Hey y'all! It's that time of year again. Welcome to award season, everyone! Oh, how I have missed the glitz, the glamour, the dresses! I've been hitting the movies hardcore lately trying to catch up before the award shows, and I've made a pretty good dent in my list. Though I have to say, get there early or you'll be stuck with a front row seat. I was a bit appalled at the chaos that ensues when someone sits that close to the screen: make outs, nose picking, climbing seats... It's as if sitting that close drives people mad. I don't recommend it. Very distracting/slightly more entertaining than the movie.
As I'm sure you all know, the 2009 Golden Globes are TONIGHT at 8pm! Woohoo! The preshow starts at 6pm on E! and I'm so excited for my friends to come over to help me judge the dresses. Plus, I always love to see what a fool Guiliana Rancic makes of herself. Her teeth are about as blinding as Audrina Patridge's. And we all know the E! crew is installing Ryan Seacrest's step stool as we speak to make him look remotely close in height to Tom Cruise. I wish Joel McHale could host these things - he'd be much more entertaining! McHale for The Academy Awards!
The Golden Globes include both film and television. It's the elite award for television, and the Emmy equivalent for film. Here are some of my thoughts on the nominees:
Best Motion Picture - Drama:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
The Reader
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire
For this category, I'm going to side with every person in Hollywood and say Slumdog Millionaire should win - hands down. It's been deemed "The Little Movie That Could." I went to see this movie opening night and it was sold out, due to the buzz it had already created. I knew nothing about it, which is really the best way to experience a movie. It is absolutely magnificent. It has all the elements that make a good film - drama, comedy, romance, suspense, violence. But none of it ever feels forced. You really feel for the young boy and girl in the film and want them to escape the slums they were born into. You want the boy to legitimately win Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, instead of cheating the system. You are on the edge of your seat for most of the film, and leave with an overwhelming good feeling despite the rough content. The visuals are fantastic, thanks to director Danny Boyle of Trainspotting fame. If you haven't seen it, make sure to stick around for the Bollywood dancing scene in the credits. It's really cool to watch and reconfirms that warmth of the film. Final Answer - Slumdog Millionaire takes home The Globe!
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama:
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie - The Changeling
Meryl Streep - Doubt
Kristin Scott Thomas - I've Loved You So Long
Kate Winslet - Revolutionary Road
Hmm... Well, we may already have an answer to who wins this category. The New York Times posted that The Golden Globes had announced Anne Hathaway as the winner earlier this week on their website, then retracted their statement. So I guess it's no surprise if Anne wins tonight. The media has been pushing this as her standout performance for months, so her win wouldn't have been a surprise anyway.
OK, let's discuss Rachel Getting Married for a moment. Umm, if I'm paying $12 to see a movie, I expect it to be well worth that ridiculously extravagant price. This movie is like 40 minutes of plot, and 60 minutes of people gyrating across the screen. Seriously. The story revolves around Rachel getting married (obvi) and her sister Kym coming home for the celebration. Kym is, for lack of a better term, a hot mess. Alcohol addiction, rehab, and sexual promiscuity are just the beginning of her list of problems. She's doing everything she can to push away her family. Anne Hathaway really did do a fantastic job of playing the extremely damaged Kym, but the stand out performance for me was Rosemarie DeWitt as Rachel. She has been overlooked by the critics, but she really shows her depth as an actress by constantly switching between hatred and love for her sister. She epitomized how one feels when dealing with a loved one's problem with addiction. However, the father is a bit, um, fruity and I kept waiting for this subplot to begin where he comes out of the closet, but that never happened. I'm still waiting for the sequel. So all of this is happening, and intermixed is scenes of some band playing music and then the entire wedding consists of people dancing around in Indian saris. About an hour of the film has no dialogue, just the wedding guests shaking their groove things in our faces. I don't understand what on earth this has to do with the plot or why it is necessary. I think I am owed at least $6 for having to endure that portion of the film.
Angelina Jolie could win for The Changeling. I'm a little surprised that this is the only thing related to Clint Eastwood that is nominated (he also starred in and directed Gran Torino) because he has been taking home all of the awards in recent years. Angelina did an excellent job in the film, and it's based on a true story. I was a little shocked at her character Christine Collins, whose son goes missing back in 1928, because she seemed remarkably calm through most of the film. In one scene, she lashes out screaming and crying, but other than that, she seems pretty even keel. She did a great job, but if you've just lost your son, I feel like you'd shed more than a few tears.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama:
Leonardo Dicaprio - Revolutionary Road
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn - Milk
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler
Unfortunately, the only one of these movies I've seen in Benjamin Button, so I won't be able to give a sound opinion on who should win. Mickey Rourke is the critics' choice for The Wrestler, finally winning over audiences again instead of people being mesmerized by his plastic surgery. Sean Penn, always the critics' darling, could also take home the award. I'm dying to see Milk and I hear it is a fantastic film. Brad Pitt did a good job in Button, but I don't know if it was Best Actor worthy.
Frank Langella won the Tony for Frost/Nixon. He's my pick to win. I saw Frost/Nixon during it's last week on Broadway, and I was the only person under 60 there. No joke. I'm not a history buff, and the only reason I went is because my father wanted me to. I didn't think I would enjoy it at all. However, I was mistaken. Both Frank Langella and Michael Sheen did an excellent job of portraying David Frost and Richard Nixon. With just two chairs on stage and no props, they were able to create such tension and suspense that I felt I was watching the original broadcast. I want to see the film to see how it differs from the play and if it is able to recreate the same powerful feeling on screen as it did on stage. I've heard good things and I would love it if Langella could take home the gold.
Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:
Burn After Reading
Happy-Go-Lucky
In Bruges
Mamma Mia!
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
This one is tough. I love ABBA songs, but when I saw Mamma Mia! on Broadway, I couldn't stand the actress that played the main character, Sophie, and it sort of left me with a sour feeling. Amanda Seyfried played Sophie in the film version though, and I much preferred her performance. It was a good family-fun film and I definitely understand it's popularity, but winner of Best Motion Picture? I don't think so...
I haven't seen Happy-G0-Lucky or In Bruges, so I have no opinion on these. Burn After Reading was enjoyable and definitely has potential to win. It's a dark comedy that mocks our government and the lengths it will go to to cover up their shenanigans. The fact that it dares to challenge the government and that it's helmed by the Coen Brothers almost makes it a sure winner. I recommend everyone see it, but not everyone will love it. I also enjoyed Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and if anything, it made me want to get on a plane instantly and start traveling across Europe. It also has potential to win due to it being a Woody Allen film. I was taken aback at first because of the unexpected narration, but I was drawn into the stories of two young women feeling unsatisfied with their lives and needing some European adventures to spice things up. I wasn't mesmerized enough to say it's Best Motion Picture, but I'm glad it was nominated.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:
Rebecca Hall - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Sally Hawkins - Happy-G0-Lucky
Frances McDormand - Burn After Reading
Meryl Streep - Mamma Mia!
Emma Thompson - Last Chance Harvey
As above, this is a toughie. I'm not drawn to any of these performances as standouts. Rebecca Hall should definitely be recognized as an up-and-coming new star who I hope to see a lot more of in the next few years. She's got about five films in the works, so she's someone we should keep an eye on. I adore Frances McDormand, but I'm not sure if her performance in Burn After Reading was her best work. Meryl Streep made a pretty good effort at starring in a musical, but I don't think singing "Dancing Queen" is enough to help her take home the gold.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:
Javier Bardem - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Colin Farrell - In Bruges
James Franco - Pineapple Express
Brendan Gleeson - In Bruges
Dustin Hoffman - Last Chance Harvey
I know Pineapple Express was just another Judd Apatow comedy, but I thought it was absolutely hilarious. James Franco was amazing! He normally plays in dramatic roles, and he hasn't really touched comedy since "Freaks and Geeks" (also Apatow) years ago. He really embodied the drug dealer role and showed his comedic chops might even be better than his tendency towards the dramatic. I definitely pick him to win, though I know most people don't think it's worthy of a Globe due to it being just another slapstick comedy.
Although, I wouldn't be disappointed if Javier Bardem won. After No Country for Old Men, I didn't think I would ever be able to watch him again because he scared the absolute piss out of me. But he was fascinating in his Vicky Cristina Barcelona role, and I completely understood how he could woo three women at once. He redeemed himself in my book by portraying someone much softer than his No Country character.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:
Amy Adams - Doubt
Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis - Doubt
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler
Kate Winslet - The Reader
This category is a toss up. I'm not a fan of Penelope Cruz, but I definitely agree with critics that she gave a knockout performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. She was the driving force in that film. Though it could go to either Marisa Tomei or Kate Winslet. Winslet always wins over the critics, but doesn't always take home the awards.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:
Tom Cruise - Tropic Thunder
Robert Downey, Jr. - Tropic Thunder
Ralph Fiennes - The Duchess
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Forgive me for saying this, but I think I am the only person who did not enjoy Tropic Thunder. I just didn't think it was that funny after all of it's hype. I kept waiting for Tom Cruise to blow me away as so many people said he would, but he only disappointed me as usual (you know what I'm talking about, Katie). I tried to not let my hatred for that little man get in the way, but he just wasn't funny. If dancing around in a fat suit is the epitome of funny, then Eddie Murphy should win greatest performance of all time for Norbit. Robert Downey, Jr. was the only shining part of the film, and he was the only thing that made me laugh the entire time.
Although, I think we all expect the award to go to Heath Ledger. He really spooked me as The Joker and definitely lived up to his hype. I have a feeling he will win, and not just because his untimely death might tug at the heartstrings of some. Heath deserves the award, no questions asked.
Best Television Series - Drama:
Dexter
House
In Treatment
Mad Men
True Blood
OMG - I love Dexter! This show gets better and better every season. I always vote for it to win, and it never does. I beg people to watch this show, but I don't think I've influenced too many people. Oh, how I wish Dexter could take home the gold. But Mad Men is all the rage these days, and I'm 90% sure it will win. Tear. I'm a little sad that Lost isn't nominated for anything - get ready for The Oceanic Six back on your TV January 21! Can't wait!!!
And though I don't think it should win, I highly recommend True Blood. Alan Ball is one of my favorite writers, but I was like vampires? Really? I just haven't been able to jump on this Twilight bandwagon like everybody else. But I decided to give it a chance recently and, excuse the pun, was sucked in immediately. I watched all 12 episodes in a matter of days... I had very little to do. The accents are horrific and the stories can be a little cheesy at times, but somehow it managed to keep me coming back for more. I've never been able to get into the fantasy genre, but this took me back to my Buffy days. I can't wait for the second season to find out just what happened to Lafayette...
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama:
Sally Field - Brothers & Sisters
Mariska Hargitay - Law & Order
January Jones - Mad Men
Anna Paquin - True Blood
Kyra Sedgwick - The Closer
How do I hate Brothers & Sisters? Let me count the ways. Calista Flockhart pains me to look at. Rob Lowe and Rachel Griffiths are being wasted on this show when they could best be used somewhere else. And Sally Field gets nominated every year. I hate it. I really, really hate it.
Though their Southern accents are horrendous, I enjoy both Anna Paquin and Kyra Sedgwick in their roles. Mariska Hargitay usually takes home the award, but I think January Jones stands a pretty good chance due to Mad Men being a critic favorite.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama:
Gabriel Byrne - In Treatment
Michael C. Hall - Dexter
Jon Hamm - Mad Men
Hugh Laurie - House
Jonathan Rhys Meyers - The Tudors
I'm sure you all know I'm going to say Michael C. Hall. Love that guy! And he has a lot to celebrate even if he doesn't win. He just married his costar, Jennifer Carpenter, who plays his sister on the show. Kinda gross if you think about it, but they do seem cute together. The two eloped on New Year's Eve and tonight will be their first public appearance together.
Every person nominated in this category is pretty worthy of the win. Jon Hamm has been everyone's favorite this year, especially women, so he's my bet to win. I just hope Jonathan Rhys Meyers doesn't win because he terrifies me. Seriously - sends chills down my spine when he looks in the camera.
Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy:
30 Rock
Californication
Entourage
The Office
Weeds
I hate to say this, but I'm kinda over The Office. What?! The horror! I know. I spent the first few years hoping for nothing but Jim and Pam to get together, but now that they're together, I really don't like their storyline. Everything seems a little forced these days and Michael's nonsense gets more and more out there. Don't get me wrong - I still watch and I still laugh. I just miss the anticipation of yesteryear. Now the biggest disappointment to me this year is most definitely Weeds. What used to be one of the most outrageous yet emotionally realistic shows has turned into a campy nightmare. Nancy and the crew are on the run and trafficking Mexicans in some border town - and where's Conrad?! I miss him! None of it fits Nancy, whose attempt to salvage her previous middle class life by selling drugs didn't seem like too far of a stretch. Now I barely recognize her due to her antics. Disappointing, to say the least.
30 Rock deserves the award and will most likely take it home. I can't imagine any of these other shows winning. The show is nonsensical, but it all makes sense in a weird way. I could do with a few less cameos (I'm talking about you, Jennifer Aniston), but otherwise, it's one of my favorite shows on television.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy:
Christina Applegate - Samantha Who?
America Ferrera - Ugly Betty
Tina Fey - 30 Rock
Debra Messing - The Starter Wife
Mary-Louise Parker - Weeds
Normally I vote for Mary-Louise Parker, but as you read above, definitely not this year! I'm not even sure why she's nominated. And I know I'm not the only person upset with the direction Weeds is going in. I love Christina Applegate as Samantha Who?, but the stand out star to me on that show is Jennifer Esposito as drunken, gold-digging Andrea. She makes me laugh every time. However, we all know the award is going to Tina Fey. Don't confuse Liz Lemon with Sarah Palin, but both are tragic, yet hilarious hot messes in their own ways. Both comedy gold.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy:
Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock
Steve Carell - The Office
Kevin Connolly - Entourage
David Duchovny - Californication
Tony Shaloub - Monk
I don't think any votes will go to anyone but Alec Baldwin. He is my favorite character on 30 Rock besides Kenneth the Page. Baldwin might be crazy in real life, but he fuels that crazy into comedy with Jack Donaghy. While Carell and Shaloub might win over a few people, the award should most definitely go to Alec Baldwin.
Damn, there are a lot of categories for The Golden Globes. I'm exhausted after using my brain that much on a Sunday. Get pumped for the speeches and the fashion, people! I'll be glued to the TV starting at 6pm today and hoping Seacrest says something stupid upon his pedestal. I hope everyone enjoys and I can't wait to see who wins!