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Reflections on the Golden Globes
You know, I miss the days when the HFPA was this really kooky group that did things like give awards to Pia Zadora, and no, they will never live that down.
Now that the Globes try so hard to be a respectable precursor to the Oscars, they’re not as much fun, but they can usually be counted on to cook up a surprise or two. Here’s what they picked, along with my early predictions.
Picture, Drama
“Babel,” “Bobby,” “The Departed,” “Little Children,” “The Queen”
The big surprise here is the inclusion of the much-maligned “Bobby,” Looks like the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is still susceptible to schmoozing. And this is more evidence that “Flags of Our Fathers” is no longer a viable candidate. However, I am saddened to see “United 93” be overlooked. “Babel’s” Oscar prospects were just revived, but since “The Departed” inspires so much excitement, I predict it will prevail.
Actress, Drama
Penelope Cruz, “Volver”; Judi Dench, “Notes on a Scandal”; Maggie Gyllenhaal, “Sherrybaby”; Helen Mirren, “The Queen”; Kate Winslet, “Little Children”
Again, no major surprises. As for the winner, just give it to Mirren already. It’s a fait accompli.
Actor, Drama:
Leonardo DiCaprio, “Blood Diamond”; Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Departed”; Peter O’Toole, “Venus”; Will Smith, “The Pursuit of Happyness”; Forest Whitaker, “The Last King of Scotland”
Interesting that Leo pulled off a double nomination here, something that is not possible in the Oscars, by the way. But he’ll split his vote now, which makes a win less than certain. The real surprise here is the omission of Ken Watanabe from “Letters from Iwo Jima.” Since it’s a Japanese-speaking role and this is the Hollywood Foreign Press, I thought he was an easy call. However, that does clear the way for Forest Whitaker to win for his acclaimed performance as Idi Amin.
Picture, Musical or Comedy:
“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Dreamgirls,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Thank You for Smoking”
No surprises here at all. This is probably “Dreamgirls,” but I wouldn’t rule out “Borat.”
Actress, Musical or Comedy:
Annette Bening, “Running With Scissors”; Toni Collette, “Little Miss Sunshine”; Beyonce Knowles, “Dreamgirls”; Meryl Streep, “The Devil Wears Prada”; Renee Zellweger, “Miss Potter”
This is an easy call - Streep all the way.
Actor, Musical or Comedy:
Sacha Baron Cohen, “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan”; Johnny Depp, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”; Aaron Eckhart, “Thank You for Smoking”; Chiwetel Ejiofor, “Kinky Boots”; Will Ferrell, “Stranger than Fiction”
Ejiofor is a mild surprise; talk about a film that went NOWHERE. It’s interesting that he usurped Jamie Foxx for “Dreamgirls,” but I’ve seen “Dreamgirls,” and Foxx is the least impressive actor in it, so I can’t say I’m sorry. I think this is pretty easily Cohen’s. I’m not a fan of the film, but you won’t find a more fearless performance than his.
Supporting Actress:
Adriana Barraza, “Babel”; Cate Blanchett, “Notes on a Scandal”; Emily Blunt, “The Devil Wears Prada”; Jennifer Hudson, “Dreamgirls”; Rinko Kikuchi, “Babel”
OK, here’s one of the bigger surprises, but I like this one: Emily Blunt was terrific as Anne Hathaway’s nemesis in “Prada.” Well-deserved. However, this is so clearly Hudson’s award, it’s not even close. Yes, an “American Idol” reject WILL become an award-winning actress, and when you see the film you will understand why.
Supporting Actor:
Ben Affleck, “Hollywoodland”; Eddie Murphy, “Dreamgirls”; Jack Nicholson, “The Departed”; Brad Pitt, “Babel”; Mark Wahlberg, “The Departed”
I’m very happy for Wahlberg, I hope this puts him in Oscars’ final five. If I were Michael Sheen, who plays Tony Blair in “The Queen,” I would be really mad at Ben Affleck now, but Ben’s a star, Sheen is not, and the Globes are always star struck. The winner here is a little tough to call, but I‘m going to go for Pitt, who is a previous Globe winner for “12 Monkeys.” They’ll want to give “Babel” something.
Director:
Clint Eastwood, “Flags of Our Fathers”; Clint Eastwood, “Letters from Iwo Jima”; Steven Frears, “The Queen”; Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, “Babel”; Martin Scorsese, “The Departed”
The HFPA loves Clint for sure, but since he’s double-nommed. If he wins, it will be for “Letters,” bit I’m guessing he’ll split the vote and allow Scorsese to prevail. Can Oscar be far behind? Snubbed: Bill Condon for “Dreamgirls,” which is why I’m not 100% certian it’s the musical/comedy picture winner.
Animated Film:
“Cars,” “Happy Feet,” “Monster House”
Absolutely the expected group; since “Happy Feet” is an Aussie film and a current fave, I expect it to tap its way to glory.
Here’s the full list of nominations, including TV.
What do you guys think? Who got snubbed? Who surprised? Who will win?
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: Movie awards
Comments
By Susan
December 15, 2006 1:15 PM | Link to this
What happened to FLUSHED AWAY? And did you SEE CARS? It is the only Pixar film ever to have totally missed the mark for me. Lackluster voicing, slow story. When Larry the Cable GUy is the best thing in your movie — something is wrong.By Cali
December 14, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this
Ecellent outlook there…can’t wait to watch it!!By Sir Critic
December 14, 2006 3:25 PM | Link to this
Another good question, ME. “The Departed” is my favorite of this bunch. Right now it’s a little hard to find, but I bet it will roll back out to capitalize on the noms. Ditto “The Queen.” “Dreamgirls,” my favorite of the musical/comedy noms, is in theaters Dec. 25. “The Devil Wears Prada” just came out on DVD. “Little Miss Sunshine” will be out 12/19. “Thank You for Smoking” is on DVD now. As for TV, what’s that? Is that the little box I watch movies with at home? :)By ME
December 14, 2006 2:24 PM | Link to this
ER, What would you suggest out of the nominated movies here that are MUST sees! Definately before the Oscars. Don’t you watch TV ;0) … I can tell you that I want to see Thomas Hayden Church win for Broken Trail. He was solid in that! And I think Kyra Sedgwick has to be a shoe in for her new show!! She’s very good!