AAMPAS have just released a trailer to promote the 2012 Oscar ceremony hosted by Billy Crystal – I think it is an unfunny dud !! I do hope that the ceremony fares better than this lame clip.
The Art Directors Guild of America (ADG) announced their annual award nominations today. Babs has always been interested in this particular honour. Split into 3 categories the movie section honours period, fantasy and contemporary film production design. Not many surprises except the ridiculous nomination for “Bridesmaids” it always irritates that films tend to run in packs as far as nominations are concerned during awards season. “Bridesmaids” may have had a funny lead performance and if you really want to stretch it, the screenplay was ok, but production design? – oh please. The guild has yet to decide the nomination for Steven Spielberg’s animated “Tin Tin” movie.
Period Film.
THE ARTIST. Laurence Bennett
HUGO. Dante Ferretti
ANONYMOUS. Sebastian Krawinkel
TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY. Maria Djurkovic
THE HELP. Mark Ricker
Ben Kingsley in a setting from “Hugo” production design by Dante Ferretti.
Fantasy Film.
HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 2. Stuart Craig
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. Rick Heinrichs
THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN (designer to be determined)
PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES. John Myhre
COWBOYS & ALIENS. Scott Chambliss
Gringott’s Wizardry Bank from Harry Potter – production designer Stuart Craig
Contemporary Film.
THE DESCENDANTS. Jane Anne Stewart
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. Donald Graham Burt
DRIVE. Beth Mickle
EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE . K.K. Barrett
BRIDESMAIDS. Jefferson Sage
A setting from the visually arresting “Drive” production designer Beth Mickle.
In the television categories of interest are some of Babs faves getting a mention.
One Hour Single Camera Series.
BOARDWALK EMPIRE (Episode 21). Bill Groom
GAME OF THRONES (A Golden Crown). Gemma Jackson
AMERICAN HORROR STORY (Murder House). Mark Worthington
THE PLAYBOY CLUB (The Scarlett Bunny). Scott P. Murphy
PAN AM (Pilot). Bob Shaw
The kitchen from the horror house – “American Horror Story”.
Telemovie or Miniseries.
MILDRED PIERCE. Mark Friedberg
CINEMA VERITE. Patti Podesta
TOO BIG TO FAIL. Bob Shaw
THE HOUR. Eve Stewart
BLING RING. Robb Wilson King
Mildred Pierce “kitchen set” designer Mark Friedberg
A couple of favourites are in the mix – Dante Ferretti, Stuart Craig, Rick Heinrichs, Bob Shaw, Mark Friedberg. Very happy that Gemma Jackson has been noticed for “Game Of Thrones”, pleased also that “The Help” is on the list. Thrilled that “Drive” has been recognised. I haven’t seen all of the nominees but I will try and catch up before the announcement of the winners on Feb 4. It will be interesting to see how the Gloscars compare.
This years lifetime achievement award goes to Tony Walton responsible for many films amongst them “Murder On The Orient Express”, “The Wiz”, “The Boyfriend”, “Prince Of The City”. He was once married to Julie Andrews. Also to be honoured with a Cinematic Imagery Award are the team behind the Harry Potter franchise including Stuart Craig (Production Designer), Neil Lamont (Art Director) and Stephenie McMillan (Set Decorator).
Set decorator Stephenie McMillan and production designer Stuart Craig the masters behind Harry Potter’s striking visual design.
Babs has decided for the first time to extend the annual movie award wrap up – “The Gloscars” for another month. Usually the cinema year is marked from Jan 1 – Dec 31 but this can sometimes make the annual awards seem dated as some films are last years Oscar winners and therefore last years news. Australian cinema releases differ from the US. By extending for another month it means that some Oscar hopefuls can end up on the Gloscar list. So from now on the cinema year will commence on Feb 1 and end on Jan 31. Not that Babs should be influenced by the end of the year award season, its just that nobody wants to be old hat, and Babs does differ from Oscar results on many occasions.
The nominations and list of eligible films (those seen by Babs in a cinema) will be announced on Feb 1 and the winners announced a week later Feb 8.
It has been quite an ok year at the cinema with some worthy films and excellent performances – I wonder if you will agree with Babs.
The Screen Actors Guild award nominations will be announced tomorrow but in the meantime TV legend Mary Tyler Moore has been announced as this years SAG Lifetime Achievement recipient. It will be presented to her at the SAG ceremony on Jan 29, handing it to her will be Dick Van Dyke a former co-star and dear friend.
Tyler Moore starred in and created her own series “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” from 1970-77, successful spin-offs from that show were “Rhoda” starring Valerie Harper (74-78), “Phyllis” starring Cloris Leachman (75-77) and “Lou Grant” starring Ed Asner (77-82). Her production company MTM also produced “The Bob Newhart Show”, “WKRP In Cincinnati”, “Hill Street Blues” and “St. Elsewhere”. She has won countless Emmy awards and was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People”. One of her co-stars Betty White received the same honour from SAG in 2009.
A statue of Mary Tyler Moore in Minneapolis at the site of the famous “hat toss” scene from the opening credits of the hit show.
Award season kicks in next week with the New York Film Critics announcing their choices of the years best on Nov 29, soon followed by the National Board Of Review (Dec 1) and the infamous Golden Globe Award (noms Dec 11), then comes a flurry of award shows and critics top ten lists concluding with the grand poobah of ceremonies – The Oscars. (nominations due Jan 24, ceremony Feb 26)
And we must never forget The Gloscars!!! (first week in January)
Awards pundits are in a prediction frenzy that puts Nostradamus to shame. I will join them all and try and predict a few in some categories. Of course this does not respect my choices and I have not seen all of the films.
Check out some of the trailers at the end to see what all the fuss is about.
Film
This year there is a possible 5-10 nominees depending on how the new voting system pans out. I wish they would bring back the 5 only rule.
THE ARTIST
The critics darling, a homage to the days of silent film making in Hollywood. Silent film star George Valentin refuses to participate in the talkies leading to his downfall and a romance with a young upcoming dancer/actress. Directed by a Frenchman and coming out of nowhere it is sure to be one to beat.
WAR HORSE
Steven Spielberg directs this adaptation of a famous children’s novel. A young boy goes to war to find his beloved horse who had been drafted earlier. The same story has been adapted into a play by London’s National Theatre that earlier this year swept Broadway’s Tony awards – winning best play. It has all the hallmarks of a sentimental Spielberg extravaganza, and looks like pure Oscar bait.
THE HELP
A surprise sleeper hit that scored at the US box office. A story of the trials and tribulations of being a black maid in America’s south around the time of Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement. A terrific ensemble cast that are sure to be recognised in the acting categories.
THE DESCENDANTS
George Clooney stars in this new film by Alexander Payne who scored well with “Sideways” a few years back. A dramedy set in Hawaii about a family in crisis.
EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE
Stephen Daldry directs this post 9/11 story that I am dreading to see, not a fan of Daldry as a film director, stick to the stage Steve! The trailer is dreadful, so I can imagine what the film will be like 😦
THE TREE OF LIFE
Terrence Malick’s bore of a film may make it to the block. I hated it, critics raved. A film that divides opinion.
MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
Woody Allen’s souffle of a film. A return to form for Woody and a box office success – a rarity for him.
THE IDES OF MARCH
The handsome duo of George Clooney and spunk of the moment Ryan Gosling star in this political drama directed by Mr Clooney.
J. EDGAR
Clint Eastwood’s biopic of the famed founder of the FBI – a cross dressing closet case apparently. Leonardio DiCaprio stars.
MARCY MARTHA MAY MARLENE
This years Sundance stand out success, a staple lately in the Oscar race.
Direction
STEPHEN DALDRY – Up Close And Extremely Personal *Yuk*
STEVEN SPIELBERG – War Horse *Groan*
MICHELl HAZANAVICIUS – The Artist
MARTIN SCORCESE – Hugo
Scorcese first children’s film and in 3D, critics are raving at it is doing well at the box office. Like “The Artist” it plays tribute to the early years of filmaking. Set in a Parisian railway station it is sure to rule the technical nominations.
TERENCE MALICK – The Tree Of Life – Aaargh!
Actor
GEORGE CLOONEY – The Descendants
A previous winner in the support category for “Syriana” it has ben a good year for this debonair star, he may make it to the podium for a second time
JEAN DUJARDIN – The Artist
If the film strikes a chord with the Academy, expect this French actor to go along for the ride.
LEONARDO DiCAPRIO – J. Edgar
Often nominated, never to win, could it be Leo’s year? Perhaps he will have to wait for his Gatsby turn next year, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on that happening.
MICHAEL FASSBENDER – Shame
Swooooooon!!!! A big year for Fassbender appearing in 4 films (Jane Eyre, X-Men:First Class, A Dangerous Method) It is his turn as a sex addict that is turning heads and gaining serious momentum. Not to mention he is naked a lot and full frontal too!! Controversial and brave I guess. Film is directed by artist Steve McQueen who brought us to the attention of the actor with the brilliant but gruelling “Hunger”.
MICHAEL SHANNON – Take Shelter
A much talked about performance from Sundance, it was a while back but I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns up on the list. He was nominated a few years back for his supporting turn in “Revolutionary Road” so not a stranger to Oscar voters.
Actress
MERYL STREEP – The Iron Lady
Meryl as Maggie Thatcher how can we or the Academy resist? I am sure it will be the only nod for the film. Critics have been harsh, only praising the magnificent M but not the direction of her “Mamma Mia” collaborator Phyllida Lloyd who is another of those pesky stage directors who should not be allowed behind a lens.
MICHELLE WILLIAMS – My Week With Marilyn
Critics are raving about Michelle as the famed movie goddess but lukewarm about the film itself. She looks good in the trailer and has been so excellent in all her past performances. I predict a win!
TILDA SWINTON – We Need To Talk About Kevin
Ice queen Tilda is sure to gain a nomination in this controversial role of a mother who doesn’t warm to her child with disastrous results
GLENN CLOSE – Albert Nobbs
It has been a while since she was in the Oscar line up (1989 her last) after numerous nominations (5) and no win. This one looks promising as it is a cross-dressing role and the Academy love them. She plays a woman who masquerades as a butler to survive in 19th century Ireland, it is a pet project of Glenn’s so hopefully she may be rewarded.
ELIZABETH OLSEN – Martha Marcey May Marlene
This years Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone)? Rave reviews at Sundance, she plays a young girl who escapes from a religious cult and her struggle to re-enter society. She is also the sister of TV’s the Olsen twins!! This is the performance I am looking forward to seeing.
in with a good shot – VIOLA DAVIS – The Help (outstanding in “Doubt” she grounds this fine cast with such grace)
Supporting Actor
CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER – Beginners
After such a long distinguished career and many a fine performance surely this is his year to get the golden man. Playing a gay man in his golden years who comes out of the closet after the death of his wife much to the dismay of his son. This film is a heartbreaker and Mr Plummer is the highlight.
ALBERT BROOKS – Drive
Normally seen in comedy roles, Albert Brooks is menacing as an ex-film producer turned gangster in a film that I absolutely loved. The Academy do like to reward comedy actors in dramatic roles.
MAX VON SYDOW – Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close
Max may get the veteran vote and be competition for Plummer
KENNETH BRANAGH – My Week With Marilyn
Some say miscast as Sir Laurence Olivier but many say hilarious and a standout alongside Miss Williams as Marilyn. He always saw himself as a successor to Olivier with his Shakespeare film adaptations, now he gets to play him – go figure!
EZRA MILLER – We Need To Talk About Kevin
Creepy children can do well with the Academy (Linda Blair or Patty McCormack anyone?)
Supporting Actress
OCTAVIA SPENCER – The Help
Very funny and strong performance that is sure to be recognised. And shit she can make a mean chocolate pie!
JESSICA CHASTAIN – The Help
Appearing in no less than 5 films this year (she should team up with Michael Fassbender next) – Tree Of Life, The Debt, Take Shelter and Coriolanus are the others. it was this scene stealing role that grabbed attention and will surely get her a nod.
VANESSA REDGRAVE – Coriolanus
A grand lady of acting and a previous controversial winner (her speech not the role) for “Julia” many years ago. If they go the veteran route this year and not the newcomer then it will be her year.
SHAILENE WOODLEY – The Descendants
Apparently shines in the role of Clooney’s daughter – she will play the newcomer card alongside Chastain
CAREY MULLIGAN – Shame
Playing the songstress sister of sexaholic Fassbender, a raw performance that is garnering praise alongside her co-star
…. he’s our kind of a guy, and ooh what luck ’cause here he is.
Did Babs put out a hex on the Oscar ceremony planned for 2012?
Once it was announced that Brett Ratner was to co-produce and Eddie Murphy was to host, well, you couldn’t stop the complaining, even going out on a limb to say that it would be a ceremony far worse than this years in Feb co-hosted by James Franco & Anne Hathaway – and that is saying something.
Anyway as we all know by now, stupid Brett Ratner made a gay slur in an interview and all hell broke loose, he resigned from the gig and his “host without the most” soon followed – good riddance I say! And to add salt to the wound the pair’s new movie “Tower Heist” is performing poorly at the US box office.
A campaign to have “The Muppets” be the replacement host came about but then in stepped the ever reliable (and very good at the gig) Billy Crystal, announced to host his 9th ceremony. This all happened within a week so now the Academy can take a well deserved valium and get on with the job of producing – hopefully, a good show. I would bet easy money that the Muppets will be in there somewhere, well I hope they are, I do love them and am looking forward to seeing their new movie at the end of the year.
I thought it would be interesting to look at a few past Oscar ceremony hosts and hostesses.
1. Bob Hope, the grand master of the ceremony hosting a record 19 ceremonies.
2. Billy Crystal follows the lead with a total of 8 ceremonies which will soon become 9.
Lets keep our fingers crossed for next years ceremony and hope it will be a wonderful night for Oscar! Oscar! Oscar! with Billy on board there sure is a hell of a chance.
Here are a few early predictions to ponder, and try and catch if you can.
Some I have seen and some I have not, but I am shuffling off to see anon.
1. Best Supporting Actress
Jessica Chastain for “The Help”.
Jessica has landed on our screens with a wide variety of roles this year. I think this will be the one that should definitely land her a walk along the red carpet.
She stole all the scenes she appeared in and reminded me of the raw talent that Melanie Griffith used to excel in.
She has also appeared in “The Debt”, “Take Shelter” and of course “The Tree Of Life” ( a film I absolutely loathed and I want to bring back the hours I wasted seeing it) – it is likely she may get the nod for this one, she should get the nod for the most changes of dress whilst swaying around the front lawn award!!!!
2. Best Actor
Michael Shannon for “Take Shelter”.
Jessica Chastain’s co-star in a film I have yet to see, he has been getting raves for his performance as a man who has apocalyptic visions and decides to build a shelter for his family. He was nominated once before for a supporting turn in “Revolutionary Road” and is a regular on the HBO series “Boardwalk Empire”.
3. Best Supporting Actor.
Christopher Plummer for “Beginners”.
As Ewan McGregor’s widowed father who “comes out” after the death of his wife, this performance has been getting a lot of attention amongst the award pundits. The film hasn’t had the best of reviews but it seems Mr Plummer makes it worth while. It’s about time he got some reward for his stellar career.
BABS BLABS - In My Own Opinion 