‘Russell Crowe said don’t cry’: Nicole Kidman and others reflect on first Oscar

It happens in an instant: The envelope is opened, a name is called and the Oscar winner’s life and career are changed forever. To some, the first moments after an Academy Award win felt like an out-of-body experience – it came a shock, the memory is a blur, they felt disoriented. The supporting actress award was presented first in 1989, bringing Geena Davis to the stage at the top of the show. “I sort of can’t believe I have to go first,” Davis declared. Years later, she recalled being nervous about something else, too. “Oh, gosh, I was so shocked, and it all became a sort of blur. I just wandered up on stage and then Melanie Griffith kissed me. … She kissed me. And I remember thinking, ‘Oh, I bet I have lipstick on my face now.’ So, when I was giving my acceptance speech. I was like this,” Davis said, putting her hand to her cheek much like she had years earlier. “And people thought, ‘Oh, she’s shy’ or something. But I was actually like, ‘Oh, I have lipstick on.” Read more…