‘TIS THE SEASON: CRITICS CHOICE & OTHER AWARD SHOWS ON OUR HORIZON
Before I begin, I have to mention that this particular entry marks a major milestone in the history of JOpinionated. This is my 300th blog post, which is kind of remarkable given that I’ve only been doing this for just over two years and it is done solely as a hobby (after work and on weekends). I’ve been averaging about 5,000 hits per month since last year, which I am thrilled about even though that number is small potatoes compared to most blogs. The most popular entry by far was this one, when actor Jim Beaver responded to my letter to Deadwood creator David Milch (10,000 total hits on that entry alone since it was posted last August)! His response to my blog was even mentioned in USA Today’s Pop Candy column, and that entry also garnered the most comments I’ve ever received.
That’s all. You know me, I like to share. Moving on.
There was no way I was going to tune into the pre-taped People’s Choice Awards last night, especially because poor Queen Latifah had to deliver the good news to an empty room without an audience. Frankly, those particular honors don’t mean anything in the big picture; they simply represent a popularity contest and carry little weight come Oscar time, so I won’t bother listing the winners.
On the other hand, the Critics Choice Awards, broadcast earlier this week on VH1, were the first major awards given to serious Oscar contenders. Some of these categories vary from the Academy Awards, but here are the victorious:
BEST PICTURE: No Country For Old Men
BEST ACTOR: Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood)
BEST ACTRESS: Julie Christie (Away From Her)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone)
BEST DIRECTOR: Ethan & Joel Coen (No Country For Old Men)
BEST WRITER: Diablo Cody (Juno)
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: Ratatouille
BEST COMEDY: Juno
BEST DOCUMENTARY: Sicko
BEST FOREIGN FILM: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
BEST SONG: Falling Slowly (Once)
I am VERY excited for Glen Hansard and Marketa Iglova, who are being recognized for their work on the beautiful Once soundtrack, and I really hope that they are nominated for an Oscar as well. They will probably face tough competition in Eddie Vedder (for In the Wild). And, of course, I was thrilled for both of Juno‘s wins.
As for the onslaught of other award shows coming our way over the next two months…
Jan. 13: Golden Globes (press conference only)
Jan. 22: Academy Award nominations unveiled
Jan. 26: Directors Guild Awards
Jan. 27: Screen Actors Guild awards
Feb. 10: Grammy awards (for music, but worth a mention)
Feb. 23: Independent Spirit Awards
Feb. 24: Oscars
For comprehensive coverage, visit The Envelope, which is the Los Angeles Times awards insider.