I'm a strong believer in fate and you'll often hear me telling people that 'Everything happens for a reason'. I'm also a massive hypocrite and often struggle to take my own advice...
Back in November, one of my best friends was rejected from her first choice university and was absolutely devastated. I gave her a big talk about how it was probably for the best, she obviously wasn't meant to go there and she'd end up wherever she's supposed to be. A few weeks later I was rejected from my first choice university and absolutely fell apart. It just so happened that I made the fatal mistake of checking UCAS track just before a concert so was in the company of many people during what I'm going to call 'The Rejection breakdown'. While I was bawling uncontrollably in front of a nearly full audience, one of my music teachers gave me the same advice I'd given to my friend just a few weeks earlier, "You'll end up where you're supposed to be" and although I found it difficult to see how that could be true when I'd just been rejected from what I thought was 'the' place where journalists were made, I've come to learn that that is the phrase to constantly keep in your mind when going through the university application process.
I have now completely changed my mind on where I want to go to university and I couldn't be more pleased about it. I don't think my new first choice and my old first choice could be much more different. The university which rejected me because I was unlikely to meet the grade boundaries seems to have quite old school values with a course run by an extremely right wing individual. I am happy to work with people with different political beliefs to me however I think I would have found it quite difficult to be taught by someone who I often see on Newsnight arguing points which make me roll my eyes numerous amounts of times.
After reading an article written by this professor's star student I am feeling ecstatic that I received a rejection! I'm not claiming to be a fantastic journalist, right now I'm a complete amateur but I hope that by my third year of studying the subject at university I'll be able to check through an article I've written and make sure I haven't contradicted myself throughout whilst verbally attacking a large group of people.
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/sara-malm-going-on-strike-is-disgraceful-selfish-and-quite-frankly-pass-7643118.html
I am thrilled to hopefully be starting in September at a university where the Vice Chancellor is pictured making the Queen giggle and tweets a million times a day, the professors have a sense of humour and the students have fun and I don't care if it makes the difference between whether I work at a local paper or for the independent, there's more to life than what is going to look best on your CV!
Thank god I'm not intelligent!
Monday, 16 April 2012
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
The highlight of my year! The BRIT awards!
We can't exactly call this live blogging but I had a concert so we'll have to deal with 'half an hour late blogging'. I could just not do this and miss watching the brits but it's the highlight of my year so that's not going to happen!
At this point, the way they've structured this show is feeling incredibly awkward, I love James Corden but he's not being funny enough yet to make this feel comfortable and the very short clips followed by short autocue following introductions is not very entertaining.
I wish I liked Florence and the Machine but I'm not really a fan. My best friend bought me her album for my 16th birhtday and I have it on my ipod and I listen to it now and again and I can't say I hate it but I'm just not a fan of her voice. I do like her dress though...
British Female solo artist.
This might become more of a blog about dresses than the show but I want to look like Kylie and own that dress!
Adele
Laura Marling
Kate Bush
Jessie J
Florence and the Machine
WINNER: Adele
I just had a heart attack. Majorly fan girling and wanting to be Jessie J. I think I need to do a blog informing the world of my love for Jack Whitehall but I don't want to risk sounding too unintelligent and I can't control myself when talking about that beautiful man!
International Male solo artist
David Guetta
Aloe Blacc
Ryan Adams
Bon Iver
Bruno Mars
WINNER : Bruno Mars
This doesn't surprise me at all, I bought Bruno's album and I'm a big fan but Aloe Blacc is one of the best acts I've seen live so I'd choose him over lots of people.
I'm definitely over the O2 experience and already wanting to see him again. Don't judge him on this performance though, he seems extremely nervous and his voice sounds quite weak. I'm always an Olly fan and will support him no matter what but he can sing much better than that.
Critics choice award
Emeli Sandé - how awkward was that? no real congratulations just a tiny clip then an interview with Jessie J.
I'm going to take this opportunity to rant. I don't understand how any one can criticise Ed Sheeran for anything. He stood on a stage tonight and performed completely alone. He sang note perfect and played his own instrument. Who else does that? This is probably the biggest gig he's ever played and he is without a doubt the best musician in the charts at the moment. I would very much like to see Rhianna, Bruno Mars, Jessie J or even Adele perform on such a big occasion with only a Guitar, a loop pedal and a microphone to keep you company. It just wouldn't happen so all of you NME readers should really stop moaning about how 'mainstream' because he likes Nandos and has a large fanbase and actually listen to his music and give the man some credit!
Best British single
Someone like You - Adele
Heart Skips a Beat - Olly Murs
Changed the Way you kisssed me - Example
Glad you came - The Wanted
She makes me wanna - JLS
Price Tag - Jessie J ft B.O.B
The A team - Ed Sheeran
Wherever you are - Military Wives ft Gareth Malone
All about tonight - Pixie Lott
What makes you beautiful - One Direction
WINNER = What makes you beautiful - One Direction
One Direction are currently my phone wallpaper. I love Louis Tomlinson and I'm not ashamed to say it and WMYB is a very good song but it has nothing on The A team. Viewer voted though so not really surprising.
International female solo artist
Beyonce
Rihanna
Feist
Bjork
Lady Gaga
WINNER = Rihanna
It makes me very sad that Rihanna is successful. She can't really sing very well but she can dance and look sexy. The feminist inside me crys a little bit everytime she gets on stage. She is not
British Male Solo Artist
James Blake
Ed Sheeran
Noel Gallagher's high flying birds
Professor Green
James Morrison
WINNER = Ed Sheeran
There is no way he doesn't deserve this. Remember, what I said in the BAFTAs blog about how important it is for a celebrity to be likeable, Eddy boy is definitely likeable. Plus, he looks really cute in his suit.
British group
Coldplay
Chase and Status
Kasabian
Arctic Monkeys
Elbow
WINNER = Coldplay
not a massive fan of coldplay but the question I'd like answered is why is British group voted for by the public when the solo artist awards are industry awarded? doesn't seem very fair.
Is it just me or has Chris Martin all of a sudden got very good looking? I'm not sure if I should be ashamed that I'm starting to fancy him a little bit...
I love Adele, I can't call myself a super fan but I want her to be my friend and I want to listen to her lots and lots. I don't have any of her albums though so I can't really call myself any fan at all. Maybe this show will inspire me to buy lots of albums like the BAFTAs inspired me to watch lots of films. I also want her hair and her dress and her eyes...
International group
Jay Z and Kanye West
Foo Fighters
Fleet Foxes
Lady Antebellum
Maroon 5
WINNER = Foo Fighters
Does it say something about a group if they aren't there to collect the award and then have only one member of the band leave a message?
British Breakthrough act
The Vaccines
Anna Calvi
Emeli Sandé
Ed Sheeran
Jessie J
WINNER = Ed Sheeran
I'm hoping he tweets what he means by telling his manager that he needs a sofa...
International Breakthrough act
I cannot think of a better pairing than Rob Brydon and Will.I.Am. That needs to be
Lana del Ray
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Nicki Minaj
WINNER = Lana del Ray
I think she may be the most annoying artist around, I quite like her songs actually but that lip and her 'oh I'm so helpless' act makes me want to give her a massive slap with that brit award.
I hear and see whining and wiggling, looks like Rihanna is performing. If you are thinking about going to see Rihanna and like people being able to sing in tune I would recommend rethinking your plans. Rihanna is one of the worst acts I've seen live, probably just ahead of Lonsdale boys club and Plan B. It did look fun being on that stage though, I wouldn't mind partying with Rihanna, as long as her music wasn't played...
Mastercard British album of the year
How drunk is George Michael? slurring his words!
Let England Shake - PJ Harvey -
+ - Ed Sheeran
21 - Adele
Mylo xyloto - Coldplay
Ceremonials - Florence & the machine
Why is Ricky from Eastenders sitting with Adele? I'd love for them to be friends!
Controversial opinion coming here and I understand why people are annoyed that they cut Adele off in her acceptance speech but these shows run to a tight schedule and it would be completely unfair to restrict the time blur get to play for. I know lots of people my age don't really appreciate blur but if they've rehearsed a 15 minute set then they should get to play it. It's not really hurting Adele to lose a few minutes of her thank you speech, she's had lots of them before and I have no doubt that there'll be plenty more opportunities, there was definitely no need for her to look as if James Corden had told her they'd read out the wrong name. I love blur and would much rather listen to 15 minutes of them than a bit more of Adele thanking people so I'm a little bias but I thought their performance was a great end to the show. Can I see them next please?
I wonder who we'll be watching pick up awards next year and whether the host will be allowed to actually talk and make any witty comments. This is definitely not the best BRIT awards so hopefully next year will be better when I'll hopefully be able to watch it from a University flat somewhere in the country!
At this point, the way they've structured this show is feeling incredibly awkward, I love James Corden but he's not being funny enough yet to make this feel comfortable and the very short clips followed by short autocue following introductions is not very entertaining.
I wish I liked Florence and the Machine but I'm not really a fan. My best friend bought me her album for my 16th birhtday and I have it on my ipod and I listen to it now and again and I can't say I hate it but I'm just not a fan of her voice. I do like her dress though...
British Female solo artist.
This might become more of a blog about dresses than the show but I want to look like Kylie and own that dress!
Adele
Laura Marling
Kate Bush
Jessie J
Florence and the Machine
WINNER: Adele
I just had a heart attack. Majorly fan girling and wanting to be Jessie J. I think I need to do a blog informing the world of my love for Jack Whitehall but I don't want to risk sounding too unintelligent and I can't control myself when talking about that beautiful man!
International Male solo artist
David Guetta
Aloe Blacc
Ryan Adams
Bon Iver
Bruno Mars
WINNER : Bruno Mars
This doesn't surprise me at all, I bought Bruno's album and I'm a big fan but Aloe Blacc is one of the best acts I've seen live so I'd choose him over lots of people.
I'm definitely over the O2 experience and already wanting to see him again. Don't judge him on this performance though, he seems extremely nervous and his voice sounds quite weak. I'm always an Olly fan and will support him no matter what but he can sing much better than that.
Critics choice award
Emeli Sandé - how awkward was that? no real congratulations just a tiny clip then an interview with Jessie J.
I'm going to take this opportunity to rant. I don't understand how any one can criticise Ed Sheeran for anything. He stood on a stage tonight and performed completely alone. He sang note perfect and played his own instrument. Who else does that? This is probably the biggest gig he's ever played and he is without a doubt the best musician in the charts at the moment. I would very much like to see Rhianna, Bruno Mars, Jessie J or even Adele perform on such a big occasion with only a Guitar, a loop pedal and a microphone to keep you company. It just wouldn't happen so all of you NME readers should really stop moaning about how 'mainstream' because he likes Nandos and has a large fanbase and actually listen to his music and give the man some credit!
Best British single
Someone like You - Adele
Heart Skips a Beat - Olly Murs
Changed the Way you kisssed me - Example
Glad you came - The Wanted
She makes me wanna - JLS
Price Tag - Jessie J ft B.O.B
The A team - Ed Sheeran
Wherever you are - Military Wives ft Gareth Malone
All about tonight - Pixie Lott
What makes you beautiful - One Direction
WINNER = What makes you beautiful - One Direction
One Direction are currently my phone wallpaper. I love Louis Tomlinson and I'm not ashamed to say it and WMYB is a very good song but it has nothing on The A team. Viewer voted though so not really surprising.
International female solo artist
Beyonce
Rihanna
Feist
Bjork
Lady Gaga
WINNER = Rihanna
It makes me very sad that Rihanna is successful. She can't really sing very well but she can dance and look sexy. The feminist inside me crys a little bit everytime she gets on stage. She is not
British Male Solo Artist
James Blake
Ed Sheeran
Noel Gallagher's high flying birds
Professor Green
James Morrison
WINNER = Ed Sheeran
There is no way he doesn't deserve this. Remember, what I said in the BAFTAs blog about how important it is for a celebrity to be likeable, Eddy boy is definitely likeable. Plus, he looks really cute in his suit.
British group
Coldplay
Chase and Status
Kasabian
Arctic Monkeys
Elbow
WINNER = Coldplay
not a massive fan of coldplay but the question I'd like answered is why is British group voted for by the public when the solo artist awards are industry awarded? doesn't seem very fair.
Is it just me or has Chris Martin all of a sudden got very good looking? I'm not sure if I should be ashamed that I'm starting to fancy him a little bit...
I love Adele, I can't call myself a super fan but I want her to be my friend and I want to listen to her lots and lots. I don't have any of her albums though so I can't really call myself any fan at all. Maybe this show will inspire me to buy lots of albums like the BAFTAs inspired me to watch lots of films. I also want her hair and her dress and her eyes...
International group
Jay Z and Kanye West
Foo Fighters
Fleet Foxes
Lady Antebellum
Maroon 5
WINNER = Foo Fighters
Does it say something about a group if they aren't there to collect the award and then have only one member of the band leave a message?
British Breakthrough act
The Vaccines
Anna Calvi
Emeli Sandé
Ed Sheeran
Jessie J
WINNER = Ed Sheeran
I'm hoping he tweets what he means by telling his manager that he needs a sofa...
International Breakthrough act
I cannot think of a better pairing than Rob Brydon and Will.I.Am. That needs to be
Lana del Ray
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Nicki Minaj
WINNER = Lana del Ray
I think she may be the most annoying artist around, I quite like her songs actually but that lip and her 'oh I'm so helpless' act makes me want to give her a massive slap with that brit award.
I hear and see whining and wiggling, looks like Rihanna is performing. If you are thinking about going to see Rihanna and like people being able to sing in tune I would recommend rethinking your plans. Rihanna is one of the worst acts I've seen live, probably just ahead of Lonsdale boys club and Plan B. It did look fun being on that stage though, I wouldn't mind partying with Rihanna, as long as her music wasn't played...
Mastercard British album of the year
How drunk is George Michael? slurring his words!
Let England Shake - PJ Harvey -
+ - Ed Sheeran
21 - Adele
Mylo xyloto - Coldplay
Ceremonials - Florence & the machine
Why is Ricky from Eastenders sitting with Adele? I'd love for them to be friends!
Controversial opinion coming here and I understand why people are annoyed that they cut Adele off in her acceptance speech but these shows run to a tight schedule and it would be completely unfair to restrict the time blur get to play for. I know lots of people my age don't really appreciate blur but if they've rehearsed a 15 minute set then they should get to play it. It's not really hurting Adele to lose a few minutes of her thank you speech, she's had lots of them before and I have no doubt that there'll be plenty more opportunities, there was definitely no need for her to look as if James Corden had told her they'd read out the wrong name. I love blur and would much rather listen to 15 minutes of them than a bit more of Adele thanking people so I'm a little bias but I thought their performance was a great end to the show. Can I see them next please?
I wonder who we'll be watching pick up awards next year and whether the host will be allowed to actually talk and make any witty comments. This is definitely not the best BRIT awards so hopefully next year will be better when I'll hopefully be able to watch it from a University flat somewhere in the country!
Sunday, 12 February 2012
The British Academy film awards
I think I've always wanted to be a Journalist, I just didn't realise that it was a real job. I used to make notes on every award show, my favourite is the Brits but I love every single one. I never understand why people think they're boring because there is nothing I love more than making my predictions and finding out who has won! I'm pretty sure that is Journalism.
So now that I know what it is and I'm trying to play an active part in it, I thought it might be good to actually do something with my notes for once, so I'll be live blogging the Baftas tonight and also the Brits on the 21st February. For each category I'll list the nominations (with my prediction in bold) and winners, possibly accompanied by a witty comment but I can't promise anything.
Tom Jones' tribute to 50 years of Bond films has made me incredibly excited for the release of skyfall, we're studying Quantum of Solace in media and I've definitely become a Bond fan!Stephen Fry is also something I'm a fan of. His humour should make even the biggest awards show hater enjoy this show, he's not afraid to laugh at himself and I definitely believe that is the most important quality for a celebrity to have. Stephen asked Brad Pitt to blow a kiss to the camera, and he was incredibly reluctant to take part in that small joke for the audience, which I definitely think meant that he didn't come accross well.
Special Effects
War Horse
Harry Potter and the deathy hallows part 2
Tin Tin
rise of the planet of the apes
Hugo
WINNER - Harry Potter and the deathy hallows part 2
This was definitely well deserved, I've never been a fan of 3D. The cinema gives me a headache anyway and the glasses makes it a thousand times worse but I found the 3D in this film a pleasure to watch and I really feel that it enhanced the film greatly.
Outstanding Debut by a British director, writer or producer
Joe Cornish - Attack the Block
Paddy Considine - Tyrannosaur
Ralph Fiennes - Coriolanus
Will Sharpe, Tom Kingsley, Sarah Brocklehurst - Black Pond
Richard Ayoade - Submarine
WINNER = Paddy Considine - Tyrannosaur
Sadly, I haven't seen any of these films so I can't really make a good judgement but Paddy Consadine was in the fantastic film Dead Man's shoes, which I definitely reccomend and I like him so I was happy he won. The other write said that he was 'proud to count Paddy as a friend' which I would definitely describe as CUTE!
Set production
Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy
Hugo
War Horse
The Artist
Harry Potter and the deathly hallows part 2
WINNER = Hugo
This was really awkward... an old drunk looking stereotypical italian woman with too much plastic surgery to move her face who I believe was not even the real winner took far too long to walk down, especcially as there was not a lot of applause. She even left behind the bafta...
Supporting Actor
This award was presented by Helena Bonham Carter and Stephen Fry's introduction welcoming her to the stage and praising her fantastic acting talents was absolutely perfect. She astounds me in every single film and guess what? she comes across really well!
Christopher Plummer - Beginners
Philip Seymour Hoffman - The ides of march
Jim Broadbent - The Iron Lady,
Jonah Hill - Moneyball
Kenneth Branagh - My week with Marylin.
Winner = Christopher Plummer - Beginners.
Outstanding British Film
Tinker tailor soldier spy
Senna
Shame
We need to talk about Kevin
My week with Marylin
WINNER = Tinker tailor soldier spy
Best Supporting Actress
Jessica Chastain - The Help,
Judi Dench - My week with Marilyn,
Carey Mulligan - Drive
Octavia Spencer - The Help
Melissa McCarthy - Bridesmaids
WINNER = Octavia Spencer
Original Screenplay
The Iron Lady,
Midnight in Paris
The Guard
The Artist
Bridesmaids
WINNER = The Artist
Michel Hazanavicius went to kiss who I thought was his girlfriend but am now thinking is just one of the actresses, however she was having none of it, funny.
Orange Wednesday's Rising star
Eddie Raymayne
Adam Deacon
Tom Hiddleston
Chris Hemsworth
Chris O'Dowd
WINNER = Adam Deacon
Adam Deacon described this as a "win for the underdog". He is very right, I don't neccessarily dispute the award although Tom Hiddleston was fantastic in War Horse and Chris O'Dowd never fails to make me snort with laughter but Adam Deacon would have definitely not won if this award was voted for by the normal panel. I can't imagine them appreciating the scenes of Anuvahood, especcially the one starring Aisleyne from Big Brother... Exactly the same thing happened with The Only Way is Essex winning the youtube audience award last year so I think it is definitely true to say that these types of people can only win categories voted by audience.
Documentary
George Harrison: living in the instrumental world,
Project Nim,
Senna
WINNER = Senna
The man wearing trainers with his tuxedo was clearly not expecting to win but I'm very glad he did.
Adapted Screenplay -
The Descendants
The Help
The Ides of March
Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy
Moneyball
WINNER = Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy
I definitely need to see this film, have heard raving reviews and the people behind it seem lovely. The winner of this award made a very witty comment saying "I'd just like to thank the artist for not being adapted from a book", he's right though, he wouldn't have one if he was up against The Artist, I have no doubt that will win best film! I was sad to hear this writer's wife had died but it is lovely that he won this award in her honour for her writing. contribution.
Director
Mr Brad Pitt presented this award and with the time to communicate his true personality, did he win me over? the answer is no, he came across as miserable, he was the only person to present award who didn't seem to smile once. If he wasn't such a fantastic actor I wouldn't watch any of his films again, but luckily he is (if you don't agree then watch Burn after reading!)
Nicholas Winding Yefen - Drive
Tomas Alfredson - Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy
Lynne Ramsey - We need to talk about Kevin
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Martin Scorcese - Hugo
WINNER = Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Leading Actress
Michelle Williams - My week with Marylin
Viola Davis - The help
Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady
Bérénice Bejo - The Artist
Tilda Swinton - We need to talk about Kevin
WINNER = Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady.
Everyone knows that no one beats Meryl but she still seemed genuinely shocked and extremely grateful. She's one of the most famous and respected actresses in the world but she's still not afraid to laugh at herself! She lost a shoe while walking up the stars but just carried on without it until Colin Firth picked it up and brought to her accompanied by a loving kiss on the cheek.
Leading Actor
Michael Fassbender - Shame
Gary Oldman - Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy
Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Brad Pitt - Moneyball
George Clooney - The Descendants
WINNER = Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Best Film
This award was presented by Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe bringing some very funny humour, playing on Australian and English stereotypes, once again not afraid to laugh at themselves or anyone else. Take note Brad Pitt.
Drive
The Descendants
The Help
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
The Artist
WINNER = The Artist
If there is one film I need to watch after seeing this award show it is definitely the Artist. It won pretty much everything and it seems like something a media student should watch even if you have to google how to spell Michel Whatsisface's name.
The fellowship award went to Martin Scorcese and I can't imagine anyone disputing that, even if you don't personally like his films, you wouldn't be able to deny the impact he has had on cinema during his career. He's not exactly an unknown name.
I love these shows and am always disappointed when it gets to the end. Part of me wishes that the other awards shown at the end of the show were also shown in full but I'm sure that would only give award show haters more to complain about.
So now that I know what it is and I'm trying to play an active part in it, I thought it might be good to actually do something with my notes for once, so I'll be live blogging the Baftas tonight and also the Brits on the 21st February. For each category I'll list the nominations (with my prediction in bold) and winners, possibly accompanied by a witty comment but I can't promise anything.
Tom Jones' tribute to 50 years of Bond films has made me incredibly excited for the release of skyfall, we're studying Quantum of Solace in media and I've definitely become a Bond fan!Stephen Fry is also something I'm a fan of. His humour should make even the biggest awards show hater enjoy this show, he's not afraid to laugh at himself and I definitely believe that is the most important quality for a celebrity to have. Stephen asked Brad Pitt to blow a kiss to the camera, and he was incredibly reluctant to take part in that small joke for the audience, which I definitely think meant that he didn't come accross well.
Special Effects
War Horse
Harry Potter and the deathy hallows part 2
Tin Tin
rise of the planet of the apes
Hugo
WINNER - Harry Potter and the deathy hallows part 2
This was definitely well deserved, I've never been a fan of 3D. The cinema gives me a headache anyway and the glasses makes it a thousand times worse but I found the 3D in this film a pleasure to watch and I really feel that it enhanced the film greatly.
Outstanding Debut by a British director, writer or producer
Joe Cornish - Attack the Block
Paddy Considine - Tyrannosaur
Ralph Fiennes - Coriolanus
Will Sharpe, Tom Kingsley, Sarah Brocklehurst - Black Pond
Richard Ayoade - Submarine
WINNER = Paddy Considine - Tyrannosaur
Sadly, I haven't seen any of these films so I can't really make a good judgement but Paddy Consadine was in the fantastic film Dead Man's shoes, which I definitely reccomend and I like him so I was happy he won. The other write said that he was 'proud to count Paddy as a friend' which I would definitely describe as CUTE!
Set production
Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy
Hugo
War Horse
The Artist
Harry Potter and the deathly hallows part 2
WINNER = Hugo
This was really awkward... an old drunk looking stereotypical italian woman with too much plastic surgery to move her face who I believe was not even the real winner took far too long to walk down, especcially as there was not a lot of applause. She even left behind the bafta...
Supporting Actor
This award was presented by Helena Bonham Carter and Stephen Fry's introduction welcoming her to the stage and praising her fantastic acting talents was absolutely perfect. She astounds me in every single film and guess what? she comes across really well!
Christopher Plummer - Beginners
Philip Seymour Hoffman - The ides of march
Jim Broadbent - The Iron Lady,
Jonah Hill - Moneyball
Kenneth Branagh - My week with Marylin.
Winner = Christopher Plummer - Beginners.
Outstanding British Film
Tinker tailor soldier spy
Senna
Shame
We need to talk about Kevin
My week with Marylin
WINNER = Tinker tailor soldier spy
Best Supporting Actress
Jessica Chastain - The Help,
Judi Dench - My week with Marilyn,
Carey Mulligan - Drive
Octavia Spencer - The Help
Melissa McCarthy - Bridesmaids
WINNER = Octavia Spencer
Original Screenplay
The Iron Lady,
Midnight in Paris
The Guard
The Artist
Bridesmaids
WINNER = The Artist
Michel Hazanavicius went to kiss who I thought was his girlfriend but am now thinking is just one of the actresses, however she was having none of it, funny.
Orange Wednesday's Rising star
Eddie Raymayne
Adam Deacon
Tom Hiddleston
Chris Hemsworth
Chris O'Dowd
WINNER = Adam Deacon
Adam Deacon described this as a "win for the underdog". He is very right, I don't neccessarily dispute the award although Tom Hiddleston was fantastic in War Horse and Chris O'Dowd never fails to make me snort with laughter but Adam Deacon would have definitely not won if this award was voted for by the normal panel. I can't imagine them appreciating the scenes of Anuvahood, especcially the one starring Aisleyne from Big Brother... Exactly the same thing happened with The Only Way is Essex winning the youtube audience award last year so I think it is definitely true to say that these types of people can only win categories voted by audience.
Documentary
George Harrison: living in the instrumental world,
Project Nim,
Senna
WINNER = Senna
The man wearing trainers with his tuxedo was clearly not expecting to win but I'm very glad he did.
Adapted Screenplay -
The Descendants
The Help
The Ides of March
Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy
Moneyball
WINNER = Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy
I definitely need to see this film, have heard raving reviews and the people behind it seem lovely. The winner of this award made a very witty comment saying "I'd just like to thank the artist for not being adapted from a book", he's right though, he wouldn't have one if he was up against The Artist, I have no doubt that will win best film! I was sad to hear this writer's wife had died but it is lovely that he won this award in her honour for her writing. contribution.
Director
Mr Brad Pitt presented this award and with the time to communicate his true personality, did he win me over? the answer is no, he came across as miserable, he was the only person to present award who didn't seem to smile once. If he wasn't such a fantastic actor I wouldn't watch any of his films again, but luckily he is (if you don't agree then watch Burn after reading!)
Nicholas Winding Yefen - Drive
Tomas Alfredson - Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy
Lynne Ramsey - We need to talk about Kevin
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Martin Scorcese - Hugo
WINNER = Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Leading Actress
Michelle Williams - My week with Marylin
Viola Davis - The help
Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady
Bérénice Bejo - The Artist
Tilda Swinton - We need to talk about Kevin
WINNER = Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady.
Everyone knows that no one beats Meryl but she still seemed genuinely shocked and extremely grateful. She's one of the most famous and respected actresses in the world but she's still not afraid to laugh at herself! She lost a shoe while walking up the stars but just carried on without it until Colin Firth picked it up and brought to her accompanied by a loving kiss on the cheek.
Leading Actor
Michael Fassbender - Shame
Gary Oldman - Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy
Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Brad Pitt - Moneyball
George Clooney - The Descendants
WINNER = Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Best Film
This award was presented by Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe bringing some very funny humour, playing on Australian and English stereotypes, once again not afraid to laugh at themselves or anyone else. Take note Brad Pitt.
Drive
The Descendants
The Help
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
The Artist
WINNER = The Artist
If there is one film I need to watch after seeing this award show it is definitely the Artist. It won pretty much everything and it seems like something a media student should watch even if you have to google how to spell Michel Whatsisface's name.
The fellowship award went to Martin Scorcese and I can't imagine anyone disputing that, even if you don't personally like his films, you wouldn't be able to deny the impact he has had on cinema during his career. He's not exactly an unknown name.
I love these shows and am always disappointed when it gets to the end. Part of me wishes that the other awards shown at the end of the show were also shown in full but I'm sure that would only give award show haters more to complain about.
The Big O2 Sleepover!
It has been a week since me and 4 of my best friends found ourselves stranded at the O2 Arena in London and it has taken me this long to fully recover!
We had been to see Olly Murs and after a day of exploring M&M world, enthusing over the Gruffalo puppet show in Hamleys and a long trying on session in H&M followed by lots of dancing to a great show from the cheeky Essex boy, it's fair to say we were already feeling a little drained.
We'd been warned to leave the gig ASAP and get straight on a train because of the forecast snow for that evening and that's what we did, well tried to do. There's always a queue into the station after a concert at the O2 but when no one is going in, calling it a queue seems like an understatement! I've been told many times that snow doesn't settle in London, which is apparently due to the large amount of pollution in the air. I'm awful at geography and can't tell you how factual that justification is but I can verify, speaking from first hand experience, that it is definitely possible for snow to settle in London.
Even after being herded like cattle and discovering that the jubilee line had been suspended due to connection problems I did not feel worried. We were waiting for a bus to Stratford, assuming that from there we'd be able to get a train to Chelmsford and get picked up from there no problem. Of course this wasn't the case! the whole situation started to remind me of the Titanic, obviously the situation was nothing compared to that but there were thousands of people crammed together all trying to get on some very small buses, not really sure of what is going on. Eventually it became clear that we were not going to be one of the people to get on a bus and I was becoming increasingly more aggravated by some girls of a similar age to me, wearing short dresses and heels, shouting at the police man "we're only girls, let us on, it's not fair if these men get on before us', I was very close to giving them a rant about feminism and how girls are a lot stronger than men most of the time and the fact they were cold was nothing to do with their gender but much more to do with the little amount of clothes they were wearing in February! I was feeling very sorry for the police who were trying to control the impatient crowds, I was rapidly losing my faith in the human race. We spoke to a very lovely police woman who confirmed we would have missed the last train and were unlikely to get on a bus any time soon, she advised us to go into the O2 where there was free hot drinks and to just wait.
I'm often referred to as one of the Mums of the group with the name 'Mummy Trina' and I was feeling a huge amount of sympathy for the real mums taking care of their children in this situation as I was panicking about the fact we had to stay the night in London but trying to stay calm for my friends, with one unable to contact her mum, one being screamed at on the phone by her uncle, one who is prone to fainting and another worrying about a morning shift at McDonalds! Luckily, we're great friends and the night turned out to be more of a great story to tell rather than a living nightmare. A few of us slept under a table, others had far more sugars than are healthy and I broke a chair. Yes, I can now say that I've broken a chair in the VIP lounge of the O2. I'm not proud, it was extremely embarrassing.
From this experience I've discovered that I have a very flexible neck, which my friends think is probably because I play the violin but I'd fallen asleep on a chair (not the broken one) and my friends were forced to wake me up at 6 due to a fear that I'd broken my neck. I'm not very good without sleep and I was very very grumpy, snapping at everyone and thinking it would much more beneficial to stay and sleep more. Thankfully, no one listened to me and we were on a bus by half 6 and then on a train back to Billericay at half 8 and home by half 10!
Olly Murs is very good live and I had a great day in London with my best friends so honestly, if I went back in time and was told what would happen after seeing Olly Murs I would still go and do everything in the same way!
We had been to see Olly Murs and after a day of exploring M&M world, enthusing over the Gruffalo puppet show in Hamleys and a long trying on session in H&M followed by lots of dancing to a great show from the cheeky Essex boy, it's fair to say we were already feeling a little drained.
We'd been warned to leave the gig ASAP and get straight on a train because of the forecast snow for that evening and that's what we did, well tried to do. There's always a queue into the station after a concert at the O2 but when no one is going in, calling it a queue seems like an understatement! I've been told many times that snow doesn't settle in London, which is apparently due to the large amount of pollution in the air. I'm awful at geography and can't tell you how factual that justification is but I can verify, speaking from first hand experience, that it is definitely possible for snow to settle in London.
Even after being herded like cattle and discovering that the jubilee line had been suspended due to connection problems I did not feel worried. We were waiting for a bus to Stratford, assuming that from there we'd be able to get a train to Chelmsford and get picked up from there no problem. Of course this wasn't the case! the whole situation started to remind me of the Titanic, obviously the situation was nothing compared to that but there were thousands of people crammed together all trying to get on some very small buses, not really sure of what is going on. Eventually it became clear that we were not going to be one of the people to get on a bus and I was becoming increasingly more aggravated by some girls of a similar age to me, wearing short dresses and heels, shouting at the police man "we're only girls, let us on, it's not fair if these men get on before us', I was very close to giving them a rant about feminism and how girls are a lot stronger than men most of the time and the fact they were cold was nothing to do with their gender but much more to do with the little amount of clothes they were wearing in February! I was feeling very sorry for the police who were trying to control the impatient crowds, I was rapidly losing my faith in the human race. We spoke to a very lovely police woman who confirmed we would have missed the last train and were unlikely to get on a bus any time soon, she advised us to go into the O2 where there was free hot drinks and to just wait.
I'm often referred to as one of the Mums of the group with the name 'Mummy Trina' and I was feeling a huge amount of sympathy for the real mums taking care of their children in this situation as I was panicking about the fact we had to stay the night in London but trying to stay calm for my friends, with one unable to contact her mum, one being screamed at on the phone by her uncle, one who is prone to fainting and another worrying about a morning shift at McDonalds! Luckily, we're great friends and the night turned out to be more of a great story to tell rather than a living nightmare. A few of us slept under a table, others had far more sugars than are healthy and I broke a chair. Yes, I can now say that I've broken a chair in the VIP lounge of the O2. I'm not proud, it was extremely embarrassing.
From this experience I've discovered that I have a very flexible neck, which my friends think is probably because I play the violin but I'd fallen asleep on a chair (not the broken one) and my friends were forced to wake me up at 6 due to a fear that I'd broken my neck. I'm not very good without sleep and I was very very grumpy, snapping at everyone and thinking it would much more beneficial to stay and sleep more. Thankfully, no one listened to me and we were on a bus by half 6 and then on a train back to Billericay at half 8 and home by half 10!
Olly Murs is very good live and I had a great day in London with my best friends so honestly, if I went back in time and was told what would happen after seeing Olly Murs I would still go and do everything in the same way!
Sunday, 29 January 2012
SURPRISE!
I'm either extremely gullible and naïve or my friends and family are the best liars in the world.
This week was my 18th birthday and I've been so excited about it, with a meal planned with some of my friends on Wednesday, a family meal at posh restaurant 'The Blue Strawberry' on Friday and a meal at TGIs with my 4 best friends on Saturday afternoon. Those plans included a large calorie count but a lovely way to celebrate my birthday! However, I was completely unaware that my friends and family had other plans of how I was to spend my Friday night!
I had already had one major surprise on Wednesday night when I opened the present from two of my best friends, Megan and Ciara to find a wireless modem box, which left me searching for any private joke about bad internet that might have led to them buying this for me and describing it as 'the best present ever'! They soon revealed that I needed to open the box and after attacking the sellotape with a knife I managed to get in, screaming and shaking when I found a ticket to see 'the love of my life' Jack Whitehall. Megan told me of how they had been scheming with my Mum to check I was free and I felt very proud of Ciara, who cannot be subtle to save her life for keeping it a complete secret.
As if I wasn't shocked enough by that, I was then hit by the massive shock that was Friday night! I was told that we had a table booked for the blue strawberry at 8.15 so I needed to get glammed up for orchestra so we could come home, pick up the boys and go. The lies were so convincing. My best friends Heather and Cat both told me they had plans with some of their friends that night and my Granddad said he had to leave early because he was feeling ill.
The moment I walked into my house and my friends jumped out shouting surprise is all a bit of a blur. I remember looking up and seeing my friend Charli and thinking 'what are you doing here?' then slowly realising that the room was filled with all of my best friends. Everyone was looking at me and I really didn't know what to say, I turned round to my mum with an accusing, 'what have you done' look, then I just started crying. It's all very cheesy and since that moment I have been incredibly emotional, crying at the thought of it, but it's an amazing feeling knowing that you have so many people in your life that want to make you happy. Lots of people have said to me this week 'I hope you have a good birthday because you truly deserve it'. I have no idea what I've done to deserve it but these people have made my birthday the best ever and they have made my life so far amazing.
Although my mum was very very worried that I would be crying for the wrong reason rather than endless happy tears. All week I have been saying how much I hate liars and although it is quite funny to think about me walking in and breaking down screaming, 'I can't trust anyone, why does everyone lie', that would have been disastrous. I didn't though and I've definitely been shown that even liars can be lovely.
Even though my birthday is now over I'm looking forward to a fantastic year spent with the very best friends in the world and my fabulous family. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special and being fantastic liars. It meant so much that everyone made such a massive effort from the boy who never goes to parties but came to mine; my awkward best friend who puts up with my constant embarrassing; my superstar cocktail waiter brother; the girl who I've been told nearly slipped up on many occasions but still kept it secret to the boy who put up with my unnecessary overreaction and all of you other schemers!
I'm a very lucky adult (although still 7 inside!)
Katy xxxxxx
This week was my 18th birthday and I've been so excited about it, with a meal planned with some of my friends on Wednesday, a family meal at posh restaurant 'The Blue Strawberry' on Friday and a meal at TGIs with my 4 best friends on Saturday afternoon. Those plans included a large calorie count but a lovely way to celebrate my birthday! However, I was completely unaware that my friends and family had other plans of how I was to spend my Friday night!
I had already had one major surprise on Wednesday night when I opened the present from two of my best friends, Megan and Ciara to find a wireless modem box, which left me searching for any private joke about bad internet that might have led to them buying this for me and describing it as 'the best present ever'! They soon revealed that I needed to open the box and after attacking the sellotape with a knife I managed to get in, screaming and shaking when I found a ticket to see 'the love of my life' Jack Whitehall. Megan told me of how they had been scheming with my Mum to check I was free and I felt very proud of Ciara, who cannot be subtle to save her life for keeping it a complete secret.
As if I wasn't shocked enough by that, I was then hit by the massive shock that was Friday night! I was told that we had a table booked for the blue strawberry at 8.15 so I needed to get glammed up for orchestra so we could come home, pick up the boys and go. The lies were so convincing. My best friends Heather and Cat both told me they had plans with some of their friends that night and my Granddad said he had to leave early because he was feeling ill.
The moment I walked into my house and my friends jumped out shouting surprise is all a bit of a blur. I remember looking up and seeing my friend Charli and thinking 'what are you doing here?' then slowly realising that the room was filled with all of my best friends. Everyone was looking at me and I really didn't know what to say, I turned round to my mum with an accusing, 'what have you done' look, then I just started crying. It's all very cheesy and since that moment I have been incredibly emotional, crying at the thought of it, but it's an amazing feeling knowing that you have so many people in your life that want to make you happy. Lots of people have said to me this week 'I hope you have a good birthday because you truly deserve it'. I have no idea what I've done to deserve it but these people have made my birthday the best ever and they have made my life so far amazing.
Although my mum was very very worried that I would be crying for the wrong reason rather than endless happy tears. All week I have been saying how much I hate liars and although it is quite funny to think about me walking in and breaking down screaming, 'I can't trust anyone, why does everyone lie', that would have been disastrous. I didn't though and I've definitely been shown that even liars can be lovely.
Even though my birthday is now over I'm looking forward to a fantastic year spent with the very best friends in the world and my fabulous family. Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special and being fantastic liars. It meant so much that everyone made such a massive effort from the boy who never goes to parties but came to mine; my awkward best friend who puts up with my constant embarrassing; my superstar cocktail waiter brother; the girl who I've been told nearly slipped up on many occasions but still kept it secret to the boy who put up with my unnecessary overreaction and all of you other schemers!
I'm a very lucky adult (although still 7 inside!)
Katy xxxxxx
Saturday, 14 January 2012
First Impressions
Everyone says 'Don't judge a book by its cover' and I am starting to see the truth behind that saying. Whether you're referring to an actual book, a person or even a University, your first impression doesn't necessarily count for much!
Unfortunately, you don't always get the opportunity to change someone's first impression of you, which I'm beginning to find slightly worrying as I have recently discovered that a lot of people, usually male, take a little while to really 'get me'. Many people would describe me as quite talkative and my inability to tame the chatty, excitable Katy often leads to me sounding rather ditzy.I've recently been told by a few people that Jess (played by Zooey Deschanel)in New Girl, is 'just like me'. I take this as a massive compliment because New Girl is my new favourite TV show and I think Jess is lovely but she's not exactly a character that people would desire to be like. I really see the resemblance though and the way people react to her on first meeting is reminiscent of the way many people look at me on many occasions.
I don't blame anyone for having a negative first impression of me though because I don't think it means anything in the end. If you think about the first thing you thought of people who you're friends with now then they'll probably be very different to what you think now. When I was in year 9 I sat on an English table with 4 boys and only one girl. This girl seemed lovely and very intelligent but I remember thinking to myself that it was unlikely that we'd ever be close friends because 'she was too quiet for me'. That is a ridiculous thought and surprise, surprise completely untrue. That girl is now one of my best friends, a friend for life and certainly the person who I shared the best and funniest memories of school with.
Its not only people that you have first impressions of. I have changed my mind about which university I want to go to about 10 times. Although I'm not retracting the advice I gave in one of my previous blogs about what to base your University decision on when visiting on an open day, I would like to add that you need to be open minded that things might change. I received a rejection from the uni that was my top choice at the time I applied, however I soon found a new favourite, which then changed and has now changed again. I have visited my two most recent favourites twice now and they became my favourite after the second visit so what I'm trying to say is that first impressions are unreliable and we all need to become open to developing our thoughts on a person or a place or whatever we are faced with. If we didn't then we'd probably end up unhappy and alone, so I'm no longer relying on first impressions because that's not something I want.
Unfortunately, you don't always get the opportunity to change someone's first impression of you, which I'm beginning to find slightly worrying as I have recently discovered that a lot of people, usually male, take a little while to really 'get me'. Many people would describe me as quite talkative and my inability to tame the chatty, excitable Katy often leads to me sounding rather ditzy.I've recently been told by a few people that Jess (played by Zooey Deschanel)in New Girl, is 'just like me'. I take this as a massive compliment because New Girl is my new favourite TV show and I think Jess is lovely but she's not exactly a character that people would desire to be like. I really see the resemblance though and the way people react to her on first meeting is reminiscent of the way many people look at me on many occasions.
I don't blame anyone for having a negative first impression of me though because I don't think it means anything in the end. If you think about the first thing you thought of people who you're friends with now then they'll probably be very different to what you think now. When I was in year 9 I sat on an English table with 4 boys and only one girl. This girl seemed lovely and very intelligent but I remember thinking to myself that it was unlikely that we'd ever be close friends because 'she was too quiet for me'. That is a ridiculous thought and surprise, surprise completely untrue. That girl is now one of my best friends, a friend for life and certainly the person who I shared the best and funniest memories of school with.
Its not only people that you have first impressions of. I have changed my mind about which university I want to go to about 10 times. Although I'm not retracting the advice I gave in one of my previous blogs about what to base your University decision on when visiting on an open day, I would like to add that you need to be open minded that things might change. I received a rejection from the uni that was my top choice at the time I applied, however I soon found a new favourite, which then changed and has now changed again. I have visited my two most recent favourites twice now and they became my favourite after the second visit so what I'm trying to say is that first impressions are unreliable and we all need to become open to developing our thoughts on a person or a place or whatever we are faced with. If we didn't then we'd probably end up unhappy and alone, so I'm no longer relying on first impressions because that's not something I want.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Class of 2012
I didn't cry at my end of year 11 assembly.
I must have been 1 of about 10 out of over 200 students who didn't, I've never felt so unsatisfied. It was a sad assembly but I knew that the majority of us would be back at the same school for sixth form. What a time to gain a realistic mind! I wouldn't usually complain about not crying but when your whole year group are walking around hugging each other and blubbing "We have to keep in touch" you feel a bit left out. Plus, an awful repercussion of not crying on the day is that I got it all a month later while watching the video of our Head of Year's goodbye speech!
I don't think I felt like I was a big part of my year group then either. I'd always thought I was someone everyone knew. Not because I was mega popular or mega uncool or anything, but I just assumed everyone knew who I was. They didn't, I just spent a lot of time in the music department so the majority of people probably just knew me as 'that girl that has a pink music case of some sort'(for anyone that ever wondered and still doesn't know, it's a violin).
I feel very differently now. I'm still not someone who every single person in my year will know, but I'm not so sure that's a bad thing any more. I am so much more connected with my year group though and that's what's important. This year, I get to help organise loads of events and various other stuff for college with some really great people, some who I may have never even have spoken to if we hadn't have decided to get involved.
Everyone always says that no one cries at the year 13 leaving assembly but I think I probably will do. All it took was one look at the year 13 photo for me to start crying the other day so I feel like it's inevitable. There are only a handful of people who I can honestly say I wouldn't be able to tell you a single memory from my time at school with them and unfortunately I can't be so nonchalant about leaving this time because how many adults do you know that still see all of their school friends?
So even though it's not until May. Dear member of my year group, If you don't know who I am, I'll be the one blubbing in the corner.
Katy xxx
I must have been 1 of about 10 out of over 200 students who didn't, I've never felt so unsatisfied. It was a sad assembly but I knew that the majority of us would be back at the same school for sixth form. What a time to gain a realistic mind! I wouldn't usually complain about not crying but when your whole year group are walking around hugging each other and blubbing "We have to keep in touch" you feel a bit left out. Plus, an awful repercussion of not crying on the day is that I got it all a month later while watching the video of our Head of Year's goodbye speech!
I don't think I felt like I was a big part of my year group then either. I'd always thought I was someone everyone knew. Not because I was mega popular or mega uncool or anything, but I just assumed everyone knew who I was. They didn't, I just spent a lot of time in the music department so the majority of people probably just knew me as 'that girl that has a pink music case of some sort'(for anyone that ever wondered and still doesn't know, it's a violin).
I feel very differently now. I'm still not someone who every single person in my year will know, but I'm not so sure that's a bad thing any more. I am so much more connected with my year group though and that's what's important. This year, I get to help organise loads of events and various other stuff for college with some really great people, some who I may have never even have spoken to if we hadn't have decided to get involved.
Everyone always says that no one cries at the year 13 leaving assembly but I think I probably will do. All it took was one look at the year 13 photo for me to start crying the other day so I feel like it's inevitable. There are only a handful of people who I can honestly say I wouldn't be able to tell you a single memory from my time at school with them and unfortunately I can't be so nonchalant about leaving this time because how many adults do you know that still see all of their school friends?
So even though it's not until May. Dear member of my year group, If you don't know who I am, I'll be the one blubbing in the corner.
Katy xxx
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