Thank God the Writer’s Guild strike is over. Sure, I care that a billion bucks were lost during the strike and that it’ll mean I won’t get my IV of new Grey’s Anatomy ‘til fall. But the real reason I and the rest of you fashion-lovin’ fems needed the strike to be over, was because Oscar wasn’t going to cross the picket line. His golden bootie would’ve been doled out in an alley with no cameras, I guess. But thankfully, all is well in Hollyweird, so we got to see the stars shine bright and hot from the looks of those va-va-voom dresses. With funnyman Jon Stewart at the helm and a very glam “welcome back to Hollywood,” Oscars definitely did not disappoint. This year included many fantastic films (however dark) and many fine performances (however gruesome) to celebrate this year.

First, the fashion. The red carpet was on fire this year with luscious cherry dresses on some of the hottest stars. See inset. Red on red: from left, Miley Cyrus, Helen Mirren, Katherine Heigl and Heidi Klum arrived at the 80th annual Academy Awards. Which made stars opting for paler gowns (Renee Zellweger, Cameron Diaz) truly pale in comparison. Then there’s the stripper-turned-Oscar-winner Diablo Cody, one of my fave moments of the night, not only showing her individuality with her va-va-voom arm tatt, skull and cross bones earrings and exotic animal print dress. Props to her for showing her personality and for thanking her parents for loving her “just as I am” in her acceptance speech. Isn’t that what all of us moms want to hear when our kids are grown? And, hey, if anything can get a gal off the pole, it’s an Oscar! If you haven’t yet scene her film Juno, about a pregnant teen, it’s really sweet in that “as long as it’s not my child kind of way.”

As for other noms and winners you should check out, I highly recommend:
Away From Her, an Alzheimer’s flick starring the fab Julie Christie. I bawled nearly all the way through it.

Savages, about a brother and sister coping with their father’s demise. Gifted acting.
In the mood for a little brutal murder? Try No Country For Old Men. Javier Bardem won Best Supporting Actor for a reason. I couldn’t sleep well for days after watching it.

Oh, not in love with blood and gore? Then, please do skip Sweeney Todd. I couldn’t stomach it even though I usually love Johnny Depp. A murderous musical? So not my cup of tea.

If you love a good drama and still crushin’ on George Clooney, spend the evening with Michael Clayton (Clooney).

More on movies and Oprah’s new book club pick A New Earth next week. Note to readers: her first free workshops about the book start next Monday so if you’re in to finding enlightenment in ’08, go to oprah.com to check it out.