Thursday, 24 January 2013

Film Review: Zero Dark Thirty

Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow. Stars: Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Jennifer Ehle, Kyle Chandler, Harold Perrineau. Written by: Mark Boal. Released: January 2013

Zero Dark Thirty= military time for thirty minutes after midnight.

I knew three things going into Zero Dark Thirty. That it is a film about the hunt (supposedly based on government files, information, etc) for Osama Bin Laden and that it is gaining rave reviews from numerous film critics.

And the third is that film depicts controversial torture scenes. Not so much for the graphic nature of them, but that it is Americans that are doing the torturing.

The film begins dramatically on September 11, 2001 with a black screen and audio of phone calls from those who died in the Twin Towers.

We then fast forward two years ahead with CIA expert Dan (Clarke) torturing a relative of Osama Bin Laden. It is an intense scene. In the corner sitting in the dark is Mya (Chastain) a CIA cipher (I had to do a bit of research to figure out what Mya’s job title was), a “killer” hired to find Osama Bin Laden and spends ten years dedicating her life to her task.

We then go into long and detailed look (thanks to former journalist turned screenplay writer Mark Boal) at the years and process of what it took find Osama Bin Laden. Since the film is bookend by intense, dramatic and action filled sequences it can makes the middle feel slower. But I feel it is done on purpose. It is a movie about the process (just like Lincoln is about the process of the Emancipation Proclamation) and not so much a character study but a look at those behind the process.

Not to say the characters are not interesting and it is due to the talent of Chastain and the rest of the cast that they do so much with the little they have. It is about Mya and what she does, but besides her job and that she is hired and trained from high school (she must have done something impressive in high school) by the CIA, little else is known about Mya. Yet Chastain’s performance is engaging and layered enough with emotions that you almost forget that we don’t know her last name or anything else about her. Chastain’s Mya is not depicted as a “tough in your face CIA agent.” She is strong, smart and fiercely determined for sure, but at the same time feels the confusion, uncertainty and pressure of what is required of her. With the little character information given, Mya is humanized and relatable through Chastain’s performance.

Director Kathryn Bigelow, along with cinematographer Graig Fraser and production designer Jeremy Hindle create a look and atmosphere that gives a beauty to the harsh lands of Afghanistan, Pakistan and even cramped CIA offices. The multi-media mix of fake and actual news footage, such as former President George W. Bush speaking on a television in the background and a President Obama interview where he claims torturing has stopped, adds a sense of irony on top of the realism. It is not exactly a new technique but it is blended well and used effectively in this case. There are times where I find that Bigelow’s use of hand held camera is not needed, such as meetings, but for the action sequences it obviously works well. There is also times where a long shot of Mya is used to give a sense isolation that is subtle but effective. Along with Alexander Desplat’s score that isn't overbearing but heightens moments that a good score is meant to do.

I will admit that at first the films ending slightly bugged me, but as I spent the last couple days thinking about it I now find it pretty fitting. At first I wanted a stronger ending, especially after the build up and the dramatic moment that we are all waiting for and know is coming. But in keeping with the film being more about the process and little known about Mya even to this day, without giving too much away, Mya alone on plane heading home is fitting.

Monday, 14 January 2013

The Oscars!!

I would have done this post sooner, but I’m getting over the flu and was very ill the morning the nominations for the 85^th Academy awards were announced. So sorry for the delay.

Another good promo...

Okay, one more...

There were some big surprises, upsets, whatever you want to call them. Many thought Ben Affleck would receive (if not win) a best director nomination. He won many other awards for directing Argo, and the film received a Best Picture nomination as well and they tend to go hand in hand. To add to his sting, last night he won The Golden Globe for both categories.

Kathryn Bigelow was also shut out for directing Zero Dark Thirty, yet the film also got a Best Picture nomination.

Another surprise was Quentin Tarantino being left in the cold, yet again Django Unchained is up for Best Picture and Tom Hooper for Les Misérables was shut out for directing as well.

It is odd when the director doesn’t get a nomination but the film does, how can that be exactly? There are numerous reasons that could be a topic of a blog on its own, but to put it simply “Best Picture” does involve more than just the direction and there are ten spots for best picture where direction only has five spots for nominations.

In the acting categories, Leonardo DiCaprio will have to try again to get that Oscar since the Academy decided to give it to Christoph Waltz instead for Django Unchained.

I would have also liked to have seen a nomination for in the best adaptation screenplay for

The Perks of Being a Wallflower or even Cosmopolis, but that movie might have been a little too out there for most of the Academy voters *cougholdwhitemencough*.

So, here are my predictions....as you can tell I didn't do ALL the categories....Ill confer with my friend Shannon who knows more about sound editing and mixing, etc. ;)

Some interesting stats concerning this year’s nominations; Lincoln leads the nominations with eleven. We have the oldest female nominee ever for Best Actress with Emmanuelle Riva at eighty-six for Amour AND the youngest ever female with Quvenzhane Wallis for Beasts of the Southern Wild at nine years old but was six when the movie was filmed.

Best Picture

Amour

Argo

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Django Unchained

Les Misérables

Life of Pi

Lincoln

Silver Linings Playbook

Zero Dark Thirty

My prediction: It seems to be down between Lincoln and Silver Linings Playbook, but don’t fully count out Argo and Zero Dark Thirty. With the political backlash towards Zero Dark Thirty the Academy doesn't want to upset anyone in Washington and they like to play it safe. Argo does have the pity factor and and could win as a type of apology to Ben Affleck for not giving him a directing nom and the film festivals loved it. Also, NEVER count out the George Clooney factor in terms of him being a producer and loved in Hollywood by a large demographic. Silver Linings Playblook has the mental disorder and small budget feel that they love as well. Lincoln has Spielberg, history and Daniel Day-Lewis.

It is a hard one and these are all solid films in their own right. I’m giving it to Argo in the end.I wouldn't mind being wrong on this one and well... “Argo F*** yourself!”

Actor in a Leading Role

Bradley Cooper for Silver Linings Playbook

Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln

Hugh Jackman for Les Misérables

Joaquin Phoenix for The Master

Denzel Washington for Flight

My prediction: Everyone knows my love for the big DDL but don’t think that I’m biased enough that I don’t realize he campaigns like everyone else in his own way. And it’s working. Bradley Cooper wants it as well, but has to prove himself some more before the Academy is willing to give it to him so maybe another time. If DDL wasn't in it this year and the film wasn't a musical, Hugh Jackman could have been a real contender. Joaquin Phoenix gave his finest performance and one of the best performances in general that I have seen in years, and it is a honest shame that he is not getting more recognition for The Master, but with his comments about not caring for awards and the Hollywood establishment (despite backtracking and quietly playing nice now) The Master being too confusing and not Hollywood friendly, as well the DDL factor, any other year he would be the shoo in.

In the end I’m going with what I said the day Daniel Day-Lewis was announced to play Abraham Lincoln, “every other male actor can go home that night.” I’m giving it to Daniel Day-Lewis. One of the best.

Actress in a Leading Role

Jessica Chastain for Zero Dark Thirty

Jennifer Lawrence for Silver Linings Playbook

Emmanuelle Riva for Amour (2012)

Quvenzhané Wallis for Beasts of the Southern Wild

Naomi Watts for The Impossible

I want to mention that sometimes who I pick to win may not be who necessarily deserves to win, and even that is subjective. You follow enough award seasons and Hollywood gossip you end up learning enough about the politics involved with awards and nominations. It can be as confusing and brutal as an episode of Game of Thrones.

It is a two women race this year between Jessica Chastain and Jennifer Lawrence. Right off the bat we can eliminate Quvenzhane Wallis. Does she do a great job, yes, but come on...too young. As sad as this will sound, Emmanuelle Riva can be eliminated as well. Despite the film festival love, Amour is a “foreign film” and when was the last time an actress in a foreign film has won for the leading actress? Amour is also a heavy film that is not everyone's cup of tea. Naomi Watts is gaining some support but it is too little too late.

It’s a difficult one and really could go either way between Jessica and Jennifer (sounds like competition for cheerleading captain). Both ladies are no doubt talented and almost chameleon like in their versatility. Again the political backlash towards Zero Dark Thirty comes to mind and Jennifer Lawrence is loved by Hollywood (at twenty-two this is her second nomination) and has Harvey Weinstein to back her up. In the end Katniss will come out of the arena as the victor.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Alan Arkin for Argo

Robert De Niro for Silver Linings Playbook

Philip Seymour Hoffman for The Master

Tommy Lee Jones for Lincoln

Christoph Waltz for Django Unchained

This is another difficult category filled with acting legends. Although Philip Seymour Hoffman is loved by the academy, not enough momentum behind him and the unfriendliness of The Master comes into play again. Its okay, he has his Oscar for Capote. Alan Arkin is the lovable old man once again in Argo and already won for doing that in Little Miss Sunshine. Tommy Lee Jones is suffering the same fate like Joaquin Phoenix is. The DDL factor, only this time it is the Christoph Waltz factor.

Christoph Waltz is kinda becoming like DDL no? Excellent work not matter what and loved in Hollywood. Also, when your co-star takes the spotlight away from your lead AND Leonardo DiCaprio (and takes his nomination), you’re becoming like DDL. All while being your charming self. It may not matter that he won for Inglorious Bastards not too long ago. I’m thinking the Academy will give it to him again.

Christoph...now “THAT’S A BINGO!”

Actress in a Supporting Role

Amy Adams for The Master

Sally Field for Lincoln

Anne Hathaway for Les Misérables

Helen Hunt for The Sessions

Jacki Weaver for Silver Linings Playbook

This is another category that seems to be a lock. Normally a role like Mary Todd Lincoln would be the front runner. Add all the love for Lincoln and the way Sally Fields has been talking about fighting for the role and her long career, all make up the right ingredients for a win. Not so much this year.

This year comes a woman who was known as a goody-goody Disney Princess; a self admitted “vanilla personality,” who plays Catwoman to many surprises and has THE MOMENT in a film that is almost three hours long. All in extreme close up.

Anne Hathaway...your dream has come true.

Best Achievement in Directing

Michael Haneke for Amour

Ang Lee for Life of Pi

David O. Russell for Silver Linings Playbook

Steven Spielberg for Lincoln

Benh Zeitlin for Beasts of the Southern Wild

As mentioned before, this is the category has gotten a lot of buzz for those who were not nominated. Keep in mind many good directors have never won or have even nominated.

Again, as sad as this is, Michael Haneke won’t win for Amour; it is foreign and will win for that category. Plus The Artist was enough of a stretch for them to award Best Picture to and that was last year. Ang Li used a little too much CGI for the Academy’s liking. Benh Zeitlin is a surprise for his first feature, but won’t win since the film is too experimental for the Oscars and he is still an unknown, but keep it up!

So it comes down (once again) between Spielberg for Lincoln and Russell for Silver Linings Playbook. Lincoln has everything the Academy loves and every once in a while they give it to an “underdog” feel good type like Silver Linings Playbook.

I’m going on a bit of limb and say David O. Russell for Silver Linings Playbook.

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen

Amour: Michael Haneke

Django Unchained : Quentin Tarantino

Flight: John Gatins

Moonrise Kingdom: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola

Zero Dark Thirty: Mark Boal

In other words, an ORIGINAL script and not adapted from a previous work, which is becoming less and less difficult to find. That’s another category.

I’m going to keep this one short and sweet. As much as I would love to see Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola win for Moonrise Kingdom (and where is Wes Anderson for directing?) I’m going to give it to Quentin Tarantino for his always solid work and the amazing dialogue in Django Unchained.

An Anderson/Tarantino collaboration...now that would be something, lol. Nevermind! Too many alpha males.

Best Achievement in Costume Design

Anna Karenina: Jacqueline Durran

Les Misérables: Paco Delgado

Lincoln: Joanna Johnston

Mirror Mirror: Eiko Ishioka

Snow White and the Huntsman: Colleen Atwood

I can’t do all twenty-four categories, and you probably don’t want to see me do them anyway, but I COULDN'T ignore costume design, especially with so many beautiful ones this year. Also plenty of good ones that were not nominated.

At first it is a three way tie for me between Anna Karenina (a beautiful film to watch and lots of technical awards as well,) Les Misérables and Lincoln. All in this category have been nominated (except Paco Delgado) before as well and do great work and their passion comes out.

Any actor will tell you about the importance of the costumes in terms of helping them develop their character. Any director and production designer will also tell the importance in terms of their vision in bringing the world of the film to life.

Maybe the uber girl in me is coming out with this one, but I have to give it in the end to Jacqueline Durran for Anna Karenina. The costumes were superb in the elegance and reflection of Russian Aristocracy.

AND THE JEWLS!!!

For the rest of the nominations, click on the link. http://www.imdb.com/oscars/nominations/?ref_=rto_nb_acd

It should be an interesting night, with host Seth MacFarlane on February 24!

Sunday, 30 December 2012

Film Review: Django Unchained

Directed by Quentin Tarantino. Stars: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio. Written by: Quentin Tarantino. Released December 2012.

For years Quentin Tarantino has been toying with fans and Hollywood with his secret script about slavery and giving very little information about it. Nonetheless, there is always an excitement and buzz that comes with a new Tarantino film. His films have dealt with gangsters, changed history with his look at WWII and dealt with the fury of a female scorned. Add the cast that Tarantino lined up and you get the crazy, witty, violent and fun Django Unchained.

The film is about a slave, Django, who is rescued and freed by a bounty hunter posing as a dentist, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). He helps him to find the Brittle brothers since he is one of few who knows what they look like. In return, Schultz will help Django find and free his wife, Brumhilda Von Shaft, who happens to now be owned by one of the richest and largest (and eccentric) slave owners, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Who also deals in underground salve fighting, kinda like fight club.

Like any Tarantino film, it is filled with references to obscure films and genres that an uber cinephile like Tarantino understands and has fun with. It is part of his distinct style. This time (thanks to a little research) the film is in part homage to a 1966 film Django. The character of Django was played by Italian actor Franco Nero. Franco can be seen in a scene where Django (Jamie Foxx) chats up a slave trader at the plantation known as Candie-land. The trader asks him for his name, where Django replies “D-J-A-N-G-O. The D is silent.” The trader replies, “I know.”

This is known in film studies a meta-moment and Tarantino fills his movies with them. This is no exception, as well as referencing other westerns (even using the same locations) as well as old German myths and has it all work somehow.

Now that we got that bit of history out of the way...

Yes, the film is violent. Yes, the “N” word is used and has been criticized by some. Going into a film about slavery what do you expect? Going into a Quentin Tarantino film about slavery and you shouldn’t expect anything else. It is a dark and ugly part of history. Even with the undertone of humour you should feel uncomfortable at the ease that this is all depicted. That is in part what makes the film and Tarantino style’s so great.

Also typical is the witty dialogue. The film has an awesome blend of intense moments with cleaver one liners. Add a soundtrack that is a blend of music genres that reflect the blending of film genres. Old songs such as Johnny Cash’s “Ain’t No Grave” and new songs by Frank Ocean and John Legend, as well as songs used in the 1966 Django.

You always get solid performances in Tarantino’s films. He is an actor himself and knows how to motivate and give direction to them to get what he wants, as well as letting them explore and do their own thing. There is also the typical Tarantino cameo.

Christoph Waltz once again shines and it is nice to see him work with Tarantino again and probably not for the last time. He has some of the best one liners in the film and working along Jamie Foxx they make a good pair, who is also good and strong and shows that his Oscar for Ray wasn’t for nothing.

The performance I was most interested in was Leonardo DiCaprio as Calvin Candie. No doubt that Leo is a talented actor, but he tends to do the same intense type of roles. Next to Christoph Waltz, it is the showiest role. For the first time he plays “the bad guy” and he does well. He is still “Leo” about it, if that makes sense, but it is refreshing to see him do something different. You can tell he enjoyed it as well and had fun with the character. Will this be the role that finally gives Leo the Oscar he seems to badly want-who knows? A supporting nomination wouldn’t be surprising.

As written by Richard Crouse “Django Unchained” is bloodier than you’ll expect—with a shootout as violently gratuitous as any gun battle ever filmed—and funnier than you think it is going to be. It’s a message movie and a pulpy crowd pleaser. In other words, it’s a Tarantino film.”

Remember! The “D” is silent.

Film Review: Les Misérables

Directed by: Tom Hooper. Stars: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Sayfried, Helena Bonham Carter, Sasha Baron Cohen, Samantha Barks. Screenplay by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boubill. Adapted from the novel by Victor Hugo and Broadway Musical. Released: December 2012.

What do you do after winning the Best Picture Academy Award for your feature film debut (The Kings Speech)? If you are director Tom Hooper, you attempt to prove that you are not a one hit wonder by adapting one of the most beloved and successful (and the longest) Broadway musicals that was largely considered unadaptable; and for good reason.

The twenty year story of Jean Valjean (aka 24601) running from his past of breaking parole for stealing a loaf of bread and running from Inspector Javert is an epic. Add the subplot of Fantine, the ill fated prostitute and her child, Cosette, who Valjean adopts and helps to give meaning in his life. Throw in love at first site and the backdrop of 1832 French Revolution France, and there isn't much left that isn't brought up.

That is my one major criticism for the film. It is so epic that the film’s pacing tends to drag in the second half. There is a bit of a repetitivness, in particular with Valjean’s musical numbers. The pacing and editing could have been more concise with the same emotional pull while not sacrificing the storytelling.

Hooper differentiates his musical in two distinct ways. There is extremely little talking dialogue, a handful in a two hour and forty-three minute film. Second, all the singing was done live on set and not pre-record (as usual practice) this helps to add to the rawness and emotional pull that is needed for the story. I’ll admit that this worked better in certain moments than others.

Cinematographer Danny Cohen manages to show the beauty and the ugliness of France during this time. Costume designer Paco Delgado does his first major Hollywood film with a talent that I can only dream to possess. One of the best period costume designs in film this year that I have seen.

The performances are strong and I was pleasantly surprised a couple times. There was no doubt Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean was going to be good. He has the acting and singing chops to pull off the character. You feel his pain, anger, bitterness towards the world and the desire to be a better person, but his past keeps coming back to haunt him. As seen in his "Who Am I?" number. Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert has been discussed as the weakest of the singers and I agree. His traditional rock singing style may not have worked for Valjean, but as Javert and playing against Jackman as his foe, it can be argued that it does.

Anne Hathaway in the small but pivotal role of Fantine is the talk of the film. I’m not really a fan of Anne Hathaway, but the lady can sing and I would say next to her performance in Rachel Getting Married, this is her best. Her rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” is emotional and one of the best moments in the film. If you don’t at least have a small lump in your throat while she is singing about giving up and wanting to die, I question you having a soul.

What surprised me the most was the singing of Eddie Redmayne as Marius and newcomer Samantha Barks as Epione. I've seen Eddie in other films and he is an up and coming talent acting wise. He is part of the invasion of young British male actors taking over Hollywood, which my biased British loving heart is all for. I wasn't aware that he could sing as well, and his song “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” encompasses a young man full of love, hope and dreams but at the same time in morning for all the death of his friends and unknown future for his beloved county and the unfulfillment of those dreams.

New to film but veteran of stage is Samantha Barks, whose Epione sings my second favourite song in the musical. Her character serves as the opposite to Cossette, but she is strong and is willing to sacrifice herself for the dream and her love of Marius. Anyone who has experienced unrequited love will no doubt find “On my Own” as the ultimate when describing what it feels like to love someone who doesn't love you back and watch them love someone else, but know that you will be okay in the end. Even if the love at first sight story between Cossette and Marius is a little unrealistic and too sugary sweet for my liking.

Giving much needed comedic relief is Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen as innkeepers Monsieur and Madame Thenardier. It was also nice to see Colm Wilkinson (half Canadian) who originally played Jean Valjean (and the original Phantom of the Opera) as the Bishop who gives the means for Valjean to start a new life.

I must also give a shout out to two child actors; Isabelle Allen who plays young Cossette and Daniel Huttlestone who plays the young streetwise revolutionary Gavroche. These kids held their own and steal the show against the adults and will probably only get better as they grow.

Les Misérables is an epic of a musical about hope, love, honour and sacrifice. It should be seen on a big screen.

“Do you hear the people sing...”

Thursday, 20 December 2012

Awards Show Update

As 2012 comes to an end, with Santa and Baby New Year fast approaching, awards show season starts to heat up. Most films in contention are out or will soon be out in time for Christmas. I thought I would give a bit of an awards show update, leading up to the 85th annual Academy Awards.

Two large indicators that give a good idea of who and which films that will be nominated are the Golden Globes and SAG (Screen Actors Guild) awards. Both have been announced recently.

But before! Here is a great mash up of films for 2012!

I’ll wait until the nominations for the Oscars to come up with my predictions (not that I don't have an idea already) since I still am waiting to see Les Miserables, Django Unchained and Zero Dark Thirty and a couple of other films.

Sidenote: As a huge fan of HBO’s Game of Thrones and Showtime’s The Borgias, I’m sad at the lack of recognition this year for these awesome shows.

The lists of nominees for the 70th annual Golden Globes are:

http://www.goldenglobes.org/2012/12/nominations-2013/

1.   BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a.   ARGO
Warner Bros. Pictures, GK Films, Smokehouse Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures
b.   DJANGO UNCHAINED
The Weinstein Company, Columbia Pictures; The Weinstein Company/Sony Pictures Releasing
c.   LIFE OF PI
Fox 2000 Pictures; Twentieth Century Fox
d.   LINCOLN
DreamWorks Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox; Touchstone Pictures
e.   ZERO DARK THIRTY
Columbia Pictures and Annapurna Pictures; Sony Pictures Releasing

2.   BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
a.   Jessica Chastain –   ZERO DARK THIRTY
b.   Marion Cotillard – RUST AND BONE
c.   Helen Mirren – HITCHCOCK
d.   Naomi Watts – THE IMPOSSIBLE
e.   Rachel Weisz – THE DEEP BLUE SEA

3. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA|
a.   Daniel Day-Lewis – LINCOLN
b.   Richard Gere – ARBITRAGE
c.   John Hawkes – THE SESSIONS
d.   Joaquin Phoenix – THE MASTER
e.   Denzel Washington – FLIGHT

4.   BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a.   THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL  
Blueprint Pictures/Participant Media; Fox Searchlight Pictures
b.   LES MISERABLES
Universal Pictures, A Working Title Films/Cameron Mackintosh Productions; Universal Pictures
c.   MOONRISE KINGDOM
Indian Paintbrush; Focus Features
d.   SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN
CBS Films; CBS Films
e.   SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
The Weinstein Company; The Weinstein Company

5.   BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a.   Emily Blunt – SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN
b.   Judi Dench – THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
c.   Jennifer Lawrence – SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
d.   Maggie Smith – QUARTET
e.   Meryl Streep – HOPE SPRINGS

6. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a.   Jack Black – BERNIE
b.   Bradley Cooper – SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
c.   Hugh Jackman – LES MISERABLES
d.   Ewan McGregor – SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN
e.   Bill Murray – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

7.   BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
a.   BRAVE
Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Pictures
b.   FRANKENWEENIE
Walt Disney Pictures; Walt Disney Pictures
c.   HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA
Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures Animation; Sony Pictures Releasing
d.   RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
DreamWorks Animation LLC; Paramount Pictures
e.   WRECK-IT RALPH
Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios; Walt Disney Pictures

8.   BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
a.   AMOUR (AUSTRIA)
Les Films Du Losange, X Filme Creative Pool, Wega Film; Sony Pictures Classics
b.   A ROYAL AFFAIR (DENMARK)
(En kongelig affære)  Zentropa Entertainment; Magnolia Pictures
c.   THE INTOUCHABLES (FRANCE)
(Les Intouchables)  The WeinstenCompany, Quad Productions, Gaumont, TF1 Films Production, Ten Films, Chaocorp; The Weinstein Company
d.   KON-TIKI (NORWAY/UK/DENMARK)
Nordisk Film Production, Recorded Picture Company; The Weinstein Company
e.   RUST AND BONE (FRANCE)
(De rouille et d’os)  Page 114, Why Not Productions; Sony Pictures Classics

9. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
a.   Amy Adams – THE MASTER
b.   Sally Field – LINCOLN
c.   Anne Hathaway – LES MISERABLES
d.   Helen Hunt – THE SESSIONS
e.   Nicole Kidman – THE PAPERBOY

10. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
a.   Alan Arkin – ARGO
b.   Leonardo DiCaprio – DJANGO UNCHAINED
c.   Philip Seymour Hoffman – THE MASTER
d.   Tommy Lee Jones – LINCOLN
e.   Christoph Waltz – DJANGO UNCHAINED

11. BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
a.   Ben Affleck – ARGO
b.   Kathryn Bigelow – ZERO DARK THIRTY
c.   Ang Lee – LIFE OF PI
d.   Steven Spielberg – LINCOLN
e.   Quentin Tarantino – DJANGO UNCHAINED

12. BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
a.   Mark Boal – ZERO DARK THIRTY
b.   Tony Kushner – LINCOLN
c.   David O. Russell – SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK
d.   Quentin Tarantino – DJANGO UNCHAINED
e.   Chris Terrio – ARGO

13. BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
a.   Mychael Danna – LIFE OF PI
b.   Alexandre Desplat – ARGO
c.   Dario Marianelli – ANNA KARENINA
d.   Tom Tykwer,  – CLOUD ATLAS
Johnny Klimek,
Reinhold Heil
e.   John Williams – LINCOLN

14. BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
a.   “FOR YOU” — ACT OF VALOR
Music by: Monty Powell, Keith Urban
Lyrics by: Monty Powell, Keith Urban
b.   “NOT RUNNING ANYMORE”—STAND UP GUYS
Music by: Jon Bon Jovi
Lyrics by: Jon Bon Jovi
c.   “SAFE & SOUND” — THE HUNGER GAMES
Music by: Taylor Swift, John Paul White, Joy Williams, T Bone Burnett
Lyrics by: Taylor Swift, John Paul White, Joy Williams, T Bone Burnett
d.   “SKYFALL”—SKYFALL
Music by: Adele, Paul Epworth
Lyrics by: Adele, Paul Epworth
e.   “SUDDENLY” — LES MISERABLES
Music by: Claude-Michel Schonberg
Lyrics by: Herbert Kretzmer, Alain Boublil

15. BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
a.   BREAKING BAD
AMC  Sony Pictures Television
b.   BOARDWALK EMPIRE
HBO  Leverage, Closest to the Hole Productions, Sikelia Productions and Cold Front Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
c.   DOWNTON ABBEY: SEASON 2
PBS  A Carnival / Masterpiece Co-Production
d.   HOMELAND
SHOWTIME  SHOWTIME, Teakwood Lane Productions, Cherry Pie Productions, Keshet, Fox 21
e.   THE NEWSROOM
HBO  HBO Entertainment

16. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
a.   Connie Britton – NASHVILLE
b.   Glenn Close – DAMAGES
c.   Claire Danes – HOMELAND
d.   Michelle Dockery – DOWNTON ABBEY: SEASON 2
e.   Julianna Margulies -THE GOOD WIFE

17. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
a.   Steve Buscemi – BOARDWALK EMPIRE
b.   Bryan Cranston - BREAKING BAD
c.   Jeff Daniels – THE NEWSROOM
d.   Jon Hamm – MAD MEN
e.   Damian Lewis – HOMELAND

18. BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a.   THE BIG BANG THEORY
CBS  Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television
b.   EPISODES
SHOWTIME  SHOWTIME, Hat Trick Productions, Crane Klarik Productions
c.   GIRLS
HBO  Apatow Productions and I am Jenni Konner Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
d.   MODERN FAMILY
ABC  Levitan-Lloyd Productions in association with Twentieth Century Fox Television
e.   SMASH
NBC Universal Television in association with DreamWorks Television

19. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a.    Zooey Deshanel – NEW GIRL
b.   Julia Louis-Dreyfus – VEEP
c.    Lena Dunham – GIRLS
d.   Tina Fey – 30 ROCK
e.   Amy Poehler – PARKS AND RECREATION

20. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
a.   Alec Baldwin – 30 ROCK
b.   Don Cheadle – HOUSE OF LIES
c.   Louis C.K. – LOUIE
d.   Matt LeBlanc – EPISODES
e.   Jim Parsons – THE BIG BANG THEORY

21. BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a.   GAME CHANGE
HBO  Playtone and Everyman Pictures in association with HBO Films
b.   THE GIRL
HBO  A Wall to Wall, Warner Bros Entertainment GmbH, Moonlighting and BBC Production in association with HBO Films
c. HATFIELDS & MCCOYS
HISTORY Thinkfactory Media in association with History
d.   THE HOUR
BBC AMERICA  Kudos Film and Television/BBC America co-production
e.   POLITICAL ANIMALS
USA NETWORK Berlanti Productions and Laurence Mark Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television

22. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a.   Nicole Kidman – HEMINGWAY & GELLHORN
b.   Jessica Lange – AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM
c.    Sienna Miller – THE GIRL
d.   Julianne Moore – GAME CHANGE
e.   Sigourney Weaver – POLITICAL ANIMALS

23. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a.   Kevin Costner – HATFIELDS & MCCOYS
b.    Benedict Cumberbatch – SHERLOCK (MASTERPIECE)
c.   Woody Harrelson – GAME CHANGE
d.    Toby Jones – THE GIRL
e.   Clive Owen – HEMINGWAY & GELLHORN

24. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a.    Hayden Panettiere – NASHVILLE
b.    Archie Panjabi – THE GOOD WIFE
c.   Sarah Paulson – GAME CHANGE
d.   Maggie Smith – DOWNTON ABBEY: SEASON 2
e.   Sofia Vergara – MODERN FAMILY

25. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
a.    Max Greenfield – NEW GIRL
b.   Ed Harris – GAME CHANGE
c.    Danny Huston – MAGIC CITY
d.   Mandy Patinkin – HOMELAND
e.   Eric Stonestreet – MODERN FAMILY

Dwight Schrute

SAG AWARDS HONORS FOR STUNT ENSEMBLES

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (Columbia Pictures)
THE BOURNE LEGACY (Universal Pictures)
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (Warner Bros. Pictures)
LES MISÉRABLES (Universal Pictures)
SKYFALL (Columbia Pictures)

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
BOARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO)
BREAKING BAD (AMC)
GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
SONS OF ANARCHY (FX)
THE WALKING DEAD (AMC)

LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Screen Actors Guild 49th Annual Life Achievement Award

DICK VAN DYKE

It has been a great year for film, both in terms of Hollywood blockbusters and "independent" films.

Happy viewing!

Little Film Buff

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