The 13th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards show goes on VH1 – even with major stars who boycotted the Golden Globes or picketing
By Stacey Silberman
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 1/8/08 – The 13th annual Critics’ Choice Awards went on as planned Monday, bestowing film favorites “No Country for Old Men” and “Hairspray” top honors, along with Hollywood’s A-list stars in attendance.
During the fete, word spread that the Golden Globes’ telecast would be cancelled after Writers Guild of America stood its ground and denied waivers for Dick Clark Productions and Foreign Press Association. Writers Guild members didn’t picket the event because it’s not considered a guild signatory (See related HT story) . This made it possible for stars to attend without crossing the pickets.
The Broadcast Film Critics Association represents over 200 critics from TV, radio and Internet sites across North America and likens itself to the precursor for the Oscars. This year’s event was hosted by D.L. Hughley and was held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.
There were mixed opinions from stars of all ages in attendance and some weighed in on the Hollywood dilemma that is affecting their livelihood at this time.
Angelina Jolie and boyfriend Brad Pitt attended and and Jolie stopped to chat with MTV News saying, “I support the writers,” and then continued their walk along the red carpet.
Amanda Bynes, whose “Hairspray” has three Globe nominations, admitted “I’m Sad. It’s the first time I’ve ever been in a movie that’s been nominated for any type of Golden Globe. I was definitely excited to go.”
“I’m happy that people have been responding well to “Juno,” said an articulate Ellen Page, who starred as the pregnant teen in the film just before winning for Best Comedy. “It is, of course, really exciting. And I’m really proud of it.”
Page, who has a perspective older than her years weighed in on the strike and how it may affect her via awards shows saying, “It is what it is. There are worse things in the world, and people are being hurt a lot worse than me because of the strike. I hope it gets resolved soon.”
Another young actress gave her observation too. “Driving around today, it’s so much more quiet,” said AnnaSophia Robb, the 14-year-old star of “Bridge to Terabithia.” “There are so many more re-runs. I really want everyone to just come to an agreement.”
Yet another young Hollywood newcomer Nikki Blonsky told the AP, “I’ve never been nominated for anything, ever.” The “Hairspray star was discovered by director Adam Shankman while she was working at a Cold Stone Creamery. She never even won for employee of the month. “I didn’t,” exclaimed Blonsky. “But they gave me the keys to the store, if that means anything.”
Once inside the auditorium it was like any other event in tinsel town. Attendees, including George Clooney, Sean Penn, Katie Holmes, Daniel Day-Lewis, Don Cheadle and others, chatted about current and future projects, among other things. They appeared to go about their business and enjoy the fete. Of course, there was talk of the Globes cancellation and some buzz about the fate of the 2008 Oscars, but mostly it was a typical schmooze fest.
The big winner of the evening was dark drama “No Country for Old Men,” winning trophies for Best Picture and Best Director for Joel and Ethan Coen, who weren’t in attendance. Javier Bardem also won Best Supporting Actor.
“Hairspray” also proved to be one of the evening’s winners, as John Waters’ classic dance musical won kudos for Best Acting Ensemble and Best Young Actress for lead Blonsky.
The night’s other winners included Western-genre film “There Will Be Blood,” which took the Best Composer and Best Actor award for Daniel Day-Lewis.
Best Actress went to Julie Christie for “Away from Her” and to Amy Ryan for “Gone Baby Gone.” “Enchanted” won in the Best Family Film category.
“Atonement” received five nominations, but didn’t win in any of the categories
In the past, the Critics’ Choice Awards, like the Golden Globes, have been indicative of the season’s Oscar winners.
“It would be great if the writers could return, and the critics [could] go on strike,” said Steve Zahn to the critics in jest.
“I decided, being a member in good standing, not to write a speech,” quipped Don Cheadle, from the podium after receiving the ‘Critics’’ lifetime-achievement award.
“They need to lock themselves in a room,” urged George Clooney, as he was onstage to present an award and insistent that he would not cross any picket lines now or in the future. “We want this to be finished.”
“The whole thing feels wrong,” Shankman sighed. “I have too many friends who worked too hard this year.”
And last but not least, the Doggfather of rap said, “Be like Snoop Dogg, write your own materials and learn how to get paid without a strike.”