Is it just me or are folks kind of excited about Oscar season? For the last couple of years, I’ve made it my mission to see as many nominated films as humanly possible and this year, I’m proud to say that I was well on my way, even before the nominations were announced on Tuesday.
I’ve had the fabulous, arduous task of covering the Golden Globes, the SAGs and the Grammys for the day job, but I can barely wait until the 82nd Annual Academy Awards winners are announced on March 7. Although Precious is a tough movie to watch (and an even tougher book to read), I am beyond thrilled for the cast and crew. More importantly, I’m thrilled for director Lee Daniels who is just so…well, Lee Daniels. I’ve had my eye on him for years and honestly, I think he deserves the kudos for getting Halle that Oscar for Monster’s Ball. I get the feeling that Lee lives on the edge, but he also seems to stay true to himself, which I love. Here’s a piece I wrote on him at the end of last year, just before all the accolades and nominations started rolling in. As usual, he was tres blunt and brutally honest. It’s a good read, if I do say so myself.
Though I’ve seen a lot of this year’s contenders (go see Up in the Air, like for real!), I’ve still got a few to catch up on like The Hurt Locker. Anthony Mackie holds a special place in my heart (he danced with my mom during an entire Frankie Beverly & Maze set at the Essence Music Festival a few years back – love him!), so I gotta go check out his film. And though Crazy Heart seems like The Wrestler with a guitar tossed in, I digs me some Jeff Bridges, so perhaps I’ll head to the cinema this weekend. The rains are coming again here in LaLaLand, so a Sunday matinee might be kind of cute.