LOS ANGELES — It’s 3 p.m. at the Fairmont Century Plaza, about half an hour into the Screen Actors Guild awards cocktail reception in the stylishly red-decked-out lobby. The nominees are trickling in, with the likes of “Better Call Saul’s” Jonathan Banks and “1883’s” Sam Elliott ready for their close-ups. It’s a touch incongruous to see Elliott looking dapper in his tux, his nape-length white mane just unkempt enough to counter the black tie — but at least he’s still standing like a cowboy, hands in both pockets, knees slightly bent.
Later, Elliott will collect the actor-in-a-miniseries prize and call it “the most significant recognition of my career.”
Meanwhile, as the reception fills, the place darkens — likely due to the influx of tuxes and little black dresses. The starkness of the black duds and red decor brings to mind a Melania Trump Christmas, albeit with too jovial a vibe for a full-on “Eyes Wide Shut” Holiday Special.
