Yes, the Oscars change. They always have. Some good and some bad. Note, the number of categories has changed over the years and so have the number of nominations in the Best Picture category. For a long time, though, they had five. That is the time that most of us lived. But, a few years back they changed it to up to 10 nominations in that category.
  They have yet to reach the 10 noms in that since they made the change. Well, now that will be set. Judging from reactions all over social media, it was confusing to see if people really cared at all.
  Those who ditched the Oscars long ago are the loudest in the opposition. Remember, they allowed up to 10 for some time now. 
---

Here is the unedited item from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Science (AMPAS) on the change. I will not change any of it so you can decide for yourself what it means.

FROM AMPAS JUNE 12, 2020

 Today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the next phase of its equity and inclusion initiative, Academy Aperture 2025. This phased initiative will further the Academy’s ongoing efforts to advance inclusion in the entertainment industry and increase representation within its membership and the greater film community. The first phase of the initiative outlines specific goals for the Oscars® and Academy governance, membership, and workplace culture.

 “While the Academy has made strides, we know there is much more work to be done in order to ensure equitable opportunities across the board,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “The need to address this issue is urgent. To that end, we will amend—and continue to examine—our rules and procedures to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated.”

 “Through the dedication, focus, and concerted effort of our Board of Governors and members on the branch executive committees, the Academy has surpassed the goals of our A2020 initiative.  But to truly meet this moment, we must recognize how much more needs to be done, and we must listen, learn, embrace the challenge, and hold ourselves and our community accountable,” said Academy President David Rubin.  “Academy leadership and our Board are committed to ensuring that we continue to weave equity and inclusion into the fabric of every Academy initiative, committee, program and event.”

Oscars
 The Academy will encourage equitable hiring practices and representation on and off screen in order to better reflect the diversity of the film community. To ensure more diverse representation, and in collaboration with the Producers Guild of America (PGA), the Academy will create a task force of industry leaders, appointed by David Rubin and that will include governor and A2020 Committee chair DeVon Franklin, to develop and implement new representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility by July 31, 2020. Eligibility for films in consideration for the 93rd Academy Awards® (2020) will not be impacted.
 Beginning with the 94th Academy Awards (2021), the Best Picture category will be set at 10 nominees, rather than a fluctuating number of nominations from year to year. The Academy will also implement a quarterly viewing process through the Academy Screening Room, the streaming site for Academy members, also starting with the 94th Academy Awards. By making it possible for members to view films released year-round, the Academy will broaden each film’s exposure, level the playing field, and ensure all eligible films can be seen by voting members. 

When it comes to shows like the Oscars, it is imperative to have your own opinion and stay away from the conventional thinking.

You will quickly see if that conventional thinking on an event is real, or contrived. With the Oscars, it is often contrived. So, if you find yourself thinking differently than what you are hearing, do not worry. Many of the red Carpet reports are fluff and over-the-top. They praise so much you can tell they are likely not being honest in their assessment of the person or movie in which they are speaking.

And that is fine from a public relations standpoint. There is no need to complain and find fault all day and night, either. But, focus on the movies and that takes out the need to talk about the dresses, tuxedos  and all the other noise. ABC needs to be positive as they are the main sponsor, so even "Good Morning America" will gush and gush. 

The show was not good, no matter the spin. The no host approach hurt it this year. It did not hurt it last year. The transitions were bad and they stuffed too much music into the show. It is not the Grammys, it is the Oscars. Focus on movies. At least the songs were from movies, but still, too much music. Eminem's surprise appearance was not necessary. 

It was also the lowest-rated show in history, and 6 million lower than last year. While last year was up from the previous year, it was still low. But last year stopped the slide. Well, it slid again. If you think the Academy and others in the business think the low ratings do not matter, think again. The Oscars are the single biggest marketing vehicle for movies, every year. It is not a fringe award show designed to honor small films and people nobody knows. It is for the biggest movies and stars. The Indie Spirit Awards are for the smaller films, etc. The Oscars want eyes on the show and the products. 

The 92nd Oscars was also not predictable, even though I read many stories suggesting it was. Plus, listening to pundits was enough to make you feel sick. Most thought "1917" would win the top prize and its director, Sam Mendes, would win. They did not. Many had Quentin Tarantino winning Best Screenplay, but he lost too, to "Parasite." So, "Parasite" won the night, and that was not what was predicted. For surprises purposes, many also, in hindsight, said they saw this coming. Actually, not true. "Parasite" was to win International Film, but not Best Picture, or director.

Meanwhile, those who won seemed to try too hard to make a memorable and political speech. That is not necessary. Brad Pitt won many throughout this award season, and his John Bolton jab did not sound like him at all. it was as if someone thought it would be funny and timely and handed it to him.

Then there was Joaquin Phoenix's speech. It was an incoherent mess. As was Renee Zellweger's speech. Both tried too hard to make it matter and meaningful, which was noted earlier. But, when many reported on those speeches, only a small clip was used, and not much talk of the rambling nature and absurdities noted within. Phoenix's cow comments made the rounds, but the quote from his brother was the only thing I say on "GMA" the next morning and others along the way. Zellweger's commented mostly on other matters but her Judy Garland quip near the end was the only focus for "GMA." Again, "GMA" is ABC and they are the main sponsor and they air the show. Of course, only the good gets treatment.

The decline of award shows does not have to happen. Hollywood is doing it to themselves. This is happening from within, not from the American public. You give them a show that is a showcase of the best of the best and do it with class and style, then the audience will come back. Continue to lecture and hate the very audience you want to see your product and reap what you sow.

So, when dissecting an award show, note the group think. There is always a reason why everyone is for or against something. Sure, sometimes is is real. But, most times, other forces are at play. While I am glad "The Irishman" did not win any, it had 10 nominations. Why did it not win one? Perhaps Hollywood sent a message to Netflix. The star power alone could not save it. Or is was because Robert De Niro, a film icon, has insulted his audience time and time again over the last few years.

One film, "Joker," came in with 11 nominations and only won 2, while the films that got 10 nominations, got spanked. The favorite going in, "1917," won only three technical awards. "Once Upon Time...in Hollywood" got only 2. and "the Irishman" got shut out. 

What is the message there? That would take up for too much time to explain that. Oh,, and the highest-grossing film of all-time, was not nominated for Best Picture. "Avengers: Endgame" could have at least been in the Best Picture category. It does not need to win to get people to tune in. 

Hollywood needs to wake up and stop insulting the audience. The Oscars are or a mass audience, and it is the biggest fashion show, so stop pretending it is not. It is glitz, glamour and excess. Play into it and stop toning it down.

In a move for Academy voters responding to over-blown hype, we now have a movie that has won for International Feature Film and Best Picture in the same year. And it was the first time a foreign film has taken the top prize. That film was "Parasite," a Korean film. It won the night with a total of four, including Best Director. "1917" was next with three wins.
For real time comments, click on comments on this story.

For a complete list of winners for the 92nd Oscars, click here.

Best Picture
“Ford v Ferrari” (Disney/Fox)
“The Irishman” (Netflix)
“Jojo Rabbit” (Fox Searchlight)
“Joker” (Warner Bros.)
“Little Women” (Sony)
“Marriage Story” (Netflix)
“1917” (Universal)
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (Sony)
“Parasite” (Neon) - WINNER

Best Director
Martin Scorsese (“The Irishman”)
Todd Phillips (“Joker”)
Sam Mendes (“1917”)
Quentin Tarantino (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)
Bong Joon Ho (“Parasite”) WINNER

Best Actor
Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”)
Leonardo DiCaprio (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)
Adam Driver (“Marriage Story”)
Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”) WINNER
Jonathan Pryce (“The Two Popes”)

Best Actress
Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet”)
Scarlett Johansson (“Marriage Story”)
Saoirse Ronan (“Little Women”)
Charlize Theron (“Bombshell”)
Renee Zellweger (“Judy”) WINNER

Supporting Actor
Tom Hanks (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”)
Anthony Hopkins (“The Two Popes”)
Al Pacino (“The Irishman”)
Joe Pesci (“The Irishman”)
Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”) WINNER

Supporting Actress
Kathy Bates, “Richard Jewell”
Laura Dern (“Marriage Story”) WINNER
Scarlett Johansson (“Jojo Rabbit”)
Florence Pugh (“Little Women”)
Margot Robbie (“Bombshell”)

Adapted Screenplay
Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit”) WINNER
Steve Zaillian (“The Irishman”)
Anthony McCarten (“The Two Popes”)
Greta Gerwig (“Little Women”)
Todd Phillips and Scott Silver (“Joker”)

Best Original Screenplay
Rian Johnson (“Knives Out”)
Noah Baumbach (“Marriage Story”)
Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns (“1917”)
Quentin Tarantino (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)
Bong Joon Ho and Han Jin Won (“Parasite”) WINNER

Animated Feature
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”
“I Lost My Body”
“Klaus”
“Missing Link”
“Toy Story 4” WINNER

International Feature Film
“Corpus Christi”
“Honeyland”
“Les Miserables”
“Pain and Glory”
“Parasite” WINNER

Best Documentary
“American Factory” WINNER
“The Cave”
“Edge of Democracy”
“For Sama”
“Honeyland”

Best Cinematography
Rodrigo Prieto, “The Irishman”
Lawrence Sher, “Joker”
Jarin Blaschke, “The Lighthouse”
Roger Deakins, “1917” WINNER
Robert Richardson, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

Best Costume Design
Sandy Powell and Christopher Peterson, “The Irishman”
Mayes C. Rubeo, “Jojo Rabbit”
Mark Bridges, “Joker”
Jacqueline Durran, “Little Women” WINNER
Arianne Phillip, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

Film Editing
Michael McCusker and Andrew Buckland, “Ford vs. Ferrari” WINNER
Thelma Schoonmaker, “The Irishman”
Tom Eagles, “Jojo Rabbit”
Jeff Groth, “Joker”
Yang Jinmo, “Parasite”

Makeup and Hairstyling
“Bombshell” (Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker) WINNER
“Joker” (Nicki Ledermann and Kay Georgiou)
“Judy” (Jeremy Woodhead)
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” (Paul Gooch, Arjen Tuiten and David White)
“1917” (Naomi Donne, Tristan Versluis and Rebecca Cole)

Original Score
Hildur Guðnadóttir, “Joker” WINNER
Alexandre Desplat, “Little Women”
Randy Newman, “Marriage Story”
Thomas Newman, “1917”
John Williams, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

Original Song
I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away,” “Toy Story 4”
“I’m Gonna Love Me Again,” “Rocketman” WINNER
“I’m Standing With You,” “Breakthrough”
“Into the Unknown,” “Frozen 2”
“Stand Up,” “Harriet”

Production Design
“The Irishman”
Production Design: Bob Shaw
Set Decoration: Regina Graves
“Jojo Rabbit”
Production Design: Ra Vincent
Set Decoration: Nora Sopková
“1917”
Production Design: Dennis Gassner
Set Decoration: Lee Sandales
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” WINNER
Production Design: Barbara Ling
Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
“Parasite”
Production Design: Lee Ha Jun
Set Decoration: Cho Won Woo

Sound Editing
“Ford v Ferrari” (Donald Sylvester)
“Joker” (Alan Robert Murray)
“1917” (Oliver Tarney and Rachael Tate)
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (Wylie Stateman)
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (Matthew Wood and David Acord)

Sound Mixing
“Ad Astra” (Gary Rydstrom, Tom Johnson and Mark Ulano)
“Ford vs. Ferrari” (Paul Massey, David Giammarco and Steven A. Morrow)
“Joker” (Tom Ozanich, Dean Zupancic and Tod Maitland)
“1917” (Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson)
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (Michael Minkler, Christian P. Minkler and Mark Ulano)

Visual Effects
“Avengers: Endgame” (Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Matt Aitken and Dan Sudick)
“The Irishman” (Pablo Helman, Leandro Estebecorena, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser and Stephane Grabli)
“The Lion King” (Robert Legato, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. Jones and Elliot Newman)
“1917” (Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler and Dominic Tuohy) WINNER
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (Roger Guyett, Neal Scanlan, Patrick Tubach and Dominic Tuohy)

Documentary (Short Subject)
“In the Absence”
“Learning to Skateboard in a War Zone If You’re a Girl” WINNER
“Life Overtakes Me”
“St. Louis Superman”
“Walk Run Cha-Cha”

Short Film (Animated)
“Daughter”
“Hair Love”
“Kitbull”
“Memorable”
“Sister”

Short Film (Live Action)
“Brotherhood”
“Nefta Football Club”
“The Neighbor’s Window” WINNER
“Saria”
“A Sister”

- Rain has hampered the red carpet tent that covers it...it has leaks...
- It was a tough call, weather-wise, to hold it late February, but this is early Feb. 
-  Wolfgang Puck just told Ryan Seacrest he does have some meat on the menu with chicken pot pie...and little beef...
- Elton John will perform and then head to his own charity party, an annual tradition. The City of West Hollywood Park hosts his AIDS charity event.
- Most people in Hollywood do not go. They attend viewing parties and charity events. This is show business, plus charity and awards. It is not just handing out awards.
- "Parasite" has its own party at Soho House, West Hollywood.
- Red Carpet theme - red, gold white, dominate. Classic look.
- No Oscar statues outside lining the carpet again this year. There is one where the photo lineup is, right after the stars walk in. 
- Jewelry is back, it seems.
- Martin Scorsese is the most nominate living director with nine. William Wyler is most nominated director with 11.
- John Williams has his 47th nomination. Walt Disney had the most with 59.
- One of the hardest tickets are the bleacher seats with 735 only. They do not get to go inside to watch the show. They have a screening at the Disney theater across the street.

OSCAR WEEK: DOCUMENTARIES
Tuesday, February 4, 7:30 p.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
Hosted by Academy Documentary Branch Governors Kate Amend, Rory Kennedy and Roger Ross Williams
​
​OSCAR WEEK: SHORTS
Wednesday, February 5, 7:00 p.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
Hosted by director Vicky Jenson

​OSCAR WEEK: INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM Thursday, February 6, 7:30 p.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater

​OSCAR WEEK: ANIMATED FEATURES
Saturday, February 8, 10:00 a.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
Hosted by last year’s Animated Feature Film Oscar winners, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
The Academy presents this year’s event celebrating the films and filmmakers nominated for Best Animated Feature Film.  The program will feature clips from each film, with an onstage discussion with each group of nominated filmmakers (schedules permitting).
OSCAR WEEK: MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING SYMPOSIUM
Saturday, February 8, 3:00 p.m.
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
Hosted by Academy Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch Governors Kathryn L. Blondell, Lois Burwell and Howard Berger

Sometimes when the top award gets handed out in a surprise move, one may wonder a few things. That happened as SAG picked "Parasite" for its Best Ensemble Movie.

It was the first time a Foreign Film has taken the top prize at from SAG/AFTRA. Was it to send some sort of a message or to show they know more than the rest of us? Come Oscar time, the film is nominated in the International (Foreign) Film category and Best Picture. So, SAG voters just gave it to them right here to send Oscar voters a message. It is worthy of the top prize. 

It is their call, and I will not argue with it here.

Overall, it was a dull show, with no host, which Eugene Levy and son told us at the outset. If the main takeaway from it was Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt talking and laughing backstage, you know it was not a stellar evening. Many may suggest Robert De Niro slammed Trump once again, but not really. He was tame and not worthy of too much discussion. 

That could be the film themselves. Of course, those nominees and winners will suggest otherwise with their talk, but they need to - it is their business. 

On the TV side, the winners were shows hardly anyone was seen. Now, I am not talking about fake watching  but really watching these shows, faithfully. Spending a night binge-watching does not count either.

That could be said about the movies as well. How many people say through "The Irishman" or loved "once Upon a Time in Hollywood"? And even more people will not admit to ignoring "Parasite." The Netflix and streaming business plan is odd, and is ruining both TV and movie watching. Hardly anything anymore is must-see or event-like. 

Here are the winners.

​See here.

Best Ensemble film - "Parasite"
Female Actor - Renee Zellwegger - "Judy"
Male Actor - Joaquin Phoenix - "Joker"
Female Supporting Actress - Laura Dern - "Marriage Story"
Male Supporting Actor - Brad Pitt - "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"

The 2019 Oscar nominations are out and the usual stories will also be floating around. One being the snubs and surprises. The snub story was one I loved to do bit over the years, it feels out of place. Why? A snub implies that one of those who did get nominated did not deserve it. The other is, every media outlet does it so now it seems like a waste of time. Kind of like movies reviews now - there is a glut of them and they now feel meaningless. So, try something different, or stick the the basics. Give out the nominations and let them stand on their own. 

Of course, give out the nominations, along with a few opinions and let that stand. But, indicating who is not there is not a snub story. It simply says that person may have been nominated elsewhere, but not for Oscar. And the buzz for the person of film did not translate. It also means the media could have been way off on that person or film.

"Joker" led the way with 11 nominations and that movie was a miss with critics and those trying to doom it. Much like "Bohemian Rhapsody" last year, they were way off on the film. Both are great films and dissing them simply because you do like something the film left out or how the politics plays out, is wrong.

Best Picture
“Ford v Ferrari”
“The Irishman”
“Jojo Rabbit”
“Joker”
“Little Women”
“Marriage Story”
“1917”
“Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood”
“Parasite”
Thoughts: They have nine, but could have 10. Most years since they upped this category, there has never been 10. Wonder why?

Best Director
Bong Joon Ho, “Parasite”
Todd Phillips, “Joker”
Sam Mendes, “1917”
Martin Scorsese, “The Irishman”
Quentin Tarantino, “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood”
Thoughts: Much will be made that no women are nominated but it still has been a solid year for them with all nominations. Not every director can get in. 

Best Actor
Antonio Banderas, “Pain and Glory”
Leonardo DiCaprio, “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood”
Adam Driver, “Marriage Story”
Joaquin Phoenix, “Joker”
Jonathan Pryce, “The Two Popes”
Thoughts: No Robert De Niro here and that is not a snub. He has not been in other awards, either. Perhaps not a snub and the correct thing. Leo gets in here while not being around for other award shows for this movie. Can Joaquin Phoenix ride it all the way this award season. Sure he can despite rambling and incoherent speeches.

Best Actress
Cynthia Erivo, “Harriet”
Scarlett Johansson, “Marriage Story”
Saoirse Ronan, “Little Women”
Charlize Theron, “Bombshell”
Renee Zellweger, “Judy”
Thoughts: The only thing "Bombsehll" has is Charlize Theron. Renee Zellweger is the favorite and should win. 

Best Supporting Actor
Tom Hanks, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
Anthony Hopkins, “The Two Popes”
Al Pacino, “The Irishman”
Joe Pesci, “The Irishman”
Brad Pitt, “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood”
Thoughts; Tom Hanks sleep walks through his film while two from "The Irishman" will negate each other, so Pitt can ride high.

Best Supporting Actress
Kathy Bates, “Richard Jewell”
Laura Dern, “Marriage Story”
Scarlett Johansson, “Jojo Rabbit”
Florence Pugh, “Little Women”
Margot Robbie, “Bombshell”
Thoughts: A double nominations for Scarlett Johansson since she nabbed one for lead actress in another movie. Kudos to that.

Best Animated Feature
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”
“I Lost My Body”
“Klaus”
“Missing Link”
“Toy Story 4”
Thoughts: A weaker "Toy Story 4" and it still ends up with a nomination.

Best Costume Design
“The Irishman”
“Jojo Rabbit”
“Joker”
“Little Women”
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
Best Original Score
“Joker”
“Little Women”
“Marriage Story”
“1917”
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”
Best Animated Short Film
“Dcera (Daughter)”
“Hair Love”
“Kitbull”
“Memorable”
“Sister”
Best Live-Action Short Film
“Brotherhood”
“Nefta Football Club”
“The Neighbors’ Window”
“Saria”
“A Sister”
Best Sound Editing
“Ford v Ferrari”
“Joker”
“1917”
“Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood”
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”
Best Sound Mixing
“Ad Astra”
“Ford v Ferrari”
“Joker”
“1917”
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
Best Film Editing
“Ford v Ferrari”
“The Irishman”
“Jojo Rabbit”
“Joker”
“Parasite”

Best Cinematography
“The Irishman”
“Joker”
“The Lighthouse”
“1917”
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

Best Documentary Feature
“American Factory”
“The Cave”
“The Edge of Democracy”
“For Sama”
“Honeyland”
Best Documentary Short
“In the Absence”
“Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)”
“Life Overtakes Me”
“St. Louis Superman”
“Walk Run Cha-Cha”
Best International Feature
“Corpus Christi”
“Honeyland”
“Les Miserables”
“Pain and Glory”
“Parasite”
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
“Bombshell”
“Joker”
“Judy”
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”
“1917”
Best Original Song
“I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” from “Toy Story 4”
“Into the Unknown” from “Frozen II”
“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from “Rocketman”
“I’m Standing With You” from “Breakthrough”
“Stand Up” from “Harriet”
Best Production Design
“The Irishman”
“Jojo Rabbit”
“1917”
“Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood”
“Parasite”
Best Visual Effects
“Avengers: Endgame”
“The Irishman”
“The Lion King”
“1917”
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”
Best Adapted Screenplay
“The Irishman”
“Jojo Rabbit”
“Joker”
“Little Women”
“The Two Popes”
Best Original Screenplay
“Knives Out”
“Marriage Story”
“1917”
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
“Parasite”

UPDATE; 1.6.19 - The ratings stories always amuse me. The early ratings for the Golden Globes came out and we see many differing headlines with what they were. They also compare to last year's, of course. Well, no different for the Golden Globes. Now, a special event like this should not be measured the same as a usual night of broadcast TV. It is like the NFL, which are now in the playoffs. They should be higher than the regular season, and usually are - they also climb as the playoffs progress.

The Golden Globes early ratings had 14.76 million, a very low number for this show. Then I saw 18.3 million with the later number. That is a big difference between the early numbers and the later one. Why is that? And is it true? I saw stories with 11 percent, 6 percent and 15 percent down from last year. Come on. people often use the percent of viewers down vs the total number of viewers and that confuses the reader. Just use total number of viewers. The other numbers are for ad purposes and insider talk. Leave the demo (advertisers use) out. A demo (18-49) can be down but the total number can be up, etc. And which demo are you going to use - 18-49 or 25-50, etc. Again, just use the total number of viewers.

However, last year's show had "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "The Back Panther," which were widely seen. So, they drew higher numbers than the previous year. So, enter 2020, a lame year for the nominations, if one is being honest. But, Ricky Gervais was a hit for every one else but Hollywood, which he skewered. So, my guess is people tuned in to see his opening and slowly left the show.

The most accurate place to go for ratings is TVbythenumbers, which had the 14.76 million number. Until they change it, I go with them.

UPDATE 1.5.19: Reactions, but not on every award. Most TV ones will be ignored, as usual, for me, on this show.

​Motion Picture, drama, "1917" - since the film's director won, this fits and "The Irishman" is out and shut out tonight.

Actress, drama, Renee Zellwegger, "Judy" - as Judy Garland, a Hollywood icon. One would think this movie would have had more buzz. Wonder why it did not?

​Actor, drama, Joaquin Phoenix, "The Joker" - for some reason, he thanked the HFPA for the vegan meal because it sends a message. OK. But, then was bleeped and may have had too much at dinner - - but not food. 

Musical or Comedy - "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" - as long as "Rocketman" did not win, I am fine with this.

Actress, comedy/musical,  Awkwafina, "Farewell." I have nothing.

Actor, comedy/musical- Taron Egerton, "Rocketman" - Nope. Do not like this because the film was so odd and off that his performance was all over the place, for me.  HFPA tends to lean overseas and British. They did here. 

Supporting Actor - Brad Pitt, "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" - nice acceptance. 

Director - This is a big one. Most thought Scorsese or Tarantino would win but Sam Mendes wins for "1917." Nice.

Tom Hanks, Cecil B. De mille Award - great choice.

Song - Beyonce and Taylor Swift lost. But, Elton John and Bernie Taupin won for an original song for "Rocketman." Kudos to this duo for making great music for decades. Too bad I did not like "Rocketman."

Supporting Actress, Laura Dern, "A Marriage Story" 

Animation - "Missing Link"  - kind of an upset I would say. But, then again, it is animated and I really do not care. 

Screenplay - Quentin Tarantino - "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" - not sure I am surprised, but not sure he would win, either. But, something tells me the Hollywood Foreign Press likes this film.

Ricky Gervais was solid in opening and told Hollywood to stop the hypocrisy...."If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech. You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world — accept your little award—and F off." ​

- Foreign Film: "Parasite" - not a surprise.

- Original Score - "Joker" 

​- Carol Burnett award, to Ellen. Good choice.

​- TV Movie/Limited Actor - Russell Crowe, who was not there, which made Jennifer Aniston read his acceptance. It was about the fires in Australia. It focused on Climate Change. Yawn. And she looked dumbfounded reading it....

BEFORE - One thing is certain these days. Award shows have lost their luster from their heyday. Many things that were traditions are less so for many people now. We could debate reasons as to why that is true, but I will not. 

Anyway, the Golden Globes are Sunday night (Jan. 5, 2020) and the buzz is just not there. Last year, "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "The Black Panther" revived some interest, but it takes more than that to get TV ratings. And do not get me started on people watching it by streaming it on their phones, etc. That is not the same. 

Below will be the winners in real time, with a few comments. Enjoy! I still love movies but the thrill of going is not the same because the audiences are not the same. Oh well. While the superhero movies all look the same and the story takes a back seat to the effects, drama feels the need to push an agenda, too much. 

Here is some buzz, so to speak.
- Ricky Gervais is back as host. It airs on NBC at 8 p.m. ET.
- Does it really matter that the Globes are vegan? People are still eating and drinking and there will be waste. 
- The award season is condensed this year as the Oscars are in early February.
- Certain movies did not take off like critics thought. One is Mr. Rogers. While Tom Hanks could win, the movies is a dud.
- "Bombshell" may win for Charlize Theron, but that movie bombed, too.
- Meanwhile, "Jewell" was sabotaged by critics and certain insiders, on purpose. While a good movie, they wanted it to tank.
- Ratings on TV will not be good for many reasons. One, the movies are not stellar, and the pubic has grown tired on the lectures by Hollywood. 
- Members of the Hollywood Foreign Press vote, so that means around 98 people. And yes, they can collude and talk among themselves and push a film of TV show. Just look at the some winners in past years.
- The critics had it out for "Joker," too. Sad.
- More and more, critics do not matter at all. I have to admit that as I was around and writing reviews long before social media and the Internet changed things. If we all review a movie or TV show, they do not matter. Nothing is unique or new that way. There are too many reviews in Rotten Tomatoes to care. It is all noise now.
- No matter what we say, you should always judge for yourself. I looked at reviews as an exorcise in creative writing. Yes, I gave opinions, but that never meant I wanted people to not go because of a review. I liked or disliked it, but that does not mean you have to do the same.
​- 

Ellen DeGeneres to Receive the 2020 Carol Burnett Award
HFPA The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced today that three-time Golden Globe nominee Ellen DeGeneres will receive the Carol Burnett...Tom Hanks, Recipient of the 2020 Cecil B. deMille Award...
- The menu us vegan. Enough said.
- For a list of nominees, go here.

From AMPAS, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced shortlists in consideration for the 92nd Academy Awards in nine categories: Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film and Visual Effects.
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DOCUMENTARY FEATUREFifteen films will advance in the Documentary Feature category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  One hundred fifty-nine films were submitted in the category.  Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
“Advocate”
“American Factory”
“The Apollo”
“Apollo 11”
“Aquarela”
“The Biggest Little Farm”
“The Cave”
“The Edge of Democracy”
“For Sama”
“The Great Hack”
“Honeyland”
“Knock Down the House”
“Maiden”
“Midnight Family”
“One Child Nation”
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DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECTTen films will advance in the Documentary Short Subject category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  Ninety-six films qualified in the category.  Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
“After Maria”
“Fire in Paradise”
“Ghosts of Sugar Land”
“In the Absence”
“Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)”
“Life Overtakes Me”
“The Nightcrawlers”
“St. Louis Superman”
“Stay Close”
“Walk Run Cha-Cha”
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INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILMTen films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category (formerly known as Foreign Language Film) for the 92nd Academy Awards.  Ninety-one films were eligible in the category.
Academy members from all branches were invited to participate in the preliminary round.  They must have viewed the submitted films theatrically and met a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.  Their seven choices, augmented by three additional selections voted by the Academy’s International Feature Film Award Executive Committee, constitute the shortlist.
In the nominations round, Academy members from all branches are invited to opt-in to participate and must view all 10 shortlisted films in order to cast a ballot.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:
Czech Republic, “The Painted Bird”
Estonia, “Truth and Justice”
France, “Les Misérables”
Hungary, “Those Who Remained”
North Macedonia, “Honeyland”
Poland, “Corpus Christi”
Russia, “Beanpole”
Senegal, “Atlantics”
South Korea, “Parasite”
Spain, “Pain and Glory”
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MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLINGTen films will advance in the Makeup and Hairstyling category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  All members of the Academy’s Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch will be invited to view seven-minute excerpts from each of the 10 shortlisted films on Saturday, January 4, 2020.  Members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
“Bombshell”
“Dolemite Is My Name”
“Downton Abbey”
“Joker”
“Judy”
“Little Women”
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”
“1917”
“Once upon a Time…in Hollywood”
“Rocketman”
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MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)Fifteen scores will advance in the Original Score category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  One hundred seventy scores were eligible in the category.  Members of the Music Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.
The scores, listed in alphabetical order by film title, are:
“Avengers: Endgame”
“Bombshell”
“The Farewell”
“Ford v Ferrari”
“Frozen II”
“Jojo Rabbit”
“Joker”
“The King”
“Little Women”
“Marriage Story”
“Motherless Brooklyn”
“1917”
“Pain and Glory”
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”
“Us”
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MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)Fifteen songs will advance in the Original Song category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  Seventy-five songs were eligible in the category.  Members of the Music Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.
The original songs, along with the motion picture in which each song is featured, are listed below in alphabetical order by film title and song title:
“Speechless” from “Aladdin”
“Letter To My Godfather” from “The Black Godfather”
“I’m Standing With You” from “Breakthrough”
“Da Bronx” from “The Bronx USA”
“Into The Unknown” from “Frozen II”
“Stand Up” from “Harriet”
“Catchy Song” from “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part”
“Never Too Late” from “The Lion King”
“Spirit” from “The Lion King”
“Daily Battles” from “Motherless Brooklyn”
“A Glass of Soju” from “Parasite”
“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from “Rocketman”
“High Above The Water” from “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am”
“I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” from “Toy Story 4”
“Glasgow” from “Wild Rose”
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ANIMATED SHORT FILMTen films will advance in the Animated Short Film category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  Ninety-two films qualified in the category.  Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
“Dcera (Daughter)”
“Hair Love”
“He Can’t Live without Cosmos”
“Hors Piste”
“Kitbull”
“Memorable”
“Mind My Mind”
“The Physics of Sorrow”
“Sister”
“Uncle Thomas: Accounting for the Days”
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LIVE ACTION SHORT FILMTen films will advance in the Live Action Short Film category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  One hundred ninety-one films qualified in the category.  Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
“Brotherhood”
“The Christmas Gift”
“Little Hands”
“Miller & Son”
“Nefta Football Club”
“The Neighbors’ Window”
“Refugee”
“Saria”
“A Sister”
“Sometimes, I Think about Dying”
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VISUAL EFFECTSTen films remain in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 92nd Academy Awards.  The Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee determined the shortlist.  All members of the Visual Effects Branch will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the shortlisted films online or attend satellite bake-off screenings in January 2020.  Following the screenings, members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.
The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:
“Alita: Battle Angel”
“Avengers: Endgame”
“Captain Marvel”
“Cats”
“Gemini Man”
“The Irishman”
“The Lion King”
“1917”
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”
“Terminator: Dark Fate”
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Nominations voting begins on Thursday, January 2, 2020 and concludes on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, January 13, 2020.
The 92nd Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network.  The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

When one award show is out, the others follow, and group think often takes over....

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:
“Bombshell” (Lionsgate)
“The Irishman” (Netflix)
“Jojo Rabbit” (Fox)
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (Sony)
“Parasite” (Neon)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role:

​Christian Bale (“Ford v Ferrari”)
Leonardo DiCaprio (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)
Adam Driver (“Marriage Story”)
Taron Egerton (“Rocketman”)
Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role:
Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet”)
Scarlett Johansson (“Marriage Story”)
Lupita Nyong’o (“Us”)
Charlize Theron (“Bombshell”)
Renée Zellweger (“Judy”)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role:
Jamie Foxx (“Just Mercy”)
Tom Hanks (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”)
Al Pacino (“The Irishman”)
Joe Pesci (“The Irishman”)
Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role:
Laura Dern (“Marriage Story”)
Scarlett Johansson (“Jojo Rabbit”)
Nicole Kidman (“Bombshell”)
Jennifer Lopez (“Hustlers”)
Margot Robbie (“Bombshell”)
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series:
“Game of Thrones”
“GLOW”
“Stranger Things”
“The Walking Dead”
“Watchman”
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture:
“Avengers: Endgame”
“Ford v Ferrari”
“The Irishman”
“Joker”
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries:
Mahershala Ali (“True Detective”)
Russell Crowe (“The Loudest Voice”)
Jared Harris (“Chernobyl”)
Jharrel Jerome (“When They See Us”)
Sam Rockwell (“Fosse/Verdon”)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries:
Patricia Arquette (“The Act”)
Toni Collette (“Unbelievable”)
Joey King (“The Act”)
Emily Watson (“Chernobyl”)
Michelle Williams (“Fosse/Verdon”)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series:
Sterling K. Brown (“This Is Us”)
Steve Carell (“The Morning Show”)
Billy Crudup (“The Morning Show”)
Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”)
David Harbour (“Stranger Things”)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series:
Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show”)
Helena Bonham Carter (“The Crown”)
Olivia Colman (“The Crown”)
Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”)
Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale”)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series:
Alan Arkin (“The Kominsky Method”)
Michael Douglas (“The Kominsky Method”)
Bill Hader (“Barry”)
Andrew Scott (“Fleabag”)
Tony Shalhoub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series:
Cristina Applegate (“Dead to Me”)
Alex Borstein (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”)
Catherine O’Hara (“Schitt’s Creek”)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”)
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series:
“Big Little Lies” (HBO)
“The Crown” (Netflix)
“Game of Thrones” (HBO)
“The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu)
“Stranger Things” (Netflix)
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series:
“Barry” (HBO)
“Fleabag” (Amazon)
“The Kominsky Method” (Netflix)
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon)
“Schitt’s Creek” (CBC Television)

Yawn. It is a yawner for the Golden Globes? More and more nominees come from shows and movies not many watch. They say they watch but do not, in reality. "The Joker" was seen for sure and thus, should help generate interest. So should "The Irishman," but that is iffy. 

But, it is award season, so here we go again. I have done this for years, no matter how good or bad the overall products are. To me, streaming has hurt and not helped the business. We are in overload. And yes, politics matter. When they berate the audience because of their beliefs, that hurts them. Ratings are down and the movies people see are animated, "Star Wars" and super hero films.

Not bad but if that is all there is for the majority, people go because they like movies but that does not mean they are all so good, we need more of them.

Last year, "Bohemian Rhapsody" made over $900 million and surprised many, but not me. It was great.

Meanwhile, TV categories bore me here. They always have. Plus, they have two best pic categories, one drama and then musical and/or comedy. That skews all come Oscar time. But, since the Oscars now have up to nine nominations, it is better.

- "The Irishman" is loved and hated, but not because of the movie. It is how it was distributed. It was in theaters two days and then on Netflix. A movie that shows primarily on Netflix is suspect, to me, but Martin Scorsese did put it in a theater for the desired time for Oscar consideration. So, I am fine with that. Plus, Scorsese also blasted that system and super hero films. So, the drama is here.

Here are the nominees:
BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
“1917”
“The Irishman”
“Joker”
“Marriage Story”
“The Two Popes”
- No bad here. The "Joker" is this year's "Bohemian Rhapsody" in the fact that there were forces trying to sabotage it and it did not matter as is soared over $1 billion at the box office.

BEST MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
“Dolemite is My Name”
“Jojo Rabbit”
“Knives Out”
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
“Rocketman”
- "Rocketman" is not "Bohemian Rhapsody" and where is the Judy Garland biopic?

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
“Frozen 2”
“The Lion King”
“Missing Link”
“Toy Story 4”
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”
- Deja vu here. Boring.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
“The Farewell”
“Les Misérables”
“Pain and Glory”
“Parasite”
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire”

BEST DIRECTOR
Bong Joon Ho, “Parasite”
Sam Mendes, “1917”
Quentin Tarantino, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”
Martin Scorsese, “The Irishman”
Todd Phillips, “Joker”
- Again, solid. Whoever wins his one wins the drama.

BEST ACTOR – DRAMA
Christian Bale, “Ford v. Ferrari”
Antonio Banderas, “Pain and Glory”
Adam Driver, “Marriage Story”
Joaquin Phoenix, “Joker”
Jonathan Pryce, “The Two Popes”
- Hmmm. No Robert DeNiro. Not is not a snub. It means nothing of the sort. He was not good enough and perhaps his politics hurt. Adam Driver is being pushed by insiders.

BEST ACTRESS – DRAMA
Cynthio Erivo, “Harriet”
Scarlett Johansson, “Marriage Story”
Saoirse Ronan, “Little Women”
Charlize Theron, “Bombshell”
Renee Zellweger, “Judy”
- The feeling here for musical biopics and the lead is not the same as last yeart. Renee may win but no a shoe in at all. She needs some momentum. 

BEST ACTOR – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Daniel Craig, “Knives Out”
Roman Griffin Davis, “Jojo Rabbit”
Leonardo DiCaprio, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
Taron Egerton, “Rocketman”
Eddie Murphy, “Dolemite Is My Name”
- "Knives Out" was made for this only. Released late in the year strictly for award season.

BEST ACTRESS – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Awkwafina, “The Farewell”
Ana de Armas, “Knives Out”
Beanie Feldstein, “Booksmart”
Emma Thompson, “Late Night”
Cate Blanchett, “Where’d You Go Bernadette”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOTON PICTURE
Tom Hanks, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
Al Pacino, “The Irishman”
Joe Pesci, “The Irishman”
Brad Pitt, “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”
Anthony Hopkins, “The Two Popes”
- Yes, Hanks here for supporting. He was not the lead in the film about Mr. Rogers.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOTON PICTURE
Annette Benning, “The Report”
Margot Robbie, “Bombshell”
Jennifer Lopez, “Hustlers”
Kathy Bates, “Richard Jewell”
Laura Dern, “Marriage Story”

BEST SCREENPLAY
“Marriage Story”
“Parasite”
“The Two Popes”
“Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”
“The Irishman”

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
“Motherless Brooklyn”
“Little Women”
“Joker”
“1917”
“Marriage Story”

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“Beautiful Ghosts” – CATS
“I’m Gonna Love Me Again” – Rocketman
“Into the Unknown” – Frozen 2
“Spirit” – The Lion King
“Stand Up” – Harriet