louise on the left (coast)

Today Melissa Leo was nominated for an Academy Award for her supporting actress role in "The Fighter." Actress, Melissa Leo I'm really happy for her, and clearly believe she's been overdue for this kind of recognition as evidenced in my numerous blog posts below: Actress, Melissa Leo Louise on the left:  Melissa Leo  Wins Deserved Golden Globe for The  ... Jan 17, 2011 If Academy Awards were actually given to actors who deserved them, then  Melissa Leo  would already have a collection of little gold men starting with one for her work in 21 Grams (2003) , and another for her role Frozen River (2009). Why  Melissa Leo  should win Best Actress this year. Feb 03, 2009 People need to know what some of us already do, that  Melissa Leo  is both the Bruce Springsteen and Lucinda Williams of American actresses. Simply put, she's simply one of best actresses we have working today. A more personal take on why I'd like to see  Melissa Leo  to win  ... Feb 1

If Academy Awards were actually given to actors who deserved them, then Melissa Leo would already have a collection of little gold men starting with one for  her work in 21 Grams   ( 2003)  , and another for her role Frozen River   (2009) . Below is a clip from  21 Grams , in case you forgot how great she was in it: In previous years I posted about her previous nominations for an Oscar: Why Melissa Leo Should Win Best Actor (2009) A More Personal Take...Melissa Leo to Win Best Actor (2009) But, the truth is, whenev er  it comes to Leo's work, e veryone in the business knows what those of us growing up with her knew;  Melissa Leo is not just extremely talented, she's also a fearless powerhouse who gives her all for her work.  So today I'm giving a "shout out"  to Leo for her Golden Globe win last night. And I'm stating I've got my fingers crossed (again) that she will also be nominated for her work in  The Fighter , and even, perhaps, make 2011 the

Two trailers for new HBO's new show "Treme." Just now saw first episode of  "Treme," (pronounced "treh-may") and I'm telling you the show is AMAZING.  Set your DVR's, folks. "Treme" is a great example of how art can play an important role in our society getting us to care about the right stuff.  Art should always throw serve to throw a spotlight on subjects of importance:  And in this case, the subject is New Orleans.  And I love the context of the telling of this story, starting three mos. post-Katrina.  Brilliant context. "Treme" manages remind us why New Orleans is still the crown jewel of America's best cities.  And by doing so serves to both archive and reveal some of it's lesser known, quirky treasures.  Things not everyone even knows, yet. New Orleans's survival is connected to it staying on our radar. It needs artists and story tellers to keep reminding us that it's still there

There's a new HBO drama series called "Treme" about a post-Katrina New Orleans that looks like it's going to be amazing. It's created by some of the same people who wrote and produced The Wire and it features some really moving, original music that I am so happy is finally being captured on film and given some of the attention it so deserves. The HBO show debuts on April 11. So, set your DVR's and Tivos. And, I'm also really excited because it stars one of my personal favorite actresses : Melissa Leo. Read more via Huffington Post about what I predict will be a massive hit.

Okay, so maybe it's because it's overcast today, or maybe it's because I just can't stand waiting to see Melissa Leo tonight at the Oscars but today just seems like an eternity till those awards start! Anyhow, I had to see what she's been saying in her most recent interviews managed to find some photos of her looking fabulous. (Can't wait to see what she wears tonight!) First of all, can I just say that I had no idea she was "dragged kicking and screaming to Vermont."    Or that her dad lives in Long Island or that she hasn't seen Thelma & Louise. Wow.   And, secondly, I love that she goes on record stating she's a "method" actor, which is kind of bold statement to make given the hype surrounding that term. She's a brave one.  She just has to win! Hell, she'll give the most interesting speech, for God's sake!  Doesn't that count for anything!   For God's sake, just hurry up and pick Melissa!   Here's that

My handsome, tuxedo'd up reporter husband, Pete Larsen! Note: Dashing handsome Orange County Register reporter with handy-dandy notebook interviews "difficult" celebrities on the cement carpet. (Oh, wait, that's not "Steve" in Blue's Clues, is it?) Peter Larsen, The Orange County Register : Hello, Miss, can you answer one or two questions, for me? Miss Larsen #1 : I need to check with my press agent, first. Reporter: So, who do you predict will win the Academy Award for Best Actress this year? Miss Larsen #2: Why, Mom's old school chum, Melissa Leo, of course! We all saw Frozen River can't tell why on earth it got an "R" rating, because Mommy talks like that all the time. Note: Dashing press vehicle including official OSCARS press pass. Okay, so, once again I waved so long to my husband, tuxedo'd up and ready to meet and greet the stars who strut down the infamous red carpet on their way into the 2009 Academy Awards.

I originally wrote this in the comments section regarding a former post regarding having seen Frozen River . However, I thought this comment was interesting enough, and certainly long enough, to merit it's own post and not just languish, buried in some random comments section somewhere. So, here it is, again with a little re-working in it's own private post. From Me to Prince Gomolvilas re: Melissa Leo in Frozen River: ...Yeah, it's (Frozen River) is a film which I think is incredibly respectful to all the characters in the film. Let's face it, (unfortunately) I think Winslet may win this year, because she's so well known, but I'm obviously loyal to those who've touched my life personally, and this time, I actually think Leo deserves to win. And, yes, I'm a fan of all the women nominated this year. How do you call any one actors work "the best?" You can't. But, you can choose who to honor that year. Leo was as good as any of the others

And I can't tell if that's a good thing, or just a really bad karmic joke at my expense. Probably both. I mean, isn't that always the case? Let me just state, that I've had the ongoing misfortune of spending countless Oscar ceremonies at home in front of the television, while my husband gets to don a tuxedo to be part of the "Red Carpet" scene each year. I have lost track of how many times my kids and I have waved goodbye as he drove up to LA in his old Volvo, leaving the three of us at home to scan the "pre-show" sea of reporters all feeding at the red carpet. My husband is the pop-culture reporter for The Orange County Register, and has actually been quite fortunate to land covering this gig for several years in a row. He's usually easy to spot in a crowd. He's 6'6" and wears Buddy Holly-esque glasses. And he's nice to people and asks great questions of those wise enough to answer them. He's not going to dish about g

Because she deserves to.   That's why. I mean, have you even seen Frozen River , yet?  (Well, do.) She's amazing in this film.  Her performance is so brave,  honest and most of all, so moving. Okay. It's true, I'm biased. Because I knew her way, way back in grade school, and remember what a dazzling talent she was even back then. I watched her rehearse from the wings thinking "One day everyone will know how powerful and talented Melissa Leo is. And one day she will be honored for those gifts." Well, guess what? This is that day.   ( Check out this recent story about her nomination from CNN.) This is the day when everyone needs to get off their asses and go see Frozen River . People need to know what some of us already do, that Melissa Leo is both the Bruce Springsteen and Lucinda Williams of American actresses. Simply put, she's simply one of best actresses we have working today. And Frozen River is her movie. You gotta see it. Period. And,