Through the throng of reporters, flashing bulbs and diminutively clad ladies. The stars of this Hollywood event rode through in high fashion and with low public awareness. It was the Writer Guild Awards-- and as its host Seth MacFarlen explain, who really cared, only other writers.

Seth MacFarlen hosted the show with the sort of humor that highlighted the work of a good story guy. He fused his comedy to make light of the work of writers while also taking the opportunity to insult producers and executives who continually seek to degrade people on television, at the cost of the dramatic art. The parody began with song entitled "Television, that begins with T, that rhymes with C & that stands for crap!" No doubt a hit for Youtube in the coming weeks.

Scott Neustadter (co-writer 500 Days Of Summer), a virgin to the red carpet received a welcome to the fraternity embrace from hot shot Roberto Orci who along with writing partner Alex Kurtzmen walked in for a few photos before taking their seats. It was a theme echoed by Sheldon Turner, offering his delight at finally meeting Geoffrey Fletcher (Precious).

Best Adapted Screenplay went to Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner for Up In The Air. Jason took a moment to thank his parents for believing in him.

Best original Screen play went to the The Hurt Locker. Scriptwriter Mark Boal went on to say: "Firstly I'd like to thank the soldiers in Iraq, for the experience -- and most of all Kathrine Bigelo." Striking a sombre note in his speech he identified the reality of the unpopular war: "Twice as long as world war two-- with no end in sight."

In the Best Animated Show category, The Simpsons had five nominations-- Raising a series of questions about the popularity of MacFarlens Family Guy among his peers. A slap in the face for a rather funny MacFarlen.

The gaming communtiy had its writers awarded. Illustrating how The Guild has embraced the changing landscape for writers: Amy Hennig won for Uncharted 2: Among Theives.

The night took an interesting diversion when Chris Rock came out to present the award for Best Variety Comedy Show. Making a series of comments about Tiger Woods, Women and and other profane-to-the-point-of-humorous-unbroadcastable-comments.

Morgan Freeman made a showing, as he presented Anthony Peckham with the Writers Guild of America, West's 2010 Paul Selvin Award. An award that recognizes written work which embodies the spirit of constitutional rights and civil liberties. The South African graciously thanked his tribe.

Jason Alexander, presented Larry David with the Paddy Chayefksy award for advancement in television.
Larry acknowledged how hard it is to break into writing citing he used to keep an eye out for decent places to sleep in the event that it didn't work out... "yeah... yeah... right there Between 44th and 5th. Nice steam vent, elegant little over hang." --he thanked Jerry- "because without him I'd be on the steam vent on 44th."

The award for Best Episodic comedy was a tie, newcomers Modern Family and 30 Rock shared the spoils. Steven Levitan of Modern Family thanked his family for their support and their inspiration- "from my wife who can't use the remote to my son who wears an evening coat."

Billy Crystal provided a humorous interlude, before presenting Barry Levinson with the Writers Guild of America, West's 2010 Laurel Award for Screen, honoring a lifetime achievement in outstanding writing for motion pictures.

The creator of the West Wing Aaron Sorkin made an appearance to present the award for best episodic drama-- which went to the Fox show House M.D.

The Best Documentary went to "The Cove". And the team over at Mad Men picked up awards for Best Drama series.

The WGA have a few more events despite the end of the season approaching. The legendary Barry Levinson will be offering his time for a WGA foundation talk on Monday, LA2DAY will be reporting.

DETAILS:

BARRY LEVINSON
Monday, February 22, 8:00 p.m.
Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, 90211

Story By: Terry Winders