A musical drama based on the life of Elvis Presley has signed Maggie Gyllenhaal to play the icon’s mother. In the movie, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”) will explore the life and music of Presley through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played in…
A column chronicling conversations and events on the awards circuit. Well, it is all just about over but the counting, and in fact, I would guess PriceWaterhouse accountants have even finished that at this point. 25 more words
It would make a great St Valentine’s Day greeting card message for political foes and idealogical rivals: “I wish we had someone on our side as as evil as you…” That was the less-than-warm closing comment on Friday by talk show host Bill Maher as he walked away from testy guest Steve Bannon, the infamous…
via Bill Maher To Steve Bannon: “I Wish We Had Someone On Our Side As Evil As You” — Deadline
No 2020 Oscar category can boast a higher level of quality — or diversity, for that matter — than the animated shorts, and though the five nominees are among the least-seen (especially this year, when ShortsTV’s theatrical program released just nine days before Oscar night), film buffs would do well to track them down all…
via ‘2020 Oscar-Nominated Short Films: Animation’: Film Review — Variety
It almost feels like a cheat, or an unfair advantage, to have such unfettered access to a documentary subject like Maria Ressa. Not to downplay the impressive craftsmanship that makes director Ramona S. 26 more words
Hollywood union publicists have selected Warner Bros.’ “Joker” and Disney’s “The Mandalorian” as winners of the Maxwell Weinberg Awards for top publicity campaigns last year. The awards were announced Friday afternoon at the Beverly Hilton by the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG, IATSE Local 600) Publicists. 14 more words
via Publicists Select ‘Joker,’ ‘The Mandalorian’ for Top Publicity Campaign Awards — Variety
Members of the Writers Guild have strongly backed a negotiating proposal that requires studios to bar non-franchised talent agents from representing WGA members. The results were included in a message sent Friday by WGA West president David A. 20 more words
via Writers Guild Members Strongly Endorse Demand for Studios to Ban Non-Franchised Agents — Variety
“They’ve Gotta Have Us” director Simon Frederick believes that for a long time black filmmakers have had a series of false storms, but now a realization is happening. 33 more words
via ‘They’ve Gotta Have Us’ Director Simon Fredrick: Black Filmmakers Have Become Woke — Variety
In today’s film news roundup, Tom Holland-Daisy Ridley’s “Chaos Walking” will open next year, Sophia Lillis and Charlie Plummer have landed roles, and Lily-Rose Depp has joined Christmas film “Silent Night.” RELEASE DATE Lionsgate has set its long-delayed science-fiction movie “Chaos Walking,” starring Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, for a Jan. 7 more words
via Film News Roundup: Tom Holland-Daisy Ridley’s ‘Chaos Walking’ Gets 2021 Release Date — Variety
After what may have been the most chaotic week imaginable for the Democratic party, various competitors vied for the title of chief uniter. The State of the Union address — which memorably ended with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tearing up President Donald Trump’s remarks — and the President’s acquittal in his impeachment trial…
via First Post-Iowa Democratic Debate Puts Candidates in a Chaotic Hot Seat (Column) — Variety
Festival Reviews 