Tuesday, March 24, 2020

2020 SXSW Film Festival Jury and Special Awards

Despite cancellation, SXSW still released its jury winners!

Narrative Feature Competition
Shithouse

Special Jury Recognition for Directing
Celine Held and Logan George "Topside"

Special Jury Recognition for Acting
Kofi Siriboe and Yooth Wong-Loi-Sing "Really Love"

Documentary Feature Competition
An Elephant in the Room

Special Jury Recognition for Achievement in Documentary Storytelling
Alice Gu "The Donut King"

Special Jury Recognition for Breakthrough Voice
Jiayan Shi "Finding Yingying"

Narraive Short
White Eye

Special Jury Recognition for Acting
Morgan Sullivan and Manny Dunn "Dirty"

Special Jury Recognition
Darling

Special Jury Recognition
Single

Documentary Short
No Crying at the Dinner Table

Special Jury Recognition
Mizuko

Special Jury Recognition
Día de la Madre

Midnight Shorts
Regret

Special Jury Recognition
Laura Hasn’t Slept

Special Jury Recognition for Creature Design
Stucco

Animated Shorts
Symbiosis

Special Jury Recognition
No, I Don’t Want to Dance!

Special Jury Recognition
The ShawlDirector: Sara Kiener

Music Videos
070 Shake "Nice to Have"

Special Jury Recognition for Animation
Mitski "A Pearl"

Special Jury Recognition for Direction
The Lumineers "Gloria"

Texas Shorts
Just Hold On

Special Jury Recognition
Coup d’etat Math

Texas High School Shorts
Wish Upon a Snowman

Special Jury Recognition: Narrative
Ultimatum

Special Jury Recognition: Documentary
Unveiled

Special Jury Recognition: Animation
The Orchard

Episodic Pilot Competiton
Embrace

Special Jury Recognition for Drama
Chemo Brain

Special Jury Recognition for Comedy
Lusty Crest

Excellence in Poster Design
Olivier Courbet "Laura Hasn’t Slept"

Special Jury Recognition
Andrew Hem and Charlie Le "The Donut King"

Excellence in Title Design
Karin Fong "See"

Special Jury Recognition
Why We Hate

Adam Yauch Hörnblowér Award
Frank Oz "In and of Itself"

Adobe Editing Award
Paul Rogers and David Darg "You Cannot Kill David Arquette"

Final Draft Screenwriters Award
Michael Parks Randa, Will Halby, Terra Mackintosh, Andrew Pilkington, Lauren
Smitelli "Best Summer Ever"

Louis Black “Lone Star” Award
Miss Juneteenth

Vimeo Staff Picks Award
Vert

ZEISS Cinematography Award
Steve Elkins "Echoes of the Invisible"

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Celebrating a Decade of the Awards Psychic: The Top 100 Television Shows of 2009-2019 - Part I

100. Sherlock - Before Benedict Cumberbatch was a genuine movie superstar, Oscar nominee, etc. He was killing it as a quirky and damaged version of Sherlock Holmes on PBS's fun series Sherlock. I don't think anyone felt like another remake of Sherlock Holmes was necessary, but creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss brought fresh energy to a classic tale that has been done to death. This new Sherlock fizzled at the end, but its first few outings were a perfect mix of classic mystery tropes and 21st Century setting, with a dose of funny and romance to add some spice. Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch had an incredible on-screen chemistry that really built and solidified the central relationship, and both ended up winning well-deserved Emmys for their creative performances. Sherlock wasn't groundbreaking, but it was quality television, incredibly entertaining, and impeccably acted. For that, it deserves recognition.

99. Curb Your Enthusiasm - Obviously, Curb Your Enthusiasm's best days were its first ten years. Yet, despite only airing two seasons in this last decade, it still managed to be a hilarious show that has incredible legs, including a new season premiering soon. Over the last decade plus, Larry David has built a show with a cast of crazy characters, daring guest stars, and a rambling story line full of anger, grumpiness, and laughter. There is nothing about David, or his demeanor, that screams star power, yet somehow, he has managed to create a character that has led one of the most enduring comedy series in the last couple of decades. You have to give him a lot of credit for that, and I personally can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve next.

98. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - So this show would have been a lot higher on the list had it stopped after its third season. The last couple of outings were almost painful to watch, as its premise wore thin. But for a few brief shining seasons, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was one of the funniest, unique, and bright shows on the television landscape, and an early comedy success for Netflix. The writers knew how to blend in the ridiculous with the heartwarming in a brilliant way, and you never stopped smiling when you were watching it. It also didn't hurt that it was led by an amazing cast including Jane Krakowski, the legendary Carol Kane, and particularly the dynamic duo at its center Ellie Kemper and Tituss Burgess. This show made Burgess a star, and finally gave Kemper a leading role, and when those two were sharing the screen together, the results were comedy magic.

97. Jane the Virgin - For those of us who grew up on soap operas (my mom loves The Young and the Restless) or telenovelas, there is no story line too crazy, too ridiculous. In fact, the juicier the story line, the more intriguing the watch, no matter how guilty it makes you feel that you have been sucked into ridiculousness. Jane the Virgin was based on a premise right out of a classic soap opera, but they recognize that, and then found a clever way to lean into the overarching humor behind these plot lines. But Jane the Virgin did not win over viewers by just being a funny take on a soap opera. There was also a lot of humor, heart, and love on screen, with an amazing cast led by the magnetic Gina Rodriguez. Jane the Virgin took a cooky premise, and made it something quite special.

96. Grace & Frankie - The creator of Friends, plus a cast of four living legends? I was definitely in, and I'm glad I joined the ride. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin sharing comedic screen magic once again is so much fun to watch, and the supporting cast, including Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen were so game, and became so integral to the success of the show as time went on. In particular, the four children's story lines became almost as intriguing as their parents. I am always in for a well-written sitcom with an amazing cast, and Grace and Frankie was just that, and more.

95. American Horror Story - So I have had trouble lately staying on the American Horror Story bandwagon. The last few seasons have started to lose some of the luster of their previous efforts. That being said, when AHS was on top, it was a breakthrough horror series that launched the television revival of horror anthology. Particularly the first three seasons were masterpieces of television, led by an amazing array of rotating cast members that included legends like Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, Frances Conroy, Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Connie Britton, and many many others. It continues to be renewed and a part of the greater television landscape, and its legacy will live on long after it leaves the air.

94. Key and Peele - Before Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele began pursuing their successful film careers, they were two up and coming comics who got caught in the brief, but incredible wave in the last decade of the revival of sketch comedy shows. Key and Peele only lasted for a few seasons, but its mark is still felt. Their sketches were sharp, captured the zeitgeist of American culture at the time, and even caught the attention of the President. It also successfully launched these two amazing talents into super stardom, and both will have long and fruitful careers ahead of them.

93. Cougar Town - A terrible name and a cancellation and subsequent pickup could not stop Cougar Town from becoming a cult comedy classic. The first, and really only major sitcom project for Courtney Cox post-Friends, Cougar Town's name turned off a lot of people, and its first couple of episodes were cringe-worthy. But once it gets into its groove, it is actually a heartfelt, laugh out loud ensemble piece with quirky, but loving characters, and the family that is built over the course of six season was worth a watch.

92. Playing House - Another show that continually faced renewal odds, Playing House only lasted for three seasons, and was not seen by many people. But it should be seen if you get a chance. With a dynamic duo at its center, real-life friends and collaborators Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair, Playing House is about family, friendship, the village it takes to raise and child, tackle cancer, and all of the other challenges that life throws at you. Well-acted, funny, emotionally resonant, and sweet, Playing House was a hidden comedy gem of the last decade.

91. Silicon Valley - I never particularly loved Silicon Valley. The anxiety that the show produced honestly got to be a bit much. That being said, I didn't have to love the show to respect it. Mike Judge, who created King of the Hill, one of the greatest shows of all time, returned with this story of a geeky group of friends trying to make it in the dog eat dog world of Silicon Valley. It was darkly funny, well-acted, and showcased the tension, and ups and downs of the fleeting world of tech development.

The 40th Razzie Award "Winners"

In all the chaos, I forgot to post this year's Razzie awards! I will also hopefully have my first set of Top 100 Television Shows of 2009-2019, as we continue to celebrate ten years here at The Awards Psychic.

WORST PICTURE 
Cats

WORST ACTOR
John Travolta / The Fanatic & Trading Paint

WORST ACTRESS 
Hilary Duff / The Haunting of Sharon Tate

WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS 
Rebel Wilson / Cats

WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR 
James Corden / Cats

WORST SCREEN COMBO 
Any Two Half-Feline/Half-Human Hairballs / Cats

WORST SCREENPLAY 
Cats / Screenplay by Lee Hall and Tom Hooper

WORST DIRECTOR 
Tom Hooper / Cats

WORST REMAKE, RIP-OFF or SEQUEL
Rambo: Last Blood

WORST RECKLESS DISREGARD for HUMAN LIFE and PUBLIC PROPERTY
Rambo: Last Blood

RAZZIE® REDEEMER AWARD 
Eddie Murphy / Dolemite Is My Name

Friday, March 6, 2020

2020 Olivier Award Nominations

Best New Musical
& Juliet
Amelie The Musical
Dear Evan Hansen
Waitress

Best New Play
A Very Expensive Poison
The Doctor
Leopoldstadt
The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Cunard Best Revival
Cyrano De Bergerac
Death Of A Salesman
Present Laughter
Rosmersholm

Magic Radio Best Musical Revival
Evita
Fiddler On The Roof
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Mary Poppins

Best Director
Marianne Elliott and Miranda Cromwell, Death Of A Salesman
Jamie Lloyd, Cyrano De Bergerac
Trevor Nunn, Fiddler On The Roof
Ian Rickson, Uncle Vanya

Best Actress
Hayley Atwell, Rosmersholm
Sharon D. Clarke, Death Of A Salesman
Juliet Stevenson, The Doctor
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag

Best Actor
Toby Jones, Uncle Vanya
James McAvoy, Cyrano De Bergerac
Wendell Pierce, Death Of A Salesman
Andrew Scott, Present Laughter

Best Actress in a Musical
Audrey Brisson, Amélie The Musical
Judy Kuhn, Fiddler On The Roof
Miriam-Teak Lee, & Juliet
Zizi Strallen, Mary Poppins

Best Actor in a Musical
Andy Nyman, Fiddler On The Roof
Charlie Stemp, Mary Poppins
Sam Tutty, Dear Evan Hansen
Jac Yarrow, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Michele Austin, Cyrano De Bergerac
Sophie Thompson, Present Laughter
Indira Varma, Present Laughter
Josie Walker, The Ocean At The End Of The Lane

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Arinzé Kene, Death Of A Salesman
Colin Morgan, All My Sons
Adrian Scarborough, Leopoldstadt
Reece Shearsmith, A Very Expensive Poison

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Lucy Anderson, Dear Evan Hansen
Petula Clark, Mary Poppins
Cassidy Janson, & Juliet
Lauren Ward, Dear Evan Hansen

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
David Bedella, & Juliet
Stewart Clarke, Fiddler On The Roof
Jack Loxton, Dear Evan Hansen
Rupert Young, Dear Evan Hansen

Best Achievement in Opera
Jette Parker Young Artists for their performances in Berenice, Death In Venice and Phaedra
The Children’s Ensemble for their performance in ENO's Noye’s Fludde
Martyn Brabbins and James Henshaw for their conducting of ENO's The Mask Of Orpheus

Best New Opera Production
Berenice
Billy Budd
Hansel And Gretel
Noye’s Fludde

Best New Dance Production
La Fiesta
Ingoma
MÁM
Vessel

Outstanding Achievement in Dance
Sara Baras, for her choreography and performance in Ballet Flamenco - Sombras
Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, for her performance in Mitten Wir Im Leben Sind/Bach6Cellosuiten
Gisèle Vienne, for her choreography of Crowd, presented by Dance Umbrella

Outstanding Achievement in Affiliate Theatre
Baby Reindeer
Blues In The Night
Our Lady Of Kibeho
Seven Methods Of Killing Kylie Jenner
Warheads

Best Family Show
Mr Gum And The Dancing Bear - The Musical!
Oi Frog & Friends!
To The Moon And Back
The Worst Witch

Noel Coward Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play
Emilia
Fleabag
Magic Goes Wrong
The Upstart Crow

Best Theatre Choreographer
Fabian Aloise, Evita
Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear, Mary Poppins
Jerome Robbins and Matt Cole, Fiddler On The Roof
Jennifer Weber, & Juliet

Best Original Score or New Orchestrations
& Juliet
New Orchestrations by Bill Sherman and Dominic Fallacaro

Amélie The Musical
Musical Supervisor and Arrangements by Barnaby Race

Dear Evan Hansen
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Orchestration by Alex Lacamoire

Fiddler On The Roof
New Orchestrations by Jason Carr

Waitress
Music and Lyrics by Sara Bareilles

Blue-I Theatre Technology Award for Best Set Design
Bob Crowley, Mary Poppins
Soutra Gilmour, & Juliet
Rae Smith, Rosmersholm
Rae Smith, Uncle Vanya

Best Costume Design
Hugh Durrant, Goldilocks And The Three Bears
Jonathan Lipman, Fiddler On The Roof
Joanna Scotcher, Emilia
Paloma Young, & Juliet

Royal Albert Hall Award for Best Sound Design
Gregory Clarke, Rosmersholm
Emma Laxton, Emilia
Ben and Max Ringham, ANNA
Ben and Max Ringham, Cyrano De Bergerac

White Light Award for Best Lighting Design
Neil Austin, Rosmersholm
Paule Constable, The Ocean At The End Of The Lane
Howard Hudson, & Juliet
Bruno Poet, Uncle Vanya

Tom Hanks' Greyhound Trailer