And the Winner Is...

These boots may be made for walking, but for most boots, when it comes to Oscar’s big night, the invitation to take the formal stroll down the red carpet historically gets lost in the mail. The 2012 Academy Awards show, which takes place on February 26^th, promises to be no different. Sure, it will be filled with head-to-toe glamour, and celebrities who get the elusive fashion nod can turn instantly into fashion icons. And “fashion don’ts” will be ridiculed in the media for a long time to come. For many stars, putting their best foot forward means playing it safe. Even celebrity royalty don’t grab what could be the fashion role of a lifetime: sleek dresses, sleek hair, and long, beautiful boots.

“Take a chance!” I plead to the leading ladies who have graced us for years with their acting prowess and studio staying power. “Surprise us!” I will to those Hollywood beauties that are secure enough in their beauty to wear thongs on the beach with paparazzi in tow. But the truth is, the 84^th Annual Academy Awards Show follow in the footsteps of those before it. When it comes to their feet, nominees will play it safe—not practical—“safe.” There will still be an abundance of 5-inch heels and strappy platforms holding up actresses who wobble their way through interviews, but long, luscious, leathery boots will be impossible to find.

Yes, boots will get the snub, quite like Leonardo DiCaprio who was overlooked for his work in Titanic and  J. Edgar, and Donald Sutherland who was ignored for his roles in M*A*S*H and Ordinary People. Sadly, boots will go unrecognized for the great performance that they put in throughout the year, and will be left at home on the big night. The opportunity for boots to get that break out role will slip away, and it’s likely that at the only boots that will be gracing the Kodak Theater will be Puss in Boots, one of this year’s nominations for Best Animated Films.

But judging from pictures, maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe this year’s nominees for Best Actress in a Leading Role will be better off stepping out on “safe” terrain, wearing what gorgeous leading ladies of years’ past have already proven to work. Let’s take a look at this year’s top ladies and their recent boot outings. 

Meryl Streep, nominated for the Iron Lady

Rooney Mara, nominated for the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Michelle Williams, nominated for My Week With Marlyn
with her daughter Matilda in pink Hunter rain boots

Glenn Close as Cruella Deville,  nominated for Albert Nobbs

And, last, but not least, Viola Davis, who must never have worn a pair of boots in her life…or at least not since her break-out role in The Help.

Viola Davis, nominated for The Help

Judging from these pictures, maybe it’s better that these top ladies stick to shoes. But some day, on some glamorous night to come, boots will have their time. Boots will be up to the job. Someday, we’ll all be watching as a pair of Christian Louboutin 5-inch knee high boots accept an Oscar. There’s a lady out there who is confident enough to pull it off, and that’s that.