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Upsets At the Globes: Reitman, Cameron Beat Tarantino, Bigelow

There were some close races at the Golden Globes, including best screenplay and best director. When Jason Reitman accepted the screenplay prize for Up in the Air, (shared with Sheldon Turner) he said that he thought Quentin Tarantino would be accepting, not him. And when James Cameron accepted the best director award for Avatar, he said, "I thought Kathryn was going to get this, and she richly deserves this. I am very grateful." He went on to thank his stars in Na'vi, and thanked wife Suzy Amis in English: "Baby, you make my dreams possible." That's a far cry from his old Oscar chortle, "I'm King of the World!"

By Anne Thompson
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January 18, 2010 3:17 AM
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The New York Film Critics Circle is the most respected and influential of the various critics groups. While the NYFCC often like to go their way, this year they are duplicating the LAFCA with votes for best picture and director for The Hurt Locker and Kathryn Bigelow. Notably missing: the Coens' A Serious Man and Jane Campions' Bright Star, two critically acclaimed films that could have used a push. Screenplay went to Brit comedy In the Loop. Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia) and George Clooney (Up in the Air) continue to rack up awards, as well as Precious star Mo'Nique and Inglorious Basterds' Christoph Waltz.

By Anne Thompson
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December 14, 2009 5:33 AM
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It's not surprising that the Alliance of Women Film Journalists went with The Hurt Locker and Kathryn Bigelow as best picture and director (they threw a mess of other achievement prizes at her as well--she'd better show up). And gave Jane Campion some props for her Bright Star direction and screenplay. Nor is Manohla Dargis off-base when she complains about the lack of women film directors today. The AWFJ may want to cut back on duplicative awards. They also gave two apiece to Agnes Varda and Mo'Nique.)

By Anne Thompson
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December 14, 2009 12:33 AM
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Summit picked up Kathryn Bigelow's riveting, intense Iraq thriller The Hurt Locker out of Toronto, where I interviewed the director at the start of her long road to the Oscars (below). Jeremy Renner breaks out with this movie, which drew raves when it opened June 26 in limited release. Finally, The Hurt Locker didn't need ten best picture slots this year: the movie overcame considerable obstacles en route to landing on many critics' ten-best lists and winning one award after another.

By Anne Thompson
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July 30, 2009 8:22 AM
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Trailer Watch: The Hurt Locker

Summit picked up Kathryn Bigelow's riveting, intense Iraq thriller The Hurt Locker out of Toronto, and has posted the latest trailer here. Jeremy Renner, who stars in the new TV series The Unusuals, could break out with this movie, which is set for June 26 release.