Just in time for the 87th Academy Awards, we’re relaunching our own “Aging With Attitude” awards to focus attention on films that offer a view of growing older too seldom seen on the big screen.
We’ve nominated this year’s top “aging with attitude” films – dramas and documentaries whose themes, characters, subjects or stars best defy senior stereotypes. (We define a “2014 film” as one that had its first non-festival screening last year.)
Now it’s your turn.
Take a look at our nominations, watch the films – we’ve provided live-stream links where available- and in the poll below, pick the film that most strongly represents aging with strength, style, resilience, resolve, humor, and a readiness to learn and try new things.
Make sure to scroll all the way down and hit the Vote button after you’ve made your selection in the poll. Voting closes at noon ET on Monday, February 23; we’ll announce the winners on Facebook.
Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me
U.S. Directed by Chiemi Karasawa. With Elaine Stritch, Rob Bowman, George C. Wolfe, Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, James Gandolfini, John Turturro. 82 min.
Special Award Aging With Attitude Lifetime Achievement Award
Why We Nominated It
Shortly after this moving documentary was released last spring, Broadway diva Elaine Stritch passed away at age 89. Director Chiemi Karasawa’s film caught up with the Tony- and Emmy-Award winning actress in all her long-legged, arsenic-tongued glory as she was preparing what would be her final one-woman show at age 87. Stritch, a recovered alcoholic who later in life contented herself with one drink a day, seems to have no qualms about privacy. Karasawa’s camera crew captures her at home, backstage as well as in the hospital, as diabetes began to rob Stritch of her memory, but not her moxie or sanity. One couldn’t ask for a better epitaph to a performer who worked hard, played hard, spoke her mind and was determined not to leave showbiz without a fight. —K. Leander Williams
Where to watch it Streaming on Netflix, iTunes and Amazon Instant Video.
Gloria
Chile. Directed by Sebastian Lelio. With Paulina Garcia, Sergio Hernandez. 110 min, subtitles.
Special award The “We Just Can’t Wait Till She’s Officially A Senior” Award
Why we nominated it
We’re never told the age of Gloria, the aging divorcée at the center of this fantastic film from South America; it has been suggested that she’s about 59. No matter – we know she’ll keep aging with attitude. Gloria is a measured, capable soon-to-be grandma who loves to dance, dates senior dudes and isn’t the least bit fazed, catty or bitter when she meets her former spouse’s new (and younger) wife for the first time. Gloria is comfortable being the age she is – she’s also not above giving in to impulses that may lead to trouble. We absolutely loved it when she plays finder’s keepers with the weed her crazy upstairs neighbor mistakenly leaves on her doorstep; and she’s pitch perfect when she tells the insecure ex-naval officer she’s dating to “grow a pair” – and, later on, when she puts his paintball guns to good use. —K. Leander Williams
Where to watch it Streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
My Old Lady
U.S. Written and directed by Israel Horovitz. With Kevin Kline, Maggie Smith, Kristin Scott Thomas. 107 minutes.
Special award The “Don’t You Wish You’d Said That” Award
Why we nominated it
The grande dame of British theater and film Maggie Smith is wickedly wry and tart-tongued as a feisty 92-year-old Englishwoman in this film by 75-year-old playwright Israel Horowitz, making his debut as a big-screen director. Smith’s character refuses to vacate a Paris apartment that has been inherited by an alcoholic failed New York novelist played brilliantly by Kevin Kline. He’s counting on selling this multimillion dollar piece of real estate to turn his life around, not knowing about France’s “viager” law, which allows an owner to sell a property for a reduced rate in exchange for the right to stay in their home for the rest of their life. Smith’s character, despite her advanced age, has no intention of dying anytime soon. Watching Smith best Kline in verbal sparring matches is a delight. —Erica Manfred
Where to watch it Streaming on Amazon and iTunes.
The Age of Love
U.S. Directed by Steven Loring. With everyday residents of Rochester, NY ages 70-90. 79 min.
Special award Bravest Senior Daters Award
Why we nominated it
Filmmaker Steven Loring wondered what changes about love as we age? To find out, he followed a group of seniors, ages 70 to 90, through a speed-dating event and the resulting dates. The speed daters, several of them widows and widowers, are new to this game, and their honesty is remarkable – they talk about their nervousness, feelings of vulnerability and incredulity over the fact that they’re looking to date again at this stage in their lives – sagging skin, oxygen tanks and all. They wonder how it will feel to meet someone new. Yet in the face of doubt, they’re determined not to give up and in the face of rejection, they’re resilient. The result is a powerful film showing that as seniors, our need for love is as intense as it ever was. —Linda Abbit
Where to watch it View a complete list of local screenings on The Age of Love website.
St.Vincent
U.S. Directed by Theodore Melfi. With Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy and Naomi Watts. 102 min.
Special award Character with the Strongest Survivor Attitude
Why we nominated it
Played by Oscar-winning actor Bill Murray, Vincent McKenna is an old, angry, alcoholic gambler with major financial woes. To pay off some debt, he agrees begrudgingly to babysit his 11-year-old neighbor, Oliver, who’s moved next door after his parents’ divorce. Vincent takes him to the racetrack and bars, teaches him how to fight and introduces him to his Russian prostitute girlfriend. But it’s not until we watch him take Oliver on mysterious weekly visits to a memory care facility and fight his way back from a health crisis that we see the full depth of Vincent. In a funny and touching performance, Bill Murray creates a senior character who’s a strong, determined survivor with a hidden past and a caring heart – not at all the bawdy loser he initially portrays.
Where to watch it Streaming on Amazon Instant Video
Love Is Strange
U.S. Directed by Ira Sachs. With John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei. 95 min.
Special Award The “Sometimes You’ve Just Gotta Say ‘F-ck It’ And Let The Chips Fall” Award
Why we nominated it
When does something as innocuous as tying the knot become a living Hell? In Ira Sachs’ tender, understated little drama, the answer seems to be when you’re an elderly same-sex couple. John Lithgow and Alfred Molina are brilliant as Ben and George, a loving pair who wed after 39 years of living together openly. Unfortunately, George’s employers aren’t ready for it. After he’s fired from his job, the couple is forced to live apart itinerantly with friends and family members, in situations that at times are trying. Yet they never question their decision to marry, even as the consequences of their act of defiance unfold. For this couple, attitude turns out to be measured dignity, poise and continued closeness. Here in the real world, however, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has some questions to answer about why it gave an “R” rating to a movie with no sex or nudity and very little profanity. Might it be because the newlyweds are same-sex? —K. Leander Williams
Where to watch it Streaming on Amazon for $5.99 and iTunes for $5.99
On My Way
France. Written and directed by Emmanuelle Bercot. With Catherine Deneuve, Nemo Schiffman and Gérard Garouste. 96 min, subtitles.
Special award Best aging with attitude in a foreign film
Why we nominated it
The luminously beautiful 70-year-old screen goddess Catherine Deneuve plays a fading beauty who’s been trapped in an unrewarding life, trying to keep a failing restaurant afloat with her controlling mother. But after learning that the restaurant they own is failing and her married longtime lover has left his wife for a 25-year-old, she sets out in search of a pack of cigarettes and winds up on a road trip – which turns into a later-life journey of self-discovery and rebellion against a lifetime of fulfilling other’s expectations. On the way, she picks up her grandson, a hyperactive, temperamental 10-year-old who is a perfect foil for the preternaturally poised, even when frazzled, Deneuve. She also has a one night stand with a 30-year-old, participates in a photo shoot for aging Miss France contestants and in the end, winds up falling for a hottie her own age. —Erica Manfred
Where to watch it Streaming on Netflix, Amazon and iTunes.
Your Vote Counts
Featured photo: Thinkstock | by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
COMMENTS
5 responses to “Vote: The “Aging With Attitude” Film Awards”
This is a great idea!
I laughed, I cried, I even thought about doing it myself! thanks, Steve, and a special thank you to the brave souls who opened their hearts again for ‘the age of love’
so enlightening and inspiring
The Age of Love is a fantastic movie. The humor, the emotions, the honest feelings from the hearts of these seniors are so true to life. No written script with actors and actresses could have ever emoted feelings the way the “speed daters” living the life did. Everyone should see this movie.
I absolutely adore Elaine Stritch and was saddened to hear of her passing. She was fabulous!
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Events
Calendar of Events
Start your week off right with a preview of the week's upcoming programs and a guided meditation session!
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Registration required.
Discover what you can do with online and mobile banking!
Use bodyweight, bands, and dumbbells to build your strength.
Learn about devices and apps that can help you get more Zzz's
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Come learn how your phone can count your steps and check your heart rate!
TikTok can be a source of fun, creativity, and information. Learn about this social media platform gaining popularity.
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Registration required.
You CAN leave home without your wallet! Learn about popular digital wallets and their many uses.
Use bodyweight, bands, and dumbbells to build your strength.
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Louisiana!
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Learn about tech you can wear and what it can do for you!
Registration required.
Curious about your family's history? Fill in the gaps using digital genealogy resources!
Looking for a new creative outlet? Learn about popular, free platforms to design cards, flyers, and more online.
Join this special class that combines gentle movement with a focus on harmonizing your mind, body and breath.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Don't want to pay for software? Learn how Google's free tools have you covered.
¡Consiga hacer algo más que figuras de palitos y haga que su imaginación cobre vida con generadores de imágenes de IA!
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Join this session for a fun workout that will boost your strength, flexibility, and mobility!
This program is cancelled.
This program is cancelled.
This program is cancelled.
Start your week off right with a preview of the week's upcoming programs and a guided meditation session!
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
This program has been postponed until a later date. Thank you for your patience!
Use bodyweight, bands, and dumbbells to build your strength.
Registration required.
Learn how to use emojis, GIFs, and more to quickly say what you mean!
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
See who you are talking to with video chat apps!
Ready to ditch the filling cabinet and store your documents virtually? Join this lecture on Digital Vaults to learn how!
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Thinking about hosting a group video call? Come to this lecture for an overview of hosting Zoom meetings.
Use bodyweight, bands, and dumbbells to build your strength.
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual preview of London to learn about its culture, daily life, and what to know before you go.
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Registration required.
Overwhelmed by the choices of a new computer? We'll help you simplify so you can decide!
Get an inside look at Senior Planet’s redesigned website and learn to use its features!
This program is cancelled.
Join this special class that combines gentle movement with a focus on harmonizing your mind, body and breath.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Stumped? Find what you're looking for on Reddit!
¡No tenga miedo, porque la IA está aquí... ¡para (intentar a) ayudar!
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Don't want to pay for software? Learn how Google's free tools have you covered.
Learn how to keep your MyChart and other health accounts secure and private!
Get an inside look at Senior Planet’s redesigned website and learn to use its features!
This program has been cancelled.
Caregiving is hard, but tech tools can make it easier! Join us in this lecture to find out how.
Use bodyweight, bands, and dumbbells to build your strength.
Where can you find cute pets, news, how-to videos, and more? YouTube, of course! Join us for an intro to YouTube.
Take a virtual tour of Washington, DC with Senior Planet and Discover Live to explore Dr. King’s legacy on the National Mall.
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Tired of juggling paperwork, deadlines, and day-to-day chaos? Discover the user-friendly software tools that can bring clarity, control, and peace of mind to your business.
Stay independent and on the move! Discover how Lyft Silver makes getting around easy without needing to drive.
Stay sharp with technology! Join this lecture to learn about different ways to engage your brain.
Join this special class that combines gentle movement with a focus on harmonizing your mind, body and breath.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Puede que ver ya no signifique creer. Venga a aprender a identificar ultrafalsos (deepfakes) y voces clonadas para no caer en el engaño digital.
Love the great outdoors? Come learn how smartphone apps can enhance your outdoor hobbies!
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Join this session for a fun workout that will boost your strength, flexibility, and mobility!
Come learn how your phone can count your steps and check your heart rate!
Don't just Google it! Use these reputable health info websites instead.
Learn how fitness apps can help you track and conquer your goals!
Start your week off right with a preview of the week's upcoming programs and a guided meditation session!
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Come learn about QR codes, augmented reality apps, and more!
Use bodyweight, bands, and dumbbells to build your strength.
Will your digital content and social media pages live on forever? Come learn about your digital legacy options!
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Are you scam savvy? Come to this lecture to learn about fraud and scams and how to protect yourself against them.
Are you paying for TV channels you don't watch? Learn why people are "cutting the cord" and using streaming services instead!
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Faster is not always better! Come learn about home internet options so you only pay for what you need.
Use bodyweight, bands, and dumbbells to build your strength.
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Learn what Podcasts are and where to find them!
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Learn how to stay safe while you surf the web!
Learn about platforms that make website building a breeze!
Concerned about viruses and malware? Attend this lecture to learn how to keep your device safe!
Join this special class that combines gentle movement with a focus on harmonizing your mind, body and breath.
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Explore ways that tech can help you save money and manage your finances!
¿La IA hizo eso? ¡Venga a aprender sobre las herramientas de voz y video de IA!
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Learn about tech you can wear and what it can do for you!
Use bodyweight, bands, and dumbbells to build your strength.
Learn about devices and apps that can help you get more Zzz's
Good Morning, Senior Planet!
Morning Stretch
Banking and Finance Apps at a Glance
Functional Strength Training
Intro to Sleep Technologies
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Intro to TikTok
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Functional Strength Training
Virtual Tour: Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Wearables at a Glance
Digital Genealogy Tools
Graphic Design Tools
Qigong Flow
Morning Stretch
Google Workspace
Generadores de imágenes de IA
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Saturday Morning Boost: A Fun and Functional Workout
CANCELLED – Technology for Aging in Place
CANCELLED – Meal Kit Services
CANCELLED – Food Delivery Apps
Good Morning, Senior Planet!
Morning Stretch
**POSTPONED** Exploring SeniorPlanet.org Demo (Sneak Peek)
Functional Strength Training
Emojis, GIFs, and more!
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Video Chat
Digital Vaults
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Intro to Hosting on Zoom
Functional Strength Training
Virtual Pre-Travel Tour: London, England
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
How to Choose a New Computer
Exploring SeniorPlanet.org Demo (Sneak Peek)
CANCELLED – Digital Tools to Boost your Business
Qigong Flow
Morning Stretch
Reddit at a Glance
IA en todas partes
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Google Workspace
Protecting Your Medical Info Online
Exploring SeniorPlanet.org Demo
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Google Workspace
Protecting Your Medical Info Online
Exploring SeniorPlanet.org Demo
CANCELLED – Morning Stretch
Tech Basics for Caregiving
Functional Strength Training
YouTube
Virtual Tour: The Legacy of MLK Jr. in Washington, DC
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Essential Tech for Running Your Small Business
Booking Rides with Lyft Silver Demo
Digital Tools for Brain Health
Qigong Flow
Morning Stretch
IA y la desinformación
Outdoor Adventure Apps
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Saturday Morning Boost: A Fun and Functional Workout
Mobile Health Apps
Online Health Resources at a Glance
Fitness Apps
Good Morning, Senior Planet!
Morning Stretch
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Functional Strength Training
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Understanding Fraud & Scams
Streaming & Smart TVs
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Understanding Internet Plans
Functional Strength Training
Fit Fusion Workout
Podcasts at a Glance
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Website Builders at a Glance
Anti-Virus & Malware Removal Programs At a Glance
Qigong Flow
Morning Stretch
Saving Money with Tech
Generadores de voz y video de IA
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Wearables at a Glance
Functional Strength Training
Intro to Sleep Technologies
Recent Articles
Recent Comments