0
0
By Stephanie Holland
Look out it’s geek’s night out (Martin Iniguez Jr.)
By Stephanie Holland
Freaks and geeks of all shapes, sizes and colors gathered at the Greek Theatre in Hollywood on Oct. 18 to celebrate their favorites in comic books, fantasy and horror at the Spike TV Scream awards.
The show opened with a tribute to “Scream Legend” Sir Anthony Hopkins. He was saluted for his years of work playing demented characters and genius serial killers.
He mentioned that producers had invited him to bite someone, but then added that “he already had an old friend for dinner.”One of the first awards of the evening went to Pia Guerra and Brian K. Vaughn for their comic masterpiece “Y: The Last Man,” which won for best comic book. The story about the last male mammal left after a violent plague kills everyone with a Y chromosome is being made into a motion picture set for release in 2010.
After that the party really started with an appearance by the Osbourne family. Sharon got the crowd going with a string of the family’s trademark profanities. They then presented Favorite Television Show, which went to surprise winner “Dexter.” Star Michael C. Hall noted that the spike shaped award could easily be used to kill someone.
Reclusive director Tim Burton made a surprise appearance to accept the award for “Scream Immortal.” He entered as only Tim Burton could, in a hot-air balloon. Before his spectacular entrance, Burton was honored with a montage of his greatest cinematic moments that only a crowd this eccentric could appreciate.
The show featured two musical performances and first up was Estonian pop singer Kerli. She sang her hit “Walking on Air,” and was accompanied by a stage show befitting someone with her unique style.
The eagerly anticipated return of the Smashing Pumpkins rounded out the other half of the musical entertainment. They premiered their new single “Glow,” which their diehard fans were very excited about.
In a category unique to the Scream awards, Goth legend Marilyn Manson presented the award for most memorable mutilation. As the nominees were shown on the big screen, the audience could be heard gasping and screaming at the goriness of it all.A moment came when Gary Oldman honored the late Heath Ledger with the awards for best villain and best fantasy actor for his performance in “The Dark Knight.” Ledger’s best scenes from the film were shown, as fans showed their appreciation by raising their glasses in the air.
Oldman won the award for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Commissioner Gordon in “The Dark Knight.” The latest Batman movie was the evening’s big winner, also taking best director, screenplay and the night’s biggest award, Ultimate Scream.
The audience was given green glow sticks to prepare for a surprise finale that would feature Samuel L. Jackson.
Once Jackson appeared on stage and began to speak about a man who made it possible for everyone there to become freaks and geeks, it became clear he was talking about “Star Wars” creator George Lucas.
Lucas received the Comic-Con Icon award after a presentation that included a montage, green lasers that filled the theatre, an audience full of glow sticks and a stage lined with stormtroopers.
It only seemed right that the night ended with a tribute to the franchise that began most of the audience on their geek path.While most award shows are all about glitz and glamour, the Scream awards are about honoring the people who make these genres what they are: the fans.
