Clooney and ‘Billie Holiday’ Among AARP Movie Award Winners

‘USA vs. Billie Holiday,’ ‘Minari,’ ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ and ‘One Night in Miami’ are among the films AARP is honoring at its annual Movies for Grownups Awards, the organization announced Thursday. non-profit.

Director Lee Daniels’ ‘USA vs. Billie Holiday’, starring Andra Day as the jazz singer, was named Best Picture, while Korean American family drama ‘Minari’ picked up Best Intergenerational Film . Spike Lee’s Vietnam-themed ‘Da 5 Bloods’ won best buddy picture and Regina King’s ‘One Night in Miami…’, about the fictional encounter of Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, Cassius Clay and Jim Brown , got the best overall.

“We focus on films made by and for adults,” said Tim Appelo, film and television critic for AARP. “When we started a few decades ago, it was hard to find early films about people our own age. I’m very happy to see that we have a bumper crop of films and shows to choose from this year.

George Clooney is honored this year with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 59-year-old directed and starred in his latest film, ‘The Midnight Sky’.

“He’s the Cary Grant of our time, but he’s also a rising director,” Appelo said. “He’s perfect because he’s just a slam dunk argument against ageism.”

Jodie Foster is also honored for her supporting performance in “La Mauritanienne”, for which she also won the Golden Globe this week. Appelo said the 58-year-old said she was happy to be her age and looked forward to playing characters in her 60s and beyond.

“That’s one of our big themes, that life opens up after you hit 50,” Appelo said.

Aaron Sorkin is doubly honored for writing and directing “The Trial of the Chicago 7”. Best acting awards went to Sophia Loren for “The Life Ahead” and Anthony Hopkins for “The Father.”

“The Trial of the Chicago 7” and “America vs. Billie Holiday” are two films that Appelo says are particularly significant because of their historical value for audiences over 50. He also noted that this year included several important and nuanced portrayals of Alzheimer’s disease, including in “The Father” and in “Supernova,” starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci, which was named Best Adult Love Story. .

For the first time, the organization also recognizes TV shows and performances. Catherine O’Hara was named best actress for “Schitt’s Creek”, Mark Ruffalo was named best actor for “I Know This Much is True” and “This Is Us” was named best series. Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit” got Best Limited Series.

The virtual awards show will be broadcast by Great Performances on PBS on March 28 at 8 p.m. ET.