It's Just Movies

— by CAM SMITH —

As far as I’m concerned, Martin Scorsese can receive awards by the dump-truck-load, until his residence collapses under a glorious mountain of mini gold statues and shiny glass baubles, and I won’t bat an eyelash. It’s impossible to argue against the sheer virtuosity of the man’s output.

Let’s take a sec and name-check a few of his triumphs (*crank up “Thus Sprach Zarathustra” to full-blast and pause in solemn awe after reading off each title for full effect): “Taxi Driver.” “Mean Streets.” “Raging Bull.” “Goodfellas.” “The Departed.” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” “The Last Temptation of Christ.” “After Hours.” “The Aviator.” “Casino.” “Cape Fear.”

Simply reading those wonderful titles probably now has you battling the uncontrollable urge to airmail the man your irreplaceable treasured possessions, life savings (with interest!) and most beloved pet or pets. Believe you me, I understand your pain.

Well, it seems the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the brain-trust behind the Golden Globes, feel the same way. As reported by the crack team at Variety, Mr. Scorsese shall be the awarded the illustrious Cecil B. DeMille Award during the 67th Annual Golden Globes on Jan. 17, 2010.

He’ll be rightfully joining previous distinguished recipients — and fellow La-La Land luminaries — Steven Spielberg, Anthony Hopkins and Warren Beatty in the oh-so-sweet winner’s circle. Certainly that ain’t bad company to keep, but I hope that next time around someone of the fairer sex gets to break up what is fast becoming an old boys club. I’m sure Meryl Streep could clear her schedule to make an appearance.

The question is: will anyone really be watching?

I’ve religiously viewed every single Oscars telecast since I was 10 years old (1990 — the year Scorsese lost Best Director to Kevin Costner — for inquiring minds), yet I can only hazily recall half-sitting through a single Globes ceremony. When? I have no idea.

Part of this has to do with my general yearly disapproval of their nomination choices — although I wish the Academy would mimic their enthusiasm for rewarding the comedy genre — as well as my own snobbery towards the HFPA, who have a well-documented history of shady practices. I highly recommend you peruse journalist Sharon Waxman’s astute expose of the group over at The Huffington Post. It’s a great read.

However, as dumb as some of the HFPA’s decisions have been in the past, this one’s a smart move and everyone involved wins. Marty’s involvement adds a certain legitimacy to the association’s name and the visionary auteur gets to soak up some adoration and deliver a gracious, quick-witted — and preferably tipsy — speech.

So, guys, will you be tuning in to see Marty take home the gold? Comment away!

Follow Cam Smith on Twitter at http://twitter.com/camspcepisodes.