It’s Time for my Big Bold 2013 SAG Award Winner Predictions

This weekend, awards season keeps trucking along with PGA Awards and the SAG Awards. I, of course, am incredibly excited for the SAG Awards since I actually get to vote for them as a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild for over 10 years now. It’s always a fun show and one where actors support and applaud one another, and yes, actors love to do that… Anywho, the show airs on Sunday on TBS and could feature some big upsets in the film categories and the TV races are pretty wide open. So, just who do I think will and should win? Take a look at my predictions below. Then, head back here on Sunday night for all the winners from the 2013 SAG Awards. (* And also note four films sent actual dvds to the ENTIRE giant SAG/AFTRA membership guild which certainly improves their chances. Those films were Argo, Les Miserables, Lincoln and Silver Linings Playbook. The latter of those films has been pushing, advertising and knocking the industry over the head like crazy begging for awards too, so it might actually pay off…)

2013 SAG Award Winner Predictions~

Best Film Ensemble:
Argo, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Les Miserables, Lincoln, Silver Linings Playbook
Will & Should win: Les Miserables
~ spoiler: Silver Linings Playbook

Best Actor:
Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln), Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook), John Hawkes (The Sessions), Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables), Denzel Washington (Flight)
Will win: Daniel Day-Lewis
Should win: Hugh Jackman
~ spoiler: Hugh Jackman (I think this race is way closer than most people think and actors LOVE Hugh. He also had arguably a tougher job than Day-Lewis and he’s done a lot of campaigning.)

Best Actress:
Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty), Marion Cotillard (Rust & Bone), Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook), Helen Mirren (Hithcock), Naomi Watts (The Impossible)
Will win: Jennifer Lawrence
Should win: Jessica Chastain
~spoiler: Naomi Watts (seriously Chastain and Lawrence could spilt the vote in this very tight race leaving room for a win for the very deserving Watts)

Best Supporting Actor:
Alan Arkin (Argo), Javier Bardem (Skyfall), Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln), Phillip Seymour Hoffman (The Master), Robert DeNiro (Silver Linings Playbook)
Will & Should win: Tommy Lee Jones
~ spoiler: Robert DeNiro

Best Supporting Actress:
Sally Field (Lincoln), Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables), Helen Hunt (The Sessions), Nicole Kidman (The Paperboy), Maggie Smith (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel)
Will & Should win: Anne Hathaway
~ spoiler: no one. She has it in the bag

TV categories~

Best Drama Ensemble:
Breaking Bad, Boardwalk Empire, Downton Abbey, Homeland, Mad Men
Will win: Homeland
Should win: Breaking Bad
~ spoiler: Downton Abbey

Drama Actor:
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Damian Lewis (Homeland)
Will win: Damian Lewis
Should win: Bryan Cranston
~ spoiler: Bryan Cranston

Drama Actress:
Clare Danes (Homeland), Michelle Dockrey (Downton Abbey), Jessica Lange (American Horror Story: Asylum), Juliana Marguiles (The Good Wife), Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey)
Will & Should win: Clare Danes
~ spoiler: Maggie Smith

Comedy Ensemble:
30 Rock, The Big Bang Theory, Glee, Modern Family, Nurse Jackie, The Office
Will & Should win: Modern Family
~ spoiler: The Big Bang Theory

Comedy Actor:
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Louis C.K. (Louie), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family)
Will win: Alec Baldwin
Should win: Ty Burrell
~ spoiler: Jim Parsons

Comedy Actress:
Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Tina Fey (30 Rock), Amy Poehler (Parks & Recreation), Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), Betty White (Hot in Cleveland)
Will & Should win: Amy Poehler
~ spoiler: Betty White

TV Movie/Miniseries Actor:
Kevin Costner (Hatfields & McCoys), Woody Harrelson (Game Change), Ed Harris (Game Change), Clive Owen (Hemingway & Gelhorn), Bill Paxton (Hatfields & McCoys)
Will win: Kevin Costner
Should win: Woody Harrelson
~ spoiler: Ed Harris

TV Movie/Miniseries Actress:
Nicole Kidman (Heminway & Gelhorn), Julianne Moore (Game Change), Charlotte Rampling (Restless), Sigourney Weaver (Political Animals), Alfre Woodard (Steel Magnolias)
Will & Should win: Julianne Moore
~ spoiler: Nicole Kidman

Rock of Ages Preview~ “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”!

The all-star movie musical Rock of Ages hits theaters this weekend and I’m a little too excited about it. I’m not sure if it’s gonna be a hot mess or a really well crafted movie musical (ala Hairspray which was also directed by Ages helmer Adam Shankman), but I will be there day 1 to find out. Regardless, it looks like a really good time and the curiosity factor of seeing Tom Cruise as the ultimate rock god is pretty much reason enough to see it. I’m also thrilled to see Oscar winner Catharine Zeta-Jones back singing and dancing on the big screen like she did in the brilliant Chicago. In the film, she plays an anti-rock crusader and sings the big Pat Benatar classic “Hit Me with Your Best Shot”. Now, I have your first look at that scene below. Check it out!

Rock of Ages~ “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” by Catharine Zeta-Jones

And check out the full film trailer below. The movie which chronicles the rise of two young Hollywood wannabes played by newcomer Diego Luna and Dancing with the Stars’ Julianne Hough on the rocking Sunset Strip in the 80′s also stars Mary J. Blige, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Malin Ackerman, Bryan Cranston and the aforementioned Cruise and Zeta-Jones. Ages features some of the best rock and metal anthems of the 80′s from the likes of Poison, Bon Jovi, Journey, Foreigner, Guns N’ Roses, Warrant, Quiet Riot, Night Ranger, Extreme, Def Leppard and more! It hits theaters this Friday June 15.

Rock of Ages trailer

First Look~ “Rock of Ages” the movie!

Adam Shankman scored a big hit with his movie version of the Tony winning musical Hairspray. The film was awesome and even garnered some awards love (grabbing Golden Globe and SAG nods). Now, the director/producer/choreographer (and sometime So You Think You Can Dance judge)is at it again with a new cinematic version of the Tony nominated musical Rock of Ages. The show chronicles the rise of two young wannabe rockers and the metal scene of Hollywood in 1987 set to the music of some of the best rock, metal and pop acts of the decade like Foreigner, Def Leppard, Twisted Sister and Pat Benatar. It features an all-star cast including Oscar nominee Tom Cruise, Oscar winner Catherine Zeta-Jones, Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Alec Baldwin, Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Paul Giamatti, Julianna Hough, Malin Ackerman, Grammy winner Mary J. Blige, Russell Brand and newcomer Diego Bonita. The first trailer for the film which hits theatres this summer just popped up on the web and the question is… does it rock? … Well, um, no. But it does look fun and I live for a musical. So, I’ll be there regardless. I have to say Zeta-Jones looks to be a standout (no surprise) and I’m surprisingly impressed with the brief images of Cruise. But what do you think? take a look at the trailer below and tell me if you think this film will be one for the ages or should be stuffed under a rock.

Rock of Ages trailer

SAG crowns a King and Betty White!

Last year she stole the show when she won the Lifetime Achievement Award. This year she stole the show again as she won Best Actress in a Comedy Series. All hail Betty White, the hottest 89-year-old around as the SAG Awards honored her for her first individual performance win and she kindly responded with the best and funniest speech of the night~ even fondling her statue. How much do we love Betty!? … Now, the show wasn’t all about Betty, the Screen Actors Guild also honored the movies with all the front-runners taking home awards including Colin Firth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale and Melissa Leo. It seems all but assured that they will likely repeat at the Oscars next month. Things could still change, but they’re all safe bets now. Another good bet is that The King’s Speech will deservedly take home Best Picture as it added the Best Ensemble win to its mantle at tonight’s show…. Other television wins went to the casts of Modern Family and Boardwalk Empire plus Steve Buscemi and Juliana Marugiles in the drama categories and Alec Baldwin grabbed his 5th consecutive win for Comedy Actor. Take a look at the full list of winners below (and no, all of the people I voted for didn’t win… wanna know who I was pulling for? Shoot me an email. In the meantime, head to the SAG website for more info.)

MOVIES

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
The King’s Speech

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Colin Firth, The King’s Speech

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Natalie Portman, Black Swan

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale, The Fighter

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Melissa Leo, The Fighter

TELEVISION

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Modern Family

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Betty White, Hot in Cleveland

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Al Pacino, You Don’t Know Jack

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Claire Danes, Temple Grandin

Screen Actors Guild Awards 47th Annual Life Achievement Award
Ernest Borgnine

Stunt Ensemble (Film): Inception
Stunt Ensemble (TV): True Blood

My Big Bold EMMY AWARD Winner Predictions

Will it be Modern Family or Glee…  Lost or Mad Men? The show that revitalized the family comedy vs. the pop culture phenomena and the former winner looking for renewed glory vs. the incumbent on a role. Those are the two big battles raging as we get ready for Sunday’s big Emmy Awards ceremony. This year we could see a number of first time winners like Jane Lynch (Glee), Michael C. Hall (Dexter) and Ty Burrell (Modern Family) or possibly the old standbys like Tony Shaloub (Monk), Glenn Close (Damages) and Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) will be victorious. Either scenario could happen on the show hosted by Jimmy Fallon. What is certain is that the miniseries The Pacific will continue its Emmy winning ways from the Creative Arts Emmy Awards last weekend where it took home the most crafts awards and we also saw Betty White (SNL), John Lithgow (Dexter), and Ann-Margaret (Law & Order: SVU) grab Guest Acting Honors. Neil Patrick Harris even won two awards (Guest Actor for Glee & Special Class Program for Hosting The Tonys) and is a strong bet to add a third this weekend. So, just who will win and who should win? Check out my predictions below and watch the Emmy Awards Sunday on NBC.

Drama Series:
Breaking Bad, Dexter, The Good Wife, Lost, Mad Men, True Blood
Will win: Mad Men
Should win: Lost
~spoiler: Dexter (if the top two split the vote)

Drama Lead Actor:
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), Matthew Fox (Lost), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Hugh Laurie (House)
Will & Should win: Michael C. Hall (finally on his 5th try, including one nom for Six Feet Under)
~spoilers: Bryan Cranston (had an amazing tape), Hugh Laurie (he’s 0 for 6 here and overdue)
-This is the most difficult race to predict. Matthew Fox is also deserving for his fantastic work in the amazing series finale of Lost. Only Hamm and Chandler are out of the running.

Drama Lead Actress:
Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Glenn Close (Damages), Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU), January Jones (Mad Men), Julianna Marguiles (The Good Wife), Kyra Sedgewick (The Closer)
Will & Should win: Julianna Marguiles
~spoiler: Kyra Sedgewick (she chose a great episode submission and is overdue. So far she’s 0 for 5 at the Emmys)

Drama Supporting Actor:
Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age), Michael Emerson (Lost), Terry O’Quinn (Lost), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Martin Short (Damages), John Slattery (Mad Men)
Will & Should win: Terry O’Quinn
~spoiler: Michael Emerson

Drama Supporting Actress:
Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), Rose Byrne (Damages), Sharon Gless (Burn Notice), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men), Archie Penjabi (The Good Wife)
Will win: Sharon Gless (she has a great tape and industry respect)
Should win: Archie Penjabi (the most interesting new character and fascinating performance on a tv drama last year)
~spoiler: Christina Hendricks (somebody from Mad Men has to win an acting award sometime)

Drama Writing:
Friday Night Lights (“The Son”), The Good Wife (“Pilot”), Lost (“The End”), Mad Men (“Guy Walks into an Advertising Agency”), Mad Men (“Shut the Door, Have a Seat”)
Will & Should win: Lost
~spoiler: Friday Night Lights (or possibly Mad Men if it’s episodes don’t cancel each other out)

Drama Directing:
Breaking Bad (“One Minute”), Dexter (“The Getaway”), Lost (“The End pt. 1 & 2″), Mad Men (“Guy Walks into an Advertising Agency)”, Treme (“Do You Know What it Means?”)
Will & Should win: Lost (hello, it’s the brilliant finale)
~spoiler: Dexter (um, hello, that final episode was killer!)

Comedy Series:
30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Glee, Modern Family, Nurse Jackie, The Office
Will win: Modern Family
Should win: Glee (ok, yes, I’m a gleek… but I’ll be totally happy with an equally deserving Modern Family win here)

Comedy Lead Actor:
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Steve Carrell (The Office), Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Matthew Morrison (Glee), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), Tony Shaloub (Monk)
Will & Should win: Jim Parsons (He is hilarious and I’m not even a fan of the show)
~spoiler: Tony Shaloub (he had a great and long tape and it’s the final year of his show)
* I’d love to see Steve Carrell win though (he’s 0 for 5 at the Emmys in this category)

Comedy Lead Actress:
Toni Collette (United States of Tara), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Tina Fey (30 Rock), Lea Michelle (Glee), Julia Louis Dreyfuss (New Adventures of Old Christine), Amy Poehler (Parks & Recreation)
Will & Should win: Edie Falco
~spoiler: Lea Michelle (she submitted the “Don’t Rain on my Parade” episode)
* this category could go many ways with Poehler and Collette submitting great episodes too

Comedy Supporting Actor:
Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Chris Colfer (Glee), Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family)
Will win: Neil Patrick Harris (he lost the last 3 years in a row when he deserved to win and he just won 2 at the Shmemmys. He’s on a role!)
Should win: Ty Burrell or Eric Stonestreet or Harris or Colfer or Ferguson (oh heck anyone but Cryer)
~spoiler: Chris Colfer

Comedy Supporting Actress:
Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), Jane Lynch (Glee), Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), Holland Taylor (Two and a Half Men), Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)
Will & Should win: Jane Lynch
~this is the ONLY slam dunk of the night.

Comedy Writing:
Glee (“Pilot”), Modern Family (“Pilot”), The Office (“Niagra Pt. 1 &2), 30 Rock (“Anna Howard Shaw Day”), 30 Rock (“Lee Marvin v. Derek Jeter”)
Will win: Modern Family
Should win: Glee
~spoiler: Glee

Comedy Directing:
Glee (“Wheels”), Glee (“Pilot”), Modern Family (“Pilot”), Nurse Jackie (“Pilot”), 30 Rock (“I Do Do”)
Will & Should win: Glee (“Pilot”)~ the one that started it all
~spoiler: Glee (“Wheels”)~ it’s arguably better than the pilot directed by Emmy winner Paris Barclay

Outstanding Reality Competition Show:
The Amazing Race, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Project Runway Top Chef
Will win: The Amazing Race (um, that’d be 8 in a row. It’s a great show, but enough!)
Should win: Top Chef
~spoiler: Top Chef

TV Movie
Endgame, Georgia O’Keefe, Moonshot, Temple Grandin, The Special Relationship, You Don’t Know Jack
Will & Should win: Temple Grandin
~spoiler: You Don’t Know Jack

Miniseries:
The Pacific, Return to Cranford
Will & Should win: The Pacific

Lead Actress TV Movie/Miniseries
Joan Allen (Georgia O’Keefe), Clare Danes (Temple Grandin), Hope Davis (That Special Relationship), Judi Dench (Return to Cranford), Maggie Smith (Capturing Mary)
Will & Should win: Clare Danes (simply astonishingly good)
~spoiler: Joan Allen

Lead Actor TV Movie/Miniseries:
Jeff Bridges (A Dog Year), Ian McKellan (The Prisoner), Dennis Quaid (That Special Relationship), Michael Sheen (That Special Relationship), Al Pacino (You Don’t Know Jack)
Will win: Al Pacino
Should win: Ian McKellan
~spoiler: Jeff Bridges (he just won that Oscar you know…)

Supporting Actress TV Movie/Miniseries:
Kathy Bates (Alice), Catherine O’Hara (Temple Grandin), Julia Ormond (Temple Grandin), Brenda Vacarro (You Don’t Know Jack), Susan Sarandon (You Don’t Know Jack)
Will win: Julia Ormond
Should win: Brenda Vacarro (or the wonderful and subtle work from Catherine O’Hara)
~spoiler: Susan Sarandon (hello, she’s the big movie star here)

Supporting Actor TV Movie/Miniseries:
Michael Gambon (Emma), John Goodman (You Don’t Know Jack), Johnathan Pryce (Return to Cranford), Patrick Steward (Hamlet), David Strathairn (Temple Grandin)
Will & Should win: Patrick Stewart
~spoiler: David Strathairn (if there’s a “Temple” sweep)

Who’s a Funny Guy? … More Emmy Contenders

This is the second in a series of posts I will be doing on this year’s Emmy Award nominations. As most of you know, I’m a huge Awards show obsessive and I love to handicap each of the contenders. The column will focus on the funny men vying to grab that golden girl, the Emmy Award as Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. I’ll break  their chances down by category, then list my favorites and my predictions. Take a look and let me know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. 

The locks for a nomination: 

Alec Baldwin (30 Rock): he’s won the last two years plus has several Golden Globes and SAG awards for his hilarious turn as Jack Donaghy. He is the clear front-runner.

Steve Carrell (The Office): poor Carrell seems to always get nominated and never win. He’s been nominated four times and never grabbed the Emmy. That’s likely to continue this year. But hey at least he has those SAG “Office” ensemble wins and a Golden Globe for his troubles…

The likely contenders:

Ed O’Neil (Modern Family):  After a lengthy career, he is finally gaining some critical recognition for his work and  is one of many members of the Modern Family cast that should land nods. As the curmudgeonly patriarch with a heart of gold, O’Neil has obliterated all memories of Al Bundy as well.

Matthew Morrison (Glee): He sings, he dances, he acts, he scores! The former Tony and Golden Globe nominee should be one of several Glee stars to grab a nod on nomination morning. In fact I’m expecting my favorite show to lead all comedies in nominations this year.

Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory): He grabbed his first nomination last year and should follow suit again this year as the funniest geek on tv.

Tony Shaloub (Monk):  the most nomm’d and awarded of this year’s contenders, Shaloub has to be considered a threat for a nom and a win, especially considering it was the final year for his long running hit Monk.

 

Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm): while I don’t get the appeal for David or his show, Emmy voters do. He’s been nomm’d a bundle of times and I doubt he’ll be left out this year.

In the Running:

Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men): despite his personal problems Sheen continues to show up on the nominations lists for SAG, Globes and Emmy awards every now and again. The longevity of his sitcom’s success can only add to his chances of grabbing another nom this year.

David Duchovny (Californication): giving bad guys with sex addictions a good name, Duchovny has previously nabbed Golden Globe and SAG noms for this role (and Emmy nods for his earlier work on The X Files). He could land in the comedy race for the first time this year.

Thomas Jane (Hung): playing the teacher with a little something “extra”, Jane nabbed a Golden Globe nom last year and could see the awards streak continue for his subtle work on the latest HBO comedy hit.

Outside Shot:

Zacahry Levi (Chuck): As the nerd spy who could, Levi straddles action and comedy with ease and he tends to get the hot babes too. Those older male Emmy lovers could certainly respond to that wish-fulfillment.

James Roday (Psych): another USA staple, Psych is consistently entertaining mainly due to Roday’s plucky energy and interplay with Dule Hill.

Deserving Longshot:

Jay Harrington (Better Off Ted) : As the leader of the quirkiest and most criminally ignored ensemble on television, Harrington’s deft work on the little seen Better Off Ted was outstanding. Why oh why didn’t you watch this show America?

On the ballot, but it’s not gonna happen:

Josh Radnor (How I Met Your Mother), Joel McHale (Community), Adrien Grenier (Entourage), Kevin Connelly (Entourage), Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory)

So, how would I rank them? Here goes…

1. Alec Baldwin

2. Matthew Morrison

3. Ed O’Neil

4. Jim Parsons

5. Ste ve Carrell

6. Jay Harrington

7. Zachary Levi

8. Thomas Jane

9. James Roday

10. Tony Shaloub

And My Predictions for the actual nominees for Lead Actor in a Comedy Series are:

Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Steve Carrell (The Office), Matthew Morrison (Glee), Ed O’Neil (Modern Family), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), Tony Shaloub (Monk)

 

Whose Irish Eyes make you Smile?

Well, happy St. Patty’s Day to you friends!

In honor of all things Irish like Green Beer, Leprechauns, Enya, Shamrock Shakes and McDreamy, I decided to compile a list of some of my favorite Irish  and Irish American actors, singers and entertainers…

Molly Shannon: I had the pleasure of appearing on Molly’s short lived show Kath & Kim and I have to say she was just a dream. Not only is she a hilarious actress, but she’s an incredibly kind and giving person supporting many charitable organizations including Aid for Aids where she served as a judge for the past two years in their annual fundraiser riot, the Best in Drag Show. This SNL vet will soon be seen in a guest spot on Glee.

John C. Reilly: the Oscar nominated star of Chicago, Walk Hard and The Vampire’s Assistant is another class act and humanitarian. (He also judged the Best in Drag show the last few years). He’ll next be seen in Cyrus, the Sundance hit with Marisa Tomei and Jonah Hill.

Anne Hathaway: this Oscar nominee and Alice in Wonderland star is a big supporter of LGBT rights and has several films in the can including the awards bait picture Love and Other Drugs.

Colin Farrell: the reformed party boy recently returned to the big screen acting and singing in Crazy Heart, is also a big LGBT supporter (like Anne, he has a gay brother) and will soon be seen in London Boulevard with Kiera Knightly.

Drew Barrymore: she just won a Golden Globe and  a SAG award for her brilliant turn in Grey Gardens. This free spirit recently made her directing debut with Whip It and teams with her current beau Justin Long in this year’s romantic comedy Going the Distance.

Kathy Griffin: This two time Emmy winning comedian, gay rights advocate and reality tv star is the funniest lady out there. She’ll give you the serious dish and she can even tug at your heart strings on her Bravo show. She recently showed her dramatic chops on an episode of Law & Order: SVU. Watch for the new season of Kathy Griffin: Life on the D List this summer.

Alec Baldwin: The Emmy and Golden Globe winning star of 30 Rock and recent Oscar host is just a riot. Despite any of his personal issues, you can’t deny his talent, and hello, have you seen him host SNL? Brills!

Sean Penn: the two time Oscar winner (Mystic River and the brilliant Milk), and soon to be ex-husband of my favorite actress Robin Wright, consistently delivers fantastic performances whether he be a gay civil rights leader or a stoned surfer dude. Up next for Sean is the thriller Fair Game with Naomi Watts.

And here’s a list of several other Irish and Irish Amerian folk who will likely be toasting today: Elijah Wood, Kristen Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Lindsay Lohan, Vince Vaughn, Olivia Wilde, Liam Neeson, Mandy Moore, Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, Jerry O’Connell, Shannen Doherty, Robert Downey Jr., Billy Baldwin, Matthew Broderick, John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Patrick Dempsey, Bonnie Hunt, Matthew McConaughey, Dylan McDermott, Martin and Charlie Sheen, Maura Tierney, Mark and Donnie Wahlberg and more… Here’s a longer list for your perusal: Click here.

So, which Irish stars do you love? Bono? The Cranberries? Lucky the Leprechaun from Lucky Charms?