Palisadian Stars Light Up the Year

The last year has been inspiring for many Palisadians in the town’s second profession—yes, the household-name actors and directors, the “above-the-line” people who are second only after the attorneys and managers who make their careers—The Riviera set who seem destined for gold as Oscar, BAFTA and Globe voters mark their ballots.

Calling people like Tom Hanks or his neighbor Steven Spielberg “Palisadian” when they spend so much of their time out of town may sometimes feel like a stretch, but they are still ours. Some are part-timers, dropping in occasionally in their rented accommodation until they move on—Brit ex-pat TV host James Corden, why would you desert us to buy in that shantytown Brentwood: Were our moms singing in their cars not tuneful enough for you?—but others make it their home-from-set.

And while we maintain a “good neighbor” policy of ignoring local celeb gossip or over-identifying where they live, we can still be proud of their works. Especially this gang:

Tom Hanks in “The Post”—freshly minted from an era when character and issues mattered, and people rioted when they read newspaper revelations. Entertainments can be serious.

Matt Damon in “Downsizing”—a sharp social satire that, like Damon’s “Sububicon” before it, appears swamped by other more easily marketable movies. (Best forget “The Great Wall.”)

Laura Dern in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”—an amazing year for Dern, from “Big Little Lies” to the only strategic thinker in the latest Star Wars chapter (at this point the rebels do not deserve to win a crazy golf match, do not mind save the universe). And maybe “Twin Peaks.”

Jennifer Garner—continues to earn the respect of her peers with well-chosen projects such as “The Tribes of Palos Verdes” and the forthcoming “Love, Simon.”

Armie Hammer—overcoming disadvantages (wealth, looks, “The Lone Ranger”) to prove he can move the needle in the coming-of-age drama “Call Me by Your Name.”

Bill Hader in “Barry”—OK, the comic tragedy of an actor wannabe (also, low-rent hitman) is not broadcast on HBO until March, but it’s Bill Hader folks. Bill Hader!

Kevin Feige—Marvel’s leading spirit proved one can rewrite comic book rules with “Guardians of the Galaxy: Chapter 2” and “Thor: Ragnorak” and still leave fans satisfied.

Jack Dylan Grazer—yes, nephew of producer Brian Grazer, but the Adderley School for the Performing Arts alum more than proved himself as hypochondriac Eddie in the break-out fright-night hit “It.” (Try saying that fast three times.)

Steven Spielberg— “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” was only around a week to celebrate its 40th anniversary, but it was remastered in 4K-o-vision and that was the only excuse needed to relish what Ray Bradbury called the best sci-fi movie ever made.

—JOHN HARLOW