Roxy and Catherine Keener at the A-List Art & Soul Center at the Sundance Film Festival 2010 photo: Thomas Concordia
As we are all well aware of at this point, awards season is in full swing in Hollywood-from the highly coveted trophies to the tear laden acceptance speeches to the seemingly endless speeches to the scrutinizing of every last bead on a nominee’s gown. And over the last few weeks, I have asked several of my interviewees what their favorite and least favorite part of awards season is, and some of their answers will surprise you!
(Oliver Platt-“2012”)-I just want my old friend, Stanley Tucci to get a nomination. That’s all I want. Rooting big time for Stan and I am not too worried because I think he so obviously deserves one, that’s what I want to see.
(Catherine Keener-“Please Give”)-I think it is a nice moment. I really do enjoy when my friends are recognized for their work.
(Matthew Weiner-Creator of “Mad Men”)-Favorite Part-Getting to meet anyone you have ever wanted to meet. You are going to be so close to them that you can say “hi” if you want to. My least favorite is nothing. There is nothing bad about it. If you are lucky enough to be a part of this, enjoy it!
(Michael Shannon-“The Runaways”)-You get to meet a lot of your heroes. In the presentation room, Christopher Walken was saying that I did a good job. Oh my God, that was pretty cool. The self-promotion thing is not my forte. I get really uncomfortable doing it.
Red Carpet Roxy interviewing actor Michael Shannon at the A-List Art & Soul Center at Sundance photo: Celebrity Resource
(Thomas Ian Nicholas-“The Chicago 8”)–Least favorite-It’s cold! Favorite-when my friends win. It’s always great to see your friends succeed.
(Ryan O’Nan–“The Dry Land”)-It is like our Superbowl.
(Malin Akerman-“The Romantics”)–Favorite Part-Watching the awards. It’s always great shows and performances and just celebrating people who have done really great films. Least favorite-That it gets a bit hectic on the streets of LA. The traffic gets stopped even more so that it usually does.
(Justin Long-“Planet 51”)-Just clearing out my awards shelf is fun. Tidying up my awards room. Unfortunately, I don’t do movies that warrant awards!
(John Ortiz-“Jack Goes Boating”)-Awards season-I don’t even know what that means!
(Zoe Kazan-“Happythankyoumoreplease”)-Favorite-I love seeing all of the clothes. And what people wear. Least favorite-All the hype. Like when things get over praised, they become devalued. You just get sick of hearing about the same movie over and over again.
Actress Malin Akerman and Actor Josh Radnor attends the Art & Soul Center at the Sundance Film Festival 2010 at the Sky Lounge Penthouse in Park City, Utah on January 23, 2010 photo: celebrity resource
(Josh Radnor-“How I Met Your Mother”)-Least favorite-I have been to a few awards shows. Those can be like an epic wedding that doesn’t end. My feet hurt and I am not even wearing heels! Favorite Part-I much prefer having friends over and watching it at home. I think that’s really fun. Ordering some food in and being an armchair critic, commenting on everything.
(Kerry Washington-“Mother and Child”)-I love seeing people who I respect and admire and love, in some instances, to see their hard work rewarded. I was a bawling mess the night Jamie (Foxx) won. And similar with Forrest (Whitaker). I think the thing that I don’t like about it is that we have to pick one. I wish we could just have the top 5 and leave it at the top 5. I think it is very hard to compare performances and I think no one who gets to that point should feel like a loser.
Red Carpet Roxy listening to Kerry Washington photo: Thomas Concordia
(Kate Mara-“Entourage”)-I love watching the awards! I love watching them at home. I love to see great performances recognized and I always get emotional and cry when I am not expecting it. I love curling up on the couch and having champagne and cupcakes while I watch them.
(Justin Bartha-“The Hangover”)-Favorite Part-winning. Least favorite-trying to act normal around all of the amazing people that were around. I had a surreal moment at a party with Quentin Tarantino where he started to quote lines from “National Treasure 2.” And I thought, OK I am done. Can’t top that!
Actor Justin Bartha attends the Art & Soul Center at the Sundance Film Festival 2010 at the Sky Lounge Penthouse in Park City, Utah on January 24, 2010 photo: celebrity resource
(Kathryn Erbe-“Law & Order:Criminal Intent”)-I have never participated in it. I enjoy watching the spectacle of it and seeing people’s gowns. It’s great, exciting, fun. I like to see the people I want to win, win. I would love to see Gaby from “Precious” win something. I hope “Hurt Locker” wins again.
(Wilmer Valderrama-“CHiPs”)–Favorite Part-To have the ability to be in the same room as your peers, because it isn’t very often you get to be in the same room as everyone. The unity of artists is super fun. Least favorite-when awards shows are driven by the flavor of the month or the heat of the moment or the 15 minutes of fame. Or who is going to bring the ratings. That is why some of these awards shows are BS and are corporate commercials.
(Jean Smart-“24”)-Favorite Part-I always run into people I haven’t seen in awhile and we all look great and I’m like “get a picture because we aren’t all going to look this great for a long time.” Least favorite-Getting ready and trying to find something to wear and to diet!
(Michael Cera-“Youth in Revolt”)-I like watching the shows and seeing if they were good or ridiculous.
(Jeremy Strong-“The Romantics”)–Favorite Part-It’s great to see the people who have courage be recognized for that. Least favorite-And the aspects of it that are totally aggrandizing. It’s about the work, it’s not about the people. I think actors are servants and the BS creates distance between the public and actors.
(CCH Pounder-“Avatar”)–Least favorite part-The Red Carpet. The flash bulbs are on rapid repeat. It is like getting shot at! Favorite Part-Seeing friends.
(Samm Levine-“Inglourious Basterds”)–Favorite Part-People get recognized for their amazing work. Least favorite-Behind the scenes, the infighting, the bribing. That I could do without the negative campaigning.
Actor Samm Levine attends the Art & Soul Center at the Sundance Film Festival 2010 at the Sky Lounge Penthouse in Park City, Utah on January 25, 2010 photo: celebrity resource
(Jesse Metcalf-“Desperate Housewives”)–Favorite Part-Great speeches! I am waiting for that heartfelt speech. Least favorite-Going!
(Adhir Kalyan-“Rules of Engagement“)-Favorite Part-Those actors who have given performances that are understated or missed by the public come to the forefront. Least favorite-Annoying acceptance speeches. Let’s stop pretending this was a surprise. You knew you had a 1 in 5 shot of winning because you were nominated! Let’s not go on for 3.5 minutes thanking every possible person under the sun in the most sappy, insincere way. Tell you what, tell me less!
And there you have it folks!
