Michelle Obama: Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Well, talk about the Obama’s going to the furthest lengths to leverage pop-culture. Really, what was Michelle doing last night giving out the best picture at the Academy Awards? (Calling Ambassador Clooney!?) At the same time (the look, as it appeared on a couple of other stars for the evening, being “gunmetal gray”), what was also up with the completely incongruous yet wonderfully decked out and gender-balanced pairing of service folk accompanying the number? Ostensibly sure, a mil event was simultaneously on the schedule, but talk about brand baking wrapped in military wallpaper.

And then, here’s the WH version. All great, a bit of neck strain understandable for a single take.

Update: Man, I’ve been out of it. It’s a sequestration CYA.

(screen grabs: ABC. photo: Pete Souza/White House. caption: First Lady Michelle Obama announces the Best Picture Oscar to Argo live from the Diplomatic Room of the White House, Feb. 24, 2013.)