It's 5:40 pm and the Screen Actors Guild red carpet coverage is about start. Ruby Dee legendary actress is nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Award. I designed her gown for the event.
My red carpet moment begins.
Switching between the E Channel and TV Guide (they need to get Joan Rivers back), I watched the inane interviews that reduced everyone to silly school kids at a prom. It was torture. Actors and Actresses exchanged dialogue about staying in shape and stilletos. They were fawned over by the interviewers who tried to predict a win for everyone.
"I think tonight's your night"
"I've got a good feeling about this"
"I thought you were fantastic, you've got to win!''
"I've got a good feeling about this"
"I thought you were fantastic, you've got to win!''
"WHAT EVER!"
About 1 hour and 45 minutes in I spied Miss Dee just beyond Cate Blanchett and her belly (she's pregnant).
You may recall my Oscar moment, I have X Ray vision.
Then I knew Miss Dee would be interviewed and asked dumb stupid questions. Most importantly, as Beyonce would say, "Say my name, say my name".
Fade to black, a commercial.
Of course they needed to build the suspense of interviewing an American treasure, a legend whos' body of work includes "A Raisin in the Sun" and "Do The Right Thing". An actress that stood tall and maintained a career in an industry that had few roles available for women of color. She deserved a place of honor on the red carpet.
7:45 Back from the commercial break
and WHO IS THIS! It sure ain't Miss Dee in a 4ply silk bias cut gown, sayin' my name.
The two hour red carpet coverage was over and hallabaloo for me will come another day. I want to give a thumbs up to Sandra Oh who acknowledged a local designer in Korea Town.
8:00pm the Show begins, I relax, say my name, will not be happening this red carpet and I still have the 5 picture inset of the nominees when Best Supporting Actress category is announced.
Seemed like it was about 9:20pm they announced coming back from a commercial break upcoming stars. "We'll be right back with RUBY DEE..." I heard nothing else, just RUBY DEE. Again fade to black.
Oh so, like Micky Rooney she will get a moment and I will see a full length version of the gown.
Well it took a one more commercial break but then the announcer "And Now RUBY DEE". She glided across the stage to present the film clip to American Gangster. I leaned back with pride she looked beautiful. I was so proud! See her glide here. (picture no 15)
So a few moments later the best supporting actress category was announced. Five accomplished actresses were announced and
9:45 She Won!
With Grace amongst peers who stood to honor her, she accepted her due. Standing tall, her beauty was unmatched. A friend called to tell me how gorgeous she looked. At 83 WOW! Honoring her husband with the work he's doing in heaven, Ruby Dee is an extraordinary woman and I had and extraordinary experience.
