HFPA in Conversation: the Eclectic, Masterful Judith Light
She is known for socially conscious TV shows like Ugly Betty and Transparent, but Judith Light didn’t search specifically for those projects. Regardless of who she is playing, the character has to be important to her, Light told HFPA journalist Gabriel Lerman at the Rogers and Cowan office in Century City. “If I had tried to orchestrate what has happened for me, I could never have done that in a million years. I happened to meet Silvio Horta and I did a pilot for him that didn’t get picked up by ABC. And he looked at me after that and he said to me, I will put you in something else. He is a man of his word. Along comes Ugly Betty. I wasn’t in the pilot, but right after the show won the Golden Globe, he called me and he said, here’s the part, this is what I want you to do,” she recalls and continues. “It’s about relationships to me and about meeting people and how you formulate those kinds of connections. They fit in with the world that I like to operate in. I think playing all different kinds of women is extremely essential to me, what I can bring to those women.”
In her five-decade career on stage, television, and film she has been nominated and won several different awards, including two consecutive Tony awards for the Best Featured Actress in a Play in 2012 (Other Desert Cities) and 2013 (The Assembled Parties). In 2016 she received a Golden Globe nomination for her work in Transparent and lastly, she got an Emmy nomination for her performance as Marilyn Miglin in the limited series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. “I thought it was such an interesting story culturally as to how this young man had been so closeted by his parents and by the culture and that the way the world looked at him and treated him, pushed him to kill more people.”
Early in her career, she understood that she can’t seek anybody’s validation. “If you keep looking for approval from somebody, you can’t get yourself anywhere really that has any kind of depth. And that was when I realized that we’re in a service business, we’re here to serve people, we’re here to give people a psychological understanding, an emotional understanding of a character, and we’re here to give a performance. That’s what our job is.”
Listen to the podcast and learn more about Light’s life: when she realized for the first time she wanted to be an actress; why she wanted to study theatre in college; what she did when everything didn’t go as she planned; what advice she would give younger actresses; how she learned she has deep emotional reactions; why she thought she would become a sign language teacher;what she learned from the soap opera One Life to Live; why she didn’t return to theatre for over two decades; why she and her husband, Robert Desiderio, decided not to have kids; and what are the pros and cons of being married to a person who understands the entertainment business.
Listen to the conversation here or, for immediate access to all of our podcasts, subscribe to HFPA in Conversation on iTunes.
Tag: july 2018
Conversations with Judith Light THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE: AMERICAN CRIME STORY
Program Type:
CONVERSATIONS
Location:
LOS ANGELES
Title:
THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE: AMERICAN CRIME STORY
Featuring:
Judith Light
Date:
Monday, July 30, 2018
Time:
7:00 PM
Check-in begins at: 6:30 PMScreening followed by a Q&A with Judith Light.
Moderated by Patrick Gomez, Entertainment Weekly.
Conversations with Judith Light THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE: AMERICAN CRIME STORY
2018 Emmy Winner Predictions: Drama, Comedy, Limited Series/TV Movie Acting Categories
Lead Actress in a Limited Series/TV Movie should be a race between Laura Dern (The Tale), who finally won here in supporting last year for Big Little Lies (which will compete in the Drama categories next year), and two-time winner Regina King in Seven Seconds. Many people didn’t even have her getting a nomination but the voters love her now and she is definitely competing for the win. Jessica Biel is also a contender for The Sinner, having finally earned the actress credit she had been looking for in her career. Multi-nominee Michelle Dockery moved out of Downton Abbey and into the wild west for Godless and could be a spoiler here. Lead Actor is tough because Darren Criss should be the frontrunner here for The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story but will voters think he’s too young? He’s going up against some tough competition in previous winners Jeff Daniels (The Looming Tower) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Patrick Melrose) that voters may simply name-check but Criss has the stronger project and that should tip him over.
LEAD ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR A MOVIE
1. Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
2. Benedict Cumberbatch, “Patrick Melrose”
3. John Legend, “Jesus Christ Superstar: Live in Concert”
4. Jeff Daniels, “The Looming Tower”
5. Jesse Plemons, “USS Callister: Black Mirror”
6. Antonio Banderas, “Genius: Picasso”
A weird category if there ever was one. Largely Emmy newcomers up against two previous winners: Jeff Daniels and John Leguizamo. I’m predicting a bit of a surprise win for Brandon Victor Dixon who was the critical standout of Jesus Christ Superstar: Live in Concert. While I don’t think the three men from The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story will “cancel each other out,” I’m not sure if any are strong enough to win in their own right.
On the other side, Judith Light (The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story) should be able to win over her co-star Penélope Cruz. While the leads for Limited Series aren’t required to submit an episode, the supporting nominees are and Light has the gold to win. I think she might face some competition from previous Emmy winner Merritt Wever (Godless) and first-time Letitia Wright (Black Mirror) but I feel very good about Light winning.
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
1. Brandon Victor Dixon, “Jesus Christ Superstar: Live in Concert”
2. Jeff Daniels, “Godless”
3. John Leguizamo, “Waco”
4. Edgar Ramírez, “The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
5. Michael Stuhlbarg, “The Looming Tower”
6. Ricky Martin, “The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
7. Finn Wittrock, “The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE
1. Judith Light, “The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
2. Merritt Wever, “Godless”
3. Letitia Wright, “Black Museum: Black Mirror”
4. Sara Bareilles, “Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert”
5. Adina Porter, “American Horror Story: Cult”
6. Penélope Cruz, “The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
2018 Emmy Winner Predictions: Drama, Comedy, Limited Series/TV Movie Acting Categories
‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ could tie ‘John Adams’ Emmy record of 13 wins
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” the second season of FX’s “American Crime Story” anthology series, scored 18 Emmy nominations, the most of any limited series this year. Those are spread across 13 categories, which means that if this Ryan Murphy production sweeps all of them it would tie the record currently held by HBO’s “John Adams,” which made history in 2008 by becoming the most awarded limited series of all time and the most awarded program of any genre in a single year.
“Versace” scored a trio of nominations in two categories: Best Movie/Mini Supporting Actor (Edgar Ramirez, Ricky Martin and Finn Wittrock) and Best Movie/Mini Picture Editing (for the episodes “Alone,” “House by the Lake” and “Manhunt”). It also scored double nominations for Best Movie/Mini Supporting Actress (Penelope Cruz and Judith Light).
The show is nominated once apiece in its other 10 categories. It received bids for Best Limited Series, Best Movie/Mini Directing (Murphy for the episode “The Man Who Would be Vogue”) and Best Movie/Mini Writing (Tom Rob Smith for “House by the Lake”). And its star Darren Criss gained his first career acting nomination for Best Movie/Mini Actor. The limited series also received nominations for its casting, costumes, hairstyling, non-prosthetic makeup, prosthetic makeup and sound mixing.
“John Adams” was nominated 23 times across 18 categories and also had multiple nominees in four categories: Best Movie/Mini Cinematography, Best Movie/Mini Sound Editing, Best Movie/Mini Sound Mixing and Best Movie/Mini Supporting Actor (Tom Wilkinson, Stephen Dillane and David Morse). “John Adams” was able to win each of those awards, with Wilkinson prevailing in the acting race.
The other nine victories for “John Adams” were Best Miniseries, Best Movie/Mini Actor (Paul Giamatti), Best Movie/Mini Actress (Laura Linney), Best Movie/Mini Writing (Kirk Ellis for the episode “Independence”) and below-the-line victories for its art direction, casting, costumes, prosthetic makeup, and visual effects. “John Adams” only ended up losing five categories: Best Movie/Mini Directing, plus races for hairstyling, non-prosthetic makeup, picture editing, and music composition.
But “Versace” can’t afford to lose anything if it wants to tie the record, and it will face strong competition from, among others, Netflix’s “Godless,” which scored 12 nominations overall. “Versace” will go head-to-head with “Godless” in seven categories including Best Limited Series. Keep in mind that “Big Little Lies” had fewer nominations than “Feud: Bette and Joan” last year (16 to 18), but ultimately was the big winner with eight trophies including the top prize, so don’t count out “Godless” just because it has fewer noms.
Thirteen wins would tie the record, but if “Versace” wins 12 it would be in second place on the all-time list of the most awarded limited series ahead of “Angels in America,” which won 11 in 2003. Ten would place it third, and nine wins would tie it with Murphy’s big winner from 2016, “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” and the most-watched limited series ever, “Roots” (1977).
‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ could tie ‘John Adams’ Emmy record of 13 wins
All 6 Emmy episodes revealed for Best Movie/Limited Series Supporting Actress (Exclusive)
Gold Derby can exclusively reveal all of the Emmy episode submissions for the 2018 contenders as Best Movie/Limited Series Supporting Actress. While lead actors and actresses must enter their entire projects, supporting players are allowed to submit just one installment of their limited series. Let’s take a look at the choices made by these six women: Sara Bareilles (“Jesus Christ Superstar”), Penelope Cruz and Judith Light (both of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace”), Adina Porter (“American Horror Story: Cult”), Merritt Wever(“Godless”) and Letitia Wright (“Black Museum: Black Mirror”).
Cruz is submitting the seventh episode, “Ascent,” which aired March 7 on FX. Official description: “Andrew Cunanan leaves behind a troubled family life, while Donatella (Cruz) struggles to find her role within the Gianni Versace empire.” This is her first career nomination.
Light is submitting the third episode, “A Random Killing,” which aired January 31 on FX. Official description: “Chicago real estate tycoon Lee Miglin is murdered in what police describe as a random killing” as his wife Marilyn (Light) grieves. This is her fourth career nomination in prime-time, following ones for “Ugly Betty” (2007) and “Transparent” (2016, 2017).
All 6 Emmy episodes revealed for Best Movie/Limited Series Supporting Actress (Exclusive)
2018 Emmy Winner Predictions: Writing and Directing Categories
Limited Series could be a tough fight. The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story has the most nominations for a Limited Series/TV Movie (18) and the episode nominated was heralded as the most poignant and heartbreaking (it is) and I think those factors tip it in its favor. But Black Mirror just won here last year (with San Junipero) and its nominated TV Movie this year, USS Callister, was a massively praised hit. Scott Frank (Godless) is a respected writer in both film and television and then there’s David Lynch. Shockingly, Twin Peaks: The Return was completely snubbed in Limited Series and all acting categories but Lynch showed up here and in directing. He’s a longshot but maybe this would be a consolation but directing would make more sense for that.
Here are my ranked winner predictions for the 2018 Emmys in Writing and Directing for Comedy Series, Drama Series, Limited Series/TV Movie, Variety Series and Variety Special.
WRITING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, TV MOVIE OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL
1. Tom Rob Smith, “The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (“House By The Lake”)
2. William Bridges and Charlie Brooker, “USS Callister: Black Mirror”
3. Scott Frank, “Godless”
4. David Nicholls, “Patrick Melrose”
5. David Lynch and Mark Frost, “Twin Peaks”
6. Kevin McManus and Matthew McManus, “American Vandal” (“Clean Up”)Next up…Directing for Comedy Series, Drama Series, Limited Series, Variety Series and Variety Special
Limited Series is probably a closer race than it seems. The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story should be the frontrunner and another win for creator Ryan Murphy but Jesus Christ Superstar: Live in Concert blew everyone away with 13 nominations. It’s a real force to be reckoned with here. Scott Frank is also a top contender. As the creator and sole writer/director of Godless (which has 12 nominations) voters might feel compelled to award him for such a huge undertaking. Then there’s David Lynch. Could he take one of Twin Peaks‘ nine nominations home as a win?
DIRECTING FOR A LIMITED SERIES, TV MOVIE OR DRAMATIC SPECIAL
1. Ryan Murphy, “The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (“The Man Who Would Be Vogue”)
2. David Leveaux (director) and Alex Rudzinski (Live Television Director), “Jesus Christ Superstar: Live In Concert”
3. Scott Frank, “Godless”
4. David Lynch, “Twin Peaks”
5. Edward Berger, “Patrick Melrose”
6. Craig Zisk, “The Looming Tower” (“9/11”)
7. Barry Levinson, “Paterno”
2018 Emmy Winner Predictions: Writing and Directing Categories
https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/476314434/stream?client_id=N2eHz8D7GtXSl6fTtcGHdSJiS74xqOUI?plead=please-dont-download-this-or-our-lawyers-wont-let-us-host-audio
Screen Talk Emmy Edition 2018: Crafts and Below-the-Line Categories (Episode 8)
IndieWire’s Screen Talk podcast brings back its bonus Emmy edition as this year’s race heats up. This week, IndieWire editor-at-large Anne Thompson and executive editor Michael Schneider are joined by crafts editor Bill Desowitz to look at the key below-the-line races. | 25 July 2018
*ACS mentions at 13:06 and 17:28
Emmys 2018: Handicapping the Top Series and Performer Races
The countdown to the Emmy awards has officially begun, with excitement brewing over the Television Academy’s nomination announcements earlier this month. The celebration will only intensify in the days leading up to the 70th annual ceremony, taking place at L.A.’s Microsoft Theater on Sept. 17. Given the sheer volume of first-class returning series — and the few fresh additions — to the ballot this year, there’s plenty of suspense in store. Here, Variety breaks down the key races.
Limited Series
HBO won, well, big with “Big Little Lies” last year, but doesn’t have a project in the race this time. That could pave the way for FX to return to the winners’ circle with “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” which sees the most noms (18) of any series in the category. There is some close competition coming from Netflix’s “Godless” (12 noms), which has the advantage of having its star Jeff Daniels in two key acting races, keeping the title in conversation beyond this category. National Geographic’s “Genius: Picasso” (seven noms), TNT’s “The Alienist” (six noms) and Showtime’s “Patrick Melrose” (five noms) certainly put out respectable showings, and perennial Emmy favorite Benedict Cumberbatch could push the latter further onto voters’ radars. Still, it feels like it’s Ryan Murphy’s year to finally take the category with “Versace.”Limited Series/Movie Actor
Last year a newcomer broke through a pack of veteran performers, and this year the category is swaying towards making that a new tradition. Darren Criss is nominated for the first time in an acting category for his turn as serial killer Andrew Cunanan in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.” He’s up against John Legend — seeing his first nomination ever, and putting him this close to EGOT status — who embodied the titular messiah in “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” Consistent Emmy favorite Benedict Cumberbatch is back on the ballot, this time for “Patrick Melrose,” and could see a surprise win, as he did back in 2014 when he triumphed over “Fargo” star Billy Bob Thornton. “Genius: Picasso’s” Antonio Banderas, “The Looming Tower’s” Jeff Daniels and Jesse Plemons from “USS Callister” round out the options. Plemons may well be the wildcard this year.
Music Supervisors Pick Their Favourite TV Syncs of 2018 So Far (Part 1) – Synchblog by Synchtank
Garrett McElver, SuperMusicVision (The Tick, Seal Team)
Show: American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace – Music Supervised by Amanda Krieg Thomas
Episode 4 – ‘House By The Lake’
Song: “Drive” – The Cars (on-camera performance by Aimee Mann)
“Drive” comes about midway through the season, and as a viewer we’re just so traumatized by everything that’s happened (and what we know will happen soon) that this music moment really cuts through. It’s a great showcase of the collaboration between the writers, director, executive producers, music supervisor, and Aimee Mann herself, as they’re all accomplishing a lot with a big featured song moment with an on-camera performance. We feel so helpless for the character David as he’s essentially been kidnapped by his murderous ex-lover Andrew. David’s whole life has crashed down around him, and we know there’s really no way out for him. As Andrew and David stop in a local bar during their escape out of town, we see the incredible Aimee Mann as the evening’s anonymous performer, and she begins to play a rendition of the song made famous by The Cars. David considers escaping through the bathroom window but ultimately does not, in fear of not making it very far and because Andrew’s manipulative reasoning for staying has gotten to him.
While Andrew sits at the table watching this performance by himself, we get to witness one of the very few honest human emotions from Andrew as he breaks into tears. So much of Andrew’s story showcases how manipulative and fake he is, but in this moment, something comes out. I love that this song can really resonate with both characters in this moment. Lyrically applying to David feeling lost and trapped in this situation with no literal or emotional escape. Who is going to be there for him? Who will drive him home? And also with Andrew, who we can tell thinks he’s in the right, feeling alone in his own regard. He feels he’s lost David. Andrew has put himself into this situation where murdering those in his way is the only conceivable choice left in his mind. Who’s gonna pay attention to his dreams? Who’s gonna drive him home? Seemingly no one, as he feels woefully under appreciated by the world around him. He cries at the bar, but we know these are not tears of a lesson learned, it’s fuel for his continued spree to come. Aimee Mann’s performance captures this sense of loss and dread so beautifully and hauntingly. It’s heartbreaking, it’s frustrating, it’s unfair. It’s a great scene.
Music Supervisors Pick Their Favourite TV Syncs of 2018 So Far (Part 1) – Synchblog by Synchtank
ACS news 