In today's episode of Teatime with Jennifer (or coffee hour with Jennifer, as I am drinking my morning coffee in this video), I discuss several thoughts regarding the awards season.
Today's chat covers my thoughts on the following subjects:
* The red carpet
* Best dressed for Golden Globes 2017
* Vulgarity in recent awards shows
* Politics in awards shows
and much, much more!
Mentioned in the video:
Emma Bridgewater Union Jack coffee mug
My Huffington Post article, Is Vulgar the New Normal?
News
Nina Gustafson shares the inspiration she got from Lessons from Madame Chic in her article, Oui, Oui bring me seven course dinners
Comment of the Week
Hi Kathryn, If you don't have a DVR, I think getting some chores done during commercial breaks is a great idea! I have a weakness for British TV as well :)
I do hope you check out today's video. I would also love to know your thoughts on everything I discuss. Do you watch the awards shows or do you skip them? How do you feel about the topics discussed? What are your picks for best film, actor and actress this year? Let me know in the comment section, and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog!
Next week there will be two beauty reviews. Monday's review will be for cruelty-free and 9-free nail polishes from LONDONTOWN, and Thursday's review will be for the affordable makeup brushes from Makeup Revolution.
See you then!
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25 comments:
Hey Jennifer,
I am not going to comment on the political activism. I will just echo the other viewer who said that this is her happy place. I think one of the things that is really nice about your message of cultivating a quality life is that you can contentiously take action to remove the factors from your life that cause too much stress. This past year was a stressful one for most people regardless of their political preference. I, personally, have found that during this past year my focus on living a quality home life really turned my home into a sanctuary amid the stress. So, thank you for the inspiration!
Also, in terms of movies, I highly recommend Hidden Figures. I work in a STEM field and was completely unaware of these women and their contribution to science. It is an incredibly empowering movie for women, in general, and women of color, specifically. I also really want to see Jackie with Natalie Portman and La La Land with Emma Stone. Those are both on my list to watch before the Oscars.
~Anne
The media- television, which includes Awards shows, films and the Internet have added a "shock quality" that seems to never end. I believe in not following the crowd and in todays' world that means refraining from condemnation and judgment by being civil. I admire actors who use their position to stand up for what they believe in. So many worthwhile causes need their advocacy. That said, there are better platforms than an Awards show. The shows were intended to entertain a world audience. When I lived in Berlin I anxiously watched for the same reasons you pointed out- the fashion, the glamour. And I was hoping to get a glimpse of the "real person" not the fake persona- by what the actor said during an interview. The event also showcases a spirit of comradery where artists are recognized by their peers. Like so many other things, no rules seem to apply and it's become a place to vent. I only saw a few films this year because I refuse to subject myself to screaming and killing. And like you, dear Jennifer I also admire and write of the gowns that are well-designed and highlight the female form not reveal the entire body. Thanks for the teatime chat. I'll stop by again!
Hi Jennifer,
In general I do watch award shows. But depending on what movies/TV shows are nominated and how many of them I have seen influence my decision to watch or not. Like you I can definitely see both sides to the issue of celebrities talking about politics at award shows. They do have every right to speak their opinion and use their platform if they wish. However I do think that award shows should be focused on the films, and that if celebrities do want to voice an opinion that it is done at another time.
I really have been enjoying these tea time videos, I do hope you keep making them!
-Amy
I respect your decision to not engage in politics on this platform. I come from a very political family (D.C.) so politics is never a discussion off the table for me, but in listening to you, and understanding where you are coming from, I think this is a good decision for you that you have obviously thought through. I do believe public figures, no matter their role in the public, do have the right to voice their opinion. If it is a hurtful, unsubstantiated, basically ignorant statement that most people do not agree with then they will see the results of their statements reflected in their next movie audience numbers, etc. It is still their right, in my opinion. For example, I have so much respect for Mark Ruffalo and Leonardo DiCaprio for the attention they have brought to the Dakota Pipeline and environmental issues in general. I know that they have made me more aware then I might have on certain environmental crisis' going on, and I will say that I donated to the Dakota Pipeline activists after really reading and understanding the information Mark Ruffalo directed some of his Instagram followers to. (I read the news, I am not saying Instagram is my news source by any means;) ). So with that being said, Meryl Streep's speech was like her - full of class, substantiated, factual and to be honest, the topic of this president is not just normal political talk but one that many feel can't be ignored so I do feel the way she handled her speech was absolutely appropriate. As for the vulgar talk, I do agree that never has a time or place on award shows. I had to shut the TV off when Miley Cyrus twerked during the MTV awards, as I'm sure many of your readers did. Never to watch another MTV award show again - however I base that on being crude and tacky and tasteless and offensive to sight, not just voicing an opinion. Thank you.
Hello Jennifer,
I wholeheartedly agree with your Huffington Post article. It reflects a lot of what is wrong with pop culture and what is presented to us as high society. I don't expect stars to be perfect, they are people after all, but I do wish a number of them would hold themselves to a higher standard! In general I don't have an issue with actors including whatever they are passionate about in their speech, as long as it is done in a tactful manner. I thought Meryl Streep handled herself well, and last year when Leonardo Dicaprio (finally) won an Academy Award, he chose to briefly mention climate change. Those are both fine in my eyes, but people can go overboard. I am greatly enjoying this series!
I think that awards shows are an opportunity for overpaid artists to be self congratulating. Hollywood and the film and television industry seem to jump at the chance to pat themselves on the back every week seemingly as a response they've received from, writers, fans, press etc.. I do have to wonder if these are just made up to again provide more press and marketing for their film. Are the winners truly the best or is it just the studio that has somehow gained favor to have its show win... I know of no other industry as self congratulatory-- it isn't like scientists, teachers, the military or hardworking citizen feel the need to be ogled over, lauded and photographed for getting up and going to work each day. The inflated egos in film and television do these awards shows for themselves, plain and simple Cynical? Maybe.
If I choose to watch a show about outstanding movies I would like to stick to the subject of movies. If I am in the mood to learn more about political opinions I will watch a show on that topic. I have yet to see a show that has been intentionally created to award both at the same time. I might have to miss that one.
I too am over award shows. First of all they last too long and not worth causing me sleep deprivation. I use to watch the pre-award activities to see what the stars were wearing, too include the opening monologue, but that too has ended. I too don't find the hosts as charming or witty. I still love the fashion and catch it the next day on the internet. And if by some miracle hosting should improve...I will watch it the next day as well. On a side note, I paused this video to allow myself time to make my morning cup of tea to drink as I listened. Just doing this simple act of sharing a cup of tea as you drank your coffee make this time more personal and real. Have a nice day Jennifer.
What a great topic! I agree with you that there just seems to be too many awards shows now. When there are so many, they don't seem to be as special or mean as much, in my opinion. I'm in the camp that it annoys me when celebrities try to push their pet projects every moment they get a chance. I believe that there is a time and place for everything and an award ceremony is not the place for such things. Just be gracious about your award and be on with it. You're right, we are bombarded with news, et. and there needs to be a place of reprieve. It would be nice if the awards shows could go back to that. I am appalled at the vulgarity. These shows used to be fun family entertainment, but it's come to the place where I certainly wouldn't want my son to hear much of what was said. Quite a few years ago when my son was a pre-teen (or close to it) he wanted to watch the Kid's Choice Awards. That was fine. However, I dozed off and when I awoke I was really confused. The Pussy Cat Dolls were performing in barely nothing, dancing in such a way that would make a prostitute blush. When I realized that this was a KIDS award show, well...that was the end of that. I am so disappointed in what our society thinks is appropriate, even for children these days. If you can't be funny without being vulgar beautiful without being trashy, then I feel you're just probably not that funny or beautiful. My granny always said, "Pretty is as pretty does." I think she was right.
Hi Jennifer,
I have lost interest in award shows and most of television lately. The red carpet posing has trickled down to Facebook, which I also tend to avoid. The worst is when I am asked to pose for a picture and I realize some of the people I am with are doing their red carpet poses. I have even noticed the tendency for some to prefer to stand on the end of a group shot to get the better side angle hip view. Has anyone else noticed this in real life, not just Hollywood awards show? I am not really into posing for glamour shots at a kid's birthday party, but that's just me. Also, everyone has a photography business on the side now. Christmas cards have sadly become a way of showing off and being a status symbol. Gold leaf and heavy card stock are a thing now. There is a fine line between liking nice things and showing off sometimes. There is a weird paradox of people being image obsessed yet dressing sloppily half the time. I was confronted with this issue of image over the weekend when I needed to take a head shot for a website. Should I smile naturally or get my most flattering picture? I went with the normal smile, even though a less toothy or no smile probably is a more flattering look for me. That felt like trying too hard and being fake. The heart of the matter is that people seek validation and worth through other people rather than God, but that may be deeper than you wish to get on your blog. Sorry, that was such a rant and didn't really address your topics, but I needed throw that out there. Thanks for the tea times! I discovered you through your TED talk last spring after KonMaring my house and becoming interested in further simplifying. Love your books too. Have had my lemon water and ready to make my green smoothie. I have many friends reading the Detox Beauty Solution now. Thanks for your voice in the world! You make a difference. Thank you!!!
I'm loving your "Teatime" series! This one was especially great! I know it might sound creepy at worst, silly at best, but I've felt like we'd be good friends in "real life", and this series is just making me think that even more. So even if we are never sitting and chatting over tea in each other's kitchens, I'm glad you're doing this!
I found myself saying, "Oh my gosh, me too!... Me too!!!.... ME. TOO!!!!!!" as I watched this video. I also used to LOVE Oscars back when Billy Crystal and Steve Martin hosted. I remember one year my aunt recorded them for me and another year a friend did, and I watched those video tapes till I had pretty much the whole thing memorized. But now.... I just look at People Magazine or similar the next day online to see what everyone wore. I think this is due to: 1) I don't have time to watch a ton of movies any more. Five kids here! If I watch something and think it's terrible, I'm seriously annoyed that I wasted the time. There are tons of books I haven't gotten to yet, plus a couple good TV shows, and mostly, the kids are growing and changing too fast to watch everything. But mostly 2) I'm sick of the egos. I'm sick of the vapidity. I know that sounds hypocritical since I still watch the fashions, but when there are starving kids in the world and such, I can't buy these celebrities who act like whatever they're doing is the most important and meaningful thing on the planet. I'm tired of how they act like they know all and are all, and I should hang on every word they say. Maybe starry-eyed 13-year-old Joy believed that, but no mas!
In regards to Meryl Streep's speech, I also agree with you. I totally see both sides of that. She's allowed to speak her mind, as we all should be, even if others disagree with us. Personally, I like seeing celebrities use their fame to do something more tangible, I guess? I'm trying to figure out how to word it while writing quickly, so maybe that's not the best word choice. But things like visiting terminally ill kids, bringing attention to the needs of orphans in third world countries, etc.
Anyway, gotta run for now, but keep up the good work! :-)
I love this topic and I love the comments that are up so far. Pam is probably the closest to my own opinion. I loved and cracked up about Janessa mentioning how everyone seems to pose now. I know exactly what she means. Yes, I have noticed that too! It goes along with the social media/wannabe-Hollywood ego mindset. It's very sad that people think this is what matters most.
I also enjoyed what one lady said about making her house her refuge for her family. I love that and try to do that everyday. I too have stopped watching the award shows. Mostly, because of the vulgarity but also because of their opinions they like to cram down my throat. I want those shows to be worth my while as well, and I like to see the pretty dresses and people acting kind and decent to each other and to their audience. There is a time and a place and politics should not enter into it in my opinion. It's all off-putting and doesn't allow for dialogue, it just slams the viewer with what the person believes is right and then they leave the stage.
I have no idea what is being nominated for movies nor whom. I'm very out of the loop and I have found, I actually don't mind at all. In fact, half of the people in People magazine I have no idea who they are anymore! Eek! I'm thankful you are keeping me up to date about things I would have no clue about, with Teatime. I really enjoy this series and look forward to all the posts in the future. I am however really enjoying The Crown on Netflix and am also currently reading Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith and finding that completely fascinating. Thank you for making a high standard and keeping to it. As always, you are an inspiration and an encouragement and I can't thank you enough!
P.S. My husband & I LOVE Emma Bridgewater. When you go to England again to visit your husband's family, it is well worth the trip to her factory. It is so wonderful!
My feelings about award shows are much the same as yours, Jennifer. They don't seem to be about really celebrating movies anymore as much as they are about celebrating shock factor and celebrity egos. If I want to see the lovely gowns, I can view them on the Internet the next day.
And I don't feel it's appropriate for celebrities to use award shows to vent their politics. That is not why we have the Oscars or the Golden Globes -- why do so many actors feel as if it's appropriate to lecture their fans? Why should we give any more value to their opinions than we do to those of our neighbors? How about sticking to the subject at hand -- movies -- smiling and thanking their fans? I suspect those who do support celebrity political lectures at awards shows are people who agree with the actor's perspective -- but would they be so supportive if Meryl Streep had ripped into Hillary Clinton instead of our new president? I doubt it.
I have to agree with Anonymous--would people have been as supportive of Meryl Streep if she had been as passionate about the conservative (issues? I love Meryl, and she is very persuasive and so very talented, but this came off as lecturing to me, and I for one am tired of the media of any kind telling me how to think. Just present the issues honestly, let me make my own decisions, and respect them, as I will yours.
Jennifer - I just have to say I finished reading your first book and it was AMAZING! I am now part way through the second book 'At Home with Madame Chic' and they have both been real eye-openers. I love your upbeat and positive attitude and feel that more young American women should read these. Politeness, etiquette, and class have been lost in modern society and you are a shining example for young women to follow.
I am now in love with your blog. So many great principles that I am trying to incorporate into my life as well. I loved this video you did. When I read the title I was worried that I was going to walk in to yet another persons opinion on politics. But no, you handled everything with dignity and positivity. I agree with many of the other commenters on this subject, the media is plagued with opinions on politics, and people like to take things to extremes on their views. Everything should be dealt with and viewed in moderation.
Is it ever truly appropriate to use a captive audience, and one's professional setting, to spout political criticisms? I think not. Thank you for raising this topic!
Hi ladies, thank you so much for your comments. I enjoyed reading all of your points and think they are all so valid! Glad to know that I am not alone in my thoughts on the awards shows. Anon, you bring up an interesting point about the actor's viewpoints. Thanks so much to all of you for participating!
Hello Jennifer! I became a fan of your books first and now love your blog and videos. I also don't watch awards shows anymore and I am so glad to know I am not the only one who is turned off! I think I stopped watching them because of exactly what you said; where are Billy Crystal and Steve Martin when we need them? They just aren't the same classy shows they used to be. And I am tired of actors using the awards as a political platform. I might agree or disagree with what they are saying, but I don't need an actor's opinion on what to think or believe. It makes me uncomfortable because I know it is making other people uncomfortable who don't agree with them. And that is the root of it for me, they don't care if they are making people uncomfortable. Which is tacky and not classy. There is already too much out there on the news and social media. I just want to relax and enjoy the show! I admit I am a more sensitive person and care more about manners than most people. I think you do too and that is a wonderful thing. That's my two cents! Thank you for asking our opinion. You and your readers/viewers are kindred spirits. xo
I agree with you that the award shows have gone downhill and have become vulgar lean more toward shocking people. They are much less glamorous than the Golden Age. I think that actors should only speak about the awards and movies and give their thank you speeches during the award shows. They are there to accept an award, not to give their political opinion, which I really don't care about. Celebrity opinions don't mean anything to me. They are just people, and I'm not going to change my opinion because someone I admire feels one way or another. Anyone who bases their political opinions on what a celebrity thinks needs to inform themselves on the issues. I prefer the natural photos where they are just smiling or laughing or talking to someone and not posing, trying to look fierce. With all the posers, if you want to stand out, just be natural! :)
I think I have a different perspective to offer.
I agree one thousand percent that there is no place for vulgarity on award shows, or anywhere for that matter.
As far as Meryl Streep's speech goes, I normally would ask myself, "Which movie was this award for, and is it germane in subject to a political comment?" For example, if she had just done a movie about gun violence in a school, it would make sense to say something about gun rights and responsibilities. It's about context.
Having said that, I realized: Meryl Streep was being given a LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT award! That is very significant, especially since she is still in the prime of her career, not retiring soon etc. Imagine for a moment what that must have felt to her: To be awarded as "the best actress alive" by her peers! How to you respond to an award like that? Do you say "Oh thanks I really deserve this!" while you are accepting the award in front of hundreds of actresses whom you know are every bit as talented as you, but for what ever reason do not get the roles and accolades? Of course not. Do you put on false modesty and say "Oh gosh you shouldn't have, I'm not that great!" Not chic either.
No, I am guessing Ms. Streep thought to herself, what can I possibly say other than "thank you" that is not all about me? What is this really about? The award is ultimately about ART.
Jennifer, you have urged us at all points to cultivate our own investment in the arts. And I love that about you-- it is in fact a high value for me too. I am one who WILL go to live theater, live dance, art museums etc. even on our limited family budget. Cinema covers material that runs the gamut from crass to beautiful, life changing drama. It is a powerful art form that shapes and reflects our culture. Meryl Streep has been given this award because her community of peers as well as the public have said "Your contribution has gone beyond entertainment to the level of Art."
I think it is sad that so many people think that movies and art are mere entertainment, and that actors and artists are automatically shallow people who are only "posers". That is a very unfair characterization of the vast majority of actors who take their work very seriously. Yes of course there are shallow buffoons in the entertainment industry, but to disrespect them (or "elevate" them just because they are celebrities) because of their profession is wrong.
Yes, there is a time and place for political commentary. But some people earn the right to speak (like Meryl Streep) because they are in a unique position to speak out for human dignity and values *especially* in this time and cultural climate. Not to put too fine a point on it, but you Jennifer have also experienced people trying to shut you down because you are asking for civility. How was Meryl asking for anything different? The ARTS exist to make us more civil! Again she has earned the right to make this speech, and she did it beautifully.
Meryl could have made it all about her. Instead, she made it all about US. She could not have been more generous.
Thank you for asking your question. It took courage on your part and I continue to admire you.
Sincerely
Andrea Winchester
PS I just watched Meryl's speech again. I underscore everything I said above. She was speaking to her peers who are being, as a group, vilified and discounted.
I implore you to watch her speech again and ask yourself, "If I was an artist, does this speech make me ashamed or proud of my profession? How do we teach empathy anyway?"
Andrea, thank you for phrasing so eloquently what I've been struggling to put into words.
As an actor, I'm troubled by the idea that so many view people like Meryl Steep as mere entertainment puppets who can't have an opinion. I agree that she has earned a certain right - even has a responsibility - to lend her voice to topics like this. While I agree these shows should be kept as civil, polite, and to-the-point as possible, today's political climate is a major exception, and our country needs every educated voice it has at its disposal right now, especially from Hollywood's most-watched artists. I'm all for finding those happy places and points of refuge from stress, but I think it speaks to tremendous privilege when we make declarations about when we'd rather mute such political discussion. In many cases, the most chic gesture is to hold space for those unheard.
P.S. I just reread your response Andrea and realized I hit many of the same points / phrases without being aware of it. Anyway, thank you again for allowing me to echo your sentiments! :)
inspirsession, Thank you. Your words mean a lot to me.
Andrea
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