This past weekend, almost everyone’s attention was on one particular television program — the Super Bowl — even if just for the commercials (my favorite part every year when the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t playing). Later this week, however, the focus will be on TV programs themselves, along with films, when AARP the Magazine honors winners of the 21st annual Movies for Grownups Awards.
AARP describes the program as championing “movies for grownups, by grownups, by advocating for the 50-plus audience, fighting industry ageism and encouraging films and TV shows that resonate with older viewers.” Although some, including me, may cringe a little at the thought of anyone 50 or older being described as an “older viewer,” the intent and accomplishment of the program is admirable, given our society’s obsession with youth.
“We are delighted to celebrate and honor these talented filmmakers that made the 50-plus audience excited to stream the best that TV has to offer, or go back to the theaters and enjoy movies once again,” Heather Nawrocki, vice president of AARP’s Movies for Grownups program, said in a statement. “The older audience loves to be entertained, and this year’s awardees do not disappoint.”
Check your local listings, but the pre-recorded show, hosted by Alan Cumming, is set to be broadcast nationwide by Great Performances on Friday at 9 p.m. ET on PBS. Winners already have been announced (the ceremony was Jan. 28), so there won’t be any surprises there. And AARP has shared some additional spoilers.
According to the AARP, highlights of the broadcast will include:
- Austin Butler introducing Best Director winner Baz Luhrmann for the film “Elvis.”
- Jamie Lee Curtis receiving this year’s Career Achievement Award, presented to her by Brian Tyree Henry. “At the end of the day, what I love most about grownups is that we are more alike than different — grown ups suit up and show up each day, regardless of the way our cards were dealt,” Curtis said, according to the organization. “It’s the beauty of grownups, and I’m honored to be considered one, because it’s a badge of honor that I wear proudly on my face, on my body, in my mind and in my soul, and I’m grateful for AARP tonight for this beautiful recognition.”
- Cumming’s musical parody of “My Favorite Things,” altered to include his favorite “binge-worthy things.”
- Lisa Anne Walter, who presented the award for Best TV Actress to Sheryl Lee Ralph for “Abbott Elementary,” thanking “AARP for shining a light on aging.”
- Hong Chau presenting the award for Best Actor to Brendan Fraser for his role in the film “The Whale.”
- Glen Powell presenting the award for Best Picture/Best Movie for Grownups to Jerry Bruckheimer for “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Event proceeds will go to Wish of a Lifetime from AARP to help grant wishes for older adults and “shift the way society views aging,” according to the AARP.
The complete list of the 2023 Movies for Grownups Awards winners:
- Career Achievement: Jamie Lee Curtis
- Best Picture/Best Movie for Grownups: “Top Gun: Maverick”
- Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”)
- Best Actor: Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”)
- Best Supporting Actress: Judith Ivey (“Women Talking”)
- Best Supporting Actor: Judd Hirsch (“The Fabelmans”)
- Best Director: Baz Luhrmann (“Elvis”)
- Best Screenwriter: Kazuo Ishiguro (“Living”)
- Best Ensemble: “She Said”
- Best Intergenerational: “Till”
- Best Time Capsule: “Elvis”
- Best Grownup Love Story: “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande”
- Best Documentary: “Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down”
- Best Foreign Film: “The Quiet Girl” (Ireland)
- Best Actress (TV): Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”)
- Best Actor (TV): Jeff Bridges (“The Old Man”)
- Best TV Series: “The Old Man”
- Best TV Movie/Limited Series: “Black Bird”
Whether or not you watch the awards ceremony, the list of winners provides fodder for future days of entertainment possibilities as we await spring, regardless of our age.
Lois A. Bowers is the editor of McKnight’s Senior Living. Read her other columns here.
