I actually watched the BAFTA awards last night. I used to watch the OSCARS and the EMMYS and some of the music awards (if only to kibitz), but I’ve gotten away from them the last few years. I still have the dream to be there. I still want to be there.

But I discovered something as I got sucked into the BAFTAs last night. They’re much more entertaining than a lot of Hollywood awards (though I don’t get the whole Slumdog Millionaire hoopla). I think part of it was the fact the awards show was an AWARDS show. There was no big production, song and dance crap.

Jonathan Ross may have his controversies, but he was FUNNY without being mean, condescending, or low humor. Some of the bits written for the presenters were well played and not forced (though Goldie Hawn either needs her eyes fixed or to be sober).

But what it comes down to is this – the UK (and Australia) put a lot more emphasis on talent than “looks” or “type”. I didn’t realize until during the presentation (and looking him up on IMDB) that Michael Sheen who plays geeky, clean cut David Frost and Tony Blair is also the SMOKIN’ HOT Lucien in the Underworld movies. AND HE GETS TO BE.

Same with David Tennant. Simon Pegg is a bit more stereotyped into comedy (but I’m ready for him to be Scotty). But even their actresses get to be more than stick thin parodies of real women. Don’t get me wrong, the UK has some beautiful actresses, but they’re also ACTRESSES. They’re talented first, gorgeous second. Instead of the other way around here in the US.

I’ve always kinda like performing. I might’ve made a decent actor, but I got smacked in MIDDLE SCHOOL because even though I could’ve done a better job at the two line part, the girl who got the part was more POPULAR. Seriously. It came down to a popularity (and probably who’d sell more tickets). That’s not a healthy thing to teach in MIDDLE SCHOOL.

And that’s US entertainment right there. It’s NOT who’s got the better talent, but who can sell more tickets. And it backfires sometimes. I really wish we could be more like the Brits in that aspect. And when I finally make the awards circuit for stuff I write, I would truly be HONORED to be nominated for a BAFTA.