Bullock bedazzles on the red carpet

Sandra Bullock dressed the part at yesterday's Academy Awards: She wore a gleaming, gold, slim-fitting gown that seemed fashioned after the Oscar statuette itself.

The early buzz was that the gold-leaf patterned dress was a winner, with designer Patricia Field calling it "simple" and "classy."

Bullock was among many who stepped up their style on what is considered Hollywood's most important fashion runway, with many stars choosing bold colours and strategic sparkle to get them noticed.

Miley Cyrus was in a metallic champagne bustier gown. Sarah Jessica Parker wore a fashion-forward butter-coloured gown with silver flowers at the bustline. And Mo'Nique wore an electric-blue, body-hugging asymmetrical gown and gardenias in her hair.

Clooney's too good to be true

There are many reasons why George Clooney is one of the most popular stars in Hollywood: the crinkles around his eyes when he smiles, his soothing voice and his deep brown eyes.

But he's also one of the most generous celebrities on the Oscars red carpet. He bounded across the red ropes to the bleachers with a pen in hand, ready to shake hands and sign autographs. The fans leaped out of their seats to get a glimpse of him, pressing toward the carpet that ran into the Kodak Theater.

After he signed a woman's security badge, she held it up in the air triumphantly and fans cheered for her.

"That was super-duper nice. That's what they all should do," said Pauline An, a stay-at-home mom from Golden, Colo. "I talked to Mary Hart, shook George Clooney's hand and Jason Bateman waved to me. It's a good night."

Streep spying on Seacrest

Now Ryan Seacrest knows: Meryl Streep is watching.

After noting that Seacrest predicted Sandra Bullock would win the Oscar for best actress, Streep went nose-to-nose yesterday with the E! red carpet host.

"I was watching you earlier," Streep said with mock gravity on her way into the ceremony at the Kodak Theater.

The actress, who is nominated also for best actress for her performance in Julia&Julie, chastised Seacrest for "cheerleading a little," but added: "That's all right."

Seacrest, a little stricken, responded: "I knew you were going to come and you were going to crush me."

Then Streep, referring to Bullock, gave in: "I'm in love with her, as is everyone in America. I kind of have been pulling for all the young gals."

Streep's nomination was her 16th. She won for Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980 and Sophie's Choice in 1983.

Oscar takes on a twang

The Oscars were a little bit country this year.

Crazy Heart, which stars Jeff Bridges as an aging country music star, was the most obvious presence on the red carpet at yesterday's ceremony. Bridges was nominated for best actor, Maggie Gyllenhaal was nominated for best-supporting actress and the song The Weary Kind by Ryan Bingham and T-Bone Burnett was up for best song.

But Tim McGraw, co-star of the best-picture nominee The Blind Side was also in attendance with his wife, Faith Hill. McGraw plays the husband of Sandra Bullock's character in the film.

Miley Cyrus was also at the Kodak Theater to present an award. She came with her mother, Leticia Cyrus, but not her father, Billy Ray Cyrus.

"Last time I was here, I was with my dad," the young pop star told E!'s Ryan Seacrest.

"He kept stepping on my dress, so I'm hoping that doesn't happen again."

Warm and fuzzy award language

In a throwback to more competitive days, Academy Award presenters rehearsed the line "and the winner is ..." instead of the blander "and the Oscar goes to ..." for yesterday's show.

The last time the language was used officially was for the 60th Academy Awards in 1988, when The Last Emperor won for best picture.

The following year, show producer Allan Carr changed the wording, although some presenters ignored the new guidelines.

"His goal was to make it not seem as competitive," said Lucia Schultz, the motion picture academy's librarian.

Other awards shows also followed suit.

Although academy staff would not confirm the change before yesterday's telecast, presenters have been using the phrasing all week.

At rehearsals Saturday, Tom Hanks noticed the change and said: "You're breaking the mould here guys."

During his rehearsal, he joked around saying: "The Saturday Oscar goes to ...," and "the winner of the fake Oscar is ..."