'http://notesfromnancy.blogspot.com
Blogarama
Previously published here.
Due to the writers' strike, certain changes happened to entertainment. Part of the problem, I believe, comes out not understanding compromise. Writers want compensation for contributions. Fair enough. After all, actors onscreen rely on a script. Otherwise, how would they know what to say?
I can hear readers already. What about theatre training? Improvisation uses games with individual rules. Props, for example, has actors form teams and make as many uses out of a piece of equipment as possible. Questions Only, is exactly what it says. The actors converse without using declarative sentences (harder than it sounds).
Television and movies are another ball game. The script is very specific, especially on those episodes where current events or specific topics play a role. Think about cop shows. Fiction? Of course. However, real life pokes its head in occasionally. Law and Order (Sam Waterson and company) is perhaps best known.
Production companies look out for the bottom line. Personally, I don't have a problem with actors making huge salaries. A popular character means someone will watch next week.
Double the writers' paycheck? Maybe not. This is unreasonable, which any writer knows. More people are to be paid than a handful of unhappies. SO - what they are asking is that salaries reflect changing technology. People purchase DVD's of favorite programs. Full episodes aired online still use a script.
Now, when award shows are cancelled because writers are complaining about unfair treatment, people pay attention. This is especially true for those nominated for the first time and never gave acceptance speeches.
NBC, scheduled to air the Golden Globes this year, compromised by having Billy Bush and Nancy O'Dell announce winners in a live event.
Best Picture Drama went to Atonement. This was the only award it received. Best Actor Drama was Daniel Day-Lewis for There Will Be Blood, followed by Julie Christie in Away From Her.
Best Picture Musical or Comedy went to Sweeney Todd. On the subject, could someone explain why Across the Universe and Charlie Wilson's War were part of this category? Comedy is an odd fit.
Johhny Depp's singing and acting helped him secure a win from Sweeney Todd. A newcomer, Marian Cotillard, won Best Actress Musical or Comedy for La Vie En Rose, the story of Edith Piaf.
Those who won Supporting catagories ensured there was not any sweep. Javier Bardem won as an actor for No Country for Old Men. Cate Blanchett won by being Bob Dylan in I'm Not There.
The Best Director went to Julian Schnabel with the work he did on The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Ratatouille scooped up Best Animated Film.
On the television side, the awards were a bit more expected. Not all, though. Considering most are up for SAG's, I doubt the losers are too upset.
Mad Men took home Best Drama Series. Jon Hamm took home a Globe as Best Actor from the same show. Those who enjoy the work of Michael C. Hall Dexter or Hugh Laurie House were probably shocked. I thought it was nice to see, myself. Both Hall and Laurie have been previously nominated for acting accolades (2008 Golden Globe nod to Hall for time #2, Laurie has WON the Emmy). Glenn Close won Best Actress Drama for Damages.
Samantha Morton won Best Supporting Actress Drama for Longford. Jeremy Piven won Supporting Actor as Ari Gold in Entourage. No surprise, three actors from the HBO smash series were nominated.
Best Series Musical or Comedy went to Extras. Cable shows continued their run of awards with Best Actor Comedy David Duchovny winning for Californication. Btw, the clip shown of him pantless proves he needs them. I would have chosen Lee Pace Pushing Daisies, but next year....Tina Fey won Best Actress Comedy for 30 Rock.
Although the hour only allowed for a handful of winners to be announced, interested readers can go to http://hfpa.org for a complete list.
