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I’m almost to the end of the 1980s in my retroactive film awards. The 1970s are considered an iconic decade for American film, but we aren’t there yet. The year 1981 probably had some of the wake of that 1970s auteurist style to it, but it is also an era of the blockbuster, as that is something of a 1970s invention as well. However, it’s time to lock in and focus on the films of 1981. Here are my awards.
Best Supporting Actress: Karen Allen, Raiders of the Lost Ark
Harrison Ford’s first turn as Indiana Jones is iconic, of course. He’s great in Raiders of the Lost Ark, but the supporting cast is stellar as well. There are the villains, but don’t forget Allen as Marion Ravenwood. Marion is not just the love interest, but a great foil for Indiana. Without Allen’s turn as Marion, I don’t think this movie turns out as well.
Best Supporting Actor: Charles Grodin, The Great Muppet Caper
When Grodin died, there was talk of his turn in Midnight Run and Beethoven. There was also plenty of love for Grodin’s turn in The Great Muppet Caper. Grodin plays a jewel thief and legendary cat burglar, who also falls in love with Miss Piggy. The joke on social media was that Grodin truly made you believe he was in love with this pig puppet. It was a goof, sure, but born out of the commitment in Grodin’s performance. He was acting across from puppets for much of The Great Muppet Caper, but it didn’t hinder Grodin at all.
Best Actress: Bernadette Peters, Pennies from Heaven
Katharine Hepburn one an end-of-career Oscar in 1981 for On Golden Pond. She’s a legend, of course, and I am not knocking her performance in that movie. I don’t think it’s award worthy necessarily, though. Peters, though, costars with Steve Martin in Pennies from Heaven, a dramatic musical. Martin was, at the time, a movie novice and also a comedy star. Peters was no slouch at musicals, though, and helped shoulder a considerable load in this film.
Best Actor: Albert Brooks, Modern Romance
Brooks is a legend, and I have liked a lot of what he has done, though it doesn’t all work. The guy is a fascinating comedic mind, though, but he mixed high-concept stuff with slice-of-life comedy. I think Modern Romance is the best of Brooks’ movies, and also his best performance. It’s a sharp, clever comedy about a guy in a tumultuous time in his romantic life. Brooks is funny, but he’s also a very good actor.
Best Picture: Raiders of the Lost Ark
This was an easy choice, even in a fine year for movies. Raiders of the Lost Ark rules. It’s an iconic blockbuster. It’s my favorite Steven Spielberg movie. Raiders is all killer, no filler. I love it. It was nominated for Best Picture by the Oscars! It should have won!
