Awards season came to a bittersweet end as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sound (AMPAS) announced the winners of one of Hollywood’s most coveted honors: the Golden Oscar. Join us as POWER goes behind the scenes to see how the stars prepped for the big night.

Suites
For the latest beauty treatments and fashion styles, the stars turned to the experts available at these exclusive, luxe hideaways:

TMG International Luxury Safari Suite
Those daring enough to take a walk on the wild side were in for a real treat at TMG’s International Luxury Safari Suite. Atop the Luxe Hotel’s penthouse was an intimate playground for the adventurous. The journey began with Life Style Pets' display of one of the most gorgeous felines we had ever seen: a mix between a domestic cat and a wild leopard. As we pulled out our checkbooks to buy the furry feline, to our surprise, we learned the beautiful animal carried a $22,000 price tag! And with that, we went on to peruse the other goodies in the suite. We made quick stops at OPI to get a fabulous manicure, G.M. Collin for a relaxing facial, and Body Sanctuary for a little acupuncture and a much-deserved back rub. We then headed to Suddenly Slimmer for some body sculpting treatments. Afsi Naim, owner of Suddenly Slimmer, was on hand to brief us on her amazing product but had to leave early so that she could wrap Ellen DeGeneres for the big night. We then made our way to the clothing section where Fashion Forms to get the lowdown on intimate apparel. Our journey ended with an eye-opening reading from psychic Melodie. Vendors Manak Jewels, beca:christian, Edwards-Lowell Furs and Ultradent also participated.

Haven House
For a more private setting, Mischa Barton and Three 6 Mafia headed to a residential home in Beverly Hills for Friends in High Places’ Haven House Oscar Suite. Inside the posh estate, guests sampled the finest in food and luxury goods. The Cheese Impresario and Executive Chef of Loew’s Santa Monica Gregg Wangard pampered sophisticated palates with fine caviar, succulent fruits and delicious Artisans of Wisconsin cheeses while Citizen Cake catered to sweet tooth cravings with some yummy, low-cal pastries. To wash down those gourmet goodies, Godiva offered samples of their new chocolate and coffee drinks, Serendipity handed out their new frozen chocolate drinks, and Trim Spa displayed their fruit-flavored diet water. For those with a hunger for some pampering, Revlon and Lori Hart had a staff on hand to provide makeovers and tips while Medi-Spa professionals offered facials and massages. Guests could also shop for the latest fashions and accessories from Shia Jeans, Perls of Wisdom, Jewels by Park Lane, and Charlie Lapson leather goods. Gooby Dog made sure our four-legged friends weren’t left out of the mix. The dog fashion company handed out custom-made shoes and matching outfits to make our pooches look fit and fabulous. Also keeping us looking great was Fruit Advantage, which offered dietary supplements to help with brain stimulation and healthy joint function. Topping off our fun adventure at the Haven House was a look at some of the hottest gadgets, including a cutting-edge bidet/bathroom toilet by Toto Washlet and a customized home entertainment center by Magnolia. But we couldn’t leave without entering Cadillac’s exciting contest. One lucky winner won a two-week test drive of any Cadillac automobile of their choice. Journals Unlimited, Warren-Tricomi, Jumpin Jammerz, Dermaquest, Culture and Propaganda and Asics also participated.

Liberace Suite
At the Liberace Penthouse in Los Angeles, Bai Ling and Sasha Cohen enjoyed perusing through aisles filled with luscious treats. Elizabeth Grant gave away exceptional anti-aging skincare products while jewelers Rosalina and Rosato handed out beautiful jewelry that took our breath away. Also there to teach us a few tricks to keep our significant others breathless and satisfied were the sensual experts from Kama Sutra. Things got a little steamy so we cooled off with a nice Tabacalera del Oriente cigar. Lloyd Klein, Bed Head, Petro Zillia, Eminence, Maji Beachwear, Aquarius Water, Krol Vodka, Shata Sake, and Academia Barilla were also there.

Celebrity Charity Oscar Beauty House
Three Boys & Equity Strategic Relations hosted a private beauty house for nominees, presenters and other celebrities in Hancock Park. The plush estate welcomed Brittany Murphy, Kathleen Donnelly and others to explore the gorgeous goods on display. With our irresistible Butters Brownies in hand, we made our way from booth to booth. Ali Beauty, HAI Elite, Laclede, The Escapes Group Luxury Travel, Lotis by Lizi, Ambiguous Clothing, Bond & York Furnishings, Mirassour, Cirrus Designs, China Glaze, Mona Vie, Viceroy, Fileena, Hint Water, and Santader Chocolate participated.

Frederic Fekkai Oscar Retreat
For a little R&R, Andrea Bowen and Marcia Gay Hayden made their way to Frederic Fekkai’s salon in Beverly Hills. There, they indulged in a variety of beauty services. Laura Mercier professionals were on hand to give us a fabulous makeover. To make us picture-perfect for Sunday night, the technicians at Xtreme Lashes gave us eyelash extensions and Frederic Fekkai hair stylists pampered our tresses their magic touch.

Swarovski Oscar Suite
Daniel Swarovski unveiled a gorgeous collection of bejeweled clothes and accessories at the Ace Gallery in Los Angeles. Among the many items that caught our attention was a beautiful clutch made with real diamonds.

Randi Rohm Oscar Suite
Couture designer Randi Rohm gave us a sneak peek of the fabulous gowns expected to grace Sunday night’s red carpet. A gold, umpire-waist party dress was a clear standout as was a beautiful US $10,000 clutch accented with a gorgeous rose brooch.

Stuart Weitzman Oscar Suite
To make those Randi Rohm’s and other designer gowns complete, many stars headed to Stuart Weitzman’s suite at the Hotel Sofitel in Los Angeles. Inside, Desperate Housewives’ Nicollette Sheridan and Heroes’ Hayden Panettiere chatted up with the famous shoe designer about his latest collection.

Pre-Parties
After the suites, the stars had their choice of these locales to mix, mingle and party before the Big Night

Larry Gagosian Pre-Oscar® Party
Dirt’s Courtney Cox Arquette reportedly made artist Damien Hirst filthy rich at the pre-Oscar® Larry Gagosian art gallery party. It was there that the Friends star spotted one of his eclectic pieces that she just had  buy. Although it is not known how much she paid for Hirst’s work, the pieces on displayed carried a hefty price tag of at least US $750,000.

Mondrian Sky Bar Party
Actor Josh Hartnett made an appearance at the Mondrian Sky Bar Saturday night. Luck was certainly a lady for the Lucky Number Slevin star as he was spotted cozying up with some famous runway models.

Haven House Evening Party
Andie MacDowell, Michael Madsen, George Blodwell and David Carradine were some of the stars who attended the Haven House Evening Party. Held at a private Beverly Hills estate, guests sampled gourmet foods while listening to a live band.

Giorgio Armani Pre-Oscar® Party
George Clooney, Penélope Cruz, Cate Blanchett and Mark Wahlberg headed to a private Los Angeles residence as iconic fashion designer Giorgio Armani showcased some fabulous pieces from his luscious couture collection.

Weinstein Pre-Oscar ® Party
Harvey Weinstein threw a bash at his posh foodie hotspot, Ago. The authentic Italian eatery, frequented by anyone who’s anyone in Hollywood, welcomed Lindsay Lohan, Chris Tucker and Brett Ratner. 

Night Before Oscar® Party
Star Wars director George Lucas, with Good Morning America financial correspondent Mellody Hobson by his side, made an appearance at the Oscar® “Night Before” party at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz were also seen at the swanky soiree.

Fashion
It may have been partly cloudy on Oscar® afternoon but the fashions sure heated up the Red Carpet. Find out if your favorite stars made the Oscar® POWER hit list: 

1. Gwyneth Paltrow was proof that color was the it-thing this awards season. The Oscar®-winning actress was stunning in a coral-hued Zac Posen accentuated with a sheer panel neckline in the front.
2. Moulin Rouge star Nicole Kidman sizzled in a caliente red halter dress adorned with a beautiful satin shoulder bow.
3. Best Actress Oscar® nominee Penélope Cruz, star of Cannes’ film favorite, Volver, was simply breathtaking in a strapless mauve Versace ball gown embellished with a train of gorgeous feathers. Cruz accessorized her beautiful gown with Chopard diamond cluster earrings, a yellow and white diamond flower bracelet, a yellow diamond ring and a gorgeous Swarovski clutch.
4. Another Best Actress Oscar® nominee Kate Winslet also blew us away in a pistachio-hued one-shoulder Valentino complemented with fancy Chopard pear-shaped yellow diamond cluster earrings and a yellow diamond bracelet.
5. Dreamgirls’ Beyoncé set off the fashion alarm in an amazing Armani highlighted with elaborate embellishments on the shoulders.

Ceremony
From newcomers who struggled to make a name for themselves to the veterans who yearned for the recognition the industry felt they so deserved, the 79th Annual Academy Awards proved to be the year of triumph. Congratulations to all of the winners:

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Forest Whitaker The Last King of Scotland

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Alan Arkin Little Miss Sunshine

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Helen Mirren The Queen

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Jennifer Hudson Dreamgirls

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR
Happy Feet

ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION
Eugenio Caballero and Pilar Revuelta Pan’s Labyrinth

ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
Guillermo Navarro Pan’s Labyrinth

ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN
Milena Canonero Marie Antoinette

ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING
Martin Scorsese The Departed

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
An Inconvenient Truth

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
The Blood of Yingzhou District

ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM EDITING
Thelma Schoonmaker The Departed

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM OF THE YEAR
The Lives of Others

ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP
David Martí and Montse Ribé Pan’s Labyrinth

ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURE (ORIGINAL SCORE)
Gustavo Santaolalla Babel

ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSIC WRITTEN FOR MOTION PICTURE (ORIGINAL SONG)
Melissa Ethridge “I Need to Wake Up” from An Inconvenient Truth

BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR
The Departed

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
The Danish Poet

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
West Bank Story

ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND EDITING
Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman Letters from Iwo Jima

ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND MIXING
Michael Minkler, Bob Beemer and Willie Burton Dreamgirls

ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS
John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and Allen Hall Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
William Monohan The Departed

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Michael Arndt Little Miss Sunshine

After-Parties

Beverly Hilton Four Seasons Mercedes-Benz Oscar® Viewing Party
As man of the evening Forest Whitaker made his way to the Kodak Theatre stage to accept his award for Best Actor, the crowd at the Mercedes-Benz Oscar® Viewing Party, including his mother, brother and other family members, embraced one another in celebration of Whitaker’s achievement. Other attendees included PR powerhouse Lara Shriftman, producer Ben Silverman, Dan Abrams and Renée Zellweger’s manager John Carrabino.

Entertainment Weekly Party
Entertainment Weekly made Oscar®  viewing a little interesting. Guests, including Chris Noth, Tatum O’Neal and Jane Krakowski, could bet $5 on the person they thought would win in a particular category. To Krakowski’s dismay, Eddie Murphy did not win.

Governor’s Ball
Clint Eastwood took part in the time-honored Oscar® tradition by making a stop at the Govenor’s Ball. The party, steps away from the Kodak Theatre itself, offered attendees a lush buffet of delectable goodies.

Elton John’s AIDS Fundraiser
At the Pacific Design Center, Elton John hosted his annual AIDS Fundraiser. Friend and fellow philanthropist Sharon Stone served as auctioneer for the benefit which raised close to US $4.2 million. Among the many fabulous items up for bid were tickets to John’s 60th birthday party in London. Singer James Blunt performed to a who’s who crowd, including Diddy, Sheryl Crow, Kiefer Sutherland, Eve, Gloria Estefan and Victoria Beckham.

Vanity Fair Party
Jennifer Hudson capped off her magical evening at Graydon Carter’s Vanity Fair bash. The party, held at the famous Morton’s Steakhouse, also welcomed newlyweds Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, as well as Martin Scorsese, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, Julian McMahon, Helen Mirren and Peter O’Toole, to name a few.