Awards Wiz

27 Days of Oscar, Day 10: Original Song

2012-02-10T06:41:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting at the Magno screening room on 49^th street getting ready to see Canada's entry in the foreign language film category, "Monsieur Lazhar." I'm about 40 minutes early...unable to find a wifi connection (although I'm practically in Times Square). I was just texting Rick (you know Rick at this point, right?...contributor...co editor...author) that I was feeling quite manic today. I somehow have already watched 4 movies today (“The Muppets” and “Rio”...Oscar nominees. “Black Swan” and “Clue” palette cleansers), cleaned my apartment, picked up a “Rango” screener...and even went to the gym (just to pick up my membership number...didn't have time to work out.) Now...I'm at the screening room.

I have a few pieces floating around in my head. Some thoughts on the Original Song category (after all I did watch the two films that are nominated this morning). After tonight, I will only have one foreign film left to see...”Bullhead,” but will probably give that piece to Awards Daily...especially since AD is the main reason I got invited to all of the screenings in the first place.

Also want to delve into the performances...and why certain bloggers and critics gravitate so strongly toward some, while repelling against others. Last night after seeing “Footnote,” Rick and I got into a discussion about Clooney. I feel he is far ahead of the others (having not seen “In a Better Life” yet.) and ahead of his previous work...Rick feeling pretty much the opposite. How can I see Dujardin's performance as...even as charming as it might be....pure surface and others actually see it as the best male performance of the year?

Maybe those pieces will come about. Hopefully I can also get my interview with Marshall Curry done in time to give him a little push for Best Documentary. But really need to see “Undefeated” first. Weinstein Co got back to me...but haven't heard back from them again. Right now I can't even seem to get an Internet connection on my phone to see if “Undefeated” is getting a release date before the Oscars.

With 25 minutes to go...Best Song is the winner. Although, in actuality, it's more like the loser.

Although I can (and have often) recalled my first obsessions with Oscar...I can't really remember much about Best Original Song. At least not in the context of the ceremonies I actually watched. For years I used to watch my VHS tape of “Oscar's Greatest Moments” and would marvel at “Ghostbusters,” “Shaft!,” Irene Cara singing, “Fame,” and many, many more. These were iconic moments during the Oscar ceremony.

Now I think I actually remember the first major impression an Original Song nominee made on me. It was either Madonna doing “Sooner or Later” from “Dick Tracy” or the year “Kiss the Girl” and “Under the Sea” were nominated. (Am I right that “Part of Your World” was actually left off of that list? That would be a sign of early idiocy. That's for sure.) These were big and wonderful moments during the ceremony.

These moments are the reasons that I continue to be baffled at the omission of the Best Original Song nominees this year. And in a couple of years past. I think it might be because of two things. The continued obsession of the year it seemed Beyonce sang everything...and from some...the idiotic choice of “It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp” for the win. I personally love the song. It definitely played a significant part in the film. (A necessity now, with one of the rule changes.) But I have heard on numerous occasions...remember when songs like “Over the Rainbow” won?

I do think we have had a few incredible Original Song moments. "Falling Slowly" from “Once” not only gave us an incredible performance...but also a wonderful speech (and eventually a documentary as well!) I also loved the performances from “Dreamgirls" post Jennifer Hudson win. How often do we get to see a performer who has just won an acting prize get to relish in that incredible moment. I can still see it.. Both Hudson and Beyonce blew the roof off the theater that night.

In terms of this year's songs...sure...maybe "Man or Muppet" isn't as good as the opening song...and as fun as Rio (and the song) might be...it isn't on par with, say, a Disney classic. But why wouldn't the Academy want to see Jason Segal and his Muppet brother perform? And why they would give up the opportunity to have will.i.am on stage...well...I just don't get that either. Unless they have something already planned with the Muppets....this seems like a misfire for sure.

Here are the two songs. Choose your favorite.

Also...here is the list of films I still have to see before the Oscars. Doing quite well, I have to say!

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

A Better Life

Chico & Rita

Kung Fu Panda 2

Puss in Boots

Anonymous

W.E.

Hell and Back Again

Pina

Undefeated

Bullhead

The Adventure of Tintin

Real Steel

The Ides of March

Chloe: Valentine's Day

2012-02-08T22:42:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time! Love Chloe!!!!

The Amazing Spiderman, trailer

2012-02-07T08:16:00.004-05:00

This looks great! On the surface it appears it is going to be a bit more conventional than the Raimi films (the first 2...at least...the good ones) but I do like the idea of Peter on a mission to understand who he is...and who his father was. Exciting stuff.

27 Days of Oscar, Day 7: The Nominees Luncheon

2012-02-06T19:47:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite Oscar days! The nominees luncheon. Here are a few pics...still looking for the supporting actors/actresses and lead actresses pics.

Super Bowl: Kelly Clarkson sings the National Anthem

2012-02-06T08:54:00.005-05:00

Superbowl Halftime Show: Madonna, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., Cee-Lo Green and LMFAO

2012-02-06T08:43:00.001-05:00

27 Days of Oscar, Day 5: Rick reviews Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

2012-02-04T18:04:00.000-05:00

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

By Rick Hamilton

In a season of films that has polarized many, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close will not be an exception. Based on the best-selling novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, its depictions of the events of 9/11 will be seen by some as exploitative and others as cathartic. In actuality, that debate will garner much more attention for the film that it would probably warrant otherwise.

The film did grab me at the beginning, as it moved from its subtly disturbing first images into the setup of the story: young Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn), who most likely has Asperger’s syndrome, refuses to attend his father’s funeral as there is no body in the coffin. His narrative details their relationship, how in order to help his son deal with his affliction, Thomas Schell (Tom Hanks) sends him on adventures and scavenger hunts. A year after his fathers death, unable to fully rationalize in his head what happened on 9/11 and why, he discovers a key that he believes will set him on his father’s final quest for him.

Unfortunately, the fascination and intense dedication of the character doesn’t translate well on screen and it is a long and arduous task as a result. Though peppered with occasional bits of wonder and despite excellent performances in small roles from Max von Sydow, Viola Davis and Jeffrey Wright, the bulk of the movie is not an interesting one. The script is seemingly caught in trying to stay true to its literary source, but what then occurs is being told what’s happening over being shown it. On top of that, Horn either lacks the charisma to carry the film or it’s just not possible to relate to such an intellectual, unemotional lead character. Some of Oskar’s reasoning for his behavior must have been lost in translation from the page and some of his quirks seem false—put on by the actor, not reactions from the character.

Towards the end of the film, as it finally opens up to being less about Oskar’s quest and more about the people around him, the movie comes to life again. Sandra Bullock, as his mother, delivers a fantastic and very touching performance. Hanks is wonderful in the flashback scenes. He inhabits a fun-loving, caring father with great ease. He is so central to the bonds of the family and so well loved by them that it’s no surprise that his sudden absence sent them adrift through life.

It’s not that I think there shouldn’t be movies made about September 11 or other tragedies we’ve suffered through, past and present. But the weakness of the film for me lies in its undemonstrative lead character, who is hard to connect with. So when the filmmakers ratchet up the emotion with events still so raw to so many, it feels disingenuous and cheap.

Glee, Ricky Martin: Sexy and I Know It

2012-02-03T16:17:00.001-05:00

Madonna, Give Me All Your Luvin', video (featuring M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj)

2012-02-03T09:44:00.002-05:00

27 Days of Oscar, Day 4: In Darkness

2012-02-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

I'm staring at the "title" line of this current piece and not really sure where I'm headed. A couple of days ago I was quite lucky to get invited to screenings for all the nominated foreign and doc feature films I have yet to see. Also got screeners of "Chico and Rita" and "A Cat in Paris." Although I'm still not able to get a screener for "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" or "W.E." they are both, luckily in theaters. Looks like as long as I'm able to stick to my schedule I will have seen every nominated film for this year's Oscar. I'm looking forward to the remaining 3 weeks...hoping to discover some real gems.

Tonight I am going to see the Agnieszka Holland film "In Darkness." I became a fan of Holland's work, way back in 1990 when I saw the Oscar nominated "Europa Europa." (Yeah...it wasn't nominated for foreign film, but did indeed make it into screenplay....consolation prize type thing that continues to happen to this day...especially when a country neglects to nominate the film the Academy deems to be the most worthy). She has mostly been directing television as of late, but I am very much looking forward to this film.
I would like to squeeze in another screening of "Midnight in Paris" which is happening right before "In Darkenss" but what is usually the busiest month of my year has gotten even busier with a new job, and I still have 19 films left to see after today. Let's review:

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

A Better Life

A Cat in Paris

Chico & Rita

Kung Fu Panda 2

Puss in Boots

Anonymous

W.E.

Hell and Back Again

Pina

Undefeated

Bullhead

Footnote

In Darkness

Monsieur Lazhar

The Adventure of Tintin

The Muppets

Rio

Real Steel

The Ides of March

Looking at the list, I can't imagine taking time to revisit something I've already seen...although I am going to do my best to see "The Artist" again.

New Hunger Games Trailer!

2012-02-03T08:57:00.002-05:00

27 Days of Oscar, Day 3: Rick reviews War Horse

2012-02-02T19:56:00.000-05:00

War Horse

By Rick Hamilton

War Horse isn’t a great film, but that doesn’t mean it can’t grab you emotionally. As the camera pans the gorgeous landscapes and the John Williams music swells, it’s inevitable that some tears will flow for more than a few. The movie begins reminiscent Old Yeller or The Yearling: it’s love at first sight for boy and horse, though the presence of an evil landlord spells doom for the saddled upon family. Thank heavens for a lively goose to cheer up the proceedings! But as war approaches, the tide turns and the film gets much darker, if still retaining its optimism and beautiful cinematography.

Director Steven Spielberg shies away from overly graphic depictions of the story: Joey, the horse, is born almost instantaneously several feet from his mother; war deserters are shot in the blink of a passing windmill blade; a Calvary charging into machine gun fire is soon seen as riderless horses galloping through the woods; and though many a soldier lies dead on the field or bandaged in a hospital, there’s barely a drop of blood to be seen. But the mind fills in Spielberg’s gaps, and sometimes the violence we imagine is worse than what he could possibly show us. This is especially true for the horses, who more than once buckle to their knees under the weight of the atrocities committed upon them. The story has already achieved great success as both the original novel and a play version, both of which benefit from not having the visual of these acts on actual horses. Much like the film version of Equus, parts of War Horse are hard to watch; with the theatricality removed, it’s just vicious, animal cruelty.

The film is also challenged by its story arc. Having an animal as a main protagonist is hard enough, but a horse, no matter how deep and soulful its eyes can be, is far less expressive than its canine counterparts of Benji or Lassie, who have been able to carry a movie from start to finish. As a result, the film then becomes almost a series of shorts, each featuring the humans who encounter and care for Joey along his journey. Some of these are more touching than others, though each viewer is bound to have favorites. A young girl and her grandfather stand out, mostly due to French actors Celine Buckens and Niels Arestrup. Another scene depicting a British soldier and a German one working together to free Joey from tangled barbed wire is beautifully written.

The film itself grows from themes such as “If you talk logically and earnestly enough to a horse, it will soon understand” to “In times of war, people need something to believe in.” If it never quite matures to adulthood, it certainly develops into a fine adolescent. For all its faults, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and will surely find a following of devotees.

Kelly Clarkson covers Sara Bareilles's "Gravity"

2012-02-02T09:01:00.003-05:00

Smash, sneak peek

2012-02-01T18:23:00.001-05:00

If you haven't seen the pilot episode of "Smash" which is available on iTunes, for free...check it out! Or wait till Monday. In the meantime here is a sneak peek.

I'm so happy that one of my favorite Idol contestants of all time is getting a chance to shine!

Glee: Artie and Mike Chang take on "Scream!"

2012-02-01T17:19:00.001-05:00

Love it!

27 Days of Oscar, Day 2: Vanity Fair cover, Oscar's attitude and SHORTS!

2012-02-01T09:27:00.001-05:00

This is going to be a quick one!

I always love when the Vanity Fair Hollwood issue comes out. VF gets a bit of heat occasionally for not including enough variety when it comes to their choices (I remember quite clearly no Gabby the year she exploded on the scene for "Precious." But this year, they have done a great job. (Even if they are all skinny minnies!) I think the 4 actresses they chose for the front cover is perfection!

In addition to the Vanity Fair cover, Entertainment Weekly's Owen Glieberman has a new piece called "Oscar's New Attitude," saying it's not about the audiences anymore. I think that it almost never was. The Oscar's were created as self congratulations...to celebrate their own. When the telecast sank a bit in ratings, a few things were attempted to make it more accessible/relevant, but it is still a highly rated awards show, and the Academy doesn't seem to care. Everyone basis this "audience" idea on one year..."Titanic." Seriously how many other huge money makers ever won best picture? "Return of the King?" Remember the first two lost.

Here's the piece if you want to check it out:

Oscar's New Attitude

Finally...now that I have my tickets, if you are in NYC you can see ALL 15 nominated short films at the Academy's Lighthouse Theater. I have done this for several years in a row, and it's a ton of fun!

Here is the info!

Get tickets here:

http://www.oscars.org/events-exhibitions/events/2012/02/shorts_docs_ny.html

In New York

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SHORTS! AND DOC SHORTS!

The Academy’s New York lead-up to the Oscars features screenings of the nominated films in the Animated and Live Action Short Film categories and the Documentary Short Subject category.

On Saturday, February 18, the screening of animated and live action shorts will start at noon; the start time for the documentary shorts program will begin at 4 p.m. On Sunday, February 19, doc shorts will be screened starting at noon, with the animated and live action shorts presented at 4 p.m.

THE 2011 NOMINEES ARE:

Documentary (Short Subject)

total running time: 164 mins.

"The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement" - Robin Fryday and Gail Dolgin
"God Is the Bigger Elvis" - Rebecca Cammisa and Julie Anderson
"Incident in New Baghdad" - James Spione
"Saving Face" - Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
"The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom" - Lucy Walker and Kira Carstensen

Short Film (Animated)

total running time: 52 mins.

"Dimanche/Sunday" - Patrick Doyon
"The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" - William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg
"La Luna" - Enrico Casarosa
"A Morning Stroll" - Grant Orchard and Sue Goffe
"Wild Life" - Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

Short Film (Live Action)

total running time: 103 mins.

"Pentecost" - Peter McDonald and Eimear O'Kane
"Raju" - Max Zähle and Stefan Gieren
"The Shore" - Terry George and Oorlagh George
"Time Freak" - Andrew Bowler and Gigi Causey
"Tuba Atlantic" - Hallvar Witzø

27 Days of Oscar, Day 1: Warrior

2012-01-31T21:11:00.000-05:00

Here we are. 27 days and just a few movies to watch before February 26th, Oscar day. I started this blog (Brian's Blog at the time) as a way to connect with my friends and some members of the outside world. After a few posts I realized that the focus was the movies...and quite specifically, the Oscars. I was and still am grasping, holding tightly on to the ladder that leads me to be a filmmaker myself. I have climbed up that ladder a few times in the past...and have gotten quite close to the top. I have been knocked down a couple of times as well...by colleagues who didn't take me seriously...by my desperation for readership...and more. But I kept hanging on. Hanging on with the help the art of filmmaking and the love I have for it.

People sometimes wonder why I don't (often) take the negative route...and it's pretty simple. Although I might get a little wrapped up in a few films/performances and whether or not they get nominated/win...(The Crying Game, Pulp Fiction, Evita, Billy Eilliot, Brokeback Mountain and Natalie Portman for Black Swan...to name the ones, due to, I went the craziest. ) I can generally pull myself together enough to enjoy the surprise gems...and the wonderful performances in the many movies that are nominated. This year there are only 60. Which is quite a low number actually. And I have seen most of them. I wasn't sure how to begin this year's 27 Days of Oscar...but I chose to watch "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" last night. I thought Gary Oldman did a commendable job...but I couldn't help but wish Michael Fassbender was nominated instead. I have actually never had a major investment in whether or not Oldman was nominated for Best Actor. I felt that the opening scene was quite remarkable...and that overall, the film was shot beautifully. BUT...mostly it felt like a more-British James Bond flick that I needed to actually know a bit more about before seeing. And as much as I love Collin Firth...I much prefer him trying a little harder. Tinker Tailor just wasn't what I had hoped.

Now...preparing how to begin my semi-epic 27 Days series...I was trying hard to decide which movie to start with tonight. I considered focusing on Best Picture and seeing "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" but that would've meant going to the theater tonight...and I'm also waiting to get a screener. (Still a little surprised at the fact the powers that be are making it a tad bit harder for me to get a copy...unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I would think that after the nomination they would want as many sentimental types...yes, I can be one of those...to see it as possible.)

Looking at this list of films I have yet to see:

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

A Better Life

Warrior

A Cat in Paris

Chico & Rita

Kung Fu Panda 2

Puss in Boots

Anonymous

W.E.

Hell and Back Again

Pina

Undefeated

Bullhead

Footnote

In Darkness

Monsieur Lazhar

The Adventure of Tintin

The Muppets

Rio

Real Steel

The Ides of March

...something stuck out to me. With "Warrior" I will have seen almost all of the nominated performances, not including Max von Sydow in "ELAIC." So, I chose to begin with that film.

I am not sure why I didn't take the opportunity to see "Warrior" before. It has been quite available to me since its theatrical release...but after being so disappointed with "The Fighter" last year...I just didn't really have the desire. But after watching it, I can't help thinking how different my top 10 list might have been. With the inclusion of "A Separation" and this...I'm pretty sure my beloved "Hugo" would've fallen off the top spot.

First of all, Nick Nolte is absolutely amazing in this film. He has two incredible scenes...but the most heartbreaking is the scene with his son, played by Tom Hardy, in the hotel room after he has finally been broken after trying desperately to be a better man and father to both of his children. The other played by Joel Edgerton. Both sons end up through very different circumstances fighting in a mixed martial arts tournament. In a final scene, like nothing I have seen this year..a dialogue between the brothers is spoken mostly through fists, kicks, blood and bruises. The wounds of their past become literal in the most beautiful fight I have ever seen on film.

There are many movies out there this year that tug at the emotions of the viewers and have obviously touched the Academy...but "Warrior" is the best of that bunch.

True Blood season 5, teaser trailer

2012-01-30T17:18:00.000-05:00

Season 5 - Buried Tease

2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards, winners and thoughts

2012-01-29T18:44:00.002-05:00

I'm hoping that the Academy will have the sense to vote for George Clooney...even it is due to his offscreen charm instead of Jean Dujardin.

Most people say he is the heart and soul of The Artist. And perhaps that is the root of my problems with the film. I understand that the style of which The Artist is...honoring? flattering?...did not consist of real emotion, but this is 2012. To not award Clooney brings to mind the technique debates between Olivier and Marilyn in "My Week with Marilyn." And in the words of MM in my favorite scene: "I want Lee."

With "The Help" winning the cast of a motion picture award...it is clear SAG was voting correctly...CAST...not Best Picture. I don't think it will beat "The Artist," for Best Picture but I'm quite sure Viola Davis will win now.

We might still get a Scorsese win (drink!) for Best Director but there will be no Best Picture win for "The Descendants."

Here are the winners:

Male actor in a Supporting Role
Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Female actor in a Supporting Role
Octavia Spencer, The Help

Male actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Female actor in a Comedy Series
Betty White, Hot in Cleveland

Ensemble Series
Modern Family

Outstanding Female actor in a TV movie/miniseries
Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce

Outstanding Male actor in a TV movie/miniseries
Paul Giamatti, Too Big to Fail

Female Actor in a Drama Series
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story

Male Actor in a Drama Series
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire

Ensemble Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire

Male Actor in a Leading Role
Jean Dujardin, The Artist

Female Actor in a Leading Role
Viola Davis, The Help

Cast in a Motion Picture
The Help

Screen Actors Guild Awards, preview and predictions

2012-01-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

It almost isn't fun anymore. I said, ALMOST. Tonight is one of my favorite days/nights of the awards season. The Screen Actors Guild Awards. Even when all the tea leaves are pointing a certain way, the SAG awards ceremony is truly a celebration of the actor. When looking simply at the list of last year's winners, on paper (or screen, actually) I can't imagine that I really enjoyed it. I didn't want "The King's Speech" to win. Actually, I didn't really want any of the winners to win (other than Natalie Portman). This year very likely will repeat. But for some reason the entire approach of the show...the salute to actors doesn't quite have the stink of self aggrandizing. I think it is the focus on the union. And also the wonderful tradition of different actors sharing when/how/where they got their SAG card. For me...a person...and actor, as they say, who still has a bit of dream left, this is the show that tickles my pride.

Anyway...here's the obligatory. Predictions. Is it time to jump on the bandwagon? Will they award the ensemble or take The Artist train? For some reason I have thought they had more often than not gone against the Best Picture route, but looking at history...not so much.

Here are the most recent winners
The King's Speech
Inglourious Basterds (exception!)
Slumdog Millionaire
No Country for Old Men
Little Miss Sunshine (exception!)
Crash (the big indicator!)

I could go on and on. Here's the thing. "Hugo" isn't even nominated for this award. Sure, if "The Descendants" wins, we might have a race...a real indicator. But it's just not going to happen, right? "The Artist" is going to win, right? The directors jumped on the moving train and now, so with the actors.

FILM

Male Actor, Lead
Demián Bichir, A Better Life
George Clooney, The Descendants
Leonardo DiCaprio, J. Edgar
Jean DuJardin, The Artist
Brad Pitt, Moneyball

This was the first clue that Fassbender was out and Bichir was in. And Leo...poor Leo. If DuJardin wins, we are in trouble for the Oscar. I think they will give it to Clooney.

Male Actor, Supporting
Kenenth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn
Armie Hammer, J Edgar
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Nick Nolte, Warrior
Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Plummer is unstoppable.

Female Actor, Lead
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Tilda Swinton, We Need to Talk About Kevin
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn

Hmmm...I have a funny feeling that Michelle Williams is going to sneak in here. Probably wrong, considering everyone else is predicting Viola or Meryl. But...then again, it could be a split.

Female Actor, Supporting
Bérénce Bejo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help

It's gonna be Spencer!

Cast in a Motion Picture
The Artist
Bridesmaids
The Descendants
The Help
Midnight in Paris

Can I just not predict this? I really, really wish The Help would win. My heart says The Help is going to win. Or that the actors will go with a really exciting choice...like Bridesmaids. But I'm always wrong when I listen to my heart. The Artist.

Male Actor, TV Movie or Miniseries
Laurence Fishburne, Thurgood
Paul Giamatti, Too Big to Fail
Greg Kinnear, The Kennedys
Guy Pearce, Mildred Pierce
James Woods, Too Big to Fail

Female Actor, TV Movie or Miniseries
Diane Lane, Cinema Verite
Maggie Smith, Downtown Abbey
Emily Watson, Appropriate Adult
Betty White, The Lost Valentine
Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce

Male Actor, Drama Series
Patrick J. Adams, Suits
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter

Will they honor Chandler like the Emmys did? Probably not...gonna go with Cranston.

Female Actor, Drama Series
Kathy Bates, Harry's Law
Glenn Close, Damages
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story
Julianna Marguiles, The Good Wife
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Sag doesn't really like to go with the new...but I'm still picking Lange.

Male Actor, Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Steve Carell, The Office
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

I think that here, the actors will honor Carell. Maybe. Or give Alec Baldwin his millionth win.

Female Actor, Comedy Series
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Betty White, Hot in Cleveland

I think that Vergara might take this.

Ensemble, Comedy Series
30 Rock
The Big Bang Theory
Glee
Modern Family
The Office

I think with the current popularity The Big Bang Theory might win...but that's my stupid heart talking again...while trying to justify it with a little bit of my mind.

Ensemble, Drama
Boardwalk Empire
Breaking Bad
Dexter
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife

I think this one is the hardest to predict...but gonna go with Breaking Bad.

27 Days of Oscar, a preview

2012-01-29T02:23:00.002-05:00

I will admit that with tonight's DGA win for Michel Hazanavicius, the director of "The Artist" for those not keeping score, this Oscar ceremony might be a difficult one for me to get behind. For some the disappointment is about predictability. But not for me. It is about who actually deserves the award. Especially after last year as a predecessor. Seeing the tweet: "Tom Hooper gives Michel Hazanavicius the DGA" sent me into a bit of a tailspin. I don't want to say that either Hooper of Hazanavicius are bad directors. They aren't. And it isn't right to simply blame not wanting them to win because they did an honorable job with cookie cutter material. Yes..."The Artist" might be the first mostly silent film to win Best Picture since "Wings." And yes..."The King's Speech" had great performances and was moving. But neither is the best direction of their respective years. Perhaps I'm being too hard on them...but the Academy doesn't seem to see what is actually in front of them sometimes, only letting their momentary movement of tear ducts motivate a film to their grand prize right before it ends up in a the bargain bin of Best Pictures past.

So, how do I prevent myself from a 2005 redux...aka, the now famous 10 minute sobfest post ceremony in the bathroom after "Brokeback Mountain" lost Best Picture? We have Billy Crystal again, which helps...but what about the journey?

Another series of sleep deprived crash course screenings and ramblings on this site, of course. This one known as the "27 Days of Oscar."

When the Oscar noms were announced, I was left with 25 feature films to see before the big day. I watched the documentary, "Paradise Lost 3" the morning of the announcement, which left me with 24. And tonight I watched "Transformers: Dark of the Moon." And yes, everyone was right. It is the best of the 3. Although undeserving of winning any of the 3 categories it is nominated for. Unless "Hugo" and "The Artist" split the top 2 prizes, "Hugo" might sadly have to settle for the sound and visual effects wins.

But back to the story at hand. As a refresher, I started 27 Days of Oscar as an homage to TCM's 31 Days of Oscar. The first year the Oscars were on the 27th of February, and I also had 27 films to see. It was difficult, but I did it. Meaning I saw, including the shorts, every single film nominated. Many people have issues with the Academy's nominations this year. Why didn't they nominate "Drive" and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" for Best Picture? Why no Michael Fassbender? What about "Project Nim." I take this time to discover films I might never have seen without the Academy. And appreciate certain performances I might not have championed. I loved "Secret of Kells" and "Milk of Sorrow," films I might not have seen otherwise. That's how I keep the Oscars relevant in my mind. And come Oscar night the excitement continues through all of the ceremony. Or at least when I have had enough champagne to dull the pain of the last couple of awards.

Here is the list of nominees that I have yet to see:

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
A Better Life
Warrior
A Cat in Paris
Chico & Rita
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango
Anonymous
W.E.
Hell and Back Again
Pina
Undefeated
Bullhead
Footnote
In Darkness
Monsieur Lazhar
The Adventure of Tintin
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
The Muppets
Rio
Real Steel
The Ides of March

Many of these films are available on DVD...and the others I hope I can get from the PR films marketing the films. And near the end it gets a little hairy. On the 27th day last year I watched one film in the morning, another on the subway to and from going to see the documentary shorts. I take this quite seriously.

Tomorrow I hope to watch 3 or 4 and Would like to be under 20 before the "27 Days of Oscar" begins on January 31st.

DGA Winners

2012-01-29T01:24:00.000-05:00

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Film:
MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS - The Artist

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary:
JAMES MARSH – Project Nim

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series:
PATTY JENKINS – The Killing, “Pilot”

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Comedy Series:
ROBERT B. WEIDE – Curb Your Enthusiasm, “Palestinian Chicken”

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Musical Variety:
GLENN WEISS – 65th Annual Tony Awards

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs:
NEIL P. DEGROOT – Biggest Loser, “Episode #1115″

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Daytime Serials:
WILLIAM LUDEL – General Hospital, “Intervention”

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs:
AMY SCHATZ – A Child’s Garden of Poetry

Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials:
NOAM MURRO (Biscuit Filmworks)

My thoughts on the Oscar nominations

2012-01-24T12:40:00.002-05:00

Let's try to keep some perspective about today. Last night things got a little ugly for me. Why? Because I started to take things a little too seriously. Today sanity has wafted over me. Thank goodness. Immediately after the nominations I chose to watch one of the 28 films I need to see in order to see them all. Not bad. Now that I'm down to 27, it's time to talk a little about what happened this morning.

Every year people want surprises. And when they get them they are unhappy. What people really want is for their favorite film to get in. Period. Who's to say that "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" isn't someone's favorite film. Obviously it is. And people are quite upset about the Documentary nominees...but my favorite got in. So, how can I criticize them for leaving out "Project Nim?"

In interpreting the aftermath of the nominations it is very clear that most of the signs were there. I guess Rudin's choice to get behind "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" instead of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" paid off. Kind of. The film on received 2 nominations. And "Dragon Tattoo" got 5. I wonder how many they would've gotten had they gone with "Tattoo" instead. I can't even begin to express my incredible excitement over Rooney Mara's nomination. I'm so proud of her. When her name was thrown into the casting conversation I immediately pushed (with what little power I have in the blogoshpere) not necessarily for her casting, but for acceptance of her as a contender. And then she was cast. And now she is an Oscar nominee. That nomination alone was enough to give me joy today. And we also got nominations for 6 of my top performances of the year. Including Glenn Close who has not been nominated in 23 years! I think she could actually win, if the cards are played right. It is a great Oscar story! I don't understand the vitriol toward her performance. I think she is great...as is Janet McTeer. Who I did not predict.

Some quick notes:

Only 3 of my top 10 films made the Best Picture list, which is pretty typical. Although I would almost count the documentary "If a Tree Falls," being nominated for Doc feature.

Sadly, Michael Fassbender was snubbed for his performance in "Shame." Kris Tapley from "In Contention" has been saying all along he wasn't sure that Fassbender was a lock. And someone had to pay for the fact that Gary Oldman got in, as well as Demian Bishire.

Albert Brooks is snubbed, as is "Drive" almost completely with only a Sound editing nomination. I went out on a limb and it broke.

I am quite interested in what went wrong with Best Original Song. I thought for sure Madonna would get in, as well as Glenn Close, giving her back up for her first Oscar.

17 is a magical number. Woody Allen has been in the Oscar conversation before this year, mostly for screenplay (post hey day, that is)...but this is the first time he has been nominated for directing in 17 years. Amazing, right? Even more amazing, the fact that Meryl Streep now has 17 Oscar nominations. That is truly incredible.

I am really happy that "A Separation" got in for original screenplay, even at the expense of "50/50." I actually though I had correctly predicted Screenplay, but I didn't. Diablo Coday was a miss...so the only category I nailed was Actress.

Gonna take the day off from blogging and watch some television, maybe chip away at the 27 feature films I have to see before February 26th!

2011 Oscar Nominations, complete list

2012-01-24T09:02:00.000-05:00

Got this better list from the mothership. Aka, Awards Daily

Actor in a Leading Role

Demián Bichir in "A Better Life"
George Clooney in "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"
Gary Oldman in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Brad Pitt in "Moneyball"

Actor in a Supporting Role

Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn"
Jonah Hill in "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte in "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"
Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

Actress in a Leading Role

Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis in "The Help"
Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams in "My Week with Marilyn"

Actress in a Supporting Role

Bérénice Bejo in "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain in "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer in "The Help"

Animated Feature Film

"A Cat in Paris" Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli
"Chico & Rita" Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal
"Kung Fu Panda 2" Jennifer Yuh Nelson
"Puss in Boots" Chris Miller
"Rango" Gore Verbinski

Art Direction

"The Artist"
Production Design: Laurence Bennett; Set Decoration: Robert Gould
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
"Hugo"
Production Design: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
"Midnight in Paris"
Production Design: Anne Seibel; Set Decoration: Hélène Dubreuil
"War Horse"
Production Design: Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales

Cinematography

"The Artist" Guillaume Schiffman
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Jeff Cronenweth
"Hugo" Robert Richardson
"The Tree of Life" Emmanuel Lubezki
"War Horse" Janusz Kaminski

Costume Design

"Anonymous" Lisy Christl
"The Artist" Mark Bridges
"Hugo" Sandy Powell
"Jane Eyre" Michael O'Connor
"W.E." Arianne Phillips

Directing

"The Artist" Michel Hazanavicius
"The Descendants" Alexander Payne
"Hugo" Martin Scorsese
"Midnight in Paris" Woody Allen
"The Tree of Life" Terrence Malick

Documentary (Feature)

"Hell and Back Again" Danfung Dennis and Mike Lerner
"If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front"
Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman
"Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory"
Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
"Pina"
Wim Wenders and Gian-Piero Ringel
"Undefeated"
TJ Martin, Dan Lindsay and Richard Middlemas

Documentary (Short Subject)

"The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement"
Robin Fryday and Gail Dolgin
"God Is the Bigger Elvis"
Rebecca Cammisa and Julie Anderson
"Incident in New Baghdad" James Spione
"Saving Face"
Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
"The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom"
Lucy Walker and Kira Carstensen

Film Editing

"The Artist" Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius
"The Descendants" Kevin Tent
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
"Hugo" Thelma Schoonmaker
"Moneyball" Christopher Tellefsen

Foreign Language Film

"Bullhead" Belgium
"Footnote" Israel
"In Darkness" Poland
"Monsieur Lazhar" Canada
"A Separation" Iran

Makeup

"Albert Nobbs"Martial Corneville, Lynn Johnston and Matthew W. Mungle
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
"The Iron Lady" Mark Coulier and J. Roy Helland

Music (Original Score)

"The Adventures of Tintin" John Williams
"The Artist" Ludovic Bource
"Hugo" Howard Shore
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Alberto Iglesias
"War Horse" John Williams

Music (Original Song)

"Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets" Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
"Real in Rio" from "Rio" Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown Lyric by Siedah Garrett

Best Picture

"The Artist" Thomas Langmann, Producer
"The Descendants" Jim Burke, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, Producers
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" Scott Rudin, Producer
"The Help" Brunson Green, Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, Producers
"Hugo" Graham King and Martin Scorsese, Producers
"Midnight in Paris" Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum, Producers
"Moneyball" Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad Pitt, Producers
"The Tree of Life" Nominees to be determined
"War Horse" Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers

Short Film (Animated)

"Dimanche/Sunday" Patrick Doyon
"The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg
"La Luna" Enrico Casarosa
"A Morning Stroll" Grant Orchard and Sue Goffe
"Wild Life" Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

Short Film (Live Action)

"Pentecost" Peter McDonald and Eimear O'Kane
"Raju" Max Zähle and Stefan Gieren
"The Shore" Terry George and Oorlagh George
"Time Freak" Andrew Bowler and Gigi Causey
"Tuba Atlantic" Hallvar Witzø

Sound Editing

"Drive" Lon Bender and Victor Ray Ennis
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Ren Klyce
"Hugo" Philip Stockton and Eugene Gearty
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl
"War Horse" Richard Hymns and Gary Rydstrom

Sound Mixing

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Bo Persson
"Hugo"
Tom Fleischman and John Midgley
"Moneyball"
Deb Adair, Ron Bochar, Dave Giammarco and Ed Novick
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, Jeffrey J. Haboush and Peter J. Devlin
"War Horse" Gary Rydstrom, Andy Nelson, Tom Johnson and Stuart Wilson

Visual Effects

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
Tim Burke, David Vickery, Greg Butler and John Richardson
"Hugo" Rob Legato, Joss Williams, Ben Grossman and Alex Henning
"Real Steel"
Erik Nash, John Rosengrant, Dan Taylor and Swen Gillberg
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, R. Christopher White and Daniel Barrett
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Matthew Butler and John Frazier

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

"The Descendants" Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
"Hugo" Screenplay by John Logan
"The Ides of March" Screenplay by George Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
"Moneyball" Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin Story by Stan Chervin
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Screenplay by Bridget O'Connor & Peter Straughan

Writing (Original Screenplay)

"The Artist" Written by Michel Hazanavicius
"Bridesmaids" Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig
"Margin Call" Written by J.C. Chandor
"Midnight in Paris" Written by Woody Allen
"A Separation" Written by Asghar Farhadi

The Oscar Nominations, live

2012-01-24T08:29:00.002-05:00