JENN McKINLAY: It’s that season, folks. Award Show Season! From January through March, we have so many award shows. It’s crazy! We have the Golden Globes, the Critics Choice, the BAFTA, the SAG, and then the mother of them all–the Oscars.
Here's the full list: https://deadline.com/feature/awards-season-calendar-oscars-emmys-golden-globes-list-1234814076/
Honestly, I have very mixed feelings about these award shows. First, how many awards do y’all need to give yourselves? Just sayin’. Second, if I’m not nominated (LOL) why should I care? And third, oooh, look at all the sparkly people–okay, bring me the popcorn!
See? I’m conflicted. Mostly, I think film award shows are a big snooze, especially if I didn’t get a chance to see every film that was nominated. But back when I was a librarian, my friend Joe Cajero and I would open up the Vanity Fair website while we worked the reference desk the morning after an awards show and we would dish about all of the outfits – boys and girls – and we’d laugh ourselves stupid doing terrible Joan Rivers-esque commentary. Good times!
Refreshingly, the Golden Globes this year were wonderful. A perfect antidote to last year’s Oscar debacle. Heartfelt and hilarious speeches from actresses and actors who have done their time in the industry and were FINALLY recognized. I loved it! (Probably, because I saw both Everything Everywhere All At Once and White Lotus). Although, full disclosure, I didn't watch the show but caught the highlights the next day, as you do.
How about it, Reds? Do you watch award shows?
HALLIE EPHRON: The one award program I always watch is the TONY AWARDS. I’m a huge Broadway fan and you get to see scenes and musical numbers performed by the original Broadway casts. Priceless. And in the event that I DO get to NY and sometimes it seems like need to win the lottery (SO expensive!) I know which plays are at the top of my list when I get to the front of theTKTS discount ticket line.
Otherwise I do skip the other awards. Completely. Except for looking up what Tom and Lorenzo have to say about the outfits the next day.
Jenn: Love the fashion critiques! But in my eyes, Michelle Yeoh can do no wrong.
RHYS BOWEN: I’m with Hallie about the Tony’s. I love musical theater. But the others? The hideous dresses on the red carpet? All those speeches thanking the little people? No thanks. Having said that I do watch the Oscars sometimes.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: I rather guiltily confess that I love the awards shows. My daughter and I like to message gossip as we watch. Of course I've seldom seen more than one or two films, but it gives me a chance to sample what I might like to watch. After the Golden Globes (which I really enjoyed) we watched The Fablemans and Everything Everywhere All At Once and loved both. I just saw the nominations for the Baftas and they have SNUBBED Spielberg and The Fablemans! I am shocked! Although it is a very Amercian-experience film, but still!
LUCY BURDETTE: Before Covid, we liked watching the Oscars and made a big effort to see most of the best pictures, and also the shorts. (The Tropic Cinema in Key West brought these to town, and we always felt a bit like insiders.) These days we’ve only been to the movies once, so I doubt we’ll be watching anything!
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I always used to watch the Tony awards and the Oscars with Youngest, and Debs talking about “message gossiping” makes me realize I should make a date with her to enjoy the shows together. They’re always so much more fun when you’re with other people, virtually or not.
One of the things I love to do when award shows are on? Follow the Twitter stream. Pick a hashtag and stick with it - there is always so much delightful wit and snark on display.
OMG, We need to do our own Jungle Reds Oscar group-watch livestream.
Jenn: YES!!! That would be a hoot!
HANK PHILLIPI RYAN: Julia! We DO! I will confess that I love any kind of competition about anything. It is SO sad, and so un-self-actuallzed, and I feel very guilty about it.
You have to remember, if you will, that I was maybe 10 when I watched my first Miss America, and back then, to a little girl in the fifties, it was a really fun thing to watch with my mother. And actually aspirational. I still think it’s complicated. And that’s probably another blog.
But awards shows for productions–again, I love competitions, as unenlightened as it seems. I love the clothes! I really do. And I love the speeches, and I love hating when they play music to stop them. And I love watching the fake approval on the faces of the audiences (and losers.)
I don’t believe that “winning” actually means that the thing was the best of the things, but as someone who has won (and lost) it’s much more fun to win, and it’s actually gratifying. I really enjoy seeing the winners be happy.. And fun to see something that you love win. Like-yeah, I knew that.
And yes,the Tonys, that’s a different deal. You get to see scenes, and that’s great. That’s totally value added.
And the Grammys are a great way of finding out what music you’re supposed to know about but don’t. And again, like all of them, SO much fun to yell at the clothing choices!
How about you, Readers? Any award show watchers out there? Yea or nay?
I usually tune into the Oscars ahead of time for the red carpet stuff and I watch the first hour or two, mostly for the people-watching, but I can't stay up late enough for the big prizes. One year I was visiting Los Angeles on that weekend, and my friend and I had a watch party - because it starts at five, not eight or whatever!
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived on the east coast I felt the same. We're on pacific time during the Oscars so we're on sync but I am less interested than I used to be.
DeleteI used to be a big award shows watcher. Now, not so much, well except for the Tonys. I will watch the Oscars and the Grammys for the outfits.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting how we've all grown away from them?
DeleteI used to watch all the major awards shows for TV, movies and music. Now? I may check out the winners list the day after the event but even that's not assured. I simply don't care much anymore because they typically don't nominate stuff I listen to or watch.
ReplyDeleteTake the Golden Globes this year. I know I'm supposed to be nice and say that I would love to see all the nominated films. But the truth is, there isn't a single movie amongst the major category nominees that I would bother to sit down and watch even if I was the one being paid. That's not to say they aren't good movies but they simply don't appeal to me.
And since the hard rock and heavy metal categories are given short shrift on the Grammys, why bother watching?
So I'll find other things to do on awards show nights. Good luck to those of you who like them.
100% I feel as if the movie/music I love never gets any respect (spoken in bad Rodney Dangerfield voice).
DeleteI used to watch award shows, especially the Oscars, once upon a time. There were always movies nominated that I didn't see, and movies I wouldn't watch (like Jay) if offered tickets. But, it got worse and worse. The fact that the actors whom I loved were never considered for awards, made me skeptical of the whole thing and in some cases bitter. The snubbing of directors and actors from the most popular movies is something that goes against common sense. So, no more.
ReplyDeleteIf I know about the Tony awards program, I will watch it.
So true. I'm such a chump I had no idea how hard the nominees worked the circuit to win - I have no idea why I was surprised, I've watched authors do the same thing at the Edgars - but still it makes it less magical. *sigh*
DeleteLike others, I used to watch the major awards show (Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys). Now, not so much, mainly because I haven't been watching most of the nominees.
ReplyDeleteBut I did watch some speech clips on Youtube, esp. for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Hurray for Michelle Yeoh & Ke Huy Quan (so emotional & grateful to be back on the screen after 30 years).
Really wonderful speeches! Lots of heart :)
DeleteSo pleased for both of them. Wonderful speeches, wonderful performances.
DeleteI used to watch the Oscars, but truthfully, I found it boring...and hard to stay up until the end to see which film won Best Picture. I have never watched the Tonys, but now I want to. Live scenes from the musicals would be very fun. Today I am totally out of the loop--the only time I have been to the cinema since 2020 is for a fund raiser for Willamette Riverkeeper, which showed 10 short environmental films.
ReplyDeleteI'd only seen two of the nominees for the Golden Globe best movie, so I get you.
DeleteIt used to be so easy, didn't it? There would be maybe two dozen films released a year, and it was a snap to see them. They were almost always at your local theater for a week, at least, even the duds, and sometimes they played at the discount theater, too. Now? Umpteen different kinds of movies, with as many ways to view them, some requiring subscription services. It's bewildering, and it's no longer a simple thing to stay well-informed about the movies. Or about TV programs, for even more of the same reason.
ReplyDeleteIt used to be a point of honor to me to stay on top of cultural stuff like this, to recognize stars and even bit players, but not so much any more. And that keeps me from enjoying awards shows as much. This year's host of the Golden Globes was a complete stranger to me. No clue at all who is is. My oldest daughter used to be the same; her guilty pleasure is People Magazine, and she could usually be counted on to give me the scoop on just about anyone. Not so much any more.
When Tom & Lorenzo first started they did recaps and critiques of the early Project Runway shows. In fact, their blog was originally called Project Rungay, in deference to their status as a gay couple, one of whom has a background in costume and theater. They broadened their scope to recapping loads of other shows, including a brilliant analysis of the costumes and set design of Mad Men, in particular. We did not have cable, but I read these religiously, and when I could finally watch the series I already knew all the characters, and could pick up on the subtle clues their costumes revealed about them. The red carpet critiques used to be hilarious, too. Such dry humor those guys have! I still enjoy seeing the gowns, but not nearly as much as I used to.
YES!!! A thousand times yes! You really hit the nail on the head, Karen. It's so much more complicated than it used to be.
DeleteFrom Celia: It’s the clothes, it’s the clothes! Goodness am I obsessed with fashion? Not so much ‘fashion’ but beautiful clothes made with extravagant fabrics. No, no skill at all in sketching a garment idea but a length of cloth and I’m in love. So do I watch the shows? Well not so much. I grew up in an age when tv was considered a little ‘common’, English snobbery. I do try hard to overcome it, but there’s that guilt so silly. But now having made a full confession perhaps I will lighten up. I do love movies though have not been near a theater since 2019 other than to enjoy the Met HD operas. Now why don’t they have an awards show though Amadeus did sweep the board that year. Yes I watch some of the O’s sometime but midnight? I’m off asleep. Still NYT the day after? Yes please for the parade.
ReplyDeleteIt's totally the clothes. :)
DeleteLike so many others, I used to but no longer do. As Karen from Ohio says, it used to be so simple to get out to the movies, but seems a herculean task to me these days. I'll catch up on speeches and beautiful clothes the next day, on my own time.
ReplyDeleteI thin the fact that I can see the highlight reels the next day is another reason I don't watch. Sleep is so much more compelling :)
DeleteAnd you can always see the best of and worst of online, of course. My mother used to say it was just as good to be a “ “worst of… “It was all about the attention. I never agreed with her :-)
ReplyDeleteFor some of those really wacky clothes: Do you think they think they actually look attractive?
Hank, I have come to believe it is the attention for some, especially the utterly crazy outfits worn for the Grammys and other music awards shows. The more skin revealed, it seems, the better.
DeleteAnd can we talk about the British awards shows, like BAFTA? That used to be a reliable event for truly wacky looks, although the participants seem to have upped their game more in the last few years.
Nothing is crazier than the Met Gala - good grief, the outfits!!!
DeleteHey, Cher's black feather headdress and Bob Mackie quasi-dress that she wore for the Oscars in '86 lives on...
DeleteThe Met Gala! Good grief is right!
DeleteI watched the Golden Globes for the first time this year, which I admit I enjoyed. It seems more collegial with less pomp and circumstance than the Oscars. I enjoyed the speeches and thought they were more meaningful in content - except I wish they could forgo all the thanks to everyone on the set who brought coffee, answered the phone...
ReplyDeleteIt does seem friendlier, doesn't it? Yes, the thank yous do get extended...sheesh.
DeleteI do love the Tonys and live theater awards do raise the bar on entertaining the audience. Thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteI used to watch the Oscars every year. One year a friend and I tried to see every film nominated for Best Picture. In the end, we only made it to the fun films on the list: Little Miss Sunshine, and The Queen. In the years since, I've fallen away from that goal, partly because so many of the films that get Oscar buzz sound like horrible stories that I don't want to spend even two hours of my life absorbing. The Menu? No thank you. This year I've seen next to nothing, although I do plan to watch The Fablemans. I'll probably watch the Tonys though.
ReplyDeleteYes, Gigi, horrible stories are so popular with critics. Why? Give me INDIANA JONES or leave me alone.
DeleteDefinitely add Everything Everywhere All At Once to the must watch list. It's great fun, and a very positive film.
DeleteYes! I agree with Debs. I loved EEAAO!!!
DeleteQuite Agree about these hideous clothes on the Red Carpet. I am laughing so hard here! My TV has a temper and I cannot change channels nor get captions. Years ago when I was able to watch TV, I noticed a FEW beautiful stylish gowns on the wives or older actresses. The next day the Fashion commentaries LEFT OUT these few gowns that I liked! Oh well....
ReplyDeleteBefore the pandemic, some of my acquaintances in San Francisco would throw a "Friends of the Academy" party at a fancy hotel in the City. I went once. Nuff said.
Regarding the comment about actresses over age 40, I was reminded of when my Mom became 40 years old. Back story: My grandmother wanted my Mom to become an actress / movie star. that was the LAST thing my Mom wanted to do even though she loved to act in school plays. I remember asking my Mom why she was SO HAPPY about becoming 40. She said "That means I cannot be a movie star". She was VERY HAPPY about that. My grandmother died a few years before my Mom became 40, though.
Used to watch the Oscars on TV IF there was CAPTIONS. Did anyone hear about what happened at Sundance? The Sundance Jurors WALKED OUT because Sundance REFUSED to caption the movies even if Marlee Matlin was one of the Jurors. I thought it was great that MM had so much support from other Jurors!
Thinking about my preference for watching STREAMING movies on my laptop. I am NOT a fan of going to the movie theater for many reasons. More likely to GET captions on Streaming Movies on my Laptop!
I remember when Phyllis Frelich won a Tony Award for her performance in Children of a Lesser God and that was the first time I heard of the Tony Awards.
When I tried to watch the Oscars on my streaming video, it was different from watching TV. There was nothing! So I looked at the clips the day after the ceremony. I am sure that they left out a lot of things that I would have been able to see on the TV.
Diana
You need someone to help you with your tv and iPad issues. I’m sure they can be easily fixed.
DeleteI'm so glad the jurors took a stand! I loved Marlee Matlin in CODA.
DeleteJenn, I’m glad the jurors took a stand! I loved her in CODA too! Diana
DeleteI’m not that much of an awards-ceremony sort of person. I think the last time I watched the Oscars was the year A Beautiful Mind was nominated for some awards. I loved that movie and I wanted to see if it won anything. (Yes!) But I haven’t been to the movies since two weeks before the pandemic shut everything down. Up until then, I had been going about once a month. I feel quite uneasy about returning, even though some friends have told me that there’s hardly anyone in the theaters during the day. (I won’t go at night.) At this point I have no idea which movies have been out there in the past year.
ReplyDeleteDebRo
I used to watch the Oscars faithfully but haven't seen the show in quite a while. Just lack of interest on my part. And the Tonys were a treat solely due to the musical numbers, but again watching that has lapsed. The only awards show I catch these days is the dog show on Thanksgiving! I'm riveted on the terrier class.
ReplyDeleteOops. I'am so apathetic I'm anonymous again. Pat D
DeleteI inadvertently caught the Thanksgiving dog show (with the grandkids, tv on...) and was completely enchanted by it. Had no idea what they were talking about half the time but it was totally riveting.
DeleteLove the dog show!!!
DeleteI used to watch Oscars and sometimes golden globes and occasionally Grammys--usually missed the Tonys, but always liked hearing about the winning Broadway shows. I stopped watching the Oscars because only certain kinds of movies seem to stand a chance of winning. I'll take a stand here--LOTR should have seen some awards for acting chops! Ditto Harry Potter! Since when did 'popular with the public' become 'not worthy of award-performances'?? And I do love design and fabrics, but rarely check the clothes out even the day after.
ReplyDeleteAlan Rickman got robbed. His portrayal of Snape was Shakespearean it was so good. Absolutely Oscar worthy.
DeleteMichelle Yeoh Everything everywhere all at once. That is all I have to say about award shows in 2023.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. She was phenomenal.
DeleteThe last Oscars I watched was the one in which the wrong winner of best picture was announced. I thought Moonlight was possibly the best picture of a decade and so I had turned away when La La Land was announced and did a double take when I heard somebody say wait wait it’s Moonlight! That was such a debacle and the kudos the Moonlight makers should have gotten were lost in all the confusion on stage. That pretty much killed the Oscars for me. And the dresses? Some of them are so vulgar wow some that I catch sight of the next day in the newspaper photos are not bad and a few of them are really wonderful, but it’s too much work to scroll through all of that dreck looking For really beautiful clothing. Gosh, that makes me sound like a real grouch doesn’t it?
ReplyDeleteNot at all. Sometimes you just have to call it out. As someone said above the worst dressed is definitely a thing that some of these people aspire to.
DeleteWe adored The Fablemans. Curious to know if anyone else has seen it? You can rent or buy it on Amazon Prime. It's expensive but less so than the cost of two movie tickets and popcorn these days, and there's nothing like being able to hit "pause" when you need a break, lol.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't even on my radar until you mentioned it. Definitely going to watch it.
DeleteI had never watched the Tony awards until 2006. They were on a week or so after I had moved to Plattsburgh and there was a LOT of buzz since one of the nominees for best performance by a leading actor in a musical. He won. So did his show Jersey Boys. Now I watch every year and enjoy it for reasons as so many others have said.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely one of the best ones.
DeleteI don’t watch the award shows , mostly because I don’t watch much TV or movies. Usually I will check out the clothes the next day online since that is the best part.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely the best part :)
DeleteI'm not a big fan of the awards shows, but I usually watch some of the Oscars. However, this year I remembered when the Golden Globes were on and decided to watch that. Now, when I say watch, it means I watch the announcement and presentation of the award, then usually mute the acceptance speech, unless it's someone I'm really interested in, like Jennifer Coolidge. I like seeing what the women and men are wearing, but there aren't many that I love. I'll watch the Oscars with my mute/unmute method. Now that you all have mentioned the Tonys and seeing scenes from the plays, I will probably tune in for some of that.
ReplyDeleteI mentioned speeches above. Can anyone who saw it ever forget dear Sally Field's acceptance speech that has been mocked all over the place, saying how she can't deny now that people like her. "I can't deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me!"
The above comments are from me, Kathy Reel. I thought I'd fixed it to comment with my name, but, apparently, I hadn't.
DeleteI loved Jennifer Coolidge's speech - F bombs and spoiler and all :)
DeleteBack in the day I used to watch all the award shows. For probably the last 10 years, I don’t watch them at all. I really could care less. I have just gotten tired of the lavish sets, lavish gift bags, crazy clothes, millions of dollars spent on rewarding people over and over. I don’t watch the movies or most of the tv shows. I don’t listen to most of the artists nominated for Grammies. Now if they televised book awards, I would watch every second!
ReplyDeleteThat would be something, wouldn't it? Book awards. I love it.
Delete