Normally the Screen Actors Guild Awards are, lets face it, not the shiniest jewel in the awards season crown.  I'd bet you Krugerrands to Krispy Kremes that you can't tell me who won the Actor for Best Supporting Performance in a film last year (or that the award itself was called the Actor, for that matter).

Plus, let's be honest, an awards show relegated to cable TV is like, well... an awards show relegated to cable TV.

But given the sudden power that SAG is wielding, as its members honor the picket lines of its fellow union, the Writers Guild of America, a lot of attention is on tonight's awards.  The SAG Awards were given a waiver by the WGA, so not only will tonight's show be allowed union writers (let's see if it makes a difference), but there will be no union picketing.  This will allow members of all unions (and Union supporters) to attend the event without controversy.

One such member is Gary Anthony Williams.  Among his zillions of appearances, you've heard Gary's voice on "The Boondocks," seen his face on "Malcolm in the Middle," and now he's a SAG Award nominee (along with his castmates) for his role as the cross-dressing Clarence on "Boston Legal."  I spoke with Gary on the morning of the SAG Awards to get his perspective on awards and the strike (my idea), and using racism to one's advantage (his idea).

In the interest of full disclosure (and a little bit of bragging), I will tell you that I have worked with Gary many times and that I myself am a member of the Screen Actors Guild.  (I'm also a member of the Lids Passport Club, but that's probably not relevant to this discussion.)

J. Keith van Straaten: Please verify that and how we know each other.

Gary Anthony Williams: J. Keith and I have known each other for 5 years or more. I am a fan and a player of and on his live game show, "What's My Line? - Live on Stage".

JKvS: We had some great times on that show.

GAW: Meeting Kitty Felde is my single greatest memory. I am an NPR-aholic. I can't tell how many times a week I now say. "So, I was talking to my dear, dear friend Kitty Felde." That moment and hearing Dick Van Patten talk about his rat urine flavored snake food.

JKvS: Changing topics just slightly... Have you been to an awards ceremony before? Been nominated before? Won before?

GAW: I have been to the SAG, NAACP, and the Emmys (where I thoroughly ticked off Patrick Dempsey). Even though I didn't go to the Peabody awards, I am a part of the Peabody Award-winning cast of "The Boondocks."

JKvS: How have you been affected by the WGA strike?

GAW: The show I'm on, "Boston Legal," stopped production on December 14th. Since then I've done nothing but lunches and coffees with friends. We have to get back to work to give these restaurateurs a break. They miss their families.

JKvS: Why should anyone outside of showbiz care about the WGA strike?

GAW: On a serious note. Everyone likes being compensated fairly for their work. No matter what you do for a living. That is really all the strike is about.

JKvS: Many Yahoo! users view Hollywood as self-absorbed and award shows as self-congratulatory. What's your view?

GAW: That's ridiculous. Not only that, do these people realize how hard it is for me to type these answers while I'm patting myself on the back?

JKvS: How did you "get your SAG card"?

GAW: I can't remember the exact role, but I was either a troubled teen or thug #2. Those are my specialties.

JKvS: How did you and the "Boston Legal" cast find out about your nominations?

GAW: A friend actually e-mailed me with a congrats. As I said, I've been a little too busy at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf to keep up with world events. Is the war over? Mmmm... this latte is satisfying.

JKvS: I, J. Keith, am a SAG member and as I write this have not yet cast my vote. Want to give me your best pitch?

GAW: "Hello. My name is Gary. If you don't vote for me, you are a racist." Cool huh, I always find it best to play the race card in these troubled, politically-heated times.

JKvS: What's the game plan for Sunday night before/during/after the SAG awards?  

GAW: Before: Get dressed. During: Get undressed. After: Get bailed out.

JKvS: Got any picks for the Academy Awards?

GAW: I'm putting all my money on Boston Legal: The Musical. And anything with Johnny Depp in it. Oh, and 3:10 to Yuma. Oh yeah, and No Country for Old Men.

Here's wishing good luck to Gary and all the nominees.  But really, especially Gary.  After all, I don't want to find out that all those people who voted for "The Sopranos" are all racists.  Then again, there's still time to vote for Boston Legal: The Musical, right?