Nose for News, By Sarah Stultz

I don’t usually get too wrapped up in awards shows such as the Oscars or the Golden Globes, but this year it has been a little more exciting because my brother-in-law was a part of the production of one of the films that had many nominations and won several awards.

Though I can’t say I have watched the film he worked on — “The Shape of Water” — or most of the other films nominated for that matter, it’s still kind of fun to watch the results.

I was rooting for his movie, along with anything and everything for “The Greatest Showman,” which unfortunately only had one Oscar nomination this year and three Golden Globe nominations.

I’ve always loved a good musical, and I’ve been a big fan of Hugh Jackman ever since “Les Miserables” and the “X-Men” movies. The movie also had a good message — and not to mention catchy songs that stay in your head. For the record, my husband was first to download the soundtrack.

Though “The Greatest Showman” didn’t win any awards Sunday night, I was thrilled to see actress Keala Settle, who played the bearded lady in the movie, was  chosen to perform “This is Me,” a powerful song about being OK with who we are, despite what others think. It has been the anthem for the movie and won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

“The Shape of Water” came out much further ahead at the Oscars, winning Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

What kind of movies do you like?

I’ve always loved going to a good movie at our own theater here in Albert Lea or watching one in the comfort of my own home. It’s also nice that the surrounding towns have theaters as well that often show movies for a cheaper price.

It’s nice to get away from life for a few hours and allow ourselves to become emotionally attached to these characters, rooting them on, watching them grow or even crying with them in some cases.

Lately, I’ve mostly enjoyed watching movies in the action and drama categories, though I, of course, still get my fair share of animated family movies.

Though there are several things I look for when choosing whether to watch a movie, the most important for me are being able to be entertained and having a lesson.

I love it when I can walk away from a movie inspired.

Have you seen any good movies lately? Let me know. I’d love to hear about them.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Tuesday.