SAG to honor James Earl Jones tonight

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It's hard to imagine Darth Vader stuttering.

That's what James Earl Jones, who was the voice of the iconic villain in the "Star Wars" franchise, had to overcome as a schoolboy in northwestern Michigan.

But don't expect the esteemed stage and screen star with the unmistakable, booming voice to stumble over his words when he accepts Lifetime Achievement honors tonight at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
James Earl Jones

The 78-year-old Jones grew up between Cadillac and Manistee on a farm near Dublin, attended high school in Brethren and earned a degree in drama from the University of Michigan.

He perhaps is best known for the voices of Vader and Mufasa in "The Lion King," and for playing boxer Jack Johnson on Broadway and the big screen ("The Great White Hope"). Then there are numerous TV and film supporting roles, from "Dr. Strangelove" to "King Lear," and, most recently, "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins."

"To be a film actor alone, or a stage actor alone, is to be an actor who walks with one leg, while to be both is to be a two-legged actor. I like to be a centipede," he recently told The Associated Press.


The 15th annual SAG Awards ceremony will present trophies in five film categories and nine for television roles. Unlike most other award shows, the SAG recognizes ensemble work, this year nominating the casts of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Doubt," "Frost/Nixon," "Milk" and "Slumdog Millionaire" -- all films featuring multiple nominees.

In the TV categories, the comedy "30 Rock," drama "Mad Men" and miniseries "John Adams" boast the most nominations.

Oscar party details

Two local shindigs are scheduled for the Oscar telecast Feb. 22:

• Red Carpet Ready, at 8 p.m. in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel's Pantlind Ballroom, will benefit the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance. WZZM (Channel 13)'s Stephanie Webb will host the Roaring '20s-themed festivities, which include celebrity look-alike and costume contests, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, gift bags and much more. Tickets for the event are $40 for students with ID, $75 per person or $125 per couple for WMFVA members, $100 per person or $150 per couple for others. Go online to redcarpetready.org for reservations or more information.

-- Organizers of the Waterfront Film Festival will host an official Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences-sanctioned party at 6:30 p.m. at Levitation "Studios," 2740 29th St. SE.