Who doesn’t love watching the Oscars? The ceremony and the Super Bowl are probably the most talked-about events at every company’s watercooler the next day. Everyone has their favorite memories of the show – mine were the streaker in 1974 (if you’re old enough to remember), the infamous 1989 Rob Lowe and Snow White musical opening number and Roberto Beningi’s wildly enthusiastic reaction to winning the award for Life is Beautiful in 1999. Well, Allison Janney just added something else to my favorites list.
The 58-year-old actress is nominated for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Tonya Harding’s foul-mouthed, violent mother, LaVona Golden, in I, Tonya. Allison is no stranger to awards, having already won multiple awards including seven Emmys, six SAG Awards and a Golden Globe. When asked by PEOPLE about her favorite Oscar memory, she recalled, “My favorite memory of watching the Oscars, has always been seeing whatever Cher would wear. That was always so fun to look forward to because she was so outrageous and I loved it.”
She’s absolutely right, you know. If you take a look back at La Cher’s Oscar fashions, you can’t help but agree. Remember the Bob Mackie beaded dress that showcased her bare, toned midriff and was topped with a huge feathered mohawk? She wore that one in 1986, when she was nominated, but didn’t win, for her role in Mask. How about another Mackie creation, the gorgeous sheer number she wore two years later when she finally won for Moonstruck?
Also in the PEOPLE piece, Allison revealed that she is bringing a good luck charm to the ceremony – not that she needs one – a token bestowed upon her by long-time friend, I, Tonya screenwriter Steven Rogers. She said, “Whenever I was doing a performance he would always say, to me ‘sparkle peanut’ and years ago he gave me a tiny, silver peanut. So I’m gonna have that in my purse.”
When Allison wins the Oscar, she might want to not only thank Steven, but also make sure to thank her bird co-star in I, Tonya. In a recent profile in The New York Times, Allison said she “auditioned” three birds for the role of LaVona’s pet, awarding the role to an aviary actor dubbed “Little Man”. As she recalled,
In the last minute I decided to give LaVona emphysema, because the bird lady didn’t want us to smoke around the bird. I was, like, “Oh, thank God I don’t have to smoke in this scene.” So I had [an] oxygen tube and oxygen tank. Then that bird, Little Man, got on my shoulder and became fascinated with my oxygen tank thing and my ear, and just kept poking at me. I was determined to not let anything stop me from telling my side of the story. And this bird was, like, “I’m going to make this as challenging for you as [possible].” He was kind of great though, because as an actor you sometimes get in your head, and he stopped that. I was either telling my story or dealing with him. He helped me focus in this weird way.
As someone who thought Allison should have won an Oscar for Drop Dead Gorgeous, I’l be rooting for her on March 4. Maybe she will contribute to my favorite Oscar watching memories. One can only hope.
Photos: Getty Images, WENN.com
i still watch the live music video for turn back time every so often and think… gd cher was hot, she was a badass woman!
Cher’s outfits were always the best
Cher was my normal during formative years. I watched the Sunny & Cher show and was Chastity’s age. My tall skinny adopted mom had giant Cher Hair and we watched EVERY Cher film and they were GOSPEL, from Mask to Moonstruck. No wonder I dress like a spiritual show girl if I venture out past 5pm. Sigh.
She was the definition of fearless Oscar style.
I remember the streaker, too! And yes, Cher’s costumes were always great fun. Currently rewatching West Wing, Allison Janey was so great in that.
Cher and Bob Mackie-the Dream Team! Didn’t he also do her costumes on the Sonny and Cher show? Those were incredible.
I remember fashion more than events from past Oscars, tho still love the one-handed push-ups from Jack Palance (I’m old too!)
I still remember the oscar song (music and lyrics) Billy Crystal sang as his opening number for that Oscar ceremony. 😄
“As someone who thought Allison should have won an Oscar for Drop Dead Gorgeous, I’l be rooting for her on March 4.” YES TO THIS!!!! That movie was so twisted, and she had the best lines. Hilarious.
J’adore that movie. Between Alison and Ellen Barkin, it remains one of my favourite movies.
I have to agree. I always loved seeing what Cher would show up in.
That dress she is wearing with Val Kilmer, wow. She looks freaking amazing.
Just as a honesty check, I still have my Cher Bob Mackie Barbie in the Native costume as well as my Bob Mackie Diamond Dazzle Barbie. I would wear that black and white Diamond Dazzle dress shopping at Costco if I could. He was always one of my fav’s and I wish I could wear one of his dresses.
Drop Dead Gorgeous is still one of my favorite movies. Janney was hilarious in it.
I’d never even heard of the Robe Lowe/Snow White duet. I was a kid at the time and neither of my parents were into the Oscars. But let me say THANK YOU for introducing me to that cringe worthy hot mess. That was embarrassing to watch, but I laughed.
Cher and Bob Mackie were a partnership made in heaven. I always anticipated seeing what she would turn up in next. She was fearless and glamorous.
I don’t think that Cher was nominated for Mask. I believe that you’re thinking of the year that she was nominated for Silkwood, alongside Meryl Streep.
Allison Janney is everything I aspire to be as a woman- stunning to look at, bright, witty, funny and exceedingly talented.
Hello fellow Drop Dead Gorgeous fan! She and Kirsten Dunst nailed our particular accent. I don’t watch a lot of movies but I do like Allison Janney.