One of the great things about this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards was the wide variety of films and television programs that won. Nothing dominated, and there were several newcomers to the stage.
THE GOOD
The tribute to Dick Van Dyke was fantastic, and he showed that he is very energetic and in great spirits. Maybe a sharp director will hire him for a juicy role that will allow him to complete his EGOT with an Oscar.
Also just a terrific job by the people who assembled the “In Memoriam” segment.
Daniel Day-Lewis (“Lincoln“), Jennifer Lawrence (“Silver Linings Playbook“), and Anne Hathaway (“Les Miserables“) gave their best speeches of the long awards season.
Three-time Emmy champ Bryan Cranston finally winning his first SAG Award for “Breaking Bad” (and then earning another one with the “Argo” ensemble at the end of the ceremony.
Tina Fey (“30 Rock“) was so happy to be back in the winners’ circle.
The excitement of the “Downton Abbey” cast.
A much better speech this year by the cast of “Modern Family,” especially by Jesse Tyler Ferguson with his tributes to “30 Rock” and “The Office” as they sign off.
Great banter by Amy Poehler and Neil Patrick Harris.
THE BAD
Yet another win for Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”), who was great in the role of Jack Donaghy, but has stopped all other funny men from taking home a SAG award for the past seven years.
I really enjoy the “I am an actor” speeches at the start of each year’s kudocast, but there are 200 potential options in that room. Why ask Jane Krakowski and Sofia Vergara once again?
With the strong possibility of his “Silver Linings Playbook” co-star Lawrence winning, there is no way that Robert De Niro should have been presenting the Best Film Actress award.
Dev Patel was the only person representing the large nominated cast of “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”
Only five members of the winning “Downton Abbey” cast attending (out of 22 total).
THE UGLY
Every single nominee as Best TV Movie/Miniseries Actor (Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Ed Harris, Clive Owen, and Bill Paxton) snubbed the event.
The sour face of Alan Arkin all evening, even while on stage with the winning “Argo” ensemble. With Tommy Lee Jones not attending, perhaps Arkin figured someone must take that approach.
