Let's face it, the Hollywood Foreign Press doesn't know squat about Cinema. We all know the truth. They are a group of journalists (and it's my understanding that the word "Journalist" is used extremely liberally here) who banded together and somehow managed to convince the world they know about movies. They point of their awards isn't to honor movies and actors, but to allow the Hollywood Foreign press to party with the likes of Colin Farrell. I can't blame them. I'd want to party with Colin Farrell too. But let's face it. Normally the Hollywood Foreign Press pretends to pick good movies and generally makes sensible nominations. This year they've lost their damn minds.
It wasn't the strongest year for movies, it's true. But there were several indies that could have been nominated. Four Lions comes to mind. But no, they were ignored.
So this year's unforgivable offenders? How about we start with Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. I'l be realistic and admit that this isn't a category with a great deal of potential for great movies to be nominated. But...Red? Really? Don't get me wrong. I really liked this film. I thought it was fun, vastly entertaining. John Malkovich in particular shined. But nominating it for Best Picture? It has a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes for crying out loud. And then they add insult to injury and put Alice in Wonderland, Burlesque, and The Tourist in this category. Why not just man up and put The A-Team in there? It was miles better than any of their other choices.
As for the acting nominations, look no further for additional proof that these people have lost their minds. Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical nominee Emma Stone? What? If you have the guts to nominate Red for best picture, man up and nominate Helen Mirren. And why bother nominating Johnny Depp twice in the same category? Was I the only person on the planet who hated Alice in Wonderland? Was I the only one who thought it was overrated, poorly written, poorly acted, and relied far too much on visual effects? Where was Robert Duvall's nomination for Get Low?
Of course, the Hollywood Foreign Press's biggest sin this year was the complete shut out of True Grit. Fortunately the SAGs have already nodded to the Cohen Brother's film, and I don't doubt for a second that the Academy Awards are going to be all over this. Time will tell.
~Lauren
