Oscar Predictions (December 2014)

Now that most of the critics groups have had their say, through awards and top ten lists, and the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG), and Golden Globe Nominations have been announced, its time to get in some updated Oscar predictions before the end of the year.

This is a moderately outdated list, because the last time I gathered my thoughts or predictions in blog form was back on September 19.  Ironically I think I was pretty astute, and there are only a few changes I am going to make, but here it goes!

Best Picture


1- Boyhood


2- Selma

3-The Theory of Everything


4- Birdman


5- The Imitation Game


6-Gone Girl


7-The Grand Budapest Hotel

8-Whiplash

9-Unbroken

For some reason I had Foxcatcher in the number one spot, that seemed like a strong bet at the time, and even with three Golden Globe nominations, I think this is a film that will get snubbed by the Academy, I dropped it out of my top nine.  I also dropped, Wild and Interstellar out of my top nine, the rest stay.

Two films entering my predictions are Selma, and Whiplash.  I think these are two films that will be well received, and they have tremendous impact.

The big problem is the ninth slot. the gutsy person inside of me wants to predict Nightcrawler, while the practical person in me wants to predict Unbroken.  I am going practical for now, but I think Nightcrawler is a spoiler.

Best Director


1-Richard Linklater-Boyhood


2-Alejandro González Iñárritu-Birdman


3-Ava DuVerney-Selma

4- Wes Anderson-The Grand Budapest Hotel

5-David Fincher-Gone Girl


I would love to see Bennett Miller recognized for Foxcatcher his direction is visionary, but he and James Marsh were bumped from my top five.

Wes Anderson may finally get some recognition from this group, many people are not predicting him, but I think based on the likeability of this film within SAG, and at the Globes he is in!  Ava DuVerney for Selma will also make the cut.

I kept Fincher in my top five, but he may be vulnerable to the Weinstein Co.’s push for Imitation Game director Morton Tyldum.

Best Actor


1-Michael Keaton-Birdman


2-Eddie Redmayne-The Theory of Everything


3-David Oyelowo-Selma

4-Jake Gyllenhaal-Nightcrawler

5-Benedict Cumberatch-The Imitation Game


Foxcatcher is bumped again! Jake Gyllenhaal is the new man on the list, and with nominations at SAG and the GG he looks unstoppable.  I know Carell has this too, but he was snubbed by the Broadcast Film Critics, which are good predictors of the acting races.

Best Actress


1-Julianne Moore-Still Alice


2-Reese Witherspoon-Wild


3-Rosamund Pike-Gone Girl


4-Felicity Jones-They Theory of Everything

5-Marion Cotillard-Two Days, One Night

I know betting against Anniston may not be a smart move here, but I think Harvey will back a play for Cotillard to get a nomination here.  I will re-visit this.

Best Supporting Actor


1- J.K. Simmons-Whiplash


2-Edward Norton-Birdman


3-Mark Ruffalo-Foxcatcher


4-Ethan Hawke-Boyhood


5-Tom Wilkinson-Selma

Keeping this list the same, for the moment, may switch Wilkinson with DuVall for The Judge, the Academy loves crap like that.

Best Supporting Actress


1-Patricia Arquette-Boyhood


2-Jessica Chastain-A Most Violent Year

3-Emma Stone-Birdman


4-Keira Knightly-The Imitation Game


5-Meryl Streep-Into the Woods

Sorry folks, Dern is out, I also must have been obsessed with Foxcatcher because I had Redgrave in the fifth spot.

There is Jessica Chastain fever; she will be an Oscar nominee for A Most Violent Year.  Streep will also be nominated for Into the Woods, musicals tend to get a token Supporting Actress nomination, even when the Academy is not gaga for the film.

Best Adapted Screenplay

1-The Theory of Everything

2-Gone Girl 

3-The Imitation Game 

4-Inherent Vice 

5-Unbroken

If Unbroken gets a Best Picture nomination it will land here, it also has Joel and Ethan Coens' names attached.  The spoiler is Wild, which could replace Unbroken or Inherent Vice.

Best Original Screenplay 

1-Boyhood

2-Birdman

3-The Grand Budapest Hotel 

4-Selma 

5-Whiplash

One of the strongest categories at this year's ceremony, Selma and Whiplash could replaced, if they are not nominated prior to the Best Picture category, watch out for Whiplash to be potentially snubbed, and Selma to be a non contender.  Next in line is Nightcrawler followed by Foxcatcher.

Top Ten TV Shows of 2014

1-Fargo (F/X) 

I was hesitant to start this show, and after the first episode was a mirror image of the events from the film, I stopped watching.  After hearing some buzz to the contrary, I pushed forward as the show had come to an end, and boy was I glad.  Fargo was a fantastic twist on the film, it explored new depths, new characters, and allowed you to enter a complex world that could never be forgotten.    Noah Hawley was the genius behind this adaptation; he wrote every single episode, an incredible accomplishment.  With strong performances from a great ensemble including Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Allison Tollman, Collin Hanks, and many more this show built up to an incredible conclusion.  Hawley’s mind worked in great precision, and this tense, often funny show just snuck past The Good Wife to be the best show of 2014. 

2-The Good Wife (CBS)

Very few shows make a top ten list past their first couple of seasons, and if they do they typically are not in the top five of any list.  The Good Wife breaks the mold, and creators Michelle and Robert King provided some of the best television in 2014.  In 2013 the show set off a chain reaction where Cary and Alicia split from their law firm, this set the show on a different path, and almost seemed like a rebirth.  Yet rebirths are for show’s that lose their mojo and this show only did that briefly at the beginning of season 4.  Whether it was Florrick/Agos taking on LG, the death of Will, Alicia running for States Attorney, the best guest stars in television perfectly woven into each episode or any of the other flawless qualities, this show fires on all cylinders.   It’s not just the best network show but also the best continuing show on television.

3-Veep (HBO)

Some shows lose steam as the as they get older, but Veep only gets funnier.  Julia Louis-Dreyfus is perfection, and this season was even more of a triumph because it was fun to watch the good ole Veep try to ascend to the Presidency.  While Louis-Dreyfus is great in her role as VP Selena Meyer, she is also surrounded by one of the strongest comedic ensembles on television: Tony Hale, Anna Chulmsky, Kevin Dunn, Gary Cole, (three more people).  Watching Selena try and take a position on abortion, plan a “candid” photo, and take part in a Presidential debate were only some of the highlights of this season.  Veep is one HBO’s best comedic television series of all time.  Armando Ianucci, and co. are genius at mocking the American political system.  This is the highest ranked comedy series of the year, and if you have missed it, catch up!

4-True Detective (HBO)

Its sad that the last episode of this mini-series prevented this show from cracking my top three, but it did.  With that said Detective was a smart potboiler that left following the lives of two broken men on the hunt for a killer.    This show was about four men, Nic Pizzolatto, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Matthew McConaughey, and Woody Harrelson.  Pizzolatto was the brainchild behind this show’s greatness; he was the creator and wrote every single episode like Noah Hawly (Fargo).  Pizzolatto gave the show the perfect tone, and the juice to be one of the most talked about shows of 2014. Fukunaga gave every word life; he directed every single episode of this mini-series.  McConaughey and Harrelson’s performances were studies in great acting, each brought the show to new levels you could never imagine.

5-Orange is the New Black (Netflix)

In season two this show still captivated, made you cringe at the prison system, made you cry, and of course provided some laughs.  Jenji Kohan who created the show is an expert at blending the dramatic and comedic aspects of life, namely because many of those moments are so fluid.  Kohan did this with her other show Weeds.  In the second season Piper got even more depth, and we were able to see Red fall from grace, while exploring other new women in each episode.  This show continues to push boundaries, and focuses on the complex lives of women, who happen to be convicts.

6-Hannibal (NBC)

Bryan Fuller creates some of the most visually sumptuous television.  In this case its more on the disturbing level, Hannibal is probably the best thriller out there, it keeps you on the edge of your seat.  Will Graham and Hannibal Lector take the “cat and mouse game” to a whole new level; there is a psychology that exists, an admiration (a sick one of course), maybe even love.  Watching the season spiral from Will being suspected of being a killer, to people finally seeing the darker sides of Dr. Lector in the bloodiest season finale I have ever seen.  This show is what NBC meant years ago when they said “must-see TV.”

7- Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine harkens back to the classic cop comedy Barney Miller, but blends the quirk of Schur and Goor’s Parks and Recreation.  Nine-Nine has a perfect ensemble, even if you aren’t an Andy Samberg fan you have to root for Jake Peralta, although that’s namely because of the way interacts with Andre Braugher’s brilliant portrayal of Captain Holt. Throw in the vastly underrated Joe LoTruglio and Terry Crews, the of the charts crazy hilarity of Chelsea Perretti, and the deadpan humor of Stephanie Beatriz, and it makes this show even better.  Every week I laugh harder and harder.

8-Louie (F/X)

Somewhere along the way Louie merged into an unnamed genre of television.  Standup comedian Louis C.K. has created a television show that defies the norm, and if anyone can pull that off it’s him.  This season found Louie punching a model in the face, in bed and finding love with a woman who didn’t speak English.  There is something about this show, and the way it evolves with every season that makes this, just, special.

9-The Normal Heart (HBO)

Ryan Murphy’s best work to date.  I love the man because he puts out some off the wall stuff, which sometimes gets too unfocused, but this breaks the mold.  The Normal Heart which was written for the stage in 1985 by Larry Kramer, and then adapted for television by him this past year is one of the most heartbreaking tales about the HIV/AIDs epidemic, fighting for survival, and advocacy around a cure.  Mark Ruffalo was brilliant; Matt Bomer heartbreaking, Julia Roberts stronger than she has been in years, and Joe Mantello was poignant.  This ensemble mixed with strong direction from Murphy, and a brilliant script from Kramer provided non-stop tears.

10-Enlisted (FOX)

I am still not over this show’s cancellation.  Networks just are not interested in supporting as many well-written comedy shows these days. Chuck Lorre’s comedy take over is sad.   Enlisted was just clever, and there was so much heart.  You had goofy Randy who was played by the often shirtless, gorgeous, and talented Parker Young.  The show also tackled PTSD with Pete (Geoff Stults), and the reality of life after being in a combat zone.  Fantastic ensemble, this show will be missed.

Just Missed the list (in order): Jane the Virgin, Game of Thrones, The Affair, The Comeback

Fargo and True Detective lead Golden Globe Television Nominations

People who do not watch a lot of television may be scratching their head at today’s Golden Globe Television nominations.  Asking, where are Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory?  Or what are The Affair, Transparent, and The Knick?  All good questions, and they can be answered with a simple, the Golden Globes love new shows.  On to the most nominated series/films.

Fargo led the nominations today with five nominees including Outstanding Miniseries/Movie, and four acting nominations for Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Allison Tollman, and Collin Hanks.  True Detective, which the Globes properly put in the Miniseries/Movie category, had the second most nominations with four.  Rounding out the category The Normal Heart received three nominations, including Miniseries/Movie, Mark Ruffalo in Lead Actor, and Matt Bomer in Supporting Actor.  Julia Roberts was surprisingly snubbed in Supporting Actress.  Rounding out the Miniseries/Movie category is Olive Kitteridge (3 nominations), and always bet on a Starz nomination here now, The Missing (2 nominations).

Let’s move on to some of those new shows I talked about earlier on the Drama side, like The Affair, which is in a three-way tie for the most nominations in the Drama category with The Good Wife, and House of Cards.  Each has 3 nominations.  The Affair is a fantastic new drama on Showtime, and it has the chops to be a winner in one of its three categories.  Old favorites Dowton Abbey (2 nominations), and Game of Thrones (1 nomination) round out the Best Drama nominations.

Here’s a joke to start out the Best Comedy categories, none of the winners from last year are nominated this year. Oh wait, that’s not funny.  Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Andy Samburg, and host Amy Poehler were all snubbed in their perspective categories, which is why I love and question the Globes television nominations.

One of the best things about this year’s Globes Comedy/Musical nominees is that four out of the five nominees are created by women, which is a fantastic feat.  Three of the show’s star feature a woman as a central character, and the fourth features a transgender woman.  Pretty impressive!  This would never happen at the Emmy Awards.

Orange is the New Black has the most Comedy/Musical nominations with 3, including nominations for Taylor Schilling, and Uzo Aduba.  The rest of the shows in this category are Girls (2 nominations), Transparent (2 nominations), Jane the Virgin (2 nominations), and Silicon Valley (1 nomination).

While you may find these nominations a bit quirky, I always find their television nominations the most refreshing.  So add a new show to your list, and my advice is either The Affair or Jane the Virgin.  In fact you should do both, but start with The Affair, then follow it with Jane; she will brighten your day.

Best Television Series – Drama

“The Affair,” Showtime

“Downton Abbey,” PBS

“Game of Thrones,” HBO

“The Good Wife,” CBS

“House of Cards,” Netflix

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama

Claire Danes, “Homeland”

Viola Davis, “How to Get Away with Murder”

Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”

Ruth Wilson, “The Affair”

Robin Wright, “House of Cards”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama

Clive Owen, “The Knick”

Liev Schreiber, “Ray Donovan”

Kevin Spacey, “House of Cards”

James Spader, “The Blacklist”

Dominic West, “The Affair”

Best Television Series — Comedy or Musical

“Girls,” HBO

“Jane the Virgin,” The CW

“Orange is the New Black,” Netflix

“Silicon Valley,” HBO

“Transparent,” Amazon Instant Video

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Comedy or Musical

Lena Dunham, “Girls”

Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep”

Gina Rodriguez, “Jane the Virgin”

Taylor Schilling, “Orange is the New Black”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Comedy or Musical

Louis C.K., “Louie”

Don Cheadle, “House of Lies”

Ricky Gervais, “Derek”

William H. Macy, “Shameless”

Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”

Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

“Fargo,” FX

“The Missing,” Starz

“The Normal Heart,” HBO

“Olive Kitteridge,” HBO

“True Detective,” HBO

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Maggie Gyllenhaal, “The Honorable Woman”

Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story: Freak Show”

Frances McDormand, “Olive Kitteridge”

Frances O’Connor, “The Missing”

Allison Tolman, “Fargo”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Martin Freeman, “Fargo”

Woody Harrelson, “True Detective”

Matthew McConaughey, “True Detective”

Mark Ruffalo, “The Normal Heart”

Billy Bob Thornton, “Fargo”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Uzo Aduba, “Orange is the New Black”

Kathy Bates, “American Horror Story: Freak Show”

Joanne Froggatt, “Downton Abbey”

Allison Janney, “Mom”

Michelle Monaghan, “True Detective”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Matt Bomer, “The Normal Heart”

Alan Cumming, “The Good Wife”

Colin Hanks, “Fargo”

Bill Murray, “Olive Kitteridge”

Jon Voight, “Ray Donovan”

Birdman leads the Golden Globe (Film) Nominations with 7!

It was the snub heard round the world.  Angelina Jolie was not nominated for a single Golden Globe today.  Jolie was a contender for Producer/ Director on Unbroken, and in the Lead Actress in Comedy/Musical for Maleficent; she did not reap a single nomination.  It will be hard for this film to rebound from this, not many films can rebound after this point, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is one of the only few films that has come back from this point in recent years.  With that said it’s still early, and this season has gotten pretty interesting.

Like yesterday, Birdman lead the nominations at Golden Globes, on the film side with 7, including Best Comedy/Musical, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Score, and three acting nominations for Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, and Emma Stone. 

The only other Best Comedy/Musical to make a big dent was The Grand Budapest Hotel, which had four nominations, including a surprise Best Director nomination for Wes Anderson.  This film had a big week; do not be surprised if it does well at the Oscars too.  The other Best Comedy/Musical nominees are Pride (1 nomination), St. Vincent (2 nominations), and Into the Woods (3 nominations).

Boyhood and The Imitation Game have the most nominations in the Drama categories, with 5 each.  To be fair Selma, and The Theory of Everything, the other Best Drama nominees, are not far behind, they each have four nominations, and Foxcatcher has 3 nominations.

Gone Girl, which was not nominated for Best Drama, also did well, scoring 4 nominations, including Best Director, Best Actress for Rosamund Pike, Best Score, and Best Screenplay.  Gillian Flynn is the only female nominee in the screenplay category.

Speaking of female nominees, Ava DuVerney is the only female nominated for Best Director (Selma); she is also the first black female director to be nominated at the Golden Globes. 

Overall the film nominees were pretty solid, Jennifer Aniston and Jake Gyllenhaal getting nominations from this group and SAG means a lot!  Interstellar only getting one nomination is a big deal too.  This year seems to be about personal stories, and I can respect that.  Excited to see how this translates into Oscar, and who makes the cut in the lead categories, and Picture.

 Best Motion Picture – Drama

“Boyhood”

“Foxcatcher”

“The Imitation Game”

“Selma”

“The Theory of Everything”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama

Jennifer Aniston, “Cake”

Felicity Jones, “The Theory of Everything”

Julianne Moore, “Still Alice”

Rosamund Pike, “Gone Girl”

Reese Witherspoon, “Wild”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

Steve Carell, “Foxcatcher”

Benedict Cumberbatch, “The Imitation Game”

Jake Gyllenhaal, “Nightcrawler”

David Oyelowo, “Selma”

Eddie Redmayne, “The Theory of Everything”

Best Picture — Comedy or Musical

“Birdman”

“The Grand Budapest Hotel”

“Into the Woods”

“Pride”

“St. Vincent”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Comedy or Musical

Amy Adams, “Big Eyes”

Emily Blunt, “Into the Woods”

Helen Mirren, “The Hundred-Foot Journey”

Julianne Moore, “Maps to the Stars”

Quvenzhané Wallis, “Annie”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Comedy or Musical

Ralph Fiennes, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”

Michael Keaton, “Birdman”

Bill Murray, “St. Vincent”

Joaquin Phoenix, “Inherent Vice”

Christoph Waltz, “Big Eyes”

Best Animated Feature Film

“Big Hero 6″

“The Book of Life”

“The Boxtrolls”

“How to Train Your Dragon 2″

“The LEGO Movie”

Best Foreign Language Film

“Force Majeure Turist” (Sweden)

“Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem Gett” (Israel)

“Ida” (Poland/Denmark)

“Leviathan” (Russia)

“Tangerines Mandariinid” (Estonia)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Patricia Arquette, “Boyhood”

Jessica Chastain, “A Most Violent Year”

Keira Knightley, “The Imitation Game”

Emma Stone, “Birdman”

Meryl Streep, “Into the Woods”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture


Robert Duvall, “The Judge”

Ethan Hawke, “Boyhood”

Edward Norton, “Birdman”

Mark Ruffalo, “Foxcatcher”

J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash”

Best Director — Motion Picture

Wes Anderson, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”

Ava DuVernay, “Selma”

David Fincher, “Gone Girl”

Alejandro González Iñárritu, “Birdman”

Richard Linklater, “Boyhood”

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

“The Grand Budapest Hotel,” by Wes Anderson

“Gone Girl,” by Gillian Flynn

“Birdman,” by Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo

“Boyhood,” by Richard Linklater

“The Imitation Game,” by Graham Moore

Best Original Score — Motion Picture

“The Imitation Game,” by Alexandre Desplat

“The Theory of Everything,” by Jóhann Jóhannsson

“Gone Girl,” by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

“Birdman,” by Antonio Sanchez

“Interstellar,” by Hans Zimmer

Best Original Song — Motion Picture

“Big Eyes,” from “Big Eyes,” by Lana Del Ray

“Glory,” from “Selma,” by John Legend and Common

“Mercy Is,” from “Noah,” by Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye

“Opportunity,” from “Annie,” by Greg Kurstin, Sia Furler and Will Gluck

“Yellow Flicker Beat,” from “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1,” by Lorde

Golden Globe Film Predictions (2015)

I would love to say I could understand the mindset of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). One of the biggest "science" to knowing this group is, does it involve a celebrity like Angelina Jolie, and then stating alright she will be nominated.  Did someone do two things? Mark Ruffalo, let's nominate him for Foxcatcher and The Normal Heart.

Sometimes their film nominees do not make the Best Picture cut, Rush (2013), The Ides of March (2011), Revolutionary Road (2008).  I do not look at the comedy/musical side.Since we moved to five plus nominees, Rush and March are the only two films that have not been nominated for Best Picture.

It's harder to figure out the acting races since they are split in two, but lets look.  In the last seven years 6 actors were not one of the 10 nominated for a Globe for Best Actor: Gary Old for Tinker Tailor Solider Spy (2011), Jeff Bridge for True Grit (2010), Javier Bardem for Biutiful (2010), Jeremy Renner for The Hurt Locker (2009), Richard Jenkins for The Visitor (2008), and Tommy Lee Jones for In the Valley of Elah (2007) were not nominated for Golden Globes.  This is good news for lesser known actors, like Richard Jenkins, and films the Globes just do not like The Hurt Locker.  So keep your fingers crossed if your favorite did not make the cut.

On the actress side only three women have not been nominated at the Golden Globes and went on to Oscar, they were Emanuelle Riva for Amour (2012), Quvenzhane Wallis for Beasts of the Southern Wild,(2012) Melissa Leo for Frozen River (2008) (technically Kate Winslet was nominated at the Globes in supporting for The Reader, but that was a rare rare occurrence.  All of these were very small independent films, which is typically not an HFPA thing, although they did nominate Greta Gerwig for Frances Ha, so maybe they are changing.

On the Supporting Actor side they always tend to throw someone unexpected in the mix, think Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder, while that's rare one of their choices who does not make the Oscars cut is usually a big star or in a comedic film.  I will say I think they have moved away from this a tad, since they are trying to reclaim a little dignity.

On the other hand Supporting Actress has been pretty spot on, so look for this to be one of the more solid group of nominees.  There is sometimes one person left out, but they have matched pretty well lately.

Director has never lined up, I think the Globes will go for Jolie, but the Academy and DGA will not.  Watch out for a more artistic director like Fincher, Bennett Miller or Mike Leigh with the Academy,

Best Film (Drama)
Boyhood
The Imitation Game
Selma 
The Theory of Everything 
Unbroken 

Best Actor (Drama)
Steve Carell-Foxcatcher
Benedict Cumberbatch-The Imitation Game
Jake Gyllenhaal-Nightcrawler 
David Oyelowo-Selma
Eddie Redmayne-The Theory of Everything 

Best Actress (Drama)
Jennifer Aniston-Cake 
Felicity Jones-The Theory of Everything 
Julianne Moore-Still Alice 
Rosamund Pike-Gone Girl 
Reese Witherspoon-Wild 

Best Comedy/Musical
Birdman
The Grand Budapest Hotel 
Into the Woods 
St. Vincent
Top Five 

Best Lead Actor (Comedy/Musical)
James Corden-Into the Woods
Ralph Fiennes-The Grand Budapest Hotel
Michael Keaton-Birdman
Bill Murray-St. Vincent
Joaquin Phoenix-Inherent Vice 

Best Lead Actress (Comedy/Musical)
Amy Adams-Big Eyes
Emily Blunt-Into the Woods
Angelina Jolie-Maleficent 
Helen Mirren-The 100 Hundred Foot Journey
Jenny Slate-Obvious Child 

Best Supporting Actor 
Robert Duvall-The Judge
Ethan Hawke-Boyhood
Edward Norton-Birdman
Mark Ruffalo-Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons-Whiplash

Best Supporting Actress
Patricia Arquette-Boyhood
Jessica Chastain-A Most Violent Year
Keira Knightly-The Imitation Game 
Emma Stone-Birdman 
Meryl Streep-Into the Woods

Best Director 
Ava DuVerney-Selma
Alejandro Gonzalez Inaritu-Birdman
Angelina Jolie-Unbroken
Richard Linklater-Boyhood 
Morten Tyldum-The Imitation Game 

Best Screenplay
Birdman
Boyhood
Gone Girl 
The Grand Budapest Hotel 
The Imitation Game

Best Original Score 
Gone Girl 
Interstellar 
The Imitation Game
The Theory of Everything 
Unbroken 

Modern Family leads SAG Television Nominations (2015)

Well I am going to give the Screen Actors Guild, some minor credit on the television side, they changed things up a bit, not too much, but enough.  Let's go with their lazy choices first though

Boardwalk Empire, Steve Buscemi, Peter Dinklage, Downton Abbey, and Maggie Smith,  have been nominated every year, if you bet against them, you must have forgot this award show has a rubber stamp for these five on the drama side.  Hell Smith even won last year.  Stop nominating her, the performance is tired, and she does not show up!  Boardwalk Empire will not be eligible next year, two spots automatically open up.

I am not going to give SAG credit for keeping Homeland and Danes, that is part of their rubber stamp, but the show was much better this past season.

On to the applause worthy drama nominations.  Julianna Marguilies is back, Viola Davis for How to Get Away with Murder, and Tatiana Maslany for Orphan Black.  Pretty great trio.  I am also impressed that SAG voters realized it was Harrelson and McConaughey who deserved nods for True Detective, not the ensemble.

On the Comedy side Modern Family has the most nominations with four, they threw Stonestreet back into the mix.  I get that this is a funny show, but what about some new performances.  Bringing back Stonestreet is just plain lazy.  The laziest is having Falco here every year, or people like Mindy Kailing, Allison Janney, and Lisa Kudrow.

I have to say the only refreshing parts of the Comedy nominations are, the nods to ensembles from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Orange is the New Black, and the actress nomination for Uzo Aduba.  I am happy to see Veep represented and Amy Poehler.

Drama Ensemble 
Boardwalk Empire
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Homeland
House of Cards

Drama Actress 
Claire Danes, Homeland
Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey 
Robin Wright, House of Cards

Drama Actor 
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Woody Harrelson, True Detective
Matthew McConaughey, True Detective
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards

Comedy Ensemble 
The Big Bang Theory
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Modern Family (WON IN 2014)
Orange Is the New Black
Veep

Comedy Actress 
Uzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep 
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Comedy Actor 
Ty Burrell, Modern Family 
Louis CK, Louie
William Macy, Shameless
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

TV Movie or Miniseries — Female Actor
Ellen Burstyn, Flowers in the Attic
Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Honorable Woman
Frances McDorman, Olive Kitteridge
Julia Roberts, The Normal Heart
Cicely Tyson, The Trip to Bountiful

TV Movie or Miniseries — Male Actor 
Adrien Brody, Houdini
Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: His Last Vow
Richard Jenkins, Olive Kitteridge
Mark Ruffalo, The Normal Heart
Billy Bob Thornton, Fargo