The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be on the “frontlines” when it comes time to encourage people to return to movie theaters, say president David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson. 30 more words
via Film Academy Bosses Talk New Oscar Rules and Getting People Back Into Movie Theaters — Variety
Sen. Ted Cruz wants to cut off Defense Department cooperation for Hollywood productions that allow Chinese authorities to censor their films. The Texas Republican announced a bill on Tuesday that would bar the Pentagon from working with productions unless they commit not to alter their content to accommodate Chinese censors. 7 more words
via Ted Cruz Tries to Force Hollywood to Stand Up to Chinese Censorship — Variety
AMC Theatres has hit hard at Universal Pictures, announcing it will no longer play any of the studio’s films in the wake of NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell’s promise to open titles on premium and in theaters at the same time. 18 more words
via AMC Theatres Refusing to Play Universal Movies in Wake of ‘Trolls World Tour’ Dispute — Variety
In today’s film news roundup, Romola Garai’s “Amulet” and crime drama ”Punching And Stealing” find homes and the Human Rights Watch Film Festival unveils a digital edition. 33 more words
via Film News Roundup: Sundance Horror Movie ‘Amulet’ Bought By Magnet for July Release — Variety
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made some big announcements Tuesday regarding the 2021 Oscars, but insiders say they probably won’t have too much impact on today’s awards business. 31 more words
via Hollywood Reacts to Oscar Eligibility Changes: ‘It Makes Total Sense’ — Variety
“Songland” hitmakers Ester Dean, Shane McAnally and Ryan Tedder took a moment out of quarantining at home and Zoom songwriting sessions to host a listening party prior to the April 27 episode with guest H.E.R. 22 more words
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced changes for eligibility for the 93rd Academy Awards, including the consolidation of its two sound categories. Best sound mixing and sound editing will now be under one category called best sound. 21 more words
via Sound Engineers Express Mixed Feelings on Oscars Merging Sound Categories — Variety
Film piracy has surged since coronavirus lockdown measures were introduced in March, according to new data from digital piracy research firm Muso. Muso calculated that film piracy increased by over 40% when lockdown measures were enforced, describing the rise as “unprecedented.” Comparing the last seven days of March to the last seven days of February,…
via Digital Film Piracy Surges to ‘Unprecedented’ Levels Amid Coronavirus Lockdown — Variety
Nancy Pelosi, the powerful Speaker of the House, has formally endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in the race for the White House. As the leader of the Democratic Party in Congress, Pelosi’s support of its presumptive presidential candidate was never in doubt. 15 more words
via U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Endorses Joe Biden For President — Variety
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” will begin streaming on Disney Plus two months earlier than previously scheduled. The final installment of the original Star Wars movie series will debut on the streaming service — when else? 21 more words
via ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ to Hit Disney Plus Two Months Early — Variety
Festival Reviews 