Why Do You Watch Award Shows?

[Feodor Sverdlov]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 5:56am

When I was a kid, the Academy Awards always came on on a Monday night, at 10:00 PM, est. It was a very big deal, and I would go to bed around 7:00 PM and my parents would wake me up right before it started. What was so thrilling about it was the fact that you were going to see movie stars on your television set. Also, there were only 4 Award Shows (Oscars, Emmys, Tonys and Grammys). It wasn't like it is, today, with tons of awards being handed out; and 24 hour entertainment programming and news, where every two-bit "star" is in you face, every minute of every day. Because of that, I've given up on award shows, years ago. I just don't care who or what wins. So, I know why I don't watch them (and now, so do you), but I'm wondering why anyone does watch these shows. It certainly isn't to see these people, is it? I suppose I can understand that some may actually care who and what wins, but so much so that you have to see it live and not just read about it later? Okay, so why?

[Jamie Hat]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 9:17am

Oscars: To bet on who wins.

Tonys: To see the performances.

SAG Awards: To see actors appreciating the craft (and each other) without as much garbage and press and crap.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 9:18am

I don't watch them. Sometimes I'll watch the Tonys. If any of the awards were actually about merit, I'd be interested.

[wildcat]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 9:28am

The Tonys: To see the clips from the shows.

The Oscars: To see who died this year.

[Plum]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 9:31am

To see who won, of course. :)

It depends on scheduling, too. It's usually pretty easy for me to catch the Tonys- not much schoolwork then. But the Oscars always fall around midterms. Combine that with their failure to nominate the one picture I was really rooting for, and you have me spending Sunday night reading up on constitutional law.

[rlbgbc]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 9:35am

Back in my youth, I used to be such an Award Show Ho. Here lately, though -- the just bore me to tears, although I do like to see the numbers in the Tony broadcast. I could really care less who is wearing what on the red carpet, listen to that inane crap they say to inane people like Star Jones, etc.

I guess the reason I watched the Oscars back "in the day" is because of the musical numbers that USED to be on there. You know -- the big horrible production numbers that sometimes brought great surprises. I remember one year back in the late 60s where Angela Lansbury did a huge production number of the song "Thoroughly Modern Millie". She must have been in the middle of her "Mame" years. And at the end of the number, she did the splits. LOL Why do I remember that?

But here lately -- I'd rather read a book than tune in.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 11:00am

I'm not. People from Terrell, TX (Jamie Foxx's home town) are throwing this huge party and the entire town's going to be shut down so they can "watch him win". If he wins, good for him. If he doesn't, don't go to Terrell.

Back on topic, I think it's just a fashion show. Who cares about actually doing a good job. Let's just buy an expensive dress and have your so-and-so for your date.

[laactress]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 11:35am

As a fellow actress I like to see who wins, usually I don't agree but there is that rare moment when I do and it makes me SO happy!

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 11:54am

For me, it's all about the outfits. I would kill for Joan Rivers' job, I really would. Also, occasionally, someone is nominated that I really want to win. And even more occasionally, they win. Which is always nice.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 12:17pm

I would crawl naked through snow just to find a television so I ccould watch the Tonys. I love watching. I agree with Rath, however, I love the performances, and I love to hear the speeches. Oh, and I like to see what the Broadway people show up wearing. And I guess, I also watch it because it is something I dream about doing.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 12:41pm

Oh come on! We watch these shows to see these famous people say and do stupid things. We're hoping that there will be some unscripted drama. Unfortunately, each year they get more boring because they no longer have an open bar and they drug test everyone who is going to appear.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 1:13pm

I used to watch all the awards shows too, but I'm overcoming that. Seeing as I never listen to the radio these days, I skip all the music award shows including the grammys, except to check which Broadway cast recording won(go Wicked!) And I've stopped the Emmys too, just because most of the shows I watch don't get nominations, except 24. But the Tonys of course I have to watch. And the Oscars...if not for Johnny Depp having a chance to win POTC last year, I would have skipped it. This year, well I dunno I've seen some movies and the fact that it's pretty wide-open makes it a bit more exciting.

[robbiej]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 1:15pm

rlb,

that performance by Angie is ASTONISHING!!!!! She looked gorgeous, so sounded fabulous and she moved like a freaking Rockette!

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 1:16pm

You have it on tape don't you, robbie?

[kangaroo]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 1:54pm

Oscars: I usually have favorites for what and who I want to win... I like to watch. I also really like seeing a classic glamorous show, with the actors/actresses in tuxs and gowns.

Tonys: I have favorite musicals, and stars who I want to win. Also, to see the performances... and for the past two years Hugh was in the equation too.

SAG: To see who is really respected by their peers. I think the hardest thing to do is perform in front of your peers, so it is a big deal for them.

Golden Globes: Gives the biggest idea of who is going to win the Oscars... and it has bigger categories, and more chances for actors in different genres to win.

and I used to watch MTV awards because of Lord of the Rings, and all the actors in movies...
I also don't watch the Grammys, usually... sometimes I watch the performances but that is it

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 4:26pm

the tonys to see the performances. thats pretty much it. does anyone know when the tonys are? i think they are not for a while but im not too sure.thanks

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 4:52pm

I love everything about the Tony's. Everything!
I can't wait for this year's broadcast!

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 5:24pm

The Tonys are broadcast in early June.

And yes, I can not wait. However, I don't *have* a television. Does anyone want to have me over?! I'll bring the party foods and drinks!

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/24/05 at 7:08pm

1.It is once a year
2.I like contests
3.It isn't a rerun
4.I like some of the more pompus acceptance speeches