The Blatant Expositor: Home of the BEACON© Awards

• Josh of Don't Panic for his deliciously funny take on the myticisms behind our increasingly complex system of internet semantics: 
  
• The omnipresent Social-bunny of Click Here! (Now) for an intriguing insight into the unseen conundrums presented by the inconquerable multiple choice question. Oh, and the tasty Max Brenner treats and critique of fried coke are welcome finds too.

Yuuuuumy.

• Social-bunny sticks around to earn his next nomination in a strangely touching entry on the ironic follies of the human memory:
  
• The MSN Space insurgent himself, the famous Flump pulls off his first nomination with a timely reminder of the dangers of Santa. Dated the 24/12/06.
  
  
  
  An end to an age-old tradition?
• I couldn't resist the allure of Josh's entry on an outrageously inappropriate depiction of cows and udders.
  
• Rounding out the nominees this month is Lanie/Pontificating [tell me your real name?!] who breaks the ice on the true motives of the malicious, predatory seagull 

He may be right. Take a look at that eye!

Expect a new points system to be unveiled soon. Hopefully, it'll add another dimension to BEACON.

-The Blatant Expositor
Director of the BEACON Awards

 

• Mr Writer
• Click Here
• The Fillet Skillet
• Don't Panic
• Young and Hopeless
• Not There Yet
• Buckingham Palace
• You Are Inside My Head
• On Making Liquid Awesome
• The New Flump Website
• Aaron's Annexe
• Pie-eyed Ostrich on Toast
• Azukar Expose
• Live, Laugh, Learn and Most of All Love
• Higher Up and Further In

New applicants welcome. Submit your Space for a chance to participate.

You should have all received a message from me confirming this. The expected BEACON timeline is on your top left of screen. Good luck folks.

-The Blatant Expositor
Director of the BEACON Awards

Category (1st day of month) > Shortlist (2nd wk) > Nominations (3rd wk) > Winners (Last wk) 

Being on the shortlist does not equal a nomination. It is being used as criteria for a nomination. So there you go BEACONeers. Thought I should clear that up.  

Anywho, after reading your submissions (thank you to all who did), it is time to unveil the nominees for this month.

Nominees for  the 1st Annual BEACON Awards - January

Best Original Creative Piece (Artwork, Comic, Blog, Poem or Other)

• Louis - "Chirp"

                                                                        

• Ben - "Asurman, Eldar Phoneix Lord"

                                                                            

• Derek - "Girl"
• Derek - "Empty Sheets"
• Lakota Clay - "Transformations"

Congrats to all the nominees. Visit back at the end of the month to see who wins!

• Djartistknight, Breaks in the House
• Higher Up and Further In
• Live, Laugh, Learn and Most of All Learn
• Mr. Writer
• Click Here
• The Fillet Skillet
• A Heart of Stone
• Don't Panic
• Young and Helpless
• Domestica
• Stream of Consciousness
• Captain Charisma
• Not There Yet
• Buckingham Palace
• You and Inside My Head
• The New Flump Website
• On Making Liquid Awesome
• Wilberforce the Snake
• An Experiment in Normality
• The Contemptuous Herald
• Aaron's Annexe
• Pie-eyed Ostrich on Toast
• One Day at a Time
• Lakota Clay
• The Madness
• Azukar Expose

Congrats to those who made the list. Watch this Space for pending announcements.  In the meantime, this list (and any changes to its line-up can be located on my Space under the title "BlogSpotting".  

Submit your Space for BEACON Consideration

Coppers triumph: With no clear frontrunner for this year, this race is far from set in stone. Bobby doesn't stand a chance, despite a high-profile ensemble and Little Children has been lost in the awards rush added to the fact of having no particularly likeable characters. Babel, though surging in recent weeks has been criticised for its over-arching and confusing storylines and long running time. And The Queen, while the most consistent in terms of acting is the quiet achiever. The Departed firms as the likely favourite, fuelled by long-time Oscar loser Martin Scorsese.

Don't count out: The Queen. Public sentiment and Helen Mirren's blistering performance could help it over the line.

And the winner is: The Departed

2. BEST ACTOR - DRAMA

                            

             LEONARDO DICAPRIO                      PETER O'TOOLE                      WILL SMITH                    *FOREST WHITAKER

  - BLOOD DIAMOND + THE DEPARTED               -VENUS              -THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS   -THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND

You better not run Forest, you'll miss out: Despite Dicaprio's double nomination, most likely Leo will suffer vote siphoning. Will Smith does impress as an impoverished man struggling to provide for his son but the nomination is as good as he can hope for. Peter O'Toole received the Honourary Oscar recently, harming his chances of claiming Oscar gold. Forest Whitaker has amazed, winning almost every precursor award in the lead in to the Oscars.

Don't count out: Peter O'Toole. An Academy favourite may win enough votes to snare the top prize. Stranger things have happened.

And the winner is: Forest Whitaker for nailing a difficult role.

3. BEST ACTRESS - DRAMA

                                               

PENELOPE CRUZ             JUDI DENCH                  MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL          *HELEN MIRREN              KATE WINSLET

    - VOLVER          -NOTES ON A SCANDAL                 -SHERRYBABY                 -THE QUEEN              -LITTLE CHILDREN

God Dame, it's Helen: Penelope Cruz has played against type, returning to the Spanish films she owns. Judi Dench shows a dark side portraying a conniving teacher, while Maggie Gyllenhaal wows in Sherrybaby. Helen Mirren showcases remarkable strength of character in her take on the popular British monarch while Kate Winslet delights in the deeply moving Little Children. Penelope Cruz may suffer being overlooked due to her film's foreign ties and Maggie Gyllenhaal's film is relatively unnoticed while Kate Winslet, a four time nominee will sadly miss out again.

Don't count out: Judi Dench. A fello Dame, Dame's dark performance may steal her rival's thunder.

And the winner is: Helen Mirren for showing the others how its done. A mix of humour, satire and stoic resoluteness will most likely win over the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

4. BEST MOTION PICTURE - COMEDY/MUSICAL

                                                      

      BORAT           THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA      *DREAMGIRLS          LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE        THANK YOU FOR SMOKING

Live the dream: Borat divided opinion and critics, especially regarding Sascha Baron Cohen's performance in a grossly offensive film. Collecting some buzz, it seems Borat is a one-man show and will most likely not win the prize. The Devil Wears Prada too is more popcorn flick than anything and Thank You For Smoking is simply too obscure and is overshadowed by its competition. Dreamgirls is reminiscent of another Academy-Award winner Chicago, suffering critical backlash for overhype. Little Miss Sunshine quietly sneaks in, with a recent nod at the DGAs (Director Guild Awards) showing that directors take it as a serious Oscar candidate for Best Picture.

Don't count out: Little Miss Sunshine. Blessed with a stellar ensemble cast, this is one of the most delightfully hilarious and upbeat films of the year.

And the winner is: Dreamgirls for nailing the marketing side and turning in an exemplary piece.

5. BEST ACTOR - COMEDY/MUSICAL

                                                                  *SACHA BARON COHEN    JOHNNY DEPP                AARON ECKHART                 CHIWETEL EJIOFOR       WILL FERRELL

-BORAT...        -PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 2  -THANK YOU FOR SMOKING       -KINKY BOOTS     -STRANGER THAN FICTION            

Glorious Kazakhstan: Sacha Baron Cohen in the laugh-out loud performance of the year rocked the socks of most of us, who took little heed that he managed to offend almost every minority group possible. Critics have warmed to him in recent months, which strengthens his position. Two-time Globe nominee Depp looks set to miss out for his portrayal of the quirky pirate Jack Sparrow. Not enough meat in the role I think personally while Ejiofors's film is hardly setting the roof on fire, with a little known cast and low box office takings. Eckhart and Ferrell deliver standard performances with moderate versatility in two of the most underrated films of the year.

Don't count out: Aaron Eckhart with Johnny Depp not far behind. Either could snatch an unexpected win.

6. BEST ACTRESS - COMEDY/MUSICAL   

                                                            

ANNETE BENING             TONI COLLETTE             BEYONCE KNOWLES        *MERYL STREEP        RENEE ZELLWEGER

-RUNNING WITH SCISSORS  -LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE    -DREAMGIRLS   -THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA   -MISS POTTER

Devilishly fashionable: Bening shines in Running with Scissors, a sorely underrated film as does Streep vying for another Globe. Streep takes on a devilish persona as a ruthless fashion editor, dominating the film and chewing up the scenery. Collette sparkles in another underrated performance, though ignored by critics, will the HFPA recognise her? I don't think so. And though Dreamgirls is a frontrunner in the BP race, Beyonce isn't. Hard to see why she garnered a nomination (perhaps a weak field?) as with Zellweger. Beyonce is easily outdone by Hudson and Murphy while Zellweger's irritating mannerisms allow McGregor to stand out.

Don't count out: Bening followed by Collette. Underrated performances can surprise you and both are deserving, if Bening a touch more.

And the winner is: Streep for proving fashion can be mixed with diva.

7. BEST ANIMATED FILM

                                                                  

           *CARS                                                             HAPPY FEET                                                       MONSTER HOUSE

March of the penguins: Consider Monster House shut out. Cars and Happy Feet are heavyweight giants with commercial backing and critical support. Cars is the final compilation piece from Pixar and Disney and bears all the trademarks of their unique partnership. Happy Feet is director George Miller’s animated gloss featuring an all-star ensemble and with the added bonus of a beneficial release date, is sure to weigh in heavily come awards time.

Don’t count out: Cars. With some backlash for Happy Feet’s not-so-subtle messages, Cars could sweep the pool through good-clean revhead action.

And the winner is: Following in the wake of Oscar-winning doco March of the Penguins, Happy feet is toe-tapping fun which manages to lend a critical eye to global warming. Penguins rule again.

8. BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

                                                                          

  APOCALYPTO       *LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA    THE LIVES OF OTHERS  PAN'S LABYRINTH   VOLVER

Fantasy comeback: Apocalypto has been received surprisingly well, given Gibson's recent anti-Jew outburst. Crtics have warmed to the film, though critiquing it for its displays of overly graphic violence. And Eastwood's epic Letters is far more successful than his failed box office flop Flags of Our Fathers, its companion piece. However, its rushed release to qualify for the 2007 Awards race has seen it miss critics support in the pre-cursor awards. And while Lives of Others started out strongly, its floundering. Volver, though critically well received from director Pedro Almodavar, is being overshadowed by its grand competitors and seems to be a platform for display Cruz's acting breakout. Pan's Labyrinth is a critical success, marking Del Toro's ascension to the realm of spectacular film making. Blending cinematography with tension, horror and fantasy is no easy ask. Luckily, Del Toro pulls it off famously.

Don't count out: Letters followed by Apocalypto. Love for these two Academy-Award winning directors could tip the boat. Pan's suffers from a lack of a celebrated director and in one of the most hotly contested categories in Globe history, this race is anything but assured.

And the winner is: Pan's Labyrinth for showing how to turn a child's tale into a surprinsly dark and horrific movie masterpiece.

9. BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

                                                                        

 ADRIANA BARRAZA     CATE BLANCHETT                  EMILY BLUNT               *JENNIFER HUDSON                   RINKO KIKUCHI

        - BABEL          -NOTES ON A SCANDAL     -THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA       -DREAMGIRLS                               -BABEL

Dream and you can do anything: This year has been a stellar year for supporting performances, particularly for women. With the arrival of Hudson, filmmakers have a new talent on their hands. Bursting with innovation, energy and exuberance, Hudson holds her own and owns the film Dreamgirls, making Beyonce Knowles, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy pale into comparison. Her musical numbers are exhilirating and her acting is almost perfect., It's hard to imagine her supposedly zero acting experience. The "Babel duo" of Barraza and Kikuchi have been a revelation, achoring the film's chaotic storylines and pulling in great performances. Though Barraza's is underated, she is outdone by Kikuchi who delivers a moving performance in her portrayal of a mute Japanese teenager. Blunt occupies the scenery in Devil Wears Prada but is easily beaten by Streep, who shows her how its done. Blanchett turns in a gritty and emotional turn as a desperate schoolteacher pining for love but her role isn't exactly Academy-friendly.

Don't count out: Kikuchi followed by Blanchett. In a tough year, Kikuchi and Blanchett have both delivered deserving performances. Each snagging their own swag of precursor awards shouldn't hurt. Though vote siphoning for Kikuchi could harm her chances at a win. Blanchett, a former winner in this category at the Oscars, has star power behind her plus a terrific co-star in Dench. However, Dench shines in the film which Blanchett tags along. Hudson has borne the brunt of backlash for her performance, with some saying her role isn't versatile and others criticising her "wooden" acting. Despite these setbacks, this may be the year of the Dreamette.

And the winner is: Hudson for proving to the world she can actually sing. AND act too and well.

10. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

                                                    

   BEN AFFLECK                     *EDDIE MURPHY            JACK NICHOLSON                BRAD PITT                 MARK WAHLBERG

-HOLLYWOODLAND                 -DREAMGIRLS               -THE DEPARTED                   -BABEL                      -THE DEPARTED

The man behind the dream: Murphy surprised all by finally turning in an Awards-worthy performance, as did Affleck. Though Affleck's isn't in the same calbire as Murphy's, it is good to see some unfamiliar faces this time around. Nicholson has been criticised for his zany, wacky performance while others believe he is simply "being Jack" and does not deserve the win this time. Fellow co-star Wahlberg has proved his versatility recently and made the most out of a small but showy role and Pitt submits his best work since Twelve Monkeys.

Don't count out: Mark Wahlberg. This overlooked role is definitely a contender. Deserves the recognition; a outside shot at grabbing the gold. The HFPA has done a shocking job with the nominees, preferring to go with big name stars and ignoring the deserving nominees. Arkin, Honsou, Sheen are all more deserving than Pitt and Affleck, who merely stumble into the category due to the HFPA's love of star wattage. Unfortunately for them, the light won't shine for them.

And the winner is: Eddie Murphy for playing against type and silencing the critics once and for all. Murphy has been the only one to earn nods at every single major precursor award, showing the general consistent perspective on his performance. The rest is open season. In the most open fields of this year, the award could go to anyone.

11. BEST DIRECTOR

                                               

                   CLINT EASTWOOD                                STEPHEN FREARS   ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ INARRITU *MARTIN SCORSESE

-FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS + LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA    -THE QUEEN                         -BABEL                         -THE DEPARTED

Marty's reward: Clint has pulled off a showstopper, delivering really one story from different points of view. It was a gamble and it kind of paid off. Flags bombed but Letters soared, a mixed bag to be sure. Frears work The Queen has been applauded by many for its performance of Helen Mirren, the lock for the Best Actress race this year. Despite the rave reviews, they are more for Mirren than for Frears, which should see Frears lose out. An art-house film hasn't hurt in Oscar history though and you never say never when it comes to the Academy Awards. Gonzalez Inarritu produced a complex film regarding our ability to listen to those around us and the sentiment was touching but critics have responsed with variable reviews and box-office takings have been low as mentioned before. Babel's colluded storylines don't help its chances either and its long running time. That leaves Scorsese, as a long time loser in the Best Director race as the deserving winner. Public outrage at his loss may just get him over the line. People don't want to see another Hitchcock.

Don't count out: An Eastwood-Frears upset. the Academy may be cruel and avoid the pointedly obvious, which has happened before. Don't rule out another loss for Scorsese. Many have called it not his best work and not perfect but then again, it isn't perfect as no film can truly be.

And the winner is: Scorsese for delivering a film that shocks you into breathlessness. For getting the most of his outstanding ensemble cast and striking the knockout blow like everyone expected.

And the rest...

BEST SCREENPLAY: PETER MORGAN - *THE QUEEN

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: CLINT MANSELL - THE FOUNTAIN *ALEXANDER DESPLAT - THE PAINTED VEIL

BEST ORIGINAL SONG: "LISTEN" - DREAMGIRLS *"SONG OF THE HEART" FROM HAPPY FEET BY PRINCE

*******************************************************************************************************************

GOLDEN GLOBES - TELEVISION AWARDS

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA: *GREY'S ANATOMY

BEST ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA: KYRA SEDGWICK [THE CLOSER] (SEE ABOVE)

BEST ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA: *HUGH LAURIE [HOUSE]

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY/MUSICAL: DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES *UGLY BETTY

BEST ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY/MUSICAL: FELICITY HUFFMAN [DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES] *AMERICA FERRARA

BEST ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY/MUSICAL: TONY SHALHOUB [MONK] *ALEC BALDWIN: 30 ROCK

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION: PRIME SUSPECT: THE FINAL ACT (SEE ABOVE)

BEST ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION: HELEN MIRREN [PRIME SUSPECT: THE FINAL ACT] (SEE ABOVE)

BEST ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION: ROBERT DUVALL [BROKEN TRAIL] *BILL NIGHY - GIDEON'S DAUGHTER

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION: KATHERINE HEIGL [GREY'S ANATOMY] *EMILY BLUNT - GIDEON'S DAUGHTER

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION: *JEREMY IRONS [ELIZABETH I]

• Duration: The BEACON awards at this stage are scheduled to run monthly, with around 10 or so different categories. In addition to the submission month (January) and the last month of the year (December), the BEACON Awards are an annual event.
• Benefit: Little, if any. Bragging rights and the rewarding knowledge that your Space tickles my fancy. Now there's a prize!

SPACE SUBMISSIONS

To give your Space the chance for inclusion in the BEACON Awards, you must submit it by the specified date, that being January 24 2007. Late Spaces will be considered by posting at the appropriate blog found here. The criteria would acceptance into the Spaces shortlist are:

• Regularity of updates
• High standard of English
• Blog content
• Innovation and creativity
• Presentation
• Personality

Once submitted, your Space will be eligible for every category for the year. There is NO NEED to submit yourself again for the same year. If your submission is successful, you will receive a message from me.

Longlist

Each category (except for the Most Popular Space, Most Underrated Space, Best Commentator or Best Space of the Year) will be subject to a longlist of some 6-10 nominees. Each longlist member will be asked to submit an example of their Space (ie. a blog, photo, etc) that they think provides them the best chance of winning the category. From this, the list of nominations will be generated.

SHORTLIST

Once I have considered the number of Spaces, I compile a shortlist listing those Spaces I believe embody the objective of the BEACON Awards. The shortlist is where the nominees will come from for the 10 categories throughout the year.

NOMINATIONS

Five nominees are the norm for each category however six may be permitted. Nominations for the same Space are permitted, but difficult to obtain. Nominations are announced at the middle of each month.

AWARDS

Award winners will be announced at the end of each month. Awards can be withheld or handed to another recipient at the discretion of the Director, namely myself.

CATEGORIES

Categories have been chosen based on mainstream values and accessibility. If you feel a category should be changed or included, do not hesitate to voice your opinion anywhere on the Space as you see fit. Feedback would be warmly appreciated. Categories are chosen in random order, meaning there is no way to coordinate your Space in line with the Awards. All objects considered for each category must be posted up to and before the date nominations are released within the previous year. Therefore to be eligible for BEACON consideration, all articles of all Spaces must have been posted up to and before (and no later) than the 1st January 2006.

The categories are listed below. In no particular order, the categories are as follows:

• The "Side-Splitter" Award for Most Funniest Blog. Go ahead, make me laugh. It's difficult but I assure you, it can be done.
• The "Onion" Award for Best Thought-Provoking or Reflective Blog. Made famous by Shrek, the winner of this category demonstrates the most layered approach to the art of blogging.
• The "Punch Line" Award for Best Witty or Politically Satirical Award. Take a stab at a politican and earn a statuette. Easy winnings.
• The "Blog Idol" Award for Most Popular Space. Choose for yourself the winner.
• The "Boost Your Ego" Award for Most Underrated Space. Not favourites in the popularity stakes, but winners in my eyes.
• The "Golden Hand" Award for Best Blog of the Year. An unshamedly subjective look at the writing on the wall. 
• The "Modern Protege" Award for Best Original Creative Piece (Writing, Artwork, Webcomic or Other). Appeal to your inner artistic child. Or just scribble some 'abstract" art. It may just pay off.
• The "Media Mogul" Award for Best Taste or Review of Media (TV, Music, Movies, Books or Other).
• The "Happy Snapper" Award for Best Photos. Sharpen the lens and capture something monumental.
• The "Spotlight" Award for Best Space of the Year. Dependent on performance in the aforementioned categories and overall merits as deemed by the Director. Consequently, a Space that achieves no wins can still win the Award for Best Space of the Year.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER

• I make no reservations on the subjectivity of these Awards. These are by no doubt biased.
• Take pride in your Space. It would be a serious case of bad judgement if the possiblity of winning Awards outweighed your individuality and free will.
  
• Lastly, have fun and good luck!

The Blatant Expositor

Director of the BEACON^© Awards