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My man Senator Al Franken (D. MN) is coming back to Hollywood this weekend to present an Oscar:
http://www.startribune.com/...
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U.S. Sen. Al Franken, a former comedian who has worked diligently to put Hollywood behind him, will present an Oscar statuette Saturday night at the Motion Picture Academy's 4th annual Governors Awards.
The Minnesota Democrat will be in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Southern California over the weekend to present an honorary award to documentarian D.A. Pennebaker, a filmmaker whose body of work includes the 2006 Franken documentary, "Al Franken: God Spoke." - Minneapolis Star Tribune, 11/29/12
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No it's not Oscar season just yet:
The Motion Picture Academy's Honorary Award, which comes with an Oscar statuette, is given to an individual for "extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy." - Minneapolis Star Tribune, 11/29/12
But don't worry, you'll be able to see Franken present the award at the Oscars next year:
In past years, the Governors Awards were formally presented during the main Academy Award ceremonies. They now take place at a separate gala dinner, although Academy publicist Teni Melidonian said the taped presentation is expected to be part of the Academy Awards telecast. - Minneapolis Star Tribune, 11/29/12
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Besides "God Spoke", Pennbaker and his wife, Chris Hegedus, have made several highly acclaimed documentary films including the 1994 Academy Award nominated documentary, "The War Room" which chronicles Bill Clinton's 1992 Presidential campaign.
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Pennebaker is considered a pioneer of cinéma vérité documentary storytelling, having directed more than 20 feature-length films, including "Monterey Pop,"
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"Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars"
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and "Don't Look Back," his 1967 documentary about Minnesota native Bob Dylan.
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- Minneapolis Star Tribune, 11/29/12
Pennebaker spent two years documenting Franken's time as a political satirist speaking out against against Bill O'Reilly and George W. Bush. It also follows his time as a talk radio host on Air America and the success of his book, Lies And The Lying Liars Who Tell Them.
Oh in case you're wondering, local pundits believe that Franken is safe for re-election:
http://www.minnpost.com/...
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He may not be Amy Klobuchar, but Al Franken’s re-election prospects are starting out strong. At MPR, Catharine Richert notes some sage prognosticating: “Larry Sabato, a political science professor at the University of Virginia, is already dishing out predictions, and so far he thinks DFL Sen. Al Franken will hold on to his seat — unless Republicans put up a strong candidate. Roll Call gives the Minnesota Senate race a similar rating of ‘leans Democrat.’ Here's what Sabato wrote on his ‘Crystal Ball’ blog:
‘After winning the narrowest of belated victories in 2009, Sen. Al Franken (D) has a decent approval rating in Gopherland, and he enters his first reelection bid as a slight favorite. We suspect he would trounce Rep. Michele Bachmann (R), who barely survived her 2012 reelection bid in Minnesota's most Republican House district. Another possibility — one-time presidential contender and former Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) — will not be a candidate, having landed a lucrative job in association-land. The quality of the Republican challenger will determine much here. Minnesota has a reputation for being more Democratic than it actually is.' " Let me just offer a few names: Mike Parry. Allen Quist. Tom Hackbarth. Tony Cornish. Mary Franson. Amy Koch. The GOP has a deep bench. - Minn Post, 11/29/12
Franken looks good for re-election. He's earned his high approval ratings for building a reputation as a work horse in the Senate and looking out for his constituents. He is also a progressive champ who is helping trying to make filibuster reform a reality and overturn Citizens United. Lets show him some love and help fuel his re-election campaign:
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