To Dos Day - Premios Dardos Edition

___ Item 1: DARDOS!
I've not been sure whether I would continue doing these weekly "To Dos Lists" but when, this past week, a few folks mentioned that they liked and missed them, I figured I should get on with them again. In fairly short order, I had all kinds of ideas about things to include. My choice of the film for this month over at Film of the Month Club, for one. And the astonishing hilarity of Carrie Fisher doing whatever it is that she does so brilliantly over at her new blog, for another. I thought about reaffirming my promise to finally pay attention to Ann Blyth in Mildred Pierce. I considered teasing my upcoming summary of the 2008 Supporting Actresses as part of the LAMB Devours the Oscars series. So many options, really. But then Stacia of She Blogged By Night tagged me with what I think is my first "award" -- the Premios Dardos. (Recognizing "cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.") And part of receiving a "Dardo" is giving five more away. So without further ado, I dispatch another batch of Premios Dardos to five bloggers I adore, whose work reliably astounds me, and whose distinctive contributions to bloglandia deserve as much notice as possible.

___ Item 2: A BLOG NEXT DOOR.
mB's prolific diligence in posting items to A Blog Next Door adds reliably astute, often hilarious and surprisingly sweet insight to the movie blogosphere. Regular features (like the consistently brilliant "How Everything I Know I Learnt from Animation") combine with smart, succinct reviews and zingy commentary to make A Blog Next Door one of the most refreshing stops along the well-traveled posting paths worn by awards-obsessed movie bloggers.. I'm especially enthralled by (and envious of) mB's newest feature ("Academic Oscars") wherein this lit-theorist-by-day wreaks academented havoc on the various rosters of nominees in this year's Oscar race. A crushworthy blog, if ever there was such a thing.

___ Item 3: DOG PARK DEITIES.
My pal Auntie Jan recently started Dog Park Deities as a platform for her to share sketches and episodes for a still evolving fiction project about a collection of eccentrics who gather around Phoebe and her dog, God. Auntie Jan's prose offers poignant hilarities at every turn and I find her choice to practice her prose-dancing in public to be awesomely generous and truly inspiring. For me, Dog Park Deities is like the blog-equivalent favorite neighborhood friend, that one person in your 'hood you sorta hope to catch in their garden or checking their mailbox. The visits are rarely more than brief, but each encounter is dependably sustaining.

___ Item 4: CINE LATINO EN NUEVA YORK.
Not only does Christian del Moral's Cine Latino en Nueva York give me the excellent (and necessary) opportunity to practice my creaky Spanish, but the tags and flags he gives to films en español consistently challenges my easy anglocentrism. You don't read Spanish too good? So what!? Just pretend that you do -- it's easier that way, really -- and you'll be surprised the discoveries that Cine Latino en Nueva York leads you to.

___ Item 5: THE OSCAR COMPLETIST.
One of my blogging heroes, Adam of The Oscar Completist watches more movies of more variety than sometimes seems humanly possible. What's more -- in addition to being a full-time college student with an active social life and a regular gig writing reviews for a local paper -- Adam writes some of the most efficient, succinct and vivid capsule reviews available on the web. Always smart, usually surprising, often scathing -- The Oscar Completist is one of only filmblogs I race to visit anytime my RSS reader registers a new post. Adam's not much for "comment-culture" and doesn't seem to much care whether folks agree with him or not (and I often don't). The Oscar Completist is his space to do -- to watch, to think, to write -- the work of studying film. And I, for one, am simply glad that Adam shares that space, and his work, with us.

___ Item 6: SCOTT TOPICS.
You heard it here first: A few months from now, Scott Topics is very likely going to be the blog that everyone knows/links/references. Haven't heard of it? You will now. It's the on-line headquarters of pioneering journalist (founding editor of VIBE magazine), fiction author (novel out this year) and cultural commentator (you remember him from that mid90s VH1 roundtable show) Scott Poulson-Bryant. At Scott Topics, Scott brings his distinct collection of abilities -- and connections -- to a delightfully intelligent rotation of weekly features, each of which stands as a top-shelf example of how cultural commentary can (and probably should) be done. Sure, I may be biased because I've known, adored and admired Scott for more than 20 years but I have to say that his choice to blog so creatively, so seriously and so professionally is one of the best things that's happened to my online life this past year. So: be on the avant of the cultural curve -- join the conversation at Scott Topics today...

So do check 'em out, lovely reader. You won't be sorry.
And share the links to your personal "dardos" in comments...

To Dos Day - Supporting Actress Blogathon Edition

Item #1: SCREEN NATHANIEL'S FABULOUS TEASER FOR THE SUPPORTING ACTRESS BLOGATHON (1.4.09).
Nathaniel has constructed the most delicious video swirl of 2008's Supporting Actressness to whet your appetite for this weekend's Supporting Actress Blogathon. Watch it. Watch it again. And then....

Item #2: PREPARE YOUR POST FOR THE SUPPORTING ACTRESS BLOGATHON.
StinkyLulu's 3rd Annual Supporting Actress Blogathon - The Class of 2008 will be happening in a mere five days. And posts are already beginning to stream in. I do hope that each and every one of you lovely readers are contemplating which of 2008's actresses at the edge have most earned your appreciation and affection and are preparing your entry so that you can...

Item #3: SEND YOUR POST NO LATER THAN THE CRACK OF DAWN ON SUNDAY (1.4.09).
The deadline is simple: email the link for your post to me, no later than the crack of dawn (your time) on the Sunday of the blogathon. (I will, of course, be adding posts throughout the day but it will really help me to have as many as possible as soon as possible.) You do NOT need to confirm your participation with me prior to sending your post. Likewise, you do NOT need to "sign up" to cover this or that performer. You also are NOT limited to one post in the blogathon. I only ask that you limit yourself to profiling one performance in each post. The event is really a "more the merrier" sort of fandango, and remember too to...

Item #4: USE THIS OPPORTUNITY PROMOTE YOUR FAVORITE BIT OF SUPPORTING ACTRESSNESS IN 2008, NO MATTER THE "QUALITY" OF THE FILM OR THE USUAL FOCUS OF YOUR BLOG.
One of the most fun parts of the blogathon each year is seeing the range of performances highlighted by such a diverse crew of web writers. So, again, please do not feel limited to profiling "contender" performances or only top-shelf performers. This is our chance to hear about great actressing in all genres and from all corners of the cinematic landscape. So, please feel free to shock us or surprise us or challenge us or amuse us with your pick of a truly noteworthy bit of actressing at the edges. And remember too that all web writers are welcome to this blog party, no matter the usual focus of your blog. We just want to see you there! Still uncertain? Just...

Item #5: PEEK AT "THE CLASS OF 2006" and "THE CLASS OF 2007" BLOGATHONS FOR INSPIRATION.
One of the delights of hosting a blogathon is that, for all the "rules" or "guidelines" you put out there, there really are no rules and the only guidelines that end up mattering are those that folks choose to follow. As proof I refer you to our two previous adventures: The Class of 2007 and The Class of 2006. Anything goes; it's up to you.

Item #6: JOIN THE FUN IN CELEBRATING "THE CLASS OF 2008" BY POSTING, LINKING TO AND COMMENTING ON THE 3rd ANNUAL SUPPORTING ACTRESS BLOGATHON.
Even if you don't plan to participate by posting in the blogathon (and, really, lovely reader, why on earth wouldn't you), I do hope you'll consider beating the drum and spreading the word about the event. Use one of my handy little promo graphics (poster, panel, button). Embed Nathaniel's video. Comment promiscuously on the blogathon posts. But please do consider spreading the word however feels right to you. (Forgive me, but I've got an especially bad case of hostess panic -- it's so early this year, so close to New Year's, people will forget and nobody'll post, blah blah blah.) Nonetheless, I ask your help in promoting the Blogathon -- all through this week and into next. It's a great way to ring a fabulous new year of actressing at the edges!

What do you think, lovelies?

Will we see you there?
RSVP in comments.
But do keep "your date" (ie. who you'll be posting on) a secret...
We love the surprises...

To Dos Day - "StinkyLulu Weighs in on the 2008 Supporting Actress Race" Edition

Nathaniel of The Film Experience recently updated his 2008 prediction page for the category of Supporting Actress. As he did, he also posed some questions for discussion regarding this year in Supporting Actressness on his blog. And rather than inadvertently hijacking his comment thread, I thought it more appropriate to offer my fairly elaborate thoughts over here. Indeed, each of Nathaniel's queries poses its own especial challenge. So, I've elected take each of Nathaniel's questions in turn in this special Supporting Actress 2008 edition of To Dos Day.

Item #1: CONTEMPLATE WHETHER PENÉLOPE'S A SURE BET FOR EITHER THE NOMINATION &/OR THE WIN.
I do think LaCruz is still the one to beat. The Academy has a long history of using the category of Supporting Actress to express their ambivalent affections toward the Woodster. Plus, Penélope's work in Vicky Christina Barcelona bears all the hallmarks of a classic Supporting Actress nomination from a Woody Allen film (a blast of energy, a showy emotional scene or two, shocking charisma from the actress herself, a dash of darkness at the edges of a mostly comic/romantic center). Even separate from the Allenesque aspects, I do think that, among the likely contenders, Cruz might appear to be "due" for recognition from the golden boy. As such, all things considered, I'm yet inclined to think that Cruz's early advantage in this field will likely still hold -- for the nomination, certainly, and probably for the win as well.

Item #2: ASSESS THE "BUZZ" THAT INSISTS THE SUPPORTING ACTRESS CATEGORY IS ALREADY LOCKED DOWN.
The emerging "conventional wisdom" seems to have already boiled the list of contenders for Supporting Actress down to a fairly tight field. According to Nathaniel, this "groupthink" is fairly sure that nominations will go to Penelope Cruz, Taraji P. Henson, Kate Winslet, Rosemarie DeWitt and Viola Davis (with Maria Tomei, or Kathy Bates, as the wild card). I'm fairly convinced that Cruz is a lock and a snub for Davis would, at this point, be fairly shocking. Beyond that, I'd only put actual dollars on Winslet. As worthy and adored as she is, I suspect Henson's fates will rise (or, perhaps more likely, fall) with those of Benjamin Button. And, as counterintuitive as it might sound, I suspect that the more love the nominators show Rachel Getting Married, the more likely it is that DeWitt will be neglected; if, however, they nominate the film in only one or two categories, I suspect DeWitt will make that shorter list. As for Tomei or Bates (or even Blanchett), I suspect that there might be enough newbies this year to keep the beloved perennials from taking root -- unless of course (a) one of the vets has a simply knockout role and (b) Winslet falls out of contention for some unforeseeable reason. In short, I think we are where we usually are right about now: two fairly solid contenders, with a nearly certain third, and the remaining two almost entirely contingent on the vicissitudes of the next six weeks. (Consider the 2007 field according to this logic: Blanchett was the frontrunner ala Cruz, with Swinton in the Davis slot and Ronan in the "entirely likely" third position. But the last two slots were fairly wide open, as Amy Ryan materialized via the critic's awards and Ruby Dee sorta came out of nowhere.)

Item #3: MEDITATE ON WHO MIGHT BE FLOATING JUST BELOW THE RADAR.
I don't know if I could tell you. I'm generally so bad at this. But here goes: I do think it's entirely possible that Slumdog Millionaire's Freida Pinto might emerge as a surprise presence in this field this year. Same goes for Sophie Okenedo from The Secret Life of Bees. Both are the (very different) kinds of roles, but precisely the sort for which voters swoon in this category (at least historically). As for some of the early names, I don't know that the women of Elegy (I'm thinking Clarkson and Cruz) will be really in the mix unless that film gains some momentum pronto. Likewise, nomination chances for the women of Synecdoche, New York seem to be diminishing as quickly as that film disappears from theatres. But when all is said and done, it all returns to Beyonce Knowles -- if she's nominated for her performance in Cadillac Records, it will be -- simultaneously -- utterly shocking and completely unsurprising.

Item #4: RUMINATE OVER WHO'S ESPECIALLY RIPE FOR A BOOST FROM THE CRITICS.
If Rosemarie DeWitt starts gathering critic's awards, scratch everything else I say about her (above and below) in this post. But I don' t think she'll be quite the contender (see above and below) that many are presuming right now. I suspect the performance that would be most helped by some precursor attention would be Elsa Zilberstein in I've Loved You So Long. Without such attention, Zilberstein will likely fall from contention but, with it, her chances escalate enormously. Same, too, could also be true for The Visitor's Hiam Abbass, but Zilberstein could become this year's Aghdashloo with some love from the more boutique awards. That said, the critics might (however ironically) also be Debra Winger's way to really enter this race.

Item #5: PONDER THE POSSIBILITY OF RACHEL REALLY STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT FROM KYM.
This is one of Nathaniel's especially pungent hypotheticals. The premise: Rosemarie DeWitt will snag a nomination while the Academy "once again" overlooks Anne Hathaway. As precedent for such a scenario, Nathaniel offers Mare Winningham's nomination for Georgia. As for me, I'm not sure I buy the comparison, for a couple of reasons. First off, in Georgia, Mare sang pretty songs while Jennifer offered gruesome shrieks. Winningham's Georgia was pleasant while Leight's Sadie was unpleasant. I'm not sure the distinction is so clear between DeWitt's Rachel and Hathaway's Kym. (Indeed, my pet theory about why Rachel Getting Married is so polarizing derives from the film's mistaken presumption that most members of the audience will strongly identify with either or both sisters; for those who don't, however, DeWitt's Rachel seems to be even more annoying than Hathaway's Kym.) That said, I'm not sure I see them both receiving nominations but -- note this -- I suspect DeWitt has a better chance of being snubbed (especially if Zilberstein starts edging into the field).

Item #6: ASK WHETHER THE CUTEST NUN IS THE MOST FAVORED LONGSHOT.
It does seem that a really cute red-headed nun might turn this hermetic world upside down as well. But so too might any number of other remarkable Supporting Actresses from 2008. Which is my way of inserting an unsubtle reminder/plug for the 3rd Annual Supporting Actress Blogathon - Class of 2008, which is barely a month away. I trust you've all identified who you plan to write about? I certainly hope so. If not, perhaps this post will start your "For Your Consideration" juices flowing. And, lovely reader, do tell me what I've missed as I've crafted these prognosticatory ruminations. Who did I leave out? Who should I have left behind? I'm sure you've got plenty to add so I hope you'll do so, either here or in comments over at The Film Experience.

What do you think, lovelies?
Share your opinions on 2008's Supporting Actressness in comments.

To Dos Day - Giving Thanks Edition

___ Item 1: BASK IN THE GLOW OF 1969 FOR A LITTLE BIT LONGER.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, the final profile for 1969 (the hotly anticipated performance by Catherine Burns) will be delayed. So, too, will 1969's Smackdown. The remaining 1969 festivities will continue through next week and the 1969 Smackdown will be published on Sunday, December 7.

___ Item 2: BE GLAD FOR THE LUSH POSSIBILITIES OF 1945.
Though I know it wasn't everyone's choice (hi Alex!), StinkyLulu's pleased to confirm that 1945 will provide the focus of our final month of Supporting Actress Sundays for 2008. And there are still openings on the panel if you happen to be as intrigued by 1945 as I. If you have a blog (or other web presence), are willing to re/screen the five nominated performances, and would like to join the Smackdown panel, just holler and we'll get you signed up.

___ Item 3: APPRECIATE THE ADVENTURES ON THE HORIZON.
Like the Supporting Actress Blogathon - January 4, 2009. Not to mention the Day of Appreciation for The Boys in the Band on December 15. And whatever other exciting events loom. (Remind us all of everything upcoming in comments, if you can.)

___ Item 4: ACKNOWLEDGE THE WONDERMENT THAT WAS PLANET FABULON.
A sad moment in bloglandia, indeed, but we are all the better for having been visited by the denizens of Planet Fabulon!

___ Item 5: BE THANKFUL FOR A WEEKEND OF MOVIE FABULOUSNESS.
It's one of the most exciting movie weekends of the year for Oscarphiles -- the weekend that truly inaugurates prestige season. MrStinky is stealing me away for a weekend of fabulousness in a city chock full of great movie options. (Not that the ABQ doesn't keep me busy but, well, you know...) I'm somewhat stunned that I've already got tickets to see this movie at this theatre. The mere thought is nearly enough to cause me to crumple into a little ball of sissy delight. That, plus I'm hoping to snag screenings of several other films (A, B, C, D) which have not yet hit the provinces. Of course, I hope spend some good time with MrStinky's family and a Stinky pal or two. Between screenings, o'course. Yay. Yay. A gazillion times Yay.

___ Item 6: BE GRATEFUL.
For those in your life who help brighten your days. And so I thank you, lovely reader, for keeping me on track and making the little experiment that is StinkyLulu so consistently gratifying, week in and week out. Be well, dear ones, and make room for the joy (or a little extra supporting actressness) this weekend.

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: CHECK OUT.
The most recent entry in Nathaniel & Nick & Goatdog's amazing project, Best Pictures from the Outside In. This one -- comparing Gone with the Wind and The English Patient -- is especially rich.

___ Item 2: BEHOLD.
The astonishing fabulousity of Kristen Scott Thomas via her most passionate acolyte, ModFab.

___ Item 3: SMACKDOWN WITH US.
The Smackdown for 1969 is soon upon us (November 30) and I've still got a few slots open on the panel. If you are interested (and can lay your hands on the relatively obscure Last Summer), please gimme a holler and we'll sign you up.

___ Item 4: CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE OF SUPPORTING ACTRESSNESS.
Please please please do help me spread the word about the upcoming Supporting Actress Blogathon. I'm a little paranoid that the event'll float under the radar given it's early date of January 4, 2009. (I'm running it so early to maintain the fantasy that someone with a nominating ballot might see y'all's insightful suggestion, etcetera etcetera.) But please do consider promoting the event on your blog if you are so inclined. And, of course, please start planning your entry/entries for the big day!

___ Item 5: OK - I KNOW I'M CRAZY BUT.
I've decided to start StinkyLulu's monthly "Women on the Verge" Film Club in the new year. Why? Because I want to prime the pump a little with a Day of Appreciation for the newly remastered Boys in the Band. So, mark your calendars, girls: Monday, December 15 is StinkyLulu's Day of Appreciation for Boys in the Band. Rearrange your queues and prep your posts for what is sure to be a fabulous day devoted to an important -- if problematic -- part of our homo cinematic heritage.

___ Item 6: WISH IT.
Today's MrStinky's birthday. And I'm a total slacker. Flowers and movie. That's it. But I am at a loss as to what else to do (especially given the fact that I have little in the way of extra cash to toss around). So I turn to you, lovely reader: what do you think I should I do to celebrate the amazingness of MrStinky on this, his special day?

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: POW.
Philip Toledano's amazing installation, America The Gift Shop. Just. Wow. (via Andrew Sullivan)

___ Item 2: OMG.
The Oscar Completist takes on High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

___ Item 3: EEK.
Fabulon shares the scariest thing I've seen in a long time. Followed by the prettiest.

___ Item 4: AHH.
And Your Little Blog Too reminds us that nothing's so much fun as A Barrel of Bitches.

___ Item 5: HMM.
Who looks fabu in a red turban? I wonder...

___ Item 6: OOH.
A couple announcements: I've decided to start the Women on the Verge Monthlies series in November; I'll soon decide on the date, though I haven't quite yet decided whether to pick the film via vote or not. November will also bring a month of Supporting Actress Sundays devoted to 1969, starting this coming Sunday with Goldie Hawn, of all people. (The Smackdown panel for 1969 is wide open; holler if you're innersted but remember the Smackdown's on Thanksgiving weekend.) Piper Laurie will pop up over the next couple days and Celebrity Rehab will continue on Fridays. Look for the 3rd Annual Supporting Actress Blogathon poster in this space next week; in the meantime, save the date (January 4, 2009). I think that's about it. Whew. Any reminders or announcements from y'all? Give your shout-outs in comments.

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: CUTENESS ALERT!
A moment of zen courtesy of Kenneth in the 212.

___ Item 2: GET QUEERLY HISTORICAL.
An amazing venture launches this week: check it out.

___ Item 3: NO ON 8.
The California campaign is proving to be frighteningly snug. Do what you can to support this important measure, even/especially if -- like me -- you are far away. Consider praying, organizing or donating as you can. (One great donation destination is this one.) And, meanwhile, keep your relevant digits crossed.

___ Item 4: BE WARNED: CELEBRITY REHAB RETURNS.
A (mostly) new crew of Rehabitants will be wreaking havoc with my consciousness starting this week. I will be running recaplets (in much the same way as I did last year)...so be afraid, be very afraid. (This also means that, once again, my "5 Stinky Thoughts on Celebrity Rehab" will temporarily usurp Homo Heritage in StinkyLulu's Friday morning slot.)

___ Item 5: GET READY FOR SMACKDOWN'76.
It's that time again: The Smackdown for 1976 is this coming Sunday, with Brad, Adam, Matt, Alex, and Stacia bringing on the zingers for this month's Smackdown. It'll be rich, I'm sure. Now, repeat after me: Spurned wives, teen hookers and dirty pillows, oh my! Not excited yet? Check out this AMAZING teaser video featuring the ladies of 1976 courtesy of Alex... Very very exciting.

___ Item 6: NAME THE CLASS OF 2008.
Speaking of upcoming celebrations of Supporting Actressness, I was reminded this week that we're barely two months away from The Class of 2008 - Supporting Actress Blogathon, the third annual event in which I invite bloggers and web-writers of all stripes to celebrate the best actressing at the edges of the previous year. SO: Save the Date - January 4, 2008 - it's a great event and wouldn't be the same without YOU. But this is merely a preliminary vamp for the event. My official announcement comes in another two weeks (November 4) but, before then, I must build my promotional poster -- which means I need to identify 22 worthy contenders for spots in this year's roster of Best Supporting Actress. This is where you come in, lovely reader. I NEED your help in building this year's list of faces to feature on the poster. So: let your prognostications be known in comments. Remember, the blogathon will be your chance to celebrate any/all Supporting Actress performances. For the poster, I need a diverse list of viable contenders...

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: THERE'S A NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL JUST FOR "PEOPLE LIKE US"!
Thanks to Andres for creating this glorious diversion. Get lost in the delirious accumulation of legendary supporting actressness. Swoon. For reals. Swoon.

___ Item 2: PLAY CATCH-UP WITH STINKYLULU.
After several weeks of slacking, StinkyLulu's been busy over the last few. The long overdue profile of Vivien Merchant in Alfie finally hit, without delaying the on-time arrival of a write-up of Beatrice Straight in Network. A "Gratitude List" post about that 1964 Joan Crawford opus Strait-Jacket also hit the blog as part of Final Girl's Film Club on the same day that a profile of Lena Horne in Cabin in the Sky (1943) landed as part of Nathaniel's Movie of the Month. All this mere days after I developed a special "To Do List" entry as part of He-Shot-Cyrus's "Best of" Blogathon. (Not to mention a concomitant blast of posts over at StinkyBits.) Whew. I guess that means I'm officially back.

___ Item 3: NAMED SHE WHO WILL IN WEEK NOT THIS.
I used to love diagramming sentences. (I know, GEEK!) So, perhaps unsurprisingly, this just cracks me the f' up.

___ Item 4: REVEAL THIS.
Criticlasm's pal (and StinkyLulu's acquaintance) Alonso Duralde has worked another of his fabu gay film lists. This time it's a contemplation of the newish plot device of "the gay reveal"...innersting, very innersting.

___ Item 5: GET READY FOR 1976.
The Smackdown for 1976 is nearly booked, with Brad and Adam repping as old hands and Stacia and Alex jumping on as new voices. A slot or two nonetheless remains, so if you (a) find yourself willing and able to re/screen all five films and (b) you have a blog/website and (c) you'd like to pitch in as Smackdowner for 1976, shoot me an email and we'll get you hooked up. It'll be a goodie! Spurned wives, teen prostitutes and dirty pillows, oh my!

___ Item 6: CONTEMPLATE THE HORIZON OF SUPPORTING ACTRESSNESS.
Last week, I caught parts of an Oprah Winfrey episode promoting the upcoming film The Secret Life of Bees and was mildly shocked that it wasn't really on my radar, what with the three Supporting Actresses in it and all (Latifah, Hudson, and Okenedo). I must say the Oprah episode got me a little giddy -- 4 African American Supporting Actress nominees all on the same show at the same time -- 'twas absurdly exciting. (I fear that if Ruby or Alfre or Whoopi had popped in to say hey I might have just fainted.) But the spectacle got me to wondering: Are there other films floating near or below the radar which boast comparable rosters of formidable supporting actressness? Are there any other approaching projects (besides Doubt, natch) that are so rich with supporting actress potential? I've been out of the loop recently and could use some pointers. Share your hot tips (or fainting stories) in comments...

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day - Best of StinkyLulu Edition

This special Friday edition of "To Dos Day" (which normally publishes on Tuesday) is offered as part of the "My Best Post Blogathon" instigated by elgringo over at He Shot Cyrus. Be sure to check out the miscellaneous bests over there throughout the weekend and, while you're here, consider some of StinkyLulu's best.


___ Item 1: DEVOTE YOUR SUNDAYS TO THE BEST IN SUPPORTING ACTRESSNESS.
Perhaps the signature event here at StinkyLulu is a little devotional ceremony I conduct (most) every Sunday. For "Supporting Actress Sundays," I develop a detailed performance profile of a single nominated performance in the Academy Award category of Best Supporting Actress. In preparation, I screen the entire film, then I rescreen and time the performance itself, before passing through the performance a third time to capture screenshots. The result is a brief essay (long by blog standards) in which I offer a close reading of the actress, the role and the performance. It's my favorite thing to do here on StinkyLulu and, since March 2006, I've developed Supporting Actress Sunday profiles of more than 100 nominated performances. Among the best? Perhaps my writeup of 2007's Best Supporting Actress Tilda Swinton's performance in Michael Clayton. Or my discussion of the iconic yet controversial winning performance delivered by 1939's winner, Hattie McDaniel in Gone With The Wind. Or one of my own favorites, my workup of Maureen Stapleton's nominated twirl through 1978's Interiors. And, of course, I totally loved doing my profile of 2007 Razzie nominee Julia Ormond for that opus I Know Who Killed Me. I'm not sure that these are my "best" but they give a solid inkling as to what it is that I do here on StinkyLulu. (And if you want to delve into even more actressing at the edges, give a rummage through The Archive. Hours and hours of potential diversion.)

___ Item 2: GATHER FOR A SMACKDOWN.
My weekly Supporting Actress Sundays profiles are not developed at random. Indeed, most months I run a poll which invites readers to help select the subsequent month's roster of nominees for Supporting Actress Sundays. On the final Sunday of each month, a handful of Supporting Actress aficionados -- bloggers who have also (re)screened each of the five nominated performances -- toss their two bits in a virtual roundtable assessing the relative merits of each nominated performance. It's on often surprising hoot. Some of the best Smackdowns thus far? I think the Smackdown for 1990 ranks as one of the best ever, though I also really like what happened for 1950 and 1967 was pretty fun.

___ Item 3: EXPLORE YOUR HOMO HERITAGE.
One of my favorite StinkyLulu features (which 2 or 3 readers also like) is a little thing I call "Homo Heritage Fridays" in which I rummage through old gay rags to unearth fabulous bits of material culture that we never knew we wanted. Often these are of the "foundation garment" variety, or of the "urban lifestyle" theme, or expressions of actressexuality. My favorites are those moments capturing an entrepeneurial verve to tap into everygay's crafty side, or decorative gusto, or holiday spirit. But best of all are those gifts for the gay who has everything. "Homo Heritage Fridays" is a labor of love for me and I'm going to keep on keeping on with it, goshdarnit.

___ Item 4: CHECK INTO CELEBRITY REHAB.
This past winter, StinkyLulu took a little bit of a detour and did a weekly profile of a reality teevee program called "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew." As it turns out, StinkyLulu's weekly "5 Stinky Thoughts" proved to be one of the most popular features on this site, if we are to gauge such things by site traffic alone. I had a blast "doing" the series and plan to pick up again with season two. Some of my best installments? Episode 2 (when the basic formula of my write ups fell into focus) and Episode 8 (the "all Nurse Shelley all the time" episode).

___ Item 5: HOP ON THE BLOGATHON BUS.
As this post indicates, I love blogathons. I treat them like writing prompts, challenges even, to develop material according to the particular focus of the call. I've become a devoted participant in the ongoing "mini-blogathons" of Final Girl's Film Club and The Film Experience's Musical of the Month. But among some of my favorite blogathon inspired posts include my Supporting Actress Profile of Antonia Franceschi in 1980's Fame (for the Blog For Choice Blogathon). I also really liked doing my post on Querelle for the Queer Film Blogathon hosted by the dearly departed QTA, and my post for Bleeding Tree's Trashy Movie Blogathon on 1980's Crusing remains one of my most visited entries. And my summary posts on Precocious Supporting Actressness (for the Rugrats Blogathon) and on William Wyler's abiding devotion to Supporting Actressness have been exceedingly useful exercises. Obviously, I love blogathons and sometimes feel they bring out my best.

___ Item 6: THE BEST PART OF ALL.
Truly the best part of doing StinkyLulu has been getting to know a host of blogfriends (some of whom have become "real world" friends) from all walks of life, of every cultural/cinematic obsession, from all over the world. I've loved being a virtual hostess. I've taken great joy (and, at times, great strength) from the cyberfriendships forged here in StinkyLulu-land. So I'd like to close this little bit of self-reflection by posing an invitation: please do consider joining the fun here at StinkyLulu. Volunteer to be a Smackdowner! Contribute a post to the Annual Supporting Actress Blogathon! Comment, comment, comment! Or just say hi! It's true that everything I do on StinkyLulu I do because I'm obsessed, but it wouldn't be the same without you, lovely reader. So, thanks. Getting to know you has truly been the best thing StinkyLulu's done.

Did I miss anything, lovelies?

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: GO CLORIS!
Support the Supporting Actressness!

___ Item 2: BUY A BOOK.
By this guy, if possible. He's a nifty dude - generous, kind, hilarious. Spending the weekend on his first creative getaway was a real treat. (In one workshop, I started writing my first piece of fiction - can you believe it?)

___ Item 3: LEAVE A FRESH EUCALYPTUS SCENT.
MrStinky says I'm a sucker for marketers, but I hafta say that, like joe*to*hell, I'm sorely tempted by Just A Drop. After all, I'm always looking for a "new way to use the bathroom" -- aren't you?

___ Item 4: LISTEN TO SISTER ANNE.
She's got a strategy for dealing with my recurrent obsession: She Who Must Not Be Named. (For background, see this piece by Deepak.) Sister Anne's recommendations feel sane to me, somehow. (And if you want to actually do something right now, register your opinion quickly here.)

___ Item 5: GET READY FOR 1976.
Yay.

___ Item 6: CHOOSE "THE BEST OF" STINKYLULU.
He Shot Cyrus has a fascinating (and easy) blogathon challenge: choose your "best" post or two to share with blogathon readers. Seems a great way to get to introduce one's blog to a broader readership. (So y'all should just plan to do it, too.) Anyway, I have no idea what to pick. I've considered one post of which I am quite fond, but it was already for a blogathon, so I don't know if it's representative. So, I put the challenge to you, lovely reader: what posts do you think represent StinkyLulu's best? I'm not seeking praise, at least not entirely, but I am interested to hear your perspective on which posts have stood out to you? (I'll probably build a list of the top 6 or so...) Give your shout out in comments.

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day - Make A Wish Edition

___ Item 1: WISH ME HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
It's a big one come Saturday. Of course, I want lots of presents, but your continued kindness as I enter middle age will be welcome too.

___ Item 2: WISH FOR GOOD SURPRISES.
Exhibit A. (The twisted part? I so totally want me a box...)

___ Item 3: WISH FOR SOME PERSPECTIVE.
One or two comments on the current state of affairs.

___ Item 4: WISH ME LUCK.
I'm putting the finishing touches on a project that has stalked me for nearly a decade. And it's alllllllllllmost ooooooooover. Keep those digits crossed for me for the next two weeks. Please. Really. Please. I need all the moral support I can get at this point. Really. Please.

___ Item 5: WISH ME WELL.
I'm diving off into an adventure this weekend (to honor the milestones referenced in Items 1 and 4) and I'm sorta totally scared. It's long been my fantasy to do a writing retreat and off I go. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!

___ Item 6: WISH FOR SOMETHING REALLY GOOD FOR YOU.
What are you wishing for these days? Spill it, kids, in comments.

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: MEET MARTINIQUE.
The story of Martinique has provided me some of the most genuine delight and happiness I have known in this fairly grueling week. (Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou, "9 Year Old Nephew," for sharing the glorious Martinique with us!)

Via PrettyOnTheOutside

___ Item 2: GET DOWN WITH THE GIRLS.
The reliably amazing And Your Little Blog, Too tops himself with this fabulous video mashup. If you haven't seen it, you must. If you have already seen it, I think it's time for you to see it again. Click here for the fabulous fun.

___ Item 3: WHEN THE CRITTERS & THE GREENERY ATTACK.
Things were pretty creepy in Film Club land this weekend, what with Nathaniel's hosting the Musical of the Month on Little Shop of Horrors on Saturday and Final Girl making us watch the skeery, maggoty ratness of Food of the Gods. Be sure to peruse the creepiness...if you dare!

___ Item 4: TO BE OR NOT TO BE PSEUDONYMOUS.
There's a fascinating meditation on internet anonymity over at my new favorite blog, The Broad-Guage Gossip. (Thanks, SheepDog, for the hot tip!) Of course, now that I've decided it's my favorite new blog that can only mean that, in the space of the next few weeks, the blog will (a) shut down; (b) become a viral cliche; or (c) combust in some kind of nauseating scandal. (Any bets?) But, I guess, I'm feeling especially academented these days. Perhaps that's why the musings of Professor Beirce are so resonant for me. (But, then, I'm also adoring the intermittent ravings of Totally Not Crazy...especially this little bit of truth-telling.)

___ Item 5: OF BUNNY & BANANAS.
Criticlasm has just outdone himself this week with a simply gorgeous writeup on the new production of John Guare's The House of Blue Leaves at Los Angeles' Mark Taper Forum. Even if you don't know the play, and even if you don't like the theatre, you really shouldn't miss this excellent commentary.

___ Item 6: SUNDAYS A DAY OF REST?
Indeed, shocking as it may seem -- I am giving myself a breather for this month of what should be Supporting Actress Sundays. I'm freaking out a little about the fact that I'm not doing a new year this month but I keep reminding myself that this brief respite is a simple gesture designed to help preserve my delicate sanity. Your patience and support are well appreciated. (And, not to worry, the formidable presences of Wendy and Vivien will be making themselves finally felt in the coming weeks.)

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: BE HAPPY.
Like the folks here. (I have no idea why a simple gif gives me such glee.)

Via Kenneth in the 212.

___ Item 2: NYBLADE GETS MANHUNT OFF; MODFAB GOES OFF.
I love it when Gabriel of Modern Fabulousity fame lets it rip. And lately he's been letting it fly about all sorts of political topics. But, lovely reader, it's worth your while to take note of his elegantly composed poison pen letter to the New York Blade editorial board for their wrongheaded defense of that Manhunt founder who supports John McCain. In a mere three hundred words, Gabriel hits 'em everywhere it matters: on what defending the freedom of expression actually means; on how personal politics actually are; on the responsibilities of gay media; on the dimensions of diversity; on it all. In short, ModFab lays it down. Read it.

___ Item 3: TEAM MIDDENTO BLOGS SHORT FILMS.
StinkyPal Middento has begun a new semester and, with it, an excellent bit of cyber-generosity with The Short Films Blog, a collaborative undertaking among participants in one of his courses this semester. Already, the posts are fascinating, highlighting interesting short films in an interesting array of compositional styles. I'll be reading for the next few months. So should you.

___ Item 4: GUARANTEED GIGGLE #902.
Didja hear about the "eerie parallels" between McCain's VP nominee and that abandoned Goldie Hawn movie project? (Via Your Mom). For less hilarious -- but no less fascinating -- "actual" conspiracy theories, click here. (Via Beautiful Things for Questionable People.)

___ Item 5: A WORD OF WARNING.
A heads up. I may put "Supporting Actress Sundays" on a short hiatus for the month of September, to permit me to attend to other writing obligations (including, but not limited to, finishing up 1966). I'll make the decision before this coming Sunday, but I did want to let y'all know. If I do forego SAS for the month (which, honestly, seems more than likely), we'll hit 1969 in November as I want to hew to my original plan to devote October to a year that features a horror performance. (Voting will commence sometime in the next week or so). So apologies, lovely reader, if this shift in plans disorients or dismays or offends. A gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do. (And, please note, I won't be shutting up shop for the month -- I'll merely be giving myself a brief respite from the SAS treadmill.)

___ Item 6: "CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC - DANCE-ALONG EDITION?"
AfterElton recently posited a fairly lame list of movies ready for audience interactivity. Which makes me wonder: what film, lovely reader, would you suggest as ideal for such a sing-along -- or a dance-along, or a snark-along -- screening opportunity? Posit your proposals in comments.

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: BE HAPPY.
Today is the first day of a new academic year of teaching for me, so indulge me as I indulge myself with a list of things that make me happy today. Like my favorite freak of the moment, Cheroin.

___ Item 2: YAY FOR MATT MICHAM.
It's been 20 years since Greg Louganis competed in Seoul, a heartstopping and (we later learned) poignant triumph. And, once again, Olympic diving makes me cry. So to Matt Micham -- he of the cutest "wave to the camera" in sport. Just - YAY.

Via Modern Fabulousity

___ Item 3: HORNY PIG TROLLS HOT DANCER IN BATHHOUSE, CIRCA 1977.
I'm sure it happened many many times in cities around the globe, though likely never quite like this.

Via Fabulon

___ Item 4: GUARANTEED GIGGLE #826.
I'm an easy mark for silly cat videos. But this one? Cracked. Me. The. Ef. Up. I especially enjoy it when kitties swing from the chandeliers, or light fixtures...

Via MrStinky

___ Item 5: TASTE THE GRIT IN THAT HEDDA LETTUCE.
My favorite interview of the week. And I, too, agree that Sweetie and Korto were ROBBED!

Via Project Rungay.

___ Item 6: WHAT'S IN A STUNT ANYWAY.
An interesting bit of controversy emerged over my most recent Supporting Actress Sunday profile of Jocelyne LaGarde in Hawaii. The profile/nomination/performance raised the question for some: what's the line separating an acting stunt and a genuine performance? (My speculative theory is it all depends on whether the person performing the stunt is perceived to be a "real" actor before the stunt.) But the conversation compelsa me to wonder: what are your favorite acting stunts or incidents of stunt casting? And do you consider the work to be a legitimate performance? Or something else? Let it rip, with love, in comments. (And, btw, we'll be doing 1969 in September...)

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: CHECK OUT SCOTT TOPICS.
The newly revitalized bloghouse of the one and only Scott Poulson-Bryant, a brilliant writer/cultural commentator, longtime StinkyPal, and member of the Sophia Sisterhood. Click over, click often.

___ Item 2: "THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TOOK AWAY MY PAROLE."
In the coming week, I will be overwhelmed by periodic bouts of dread and sadness, I'm sure. I love my job, I do, but that doesn't mean I wanna go "Back To School".

___ Item 3: ENJOY THE SCENERY.
Peruse the visual pleasures of Querelle, courtesy of My New Plaid Pants. Attentive readers will recall my own obsession with this strange and twisted little hulk of homoerotic insanity. But 'tis always a delight to peruse.

___ Item 4: DIDJA HEAR THAT IT'S AN ELECTION YEAR?
Politics are poopy. But that doesn't mean that I'm not becoming fairly obsessed with the looking-glass-ness of it all. I've long felt that this year's contest -- for all its ostensibly historic potential in terms of race and gender and talk about extreme libruls -- has really been a contest between two stripes of corporate "conservatism." On the blue hand, we've got a model of corporate citizenship in which the corporation must look out for its interests but understands that workers, communities and the environment are part of its success. On the red hand, we've got a zero-sum game of greed and powerlust. For me, the distinctions are clear but I'm amazed that I'm getting so worked up about a candidate who, in 1980 lets say, would have seemed like a total right-winger. How the times have changed. Indeed, the most sensible voice I've heard about the whole shipoopie is that of Andrew Bacevich, a conservative, who was featured this past week on what is (surprisingly enough) truly one of my favorite tv shows, Bill Moyers Journal. (See also Bacevich's heart-stirring editorial on the Iraq war here.) Then, just to get your blood really boiling, enjoy either one of these two recent McCain videos, one is a mock-up for a totally true "attack" ad by some very smart yahoo who has nothing to do with the campaign (h/t) and the other is a quick survey of McCain's economic rhetoric/cluelessness assembled by some activist group (h/t). I'm in a place of cynical dread about the next several months of electioneering, about what the process will reveal about US culture, but I do yet cling to a sliver of -- yes -- hope.

___ Item 5: RE-VOTE FOR SEPTEMBER.
Speaking of cynical electioneering, some strange-ish vote-manipulations on the previous Supporting Actress poll caused me to reboot and refine the voting for September. The new-ish poll's now open and the race is on. Be sure to (re)cast your vote in the column at right or here.

___ Item 6: HMMMMMMMMM.
What's on your mind? Fall movies? Summer movies? Release-date shenanigans? Celesbian nuptials? Michael Phelps' Gold Medal Haltertop? Margaret Cho? Anna Faris? Hamlet 2? Death Races? Syllabi and Chapters and Deadlines, Oh My? Andrea Minguzzi? Naked Harry Potter? The fact that this year's college freshmen were born in 1990? If any of the above spinning thoughts are sorta freaking you out (as they are me), or if you've got new baubles for my nonsense necklace, please do spill the details about the things that make you go "HMMMM" in comments. My brain's dizzy it's so busy and would welcome some company!

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: BUY THIS BOOK.
An ambitious new novel by longtime StinkyPal David Ebershoff, The 19th Wife. (Listen to David on NPR here.)

___ Item 2: CAKE LOVE.
Cake is perhaps my favorite food. (Aside, o'course, from grilled cheese.) I also adore the sometimes appalling manifestations of an abundant creativity. All of which makes it a no-brainer that my new favorite site is Cake Wrecks. Be amazed, be very very amazed...

___ Item 3: BURN WITH ENVY.
Because someone -- I'm looking at you, And Your Little Blog, Too -- got to witness a special program of outtakes from The Night of the Hunter sponsored by the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Don't miss the amazing write-up by Vertigo's Psycho.

___ Item 4: COMMENT CRAZINESS
Reddish68's linkage to my Dark Knight rant has stirred some heated, interesting commentary over at Oh, Well, Just This Once... All told, it's a fascinating assemblage of opinions about the summer's most extraordinarily successful film.

___ Item 5: VOTE FOR SEPTEMBER.
The poll's open and the race is on. This month's range of options include several of the most revered performances as well as one of the most controversial fields ever. Be sure to cast your vote in the column at right or vote here.

___ Item 6: FORGOTTEN SUMMER FILMS.
Just yesterday, MrStinky and I -- on our way to see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 -- got the times wrong and happened into a screening of The Wackness, which I pretty much loved, instead. Which gets me to wondering about what other smaller summer movies I might have missed. So, I ask you, lovely reader: have you caught any excellent smaller films that really deserved greater attention than they got amidst this blockbusting summer of Dark Knight Sex in the Mamma Mia City of the Crystal Stepbrothers Skull. Beat the drum for your favorites in comments...

Have at it, lovelies..

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: HAPPINESS IS...
Two Fat Ladies on DVD.

___ Item 2: CAR CALAMITY.
Don't miss the festivities over at Final Girl's Film Club in which the intrepid Film Clubbers took on "a car made of evil" in 1977's The Car. My post is rife with 70s hotness (and camporama randomness) but there's something for everyone, I'm sure. I suspect the same will prove true in the upcoming Musical of the Month adventure over at The Film Experience. Prepare your "calamitous" posts now...

___ Item 3: BEHOLD.
A glimpse of Cindy's future, perhaps? (site possibly NSFW) And, while we're at it, how 'bout this glimpse of John's past? (site definitely NSFW)

___ Item 4: PETULA + PEGGY = ?
I'm not yet sure what the hell's happening here, but this melange of two of my favorite songs and (one of my favorite singers -- sorry, Pet) is entrancing.

(via Planet Fabulon)

___ Item 5: DESPAIR, IN MINIATURE.
I keep thinking about the art of Thomas Doyle. Haunting, hilarious, horrifying. Just my style. So. FYI.

(via Christian's fierce bf - OMG, BTW)

___ Item 6: VOTING FOR SEPTEMBER.
For the next two months, I'll be running the voting for each month of Supporting Actress Sundays a little differently. First, for October, I'll invite you, lovely reader, to select among those rosters that include at least one "horror" performance among the nominees (1956, 1960, 1968, 1973, 1976 -- did I miss any?). But for September, I've decided -- rather than keep things simply chronological -- I'd like to have y'all choose among some really great fields and I'd like to assemble the list of voting options from your suggestions. So, I ask you: which year's nominees would be YOUR "nominee" for this special round of voting? Any year not yet reviewed by Supporting Actress Sundays is eligible. (See the SAS Archive for reference.) Make your case for your favorite fields in comments...

Have at it, lovelies...

To Dos Day

___ Item 1: HAPPINESS IS...
Ellen Trying the "Hawaii Chair" -- a guaranteed giggle.

___ Item 2: NURTURE YOUR INNER CHILD.
Don't miss the smartness over at My Stuff and Cr*p's excellent Rugrats Blogathon. Always a fascinating topic. (And, yes, Criticlasm, I suspect Keisha Knight-Pulliam would agree.)

___ Item 3: BEHOLD.
Infinite Hasselhoff (possibly NSFW).

___ Item 4: PASS THE PICKLE.
I love this picture.

___ Item 5: BE WARNED.
A midsummer bout of academentia is whisking me away to Denver for the weekend, so I'm expecting a minor delay in the publication of the first profile for 1966.

___ Item 6: FOLLOW THE RULES?
Alison Bechdel's ever-valuable RULES For Filmgoing has experienced something of a renaissance of late, being (re)discovered by all stripes of blogs. It's almost impossible for a moviefreak to truly follow these rules but I have always found that, if I'm feeling crabby about my movie options, or if my feelings about a generally worshiped film feel more contrarian than usual, reflecting on Bechdel's Rules can help to clarify the source/s of my confusion. Which leads me to wonder, lovely reader, if you might have any of your own "rules" for moviegoing? If so, do spill in comments.

Have at it, lovelies...