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« Roush Dispatch
The SAG Awards: Solidarity at 75
Tina Fey by Michael Caulfield/ WireImage.com, Julie Christie by Michael Caulfield/ WireImage.com
If this year’s SAG Awards (simulcast Sunday on TNT and TBS) will be remembered for anything, it won’t be for who won or lost—there was little surprise and virtually no suspense in the no-frills ceremony—but for its symbolic timing in the middle of a painful, industry-crippling labor strike.
Airing two weeks after the pathetic teleconference-style Golden Globes braadcast, hobbled together after the threat of pickets shut down that night’s gala, the SAGs (marking the union's 75th anniversary) attracted a glittery gathering of movie and TV stars—although there were still some curious no-shows, including TV winners Alec Baldwin, Kevin Kline and this year’s People’s Choice host Queen Latifah as well as film nominee George Clooney. More than a few voiced their support on stage for their striking brethren in the WGA Guild, including Tina Fey (herself a WGA member) and Julie Christie, who noted, “It’s lovely to receive an award from your own union, especially at a time when we are being so forcefully reminded how important unions are.”
In case we missed the point, the show featured several mini history lessons (introduced by Blair Underwood) throughout the show, listing SAG achievements over its three-quarters of a century. The final segment concluded: “As technology changes once again, we look to our guild for guidance.”
We who looked to the SAGs for an entertaining night of TV? Not so lucky.
There was one genuinely moving moment, however, as Daniel Day Lewis accepted his “Actor” for his remarkable performance in There Will Be Blood and used the occasion to selflessly honor Heath Ledger, recalling specific moments of greatness from his breakthrough performances in Monster’s Ball and Brokeback Mountain. Actors’ love for fellow actors, that’s a compelling reason to tune in.
The life achievement salute to Charles Durning may have droned on a bit too long, and the less said the better about Burt Reynolds’ peculiar introduction in which he suggested that upon meeting Durning, everyone wants to “take a bite right out of his cheek.” Remember when Reynolds used to be clever, charismatic and coherent? Still, it’s refreshing to see an award like this go to a longtime journeyman character actor (and World War II hero) who made good, despite a history in which everyone from his teachers to Joseph Papp told him “You ain’t got it.” Durning clearly had it, and was clearly touched at the honor.
Respect for veteran actors is all well and good, but we probably could have done without Mickey Rooney milking his own standing ovation when he came out as a presenter, babbling on as if he had won something, even stopping the show to introduce his wife.
Nevertheless, it’s somehow heartening to know that Hollywood is alive and well, able to irritate and amuse us in equal measure, as we continue to endure the strike and wonder when it will all be over.
Oh, who won? It was a sweep and a last hurrah for the legendary The Sopranos (James Gandolfin, Edie Falco and ensemble cast), a benediction that’s hard to argue with, although I’d have loved to see Mad Men and/or its star Jon Hamm acknowledged for its breakthough season. In comedy, it was all NBC, with Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin of 30 Rock winning acting honors, and the ensemble cast of The Office triumphant for the second consecutive year.
With that, it’s a wrap. And now we look forward to the Oscars, wondering if and how the show will go on if the strike isn’t resolved sometime next month.
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Jan 27, 2008 10:45 PM
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Matt -
Thanks for your spot on review of the SAGs.
I was moved to tears by Daniel Day Lewis' eloquent and selfless tribute to Heath Ledger. I have not seen such a random act of kindness since Ving Rhimes tried to give his Golden Globe to Jack Lemmon.
Seeing a long time character actor like Charles Durning get honored (did you see him as a patient on Monk recently?) was truly a joy.
And yes, Mickey and Burt are not as cute and cuddly as they used to be. Life has a funny way of dulling the senses but not the ego in some people.
The good news is this award ceremony was devoid of Sean Young screaming at speech making directors (like she did at the Directors Guild before security escorted her out) or two TelePrompTer reading entertainment mannequins trying to carry a prestigious ceremony like the Globes.
The bad news is we have to wait to see if the writers strike can resolve itself in time for everyone to walk the red carpet at the Oscars.
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Jan 28, 2008 12:30 AM
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I realize Mickey Rooney is a living legend, but coming out and begging for a standing ovation is one of the most classless things I've ever seen. The audience had no intention if standing but seeing Rooney standing to the side of the podium with his arm extended was ridiculous. Seems like he was a bit jealous of the genuine love just shown to Charles Durning.
Burt Reynolds-spemd less time and money with your plastic surgeon and more time and money with a doctor who can adjust the meds.
I'm a a huge fan of The Office, but really think that Ugly Betty and 30 Rock are much better and truer "ensembles".
And with Lost and Friday Night Lights not even nominated for Best Ensemble and Matthew Fox, Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton home, The Sopranos wins were pretty empty. Gadolfini and Falco are terrific actors but they didn't do anything really award worthy in their final season. And much of the supporting cast are pretty weak IMO.
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Jan 28, 2008 7:58 AM
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Matt, I think it's time you took some chill pills. I thought Mickey Rooney was adorable (even if introducing his, what, 7th wife as his rock, was a little over the top), but he was heartfelt, and charming. I agree that Burt Reynolds is a jerk, and always has been. But Charles Durning sooo deserved his award; as he himself pointed out, he modeled himself after those unsung heroes of film and tv: the character actor. How nice to see him honored. I usually cringe when the tributes come on, but this one was wonderful.
I also enjoyed the opening scene of actors relating stories of their early days. Maybe SAG does this at all the ceremonies, but since I never watched before, it was fresh to me; and quite touching.
The award ceremony itself was pleasant in that the litany of thanks to everyone including their manicurist, was limited to just a few moments.
Also, it was "original" programming. That in itself was enough to praise it.
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Jan 28, 2008 9:08 AM
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sounds like my decision to "strike" and not watch was a good one. I can't help but wonder what will happen even if the WGA strike is settled... will we have to go through this again with the actors?
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Jan 28, 2008 11:57 AM
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I also enjoyed the opening scene of actors relating stories of their early days. Maybe SAG does this at all the ceremonies, but since I never watched before, it was fresh to me; and quite touching.
Vivien, they open the SAG Awards this way every year. Fortunately they've lightened them up. In years past, they would come across as so pompous and condescending. This year's stories were very nice and funny. Loved Rebecca Romanjin's story.
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Jan 28, 2008 4:58 PM
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