The Independent Spirit Awards presented by Film Independent, the nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering independence and inclusivity in visual storytelling, was held on Saturday. This year was the first with gender neutral acting categories and the introduction of a Best Breakthrough Performance award. Leading the way among the award winners was Everything Everywhere All At… Continue Reading
With final voting for the Oscars starting this Thursday I thought it might be helpful for me to repeat the explanation of how Academy members vote. All members get to vote in all categories once the nominations have occured. Rule 5 states that, “In the nominations voting, the marking and tabulation of all ballots shall… Continue Reading
The Screen Actors Guild presented its 2023 awards Sunday night. That leaves only one major award ceremony – the Oscars-remaining. The SAG awards ensured that the Oscar races will be tight. Voting for the Academy Awards begins Thursday March 2nd and ends Tuesday March 7th . You can download your own ballot at https://tinyurl.com/4bhdpy38 .… Continue Reading
There are no obvious frontrunners going into the 73rd Berlinale. The 19 films selected by the team led by artistic director Carlo Chatrian are heavy on arthouse and international cinema, with a strong focus on movies with a strong political message. The opening night film was She Came to Me written and directed by Rebecca… Continue Reading
The WGA (Writers Guild of America) contract expires May 1. Both the Directors and Screen Actors agreements expire June 30. Are strikes looming? The industry is extremely concerned that the answer may be “Yes”. Networks and streaming channels are stocking up with productions to carry them through any strike. The big concern is that if… Continue Reading
Why are international films are getting recognized more for Oscars in general categories? Answer: 20% of Academy membership lives overseas. These overseas members are the new wild card in the voting process. An excellent example of the system at work, with nominations in both Best Feature and Best International categories, All Quiet on the Western… Continue Reading
In a great article in Esquire, https://tinyurl.com/4uz4hmwz Idris Elba talks about his life, his tremendous career, why he stopped describing himself as a Black actor and his views on how to deal with racism in Hollywood. A well written interview worth reading. Taking the points made by Elba to another level, when the Oscar nominations… Continue Reading
Only 3 movies had ever unanimously won Best Picture among the major film critic associations (LA, NY, London, National Society of Film Critics). Tár is now the fourth. Continue Reading
AMC theaters revealed Feb. 7 that it is implementing a $1 and $2 price increase for many seats in the middle and even upper sections of the auditorium, according to a review of various seat maps by The Hollywood Reporter. The front-row, however, will be discounted by $2. Moviegoers will pay different prices based on… Continue Reading
Andrea Riseborough, star of To Leslie went counter to prevailing methods to secure an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Unlike all the others who have been marketing / campaigning for months, Andrea and her PR folks waited until voting had begun. By securing numerous celebrity endorsements, and getting many of many of them to hold… Continue Reading