Oscar Night Fun for the 50-Plus Crowd

The Oscar gods were good to artists over 50 on Sunday with Birdman director Alejandro G. Iñárritu,  Whiplash star J.K. Simmons and Julianne Moore of Still Alice taking home top awards, plus a surprise appearance by 79-year-old acting icon Julie Andrews brought the star-studded audience to its feet.

J.K. Simmons, who looked hip in a black fedora as he walked the red carpet, ended the long awards season with the one that had been predicted throughout, best supporting actor, and he was as eloquent as he was dapper while giving a loving tribute to family. Thanking his wife Michelle Schumacher, with him at left, and his "above average" children, Simmons — a first-time nominee and winner at 60 — used his moment in the spotlight  to urge connection. "Call your mom, call your dad," he said before thanking his own parents.

Meryl Streep, 65, never fails to shine at an award show, but in a slit skirt, creamy shell and black blazer, Streep ruled this year's red carpet as she does Hollywood, beautifully. Plus, she was nearly out of her chair applauding best supporting actress winner Patricia Arquette when Arquette called for equal pay for women. See our graphic of the 19-time nominee's many Oscar looks.

Julianne Moore, 54, continued her award-season streak of stunning fashion with an incredible white  hand-painted and sequined
Chanel gown made by Karl Lagerfeld. Moore, whose best actress win for Still Alice seemed a foregone conclusion, has been a tireless advocate for Alzheimer's sufferers and their families, and she once again talked about the isolation of the disease and the need to find a cure.

Julie Andrews' appearance after Lady Gaga's musical tribute to The Sound of Music was a treat for Oscar viewers who remember the iconic musical's premiere in 1965; it celebrates its 50th anniversary in March. Andrews was clearly touched by the medley and told the audience it felt like no time had passed since The Sound of Music was made.

Mother-daughter duo Melanie Griffith, 57, and Dakota Johnson, the young star of  50 Shades of Grey, shared the red-carpet interest in the box office star and an awkward moment with ABC's Lara Spencer when Griffith, who was nominated herself for Working Girl in 1988, admitted she hadn't seen her daughter's sexy movie.

Eddie Murphy, 53, was fashion-forward in a white tux jacket, perhaps thanks to his girlfriend model, Paige Butcher. Murphy presented the Oscar for original screenplay to Birdman.

Cate Blanchett, last year's best actress winner, is five years shy of 50, but her impeccable style — the Tiffany neck adornment alone was riveting — had heads turning all night. Plus she got to give the most fun award, best actor, to an adorably grateful Eddie Redmayne for The Theory of Everything .

Photos: Associated Press

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