dressed list?