Tuesday, January 17

Women, men and who’s on top now.
By Alex Carrier


Another night, another award show. The statues might be called “Golden Globes” but it always seems that there are as many globes hanging out as there are ones being handed out. Although most women dressed in uplifting fashion, a few could have used a little uplift.

For me, the best of this year’s show and winners were the good actresses portraying strong, powerful female characters. My personal favorite Geena Davis took home acclaim as the feminine and forceful “Commander-in-Chief”. I can only pray that this portends a near future with a woman holding the power in the Oval office from behind the desk and not from under it.

Davis treated the audience to a faux tale of a young girl being inspired to become President by Davis’s performance. The reality is we finally have more powerful female characters for girls to emulate.

Another outstanding performer is S. Epatha Merkerson who won as best supporting actress for her role in Lackawanna Blues . There was plenty to admire in both winners and nominees.

These women have brains, curves, sense and sensuality. Both actresses and characters inspire with style and substance, humor and intelligence.

Although I admit to being a rabid Mel Brooks fan, it was a pleasure to see the South rise to the top in the Carter/Cash love story “Walk the Line” with wins for the movie and best actress Reese Witherspoon and best actor Joaquin Phoenix.

When I first started writing, I explored several genres including romance. The hot ticket then was a love story with a cowboy as the hero. Wonder what those editors would have thought of the night’s big winner being a story featuring two cowboys in love – with each other. Looks like the Wild West is a lot wilder than usually portrayed.

Cheers to finally recognizing that real women can have a strong side and still be feminine. I think men may still have to wait awhile to prove that sensitive masculinity is possible no matter whom you love.