While other parts of the country ramp up (read: check inboxes, sweep pine needles, empty waste cans) following the holidays, Southern California starts the year at full-tilt, at least where the movie industry is concerned.
For once the wrapping paper and bows are stowed, it is officially awards season, full-tilt, through the end of February. The Golden Globes arrive almost immediately -- "almost immediately" in 2013 means Sunday, Jan. 13 -- which can sometimes catch the dedicated film-o-phile off-guard, at least regarding the Foreign Film Language nominees.
Those works can be a bit harder to find, even in our movie-laden city, but American Cinematheque takes the worry out of the search: It just shows 'em all, right ahead of the awards show, each and every year.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization behind the Globes, co-presents the cinema series.
This year the series, which once again will unspool at the Aero and the Egyptian, opens on Monday, Jan. 7. The films include "De Rouille Et D'os" ("Rust and Bone") of France, "Kon-Tiki" of Norway, "Amour" of France, "En Kongelig Affaere" ("The Royal Affair") of Denmark, and "The Intouchables" of France.
Catching them all, or the films you've missed, isn't simply about making sure your office or friend ballot is complete on Sunday the 13th. The category has proved time and again as one that provides those movies that become lasting classics.
