What did the Globes tell us? It's anybody's game.
"Dreamgirls" got a giant boost last night in the form of a Best Picture, Comedy/Musical win at the Golden Globe awards. I filed some thoughts on the Paramount after-party late yesterday evening, but rest assured, relief was the tone of the room. While this win will fend off the attack dogs who were undoubtedly ready to pounce, the two top categories last night make it rather clear that this race is wide open.
As of right now, three films have won Best Picture at the major precursor awards shows. In all likelihood, "Little Miss Sunshine" will win Best Ensemble at the SAG awards bringing the race to four. No consensus is forming, no ending has been written. THIS is awards watching!
I gave the show a look on TiVo when I got home, and by far the most affecting speech was Forest Whitaker's, extremely appreciative, eyes darting around the room as if he'd awake from this dream at any moment. It was also a pleasure seeing Steven Spielberg take the stage with Clint Eastwood, and then later handing the Best Director trophy to Martin Scorsese. All well-deserved wins.
Alexandre Desplat's win for "The Painted Veil" (was I the only guy predicting this?) gives him ample boost toward that Oscar nod I have suspected for him ever since seeing that wonderful film, and perhaps even more added momentum for a joint nod for "The Queen." A big congratulations there. And Peter Morgan getting some love for "The Queen" makes a lot of sense, since he (along with Jeremy Brock) was responsible for bringing "The Last King of Scotland" to the screen in the form of one of the year's finest films.
Oh, and Sacha Baron Cohen never ceases to double me over with side-splitting laughter. Never.
But what can you say of an awards show so willing to be liberal across the board? It's great that the HFPA want to spread the wealth, but it also keeps the state of the race in a holding pattern. Until the DGA, PGA, SAG and other guilds start announcing winners, the entire race really feels like a free-for-all.
Comments
I predicted The Painted Veil as well. Didn't feel like an obvious winner in the category, and they clearly love him since they nominated him for Syriana last year, which I don't think anyone even thought was a possibility. This was his third nomination in like four years, so it just seemed right that they'd finally reward him.
Big question marks for this category at the Oscars though. The Queen or The Painted Veil.. or both? or none? Same with Philip Glass and The Illusionist and/or Notes on a Scandal. one, both, none?
The only one I feel somewhat comfortable with predicting at the moment would be Zimmer and The Da Vinci Code. It could easily miss, but it's been nominated for the Grammy, the Golden Globe and the Satellite, and I think it's the only one that's done that. The other four could be any number of scores, frankly.
Posted by: Grizzly![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.incontention.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| January 16, 2007 01:16 PM
That Forest Whitaker speech was terrible...dull and pointless...Peter O'Toole would definitely had a much better speech. I dont get all the love for Whitaker and I cant believe that the Best Actor race is done
Posted by: Michelle![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.incontention.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| January 16, 2007 03:15 PM
Kris, I don't understand why you think Alan Arkin will be nominated for Little Miss Sunshine. I just saw the movie and he's barely in it. Even the parts he's in, they're even close to oscar worthy. I guess I just don't see how his performance warrants a nomination. If anything, Damon or even Baldwin should be nominated for The Departed.
Posted by: Mr. Gittes![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.incontention.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| January 16, 2007 04:52 PM
The actors have already nominated him for the film once this year (SAG). That's more than enough reason as it is.
Honestly? I think he's the threat to upset Murphy for the win.
Posted by: Kristopher Tapley![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.incontention.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| January 16, 2007 05:19 PM
On the Supporting Actress side, is the race really as sewn up as everyone is saying? Maybe it's just wishful thinking but I still maintain that Rinko Kikuchi completely outdoes Jennifer Hudson.
Posted by: Jamie![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.incontention.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| January 16, 2007 05:59 PM
So is Nicholson done? He's my favorite.
Posted by: Mr. Gittes![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.incontention.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| January 16, 2007 06:53 PM
I predicted Desplat. He's a genius. Just phenomenal and so glad he won! And for a movie with no other nominations!
I also think it's a battle between Murphy and Arkin.
Gotta say I agree that Whitaker's speech was bad. Are Oscar voters going to want a wild and vibrant speech from someone like Smith? A standing ovation and a possibly cheeky gushing speech from O'Toole? Or a mumbling incoherent one from Whitaker? Everyone I was watching the show with couldn't watch it. Others were emotional and kept it in check.
Posted by: KamikazeCamelV2.0![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.incontention.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| January 16, 2007 11:28 PM