Slumdog Takes A Bite Out Of Critics Choice Competition

Slumdog Millionaire is an underdog no more.

At least if you believe the Broadcast Film Critics Association’s claim that the Critics Choice Awards are the most reliable predictor of the Academy Awards.

Slumdog, a tale about an impoverished boy in India who seeks fame, fortune and love while competing on the country’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, was the surprise favorite at many of the fall festivals. And January 8 in Santa Monica, CA, it became the prime choice of the 14th annual Critics Choice Awards, winning in five of the 17 categories, including best picture against a lineup of nine powerful competitors.

It also won for best director (Danny Boyle), best writer (Simon Beaufoy), best young (under 21) actor/actress (Dev Patel) and best composer (A.R. Rahman).

Only two other films were multiple winners: Milk (Sean Penn as best actor and the entire cast for best acting ensemble) and The Dark Knight (best action movie and the late Heath Ledger for best supporting actor).

And, of course, there were some big losers, too. The film that led the way with eight nominations, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button , was shut out, along with the heralded Frost/Nixon, a four-time nominee. Then there was the Curious Case of Brangelina, certainly the most glamorous couple at the event broadcast by VH1, the cable network known more for a rash of reality trash (does anyone really want a Real Chance of Love?) than classy award shows.

The most prescient comments might have come from Jason Alexander of Seinfeld fame, who opened the show. After dishing with some of the night’s nominees, including Clint Eastwood, Mickey Rourke, and Marisa Tomei, he hounded Brad Pitt (Benjamin Button) and Angelina Jolie (Changeling). In his best George Costanza mode, Alexander gushed to an uncomfortable looking Pitt, “You know what I love? Worst-case scenario ... neither one of you wins anything tonight. You’re going home with her; she's going home with you. Nobody here is a loser, ladies and gentlemen.”

Article Author: Michael Bialas

A newspaper editor and former college football player, Michael Bialas makes sports his business but exploring and reviewing music, movies, TV and other forms of pop culture are among the games he enjoys playing now.
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