tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post7048075336162535158..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Open letter the Hollywood Foreign Press AssociationBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-9766948288158655262016-01-19T17:53:10.216-08:002016-01-19T17:53:10.216-08:00Ricky Gervais explains why he thrashes Hollywood a...Ricky Gervais explains why he thrashes Hollywood and the Golden Globes while hosting them in this BBC interview:<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfbPlRseDPUAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-70597372818494520622016-01-13T18:32:14.034-08:002016-01-13T18:32:14.034-08:00"Anonymous said...
D McEwan, he hasn't se...<i>"Anonymous said...<br />D McEwan, he hasn't set foot at the Oscars, but he was nominated, and I think won."</i><br /><br />Well, unfortunately, the little child rapist is a very talented director. The award is not for "Best Direction of a Movie By a Non-Child Rapist." Would it have been better if the entire audience sat there unclapping, instead of only part of them? Yes. Similarly, I objected to honoring Elia "The Rat" Kazan, but there's no way around what a great director is he was, despite being a cowardly piece of shit.<br /><br />Did you forget how to type your name?<br /><br />D. McEwannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-8914303773153730102016-01-13T14:33:41.764-08:002016-01-13T14:33:41.764-08:00"This is a little similar to the Charlie Shee..."This is a little similar to the Charlie Sheen/"Two and a Half Men" situation. The network and Chuck Lorre knew about the drugs, hookers, and violence. Sheen even shot his fiancée, Kelly Preston, although she never pressed charges. But this was all fine and Sheen was hired and worked for years on the show until he says something remotely anti-Semitic and he's immediately fired."<br /><br />The treatment of Sheen has bugged me too. The WB and Lorre made millions upon millions off him and his persona and ruthlessly dumped him as soon as it became a little too real for them. It was gross and exploitative.Olivernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-39148500974727041702016-01-13T13:56:20.318-08:002016-01-13T13:56:20.318-08:00It's the Doo-Dah Parade of awards shows.It's the Doo-Dah Parade of awards shows.Don McCullochhttp://www.radiodeluxe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-29165809099932835532016-01-13T13:47:03.190-08:002016-01-13T13:47:03.190-08:00Then there was Hollywood awarding best song to a m...Then there was Hollywood awarding best song to a movie about murderer Che Guevara, with Salma Hayek calling him 'an idealist'.<br /><br /><br />MikeNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-35573440505164413882016-01-13T13:33:11.806-08:002016-01-13T13:33:11.806-08:00Some interesting posts about the GG. While I see K...Some interesting posts about the GG. While I see Ken's points I think all award shows are bogus marketing ploys where insiders acknowledge and pat each other on the back publicly. I haven't watched since college and prefer to read and see the highlights the next day. The media does a phenomenal job of highlighting the best and the worse versus reporting real news.<br /><br />Although awards shows are meant to be prestigious and show us the glamour, even they too have to compete and be relevant in a world where people's attention spans are shorter and social is the main event. It's not going to get better, just worse.Aaliyahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04592146576233426623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-23486967721061275852016-01-13T08:28:00.145-08:002016-01-13T08:28:00.145-08:00"Gibson: Says horribly racist, misogynistic t...<br />"Gibson: Says horribly racist, misogynistic things, is ostracized and condemned by the industry, and his career is effectively dead. <br /><br />Polanski: Drugs and rapes a 13 year old girl (and there is no consent possible, not for a 13 year old, no matter how sophisticated she is), flees the country to escape sentencing, and is the beneficiary of unending support from Hollywood.<br /><br />I guess the moral of the story is that you can screw a child and still be a revered member of the movie industry elite, as long as you don't call her any racist names while you're doing it." - Roger Tunney<br /><br /><br />This is a little similar to the Charlie Sheen/"Two and a Half Men" situation. The network and Chuck Lorre knew about the drugs, hookers, and violence. Sheen even shot his fiancée, Kelly Preston, although she never pressed charges. But this was all fine and Sheen was hired and worked for years on the show until he says something remotely anti-Semitic and he's immediately fired.<br />CarolMRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06357698369178272616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-51019097046225346332016-01-13T07:59:46.333-08:002016-01-13T07:59:46.333-08:00Having now seen the relevant portion, it's not...Having now seen the relevant portion, it's not clear to me that Denzel Washington was drunk; he was quite clear about having forgotten his glasses and being unable to read what he'd prepared. He actually asked his wife, but she hadn't brought hers either. I don't know why he didn't just hand it to one of the kids.<br /><br />wgWendy M. Grossmanhttp://www.pelicancrossing.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-78176246327882194462016-01-13T05:21:03.894-08:002016-01-13T05:21:03.894-08:00Ooooh, now I'm sad I missed it.Ooooh, now I'm sad I missed it.Gerryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12361836428885324631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-38388171012708735562016-01-13T02:38:46.697-08:002016-01-13T02:38:46.697-08:00Polanski won for The Pianist in 2003. He quite ob...Polanski won for The Pianist in 2003. He quite obviously did not attend, and his standing ovation was not participated in by everyone, but there were a large number of very prominent people (Jack Nicholson and Martin Scorsese most visibly) who were egging on the crowd to stand and applaud. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXnNOBj26lk Breadbakernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-61689994880932575152016-01-12T20:40:08.592-08:002016-01-12T20:40:08.592-08:00"My issue with you, the Hollywood Foreign Pre..."My issue with you, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is that you are sacrificing your biggest asset for the sake of a rating point."<br /><br />I have the same issue with Lorne Michaels's decision to let vulgarian Donald Trump host SNL. Appalling. <br /><br />Thanks for another great post, Ken.Ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06794791220323089387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-62010528256642663712016-01-12T17:52:50.787-08:002016-01-12T17:52:50.787-08:00Thinking of the Oscars and the Super Bowl...I'...Thinking of the Oscars and the Super Bowl...I'm wondering if the Golden Globes aren't produced by the same folks who bring us the Puppy Bowl. <br /><br />emilynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-5615225952823732472016-01-12T17:22:31.371-08:002016-01-12T17:22:31.371-08:00Many people feel "Saving Private Ryan" w...Many people feel "Saving Private Ryan" was hurt by the fact that many of the Academy Members saw it on DVD in their homes, and the scope of the picture was lost on them, or couldn't be fully appreciated. "Shakespeare in Love", however, looks great on the small screen.candanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36800227456046597822016-01-12T17:03:51.142-08:002016-01-12T17:03:51.142-08:00D McEwan, he hasn't set foot at the Oscars, bu...D McEwan, he hasn't set foot at the Oscars, but he was nominated, and I think won.<br /><br />I remember Steve Martin joking about him being there,"Get him!"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36922420741170023612016-01-12T16:49:06.096-08:002016-01-12T16:49:06.096-08:00Ken, you seem to like the idea of Ricky hosting a ...Ken, you seem to like the idea of Ricky hosting a Friars' Club Roast. Me, too! I think that means you believe you could enjoy Ricky's style of humor in the right setting. Me, too! I just happen to think that Ricky is also a good fit for the ersatz Golden Globes, which, in my view, are just as phony as most award shows outside of the Big Four. Jon B.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-2898216187980973712016-01-12T16:25:50.969-08:002016-01-12T16:25:50.969-08:00"MikeN said...
Why shouldn't Academy invi...<i>"MikeN said...<br />Why shouldn't Academy invite Mel Gibson to present at the Oscars? He is one of the biggest stars in the history of the industry. This is the same audience that cheered Roman Polanski"</i><br /><br />When did this happen? Roman hasn't dared set foot in America in decades, so he certainly hasn't been to the Oscars.<br /><br /><i>"MikeK.Pa. said...<br />Just look at "Shakespeare in Love." (and when was the last time you saw that on TV?)"</i><br /><br />As a matter of fact, I watched it on TV, on a cable station, aslt month. Still a very good movie.D. McEwannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-8810636769050465432016-01-12T16:20:21.959-08:002016-01-12T16:20:21.959-08:00Warning: I'm feeling grumpy.
I completely dis...Warning: I'm feeling grumpy.<br /><br />I completely disagree. Sorry. The only chance I see the Golden Globes having for being even remotely relevant is by basically becoming a roast. It's the only reason I watch clips of what would be an otherwise unbearable, excruciating, and completely pointless exercise. The Golden Globes are a joke. They have terrible nominations (The Martian is a comedy?), they are voted for by god knows who, they clearly give awards to the highest bidder (The Tourist wins best film?), and ultimately they mean less than an MTV Movie Award.<br /><br />Consider this: The morning after the show, everyone in my office gathered around a computer to watch Gervais's opening monologue. You think that happens in offices around the world for any other award ceremony? Acknowledging what a joke they are is the only way I see the Golden Globes surviving. The last thing the world needs is another dull, drawn out exercise in self-aggrandizement -- the Oscars is already quite enough (and I'm a big fan of the Oscars!).Johnny Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13302545167970532080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-18014479995879946632016-01-12T15:34:30.983-08:002016-01-12T15:34:30.983-08:00I thought the studios determined the category thei...I thought the studios determined the category their project would be submitted in; generally for crass reasons like not pitching two stars of the same film against one another;; or figuring that a film would fare better against the competition in one field than another. If so, that should be changed, but it would give studios less control of the awards (and this goes far beyond the Golden Globes).Todd Everettnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-50805666451773741782016-01-12T15:31:27.531-08:002016-01-12T15:31:27.531-08:00The problem is that the HFPA are more fans than cr...The problem is that the HFPA are more fans than critics. To get Leo, Denzel, Matt, and Brad front and center for their crappy awards show? Start the bidding for the awards! Plus endless bottles of the finest champagne and wine, and free p.r. for stars, directors and producers to position for the Oscars? Sign them up!<br /><br />Let's not be fooled, the Academy Awards (whites only, please) has its own problems and still 20 years behind recognizing diverse performers, even with the occasional lapses when they give one out. For 11 months of the year they plan, film and promote movies that are the equivalent of cotton candy to pander the teens and tweens, and then one month a year they pull out the February and October releases and say, "Look what we made!"<br /><br />You don't think the Oscars can be bought? Just look at "Shakespeare in Love." (and when was the last time you saw that on TV?) Granted, the pickings were slim that year, but "Saving Private Ryan," as much as you dislike it, was better than anything starring Gwyneth Paltrow. She hasn't lost that stupid English accent since, which probably drove Chris Martin nuts. Speaking of which, Paltrow on her best day isn't close to Meryl Streep (who lost to her, along with Cate Blanchett) on her worst day. <br />MikeK.Pa.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-62369968877450664772016-01-12T15:24:44.274-08:002016-01-12T15:24:44.274-08:00That's a better POV I think, a more centered o...That's a better POV I think, a more centered one. Basically what happens when you through an awards show no one cares about, and after awhile you don't either. I think the abuse piled on RG is off key. His show Extras is truly wonderful and I can't believe anyone who abuses themselves so much in a show like that (showing the willingness to endure untying if it leads to fame and attention) isn't very self aware. I don't buy that he actually thinks he is better than anyone. It's an act. It's a character he plays on the awards show. No matter which awards show it is - they are all part of a ridiculous self centeredness where the people involved need constant attention and adulation. Being paid millions to act or write or make stuff up isn't enough. Nothing is ever enough I suppose.Mark Fearinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01633176474005577421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-20776566789522432172016-01-12T14:49:26.809-08:002016-01-12T14:49:26.809-08:00I guess you don't care for Ricky Gervais. Fin...I guess you don't care for Ricky Gervais. Fine, but why pick on Carmen Miranda?<br /><br />Maybe if the GGs followed Oscar, it would seem like an amusing parody. I cherish the year when the last presenter was Sir Sean Connery, who had clearly spent the evening with his good friend Glen Fiddich. He was in a merry condition, but he got through it like a pro. Alcohol should be a requirement of every award show. Maybe Kanye wouldn't be so angry every time he gets near the microphone. And viewers should drink, too, not just when someone says "journey" or "craft."<br /><br />Lighten up, Ken. Awards season is just beginning.Buttermilk Skyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07430011403223875192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-71465249814076941202016-01-12T14:40:28.130-08:002016-01-12T14:40:28.130-08:00The bigger surprise to me is that there are so man...The bigger surprise to me is that there are so many people who actually watch any of these stupid award shows. Golden Globes, Emmy, Oscar...whatever. I find them all a colossal bore.Jacobnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-79300218169786804792016-01-12T14:14:38.730-08:002016-01-12T14:14:38.730-08:00I gotta go with the crowd on this one Mr. Levine. ...I gotta go with the crowd on this one Mr. Levine. The whole celebrity self worship award thing is silly and the Golden Globes are the goofiest of them all. I thought Gervais was funny if not a little crude. But look at some of the films and it's hard to hold him to a higher standard.<br /><br />On a dignity scale the whole show was on a par with most of what passes for TV comedy these days. So it's probably a big "Meh who cares?" Hard to get worked up about it.<br /><br />AlohaH Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12482221297668464504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-9935703359829940802016-01-12T12:29:38.702-08:002016-01-12T12:29:38.702-08:00I would agree with you, even though some people sa...I would agree with you, even though some people say awards shows take themselves too seriously.Mike Barerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14447874605833321732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-33095995736059139412016-01-12T11:53:44.708-08:002016-01-12T11:53:44.708-08:00"You destroy the legitmacy of your organizati..."You destroy the legitmacy of your organization."<br /><br />There's your problem, Ken. The Hollywood Foreign Press isn't a legitimate organization.<br /><br />Dave Bellnoreply@blogger.com