Transitioning from movie actor to talk show host, Brit James Corden took the reigns from Craig Ferguson as ringmaster of CBS’ “The Late Late Show”. His inaugural show was packed with star-power, including perfect choice first guest Tom Hanks and showed tons of promise. Since then Corden’s car-eoke videos have blown-up online, and his genuine persona and upbeat personality have served him well in the over-stuffed late-night game.
Steven Spielberg may return to The Oscars this February as nominee for the Cold War drama “Bridge of Spies” (starring Hanks), his first film since 2012’s “Lincoln”. The legendary director also produced 2015’s highest-grossing movie to date, the juggernaut “Jurassic World”. Who knew that film would be #1 at the box office for the year prior to release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”?
Amy Poehler has been everywhere. In January she and pal Tina Fey co-hosted the Golden Globes for the third time. Poehler’s popular NBC comedy “Parks and Recreation” ended its seven-season run in February. As Joy in Disney/Pixar’s “Inside Out”, she provides one of the best voice-over performances of 2015. And she and Fey reunite for the big screen comedy, “Sisters”, which is facing-off against “Star Wars” on Dec. 18.
And let’s keep our galaxy theme going for Harrison Ford. Of course he’s back as Han Solo, but Ford also gave a moving dramatic performance in the little-seen “The Age of Adaline”, alongside Blake Lively. And Ford’s harrowing plane crash in March resulted in a daring landing, earning him the title of “America’s Air Hero”.
“Everywhere you look”, you’ll find John Stamos. The “Full House” star is reprising his role as Uncle Jesse for the Netflix revival “Fuller House”. 2015 also saw a Stamos stint in rehab, but he’s doing well and is shining on the smart and bubbly FOX comedy “Grandfathered”, which has been picked-up for a full season.
When referring to Oscars, Johnny Depp recently stated, “I don’t want one of those things ever.” Well, he’s been previously nominated for Best Actor honors three times (and nearly won for the original “Pirates of the Caribbean”), and is receiving serious buzz for a return to the category for his performance as gangster Whitey Bulger in “Black Mass”. The film, and his work, are a major upgrade from “Mortdecai” (released in January), but I still believe Depp will be snubbed come nomination morning.
The term triple-threat (at least on screen) can easily apply to Cate Blanchett. Her cinematic gamut in 2015 ranges from the Evil Stepmother in Disney’s live-action “Cinderella” to TV news producer Mary Mapes in “Truth” and the title character in “Carol”. All three performances have provided the two-time Oscar winner with plenty of attention.
Jennifer Lawrence is ending one of her franchises, with the conclusion of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2”. But she’s still involved with the “X-Men”, with “Apocalypse” wrapped and ready for a May release. And let’s not leave-out what could be another unforgettable and award-worthy performance in “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle” director David O. Russell’s “Joy”, out Christmas Day.
Lawrence has also been writing a screenplay with best friend Amy Schumer, and what a year she’s had. In such a short amount of time, Schumer has gone from relatively unknown stand-up comic to movie star with “Trainwreck”, TV star and Emmy winner for Comedy Central’s “Inside Amy Schumer”, to recipient of the British Academy “Charlie Chaplin Excellence in Comedy” Award. Schumer was even approached to host The Oscars! Her career has skyrocketed, and she’d probably be my MOST fascinating entertainment recipient of the year if it wasn’t for…
The Trumpster. Yes, who would’ve guessed that “The Apprentice” host and business mogul Donald Trump would not only run for President of the United States but actually be the frontrunner for the Republican nomination? He’s given talk show hosts plenty of material and turned this election race into even more of a media and cultural circus than ever before. He hosted “SNL” and dominates social media. The Donald is #1 – at least for now!