By HANNAH DUNN-GRANDPRE – Digital Managing Editor
The hype is almost unbearable. There’s the release of the nominations months ahead of time, the careful planning of movie marathons to make sure you see all of the bests and finally, there’s the iconic red carpet before the event.
We’ve been waiting long enough.
The Golden Globes, held on Jan. 14, mark the beginning of awards season, and are then followed by the even more prestigious Academy Awards on Feb. 24.
It is undeniable that Americans are drawn to movies. As a country we are infatuated with actors and actresses. It’s more than just a simple interest in what they wear and what scandalous acts they were involved with.
They are our idols.
In 2012, it’s easy to recognize the quality of work produced, it has truly been a banner year for films. Never in my life have I been so genuinely interested in seeing the movies that received the honor of being nominated for these awards.
The genres this year are incredibly widespread. Les Miserables for the musical fans, the violent Django Unchained and Zero Dark Thirty, quirky Moonrise Kingdom to name a few.
These actors and directors and writers are putting their work out to the entire world to be judged, and they are thrilled to do it. It’s what makes them happiest. The best part is just how obvious it is the emotion is plastered across their faces the nights of these award shows.
They love their profession and the profound effect their work can have on other people. It’s a powerful thing to be able to affect other people, and the validation that comes with winning an award is hard to match.
Along with winning the award comes the famous acceptance speech. There’s always a million people to thank and inevitably the music begins to play encouraging the stars to wrap up their speeches. Despite these annoyances, they are probably the most emotional part of the evening.
At a young age, before I had ever even seen a movie outside the “Best Animated Film” category, I always had an obsession with acceptance speeches.
For just a few minutes viewers gain a glimpse into the world of the actor, writer or director that has inspired countless people. We have the opportunity to see the affect of a particular piece on them, and what it means to them.
It’s almost sad because it’s such a rare thing to be that happy in your career. It’s impossible not to wish that you could experience it in the same way these stars do.
Award shows go beyond just a simple appreciation for good movies and television. These ceremonies are for the stars, and for a brief night, the country has the chance to step into the world of movie stars, writers and directors and understand just why they do what they do and love it so much.
Front page image courtesy of Colorado Daily.
