It's time to honor some films...
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”.
Wes Anderson's historical pic was released last March, which was an amazing feat. It would be rare for any motion picture shown during the first quarter of the year to be recognized during the awards season. In fact, most producers who think they have a film (or two) that might end up in the “Best Films of the Year” list will schedule its release during the month of December. It doesn't mean that the final month of the year is that time to be serious with viewing. (Some big-budget blockbusters are slated for released on December. It's Christmas. Families do go out during the holiday.)
"The Grand Budapest Hotel" scooped up the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy). Two weeks after the awards night, it was announced that Anderson's film had the most Academy Award nominations. It was a big deal, if one would take note of "Birdman". The latest by Alejandro González Iñárritu also garnered the most Oscar nominations. The movie had the most Golden Globe nominations. It was a comedy (like "The Grand Budapest Hotel"). No one could tell if this was an unusual case. (In most cases, the drama prevails.) The Producers Guild of America (PGA) Award honored “Birdman” last weekend. This makes the dark comedy the favorite to win the coveted Best Picture Oscar.
And the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture...
"The Grand Budapest Hotel". Not. "Birdman" or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). Yes.
On its 21st year, the SAG Award is a good indicator of a film's likely success in the Academy Award. It had been the case during its early years, but there have been unpredictable results lately.
The names of Jake Gylenhaal and Jennifer Aniston appeared in the nominees list of different awards, the Golden Globe and SAG included. But the Academy voters snubbed them. (Some would point out a trend started by Grace Kelly, about stars being deglamorized for certain roles. The actress-cum-princess won an Oscar for her effort.) The Outstanding Performance by a Cast category was no different. (The cast of "American Hustle" won this top award, only to come home empty handed after the Academy Award ceremony.)
Not a few would wonder if the SAG Award is still reliable. The members of the actors union decide which performances are noteworthy. Julianne Moore won her second SAG Award for “Still Alice”. But it was her first award for her work in film. Her performance of a Harvard professor suffering from Alzheimer's disease drew applause. She have been nominated for the Academy Award in three occasions. Many believe she should've won. On the other hand, “Whiplash” continues its winning streak. The film, which opened last year's Sundance Film Festival, had seen J.K. Simmons being honored here and there for his portrayal of an intimidating teacher. There's no doubt that he will win the Academy Award (for Best Actor in a Supporting Role) next month.
