Longtime readers know that I have been a voting member of the Critics Choice Association for more than a decade. In fact, I usually attend the ceremony in person. This year, due to the pandemic, the show will be handled like most major events, with few people in attendance and most celebrities attending virtually. But don’t worry. I am confident that it will be as entertaining as ever. In fact, there will be something particularly memorable about a distanced awards show. Would it really seem like 2021 if things were handled normally? Taye Diggs is hosting, and the president of our association — Joey Berlin — pointed out in a note I received today that — unlike the Hollywood Foreign Press Association — our membership is remarkably diverse both in terms of geography and demographics. That means a really interesting slate of nominees. We also pride ourselves on strong artistic choices. So, tune in Sunday and give the show a watch. You may find that you like it better than the Golden Globes. Presenters include: Kevin Bacon, Angela Bassett, Mayim Bialik, Phoebe Dynevor, Morgan Freeman, Gal Gadot, Jim Gaffigan, Chris Hemsworth, Jameela Jamil, Eva Longoria, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jared Padalecki, Kyra Sedgwick, Yara Shahidi, Courtney B. Vance, John David Washington, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The show airs Sunday, March 7, on the CW at 7 p.m. (6 central).
Tag Archives: entertainment
Feb. 28 – Song of the Day
This is the last day of Black History Month and — obviously — black artists have made far too many contributions to American music to pick a single song that could fairly represent that fact. I briefly thought about using a song by Chuck Berry or Jimi Hendrix or Aretha Franklin or Whitney Houston … only to think about the countless other artists who created equally compelling music, changing the face of American culture along the way. So, choosing to celebrate the end of this important month with Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” is not meant to downplay the contributions of any other artist … nor is it meant to argue that Gaye’s contributions to American music are somehow superior to those of his musical peers. I chose this song because Gaye was a wonderful artist who unquestionably changed music … like so many other black artists, living and dead … and because this particular song demands a higher standard from all of us, regardless of race. Arguably, the only way the world will improve is if we all address injustices and inequities head on. So, as we listen to Marvin Gaye on the final day of Black History Month, let’s move beyond his soothing voice and the fantastic instrumental performances and think deeply about the lyrical poetry. “You know we’ve got to find a way to bring some lovin’ here today.”
Filed under Uncategorized
Feb. 27 – Song of the Day
Filed under Uncategorized
Feb. 25 – Song of the Day
Filed under Uncategorized
Feb. 24 — Song of the Day
The FDA says that Johnson & Johnson’s COVID vaccine appears to be safe and effective, paving the way toward availability of a third option. Considering all the bad news we’ve had in the last year, optimism seems appropriate, so I give you Howard Jones’ 1985 hit “Things Can Only Get Better.”
Filed under Uncategorized
Feb. 13 — Bonus Song of the Day
My first Song of the Day for Feb. 13 was published before the Senate determined the outcome of Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. As expected, he was acquitted, with only a handful of Republicans breaking ranks. So … it seems appropriate to add George Harrison’s “Not Guilty” as a bonus. Originally written for the Beatles White Album, the tune didn’t make the cut and was released years later.
Filed under Uncategorized
Feb. 9 – Song of the Day
Filed under Uncategorized
Feb. 8 – Song of the Day
Filed under Uncategorized
Feb. 6 – Song of the Day
Today, the Wall Street Journal reports that some taxpayers should file early in order to receive the largest possible COVID-19 stimulus payment. This got me thinking about songs that celebrate speed. I settled on the Miranda Lambert hit, “Fastest Girl In Town,” even though she is using the word “fastest” figuratively.
Filed under Uncategorized
Feb. 3 – Song of the Day
The big entertainment news today is that “The Crown” and “Mank” lead all Golden Globes nominees. This got me thinking about how obsessed many are by the idea of royalty (just check out the number of movies, TV shows and gossip columns devoted to the topic), which got me thinking about the fantastic 2013 song “Royals” by Lorde.
Filed under Uncategorized
foresthartman.com 