THE 9TH GOLDEN MOON AWARDS WINNERS
By Bob Felton

Let me begin this article expressing my congratulations to my dear colleague Charlie Kiggs, the man that wrote that adaptations were not quality films. Well done, Mr. Kiggs. You just did everything wrong with your predictions. No, Tim Burton did not win (…yes, directors should go on strike cause Soderbergh won). No, Laura Linney didn’t win neither. And no, Tim Curry or Franka Potente were not the surprises of the night. Oh… And one more thing: Yes, comedy works DO win awards. If you quit from the critics corner, don’t expect to make a living as futurologist.

Once said so, let’s take a look at…

THE HEADLINES OF THE CEREMONY

Nice ceremony but not the kind I enjoy. I love it when there are big triumphs and big defeats. I would have loved it if ‘Sherlock Holmes’ would not have got any award after its seven nominations (or, the other way around, if it would have won 7 awards leaving the rest with nothing). But not this time. All of the most nominated movies got a piece of the cake. Voters didn’t make anyone suffering too much. And that’s disappointing for evil minds like mine.

Ok, so ‘Sherlock Holmes’ can be considered as the winner of the night with its 3 awards. No big deal. And Johnny Depp becomes the most awarded talent ever at the GMA with 3 statues (…but still waiting for his first Best Actor win). Ok. Let’s pass over this and try to look for something more juicy.

The ceremony itself was fine. The tradition was respected and Will Ferrell appeared dressed up in the introductory number (although at least we did not have to see his face this time). Most of the guys wore a tie and Adrien Brody looked as if he had just returned from a jogging session. Most of the girls looked cute and Selma took my heart again. Not juice here neither.

Let’s move quickly to…

THE SURPRISES

First one. Steve Connors won Best Screenplay with ‘Mary’s Dark Side’. Two veterans at the ceremony, Tyler and Bradley, just could not believe that a comedy had defeated their ambitious and experimental screenplays. Good for Connors. The only positive surprise of the night. Kiggs, comedy works DO win awards.

Second one. Kate Hudson’s name came out from the envelope when Laura Linney was already standing up to pick up the statue. I was shocked. I laughed a lot with Kate’s work in ‘Mary’s Dark Side’ but I honestly think that her acting work was galaxies away from Laura’s and Marisa’s. Oh, and Kiggs… all together now: comedy works DO win awards.

And the big third one. The controversy of the night. Steven Soderbergh, best director? Even Soderbergh himself made an ironic acceptance speech – the best of the night! - laughing at what critics have said about pressing a button and recording five monologues. For once, I have to agree with Kiggs. This was a most undeserved award. Burton had directed a visually powerful recreation of the Victorian times in his Holmes’ adventure with a mastery suspense pace. Tarantino had directed a mostly entertaining action show with ‘Drawing Dead’. And there they were, sitting in their seats trying to understand what voters where thinking of. I know directing a movie is something more than moving the cameras and it also includes taking the best of the cast – something he did in ‘Things…’ – and Soderbergh is without doubt a great movie director. But this definitely was not the occasion to make him win.

THE DEFEATED

Laura. I’m sorry. That’s all I can say about it.

Johnny, we all know some day you’ll win the Best Actor award… but not this time *evil laugh*

Sir Anthony, I know not even you cared that this time you didn’t win Best Villain. Even winning may become a boring routine.

Dakota and Abigail… Girls, you looked so cute at the ceremony and behave as a two grown ups smiling and applauding when Johnny and Philip took you away the statues. Don’t worry. I am sure there will be more chances for you.

Curry, you have to admit a nomination was more than enough recognition for your work in ‘Tales…’. Hope to see you back soon at CMP.

Kate and Franka, we all know you deserved it as much as Jodie. But only one can win.

IN CONCLUSION…

As usual, some fair and some unfair wins… That’s the fun of awards ceremonies. Not big triumphs and not big defeats this time.

We will remember this edition as the first one with 14 categories.

Also, some new traditions are consolidating: Best Picture and Best Director awards don’t go hand in hand anymore. Also Best Screenplay and Best Picture have begun to go their own separate ways. And the most nominated movie always has a hard time at the ceremony.

Johnny Depp becomes the most awarded talent at the GMA with three statues.

‘Sherlock Holmes’ joins ‘Pompeii’ and ‘Lyra’ as the most nominated movies ever and ‘Carousel’ remains as the most awarded one.

…and we will be back at the 10th Golden Moon awards ceremony.


Ok the first highlight of the night happens when we don't have to put up with another unfunny Will Ferrell hosting segment. Oh wait whose that guy in the gorilla costume? Oh no..could it be? Actually this turned out to be a pretty decent opener. I laughed when Ben pointed out Brad and said to Angelina sitting next to him, "Where's your GMA nomination?" Angelina looked pissed and mouthed, "I have two Oscar nominations" and Ben said, "What the hell is an Oscar?" Quote of the night. I didn't think Ben could be so funny!!

That mysterious announcing voice sounded like the voice of the very busy voice over artist, Tom Kane! Who? Look'em'up somehow.

Best Dressed Female of the night: Scarlett looked absolutely hottest. The rest of them looked like they wore the same kind of outfits.

Biggest Surprise of the night: Steven Soderberg winning best director. He even said in his speech all he really did was put a camera in front of the girls and push record.

Could Johnny Depp look any less disappointed in the award he won? You could tell he was sitting there thinking 'Come on, when the heck am I going to get my best actor GMA."

Congratulations goes out to Steve Connors for his first nomination and win, he also delivered a great acceptance speech. More congrats to Kate, Brad, Johnny, Philip, Guy, Robin, Steven, Jodie, Tales of the Unexpected, Magic the Gathering, Sherlock, Mary's Dark Side, and Things I Forgot to Tell You.

Too bad one of my favorite films of the season, Dare, got all those acting nods and didn't get a win, but hey, they were all nominated so that's quite the honor.

I am very excited for the upcoming season and 10th season GMA ceremony! I look forward to reviewing the films.

*Mr. Thumbs' show closes with clips of upcoming Season 10 films*