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Winslet v. Crawford - Battle of Acting Powerhouses
Kate Winslet has recently inked a deal to star as the title character in Todd Haynes adaptation of the James M. Cain novel Mildred Pierce. Some die hard fans of the original are up in arms, claiming that this is a bad career move on Winslet's part. I am a huge Winslet supporter and an even bigger supporter of this project. Anyone familiar with Todd Haynes re-imagining of Douglas Sirk's work in Far From Heaven knows his capability with similar style and subject matter. The original film is a noir masterpiece and a great showcase for some phenomenal acting. Joan Crawford played the character so well it earned her an Oscar. If anything, this is a good thing because it will bring some attention to the original. I can already picture the stark contrasts and vivid set design that have become a trademark for Haynes. More than anything, I imagine the beautiful Winslet fitting the role perfectly. Word is that HBO is looking to pick it up as a miniseries. Chalk another potential win up for pay cable.
Chima, We Hardly Knew Ya!
Big Brother has always been thought of as a less than stellar reality television program. For those people hooked on shows like The Real World and the endless string of VH1 reality programs, Big Brother may appear boring and monotonous. The fact is that it is one of the more complex game shows on television. These aren't simply thirteen strangers picked to live in a house and have their lives taped. These are thirteen game players looking to lie, cheat and back stab their way to a half a million dollars. Even if you aren't one of the die hard fans who subscribes to the live, twenty four hour video feed; it's arguably one of the more addictive summer guilty pleasures (it's on three days a week!). For me it is the cure for my unemployment boredom. It's easy to pick your favorites and those who you can't wait to see get what's coming to them.
Last weekend, the show made headlines when one of the houseguests got booted by producers. Although CBS issued a statement verifying it and prior to the feeds cutting out online, volatile contestant Chima Simone was seen flipping off the cameras, yelling obscenities and throwing $5,000 microphones in the jacuzzi, she has issued a statement urging that she quit. Chima, for me, was one of the worst things to happen to Big Brother in the past eleven seasons...or is she one of the best?
Over the past few weeks she has been very open with her feelings about other contestants, mostly directing angry racial tirades at Russell. Her power was overthrown by a vote from America to give a special power of Coup D'etat to Jeff. He ensured Russell's safety and got muscleheaded Jessie out of the house. Chima and her partners in crime, Lydia and Natalie, literally sat around the dinner table drinking wine and eulogizing Jessie as if he was just gunned down by the rival gang. Of course, Jeff and his showmance Jordan were quick to point out that Chima and her cronies had been picking off their friends one by one and they weren't acting that way. Somewhere along the line several of the housemates forgot they were competing for money. Kevin, one of the less dramatic contestants finally confronted members of his alliance and told them that they aren't on The Real World.
Chima's petty antics may have gone too far, but we won't know for sure whether or not she was removed by production or removed herself. Personally, I don't care, as I have been humming ding dong the witch is dead to myself over and over. But, I would be lying if I said I wasn't the least bit interested in finding out what went down in the wee hours of the night that led to Chima's exit.
Tune in tomorrow night to find out what happened to the diva Chima.
Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress in a Drama
Ellen Burstyn as Bernadette Stabler on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Jimmy Smits as Miguel Prado on Dexter
What's funny is that Ellen Burstyn shared the episode with another guest star who was nominated for her guest role on No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Burstyn's scene with Chris Meloni is one for the ages. Not that I needed any more proof of Burstyn's amazing acting ability, but check out her portrayal of Eliot's bipolar mother and you won't be disappointed.
Jimmy Smits is no stranger to the small screen, but did an incredible job this season as Miguel Prado on Dexter. Despite an accident on set that nearly resulted in the death of a stuntman, he played bad with amazing cunning. Wouldn't expect any less from President Santos.
Jimmy Smits as Miguel Prado on Dexter
What's funny is that Ellen Burstyn shared the episode with another guest star who was nominated for her guest role on No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Burstyn's scene with Chris Meloni is one for the ages. Not that I needed any more proof of Burstyn's amazing acting ability, but check out her portrayal of Eliot's bipolar mother and you won't be disappointed.
Jimmy Smits is no stranger to the small screen, but did an incredible job this season as Miguel Prado on Dexter. Despite an accident on set that nearly resulted in the death of a stuntman, he played bad with amazing cunning. Wouldn't expect any less from President Santos.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey as Governor Sarah Palin in the 2008 Presidential Bash
The resemblance was undeniable, and Tina Fey’s incredible portrayal of the VP candidate was perhaps one of the best spoofs SNL has seen in years.
Sorely overlooked this year Kristen Bell as the taskmaster caterer Uda Bengt on the underrated Starz comedy Party Down and Jessica St. Clair playing Tiffany St. John on United States of Tara. Her idolization of Tara is downright hysterical and her self aware quirkiness were carried out effortlessly and with beautiful timing.
The resemblance was undeniable, and Tina Fey’s incredible portrayal of the VP candidate was perhaps one of the best spoofs SNL has seen in years.
Sorely overlooked this year Kristen Bell as the taskmaster caterer Uda Bengt on the underrated Starz comedy Party Down and Jessica St. Clair playing Tiffany St. John on United States of Tara. Her idolization of Tara is downright hysterical and her self aware quirkiness were carried out effortlessly and with beautiful timing.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Jon Hamm as Dr. Drew Baird on 30 Rock
This is a stacked category. While three of the nominees are from the most nominated comedy series of all time, it is Don Draper that really deserves the statue. Sure Steve Martin and Alan Alda are great in their respective cameos, but after sitting through a season of Mad Men, watching Hamm look pensive and serious sipping liquor, his comic turn is by far the best.
Sorely overlooked this year were the always great Stellan Skarsgard for his portrayal of the ridiculous diva director Verner Vollstedt and Peter Dinklage as Liz’s love interest Stewart on 30 Rock.
This is a stacked category. While three of the nominees are from the most nominated comedy series of all time, it is Don Draper that really deserves the statue. Sure Steve Martin and Alan Alda are great in their respective cameos, but after sitting through a season of Mad Men, watching Hamm look pensive and serious sipping liquor, his comic turn is by far the best.
Sorely overlooked this year were the always great Stellan Skarsgard for his portrayal of the ridiculous diva director Verner Vollstedt and Peter Dinklage as Liz’s love interest Stewart on 30 Rock.
Emmy Picks
I recently posted my dream Emmy ballot on my blog. Now that the nominations have occured, I will be running down my picks to win in select categories leading up to the actual ceremony on September 20th. I’ve treated my unemployment as an opportunity to catch up on a lot of the television I have missed this past year so as to be a more informed blogger.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey as Governor Sarah Palin in the 2008 Presidential Bash
The resemblance was undeniable, and Tina Fey’s incredible portrayal of the VP candidate was perhaps one of the best spoofs SNL has seen in years.
Sorely overlooked this year Kristen Bell as the taskmaster caterer Uda Bengt on the underrated Starz comedy Party Down and Jessica St. Clair playing Tiffany St. John on United States of Tara. Her idolization of Tara is downright hysterical and her self aware quirkiness were carried out effortlessly and with beautiful timing.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Jon Hamm as Dr. Drew Baird on 30 Rock
This is a stacked category. While three of the nominees are from the most nominated comedy series of all time, it is Don Draper that really deserves the statue. Sure Steve Martin and Alan Alda are great in their respective cameos, but after sitting through a season of Mad Men, watching Hamm look pensive and serious sipping liquor, his comic turn is by far the best.
Sorely overlooked this year were the always great Stellan Skarsgard for his portrayal of the ridiculous diva director Verner Vollstedt and Peter Dinklage as Liz’s love interest Stewart on 30 Rock.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Ellen Burstyn as Bernadette Stabler on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
What's funny is that Ellen Burstyn shared the episode with another guest star who was nominated for her guest role on No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Burstyn's scene with Chris Meloni is one for the ages. Not that I needed any more proof of Burstyn's amazing acting ability, but check out her portrayal of Eliot's bipolar mother and you won't be disappointed.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Jimmy Smits as Miguel Prado on Dexter
Jimmy Smits is no stranger to the small screen, but did an incredible job this season as Miguel Prado on Dexter. Despite an accident on set that nearly resulted in the death of a stuntman, he played bad with amazing cunning. Wouldn't expect any less from President Santos.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey as Governor Sarah Palin in the 2008 Presidential Bash
The resemblance was undeniable, and Tina Fey’s incredible portrayal of the VP candidate was perhaps one of the best spoofs SNL has seen in years.
Sorely overlooked this year Kristen Bell as the taskmaster caterer Uda Bengt on the underrated Starz comedy Party Down and Jessica St. Clair playing Tiffany St. John on United States of Tara. Her idolization of Tara is downright hysterical and her self aware quirkiness were carried out effortlessly and with beautiful timing.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Jon Hamm as Dr. Drew Baird on 30 Rock
This is a stacked category. While three of the nominees are from the most nominated comedy series of all time, it is Don Draper that really deserves the statue. Sure Steve Martin and Alan Alda are great in their respective cameos, but after sitting through a season of Mad Men, watching Hamm look pensive and serious sipping liquor, his comic turn is by far the best.
Sorely overlooked this year were the always great Stellan Skarsgard for his portrayal of the ridiculous diva director Verner Vollstedt and Peter Dinklage as Liz’s love interest Stewart on 30 Rock.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Ellen Burstyn as Bernadette Stabler on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
What's funny is that Ellen Burstyn shared the episode with another guest star who was nominated for her guest role on No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Burstyn's scene with Chris Meloni is one for the ages. Not that I needed any more proof of Burstyn's amazing acting ability, but check out her portrayal of Eliot's bipolar mother and you won't be disappointed.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Jimmy Smits as Miguel Prado on Dexter
Jimmy Smits is no stranger to the small screen, but did an incredible job this season as Miguel Prado on Dexter. Despite an accident on set that nearly resulted in the death of a stuntman, he played bad with amazing cunning. Wouldn't expect any less from President Santos.
Now What?
There is actually a dual meaning behind this post. Not only is it the tagline for the upcoming Alexis Bledel vehicle, aptly titled Post Grad, but it is also a question that has been plaguing me for the past few months. The trailer has been popping up on the rare occasion that I pay attention during commercial breaks. I’ve been attempting to do a little background investigating to find out just when the movie was first ushered into production. Let’s be honest, despite its cheesy marketing gimicks and pandering (“Starring the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ Alexis Bledel….”), the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Yes. I recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in film production and have been struggling to find gainful employment. That being said, the trailer for the film really manages to get under my skin because it implies that Miss Bledel is able to land some interviews for jobs, but somehow blows her chance in a very comic way. Ugh. The big question, I suppose, is whether or not the screenplay works in the recent economic downturn or fails to recognize the fact that everybody is in the same position as the protagonist. This whole film could go one of two ways. Either people will feel for Bledel and find the movie perfectly charming in this recession or will find the likely saccharine ending too sugary. Can’t forget, of course, that movies are typically meant as an escapist outlet. Watching Alexis Bledel fail to secure a job after college might be all too relatable to be true escapism. What’s more depressing is reading people’s forum posts on imdb; most of them asking what her major is, if she takes the GRE and over a hundred posts on the subject: “sounds like my life.”
Put This In Your Mouth
Looking for great Austin, TX restaurants and recipes?
Check out the blog for the show I used to produce for TSTV
Check out the blog for the show I used to produce for TSTV
My Dream Emmy Ballot (Drama)
Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Kristen Bell, “Heroes”
Janel Moloney, “Life on Mars”
Lizzy Caplan, “True Blood”
Adina Porter, “True Blood”
Lois Smith, “True Blood”
Elisha Cuthbert, “24”
Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Bob Odenkirk, “Breaking Bad”
Jimmy Smits, “Dexter”
Gaius Charles, “Friday Night Lights”
D.W. Moffett, “Friday Night Lights”
Stephen Root, “True Blood”
Jon Voight, “24”
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Ginnifer Goodwin, “Big Love”
Rachel Griffiths, “Brothers & Sisters”
Julie Benz, “Dexter”
Connie Britton, “Friday Night Lights”
Alison Pill, “In Treatment”
Elizabeth Mitchell, “Lost”
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad”
Bruce Campbell, “Burn Notice”
Zach Gilford, “Friday Night Lights”
Jeremie Davies, “Lost”
John Slattery, “Mad Men”
Nelsan Ellis, “True Blood”
Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Jeanne Tripplehorn, “Big Love”
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”
Evangeline Lilly, “Lost”
January Jones, “Mad Men”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”
Anna Paquin, “True Blood”
Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
Jeffrey Donovan, “Burn Notice”
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
Stephen Moyer, “True Blood”
Drama Series
“Breaking Bad”
“Dexter”
“Friday Night Lights”
“Lost”
“Mad Men”
“True Blood”
Kristen Bell, “Heroes”
Janel Moloney, “Life on Mars”
Lizzy Caplan, “True Blood”
Adina Porter, “True Blood”
Lois Smith, “True Blood”
Elisha Cuthbert, “24”
Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Bob Odenkirk, “Breaking Bad”
Jimmy Smits, “Dexter”
Gaius Charles, “Friday Night Lights”
D.W. Moffett, “Friday Night Lights”
Stephen Root, “True Blood”
Jon Voight, “24”
Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Ginnifer Goodwin, “Big Love”
Rachel Griffiths, “Brothers & Sisters”
Julie Benz, “Dexter”
Connie Britton, “Friday Night Lights”
Alison Pill, “In Treatment”
Elizabeth Mitchell, “Lost”
Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad”
Bruce Campbell, “Burn Notice”
Zach Gilford, “Friday Night Lights”
Jeremie Davies, “Lost”
John Slattery, “Mad Men”
Nelsan Ellis, “True Blood”
Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Jeanne Tripplehorn, “Big Love”
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”
Evangeline Lilly, “Lost”
January Jones, “Mad Men”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”
Anna Paquin, “True Blood”
Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
Jeffrey Donovan, “Burn Notice”
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
Stephen Moyer, “True Blood”
Drama Series
“Breaking Bad”
“Dexter”
“Friday Night Lights”
“Lost”
“Mad Men”
“True Blood”
Dream Emmy Ballot (Comedy)
Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Oprah Winfrey, “30 Rock”
Amy Ryan, “The Office”
Kristen Bell, “Party Down”
Elaine Stritch, “30 Rock”
Kristen Wiig, “Flight of the Conchords”
Christine Baranski, “The Big Bang Theory”
Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Will Ferrell, “Eastbound and Down”
Steve Martin, “30 Rock”
Alan Alda, “30 Rock”
Jon Hamm, “30 Rock”
Stellan Skarsgard, “Entourage”
Albert Brooks, “Weeds”
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Cobie Smulders, “How I Met Your Mother”
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock”
Lizzy Caplan, “Party Down”
Jane Lynch, “Party Down”
Pamela Adlon, “Californication”
Kristin Wiig, “Saturday Night Live”
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”
Rhys Darby, “Flight of the Conchords”
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”
Ray Wise, “Reaper”
Tracy Morgan, “30 Rock”
John Corbett, “United States of Tara”
Comedy Writing
“Woooo!” – Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, “How I Met Your Mother”
“Reunion” – Matt Hubbard, “30 Rock”
“Work” – Diablo Cody, “United States of Tara
“Pilot” – Victor Fresco, “Better Off Ted”
“The Nightman Cometh” – Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
“My Finale” – Bill Lawrence, “Scrubs”
Comedy Directing
“Pilot” – Mike Fresco, “Better Off Ted”
“In a Lonely Place” – Jake Kasdan, “Californication”
“Chapter Four” – David Gordon Green, “Eastbound and Down”
“The Naked Man” – Pamela Fryman, “How I Met Your Mother”
“Weight Loss” – Paul Feig, “The Office”
“Retreat to Move Forward” – Steve Buscemi, “30 Rock”
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Toni Collette, “United States of Tara”
Mary-Louise Parker, “Weeds”
Kaley Cuoco, “Big Bang Theory”
Selena Gomez, “Wizards of Waverly Place”
Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who?”
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jay Harrington, “Better Off Ted”
Jim Parsons, “Bing Bang Theory”
David Duchovny, “Californication”
Ken Marino, “Party Down”
Adam Scott, “Party Down”
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Comedy Series
Big Bang Theory
Californication
How I Met Your Mother
Party Down
30 Rock
United States of Tara
Oprah Winfrey, “30 Rock”
Amy Ryan, “The Office”
Kristen Bell, “Party Down”
Elaine Stritch, “30 Rock”
Kristen Wiig, “Flight of the Conchords”
Christine Baranski, “The Big Bang Theory”
Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Will Ferrell, “Eastbound and Down”
Steve Martin, “30 Rock”
Alan Alda, “30 Rock”
Jon Hamm, “30 Rock”
Stellan Skarsgard, “Entourage”
Albert Brooks, “Weeds”
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Cobie Smulders, “How I Met Your Mother”
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock”
Lizzy Caplan, “Party Down”
Jane Lynch, “Party Down”
Pamela Adlon, “Californication”
Kristin Wiig, “Saturday Night Live”
Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”
Rhys Darby, “Flight of the Conchords”
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”
Ray Wise, “Reaper”
Tracy Morgan, “30 Rock”
John Corbett, “United States of Tara”
Comedy Writing
“Woooo!” – Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, “How I Met Your Mother”
“Reunion” – Matt Hubbard, “30 Rock”
“Work” – Diablo Cody, “United States of Tara
“Pilot” – Victor Fresco, “Better Off Ted”
“The Nightman Cometh” – Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
“My Finale” – Bill Lawrence, “Scrubs”
Comedy Directing
“Pilot” – Mike Fresco, “Better Off Ted”
“In a Lonely Place” – Jake Kasdan, “Californication”
“Chapter Four” – David Gordon Green, “Eastbound and Down”
“The Naked Man” – Pamela Fryman, “How I Met Your Mother”
“Weight Loss” – Paul Feig, “The Office”
“Retreat to Move Forward” – Steve Buscemi, “30 Rock”
Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Toni Collette, “United States of Tara”
Mary-Louise Parker, “Weeds”
Kaley Cuoco, “Big Bang Theory”
Selena Gomez, “Wizards of Waverly Place”
Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who?”
Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jay Harrington, “Better Off Ted”
Jim Parsons, “Bing Bang Theory”
David Duchovny, “Californication”
Ken Marino, “Party Down”
Adam Scott, “Party Down”
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Comedy Series
Big Bang Theory
Californication
How I Met Your Mother
Party Down
30 Rock
United States of Tara
Oscar Predictions
Just the big ones this year, for my artistic and techs check out the best of 08 list below.
Best Supporting Actress
Will Win: Penelope Cruz for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Should Win: Penelope Cruz for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Should have been nominated: Rosemary DeWitt for "Rachel Getting Married"
Best Supporting Actor
Will Win: Heath Ledger for "The Dark Knight"
Should Win: Michael Shannon for "Revolutionary Road"
Should have been nominated: James Franco for "Milk"
Best Animated Film:
Will Win: Wall-E
Should Win: Wall-E
Should have been nominated: Nothing but Wall-E
Best Original Screenplay:
Will Win: "Milk"
Should Win: "In Bruges"
Should have been nominated: "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," "Synecdoche, New York"
Best Adapted Screenplay:
Will Win: "Slumdog Millionaire"
Should Win: "Doubt"
Should have been nominated: "The Dark Knight"
Best Live Action Short Film:
Will Win: Toyland
Should Win: Newboy or The Pig
Best Animated Short Film:
Will Win: "Presto"
Should Win: "This Way Up"
Best Actress:
Will Win: Kate Winslet for "The Reader"
Should Win: Kate Winslet for "The Reader"
Should have been nominated: Sally Hawkins for "Happy Go Lucky"
Best Actor:
Will Win: Tough call but I'm going with Sean Penn for "Milk"
Should Win: Mickey Rourke for "The Wrestler"
Should have been nominated: Clint Eastwood for "Gran Torino"
Best Director:
Will Win: Danny Boyle
Should Win: Gus Van Sant
Should have been nominated: Darren Aronofsky
Best Picture:
Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should Win: Milk
Should have been nominated: The Wrestler
Best Supporting Actress
Will Win: Penelope Cruz for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Should Win: Penelope Cruz for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Should have been nominated: Rosemary DeWitt for "Rachel Getting Married"
Best Supporting Actor
Will Win: Heath Ledger for "The Dark Knight"
Should Win: Michael Shannon for "Revolutionary Road"
Should have been nominated: James Franco for "Milk"
Best Animated Film:
Will Win: Wall-E
Should Win: Wall-E
Should have been nominated: Nothing but Wall-E
Best Original Screenplay:
Will Win: "Milk"
Should Win: "In Bruges"
Should have been nominated: "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," "Synecdoche, New York"
Best Adapted Screenplay:
Will Win: "Slumdog Millionaire"
Should Win: "Doubt"
Should have been nominated: "The Dark Knight"
Best Live Action Short Film:
Will Win: Toyland
Should Win: Newboy or The Pig
Best Animated Short Film:
Will Win: "Presto"
Should Win: "This Way Up"
Best Actress:
Will Win: Kate Winslet for "The Reader"
Should Win: Kate Winslet for "The Reader"
Should have been nominated: Sally Hawkins for "Happy Go Lucky"
Best Actor:
Will Win: Tough call but I'm going with Sean Penn for "Milk"
Should Win: Mickey Rourke for "The Wrestler"
Should have been nominated: Clint Eastwood for "Gran Torino"
Best Director:
Will Win: Danny Boyle
Should Win: Gus Van Sant
Should have been nominated: Darren Aronofsky
Best Picture:
Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Should Win: Milk
Should have been nominated: The Wrestler