It is always a highlight of awards season, and this year’s 20th Annual AARP Movies for Grownups Awards was a virtual lovefest for films and television shows that resonate with the 50+ audience.
Virtual too in the fact that there was not an in-person ceremony, but the presentation was hosted by actor Alan Cumming and broadcast on PBS as part of “Great Performances.”
“Belfast’s” writer and director Kenneth Branagh appeared with cast member and fellow nominee Judi Dench to accept the top prize.
It was also a big night for “King Richard’s” Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis, who won best actor and supporting actress for portraying the parents of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.
Actress Saniyya Sidney, who played Venus Williams in the Warner Bros. film, presented the best actor award to her “on-screen dad” Smith. Demi Singleton, who portrayed Serena Williams, was the one to present Ellis with her best supporting actress award.
Nicole Kidman took the best actress trophy for “Being the Ricardos,” which was presented to her by the film’s writer and director Aaron Sorkin. Jared Leto won best supporting actor for his portrayal of Paolo Gucci in “House of Gucci.”
“Playing Paulo Gucci was the experience of a lifetime,” said Leto of his role, while shouting out the director and actors he worked with. “Sir Ridley Scott, Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons –they taught me that creativity and imagination have no age.”
AARP’s Movies for Grownups works to fight ageism in the entertainment industry and that was the theme in many of the other acceptance speeches as well.
“CODA,” which has become an awards season darling, was awarded best intergenerational film with cast members Marlee Matlin and Daniel Durant accepting the prize.
“The Power of the Dog” helmer Jane Campion was awarded best director, but it was “King Richard” that was the only film to win multiple awards.
On the TV side, “Mare of Easttown” and “Ted Lasso” won the trophies for best TV series and best TV movie/limited series, respectively.
Jean Smart, who has received an Emmy, Critics Choice, Golden Globe and SAG Award for her performance, picked up best actress and “Dopesick”*Michael Keaton took home the trophy for best actor, after winning three precursor awards for the role.
Here is a list of winners:
FILM
Best Picture
Belfast
Best Actor
Will Smith (King Richard)
Best Actress
Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos)
Best Supporting Actress
Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard)
Best Supporting Actor
Jared Leto (House of Gucci)
Best Director
Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog)
Best Screenwriter
Tony Kushner (West Side Story)
Best Intergenerational Film
CODA
Best Ensemble
Nightmare Alley
Best Time Capsule
Spencer
Best Grownup Love Story
Cyrano
Best Documentary
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Best Buddy Picture
Finch
Best Foreign Film
Sheep Without a Shepherd (China)
TELEVISION
Best Actress
Jean Smart (Hacks)
Best Actor
Michael Keaton (Dopesick)
Best Limited Series/TV Movie
Mare of Easttown
Best TV Series
Ted Lasso
Career Achievement Award
Lily Tomlin
