Insert SAG Pun Here

Nyong'o, Blanchett, McConaughey, Leto, American Hustle

There are many different breeds of "pre-Oscar" awards. The various film critics' awards have some influence, but there's no overlap in voting membership. Ditto for the entertainment journalists who give out the Golden Globes. But Academy voters are all union members, and that's who votes on the Guild awards, so they are by far the strongest indicator of how Oscar will divvy up their gold. This makes Cate Blanchett, Jared Leto, Matthew McConaughey, and Lupita Nyong'o - last night's SAG award winners - the front-runners for Oscar glory.

The SAG award for Best Ensemble Cast is not - I repeat, NOT - a "Best Picture equivalent." This year is an especially obvious example, with a film like Gravity, which is in a three-way race for Best Picture, but was obviously not nominated for Best Ensemble at this awards ceremony, because there's only one actor onscreen for roughly half the movie. American Hustle, with four actors up for Oscars, easily took home the SAG's ensemble award.

Rita Moreno, Morgan Freeman

The highlight of the evening was the astonishing Rita Moreno, recipient of the lifetime achievement award, who is probably the sexiest octogenarian on the planet. She rocked a daring, high-slit dress with a bad-ass studded jacket. She glided to the stage and danced with presenter Morgan Freeman. She cracked jokes, made flirtatious overtures to Jeremy Renner and Brad Pitt, and sang a capella - twice - in a voice as clear and gorgeous as ever. She should be everyone's new crush, immediately.

Blanchett, Bullock, Streep, Thompson

Four of the Best Actress nominees were present. Cate Blanchett wore lovely shades of pink, and an elegant halter neckline, although the shapeless middle of the dress was unflattering. Sandra Bullock was almost perfect in emerald green - death to the giant bow! Emma Thompson sported a fun sequined peacock.

Lawrence, Nyong'o, Roberts, Squibb, Winfrey

All five supporting actress nominees were present, and apparently no one took a decent photo of June Squibb; this was the best I could find. Again, she is lovely in regal jewel tones. Lupita Nyong'o's turquoise frock is exquisitely embellished. I thought I loved Julia Roberts's ensemble until I realized it was pants. Oprah is fabulous in royal purple and a statement brooch.



Miscellaneous favorite looks are Amy Adams in artfully asymmetrical cobalt; Julie Bowen's mid-century psychedelic print; Jane Krakowski's delicious shade of mint julep; and especially the perfectly-draped, sumptuously-colored silk floral on Juliette Lewis. Special mention must be made of Tina Fey's daughter Alice Richmond, age-appropriate and cute-as-can-be in beaded lace, a twirly pleated skirt, matching clutch, and sensible shoes. (Good job, Mom!)