The 87th Annual Academy Award - Nominees

It's here, it's here! One of the biggest nights in the award show season - and I'm still excited, despite one of the most severe instances of lack of diversity that I've seen since I started watching the show. HOWEVER, not having seen all the films in question, I can't put forward concrete opinions. All I can do is offer my opinion based on the trends I'm seeing from the other shows. I will be liveblogging, this post will be updated with winners!

The show airs February 22nd, 2015. (Tomorrow!) (Yes, I had to redo the blog post; the formatting got really weird and my other one also got buried.)

BEST PICTURE
American Sniper - Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Bradley Cooper, Peter Morgan
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - Alejandro G. Inarritu, John Lesher, James W. Skotchdopole
Boyhood - Richard Linklater, Cathleen Sutherland
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson
The Imitation Game - Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky, Teddy Schwarzman
Selma - Christian Colson, Oprah Winfrey, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner
The Theory of Everything - Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce, Anthony McCarten
Whiplash - Jason Blum, Helen Estabrook, David Lancaster

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Steve Carell - Foxcatcher
Bradley Cooper - American Sniper
Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game
Michael Keaton - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Marion Cotillard - Two Days, One Night
Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything
Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon - Wild

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Robert Duvall - The Judge
Ethan Hawke - BoyhoodEdward Norton - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons - Whiplash

Another lock, but so deserved. I've loved this man's work for years, and it's so important he be recognised finally.

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Laura Dern - Wild
Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game
Emma Stone - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Meryl Streep - Into the Woods

This was one of my locks - I KNEW it. But it is so deserved. AND THAT SPEECH! INCREDIBLE. Meryl Streep jumped out of her seat and I did too. Equality!

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Big Hero 6 - Don Hall, Chris Williams, Roy Conli
The Boxtrolls - Anthony Stacchi, Graham Annable, Travis Knight
How to Train Your Dragon 2 - Dean DeBlois, Bonnie Arnold
Song of the Sea - Tomm Moore, Paul Young
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya - Isao Takahata, Yoshiaki Nishimura

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - Emmanuel Lubezki
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Robert Yeoman
Ida - Lukasz Zal, Ryszard Lenczewski
Mr Turner - Dick Pope
Unbroken - Richard Deakins

I thought I saw this coming!

COSTUME DESIGN
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Milena Canonero
Inherent Vice - Mark Bridges
Into the Woods - Colleen Atwood
Maleficent - Anna B. Sheppard
Mr Turner - Jacqueline Durran

I have to say this was a surprise! I always figure Colleen Atwood, but I also really adore Colleen Atwood. I also find it interesting that we have a token male in this category, rather than a token female. I love women, and they run the world, but more men should feel like they can get into costume design too. 

DIRECTING
Alejandro G. Inarritu - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Bennett Miller - Foxcatcher
Wes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Morten Tyldum - The Imitation Game

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
CitizenFour - Laura Poitras, Mathilde Bonnefoy, Dirk Wilutzky
Finding Vivian Maier - John Maloof, Charlie Siskel
Last Days in Vietnam - Rory Kennedy, Keven McAlester
The Salt of the Earth - Wim Wenders, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, David Rosier
Virunga - Orlando von Einsiedel, Joanna Natasegara

DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1 - Ellen Goosenberg Kent, Dana Perry
Joanna - Aneta Kopacz
Our Curse - Tomasz Sliwinski, Maciej Slesicki
The Reaper (La Parka) - Gabriel Serra Arguello
White Earth - J. Christian Jensen

FILM EDITING
American Sniper - Joel Cox, Gary D. Roach
Boyhood - Sandra Adair
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Barney Pilling
The Imitation Game - William Goldenberg
Whiplash - Tom Cross

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Ida (Poland) - Directed by Pawel Pawlikowski
Leviathan (Russia) - Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev
Tangerines (Estonia) - Directed by Zaza Urushadze
Timbuktu (Mauritania) - Directed by Abderrahmane Sissako
Wild Tales (Argentina) - Directed by Damian Szifron

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Foxcatcher - Bill Corso, Dennis Liddiard
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Frances Hannon, Mark Coulier
Guardians of the Galaxy - Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou, David White

MUSIC - ORIGINAL SCORE
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Alexandre Desplat
The Imitation Game - Alexandre Desplat
Interstellar - Hans Zimmer
Mr Turner - Gary Yershon
The Theory of Everything - Johann Johannsson

MUSIC - ORIGINAL SONG
"Everything Is Awesome" from The LEGO Movie - Music and Lyric by Shawn Patterson
"Glory" from Selma - Music and Lyric by John Stephens, Lonnie Lynn
"Grateful" from Beyond the Lights - Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
"I'm Not Gonna Miss You" from Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me - Music and Lyric by Glen Campbell, Julian Raymond
"Lost Stars" from Begin Again - Music and Lyric by Gregg Alexander, Danielle Brisebois

PRODUCTION DESIGN
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Adam Stockhausen (Production Design); Anna Pinnock (Set Decoration)
The Imitation Game - Maria Djurkovic (Production Design); Tatiana Macdonald (Set Decoration)
Interstellar - Nathan Crowley (Production Design); Gary Fettis (Set Decoration)
Into the Woods - Dennis Gassner (Production Design); Anna Pinnock (Set Decoration)
Mr Turner - Suzie Davies (Production Design); Charlotte Watts (Set Decoration)

I kind of called this. It was a very Wes Anderson, fantastical set, and was a beautiful design. Though I haven't seen the other ones, besides Into the Woods.

I've also started a hashtag - it's probably too long to catch on, but I like to add it to the lesser known, lesser recognised categories like this. #thesecategoriesmattertoo

SHORT FILM - ANIMATED
The Bigger Picture - Daisy Jacobs, Christopher Hees
The Dam Keeper - Robert Kondo, Dice Tsutsumi
Feast - Patrick Osborne, Kristina Reed
Me and My Moulton - Torill Kove
A Single Life - Joris Oprins

SHORT FILM - LIVE ACTION
Aya - Oded Binnun, Mihal Brezis
Boogaloo and Graham - Michael Lennox, Ronan Blaney
Butter Lamp (La Lampe au Beurre de Yak) - Hu Wei, Julien Feret
Parvaneh - Talkhon Hamzavi, Stefan Eichenberger
The Phone Call - Mat Kirkby, James Lucas

SOUND EDITING
American Sniper - Alan Robert Murray, Bub Asman
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - Martin Hernandez, Aaron Glascock
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - Brent Burge, Jason Canovas
Interstellar - Richard King
Unbroken - Becky Sullivan, Andrew DeCristofaro

SOUND MIXING
American Sniper - John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff, Walt Martin
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montano, Thomas Varga
Interstellar - Gary A. Rizzo, Gregg Landaker, Mark Weingarten
Unbroken - Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montano, David Lee
Whiplash - Craig Mann, Ben Wilkins, Thomas Curley

VISUAL EFFECTS
Captain America: The Winter Soldier - Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Bryan Grill, Dan Sudick
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett, Erik Winquist
Guardians of the Galaxy - Stephanie Ceretti, Nicolas Aithadi, Jonathan Fawkner, Paul Corbould
Interstellar - Paul Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Ian Hunter, Scott Fisher
X-Men: Days of Future Past - Richard Stammers, Lou Pecora, Tim Crosbie, Cameron Waldbauer

WRITING - ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
American Sniper - Written by Jason Hall
The Imitation Game - Written by Graham Moore
Inherent Vice - Written for the screen by Paul Thomas Anderson
The Theory of Everything - Screenplay by Anthony McCarten
Whiplash - Written by Damien Chazelle

Gotta say, wasn't expecting that one either!

WRITING - ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) - Written by Alejandro G. Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., Armando Bo
Boyhood - Written by Richard Linklater
Foxcatcher - Written by E. Max Frye, Dan Futterman
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Screenplay by Wes Anderson; Story by Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness
Nightcrawler - Written by Dan Gilroy

Well. I'm sad to see Gillian Flynn snubbed for Gone Girl, as well as David Fincher (though I seem to be somewhat alone in enjoying that film, from the amount of people I've talked to who HATED it). And apparently snubbing Ava DuVernay for Selma was a travesty, though I haven't yet had a chance to see Selma. And my timeline blew up when the nominations were announced with outrage over the lack of nominations for The LEGO Movie. 

In the end, the nominations were generally what I expected, and I have some awards I'm expecting. (Julianne Moore and J.K. Simmons, for instance.)

I'm mostly really excited to see what Neil Patrick Harris has up his sleeve. Apparently he's got the writers of Frozen writing one of his musical numbers! (Thank goodness for his musical numbers.) Tomorrow's the big night, and I'm still excited!

Review: Growing Up Duggar: It's All About Relationships

Growing Up Duggar: It's All About Relationships by Jana Duggar

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



Parts of this were difficult for me to read, as I don't share the beliefs that the Duggars espouse, especially the views on abortion and the like. HOWEVER, those are their personal beliefs, and many of the messages (veering away from pretty much the entire chapter on relationships with men) were interesting and important. I liked the stories, but there was a little too much in the way of Scripture references, and a little too much urging to accept Jesus. But for those who share these and similar beliefs, I think it might be a good read, and it's always interesting getting some information on such a famous family.



View all my reviews

The 20th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards - Updated Winners

I always manage to forget about the Critics' Choice Awards, but I noticed they were airing tonight, January 15, so I figured, let's jump on board! I think I'll watch them, so I may be liveblogging - keep an eye on this post for updated winners!

UPDATED WITH WINNERS

BEST PICTURE
Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
Boyhood
Gone Girl
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
Nightcrawler
Selma
The Theory of Everything
Unbroken
Whiplash

BEST ACTOR
Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game
Ralph Fiennes - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Jake Gyllenhaal - Nightcrawler
Michael Keaton - Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
David Oyelowo - Selma
Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything

That's the second win for Michael Keaton tonight! I'm thinking an Oscar is likely. But Benedict and Eddie are still in the running, to me, especially considering the different voters that the Oscars have. This is going to be interesting.

BEST ACTRESS
Jennifer Aniston - Cake
Marion Cotillard - Two Days, One Night
Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything
Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon - Wild

Oh, Julianne's speech was beautiful - my favourite part was definitely when she thanked the other ladies nominated with her, and when she spoke about Alzheimer's. I think we've got a race between her and Felicity Jones, maybe? All these women are just so talented!

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR 
Josh Brolin - Inherent Vice
Robert Duvall - The Judge
Ethan Hawke - Boyhood
Edward Norton - Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons - Whiplash

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Jessica Chastain - A Most Violent Year
Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game
Emma Stone - Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
Meryl Streep - Into the Woods
Tilda Swinton - Snowpiercer

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Ellar Coltrane - Boyhood
Ansel Elgort - The Fault In Our Stars
Mackenzie Foy - Interstellar
Jaeden Lieberher - St Vincent
Quvenzhane Wallis - Annie
Noah Wiseman - The Babadook

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
Boyhood
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
Into the Woods
Selma

BEST DIRECTOR
Wes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Ava DuVernay - Selma
David Fincher - Gone Girl
Alejandro G. Inarritu - Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
Angelina Jolie - Unbroken
Richard Linklater - Boyhood

I called this about two seconds before it was announced. I think Richard Linklater's going to take home a ton of awards this season, as is Boyhood.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance - Alejandro G. Inarritu, Nicholas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., Armando Bo
Boyhood - Richard Linklater
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Wes Anderson, Hugo Guinness 
Nightcrawler - Dan Gilroy
Whiplash - Damien Chazelle

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn
The Imitation Game - Graham Moore
Inherent Vice - Paul Thomas Anderson
The Theory of Everything - Anthony McCarten
Unbroken - Joel & Ethan Coen, Richard LaGravenese, William Nicholson
Wild - Nick Hornby

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance - Emmanuel Lubezki
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Robert Yeoman
Interstellar - Hoyte Van Hoytema
Mr Turner - Dick Pope
Unbroken - Roger Deakins

BEST ART DIRECTION
Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance - Kevin Thompson (Production Designer); George DeTitta Jr. (Set Decorator)
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Adam Stockhausen (Production Designer); Anna Pinnock (Set Decorator)
Inherent Vice - David Crank (Production Designer); Amy Wells (Set Decorator)
Interstellar - Nathan Crowley (Production Designer); Gary Fettis (Set Decorator)
Into the Woods - Dennis Gassner (Production Designer); Anna Pinnock (Set Decorator)
Snowpiercer - Ondrej Nekvasil (Production Designer); Beatrice Brentnerova (Set Decorator)

BEST EDITING
Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance - Douglas Crise, Stephen Mirrione
Boyhood - Sandra Adair
Gone Girl - Kirk Baxter
Interstellar - Lee Smith
Whiplash - Tom Cross

This was definitely one of the favourites; the film looks like it was filmed in one long, continuous take, which is an incredible feat of editing. I can't wait to see it for myself.

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Milena Canonero
Inherent Vice - Mark Bridges
Into the Woods - Colleen Atwood
Maleficent - Anna B. Sheppard
Mr Turner - Jacqueline Durran

I'm a little disappointed - I have a soft spot for Colleen Atwood, though. The costumes in Grand Budapest were pretty great, though.

BEST HAIR & MAKEUP
Foxcatcher
Guardians of the Galaxy
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Into the Woods
Maleficent

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Edge of Tomorrow
Guardians of the Galaxy
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Interstellar 

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Big Hero 6
The Book of Life
The Boxtrolls
How to Train Your Dragon 2
The Lego Movie

I can't say I'm surprised - apparently, the Academy is the only one who missed the memo on this one. (I haven't seen it, but I'm basing it on what friends and people on Twitter have said, mostly.)


BEST ACTION MOVIE
American Sniper
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Edge of Tomorrow
Fury
Guardians of the Galaxy

BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION MOVIE
Bradley Cooper - American Sniper
Tom Cruise - Edge of Tomorrow
Chris Evans - Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Brad Pitt - Fury
Chris Pratt - Guardians of the Galaxy

BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION MOVIE
Emily Blunt - Edge of Tomorrow
Scarlett Johansson - Lucy
Jennifer Lawrence - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1
Zoe Saldana - Guardians of the Galaxy
Shailene Woodley - Divergent

This was a pleasant surprise! I wouldn't have expected this. Also, John Krasinski popping out to give her a kiss was adorable! And THANK YOU to Ms Blunt for mentioning that she finally wasn't a damsel in distress in an action film - it doesn't happen enough, and I hope she starts a trend.


BEST COMEDY
Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
The Grand Budapest Hotel
St Vincent
Top Five
22 Jump Street

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Jon Favreau - Chef
Ralph Fiennes - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Michael Keaton - Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
Bill Murray - St Vincent
Chris Rock - Top Five
Channing Tatum - 22 Jump Street

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Rose Byrne - Neighbors
Rosario Dawson - Top Five
Melissa McCarthy - St Vincent
Jenny Slate - Obvious Child
Kristen Wiig - The Skeleton Twins

I LITERALLY SQUEALED. I'm SO glad to see recognition for this film! Jenny Slate is hilariously amazing in Obvious Child, and has gotten absolutely no large scale recognition. The film is also so, so important, and such an excellent discussion and realistic portrayal of abortion. It's amazing.


BEST SCI-FI/HORROR MOVIE
The Babadook
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Interstellar
Snowpiercer
Under the Skin

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Force Majeure
Ida
Leviathan
Two Days, One Night
Wild Tales

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
CitizenFour
Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me
Jodorowsky's Dune
Last Days in Vietnam
Life Itself
The Overnighters

BEST SONG
"Big Eyes" from Big Eyes
"Everything Is Awesome" from The Lego Movie
"Glory" from Selma
"Lost Stars" from Begin Again
"Yellow Flicker Beat" from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

BEST SCORE 
The Imitation Game - Alexandre Desplat
The Theory of Everything - Johann Johansson
Gone Girl - Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
Birdman, or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance - Antonio Sanchez
Interstellar - Hans Zimmer

I really loved Gone Girl's score, so I'm a bit disappointed, but at least they were nominated. They haven't been up for any other awards. But maybe I just don't know anything about music! (Oh, well.)

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER (MVP) - New Award 2015 
Jessica Chastain

MY QUEEN! I was very excited to hear this, and that SPEECH. Her speech, completely calling out the lack of diversity in Hollywood, was so important, and so eloquently said. What a woman.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Kevin Costner

LOUIS XIII GENIUS AWARD
Ron Howard 

BAFTA Nominations - 2015 - UPDATED WITH WINNERS

As always at this time of year - more nominations! Now for the BAFTAs - British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards! Again, if I actually get to watch these, I might liveblog, but I also might just update the post after the airing of the awards. (The show will air on February 8, 2015.)

FILM - ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Theory of Everything - Anthony McCarten
The Imitation Game - Graham Moore
American Sniper - Jason Hall
Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn
Paddington - Paul King

FILM - LEADING ACTOR
Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything
Ralph Fiennes - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Benedict Cumberbatch - The ImitationJake Gyllenhaal - NightcrawlerMichael Keaton - Birdman

FILM - ANIMATED FILM
The Boxtrolls - Anthony Stacchi, Graham Annable
The Lego Movie - Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Big Hero 6 - Don Hall, Chris Williams

FILM - LEADING ACTRESS
Felicity Jones - The Theory of EverythingJulianne Moore - Still Alice
Reese Witherspoon - Wild
Amy Adams - Big Eyes
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl

FILM - BRITISH SHORT ANIMATION
Monkey Love Experiments - Ainslie Henderson, Cam Fraser, Will Anderson
The Bigger Picture - Chris Hees, Daisy Jacobs, Jennifer Majka
My Dad - Marcus Armitage

FILM - MAKE-UP AND HAIR
Guardians of the Galaxy - Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou, David White
Into the Woods - Peter Swords King, J. Roy Helland
Mr Turner - Christine Blundell, Lesa Warrener
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Frances Hannon
The Theory of Everything - Jan Sewell

FILM - BRITISH SHORT FILM
The Kármán Line - Campbell Beaton, Dawn King, Tiernan Hanby, Oscar Sharp
Boogaloo and Graham - Brian J. Falconer, Michael Lennox, Ronan Blaney
Slap - Islay Bell-Webb, Michelangelo Fano, Nick Rowland
Emotional Fusebox - Michael Berliner, Rachel Tunnard
Three Brothers - Aleem Khan, Matthieu De Braconier, Stephanie Papelow


FILM - ORIGINAL MUSIC
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Alexandre Desplat
Interstellar - Hans Zimmer
Birdman - Antonio Sanchez
The Theory of Everything - Johann Johansson
Under the Skin - Mica Levi


FILM - CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Robert Yeoman
Ida - Lukasz Zal, Ryzsard Lenczewski
Interstellar - Hoyte Van Hoytema
Mr Turner - Dick Pope
Birdman - Emmanuel Lubezki


FILM - ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Birdman - Alejandro G. Inaritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr, Armando Bo
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Wes Anderson
Boyhood - Richard Linklater
Whiplash - Damien Chazelle
Nightcrawler - Dan Gilroy


FILM - COSTUME DESIGN
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Milena Canonero
The Imitation Game - Sammy Sheldon Differ
The Theory of Everything - Steven Noble
Mr Turner - Jacqueline Durran
Into the Woods - Colleen Atwood


FILM - OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM
'71 - Yann Demange, Angus Lamont, Robin Gutch, Gregory Burke
The Theory of Everything - James Marsh, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce, Anthony McCarten
Under the Skin - Jonathan Glazer, James Wilson, Nick Wechsler, Walter Campbell
Pride - Matthew Warchus, David Livingstone, Stephen Beresford
The Imitation Game - Morten Tyldum, Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky, Teddy Schwarzman, Graham Moore
Paddington - Paul King, David Heyman


FILM - DIRECTOR
Alejandro G. Inarritu - BirdmanWes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel
James Marsh - The Theory of Everything
Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Damien Chazelle - Whiplash

FILM - OUTSTANDING DEBUT BY A BRITISH WRITER, DIRECTOR OR PRODUCER
Stephen Beresford, David Livingstone - Pride
Gregory Burke, Yann Demange - '71
Elaine Constantine - Northern Soul
Hong Khaou - Lilting
Paul Katis, Andrew De Lotbiniere - Kajaki: The True Story

FILM - DOCUMENTARY
20 Feet From Stardom - Morgan Neville, Caitrin Rodgers, Gil Friesen
20,000 Days on Earth - Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard
Finding Vivian Maier - John Maloof, Charlie Siskel
Virunga - Orlando Von Einsiedel, Joanna Natasegara
Citizenfour - Laura Poitras


FILM - PRODUCTION DESIGN
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Adam Stockhausen, Anna Pinnock
The Imitation Game - Maria Djurkovic, Tatiana Macdonald
Mr Turner - Suzie Davies, Charlotte Watts
Interstellar - Nathan Crowley, Gary Fettis
Big Eyes - Rick Heinrichs, Shane Vieau


FILM - EE RISING STAR
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Jack O'Connell
Shailene Woodley
Margot Robbie
Miles Teller


FILM - EDITING
Birdman - Douglas Crise, Stephen Mirrione
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Barney Pilling
The Theory of Everything - Jinx Godfrey
The Imitation Game - William Goldenberg
Nightcrawler - John Gilroy
Whiplash - Tom Cross


FILM - SOUND
Birdman - Thomas Varga, Martin Hernandez, Aaron Glascock, Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montano
American Sniper - Walt Martin, John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff, Alan Robert Murray, Bub Asman
The Imitation Game - John Midgley, Lee Walpole, Stuart Hilliker, Martin Jensen
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Wayne Lemmer, Christopher Scarabosio, Pawel Wdowczak
Whiplash - Thomas Curley, Ben Wilkins, Craig Mann


FILM - FILM
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson
The Theory of Everything - Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce, Anthony McCarten
Birdman - Alejandro G. Inarritu, John Lesher, James W. Skotchdopole
The Imitation Game - Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky, Teddy Schwarzman
Boyhood - Richard Linklater, Cathleen Sutherland


FILM - SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton, R. Christopher White
Guardians of the Galaxy - Stephane Ceretti, Paul Corbould, Jonathan Fawkner, Nicolas Aithadi
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Erik Winquist, Daniel Barrett
X-Men: Days of Future Past - Richard Stammers, Anders Langlands, Tim Crosbie, Cameron Waldbauer
Interstellar - Paul Franklin, Scott Fisher, Andrew Lockley


FILM - FILM NOT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Ida - Pawel Pawlikowski, Eric Abraham, Piotr Dzieciol, Ewa Puszczynska
The Lunchbox - Ritesh Batra, Arun Rangachari, Anurag Kashyap, Guneet Monga
Two Days, One Night - Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, Denis Freyd
Leviathan - Andrey Zvyagintsev, Alexander Rodnyansky, Sergey Melkumov
Trash - Stephen Daldry, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Kris Thykier


FILM - SUPPORTING ACTOR
J.K. Simmons - Whiplash
Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher
Steve Carell - Foxcatcher
Edward Norton - Birdman
Ethan Hawke - Boyhood

FILM - SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game
Imelda Staunton - Pride
Emma Stone - Birdman
Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Rene Russo - Nightcrawler

FILM - OUTSTANDING BRITISH CONTRIBUTION TO CINEMA IN 2015
BBC Films

Surprised to see David Fincher snubbed, but glad to see Rosamund Pike getting more recognition. This will be an interesting race, especially as it's one of the shows that airs closest to the Oscars.

UPDATE: Look at all the Boyhood wins! I loved that film, and sincerely wasn't expecting it to get that much recognition. Julianne Moore and J.K. Simmons are probably locks, as is Patricia Arquette, and Eddie Redmayne is definitely likely for the Oscar race. This is getting interesting!

The 30th Annual Independent Spirit Awards - Updated With Winners

Some more nominees! The Spirit Awards are a little different, and that's why I love them. It's not ALL of the same people nominated over the board as with the more mainstream shows. The only issue is that I never get to watch them because I can never find them - so, despite where I live, there probably won't be any liveblogging, but I'll update when winners are announced! The Awards air February 21, 2015.

BEST FEATURE (Award given to the producer) *Executive Producers are not awarded
Birdman Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) Alejandro G. Inarritu, John Lesher, Arnon Milchan, James W. Skotchdopole
Boyhood Richard Linklater, Jonathan Sehring, John Sloss, Cathleen Sutherland
Love Is Strange Lucas Joaquin, Lars Knudsen, Ira Sachs, Jayne Baron Sherman, Jay Van Hoy
Selma Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey
Whiplash Jason Blum, Helen Estabrook, David Lancaster, Michael Litvak

BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer)
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night Director: Ana Lily Amirpour; Producers: Justin Begnaud, Sina Sayyah
Dear White People Director/Producer: Justin Simien; Producers: Effie T. Brown, Ann Le, Julia Lebedev, Angel Lopez, Lena Waithe
Nightcrawler Director: Dan Gilroy; Producers: Jennifer Fox, Tony Gilroy, Jake Gyllenhaal, David Lancaster, Michel Litvak
Obvious Child Director: Gillian Robespierre; Producer: Elisabeth Holm
She's Lost Control Director/Producer: Anja Marquardt; Producers: Mollye Asher, Kiara C. Jones

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD (Award given to the best feature made for under $500,000; award given to the writer, director, and producer) *Executive Producers are not awarded
Blue Ruin Writer/Director: Jeremy Saulnier; Producers: Richard Peete, Vincent Savino, Anish Savjani
It Felt Like Love Writer/Director/Producer: Eliza Hittman; Producers: Shrihari Sathe, Laura Wagner
Land Ho! Writers/Directors: Aaron Katz, Martha Stephens; Producers: Christina Jennings, Mynette Louie, Sara Murphy
Man From Reno Writer/Director: Dave Boyle; Writers: Joel Clark, Michael Lerman; Producer: Ko Mori
Test Writer/Director/Producer: Chris Mason Johnson; Producer: Chris Martin

BEST DIRECTOR
Damien Chazelle - WhiplashAva Duvernay - Selma
Alejandro G. Inarritu - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Richard Linklater - Boyhood
David Zellner - Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter

BEST SCREENPLAY
Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski - Big Eyes
J.C. Chandor - A Most Violent Year
Dan Gilroy - Nightcrawler
Jim Jarmusch - Only Lovers Left Alive
Ira Sachs, Mauricio Zacharias - Love Is Strange

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Desiree Akhavan - Appropriate Behavior
Sara Colangelo - Little Accidents
Justin Lader - The One I Love
Anja Marquardt - She's Lost ControlJustin Simien - Dear White People

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Darius Khondji - The Immigrant
Emmanuel Lubezki - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Sean Porter - It Felt Like Love
Lyle Vincent - A Girl Walks Home Alone At NightBradford Young - Selma

BEST EDITING
Sandra Adair - Boyhood
Tom Cross - Whiplash
John Gilroy - Nightcrawler
Ron Patane - A Most Violent Year
Adam Wingard - The Guest

BEST MALE LEAD
Andre Benjamin - Jimi: All Is By My Side
Jake Gyllenhaal - Nightcrawler
Michael Keaton - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
John Lithgow - Love Is Strange
David Oyelowo - Selma

BEST FEMALE LEAD
Marion Cotillard - The Immigrant
Rinko Kikuchi - Kumiko, The Treasure HunterJulianne Moore - Still Alice
Jenny Slate - Obvious ChildTilda Swinton - Only Lovers Left Alive

BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Riz Ahmed - NightcrawlerEthan Hawke - Boyhood
Alfred Molina - Love Is Strange
Edward Norton - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
J.K. Simmons - Whiplash

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Patricia Arquette - BoyhoodJessica Chastain - A Most Violent YearCarmen Ejogo - Selma
Andrea Suarez Paz - Stand Clear of the Closing Doors
Emma Stone - Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
Force Majeure (Sweden) Director: Ruben Ostlund
Ida (Poland) Director: Pawel Pawlikowski
Leviathan (Russia) Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev
Mommy (Canada) Director: Xavier Dolan
Norte, the End of History (Philippines) Director: Lav Diaz
Under the Skin (United Kingdom) Director: Jonathan Glazer

BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director and producer)
20,000 Days on Earth Directors: Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard; Producers: Dan Bowen, James Wilson
CitizenFour Director/Producer: Laura Poitras; Producers: Mathilde Bonnefoy, Dirk Wilutzky
Stray Dog Director: Debra Granik; Producer: Anne Rosellini
The Salt of the Earth Directors: Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, Wim Wenders; Producer: David Rosier
Virunga Director/Producer: Orlando von Einsiedel; Producer: Joanna Natasegara

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD (Award given to one film's director, casting director and ensemble cast)
Inherent Vice Director: Paul Thomas Anderson; Casting Director: Cassandra Kulukundis

SPECIAL DISTINCTION AWARD
Foxcatcher Director/Producer: Bennett Miller; Writers: E. Max Frye, Dan Futterman; Producers: Anthony Bregman, Megan Ellison, Jon Kilik

PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD
The Producers Award, now in its 18th year, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.
Chad Burris
Elisabeth Holm

Chris Ohlson

LENSCRAFTERS TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD
The Truer Than Fiction Award, now in its 20th year, is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by LensCrafters.
Sara Dosa - The Last Season
Dan Krauss - The Kill Team
Darius Clark Monroe - Evolution of a Criminal
Amanda Rose Wilder - Approaching the Elephant  

2015 ROGER AND CHAZ EBERT FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP
This award includes a $10,000 cash grant. It is given to a filmmaker currently participating in a Film Independent Artist Development program with the mission of diversity in mind.
Christina Choe - Currently in active pre-production on her first narrative feature film, Nancy

KIEHL'S SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD
The Someone to Watch Award, now in its 21st year, recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Kiehl's Since 1851.
Ana Lily Amirpour - A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night
Rania Attieh & Daniel Garcia - H.
Chris Eska - The Retrieval 

I was sad not to be able to view the Spirit Awards - we don't get the channel on which they air - but I'm glad to see everything. I was hoping some different titles would get the distinctions, but it seems that a lot of the Oscar favourites are staying true here. (Although Nightcrawler snuck its way in there!)

The 72nd Golden Globes - Updated Winners

When  it rains, it pours. SAG Awards nominations were announced yesterday, and today we have the Golden Globes. (The Globes are always super fun, and I can't wait to see the fun. They're always way more  laid back than the Academy Awards.)

Again, since they air January 11, 2015, and I'm as yet unsure where I'll be, I won't guarantee any liveblogging. I will post again with the updated winners when the time comes, however. (I'm more likely to have access to a television for January 11, though!)

UPDATE: I do have access to a television! Watching live. As always, I update throughout the show, bolding the winning people as we go along. I'm also going to put my commentary underneath each specific category, with the commentary on Amy and Tina's antics at the top before the nominees.

Here we go!

Amy and Tina are ALREADY on point - somehow making the North Korea threat funny without attacking anyone except the quality of The Interview.
Bahahaha - LOVE the Emma Stone shot for the Big Eyes reference.
As always, Steve Carell is the king of the stone faced look.
Nice, Tina, NICE, with the human woman comment!
I don't think I've ever seen Wes Anderson at an awards show. He looks very uncomfortable, and not used to being called out.
THANK YOU, LADIES, FOR THAT EXCELLENT JOKE ABOUT AMAL AND GEORGE, YES, YES.
Excellent Sondheim, Amy and Tina.
Oh, whoaaaaaa, Bill Cosby. Okay, the Cosby impressions are not great, but at least it's BEING MENTIONED.
Benedict Cumberbatch is probably one of the cutest people on the planet.  ON THE PLANET. Pretending to be completely enamoured with Jennifer Aniston.
This North Korea thing got out of hand. It's not funny, in any way, and is only going to make people in North Korea angry and offended. This is so beneath Tina and Amy. UPDATE: It got a tiny bit better with Margaret Cho talking about Orange Is the New Black, though. Still desperate and beneath them.

That was an EXCELLENT speech, ABOUT free speech. It definitely deserved a standing ovation.

BEST MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA
Boyhood
Foxcatcher
The Imitation Game
Selma
The Theory of Everything

I called this. But only in the last few hours of today, after hearing way more and seeing the love it got. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THIS.
Also, the guy who came up on stage and yelled "Dude!" before shaking someone's hand is pretty hilarious and one of my favourites.

BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA
Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Reese Witherspoon - Wild
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything
Jennifer Aniston - Cake

None of these incredible ladies would have been a surprise. None of them. They're all so talented, and I've heard incredible things about all their performances. (And can attest directly to that with Rosamund Pike, that lady floored me.) But Julianne Moore is always incredible, so this is still well deserved. Gotta read the book and see the movie ASAP!

BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE, DRAMA
Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything
Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game
Steve Carell - Foxcatcher
David Oyelowo - Selma
Jake Gyllenhaal - Nightcrawler

I was NOT expecting that. I adore Eddie Redmayne, but I didn't know if he would win! I was totally expecting Cumberbatch, even without having seen any of these films. I've still heard he does an astounding job, and I cannot wait to see this film. He's also adorable.

BEST MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Birdman
Into the Woods
The Grand Budapest Hotel
St. Vincent
Pride

I was actually shocked here. I didn't think this would win at all! I wasn't a huge fan - I've liked some of Wes Anderson's other films way better - but it's fun to see something like that win, with it being so quirky and so Wes Anderson. Although from what I'm hearing, Pride is also incredible. I liked Into the Woods, but didn't think it was gonna win, necessarily.

BEST ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Amy Adams - Big Eyes
Julianne Moore - Maps To the Stars
Emily Blunt - Into the Woods
Helen Mirren - The Hundred Foot Journey
Quevenzhané Wallis - Annie 

I wasn't entirely expecting Amy! Although I haven't seen anything other than Into the Woods, so I guess I didn't really have expectations? But I always love Amy Adams, so I'm excited. (Though Emily was awesome awesome awesome.)

BEST ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Michael Keaton - Birdman
Bill Murray - St. Vincent
Ralph Fiennes - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Joaquin Phoenix - Inherent Vice
Christoph Waltz - Big Eyes

I  kind of figured on this one. Although I haven't seen Birdman. Because I'm really slacking on my nominated films! They're just hard to access when they're not in theatres very long and I miss them. Also, I'm cheap. But I LOVE Michael Keaton.
Ooh, slight dig at the Academy Awards about the comedy category. (Although the Globes are STILL terrible at actually putting things in the right category, and also for categorizing musicals under comedy.)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
The Lego Movie
Big Hero 6
How to Train Your Dragon 2
The Boxtrolls
The Book of Life

I feel like this is a surprise! I have seen absolutely none of these, though I'm sure they're good and have heard good things about most of them. (Except Boxtrolls.) I thought it might be The Lego Movie or The Book of Life. I also don't have a real opinion, because I'm not a huge fan of animated films. But congrats! (And THANK YOU for thanking the author!)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Ida (Poland/Denmark)
Leviathan (Russia)
Force Majeure Turist (Sweden)
Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem Gett (Israel)
Tangerines Mandariinid (Estonia)

I really, really want to see more foreign films. These look great, and I'm actually a huge fan. (Whenever people are like, 'I hate watching them because I have to read subtitles,' I get incredibly rage-y. That's a terrible excuse! At least to me. To not even try is ridiculous.) I just wish I had a more accessible way of viewing these incredible films.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE
Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Meryl Streep - Into the Woods
Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game
Emma Stone - Birdman
Jessica Chastain - A Most Violent Year

NICE! I've heard nothing but good things about Boyhood, and though Meryl always deserves the highest acclaim, she USUALLY wins, so I'm glad to see Patricia up there. They worked so hard and it's an incredible story. (Again, I've heard.) And I always love to hear nominees recognising the others they're nominated with. Now, I just want to hear even more about Boyhood and watch it ASAP.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE
J.K. Simmons - Whiplash
Edward Norton - Birdman
Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher
Ethan Hawke - Boyhood
Robert Duvall - The Judge

From what I've heard, this is a very, very well deserved award. J.K. Simmons is one of my favourite actors, and he deserves this recognition. I can't wait to see Whiplash, and though I'm not ENTIRELY sure if he'll win the Oscar, I've heard he should. 

BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE
Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Alejandro Iñárritu - Birdman
Ava DuVernay - Selma
Wes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel
David Fincher - Gone Girl

Not going to lie - I adored Fincher's direction of Gone Girl. He was the only one, to me, who could have helmed that. And Ava DuVernay - from what I've heard of Selma, she's incredible. However, I have also heard amazing things about Boyhood, and just the concept of what Richard Linklater created is fascinating to me. 

BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE
Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Armando Bo - Birdman
Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Gillian Flynn - Gone Girl
Wes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Graham Moore - The Imitation Game

I have heard great things about this film. I wasn't entirely expecting it - I thought Imitation Game or Boyhood - but there we are! (Also, Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig are hilarious, but that joke lasted so long, and was so unfunny by the end.)

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - MOTION PICTURE
Alexandre Desplat - The Imitation Game
Johann Johansson - The Theory of Everything
Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross - Gone Girl
Antonio Sanchez - Birdman
Hans Zimmer - Interstellar

I haven't heard the score, but from what I'm hearing right now, YES. Although I did really like the Gone Girl score too. 

BEST ORIGINAL SONG - MOTION PICTURE
"Big Eyes" - Big Eyes
"Glory" - Selma
"Mercy Is" - Noah
"Opportunity" - Annie
"Yellow Flicker Beat" - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

 I really liked Yellow Flicker Beat, BUT look at the diversity being represented tonight! This is absolutely incredible, and well deserved for John Legend. First nod and first win! And this acceptance speech is incredibly moving. The song sounded beautiful too.

BEST TV SERIES, DRAMA
House of Cards
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Downton Abbey
The Affair

This seems to be coming out of nowhere? I haven't heard anything about this show, but it looks really interesting. It must be at least a little good to win! I guess I'll see what the chatter says! I love to see completely unexpected winners. I was predicting House of Cards, despite not having seen it. I haven't seen any of these, though. As usual. I'm bad at TV watching. I'll catch up on them in a few years, since that's how I roll.

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES, DRAMA
Viola Davis - How to Get Away With Murder
Robin Wright - House of Cards
Julianna Margulies - The Good Wife
Ruth Wilson - The Affair
Claire Danes - Homeland

Again with this show! (Not that it's a bad thing, it sounds awesome. Also, Joshua Jackson. I'm already sold.) It's getting a lot of love, and it's always encouraging to see new shows recognised like that. I have got to see this!
Side note: Anna Faris and Chris Pratt are pretty much the best couple. Relationship goals, maybe. "Take your own helicopter home."

BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES, DRAMA
Kevin Spacey - House of Cards
Clive Owen - The Knick
James Spader - The Blacklist
Dominic West - The Affair
Liev Schreiber - Ray Donovan

I'm not entirely surprised, I have heard such incredible things about that show. Also, I'm super in love with Kevin Spacey and his work, so there's that! I can't BELIEVE he's never won before.
I'm not in any way surprised that he was bleeped. But after that super moving speech, almost in tears here.

BEST TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Orange Is the New Black
Silicon Valley
Transparent
Girls
Jane the Virgin

THAT is a surprise. But maybe it's only a surprise to me because I haven't heard anything about it. Which seems weird, because it seems to be groundbreaking. But I'm not sure what exactly it's about? Good for them! I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED that speech, dedicated to Leelah Alcorn and authenticity. Beautiful.

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Veep
Taylor Schilling - Orange Is the New Black
Lena Dunham - Girls
Edie Falco - Nurse Jackie
Gina Rodriguez - Jane the Virgin

I have heard ONLY good things about this show, but it's incredible for her to win! (I'm not sure how new she is, but I don't think she was expecting to win.) I have got to watch this show, and she is so excited. I hear it's well deserved.

BEST ACTOR IN A TV SERIES, MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Jeffrey Tambor - Transparent
Ricky Gervais - Derek
Louis C.K. - Louie
Don Cheadle - House of Lies
William H. Macy - Shameless* 

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are burning EVERYTHING talking about how men aren't funny. Literally the best moment tonight, along with the Clooney joke. This is an incredible night for that.
And even bigger - Transparent is getting a lot of recognition! So, so important in this world. This is so special.


BEST TV MOVIE OR MINISERIES
True Detective
Fargo
The Normal Heart
Olive Kitteridge
The Missing

Oh, Jeremy Renner losing his place - priceless. -- I haven't seen this yet either - though I was pretty irked to hear they were remaking it, as that's one of my favourite films of all time - but I've heard it's pretty different and pretty great. I'm kind of sad to see The Normal Heart get snubbed, but I also kind of figured it would be. Frances McDormand does NOT look impressed, though. But maybe she's tired.

BEST ACTRESS IN A TV MOVIE OR MINISERIES
Frances McDormand - Olive Kitteridge
Maggie Gyllenhaal - The Honorable Woman
Jessica Lange - American Horror Story: Freak Show
Allison Tolman - Fargo
Frances O'Connor - The Missing

I haven't seeeeen this, I am such a fail. I've heard amazing things about Maggie's work in this series though. It sounds like an incredibly powerful role, and I can't wait to see it, though my love for Maggie makes me happy here.
I love her speech. She's incredible. The wealth of powerful roles for women lately has been amazing, and it's new, and it's happening, and this is important.

BEST ACTOR IN A TV MOVIE OR MINISERIES
Matthew McConaughey - True Detective
Billy Bob Thornton - Fargo
Woody Harrelson - True Detective
Mark Ruffalo - The Normal Heart
Martin Freeman - Fargo

Jennifer Lopez is very excited about Matthew McConaughey. JEREMY RENNER, WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY ABOUT HER GLOBES.
I do like Billy Bob Thornton as an actor - he seems really shady as a person, but apparently he's amazing.


BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR TV MOVIE
Kathy Bates - American Horror Story: Freak Show
Allison Janney - Mom
Uzo Aduba - Orange Is the New Black
Joanne Froggatt - Downton Abbey
Michelle Monaghan - True Detective

I have not seen Downton Abbey ever, so I really don't have an opinion. I do know that Uzo Aduba is incredible, and I do wish she had received recognition for portraying someone with a mental illness in such an astounding way. But I haven't seen Miss Froggatt, and have heard amazing things about her show, so I'm not as knowledgeable about this actress and win.


BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR TV MOVIE
Bill Murray - Olive Kitteridge
Matt Bomer - The Normal Heart
Jon Voight - Ray Donovan
Alan Cumming - The Good Wife
Colin Hanks - Fargo 

YAY! Some recognition for this story. I haven't seen it, but am familiar with the story. Matt Bomer looks so incredibly shocked and happy. So important.

THE CECIL B. DEMILLE AWARD
George Clooney

I love George Clooney a LOT. He is one of my favourite performers and one of my favourite people (well, people who I don't know). His work in humanitarian efforts is also something we shouldn't forget. Although, also, my mother was very, very disappointed that him on Facts of Life was not included in that tribute reel. But congratulations to Clooney - he is the epitome of class in Hollywood with this acceptance speech, too. The fact that he just thanked the talents we recently lost is also so important to me, and breaking my heart in the best way. And I KNEW he would mention what's happening, in Paris and around the world. He's incredible.

*On the Globes website, it does say Transparent under William H. Macy's name. However, seeing as he has never appeared in that show, the majority of people, and myself, are assuming it was a typo and meant to say Shameless. If I am incorrect, I will update this post with that information as soon as possible. UPDATE: I wasn't incorrect. It was for Shameless.

Again, I'm not seeing a lot of surprises. I am enjoying the love for Gone Girl, particularly Rosamund Pike. M'lady DESERVES it. Gillian Flynn also deserves it, and I'm excited to see the Best Director nod for David Fincher, although it wasn't a surprise. I am seeing a lot of nods for Grand Budapest, and though I wasn't a huge fan of the film, I can definitely see why, although again, nothing earth shattering. I'm still looking forward to the broadcast - because Tina and Amy are two badass, hilarious women. I can't wait to see what they come up with! 

There were a TON of surprises here tonight, actually. Good surprises, most of them. I can't entirely predict the Oscar race anymore! The Academy Awards nominees are announced on Thursday, January 15, and you better believe I'll have that post up ASAP. I don't know if I'll be liveblogging - I may be going to an Oscars party - but I'll be updating that post too! Thanks for starting out this awards season with me on the right foot! 

21st Annual Screen Actors Guild - Updated Winners

It's that time of year again - when my blog is resurrected as I follow the awards season to its conclusion. I find it fascinating and love to see who won.

Currently, I have no idea where I'll be when the Awards actually air, so no promise of liveblogging. However, I will probably do a separate post with the winners when they're announced. The Awards air on Sunday, January 25, 2015!

Update: I was unable to watch the broadcast, so I'm updating the awards (as always, winners are bolded) on January 26!

Here they are.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE
Birdman
Boyhood
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
The Theory of Everything

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Steve Carell - Foxcatcher
Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game
Jake Gyllenhaal - Nightcrawler
Michael Keaton - Birdman
Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything

Eddie is cleaning up! He's definitely in the Oscar race - I'm thinking it's between him and Michael Keaton at this point. I'm still surprised Benedict isn't getting any recognition, despite not having seen the film yet.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Jennifer Aniston - Cake
Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything
Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon - Wild

Julianne Moore is also cleaning up. I'm thinking she's the top contender for the Oscars.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Robert Duvall - The Judge
Ethan Hawke - Boyhood
Edward Norton - Birdman
Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons - Whiplash

I think I see a lock here. Exciting, because J.K. Simmons is a severely underrated actor!

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game
Emma Stone - Birdman
Meryl Streep - Into the Woods
Naomi Watts - St. Vincent

Another lock, I think! Well deserved, she was incredible in Boyhood.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A DRAMA SERIES
Boardwalk Empire
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Homeland
House of Cards

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY SERIES
The Big Bang Theory
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Modern Family
Orange Is the New Black
Veep

I'm loving seeing something OTHER than Big Bang (which I have some issues with) and Modern Family take home the prize. Especially OITNB, which I adore, despite its complete break away from the actual story of Piper Kerman.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Steve Buscemi - Boardwalk Empire
Peter Dinklage - Game of Thrones
Woody Harrelson - True Detective
Matthew McConaughey - True Detective
Kevin Spacey - House of Cards

Can't say I'm surprised here - Kevin Spacey is a brilliant actor.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Claire Danes - Homeland
Viola Davis - How to Get Away With Murder
Julianna Margulies - The Good Wife
Tatiana Maslany - Orphan Black
Maggie Smith - Downton Abbey
Robin Wright - House of Cards

YES. YES! Though I gave up on the show, Viola Davis was incredibly talented and brought an amazing presence to the screen. I'm so excited.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell - Modern Family
Louis C.K. - Louie
William H. Macy - Shameless
Jim Parsons - The Big Bang Theory
Eric Stonestreet - Modern Family

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Uzo Aduba - Orange Is the New Black
Julie Bowen - Modern Family
Edie Falco - Nurse Jackie
Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Veep
Amy Poehler - Parks and Recreation

YES! You better believe I was rooting for Uzo. She is absolutely amazing, and brings such an important character to life in a sensitive way. She's incredible, and has been passed over so many times I was starting to get really angry. Well deserved.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES
Adrien Brody - Houdini
Mark Ruffalo - The Normal Heart
Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock: His Last Vow
Richard Jenkins - Olive Kitteridge
Billy Bob Thornton - Fargo

I heard about Mark Ruffalo's win last night, and I was so excited. I haven't seen The Normal Heart yet, but I've heard amazing things, and from the clips I've seen of Mark's performance, this is well deserved.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES
Ellen Burstyn - Flowers in the Attic
Maggie Gyllenhaal - The Honorable Woman
Frances McDormand - Olive Kitteridge
Julia Roberts - The Normal Heart
Cicely Tyson - The Trip to Bountiful

Frances McDormand is a queen, and I'm glad to see her win. I haven't seen any of these, though, so I don't have an opinion beyond loving Frances.

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Fury
Get On Up
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Unbroken
X-Men: Days of Future Past

I have a feeling this may be one of Unbroken's few wins. I haven't seen the film yet, but I haven't heard anything good about it. It's an incredible story, and I loved Laura Hillenbrand's book, since she's a talented historical writer in my view, so I'm worried that the film didn't live up to that.

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY OR DRAMA SERIES
24: Live Another Day
Boardwalk Empire
Game of Thrones
Homeland
Sons of Anarchy
The Walking Dead

There are really no surprises here. I'm predicting a lot of these for Oscar contenders as well; the SAG Awards are often a great indicator of how things might go. I'll definitely be waiting to see if there are any surprises when the night rolls around. (Really, I'll be rooting for Rosamund Pike for Gone Girl; she was fantastic. But I haven't seen a lot of the other ones yet either!)

UPDATE: I still thought Rosamund Pike was incredible, and I can't get enough of her now, but from what I hear, Julianne Moore is absolutely incredible in Still Alice. There were some great performances this year, and despite the Oscars' complete  lack of diversity in its nominations, it might still be an interesting race. I'm most excited about Uzo Aduba's win from this list for sure, though.

Review: As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



First off, I truly enjoyed this book. I came into my appreciation of The Princess Bride later in life - I was in high school when I finally saw it - but it was definitely all encompassing! I adored the film, and since then, have watched it countless times and can quote along with no problem. I got to read the book shortly after, and fell in love with it as well. It is crafted by genius, truly, and I couldn't have loved it more.

So this memoir and account of the making of something that was so beloved by me - as it was beloved by so, so many people - was something I knew I would love. I was excited to hear about this and so glad I finally got to read it. And I wasn't actually disappointed! The anecdotes from all the cast and crew, not just Cary, was moving and fun to read. The book itself is written with heartfelt gratitude and love from Cary, and there's no negative wording. It was an adorable exercise in nostalgia, and getting to find out all the behind the scenes stuff will be exciting for any fan.

There are, however, occasional patches of awkwardness. Sometimes the story telling will become disjointed - this isn't really a surprise, as Cary is not a writer. However, it's surprising that neither the co-writer nor an editor picked up on the fact that sometimes, sections do not make sense. There's occasionally two anecdotes being related, but with no bridge between them, so you're not entirely sure how they relate until you reach the end, and then sit and analyze it to see why that was included or why that quote was put there. It's really just a matter of a missing line of text to make the link, but that's something that should have been caught in the end by the team working on creating the book. It's really just some technical writing aspects that leave a little to be desired.

I also have the hardcover edition, and I'm so sad that the limited edition poster, though definitely included, is on the inside of the dustjacket! I want to frame it and hang it on my wall, but I don't want to lose that jacket for the book. (Anyone know where I can get that poster separately, because I NEED IT, it's gorgeous!)

All in all, I loved to read about this, and Cary speaking of such great people as Andre the Giant or Peter Falk, who have since passed away, will definitely bring tears to your eyes. The love everyone involved in this film had for the project and for each other is incredible, and very well related here.



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