Missed Independence

 Nightcrawler is the type of film that the Independent Spirit is about: small and smartly made, not originally funded by a studio, edgy, taking risks in storytelling that the studio system wouldn't risk.

The success of  Nightcrawler has carried past the critic's reviews and on to acclaim at the Independent Spirit awards.

Attending the awards director Dan Gilroy and his wife (and Jake's co-star) Rene Russo were the biggest representative of Nightcrawler.

At the awards Nightcrawler won two:

BEST SCREENPLAY - Dan Gilroy Nightcrawler

BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer)
Nightcrawler
Director: Dan Gilroy
Producers: Jennifer Fox, Tony Gilroy, Jake Gyllenhaal, David Lancaster, Michel Litvak

Sadly Jake was not there but back in NYC with Constellations which ends its run in mid March.

While Jake was able to attend the Golden Globe in January,  it is interesting that he was unable to attended the biggest weekend in Hollywood.  For all the talk about him making film choices to position himself back into the award race, his absence is notable.

If he was really campaigning wouldn't he be in LA? ( Check this out about Oscar campaigning)  Maybe not presenting an award since his movie wasn't nominated, at it would be a bit awkward, but at least a part of the Academy scene.

Even more so the Independent Spirit award.  They are Jake's sweet spot, he came up an indie darling, and it is those films and that indie spirit where he really shines.  Jake's success is wrapped in independent films, and it is there where he could have the freedom both on and off screen that could bring him work-life balance.

OMG catch up:

So what's Jake been up to?

And Austin?

 I woke up early to finish The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. Impressive woman and writer from Mississippi. Wow.  - AUS10

 Although the painting by Carel Fabritius would have been far more interesting if the Goldfinch was chained to an actual fish (perch). - AUS10



Sometimes it's easy to forget that there is a reason for OMG a bit bigger than just a little blog that friends stop by to talk about Jake and Austin.

OMG wants to keep the reminder of their story from past to present.  So to that point OMG's going revisit and keep posting all those pictures, that seem to be getting "lost" out there in the big gossip round up.

First up for OMG's Picture This:

And as for the winter of Special's discontent:

Who knew there were Alps at MIT -  but this winter there is:

Dang Jake you could've filmed Everest right here and with REAL snow.

Trading Places

Jake with a fan:

Jake as a fan:

Can that dimple get any deeper?



Talk about Trading Places.

Actually yes - talk about Trading Places with Chris Rock and Jake taking on Eddie Murphy and Dan Ackroyd.   But maybe have Jake as Billy Ray Valentine and Chris be Louis Winthorpe III

With  Jamie Lee Curtis  back as Orphelia?

Tux'd out

Jake broke out another impeccably tailored tuxedo for the Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences Governor's award.

This time as he joined other Academy members who celebrated lifetime achievement awards.

In a stunning shawl collared tux and hand tied silk bow tie,  Jake showed that Hollywood glamor side that he keeps hidden in those green khakis and black/grey shirt combo.  Jake looked like he could hop on the stage and in minute's notice  and handle announcing a winner or winning himself.

Left hook

Nothing like a hurt paw is going to keep Jake from his appointed rounds.

First it was the Prisoners Variety screening with Maria Bello onThursday.  And from folks who tweeted and fb'd about it said he gave a inspiring and heartfelt speech about acting.

And next up it was Jake at AMPAS  (5 points for those who know that the acronym stand for) Governors Award

You can see Jake knuckles are fuller on his left hand.  He must have popped that mirror good.  But breaking a mirror Jakey brings 7 yrs bad luck.  Not what you want going into award season buddy.

 

But its not just his fingers fuller.  Check out that puss.  No longer that gaunt look Jake great with his cheeks and those dimples back.  Don't lose them again Jake.

Shining Bright

Jake might now have walked the red carpet but he wow'd them last night wherever he went. Looking devastating handsome, the G-man cleans up good and works the hell of a tuxedo. But it wasn't just what he was wearing, but the whole package. He looks confident, relaxed and a wee bit mischievous last night. It's the Jake we all love. Clearly he was having a good time and it showed.

What you didn't get to see:

5 p.m.: With 30 minutes to showtime, Gwyneth Paltrow crosses paths with Jake Gyllenhaal. "Hey, I'm sitting right behind you," he tells her. "Oh good, I'll throw up on you then," says Paltrow, who will perform the nominated song from "Country Strong."

___

5:07 p.m.: There's major mingling inside the theater now. On one side, Colin Firth kisses Amy Adams on the cheek. In the center, Hugh Jackman is shown to his front-row seat before bouncing away. On the other side, Jake Gyllenhaal greets Marisa Tomei and Hilary Swank. "We're sitting next to each other," Swank excitedly tell Gyllenhaal.

Washington Examiner

Soon it is time for Jake to do what he came for and looks like the shorts didn't come up short during the telecast, it was one of the high points of the show.

E! had nothing to but good things to say about when Jake and Amy and the dude who picked up the statue with them.

Jake & Amy: The charming duo introduced the short subjects with the kind of humor and wit you'd expect for a long-form award.


Luke Matheny: Never heard of him? You will, as the Live Action Short Subject winner charmed the fancy pants off the audience.

Best Star-Making Performance: Luke Matheny's vibrant, funny speech for Live Action Short Film was not only a jolt of energy for the show, but it made us want to watch whatever he does next. And really if you're going to be charming, it's probably not a bad idea to do it in a roomful of film executives.



Speaking of Best Performances by a twitter

Mr. Nichols. For his own brand of humor that was beating out the show's writers.

I was just thrown off the red carpet by security. They are putting Geoffrey Rush in my seat.

I'm going around back to see if I can sneak in. Just saw Banksy tagging a wall. Stay tuned.. OK I GOT IN!!! I yelled, "Natalie's water broke!". Everybody looked left, I went right and slipped in the door. Now I have to find a seat.

Its true. I had to put on a waiter's uniform. I am walking around passing out rolls. Waiting for Mark Walberg to go pee so I can sit down.
Just bumped into McConaughey backstage. He slipped me a flask and said, "Austin, take a pull baby." No lie.

And then I passed the flask to Coleen Atwood. Oops!!

And no Fop for him it was Dapper Dan all the way .

Where exactly was Mr. Nichols? Know he wasn't watching with his co-star, who tweeted she was watching with two girl friends. He even had OTH fans asking her how come he got to go to the Oscars and she stayed in NC.

Hey he's been to all the parties before - and Jake with no date? Austin would never let that happen. And who better to help with those pre-presenting jitters than your hot hubs telling you how handsome you look and how you're going to kill it on stage. Not to mention a kiss for good luck.

Then again, the biggest thing he might have done to help, was to keep the not so tall ones off Papa's made to measure Ferragamo tux before he left for the show.

And what festivities without some fun, fun with pictures that is.Jakey, you don't say. This reminds you of your dress from SNL?
And yes you looked better in yours than Jimmy Franco in that pink thing.

So do you use a two in one shampoo and conditioner to get
that manageable curl or do you use curl gel?
I'm not asking for myself but for someone else who's curl is coming back .

So if we look serious you think they'll buy it?

I've got cheerios and a juice box in my pocket
if you need a snack now that it's over.

Don't tell Busy, but I am going grab those earrings.

Those blue butterflies are too much Busy.
Hmmm wonder if I could get it in a ring.

Even the lights flicker when he arrives.

Promise we can do a duo of Candy Shop if they have Karaoke?

You do have to wonder who Jake is introducing 50 to.

Mary you have the best legs in Hollywood.
Well Jake now that I'm retiring from ET, I'm passing that title on to you.

No Oscar yet for Jake but that's not to say he didn't get something golden when he got home.

Back with Style

When Jake comes back to the Red Carpet he makes a comeback. And he didn't need anyone with him to do it.
Looking devastatingly handsome Jake went to the top of everyone's best dressed list in a classic custom made Burberry tuxedo and a pair of handcrafted Ferragamo Tramezza black leather shoes. Totally Old Hollywood. And total perfection.

The pin tucked formal shirt with a smaller collar coupled with narrowed lapel of the his tuxedo complete with crisp pocket square and small retro inspired handtied four in one tie knocked it off the charts for everyone. We know Esquire loved it and sure that one person in particular probably did too, since he loves to wear the vintage look for himself.

Like in a little less formal way for like a pre-Oscar party. Or premiere?
Speaking of parties. Jake was asked who he was hanging with at the big bash the night before and said a friend, and also said Jamie Foxx.

Then we find out about Jake introducing his co presenter Rachel McAdams to a friend in the lobby of the Kodak Theater as the mother of his child.


Lots a friends or just one very important one?

You know Jake likes to talking about friends like here grinning when Regis and Kelly asked what he did the night before way back in 2007. Maybe a friendly walk?


Or bringing up how he and a friend were woken up by the fire at Manka's on David Letterman.


Funny you never see them, maybe they are a Baker's secret. (and not talking this kind but sure few of these in the house too just in a different room)



Jake was so proud of Maggie. Great to see them on sharing it and make a moment for both of them to remember.
Ever the helpful presenter.
When 6' looks short.

Jake with Ryan Seacrest on E!


Jake with Kathy Ireland on ABC (Jake's the first interview)



Jake's tiny interview on People.com