Golden Globes 2011

Sun 1/16/11 The weather was perfect today, so I left church and headed to Beverly Hills for this year's Golden Globe Award arrivals. This was my first year attending the GGs (last year rained cats and dogs plus I was fasting and praying for Haiti) so I was eager to get there and compare/contrast it to the Oscars. I got there about 3 pm and surveyed the set up. First off: Security was tight but they were very professional. They barricaded off all access to the Beverly Hilton (the GG venue)from blocks away and no one could enter without an entrance ticket. All the fans were relegated to the side-walk across from an official looking rear entrance on Wilshire Blvd with a blue awning and a side access street a half a block away.

I stayed at the rear entrance long enough to see NBC's Today Show host and weatherman, Al Roker artfully dodge on coming cars as he run across lanes of traffic, tuxedo jacket in hand. He was smiling and cheerful but obviously late. We shouted hello and thanked him in jest for the lovely weather and he waved back. I was a few feet from a small group of faux protesters protesting fake and contradicting causes in hopes of get on TV. They were loud and obtrusive so the police came over quite often and then they were eventualy told to leave.

I soon relocated to the star arrival street which was already lined with eager fans hoping that their favorite stars would drive by. However, as there was 1/10 of the crowd of the Oscars, everyone was able to line up along the main arrival street and get a real up close glimpse of the stars as they drove by in their limos dressed in their finest. I got a good position and waited for the sleek black limos to arrive, which they did at a regular pace.

Unfortunately, there were two so-called Christian protesters there with signs and they shouted judgemental things at the stars as they passed by in the limos and they also freely misused many scriptures. The majority of the crowd stated that they were Christian, too that they didn't like the protesters approach but people just mumbled it under breath. Most knew their Bible and had been to church earlier and some, like myself, were even heading back to church later in the evening. The male protester was quite aggressive and he began confronting the crowd with condemnation, too. Eventually, the crowd had had enough and we started rebuking him with Bible verses. The police came over and assessed the situation and relocated the protesters far from the main crowd, which was greeted with cheers of "God bless the cops"!

Seeing Stars:
I saw lots of stars as they rode by en route to the red carpet at the Hilton. Though, we had to whoop and holler a lot to have the limos stop and for the stars to roll down their windows and wave. I was the designated spotter and screamer so I didn't get any pictures(lol). Thankfully, my GG viewing friends e-mailed me a few later.

The Women:
We saw a smiling Amy Adams, Claire Danes, 30 Rock's Tina Fey and Jane Krakowski (I didn't even realize that she was pregnant 'til I viewed the red carpet arrivals later). Others seen included Helen Bodham Carter with her 80's hair, Julianne Moore, Edie Falco, Jane Lynch and the marvelous and always stylish, Helen Mirren.

The Men:
We saw chocolate handsomeness Edris Ilba (see photo), Ryan Gosling, funny man Steve Carrel (looking quite debonair) and rapper turned actor, LL Cool J, who licked his lips but did not roll down his window. Sean "Puff Daddy", "P. Diddy", "Bad money"? *rolls eyes* "whatever" Coombs rolled down his window but I didn't bother glancing his way. Paul Giamatti rolled down his window and waved to us like we were old friends while Thomas Jane just had a satisfied smile on his face.

Young Hollywood:
I was told that I missed Justin Bieber by about 15 minutes but that didn't stop me from calling out a feigned spotting just to see the teen crowd reaction-lol. I also did this for Robert Pattison who I was told had not been by us yet. I saw Jesse Eisenberg (Social Network) and the new Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield (he's also in Social Network). Then I saw Zac Effron (nearly unrecognizable with a shorter buzz hair cut) and Jake Gylenhaal(looking a bit embarrassed at all the attention). At 5:00 pm, Rob Pattison's limo was the last to whiz by but with windows rolled up as he was late for the red carpet.

Couples and Ensembles:
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas drove by with all smiles. Zeta-Jones looked absolutely lovely from the bodice up (I especially loved the earrings). I didn't exactly see Douglas but and I'm glad that he is is doing well. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie drove by with their windows up despite shouts and signs for them to "roll your windows down". They relented at the light and finally gave the crowd some great photo opps.

The cast of Glee predominated the arrivals, with each cast member arriving seperately in their own limos, to the thrill of the teens and college students in the crowd. The cast was very energetic and gave full access to their screaming fans but I only know a few of them on sight so it was not as thrilling for me.

Look-alike or Mistooks: I mistook a short haired blond actress for Carey Mulligan but it was actually Michelle Williams. Then I mistook January Jones for Nicole Kidman but Kidman drove by with hubby later. I also mistook Carrie Underwood for Julianne Hough but they really look alike anyway.

Writers, Producers, Directors:I saw Aaron Sorkin, then we spotted famed director, Steven Spielberg(Jaws, Jurassic Park)and the entire crowd erupted with cheers. I thought I had seen Quentin Taurintino too but instead it was a young actor named Christopher French.

Update:
The Golden Globe Coverage:
Unfortunately, I could not watch more than 5 minutes of the GG coverage thanks to host, Ricky Gervais. I normally like Gervais but he went too far tonight, I think. Not only was he unbelievably mean he was also vulgar at times and mostly unfunny (British humor be damned). His only funny joke was about the Tourist and even that one bit a bit too hard. I also didn't like Robert Downey, Jr.'s sexist comment about sleeping with the female nominees but I liked Tom Hanks and Tim Allen's rebuttal to Gervais' mean-spiritedness.

Golden Globe Fashion:
Best Dressed:
As I couldn't see the stars' outfits in the limos, I had to tune in to the red carpet arrivals on TV for the full picture. Olivia Wilde, Eva Longoria (black, form fitted gown with plunging neckline and a diamond detail at the waist) and Catherine Zeta-Jones (exquisite green satin fish-tail) were my best dressed picks but I gave the win to Longoria.

Pregnancy Fashion/Honorable Mention:
Natalie Portman looked gorgeous in a peachy dress with a red rose detail framing her baby bump.(Portman also rocked it at the SAG Awards on 2/6 wearing a white strapless gown with shimmery diamonesque inserts at the bodice and a lovely baby bump). Jane Krakowski looked gorgeous in a grayish blue gown with draping but the 6 inch staked heels that she wore could have been omitted (as the falling runway models can attest, they are unsafe pregnant or otherwise).

Worst Dressed:
Former fashion model, Heidi Klum took the prize but Leo Michelle (in red ruffle hell), Helen Bodham Carter (in 80's fashion hell)and Jane Lynch were close seconds. More Men: All of the men looked handsome and well outfitted and none made any missteps fashion-wise.

Oscars 2010: Nominations and Predictions

2/1/10
The Oscars nominations were announced today and I got an upfront look at the process when I was at the Sam Goldwyn building as they cleared the press and their credentials a day before the event. It was a big treat for me as, for a moment, I was mistaken to be part of the Hollywood press. This moment at the Oscars nomination credentialing felt very prophetic, as establishing myself as a Christian movie critic and entertainment industry journalist is one of the dreams that I have been praying very hard about.

Great To Be Nominated:
This will be an interesting Oscars to watch, as the Academy now has 10 nominee slots for each category. For those writers, actors, producers, editors and directors who were not nominated, I wish them better luck next time. I am also praying that I, too, will be a nominee for 'Best Original or Best Adapted Screenplay' and one day carry home an Oscar of my own.

See a full list of all those nominated at www.oscars.org

My Thoughts On The Nominations:
All things being equal, Up should win for Best Picture of the Year hands down! This movie was awesome and not just visually (hint: Avatar) because the script was great too. This movie made me laugh and it had great action and suspense with or without the 3D effects. In fact, this movie was so touching that I was brought to tears a few times.

If you haven't seen this movie get it on DVD and watch it because you won't regret it. I told everyone I know to go and see Up just like I did after seeing WALL-E last year and Beauty and the Beast a decade or more before (both could have easily won best pic of their respective year). IMHO, animated films are blowing their live action counter-parts out of the water, point blank. I think the Academy has gotten over its bias against animated films as it did when Lord Of The Rings:LOTR(a fantasy/sci-fi) won best pic in 2004. Plus, most of the voting members are old or getting there and Up has to be their top pick, too(lol). So Up should win, all things being equal of course.

Should Have been Nominated:
Though the post-apocalyptic movie, The Road, was a bit too dark for some, Viggo Mortensen's performance was great as well as that of the child actor who played his son, Kodi McPhee. They definitely should have received best actor and best supporting actor nods. I was also riveted by Heath Leadger's performance in The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (and the interesting way the other actors were substituted for him after his death) but I was disappointed about the film overall.

Shoo-ins to Win:
Jeff Bridges will win 'Best Actor' hands down and deserves it. Win or lose, I'm also glad to see that The Blindside(nearly $250 in box office) and Sandra Bullock were acknowledged and I can never hate on a Meryl Streep nomination... ever. I'm also rooting for Kathryn Bigelow to win Best Director over James Cameron, which would be a massive upset.

Ratings wise: THE ONLY reason I will be watching this year's Oscars is to see these women win as well as to see a Christian movie like The Blindside get a nod!

A Somber Golden Globes 2010

The 67th Annual Golden Globes are being held at 5 pm today at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. Hollywood royalty like Merly Streep, Sandra Bullock, Morgan Freeman, George Clooney and Matt Damon are all scheduled to walk the red carpet but it's bound to be a somber event in light of the tragic events in Haiti. This presents a great dilemma to the Globe's organizers and the HIFP: How does one rejoice over make-believe and play-acting and play dress up in your indulgent designer gowns and diamonds (thereby flaunting your wealth and abundance) when so many are facing a harsh reality and experiencing intense loss or lack? The contrast is so sharp that it is almost surreal.

Things aren't all bad though, many Hollywood stars have pledged millions and they are organizing a telethon to raised more funds at the end of the month. Unfortunately I haven't heard any stars (except Haitian-Americans) thank God or even ask for his help, saving grace and mercy on behalf of the people of Haiti. I was going to head down to the Golden Globes with a large sign that said "GOD, Save Haiti!" on one side and with a cross as the "t" in Haiti and "Pray for Haiti!" on the other side. I planned to lift it high in the air as the stars walked the red carpet but I realize appealing to them may be futile. Stars tend to be caught up in their own glory, status, wealth and accomplishments and it is hard for them to acknowledge The Most High God. If they do acknowledge God's existence, they say that He is mean to have caused death and destruction in the lives of people already downtrodden, like in the case of Hurricane Katrina and the situation in Haiti.

Case in point: Brad Pitt's recent statements that he "doesn't believe in God" reflects as much. By all reports, Brad Pitt donated millions to Katrina and worked selflessly for New Orlean's recovery, which was a blessing. He plans to do the same for Haiti and they could sure use the help. Brad Pitt and his mate/wife? Angelina Jolie have great influence in the U.S. and around the world so many will probably follow their lead and donate or volunteer to help Haiti. However, Brad Pitt still has no regard for the Lord and it's doubtful that he is praying for any of these victims.

And he's not alone. For my 2 and a half years in L.A. I've seen and heard from Hollywood stars, writers and major "talent" up close and rarely is their a mention or concern about God. Most feel it's what the industry requires and they are doing their jobs while others feel that Christians who believe the Bible are either uneducated or judgemental. Others want to look cool or hip so they expouse buddha, other eastern alternative religions or life-styles, or scientology over the Lord. Some do wear crosses but paired with dark clothing and tattoos with satanic references to keep their "street creds". It seems that Hollywood isn't "big" on God but thankfully He is "big" on them. I am praying that that God uses this same Hollywood star power and resources for His glory. Meanwhile, I'm going to stay home and pray. I may watch the Golden Globes telecast on NBC at 5 pm PST 8 pm EST and maybe Hollywood will surprise me.

Update 1/17/10 3:30 pm
It just started raining in LA so I tuned in to the Golden Globes red carpet arrivals to see the starlets with wet hair and damp gowns and there are umbrellas everywhere. All the stars are wearing lapel ribbons in red layered above blue and yellow ribbons(the colors of the Haitian flag) to show solidarity with the Haitian people and many are expressing their sympathy and support for Haiti relief. Everyone seems to be trying to make the best of the wet weather but it feels like the event will be somber indeed.

Update 1/17/10 6:00 pm

I tuned in to the GG for a moment:

The tone of the show seems to be a bit subdued but still good. The stars are seated in intimate settings arond small tables and they can be seen eating, drinking and conversing with each other. Some stars express sadness at the great loss of life in Haiti and many presenters and winners make frequent appeals for donations to a Haitian Relief fund at NBC.com. George Clooney looks especially affected and could be seen booking other stars to appear for the Hope For Haiti telethon on January 22.

As much as the tone seemed subdued, there were some very funny moments.

THE HOST:
Ricky Gervais is a wonderful host. He is poking fun at his fellow stars(past scandals -Mel Gibson), the Hollywood Foriegn Press and the Golden Globes(selling awards)and NBC (Conan v.s. Jay Leno).

Other Best jokes:

Mad Men winner-- Bar Mitzvah joke in answer to Drew Barrymore's comment

Fashion:

All the women look a bit under stated but classy. No obvious misses.

Best Dressed

Jeniffer Garner
Sophia Loren
Sandra Bullock
Drew Barrymore (except for the sparkly crystal porcupine attached to it)