The Golden Globes, like the Critics Choice, had their ballots turned in before the Oscar nominations. That meant that they reflected the moment just before the buzz shifted. Argo won big at the Critics Choice and it won big at the Globes, taking Best Picture Drama and Best Director. But Les Miserables actually won the most Golden Globes. Imagine, if you will, outstanding Oscar ballots today. If Oscar ballots had been turned in after the DGA and after the Globes, there’s a good chance that, at the very least, Ben Affleck and Tom Hooper would have been nominated for Best Director. Such is one of the many odd twists and turns of this race.
It’s probably fairly likely that Argo could have built up momentum from this moment in time that might have carried it through to the Oscar win. Come to that, Argo might still win in a total freak show year never before seen in Oscar history; even Driving Miss Daisy had the distinction of A) having no DGA nor Oscar nor Globe nomination for Director and B) was placed in the comedy category. Argo is only missing the Oscar nomination for Director. It’s entirely possible that film can be the one that defies history in this very strange year.
On the other hand, the Globes have been oddly off in their predictions of Oscar — the only films since 2002 that have gone on to win the Oscar have been Chicago, Slumdog Millionaire, Return of the King and the Artist. Two in Musical/Comedy, two in drama. All of them had nominations in the director categories at the Globes, the DGA and the Oscar. So we throw up our hands yet again.
But the highlights of the evening were scattered throughout. My Top Ten:
1. Bill Clinton as the surprise guest to introduce what he called “Steven Spielberg’s extraordinary Lincoln.” No matter what happens with Lincoln this year, no matter how many fanboys diss it, no matter how unpopular it is with Hollywood types, it has that. Lincoln has woven itself into the political pulse of our land. And yes, most people don’t really give a damn about that. Love and a bit with a dog, that’s what the people want. But it’s been to the White House, into the Senate and how, has been introduced by Bill Clinton. Even if it never wins a single award, it has secured its place in history. One of my own goals this year, and every year for the rest of my life is to not let the awards race ruin the films that I believe to be great. At the top of that list for 2012 is Lincoln. Every curated frame of this film is the work of masters. Somehow President Clinton reminded me of the importance of the film, of President Lincoln and the power of storytelling.
2. Jodie Foster’s humane, entertaining, electrifying speech as she received the Cecil B. DeMille award. It may have been among the finest speeches ever delivered on a showbiz awards show. She talked about her work, her family, those she holds most dear — she talked about privacy, about the shifting times, and about her love life, in a funny, indirect way. Foster is one of the true blues, brilliant, honest and funny. She brought down the house and everyone to tears. After that speech, any petty thought I had about the awards up to then and the awards to follow vanished; we must never forget the bigger picture and we must never forget how little these awards really matter. The films, the art is the thing. The people, their words and their work are the thing. The rest is just a dog and pony show.
3. Anne Hathaway taking time out of her speech to acknowledge Sally Field. This was an important moment, I thought, in the ongoing narrative of the awards race. One of the more interesting moments early in the race happened when Field and Hathaway joined other actresses to have what turned out to be quite a meaningful roundtable discussion last November. It seemed to me that Hathaway was listening to Field then, and that made her want to point out how important are the actresses who came before her. I found it to be a gracious gesture on a night when such gestures were rare.
4. Jessica Chastain paying tribute to Kathryn Bigelow for having the courage to bring Maya to the big screen. Sadly, even after calling this the Year of the Woman, the HFPA once again shut Bigelow out of their top awards. Partly because, let’s face it, they love George Clooney and Ben Affleck (who doesn’t) but also, they don’t tend to like dark films. That they loved The Social Network remains an enduring mystery. But Chastain took the opportunity to talk about Bigelow, which again, was a gracious thing to do.
5. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler didn’t pull any punches. Their jokes were scathing at times but they wielded the spears gracefully. Always funny and better than any Globes host I can remember in recent history. The best joke of the night was in reference to torture and Bigelow and having been married to James Cameron.
6. Jennifer Garner thanking Grant Heslov and George Clooney after husband Ben Affleck neglected to mention them, which was sweet and funny.
7. Daniel Day-Lewis.
8. Bill Clinton. Oh, did I already say Bill Clinton?
9. Hugh Jackman winning. I may not be the biggest fan of Les Miserables but his work in the film is notable. It seemed to have been the part he was born to play and it was nice to see him get recognition.
10. Quentin Tarantino and Christoph Waltz winning for Django Unchained. The original screenplay win for Tarantino probably bodes well for his chances at the Oscar — and now he might finally beat Mark Boal who bested him 3 years ago. Although they both have to face down Michael Haneke, which means there’s a chance they both could lose. Christoph Waltz is brilliant and debonair. Always. He gives great speeches too, but he’s won too recently I think to become the frontrunner again on Oscar night.
Jennifer Lawrence was charming, even though she admitted to being under the weather, and Life of Pi had to settle with award for Mychael Danna’s Original Score. Good thing Ang Lee is so zen. It’s worth remembering that tonight was just a party where they hand out statues. The 100-odd members of the Hollywood Foreign Press pick what they like, like everyone else. It is nothing more or less than that. The Argo team has a moment in the spotlight, a well deserved one at that. And the race continues to roll forward, destination totally unknown. We should enjoy the unpredictability — we never know when it will return to the same old dance.
OK, I did my research and found two former CIA agents who, on separate occasions claimed Clinton passed on an opportunity. Both Michael Sheuer and Hank Crumpton discuss times that the CIA could have killed bin Laden.
Yes, I agree there were opportunities as there were times they knew where they were, but they lacked the capabilities to kill him. It’s fine and dandy to say “Look, here he is in this caravan” but how does that translate into a military strike? First off he was in a country where we were not at war so bombing them would cause all sorts of international issues. Second, there would be all sorts of domestic issues. It’s not like Osama bin Laden was a household name. Third, just because they knew where he was, does not mean we could have done it successfully. These things take time. Fourth, the leads may not have been credible enough.
We do know that Clinton ordered strikes against Osama bin Laden in August of 1998 in Afghanistan and it failed by a few hours. He was roundly criticized as trying to deflect attention away from the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
So, if you want to recall things correctly, Republicans cared far more about Monica Lewinsky than Osama bin Laden.
I’m not sure what other times FOX news claims Clinton fucked up, so if you could illuminate me, I’d be appreciative.
Really?
“”Imagine Clinton saying “you know, Steve, I liked your film, a lot. But the real important film is Zero Dark Thirty. I spent so much unsung effort pursuing bin Laden and it’s my greatest regret that I did not kill him in my attempts to do so.””
Well, Clinton would have never said the comments above because if he did he would be one lying hypocrite. Probably is already but according to history Bill Clinton had the chance to capture BIN LADEN at least four times and each time he personally let him get away.
My favorite speech of the night came from daniel day lewis. He thanked his fellow actors nominees. And talked briefly on how profound it was to play ,Lincoln.
I am happy than Ben Aflleck won the globe best director, but I am happier than he was not nominated for the Oscar. Can I remain to his fans, the best prize for film in the USA is The National Society of Film Critics: this year the winner was Hanneke, the second Bigelow and Wes Anderson. The Golden Globes are a super commercial prize: They even gave nominations for so bad films (The Tourist). The list of songs nominated, except for Skyfall, are excrutating.The only thingthere are preoccupied to invite the Stars (and they are mixing television with films.) Last year Dustin Hoffman looked so bored, this year it was Tommy Lee Jones. Some of the speeches are genuine, like Adele. I prefer much the Oscars, people who are voting know the business of their fields, writing, music, directing, editing not a incompetent journalists.
Les miserables deserved it’s awards it won for.form
Jamie says “A masterful film created by some of the best in the business based on major work of history. You can’t ask for more than that from a film.”
I say, “Yes you can.”
And then I suggest going to see Zero Dark Thirty.
Daniel day lewis is such a good actor. This is his third time winning the globe. Tom hanks is the only other actor to win big for castaway, forrest gump and phildalephia
I felt tommy lee jones was moved by presenters will farrell and sofia vegra when they were talking funny about the best actress nominees for motion picture musical or comedy
Win or lose, and I still believe it will win, Lincoln is a “forever” film. Even in this amazing year for film, Lincoln is decidedly the best of the year. A masterful film created by some of the best in the business based on major work of history. You can’t ask for more than that from a film. Of course, I do believe Jackman deserves Best Actor at least until Day-Lewis learns to sing and dance as well as act brilliantly.
Yvette, what did you think about Once Upon a Time in Anatolia?
The above post is littered with typos I know, but iPhones are not meant for spontaneous rants…
KT.,
Trust me – I get you’re point. It sucks, I know….Lincoln is being shoved down our collective throat and who are they to try and manipulate us into thinking it’s an important work. Welcome to the age of resistance and snark. That’s the real issues here to me.
Seems to bother you that Lincoln is – horror of horrors – a film that takes itself and subject seriously and its makers are promoting it as such etc… Wow, imagine that? I think the view stems from the film’s absolute commitment to unabashed passion. The detractors’ criticisms are so wildly unrelated to what is actually on the screen that it makes some think that perhaps the film is too cerebral, too nuanced and non-linear that many cannot see beyond the wigs and funny way they talk. And I don’t get this ‘noble’, ‘reverent’ crap as a criticism. As if Spielberg and Co. are silly to make a serious film about a transformational figure and chapter in American history. Would you have preferred an irreverent look at AL and the abolishing of slavery? With a ‘cooler’ soundtrack and fast, slashing cuts?
As I mentioned, Spielberg premiered his film for a group of students and teachers, not press or critics. Because those were the people he made it for. As for some here making these sweeping blanket statements about how people ‘respect’ but do not ‘love it’ – How would you know that? From the HFPA? Ha… Really?
I also loved ZD30, Beasts and Pi , but the smug dismissive nature of the Lincoln detractors is so emphatic that it seems like steadfast resistance…. of what I’m not sure. Seriousness? It was inevitable and I knew that before they even started filming… Because that is the nature of our ADD culture: Sasha anticipated it beautifully in her piece, ‘Selling a True Hero In the Age of Snark,’ before its release.
The detractors think they’re being intellectually above-it-all when it’s actually so predictable. It reeks of an anti-intellectual cynicism. And it is hard not to suggest that the subject matter does require a level of deep familiarity …without it one may miss the complexities. I’ve seen the film four times and discover something different each time. Which makes me wonder if some of the detractors were just too impatient to experience film on an intellectual level. I know, that’s condescending, but it may also be true and you don’t even know it. It’s easier to simply dismiss the surface of the film.
Do you edit your posts? Noticing a few typos
Yvette, I think you’re missing my points. I am definitely not naive in my analysis. I think I provided plenty of concrete examples backing my thoughts. And I’m not offended at all–I’m just trying to explain why passionate across-the-board support may not exist for Lincoln. There is a clear difference between promoting a film and over-campaigning it, overemphasizing its importance to the Academy. Does being an “important” film automatically put it at the top of Oscar ballots? I worry because I think that will turn off people, whether its a passion project or not. Oscar loves underdogs and rewarding people who have not won before, as I said. Let’s wait and see what will happen when the Producer’s Guild is announced and indicates industry sentiment.
Jerry, I disagree. I felt Sally Field was moved by Anne’s speech.
Yvette, I completely agree about people being cynical and jaded. Jodie gave a very complex and provocative speech, Hathaway respected and honored a veteran, Jennifer Lawrence’s crack about Meryl Streep, and their are people who complain about their speeches. If you notice the speeches that people complained about were given by women. That is not surprising-not one bit.
‘I don’t understand how some people can listen to that 6-minute soliloquy and not appreciate how deftly Foster unpacks her feelings to reveal deeper and deeper of layers of emotion. I feel sad for anyone who doesn’t see it.’
Ryan,
I think there are those who are just cynical and jaded. Or they’ve been so desensitized by online hipster snark they have a hard time recognizing something real. Just like some here put their own projections onto an actor’s reaction shot when they lose, or suspect less-than-sincere motives…..It’s sad.
KT,
So you’re offended that Lincoln is being promoted? By it’s makers? Maybe they’re just proud of the film. It’s a passion project – and filmmakers, actors etc…generally push certain of their films more than others. So a film about a great American icon should be just a low-key affair? It’s a big film, and it’s getting the attention it deserved. Spielberg has held special screenings for students, teachers…..congress requested a special screening. KT, did it ever occur to you that maybe the film – because of it’s subject matter – warrants all the push Spielberg is giving it. DDL is hardly a Hollywood ass-kisser, one-of-the-boys etc…and he is beyond inspired by his experience making the film…its a passion project for all involved….
And it deserves the attention it is receiving.
As for Oscar campaigns, don’t think for minute Lee or KB are going to low and let “the film speak for itself” – that’s absurd….and naive.
Spielberg just has the bigger name, and some seem to resent that.
I am glad to see that someone else appreciated Jodi Foster’s speech as much as I did because a lot of people are saying that it was rambling and confusing. You are exactly right about how there was something real in it that cut through all of the hype of the awards and left you considering life in general. I nearly missed the show because I was working late at DISH last night, but thankfully I was able to catch up with PrimeTime Anytime. I love how I don’t have to worry about setting timers for special events like this because my DISH Hopper records everything during primetime on the four major networks. I am glad that I caught it because I think that it was the best awards show we have had in ages thanks to Tina, Amy and Jodi.
Anyone who thinks Jodie Foster’s speech was confusing is confused. Anyone who thinks she was drunk has never been drunk. A speech that carries such powerful impact doesn’t happen by accident stumbling up on stage in a drunken rambling fog.
Here’s the Guardian’s impression. Many of us love how the loose structure spilled out with careful casual balance. I don’t understand how some people can listen to that 6-minute soliloquy and not appreciate how deftly Foster unpacks her feelings to reveal deeper and deeper of layers of emotion. I feel sad for anyone who doesn’t see it.
No, not every producer and director. Do you see Kathryn Bigelow and Ang Lee, two of the most humble and talented filmmakers, going around and calling President Clinton up to present their films at televised awards ceremonies? Maybe more aggressive action would’ve gotten Bigelow nominated. Sure they do quiet campaigning like most people do, but it is usually frowned upon when a person makes it overtly clear to the voting body how badly they want to win. Perfect example that is always cited: Look at Jason Reitman just a few years ago, when he lost the screenplay award he was basically guaranteed to win.
Over-campaigning can ruin a person or a film’s chances and I think that’s what COULD happen here. I’m not sure the overpackaged screener with a bound script and soundtrack, the 1.5-hour Oprah interview, going to Washington to get support (when Zero Dark Thirty doesn’t have any), etc. etc….I just think booking the former president was another poor move by the Dreamworks team. REMEMBER: who are you more inclined to favor…the huge Goliath movie filled with previous Oscar-winners and prestige material, or a smaller picture that has also succeeded though is seen more as an underdog, a David?? We’ve seen this happen at the Oscars time after time. Harvey knows how to position a movie–and that is key! They like to reward people who have never won before, who aren’t expecting ANYTHING. There is absolutely NO DOUBT that Spielberg’s move last night has left a bad stink…see the Deadline Hollywood link I provided earlier and the comments. I’m only emphasizing that I’d hate to see moves like this kill Lincoln’s Oscar chances.
‘I’m just saying the over-campaigning could actually increase resentment and Lincoln fatigue, as I think it did last night, and cost Spielberg potential major wins at the Oscars. He is making it too obvious that he really wants his film to be recognized…and that’s never a smart move from the standpoint of a voter.’
KT,
As opposed to Harvey Weinsein, Clooney, and every producer/director during Oscar season?
Everyone campaigns for their films, everyone…..don’t be fooled by the ‘campaigning-is-beneath-me bs…
People are proud of their films – and the Harveys want to reap the benefits of people proud of their films. Clooney, Affleck are going to ride this ‘snub’ thing for all its worth. Clooney is a master of schmooze and promotion. Look at Ann Dowd and other campaign of the past, look at the whole ‘for your consideration’ pieces by celebrities helping their buddies out….it is what it is…
But if the film/performance is worthy – I could care less.
Yvette said: It’s a bit sad when people have to be reminded that Lincoln is timely and important or relevant. If you can be cynical enough to dismiss it, good for you. But your loss.
—
I completely agree with you!! I’m shouldn’t have came off as dismissing Lincoln in the slightest. I think it’s really sad that Spielberg and his Dreamworks team feel the need to beat to death the film, it’s relevance and importance. I think the movie should speak for itself. I’m just saying the over-campaigning could actually increase resentment and Lincoln fatigue, as I think it did last night, and cost Spielberg potential major wins at the Oscars. He is making it too obvious that he really wants his film to be recognized…and that’s never a smart move from the standpoint of a voter.
‘Bizarre hate is definitely an overstatement and an exaggeration. I guess it’s my subconscious defaulting into overdrive after the comments from Yvette and Nic V, who are not showing “hate” but definitely a very dejected, sad, disappointed and confused attitude. None of which I understand.’
Nik G.,
It’s this: I liked Argo, alot. It was well-made, well-acted etc…
But it is not in the same class as Lincoln, ZD30, Pi, Beasts. I admit Lincoln is the film of the year for me for many reasons – most of which have little to do with critics and awards. But I also loved the above mentioned films – and Argo, by comparison, is slight. In another year, Argo might be the film worth rooting for…but not this year, not with Speilberg, Lee and even Tarantino releasing seminal work. Affleck is affable and Hollywood loves its actor-directors…especially press people. It’s a love fest for who is popular – because all the things some accuse Spielberg of – ‘feel-good’, ‘formulaic’, ‘everybody-loves-it’ …..is what Argo is.
I would be happy for Lincoln/KB to split the wins at the Oscars – because both those films have something to say, they mean something. If that’s cornball or old fashioned…to some film bloggers and press journalists – so be it. But many more are seeing it and getting it.
Argo is entertaining and casts Hollywood is a heroic light – and let’s face it…Hollywood loves that.
But, IMO, it lacks a certain auteur-esque elegance. But it wins because it’s pleasant. I think some of us just think its not Best Picture material. And it’s riding a swell of good will…..
While the more bold films are on the outside looking in.
FWIW:
Prometheus > Alien3/Alien Resurrection
That being said, what Aliens cribs from the the blueprints of Alien,, while Cameron distracts us with WEAPONS!, it makes up for in Sigourney Weaver’s performance, her relationship with Newt, her chemistry with Michael Biehn, and the themes of camaraderie in the face of indeterminate adversity. Cameron bugs, but Aliens is a work of art. It’s beautiful. Alien = Aliens in terms of quality. You can’t have Aliens without Alien. But, without Alien, Aliens is a stand-alone movie unto itself. If that makes sense.
But, let’s face it, Ridley Scott and James Cameron both made their best films at the beginning to the middle of their career. But, Cameron certainly didn’t help his case by transforming into/revealing himself as a douche.
That torture barb from Fey was delicious. Her and Poehler actually schooled Gervais on having your cake and eating it two. Ricky who?
‘Quite desperate if you ask me, to have a former president come and try to convince everyone how important and timely Lincoln is. I quite honestly think this ticked some people off. It was pretty funny to see Spielberg’s reactions to losing director and picture.’
K.,
It’s a bit sad when people have to be reminded that Lincoln is timely and important or relevant. If you can be cynical enough to dismiss it, good for you. But your loss.
Wish I could read all the comments on this thread, but I don’t have the time. 🙁
I just want to say if this season has taught me anything it’s that I almost don’t care about “trying to predict correctly” anymore. I hope this season will elevate me to being more aware of trends, picking up nuances, caring less about who wins, and just making smart observations.
The best part of Anne Hathaway’s speech was Sally Field’s bitch face skeptism while she spoke. Sally doesn’t suffer fools easily and she saw right through Anne’s fake modesty and attempt to use her to get a pat on the back. Hilarious! Go Sally.
——————-
Best joke of the evening the James Cameron/Kathryn Bigelow torture joke. I’ve never seen Bigelow laugh that hard. Her entire table was fling all over themselves with laughter.
————————
Best speeches of the night from Adele, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jennifer Lawrence and Jodie Foster.
I agree with el laurens.
I think the Globes really spread the wealth and the race for Oscar begins right now. Last night told us nothing. I’m not sure that it ever does. Everyone had a great time watching the show last night. Every movie was represented by smiling happy people. I see no reason why the members of the Academy won’t feel free to vote for who they like. There’s no “right” answer today.
It’ll be interesting for me to see who does press in the coming weeks and if that has a role to play in it. I see some people listed for talk shows. I think Affleck said ARGO is being re-released when he was on Leno last week. So I think this second leg of the race could be the whole race.
Btw, Julian, if you were to see some of the rare gems in that collection, you’d immediately join the small group of men capable of having multiple orgasms.
It’s like entering the Twilight Zone when reading these comments.
The gushing for Jodie baffles me, and there seem to be minimal acknowledgement of how her disorganized speech bordered on crazy (yes, she was sincere and had a strong point to make, albeit unclear and possibly hypocritical). You have to admit it was kind of a weird mess.
@ Julian the Emperor
“Tony: You don’t strike me as a person qualified to express an opinion on whether or not Riva’s career is “unremarkable”. Ignorance is bliss.”
Julian, you don’t strike me as a person qualified to express an opinion on whether or not I am qualified to express an opinion on Riva’s career.
I may not be Roger Ebert or the late Pauline Kael, but I am not ignorant. I have purchased nearly 4000 films; I have watched all of them and several hundred more. Riva was great in “Amour,” but her CV was rather thin, even among French actresses only. Consider: Simone Signoret, Danielle Darrieux, Jeanne Moreau, Simone Simon, (honorary Frenchwoman) Anna Karina, Catherine Deneuve, Isabel Adjani, Natalie Baye, Fanny Ardant, Isabelle Huppert and many others who are either dead or at least 50 years old. She barely surpasses Josette Day (“La Belle et La Bete” and “Les Parents Terribles”).
mecid, I know they go way back. I said that in my originial post on the subject.
But Spielberg should have quashed the idea (You know Clinton wasn’t, he’s an attention whore) simply out of a sense of decency and humility. I can understand getting someone the stature of Clinton, if this were Kennedy Center Honors or something prestigious.
But this is a fucking awards show, for movies. Having an outsized guest introduce your film is nothing but attention-seeking BS, an attempt to grab headlines that other films can’t.
(on a side note, I would have been thrilled if it had played out differently. Imagine Clinton saying “you know, Steve, I liked your film, a lot. But the real important film is Zero Dark Thirty. I spent so much unsung effort pursuing bin Laden and it’s my greatest regret that I did not kill him in my attempts to do so. As a former commander-in-chief I think it’s my responsibility to highlight the efforts of our military in accomplishing a goal that many had begun to think was out of reach. Maybe next time.”)
Nik G, I am not reading more into this situation. I am not talking about career. I am talking about their image and their actions-everything has to be flawless and non-threatening. There are so many expectations on female entertainers- the way they talk, dress, behave, etc… Most men are not subjected to these standards. What is wrong with having a prepared speech, when the speech is very good-like Anne Hathaway’s speech ? What is wrong with completing the elder of the group ? Tarantino is gifted, but he also has a strong sense of entitlement. Because he is a man that makes him cool and charismatic. Give me a break. I just get tired of the double standards , and the disrespect the females receive.
You guys think Tim Hooper might have a chance to win as a write-in??
I mean what the fuck did LES MIZ direct itself?!
Over at the metacritic site..
ZDT………95%
Amour……93%
Lincoln….86%
Argo………86%
Beasts…..86%
Django…..81%
SLP……….81%
Life of Pi..81%
Les Mis…..63%
Just did a little research on the best pic nominees for OSCAR. Here is hoping the Academy pick up some points..
RT…
Argo……..96%
Amour…..93%
ZDT………92%
Lincoln….91%
SLP……….91%
Django…..89%
Life of Pi..89%
Beasts…..86%
Les Mis….70%
Now, more than ever, it is much harder to be a female in Hollywood. They have to deal with so much ridiculousness.
I think you just have to look at Kathryn Bigelow and Jessica Chastain to know that being a female in Hollywood, isn’t so hard as it used to be. Times are definitely changing, and I don’t think those people who say that Hathaway is phony say it because she’s a woman, but because she just comes off as a little phony – her speech was prepared and memorized obviously so maybe that’s why. I was honestly happy to see her win because she was easily one of the best things about Les Miz.
As for Tarantino, I honestly don’t think he expected to win..so he didn’t prepare. Felt normal to me, thanking his actors, his competition seemed pretty classy to me (not everyone does that) and he comes off as an arrogant prick sometimes but I’m not sure he means to. It’s just his way. Kind of like how Hathaway comes off as phony to some people?
You’re reading a little too much into this, is what I’m saying.
@Tina.
Tarantino has nothing to lose so he can be loose and flipent. His film box office is already a winner for him. The only reason I would give Anne Hathaway a vote, if I was voting which I am not , for “Les Miserables”, which outside of one number she is nowhere to be found in this flick, is because she could have easily being nominated for “The Dark Knight Rises” and probably would still be a frontrunner for that role.
I have to agree about the comments regarding Tarantino’s acceptance speeches. They always come off awkward and not very well thought out. Obviously he doesn’t prepare! On th other hand, canned acceptance speeches have a tendency to suck, being nothing short of a laundry list of monotonous thank yous.
I didn’t get a whiff of anything but grace and humility from Hathaway last night. The moment with Field seemed quite genuine and our group watching it felt nothing but class coming from her. I think it’s nitpicking.
Just imagine if Argo overcomes the same obstacles that Spielberg had with The Color Purple, whilst beating Spielberg’s frontrunner Lincoln:
In 1986:
Academy says to Spielberg: “Snubbed directors can’t win Best Picture”.
In 2013:
Academy says to Spielberg: “No wait, snubbed directors CAN win Best Picture, that’s if they’re up against YOU.”
Ouch.
Lynne, I couldn’t agree more. Anne Hathaway cannot win. The poor lady cannot catch a break. Quentin Tarantino gives his typical self-righteous and ungracious speech -people eat it up and love him. Anne choosing to give a gracious, well-spoken, and highly intelligent speech with the utmost respect to Sally Field. And, Hathaway is deemed as a big phony with a fake speech. It is so sad we live in a society that continues to bash women- just tear them the shreds. I continue to read Nikki Finke bash women- especially Oprah Winfrey. Nikki is the ultimate mean girl and a coward for hiding her identity. Howard Stern trashes Lena Dunham for her weight and her talents Now, more than ever, it is much harder to be a female in Hollywood. They have to deal with so much ridiculousness.
manrico1967:
“I am calling it right now: Ben Affleck will win the DGA.
In 1985 Steven Spielberg was nominated for the DGA for The Color Purple.
When the Oscar nominations came out, the movie got 11 nominations but Spielberg got left out.
The Color Purple was Spielberg’s first “serious” movie. So, him getting snubbed by the Oscars got a lot of people talking.
It was speculated that the DGA might give him the award as a response to the academy’s perceived slight. Spielberg did win the DGA that year.”
I completely agree. And the same thing happened to Ron Howard with Apollo 13. These are the only 2 times that the DGA winner did not receive an Oscar directing nod. And these DGA wins were considered “consolation prizes”, since neither ended up taking home Best Picture.
So are Tommy and Spike
http://nimg.sulekha.com/sports/original700/spike-lee-tommy-lee-jones-2011-9-10-21-50-32.jpg
Affleck doesn’t deserve to win anything for ARGO – so thank God that he won’t win Academy Award for best director (at least, because best picture is probably still possible – let’s hope NOT!). BFCA and HFPA didn’t reward him because he’s the best but because they thought (when they voted) that he’s the frontrunner and they wanted to “foresee” his victory.
Now it’s probably Steven Spielberg to lose. Also – undeserving victory, to say the least.
Lee, Haneke or even Zeitlin deserve Oscar far more than those two.