January 31, 2012 | 12:28 am

SAG Awards: The Talent get it Right

Posted by Misha Henckel

Follow me on

For an actor, there’s nothing like being recognized by your colleagues and peers. They are the ones who know what it takes to achieve excellence in the chosen craft. They know what it means to suffer years of rejection. They know how much hard work and “luck” is required for it to all come together. And last night, at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, they were the ones who picked the right film and the right cast to celebrate. “The Help” got the recognition it deserves as one of the best movies ever made about the American journey. Outstanding Ensemble in a Motion Picture winners Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, Bryce Dallas Howard, Cicely Tyson and Sissy Spacek et al, came together to portray a story that hits you deep in the gut, pulls and tugs at your heart, and makes you want to weep. Every one of them committed so completely to their roles, that the audience is transported back to 1960s Jackson, Mississippi. You’re there and you’re living out the drama. For Davis, who also won for Female Actor in a Leading Role and Spencer, who picked up the award for Female Actor in a Supporting Role, it must seem like they’re in the middle of a dream. But they’ve worked all their lives for this recognition. And it’s heartwarming to see them being so embraced by their fellow actors. When Davis received her award there was not a dry eye in the house.
Now let’s see if the Academy follows suit.
For a full list of last night’s winners: http://www.sagawards.org/awards/nominees-and-recipients/18th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards
Look for my Oscar series on the films nominated for Best Picture, very soon.

January 22, 2012 | 5:27 pm

Gabby Giffords: a Woman of True Courage

Posted by Misha Henckel

It was one of those events of the last year, that we could not get past: the attempted assassination of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her remarkable fight to recover from that gunshot wound in the head. Today, Gabby announced that she is resigning from Congress. It is undoubtedly a great loss for Washington. A true representative of the people, someone skilled at bringing people together to get the nation’s work done, is leaving. But Gabby may, already, be doing her greatest work. All of last year, she and her husband, Mark Kelly, have shown us what true courage (and true love) look like. If we ever were unclear about how to respond when darkness comes our way, we now have no excuses. Gabby Giffords is teaching us how to fight, every single day, to rise above it. We can only be grateful…

0 Comments — Leave your comment

January 16, 2012 | 2:02 pm

Highs and Lows at the Golden Globes

Posted by Misha Henckel

The HIGHS

Ricky Gervais, a bit tamer but delivering as expected, with a drink in one hand and expletives on his lips. He does his job, though, making sure nobody takes themselves too seriously.

Morgan Freemen is presented the Cecil B. DeMille Award, by Sidney Poitier and Helen Mirren, for his long and illustrious career. So well deserved and bringing some real depth to the evening. Now that he’s single again, he should hook up with Mirren and not just on-screen. They would make a very cute couple.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie doing their duty as Hollywood’s leading couple – the picture of elegance and sophistication. They didn’t take home any Globes but definitely get the nod for the “true match” award. And that’s no small feat.

George Clooney, accepting for Best Actor for the Descendents, takes time to acknowledge fellow nominee and good friend, Brad Pitt, for his significant humanitarian contributions. Clooney never forgets what’s really important.

Octavia Spencer, receiving Best Supporting Actress for The Help, quotes Martin Luther King (whose day is today) “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.” Thanks, Octavia!

The LOWS

Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet and Martin Scorsese are remarkable and who doesn’t love them. But things get a little predictable and, frankly boring, when they are nominated. Like last night, they always win.

Michelle Williams, accepting Best Actress for My Week with Marilyn - well deserved! But she seemed a bit too preoccupied with thanking her daughter. Award shows are not really the place to acknowledge your family so profusely. You should do that in private.

Kelsey Grammar, using his acceptance speech to acknowledge his current and, newly pregnant, wife - seems like he was trying too hard to make the point. Was it just part of the media war with his ex?

Seth Rogan, talking about his “giant erection,” may have made his co-presenter, Kate Beckinsale, crack up, but it seemed just tacky and inappropriate. Love you Seth, but leave the dirty jokes to Gervais. 

Look for my upcoming reviews of the Oscar nominated films and my “deeply insightful” comments about our culture leaders this award season.

0 Comments — Leave your comment