Recently I went to a movie awards show in London, the BAFTAs. I expected the women to look the same as in Hollywood (since it’s the same industry), but I was surprised by the differences.

First, there was far less noticeable cosmetic facial surgery. Generally, the women in London just seemed less desperate to look young. Let me tell you, in Hollywood it can get pretty scary. There’s always a pack of older ladies (70+) who have drastic facial surgery and dress themselves up like young girls. And I’m not talking young like Miley Cyrus, I’m talking young Shirley Temple, poufy dresses and giant bows in their hair.

Even the fashions in London more interesting. The overwhelming impression I get from the Oscar fashions is that THEY ARE ALL THE SAME, which I find boring:

oscars

But at the BAFTAs there was more variety and risk-taking:

BAFTAs

The groups in London felt less segregated too. Sure, there was a separate party for the stars but once we were all in the same room together, everyone talked to everyone.

Whether it’s their Universal Health Care or that they see acting more as a craft than a coolness badge, overall I just felt a lot less desperation amongst the movie industry people in London.

the author

Babe Scanlon is a writer living and working in San Francisco. She's worked as an archaeologist, computer game designer, agent at Agent Provocateur and hypnotherapist. She is controlling your mind at this very moment.

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