
Local actors and moviemakers vie for honors at last Sunday’s Golden Globes, which often set the terms of the debate for the upcoming Academy Awards.
By Kim Devore / Entertainment Editor
Okay, so maybe it wasn’t the greatest year at the box office, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t make some great films. What’s more, lots of locals are on the yellow brick road and could be on their way to Oscar gold.
At the Golden Globes, Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse” was high on the list for best picture, but lost out to “The Descendants.” The famed director didn’t go away empty handed, however. He picked up the animated prize for his “Adventures of Tintin.”
Local Leonardo DiCaprio won rave reviews for his performance in “J. Edgar,” but was edged out by George Clooney. Malibu’s Charlize Theron got a Globe nomination for “Young Adult,” but the Globe went to Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. Owen Wilson was nominated for his role in my personal favorite, Woody Allen’s delightful ode to the City of Light called “Midnight in Paris.” The pic won a Globe for Best Screenplay. If you haven’t seen it, do so. It’s one of Allen’s best films in years-possibly ever. When my husband and I viewed a matinee at the local cinema, we didn’t want it to end and the entire theater gave it a standing ovation. “Midnight in Paris” also won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Original Screenplay. The Oscars, however, may be a different story. “Midnight” may face stiff competition from “The Artist.” The critically acclaimed black-and-white silent production has already earned Globes for Best Comedy and Best Actor (comedy or musical), Critic’s Choice Awards for Best Picture as well as trophies for Best Director, Best Costume Design and Best Score.
Unlike the Oscars, the Golden Globes also salute the best of the small screen with Malibu’s Kelsey Grammer winning the Best Actor as the “Boss.” The show was also up for Best Television Series in the drama category.
Longtime local David Duchovny was in the race for the Best Actor (comedy or musical) for “Californication,” but lost to Matt LeBlanc.
Now all eyes are on Oscar, the biggest prize of all.
In addition to “War Horse,” major contenders include “The Descendants,” “The Help,” “Hugo,” “The Ides of March” and “Moneyball.”
Oscar queen and Globe winner Meryl Streep may be a shoo-in for her spot-on portrayal of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.” Then again, there’s newcomer Rooney Mara, who plays the pierced and heavily inked Lisbeth Salander in “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.”
The film is based on the wildly successful book series by Swedish author Stieg Larsson.
Leonardo DiCaprio faces competition from George Clooney in “The Descendants,” Ryan Gosling in “The Ides of March” and Brad Pitt in “Moneyball.”
Best Picture could be anyone’s guess because at the Oscars who knows and anything goes.
Serious fans will be getting up early when the Academy nominations will be announced to a worldwide audience on Tue., Jan. 24 at precisely 5:38 PST.
Malibu Golden Globe winners
Steven Spielberg, directed “The Adventures of Tintin,” which won the award for Best Animated Picture.
Kelsey Grammer, Best Actor (television, drama) for “Boss”
Malibu Golden Globe nominees
Leonardo DiCaprio, Best Actor (film, drama) for “J. Edgar”
Charlize Theron, Best Actress (film, comedy or musical) for “Young Adult”
Owen Wilson, Best Actor (film, drama) for “Midnight in Paris”
David Duchovny, Best Actor (television, comedy or musical) for “Californication”