Although I have not seen all of his films, these are the ones in which I remember him fondly (most of which were not considered ‘hits’)…

Absence of Malice [1981]
Directed by and co-starring Sydney Pollack, this is easily my favorite Newman film of all time. An intense newsroom thriller; his chemistry with Sallie Field is incredible. Newman received a Best Actor nod.

Harry & Son [1984]
I have no idea why this father-son drama touched me so much when I was younger, but I watched it every time it aired on cable. Co-starring Robby Benson.

The Hudsucker Proxy [1994]
An underrated Coen Brothers film. And the one where serious thespians Newman, Tim Robbins and Jennifer Jason Leigh were actually…damn funny.

Road to Perdition [2002]
I’m still not sure why this one wasn’t more successful at the box office.  Newman received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in this dark tale of family loyalty. From director Sam Mendes, co-starring Tom Hanks and Daniel Craig.

Empire Falls [2005]
A very well produced HBO miniseries with a stellar cast (Newman & Woodward, Ed Harris, Helen Hunt, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright Penn and Aidan Quinn).  Newman received both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

Of course he was more well known for and fantastic in Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Color of Money (for which he received his only Oscar – Best Actor) and Cars (as the voice of Doc).

But perhaps the most impressive characteristic of Paul Newman was his amazing generosity. Long before the days of well publicized celebrity adoptions and financial contributions to various causes, Newman created a very successful company (Newman’s Own) whose profits are donated entirely to charity. His philanthropy was unprecedented and his spirit will be missed.

After you watch the Season 2 premiere, come back and let me know what you think!

Thursday, September 25

UGLY BETTY
ABC
8pm

THE OFFICE
NBC
9pm

GREY’S ANATOMY
ABC
9pm

[Sidenote: I wrote about Callie & Hahn after the season finale, which clearly touched a nerve; the number of hits and emails were surprisingly high. I stand by my initial reaction and support of their relationship, even though that does not appear to be the popular consensus.]

Sunday, September 28

DEXTER
SHO
9pm

BROTHERS & SISTERS
ABC
10pm

Ok, Reality TV Host Emmy:

Emmy: Jeff Probst – wow! Kind of a surprise, but he’s been hosting Survivor for so damn long.

He doesn’t seem in the least bit surprised.

Mary Tyler Moore, there is no one like you. I loved watching her and Carol Burnett.

Has she always been that skinny?

Betty White looks exactly the same!

I also loved watching the Golden Girls because each of them reminded me of my very cool grandma.

Comedy Series:

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Office
30 Rock
2.5 Men

Emmy: 30 Rock. It’s a sweep! Fey and Baldwin, now this. So great!

Tom Selleck. The ‘stache is intact.

Drama Series:

Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

Emmy: Mad Men!  It’s nice to see the cast in real clothes.

Nicely done, AMC.

This season is SO much better, so my  beloved Lost has serious competition again next year.

Wow, an awards show that ends on time?

Overall, kind of a yawner and few surprises but I always enjoy seeing my favorite shows nominated and their casts and crew in person.

As for Lost, shut out again. Big sigh of sad face.

Thank you SO much to those who actually read these rambling live-blogs!!

Feel free to leave comments of your own with thoughts about the show and winners.