Oscar Gets Real?

The Academy Awards made its big green statement last night. According to the Oscar Web site, producers sought out “supplies and services with a sensibility toward reducing the threats we face from global warming, species extinction, deforestation, toxic waste and hazardous chemicals in our water and food.” Luxury hybrid cars were among the solutions, as observed by Lisa LaMotta at the Fast Company blog, and Pierce Mattie posted on the subject of the green pre-Oscar party at his luxury lifestyle blog. It is not breaking news that here in the beauty industry many brand owners want to green up their lines and businesses or develop natural or organic products. GCI will host a conversation on the subject in a Webinar series beginning March 6, moderated by Tina Hedges and Beth Ann Catalano of twist.new.brand.venture. What are your thoughts on the current green craze? Is it ready for its close-up? Tell us about your Oscar-worthy green efforts.

Speaking of the Oscars, Dove debuted a new commercial during the presentation. Grey’s Anatomy star Sara Ramirez introduced the winning customer-created spot for Dove’s new Cream Oil Body Wash featuring the ad’s creator singing in the shower. The real beauty sings into her hairbrush/microphone and declares that her time in the shower is the only time she has to herself. Now who among us can’t relate to that? Who has a real beauty story to share? Where should this new-found respect for real beauty turn its attention next?