By Susanne Robbins

Rachel Weisz was the first one to kick off the night on the red carpet. Pregnant and looking ever so elegant she sauntered by us giving a wave then disappearing into the Kodak Theatre. This started the night for all of us.

Yep this is my first time covering the Oscars and what a time I have had. The red carpet was an interesting event. Matt Dillon was soaking it up taking advantage of every reporter and every opportunity on his red carpet day. He even took a moment to go over to the crowd and sign autographs. I was wondering if anyone asked him to say "Let's do it for Johnny, let's do it for Johnny man." I know I would have.

One theme seemed to run throughout the night, there are a lot of first time nominees. Not only that but a lot of first timers to the ceremonies themselves. I personally am happy to see so many different films nominated. Not only that I am happy to see that it doesn't seem as though one film may actually run away with everything. Am I the only one who still curses Titanic for this reason?

Dolly showed of her pink dress and a few other assets, she was nominated 25 years ago for working 9to5. The highlight of my red carpet day was when Will Smith called out Will Ferrell claiming he keeps telling people that he will be starring in Brokeback Mountain Part 2. I got worried for a moment there that the two were going to go to blows. Alas they hugged and decided to both be in Brokeback Mountain Part 2.

Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams graced the red carpet as well. I wanted to throw her a sandwich or something the girl is very tiny. Keira Knightly looked beautiful as ever, bimbo. Did I mention George Clooney yet? Well he was walking around talking to everyone and being just well, George. Georgie is up for three awards as you all know. He said he was just having a great time he had never been to the Kodak before and was just happy to be invited.

Terrence Howard strolled by with his son in tow, looking dapper as ever. GO TERRENCE I am pulling for you. Phillip Seymour Hoffman basically ran by us as did Reese and Joaquin. Keanu and Sandra Bullock just walked by, maybe they are going to promote "Speed Three", oh I hope not.

Jennifer Aniston flew by as well looking beautiful in a long slinky dress. I would like to give a shout out to the three girls behind me for getting Eric Bana's attention when he walked by so I could lock eyes with him. I know he's married but there was a spark I felt it and so did he. Meanwhile, Matt Dillon is still out there signing autographs and talking to Animal Planet, he is really working this carpet folks.

Oh no it's Jack, if you need me to say the last name you don't know movies. The woman behind me had to be resuscitated when he walked by. I would have felt the same way but I am saving myself for Eric. One thing I found amazing was the height of the towering blondes, Uma, Nicole and Charlize. Now if you live here and you ever see actresses you would know there is normally a height requirement of 5'6. Somehow these women slipped through as I think they are all about six feet tall.

Lee Majors just walked by with his daughter, nope scratch that his wife. Go Lee! Did I mention the big fluffy penguins walking by? Good call on the part of the "March of the Penguins" crew. Let's be honest would anyone of us had known who they were without them. Paul Haggis, good luck to you and all the "Crash" crew I will be pulling for you.

I have to tell you there was a person holding red carpet interviews basically for the fans standing across the way. Ludacris just popped up on the podium and you could tell the man had no idea who he was. I was having a "Crash" moment at that time, I am pretty sure he thought he was going to get mugged. Oh they are making the announcements that the show is about to begin. A flash of who I think might have been Meryl Streep just came by. Now the carpet is filled with people I have never seen before, but they feel important.

So overall it was a wonderful experience, my dress is still intact. I had heard horror stories of scary mosh pit scenes in the bleachers. I managed to keep my dress away from the masses. It was great to see all of Hollywood's finest and the ones who still think they are fine. Now I am off to the pressroom for more fun, oh yes and SHRIMP!! Keep the shrimp coming Tiff I am on a roll. Stay tuned for more fun as I find my spot in the press room and begin to bring you the winners.