My Favorite Characters of the Decade

Since we've closed out the decade and are onto the new (roaring?) 20's, I thought it would be fun to revisit some of my favorite characters that these past years have produced. I decided to narrow it down as one per year, or else my list was going to be very long. Here are 10 characters that left an impression on me.

2010 - Harry Potter/Deathly Hallows Part 1

I wanted to use the whole trio but I figured I shouldn't start off my post by cheating my own rules. The Harry Potter books mean everything to me, and we kicked off this decade with the first film from my favorite book. I'll always have a special place in my heart for Harry and how interesting and complicated he is. 

2011 - Alike/Pariah

I know I talk about Pariah a lot, but you can't talk about this film too much. Dee Rees' crafted a very moving story about Alike trying to find her sexual identity and Adepero Oduye plays her to perfection

2012 - Joe/Looper

You knew Joseph Gordon-Levitt was going to pop up here somewhere. Even if they did THAT to his face. But I love what he does in Rian Johnson's Looper. It's one of the most interesting sci fi movies out there and JGL captured so much even under all those prosthetics.

2013 - Grace/Short Term 12

Grace is a character I found very easy to relate too, especially since I used to work in the same field she does in this film. It's an incredible performance from Brie, and still remains my favorite of hers.

2014 - Amy Dunne/Gone Girl

Amy is just...amazing. Rosamund Pike was so perfectly cast. I will never stop appreciating Amy's complexity.

2015 - Wanda Maximoff/Age of Ultron

Y'all know I'm a Wanda stan, so of course I had to pick her in the year she made her MCU debut. I think she's one of the most interesting Avengers and I can't wait to watch her Disney+ show.

2016 - Chiron/Moonlight

Whether you call him Chiron, Little, or Black. I was not ready to leave him behind when Moonlight ended. I selfishly wanted more. I needed to know he was going to be okay, and that's how you know you have a good character. When you're not ready to say goodbye.

2017 - Caesar/War for the Planet of the Apes

Here's how much I love Caesar: I bought the  companion novels that take place between the films and the novelized versions of the movies just because I wanted more of his inner thoughts. This is one of my favorite franchises and Caesar is a big part of that. 

2018 - Queen Anne/The Favourite

This was the hardest year to pick from. There are so many great characters and films but I decided to pick one from the film I've probably re-watched the most. While I'd seen some of Olivia Colman's work before, The Favourite is what put her on the map for me and it's one of the most complex performances given that year. Equal parts heartbreaking, outrageous, and darkly funny.

2019 - Tony Stark/Avengers: Endgame

You know I have to finish out this list with Tony Stark. RDJ has an amazing legacy as Iron Man and it's going to be hard no longer having him around in the MCU. 

Thursday Movie Picks: Favorite Films by Steven Spielberg

This week's theme from Wandering Through The Shelves is about picking our favorites from legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg. That's easy for me and this post took all about three seconds to write.

1) Jurassic Park

This is the first live action movie I recall seeing in theaters. I loved dinosaurs and even though every single sequel of this film has been garbage, the original still holds up. 

2) E.T

While I wasn't alive when E.T was made, it was a staple at my house on VHS. I tried to get my own son to watch this and was a bit gutted when he didn't care for it. 

3) The Color Purple

This was another one that I watched all the time on VHS. I've mentioned this film countless times on my blog and how much I still cry over it. 

Review: Little Women

Own your story

Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) reflects on her life growing up with her three sisters, Amy, (Florence Pugh) Beth (Eliza Scanlen) and Meg (Emma Watson) along with their mother, Marmee (Laura Dern) while their father is away. Jo has ambitions of being an author but still has to provide for her family. She intends to make her own way in life, as do her sisters.

The only other version of Little Women I've seen is the 94 version, which I watched and enjoyed quite often. It's impossible for me not to compare the two. I think they're fairly even quality wise.

I love Saoirse Ronan. She's one of my favorite working actresses and she's great here, but it's not often Ronan gets upstaged. But in this film she is by Florence Pugh, who is had a fantastic year. One of my favorite things about this version was how they handled Amy. Because Florence plays her through all the time jumps, the fact that she eventually marries Laurie is far less creepy than it was in the 94 version. It's a bit weird to say you love someone tantrums, but I loved Amy's. She was just so much fun. Beth has the least to do of the sisters but I loved the way Scanlen delivered her small "aside" lines. Emma Watson was hands down the worst part of this film. She barely holds together her American accent and honestly she felt like she was in a different movie. Meg's scenes were always my least favorite part.

One choice director Greta Gerwig makes to set her version apart was the ever changing timeline. I think that worked really well in certain scenes, but overall I wasn't a fan of the transition. I understand why she did it, but it missed more often than it hit. 

The costumes are lovely, and I think I prefer them to the 94 version and of course Alexandre Desplat wrote a lovely score for the film. I had a lovely time watching this. After getting snowed in for three days and having my original plans to watch this put on hold, it was well worth the wait.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B

Memorable Quote: "I never thought I'd be readying the horses so Jo March could chase a man." - Laurie (Timothee Chalamet)

2020 Golden Globe Winners

Thanks to Tom Hanks, we have a new reaction meme and honestly the perfect representation of how I felt during this ceremony. Picks wise, I went 8/25 which is hysterically bad. I had the most fun during the TV awards because things I liked were actually winning. Gervais was an awful host but I've never been a huge fan. Will Ferrell's one joke landed better than all of his. Below are the list of winners plus my thoughts.

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1917 
THE IRISHMAN 
JOKER 
MARRIAGE STORY 
THE TWO POPES 
The Irishman getting completely shut out was a surprise to me. 1917 is the only film I haven't seen here because IT'S NOT IN THEATERS YET. Seriously, who has seen this movie? I'm excited for it, but I feel like only 10 people have actually watched it. 


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
CYNTHIA ERIVO  -  HARRIET
SCARLETT JOHANSSON  -  MARRIAGE STORY
SAOIRSE RONAN  -  LITTLE WOMEN
CHARLIZE THERON  -  BOMBSHELL
RENÉE ZELLWEGER -  JUDY
Zellweger winning wasn't a surprise. I would've rather Erivo or Saoirse. 


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
CHRISTIAN BALE  -  FORD V FERRARI
ANTONIO BANDERAS  -  PAIN AND GLORY
ADAM DRIVER  -  MARRIAGE STORY
JOAQUIN PHOENIX  -  JOKER
JONATHAN PRYCE  -  THE TWO POPES
This is the most egregious win of the night. I'm sorry, I know some of you like Joker but I just can't imagine thinking Phoenix is better than Adam Driver. (or any of these men really, but especially Driver) I cannot relate with that at all, and Phoenix's speech was a jumbled mess where he basically apologized for being an asshole after all those stories about him being a horror on set came out. Is that going to be his campaign pitch? "I acted like a dick but METHOD!" Jesus. SAG Voters, make this right.



BEST MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
DOLEMITE IS MY NAME 
JOJO RABBIT 
KNIVES OUT
ONCE UPON A TIME... IN HOLLYWOOD 
ROCKETMAN 
I'm not surprised with this win, but Dolemite, Jojo and Knives Out are all on my Top 10 list of the year so I was rooting for them.



BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
ANA DE ARMAS  -  KNIVES OUT
AWKWAFINA  -  THE FAREWELL
CATE BLANCHETT  -  WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE
BEANIE FELDSTEIN  -  BOOKSMART
EMMA THOMPSON  -  LATE NIGHT
I'm so happy for Awkwafina, she was wonderful in The Farewell (though this being a comedy is........iffy) but she seemed so shocked she won.



BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – 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 
Taron was great in Rocketman but I thought Eddie had this in the bag. This win makes Taran a bigger lock for an Oscar nomination now, I think. 

BEST MOTION PICTURE – ANIMATED
FROZEN 2 
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD 
THE LION KING 
MISSING LINK 
TOY STORY 4 
MISSING LINK?! Who the fuck saw this coming?! 😂

BEST MOTION PICTURE – FOREIGN LANGUAGE
THE FAREWELL    (USA)
LES MISÉRABLES    (FRANCE)
PAIN AND GLORY    (SPAIN)    
PARASITE    (SOUTH KOREA) 
PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE    (FRANCE)    
We all knew Parasite was going to win but I loved Bong Joon-ho's speech. "Once you overcome the one inch barrier that is subtitles you will be introduced to so many amazing films." Indeed. So happy about this win.


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE
KATHY BATES  -  RICHARD JEWELL
ANNETTE BENING  -  THE REPORT
LAURA DERN  -  MARRIAGE STORY
JENNIFER LOPEZ -   HUSTLERS
MARGOT ROBBIE  -  BOMBSHELL
Lauren Dern is winning and Oscar and nothing is going to stop her. 


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE
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
I thought Hanks would win, but since he had the Cecille award I should've went with Pitt. He's a co-lead, but was the best part of OUATIH. And of course the camera cut to Aniston at one point during it. How could they resist?

BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
BONG JOON HO  -  PARASITE
SAM MENDES  -  1917
TODD PHILLIPS  -  JOKER
MARTIN SCORSESE  -  THE IRISHMAN
QUENTIN TARANTINO  -  ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD
Mendes winning here surprised me. Not that I didn't think he had a chance, but just that I expected OUATIH and Irishman to get showered with so much love. I wanted Bong Joon Ho, but I'm just happy it wasn't Phillips.


BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
MARRIAGE STORY
PARASITE
THE TWO POPES
ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD
THE IRISHMAN
I was really hoping for Parasite or Marriage story here. Hopefully they fair better with Oscar

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
LITTLE WOMEN
JOKER
MARRIAGE STORY
1917
MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN
The score is the only thing I liked about Joker. I wish this had been the only thing this movie won tonight.

BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
BEAUTIFUL GHOSTS” — CATS   
“(I’M) GONNA LOVE ME AGAIN - ROCKETMAN
INTO THE UNKNOWN” — FROZEN 2
“SPIRIT” — THE LION KING
“STAND UP” — HARRIET
I had no idea where this category was going to go. Does this make Rocketman the front runner?


BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
BIG LITTLE LIES
THE CROWN       
KILLING EVE
THE MORNING SHOW
SUCCESSION
Succession actually won! I'm shocked. I really thought they'd go with Morning Show but I'm so happy with this win. I'm glad I finally started watching this.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA  
JENNIFER ANISTON  -  THE MORNING SHOW
OLIVIA COLMAN  -  THE CROWN
JODIE COMER -   KILLING EVE
NICOLE KIDMAN  -  BIG LITTLE LIES
REESE WITHERSPOON  -  THE MORNING SHOW
I did not care for S3 of The Crown, but I can't be mad about surprise Colman wins. She's so lovely and I always like her speeches.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
BRIAN COX  -  SUCCESSION
KIT HARINGTON  -  GAME OF THRONES
RAMI MALEK  -  MR. ROBOT
TOBIAS MENZIES   - THE CROWN
BILLY PORTER  -  POSE
I didn't think Cox would win but I'm happy he did. He's a legend and so good in Succession. Plus he did this on his way up to the stage

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
BARRY
FLEABAG
THE KOMINSKY METHOD
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
THE POLITICIAN
This was an easy prediction and I'm happy with it. I just wish there was more Fleabag. 

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
CHRISTINA APPLEGATE  -  DEAD TO ME
RACHEL BROSNAHAN  -  THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
KIRSTEN DUNST  -  ON BECOMING A GOD IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
NATASHA LYONNE  -  RUSSIAN DOLL
PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE  -  FLEABAG
I'm so happy Phoebe won and Olivia Colman looked so proud in the audience. She thanked Andrew Scott for one of the reasons the show caught on so much because we all know how strong that horn storm was.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
MICHAEL DOUGLAS  -  THE KOMINSKY METHOD
BILL HADER  -  BARRY
BEN PLATT  -  THE POLITICIAN
PAUL RUDD  -  LIVING WITH YOURSELF
RAMY YOUSSEF  -  RAMY
I knew a freshman series lead would win but I picked the wrong one. I thought they'd go for Rudd. Ramy seems like a cool enough dude, but I don't have Hulu anymore so I haven't seen his show.

BEST TELEVISION LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
CATCH-22
CHERNOBYL 
FOSSE/VERDON
THE LOUDEST VOICE
UNBELIEVABLE
Another one I actually got right. I would've been happy with Chernobyl or Unbelievable winning. They were both so well done. 


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
KAITLYN DEVER  -  UNBELIEVABLE
JOEY KING  -  THE ACT    
HELEN MIRREN  -  CATHERINE THE GREAT
MERRITT WEVER  -  UNBELIEVABLE
MICHELLE WILLIAMS  -  FOSSE/VERDON
Williams once again gave another magnificent speech like she did at the Emmys. A nice subtle fuck you to Ricky Gervais who told everyone not to talk about politics because "they don't matter."



BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
CHRISTOPHER ABBOTT  -  CATCH-22
SACHA BARON COHEN  -  THE SPY
RUSSELL CROWE   - THE LOUDEST VOICE
JARED HARRIS -   CHERNOBYL
SAM ROCKWELL  -  FOSSE/VERDON
I didn't expect Crowe to win this. He wasn't there but he sent a message about climate change and fighting the bush fires in Australia. A nice and important touch.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
PATRICIA ARQUETTE  - THE ACT
HELENA BONHAM CARTER  -  THE CROWN
TONI COLLETTE  -  UNBELIEVABLE
MERYL STREEP  -  BIG LITTLE LIES
EMILY WATSON  -  CHERNOBYL
I'm really shocked Streep didn't win, but Arquette got up and got political as well and I love her for it. I'm not the biggest fan of her work, but The Act is my favorite performance of hers.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
ALAN ARKIN  -  THE KOMINSKY METHOD
KIERAN CULKIN  -  SUCCESSION
ANDREW SCOTT  -  FLEABAG
STELLAN SKARSGÅRD  -  CHERNOBYL
HENRY WINKLER -  BARRY
I really thought Scott would win but I'm happy for Skarsgard because he's a wonderful actor who's very underrated. Plus his speech about not having any eyebrows so no one recognizes him and how someone gave him eyebrows for this role and now he has a Globe was hysterical. 

What I watched on TV in December

Mr. Robot - This month we saw the series finale of Mr. Robot and I thought it was just...okay. I think Esmail is a great showrunner and writer but he made so many mistakes this season that I just couldn't overlook. I felt like only Elliot and Darlene got satisfying endings, and maybe that's the point, But I fell in love with other characters like Angela too. The only non Alderson that had a decent ending I felt was Pryce. He still left loose ends while bringing things back from season so long ago that we've moved on from. I don't think it was a massive flop like Game of Thrones. I just think it could've been a tad better.

The Mandalorian - This season was so short! Obviously if you've spent 10 seconds around my Twitter feed you know how obsessed I am with Baby Yoda. Mando is pretty great himself. There are quite a few supporting characters (like Omera and Cara) that I hope we see again in season two. I also can't stop listening to the show's theme song. Taika Waititi knocked it out of the park with the finale.

Watchmen - Wow. Every episode of this got better and better this month and the season (maybe series?) finale was incredible. It ended on a note that would be fitting if this was just one season, but also left us so many possibilities if they renew it. I hope they do. Regina King deserves all the awards for this and bless HBO for all that male nudity. Seriously, that dick was spectacular.

His Dark Materials - I still feel like I'm missing a lot of context from this series as I'm not a book reader, but it was a solid first season. Dafne found her footing a little more, and I was heartbroken in the finale even though I knew that was coming. (Remember when everyone freaked out about The Golden Compass omitting that?) I'll definitely watch season 2.

Broken - This Netflix series has a different theme each episode where various "systems" are broken. I watched the first two episodes, the first on counterfeit makeup and the second on vaping. I preferred the makeup episode. I watched specifically because Marlena Stell was interviewed in it. The episodes were interesting enough, but nothing I'd consider "must see."

The ABC Murders - I watched this on Amazon Prime. I actually started it last time I had a Prime subscription but didn't finish. It was fine. The main draw for me was Rupert Grint but he wasn't in it nearly as much as I hoped and his character was a massive dickhole for most of it. It was nice seeing him play something different. The actors all around in this show were really wonderful.  

The Crown - I'm STILL trying to finish this. God this season is a drag. I miss Claire Foy and I say that as someone who loves every bit of Olivia Colman. 

End Of The F**king World - I only saw the first two episodes because I'm watching this with my husband and we never have the time together to finish it, but so far so good. It was weird starting the first episode with a completely new character so I'm looking forward to getting back to just Alyssa and James. 

2020 Golden Globe Predictions: Who Will Win, Who Should Win

So the Globes snuck up on me this year. I normally try to get my list out a week in advance but the Globes are this Sunday and HOW?! Anywho, here are my predictions for who will win, and in some cases who should win.

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
1917 
THE IRISHMAN 
JOKER 
MARRIAGE STORY 
THE TWO POPES 
Who will win: The Irishman
Who should win: Marriage Story
I see the HFPA awarding Scorcese's effort even though Marriage Story is a better film. I hope I'm wrong here because I'd love to see Marriage Story emerge as a front runner. 


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
CYNTHIA ERIVO  -  HARRIET
SCARLETT JOHANSSON  -  MARRIAGE STORY
SAOIRSE RONAN  -  LITTLE WOMEN
CHARLIZE THERON  -  BOMBSHELL
RENÉE ZELLWEGER -  JUDY
Who will win: Renee Zellweger
Who should win: Cynthia Erivo
This feels like Zellweger's year so far but since Lupita isn't here, I think Erivo gave the strongest performance out of these actresses.


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
CHRISTIAN BALE  -  FORD V FERRARI
ANTONIO BANDERAS  -  PAIN AND GLORY
ADAM DRIVER  -  MARRIAGE STORY
JOAQUIN PHOENIX  -  JOKER
JONATHAN PRYCE  -  THE TWO POPES
Who will and should win: Adam Driver
Anything else is just incorrect.



BEST MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
DOLEMITE IS MY NAME 
JOJO RABBIT 
KNIVES OUT
ONCE UPON A TIME... IN HOLLYWOOD 
ROCKETMAN 
Who will win: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Who should win: Jojo Rabbit, Knives out or Dolemite is my Name
OUATIH feels like a front runner when it really shouldn't be. I think Jojo Rabbit could realistically win too, but I have a feeling they'll go with OUATIH. I'd love it if Knives Out or Dolemite won as well.



BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
ANA DE ARMAS  -  KNIVES OUT
AWKWAFINA  -  THE FAREWELL
CATE BLANCHETT  -  WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE
BEANIE FELDSTEIN  -  BOOKSMART
EMMA THOMPSON  -  LATE NIGHT
Who will win: Awkwafina
Who should win: Her or Ana
This is actually a really hard category to guess because none of the Oscar front runners are in it. I think Knives Out is the best movie here, but Awkwafina was wonderful in The Farewell. Or the Globes could go with Emma for Star Power. It's hard to say.



BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – 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 
Who will and should win: Eddie Murphy
Again, I logically should go with Leo but Eddie is on fire lately and rightfully show. I wouldn't be mad if Roman won either. He was amazing.


BEST MOTION PICTURE – ANIMATED
FROZEN 2 
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD 
THE LION KING 
MISSING LINK 
TOY STORY 4 
Who will win: Frozen 2
Who should win: HTTYD: The Hidden World
HTTYD never wins anything and it's one of the best animated franchises of all time. It's sad. 

BEST MOTION PICTURE – FOREIGN LANGUAGE
THE FAREWELL    (USA)
LES MISÉRABLES    (FRANCE)
PAIN AND GLORY    (SPAIN)    
PARASITE    (SOUTH KOREA) 
PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE    (FRANCE)    
Who will and should win: Parasite
Is anything stopping this? I doubt it. It's too good.


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE
KATHY BATES  -  RICHARD JEWELL
ANNETTE BENING  -  THE REPORT
LAURA DERN  -  MARRIAGE STORY
JENNIFER LOPEZ -   HUSTLERS
MARGOT ROBBIE  -  BOMBSHELL
Who will win: Laura Dern
Who should win: Margot Robbie
Dern is the only actor that feels like a lock in the big 4 categories this year, but I preferred Robbie in Bombshell. I thought she was tremendous. 


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE
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
Who will and should win: Tom Hanks
This is tough because aside from Hopkins I think any of these guys could win. Pesci would be my second child but I'm sticking with Hanks. 

BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
BONG JOON HO  -  PARASITE
SAM MENDES  -  1917
TODD PHILLIPS  -  JOKER
MARTIN SCORSESE  -  THE IRISHMAN
QUENTIN TARANTINO  -  ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD
Who will win: Quentin Tarantino
Who should win: Bong Joon Ho
I haven't seen 1917 so I can't speak on that yet, but out of the rest of this, Bong Joon's movie was so much better. I still can't believe Phillips is here for his trash. Anyways, I think Quentin feels like he'll win. .


BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
MARRIAGE STORY
PARASITE
THE TWO POPES
ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD
THE IRISHMAN
Who will and should win: Parasite
Go big or go home bet. Realistically OUATIH or Irishman will probably win, best Parasite is by far the most original movie here and this or Marriage Story truly deserve to win above the rest.

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
LITTLE WOMEN
JOKER
MARRIAGE STORY
1917
MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN
Who will win: 1917
Who should win: Little Women
I've heard the score for 1917 is amazing so I'm going to go with that here, even though I haven't seen it myself. I have seen the rest and Little Women is the best. 


BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
BEAUTIFUL GHOSTS” — CATS   
“(I’M) GONNA LOVE ME AGAIN - ROCKETMAN
INTO THE UNKNOWN” — FROZEN 2
“SPIRIT” — THE LION KING
“STAND UP” — HARRIET
Who will and should win: Stand Up
This is another tough one. I think Stand Up is the best song. Into the Unknown wasn't even the best song in Frozen 2 so it's a shame that's what they're pushing instead of Show Yourself.


BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
BIG LITTLE LIES
THE CROWN       
KILLING EVE
THE MORNING SHOW
SUCCESSION
Who will win: Morning Show
Who should win; Sucession
I'm evoking the "freshman drama" rule here because the HFPA love that so much. Sucession was really wonderful but I'd be shocked if the Globes didn't pick Morning Show.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA  
JENNIFER ANISTON  -  THE MORNING SHOW
OLIVIA COLMAN  -  THE CROWN
JODIE COMER -   KILLING EVE
NICOLE KIDMAN  -  BIG LITTLE LIES
REESE WITHERSPOON  -  THE MORNING SHOW
Who will win: Jennifer Aniston
Who should win: Kidman or Witherspoon, or Comer*
*Comer is the reigning Emmy winner but I haven't seen Killing Eve. I really enjoyed the actresses in Big Little Lies. As much as I love Colman, I did not enjoy her in The Crown.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
BRIAN COX  -  SUCCESSION
KIT HARINGTON  -  GAME OF THRONES
RAMI MALEK  -  MR. ROBOT
TOBIAS MENZIES   - THE CROWN
BILLY PORTER  -  POSE
Who will and should win: Billy Porter
This is an Emmy winner I think could repeat. Kit and Rami's shows are done but I don't see them getting Globes here. Brian Cox would also be a fine winner. Bonus points if he tells everyone to fuck off at the end of his speech.


BEST TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
BARRY
FLEABAG
THE KOMINSKY METHOD
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
THE POLITICIAN
Who will and should win: Fleabag
This is still coming strong from the Emmys, I think they continue here. 

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
CHRISTINA APPLEGATE  -  DEAD TO ME
RACHEL BROSNAHAN  -  THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
KIRSTEN DUNST  -  ON BECOMING A GOD IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
NATASHA LYONNE  -  RUSSIAN DOLL
PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE  -  FLEABAG
Who will and should win: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Again, Fleabag was so great I see her continuing her hot streak. There's a lot of wonderful people in this category. I still wish I could watch Dunst's show. Come one Showtime, do a free preview. 


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
MICHAEL DOUGLAS  -  THE KOMINSKY METHOD
BILL HADER  -  BARRY
BEN PLATT  -  THE POLITICIAN
PAUL RUDD  -  LIVING WITH YOURSELF
RAMY YOUSSEF  -  RAMY
Who will win: Paul Rudd
Who should win: Bill Hader
I'm torn here, I invoked Freshman Series but Hader I think has a good chance of winning too. 


BEST TELEVISION LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
CATCH-22
CHERNOBYL 
FOSSE/VERDON
THE LOUDEST VOICE
UNBELIEVABLE
Who will win: Chernobyl
Who should win: That or Unbelievable
Chernobyl was wonderful but so was Unbelievable, I think the first has the slight edge because its technical specs were more striking on top of the writers and actors being good.


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
KAITLYN DEVER  -  UNBELIEVABLE
JOEY KING  -  THE ACT    
HELEN MIRREN  -  CATHERINE THE GREAT
MERRITT WEVER  -  UNBELIEVABLE
MICHELLE WILLIAMS  -  FOSSE/VERDON
Who will win: Michelle Williams
Who should win: King, Dever or Wever
I think Williams will repeat her Emmy win but I really love the other three. Joey King especially, she was so great in The Act.



BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
CHRISTOPHER ABBOTT  -  CATCH-22
SACHA BARON COHEN  -  THE SPY
RUSSELL CROWE   - THE LOUDEST VOICE
JARED HARRIS -   CHERNOBYL
SAM ROCKWELL  -  FOSSE/VERDON
Who will and should win: Jared Harris
I wouldn't mind Rockwell winning, even though I didn't care for Fosse/Verdon but I think Chernobyl is the stronger contender. 

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
PATRICIA ARQUETTE  - THE ACT
HELENA BONHAM CARTER  -  THE CROWN
TONI COLLETTE  -  UNBELIEVABLE
MERYL STREEP  -  BIG LITTLE LIES
EMILY WATSON  -  CHERNOBYL
Who will win: Meryl Streep
Who should win: Any, really.
Streep was great in BLL and I don't think the HFPA can resist giving her the win here. I think all of these actresses were really great in their shows. Yes, even Arquette who I normally don't care for. Loved her in The Act.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
ALAN ARKIN  -  THE KOMINSKY METHOD
KIERAN CULKIN  -  SUCCESSION
ANDREW SCOTT  -  FLEABAG
STELLAN SKARSGÅRD  -  CHERNOBYL
HENRY WINKLER -  BARRY
Who will and should win: Andrew Scott
I'd love if Culkin or Skarsgard won too but I'm going to guess Fleabag wins big and Scott along with it. Hot Priest is love, Hot Priest is life. 

Thursday Movie Picks: Escape

Wandering Through The Shelves is still going strong with TMP in 2020! For the first week of the year we're talking about films where making a great escape was a big part of the film. Here are three of my favorites.

1) The Shawshank Redempton

I have to start off with the most obvious choice, but is there a more iconic prison escape than the one in this film?

2) Return of the Jedi

I'm still bitter as hell over feeling let down by The Rise of Skywalker, so I turn to the film it tried so hard to replicate but couldn't. Our crew escaping from Jabba the Hut was a thrilling way to kick off this film.

3) Iron Man

Tony Stark started his story by escaping from his caved prison in a make shift Iron Man suit. And in 2019 we got to see him end that story by being Earth's best defender. *insert poetic cinema meme here.*