The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) announced the hosts of the nomination ceremony for the Critics' Choice Awards(TM)*: Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz. Unfortunately, it seems that the BFCA did not get the memo that At the Movies has lost 23% of its viewers under their helm, so hopefully they are not too keen on ratings.
The choice of critics seems to go along with the choice of venue--MTV Network studios on Times Square--in suggesting that they think they are making the awards more 'hip' and relevant. What's the matter, BFCA, Carson Daly and Ryan Seacrest weren't available?
Who is the BFCA? According to their Web site:
The Broadcast Film Critics Association is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing 199 television, radio and online critics. Our collective membership is the primary source of information for today's entertainment consumers. The very first opinion a moviegoer hears about new releases at the multiplex or the art house usually comes from one of our members.Unfortunately, for some people, the "very first opinion" they hear about a movie is from Ben Lyons, who is not only a host, he's also a member. I have a suspicion that he may need to be disqualified because, apparently, the BFCA has standards:
Our standards: All film reviews represent the unique and honest opinion of the authoring member. Any attempt to influence a review beyond providing information is a violation of BFCA standards. 'Quotes' may only be provided from reviews that have been, will be or are intended to be broadcast or printed, and cannot be altered in any way without the expressed permission of the reviewer.
These are fine standards, I only wonder if the BFCA is aware of Ben Lyons's review of I Am Legend. Either it is not the "honest opinion" of the critic, or it has been, "influenced" by the producers. Or, Ben Lyons is not a serious film critic. Either way, I think Lyons is disqualified from membership--although not necessarily from hosting the nominations. But I do suspect that BFCA members were not given their say in deciding who should be the host.As for the awards ceremony itself, the BFCA claims:
The "Critics' Choice Awards" is always a hot ticket event for entertainment A-listers. Attending the show in 2007 was a who's who of Hollywood including: Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Forest Whitaker, Helen Mirren, Alan Arkin, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Ryan Gosling, Kate Winslet, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Penelope Cruz, Spike Lee, Jessica Biel, Sacha Baron Cohen and Dakota Fanning.
Look out, Dakota Fanning! Here comes Ben Lyons with his camera!
* I do not know whether I need to add the (TM), but they have it all over the press release so I guess I am obligated.
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1 comment:
What a laugh.
Ben Lyons should be working behind the counter of a 7/11, making slurpies and hitting on mall rat teenage girls. In a perfect world, that's exactly what he would be doing.
Also in this perfect world, the case of The Hills would be working the cashiers at Old Navy, Paris Hilton would be a strip club dancer and Britney would be a cruise ship entertainer.
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