Tis the season. Not the holiday season; not baseball season. The season; movie award season.
Hello, my name is Kim, and I’m a movie award show junkie. Hello Kim!
I know, I know, this flies in the face of what I should care about; like global warming or world hunger (both important issues, BTW). However, if I’m but one thing up here in the middle-aged cheap seats, it’s honest. And, I honestly love to watch the annual award shows. First up are the Golden Globes (my favorite) which will be broadcasted live this coming Sunday. I’ve already cleared the calendar and set up the DVR. What makes the Golden Globes so much fun? No pretense of taking themselves too seriously and lots of drinking – often a deadly mix. Add Amy Poehler and Tina Fey as the hosts and there is little chance that the 2014 show will disappoint.
I’ve watched these shows since I was a little girl. Way back when it was all about the pretty dresses and the music and the chance to peek into the fairy tale world of the beautiful people. These days I’m still intrigued by the dresses, the bad musical numbers, and an opportunity to see Hollywood’s elite up close and somewhat personal.
http://pixabay.com/en/audrey-hepburn-actress-lipstick-154881/
However, throughout the years I’ve also developed a keen appreciation for good flicks and excellent storytelling. These shows represent the best movies of the previous year and I try to see all that are nominated – however I still haven’t gotten around to seeing last year’s Lincoln. I’m also motivated to watch for a few reasons that could be labeled as a bit petty:
Who will be this year’s train wreck? Back in 2012 I couldn’t have been the only one pulling for Nick Nolte, nominated for his supporting role in Warriors. His would have been a history making acceptance speech for sure. This coming Sunday I’m thinking that Joaquin Phoenix – nominated for Her – could be the one to watch for a truly fun, unpredictable speech. Also be on the look out for a possible humdinger from Bruce Dern. Not quite a train wreck, but the Tommy Lee/Grumpy Cat meme that erupted from 2013 might be tough to beat…
The opposite of a train wreck? Meryl Streep who, nominated for her 28th – not a typo – Golden Globe award will likely give a terrific speech if she wins in the best actress category.
Who has had work, and is it any good? Yes, this one is absolutely snarky. I wish they wouldn’t mess with their faces. I understand getting the boobs done or even the jawline tightened. But guys and gals: stay away from your eyes and your lips – it almost never turns our well.
A British nominee. The Brits do it right. They prepare for their acceptance speeches. They don’t thank a litany of people who may be important to them, but mean diddly-squat to the watching public. The Brits are funny, witty, and know how to work the crowd. David Niven set the bar high when he famously handled a streaker during a presentation at the 46th Academy Awards (aka the Oscars). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IIl3zSYL8k The Brits have continued to keep it classy and fun ever since.
With whom will I fall in love? Last year it was Jennifer Lawrence. She tripped when she headed up to the podium at the Oscars, which made her human and adorable. My girl crush was sealed when she was flat-out flustered by Jack Nicholson crashing her post award interview with George Stephanopoulos. Stars get star-struck too; and it makes them seem so much more normal. I’m pulling for Ms. Lawrence to win again this year for her supporting role in American Hustle.
A good Clooney sighting. I wait for it every year. Last year George received quite a bit of face time, having been a producer for Argo which won the Oscar for best picture. He was also promoting his new line of premium tequila. Yep, handsome, smart, and he sells liquor. He’s now officially perfect. Hope to be seeing him this year supporting Sandra Bullock, his co-star in Gravity.
For the past two years a somewhat spontaneous Golden Globes discussion thread has broken out on my Facebook page. Wondering if anyone will go off the rails this year as much as my BFF Dani who last year could not get past the sensible shoes worn by the spouse of Hollywood leading man/hottie. She’s STILL not over it. If you’re so inclined, stop by on Sunday and add your two-cents.
Have you seen this year’s nominated films? What is your favorite? Will you be watching the Golden Globes on Sunday?
Cheers,
Kimba
Thank you fo rhtis…love it! I do not watch the awards, but i do love to hear about them. I love the quote by Tina Fey, priceless! Sorry George was not given air time…he is my total man crush, and I did not know about the tequilla…makes him that much hotter! 🙂
And guess what – his tequila is excellent! Very smooth, just like GC!
I don't watch the awards shows but I follow them. I read the stories and see who's won. I haven't seen most of the films yet so I don't know what films will stand out for me, but I think this seems like a good crop. I am already getting a bit tired of Jennifer Lawrence. I first saw her in Winter's Bone and thought she was amazing. Now she's the "it" girl and can do no wrong. (I thought Silver Lining Playbook was way overrated). Can't get enough of George Clooney, though! Since you are an award show junkie, this is your season. Enjoy!
LOL Judy, I'm already teeing up for the Oscars. I too loved Jennifer Lawrence in "Winter's Bone." I think she is crazy talented. But I agree, she needs to make sure she's not over-exposed. She's so young; a nice long career ahead of her.
Hello Kim, I must admit I don't watch the award shows any more – but I loved that you shared this part of yourself with us. Maybe I'll write a blog post about my love of British Dramas/Mysteries (I was glad you included a section about the Brits in your piece) or about some of my favorite mystery novels.
Phyllis I would love to read about the Brit dramas you like and would recommend. I thought Emma Thompson represented you well on Monday night – love her!
In case you missed the show, here is a recap from last night's Golden Globes:
1. Must-have female accessory: pregnancy.
2. Must-have male accessory: facial hair and a very odd hair bun.
3. How to do hammered right: Emma Thompson. How not to do hammered: Jacqueline Bisset.
4. Not enough Amy & Tina.
5. Matthew McConaughey wins a best actor award and does not disappoint: "Aw right, aw right, aw right!"
6.George was a no show; Kimba sad.
7. Apparently the same people who orchestrated the NJ George Washington Bridge shut down designed the table placement. #pathtostageplease
8. Amy Poehler got to make out with Bono – jealous!
9. Best quote of the night: "Like a supermodel's vagina, let's all give a warm welcome to Leonardo DiCaprio!" -Tina Fey
10. Amy & Tina secured another hosting gig for 2015: http://mashable.com/2014/01/12/tina-fey-amy-poehler-golden-globes-monologue/
What a good review of the movie awards shows. I used to watch them. Not much of a TV watcher now. Yes, the glamour and seeing the artists as who they really are, and listening how they express themselves through their speeches, makes those programs interesting and fun. I agree the British are natural at public speaking, and then their accent just adds more to it. Great post! I enjoyed reading it 🙂
Thx Delmy, any kind of accent usually draws me in…
OH I can relate to falling in love with Jennifer Lawrence after the Academy Awards fall.. wasn't she loveable. And a good Clooney look.. but I fall so miserably behind in konwing about movies.. that the award shows help me know what to look for.
That's a good point Terry – the shows help me create a must-see list.
I am hooked on NetFlix and am looking at the films that won 5 years ago…it's ok, I am sure I have plenty of time!
b+ (RetireinStyleBlog), age 72
Netflix is wonderful! It allows me to catch up and to overdose on chick flicks when I need it!
I'll watch it for Tina and Amy. They never disappoint!
I am SO psyched about Amy & Tina! They are some of my favorite broads.
Amy and Tina are the best and remind us that everyone is better with their best gal pal at their side. But note THEY don't wear sensible shoes!
Bahaha, can't wait to see whose shoes you obsess about tomorrow night!
I don't have cable for the first time this year. I don't miss it. But this month there are award shows and the Olympics beginning and I wonder how I can subscribe and then cancel right after I get my fix of pretty dresses (LOVE the red carpet hour) and winter sports.
Kate I so hope you can figure it out – come play with us; our communal watching is great fun.