Honeys, I don’t know how I’m writing to you now. With the Academy Awards going overtime as usual, I’m barely functioning. I always feel compelled to watch the ceremony from beginning to end. This year I tacked on an 1 ½ hours of red carpet and the Barbra Walters special.

The 79th Annual Academy Awards had one thing going for them – Ellen Degeneres. She did a great job of keeping the ball rolling. Her interaction with the audience was hilarious. She has such a self-deprecating approach to comedy that allows her to make fun of herself and draw attention to others. Will Ferrell, Jack Black and John C. Reilly were phenomenal in their send up of comedians snubbed by the Academy.

I appreciated the Academy’s intro including all of the nominees. It was a great inclusive idea that gave everyone five minutes of fame. Ellen also brought home the idea that this was a true global even with nominees from all points around the globe. Kudos to the Academy! Though, with such time constraints there were way too many montages and tributes.

I was happy that there were a few surprises in the sometimes tedious four hour awards ceremony. Look at results here. I was shocked The Departed. My Latin America correspondent called me early in the day to make his picks. He called Forest Whitaker but said that because Peter O’Toole will be looked over, Alan Arkin will reap the benefits. Great call, JR. My New York correspondent, O, texted me throughout the ceremony. He thought Helen Mirren was fabulous, Celine Dion flawless and found Emily Blunt surprisingly exquisite. I thought Reese Witherspoon once again looked youthful and sexy while Cate Blanchett’s dress was out of this world. Check out the fashions here.

Here’s the Diva’s take on Hollywood’s biggest night:

Elvira Returns

James Bond’s main squeeze Eva Green was gothic couture with an enormous black hairdo that swamped her face and tiny frame. The money looked like she was overpowered by Cousin It.

Morphing Acrobats

Don’t recall the name of the group but the morphing acrobats were a weird addition to the telecast. They seemed entirely out of place but obviously the producer saw them somewhere and loved them.

Orator of the Night

Forest Whitaker reversed his fortune by delivering the best speech of the night. His words, though written down, were beautifully stated. His was a message of hope and gratitude. Everyone seemed shocked by his insightful and poignant words.

Sixty New Thirty?

Helen Mirren and Diane Keaton were the baddest chicks in the Kodak Theatre last night. Mirren was a vision in an angelic sequined gown. Keaton abandoned her Annie Hall meets eccentric neighbor look. She was radiant and svelte in head to toe black. Beautiful.

Translator Please

While I applaud the international theme of the awards, the person who paired Catherine Deneuve and Ken Watanabe missed the mark. Their thick accents were in bad need of sub-titles. I just scratched my head and smiled.

Self-Indulgent Diva Moment

As Simon loves to say on American Idol, “That’s was totally indulgent.” Of course, I’m referring to the Dreamgirls spectacular for the three nominated songs. It was as if the Academy felt bad for snubbing them for best picture so they gave them three song nominations and too much time during the ceremony. All of the Dreamgirls over sang though J.Hud was able to reign her voice in somewhat. Beyonce was going through such hysterics that her weave was plastered to her face at the end. Too much.

What were your favorite moments?

The Ballot Please

The Academy Awards are Sunday and I’m overjoyed. I can feel myself getting giddy already. The fashion, music, acceptance speeches and more. Who will be there? Who will look angelic? Who will look like a hot mess (besides Joan Rivers and her homely daughter)? Will Ellen wear a dress or perform one of her goofy dances? I can’t wait.

There are still a couple of movies I need to see. I have The Departed but can’t seem to watch it. Half Nelson is next up on my Netflix list. I’ll have to catch The Queen on DVD. With that said, I feel quite confidant about my Oscar picks but wouldn’t it be exhilarating to have a massive surprise during the ceremony.

Below are the Diva’s picks for the major categories:

Best Actress- Helen Mirren

This chick is unstoppable. I think she’ll easily pull off a win. She’s been a critical darling for years and will take home her gold man. While I was hypnotized by Dame Judy’s crazy English spinster school teacher, Dame Helen will win.

Best Actor-Forest Whitaker

Soft-spoken Forest will reign victorious though I have an faint voice in the back of my head that says Peter O’Toole could get the sympathy vote. However, I’m sticking with my gut that says Forest will win.

Best Supporting Actress- Jennifer Hudson

This budding diva will win for her boisterous Effie. This may be her only brush with Oscar as an actress. I don’t know that she has the acting chops to make this a creditable career. Dreamgirls was a matter of amazing material meeting the perfect vessel. It was magical. I’d love to eat my words but I need to see her in another role that isn’t centered around her voice or size.

Best Supporting Actor- Eddie Murphy

With the absence of Brad Pitt for Babel and Steve Carell for Little Miss Sunshine, my vote goes to Eddie Murphy. Alan Arkin could snatch it but in the end Eddie stretched himself and gave a comic yet endearing performance.

Best Picture- Babel

On a whole, this movie embodies all things Oscar. There was a great script, diverse cast and empowering message of unity and globalization- that we are all connected to one another.

Any predictions?