In a poignant moment at the 32nd Actor Awards, the late Catherine O’Hara was honored with a posthumous accolade for her outstanding performance in the comedy series “The Studio.” This recognition comes just a month after her unexpected passing, leaving a void in the entertainment industry.
O’Hara, who passed away on January 30 at the age of 71 due to a pulmonary embolism, was awarded best female actor in a comedy series. Her triumph was celebrated with a standing ovation by the audience at the Shine Auditorium in Los Angeles, a testament to her enduring impact and talent.
Accepting the award on her behalf was Seth Rogen, the co-creator of “The Studio.” Rogen shared heartfelt anecdotes about O’Hara’s dedication and kindness, highlighting her habit of sending thoughtful emails with script suggestions the night before filming. He expressed admiration for her ability to blend genius with warmth, stating, “She showed that you could be a genius and you could be kind.”
Rogen urged those unfamiliar with her work to witness her iconic performances, such as her dance to Harry Belafonte in “Beetlejuice” and her comedic prowess in “Best in Show.” He emphasized, “We were lucky to live in a world where she so generously shared her talents with us.”
This year’s Actor Awards, held just two weeks before the Academy Awards, serve as a crucial indicator of Oscar potential for films like “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners.” As one of the most anticipated events leading up to the Oscars, the Actor Awards often mirror the preferences of the Academy, given that actors form the largest voting bloc within the organization.
The Actor Awards are one of the most closely watched Oscar precursors. Actors make up the largest slice of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the guild’s choices often align.
The ceremony, presented by the actors guild SAG-AFTRA, are streaming live on Netflix. Kristen Bell, returning as host, kicked off the show on a light, song-and-dance note despite the war in Iran and entertainment industry upheaval.
The Actor Awards were the biggest Hollywood bash since Paramount reached an agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $111 billion. The merger, which awaits regulatory approval, sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos, whose company lost out to Paramount competing bid, walked the red carpet in jeans.
Before the ceremony began, the award for best stunt ensemble went to a Paramount release: “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” Among the other TV winners were Keri Russell (“The Diplomat”), Michelle Williams (“Dying for Sex”) and Rogen (“The Studio”).
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” comes in the heavy favorite, having won at the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs and at Saturday’s Producers Guild Awards. The film comes in with a record seven nominations and is seen as the most likely winner of the night’s top award, best ensemble.
The four other nominees for best ensemble are: “Sinners,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme” and “Frankenstein.” If Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” upsets “One Battle After Another” on Sunday night, it would add a late dose of unpredictability to Oscars.
But many of the categories feel up for grabs.
Timothée Chalamet, who last year won best male actor from the actors guild for “A Complete Unknown,” had been seen as the favorite for his performance in “Marty Supreme.” But the surprise winner at the BAFTAs, Robert Aramayo, showed how hard to pin down the category is. The other nominees are: Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”), Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”) and Jesse Plemons (“Bugonia”).
If Chalamet wins, he’d be the first to win the award in back to back years.
Jessie Buckley is the favorite in the best female actor category. The other nominees are: Chase Infiniti (“One Battle After Another”), Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”), Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”) and Emma Stone (“Bugonia”).
The supporting awards are especially hard to predict. The best supporting female actor nominees are: Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Sinners”), Ariana Grande (“Wicked: For Good”), Amy Madigan (“Weapons”) and Odessa A’zion (“Marty Supreme”). The male nominees are: Sean Penn (“One Battle After Another”), Benicio Del Toro (“One Battle After Another”), Miles Caton (“Sinners”), Jacob Elordi (“Frankenstein”) and Paul Mescal (“Hamnet”).
Harrison Ford is to receive the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, which will be presented to him by Woody Harrelson.
Don’t miss Hollywood’s biggest night: The Oscars on ABC!
Our live Oscar pre-show, “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars,” begins at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT and will feature live interviews with the nominees, red carpet fashion analysis and more!Watch the 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and Hulu, followed by “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose.”Check your local listings or stream on Hulu and OnTheRedCarpet.com.
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