The movies have been screened. The choices have been made and you are all invited to attend the 2011 AcadeMolly Awards. Best news is, you don't even have to leave your couch or desk or wherever. I'm bringing the ceremony right to you! Right now.
This year was chock full of fantastic film making. Since back in September when The Town was released I have loved going to the movies! With each film we saw I would think, "Wow, there isn't going to be one to top that!" (Well, except when we saw The Tourist. Then I wished I could just have my two hours back...) But with each new film, I was even more excited about the diversity and artistry that I was privileged to see.
I've been compiling this list in my mind for months. I'm excited to finally get to share it!
Actor in a Leading Role
Nominees:
Ryan Gosling "Blue Valentine"
Aaron Eckhart "Rabbit Hole"
The Winner Is: James Franco for his out of control performance in 127 Hours (<-- check out my original review there).
Actor in a Supporting Role
Nominees:
Jeremy Renner "The Town"
Christian Bale "The Fighter"
Geoffrey Rush "The King's Speech"
Geoffrey Rush "The King's Speech"
The Winner Is: Christian Bale for The Fighter. I mean, come on. Was there even ever a question?
Actress in a Lead Role
Nominees:
Natalie Portman "Black Swan"
Jennifer Lawrence "Winter's Bone"
Nicole Kidman "Rabbit Hole"
Michelle Williams "Blue Valentine"
The Winner Is: Natalie Portman for Black Swan. She really is scary good in this film, emphasis on scary. Plus the role won her a hubby and baby. I'd say it was a major score all around for the beautiful and talented actress.
Actress in a Supporting Role
Nominees:
Lesley Manville "Another Year"
Melissa Leo "The Fighter"
Helena Bonham Carter "The King's Speech"
Helena Bonham Carter "The King's Speech"
The Winner Is: Helena Bonham Carter for the The King's Speech. Don't get me wrong, the other two ladies gave amazing performances, but I chose Ms. Bonham Carter because it was great to see her shine in a quiet and understated role. No whack-a-doo needed this time for her to command the screen. For that she should be recognized.
Best Director
Nominees:
Darren Aronofsky "Black Swan"
Danny Boyle "127 Hours"
Debra Granik "Winter's Bone"
Tom Hopper "The King's Speech"
David Fincher "The Social Network"
The Winner Is: Darren Aronofsky for creating 108 minutes of the most bizarre, beautiful, dark and disturbing film that I have ever seen. Aronsfsky. is. a. genius. And Black Swan is breathtaking.
Cinematography
Nominees:
Inception
True Grit
The Winner Is: Enrique Chediak and Anthony Dod Mantle for 127 Hours. Seriously, this movie is so powerful. I can't help but believe that the way it's shot is hugely responsible for it's intensity and weight. The creativity and innovation necessary to produce a film that largely takes place in a crevice? Yep, that deserves recognition.
Screenplay
Nominees:
The King's Speech
Inception
The Winner Is: Aaron Sorkin for The Social Network. I combined Adapted & Original Screenplay nominations this year for one reason. That reason is Aaron Sorkin. His script for The Social Network is so, so, so far and away the very best this year that it isn't even up for discussion. I watched The Social Network again this week just because I wanted to see Justin Timberlake it had been so long since I originally watched it. And I'm telling you, this film is brilliant. The dialogue is so incredibly quick and smart and funny and touching and award worthy. Watch it again... or for the first time ... you'll see what I mean.
Best Picture
Nominees:
The King's Speech
The Winner Is: Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Don't make me decide. I've never had such a difficult time picking. I loved each of these films for a different reason. I don't think I can single one out. Nope. I'm not going to. First time in the history of the AcadeMolly Awards that I'm letting the nominees share in the win. There's no way to pick just one. I'm just not going to pick. Is this a cop out? Perhaps. But I'm okay with that.
What was your favorite film this year?
