SAG awards still aired with ongoing writers strike

GRAYCE TURNBACH A&E EDITOR GRT722@CABRINI EDU

The 9th annual SAG awards aired simultaneously on TNT and TBS on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. Steve Carell referred to the evening as “The most glamorous and exciting evening in the history of the world.” Hardly.

Since the writers strike, the television business hasn’t been “booming” if you haven’t noticed. But, overall, the show wasn’t half bad, it was certainly better than the Golden Globes. Oh wait; they weren’t aired due to the ongoing writers strike.

Opening the show consisted of testimonials from numerous actors in their seats including Sally Field, Doug Savant and Ellen

Burstyn.

Categories of television mixed with movies got their own recognition due to the split show, allowing each to be honored in the two hour show allotted for the ceremony.

Sunday’s telecast delivered best ratings since 1998. As an average total 6.13 million viewers tuned in for the SAG awards, which could possibly be the only award ceremony of the season.

The viewership of the show has upped four percent since last year.

Among the awards given, there was a tribute, if you may, to Heath Ledger. Besides the tribute, there was also the Life Achievement Award given to Charles Durning.

Winners of films included best actor Daniel Day-

Lewis for “There Will Be Blood.” Best actress Julie Christie for “Away From Her.” Best supporting actress was Ruby Dee from “American Gangster.”

Winners for television included James Gandolfini for best actor in a drama series in “The Sopranos.”

Best actress in a drama series went to Edie Falco in “The Sopranos.” Best actor in a comedy series went to Alec Baldwin in “30 Rock.”

“30 Rock” won again when Tina Fey won for best actress in a comedy series. Best stunt ensemble went to “24.” No surprise there.

The awards ceremony was a success. It was executed in a stylish and classy manner. Actors were honored for their work, but without the writers, most of the performances would not have been made possible.