Yes, mate, it’s on… across the pond.
With the Oscars coming up this weekend, there’s still time to squeeze in a few significant, last-minute award ceremonies.
One of the biggies is the BAFTAs, which is the UK’s equivalent of the Academy Awards. The positively smashing spectacle took place in London on Sunday. It was hosted by the one and only Graham Norton at London’s Royal Albert Hall and gave the country something else to focus on besides the scandal involving the Queen, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It seemed to be a brilliant diversion for their Royal Highnesses William and Kate who were in jolly good form. Kate looked positively posh in her white and gold chiffon gown.
As expected, the WWI epic “1917” won best film, outstanding British film and best director (Sam Mendes), plus outstanding cinematography and a spate of technical awards. Renée Zellweger can’t be caught for best leading actress in “Judy,” nor could Joaquin Phoenix for “Joker.” Laura Dern picked up yet another win for supporting actress in “Marriage Story.” Brad Pitt continued his winning streak for “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.”
“Jojo Rabbit” and “Parasite” won for screenplays.
Malibu Seen says fast forward to Sunday and expect a repeat performance.
WRITE ON!
The directors, the producers and actors all had their say, so it’s only fair that last Saturday it was time for the scribes to strut their stuff.
The Writers Guild of America held ceremonies on both coasts with surprise wins for the Nazi comedy “Jojo Rabbit” starring Scarlett Johansson and the foreign film “Parasite,” which only seems to be gaining momentum along with “1917.” Accolades for two excellent early films—the mob drama “The Irishman” and “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” unfortunately seem to be falling flat.
On the TV side, honors went to the writers of “Barry” and “Succession.” HBO’s “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” won the comedy prize, its fourth in a row.
Honorary award winners included Nancy Meyers of “Private Benjamin” and “Something’s Gotta Give” fame, comedy writer Merrill Markoe got high fives for “Late Night with David Letterman” and Charles Randolph received the Paul Selvin Award for “Bombshell.”
GETTING HITCHED
Baywatch babe and longtime local Pamela Anderson and producer Jon Peters reportedly tied the knot. They held an intimate ceremony in Malibu. It was the fifth marriage for each. Unfortunately, the two are said to have already called it quits. So, Pam, whatever you do, don’t throw away your striking red one-piece!
GUSTAVO THE GREAT
Music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel, also known as “The Dude,” has been a sensation ever since he set foot on the stage at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Now he has one more thing to put some sizzle into his pop.
The dude and his talented team at the Los Angeles Philharmonic recently picked up a Grammy for the world premiere of Andrew Norman’s “Sustain.” The piece was commissioned by the LA Phil and recorded by Deutsche Grammophon to help celebrate the orchestra’s Centennial season.
The maestro summed up the honor this way: “We are all so proud to have been able to commission, premiere and record this magnificent work.”
BRAVO!