A guide to the hot award shows - and suburban ties
Hollywood award season gets underway tonight with plenty of glitz at the Golden Globes - and at least two nominees from the suburbs.
Melissa McCarthy and Bob Odenkirk are both up for acting awards at the Golden Globes, the start of the star-studded awards season that wraps up Feb. 28 with the Oscars.
Local movie and music fans will likely check out at least one of these big award shows, whether to see who won or critique red carpet fashion. So here's a rundown of when to tune in, which stars have local ties and what to watch for.
The Golden Globes
This awards show used to be considered a sort of Oscars lite, but it has become almost as big, partly because it's looser and less predictable.
The Golden Globes, awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, honor the best in movies and television. The nominations can sometimes be bizarre because they divide the best picture and acting categories into two groups - "drama" and "musical or comedy." And the nominated movies don't always appear to fit.
Returning to host the Globes this year is Ricky Gervais, who has delighted (and infuriated) audiences with his relentless skewering of celebrities, including those attending the show.
When it airs: 7 tonight on NBC
Local ties: Plainfield native Melissa McCarthy is nominated for her performance in the comedy film "Spy," and former Naperville resident Bob
Odenkirk is up for his work in the AMC television drama "Better Call Saul."
What to watch for: Gervais' zingers and the winners' alcohol-fueled acceptance speeches.
Website: goldenglobes.com
The Screen Actors Guild Awards
Since 1995, the Screen Actors Guild Awards have focused exclusively on achievements in individual performances and for ensemble work in both film and television.
The SAG Awards show has become popular for those who can't get enough of their favorite movie stars. Plus, the show tends to be leaner and faster-moving than others, finishing in a relatively crisp two hours.
When it airs: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, on TNT and TBS
Local ties: The stars of HBO's "
Veep" are up for best comedy ensemble - and a number of them are from the suburbs. Gary Cole grew up in Rolling Meadows, Matt Walsh called Darien home and Anna Chlumsky lived in Broadview. Among their competitors is the cast of "Transparent," including transgender actress Alexandra Billings of Schaumburg. Bob Odenkirk is also up for outstanding performance in a drama series, again for "Better Call Saul."
What to watch for: The cast of "Mad Men," nominated as an ensemble, will be together again.
Website: sagawards.org
Grammy Awards
High-wattage star power and outrageous fashion are the hallmarks of the Grammys, honoring the best in music from Oct. 1, 2014, to Sept. 30, 2015.
Top category nominees include some of today's biggest stars. Rapper Kendrick Lamar leads with 11 nominations. Taylor Swift is the only artist to score nominations in all of the top three categories of album, song and record of the year.
Nominees also include some living legends Bob Dylan (for best traditional pop vocal album), Tony Bennett (best traditional pop vocal album) and Buddy Guy (best blues album).
When it airs: 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15, on CBS
Local tie: Roselle native
Glenn Kotche, drummer for the indie-roots band Wilco, is nominated with his band in the best alternative album category for "Star Wars."
What to watch for: Paul McCartney, who has already won Grammys in the pop, rock and traditional pop categories, could win one in the rap category. He's nominated for "All Day," a song he cowrote with Kanye West.
Website: grammy.com
Film Independent Spirit Awards
For those with film tastes that run a little left of center, the Spirit Awards honor the best in independent film, with awards bestowed on movies, directors, cinematographers, writers and actors. The winners are chosen by members of the advocacy group, Film Independent.
The Spirit Awards highlight lesser-known films from the U.S. and overseas while delivering a singularly raucous show. In 2014, for example, Jared Leto thanked Mark Twain, Pink Floyd and the inventor of the zipper in his long speech after winning for his performance in "Dallas Buyers Club."
This year's nominees include "Beasts of No Nation," "Carol," "Spotlight," "Anomalisa" and "Tangerine" in the best feature category, along with Cate Blanchett, Jason Segel, Rooney Mara and Christopher Abbott in the acting categories.
When it airs: 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. on IFC
Local tie: Actor and former suburban resident Michael Shannon, who attended New Trier and Evanston Township high schools, is nominated for his performance in "99 Homes."
What to watch for: Those offbeat acceptance speeches.
Website: spiritawards.com
The Academy Awards
Finally, the big one. The 88th Oscars show will be hosted by Chris Rock, sure to bring a pricklier sense of humor to the proceedings.
Nominees will be announced Thursday. A few films have already generated Oscar buzz: "The Big Short" and "Spotlight," dramas based on recent events, seem to be locks for best picture nominations. The acting categories are harder to predict.
But of course, the actual awards are just part of the story.
Viewers of the show also will be evaluating the glittering fashion on the red carpet.
When it airs: 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, on ABC
Local tie: We don't know yet, but Elmhurst native and past winner
Gary Rydstrom could nab a nomination for his sound work on "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
What to watch for: How edgy will Chris Rock be? And check out all those gowns!
Website: oscars.com