Showing posts with label Hugo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hugo. Show all posts
Feb 27, 2012
The Oscars 2012- "live-blogging"
Hello, hello, it's time to face the red carpet and the 1.2 billion people watching at home! No pressure!
Red Carpet observations (including fashion)
-Berenice Bejo- her green dress made her breasts look horrible; also, in the same category you can add Rooney Mara, who has the same problem
-Milla Jovovich- beautiful woman in a stunning dress
-George Clooney walked the Red Carpet with a female Oscar in hand, you know, just in case he didn't win an actual one
-Maya Rudolph kept it nice and simple, fashion-wise
-Nick Nolte seemed so awkward and humble to be on the red carpet, he said "I don't know these people, they are not my friends"- poor guy
-Jessica Chastain looks so beautiful, one of the best dressed tonight
-Pharell is music director or what? 120 different pieces of music? good job man, he's lucky!
-Michelle Williams- I love her dress, it reminds me of her style at a previous Oscar ceremony, when she was accompanied by the late Heath Ledger. Also, a big plus for bringing her best friend, Busy Phillips, as her +1
-I have to give it up to Josh Horowitz, the presenter of MTV- usually, he is a very funny, sweet, sometimes crazy, guy who gets the best interviews. Now, on the red carpet, the guy cannot stop talking about the nominees, the movies, the guests, and he never makes a mistake, he knows everyone and everything(with some few exceptions, and those are just because of the speed of the things happening)- he must be so tired, I hope he is getting a huge paycheck for it!
-I heard The Dictator spilled the ashes on Ryan Seacrest- really? I have to Youtube this later! FUNNY and I haven't even seen it, apparently Seacrest is pissed!
-Octavia Spencer looks amazing and her dress fits her perfectly! I also loved Emma Stone, Sandra Bullock and Kristen Wiig!
-People are saying bad things about Gwyneth Paltrow's dress and cape, but I liked it- simple and effective and the one shoulder things is nice! It fits her beautifully!
-Angelina Jolie can wear a black carpet with a string holding it across her body and still look stunning- oh, wait, she is doing that! Come on, how is that possible? The woman has 6 kids, 3 of which naturally born.
Overall, fashion-wise, I was a little bit dissapointed- the highlights here Milla Jokovich and Penelope Cruz and that says a lot about the fashion sense of the 2012 generation! But special mentions go to Emma Stone and Jessica Chastain!
The show
Opening
The ceremony started with Morgan Freeman introducing the show (and the reason for that was?!- but I like him, so I guess it was fine)
Cue to montage of this year's movies- I actually thought it was nice and the transition between each one was ok
The bad part came with the singinging, Billy Crystal should have done something else, like....a MONOLOGUE?!?!? seriously, there was no monologue? that was the most exciting part for me :( I am dissapointed
First two awards - Cinematography and Art Design, go to Hugo- predictable for the second one, but I was surprised to see it win the first award!
We continue with an ode to the cinema and the experience of seeing films!
Costume design- The Artist
Cameron Diaz and J Lo try to be cool and original- big fail- than they present the award to
Make-up- Iron Lady
"I remember seeing a movie when I was 6" montage- running themes of the night - (1.love for the cinema and 2.montages)
Foreign Film- A separation- very happy about it plus the speech was beautiful
Supporting Actress- Octavia Spencer, as expected- it was so nice to see everyone stand up and give her an ovation. Quick question- I keep seeing Tate Taylor with her at every award ceremony- are they really good friends or is there somthing more? or is that not Tate Taylor? handsome guy, anyway!
Test Group scene for Wizard of Oz- Funny, nice try to do something new
We can always count on Tina Fey to be funny
Film Editing- Girl with the dragon tattoo surprising for everyone, even the recepients
Sound editing- Hugo- best speeches ever, I loved it "You go, no, Hugo." plus "I would like to thank everyone who was very born, or who will be born...."
Sound mixing- Hugo- by now I am so happy because The Artist is NOT getting all of the awards!
Kermit and Miss Piggy introduce a mini-show by Cirque du Soleil- it looks very good, too bad that my livestream was so bad, I will have to see it again afterwards
Robert Downey Jr just stole the show with his documentary "The Presenter", Paltrow was nice to have around (love her dress)- the winner for best Documentary is Undefeated- is it a surprise? I haven't even heard of it, must be good, right?
Chris Rock talks about how easy it is to do an animation- spot on speech, one of the best parts of the night, he should host again soon- Animation- Rango, as expected
Visual Effects- Emma Stone was so precious and adorable that no one can really compete with her (although, I must admit that, for a second, I thought she was drunk)- winner- Hugo and the movie continues to sweep the technical awards
Supporting Actor- C. Plummer, as expected, but still one of the best speeches of the night! He is the oldest actor to ever receive an Oscar!
What are they thinking? scene- I actually liked it very much, it was funny, most of it, anyways!
Best Original Score- The Artist, of course, and it is deserved
Will Ferell and Zach G. try to be funny, and they succeed for about 40% of the time
Best song- Man or a Muppet, YEY, I love that song
Angelina Jolie comes on stage to present the Screenplay awards with a fierce attitude
Adapted Screenplay- The Descendants
Original Screenplay- Midnight In Paris
The AMPAS had the brilliant idea of inviting the cast of Bridesmaids to hand out some boring awards- smart
Live action short- The shore
Documentary- Saving Face
Animated Short Feature- Fantastic Flying Books....
Michael Douglas presents Best Director- Michel Hazanavicius
Short clip about the honorary Oscar recepients: Dick Smith, James Earl Jones, Oprah Winfrey (really?)
Best Actor- Jean Dujardin - I was wishing any of the other 4 nominees would get this, but I am happy that Dujardin won after all, he is a very charming and sweet man!
Best Actress- Mery Streep- it was a surprise for the majority- I am fine with it, she deserves it, for God's sake, she's had 17 nominations, it was about time to get the 3rd Oscar! Her speech was adorable and I like the fact that she started by thanking her husband!
Best Picture- The Artist- expected and deserved....I guess?!?! yeah, ok, it was very good!
Best parts of the night
-Emma Stone being adorable
-RDJ presenting Best Documentary
- Sound Editing speeches
- The Artist NOT getting all the awards
- Jean Dujardin and Meryl Streep speeches
- Bridesmaids presenting
Surprises?- For me: the technical sweep of Hugo, editing for Girl with the dragon tattoo and Meryl Streep, although I am happy for her.
Best Dressed: Emma Stone, Penelope Cruz, Mila Jokovich, Jessica Chastain, Michelle Williams, Kristen Wiig and Angelina Jolie!
Overall, I actually enjoyed myself. It was funny and entertaining for most of the time, it didn't seem too long, the speeches were held in point and Crystal tried his best! But let's hope they get someone else next year! I know: Robert Downey Jr? Chris Rock? Emma Stone? :D
Thank you and good night!
What did you think of the Oscars?
Labels:
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Meryl Streep,
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Feb 12, 2012
The BAFTAs 2012
For me, the BAFTAs are better than the Oscars. Why?
The reasons, in no particular order are
- the show is in London ( although I am not at the Covent Gardem Royal Opera, I'm still technically within an 50 mile radius from the stars )
- everything involving this particular ceremony is stylish, with a lot of class and elegance and gratitude. People don't show up for the glamour or the gossip, they are trully honouring the work- well, most of them anyway
- the BAFTAs usually get it right when it comes to nominations, and the winners are much more appreciated and agreed upon than the Oscars in most cases- LATER EDIT: no, they don't, this year they drooled at the feet of Artist!
- The ceremony is short and very well timed (short speeches, no breaks?)
- I simply love the British accent and 99% of the people, plus the British actors are not only immensly talented, but also very attractive.
LATER EDIT: I maybe be wrong! But it's still one spot ahead of the Oscars in my book, just for sentimental value! :)
Of course the Oscars have their charm, but it's not 26th of February yet, so let's focus on tonight, shall we?
WINNERS:
Special Visual Effects – Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows II Well deserved and a nice way to pay tribute to one of the best and most loved films&franchise out there
Short Film – Pitch Black Heist It apparently features Michael Fassbender, so I guess I am happy?!
Short Animation – A Morning Stroll No idea what so ever here, sorry!
Original Music – The Artist (Ludovic Bource) No surprise here!
Sound – Hugo
Editing – Senna (Gregers Sall, Chris King) Some say it is a surprise, but maybe it's because they haven't seen Senna! If they had, they would have known it is deserving of its award.
Cinematography – The Artist (Guillaume Schiffman) A little bit dissapointed, there were better options there, but still a good choice!
Costume Design – The Artist (Mark Bridges) why would you give an award to a Black&White movie set in the 1920s, an era from which you can easily get costumes in every thrift store? I would have given this to superhero movies, or Harry Potter or period movies, someone who created and innovated, not to the Artist!
Make Up & Hair – The Iron Lady (Mark Coulier, J. Roy Helland, Marese Langan) Again, seriously? for putting on make up on one woman? what about the other nominees, surely we can find better? They are starting to piss me off!
Film Not in the English Language – The Skin I Live In And with that, my faith is restored! I know it's a snub for A Separation and most will be shocked, but I am pleasantly surprised!
Outstanding Debut – Tyrannosaur Very happy with this one, as well, the movie is fantastic and it features the best performances I have seen in a while! See it if you have a chance!
Production Design – Hugo (Dante Ferretti, Francesca Lo Schiavo) Another rightful winner, Hugo was visually beautiful
Supporting Actor – Christopher Plummer (Beginners) That was, probably, the most predictable award of the night, and I am glad he won, although I haven't seen the film! He is such a charming, elegant, nice man!
Outstanding British Film – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Good choice- I would liked to see Shame get something, but TTSS is a fantastic movie, with great performances, so I approve! :)
Supporting Actress – Octavia Spencer (The Help) I would have loved a surprise here, but no, still Octavia Spencer!
Original Screenplay – The Artist Are you fucking kidding me? Best Original Screenplay? For a classic romantic comedy, but set in the 1920s, without words or serious plot or character development???? seriously? This is just crazy, I cannot understand it! Yes, The Artist is original in music, or production design, or for the fact it is black and white and silent, but for screenplay? Come on!
Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema- John Hurt Congratulations Mister Hunt and thank you for everything!
Orange Rising Star – Adam Deacon Ok,so I have never seen Adam Deacon act, so maybe I am wrong and he is brilliant, but how dare you snub Loki, the wonderful Tom Hiddleston? Aghh...this is getting frustrating! Who is this guy and how many fans can he possibly have?
Documentary – Senna This ceremony is going up and down, I feel worn out! Now it's up for Senna and special mention to Paul Bettany presenting!
Adapted Screenplay – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Interesting choice, but I have to agree!
Animated Film – Rango
Director – Michel Hazanavicius Tom Hooper all over again! His directing wasn't nearly as exciting as Hugo or Shame or Drive, but hey, it's The Artist!
Leading Actress – Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) Love the Cinderella moment, and she is always was funny and sweet!
Leading Actor – Jean Dujardin (The Artist) Wow, I really thought a Brit will get this! I'm so sorry for Fassbender and Oldman! That kinda means he is getting the Oscar, which I am not happy about!
Best Film – The Artist That was a shocker...not! AM I THE ONLY ONE SICK OF THE ARTIST?
Academy Fellowship- Martin Scorsese Deserved, indeed, very happy for him!
Best line of the night: "I would just like to thank the Artist for not being adapted from a book!"-Peter Straughan receiving the award for Best Adapted Screenplay---you and me, both, Peter!
Most overused, overappreciated, cocky bastard of the night: Michel Hazanavicius! These awards are getting to his head, I think I saw him on stage 4 or 5 times, if not more, and always with a slightly cocky attitude!
Overall, I am dissapointed in most of the winners, as Artist easily wins the big categories (I am already getting sick of it and all that involves or mentions the word Artist), so should I be even watching the Oscars? We all know what will happen!
It was a nice evening, rather boring, but interesting! Stephen Fry was very reserved and gratious, the opposite of Ricky Gervais, but I liked him!
What do you guys think of the winners?
Dec 31, 2011
A look back at 2011
Although I always try, I can never do a top 5, or top 10; I mean, I can not put them in order, decide which one is better or worse. That's why, this year, for my tiny blog, I decided just to showcase my movies of 2011: the ones I loved, the ones that shocked me, my favorite stars, the best directors, the coolest soundtracks and my regret of not seeing some movies I know would definitely make the cut for this year!
So, without further ado, here are my picks (in no particular order):
Midnight in Paris- for the simple, yet endearing script, the best references used in a movie, for its hidden treasures, the direction and lovely sight of Paris that it is showcased throught the film
Warrior- for being my surprise of 2011, for the amazing performances delivered by Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy, for making me bite my nails during the fighting scenes and for the emotional script
Melancholia- 1 of the 2 most controversial movies for me this year; it had its ups and downs, but I have to appreciate it for what it is and the performances delivered by Dunst and Gainsborough. Plus, for its grand ending
We need to talk about Kevin- for its darkness and the shocking finale
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2- for its beautiful end of series and all of its achievements
Fast and Furious 5- you might find it funny, but I am big FF fan and I love the reunion put together for this movie(especially Paul Walker and Vin Diesel)- the franchise is still delivering great action; plus the Don Omar song at the end was the running joke for me and my sister during the summer, so it will be forever stuck in my head
Jane Eyre- for re-inventing, yet at the same time, honouring, a classic; and for great performances by Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowsa
Hugo- one of the most flawless movies I have ever seen; beautifully captures the 1930s Paris and the birth of cinema
50/50- for a fantastic script and a enjoyable mix of drama and comedy
Restless- simply put, the movie that got the strongest and weirdest reaction from me this year. Check my review from October if interested
Drive- one of the best soundtracks ever, interesting first scene, memorable direction (Nicholas Refn), and two great performances (Albert Brooks and Ryan Gosling)
Tree Of Life- second of the 2 most controversial movies for me this year; like Melancholia, with a lot of ups and downs for me, but I have to appreciate Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain and its cinematography
AND
Horrible Bosses, Crazy, stupid, love and Bridesmaids- for showing Hollywood that there are funny, sweet, great script out there for comedy; for good performances that make you laugh
Last minute add:
Great Expectations- it's perfect in so many ways- if you have the chance, please see it!
Special mentions: Take Shelter(for Michael Shannon's performance), Martha Marcy May Marlene (great director and great first part for Elizabeth Olsen), The Help (strong characters, strong women, strong performances), Senna (one of the best and most innovative documentaries I have seen), Michael Fassbender (for three amazing performances he delivered this year- Jane Eyre, X Men, Shame and especially for the breakout role in Hunger, which I only saw this year), My Week with Marilyn (all rise for the lovely Michelle Williams), Life in a day documentary (innovative idea and well-edited), Carnage (best use of space in 90 minutes plus 4 amazing actors put together)
2011 movies I haven't seen, but are probably great/would have loved them: Shame, Weekend, The Artist, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, A separation, The skin I live in, Dangerous Method, Albert Nobbs, Into the Abyss, The Descendants, maybe War Horse
...and probably I have missed some things, but honestly, my whole film memory goes back to September, because that is when I started this blog, that's when I started to pay more attention to movies and its meaning and I analysed more. These last months have been fantastic and I am eager to continue my journey through the film experience in 2012 on this blog you helped grow and grow each day more and more. Thank you!
Hope you enjoyed it!
Have a great 2012! I love you all!
Diana
So, without further ado, here are my picks (in no particular order):
Midnight in Paris- for the simple, yet endearing script, the best references used in a movie, for its hidden treasures, the direction and lovely sight of Paris that it is showcased throught the film
Warrior- for being my surprise of 2011, for the amazing performances delivered by Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy, for making me bite my nails during the fighting scenes and for the emotional script
Melancholia- 1 of the 2 most controversial movies for me this year; it had its ups and downs, but I have to appreciate it for what it is and the performances delivered by Dunst and Gainsborough. Plus, for its grand ending
We need to talk about Kevin- for its darkness and the shocking finale
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2- for its beautiful end of series and all of its achievements
Fast and Furious 5- you might find it funny, but I am big FF fan and I love the reunion put together for this movie(especially Paul Walker and Vin Diesel)- the franchise is still delivering great action; plus the Don Omar song at the end was the running joke for me and my sister during the summer, so it will be forever stuck in my head
Jane Eyre- for re-inventing, yet at the same time, honouring, a classic; and for great performances by Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowsa
Hugo- one of the most flawless movies I have ever seen; beautifully captures the 1930s Paris and the birth of cinema
50/50- for a fantastic script and a enjoyable mix of drama and comedy
Restless- simply put, the movie that got the strongest and weirdest reaction from me this year. Check my review from October if interested
Drive- one of the best soundtracks ever, interesting first scene, memorable direction (Nicholas Refn), and two great performances (Albert Brooks and Ryan Gosling)
Tree Of Life- second of the 2 most controversial movies for me this year; like Melancholia, with a lot of ups and downs for me, but I have to appreciate Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain and its cinematography
AND
Horrible Bosses, Crazy, stupid, love and Bridesmaids- for showing Hollywood that there are funny, sweet, great script out there for comedy; for good performances that make you laugh
Last minute add:
Great Expectations- it's perfect in so many ways- if you have the chance, please see it!
Special mentions: Take Shelter(for Michael Shannon's performance), Martha Marcy May Marlene (great director and great first part for Elizabeth Olsen), The Help (strong characters, strong women, strong performances), Senna (one of the best and most innovative documentaries I have seen), Michael Fassbender (for three amazing performances he delivered this year- Jane Eyre, X Men, Shame and especially for the breakout role in Hunger, which I only saw this year), My Week with Marilyn (all rise for the lovely Michelle Williams), Life in a day documentary (innovative idea and well-edited), Carnage (best use of space in 90 minutes plus 4 amazing actors put together)
2011 movies I haven't seen, but are probably great/would have loved them: Shame, Weekend, The Artist, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, A separation, The skin I live in, Dangerous Method, Albert Nobbs, Into the Abyss, The Descendants, maybe War Horse
...and probably I have missed some things, but honestly, my whole film memory goes back to September, because that is when I started this blog, that's when I started to pay more attention to movies and its meaning and I analysed more. These last months have been fantastic and I am eager to continue my journey through the film experience in 2012 on this blog you helped grow and grow each day more and more. Thank you!
Hope you enjoyed it!
Have a great 2012! I love you all!
Diana
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Dec 12, 2011
No clear frontrunners for the awards madness in 2011/12?
Is it just me or this year is shaping up to be a very interesting one, full of surprises? Usually by this time you already have some clear favourites, especially in the acting department (like Natalie Portman and Colin Firth in 2010/11), but for this season I really don't see anything clear in front of me!Ok, I am exaggerating....maybe Albert Brooks for Supporting Actor and MAYBE the Artist for Best Picture, but the others are pretty open!
Let's take some examples!
Best Actor: In my opinion, this is the one to watch- there are so many good performances that you can't really know which way it can go! Brad Pitt in Moneyball or Tree of Life, Ryan Gosling in Drive, George Clooney in The Descendants, Michael Fassbender in Shame, Jean Dujardin in the Artist, Michael Shannon in Take Shelter, Joseph Gordon Levitt in 50/50, Leonardo Dicaprio as J.Edgar Hoover and so on! For me, and from what I have seen, they all have an equal chance of getting those big statues (Golden Globes, SAG, Oscar), but no one is a frontrunner yet and I like it! I, persoanlly, am rooting for either Fassbender or Pitt(he deserves one).
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- Brad Pitt for both Moneyball and Tree of Life
National Board of Review- George Clooney in The Descendants
BIFA- Michael Fassbender in Shame
WAFCA- George Clooney in the Descendants
BSFC- Brad Pitt, runner ups George Clooney and Michael Fassbender
NYFCO2011- Michael Shannon for Take Shelter, runners up Michael Fassbender(Shame) and Gary Oldman(TTSS)
LAFilmCritics- Michael Fassbender for everything this year, runner up Michael Shannon for Take Shelter
San Francisco- Gary Oldman for TTSS
Best actress: Again, another strong category! Some say Meryl Streep has it in the bag with The Iron Lady, but when you are in a category with the superb Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe, or the loveable Viola Davis in The Help, not to mention the stunning Tilda Swinton(We need to talk about Kevin), you can't be sure of anything. Other notable performances that can surprise are Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) or Elizabeth Olsen in MMMM. Oh, and Glenn Close in Albert Nobbs looks fantastic, maybe she will get nominated as well, although I don't know its release date. I can't bet on anything here, either, although I am hoping for either Williams or Swinton or maybe Viola Davis, but I don't think so. You need an incredible strong performance if you are a lesser known actress to be considered above women like Streep or Swinton, and, although I loved Viola in the movie, I don't think it's strong enough.
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady
National Board of Review- Tilda Swinton for We need to talk about Kevin
WAFCA- Michelle Williams in My week with Marilyn
BSFC- Michelle Williams for My week with Marilyn
NYFCO- Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady, runner up Viola Davis for The Help
LAFilmCritics- Yun Lung-hee for Poetry(WTF?), runner up Kirsten Dunst for Melancholia
San Francisco- Tilda Swinton for We need to talk about Kevin
Best Supporting Actor: I thought this one would be easier, as many of the raves went to Albert Brooks(Drive) early on into the awards season, but Christopher Plummer (Beginners) still has a shot, and I wouldn't count out John Hawkes(MMMM), either. I am hoping for some Nick Nolte appreciation in the following months, as his part in Warrior was amazing.
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- Albert Brooks for Drive
National Board of Review- Christopher Plummer in Beginners
WAFCA- Albert Brooks in Drive
BSFC- Albert Brooks in Drive
NYFCO2011- Albert Brooks in Drive
LAFilmCritics- Christopher Plummer in Beginners
San Francisco- Albert Brooks for Drive
Best Supporting Actress: Similar to the category above, there are 2 or 3 clear frontrunners that are battling for the statue- Jessica Chastain(in The Help or Tree of Life of Take Shelter), Octavia Spencer in The Help and suprisingly, Shailene Woodley is starting to raise up her stakes for her role in The Descendants. I don't think she will win(the age sometimes is an issue, as they think the younger actors have enough time to collect awards), but she is a contender. Both Chastain and Spencer are wonderful and I will be happy either way.
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- Jessica Chastain for The Help, Tree of Life and Take Shelter
National Board of Review- Shailene Woodley for The Descendants
WAFCA- Octavia Spencer in The Help
BSFC- Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids
LAFilmCritics: Jessica Chastain for basically everything she has done this year
NYFCO2011: Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids
San Francisco- Vanessa Redgrave for Coriolanus
Best Director: This race is tricky, as most of time features the best, world-wide known directors, and the debutans rarely get more then one spot at the table. And it's a pity, since this year has been fantastic in this department. I am especially excited and am rooting for Sean Durkin(MMMM), Nicholas W Refn(Drive) and Steve McQueen(Shame). These 3 have blown me away with their new, fresh, interesting, unusual, yet fascinating and beautiful style- I love them all and I can't wait to see more films made by them. But you really can't count out people like Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Alexander Payne, David Fincher or Michel Hazanavicius. If it would be me, I would choose anyone of the first three, obviously.
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist
National Board of Review- Martin Scorsese for Hugo
WAFCA- Martin Scorsese for Hugo
BSFC- Martin Scorsese for Hugo
NYFCO 2011- Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist
LAFilmCritics: Terence Mallick for Tree of Life, runner up Martin Scorses for Hugo
San Francisco- Terrence Malick for Tree of Life
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- The Artist
National Board of Review- Hugo
WAFCA- The Artist
BSFC- The Artist
NYFCO- The Artist
LAFilmCritics: The Descendants, runner up Tree of Life
San Francisco- The Tree of Life
And now some smaller, less important, but still great categories- they are my favorites!
Some have the Ensemble Award, which I always like and from what I've seen, Margin Call and The Help are ahead, although Beginners got it at the NYCC and Bridesmaids(surprise there) in WAFCA and NYFCO, Carnage won the BSFC one. That's an interesting one, as well!
I also enjoy the Breakthrough award- it usually adds some more pressure on the main acting categories. This year there was some great talent
Gotham: Felicity Jones(Like Crazy)
National Board of Reviews: Felicity Jones(Like Crazy) and Rooney Mara(Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)
PSIFFF- Octavia Spencer in the Help
NYFCO2011: Jessica Chastain
And let's not forget Best Debut Director
Gotham: Dee Rees for Pariah
National Board of Reviews: J.C. Chandor for Margin Call
NYFCO2011: Joe Cornish for Attack the block
BSFC: Sean Durkin for MMMM
The real game begins with the Golden Globes! When we see the nominations for that, we will know what to expect for this awards season! I think they are released in December, right?
What do you guys think? Do you have any favourites? Any "God, I hope X doesn't win, I hate him/her/it"? Let me know in the comments!
Let's take some examples!
Best Actor: In my opinion, this is the one to watch- there are so many good performances that you can't really know which way it can go! Brad Pitt in Moneyball or Tree of Life, Ryan Gosling in Drive, George Clooney in The Descendants, Michael Fassbender in Shame, Jean Dujardin in the Artist, Michael Shannon in Take Shelter, Joseph Gordon Levitt in 50/50, Leonardo Dicaprio as J.Edgar Hoover and so on! For me, and from what I have seen, they all have an equal chance of getting those big statues (Golden Globes, SAG, Oscar), but no one is a frontrunner yet and I like it! I, persoanlly, am rooting for either Fassbender or Pitt(he deserves one).
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- Brad Pitt for both Moneyball and Tree of Life
National Board of Review- George Clooney in The Descendants
BIFA- Michael Fassbender in Shame
WAFCA- George Clooney in the Descendants
BSFC- Brad Pitt, runner ups George Clooney and Michael Fassbender
NYFCO2011- Michael Shannon for Take Shelter, runners up Michael Fassbender(Shame) and Gary Oldman(TTSS)
LAFilmCritics- Michael Fassbender for everything this year, runner up Michael Shannon for Take Shelter
San Francisco- Gary Oldman for TTSS
Best actress: Again, another strong category! Some say Meryl Streep has it in the bag with The Iron Lady, but when you are in a category with the superb Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe, or the loveable Viola Davis in The Help, not to mention the stunning Tilda Swinton(We need to talk about Kevin), you can't be sure of anything. Other notable performances that can surprise are Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) or Elizabeth Olsen in MMMM. Oh, and Glenn Close in Albert Nobbs looks fantastic, maybe she will get nominated as well, although I don't know its release date. I can't bet on anything here, either, although I am hoping for either Williams or Swinton or maybe Viola Davis, but I don't think so. You need an incredible strong performance if you are a lesser known actress to be considered above women like Streep or Swinton, and, although I loved Viola in the movie, I don't think it's strong enough.
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady
National Board of Review- Tilda Swinton for We need to talk about Kevin
WAFCA- Michelle Williams in My week with Marilyn
BSFC- Michelle Williams for My week with Marilyn
NYFCO- Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady, runner up Viola Davis for The Help
LAFilmCritics- Yun Lung-hee for Poetry(WTF?), runner up Kirsten Dunst for Melancholia
San Francisco- Tilda Swinton for We need to talk about Kevin
Best Supporting Actor: I thought this one would be easier, as many of the raves went to Albert Brooks(Drive) early on into the awards season, but Christopher Plummer (Beginners) still has a shot, and I wouldn't count out John Hawkes(MMMM), either. I am hoping for some Nick Nolte appreciation in the following months, as his part in Warrior was amazing.
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- Albert Brooks for Drive
National Board of Review- Christopher Plummer in Beginners
WAFCA- Albert Brooks in Drive
BSFC- Albert Brooks in Drive
NYFCO2011- Albert Brooks in Drive
LAFilmCritics- Christopher Plummer in Beginners
San Francisco- Albert Brooks for Drive
Best Supporting Actress: Similar to the category above, there are 2 or 3 clear frontrunners that are battling for the statue- Jessica Chastain(in The Help or Tree of Life of Take Shelter), Octavia Spencer in The Help and suprisingly, Shailene Woodley is starting to raise up her stakes for her role in The Descendants. I don't think she will win(the age sometimes is an issue, as they think the younger actors have enough time to collect awards), but she is a contender. Both Chastain and Spencer are wonderful and I will be happy either way.
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- Jessica Chastain for The Help, Tree of Life and Take Shelter
National Board of Review- Shailene Woodley for The Descendants
WAFCA- Octavia Spencer in The Help
BSFC- Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids
LAFilmCritics: Jessica Chastain for basically everything she has done this year
NYFCO2011: Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids
San Francisco- Vanessa Redgrave for Coriolanus
Best Director: This race is tricky, as most of time features the best, world-wide known directors, and the debutans rarely get more then one spot at the table. And it's a pity, since this year has been fantastic in this department. I am especially excited and am rooting for Sean Durkin(MMMM), Nicholas W Refn(Drive) and Steve McQueen(Shame). These 3 have blown me away with their new, fresh, interesting, unusual, yet fascinating and beautiful style- I love them all and I can't wait to see more films made by them. But you really can't count out people like Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Alexander Payne, David Fincher or Michel Hazanavicius. If it would be me, I would choose anyone of the first three, obviously.
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist
National Board of Review- Martin Scorsese for Hugo
WAFCA- Martin Scorsese for Hugo
BSFC- Martin Scorsese for Hugo
NYFCO 2011- Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist
LAFilmCritics: Terence Mallick for Tree of Life, runner up Martin Scorses for Hugo
San Francisco- Terrence Malick for Tree of Life
Best Picture: This is the category where you almost every year get surprised! I didn't expect The King's Speech to win last year, or Hurt Locker before that and I didn't expect Lord of the Rings to win in his year(nor did I want it in every situation), so this year's winner is going in the same direction. Potential surprises: Hugo, The Artist, Midnight in Paris, Drive, Margin Call, Beginners, The Descendants, Tree of Life, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2(call me crazy, but I wish this would win, just to celebrate their glorious path), War Horse, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and so on.
Who are the winners so far?
NYCC- The Artist
National Board of Review- Hugo
WAFCA- The Artist
BSFC- The Artist
LAFilmCritics: The Descendants, runner up Tree of Life
San Francisco- The Tree of Life
And now some smaller, less important, but still great categories- they are my favorites!
Some have the Ensemble Award, which I always like and from what I've seen, Margin Call and The Help are ahead, although Beginners got it at the NYCC and Bridesmaids(surprise there) in WAFCA and NYFCO, Carnage won the BSFC one. That's an interesting one, as well!
I also enjoy the Breakthrough award- it usually adds some more pressure on the main acting categories. This year there was some great talent
Gotham: Felicity Jones(Like Crazy)
National Board of Reviews: Felicity Jones(Like Crazy) and Rooney Mara(Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)
PSIFFF- Octavia Spencer in the Help
NYFCO2011: Jessica Chastain
And let's not forget Best Debut Director
Gotham: Dee Rees for Pariah
National Board of Reviews: J.C. Chandor for Margin Call
NYFCO2011: Joe Cornish for Attack the block
BSFC: Sean Durkin for MMMM
The real game begins with the Golden Globes! When we see the nominations for that, we will know what to expect for this awards season! I think they are released in December, right?
What do you guys think? Do you have any favourites? Any "God, I hope X doesn't win, I hate him/her/it"? Let me know in the comments!
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Dec 2, 2011
Hugo[2011]
Hugo is magical! Yes, that is the right word to describe it- magical! I was mesmerised by it and I hope to share with you what I've experienced during the viewing!
The film, based on a book, tells the story of a young orphan boy who lives in the walls of the central train station of Paris, fixing clocks and constantly trying to solve the mistery of the automaton left by his father. It's a wonderful story of hope, love, adventure, passion, choices, purpose and love for film.
I must say if I would have gone into the theater not knowing who directed it, I wouldn't have said Martin Scorsese afterwards; it's not his style, yet this movie is absolutely fantastic, especially direction-wise. The 3D aspect and the cinematography are outstanding- never has Paris looked so beautiful and breath-taking.
Asa Butterfield as Hugo perfectly portrays the young man desperate to fulfill his fathers' last wish and, most importantly, to find a purpose in life. That is his journey and the movie takes you into that fantastic adventure and then some. He is not overacting, he is not too dramatic or gimmicky, he's just acting like a boy, and he delivers big time.
Chloe Moretz, another lovely surprise, is Isabel, his companion and I just love her- she is sweet, smart, approachable and still has that child's naive sense, and I hope she keeps it a little longer. Her face when she says "Is it a secret?" is just adorable. Other mentionable performances, of course, include Ben Kingsley, Sasha Baron Cohen, Emily Mortimer and the stunning Helen McCrory.
I admired and loved the fact Scorsese and the scripwriters formed this movie as an ode to cinema, to early cinema, to the Meliers years and the beauty and joy that it should transmit. It was an original, visually stunning and interesting omage to it and it fitted perfectly into the film, alongside the other plot.
It is not a film only for children, it is a film for everyone, for every age, and I am sure it will be loved and admired by most of them! It's a simple, yet very approachable story, that you can relate to, but it also allows you to enter a magical world, a dream that can make you happy- Hugo does that to the T.
All in all, it is one of the best films I've seen this year- I cannot find something wrong with it! I left the cinema with such a pleasant feeling of happiness and joy, but most importantly, with the idea that I have just seen a masterpiece, something tryly beautiful; I just loved it! After a couple hours, the magic goes away, but the impression stays the same- Hugo is a very good movie!
Please go see it, especially now, around Christmas!
p.s. I do think it has big chances for this awards season, especially for director, cinematography, even best picture!
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