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Zzzzz…huh?, wha? Oh…
First and foremost, I have to note Ricky Gervais’s work as emcee. Last year’s stint was a bit stale, I thought, but this year the gloves were off. Way off. Which, for whatever reason, I was okay with tonight. The difference between Gervais and Armond White, though, if you want to go there, is that one is expected (and paid) to act like a clown. The other is not.
And I have to think “That was my favorite film of the year” was a subtle joke. Not that subtle was in his toolbox.
Anyway, kicking things off, Christian Bale’s speech in acceptance of yet another Best Supporting Actor trophy slid off the rails a bit toward the end as he rushed an impromptu shout-out to actor Robert De Niro. Apparently in the press room he said the legend was “the shit,” so maybe that’s similar to what was censored from the telecast. Earlier in the speech, though, he paid lovely homage to “The Fighter” actor and producer Mark Wahlberg. “You can only give a loud performance like mine when you have a quiet, stoic anchor,” he said.
His co-star, Melissa Leo, also took down another televised Best Supporting Actress award, but the speech was a lot less graceful than Friday night’s, I’d say. Still, I thought Helena Bonham Carter had a shot at that one, so chalk it up to another likely inevitability.
I thought Lee Unkrich did a nice job of at least trying to present Toy Story 3″ as a film that deserves a place at the table by noting “historic” box office numbers and that it “beat with a human heart.” And that “were you two even born when the first ‘Toy Story’ came out” joke aimed at presenters Hailee Steinfeld and Justin Bieber was another nice touch in that vein. As was seeing Tom Hanks and Tim Allen on stage together.
When Annette Bening’s name was inevitably announced as winner of the award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, my immediate thought was, “This is her chance to turn the corner on this season, if at all.” Playing the Hollywood royalty card so emphatically might have slayed them. Or brought the race tighter. No, seriously…
One almost thinks the HFPA actively voted for anyone BUT Johnny Depp in the comedy actor field, given the added attention paid to perennial star-f***ing this year, but I might have expected Kevin Spacey before Paul Giamatti. So a fresh change of pace was appreciated there.
I had heard going into the night that Susanne Bier’s “In a Better World” was the one to watch for an upset in the Best Foreign Language Film category but didn’t bother making a predictions (10/14, by the way) change. Lo and behold…
But the original score win for “The Social Network” was the early sign that the film would dominate the evening. Wins for Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture (Drama) soon followed. Lined up like dominoes through February 27 at this point.
I don’t think words can do justice to Robert De Niro’s Rupert Pupkin-esque monologue in acceptance of the Cecil B. De Mille Award. Yeesh. And the HFPA got its TV moment after all with Michael Douglas presenting Best Picture (Drama) after losing the supporting actor category.
Meanwhile, bravo to Michelle Pfeiffer, Bruce Willis and Megan Fox for announcing “Alice in Wonderland,” “Red” and “The Tourist,” respectively, as Best Picture nominees while maintaining a straight face. Could “The Kids Are All Right” have lucked out any sweeter?
And by the way, did Brangelina look like Caesars wondering why the lions were taking so long to kill the Christians to anyone else? Just me? Okay, just wondering.
Anyway, onnward. Check out tonight’s full list of film winners at The Circuit.
[Photo: Getty Images]
181 responses so far
1 1-16-2011 at 4:08 pm
Free said...
Do you know when they announce the Best Director?
2 1-16-2011 at 4:09 pm
Andrew M said...
Off Topic from movies, TV noms are really boring this year. Its either the same old stuff, or Boardwalk which I didn’t get into.
3 1-16-2011 at 4:17 pm
Graysmith said...
Watching the Patriots choke is probably more entertaining than the Golden Globes will be.
J-E-T-S!
4 1-16-2011 at 4:24 pm
Justin said...
@Free- I would think it would be one of the last 2 or 3.
5 1-16-2011 at 4:30 pm
Paul8148 said...
Finally a team figures out you play Man to Man vs. the small wideouts of New England……
Way do I have the feeling that the Tourist Table is likely going to be centerstage….
6 1-16-2011 at 4:31 pm
Alex said...
Yeah, Supporting Actor is listed at 1 & 18, so my guess is Director is #18 maybe.
Also, #11 they’ll announce Best Actor AND Best Actress for TV Movie or Miniseries.
7 1-16-2011 at 4:34 pm
Paul8148 said...
As for TV there was nothing were special that was new this year (through I just cathing up with Deriot 187 was is very good for a topcial cop show, ) It a same that Poor Country Cox can’t get any love…..
8 1-16-2011 at 4:36 pm
Free said...
Thanks for the tips Paul8148 and Justin. I figure it’s one of the final 5. I just wanted to know if we knew exactly when. I’m doing a family ballot at home, and if I knew when each award was presented, it’d be helpful.
9 1-16-2011 at 4:38 pm
Paul8148 said...
I will have to guess either right before or after Drama actress…
10 1-16-2011 at 4:45 pm
Graysmith said...
J-E-T-S-!-!-!
Now I can really enjoy the Globes. Aaahhh.
11 1-16-2011 at 4:48 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
That second Best Supporting Actor was supposed to be Best Director. Adjusted.
12 1-16-2011 at 4:49 pm
Paul8148 said...
1. Bale
2. Moss
3. Temple Garden
4. Choffer
5. Hamm
6. Mad men
7. Something Song from Tangled
8. The King Speech
9. Toy Story 3
10. Benning (or Hathaway in shocker of the night)
11. Al
12. The Social Network
13. Jane
14. I’m Love
15. Laura Linney
16. Jim Parsons (Voting my heart not my brian here)
17. Mila Kaus
18. The Social Network (if this is directing)
19. Morden Family
20. Depp
21. Portman
22. The Kids are alright
23. Colin Firth(Drama)
24. The Social Network
13 1-16-2011 at 5:05 pm
Andrew M said...
I’d say Ricky is killing it, but I love the guy so he’s always killing in my mind.
14 1-16-2011 at 5:06 pm
SC said...
Ricky Gervais doesn’t do much for me normally, but he’s great at these awards shows.
Christian Bale, no surprise.
15 1-16-2011 at 5:08 pm
JJ1 said...
Gervais is awesome. Bale, yay.
16 1-16-2011 at 5:08 pm
SC said...
And Bale takes the opportunity to promote Mark Wahlberg’s overlooked sort of acting; classy.
17 1-16-2011 at 5:09 pm
Paul8148 said...
Gervais is great, through not sure is belove by anyone within the room there……
18 1-16-2011 at 5:09 pm
JJ1 said...
What did Bale say regarding De Niro?
19 1-16-2011 at 5:15 pm
Brice said...
Yeah what did he say????
20 1-16-2011 at 5:15 pm
Michael W. said...
Damn. I was late to the party so the only thing I saw of Bale was when he left the stage. I didn’t hear his speech on Friday either. Oh well, hopefully it will be on YouTube or something.
21 1-16-2011 at 5:17 pm
Graysmith said...
Bale was basically just calling De Niro “the shit”.
22 1-16-2011 at 5:18 pm
McAllister said...
Carlos!
23 1-16-2011 at 5:19 pm
Graysmith said...
Carlos beating The Pacific has to be considered quite the shocker.
24 1-16-2011 at 5:19 pm
Brice said...
Really! what was it?
25 1-16-2011 at 5:19 pm
JJ1 said...
Guessed Carlos.
26 1-16-2011 at 5:20 pm
Michael W. said...
Wauw. Carlos!
I did not see that coming. I just received it on DVD and can’t wait to see the enitre 5½ hours.
27 1-16-2011 at 5:20 pm
andrew M said...
Carlos. Nice
28 1-16-2011 at 5:22 pm
SC said...
Man, Ricky’s looking to get himself hurt.
29 1-16-2011 at 5:22 pm
Graysmith said...
I really want to see Carlos but I can only find the shorter theatrical cut, not the mini-series version. Ugh.
30 1-16-2011 at 5:25 pm
Michael W. said...
Graysmith@
If you can watch region 2 DVD’s then it’s out in both versions in England. I bought mine from amazon.co.uk
31 1-16-2011 at 5:26 pm
Andrej said...
“…please welcome Ashton Kutcher’s dad, Bruce Willis!”
lols and roflmaos. xD
32 1-16-2011 at 5:28 pm
JJ1 said...
Happy for Chris Colfer! Still lovin’ Gervais; and I normally don’t.
33 1-16-2011 at 5:29 pm
The Dude said...
Wow, the celebs are letting ‘em fly! I think I’ve caught the censor being used at least 4 times so far.
So far, Gervais is doing incredibly well (although I feel he’s being underused…it’s still early, so that may change).
Don’t really have any stake in the TV categories this year…the only thing I’m hoping for (even though it’s a longshot) is a win for “The Walking Dead.”
34 1-16-2011 at 5:37 pm
McAllister said...
I guess “Boardwalk Empire” is good? I don’t have HBO (or cable) so I haven’t heard a lot about it.
35 1-16-2011 at 5:37 pm
Maxim said...
For all those still bitching about Armond White – I give you Ricky Gervais – the most classless, obvious host in the industry.
I’ve never seen a guy who had this little idea of when to stop.
36 1-16-2011 at 5:40 pm
SC said...
Mark Wahlberg gets a Globe tonight, if not likely his acting nomination.
37 1-16-2011 at 5:43 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
Maxim: With that much ammunition aimed toward the HFPA, I’ll deal.
38 1-16-2011 at 5:43 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
Also, the difference between White and Gervais is that the latter is MEANT to be a clown.
39 1-16-2011 at 5:44 pm
Checko said...
andrew garfield is the cutest thing!! =)
40 1-16-2011 at 5:50 pm
SC said...
Social Network picks up its first prize of the evening.
41 1-16-2011 at 5:50 pm
JJ1 said...
Garfield stumbles, and he’s endearing.
TSN for score. Okay. A wave about to come?
42 1-16-2011 at 5:51 pm
andrew M said...
Yesssss. This will probably be my favorite win. Go Trent and Atticus.
43 1-16-2011 at 5:51 pm
Andrej said...
Awesome for Reznor and Ross! ☺
44 1-16-2011 at 5:52 pm
JJ1 said...
It must be said, the room I’m in …. not loving Gervais, AT ALL.
I’m laughin’.
45 1-16-2011 at 5:53 pm
anon said...
Kris, would you argue that TSN is the frontrunner for Score, now that it’s won BFCA and GG?
46 1-16-2011 at 5:53 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
First sign of a TSN night there, I think.
47 1-16-2011 at 5:56 pm
SC said...
How dare they pair Hailee Steinfeld with Justin Bieber!
48 1-16-2011 at 5:56 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
anon: Highly possible. I still think Zimmer could put up a fight, though. But yeah, I think it might be worth considering it that now. It becomes about the movie, not the work. And I mean that not as an insult to Reznor and Ross, who both deserve to be one of two contenders in serious consideration for score awards this year (the other being Daft Punk). It’s still not what the Academy votes for, but one feels like a sweep could materialize because the momentum the film has built is so very impressive.
49 1-16-2011 at 5:57 pm
SC said...
“Toy Story 3″ wins, to the surprise of no one.
50 1-16-2011 at 5:59 pm
SJG said...
Of course, freaking “TS3″ wins the award. I’m actually a little sick of that movie.
51 1-16-2011 at 6:01 pm
Andrej said...
“Were you even born when the first Toy Story came out?”
lols and roflmaos x2.
52 1-16-2011 at 6:02 pm
JJ1 said...
TSN win for score makes me grumpy that it’s gonna be a zzzzz TSN night.
53 1-16-2011 at 6:02 pm
SJG said...
SC 47,
It’s actually possible that Steinfeld might appreciate the exposure. Let’s face it, being with Justin Bieber brings her a little more attention than she might get otherwise, and it’s not like it would hurt her by comparison (i.e. it’s gotta feel kind of good to be the obviously more serious and talented individual).
54 1-16-2011 at 6:04 pm
Graysmith said...
Let’s see if The Social Network even gets an Oscar nomination before we start predicting it for the win. The Academy music branch is rather insane, after all.
55 1-16-2011 at 6:04 pm
Andrej said...
What the creep was that.
After the camera showed the five nominees for Best Actress in a Comedy, they went with a shot of some fat guy from Modern Family, I think.
Hilarious.
56 1-16-2011 at 6:06 pm
JJ1 said...
Very classy and low-key humorous speech from Bening. I don’t think Actress (at Oscars) is all sewn up.
57 1-16-2011 at 6:08 pm
McAllister said...
I don’t think Annette Benning garnered any new voters with that speech (like Bullock seemed to do). She was classy, but boring.
58 1-16-2011 at 6:08 pm
Roger said...
Great introduction by Robert Downey Jr… A bit weird but tons more funny than Gervais!
59 1-16-2011 at 6:10 pm
Robert Hamer said...
Great speech from Bening, though the crowd seemed…subdued?
60 1-16-2011 at 6:12 pm
Paul Outlaw said...
@ #55: That was Harvey W.
61 1-16-2011 at 6:14 pm
McAllister said...
Al Pacino, really?
62 1-16-2011 at 6:14 pm
Andrej said...
Paul Outlaw:
Oh, thanks for the clarification. Still, pretty hilarious xD
63 1-16-2011 at 6:15 pm
Vn said...
TSN Score is obviously going to win Best Score at the Oscars. It’s a Best Picture Winner and cool stuff in that soundtrack. Not a good score, just cool samples… but who cares when it’s another award for TSN, right?
64 1-16-2011 at 6:18 pm
JJ1 said...
I liked Bening’s speech.
Pacino. Respect. But, really?
65 1-16-2011 at 6:20 pm
McAllister said...
Tilda & Geoffrey up there added a whole new element to the show… the fifth element.
66 1-16-2011 at 6:22 pm
/3rtfu11 said...
Hans Zimmer doesn’t deserve to win a 2nd Oscar ever – especially when you realize that the late and irreplaceable Jerry Goldsmith only received 1 and his scores are unmatched by the likes of a Hans Zimmer.
The score of The Social Network alongside Andrew Garfield’s performance gives the film its greater emotional weight.
67 1-16-2011 at 6:24 pm
Joseph said...
Tilda Swinton looks like Davie Bowie. That only works for, like, Davie Bowie.
68 1-16-2011 at 6:24 pm
Vn said...
I would argue TSN score is anything but emotional. It’s so artificial…
69 1-16-2011 at 6:28 pm
SC said...
Sorkin collects a trophy, as expected. As a longtime West Wing fan, I’ll enjoy his various wins – though whenever his head gets too swelled, he becomes almost a caricature of out-of-touch Hollywood liberals.
70 1-16-2011 at 6:29 pm
SC said...
Oooh, Sorkin rather awkwardly tries to placate two constituencies.
71 1-16-2011 at 6:29 pm
Robert Hamer said...
Aaron Sorkin is probably going to be the only 100% sure-thing come Oscar time.
72 1-16-2011 at 6:30 pm
McAllister said...
…and that was not Julia Stiles.
73 1-16-2011 at 6:31 pm
JJ1 said...
We all said that last year for Reitman.
74 1-16-2011 at 6:32 pm
Rhett said...
Stop cutting to Lea Michelle crying. Right now. Stop it.
75 1-16-2011 at 6:34 pm
Paul Outlaw said...
LOL, Rhett.
76 1-16-2011 at 6:37 pm
Graysmith said...
Why does Sorkin keep apologizing to Mark Zuckerberg?
77 1-16-2011 at 6:37 pm
geha714 said...
In A Better World wins foreign film.
78 1-16-2011 at 6:37 pm
SC said...
Denmark wins Foreign Language; this category is of somewhat limited utility, since a couple of the likely big contenders are MIA, especially Canada.
79 1-16-2011 at 6:38 pm
Andrej said...
They went with Option C for Foreign language. Interesting.
80 1-16-2011 at 6:38 pm
Josh said...
Rooney Mara’s prediction came true:
“You are probably going to be a very successful computer person. But you’re going to go through life thinking that girls don’t like you because you’re a nerd. And I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that that won’t be true. It’ll be because you’re an asshole.”
81 1-16-2011 at 6:38 pm
JJ1 said...
Yay, a surprise, sorta, foreign film.
82 1-16-2011 at 6:39 pm
SC said...
Mirren takes a jab at the Cameron government.
Heh, having Queen Elizabeth introduce her dad’s film is neat.
83 1-16-2011 at 6:41 pm
Michael W. said...
Amazing. So happy for Susanne Bier. I can’t say that I agree that In a Better World is the best of the five (not even the best Danish movie of 2010) but great with a win for my country! :D
84 1-16-2011 at 6:51 pm
SC said...
Melissa Leo picks it up. We’ll see if she can sustain that momentum if, as seems likely, Steinfeld gets nominated in the category later.
85 1-16-2011 at 6:54 pm
geha714 said...
Melissa Leo wins supporting actress and I’m starting to think that the Oscar will go the same way. Only SAG will confirm this.
86 1-16-2011 at 6:55 pm
Sam said...
I think it’s Leo’s award to lose, and I think it is proper to do so, even though I would like Adams to win just out of sympathy for being nominated so many times in such a small “big-screen’ time frame.
87 1-16-2011 at 6:55 pm
Lenny said...
Jeremy Irons sounded fucking awesome when he read the nominees for Supporting Actress.
88 1-16-2011 at 6:56 pm
SC said...
I thought he sounded really weird.
“The Fighter” is on track to be the first film to win two acting Oscars since fellow boxing drama “Million Dollar Baby”.
89 1-16-2011 at 6:56 pm
Speaking English said...
Woohoo! Go Melissa! Why the hell was anyone doubting this? Oscar here she comes.
90 1-16-2011 at 6:58 pm
Speaking English said...
SC, and the first film to win both supporting categories since “Hannah and Her Sisters” 24 years ago!
91 1-16-2011 at 6:59 pm
SC said...
A deserved honour for DeNiro. Could it please inspire him to start appearing in non-crappy roles again?
92 1-16-2011 at 7:00 pm
The Dude said...
Ugh, I feel bad for Damon. He’s trying his hardest to sell this bit, but it’s just not funny.
93 1-16-2011 at 7:01 pm
Andrej said...
Matt Damon’s speech to Robert De Niro was a bit clumsy.
94 1-16-2011 at 7:04 pm
Rhett said...
Okay, what did Melissa Leo say? I must have missed it.
95 1-16-2011 at 7:04 pm
/3rtfu11 said...
Leo is winning at SAG. If there’s on organization that’s consistent in awarding veteran actors and character performers it’s them.
96 1-16-2011 at 7:05 pm
Andrej said...
Not one clip from Meet the Parents, but Rocky and Bullwinkle shows up?
Of course.
97 1-16-2011 at 7:08 pm
Robert Hamer said...
I would have loved to see Jacki Weaver win Best Supporting Actress here, but seeing Melissa Leo inching to frontrunner status over cheater Steinfeld is way cool.
98 1-16-2011 at 7:09 pm
The Dude said...
That was, by far, the oddest speech of the night. Parts of DeNiro’s speech were hilarious (i.e. the Fox airport scan joke), other awkward. The whole thing just made me feel uncomfortable.
99 1-16-2011 at 7:10 pm
JJ1 said...
De Niro was hit & miss, there.
100 1-16-2011 at 7:10 pm
/3rtfu11 said...
*one
101 1-16-2011 at 7:11 pm
KBJr. said...
DeNiro had me LMAO…great speech.
102 1-16-2011 at 7:12 pm
Michael W. said...
Loved De Niro’s 3D joke.
103 1-16-2011 at 7:15 pm
SC said...
Fincher wins. Another non-surprise.
104 1-16-2011 at 7:25 pm
Graysmith said...
Wow, go Paul Giamatti!
105 1-16-2011 at 7:25 pm
geha714 said...
The best person they found to present Black Swan is Alicia Keys? FAIL
Giamatti won! Awesome!
106 1-16-2011 at 7:26 pm
SC said...
And the Globes salvage a smidgeon of dignity for the Comedy Actor category by giving it to Paul Giamatti.
107 1-16-2011 at 7:26 pm
Graysmith said...
And he’s giving the best speech of the night.
108 1-16-2011 at 7:29 pm
The Dude said...
Wow, LOVED that speech. “Godiva chocolate…(*salivates*) and Halle Berry…”
I was in stitches. He needs to be in more movies.
109 1-16-2011 at 7:32 pm
Zac said...
Giamatti has now won a Golden Globe for TV Mini-Series and Movie Comedy. When will he win for Movie Drama?
110 1-16-2011 at 7:34 pm
SC said...
Portman wins; also not a surprise.
111 1-16-2011 at 7:35 pm
Zac said...
Portman wins. Next stop: Oscar.
112 1-16-2011 at 7:40 pm
Squirrelman said...
Quick random question: Who’s at Table 114?
113 1-16-2011 at 7:40 pm
Zac said...
How much did Annette and Julianne pay each HFPA member for this one? ;)
114 1-16-2011 at 7:41 pm
geha714 said...
Why Tom Hanks doesn’t make more comedies?
Man, these awards are so anti-climatic. I saw all coming, except the Giamatti bit.
115 1-16-2011 at 7:42 pm
Andrej said...
Aw, Lisa Cholodenko was left hanging. :(
116 1-16-2011 at 7:42 pm
P.S. said...
Is it just me or does Jesse Eisenberg look really hot tonight?
117 1-16-2011 at 7:43 pm
geha714 said...
Who’s at Table 114? Harvey Weinstein, perhaps?
118 1-16-2011 at 7:47 pm
JJ1 said...
I can’t be the only one quietly chuckling that Anne Thompson must be irked that they cut-off Lisa Cholodenko. :)
In all seriousness, very glad that Kids won.
119 1-16-2011 at 7:47 pm
SC said...
Firth wins; no surprise.
120 1-16-2011 at 7:55 pm
geha714 said...
I’m calling it now: The Social Network will win Best Picture at the Oscars. It’s done.
Good night.
121 1-16-2011 at 7:56 pm
Zac said...
The Social Network wins Drama, Director and Screenplay. There hasn’t been this big of a front runner for Oscar since LOTR: ROTK.
122 1-16-2011 at 7:56 pm
Roger said...
Looks like Social Network table was already standing even before michael douglas said the name!
123 1-16-2011 at 7:57 pm
JJ1 said...
Blah. For as much as I loved Slumdog, I hated it’s dominance. Ditto The Social Network. Good show, though. Good night. :)
124 1-16-2011 at 7:57 pm
McAllister said...
Boring night. A few highlights though… first that comes to mind? Emma Stone looking so hot as a blonde.
125 1-16-2011 at 7:58 pm
Andrej said...
So The Social Network wins. Awesome. ☺
A pity for Inception to go home without a win, though. Oh well, it has a bunch of tech and arts and crafts awards from everyone and their mom to compensate.
126 1-16-2011 at 7:58 pm
Roger said...
I wonder if TSN can make the same LOTR did and take them all… I think it will depend on the acting nominations… P.S. Rick Gervais was Really bad!
127 1-16-2011 at 8:00 pm
MovieMan said...
Uh. Megan Fox presented “The Tourist,” Kris. FYI.
128 1-16-2011 at 8:01 pm
andrew M said...
I don’t care if it was obvious, Social Network deserves it. Love Andrew, Jesse, and David stayed sitting.
129 1-16-2011 at 8:02 pm
Speaking English said...
“Thank you God for making me an atheist.” – Best closing line to an awards show?
130 1-16-2011 at 8:02 pm
P.S. said...
I want Ricky Gervais at the Oscar.
131 1-16-2011 at 8:06 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
MovieMan: Thanks. Heh.
132 1-16-2011 at 8:06 pm
Frank Lee said...
@McAllister: Emma Stone, I believe, is a natural blonde. Her director asked her to dye her hair red for “Superbad,” and she kept it for a while.
133 1-16-2011 at 8:07 pm
red_wine said...
A million dollar prize has just been announced for the first awards body that awards something other than Social Network.
134 1-16-2011 at 8:08 pm
Chris138 said...
I saw a crappy quality version of Bale’s speech on YouTube since I wasn’t home yet when the show just started. I agree with what you said; he was doing so well with the speech until the very end when he was trying to slip in a shout out that you say was for Robert De Niro. A bit unnecessary, but I’m glad he won.
135 1-16-2011 at 8:10 pm
Jacob S. said...
“Earlier in the speech, though, he paid lovely homage to “The Fighter” actor and producer Mark Wahlberg. “You can only give a loud performance like mine when you have a quiet, stoic anchor,” he said.”
Spot-on. Bale’s performance was amazing, no-doubt, but Wahlberg is being overlooked because of his performance’s quiet nature.
136 1-16-2011 at 8:16 pm
andrew M said...
I was thinking the exact same thing about Brangelina, Kris. Shame they didn’t cut to him when Flincher won, seeing how he’s Fincher’s go to man. That probably was the one time he was excited.
137 1-16-2011 at 8:19 pm
Speaking English said...
I have to say, I really really enjoyed that. I’m confused at the jibes at DeNiro – I thought the speech was hilarious.
138 1-16-2011 at 8:33 pm
PaulH said...
To: Paul Lee, ABC Entertainment President
From: TV viewers across America
Dear Mr. Lee,
I must be the bearer of bad news, as NBC has somehow aired your scheduled February 27 telecast of the Oscars this evening (!!). I do feel a lot of regret in telling you this, as your scheduled Sunday night event, including a now-expanded 90-minute red carpet show has been rendered stupendously and epically irrelevant by the events at the Beverly Hilton this evening.
My suggestion? I would schedule a 3-hour Dancing with the Stars premiere episode, as in moving it up from your previously scheduled date. If you remain determined to air your awards show, a lot of folks may not want to watch a repeat of it, since every mother-frakking single major category, save for original screenplay has pretty much been foretold already with breathtaking unity.
Better luck next year, Mr. Lee. Apologies.
Respectfully yours,
PaulH (representing, he hopes, is a lot of people here)
139 1-16-2011 at 8:44 pm
red_wine said...
Oh yeah and what an utter shame about Edgar Ramirez. Really Al Pacino in Jack over Ramirez in Carlos? The worst result of the night.
Edgar Ramirez is the film. Its so foolish to award the film and not him. One can only hope the SAGs will have more sense.
140 1-16-2011 at 9:25 pm
Zac said...
PaulH,
I would have went with something like this:
Dear Mr. Lee,
Some assholes at NBC are hijacking your airwaves and airing their version of the Oscars.
Thanks,
America
Google Cleveland Browns fan letter if you don’t get it.
141 1-16-2011 at 9:28 pm
PaulH said...
LMAO, Zac. That’s the short, non-PC version :D
142 1-16-2011 at 9:46 pm
Maxim said...
Kris,
The difference between a clown and Golden Globes emcee is that one was not paid to act like a clown. Sorry for thinking they hired Gervais and not David Brent.
Point is, there was no precedent of Gervais behavior in Globes history, he invented himself, all by himself. And I for one, do not think, many at HFPA would feel they got what they bargained for.
Feel free to disagree of course, but in my opinion, Globes lived and die by a sense of Glamour and with Gervais playing the host, that sense is at an all time low.
What exactly is he good for again?
143 1-16-2011 at 10:05 pm
DylanS said...
I feel like Leo’s win should be taken with a grain of salt. Steinfeld’s lack of a nomination had nothing to do with her performance, as the film was entirely snubbed. SAG could really show up for her in a big way, but even if they don’t, and I don’t think they will, I don’t think this will be a cake-walk for Leo.
144 1-16-2011 at 11:09 pm
Kyle t. said...
For all of their Cockameemee nominations, I felt that the HFPA played it too safe. I would have paid good money to see the reaction of the room had Jolie taken the prize home over Benning. it was just further proof that they think nominations = ratings.
And I’m usually pretty quiet on these forums, but I just want to note that I think it’s a little scary that there seems to be a general consensus that people are sick of The Social Network dominating the awards circuit. Is it wrong that a thoughtful and expertly crafted film is the general consensus for the Best film of the year? All of the sighing on here and other websites seems to indicate that the public doesn’t hold the film in as high regard as the film industry does. I, personally, don’t see its winning streak as anything other than a very good thing for the future of intellectual, grownup movies. I also don’t believe that it’s indicative of ‘following’. I just think it’s the strongest candidate from the 2010 films to be remembered in 20, 30 years.
145 1-16-2011 at 11:44 pm
john t. said...
Anne Hathaway looked hot at the Golden Globes.
Annette Bening never gives good speeches ( nor energetic speeches) . This can hurt her Oscar chances.
146 1-16-2011 at 11:51 pm
Hans said...
@Kyle t. The same thing happened in 2008 with Slumdog dominance. The thing is, though, 2008 was an extremely weak year for film, and Slumdog was the only film most everyone could really agree on succeeded at the highest level of filmmaking. This year, though, we had so many great films come out that the Social Network dominance just seems uninspired. It’s my #4 picture of the year, granted, and, yes, if my #1 film (Inception) were the dominating one, I’d probably be singing a different tune, but even still, I would acknowledge that this shouldn’t be a year that’s all about one film.
147 1-17-2011 at 12:29 am
jake said...
Ricky Gervais was too sarcastic and just not funny this year — way too mean spirited. Should have been Jake Gyllenhaal. This is why the oscars should move to March — there is absolutely no suspense in any of the categories this year — if voters had time to actually see all the films, their choices may change. Remember when the pianist suddenly came on strong when chicago was the front runner — that was when the show was in march. The oscars are just stupid to even think about moving this show any sooner because they will NEVER be the first ones out of the gate –with all these critics awards. The Academy awards is still the most prestigious awards why do they need to assert themselves earlier and reduce their importance and shorten the time that voters and audiences can actually see the nominated performances. In most of the country, you can’t even see Blue valentine or 127 hours or rabbit hole.
I just don’t get how the social network is that great to win award after award. Is inception just too cerebral despite its originality? But I guess compared to black swan, which i thought was a total mess and true grit — a total bore — the social network is the best, but my pick would be inception or the fighter.
And I would much rather see the always a bridesmaid never a bride — amy adams to finally win the oscar — she has long deserved it and this performance was toe to toe with melissa Leo. and the best performance of the year is NOT natalie portman — it’s Nicole Kidman or annette bening.
148 1-17-2011 at 12:31 am
sam said...
Do jeff bridges and robert duvall really have to take up deserving slots that should go to ryan gosling and Leonardo dicaprio and/or Mark Wahlberg? Bridges just won and they are not gonna give it to duvall either. the list should always be the best of the best.
149 1-17-2011 at 1:18 am
Vn said...
The voters for the Oscars are the Critics. Branches do not see movies, voters just vote what critics said they should vote.
150 1-17-2011 at 2:21 am
the other mike said...
have to agree with Maxim. Gervais was mean spirited. How anybody can celebrate this is beyond me. No one minds a few humorous digs, but there was definitely some unpleasant sting in his jokes.
And Armond White is funnier, albeit unintentionally. They are pretty much the same character. They both have an intellectual superiority complex and are extreme attention seekers. I mean, who the heck agrees to host The Golden Globes? Come on is that all that is on offer for Gervais?
151 1-17-2011 at 3:56 am
Graysmith said...
Anyone complaining about Gervais must not be very familiar with his kind of humour, which generally revolves around making you feel as uncomfortable as possible. Of course he was paid to behave like this, it’s his thing. Comparing him with Armond White’s sociopathic tantrum is completely inaccurate.
That said, it was an odd show. A really odd one. It’d been one thing for Gervais to throw his punches, but everyone else kind of joined in doing it and it was just a really odd vibe.. Like De Niro’s speech, which had its moments but still seemed like a really bizarre speech to give while receiving a lifetime achievement award (even if it’s only at a drunken Golden Globes).
152 1-17-2011 at 4:28 am
André said...
was Bale’s speech censored in the US?? here in Brazil I heard everything he said, and it was GREAT!
weird as hell, but great (which kinda sums up Christian Bale for me).
153 1-17-2011 at 4:51 am
AnneW said...
I really liked Ricky in The Office. And despite the Golden globes, i still like him.
154 1-17-2011 at 5:28 am
Joe7827 said...
Observations going by the premise that the Globes are not an awards precursor, but an acceptance speech precursor:
* Christian Bale will win the Oscar. I think he charmed the pants off everyone.
* Nice smooth-over touch by the “Social Network” people to thank Mark Zuckerberg.
* I liked David Fincher’s speech. But really, bringing a 3-page typed thesis as your speech?
* Natalie Portman looked like a deer trapped in headlights up there. What she said was charming and sweet, though. (Certainly more charming and sweet than Annette Bening.) And classy move bringing her parents.
* Surprise nomination for Paul Giamatti? What a classic speech.
155 1-17-2011 at 7:24 am
JJ1 said...
Kris, I’m curious, what about Melissa Leo’s speech wasn’t graceful? I think she always handles herself well up there (also from Friday, and ’08 at the Indie Spirits, etc.).
I loved The Social Network. It’s a great film. But I’m sorry. As an avid, unabashed Oscar buzz fan … there’s just very little that’s interesting in the race this year. A TKS or Fighter win here would have made me happy; as Avatar winning last year made me ‘very’ happy because I KNEW AMPAS would go for The Hurt Locker.
Even the year Return of the King won … we all knew it was cleaning up at the Oscars (for what it was). But that movie sure as Hell didn’t win every critics award down the pike.
As for Ricky Gervais, who I do not normally love, I thought he was better this year than last because he was more outrageous. Having said that, one moment I was busting a gut at the craziness of his jokes, the next I was cringing because I (and others I know) felt he stepped over the line for a few. Overall, he was fine; better than last year.
156 1-17-2011 at 7:36 am
Robert said...
Annette was a class act. Her speech was better than her last win. Like Natalie’s, too, but she did too much giggling at one point.
157 1-17-2011 at 9:15 am
Graysmith said...
Gotta say I’m rather bummed that the season is already over. the BFCAs and Golden Globes could’ve provided some drama but now all the major above-the-line categories are a done deal. Picture? Check. Director? Check. Actor? Check. Actress? Check. Supporting Actor? Check. Supporting Actress? Check. Original Screenplay? Check (with reservations). Adapted Screenplay? Check.
Might as well call it a day already. Well, maybe after tomorrow since the BAFTA nominations should be a bit more interesting in their Brit-centric way.
158 1-17-2011 at 9:54 am
Kyle t. said...
@Hans
I agree that this year was a much stronger year than 2008. And oddly enough, TSN sits at number three on my list (I’m a die hard fan of Toy Story 3, at number 2, and my unpopular number one choice is Never Let Me Go), I still feel like it’s so strange that backlash would start just because it’s dominance makes the awards season ‘boring’ for those who follow the circuit. I put its success up to the fact that very few films are made like it anymore (and are successful, to boot).
@Graysmith
I’m not so sure the Supporting Actress award is a lock. The combination of Leo, Adams and Steinfeld will make for some interesting voting percentages within the academy. After 1996 and Juliette Binoche came out of nowhere to beat Lauren Bacall, I always say anything can happen.
159 1-17-2011 at 9:54 am
Keil Shults said...
i don’t think it was a joke, subtle or otherwise
some people realize it’s a wonderful movie
end of story
160 1-17-2011 at 10:05 am
Charlie said...
I thought Gervais was absolutely brilliant. When the art of acting becomes sacrosanct, I personally take it as a vindication of the 2012 Apocalypse conspiracy – luckily we have someone like Gervais who can come in and remind us all that what these people are doing is great craft but that they are still humans.
If I saw Gervais host an awards show lauding the accomplishments of aid workers in Africa then that’s when he goes too far.
Context is everything and in the context of An Awards Show Patting Multimillionaire Hollywood Actors On The Back it is my firm belief that what some take as mean spirited is really only their sensitivity and inability to laugh at themselves in a venue that, outside of the industry, not very many people take particularly seriously.
161 1-17-2011 at 10:07 am
Charlie said...
And when you invite millions of people from outside of the industry into your show via television, then that means he is no longer hosting for the room
162 1-17-2011 at 10:24 am
/3rtfu11 said...
This is the best Golden Globes telecast because of Ricky. Next year will be vanilla; and host-free.
163 1-17-2011 at 10:53 am
deeks said...
I’ve just seen Ricky Gervais’ opening monologue on Youtube. Don’t know about the rest of the night but I thought the monologue was brilliant – and to be honest it seemed to go down pretty well with the audience as well.
164 1-17-2011 at 11:10 am
Speaking English said...
***The same thing happened in 2008 with Slumdog dominance. The thing is, though, 2008 was an extremely weak year for film, and Slumdog was the only film most everyone could really agree on succeeded at the highest level of filmmaking.***
Whenever I hear this I am greatly, greatly perplexed. 2008 was probably one of the strongest years of the last decade, and one of the reasons 2010 looked so poor in comparison was because of the amazing lead-up 2008 and 2009 gave us. The real weak year was indeed last.
165 1-17-2011 at 12:11 pm
Nicolas Mancuso said...
Really? I thought 2008 was a fairly weak year in general. The films that made my top 10 were extraordinary, but beyond those ten and maybe a few more, everything was so mediocre. I’ve never given out so many B’s as I did in 2008.
166 1-17-2011 at 12:36 pm
Marv said...
Over all; I thought Ricky Gervis to be entertaining. He went overboard with the Robert Downey joke’s though. I just thing addiction is something that should be strayed away from; in a public forum like that. But! That’s just me.
167 1-17-2011 at 12:52 pm
Speaking English said...
Nicolas:
Milk, WALL-E, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Let the Right One In, Man on Wire, Hunger, Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler, Waltz with Bashir, The Dark Knight, Rachel Getting Married, Doubt, The Class, Australia, Burn After Reading, Frozen River, In Bruges, Happy-Go-Lucky…
168 1-17-2011 at 1:17 pm
Nicolas Mancuso said...
In my opinion, Milk, Wall-E, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Australia were average at best. Doubt, meanwhile, was just terrible (IMO, again).
2009 was an amazing year, though. I agree with you there!
169 1-17-2011 at 1:30 pm
Kristopher Tapley said...
I don’t think “Australia” bolsters any argument in favor of 2008 as a “strong” year.
I thought 2008 was nearly the weakest year of the decade, personally, eclipsed only by 2005.
170 1-17-2011 at 2:36 pm
eurocheese said...
My least favorite year of the decade: 2003. Weak as hell.
BTW Kris (or someone else), which film did Gervais say was his favorite (the one you mentioned was assumed sarcasm)? I missed that.
171 1-17-2011 at 2:44 pm
JJ1 said...
I actually enjoyed 2008 a lot because I really, really enjoyed The Dark Knight, Slumdog Millionaire, Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda, Milk, Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Reader, Australia, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Doubt, The Wrestler, Rachel Getting Married, Frozen River, The Class, In Bruges, I’ve Loved You So Long, Man on Wire, Boy A, Revolutionary Road, 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days, Let the Right One In, The Black Balloon, etc..
I liked 2008 a hell of a lot better than, say, 2009 or 2005.
But then, every year, I can find 15-20 films that I thought were either really good or exceptional anyway (8.5s or higher out of 10 type movies).
172 1-17-2011 at 3:04 pm
Patriotsfan said...
Ricky Gervais showed last night why he is currently my favorite comedian. Too bad some of the narcissistic people in the room couldn’t lighten up a bit more.
173 1-17-2011 at 4:03 pm
Zac said...
“I thought 2008 was nearly the weakest year of the decade, personally, eclipsed only by 2005.”
If I measured each year by how many masterpieces I saw, 2005 was the strongest for me: Munich, Batman Begins, Brokeback Mountain and Crash. Also by that criteria, 2003 would be the weakest since that was the only year with just 1 masterpiece: Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, which ironically was my top film of the decade. Maybe because it was so strong, everything else paled in comparison?
That being said, I think 2008 was the weakest year of the decade. It was the only year where none of the 5 Best Picture finalists appeared on my Top 10. Usually I can count on at least 1 movie in my Top 10 to find its way to the Best Picture race.
174 1-17-2011 at 4:14 pm
Speaking English said...
Whatever, I love “Australia” and I stand by it.
Incidentally, I’m also a big fan of 2005. Any year with “Brokeback Mountain,” “Munich,” “Capote,” “Caché,” “A History of Violence,” “2046,” “Walk the Line,” “King Kong,” “The Constant Gardener,” “Millions,” “The New World,” and “Good Night, and Good Luck.” deserves praise.
Honestly, I feel if you look thoroughly enough any year will reveal tons of great films. 2010 is an anomaly for me.
175 1-17-2011 at 4:23 pm
Jacob S. said...
“Synecdoche, New York” alone makes 2008 a great year for me.
176 1-17-2011 at 4:37 pm
Ashley said...
eurocheese: The Social Network
177 1-17-2011 at 6:29 pm
JJ1 said...
Thank you, Speaking English. I, too, love ‘Australia’, unabashedly.
And funny enough, there isn’t anybody I know who’s seen it that doesn’t love it.
I understand “why” it isn’t universally loved (critically or otherwise). But I definitely enjoy.
178 1-17-2011 at 6:40 pm
Joe7827 said...
Can we all agree that this year comparison exercise is all in the eye of the beholder? (By the way, I might not love “Australia”, but I certainly liked it a lot. Exactly the kind of epic filmmaking that we need more of.)
179 1-17-2011 at 7:30 pm
JJ1 said...
Agreed, Joe. It is all in the eye of the beholder. And yes, we need the epics around; including The Way Back, dammit. :)
180 1-18-2011 at 9:39 am
Ligaya said...
Kristopher and Andrew M: I didn’t watch the GG, but…
Behold Brad and Angelina smiling, clapping (sitting and standing) and woohooing – seeming to enjoy themselves and cheering others.
http://jezebel.com/5735946/brangelinas-golden-globes-pda-an-analysis#comments
181 1-18-2011 at 9:47 am
Ligaya said...
Also, Rolling Stone’s account of Angelina and Brad’s other (possible) activities:
“The funniest moment? Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt got busted sneaking back into the room. They were flamboyantly entwined all night, with Angie suggestively adjusting Brad’s bowtie at one point right before a commercial break. Then the camera caught them slipping back to their table together, walk-of-shame-style, after a mysterious absence — perhaps to ‘adjust the bowtie.’ A few moments later, she was conspicuously re-applying her lip gloss. Subtle! No doubt it was totally innocent, right? But they looked suspiciously post-coital the rest of the evening — in fact, they were almost mellow enough to chuckle at Gervais’s jokes. Almost.”
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/pop-life/golden-globes-2011-bitchiest-awards-show-ever-20110117