Support Leroy on Patreon.
MUSIC - From YahooNews: JAY-Z opens up about the Met Gala elevator whuppin' he got from his sister-in-law Solange, sister of his wife, Beyonce.
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: "Super Troopers 2" set to be released April 20, 2017.
----------
MOVIES - From Deadline: Billy Howle has joined "Outlaw King," the next film from director David Mackenzie of "Hell or High Water."
---------
CULTURE - From Splinter: Susan Bro, mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman killed by a Trump voter in Charlottesville, Virginia, offers a defiant eulogy for her daughter.
CULTURE - From Salon: Judd Apatow ("Knocked Up," The 40-Year-Old Virgin") explains why conservatives make bad entertainment.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From FlickeringMyth: Director David F. Sandberg gives an update on his DC Extended Universe film, "Shazam."
----------
TELEVISION - From TVLine: ABC has given a "put-pilot" order (which means they are more than likely to broadcast it, I think) for a live-action reboot of classic 1960s animated TV series, "The Jetsons." Robert Zemeckis is executive producing.
----------
DISNEY - From Variety: Netflix in talks with the Walt Disney Company for streaming rights to Marvel and Star Wars movies.
----------
CELEBRITY: YahooCelebrity: Iman shares rare photo of her daughter with David Bowie, Alexandria.
----------
HEALTH - From YahooFitness: 35-year-old fitness pro deliberately looks twice his age.
----------
COMICS-FILM - From YahooMovies: An international trailer for "Thor: Ragnarok" features Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange.
----------
MOVIES - From THR: "The Conjuring" has launched a cinematic universe (that includes the "Annabelle" films) that works.
----------
MOVIES - From THR: Cate Blanchett joins Jack Black in Eli Roth's "The House with a Clock in its Walls," based on the late John Bellairs' novel.
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: Lionsgate is developing an all-female production of Oscar Wilde's 1890 novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray."
----------
MOVIES - From THR: Production on "Mission: Impossible 6" will be shut down for 2 to 3 months while Tom Cruise recovers from an on-set injury.
----------
MOVIES - From Deadline: Justin Simien of "Dear White People" is working on his next film, "Bad Hair" with his "Dear White People" team.
----------
OBAMA - From YahooNews: Former President Barack Obama's #Charlottesville tweet is not the most popular in terms of "likes" in the history of Twitter.
----------
JAMES BOND - From THR: On "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Daniel Craig confirms that he is returning as James Bond for the film currently known as "Bond 25."
----------
MOVIES - From YahooMovies: The manager and friends of Joi "S.J." Harris, the stuntwoman who was killed while executing a stunt for "Deadpool 2," says she died doing what she loved.
----------
CELEBRITY - From YahooCelebrity: There is a contest in which the winner and a friend can drink wine with JLaw and even have a picnic with her.
---------
SPORTS - From YahooSports: Charlottesville, Virginia native, Chris Long, Defensive End of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, won't just "stick to sports."
----------
OBAMA - From YahooNews: Former President Barack Obama's tweet about this past weekend's violence in Charlottesville, Virginia is the third most popular tweet on Twitter (in terms of "likes") ever.
----------
TELEVISION - From Variety: Michael Sheen and David Tennant will star in Amazon's TV adaptation of "Good Omens," the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.
----------
TELEVISION - From TVGuide: After 15 years of producing TV series for ABC (like "Grey's Anatomy"), Shonda Rhimes is moving to Netflix.
----------
POLITICS - From Reuters: Merck CEO Kenneth C. Frazier has quit President Trump's American Manufacturing Council. Frazier says that he is leaving over Trump's initial response to the Charlottesville White Nationalist riots, a response many consider lame and weak. Trump's response to Frazier leaving has been more critical than Trump's response to Nazis, the KKK, and White Nationalists.
From NBCSports: Under Armor CEO Kevin Plank also leaving Trump's manufacturing council because of the President's reluctance to criticize violent White supremacy.
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: A female stunt driver has died following a motorcycle accident on the set of "Deadpool 2."
----------
BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 8/11 to 8/13/2017 weekend box office is "Annabelle: Creation" with an estimated take of $35 million.
----------
MOVIES - From THR: Tom Cruise apparently injured while performing a stunt for "Mission: Impossible 6."
---------
MOVIES - From Indiewire: David Lynch almost directed 1982's Fast Times at Ridgemont High" says the film's screenwriter, Cameron Crowe. Amy Heckerling did direct the film.
----------
MOVIES - From Variety: Paramount wins the bidding war over a biopic about Leonardo da Vinci, which will star Leonardo DiCaprio.
----------
OBIT:
From THR: Actor, playwright, and screenwriter, Joe Bologna, has died at the age of 82, Sunday, August 13, 2017. As an actor, he may be best remembered for his role in 1982's "My Favorite Year." As a screenwriter, Bologna received an Oscar nomination for 1970's "Love and Other Strangers."
----------
Crisis in Charlottesville:
From TheVillageVoice: Scenes from a bloody weekend in Charlottesville.
From RSN: Trump having hard time condemning his supporter's murderous actions.
From CNN: Two Virginia state troopers are killed in a helicopter crash near the Charlottesville White Nationalists rally.
From YahooFinance: Before White Nationalist James Alex Fields, Jr. drove the car that killed Heather Heyer in Charlottesville, he was photographed wearing "Vanguard America" uniform.
From YahooNews: 32-year-old Heather Heyer of Virginia has been identified as the victim the White Nationalist car attack in Charlottesville, Virginia.
From GuardianUK: Far-right rally descends into violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.
From YahooNews: FBI begins investigation into car attack at White nationalist rally in Charlottesville.
From YahooNews: Clash in Charlottesville in pictures.
From TheDailyBeast: James Alex Fields, Jr. drove his car into a crowd in Charlottesville, Virginia, killing 1 and injuring at least 20.
From YahooNews: Mother of #Charlottesville car attacker speaks.
From LATimes: Opinion - President Trump bears some responsibility for racism on display in Charlottesville.
Showing posts with label Cate Blanchett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cate Blanchett. Show all posts
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Review: Disney's Live-Action "Cinderella" is Good, But is not Disney Classic
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
Cinderella (2015)
Running time: 105 minutes (1 hour 45 minutes)
Rating: MPAA – PG for mild thematic elements
DIRECTOR: Kenneth Branagh
WRITER: Chris Weitz
PRODUCED: David Barron, Simon Kinberg, and Allison Shearmur
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Haris Zambarloukos (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Martin Walsh
COMPOSER: Patrick Doyle
Academy Award nominee
FANTASY/ROMANCE
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, Helen Bonham Carter, Nonso Anozie, Stellan Skarsgard, Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger, Derek Jacobi, Ben Chaplin, and Hayley Atwell
Cinderella is a 2015 fantasy and romance film from director Kenneth Branagh and writer Chris Weitz. Released by Walt Disney Pictures, the film is based on Walt Disney's 1950 animated feature film, Cinderella, and the folk tale of the same name. In this new version of the story, a young woman is at the mercy of her cruel stepmother, but her fortunes change after she meets a dashing young man.
In a peaceful kingdom there is a father (Ben Chaplin), a mother (Hayley Atwell), and their beautiful daughter, Ella (Lily James). Ella's parents teach her courage and kindness, and her mother teaches her to believe in magic. Some years after her mother dies, Ella's father marries the Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett), who has two loud, rude daughters, Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera).
When Ella's father goes abroad for business, Lady Tremaine reveals her cruel and jealous nature. After Ella's father dies, Lady Tremaine takes over the household and pushes Ella from her own bedroom and into the attic. Anastasia and Drisella even give Ella a new name, Cinderella. After one particularly cruel day, Ella rides off into the woods where she meets a young man who says his name is Kit (Richard Madden). For both young people, this meeting is a turning point, but there are forces arrayed to keep them apart.
At the end of this movie, the Fairy Godmother (played by Helena Bonham Cater) describes the “forever-after” as being defined by “courage,” “kindess,” and “a little magic” (or something like that). This live-action version of Cinderella is indeed about “just a little magic.” Disney's classic, 1950 animated Cinderella is a fairy tale that is practically entirely infused with magic – from talking animals to an atmosphere of enchantment. Cinderella is more like a fantasy-romance or a romantic fantasy than it is like a fairy tale. With its lavish costumes and opulent sets, Cinderella plays like a period set piece set in a fictional kingdom in an indeterminate time.
But I can move past that. 2015 live-action Cinderella does not have to be 1950 animated Disney classic Cinderella. This new Cinderella relies on its title character for the magic that a wand or a fairy godmother might provide. As Cinderella, Lily James is quite good. When she smiles or is happy, the movie lights up. When she is sad, I felt sad, too. In this film, James does not have the greatest range between happy and sad. When Cinderella isn't happy or sad, James makes her look as if she is in a solid state of consternation. Luckily, it is Cinderella's state of happiness or sadness that drives the movie, and that works.
I don't need to say that Cate Blanchett is really good as Lady Tremiane, “the Stepmother.” Blanchett dominates her scenes, and the filmmakers were wise to limit her screen time; otherwise, Blanchett would have burned this movie down in a larger roll. Everyone else is good enough to pretty good, although Stellan Skarsgård seems neutered as The Grand Duke. Of course, there is not enough of Nonso Anozie as Captain of the Guards, but I am glad that this film's decision-makers were willing to cast him.
Cinderella is not for everyone. It is sweet and cute, a feel-good movie that goes down like warm hot chocolate on a cold winter's night. Cinderella is a good, but not great film, and director Kenneth Branagh does nothing to distinguish himself here. But there is enough Disney magic here to entertain some of us.
6 of 10
B
Sunday, September 18, 2016
NOTES:
2016 Academy Awards, USA: 1 nomination: “Best Achievement in Costume Design” (Sandy Powell)
2016 BAFTA Awards: 1 nomination: “Best Costume Design” (Sandy Powell)
The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.
--------------------------
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Third Wave of 2016 Oscar Presenters Announced; Daisy Ridley Among New Names
STARS TO LIGHT UP OSCAR NIGHT
Six Oscar Winners Join Presenter Line Up
Oscars producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today a third slate of presenters for the 88th Oscars telecast. The Oscars, hosted by Chris Rock, will air live Oscar® Sunday, February 28, 2016 on ABC.
The presenters, including several Oscar winners, are:
Patricia Arquette
Abraham Attah
Cate Blanchett
Emily Blunt
Louis C.K.
Common
Russell Crowe
Chris Evans
Jennifer Garner
Louis Gossett, Jr.
Michael B. Jordan
Rachel McAdams
Dev Patel
Eddie Redmayne
Daisy Ridley
Sarah Silverman
Sofia Vergara
"Through their work, these artists have shown us the unique, transformative power of cinema,” said Hill and Hudlin. “We are delighted they will be joining us on the Oscars stage this year.”
The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
---------------------
Six Oscar Winners Join Presenter Line Up
Oscars producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today a third slate of presenters for the 88th Oscars telecast. The Oscars, hosted by Chris Rock, will air live Oscar® Sunday, February 28, 2016 on ABC.
The presenters, including several Oscar winners, are:
Patricia Arquette
Abraham Attah
Cate Blanchett
Emily Blunt
Louis C.K.
Common
Russell Crowe
Chris Evans
Jennifer Garner
Louis Gossett, Jr.
Michael B. Jordan
Rachel McAdams
Dev Patel
Eddie Redmayne
Daisy Ridley
Sarah Silverman
Sofia Vergara
"Through their work, these artists have shown us the unique, transformative power of cinema,” said Hill and Hudlin. “We are delighted they will be joining us on the Oscars stage this year.”
The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
---------------------
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 7th to 13th, 2016 - Update #40
Support Leroy on Patreon.
OBITS - From YahooPolitics: Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has died, today, Saturday, February 13, 2016, at the age of 79.
---------------
MOVIES - From Variety: French actor, Tahar Rahim, joins Harrison Ford and Anthony Hopkins in "Official Secrets."
--------------
MOVIES - From DenofGeek: Release dates for... God help me... Transformers 5, 6, and 7.
---------------
TELEVISION - From TVLine: FOX has ordered a pilot for a series based on the "Lethal Weapon" movies. Damon Wayans Sr. to star..
---------------
MOVIES - From WeGotThisCovered: The proposed horror film, Death House, which will unite legendary horror characters like Freddie Krueger, is described as "The Expendables or horror." It is apparently a go.
---------------
POLITICS - From RollingStone: The magazine lists 19 great moments from the 2/11/2016 debate between Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
From WashPost: Annotated transcript of debate.
---------------
TELEVISION - From CBSNews: A few hints about new "Star Trek" series, set to debut in 2017.
---------------
COMICS - From CinemaBlend: Deadpool movie writers really wish they could use the Hulk.
---------------
COMICS - From Movieweb: Rumor has it that in "Thor 3", the villain Hela (Cate Blanchett) will kill off a major character.
---------------
BLACK LIVES MATTER - From The New York DailyNews: Trayvon Martin would have been 21 years-old on Friday, February 5, 2016.
---------------
MOVIES - From Variety: Michael De Luca and Scott Suber come on board as producers of the "Battlestar Galactica" movie.
---------------
POLITICS - From YahooNews: Mrs. Beetlejuice - Carly Fiorina - suspsends presidential campagin.
---------------
BLACK LIVES MATTER - From RSN: Texas police kill a naked black man.
---------------
OBITS - From TheWrap: Former child actor, Tommy Kelly, died on January 25, 2016 at the age of 90. Kelly was best known for playing the title role in the 1938 version of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." He also appeared in a number of films including "Gone with the Wind."
---------------
MOVIES - From THR: Johnny Depp is headlining Universal's reboot of "The Invisible Man." Supposedly, Tom Cruise is signed to "The Mummy" reboot!
---------------
MOVIES - From RSN: Michael Moore was in intensive care in NYC.
---------------
MOVIES - From Variety: Thank you, God. Charlize Theron in talks to join "Fast 8" as a villain.
---------------
WEBCOMICS - From CBB: New Johnny Bullet - Episode 60.
From CBB: Johnny Bullet in French - Episode 60.
From CBB: Constant, Chp. 2 Pg. 4.
---------------
OSCAR - From Deadline: The 2016 Oscars Nominees Luncheon photos.
---------------
ECO - From EcoWatch: Mark Ruffalo: "We're heading towards a national water crisis."
---------------
SPORTS - From the New York DailyNews: Former NFL player, Bill Romanowski, makes sure that there is no doubt that he is a racist.
---------------
AWARDS - From ScreenDaily: John Boyega and Eddie Redmayne lead BAFTA buzz ahead of awards on February 14th, 2016.
---------------
TV - From YahooTV: "X-Files" recap - "Back in the Day is Now."
---------------
COMICS - From YouTube: "Captain America: Civil War" Super Bowl spot.
---------------
OBITS - From Vulture: Daniel Gerson, a Pixar screenwriter, died on Saturday, February 6, 2016 after a battle with brain cancer. Gerson co-wrote Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University, and was apparently working on "Cars 3."
---------------
TRAILERS - From YouTube: New trailer for "Mie & Dave Need Wedding Dates," which looks really good.
----------------
TRAILERS - From YouTube: "X-Men: Apocalypse" the Super Bowl trailer.
TRAILERS - From YouTube: "Independent Day: Resurgence" Super Bowl trailer.
----------------
POLITICS - From Yahoo: Professional black people hater and firemen killer, Rudy Giuliani, whines about Beyonce's performance at Super Bowl 50.
---------------
BLACK LIVES MATTER - From Truthout: Why are black girls and women dying in jails? Genocide, that's why.
---------------
HISTORY - From RSN: Sirhan Sirhan is coming up for parole.
---------------
MOVIES: From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the Super Bowl Weekend box office (7/5 to 7/7/2016) is "Kung Fu Panda 3" with an estimated take of $21 million.
---------------
CULTURE: From Vulture: How Richard Pryor marks the beginning of the modern comedy era.
---------------
MUSIC - From Vulture: Beyonce dominates Super Bowl 50 halftime show... that Coldplay was head-lining.
MUSIC - From Vulture: See Beyonce's "Formation" video.
MUSIC - From Vulture: A guide to "Formation" music video.
---------------
MOVIES - From Vulture: There was a controlled explosion of a bus in London for an upcoming Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and apparently the locals were still surprised, although there was supposedly advance warning.
---------------
COMICS - From YahooTV: Deadpool movie review - It's "the world's most violent and vulgar Bugs Bunny cartoon.
---------------
From Deadline: 2016 Directors Guild Awards announced; Alejandro G. Iñárritu repeats as outstanding director of a feature film with his win for "The Revenant." Last year, he won for directing "Birdman."
---------------
ANIMATION - From TheWrap: Here are your 43rd Annie Awards winners.
OBITS - From YahooPolitics: Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has died, today, Saturday, February 13, 2016, at the age of 79.
---------------
MOVIES - From Variety: French actor, Tahar Rahim, joins Harrison Ford and Anthony Hopkins in "Official Secrets."
--------------
MOVIES - From DenofGeek: Release dates for... God help me... Transformers 5, 6, and 7.
---------------
TELEVISION - From TVLine: FOX has ordered a pilot for a series based on the "Lethal Weapon" movies. Damon Wayans Sr. to star..
---------------
MOVIES - From WeGotThisCovered: The proposed horror film, Death House, which will unite legendary horror characters like Freddie Krueger, is described as "The Expendables or horror." It is apparently a go.
---------------
POLITICS - From RollingStone: The magazine lists 19 great moments from the 2/11/2016 debate between Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
From WashPost: Annotated transcript of debate.
---------------
TELEVISION - From CBSNews: A few hints about new "Star Trek" series, set to debut in 2017.
---------------
COMICS - From CinemaBlend: Deadpool movie writers really wish they could use the Hulk.
---------------
COMICS - From Movieweb: Rumor has it that in "Thor 3", the villain Hela (Cate Blanchett) will kill off a major character.
---------------
BLACK LIVES MATTER - From The New York DailyNews: Trayvon Martin would have been 21 years-old on Friday, February 5, 2016.
---------------
MOVIES - From Variety: Michael De Luca and Scott Suber come on board as producers of the "Battlestar Galactica" movie.
---------------
POLITICS - From YahooNews: Mrs. Beetlejuice - Carly Fiorina - suspsends presidential campagin.
---------------
BLACK LIVES MATTER - From RSN: Texas police kill a naked black man.
---------------
OBITS - From TheWrap: Former child actor, Tommy Kelly, died on January 25, 2016 at the age of 90. Kelly was best known for playing the title role in the 1938 version of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." He also appeared in a number of films including "Gone with the Wind."
---------------
MOVIES - From THR: Johnny Depp is headlining Universal's reboot of "The Invisible Man." Supposedly, Tom Cruise is signed to "The Mummy" reboot!
---------------
MOVIES - From RSN: Michael Moore was in intensive care in NYC.
---------------
MOVIES - From Variety: Thank you, God. Charlize Theron in talks to join "Fast 8" as a villain.
---------------
WEBCOMICS - From CBB: New Johnny Bullet - Episode 60.
From CBB: Johnny Bullet in French - Episode 60.
From CBB: Constant, Chp. 2 Pg. 4.
---------------
OSCAR - From Deadline: The 2016 Oscars Nominees Luncheon photos.
---------------
ECO - From EcoWatch: Mark Ruffalo: "We're heading towards a national water crisis."
---------------
SPORTS - From the New York DailyNews: Former NFL player, Bill Romanowski, makes sure that there is no doubt that he is a racist.
---------------
AWARDS - From ScreenDaily: John Boyega and Eddie Redmayne lead BAFTA buzz ahead of awards on February 14th, 2016.
---------------
TV - From YahooTV: "X-Files" recap - "Back in the Day is Now."
---------------
COMICS - From YouTube: "Captain America: Civil War" Super Bowl spot.
---------------
OBITS - From Vulture: Daniel Gerson, a Pixar screenwriter, died on Saturday, February 6, 2016 after a battle with brain cancer. Gerson co-wrote Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University, and was apparently working on "Cars 3."
---------------
TRAILERS - From YouTube: New trailer for "Mie & Dave Need Wedding Dates," which looks really good.
----------------
TRAILERS - From YouTube: "X-Men: Apocalypse" the Super Bowl trailer.
TRAILERS - From YouTube: "Independent Day: Resurgence" Super Bowl trailer.
----------------
POLITICS - From Yahoo: Professional black people hater and firemen killer, Rudy Giuliani, whines about Beyonce's performance at Super Bowl 50.
---------------
BLACK LIVES MATTER - From Truthout: Why are black girls and women dying in jails? Genocide, that's why.
---------------
HISTORY - From RSN: Sirhan Sirhan is coming up for parole.
---------------
MOVIES: From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the Super Bowl Weekend box office (7/5 to 7/7/2016) is "Kung Fu Panda 3" with an estimated take of $21 million.
---------------
CULTURE: From Vulture: How Richard Pryor marks the beginning of the modern comedy era.
---------------
MUSIC - From Vulture: Beyonce dominates Super Bowl 50 halftime show... that Coldplay was head-lining.
MUSIC - From Vulture: See Beyonce's "Formation" video.
MUSIC - From Vulture: A guide to "Formation" music video.
---------------
MOVIES - From Vulture: There was a controlled explosion of a bus in London for an upcoming Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and apparently the locals were still surprised, although there was supposedly advance warning.
---------------
COMICS - From YahooTV: Deadpool movie review - It's "the world's most violent and vulgar Bugs Bunny cartoon.
---------------
From Deadline: 2016 Directors Guild Awards announced; Alejandro G. Iñárritu repeats as outstanding director of a feature film with his win for "The Revenant." Last year, he won for directing "Birdman."
---------------
ANIMATION - From TheWrap: Here are your 43rd Annie Awards winners.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
2016 Dorian Award Winnters Announced; "Carol" Dominates
The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association (GALECA) is an organization that is comprised of critics and entertainment journalists who write on television and film for noteworthy media outlets easily accessible in the U.S. According to its website, most members identify as a member of the LGBTQ-munity: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, but the organization has non-gay “ally” journalists in its ranks, members who tend to work for LGBTQ-targeted outlets).
Through its annual Dorian Awards, GALECA toasts the finest in movies and television, from mainstream to LGBTQ-centric. Oscar Wilde is the group's patron saint.
2016 Dorian Award winners (for the year in film and television 2015):
Film of the Year
“Carol”
Director of the Year
Todd Haynes, “Carol”
Film Actor of the Year
Leonardo Dicaprio, “The Revenant”
Film Actress of the Year
Cate Blanchett, “Carol”
LGBTQ Film of the Year
“Carol”
Foreign Language Film of the Year
“Son of Saul” (Hungary)
Screenplay of the Year
“Carol”
Documentary of the Year
“Amy”
Visually Striking Film of the Year
“Mad Max: Fury Road”
Unsung Film of the Year
“Tangerine”
Campy Flick of the Year
“Magic Mike XXL”
TV Drama of the Year
(TIE) “Fargo” & “Orange is the New Black”
TV Comedy of the Year
“Transparent”
TV Actor of the Year
Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”
TV Actress of the Year
Taraji P. Henson, “Empire”
LGBTQ Show of the Year
“Transparent”
Unsung TV Show of the Year
“Looking”
TV Current Affairs Show of the Year
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver”
Campy TV Show of the Year
“Empire”
TV Musical Performance of the Year
Aretha Franklin
The ‘We’re Wilde About You’ Rising Star Award
Alicia Vikander
Wilde Wit of the Year
Amy Schumer
Wilde Artist of the Year
Todd Haynes
Timeless Award
Jane Fonda (previously announced)
-------------------
Through its annual Dorian Awards, GALECA toasts the finest in movies and television, from mainstream to LGBTQ-centric. Oscar Wilde is the group's patron saint.
2016 Dorian Award winners (for the year in film and television 2015):
Film of the Year
“Carol”
Director of the Year
Todd Haynes, “Carol”
Film Actor of the Year
Leonardo Dicaprio, “The Revenant”
Film Actress of the Year
Cate Blanchett, “Carol”
LGBTQ Film of the Year
“Carol”
Foreign Language Film of the Year
“Son of Saul” (Hungary)
Screenplay of the Year
“Carol”
Documentary of the Year
“Amy”
Visually Striking Film of the Year
“Mad Max: Fury Road”
Unsung Film of the Year
“Tangerine”
Campy Flick of the Year
“Magic Mike XXL”
TV Drama of the Year
(TIE) “Fargo” & “Orange is the New Black”
TV Comedy of the Year
“Transparent”
TV Actor of the Year
Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”
TV Actress of the Year
Taraji P. Henson, “Empire”
LGBTQ Show of the Year
“Transparent”
Unsung TV Show of the Year
“Looking”
TV Current Affairs Show of the Year
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver”
Campy TV Show of the Year
“Empire”
TV Musical Performance of the Year
Aretha Franklin
The ‘We’re Wilde About You’ Rising Star Award
Alicia Vikander
Wilde Wit of the Year
Amy Schumer
Wilde Artist of the Year
Todd Haynes
Timeless Award
Jane Fonda (previously announced)
-------------------
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Online Film Critics Name "Mad Max: Fury Road" Best Picture of 2015
Founded in 1997, the Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) describes itself as “the largest, most respected organization for critics whose work appears primarily on the Internet.” The OFCS says that it has been the key force in establishing and raising the standards for Internet-based film journalism. Its membership consists of film reviewers, journalists and scholars based in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America and the Asia/Pacific Rim region. The Online Film Critics Society currently consists of 254 members with writers representing 22 countries across the globe.
The 19th Online Film Critics Society Awards were announced on Monday, December 14, 2015.
2015 / 19th OFCS Award winners:
Best Picture:
Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Animated Feature:
Inside Out
Best Film Not in the English Language:
The Assassin (Taiwan)
Best Documentary:
The Look of Silence
Best Director:
George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road)
Best Actor:
Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs)
Best Actress:
Cate Blanchett (Carol)
Best Supporting Actor:
Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina)
Best Supporting Actress:
Rooney Mara (Carol)
Best Original Screenplay:
Spotlight (Josh Singer, Tom McCarthy)
Best Adapted Screenplay:
Carol (Phyllis Nagy)
Best Editing:
Mad Max: Fury Road (Margaret Sixel)
Best Cinematography:
Mad Max: Fury Road (John Seale)
Best Non-U.S. Release
Aferim!
Cemetery of Splendor
The Club
Dheepan
The Lobster
Mountains May Depart
Mia Madre
Rams
Right Now, Wrong Then
The Sunset Song
---------------------------
The 19th Online Film Critics Society Awards were announced on Monday, December 14, 2015.
2015 / 19th OFCS Award winners:
Best Picture:
Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Animated Feature:
Inside Out
Best Film Not in the English Language:
The Assassin (Taiwan)
Best Documentary:
The Look of Silence
Best Director:
George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road)
Best Actor:
Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs)
Best Actress:
Cate Blanchett (Carol)
Best Supporting Actor:
Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina)
Best Supporting Actress:
Rooney Mara (Carol)
Best Original Screenplay:
Spotlight (Josh Singer, Tom McCarthy)
Best Adapted Screenplay:
Carol (Phyllis Nagy)
Best Editing:
Mad Max: Fury Road (Margaret Sixel)
Best Cinematography:
Mad Max: Fury Road (John Seale)
Best Non-U.S. Release
Aferim!
Cemetery of Splendor
The Club
Dheepan
The Lobster
Mountains May Depart
Mia Madre
Rams
Right Now, Wrong Then
The Sunset Song
---------------------------
Friday, December 11, 2015
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from December 6th to 12th, 2015 - Update #22
Support Leroy on Patreon.
NEWS:
From BleedingCool: "The Hateful Eight" was originally conceived as a novel starring Django.
---------------
From Deadline: Ron Howard updates "Arrested Development" Season 5.
----------------
From BuzzFlash: J.K. Rowling says Donald Trump is worse than Lord Voldemort.
---------------
From Vulture: Idris Elba may have the lead in the adaptation of Stephen King's "Dark Tower."
---------------
From YahooTV: 2015 Golden Globe nominations.
---------------
From TheWrap: SAG nominations.
---------------
From IndieWire: David Oyelowo to play Muhammad Ali for Ang Lee.
---------------
From TheHollywoodReporter: An article about the upcoming debuts and features at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
---------------
From Deadline: Queen Latifah to star in Lee Daniels project for Fox.
---------------
From Vulture: Bill Murray will play a dog in a Wes Anderson stop-motion film.
---------------
From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 12/4 to 12/6/2015 box office is "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part Two," the film's third straight weekend at the top.
From TheHollywoodReporter: The performance of holiday-themed horror film, "Krampus," surprised with its second place finish at the weekend box office ($16 million). I was not surprised, and I thought it might actually gross a little more. "Chi-raq" is reportedly a huge hit in Chicago, the setting of Spike Lee's film.
---------------
From GoldDerby: Director Sean Baker and star Mya Taylor talk about their buzzed-about film, "Tangerine."
---------------
From Variety: Ethan Hawke joins Luc Besson's "Valerian."
COMICS - Films and Books:
From Variety: Cate Blanchett in talks to join Marvel's "Thor: Ragnarok."
MOVIE AWARD SEASON:
From Deadline: African-American Film Critics name "Straight Outta Compton" best picture.
---------------
From TheHollywoodReporter: Los Angeles Film Critics Association names "Spotlight" the best film of the year. However, "Mad Max: Fury Road" wins in three category, including "Best Director" for George Miller. It was the runner-up in two categories, including the "Best Film" category.
---------------
From TheHollywoodReporter: The Boston Society of Film Critics names "Spotlight" the best picture of 2015.
---------------
From TheHollywoodReporter: Alex Garland's "Ex Machina" is named Best British Independent Film at the 2015 British Independent Film Awards, and dominates with 4 wins.
STAR WARS:
From YahooMovies: Have a seat, John Boyega tells William Shatner.
---------------
From YahooTV: While in Australia promoting "The Force Awakens," Harrison Ford responds to his fan, Donald Trump.
TRAILERS:
From YouTube: Official "X-Men Apocalypse" trailer.
---------------
From Vulture: First trailer for Warner Bros.' "The Legend of Tarzan."
----------------
From Deadline: The debut trailer for Spielberg's "The BFG."
NEWS:
From BleedingCool: "The Hateful Eight" was originally conceived as a novel starring Django.
---------------
From Deadline: Ron Howard updates "Arrested Development" Season 5.
----------------
From BuzzFlash: J.K. Rowling says Donald Trump is worse than Lord Voldemort.
---------------
From Vulture: Idris Elba may have the lead in the adaptation of Stephen King's "Dark Tower."
---------------
From YahooTV: 2015 Golden Globe nominations.
---------------
From TheWrap: SAG nominations.
---------------
From IndieWire: David Oyelowo to play Muhammad Ali for Ang Lee.
---------------
From TheHollywoodReporter: An article about the upcoming debuts and features at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
---------------
From Deadline: Queen Latifah to star in Lee Daniels project for Fox.
---------------
From Vulture: Bill Murray will play a dog in a Wes Anderson stop-motion film.
---------------
From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 12/4 to 12/6/2015 box office is "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part Two," the film's third straight weekend at the top.
From TheHollywoodReporter: The performance of holiday-themed horror film, "Krampus," surprised with its second place finish at the weekend box office ($16 million). I was not surprised, and I thought it might actually gross a little more. "Chi-raq" is reportedly a huge hit in Chicago, the setting of Spike Lee's film.
---------------
From GoldDerby: Director Sean Baker and star Mya Taylor talk about their buzzed-about film, "Tangerine."
---------------
From Variety: Ethan Hawke joins Luc Besson's "Valerian."
COMICS - Films and Books:
From Variety: Cate Blanchett in talks to join Marvel's "Thor: Ragnarok."
MOVIE AWARD SEASON:
From Deadline: African-American Film Critics name "Straight Outta Compton" best picture.
---------------
From TheHollywoodReporter: Los Angeles Film Critics Association names "Spotlight" the best film of the year. However, "Mad Max: Fury Road" wins in three category, including "Best Director" for George Miller. It was the runner-up in two categories, including the "Best Film" category.
---------------
From TheHollywoodReporter: The Boston Society of Film Critics names "Spotlight" the best picture of 2015.
---------------
From TheHollywoodReporter: Alex Garland's "Ex Machina" is named Best British Independent Film at the 2015 British Independent Film Awards, and dominates with 4 wins.
STAR WARS:
From YahooMovies: Have a seat, John Boyega tells William Shatner.
---------------
From YahooTV: While in Australia promoting "The Force Awakens," Harrison Ford responds to his fan, Donald Trump.
TRAILERS:
From YouTube: Official "X-Men Apocalypse" trailer.
---------------
From Vulture: First trailer for Warner Bros.' "The Legend of Tarzan."
----------------
From Deadline: The debut trailer for Spielberg's "The BFG."
Monday, November 23, 2015
2015 Gotham Award Nominations Announced; Winners Announced Nov. 30th
Honoring independent films, the Gotham Awards are the first major awards of the film awards season. The Gotham Awards are presented by the Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), an organization which helps independent filmmakers by connected artists with resources at all stages of film development and distribution.
This year, the 2015 Gotham Awards kicks off the 2015-16 season. The Gotham Awards ceremony will be held on Monday, November 30, 2015 at Cipriani Wall Street. For information on attending: http://gotham.ifp.org
The 2015 IFP Gotham Independent Film Award nominations:
Best Feature
Carol
Todd Haynes, director; Elizabeth Karlsen, Christine Vachon, Stephen Woolley, producers (The Weinstein Company)
The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Marielle Heller, director; Anne Carey, Bert Hamelinck, Madeline Samit, Miranda Bailey, producers (Sony Pictures Classics)
Heaven Knows What
Josh and Benny Safdie, directors; Oscar Boyson, Sebastian Bear-McClard, producers (RADiUS)
Spotlight
Tom McCarthy, director; Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, Blye Pagan Faust, producers (Open Road Films)
Tangerine
Sean Baker, director; Darren Dean, Shih-Ching Tsou, Marcus Cox & Karrie Cox, producers (Magnolia Pictures)
Best Documentary
Approaching the Elephant
Amanda Rose Wilder, director; Jay Craven, Robert Greene, Amanda Rose Wilder, producers (Kingdom County Productions)
Cartel Land
Matthew Heineman, director; Matthew Heineman, Tom Yellin, producers (The Orchard and A&E IndieFilms)
Heart of a Dog
Laurie Anderson, director; Dan Janvey, Laurie Anderson, producers (Abramorama and HBO Documentary Films)
Listen to Me Marlon
Stevan Riley, director; John Battsek, RJ Cutler, George Chignell, producers (Showtime Documentary Films)
The Look of Silence
Joshua Oppenheimer, director; Signe Byrge Sørensen, producer (Drafthouse Films)
Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award
Desiree Akhavan for Appropriate Behavior (Gravitas Ventures)
Jonas Carpignano for Mediterranea (Sundance Selects)
Marielle Heller for The Diary of a Teenage Girl (Sony Pictures Classics)
John Magary for The Mend (Cinelicious Pics)
Josh Mond for James White (The Film Arcade)
Best Screenplay
Carol, Phyllis Nagy (The Weinstein Company)
The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Marielle Heller (Sony Pictures Classics)
Love & Mercy, Oren Moverman and Michael Alan Lerner (Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and River Road Entertainment)
Spotlight, Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer (Open Road Films)
While We’re Young, Noah Baumbach (A24)
Best Actor*
Christopher Abbott in James White (The Film Arcade)
Kevin Corrigan in Results (Magnolia Pictures)
Paul Dano in Love & Mercy (Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and River Road Entertainment)
Peter Sarsgaard in Experimenter (Magnolia Pictures)
Michael Shannon in 99 Homes (Broad Green Pictures)
Best Actress*
Cate Blanchett in Carol (The Weinstein Company)
Blythe Danner in I’ll See You in My Dreams (Bleecker Street)
Brie Larson in Room (A24 Films)
Bel Powley in The Diary of a Teenage Girl (Sony Pictures Classics)
Lily Tomlin in Grandma (Sony Pictures Classics)
Kristen Wiig in Welcome to Me (Alchemy)
Breakthrough Actor
Rory Culkin in Gabriel (Oscilloscope Laboratories)
Arielle Holmes in Heaven Knows What (RADiUS)
Lola Kirke in Mistress America (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Kitana Kiki Rodriguez in Tangerine (Magnolia Pictures)
Mya Taylor in Tangerine (Magnolia Pictures)
* The 2015 Best Actor/Best Actress nominating panel also voted to award a special “Gotham Jury Award” jointly to Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, and Brian d’Arcy James for their ensemble work in Spotlight. (Open Road Films).
Spotlight on Women Directors ‘Live the Dream’ Grant
For the sixth consecutive year, IFP is proud present the euphoria Calvin Klein Spotlight on Women Directors ‘Live the Dream’ grant, a $25,000 cash award for an alumna of IFP’s Independent Filmmaker Labs or IFP’s Screen Forward Lab. In 2015, Screen Forward Lab directors have been included in this opportunity for the first time. This grant aims to further the careers of emerging women directors by supporting the completion, distribution and audience engagement strategies of their first feature film or episodic series. The nominees are:
Claire Carré, director, Embers
Deb Shoval, director, AWOL
Chanelle Aponte Pearson, director, 195 Lewis
----
Gotham Independent Film Audience Award
IFP members will determine the 7th Annual Gotham Independent Film Audience Award with nominees comprised of the 14 nominated films in the Best Feature, Best Documentary, and Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award categories. All IFP current, active members at the Individual Level and above will be eligible to vote. Voting will take place online from November 18th at 12:01 AM EST and conclude on November 25th at 5:00 PM EST. In addition, IFP will be scheduling screenings of the nominated films for IFP members in the theater at the Made in NY Media Center by IFP in Brooklyn. These screenings will take place from November 4-11. The winner of the Audience Award will be announced at the Gotham Awards Ceremony on November 30, 2015.
Gotham Appreciation Award
A Gothams Appreciation Award will be given to Ellen Cotter for her contribution to theatrical distribution, including leadership of the Angelika Film Centers.
----------------------
This year, the 2015 Gotham Awards kicks off the 2015-16 season. The Gotham Awards ceremony will be held on Monday, November 30, 2015 at Cipriani Wall Street. For information on attending: http://gotham.ifp.org
The 2015 IFP Gotham Independent Film Award nominations:
Best Feature
Carol
Todd Haynes, director; Elizabeth Karlsen, Christine Vachon, Stephen Woolley, producers (The Weinstein Company)
The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Marielle Heller, director; Anne Carey, Bert Hamelinck, Madeline Samit, Miranda Bailey, producers (Sony Pictures Classics)
Heaven Knows What
Josh and Benny Safdie, directors; Oscar Boyson, Sebastian Bear-McClard, producers (RADiUS)
Spotlight
Tom McCarthy, director; Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, Blye Pagan Faust, producers (Open Road Films)
Tangerine
Sean Baker, director; Darren Dean, Shih-Ching Tsou, Marcus Cox & Karrie Cox, producers (Magnolia Pictures)
Best Documentary
Approaching the Elephant
Amanda Rose Wilder, director; Jay Craven, Robert Greene, Amanda Rose Wilder, producers (Kingdom County Productions)
Cartel Land
Matthew Heineman, director; Matthew Heineman, Tom Yellin, producers (The Orchard and A&E IndieFilms)
Heart of a Dog
Laurie Anderson, director; Dan Janvey, Laurie Anderson, producers (Abramorama and HBO Documentary Films)
Listen to Me Marlon
Stevan Riley, director; John Battsek, RJ Cutler, George Chignell, producers (Showtime Documentary Films)
The Look of Silence
Joshua Oppenheimer, director; Signe Byrge Sørensen, producer (Drafthouse Films)
Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award
Desiree Akhavan for Appropriate Behavior (Gravitas Ventures)
Jonas Carpignano for Mediterranea (Sundance Selects)
Marielle Heller for The Diary of a Teenage Girl (Sony Pictures Classics)
John Magary for The Mend (Cinelicious Pics)
Josh Mond for James White (The Film Arcade)
Best Screenplay
Carol, Phyllis Nagy (The Weinstein Company)
The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Marielle Heller (Sony Pictures Classics)
Love & Mercy, Oren Moverman and Michael Alan Lerner (Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and River Road Entertainment)
Spotlight, Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer (Open Road Films)
While We’re Young, Noah Baumbach (A24)
Best Actor*
Christopher Abbott in James White (The Film Arcade)
Kevin Corrigan in Results (Magnolia Pictures)
Paul Dano in Love & Mercy (Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and River Road Entertainment)
Peter Sarsgaard in Experimenter (Magnolia Pictures)
Michael Shannon in 99 Homes (Broad Green Pictures)
Best Actress*
Cate Blanchett in Carol (The Weinstein Company)
Blythe Danner in I’ll See You in My Dreams (Bleecker Street)
Brie Larson in Room (A24 Films)
Bel Powley in The Diary of a Teenage Girl (Sony Pictures Classics)
Lily Tomlin in Grandma (Sony Pictures Classics)
Kristen Wiig in Welcome to Me (Alchemy)
Breakthrough Actor
Rory Culkin in Gabriel (Oscilloscope Laboratories)
Arielle Holmes in Heaven Knows What (RADiUS)
Lola Kirke in Mistress America (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Kitana Kiki Rodriguez in Tangerine (Magnolia Pictures)
Mya Taylor in Tangerine (Magnolia Pictures)
* The 2015 Best Actor/Best Actress nominating panel also voted to award a special “Gotham Jury Award” jointly to Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, and Brian d’Arcy James for their ensemble work in Spotlight. (Open Road Films).
Spotlight on Women Directors ‘Live the Dream’ Grant
For the sixth consecutive year, IFP is proud present the euphoria Calvin Klein Spotlight on Women Directors ‘Live the Dream’ grant, a $25,000 cash award for an alumna of IFP’s Independent Filmmaker Labs or IFP’s Screen Forward Lab. In 2015, Screen Forward Lab directors have been included in this opportunity for the first time. This grant aims to further the careers of emerging women directors by supporting the completion, distribution and audience engagement strategies of their first feature film or episodic series. The nominees are:
Claire Carré, director, Embers
Deb Shoval, director, AWOL
Chanelle Aponte Pearson, director, 195 Lewis
----
Gotham Independent Film Audience Award
IFP members will determine the 7th Annual Gotham Independent Film Audience Award with nominees comprised of the 14 nominated films in the Best Feature, Best Documentary, and Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award categories. All IFP current, active members at the Individual Level and above will be eligible to vote. Voting will take place online from November 18th at 12:01 AM EST and conclude on November 25th at 5:00 PM EST. In addition, IFP will be scheduling screenings of the nominated films for IFP members in the theater at the Made in NY Media Center by IFP in Brooklyn. These screenings will take place from November 4-11. The winner of the Audience Award will be announced at the Gotham Awards Ceremony on November 30, 2015.
Gotham Appreciation Award
A Gothams Appreciation Award will be given to Ellen Cotter for her contribution to theatrical distribution, including leadership of the Angelika Film Centers.
----------------------
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Review: "The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies" is a Fantastic Ending to a Joyous Trilogy
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies (2014)
Running time: 144 minutes (2 hours, 24 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images
DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson
WRITERS: Frances Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro (from the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien)
PRODUCERS: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Carolynne Cunningham, and Zane Weiner
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Andrew Lesnie (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Jabez Olssen
COMPOSER: Howard Shore
Academy Award nominee
FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE with elements of drama
Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Luke Evans, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Dean O’Gorman, Aidan Turner, John Callen, Peter Hambleton, Jed Brophy, Mark Hadlow, Adam Brown, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Christopher Lee, Ian Holm, Sylvester McCoy, Ryan Gage, John Bell, Peggy Nesbitt, Mary Nesbitt, and Benedict Cumberbatch (also voice)
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies is a 2014 fantasy-adventure film from director Peter Jackson. The film is the third of three movies which are based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 novel, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again (better known by its abbreviated title, The Hobbit). Set sixty years before The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit is the story of a curious Hobbit who joins a company of 13 Dwarves on a mission to reclaim their homeland from a powerful dragon. The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies centers on the struggle to control the Lonely Mountain.
As The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies begins, Smaug (voice of Benedict Cumberbatch), the dragon that ruled over the Lonely Mountain, attacks the human settlement, Lake-town. Now, only Bard the Bowman (Luke Evans), who is practically an outcast among his fellow humans, knows how to stop the dragon, but can he actually do it?
The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), has helped the Company of Dwarves, at last, reclaim their homeland, Erebor. Having rid themselves of Smaug, the Dwarves settle into their ancestral home. However, their would-be king, Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), decides that he wants to keep the vast, uncountable treasure in Erebor for himself. He seals off Erebor, even as the human survivors of Lake-town seek refuge in the nearby ruins of Dale.
Bilbo soon finds himself caught between different groups that want a share of the treasure of Erebor. Bard, now the spokesman and ostensible leader of the humans, wants the share of the treasure Thorin promised to the humans if they helped him; now, Thorin refuses to honor that promise. Meanwhile, the Wood-elves and their arrogant king, Thranduil (Lee Pace), have arrived in Dale, seeking the white diamonds that belong to the Elves. While Dwarves, Elves, and humans squabble, the blood-thirsty Azog the Defiler and a war party of Orcs marches toward the Lonely Mountain like a rising tide of darkness, prepared to conquer and to kill.
When I heard that Tolkien's The Hobbit would be adapted into two films by Peter Jackson, the guiding force behind the Lord of the Rings films, I was quite pleased. I have loved The Hobbit since I first saw the 1977 animated television film adaptation, and I have read Tolkien's original novel at least three or four times. I was ambivalent when I heard that the two-film adaptation would become a three-film adaptation. After seeing the second film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, I was suddenly quite interested in the third film again.
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies did not disappoint me. I do think that the word, “war,” is spoken too many times in this movie (for my taste). Other than that, I love The Battle of Five Armies unconditionally. The Hobbit reminds me of a grand adventure that a boy or a young man has with this friends. Soon, the adventure is over, and he must say goodbye to his friends – some for only a short time, some for a long time, and others forever.
The filmmakers retained the sense of friendship throughout the trilogy. The undertaking of an adventure that becomes a coming-of-age adventure also permeates The Hobbit film trilogy. However, The Battle of Five Armies most personifies themes of friendship and obligation, and the sense of a bond between companions is strong in this movie, making it poignant as well as thrilling.
In the end, I thank Peter Jackson for his efforts. I find it hard to think critically about this film individually or The Hobbit trilogy as a whole. I felt The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies in my heart, and yes, I teared up quite a bit, especially during the goodbyes. I wish there were another adventure to come, but I can always revisit this one.
9 of 10
A+
Monday, May 18, 2015
NOTES:
2015 Academy Awards, USA: 1 nomination: “Best Achievement in Sound Editing” (Brent Burge and Jason Canovas)
2015 BAFTA Awards: 1 nomination: “Best Special Visual Effects” (Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton, and R. Christopher White)
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
------------------------------------
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of May 10th to 16th, 2015 - Update #5
NEWS:
From YahooMovies: Just in time for her lesbian romance, Carol, Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett talks about her own lesbian romances.
-------------
From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the May 8th to 10th, 2015 weekend box office is Avengers: Age of Ultron with an estimated haul of $77.2 million, the second highest second weekend in box office history. The first Avengers film has the record for best first and second weekends.
-------------
From TheVox: Batman would have been in the public domain...
COMICS:
From BleedingCool: So DC wants a sequel to "The Killing Joke?" What a joke.
STAR WARS:
From PopularMechanics: There was apparently a lot of deleted material from the first Star Wars, as this documentary tells it.
------------
From PopularMechanics: Movies don't have to make sense, says George Lucas.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Warner Bros.' New "Jungle Book" Movie Begins Filming
Filming is Underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ New Adventure, Based on the Classic The Jungle Book
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ new big-screen, 3D adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved classic The Jungle Book, marking the feature film directorial debut of Andy Serkis. Blending live action and performance capture, the film features an impressive roster of stars, including Oscar winners Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett and Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch.
The story follows the upbringing of the human child Mowgli, raised by a wolf pack in the jungles of India. As he learns the often harsh rules of the jungle, under the tutelage of a bear named Baloo and a panther named Bagheera, Mowgli becomes accepted by the animals of the jungle as one of their own. All but one: the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. But there may be greater dangers lurking in the jungle, as Mowgli comes face to face with his human origins.
The actors performing the roles of the story’s central animal characters are: Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game,” “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”) as the tiger, Shere Khan; Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine,” “Cinderella”) as Kaa, the snake; Christian Bale (“The Fighter,” the “Dark Knight” Trilogy) as the panther, Bagheera; Andy Serkis (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy) as Baloo, the bear; Peter Mullan (“Hercules,” “War Horse”) as the leader of the wolf pack, Akela; Tom Hollander (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, “Pride & Prejudice”) as the scavenging hyena, Tabaqui; Naomie Harris (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” “Skyfall”) as Nisha, the female wolf, who adopts the baby Mowgli as one of her cubs; Eddie Marsan (“Snow White and the Huntsman,” “Sherlock Holmes”) as Nisha’s mate, Vihaan; and Jack Reynor (“Transformers: Age of Extinction”) as Mowgli’s Brother Wolf. On the human side, young actor Rohan Chand (“The Hundred-Foot Journey,” “Lone Survivor”) will play the boy raised by wolves, Mowgli.
The film is being produced by Steve Kloves, who wrote seven of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” films, and Jonathan Cavendish (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason”), with Nikki Penny (“Gravity”) serving as executive producer. The screenplay is by Callie Kloves, based on the stories by Kipling.
Among those collaborating with Serkis behind the scenes are production designer Gary Freeman (“Cinderella”), Oscar-winning editor Mark Sanger (“Gravity”) and Oscar-winning costume designer Alexandra Byrne (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age”).
The film is slated for release on October 6, 2017.
------------------
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ new big-screen, 3D adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved classic The Jungle Book, marking the feature film directorial debut of Andy Serkis. Blending live action and performance capture, the film features an impressive roster of stars, including Oscar winners Christian Bale and Cate Blanchett and Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch.
The story follows the upbringing of the human child Mowgli, raised by a wolf pack in the jungles of India. As he learns the often harsh rules of the jungle, under the tutelage of a bear named Baloo and a panther named Bagheera, Mowgli becomes accepted by the animals of the jungle as one of their own. All but one: the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. But there may be greater dangers lurking in the jungle, as Mowgli comes face to face with his human origins.
The actors performing the roles of the story’s central animal characters are: Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game,” “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”) as the tiger, Shere Khan; Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine,” “Cinderella”) as Kaa, the snake; Christian Bale (“The Fighter,” the “Dark Knight” Trilogy) as the panther, Bagheera; Andy Serkis (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy) as Baloo, the bear; Peter Mullan (“Hercules,” “War Horse”) as the leader of the wolf pack, Akela; Tom Hollander (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, “Pride & Prejudice”) as the scavenging hyena, Tabaqui; Naomie Harris (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” “Skyfall”) as Nisha, the female wolf, who adopts the baby Mowgli as one of her cubs; Eddie Marsan (“Snow White and the Huntsman,” “Sherlock Holmes”) as Nisha’s mate, Vihaan; and Jack Reynor (“Transformers: Age of Extinction”) as Mowgli’s Brother Wolf. On the human side, young actor Rohan Chand (“The Hundred-Foot Journey,” “Lone Survivor”) will play the boy raised by wolves, Mowgli.
The film is being produced by Steve Kloves, who wrote seven of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” films, and Jonathan Cavendish (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason”), with Nikki Penny (“Gravity”) serving as executive producer. The screenplay is by Callie Kloves, based on the stories by Kipling.
Among those collaborating with Serkis behind the scenes are production designer Gary Freeman (“Cinderella”), Oscar-winning editor Mark Sanger (“Gravity”) and Oscar-winning costume designer Alexandra Byrne (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age”).
The film is slated for release on October 6, 2017.
------------------
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
IMAX to Screen Disney's Live-Action "Cinderella" Film
Disney's Live-Action Cinderella To Be Released In IMAX® Theatres Globally Starting March 13
SANTA MONICA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) and The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced that the highly anticipated live-action Cinderella - directed by Academy Award(®) nominee Kenneth Branagh and starring Academy Award(®) winner Cate Blanchett as the Stepmother and Lily James in the timeless title role - will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX(®) format and released in IMAX(®) theatres globally beginning March 13, 2015.
A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella is written by Chris Weitz and produced by Simon Kinberg, Allison Shearmur and David Barron. Tim Lewis served as executive producer.
"Based on the timeless classic, Cinderella now is a visually breath-taking live-action gem from the hugely talented Kenneth Branagh, with whom we're thrilled to partner again, as well as the wonderful team at Disney," said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "Having been fortunate to see the movie several weeks ago, we believe Cinderella will resonate with movie-goers from around the globe, and we can't wait to share it with IMAX audiences worldwide."
The IMAX(®) release of Cinderella will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(®) with proprietary IMAX DMR(®) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
For more information about Cinderella, please visit Disney's official website at http://disney.com/cinderella/.
About CINDERELLA:
The story of Cinderella follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella's father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words and to "have courage and be kind." She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella's hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham-Carter) steps forward and - armed with a pumpkin and a few mice - changes Cinderella's life forever.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. As of September 30, 2014, there were 880 IMAX theatres (751 commercial multiplexes, 19 commercial destinations and 110 institutions) in 60 countries.
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in IMAX's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
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SANTA MONICA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) and The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced that the highly anticipated live-action Cinderella - directed by Academy Award(®) nominee Kenneth Branagh and starring Academy Award(®) winner Cate Blanchett as the Stepmother and Lily James in the timeless title role - will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX(®) format and released in IMAX(®) theatres globally beginning March 13, 2015.
A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella is written by Chris Weitz and produced by Simon Kinberg, Allison Shearmur and David Barron. Tim Lewis served as executive producer.
"Based on the timeless classic, Cinderella now is a visually breath-taking live-action gem from the hugely talented Kenneth Branagh, with whom we're thrilled to partner again, as well as the wonderful team at Disney," said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "Having been fortunate to see the movie several weeks ago, we believe Cinderella will resonate with movie-goers from around the globe, and we can't wait to share it with IMAX audiences worldwide."
The IMAX(®) release of Cinderella will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(®) with proprietary IMAX DMR(®) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.
For more information about Cinderella, please visit Disney's official website at http://disney.com/cinderella/.
About CINDERELLA:
The story of Cinderella follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella's father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother's dying words and to "have courage and be kind." She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella's hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham-Carter) steps forward and - armed with a pumpkin and a few mice - changes Cinderella's life forever.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. As of September 30, 2014, there were 880 IMAX theatres (751 commercial multiplexes, 19 commercial destinations and 110 institutions) in 60 countries.
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in IMAX's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
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Friday, February 6, 2015
2014's Oscar-Winning Actors Return as Presenters at 87th Oscars
Oscar® Winners Blanchett, Leto, McConaughey And Nyong’o To Return As Presenters At 87th Oscars®
Cate Blanchett, Jared Leto, Matthew McConaughey, and Lupita Nyong’o, last year’s Oscar winners in the leading actress, supporting actor and supporting actress categories, will return to present at this year’s Oscars, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, 2015 live on ABC.
"The great tradition of having the previous year’s Oscar-winning best actors and actresses in all 4 categories happily continues this year with the amazing quartet of Cate, Jared, Matthew and Lupita. We're thrilled to have them back," says Zadan and Meron.
Blanchett has been nominated for six Oscars and has won two, including last year’s award for “Blue Jasmine.” Her previous win was for Actress in a Supporting Role for the 2004 film “The Aviator.” Blanchett also received leading actress nominations for “Elizabeth” (1998) and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” (2007), and supporting actress nominations for “Notes on a Scandal” (2006) and “I’m Not There” (2007).
Last year, Leto won the Oscar for Actor in a Supporting Role and McConaughey for Actor in a Leading Role, both for “Dallas Buyer’s Club.” Nyong’o took home the Oscar for Actress in a Supporting Role for “12 Years a Slave.”
The 87th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars, produced by Zadan and Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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Cate Blanchett, Jared Leto, Matthew McConaughey, and Lupita Nyong’o, last year’s Oscar winners in the leading actress, supporting actor and supporting actress categories, will return to present at this year’s Oscars, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, 2015 live on ABC.
"The great tradition of having the previous year’s Oscar-winning best actors and actresses in all 4 categories happily continues this year with the amazing quartet of Cate, Jared, Matthew and Lupita. We're thrilled to have them back," says Zadan and Meron.
Blanchett has been nominated for six Oscars and has won two, including last year’s award for “Blue Jasmine.” Her previous win was for Actress in a Supporting Role for the 2004 film “The Aviator.” Blanchett also received leading actress nominations for “Elizabeth” (1998) and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” (2007), and supporting actress nominations for “Notes on a Scandal” (2006) and “I’m Not There” (2007).
Last year, Leto won the Oscar for Actor in a Supporting Role and McConaughey for Actor in a Leading Role, both for “Dallas Buyer’s Club.” Nyong’o took home the Oscar for Actress in a Supporting Role for “12 Years a Slave.”
The 87th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars, produced by Zadan and Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Review: "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is a Sensation
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Running time: 161 minutes (2 hours, 41 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images
DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson
WRITERS: Frances Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro (from the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien)
PRODUCERS: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Carolynne Cunningham, and Zane Weiner
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Andrew Lesnie (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: Jabez Olssen
COMPOSER: Howard Shore
Academy Award nominee
FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE with elements of drama
Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Richard Armitage, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish, Ken Stott, Aidan Turner, Dean O’Gorman, Mark Hadlow, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Peter Hambleton, Luke Evans, Cate Blanchett, and Benedict Cumberbatch (also voice)
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a 2013 fantasy film from director Peter Jackson. The film is the second of three movies which are based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 novel, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again (better known by its abbreviated title, The Hobbit). Set sixty years before The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit is the story of a curious Hobbit who joins a band of Dwarves on a mission to reclaim their homeland from a powerful dragon.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug finds Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) still in The Company of Dwarves, led by would-be dwarf king, Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). These 13 dwarves are on a quest to reclaim their homeland, Erebor, from the dragon, Smaug (voice of Benedict Cumberbatch). Their goal is the Lonely Mountain, where Smaug slumbers.
Along the way, Bilbo and the Dwarves are pursued by Azog the Defiler and a party of Orcs. They also encounter the Wood-elves and their arrogant king, Thranduil (Lee Pace), and are eventually pursued by two elves, Legolas Greenleaf (Orlando Bloom) and Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly), who are proficient at killing Orcs. Meanwhile, the wizard, Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellan), investigates the growing evil at the ruins of Dol Guldur.
I gave the first Hobbit film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey a grade of “9” out of 10 on my rating scale, although I had complaints about the movie. My biggest complaint was that it was too long, with the first hour meandering like a drunken narrative looking for a bottle of plot.
I have no complaints about The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. I love it. I have seen it once, and watched most of it several more times on different HBO channels. Like the prior films based on the fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien, The Desolation of Smaug is a glowing spectacle. It is not trapped by the “middle chapter” narrative difficulties that afflict the middle films of some movie trilogies, like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. [By the way, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was the middle film in a trilogy and did not at all suffer from middle chapter problems.]
Perhaps, for me, The Desolation of Smaug is personal. I feel for the characters, and I am a champion for their causes, examining the stakes and decisions from every angle. Director Peter Jackson is in love with The Hobbit, and it shows in this wonderful film. I cannot pick out particular thing that stands out as great, although I love Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of Smaug. It is as if all elements come together to make a great film.
Over the years, I have read The Hobbit many times, and I am happy that these Hobbit movies, especially this one, are connecting with me in ways I never expected. If you are already a fan of the previous Peter Jackson Tolkien films, you will be a fan of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Or like me, you will fall in love with it.
9 of 10
A+
NOTES:
2014 Academy Awards, USA: 3 nominations: “Best Achievement in Sound Mixing” (Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick, and Tony Johnson), “Best Achievement in Visual Effects” (Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton, and Eric Reynolds), and “Best Achievement in Sound Editing” (Brent Burge and Chris Ward)
2014 BAFTA Awards: 2 nominations: “Best Make Up/Hair” (Peter King, Richard Taylor, and Rick Findlater) “Best Special Visual Effects” (Eric Reynolds, David Clayton, Joe Letteri, and Eric Saindon)
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
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Friday, August 22, 2014
Benedict Cumberbatch Among Cast added to "Jungle Book: Origins"
Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett and Christian Bale Head the Ensemble of Warner Bros. Pictures’ 3D Adventure “Jungle Book: Origins”
Young actor Rohan Chand to star as Mowgli in the cast, also including Peter Mullan, Tom Hollander, Naomie Harris, Eddie Marsan, and Andy Serkis
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures has assembled an impressive roster of stars for “Jungle Book: Origins,” its new big-screen, 3D adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic The Jungle Book, marking the feature film directorial debut of Andy Serkis. The action adventure, which will blend motion capture and live action, will be released on October 21, 2016. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The actors performing the roles of the story’s central animal characters are: Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”) as the fearsome tiger, Shere Khan; Oscar winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”) as the sinister snake, Kaa; Oscar winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter,” the “Dark Knight” Trilogy) as the cunning panther, Bagheera; Andy Serkis (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”) as the wise bear, Baloo; Peter Mullan (“Hercules”) as the leader of the wolf pack, Akela; Tom Hollander as the scavenging hyena, Tabaqui; Naomie Harris (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”) as Nisha, the female wolf, who adopts the baby Mowgli as one of her cubs; Eddie Marsan (“Ray Donovan”) as Nisha’s mate, Vihaan; and Jack Reynor (“Transformers: Age of Extinction”) as Mowgli’s Brother Wolf. On the human side, young actor Rohan Chand (“The Hundred-Foot Journey,” “Bad Words”) will play the boy raised by wolves, Mowgli.
The film is being produced by Steve Kloves, who wrote seven of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” films. Jonathan Cavendish (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” performance capture producer “Godzilla”) is also serving as a producer. The screenplay is by Kloves’ daughter, Callie Kloves, based on the stories by Kipling.
The story follows the upbringing of the human child Mowgli, raised by a wolf pack in the jungles of India. As he learns the often harsh rules of the jungle, under the tutelage of a bear named Baloo and a panther named Bagheera, Mowgli becomes accepted by the animals of the jungle as one of their own. All but one: the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. But there may be greater dangers lurking in the jungle, as Mowgli comes face to face with his human origins.
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Young actor Rohan Chand to star as Mowgli in the cast, also including Peter Mullan, Tom Hollander, Naomie Harris, Eddie Marsan, and Andy Serkis
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures has assembled an impressive roster of stars for “Jungle Book: Origins,” its new big-screen, 3D adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic The Jungle Book, marking the feature film directorial debut of Andy Serkis. The action adventure, which will blend motion capture and live action, will be released on October 21, 2016. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The actors performing the roles of the story’s central animal characters are: Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”) as the fearsome tiger, Shere Khan; Oscar winner Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”) as the sinister snake, Kaa; Oscar winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter,” the “Dark Knight” Trilogy) as the cunning panther, Bagheera; Andy Serkis (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”) as the wise bear, Baloo; Peter Mullan (“Hercules”) as the leader of the wolf pack, Akela; Tom Hollander as the scavenging hyena, Tabaqui; Naomie Harris (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”) as Nisha, the female wolf, who adopts the baby Mowgli as one of her cubs; Eddie Marsan (“Ray Donovan”) as Nisha’s mate, Vihaan; and Jack Reynor (“Transformers: Age of Extinction”) as Mowgli’s Brother Wolf. On the human side, young actor Rohan Chand (“The Hundred-Foot Journey,” “Bad Words”) will play the boy raised by wolves, Mowgli.
The film is being produced by Steve Kloves, who wrote seven of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” films. Jonathan Cavendish (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” performance capture producer “Godzilla”) is also serving as a producer. The screenplay is by Kloves’ daughter, Callie Kloves, based on the stories by Kipling.
The story follows the upbringing of the human child Mowgli, raised by a wolf pack in the jungles of India. As he learns the often harsh rules of the jungle, under the tutelage of a bear named Baloo and a panther named Bagheera, Mowgli becomes accepted by the animals of the jungle as one of their own. All but one: the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. But there may be greater dangers lurking in the jungle, as Mowgli comes face to face with his human origins.
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Monday, July 21, 2014
Review: "Blue Jasmine" Filled with Superb Performances
Blue Jasmine (2013)
Running time: 98 minutes (1 hour, 38 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for mature thematic material, language and sexual content
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Woody Allen
PRODUCERS: Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum, and Edward Walson
CINEMATOGRAPHERS: Javier Aguirresarobe
EDITOR: Alisa Lepselter
Academy Award winner
DRAMA
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Sally Hawkins, Alec Baldwin, Andrew Dice Clay, Bobby Cannavale, Louis C.K., Peter Sarsgaard, Daniel Jenks, Max Rutherford, Max Casella, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Alden Ehren
Blue Jasmine is a 2013 drama written and directed by Woody Allen. The film follows a rich Manhattan socialite, fallen on hard times, who moves to San Francisco to live with her sister, with her troubles in tow.
Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) was a New York socialite, married to hugely successful real estate developer, Hal Francis (Alec Baldwin). Jasmine, whose real name is Jeanette, leads a life of luxury and leisure, but Hal’s business is based on fraud. After Hal is sent to prison, she loses everything (home, money, status, etc.). Jasmine travels to San Francisco where she will move in with her sister, Ginger (Sally Hawkins), a single mother of two boys, Matthew (Daniel) and Johnny (Max).
Jasmine’s arrival is an imposition, as Ginger had planned to allow her fiancé, Chili (Bobby Cannavale), to move in with her. Hal’s fraudulent dealings also cost Ginger and her ex-husband, Augie (Andrew Dice Clay), a lot of money and financially ruined them. Deeply troubled and in denial about the past, Jasmine looks fabulous, but her looks hide the fact that she isn’t bringing anything good to her new home.
Blue Jasmine is not only one of Woody Allen’s best screenplays of the last decade, but it also features some of his best characters ever. In a way, their motivations and emotions are so obvious that they could be described as wearing their hearts on their sleeves. On the other side of that, each character is also inscrutable, because what goes on inside their heads (thinking and thought processes) is largely a mystery.
Jeanette “Jasmine” Francis is the most inscrutable of all, and as Jasmine, Cate Blanchett gives what may be the best performance of her career. That says a lot in a career full of incredible performances. Jasmine is that rare instance when an actor brings to life a fully realized character that seems to devour everything that the actor is. Blanchett also makes sure that there are no easy answers to Jasmine, who denies the past, but is inexorably trapped in it.
Sally Hawkins as Ginger manages to keep up with Blanchett, and in every scene that Ginger shares with Jasmine, Hawkins makes her character just as compelling. Prepare to be surprised by the multi-dimensional performance by Andrew Dice Clay as Ginger’s ex-husband, Augie. I was a huge fan of Clay when he was a blazing, red-hot, stand-up comic in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but his heartbreaking turn as the deeply wounded Augie is still a surprise to me.
I have read that some critics see Blue Jasmine as Woody Allen’s take on Tennessee William’s legendary play, A Streetcar Named Desire, as they share similar elements. If this is true, Allen made Blue Jasmine worthy of being compared to the masterwork that is William’s play. Even movie audiences who are not usually fans of Allen’s films should see the exceptional Blue Jasmine.
8 of 10
A
Friday, July 18, 2014
NOTES:
2014 Academy Awards, USA: 1 win: “Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role” (Cate Blanchett); 2 nominations: “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role” (Sally Hawkins) and “Best Writing, Original Screenplay” (Woody Allen)
2014 Golden Globes, USA: 1 win: “Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama” (Cate Blanchett); 1 nomination: “Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture” (Sally Hawkins)
2014 BAFTA Awards: 1 win: “Best Leading Actress” (Cate Blanchett); 2 nominations: “Best Original Screenplay” (Woody Allen) and “Best Supporting Actress” (Sally Hawkins)
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Friday, June 13, 2014
New Broadcast Networks, "Escape" and "Grit," Sign Deal with Warner Bros.
Escape & Grit Announce First Programming Agreement, Acquire Rights To 135 Motion Pictures From Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution
ATLANTA, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The country's first-ever female-centric and male-centric over-the-air broadcast television networks -- Escape (For Women) and Grit (For Men) -- have acquired the television rights to 135 demo-targeted motion pictures in a multi-year licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (WBDTD), it was announced today.
Katz Broadcasting, a new company established by Bounce TV founder/COO and former Turner Broadcasting executive Jonathan Katz, will own and operate the ESCAPE and GRIT broadcast television networks launching this summer. Katz will serve as President and CEO while continuing as COO of Bounce TV.
Escape will target women 25-54 with a brand of programming anchored in stories of crime and mystery. Warner Bros. drama and thriller titles earmarked for Escape include: The contemporary classic Body Heat starring Kathleen Turner; Demi Moore in Disclosure; the Nicole Kidman thrillers Dead Calm and Malice; Kathy Bates creating Misery for James Caan, based on the Stephen King story; Bates in another King tale, Dolores Claiborne with Jennifer Jason Leigh; Copycat starring Sigourney Weaver; Blink with Madeline Stowe and Cate Blanchett as Charlotte Gray; John Grisham's Presumed Innocent; Michelle Pfeiffer in Tequila Sunrise; Star 80 and more.
Action-oriented Grit will reach men 25-54 and be built around the classic male hero archetype with a focus on western, war and action theatrical motion pictures. Among the stars and titles headed to Grit in the WBDTD agreement: Clint Eastwood - As Dirty Harry in Sudden Impact, leading the charge in Kelly's Heroes and also Bronco Billy; Arnold Schwarzenegger in Eraser; Sylvester Stallone in Cobra, Demolition Man and Victory; Jackie Chan starring in Rumble in the Bronx and Jackie Chan's First Strike; Steven Seagal (Hard to Kill, Fire Down Below, On Deadly Ground and Out of Reach); Denzel Washington (Fallen) and more.
Grit also lands such westerns as the John Wayne classics Cahill, U.S. Marshall, Chisum and The Cowboys; Young Guns and Young Guns 2; The Assassination of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Ford starring Brad Pitt and such war and military movies as Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, Memphis Belle and Purple Hearts.
Univision Television Group, which owns and/or operates television stations in major U.S. markets, will carry both Escape and Grit on stations representing more than 35% of U.S. television households, including in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Miami. More distribution will be announced shortly.
The two new networks are part of Katz Broadcasting, a new company established by former Turner Broadcasting executive Jonathan Katz.
ATLANTA, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The country's first-ever female-centric and male-centric over-the-air broadcast television networks -- Escape (For Women) and Grit (For Men) -- have acquired the television rights to 135 demo-targeted motion pictures in a multi-year licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (WBDTD), it was announced today.
Katz Broadcasting, a new company established by Bounce TV founder/COO and former Turner Broadcasting executive Jonathan Katz, will own and operate the ESCAPE and GRIT broadcast television networks launching this summer. Katz will serve as President and CEO while continuing as COO of Bounce TV.
Escape will target women 25-54 with a brand of programming anchored in stories of crime and mystery. Warner Bros. drama and thriller titles earmarked for Escape include: The contemporary classic Body Heat starring Kathleen Turner; Demi Moore in Disclosure; the Nicole Kidman thrillers Dead Calm and Malice; Kathy Bates creating Misery for James Caan, based on the Stephen King story; Bates in another King tale, Dolores Claiborne with Jennifer Jason Leigh; Copycat starring Sigourney Weaver; Blink with Madeline Stowe and Cate Blanchett as Charlotte Gray; John Grisham's Presumed Innocent; Michelle Pfeiffer in Tequila Sunrise; Star 80 and more.
Action-oriented Grit will reach men 25-54 and be built around the classic male hero archetype with a focus on western, war and action theatrical motion pictures. Among the stars and titles headed to Grit in the WBDTD agreement: Clint Eastwood - As Dirty Harry in Sudden Impact, leading the charge in Kelly's Heroes and also Bronco Billy; Arnold Schwarzenegger in Eraser; Sylvester Stallone in Cobra, Demolition Man and Victory; Jackie Chan starring in Rumble in the Bronx and Jackie Chan's First Strike; Steven Seagal (Hard to Kill, Fire Down Below, On Deadly Ground and Out of Reach); Denzel Washington (Fallen) and more.
Grit also lands such westerns as the John Wayne classics Cahill, U.S. Marshall, Chisum and The Cowboys; Young Guns and Young Guns 2; The Assassination of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Ford starring Brad Pitt and such war and military movies as Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, Memphis Belle and Purple Hearts.
Univision Television Group, which owns and/or operates television stations in major U.S. markets, will carry both Escape and Grit on stations representing more than 35% of U.S. television households, including in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Miami. More distribution will be announced shortly.
The two new networks are part of Katz Broadcasting, a new company established by former Turner Broadcasting executive Jonathan Katz.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
"12 Years a Slave," "The Dirties" Lead Vancouver Critics Awards
The Vancouver Film Critics Association or Vancouver Film Critics Circle (VFCC) was apparently founded to represent Vancouver’s print, on-line, and broadcast media. The group honors the best in Canadian and international filmmaking with the annual VFCC Awards.
In anticipation of the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards, here, is a look at the 2014 VFCC Award winners.
2014 Canadian Screen Awards (for the year in film 2013) – a complete list of winners follows:
INTERNATIONAL AWARDS:
BEST FILM
12 Years a Slave
BEST ACTOR
Oscar Isaac, Inside Llewyn Davis
BEST ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
BEST SCREENPLAY
Joel and Ethan Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis
BEST FOREIGN FILM
The Hunt
BEST DOCUMENTARY
The Act of Killing
CANADIAN AWARDS:
BEST CANADIAN FILM
The Dirties
BEST ACTOR IN A CANADIAN FILM
Matt Johnson, The Dirties
BEST ACTRESS IN A CANADIAN FILM
Sophie Desmarais, Sarah Prefers to Run
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A CANADIAN FILM
Alexandre Landry, Gabrielle
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A CANADIAN FILM
Lise Roy, Tom at the Farm
BEST DIRECTOR OF A CANADIAN FILM
Jeff Barnaby, Rhymes for Young Ghouls
BEST CANADIAN DOCUMENTARY
My Prairie Home
BEST FIRST FILM BY A CANADIAN DIRECTOR
The Dirties
BEST BRITISH COLUMBIA FILM
Down River
IAN CADDELL AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT
Al Sens
AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT
Corinne Lea
----------------------------
In anticipation of the 2014 Canadian Screen Awards, here, is a look at the 2014 VFCC Award winners.
2014 Canadian Screen Awards (for the year in film 2013) – a complete list of winners follows:
INTERNATIONAL AWARDS:
BEST FILM
12 Years a Slave
BEST ACTOR
Oscar Isaac, Inside Llewyn Davis
BEST ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
BEST SCREENPLAY
Joel and Ethan Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis
BEST FOREIGN FILM
The Hunt
BEST DOCUMENTARY
The Act of Killing
CANADIAN AWARDS:
BEST CANADIAN FILM
The Dirties
BEST ACTOR IN A CANADIAN FILM
Matt Johnson, The Dirties
BEST ACTRESS IN A CANADIAN FILM
Sophie Desmarais, Sarah Prefers to Run
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A CANADIAN FILM
Alexandre Landry, Gabrielle
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A CANADIAN FILM
Lise Roy, Tom at the Farm
BEST DIRECTOR OF A CANADIAN FILM
Jeff Barnaby, Rhymes for Young Ghouls
BEST CANADIAN DOCUMENTARY
My Prairie Home
BEST FIRST FILM BY A CANADIAN DIRECTOR
The Dirties
BEST BRITISH COLUMBIA FILM
Down River
IAN CADDELL AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT
Al Sens
AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT
Corinne Lea
----------------------------
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Cate Blanchett Wins 2014 "Best Actress" Oscar
Performance by an actress in a leading role:
Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine” WINNER
Nominees:
Amy Adams in “American Hustle”
Sandra Bullock in “Gravity”
Judi Dench in “Philomena”
Meryl Streep in “August: Osage County”
Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine” WINNER
Nominees:
Amy Adams in “American Hustle”
Sandra Bullock in “Gravity”
Judi Dench in “Philomena”
Meryl Streep in “August: Osage County”
Saturday, March 1, 2014
"12 Years a Slave" is "Best Picture" at 2014 Independent Spirit Awards - Complete Winners List
The 29th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards winners were announced at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, March 1, 2014. The 2014 awards ceremony was held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, and the premiere broadcast will air later that evening at 10:00 pm ET/PT on IFC.
The Winners for the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards (for the year in film, 2013):
BEST FEATURE (Award given to the Producer, Executive Producers are not awarded):
12 Years a Slave
PRODUCERS: Dede Gardner, Anthony Katagas, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen, Arnon Milchan, Brad Pitt, Bill Pohlad
BEST DIRECTOR:
Steve McQueen - 12 Years a Slave
BEST SCREENPLAY:
John Ridley - 12 Years a Slave
BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer):
Fruitvale Station
DIRECTOR: Ryan Coogler
PRODUCERS: Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker
TWC BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY:
Bob Nelson - Nebraska
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD – (Given to the best feature made for under $500,000. Award given to the writer, director, and producer. Executive Producers are not awarded.):
This is Martin Bonner
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Chad Hartigan
PRODUCER: Cherie Saulter
BEST FEMALE LEAD:
Cate Blanchett - Blue Jasmine
BEST MALE LEAD
Matthew McConaughey - Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE:
Lupita Nyong'o - 12 Years a Slave
BEST SUPPORTING MALE:
Jared Leto - Dallas Buyers Club
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Sean Bobbitt - 12 Years a Slave
BEST EDITING
Nat Sanders - Short Term 12
BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director and producer):
20 Feet From Stardom
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Morgan Neville
PRODUCERS: Gil Friesen & Caitrin Rogers
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM (Award given to the director):
Blue is the Warmest Color (France)
DIRECTOR: Abdellatif Kechiche
17th ANNUAL PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD – (The 17th annual Producers Award, sponsored by Piaget, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.):
Toby Halbrooks & James M. Johnston
20th ANNUAL SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD – (The 20th annual Someone to Watch Award recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition.):
Newlyweeds
DIRECTOR: Shaka King
19th ANNUAL STELLA ARTOIS TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD – (The 19th annual Truer Than Fiction Award, sponsored by Stella Artois, is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.):
Jason Osder - Let the Fire Burn
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD - (Given to one film’s director, casting director, and its ensemble cast):
Mud
Director: Jeff Nichols
Casting Director: Francine Maisler
Ensemble Cast: Joe Don Baker, Jacob Lofland, Matthew McConaughey, Ray McKinnon, Sarah Paulson, Michael Shannon, Sam Shepard, Tye Sheridan, Paul Sparks, Bonnie Sturdivant, Reese Witherspoon
--------------------------------------------
The Winners for the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards (for the year in film, 2013):
BEST FEATURE (Award given to the Producer, Executive Producers are not awarded):
12 Years a Slave
PRODUCERS: Dede Gardner, Anthony Katagas, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen, Arnon Milchan, Brad Pitt, Bill Pohlad
BEST DIRECTOR:
Steve McQueen - 12 Years a Slave
BEST SCREENPLAY:
John Ridley - 12 Years a Slave
BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer):
Fruitvale Station
DIRECTOR: Ryan Coogler
PRODUCERS: Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker
TWC BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY:
Bob Nelson - Nebraska
JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD – (Given to the best feature made for under $500,000. Award given to the writer, director, and producer. Executive Producers are not awarded.):
This is Martin Bonner
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Chad Hartigan
PRODUCER: Cherie Saulter
BEST FEMALE LEAD:
Cate Blanchett - Blue Jasmine
BEST MALE LEAD
Matthew McConaughey - Dallas Buyers Club
BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE:
Lupita Nyong'o - 12 Years a Slave
BEST SUPPORTING MALE:
Jared Leto - Dallas Buyers Club
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Sean Bobbitt - 12 Years a Slave
BEST EDITING
Nat Sanders - Short Term 12
BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director and producer):
20 Feet From Stardom
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Morgan Neville
PRODUCERS: Gil Friesen & Caitrin Rogers
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM (Award given to the director):
Blue is the Warmest Color (France)
DIRECTOR: Abdellatif Kechiche
17th ANNUAL PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD – (The 17th annual Producers Award, sponsored by Piaget, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.):
Toby Halbrooks & James M. Johnston
20th ANNUAL SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD – (The 20th annual Someone to Watch Award recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition.):
Newlyweeds
DIRECTOR: Shaka King
19th ANNUAL STELLA ARTOIS TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD – (The 19th annual Truer Than Fiction Award, sponsored by Stella Artois, is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.):
Jason Osder - Let the Fire Burn
ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD - (Given to one film’s director, casting director, and its ensemble cast):
Mud
Director: Jeff Nichols
Casting Director: Francine Maisler
Ensemble Cast: Joe Don Baker, Jacob Lofland, Matthew McConaughey, Ray McKinnon, Sarah Paulson, Michael Shannon, Sam Shepard, Tye Sheridan, Paul Sparks, Bonnie Sturdivant, Reese Witherspoon
--------------------------------------------
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