Golden Globe nominations/predictions.
December 20th, 2001
Golden Globe nominations/predictions
by Darwin Mayflower.
Your ever-loving buddy Darwin Mayflower here with the Golden Globe nominations. Lets dive right in --
BEST FILM OF THE YEAR (DRAMA):
A BEAUTIFUL MIND
IN THE BEDROOM
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE
MULHOLLAND DR.
No contest: MULHOLLAND DR. all the way. This is a perfect Golden Globe movie, too. Ill admit to being a MULHOLLAND DR. fanatic. But the truth is not only did MULHOLLAND give me the most magical movie experience of this year -- it was probably the most deeply affecting, riotous, brain-slamming experience Ive had in years. MULHOLLAND is one of those films -- like PSYCHO, CITIZEN KANE, THE GODFATHER, TAXI DRIVER, PULP FICTION -- that people should build shrines to.
THE MAN WHO WASNT THERE is almost as deserving. Its great to see IN THE BEDROOM get so much recognition.
Surprise:
LORD OF THE RINGS making the cut.
Where is...
WITH A FRIEND LIKE HARRY? Weve heard about Hitchcockian thrillers for ages. Here was a film that actually came through with that, and expanded and improved on the masters techniques.
Who will win:
MULHOLLAND DR.
Who should win:
MULHOLLAND.
*
BEST FILM (MUSICAL OR COMEDY):
BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY
GOSFORD PARK
LEGALLY BLONDE
MOULIN ROUGE
SHREK
No offense to the gifted filmmakers who worked on the above, but this is a pretty moribund list of films. I guess the proof is that Greasy Reeseys film got a nom.
BRIDGET is simply not my cup of tea. Nor is BLONDE. I love musicals, but ROUGE was more like being trapped in a madhouse run by the patients. SHREK is about as much fun as you can have at a movie, but...
GOSFORD PARK is where its at. Its not a slam-dunk, but it does represent the ever-evolving career of a Master: Robert Altman. The big problem here is that SHREK made a billion dollars, and GOSFORD -- which is a Brit mystery flick -- was seen by no one.
Surprise:
The piddling LEGALLY BLONDE being awarded.
Where is...
CURSE OF THE JADE SCORPION?
Who will win:
Basically everything has a better chance of winning than GOSFORD, with JONES and ROUGE leading the way.
Should win:
Altmans GOSFORD PARK.
*
BEST ACTOR (DRAMA):
Russell Crowe, A BEAUTIFUL MIND.
Will Smith, ALI.
Kevin Spacey, THE SHIPPING NEWS.
Billy Bob Thornton, THE MAN WHO WASNT THERE.
Denzel Washington, TRAINING DAY.
In any other year, Billy Bob would dance off the stage with an award. But 2001 is Denzels year. The year he finally gets his. Although, THE MAN WHO WASNT THERE is more intrinsic to the Golden Globe sensibility.
Denzel and Billy Bob dont have serious competition in my eyes: Spacey is a plodding dullard in a terrible movie (Spacey is still living off of AMERICAN BEAUTY); like Jim Carreys performance in MAN ON THE MOON, Smiths Ali is perceived as more imitation than re-creation; and while Russell has his own showy role, it is Denzels ultimate showy role that burns brightest at the end of the day.
Surprise:
Kevin Spacey getting called out for being a listless piece of SHIPPING NEWS hebetudinous puzzle.
Where is...
Sergi Lpez (who plays Harry in WITH A FRIEND LIKE HARRY)? Never has cold, calculated caring been so horrifying. Check out the scene where Harry freaks out in his car. Or how he does something a little drastic to help his friend out with his parents. You wont forget him. Sergis simple-minded, brutal solution to lifes problems drives the plot, and his subtle performance is utterly, scarily, believable.
Who will win:
Denzel.
Should win:
Denzel.
*
BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL OR COMEDY):
Gene Hackman, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS.
Hugh Jackman, KATE & LEOPOLD.
Ewan McGregor, MOULIN ROUGE.
John Cameron Mitchell, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH.
Billy Bob Thornton, BANDITS.
Yeesh. Its like picking the prettiest horses ass: theyre all ugly. Gene Hackman is an amazing actor. But THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS? Um...
Surprise:
The whole damn bloody list! BANDITS? Wow -- at least someone liked it. Hugh Jackman in KATE & LEOPOLD? Jackman has a long career ahead of him; this film will not be a highlight.
Where is...
Paul Rudd in WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER (I couldnt think of anyone else and Rudd is hugely underrated)?
Who will win:
I have no clue.
Who should win:
John Cameron Mitchell for HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. Because...well...why not?
*
BEST ACTRESS (DRAMA):
Halle Berry, MONSTERS BALL.
Judi Dench, IRIS.
Nicole Kidman, THE OTHERS.
Sissy Spacek, IN THE BEDROOM.
Tilda Swinton, THE DEEP END.
At this point, Judi Denchs stand-in could get a nomination.
Surprise:
Halle Berry is a surprise to me because I have a feeling MONSTERS BALL is going to be all hype. Billy Bob looks like a freaked-out, bulimic albino in the trailer. Plus, someone who read the script told me it wasnt very good.
Where is...
Naomi Watts?! How in the world can you praise MULHOLLAND DR. without its anchor, its center, its highlight? Watts is as responsible for DR.s success as Lynch is. Who else could have come out of nowhere and played this role? Dashing from one end of the acting spectrum to the other? Keeping in focus a story many are about to give up on as too challenging? Watts is MULHOLLAND DR. -- the way, say, Brando is A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. They are, obviously, separate entities, but you cant think about one without the other.
(And what about Charlotte Rampling for UNDER THE SAND?)
Who should win:
Tilda Swinton.
Who will win:
Sissy Spacek.
*
BEST ACTRESS (MUSICAL OR COMEDY):
Thora Birch, GHOST WORLD.
Cate Blanchett, BANDITS.
Nicole Kidman, MOULIN ROUGE.
Reese Witherspoon, LEGALLY BLONDE.
Renee Zellweger, BRIDGET JONESS DIARY.
Theres only one film here worth your time: GHOST WORLD. And using Thora to represent the whole team, I say: give it to the Birch-tree.
Surprise:
Again: BANDITS?! Cate is probably the best working actress right now. But surely BANDITS was made to work with Bruce and Billy Bob. Its always fun to see her in non-serious roles (like the one she nailed in the otherwise awful PUSHING TIN). Well, if they can give it to Reese Witherspoon -- why the hell not, right?
Where is...
Anais Reboux?
Who will win:
Probably Renee Zellweger. Because of the endless talk of her twenty-pound weight-gain.
Who should win:
Thora Birch.
*
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Jim Broadbent, IRIS.
Steve Buscemi, GHOST WORLD.
Hayden Christensen, LIFE AS A HOUSE.
Ben Kingsley, SEXY BEAST.
Jude Law, A.I.: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
Jon Voight, ALI.
You probably wouldnt think so, but this is going to be the most interesting category. Will they give it to the new Skywalker? Finally award Steve Buscemi? Hand it to Ben Kingsley, who acted his ass off in the best role hes had since SCHINDLERS LIST? Well have to wait and see.
Surprise:
Jude Law. Fabulous actor. Decent in the movie hes nominated for. But the film pleased no one.
Where is...
Jason Lee, for VANILLA SKY?
Who will win:
Jon Voight (some people are disturbed by the make-up) and Jude Law (no one liked the movie) and Jim Broadbent (no one saw the movie) are all out. Hayden is young and the movie was hardly a hit. Steve has been the indie king for years, turning in great performances. But, still, its Kingsleys night.
Who should win:
Steve Buscemi.
*
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Jennifer Connelly, A BEAUTIFUL MIND.
Cameron Diaz, VANILLA SKY.
Helen Mirren, GOSFORD PARK.
Maggie Smith, GOSFORD PARK.
Marisa Tomei, IN THE BEDROOM.
Kate Winslet, IRIS.
Okay, guys: be honest. Was there any young male who saw the John Hughes-scripted movie CAREER OPPORTUNITIES who didnt fall in love with Jennifer Connelly? There is no shame in it. Millions of men, just like you, never looked at those coin-operated rocking-horses outside stores the same way ever again.
It looked like Jennifer would never get her career on course. Bad TV movies clogged her resume. Then REQUIEM FOR A DREAM put her on everyones map and she got this coveted role opposite Russell Crowe. So for Gods sake -- for all the guys who gawped at her in one of the best, silliest movies ever made -- give Jennifer the damned award. (MINDLESS CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.)
Surprise:
Cameron Diaz, who looked like she had no idea what she was doing in her role.
Where is...
Mathilde Seigner?
Who will win:
Sorry, Jen, its Marisa Tomeis year -- IN THE BEDROOM is her so-called comeback film, and everyone loves that.
Who should win:
If not Jennifer -- who it would please me plenty to see get up on that stage -- then Helen Mirren, who deserves the award for the simple, astonishing fact that she has hardly taken a false step in her whole career. Helen is about as dependable as actors get.
*
BEST DIRECTOR:
Robert Altman, GOSFORD PARK.
Ron Haward, A BEAUTIFUL MIND.
Peter Jackson, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING.
Baz Luhrmann, MOULIN ROUGE.
David Lynch, MULHOLLAND DR.
Steven Spielberg, A.I.
Im not even going to waste your time: this is the one award, I think, that David Lynch is guaranteed. Besides Peter Jackson, who toiled for three years on his three movies, who else even has a case? Baz Luhrmann probably got the best workout, but he was supposed to be making a movie, not an exercise video for overweight directors. Lynch owns this category.
Surprise:
The pity-nom for Steven Spielberg. Theres no need to give it away this year: next year hell earn it with MINORITY REPORT.
Where is...
Woody Allen and Dominik Moll?
Who will win:
Lynch.
Should win:
Master David Lynch.
*
BEST SCEENPLAY:
Joel and Ethan Coen, THE MAN WHO WASNT THERE.
Julian Fellowes, GOSFORD PARK.
Akiva Goldsman, A BEAUTIFUL MIND.
David Lynch, MULHOLLAND DR.
Christopher Nolan, MEMENTO.
I can never understand why the Globes dump the originals and adaptations together. Anyway...
No contest. Nolan takes it without a sweat.
Surprise:
Akiva Goldsman.
Where is...
David Ayer? Ayers script for TRAINING DAY was at least as important as Denzels performance. It was one of the few jaw-dropping scripts this hardened script-reader glanced at in the last few years. It blew me away, and did it while shaking my hand.
Who will win:
Chris Nolan.
Who should win:
Chris Nolan.
*
And now to television:
BEST TV SERIES (DRAMA):
24
ALIAS
CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
SIX FEET UNDER
THE SOPRANOS
THE WEST WING
I know Im deluding myself if I think the race is between Alan Balls SIX FEET UNDER and J.J. Abrams ALIAS. The unstoppably annoying SOPRANOS has as good a chance as any. And so does the rusty-nail-in-the-eye WEST WING. SIX FEET UNDER was as refreshingly audacious as anything on TV -- cable or not -- and it was one of the few HBO shows that didnt use its ability to curse and show nudity as a way to obscure its anorexia. ALIAS is a rockin show, no doubt, but it took too long to hit its stride; SIX FEET UNDER was rockin and rollin as soon as it jumped out of the gate. Its only problem was that the season was too short.
Surprise:
Well, not really a surprise. But does anyone really think WEST WING deserved to get nominated again? If I want to listen to the debate team, I have my local high school.
Where is...
THE PRACTICE, NYPD BLUE, PASADENA, BOSTON PUBLIC?
Who should win:
SIX FEET UNDER or ALIAS (more so SIX).
Who will win:
I hope to God not, but SOPRANOS or WEST WING could pull it out again. But SIX FEET is the Golden Globes kind of show. So keep your fingers crossed.
*
BEST TV SERIES (MUSICAL OR COMEDY).
ALLY MCBEAL
FRASIER
FRIENDS
SEX AND THE CITY
WILL & GRACE
A single show here possesses quality. Lots of it. So much it spills out of each episode. So much that you probably miss half of it because there is so much going on. If you read my TV reports, you know Im talking about ALLY MCBEAL. David E. Kelleys wonderful creation.
Surprise:
Everything but ALLY.
Where is...
KING OF QUEENS, UNDECLARED, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, THE SIMPSONS, ED, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM?
Who will win:
Well, this is easy. Its the show that uses its empty bawdiness to act like it has a sense of style and daring. Im talking, of course, of that wretched creation SEX AND THE CITY. Which is like getting stuck in a restaurant next to a group of women who never learned what an adult sex life was all about.
Who should win:
ALLY. Without a doubt.
*
BEST ACTOR (DRAMA):
Simon Baker, THE GUARDIAN.
James Gandolfini, THE SOPRANOS.
Peter Krause, SIX FEET UNDER.
Martin Sheen, THE WEST WING.
Kiefer Sutherland, 24.
Can anyone defeat the scene-chewing Martin Sheen? Voiced with Aaron Sorkins pull-your-pants-down-and-show-it dialogue, Martin, all big, fake teeth, suggests hell bite your head off if you dont do what he says.
Dont be surprised if the Globes toss this one to Aussie Baker.
Surprise:
The odd-speech Baker.
Where is...
Steve Harris of THE PRACTICE?
Who will win:
Either Baker, Sheen or Gandolfini.
Who should win:
Peter Krause. Watching the performers on SIX FEET UNDER makes you realize how false most acting is.
*
BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL OR COMEDY):
Tom Cavanaugh, ED.
Kelsey Grammer, FRAISER.
Eric McCormack, WILL & GRACE.
Frankie Muniz, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE.
Charlie Sheen, SPIN CITY.
Eds the man! Hes goofy, hes got a big head, but so what -- Tom Cavanaugh is the best thing to happen to TV since...well...since I dont know what. Hes a wonderfully perfect fit in the offbeat world of Rob Burnett and Jon Beckerman. As the guiding light on that show, Tom does something special: makes the excellent writing even better.
Its too bad, then, that hes up against such overacters and perennials. How can he compete with a man playing a gay guy and someone as blandly there as Kelsey Grammer?
Frankie Muniz gets all the credit for MALCOLM, and thats just BS. Hes annoying me this year, with his growing-pains scratch of a voice. Dewey is the man. And there aint no denying it, cuz.
Surprise:
Sadly, none.
Where is...
Erik Per Sullivan (a.k.a. Dewey)? Charlie Hunnam (from UNDECLARED)?
Who will win:
Eric McCormack.
Who should win:
The man: Tom.
*
BEST ACTRESS (DRAMA):
Lorraine Bracco, THE SOPRANOS.
Amy Brenneman, JUDGING AMY.
Edit Falco, THE SOPRANOS.
Jennifer Garner, ALIAS.
Lauren Graham, Gilmore Girls.
Marg Helgenberger, CSI.
Sela Ward, ONCE AND AGAIN.
No one is doing the acting Jennifer Garner is doing. I say that because shes pulling the scab off emotional trauma on a show even its creator calls a comic book. Garner isnt just outstanding because she can play her two-headed role, but because she brings weight to it. Real, raw emotional weight. And that should tell you something.
Garner is surrounded by a lot of cool gadgets and actors, but its her vulnerability coupled with her easy proficiency at righteously kicking ass that makes ALIAS more than the sum of its parts.
Surprise:
Lauren Graham. Didnt think these guys were quite that hip.
Where is...
Charlotte Ross, who plays Connie McDowell on NYPD BLUE?
Who will win:
Im throwing caution to the wind and saying Garner.
Who should win:
Garner.
*
BEST ACTRESS (MUSICAL OR COMEDY):
Calista Flockhart, ALLY MCBEAL.
Jane Kaczmarek, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE.
Heather Locklear, SPIN CITY.
Debra Messing, WILL & GRACE.
Sarah Jessica Parker, SEX AND THE CITY.
Whats up with people crediting the worst performers on MALCOLM? Kaczmarek, after winning praise, caterwauls her way through every episode. Dewey, the father and Francis are the things to watch on that show. Why cant the awards reflect that?
Anyway...
Where is...
Leah Remini (of THE KING OF QUEENS)?
Will win:
Messing or Parker (undeserving, both).
Should win:
Calista Flockhart: shes as good as Jennifer Garner: only here Calista is given words that are tailor-made to make your eyes leak or heart beat.
*
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION):
John Corbett, SEX AND THE CITY.
Sean Hayes, WILL & GRACE.
Ron Livingston, BAND OF BROTHERS.
Stanley Tucci, CONSPIRACY.
Bradley Whitford, THE WEST WING.
Let me be honest: I couldnt give a damn about this category. I just hope they dont give it to Sean Hayes. That guy is not only really annoying on his show, but he fuels the stereotype fire. Its almost as offensive as watching a person in blackface make-up.
Give it to Ron Livingston for his large jaw. Or give it to Tucci for a good, long career of small, tough roles.
*
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS (IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION):
Jennifer Aniston, FRIENDS.
Tammy Blanchard, LIFE WITH JUDY GARLAND.
Rachel Griffiths, SIX FEET UNDER.
Allison Janney, THE WEST WING.
Megan Mullally, WILL & GRACE.
Oh, man, just give it to Rachel Griffiths. That she has to be in the same category as Mullally and Aniston is a joke. Despite her film-packed career, Griffiths felt like the find of the year with her curve-ball performance on SIX FEET UNDER. She handled everything those nasty little writers threw at her with graceful aplomb.
Surprise:
That the Golden Globes sandwich so many different types of shows into one category.
Where is...
Rashida Jones of BOSTON PUBLIC? Julianne Nicholson of ALLY MCBEAL?
Who will win:
Allison Janney.
Who should win:
Rachel Griffiths.
To quote NYPD BLUE: thats all I got. Hope you enjoyed my little worthless exploration of the nominees. Remember: Im not the final word on this; Im simply stating an opinion. I always want to hear from you guys, so drop me an E-mail and tell me how I got it right/wrong/backwards.
Till next time,
Darwin Mayflower (darwinmayflower@yahoo.com).
by Darwin Mayflower.
Your ever-loving buddy Darwin Mayflower here with the Golden Globe nominations. Lets dive right in --
BEST FILM OF THE YEAR (DRAMA):
A BEAUTIFUL MIND
IN THE BEDROOM
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE
MULHOLLAND DR.
No contest: MULHOLLAND DR. all the way. This is a perfect Golden Globe movie, too. Ill admit to being a MULHOLLAND DR. fanatic. But the truth is not only did MULHOLLAND give me the most magical movie experience of this year -- it was probably the most deeply affecting, riotous, brain-slamming experience Ive had in years. MULHOLLAND is one of those films -- like PSYCHO, CITIZEN KANE, THE GODFATHER, TAXI DRIVER, PULP FICTION -- that people should build shrines to.
THE MAN WHO WASNT THERE is almost as deserving. Its great to see IN THE BEDROOM get so much recognition.
Surprise:
LORD OF THE RINGS making the cut.
Where is...
WITH A FRIEND LIKE HARRY? Weve heard about Hitchcockian thrillers for ages. Here was a film that actually came through with that, and expanded and improved on the masters techniques.
Who will win:
MULHOLLAND DR.
Who should win:
MULHOLLAND.
*
BEST FILM (MUSICAL OR COMEDY):
BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY
GOSFORD PARK
LEGALLY BLONDE
MOULIN ROUGE
SHREK
No offense to the gifted filmmakers who worked on the above, but this is a pretty moribund list of films. I guess the proof is that Greasy Reeseys film got a nom.
BRIDGET is simply not my cup of tea. Nor is BLONDE. I love musicals, but ROUGE was more like being trapped in a madhouse run by the patients. SHREK is about as much fun as you can have at a movie, but...
GOSFORD PARK is where its at. Its not a slam-dunk, but it does represent the ever-evolving career of a Master: Robert Altman. The big problem here is that SHREK made a billion dollars, and GOSFORD -- which is a Brit mystery flick -- was seen by no one.
Surprise:
The piddling LEGALLY BLONDE being awarded.
Where is...
CURSE OF THE JADE SCORPION?
Who will win:
Basically everything has a better chance of winning than GOSFORD, with JONES and ROUGE leading the way.
Should win:
Altmans GOSFORD PARK.
*
BEST ACTOR (DRAMA):
Russell Crowe, A BEAUTIFUL MIND.
Will Smith, ALI.
Kevin Spacey, THE SHIPPING NEWS.
Billy Bob Thornton, THE MAN WHO WASNT THERE.
Denzel Washington, TRAINING DAY.
In any other year, Billy Bob would dance off the stage with an award. But 2001 is Denzels year. The year he finally gets his. Although, THE MAN WHO WASNT THERE is more intrinsic to the Golden Globe sensibility.
Denzel and Billy Bob dont have serious competition in my eyes: Spacey is a plodding dullard in a terrible movie (Spacey is still living off of AMERICAN BEAUTY); like Jim Carreys performance in MAN ON THE MOON, Smiths Ali is perceived as more imitation than re-creation; and while Russell has his own showy role, it is Denzels ultimate showy role that burns brightest at the end of the day.
Surprise:
Kevin Spacey getting called out for being a listless piece of SHIPPING NEWS hebetudinous puzzle.
Where is...
Sergi Lpez (who plays Harry in WITH A FRIEND LIKE HARRY)? Never has cold, calculated caring been so horrifying. Check out the scene where Harry freaks out in his car. Or how he does something a little drastic to help his friend out with his parents. You wont forget him. Sergis simple-minded, brutal solution to lifes problems drives the plot, and his subtle performance is utterly, scarily, believable.
Who will win:
Denzel.
Should win:
Denzel.
*
BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL OR COMEDY):
Gene Hackman, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS.
Hugh Jackman, KATE & LEOPOLD.
Ewan McGregor, MOULIN ROUGE.
John Cameron Mitchell, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH.
Billy Bob Thornton, BANDITS.
Yeesh. Its like picking the prettiest horses ass: theyre all ugly. Gene Hackman is an amazing actor. But THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS? Um...
Surprise:
The whole damn bloody list! BANDITS? Wow -- at least someone liked it. Hugh Jackman in KATE & LEOPOLD? Jackman has a long career ahead of him; this film will not be a highlight.
Where is...
Paul Rudd in WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER (I couldnt think of anyone else and Rudd is hugely underrated)?
Who will win:
I have no clue.
Who should win:
John Cameron Mitchell for HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. Because...well...why not?
*
BEST ACTRESS (DRAMA):
Halle Berry, MONSTERS BALL.
Judi Dench, IRIS.
Nicole Kidman, THE OTHERS.
Sissy Spacek, IN THE BEDROOM.
Tilda Swinton, THE DEEP END.
At this point, Judi Denchs stand-in could get a nomination.
Surprise:
Halle Berry is a surprise to me because I have a feeling MONSTERS BALL is going to be all hype. Billy Bob looks like a freaked-out, bulimic albino in the trailer. Plus, someone who read the script told me it wasnt very good.
Where is...
Naomi Watts?! How in the world can you praise MULHOLLAND DR. without its anchor, its center, its highlight? Watts is as responsible for DR.s success as Lynch is. Who else could have come out of nowhere and played this role? Dashing from one end of the acting spectrum to the other? Keeping in focus a story many are about to give up on as too challenging? Watts is MULHOLLAND DR. -- the way, say, Brando is A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. They are, obviously, separate entities, but you cant think about one without the other.
(And what about Charlotte Rampling for UNDER THE SAND?)
Who should win:
Tilda Swinton.
Who will win:
Sissy Spacek.
*
BEST ACTRESS (MUSICAL OR COMEDY):
Thora Birch, GHOST WORLD.
Cate Blanchett, BANDITS.
Nicole Kidman, MOULIN ROUGE.
Reese Witherspoon, LEGALLY BLONDE.
Renee Zellweger, BRIDGET JONESS DIARY.
Theres only one film here worth your time: GHOST WORLD. And using Thora to represent the whole team, I say: give it to the Birch-tree.
Surprise:
Again: BANDITS?! Cate is probably the best working actress right now. But surely BANDITS was made to work with Bruce and Billy Bob. Its always fun to see her in non-serious roles (like the one she nailed in the otherwise awful PUSHING TIN). Well, if they can give it to Reese Witherspoon -- why the hell not, right?
Where is...
Anais Reboux?
Who will win:
Probably Renee Zellweger. Because of the endless talk of her twenty-pound weight-gain.
Who should win:
Thora Birch.
*
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Jim Broadbent, IRIS.
Steve Buscemi, GHOST WORLD.
Hayden Christensen, LIFE AS A HOUSE.
Ben Kingsley, SEXY BEAST.
Jude Law, A.I.: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
Jon Voight, ALI.
You probably wouldnt think so, but this is going to be the most interesting category. Will they give it to the new Skywalker? Finally award Steve Buscemi? Hand it to Ben Kingsley, who acted his ass off in the best role hes had since SCHINDLERS LIST? Well have to wait and see.
Surprise:
Jude Law. Fabulous actor. Decent in the movie hes nominated for. But the film pleased no one.
Where is...
Jason Lee, for VANILLA SKY?
Who will win:
Jon Voight (some people are disturbed by the make-up) and Jude Law (no one liked the movie) and Jim Broadbent (no one saw the movie) are all out. Hayden is young and the movie was hardly a hit. Steve has been the indie king for years, turning in great performances. But, still, its Kingsleys night.
Who should win:
Steve Buscemi.
*
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Jennifer Connelly, A BEAUTIFUL MIND.
Cameron Diaz, VANILLA SKY.
Helen Mirren, GOSFORD PARK.
Maggie Smith, GOSFORD PARK.
Marisa Tomei, IN THE BEDROOM.
Kate Winslet, IRIS.
Okay, guys: be honest. Was there any young male who saw the John Hughes-scripted movie CAREER OPPORTUNITIES who didnt fall in love with Jennifer Connelly? There is no shame in it. Millions of men, just like you, never looked at those coin-operated rocking-horses outside stores the same way ever again.
It looked like Jennifer would never get her career on course. Bad TV movies clogged her resume. Then REQUIEM FOR A DREAM put her on everyones map and she got this coveted role opposite Russell Crowe. So for Gods sake -- for all the guys who gawped at her in one of the best, silliest movies ever made -- give Jennifer the damned award. (MINDLESS CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.)
Surprise:
Cameron Diaz, who looked like she had no idea what she was doing in her role.
Where is...
Mathilde Seigner?
Who will win:
Sorry, Jen, its Marisa Tomeis year -- IN THE BEDROOM is her so-called comeback film, and everyone loves that.
Who should win:
If not Jennifer -- who it would please me plenty to see get up on that stage -- then Helen Mirren, who deserves the award for the simple, astonishing fact that she has hardly taken a false step in her whole career. Helen is about as dependable as actors get.
*
BEST DIRECTOR:
Robert Altman, GOSFORD PARK.
Ron Haward, A BEAUTIFUL MIND.
Peter Jackson, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING.
Baz Luhrmann, MOULIN ROUGE.
David Lynch, MULHOLLAND DR.
Steven Spielberg, A.I.
Im not even going to waste your time: this is the one award, I think, that David Lynch is guaranteed. Besides Peter Jackson, who toiled for three years on his three movies, who else even has a case? Baz Luhrmann probably got the best workout, but he was supposed to be making a movie, not an exercise video for overweight directors. Lynch owns this category.
Surprise:
The pity-nom for Steven Spielberg. Theres no need to give it away this year: next year hell earn it with MINORITY REPORT.
Where is...
Woody Allen and Dominik Moll?
Who will win:
Lynch.
Should win:
Master David Lynch.
*
BEST SCEENPLAY:
Joel and Ethan Coen, THE MAN WHO WASNT THERE.
Julian Fellowes, GOSFORD PARK.
Akiva Goldsman, A BEAUTIFUL MIND.
David Lynch, MULHOLLAND DR.
Christopher Nolan, MEMENTO.
I can never understand why the Globes dump the originals and adaptations together. Anyway...
No contest. Nolan takes it without a sweat.
Surprise:
Akiva Goldsman.
Where is...
David Ayer? Ayers script for TRAINING DAY was at least as important as Denzels performance. It was one of the few jaw-dropping scripts this hardened script-reader glanced at in the last few years. It blew me away, and did it while shaking my hand.
Who will win:
Chris Nolan.
Who should win:
Chris Nolan.
*
And now to television:
BEST TV SERIES (DRAMA):
24
ALIAS
CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
SIX FEET UNDER
THE SOPRANOS
THE WEST WING
I know Im deluding myself if I think the race is between Alan Balls SIX FEET UNDER and J.J. Abrams ALIAS. The unstoppably annoying SOPRANOS has as good a chance as any. And so does the rusty-nail-in-the-eye WEST WING. SIX FEET UNDER was as refreshingly audacious as anything on TV -- cable or not -- and it was one of the few HBO shows that didnt use its ability to curse and show nudity as a way to obscure its anorexia. ALIAS is a rockin show, no doubt, but it took too long to hit its stride; SIX FEET UNDER was rockin and rollin as soon as it jumped out of the gate. Its only problem was that the season was too short.
Surprise:
Well, not really a surprise. But does anyone really think WEST WING deserved to get nominated again? If I want to listen to the debate team, I have my local high school.
Where is...
THE PRACTICE, NYPD BLUE, PASADENA, BOSTON PUBLIC?
Who should win:
SIX FEET UNDER or ALIAS (more so SIX).
Who will win:
I hope to God not, but SOPRANOS or WEST WING could pull it out again. But SIX FEET is the Golden Globes kind of show. So keep your fingers crossed.
*
BEST TV SERIES (MUSICAL OR COMEDY).
ALLY MCBEAL
FRASIER
FRIENDS
SEX AND THE CITY
WILL & GRACE
A single show here possesses quality. Lots of it. So much it spills out of each episode. So much that you probably miss half of it because there is so much going on. If you read my TV reports, you know Im talking about ALLY MCBEAL. David E. Kelleys wonderful creation.
Surprise:
Everything but ALLY.
Where is...
KING OF QUEENS, UNDECLARED, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, THE SIMPSONS, ED, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM?
Who will win:
Well, this is easy. Its the show that uses its empty bawdiness to act like it has a sense of style and daring. Im talking, of course, of that wretched creation SEX AND THE CITY. Which is like getting stuck in a restaurant next to a group of women who never learned what an adult sex life was all about.
Who should win:
ALLY. Without a doubt.
*
BEST ACTOR (DRAMA):
Simon Baker, THE GUARDIAN.
James Gandolfini, THE SOPRANOS.
Peter Krause, SIX FEET UNDER.
Martin Sheen, THE WEST WING.
Kiefer Sutherland, 24.
Can anyone defeat the scene-chewing Martin Sheen? Voiced with Aaron Sorkins pull-your-pants-down-and-show-it dialogue, Martin, all big, fake teeth, suggests hell bite your head off if you dont do what he says.
Dont be surprised if the Globes toss this one to Aussie Baker.
Surprise:
The odd-speech Baker.
Where is...
Steve Harris of THE PRACTICE?
Who will win:
Either Baker, Sheen or Gandolfini.
Who should win:
Peter Krause. Watching the performers on SIX FEET UNDER makes you realize how false most acting is.
*
BEST ACTOR (MUSICAL OR COMEDY):
Tom Cavanaugh, ED.
Kelsey Grammer, FRAISER.
Eric McCormack, WILL & GRACE.
Frankie Muniz, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE.
Charlie Sheen, SPIN CITY.
Eds the man! Hes goofy, hes got a big head, but so what -- Tom Cavanaugh is the best thing to happen to TV since...well...since I dont know what. Hes a wonderfully perfect fit in the offbeat world of Rob Burnett and Jon Beckerman. As the guiding light on that show, Tom does something special: makes the excellent writing even better.
Its too bad, then, that hes up against such overacters and perennials. How can he compete with a man playing a gay guy and someone as blandly there as Kelsey Grammer?
Frankie Muniz gets all the credit for MALCOLM, and thats just BS. Hes annoying me this year, with his growing-pains scratch of a voice. Dewey is the man. And there aint no denying it, cuz.
Surprise:
Sadly, none.
Where is...
Erik Per Sullivan (a.k.a. Dewey)? Charlie Hunnam (from UNDECLARED)?
Who will win:
Eric McCormack.
Who should win:
The man: Tom.
*
BEST ACTRESS (DRAMA):
Lorraine Bracco, THE SOPRANOS.
Amy Brenneman, JUDGING AMY.
Edit Falco, THE SOPRANOS.
Jennifer Garner, ALIAS.
Lauren Graham, Gilmore Girls.
Marg Helgenberger, CSI.
Sela Ward, ONCE AND AGAIN.
No one is doing the acting Jennifer Garner is doing. I say that because shes pulling the scab off emotional trauma on a show even its creator calls a comic book. Garner isnt just outstanding because she can play her two-headed role, but because she brings weight to it. Real, raw emotional weight. And that should tell you something.
Garner is surrounded by a lot of cool gadgets and actors, but its her vulnerability coupled with her easy proficiency at righteously kicking ass that makes ALIAS more than the sum of its parts.
Surprise:
Lauren Graham. Didnt think these guys were quite that hip.
Where is...
Charlotte Ross, who plays Connie McDowell on NYPD BLUE?
Who will win:
Im throwing caution to the wind and saying Garner.
Who should win:
Garner.
*
BEST ACTRESS (MUSICAL OR COMEDY):
Calista Flockhart, ALLY MCBEAL.
Jane Kaczmarek, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE.
Heather Locklear, SPIN CITY.
Debra Messing, WILL & GRACE.
Sarah Jessica Parker, SEX AND THE CITY.
Whats up with people crediting the worst performers on MALCOLM? Kaczmarek, after winning praise, caterwauls her way through every episode. Dewey, the father and Francis are the things to watch on that show. Why cant the awards reflect that?
Anyway...
Where is...
Leah Remini (of THE KING OF QUEENS)?
Will win:
Messing or Parker (undeserving, both).
Should win:
Calista Flockhart: shes as good as Jennifer Garner: only here Calista is given words that are tailor-made to make your eyes leak or heart beat.
*
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION):
John Corbett, SEX AND THE CITY.
Sean Hayes, WILL & GRACE.
Ron Livingston, BAND OF BROTHERS.
Stanley Tucci, CONSPIRACY.
Bradley Whitford, THE WEST WING.
Let me be honest: I couldnt give a damn about this category. I just hope they dont give it to Sean Hayes. That guy is not only really annoying on his show, but he fuels the stereotype fire. Its almost as offensive as watching a person in blackface make-up.
Give it to Ron Livingston for his large jaw. Or give it to Tucci for a good, long career of small, tough roles.
*
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS (IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION):
Jennifer Aniston, FRIENDS.
Tammy Blanchard, LIFE WITH JUDY GARLAND.
Rachel Griffiths, SIX FEET UNDER.
Allison Janney, THE WEST WING.
Megan Mullally, WILL & GRACE.
Oh, man, just give it to Rachel Griffiths. That she has to be in the same category as Mullally and Aniston is a joke. Despite her film-packed career, Griffiths felt like the find of the year with her curve-ball performance on SIX FEET UNDER. She handled everything those nasty little writers threw at her with graceful aplomb.
Surprise:
That the Golden Globes sandwich so many different types of shows into one category.
Where is...
Rashida Jones of BOSTON PUBLIC? Julianne Nicholson of ALLY MCBEAL?
Who will win:
Allison Janney.
Who should win:
Rachel Griffiths.
To quote NYPD BLUE: thats all I got. Hope you enjoyed my little worthless exploration of the nominees. Remember: Im not the final word on this; Im simply stating an opinion. I always want to hear from you guys, so drop me an E-mail and tell me how I got it right/wrong/backwards.
Till next time,
Darwin Mayflower (darwinmayflower@yahoo.com).
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