Some news:
Shopgirl got the Special Jury Awards from Roger Ebert.
How in the world can anyone think it was a bad year for the movies when so many were wonderful, a few were great, a handful were inspiring, and there were scenes so risky you feared the tightrope might break? If none of the year's 10 best had been made, I could name another 10 and no one would wonder at the choices.
Festivals also hand out special awards for excellence, and so do I, because, in the words of Mickey Spillane, "I, the Jury." Alphabetically:
"Shopgirl," the bittersweet relationship between a millionaire (Steve Martin) and a sales clerk (Claire Danes) who are divided not so much by age or money as by courage.
Chicago Tribune had Claire as favorite performance of the year.
Some favorite performances of the year, in no particular order: Amy Adams in "Junebug," Sarah Silverman in "The Aristocrats" and "Jesus Is Magic," Terrence Howard in "Hustle & Flow," Matthew Goode in "Match Point," Will O'Connor as himself in "Rock School," John Pierson as himself in "Reel Paradise," Ed Harris in "A History of Violence," Kevin Costner in "Rumor Has It . . . ," Claire Danes in "Shopgirl."
Some for your consideration Ads for The Family Stone and Shopgirl: