Movie News


Today's Top Stories In:

'Sopranos,' 'No Country' Rule SAG Awards

By DAVID GERMAIN, AP
Posted: 2008-01-28 12:42:39
Filed Under: Awards, Movie News, TV News
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 27) - "No Country for Old Men" solidified its Academy Awards prospects Sunday by taking overall cast honors alongside Javier Bardem's supporting-actor prize at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, which may stand as the highlight of Hollywood's film-honors season if the writers strike undermines the Oscars.

Photo Gallery

NBC

SAG Winners and Surprises

1 of 3    

Fey's '30 Rock' co-star and on-screen boss Alec Baldwin beat out 'Office' manager Steve Carell for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series.

Past Oscar winners Daniel Day-Lewis of "There Will Be Blood" and Julie Christie of "Away From Her" won the lead-acting honors, also giving them a boost to win the same trophies at the Oscars. Day-Lewis dedicated his win to Heath Ledger, the 28-year-old Australian actor who was found dead in his Manhattan loft last week.

"In `Brokeback Mountain,' he was unique, he was perfect," said Day-Lewis, already an Oscar winner for "My Left Foot." "That scene in the trailer at the end of the film is as moving as anything I think I've ever seen."

Actors bid fond farewell to one of TV's most-acclaimed series ever as "The Sopranos" swept the dramatic categories, grabbing the lead-acting honors for James Gandolfini and Edie Falco and, minutes later, the overall cast award.

The SAG show itself was generally free of labor talk, with only Christie addressing the matter openly among the winners.

"It's lovely to receive an award from your own union," she said, "especially at a time when we're being so forcefully reminded how important unions are."

Bardem had kind words for Joel and Ethan Coen, who directed "No Country" and adapted the screenplay from Cormac McCarthy's novel.

"Thank you, guys, for hiring me, and thank you for taking the hard work of choosing the good takes instead of the ones where I really sucked," said Bardem, who won for his chilling role as a relentless killer tracking a fortune in missing drug money.

Ruby Dee won supporting actress for "American Gangster." She shared fond thoughts of her late husband and frequent acting partner, Ossie Davis, who died in 2005.

"I accept it also for my husband Ossie," the 83-year-old Dee said, "because he's working on things up there."

Though its last episode aired several months ago, "The Sopranos" grabbed all three TV drama categories to open the ceremony.

"Ten years ... I wish for everybody in every walk of life, but particularly for actors, to have the opportunity to have a work experience like I have had with my family here," Falco said. "You're not supposed to get this attached because it's a transient business. I have fallen in love with these people and I don't know how you walk away from that."

Minutes before, Gandolfini took the first trophy of the night in a star-studded ceremony - something of an anomaly in this strike-hobbled awards season.

"This is our last official act as Sopranos together," Gandolfini said. "Here's to you guys. Thank you very much. It's been 10 years. It's been an honor. That's all I can say."

For comedy series, Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey were the lead-acting winners for "30 Rock," while "The Office" won for best ensemble.

Normally a lesser cousin to the Golden Globes and Oscars, the SAG Awards could end up being the biggest celebration this time around: The swanky Globes were canceled because of a strike by the Writers Guild of America, which refused to let its members work on the show, and the fate of the Oscars on Feb. 24 is in question because of the same labor quarrel.

Not so for the SAG honors. The actors union has been steadfast in support of striking writers, who in turn gave their blessing to the SAG ceremony.

Instead of the debacle for the Globes, which were curtailed to a star-free news conference after actors and filmmakers made it clear they would not cross writers' picket lines, the SAG ceremony came off with a full complement of Hollywood A-listers.

"We're really proud of the solidarity we've built with the Writers Guild," said Alan Rosenberg, SAG president. "Our members have understood that and taken it to heart. I was really moved by their decision not to go to the Golden Globes, our nominees. It's tough times, but it's been gratifying, as well."

Backstage, Fey said the writers strike leaves "30 Rock" at risk since the show is a critical success but not necessarily a huge hit with viewers.

"We are exactly the kind of show that's put in jeopardy by the strike," Fey said.

The obligatory package of clips to honor stars who died in the past year took on more immediacy, ending with a moment from "Brokeback Mountain" featuring Ledger. The cause of his death had not yet been determined.

The guild presented its life-achievement award to Charles Durning, whose credits include "The Sting," "Tootsie" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

"There's nothing more gratifying than having an achievement award from one's peers," Durning said. "Over 50 years ago, I had the honor of working with some of the best actors, directors and writers in our industry. It's been a dream come true."

The guild's first-ever prizes for best stunt ensemble went to "The Bourne Ultimatum" for films and "24" for TV before the ceremony began.

On Saturday, "No Country" won top honors at the Directors Guild of America Awards for the Coen brothers; the winner there usually goes on to take home the directing Oscar.

As with the Golden Globes, the Writers Guild has made it clear that its members would not be allowed to work on the Oscars. While stars generally have said they would skip the show rather than cross picket lines, Oscar organizers insist their telecast will take place as scheduled.

Amy Ryan, a SAG and Oscar supporting-actress nominee for "Gone Baby Gone," said at the Directors Guild awards Saturday that she would not cross a picket line to attend the Oscars.

"I hope it ends but, more, I hope the writers get their due," Ryan said. "I think that, at the end of the day, is more important than a party. But I really hope it works out because I'd like to go to the party."

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
2008-01-23 15:31:41
Bookmark

Recent Comments

Post Your Own  
1 - 15 of 64
64 comments

cameopalms 09:47:31 AM Jan 29 2008

Report This!

WELCOME TO JAVIER BARDEM...A NEW FACE AND TRULY A GENTLEMEN...AS WAS DANIEL DAY-LEWIS........BURT REYNOLDS YOU FINALLY LOOK "GOOD"...AFTER WAY TOO MANY FACE-LIFTS....WAS ALEC BALDWIN AND THE "QUEEN"..TOO BUSY LOOKING AT THEIR SELVES IN A MIRROR TO "ATTEND"...ELLEN BURSTYN..STILL A GORGEOUS WOMEN.....HOW NICE KEVIN BACON KISSED HIS WIFES SHOULDER WHEN SHE WAS PASSED OVER...GOOD FOR YOU KEVIN..NICE COUPLE...ALL IN ALL ...THE ACTORS ...PUT ON A NICE SHOW..THANKS

khod3 08:54:54 AM Jan 29 2008

Report This!

The Sopranos was so realistic ans true and a great series. Trouble is the ending, it should have never ended! Not to say that is how life should be but it portrayed a slice of life that rang true for some. Lived in Northern New Jersey and was born in NYC. My best friend growing up was Italian and had a pet racoon but it's funny to say his family was in Waste Management.(won't mention names) the Jewish segment of the population tended to be the doctors, businesmen, actors, lawyers, dentists, etc. and the Italians did the "dirty work". Garbage, plumbing, construction, etc. The only thing is the food! Aways eating and food and good wine make up for a lot! No blacks in that town. I was the token gentile and lost, but it was sure interesting to watch.

khod3 08:54:51 AM Jan 29 2008

Report This!

The Sopranos was so realistic ans true and a great series. Trouble is the ending, it should have never ended! Not to say that is how life should be but it portrayed a slice of life that rang true for some. Lived in Northern New Jersey and was born in NYC. My best friend growing up was Italian and had a pet racoon but it's funny to say his family was in Waste Management.(won't mention names) the Jewish segment of the population tended to be the doctors, businesmen, actors, lawyers, dentists, etc. and the Italians did the "dirty work". Garbage, plumbing, construction, etc. The only thing is the food! Aways eating and food and good wine make up for a lot! No blacks in that town. I was the token gentile and lost, but it was sure interesting to watch.

hippiemom654 05:26:00 AM Jan 29 2008

Report This!

I still cannot understand why some of the cast members and the shows themselves are not nominated: The Shield, The Wire, The Unit. These are three of the most outstanding shows on television. I see The Unit was nominated for something but didn't win.

sdjar42 12:52:20 AM Jan 29 2008

Report This!

I don't know how Marion Cotillard did not win an award. I have never seen a better performance by an actor. She played Edith Piaf in "La Vie En Rose". If you haven't seen this movie I highly recommend it to people of all ages. This is a moving and beautiful story. I am a huge fan of this french actress now.

walrathtempe 12:09:17 AM Jan 29 2008

Report This!

Sopranos.......how about a movie.......maybe then you can do something about that ending......unless the movie ending is crap too.......................

walrathtempe 12:06:38 AM Jan 29 2008

Report This!

No country for old men....where was the ending??????......on the cutting room floor or what????......the best part was..............where was sopranos ending????...shows with no ending do well........................

bealstudio 10:31:09 PM Jan 28 2008

Report This!

i cannot understand the praise for no country, it wasn't good at all. i would be ashamed if my name was attached to it.

allimc4883 08:42:00 PM Jan 28 2008

Report This!

What's up with Josh Brolin picking his nose, not once but twice during his speech.....gross.

moscionitile 06:28:40 PM Jan 28 2008

Report This!

I AM SO HAPPY FOR THE WINNING CAST MEMBERS IN THE SOPRANOS. NOW ALL THEY HAVE TO DO, IS BRING BACK THE SHOW!!!!!!!!! I MISS TONY AND CARMELLA.

luturu 06:20:48 PM Jan 28 2008

Report This!

screw you did you ever hear if you have nothing nice to say don't say anything ....May he rest in Peace...ONLY the good die young Such a talent taken much to soon ...!

wwal963055 05:02:06 PM Jan 28 2008

Report This!

Screw GRUMPYGARY2068 Loser LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

xoxodxox917 03:51:09 PM Jan 28 2008

Report This!

zack efron is a gorgeous man!!!!

violetdancer2 03:28:59 PM Jan 28 2008

Report This!

its very nice of day lewis to dedicate it to Heath. he seems like a good man.

personaly i think lost is the best show on telivision but thats just me.

kp9663 03:07:46 PM Jan 28 2008

Report This!

I can't believe "30 Rock" won for anything - unless they had "Most Annoying" or "Worst Acting" category!!

1 - 15 of 64
64 comments

Add your own Comments

Clear
Add

Latest Movie Headlines

    No current headlines. Please try again later.
    More Movie Headlines From AOL News

    Cinematical

    More Movies and TV News

    TMZ
    More TMZ.com
    PEOPLE.com
    More PEOPLE.com
    cnn news
    More Stories
    the new york times
    More Stories
    EW.com
    More From EW.com
    Los Angeles Times
    More From L.A. Times