This year A&E is broadcasting the Critics Choice Awards, and they are going all out–they hired Michael Strahan as the host, all the stars and filmmakers will be there front and center, and I’ll be right their in the middle of them, seated snuggly at a table with Lana Del Rey (YES!). “What are the Critics Choice Awards, and how come you get to go?” you may ask. Well, here’s the story:

I’ve been a proud member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association for about a dozen years now, and we’re the ones who put on the Critics Choice Awards. You may be overwhelmed by the plethora of awards shows on TV these days, but ours truly are different. The awards represent the consensus of about 300 professional film critics and movie journalists from all over the US and Canada, large and small markets alike. Most of us make a serious effort to see every single film that’s nominated, and some of us interview stars and filmmakers on a regular basis.  A-List nominees attend our gala because it is a REAL honor, not an artificial television event, like some other awards shows.

Even though we, as critics, are far out-shined by the gorgeous stars and high profile filmmakers that attend, it’s still a treat for us to go–it’s the one time of year we get to sit and break bread with them on a social basis, rather than stare at them on the big screen with the intention of commenting on their efforts later, on the air or online.  It’s also a chance to give credit where credit is due, and honor and encourage the works that inspire, educate and entertain us.

And for the viewers at home, it could well be the most fun of all the awards shows. The Critics Choice Awards are a lot more relaxed, and there’s a lot less pressure. No one rips apart the gowns they wear on our red carpet, and it’s in no way humiliating if nominees don’t win. In addition, wine and champagne flow like water at the dinner tables, and lips and ties are loosened.

So tune into A&E on Thursday night, Jan 15, 9:00 Eastern, 6:00 Pacific. There will be a live Twitter feed, Instragram, Facebook etc.–I’ll have one of the official tablets in my hot little hands to broadcast all the juicy stuff as it happens. Look for me in a cornflower blue gown with 40’s glam hair and makeup ala Tayler Swift…no wait…maybe Taylor Swift’s mum. Anyway, I’m going all out for the Critics Choice Awards this year, primped and primed by Allen Edwards and the fabulous folks at Decarra Salon, because, you know, did I mention I’m sitting next to Lana Del Rey?

See you Thursday night!