For Your Consideration: Best Dramatic Presentation (Long & Short Form)
So, we've reached the point that if you buy a Supporting Membership for the Hugos, you'll get to vote THIS year and nominate NEXT year. So if you can't nominate this year, these posts are probably boring, and for that, I apologize. However, even if you can't nominate, you might find some cool gems of entertainment, and you can always pass the word along to people who CAN nominate, so it's a win-win, right?
Or something.
Last week I discussed considerations for Best Fanzine & Best Fan Writer. This week, I want to tackle a category that's near and dear to my heart: Best Dramatic Presentation (Long & Short Form), before I share my considerations for the award. It's near and dear to my heart because despite being a reading junkie, I love SF/F film and television. I don't get to see EVERYTHING I want (if I did, I'd have no time to read), but I get to watch a lot, and I love discussing it with other people.
Let's look at what the official site has to say about these categories:
Best Dramatic Presentation (Long Form): This Award can be given a dramatized production in any medium, including film, television, radio, live theater, computer games or music. The work must last 90 minutes or longer (excluding commercials).
Best Dramatic Presentation (Short Form): This Award can be given a dramatized production in any medium, including film, television, radio, live theater, computer games or music. The work must be less than 90 minutes long (excluding commercials).
Now, remember, what I'm highlighting are potential nominees I'm asking you to consider. I'm not going to tell you to vote for these, nor am I necessarily going to vote for everything I'm promoting. But I am seriously considering it, and I ask that if you're going to nominate this year, that you do the same.
I don't get very worked up about the Long Form award. It's pretty straight-forward. Movies are shoo-ins for nominations, and there's really not a lot of confusion about what gets nominated. You may not always agree with the winners, but at least there's usually a variety of big-budget films and smaller, independent films representing the genre, and just because it's big budget doesn't mean it'll automatically win: I was thrilled when Moon won back in 2010, beating out some very solid and impressive competition.
With that in mind, I'd be shocked in The Avengers, Dark Knight Rises, and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey don't get nominated. Well, maybe not shocked, because it was quite the full year for some great SF/F in film, but here are a few potential nominees that I'd hate to see be ignored because everyone's obsessed with the Big Three:
Chronicle: One of the few non-adaptations out there, Chronicle was a lovely little surprise about three teen boys who develop superpowers and what happens afterward. Some people might've been put off by the "found-footage" element of the film, but it's very well integrated and very well done. It's not a movie to miss.
Looper: Another original movie, in that Hollywood didn't directly adapt it from a book, comic, or show. This movie is fascinating in its details, and it's definitely worth discussing if only for the interesting shift that happens halfway through. You think the movie's about ONE thing, and then it kind of becomes ANOTHER thing, and then the two THINGS merge together at the end in a rather interesting and controversial way. May not be a perfect film but it's very much worth watching, very much worth discussing.
Game of Thrones: Season Two: I wasn't surprised when Season One took the rocket for Long Form last year, and I wouldn't be surprised if Season Two was nominated in the same category. The show's utterly well-done, and episode 19, "Blackwater" alone is worth a Hugo (I'll come back to that). Some fans may complain about deviations from the book, but honestly, the show is its own beast, and so far, deviations or no, it's working well. Very well.
Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome: Sure, the full two-hour movie is coming out THIS month (which means it's a great chance for you to see what all the fuss is about, and by you, I mean me too; but I'm asking you to consider it because I hear it's AWESOME), but SyFy released this as a series of webisodes last year, which makes me think its eligible for the 2012 Hugos. What I don't know is if those 10 episodes add up to the necessary 90 minutes for the Long Form award. If not, move this puppy to Short Form.
Let's not forget other SF/F films that are worth consideration: Brave, The Hunger Games, John Carter (I know, critics hated it, but it was GOOD and FUN!), and Cabin in the Woods.
Now, for Short Form.
I know some of you are tired of my grumbling over how the category has become "The Doctor Who Award" (don't believe me? Check out the past winners here). But I'm not the only one who's tired of the show dominating the category. Carrie Vaughn, who actually watches the show, is tired of it too, so I'm not THAT biased. :)
If you're a fan of Doctor Who, that's great. Try to nominate the BEST episode eligible, and if you can't make up your mind, consider some non-Doctor Who stuff before you fill up the ballot with DW episodes. Please? Pretty please? With a Tardis on top?
Fringe: Episode 4.19, "Letters of Transit"
Every year, Fringe tended to have a kind of off-the-wall episode that toyed with the viewers' expectations and vision for the show. This was it for Season Four, but what makes it wonderful, and totally Hugo-worthy, is the fact that not only does it serve as a fascinating gem to fans, but it also serves as a backdoor pilot for Season Five. The idea was this: if the show got renewed, the writers were going to return to the world presented in "Letters of Transit" and build the story around it. If it didn't, then "Letters of Transit" would be just another tantalizing glimpse into a possible Fringe future. The episode itself is just like a pilot for a new show: you meet new characters, you learn about their struggles, and then you get the great ending that jars fans with glee and would likely intrigue those who aren't regular viewers. So please, consider this episode. Consider this show, which hasn't ever earned an nomination and is long overdue. Also worth considering for this show: Episode 4.15, "A Short Story About Love" and Episode 4.11, "Making Angels."
Community: Episode 3.20, "Digital Estate Planning"
While it's not an obvious SF/F show, Community always embraces the genre and makes all kinds of nifty homages that will tickle your fancy. Last year gave us the delightful and imaginative "Digital Estate Planning," in which the characters have to play themselves in an old-school video-game in order to help one of their friends win his inheritance. Sounds wacky and weird, right? It's SO fun and so worth watching, especially for all the nods to old NES games.
Awake: Episode 1.01, "Pilot"
This is a sneaky one. This show was rather ungraciously cancelled last year by NBC, and it's shame, because it was unique and compelling. The finale made a lot of viewers think it was all a dream, but the creator has emphatically stated that whatever your interpretation, "it was all a dream" is absolutely the WRONG one. So my theory about parallel universes and a man so destroyed by grief that he's able to access all of them IS STILL VALID. In one reality, Detective Michael Britten lives in a world where his son was killed in a car accident. When he goes to sleep, he wakes in a reality where it was his WIFE, not his son, who was tragically killed. And back and forth he goes. It was a fantastic show, and the pilot, especially through an SF/parallel world lens, deserves a nomination.
Once Upon a Time: Episode 1.22, "A Land Without Magic"
This would be tough, because it's the season one finale, and if you haven't watched the show all the way through, you may not give a flying fig about it. BUT!!! Heroes and villains unite for a common cause! There's not just ONE dragon battle, BUT two!!!! Poison apples and broken curses abound, and it was a great hour of television that left me chomping at the bit for next season. So fans of this show, don't forget this episode, or any others that tickled your fancy.
Game of Thrones: Episoode 2.19, "Blackwater"
This is what I was referring to earlier. THIS EPISODE was so tight, so well constructed, and so amazing to watch that it's one of the few episodes of the season that could really stand alone and claim the rocket for the Short Form category. I'd rather it didn't: I'd rather the whole second season get nominated so Fringe has a chance at a nomination, but if any individual Game of Thrones episode gets nominated, it should be this one.
And this is an odd one, and I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a big fan of shorter pieces of work going up against professionally produced film and television, but this 8 minute student film really blew my socks off: SIGHT, a film that looks at a future where everything and anything can be taken care of with an app. You might think that's the case now, but you'll really change your mind after watching this film. You'll also be a bit freaked out. Whether or not you can nominate for the Hugos, click the link and check it out. I promise, you won't be disappointed. :)
That's it from me! I know it's a lot to process, and as I said before, I don't know for sure what I'll nominate where. I also haven't had a chance to watch every SF/F film & television show available, so I'm sure there's plenty I'm missing. So tell me about it! While I'm offering things for YOUR consideration, I'll ask YOU to do the same for me: what deserves to be nominated for a Hugo in Best Dramatic Presentation (Long & Short Form)? Comment, give me links, and let's get a discussion started! Remember, even if you have no intention of nominating for the Hugos, you can always share with me and others who you'd like to see get recognition. You never know: I might discover something new and wonderful and nominate it!
Or something.
Last week I discussed considerations for Best Fanzine & Best Fan Writer. This week, I want to tackle a category that's near and dear to my heart: Best Dramatic Presentation (Long & Short Form), before I share my considerations for the award. It's near and dear to my heart because despite being a reading junkie, I love SF/F film and television. I don't get to see EVERYTHING I want (if I did, I'd have no time to read), but I get to watch a lot, and I love discussing it with other people.
Let's look at what the official site has to say about these categories:
Best Dramatic Presentation (Long Form): This Award can be given a dramatized production in any medium, including film, television, radio, live theater, computer games or music. The work must last 90 minutes or longer (excluding commercials).
Best Dramatic Presentation (Short Form): This Award can be given a dramatized production in any medium, including film, television, radio, live theater, computer games or music. The work must be less than 90 minutes long (excluding commercials).
Now, remember, what I'm highlighting are potential nominees I'm asking you to consider. I'm not going to tell you to vote for these, nor am I necessarily going to vote for everything I'm promoting. But I am seriously considering it, and I ask that if you're going to nominate this year, that you do the same.
I don't get very worked up about the Long Form award. It's pretty straight-forward. Movies are shoo-ins for nominations, and there's really not a lot of confusion about what gets nominated. You may not always agree with the winners, but at least there's usually a variety of big-budget films and smaller, independent films representing the genre, and just because it's big budget doesn't mean it'll automatically win: I was thrilled when Moon won back in 2010, beating out some very solid and impressive competition.
With that in mind, I'd be shocked in The Avengers, Dark Knight Rises, and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey don't get nominated. Well, maybe not shocked, because it was quite the full year for some great SF/F in film, but here are a few potential nominees that I'd hate to see be ignored because everyone's obsessed with the Big Three:
Chronicle: One of the few non-adaptations out there, Chronicle was a lovely little surprise about three teen boys who develop superpowers and what happens afterward. Some people might've been put off by the "found-footage" element of the film, but it's very well integrated and very well done. It's not a movie to miss.
Looper: Another original movie, in that Hollywood didn't directly adapt it from a book, comic, or show. This movie is fascinating in its details, and it's definitely worth discussing if only for the interesting shift that happens halfway through. You think the movie's about ONE thing, and then it kind of becomes ANOTHER thing, and then the two THINGS merge together at the end in a rather interesting and controversial way. May not be a perfect film but it's very much worth watching, very much worth discussing.
Game of Thrones: Season Two: I wasn't surprised when Season One took the rocket for Long Form last year, and I wouldn't be surprised if Season Two was nominated in the same category. The show's utterly well-done, and episode 19, "Blackwater" alone is worth a Hugo (I'll come back to that). Some fans may complain about deviations from the book, but honestly, the show is its own beast, and so far, deviations or no, it's working well. Very well.
Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome: Sure, the full two-hour movie is coming out THIS month (which means it's a great chance for you to see what all the fuss is about, and by you, I mean me too; but I'm asking you to consider it because I hear it's AWESOME), but SyFy released this as a series of webisodes last year, which makes me think its eligible for the 2012 Hugos. What I don't know is if those 10 episodes add up to the necessary 90 minutes for the Long Form award. If not, move this puppy to Short Form.
Let's not forget other SF/F films that are worth consideration: Brave, The Hunger Games, John Carter (I know, critics hated it, but it was GOOD and FUN!), and Cabin in the Woods.
Now, for Short Form.
I know some of you are tired of my grumbling over how the category has become "The Doctor Who Award" (don't believe me? Check out the past winners here). But I'm not the only one who's tired of the show dominating the category. Carrie Vaughn, who actually watches the show, is tired of it too, so I'm not THAT biased. :)
If you're a fan of Doctor Who, that's great. Try to nominate the BEST episode eligible, and if you can't make up your mind, consider some non-Doctor Who stuff before you fill up the ballot with DW episodes. Please? Pretty please? With a Tardis on top?
Fringe: Episode 4.19, "Letters of Transit"
Every year, Fringe tended to have a kind of off-the-wall episode that toyed with the viewers' expectations and vision for the show. This was it for Season Four, but what makes it wonderful, and totally Hugo-worthy, is the fact that not only does it serve as a fascinating gem to fans, but it also serves as a backdoor pilot for Season Five. The idea was this: if the show got renewed, the writers were going to return to the world presented in "Letters of Transit" and build the story around it. If it didn't, then "Letters of Transit" would be just another tantalizing glimpse into a possible Fringe future. The episode itself is just like a pilot for a new show: you meet new characters, you learn about their struggles, and then you get the great ending that jars fans with glee and would likely intrigue those who aren't regular viewers. So please, consider this episode. Consider this show, which hasn't ever earned an nomination and is long overdue. Also worth considering for this show: Episode 4.15, "A Short Story About Love" and Episode 4.11, "Making Angels."
Community: Episode 3.20, "Digital Estate Planning"
While it's not an obvious SF/F show, Community always embraces the genre and makes all kinds of nifty homages that will tickle your fancy. Last year gave us the delightful and imaginative "Digital Estate Planning," in which the characters have to play themselves in an old-school video-game in order to help one of their friends win his inheritance. Sounds wacky and weird, right? It's SO fun and so worth watching, especially for all the nods to old NES games.
Awake: Episode 1.01, "Pilot"
This is a sneaky one. This show was rather ungraciously cancelled last year by NBC, and it's shame, because it was unique and compelling. The finale made a lot of viewers think it was all a dream, but the creator has emphatically stated that whatever your interpretation, "it was all a dream" is absolutely the WRONG one. So my theory about parallel universes and a man so destroyed by grief that he's able to access all of them IS STILL VALID. In one reality, Detective Michael Britten lives in a world where his son was killed in a car accident. When he goes to sleep, he wakes in a reality where it was his WIFE, not his son, who was tragically killed. And back and forth he goes. It was a fantastic show, and the pilot, especially through an SF/parallel world lens, deserves a nomination.
Once Upon a Time: Episode 1.22, "A Land Without Magic"
This would be tough, because it's the season one finale, and if you haven't watched the show all the way through, you may not give a flying fig about it. BUT!!! Heroes and villains unite for a common cause! There's not just ONE dragon battle, BUT two!!!! Poison apples and broken curses abound, and it was a great hour of television that left me chomping at the bit for next season. So fans of this show, don't forget this episode, or any others that tickled your fancy.
Game of Thrones: Episoode 2.19, "Blackwater"
This is what I was referring to earlier. THIS EPISODE was so tight, so well constructed, and so amazing to watch that it's one of the few episodes of the season that could really stand alone and claim the rocket for the Short Form category. I'd rather it didn't: I'd rather the whole second season get nominated so Fringe has a chance at a nomination, but if any individual Game of Thrones episode gets nominated, it should be this one.
And this is an odd one, and I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a big fan of shorter pieces of work going up against professionally produced film and television, but this 8 minute student film really blew my socks off: SIGHT, a film that looks at a future where everything and anything can be taken care of with an app. You might think that's the case now, but you'll really change your mind after watching this film. You'll also be a bit freaked out. Whether or not you can nominate for the Hugos, click the link and check it out. I promise, you won't be disappointed. :)
That's it from me! I know it's a lot to process, and as I said before, I don't know for sure what I'll nominate where. I also haven't had a chance to watch every SF/F film & television show available, so I'm sure there's plenty I'm missing. So tell me about it! While I'm offering things for YOUR consideration, I'll ask YOU to do the same for me: what deserves to be nominated for a Hugo in Best Dramatic Presentation (Long & Short Form)? Comment, give me links, and let's get a discussion started! Remember, even if you have no intention of nominating for the Hugos, you can always share with me and others who you'd like to see get recognition. You never know: I might discover something new and wonderful and nominate it!