By Catherine Sodano
The stars certainly did come out on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008, for the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Sheer exuberance gleamed from celebrities’ eyes as they strolled down the red carpet. The stars, the styles and the scandals were ancient history for the night. Regardless of the gossip being linked with these famous faces, it comes with the territory and nature of the biz.
For 75th anniversary of the Screen Actors Guild’s existence, they popped the cork on the champagne, during the pre-show to kick off the line up. Long Island’s own Nikki Blonsky from “Hairspray” was an absolute must-see nominee at the awards, sporting a royal blue satin dress. Working in Great Neck, Long Island at Coldstone Creamery, Nikki Blonsky made her way to California to the SAG Awards, accompanied endearingly by her mother and father. All the stars were strategically placed at the front of the room, adjacent to the stage. The show commenced with random actors paying homage to where it all began, honoring the anniversary of the labor union to which they belong. Due to the cancellation of a formal Golden Globes’ ceremony, the SAG Awards were the first of the new season. The celebrities weren’t apprehensive about the writers boisterously picketing outside, because they were all rightfully in their homes. With the writer’s strike at the tip of everyone’s tongue, each person tried to overlook it and put their best foot forward, enjoying themselves to their fullest potential.
Taking a historical approach to the show, the Screen Actor’s Guild is the nation’s largest labor union that represents most working actors-about 120,000 who work in television programs, motion pictures, commercials, etc. Being a member of this organization enhances benefits and compensation for actors. The show is particularly special because the actors vote for fellow actors, enabling all to truly recognize and acknowledge their fellow member’s works. In the 1920s, actors had little say in their careers, leading to diminishing livelihoods. The actors ultimately took a stand, and founded the SAG.
Founding members created the motto “He who best serves himself, serves others.” The quote’s interpretation is, by working diligently, they serve audiences justly. SAG embraces diverse communities of actors from CA to NY, in 20 branches across America.
Many famous facesflocked to the red carpet, nominees including Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Russel Crowe, Queen Latifah and Deborah Messing. Messing also lived in New York for quite some time, completing a graduate degree from NYU in acting. All the talented celebrities received award after award for their contributions to tinsel-town throughout the past year. The award dispersed among the winners is called ” the actor.” Many celebrities received numerous accolades and delivered poignant speeches, savoring every moment. See anything you keen of on the celebrities? Some apparel, & memorabilia is being auctioned off and all profits made are going to the SAG Foundation. Bidding on one of the autographed, and slightly worn shoes, dresses, or even chairs from the actual event allows you to contribute to the literacy of children across America.
You can be a part by taking an active role in the auction. For more information if you are interested, please visit sagfoundation.org. The big winner of the night undoubtedly was The Soprano’s. The Soprano’s are amicably adored by millions of fans, and racked in the awards continually throughout the night. Stars pay tribute to Heath Ledger’s unfortunate and untimely passing by recognizing his death with an onscreen memoriam of all fallen stars throughout the past year. In short, it is very simple; Hollywood will infinitely take us places we have never even dared to dream of going, and the award shows never cease to point that out.
Angela Kinsey and John Krasinski celebrate ‘The Office’s’ win for Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Comedy Series. (givememyremote.com)