RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16
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For those of you who don’t know, the Smithees are awards for BAD movies, similar in concept to the Oscars, except, well, the opposite. I’ve been involved on the periphery of the Smithees for their first few years, back when I was in college at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). Since then, I’ve returned to Ann Arbor a handful of times to take part in the fun and festivities, and I plan on returning again this year. I thought that there's probably some on the boards that would like this as well.
What is this thing? The Smithees are awards for BAD movies. Don’t get them confused with the Razzies, which are for movies actually released to the theaters in the past year. Those movies are merely bad. Smithee contenders are BAD. What’s the difference? Smithee movies make B-movies look good. There are 19 categories of award, ranging from “Let’s up the Rating to R” to “Stupidest looking Monster” and of course the “Worst acting” and “Worst Picture” awards. A full category listing is here. Past winners have included such legendary pictures as “The Clones of Bruce Lee” and “The Lost Idol”, and featured actors like Anna Nicole Smith, Walter Koenig (from Star Trek!) and Erik Estrada (from CHIPS!). A full listing of past winners is here. The awards run from 7pm until about midnight. In addition to being able to watch clips from all nominated films, all attendees get to vote on each category, with results being announced live after the next category. There’s also free food and drink, all of which is barely safe for human consumption, and features delicacies that simply should not have been made, such as Velveeta Fudge, turkey and gravy soda, circus peanuts, and other items that can rot not only your teeth, but your mind and very soul!
Where is this taking place? In Ann Arbor, Michigan of course, in the 1800 Chemistry lecture hall on campus. This room is big enough for the 200 plus person turnout, and has a stadium seating setup so you can see the screen easily from any seat in the house.
When is the ceremony? Saturday, April 25th, 7pm.
How much does this cost? FREE! You think people would actually pay for this??! Well, it’s actually worth a price of admission, but fortunately, there isn’t one. If you have a suitable unnatural food to contribute, that would certainly be appreciated though.
I can’t go, but really want to check this out! Well, there are several options then. The Smithees also has ceremonies at several local (to A2) gaming conventions, as well as Origins every year. This year, the full schedule is:
The Smithee Awards Show in Ann Arbor
April 25
Ann Arbor, Michigan
903 N. University
1800 Chem Building (U of M's Main Campus)
7pm until Midnight. Ish.
Absolutely free!
Show up and you'll be fed unhealthy snacks and drinks of color not found in nature along with the 2009 clips.
Penguicon
May 1-3 (Smithee date and time TBD)
Romulus, Michigan
Registration Fees: $45 preregistration, $50 at the door (for the whole weekend).
Origins Game Fair
June 25-29,
Smithee date: FRIDAY June 26th, 7pm (room TBD)
Columbus, Ohio
Con Badges: $35 for a day pass, $70 for the full shebang if not preregistering.