And the Cosmetic Surgery Oscar Goes to...

Once again, it's almost time for the annual Academy Awards! I think of it as that magical event that brings movie buffs and pop culture lovers together again to celebrate Hollywood's talent, love of fashion, and of course, its unbelievable (or perhaps believable) physical flawlessness. Some of the top nominees for the 81st Academy Awards showcase, not only some of the best acting chops in the business, but also some impressive feats of cosmetic enhancement.

So without further ado, the nominees are...

Best Actor/Actress Cosmetic Enhancement Nominees

• Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button): Resident hottie Brad Pitt has been said to have used chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or even dermal fillers in the past to help with old acne scars, and to keep his mug young and handsome.
• Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler): Since his days as a young stud, circa "91/2 Weeks," Mickey Rourke has reportedly undergone popular procedures like facelifts, blepharoplasty eyelid surgery and hair transplant surgery.
• Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder): Robert Downey Jr. is another actor whose comeback was embraced this past year. While his charming age-appropriate good looks don't indicate any cosmetic surgery, his radiant skin could be an indicator of facial peels or skin rejuvenation.
• Angelina Jolie (Changeling): While Jolie's famous lips are constantly a source of envy and bitter speculation, I am a believer in her pout's authenticity. Her line-free skin and post-baby svelteness, however, could have been helped along by skin rejuvenation treatments and mommy makeover procedures such as tummy tucks.
• Meryl Streep (Doubt): Although Meryl Streep, easily one of the greatest actresses of our time, has said plastic surgery is not for her, some individuals still speculate on her having gotten facelifts or skin rejuvenation treatments.
• Kate Winslet (The Reader): Kate Winslet is another actress who doesn't admit to having undergone plastic surgery, although she does admit her sometimes flawless appearance in magazines is the result of airbrushing. Other sources seem to think Winslet had a nose job at some point in her career.
• Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona): This lovely Spanish actress can mostly credit good genes for her physical beauty, however, some claim that she has gotten lip augmentation through dermal fillers.
• Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler): Marisa Tomei has become known for, not only acting her butt off, but also shaking her age-defying goodies on-screen with flair. Although this has caused some to claim the middle-aged actress (in her 40s) couldn't possibly look this young without cosmetic enhancement, many sources say Tomei is likely all natural; others hint the star had to have gotten a tasteful rhinoplasty at the least.

So, who gets the Oscar, for cosmetic enhancement or for best actor? My vote is with Mickey Rourke on both counts! If you're considering imitating a celebrity's cosmetic enhancement plans, be sure you leave it up to a professional plastic surgeon. As for myself, I sure wouldn't mind having assets like a few stars on the list above!

Your Friend,

Mia :)