You have a choice, Oscarwatchers! (After the Critics Choice Awards); Ben is Back

The best way to watch an Awards show...not counting the Oscars of course...is an hour in, recorded on a DVR. That's how I viewed the Golden Globes and last night's Critics Choice Awards. The problem with that is being spoiled though. I thought I had covered all of my bases. Devices were on "do not disturb," social media apps are still (delightfully) deleted from my phone...but when I checked a message on my apple watch, I went to my phone to answer it and saw the email notification from Awards Daily. ROMA had won.

Luckily, even knowing the outcome of the final prize there was some excitement leading up to the Best Actress category. Thank goodness I wasn't spoiled for that moment.

Not only did "The Favourite"s Olivia Colman win Best Actress in a Comedy, Glenn Close ("The Wife") and Lady Gaga, ("A Star is Born") tied for Best Actress. It was a fantastic night for women. Amy Sherman-Palladino, a tie for Amy Adams and Patricia Arquette...and then this:

As Glenn Close accepted her award, knowing there was a tie, but unaware of the recipient, she said:

"The world pits us against each other in this profession," Close said, "and I know, from the other women in this category, we celebrate each other and we are proud to be in this room together.” Quote attributed to Deadline

Then, moments later, Gaga accepted her win, in tears. She dedicated the award to those suffering from alcoholism and addiction, while also managing to remind us of her star power as she joked that she would have no problem finishing the speech accompanied by the "cut off" piano music. 

Some other things happened, obviously...Bale won twice for "Vice," which...more than likely is you Best Actor Oscar winner. Regina King and Mahershala Ali won for Supporting. And Cuaron won for Cinematography, Director and Picture.

Check out these highlights from ABC -

At this point in the race, Oscarwatchers, you have a choice.

You can start to really resent the reality of things or you can simply have fun. 

I've made it clear on this site that I don't like "Vice." I also think Bale's performance is as inconsistent as the film itself. I blame McKay...not Bale. More on that later in the week when I revisit the film with an open mind.

But whether or not I change my mind or at minimum soften my disdain, I am going to be fine with him winning. It's just an award for goodness sake. It doesn't diminish the work Bradley Cooper did or any of the other men who might be nominated next week. 

The other alternative. is what I witnessed last night in a comments section at another Oscar site. I honestly don't want to give too much weight to the negativity. A reader questioned the sincerity of a speech delivered by an Actress. Then, a rebuttal by a fan of the actress, which was followed by a nasty attack on the commenter who was defending her. I find this unacceptable and am grateful it doesn't happen here at Awards Wiz.

Although last year's Best Actor race touched on this sort of trolling thanks to the Chalamaniacs...it is nothing like what happens with the women. It happens every year, and it is vile.

Again, you have a choice, Oscarwatchers...

So, what's next? We see what happens at the SAG Awards, then the Oscar nominations. I'll also, begrudgingly give you my Oscar nom predictions...more than likely on Friday morning.

Ben is Back
I also managed to see "Ben is Back" yesterday.



I was so incredibly disappointed that Roadside Attractions didn't answer my requests for the film, hoping I might consider it for my Top 10 and help (if warranted) get the word out about Julia Roberts.

I will say this...I get it now. It's not an Oscar film. Both Julia and Lucas Hedges in leads performances are fantastic, but this is a small, intimate adult drama with some over the top bits that somehow still manage to work thanks to the actors and the realistic detail provided by director Peter Hedges.

During the holidays, I found a bit of joy watching people discuss what is and isn't a Christmas movie...and while I have a few non-traditional ones - "Black Christmas," "Gremlins," and "Carol," I would like to add "Ben is Back" to the list. While many of you may not imagine how a film like this might elicit repeat Christmas viewing, if you are a person in recovery...trust me...you'll want to add it to that Christmas watch list!