We break into your Hurricane Sandy coverage to give you a brief WTF??? moment. While we were all watching the horrific scenes of Sandy hitting the East Coast last Monday night, Ben Affleck was receiving the Career Achievement Award for the Casting Society of America’s 2012 Artios Awards. As a sidebar—I didn’t even know these awards existed until I read the news. So, there’s that.
CSA’s President Pam Dixon was quoted as saying:
“Ben is one of the first all-encompassing filmmakers we have honored (sic). Ben is a consummate actor, director, writer and producer. The Artios Awards are known for celebrating casting directors, who can challenge audiences with their original and bold ideas… whose body of work exemplifies this.”
Body of work? Don’t get me wrong, I like Ben Affleck. But a career achievement award?
Affleck—need I remind you that he was in such flops as Daredevil and Gigli and Jersey Girl—accepted the award and then went on to speak about how giving up the chance to direct the pilot of Homeland to be with his kids and support his wife was one of the worst mistakes of his life. This, of course, after the people who did work on the pilot of Homeland mentioned that even having Affleck consider directing the pilot was what made the show awesome and perfect. They even wrote and recited a poem honoring him.
A poem. For the man who moved an animal cracker over the bared belly of Liv Tyler in Armageddon.
And with that statement I now know we’ve entered into some type of bizarre, parallel universe. Because Ben Affleck—let’s face it—rose to fame and is best known for playing supporting role to Matt Damon, in everything from Goodwill Hunting to Dogma. When Matt Damon makes a movie that doesn’t have Affleck in it, it’s with George Clooney and Brad Pitt breaking into places stealing millions (three times over) or has him running away from everyone in the Bourne Whatever. When Affleck makes a movie without Damon, it runs the risk of being Chasing Amy. (Hey, Kevin Smith fans—don’t attack me. I love Kevin Smith. We even share a birthday. Kevin Smith is not the issue here.) Argo is an exceptional film, but until we see something else come out with that high quality, we have to assume it’s some type of fluke.
So, we ask you, Sprocket Ink readers, to tell us: lifetime achievement (at age 40, no less?) or no? What would you do if someone wanted to give you a lifetime achievement award today?
Andrea
10/31/2012
I don’t love Ben Affleck. though Argo was completely brilliant. he’s done some crap films, but I think he’s actually just getting started making some great stuff. his best work is yet to come.
and (!) not only is he too young, but unless they’re planning on killing him soon, it’s certainly not representive of a LIFETIME of work. it’s just weird, they didn’t have anyone else to honor?
Sarah
10/31/2012
Yes, I could certainly see Affleck stepping up his game in future movies. Argo was damn good. That being said, the potential for you to bring your A-game in the future does not warrant a lifetime achievement award!
Andrea
10/31/2012
exactly! it’s a lifetime award! thus representative of your whole (ish) life.
Lance
11/01/2012
I’m 42 and I’ve never spent time in an American prison. Can I get a lifetime citizenship award?
I’ve also never bought one of those NOW! That’s what I call music pop albums, can I get a lifetime music snob award?
dumb Hollywood is dumb
Sarah
11/01/2012
I, as well, have never spent time in prison (although your qualifier for American is sketchy)… I say citizenship awards for the both of us!