OPINION

SAG Awards 2008: One Small Step for Acting, One Giant Leap Towards Oscar

Written by NancyGail
Published January 30, 2008

For once, an awards show with acceptance speeches! On January 27, the Screen Actors Guild held its annual display of patting itself on the back for exceptional work (in its opinion) in acting. These awards are similar to the Golden Globes with both film and television represented; the film awards are often considered predictors of Oscar winners.

Unlike the Globes this year, one category was swept. The Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series went to the cast of The Sopranos. After being overlooked in every major award show until now, this is no surprise. Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series, of course, went to James Gandolfini. Naturally, Edie Falco won the Outstanding Performance by a Female in a Drama Series.

The also-rans should be happy. With the mobster hit now off the air, the way is paved for wins down the road. Some of these already have awards for various bodies of work. I am glad, though, presenters included Michael C. Hall and James Spader. A little eye candy never hurts!

Another sweep took place on the comedy side, albeit smaller. Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series went to Alec Baldwin of 30 Rock. Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series went to Tina Fey. However, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series went to The Office.

The Outstanding Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries was Kevin Kline for his work in As You Like It. The Outstanding Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries had its winner in Queen Latifah for Life Support.

May I make a suggestion? Adjust some of these titles so they do not sound like a broken record.

In the film category, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture went to No Country for Old Men. Javier Bardem won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in this film.

The Outstanding Performance by a Female in a Supporting Role was taken by Ruby Dee as Denzel Washington's mother in American Gangster. Since it was her first nomination and win, everyone was delighted.

On the other side were Daniel Day-Lewis winning Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role as the nasty from There Will Be Blood. He dedicated the award to the late Heath Ledger. Julie Christie won the Outstanding Performance by a Female in a Leading Role from Away From Her.

Again with the titles. I realize writers are on strike, but there has GOT to be a better way to phrase some.

Some awards were added, even though most honors were given for acting. Charles Durning got the Life Achievement Award for his long career. Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture went to the team from The Bourne Ultimatum. Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble by a cast in a Television Series went to 24.

Will any take home an Oscar? Tune in on February 24 to find out!

NancyGail writes from her home in Georgia.
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SAG Awards 2008: One Small Step for Acting, One Giant Leap Towards Oscar
Published: January 30, 2008
Type: Opinion
Section: Video
Filed Under: Video: Awards Shows, Video: Film and TV Business, Video: Television
Writer: NancyGail
NancyGail's BC Writer page
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