December 25th, 2008

Instead of talking about the Harry Potter’s, 2012’s or The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’s of 2009 that are so far away from hitting theaters it seems like they won’t premiere until … well 2012, we’re going to look at five upcoming flicks that will be at a theater near you before the Obama’s have time to fully move in.

Bride Wars – Opening January 9, 2009. There’s nothing like sharing wedding plans with a best girlfriend, but when plans start to overlap, it’s likely to evoke more nightmares than Freddy Krueger. “Wars” seems to have a bouquet of comedic potential as well as girls in white dresses – fighting. But before all the guys zone out this movie does offer something for them too. Two of the prettiest actresses in Hollywood – Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.

Taken – Opening January 30, 2009.  Staring Liam Neeson as an ex-Secret Agent who has to rescue his estranged daughter (former “Lost” star Maggie Grace) who was kiddnapped while in Paris.  As reviewer Mr. Green from CrimeCritics.com describes, “it’s a film in which you enjoy watching HOW he will succeed. And let me state, you will enjoy every punch Bryan (Neeson) delivers to every henchmen.”

Fanboys – Opening February 6, 2009. I think “Fanboys” will be the “Superbad” of 2009. Yes, it’s about a group of “Star Wars” fans set to break into George Lucas’ business headquarters, Skywalker Ranch, and steal a copy of “Star Wars Episode 1.” Before you groan at the sound of a Sci-Fi movie, know that it’s really a coming of age story about friends who take a huge risk for one of their own. To lend some credibility, Producers include Kevin Spacey and the Weinstein Company.

He’s Just Not That Into You – Opening February 9, 2009. This chick flick makes the list because: 1) it’s based on a NY Times Best Seller, Oprah endorsed book and 2) EVERYONE is in it. That’s no exaggeration. Here’s just some of the cast: Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly (The Day The Earth Stood Still), Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, Justin Long (Mac commercials), Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers), Sasha Alexander (Yes Man), Kevin Connolly (Entourage), and MANY others.

Push – Opening February 9, 2009. Dakota Fanning, Chris Evans and Djimon Hounsou star in this film about “psychic espionage.” A Government agency is genetically modifying people to have psychic abilities and “getting rid” of those who don’t want to participate. Fanning and Evans need to find an individual who could help end the dangerous agency. So, Government Misconduct + Exotic Location (Hong Kong) + Psychic, Telekinetic, Move Stuff With Your Mind Abilities + The Cinematographer Who Did “Donnie Brasco,” “Gangster No. 1,” “Wicker Park” & “Lucky Number Slevin” = A Must See Movie!

There’s a running joke that there’s more award shows than there are days in a year. That is a lot. Plus, with that many it might be hard to keep track of what’s the difference between the Golden Globes and the Oscars.  What does SAG stand for? Or is the Oscars the only award show worth paying attention to?

If you don’t know the answer to these questions but love award shows, read on. Here’s Positively Celebrity’s A – Z guide to the awards show season.

Academy Awards aka. the Oscars:

Widely considered to be the most prestigious awards show, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences selects winners in the film industry. Major categories include best director, actor and actress, supporting actor and actress, writers, and picture.

Hugh Jackman hosts the 81st annual show on Feb. 22, 2009 on ABC. The nominations will be announced on Jan. 22, 2009.

The Golden Globe Awards:

Unlike the Academy Awards, this show honors the best in movies and television. Whereas the Academy Awards honors just one best picture, actor, actress, etc., the Golden Globes honors the best picture, television show, actors, and actresses, etc., in both the drama and comedy categories. The winners are selected by The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which is made up of a group of 90 international journalists. 

This show is also unlike most other awards shows because there is no host. The nominations were announced Dec. 11, and the show airs Jan. 11, 2009 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Visit this site for the complete list of nominations.

The SAG (Screen Actors Guild Awards):

In this awards show, actors award other actors. This show is unique because only actors and actresses are honored. Like the Golden Globes, this show honors peformances in both movies and television. Besides individual awards, the SAG Awards also honor ensemble casts in a TV drama, TV comedy and movie. 

Nominations were announced Dec. 18, and the 15th annual show will air on TNT and TBS on January 25, 2009.

Visit this site for the complete list of nominations. 

Independent Spirit Awards:

This awards show differs from the others because It is generally laid back and only honors independent movies and performances in independent movies. The awards are presented by Film Independent, a non-profit organization dedicated to independent film and independent filmmakers. 

It takes place in a tent on a Santa Monica, CA beach the day before the Academy Awards and airs on the Independent Film Channel. The nominations were announced Dec. 2, and the show will take place on Feb. 21 at 5 pm ET.

Visit this site for the complete list of nominations.

Broadcast Film Critics Awards aka Critics’ Choice Awards:

Like the Academy Awards, this show just honors the best in filmmaking. The winners are selected by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, which is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada and is made up of 199 television, radio and online critics.

The nominations were announced Dec. 9, 2008, and the 14th annual show airs Jan. 8, 2009 on VH1 at 9 p.m. ET.

Visit this site for the complete list of nominations.

People’s Choice Awards:

This is your awards show because everyday people like you get to vote. So instead of films like “The Reader” and “Slumdog Millionaire” going at it for Best Picture, films like “The Dark Knight” and ”Iron Man” are the leading contenders. 

This year, Queen Latifah hosts the 35th annual show on Jan. 7 airing on CBS from 9-11 p.m., ET.

The People’s Choice don’t just honor movies or TV – they also award your favorite talk-show host, rock song and on-screen matchup. New categories include favorite movie cast, TV drama diva and superhero. Vote at PCAvote.com. The nominations were announced on Nov. 10. 

Visit this site for the complete list of nominations.