When do awards enthrall?

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Ang Lee, Tabu and Suraj Sharma at the Golden Globes 2013

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Roll out the red carpets, bring out the couture element. The glitz, chutzpah and glamour of awards are back. While the Golden Globes just concluded, the international entertainment fraternity is looking forward to the BAFTAs, Screen Actors Guild and of course, the mecca of all awards — the Oscars.

Back home, local television channels are already titillating with exciting promos of prestigious awards.
Currently, there is a lot of talk about some films. Argo, Life of Pi, Lincoln and Les Miserables are poised to be big winners. Amit Prasad, a social media analyst and writer says, “Part of my job is to follow international media events and write about them. Ben Affleck was certainly a surprise winner for Argo. I can’t wait to watch Les Miserables, Zero Dark Thirty and Lincoln.” Veteran actor Daniel Day Lewis, who plays the erstwhile American president Abraham Lincoln in this drama, bagged the best actor title and looks poised to sweep the award in other ceremonies too. Vaani Jayaprakash, a HR executive says, “This year, the films are an interesting mix. Unlike last year, where the films were rather intense and dramatic, this time around there appears to be a healthy mix.”
It goes without saying that award functions are not only about acknowledging cinematic talent but also about highend couture. A quick scan of news websites and online image galleries can make any preteen girl swoon. Gowns galore, and not to forget the suave tuxedos sported by some of the best-looking men in the world, the awards night cater to more than the average moviegoer. Sana Irfan, a commerce student says, “I watch the Oscars every year at 6 am, simply to watch the red carpet gala. It is a treat for sore eyes! Some of the biggest couture brands feature on the red carpet each year.”
How can the awards be complete without the ever-growing Indian connection? Life of Pi, with 11 oscars, and boasting of a desi starcast, looks promising to bag awards. The highlight is Bombay Jayshri’s nomination in the music category. Other mentions include Silver Linings Playbook, which has Anupam Kher in it, and for which Jennifer Lawrence has already bagged the Best Actress award at the Globes. Guitarist Rakesh Issac says, “The Indian presence on the global arena has only gotten bigger, ever since Rahman bagged Oscars. Though we have always had a respectable presence, I feel we are getting into the mainstream only now.”