Hampton Habitues

The wintertime might be the cruelest of seasons here in the Hamptons, but we do have a few bright spots of sunshine that we get to look forward to every year. The top three, for me, in no particular order, are cross-country beach skiing, the best Presidents’ Day sale prices on major appliances, and awards season.

Of course, there are a few East Enders who might prefer awards season over all others. Especially those who have been involved in some of the more Academy-, Screen Actors’ Guild– and Golden Globes-recognized fare.

As usual, Hamptons residents are represented when it comes to movies and television. Congratulations are in order for some of this year’s most notable film award nominees, including director Steven Spielberg and his newsroom drama “The Post;” actor Hugh Jackman, the star of “The Greatest Showman;” composer Curter Burwell and his soundtrack to “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri;” and Alec Baldwin, for voicing “The Boss Baby.” 

Nearest and dearest for many is “The Post,” which focuses on former Washington Post Executive Editor and East Hampton resident Ben Bradlee and was directed by East Hampton’s Mr. Spielberg. Played by Tom Hanks, Mr. Bradlee’s courage and gumption as a newsman who goes after government corruption are on full display in this Academy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated film. Having been fortunate enough to have met this legendary editor—at his home, Grey Gardens, no less—this writer is awestruck by yet another major motion picture that highlights the ways in which the late, great journalist shaped the world. Oh yes, Meryl Streep is in the movie too. She plays Post publisher Katherine Graham.

As famed hoaxter and circus man P.T. Barnum, Mr. Jackman shines in the Golden Globe-nominated film “The Greatest Showman.” Nominated for Best Performance by an Actor, his depiction of the mighty Barnum is naturally nothing short of spectacular.

Behind the scenes, but just as much a part of the action, Mr. Burwell is genius at articulating drama sans dialogue. A man of many talents, whose work shines in some of the best and most popular contemporary films, the Amagansett resident has a particular gift for adding character via music and sound. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” has been nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Score.

Rounding out the filmed achievements is Mr. Baldwin’s “Boss Baby,” nominated for Best Animated Feature at both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. Gotta love the cheeky tagline, borrowed (and slightly revised) from another of the Amagansett resident’s movies: “Cookies are for closers.”

The East End has also gotten its fair share of television representation this awards season, with big shoutouts for “Stranger Things,” Kyle MacLachlan, Liev Schreiber and Alexander Skarsgård.

We just love that “Stranger Things” has become a huge hit. Originally titled “Montauk,” and inspired by the real-life government experiment, Montauk Project, the series was originally meant to be set at The End. Alas, it’s not now but we can still claim it.

Another one of the tales of the weird that’s been getting some great recognition is “Twin Peaks.”  The cult favorite that began more than 25 years ago and picked up where it left off some 25 years later, stars Mr. MacLachlan. The Hamptons resident often seen out and about, was nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in this long-time-coming series ender.

Dark and brooding, Mr. Schreiber’s work as the title character in “Ray Donovan” has earned him yet another Best Actor nod. This is the Montauk resident’s fifth Golden Globe nomination for playing the devoted family man-cum-fixer.

Last but not least is Mr. Skarsgård, who technically isn’t an East Ender but he does spend a bit of time here so we’re claiming him. The Swedish actor’s portrayal of a brutal abuser who meets an apropos fate in “Big Little Lies” has earned him significant awards buzz this year. To date, he’s won the SAG Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award for Best Actor.