1. As “movie award season” approaches, do you watch any awards shows? Which part of the shows do you enjoy the most: the “red carpet” part
or the actual awards show?
I dig them awards soirees. They are best watched in a group with a lot of booze. I used to like all the red carpet stuff, but now I think the time is right for Joan Rivers to retire.
2. Do you consider yourself a “movie insider”? Any guesses as to who will win the Academy Awards this year? Any personalfavorites?
I say that as long as Bill Murray is making movies, he should will all the Oscars. Honetly, I haven’t been paying any attention this year. I am sullen at the lack of hockey and it is effecting everything else I do. Let’s just say I am a cultural recluse and not really participating in society this year.
3. “Lord of the Rings – The Return of the King” is up for 11 Academy Awards. What do you think about that? (Eleven Oscars also went to “Titanic” and “Ben Hur” – did you see those movies?) Have you seen all of the Best Picture-nominated films?
I have hardly seen any of them – well except for “Lord of the Rings.” I am so far behind on movie watching. I hate spending $20.00 just to sit in a theater and watch a film. And I hate going to movies alone. My life, apparently is very complicated.
4. Which actor/actress, in your opinion, should have earned an Oscar but so far hasn’t? Is there an actor/actress who *has* received an Oscar but you feel shouldn’t have gotten it or wasn’t deserving?
Mira Sorvino didn’t deserve and Oscar. And neither did Joe Pesci. Come on people, these folks can’t act. I also have a hard time with Tom Hanks winning for “Forrest Gump,” as it seemed trite and gimmicky. Although his performance in Philadelphia was totally justified. I said a before that Don Cheadle deserves an Oscar, but I think next year, that will be a reality.
5. If you could create your own movie award and give it to someone, who would it be and in what category?
This is a tough question. I am a fan of the raspberry awards given to the worst of the movie industry each year. Along those lines, I suggest an award for best on screen death and the award goes to David Carradine in “Kill Bill II.”
Woo Hoo! I’m First!
1. I do tend to watch the larger awards programs. I guess my favorite part is the well choreographed opportunity they provide for voyeurism, complete with voyeurs/commentators.
2. Ever since the “Pantsless at the Emmy’s” incident in 1958, I lost my “insider” status. Nonetheless, I will weigh in with Oscar predictions:
Best Picture: “The Aviator”
Best Actor: Jamie Foxx for “Ray”
Best Actress: Annette Bening for “Being Julia”
Supporting Actor: Thomas Hayden Church for “Sideways.
Supporting Actress: Laura Linney for “Kinsey”
3. IÂ’ve never seen any of those three films. I typically do go do see all of the best picture nominees that sound interesting. . .but then the eventual winner rarely sounds interesting to me (I never saw Braveheart, Gladiator, Titanic, Unforgiven, Ghandi, Chariots of Fire, etc.)
4. Mark this on your calendar—I actually agree with RW. Neither Mira Sorvino, nor Joe Pesci deserves Oscars, nor did Marissa Tomei, Denzel Washington (Training Day), Roberto Benigni, Nicole Kidman, Geraldine Page (Meryl Streep was ROBBED that year), or Catherine Zeta Jones.
As for who deserves an Oscar—well, Maggie Smith and Meryl Streep give Oscar-worthy performances anytime someone screams, “Action!” So give them awards.
Also, Joan Allen, Laura Linney, Mark Ruffalo, Paul Giamatti, Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet, and Johnny Depp are all due.
5. My own award. . . . .the “Eddie”. . .. .it would probably be for outstanding work by an actor or actress who wasn’t wearing pants.