Thandie Newton is the New Face of Olay

Actress Thandie Newton has just signed on with Olay to be the new face of their Total Effects skincare line. The 37-year-old British beauty will appear in their ad campaign to commemorate the brand's 10th year in the U.K.

Ms. Newton tells Grazia magazine, "When filming, my working day is hectic, so trying to strike a balance between work, a family and time for myself can be challenging….Olay is a brand I trust and I love the fact that the range offers me an all-in-one, anti-ageing moisturiser which takes care of all my skincare needs."

Olay is thrilled to have Ms. Newton on their team, siting her as an "inspirational figure" for working mothers. "Thandie's pragmatic approach to a beauty routine ensures her skincare is as multi-tasking as she is".

At this time, the ads will only appear in the U.K, but we're hoping to see her in the U.S. in the near future.
(Hat tip: Beauty and The Dirt)

(Photo: Grazia Magazine)

Talking Hair with Wendy Williams

Talk show host, Wendy Williams isn't just the "Queen of All Media", she's also the "Queen of Weaves, Wigs and Extensions"! Here she is on ABC Nightline talking about one of my favorite subjects: Hair!

Vintage Video Of The Week

Since Academy Award winner Mo'Nique graciously paid tribute to Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American to win an Academy Award, in her acceptance speech, I thought it would be fitting to take a look at Ms. McDaniel's acceptance speech.

For more information on the life and career of Hattie McDaniel: Hattie McDaniel (Bio.Com)

OUT & ABOUT: Oscar Fashions!

I think Anika Noni Rose's gown was the most underated of the night. I loved the jewel-encrusted bodice and the drapping of the skirt. Flawless!

Nicole Ritchie has come a looooong way, baby! She looked absolutely gorgeous in a vintage inspired sequined Reem Acra gown, Judith Leiber clutch and diamond and blackened platinum jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz. I love the eye makeup! Definitely one of my favorite looks of the night.

Queen Latifah looked regal in a pink, one-shouldered gown with rhinestone embellishments by Badgley Mischka. The mermaid silhouette perfectly accentuated her curves. Beautiful drop earrings made of South Sea pearls, diamonds and pink sapphires by Chopard complete the look.

Best Actress nominee Gabourey Sidibe worked the red carpet in a royal blue gown with silver beads embroidered in a flower pattern designed by Marchesa, one of my favorite designers. Jewels were by Lorraine Schawrtz. Ms. Sidibe said of her dress, "If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot".  Well, alrighty then!

Zoe Saldana brought the DRAMA in a Givenchy Couture gown from Richard Tisci's Spring 2010 collection, and not necessarily in a good way. I love ombré, but not this execution of it. All of that tulle at the bottom makes the gown look too costumey for the Oscars.

This blue Valentino gown does nothing for Mariah Carey, except make her look matronly. I think she's been listening too much to the fashion critics who say she should tone it down, and ended up playing it too safe. The peep-toe nude Louboutins are gorge, but way too casual for this event. I have mixed feelings about the diamonds. On one hand, I think Mariah was using them to jazz up the gown and bring a bit of old school glamour to the Oscars, but I think she may have overdone it just a bit. Love the brooch, though.

Zoe Kravitz is coming into her own as a fashionista. Here, Miss Kravitz dons a sophisticated strapless blush gown, accented with cognac red velvet by designer Alexis Mabille. Vintage 1920s Fred Leighton diamonds finished the look.

Paula Patton chose to bring a bit of Spring to the affair in a bright orange Carolina Herrera ensemble. All jewelry by Martin Katz.

Oprah Winfrey, my mentor and auntie in my head, was exquisite in this navy blue number by Carolina Herrera. I LOOOOVE this color on her! BTW, did you all notice that all of the women behind the movie Precious, with the exception of Paula Patton, wore variations of blue? Says Ms. Winfrey, "That was just some sort of divine synchronicity, I guess from Hattie McDaniel".

(Photos: Getty Images)

Backstage at the Academy Awards with Mo'Nique

Mo'Nique takes over backstage at the Academy Awards! I love how she shows love and acknowledges the reporters that supported her when no one else would.

Mo'Nique's Date With Oscar

(Photo: Getty Images)

Congratulations to Mo'Nique for winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress!!

Miss Mo paid homage to Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Academy Award, in a Tadashi Shoji gown made of royal blue silk jersey, and accented the look with a white gardenia placed in her chignon. The look was topped off with diamond drop earrings and bracelet by Chopard and Jimmy Choo "Clue" platform sandals.

"The reason I have on this royal blue dress is because it's the color Hattie McDaniel wore in 1940 when she accepted her Oscar," she said, clutching her Academy Award. "The reason I have this gardenia in my hair is because it's the flower Hattie McDaniel wore wore when she accepted her Oscar.

"Hattie McDaniel, I feel you all over me, and it's time the world felt you all over them."

As I watched Mo'Nique accept her award, I couldn't help but think of the following: "No weapon formed against me shall prosper". As you all may know, there were several movie critics trying their best to smear Mo'Nique and ruin her chances of getting an Oscar nomination because she would not beg campaign for the Oscar. Instead, she wanted to be judged for her performance, which is what the awards is supposed to be about -- the performance. But Mo'Nique stood her ground and was rewarded. So, for all those media critics who said, "Who does she think she is?", here's your answer...

(Photo: Getty Images)

...an Academy Award Winner.