USA: Oscar nominees light up the red carpet at the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California

Oscar favourites filled the red carpet at the 13th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday (January 28). Helen Mirren of "The Queen" and Forest Whitaker of "The Last King of Scotland" won as best lead players, their latest prizes on the road to the Academy Awards. Solidifying their positions as Oscar favourites, Mirren won for playing British monarch Elizabeth II and Whitaker for starring as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. "It's been a whirl wind its been like an amazing time more so then I have ever imagined. Never really imagined this year. I mean the critical acclaim and the critical response from the critics and stuff and moving in to this new season that's going on. I never imagines it my whole life its been exciting , positive, and makes me happy," Whitaker told Reuters before going into the show. Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson won supporting-acting honours as soulful singers in "Dreamgirls," reinforcing their status as Oscar front-runners as well. Whitaker, Mirren, Murphy and Hudson have dominated Hollywood's acting honours this awards season, all four also taking home Golden Globes. "It's been fantastic I mean this has been a great year for my family and I. What can I say? Its' unbelievable its one of those moments that you just hold on to and you just relish," Jada Pinkett- Smith said in a pink vintage Bob Mackie gown about her husband Will's nomination. Mirren's co-star Jeremy Irons won for best actor in a television movie or mini-series for his work in "Elizabeth I," which was broadcast by cable television network HBO. "I am always flattered whenever I am nominated for anything and I am delighted to come and it's party always it's great to see mates so I am really pleased to be here," Irons said on the red carpet. Julie Andrews who made her Broadway debut 1953 received the Screen Actors Guild's lifetime achievement award for her career of more than 50 years in the business. "You can imagine, very special indeed. Humbling and thrilling and I am in awe of all the people I am going to be seeing inside," Andrews told Reuters. The cast of the sitcom classic "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," including Moore, Edward Asner and Cloris Leachman amongst others presented an award. "Yes, we are all together everybody from the show presenting the award for the best ensemble in a comedy series. So it's a double joy for all of us," Moore said. The cast of "Babel", including Japanese actress Rinko Kikuchi and Mexican actress Adriana Barraza who were also nominated for Oscars were nominated for a SAG Award for Outstanding performance by a cast. "Well you know I think it's a beautiful acknowledgement of the actors of the film. I think the nomination of ensemble cast is the most meaningful one, " said Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, the director of "Babel". All the stars, great dresses, and glamour will be presented at the OScars in Los Angeles, California on Sunday February 25. Barraza is already busy working with two Mexican designers on her Oscar dress. "I will have a dress for the Oscars designed by two designers, Pineda-Cobalin, a man and a woman. We are working on the dress. It will be a red dress in order to pay tribute to my character, Amelia," Barraza said.

ITN Source | January 31, 2007

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