Before she was in outer space with George Clooney, Sandra Bullock shared the screen with the likes of other leading men like Hugh Grant, Keanu Reeves and Matthew McConaughey.
So it was with great delight that all three of those major movie stars were on hand in order to hand Ms. Bullock her “mantler” trophy at the 2014 Spike TV Guys Choice Awards for her “Decade of Hotness.” Or as the Oscar-winning actress herself asked, which decade? It’s been 20 years since she starred in “Speed” with Reeves, and she was a hottie before that, and remains one.
The irreverence of the awards show, which taped June 7 at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, is its biggest attraction. Who votes on these awards? Who cares? The program historically attracts top-name talent that span the generations and appeal to the network’s largely male demographic with sex appeal and humor.
Biggest ass kicker? That would be Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead.” Hottest couple: Key and Peele. Smartacus—yeah, that’s right, a smart guy, which this year went to Chris Hardwick. King of comedy? That would be Kevin Hart. The primetime award: presented to Andy Samberg. Guycon: handed over to Johnny Knoxville.
But let’s not forget the women. First there was the “Holy Grail of Hot,” Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover models Chrissy Teigen, Nina Agdal and Lily Aldridge. “Our New Girlfriend.” That was Emily Ratajkowski. And then, on the heels of wearing a see-through dress which nearly crashed the Internet, Rihanna – outfitted in a much more sedate black cocktail number– showed up to accept the “Most Desirable Woman” mantlers.
There’s also a large dose of patriotism with numerous shout-outs of support to US Armed Forces, who also make up a sizable contingent attending the live show.
This year was especially resonant as the Troops Choice award was given to Mark Wahlberg (by “Sons of Anarchy’s” Charlie Hunnam) for his portrayal of a captured Marine in “Lone Survivor.”
“I was very fortunate to be able to do this role,” Walberg said, before urging people to show their support by hiring a veteran. He then introduced the real hero of the story upon which the film is based, Marcus Luttrell.
“If I had to do it over again, I’d join the Air Force,” Luttrell began. “When we’re overseas, we are watching movies and appreciate the time and effort it takes to bring us these stories – whatever they are – and the swimsuit models.”
It was Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey who received receive the night’s biggest honor, Guy of the Year. But in his acceptance speech, he was equally about the ladies.
“I’d like to shout out to all the women, the wives, sisters, mothers and daughters who got us here,” he said. “And for the guys, it’s a fraternity and a fellowship of men who watch out for one another. Be the best fathers, the best husbands you can be. The bad guys can’t win if the good guys keep showing up.”
A perfect sentiment going into Father’s Day.
(The 2014 Guys Choice Awards air on Spike TV June 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.)
–Hillary Atkin
