Directed by Tinto Brass from a screenplay by Gore Vidal (which many people tinkered with while bringing it to the screen), the 1979 film Caligula was the most expensive independent film in cinema history – but the story told in the film was overshadowed by the behind-the-scenes story. As a press release notes, “Penthouse founder (and the film’s financer) Bob Guccione seized control of the negative, randomly inserting graphic scenes of unsimulated sex and gratuitous violence. The cast and film team disavowed what had become a blatant desecration of Vidal’s themes, and Vidal sued to have his name removed from the project. The extensive coverage of behind-the-scenes notoriety also had an unexpected effect: the film was a box office success.” Last year, Caligula: The Ultimate Cut had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, and this version of the movie was described as a “miraculous reconstruction” that is “comprised of 100% of never-before-seen footage,...
- 4/5/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Drafthouse Films has acquired Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, the 4K Ultra HD reconstruction of the notorious Tinto Brass movie.
This latest presentation of the famous movie made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and includes never-before-seen footage and alternate takes and camera angles.
Drafthouse will release the film theatrically across North America in August 2024, followed by a streaming and 4K Uhd Blu-ray release. The Uhd Blu-ray will have new interviews with star Malcolm McDowell and the film’s reconstructionist, art historian Thomas Negovan.
Initially Released in 1980, Caligula was one of the most expensive independent films to date but had a tumultuous journey to screen. Written by Gore Vidal and starring Malcolm McDowell, Dame Helen Mirren, Peter O’Toole and Sir John Gielgud, Penthouse founder (and the film’s financer) Bob Guccione seized control of the negative and made significant changes to the movie, including the addition of...
This latest presentation of the famous movie made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and includes never-before-seen footage and alternate takes and camera angles.
Drafthouse will release the film theatrically across North America in August 2024, followed by a streaming and 4K Uhd Blu-ray release. The Uhd Blu-ray will have new interviews with star Malcolm McDowell and the film’s reconstructionist, art historian Thomas Negovan.
Initially Released in 1980, Caligula was one of the most expensive independent films to date but had a tumultuous journey to screen. Written by Gore Vidal and starring Malcolm McDowell, Dame Helen Mirren, Peter O’Toole and Sir John Gielgud, Penthouse founder (and the film’s financer) Bob Guccione seized control of the negative and made significant changes to the movie, including the addition of...
- 4/4/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Joe Flaherty, the two-time Emmy-winning writer and Second City alumnus who sparkled as Guy Caballero, Count Floyd, Big Jim McBob and Sammy Maudlin as an original castmember on the landmark Canadian sketch comedy series Sctv, has died. He was 82.
His daughter, Gudrun Flaherty, told the Canadian Press he died Monday after a brief illness.
“Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s,” she said in a statement. “His insights into the golden age of cinema didn’t just shape his professional life; they were also a source of endless fascination for me. In these last few months, as he faced his health challenges, we had the precious opportunity to watch many of those classic movies together — moments I will forever hold dear.”
A native of Pittsburgh, Flaherty also was known for his stint as A-1 Sporting Goods...
His daughter, Gudrun Flaherty, told the Canadian Press he died Monday after a brief illness.
“Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s,” she said in a statement. “His insights into the golden age of cinema didn’t just shape his professional life; they were also a source of endless fascination for me. In these last few months, as he faced his health challenges, we had the precious opportunity to watch many of those classic movies together — moments I will forever hold dear.”
A native of Pittsburgh, Flaherty also was known for his stint as A-1 Sporting Goods...
- 4/2/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Top to bottom: Lawrence Of Arabia (Columbia Pictures), Avatar (20th Century Fox), Blade Runner 2049 (Warner Bros.)Graphic: The A.V. Club
There are artists who work on such a large scale that seeing their art in person for the first time can completely change your impression of a piece, no...
There are artists who work on such a large scale that seeing their art in person for the first time can completely change your impression of a piece, no...
- 3/21/2024
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
As she ascended the Hollywood ladder in the late 2000s, Emily Blunt was a rising star who worked at the forefront of modern cinema and appeared in movies like The Young Victoria and The Devil Wears Prada. The Into the Woods actress’ recent performances in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer have further cemented her status among the greatest actors of our time.
Moreover, her acclaimed performance led to her being nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award. Well, as she becomes a more important icon in modern cinema, Blunt has begun to share her thoughts on the industry, revealing her top four films during a SXSW Q&a session.
Emily Blunt in Oppenheimer
Surprisingly enough, though, none of these works belong to the Interstellar director.
Emily Blunt’s 4 Favorite Movies: No Room for Christopher Nolan?
With a diverse taste in movies, Emily Blunt’s all-time favorite is a reflection of her own bright choices,...
Moreover, her acclaimed performance led to her being nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award. Well, as she becomes a more important icon in modern cinema, Blunt has begun to share her thoughts on the industry, revealing her top four films during a SXSW Q&a session.
Emily Blunt in Oppenheimer
Surprisingly enough, though, none of these works belong to the Interstellar director.
Emily Blunt’s 4 Favorite Movies: No Room for Christopher Nolan?
With a diverse taste in movies, Emily Blunt’s all-time favorite is a reflection of her own bright choices,...
- 3/16/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Glenn Close’s career brought her an eighth Oscar nomination in the supporting actress category for her role as Mamaw, the chain-smoking, foul-mouthed, “Terminator” franchise fan and tough-love proponent who takes her struggling grandson under her wing in Ron Howard’s “Hillbilly Elegy.”
Some critics thought Close was the saving grace of the film based on J.D. Vance’s memoir that focuses on an Appalachian family who have fallen on hard times when their once-thriving steel mill town in Ohio is riddled by poverty, addiction, domestic abuse and dead-end jobs.
Close holds the title of the most Oscar losses for an actress, in a tie with the late Peter O’Toole’s losing streak. Olivia Colman‘s performance as ditzy Queen Anne in “The Favourite” allowed her to be crowned with the Best Actress title over Close’s work in 2018’s “The Wife.”
Tour our photo gallery ranking the 17 best movies of Close’s career,...
Some critics thought Close was the saving grace of the film based on J.D. Vance’s memoir that focuses on an Appalachian family who have fallen on hard times when their once-thriving steel mill town in Ohio is riddled by poverty, addiction, domestic abuse and dead-end jobs.
Close holds the title of the most Oscar losses for an actress, in a tie with the late Peter O’Toole’s losing streak. Olivia Colman‘s performance as ditzy Queen Anne in “The Favourite” allowed her to be crowned with the Best Actress title over Close’s work in 2018’s “The Wife.”
Tour our photo gallery ranking the 17 best movies of Close’s career,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Susan Wloszczyna, Misty Holland and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
by Nathaniel R
Killers Of The Flower Moon marks a third time for Scorsese to reach a particular Oscar stat
Most die-hard movie fans can tell you who the "all time biggest losers" are in Oscar history though they'll usually cite actors rather than films. The film list is interesting because usually when Oscar really loves a movie they'll find a way to give it at least one Oscar. Yet sometimes they really love you only on the first ballot but are over you when it comes time to pick winners. In the past ten years this list of "losers" had grown. Please take the term "loser" in good fun as being nominated for tons of Oscars is still a rarity in the grand scheme of Hollywood releases.
After the jump all of the films with 8 nominations or more that won nothing on Oscar night... ...
Killers Of The Flower Moon marks a third time for Scorsese to reach a particular Oscar stat
Most die-hard movie fans can tell you who the "all time biggest losers" are in Oscar history though they'll usually cite actors rather than films. The film list is interesting because usually when Oscar really loves a movie they'll find a way to give it at least one Oscar. Yet sometimes they really love you only on the first ballot but are over you when it comes time to pick winners. In the past ten years this list of "losers" had grown. Please take the term "loser" in good fun as being nominated for tons of Oscars is still a rarity in the grand scheme of Hollywood releases.
After the jump all of the films with 8 nominations or more that won nothing on Oscar night... ...
- 3/13/2024
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
The historical epic “Becket” is turning 60 this week. When it was released, “Becket” was considered Important. It was a huge and handsome production with sumptuous sets and costumes and a cast seemingly of thousands. And it featured two of the top and sexiest stars of the day – Peter O’Toole, fresh from his Oscar-nominated triumph in 1962’s “Lawrence of Arabia” and Richard Burton whose career had been overshadowed with his high-profile love affair with Elizabeth Taylor that began during the production of the infamous 1963 “Cleopatra.”
Set in the 12th century England, “Becket” revolves around the relationship between the hedonistic King Henry II (O’Toole), who never met a wench he didn’t bed, and Thomas Becket, his loyal friend and wingman for Henry’s sexual escapades. And because the Production Code was still in force, the film can only imply that Henry is in love with Becket. Henry makes Becket his...
Set in the 12th century England, “Becket” revolves around the relationship between the hedonistic King Henry II (O’Toole), who never met a wench he didn’t bed, and Thomas Becket, his loyal friend and wingman for Henry’s sexual escapades. And because the Production Code was still in force, the film can only imply that Henry is in love with Becket. Henry makes Becket his...
- 3/12/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Numerous actors aspire to stand on the illustrious stage and utter the iconic words, “I would like to thank The Academy,” as they receive the coveted Oscar. The Oscar is the pinnacle of achievement in the filmmaking industry, a dream for many. However, the reality is that not everyone can emerge victorious.
Many actors have come to understand that even multiple nominations don’t guarantee a win. The competition at the Academy Awards is fierce, and not everyone will have the honor of seeing their name engraved on the prestigious golden statue. We are now listing four deserving actors who finished their careers without ever winning an Oscar.
4 Actors Who Ended Their Careers Without An Oscar Win
As previously noted, securing an Oscar remains the pinnacle of acknowledgement for numerous actors, yet several top stars have not won the prestigious award. In fact, some actors concluded their careers without ever attaining an Academy Award.
Many actors have come to understand that even multiple nominations don’t guarantee a win. The competition at the Academy Awards is fierce, and not everyone will have the honor of seeing their name engraved on the prestigious golden statue. We are now listing four deserving actors who finished their careers without ever winning an Oscar.
4 Actors Who Ended Their Careers Without An Oscar Win
As previously noted, securing an Oscar remains the pinnacle of acknowledgement for numerous actors, yet several top stars have not won the prestigious award. In fact, some actors concluded their careers without ever attaining an Academy Award.
- 3/11/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
Robert Downey Jr. has won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his work in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” The night completed an awards season sweep for the star, with his victory at the Oscars joining his previous supporting actor wins at the Golden Globes, Critic’s Choice Awards, SAG Awards and BAFTA Film Awards.
“I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy — in that order,” Downey quipped at the start of his speech, before throwing in another joke. “I’d like to thank my veterinarian — I meant wife, Susan Downey over there. She found me a snarling rescue pet and you loved me back to life. That’s why I’m here.”
Downey also offered his thanks to his “Oppenheimer” collaborators, including director Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and his co-stars and fellow Oscar nominees Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt.
“Here’s my little secret. I needed...
“I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy — in that order,” Downey quipped at the start of his speech, before throwing in another joke. “I’d like to thank my veterinarian — I meant wife, Susan Downey over there. She found me a snarling rescue pet and you loved me back to life. That’s why I’m here.”
Downey also offered his thanks to his “Oppenheimer” collaborators, including director Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and his co-stars and fellow Oscar nominees Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt.
“Here’s my little secret. I needed...
- 3/11/2024
- by Zack Sharf and J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Zack Snyder is a prolific screenwriter, director, and producer who made his directorial debut with the 2004 movie, Dawn of the Dead. He came into the limelight with movies like 300 (2006) and Watchmen (2009), and then went on to establish the Dceu with movies like Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and the directorial cut of the 2017 release, Justice League. Recently, he sat with Joe Rogan for the latter’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, where Snyder shared many stories about his career.
Zack Snyder with Joe Rogan in The Joe Rogan Experience podcast
During the podcast, he talked about how if he got to make The Dark Knight Returns, that would be it for him – his legacy. He won’t need or want to make any more comic book movies if he gets to make Tdkr. He also said that though Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had...
Zack Snyder with Joe Rogan in The Joe Rogan Experience podcast
During the podcast, he talked about how if he got to make The Dark Knight Returns, that would be it for him – his legacy. He won’t need or want to make any more comic book movies if he gets to make Tdkr. He also said that though Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had...
- 3/7/2024
- by Swagata Das
- FandomWire
By landing a Best Actor Oscar bid for “Maestro” (2024) 11 years after he earned his first academy notice for “Silver Linings Playbook” (2013), Bradley Cooper became only the seventh man to reach an acting nominations total of five within that amount of time. After Arthur Kennedy, Peter O’Toole, Jack Nicholson, and Al Pacino, he is the fifth member of that group to join with no previous wins to his name. Following his nominated performance in “A Star Is Born” (2019), this new one is the second directed by himself and ranks second on his Oscars resume in terms of screen time.
Over the years, Cooper has achieved academy recognition for almost seven total hours of acting work, with his general screen time average being one hour, 21 minutes, and 44 seconds (or 62.40% of each film). Until this year, that mean was two minutes and 48 seconds lower. His “Maestro” bid boosts his specific four-film lead average by 44 seconds,...
Over the years, Cooper has achieved academy recognition for almost seven total hours of acting work, with his general screen time average being one hour, 21 minutes, and 44 seconds (or 62.40% of each film). Until this year, that mean was two minutes and 48 seconds lower. His “Maestro” bid boosts his specific four-film lead average by 44 seconds,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
By landing a Best Actor Oscar bid for “Maestro” (2024) 11 years after he earned his first academy notice for “Silver Linings Playbook” (2013), Bradley Cooper became only the seventh man to reach an acting nominations total of five within that amount of time. After Arthur Kennedy, Peter O’Toole, Jack Nicholson, and Al Pacino, he is the fifth member of that group to join with no previous wins to his name. Following his nominated performance in “A Star Is Born” (2019), this new one is the second directed by himself and ranks second on his Oscars resume in terms of screen time.
Over the years, Cooper has achieved academy recognition for almost seven total hours of acting work, with his general screen time average being one hour, 21 minutes, and 44 seconds (or 62.40% of each film). Until this year, that mean was two minutes and 48 seconds lower. His “Maestro” bid boosts his specific four-film lead average by 44 seconds,...
Over the years, Cooper has achieved academy recognition for almost seven total hours of acting work, with his general screen time average being one hour, 21 minutes, and 44 seconds (or 62.40% of each film). Until this year, that mean was two minutes and 48 seconds lower. His “Maestro” bid boosts his specific four-film lead average by 44 seconds,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Jodie Foster, the two-time Oscar-winning actress riding high off her performances in Nyad and True Detective: Night Country, will be honored with a hand and footprint ceremony during the TCM Classic Film Festival, it was announced Tuesday.
Foster, 61, will leave her mark in cement in the courtyard of the iconic Tcl Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard on Friday, April 19 during the 15th annual event.
“The truth is Jodie Foster deserves a hand and footprint ceremony solely for her work in 1976 alone — films she made when she was 13 years old — Taxi Driver, Bugsy Malone, Freaky Friday and The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane. You could see her range already,” said TCM host Ben Mankiewicz in a statement.
“Nearly 50 years later, we have an answer to this question: ‘What is a Jodie Foster character?’ The answer is: There is nothing she can’t play. If you want evidence of that,...
Foster, 61, will leave her mark in cement in the courtyard of the iconic Tcl Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard on Friday, April 19 during the 15th annual event.
“The truth is Jodie Foster deserves a hand and footprint ceremony solely for her work in 1976 alone — films she made when she was 13 years old — Taxi Driver, Bugsy Malone, Freaky Friday and The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane. You could see her range already,” said TCM host Ben Mankiewicz in a statement.
“Nearly 50 years later, we have an answer to this question: ‘What is a Jodie Foster character?’ The answer is: There is nothing she can’t play. If you want evidence of that,...
- 2/27/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Brad Pitt is one of the best actors in all of Hollywood, whose reputation precedes himself in every way. After all, he has worked with the best of the best the industry has to offer and that includes Quentin Tarantino. However, it appears Brad Pitt’s co-star from Troy had to resort to some extreme means to get money after burning it all on gambling and drinks.
A scene from Fight Club
Brad Pitt is known for so many incredible movies over the years, with the likes of Fight Club, Snatch, 12 Monkeys and of course – Troy, which remains a crowning achievement in cinema in general.
SUGGESTEDBrad Pitt Still Can’t Outrun “Absurd” Movie Scene From His Past While A-Lister Tries To Lock Down Quentin Tarantino’s Tenth and Final Film Brad Pitt’s Troy Co-star Resorted to Ridiculous Measures to Get Money After Blowing It All On Gambling Brad...
A scene from Fight Club
Brad Pitt is known for so many incredible movies over the years, with the likes of Fight Club, Snatch, 12 Monkeys and of course – Troy, which remains a crowning achievement in cinema in general.
SUGGESTEDBrad Pitt Still Can’t Outrun “Absurd” Movie Scene From His Past While A-Lister Tries To Lock Down Quentin Tarantino’s Tenth and Final Film Brad Pitt’s Troy Co-star Resorted to Ridiculous Measures to Get Money After Blowing It All On Gambling Brad...
- 2/19/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
Considered one of the greatest of his generation, throughout his lifetime, the late Peter O’Toole witnessed himself starring in several classics, even joining forces with Brad Pitt on 2004’s Troy. But among the several gems O’Toole has worked on, earning the most Oscar nods for Best Actor without scoring a win, the performance that launched him to stardom remains his most notable one.
Regarded as the greatest Epic of all time by many, David Lean’s Laurence of Arabia has cemented itself as a modern classic, which saw the Troy Star earning his first of many Oscar nods. However, prior to attaining significant highs for playing T.E. Lawrence, the actor and his costar saw significant lows during the duration of their time filming the Epic.
Peter O’Toole | Troy
Peter O’Toole’s Gambling Addiction Left the Actor Broke After Filming Lawrence of Arabia
Notorious for having wild nights...
Regarded as the greatest Epic of all time by many, David Lean’s Laurence of Arabia has cemented itself as a modern classic, which saw the Troy Star earning his first of many Oscar nods. However, prior to attaining significant highs for playing T.E. Lawrence, the actor and his costar saw significant lows during the duration of their time filming the Epic.
Peter O’Toole | Troy
Peter O’Toole’s Gambling Addiction Left the Actor Broke After Filming Lawrence of Arabia
Notorious for having wild nights...
- 2/19/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
BAFTA Awards 2024: Robert Downey Jr Takes Alleged Dig At Marvel For His ‘Dwindling Credibility’ Which Was Saved By Oppenheimer (Picture Credit: Facebook)
Robert Downey Jr bags the BAFTA Awards 2024 in the category of best supporting actor for his performance in Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus Oppenheimer. The actor got a new life professionally after featuring as Marvel’s Iron Man, aka Tony Stark. While giving his acceptance speech, the actor allegedly took a jibe at his Marvel career by calling it his ‘dwindling credibility.’ Keep scrolling for more.
Rdj is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood thanks to his Tony Stark act in the MCU. He appeared in the role for the first time in 2008, and in 2019 with Avengers: Endgame, he parted ways with the highest-grossing franchise. He did Dolittle after that, but it suffered a tragic fate at the box office. He was the face of the MCU,...
Robert Downey Jr bags the BAFTA Awards 2024 in the category of best supporting actor for his performance in Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus Oppenheimer. The actor got a new life professionally after featuring as Marvel’s Iron Man, aka Tony Stark. While giving his acceptance speech, the actor allegedly took a jibe at his Marvel career by calling it his ‘dwindling credibility.’ Keep scrolling for more.
Rdj is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood thanks to his Tony Stark act in the MCU. He appeared in the role for the first time in 2008, and in 2019 with Avengers: Endgame, he parted ways with the highest-grossing franchise. He did Dolittle after that, but it suffered a tragic fate at the box office. He was the face of the MCU,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
After a few years in limbo, the BAFTAs finally found a host to replace the much-missed Stephen Fry in David Tennant. The Doctor Who actor proved an amiable and funny emcee, although much of his humor would have gone way over the non-Brits in the audience, starting with a lengthy filmed skit riffing on his BBC TV series Staged, co-starring Michael Sheen. (You can watch it above.)
It was a night of surprises, not especially pleasant ones for the teams behind Barbie and Killers of the Flower Moon, and there were no egregious upsets. Neither were there any of the usual technical nightmares that have plagued the event in the past.
Instead, there were lots of low-key but memorable moments, like Oppenheimer’s Robert Downey Jr., dressed in a gray tail suit to collect his Best Supporting Actor award recalling his life in 30 seconds.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph was similarly charming on accepting her Best Supporting Actress award, swooning over presenter Chiwetel Ejiofor and bringing her Holdovers co-star Paul Giamatti to tears when she told him, “I cry every time I see your name.” Equally emotional were June Givanni, receiving this year’s Outstanding Contribution award; Samantha Morton, whose BFI Fellowship was awarded after filmed testimony from Tom Cruise; and the whole audience, who went wild for Still’s Michael J. Fox who handed out the Best Film award to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
Wonka star Keegan-Michael Key, presenting, sustained a surprisingly funny attempt to pretend to be British, and, taking the first award of the night for Best Original Screenplay, husband and wife team Justine Triet and Arthur Harari joked that their murderous marital drama Anatomy of a Fall had taken on a life of its own.
All night, speeches were crisp and clean, with only the teams behind The Zone of Interest and 20 Days in Mariupol bringing politics into the conversation, even after Tennant gave the go-ahead by mentioning the recent murder of Alexei Navalny, subject of last year’s Best Documentary winner.
The musical numbers left a lot to be desired. Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed her Saltburn showstopper “Murder on the Dancefloor,” which is more than a few rungs down from Shirley Bassey doing “Diamonds Are Forever” in 2022. Meanwhile, Hannah Waddingham doing a slowed-down version of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” wasn’t quite what the particularly touching obituary sequence was crying out for. By far the worst of all, though, was a comedy routine by Nick Mohammed performing as a sweaty light entertainer called Mr. Swallow. We must never think or speak of it again.
It was a night of surprises, not especially pleasant ones for the teams behind Barbie and Killers of the Flower Moon, and there were no egregious upsets. Neither were there any of the usual technical nightmares that have plagued the event in the past.
Instead, there were lots of low-key but memorable moments, like Oppenheimer’s Robert Downey Jr., dressed in a gray tail suit to collect his Best Supporting Actor award recalling his life in 30 seconds.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph was similarly charming on accepting her Best Supporting Actress award, swooning over presenter Chiwetel Ejiofor and bringing her Holdovers co-star Paul Giamatti to tears when she told him, “I cry every time I see your name.” Equally emotional were June Givanni, receiving this year’s Outstanding Contribution award; Samantha Morton, whose BFI Fellowship was awarded after filmed testimony from Tom Cruise; and the whole audience, who went wild for Still’s Michael J. Fox who handed out the Best Film award to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
Wonka star Keegan-Michael Key, presenting, sustained a surprisingly funny attempt to pretend to be British, and, taking the first award of the night for Best Original Screenplay, husband and wife team Justine Triet and Arthur Harari joked that their murderous marital drama Anatomy of a Fall had taken on a life of its own.
All night, speeches were crisp and clean, with only the teams behind The Zone of Interest and 20 Days in Mariupol bringing politics into the conversation, even after Tennant gave the go-ahead by mentioning the recent murder of Alexei Navalny, subject of last year’s Best Documentary winner.
The musical numbers left a lot to be desired. Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed her Saltburn showstopper “Murder on the Dancefloor,” which is more than a few rungs down from Shirley Bassey doing “Diamonds Are Forever” in 2022. Meanwhile, Hannah Waddingham doing a slowed-down version of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” wasn’t quite what the particularly touching obituary sequence was crying out for. By far the worst of all, though, was a comedy routine by Nick Mohammed performing as a sweaty light entertainer called Mr. Swallow. We must never think or speak of it again.
- 2/18/2024
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine and investment in the UK film sector were among the topics raised by the winners at the 2024 Bafta Film Awards.
The ceremony took place tonight (February 18) at London’s Royal Festival Hall where Oppenheimer led the winners with seven awards.
Bafta fellowship recipient Samantha Morton gave a moving speech, touching upon her experiences in care and how important representation is. “I would tell [my younger self[, homeless and cold, hungry and alone, that you’ll have a family one day and you’ll go beyond what government statistics laid out for you,” Morton said.
Later on, at the winners’ press conference, the actress called for more investment in the UK film industry.
“We are a service industry for the wonderful Americans and they...
The ceremony took place tonight (February 18) at London’s Royal Festival Hall where Oppenheimer led the winners with seven awards.
Bafta fellowship recipient Samantha Morton gave a moving speech, touching upon her experiences in care and how important representation is. “I would tell [my younger self[, homeless and cold, hungry and alone, that you’ll have a family one day and you’ll go beyond what government statistics laid out for you,” Morton said.
Later on, at the winners’ press conference, the actress called for more investment in the UK film industry.
“We are a service industry for the wonderful Americans and they...
- 2/18/2024
- ScreenDaily
Los Angeles, Feb 19 (Ians) Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr, who took home the BAFTA Award for best supporting actor for his performance in “Oppenheimer”, took a walk down memory lane and gave a shout out to “that dude” Christopher Nolan.
The actor was contending against names such as Robert De Niro for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Jacob Elordi for “Saltburn,” Ryan Gosling for “Barbie,” Paul Mescal for “All of Us Strangers” and Dominic Sessa for “The Holdovers.”
Downey Jr. said: “When I was 15, I wanted to be Peter O’Toole. When I was 25, I worked for Richard Attenbourgh and Anthony Hopkins. When I was 35, I finally understood why Dickie thought Tony would be a better role model for me than Peter.”
He added that when he was 42, he did two films for ‘Guy Ritchie’ and “learned how to make big Hollywood movies with a civil British flare. I then played...
The actor was contending against names such as Robert De Niro for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Jacob Elordi for “Saltburn,” Ryan Gosling for “Barbie,” Paul Mescal for “All of Us Strangers” and Dominic Sessa for “The Holdovers.”
Downey Jr. said: “When I was 15, I wanted to be Peter O’Toole. When I was 25, I worked for Richard Attenbourgh and Anthony Hopkins. When I was 35, I finally understood why Dickie thought Tony would be a better role model for me than Peter.”
He added that when he was 42, he did two films for ‘Guy Ritchie’ and “learned how to make big Hollywood movies with a civil British flare. I then played...
- 2/18/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
After winning the best supporting actor BAFTA for his performance in “Oppenheimer,” Robert Downey Jr. took to the stage to reflect on his career and shout out “that dude” Christopher Nolan.
“When I was 15, I wanted to be Peter O’Toole. When I was 25, I worked for Richard Attenbourgh and Anthony Hopkins. When I was 35, I finally understood why Dickie thought Tony would be a better role model for me than Peter,” Downey Jr. said. “When I was 42, I did two films for Guy Ritchie and learned how to make big Hollywood movies with a civil British flare. I then played a guy named Tony in the MCU for about 12 years.”
He continued, “And then recently, that dude Chris Nolan suggested I attempt an understated approach as a last-ditch effort to perhaps resurrect my dwindling credibility. So I share this with my fellow nominees, this has been an exceptional year.”
In...
“When I was 15, I wanted to be Peter O’Toole. When I was 25, I worked for Richard Attenbourgh and Anthony Hopkins. When I was 35, I finally understood why Dickie thought Tony would be a better role model for me than Peter,” Downey Jr. said. “When I was 42, I did two films for Guy Ritchie and learned how to make big Hollywood movies with a civil British flare. I then played a guy named Tony in the MCU for about 12 years.”
He continued, “And then recently, that dude Chris Nolan suggested I attempt an understated approach as a last-ditch effort to perhaps resurrect my dwindling credibility. So I share this with my fellow nominees, this has been an exceptional year.”
In...
- 2/18/2024
- by Alex Ritman and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
“And the BAFTA goes to… Oppenheimer” Those words were on BAFTA Film Awards ceremony presenters’ lips a total of seven times in London on Sunday at the ceremony, hosted by Scottish actor David Tennant (Doctor Who, Inside Man) at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in the British capital.
Those included the lips of Michael J. Fox, who unveiled the best film award for Oppenheimer after coming on stage to a huge welcome and standing ovation.
The wins for Oppenheimer included the best actor award for Cillian Murphy, best supporting actor nod for Robert Downey Jr., director award for Christopher Nolan and best film, for Nolan and other members of the film team. The two BAFTAs for Nolan mean that third time was the charm for the big-name British export who had previously never won a British Academy award.
Meanwhile, Downey’s award came 31 years after he won a...
Those included the lips of Michael J. Fox, who unveiled the best film award for Oppenheimer after coming on stage to a huge welcome and standing ovation.
The wins for Oppenheimer included the best actor award for Cillian Murphy, best supporting actor nod for Robert Downey Jr., director award for Christopher Nolan and best film, for Nolan and other members of the film team. The two BAFTAs for Nolan mean that third time was the charm for the big-name British export who had previously never won a British Academy award.
Meanwhile, Downey’s award came 31 years after he won a...
- 2/18/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Helen Mirren was honored at the 37th annual American Cinematheque Awards on Thursday night, with a star-studded list of presenters on hand to celebrate the actress’ achievements both on screen and off.
Harrison Ford, Vin Diesel, Patrick Stewart, Bryan Cranston, Pierce Brosnan, Alan Cumming, Andrea Riseborough and Mirren’s husband Taylor Hackford toasted the star at the event, which is an annual fundraiser for the American Cinematheque that supports its programming at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz and Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
The award touched on the many highlights of Mirren’s career — most recently in Golda and as the narrator for Barbie — and her versatility on screen, as well as the impact she’s had on her co-stars.
Diesel — making his first public appearance since he was sued for alleged sexual battery by his former assistant in December — talked about the relationship...
Harrison Ford, Vin Diesel, Patrick Stewart, Bryan Cranston, Pierce Brosnan, Alan Cumming, Andrea Riseborough and Mirren’s husband Taylor Hackford toasted the star at the event, which is an annual fundraiser for the American Cinematheque that supports its programming at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz and Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
The award touched on the many highlights of Mirren’s career — most recently in Golda and as the narrator for Barbie — and her versatility on screen, as well as the impact she’s had on her co-stars.
Diesel — making his first public appearance since he was sued for alleged sexual battery by his former assistant in December — talked about the relationship...
- 2/16/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Helen Mirren ripped AI to shreds while being honored Thursday night at the American Cinematheque Awards.
After being presented with the lifetime achievement award by her “Mosquito Coast” and “1923” co-star Harrison Ford at the Beverly Hilton gala, Mirren began to read her acceptance speech from a piece of a paper.
“Ladies and gentlemen and esteemed guests and dear friends, I am deeply humbled, profoundly honored to stand before you today accepting this extraordinary award. To be recognized for a lifetime devoted to the craft of acting is a privilege beyond words,” she said dramatically. “First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the industry and the individuals who have supported me throughout this incredible journey. It is has been a life filled with passion, challenges and above all, an unyielding love for the art of storytelling.”
Then she added, “And that was written by AI,” before...
After being presented with the lifetime achievement award by her “Mosquito Coast” and “1923” co-star Harrison Ford at the Beverly Hilton gala, Mirren began to read her acceptance speech from a piece of a paper.
“Ladies and gentlemen and esteemed guests and dear friends, I am deeply humbled, profoundly honored to stand before you today accepting this extraordinary award. To be recognized for a lifetime devoted to the craft of acting is a privilege beyond words,” she said dramatically. “First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the industry and the individuals who have supported me throughout this incredible journey. It is has been a life filled with passion, challenges and above all, an unyielding love for the art of storytelling.”
Then she added, “And that was written by AI,” before...
- 2/16/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Upon securing a spot in the 2024 Best Supporting Actress Oscar lineup, Jodie Foster (“Nyad”) officially shattered the Academy Awards record for longest span between fourth and fifth acting nominations. Following her two Best Actress wins for “The Accused” (1989) and “The Silence of the Lambs” (1992), she had last been recognized in that category for “Nell” (1995), making for a general nomination gap of 29 years. Coincidentally, she took this particular distinction from fellow “Silence of the Lambs” winner Anthony Hopkins, who waited 22 years between his supporting bids for “Amistad” (1998) and “The Two Popes” (2020).
Previously, the female record for longest wait for a fifth nomination was 12 years, as shared by Julianne Moore and Frances McDormand. Considering gaps between any two consecutive acting nominations, Foster ranks well behind overall record holder Judd Hirsch, whose first and second career notices for “Ordinary People” (1981) and “The Fabelmans” (2023) came 42 years apart. His female counterpart is Helen Hayes (39 years...
Previously, the female record for longest wait for a fifth nomination was 12 years, as shared by Julianne Moore and Frances McDormand. Considering gaps between any two consecutive acting nominations, Foster ranks well behind overall record holder Judd Hirsch, whose first and second career notices for “Ordinary People” (1981) and “The Fabelmans” (2023) came 42 years apart. His female counterpart is Helen Hayes (39 years...
- 2/6/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Since the establishment of the Academy Awards in 1929, exactly 60 films have achieved lone lead male acting nominations, meaning they were each recognized in the Best Actor category and nowhere else. The last such instance occurred in 2023 and involved “Aftersun” star Paul Mescal, who, at 26, stood out as the youngest member of a lineup consisting only of first-time Oscar contenders. Although his low-budget movie had a strong shot at an original screenplay bid and was viewed as a serious Best Picture candidate, it ended up getting no love outside the acting branch.
Before Mescal was recognized, his category hadn’t seen a lone nominee since Willem Dafoe earned his first lead bid for “At Eternity’s Gate” in 2019. This was the ninth time that four or more years separated consecutive Best Actor loners, with the single largest gap having spread between Cary Grant and Clifton Webb. Such nominations appear to be becoming less common in this category,...
Before Mescal was recognized, his category hadn’t seen a lone nominee since Willem Dafoe earned his first lead bid for “At Eternity’s Gate” in 2019. This was the ninth time that four or more years separated consecutive Best Actor loners, with the single largest gap having spread between Cary Grant and Clifton Webb. Such nominations appear to be becoming less common in this category,...
- 1/22/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Glynis Johns, the upbeat leading lady with the British charm who starred as the spirited feminist mother Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, has died. She was 100.
Johns lived in West Hollywood and died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living facility in the area, her manager, Mitch Clem, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A multitalented actress, dancer, pianist and singer, Johns earned a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for playing the widowed saloon and hotel owner Mrs. Firth in Fred Zinnemann’s Australia-set The Sundowners (1960).
Plus, she memorably sang “Send in the Clowns,” which Stephen Sondheim wrote just for her, in her Tony Award-winning performance as Desiree Armfeldt in the original 1973 production of A Little Night Music.
The husky voiced Johns was nominated for a Golden Globe for portraying a daffy older socialite who is stirred by the young stud she meets on the beach in a then-controversial film about sex,...
Johns lived in West Hollywood and died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living facility in the area, her manager, Mitch Clem, told The Hollywood Reporter.
A multitalented actress, dancer, pianist and singer, Johns earned a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for playing the widowed saloon and hotel owner Mrs. Firth in Fred Zinnemann’s Australia-set The Sundowners (1960).
Plus, she memorably sang “Send in the Clowns,” which Stephen Sondheim wrote just for her, in her Tony Award-winning performance as Desiree Armfeldt in the original 1973 production of A Little Night Music.
The husky voiced Johns was nominated for a Golden Globe for portraying a daffy older socialite who is stirred by the young stud she meets on the beach in a then-controversial film about sex,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bradley Cooper has gone from the star of “The Hangover” films to a nine-time Academy Award nominee. His career is something to marvel at but, at this moment in time, he belongs in the same group that is populated by the likes of Glenn Close and Peter O’Toole. Plenty of Oscar nominations… but zero wins.
That could change, finally, this year, however, with his musical masterpiece “Maestro,” which explores the marriage between Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein and Carey Mulligan‘s Felicia Montealegre. Both actors deliver powerhouse performances and are expected to pick up nominations for their lead roles, while Cooper could also receive notices for directing, writing, and producing the Netflix film. His best chance at a win, however, could well be for Best Actor, a category that previously looked like “Oppenheimer” star Cillian Murphy might run away with. Now, Cooper is on the rise. And he could be a...
That could change, finally, this year, however, with his musical masterpiece “Maestro,” which explores the marriage between Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein and Carey Mulligan‘s Felicia Montealegre. Both actors deliver powerhouse performances and are expected to pick up nominations for their lead roles, while Cooper could also receive notices for directing, writing, and producing the Netflix film. His best chance at a win, however, could well be for Best Actor, a category that previously looked like “Oppenheimer” star Cillian Murphy might run away with. Now, Cooper is on the rise. And he could be a...
- 12/21/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Ryan Gosling is one of the biggest contenders for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar this year for his role as Ken in Greta Gerwig‘s smash hit “Barbie.” The Warner Bros. movie follows Margot Robbie‘s titular Barbie as she leaves Barbie Land for the real world in search of answers after suffering an existential crisis. Gosling’s performance as Ken has brought him plenty of plaudits, leading to a strong case for Best Supporting Actor in this year’s Oscars race.
However, this isn’t the first Oscars race Gosling has been in as he’s received two Academy Award nominations before. Let’s take a look back at them.
Gosling was first nominated in 2007 when he received a Best Actor notice for “Half Nelson,” which follows Gosling as a junior high school teacher with a drug habit. Gosling’s teacher forms a friendship with one of his students...
However, this isn’t the first Oscars race Gosling has been in as he’s received two Academy Award nominations before. Let’s take a look back at them.
Gosling was first nominated in 2007 when he received a Best Actor notice for “Half Nelson,” which follows Gosling as a junior high school teacher with a drug habit. Gosling’s teacher forms a friendship with one of his students...
- 12/19/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Lawrence of Arabia The Grand Epic Lawrence of Arabia stands as a pivotal moment in the epic adventure genre, not just for its breathtaking scope, but for the intricate portrayal of its protagonist. Critics and audiences alike were captivated by the film’s ambition, as evidenced by its seven Academy Awards. Lawrence of Arabia is one of the most critically acclaimed historical epics in cinema history… a truly spectacular character study, featuring powerful performances, stunning cinematography and a genre-defining score. Peter O’Toole’s portrayal of T.E. Lawrence was a complex tapestry of humanity, set against the vastness of the Arabian desert, which...
- 12/10/2023
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Very few performers who became Golden Globe nominees in their teens can claim to have stayed in the organization’s good graces as adults, but, with 13 notices and three wins spread over nearly 30 years, Leonardo DiCaprio is more justified in doing so than anyone else. As it happens, the film star has picked up multiple Golden Globe bids during each decade of his adult life, and he is now working on squeezing in another just before he enters his 50s. If he winds up clinching his third Best Film Drama Actor trophy for “Killers of the Flower Moon” this winter, he will tie the illustrious record for most victories in that category.
DiCaprio’s previous Golden Globe wins came for his lead performances in the dramas “The Aviator” (2005) and “The Revenant” (2016) and the comedy “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2014). This potential new drama bid would be his ninth, following unsuccessful...
DiCaprio’s previous Golden Globe wins came for his lead performances in the dramas “The Aviator” (2005) and “The Revenant” (2016) and the comedy “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2014). This potential new drama bid would be his ninth, following unsuccessful...
- 12/8/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Mark Shelmerdine, the veteran producer who revived London Films as an indie powerhouse and played a pivotal role in the development of the international TV distribution market, died October 26 in Santa Barbara surrounded by his family. He was 78.
Among his achievements, he was among the first UK indie TV producers to retain rights to a broadcast production and was a founder of the LA branch of BAFTA.
Shelmerdine’s death was confirmed to Deadline by his friend Brian Eastman. The producer had survived a rare and potentially deadly form of bile duct cancer by receiving a life-saving liver transplant in 2018 through a trial in Houston, and was one of the longest living survivors of the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Houston Methodist Hospital program.
Born on March 27, 1945, Shelmerdine spent part of his childhood in Singapore before moving to the UK. He was awarded a place to attend Sidney Sussex College...
Among his achievements, he was among the first UK indie TV producers to retain rights to a broadcast production and was a founder of the LA branch of BAFTA.
Shelmerdine’s death was confirmed to Deadline by his friend Brian Eastman. The producer had survived a rare and potentially deadly form of bile duct cancer by receiving a life-saving liver transplant in 2018 through a trial in Houston, and was one of the longest living survivors of the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Houston Methodist Hospital program.
Born on March 27, 1945, Shelmerdine spent part of his childhood in Singapore before moving to the UK. He was awarded a place to attend Sidney Sussex College...
- 12/1/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Shelmerdine, the Emmy-nominated producer who remade Alexander Korda’s dormant London Films label into an independent production powerhouse behind projects including I, Claudius, has died. He was 78.
Shelmerdine died Oct. 26 in Santa Barbara after a long illness, friend and fellow producer Brian Eastman told The Hollywood Reporter. After being diagnosed with a rare form of bile duct cancer in 2016, he had a life-saving liver transplant in 2018.
In the 1980s, Shelmerdine co-founded the Los Angeles branch of BAFTA and the Association of Independent Television Producers, which helped shape the sector that now dominates British TV production. He also published self-help books written by his late wife, Susan Jeffers.
The first of three children, Shelmerdine was born on March 27, 1945, in Buckinghamshire, England. His father, Dick, worked as a police office in Singapore and the Bahamas and as a postmaster in Gloucestershire, England.
Shelmerdine started out as an accountant at Coopers & Lybrand and Taylor Clark Ltd.
Shelmerdine died Oct. 26 in Santa Barbara after a long illness, friend and fellow producer Brian Eastman told The Hollywood Reporter. After being diagnosed with a rare form of bile duct cancer in 2016, he had a life-saving liver transplant in 2018.
In the 1980s, Shelmerdine co-founded the Los Angeles branch of BAFTA and the Association of Independent Television Producers, which helped shape the sector that now dominates British TV production. He also published self-help books written by his late wife, Susan Jeffers.
The first of three children, Shelmerdine was born on March 27, 1945, in Buckinghamshire, England. His father, Dick, worked as a police office in Singapore and the Bahamas and as a postmaster in Gloucestershire, England.
Shelmerdine started out as an accountant at Coopers & Lybrand and Taylor Clark Ltd.
- 11/29/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Clockwise from top left: Candy Cane Lane (Prime Video), Your Christmas Or Mine 2 (Prime Video), The Flash (Warner Bros.)Image: The A.V. Club
Prime Video—perhaps more than any other streaming provider—is really leaning into Christmas-themed movies this December. Eddie Murphy plays a family man desperate to win...
Prime Video—perhaps more than any other streaming provider—is really leaning into Christmas-themed movies this December. Eddie Murphy plays a family man desperate to win...
- 11/29/2023
- by Robert DeSalvo
- avclub.com
There’s a scene in the 2010 film Eat Pray Love where Julia Roberts’s character Liz basks in the experience of eating a guilt-free pizza. It was an important character moment for her–and for many audience members. And whatever your specific dietary preferences or requirements may be, we hope that you’ll enjoy whatever your guilt-free “pizza moment” is this Thanksgiving, surrounded by friends and family (chosen or otherwise.)
Food, of course, has played as major a role in cinema as any other basic human biological function, from the sprawling bowls of pasta in the works of Martin Scorsese, to the last decade’s trend of thoughtfully investigative health-leaning food docs such as Food Inc. and Forks Over Knives. Today, though, we’re leaving the scare-mongering at the kids’ table and indulging in some seriously calorie-dense, celebratory depictions of food on film.
So cinch up that lobster bib and...
Food, of course, has played as major a role in cinema as any other basic human biological function, from the sprawling bowls of pasta in the works of Martin Scorsese, to the last decade’s trend of thoughtfully investigative health-leaning food docs such as Food Inc. and Forks Over Knives. Today, though, we’re leaving the scare-mongering at the kids’ table and indulging in some seriously calorie-dense, celebratory depictions of food on film.
So cinch up that lobster bib and...
- 11/21/2023
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
There are numerous laugh-out-loud moments in Saltburn, Emerald Fennell’s darkly comic and voyeuristic exploration of the British aristocracy being released on Friday by Amazon MGM Studios. Despite the hugely impressive efforts of Rosamund Pike and Richard E. Grant, however, most don’t belong to the lead cast, but to Paul Rhys.
As Duncan, the imperious and terrifying butler, the Welsh actor silently steals scenes from under the toffee noses of both those he dutifully serves at the Saltburn mansion (including Pike, Grant, Jacob Elordi and Alison Oliver) and the lower-class interloper he’s keeping a beady eye on (Barry Keoghan) each time he appears with hilariously po-faced magnificence.
And it’s a face that crops up again in another starry title landing late in the awards season corridor. In Ridley Scott’s much-anticipated biopic Napoleon, out Nov. 22 via Apple Original Films and Sony Pictures, Rhys plays Talleyrand, the crafty...
As Duncan, the imperious and terrifying butler, the Welsh actor silently steals scenes from under the toffee noses of both those he dutifully serves at the Saltburn mansion (including Pike, Grant, Jacob Elordi and Alison Oliver) and the lower-class interloper he’s keeping a beady eye on (Barry Keoghan) each time he appears with hilariously po-faced magnificence.
And it’s a face that crops up again in another starry title landing late in the awards season corridor. In Ridley Scott’s much-anticipated biopic Napoleon, out Nov. 22 via Apple Original Films and Sony Pictures, Rhys plays Talleyrand, the crafty...
- 11/15/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Just two years after Anita of “West Side Story” became the first non-white fictional character to inspire multiple Academy Award nominations, three others are on their way to earning the same distinction. As was the case in 1986, 30% of 2024’s female acting Oscar slots could be filled by stars of “The Color Purple,” the new version of which serves as an adaptation of the similarly titled stage musical rather than Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. If Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson all reap bids for their fresh takes on the parts for which Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Margaret Avery were previously recognized, the overall list of doubly Oscar-nominated fictional characters will expand to include 20 examples.
In “The Color Purple,” Barrino executes the lead role of Celie Johnson, who she initially played on Broadway as a direct successor to 2006 Tony-winning originator Lachanze. As in the book and first film,...
In “The Color Purple,” Barrino executes the lead role of Celie Johnson, who she initially played on Broadway as a direct successor to 2006 Tony-winning originator Lachanze. As in the book and first film,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Of all the films that have been hawked in the hallways of the American Film Market, certainly one of the most prestigious and celebrated was Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 feature The Last Emperor. And so when the AFM unveiled a poster in 1990 to celebrate its 10th anniversary, an image from that film earned a prominent position among a montage of movies that had found responsive buyers at the market over its first decade.
From the beginning, The Last Emperor promised to be unique. Bertolucci won the approval of the Chinese government, which allowed him not only to work in China but also permitted the production to film within Beijing’s Forbidden City palace complex — the director described it to The New York Times as “the set that Hollywood never dared to build.”
The film told the story of Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, who went from being crowned...
From the beginning, The Last Emperor promised to be unique. Bertolucci won the approval of the Chinese government, which allowed him not only to work in China but also permitted the production to film within Beijing’s Forbidden City palace complex — the director described it to The New York Times as “the set that Hollywood never dared to build.”
The film told the story of Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, who went from being crowned...
- 11/3/2023
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard Moll, who played bald-headed bailiff Aristotle Nostradamus “Bull” Shannon on the NBC sitcom “Night Court,” died Thursday, a family spokesman said on Friday.
The 80-year-old passed away peacefully at his home in Big Bear Lake, California.
The 6’8″ actor rose to fame on the courtroom comedy, which starred Harry Anderson and John Larroquette and ran from 1984 to 1992. He did not appear in the recent Peacock reboot.
After “Night Court,” he landed a recurring role on the NBC sitcom starring Cindy Williams. He also guested on “Babylon 5,” “Anger Management,” “Cold Case,” “Smallville,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “7th Heaven.”
He lent his impressively deep voice to several animated shows as the voice of Harvey Dent/Two-Face on the ’90s Fox series “The Adventures of Batman & Robin” and Scorpion on “Spider-Man: The Animated Series.” He also voiced the bodyguard to the title character of the syndicated series “Mighty Max,” which...
The 80-year-old passed away peacefully at his home in Big Bear Lake, California.
The 6’8″ actor rose to fame on the courtroom comedy, which starred Harry Anderson and John Larroquette and ran from 1984 to 1992. He did not appear in the recent Peacock reboot.
After “Night Court,” he landed a recurring role on the NBC sitcom starring Cindy Williams. He also guested on “Babylon 5,” “Anger Management,” “Cold Case,” “Smallville,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and “7th Heaven.”
He lent his impressively deep voice to several animated shows as the voice of Harvey Dent/Two-Face on the ’90s Fox series “The Adventures of Batman & Robin” and Scorpion on “Spider-Man: The Animated Series.” He also voiced the bodyguard to the title character of the syndicated series “Mighty Max,” which...
- 10/27/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Actor Richard Moll died Thursday at his home in Big Bear Lake, Calif. He was 80.
The deep-voiced, 6 foot 8 inch actor was best known for the role of the bailiff Bull Shannon in “Night Court,” co-starring Harry Anderson and John Larroquette, from 1984 to 1992.
Moll was nominated for a Saturn award for the 1985 horror movie “House.” He voiced the role of Harvey Dent/Two-Face on “The Adventures of Batman & Robin,” as well as Scorpion on “Spider-Man: The Animated Series. He also had parts in “The Flintstones,” “Jingle All the Way,” “Casper Meets Wendy” and “Scary Movie 2.”
He had a recurring role on sitcom “Getting By” starring Cindy Williams and voiced the bodyguard in “Mighty Max.”
Moll went on to appear in the 1999 satire “But I’m a Cheerleader” with Natasha Lyonne, in which he played a gay man who shepherded teenagers sent to a re-education camp by parents who suspected they were homosexual.
The deep-voiced, 6 foot 8 inch actor was best known for the role of the bailiff Bull Shannon in “Night Court,” co-starring Harry Anderson and John Larroquette, from 1984 to 1992.
Moll was nominated for a Saturn award for the 1985 horror movie “House.” He voiced the role of Harvey Dent/Two-Face on “The Adventures of Batman & Robin,” as well as Scorpion on “Spider-Man: The Animated Series. He also had parts in “The Flintstones,” “Jingle All the Way,” “Casper Meets Wendy” and “Scary Movie 2.”
He had a recurring role on sitcom “Getting By” starring Cindy Williams and voiced the bodyguard in “Mighty Max.”
Moll went on to appear in the 1999 satire “But I’m a Cheerleader” with Natasha Lyonne, in which he played a gay man who shepherded teenagers sent to a re-education camp by parents who suspected they were homosexual.
- 10/27/2023
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Blaxploitation star broke the mould.
Richard Roundtree, the star of Shaft who was an icon of the Blaxploitation movement, has died in his Los Angeles home of pancreatic cancer. He was 81.
Roundtree was born in 1942 in Rochelle, New York, to parents John, a caterer and rubbish collector, and Kathryn, a maid and nurse.
He left Southern Illinois University when he chose to become a model and before long moved to New York City where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company.
Roundtree was acting in a play when he auditioned for Shaft, eventually landing the iconic role as the private detective...
Richard Roundtree, the star of Shaft who was an icon of the Blaxploitation movement, has died in his Los Angeles home of pancreatic cancer. He was 81.
Roundtree was born in 1942 in Rochelle, New York, to parents John, a caterer and rubbish collector, and Kathryn, a maid and nurse.
He left Southern Illinois University when he chose to become a model and before long moved to New York City where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company.
Roundtree was acting in a play when he auditioned for Shaft, eventually landing the iconic role as the private detective...
- 10/25/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Richard Roundtree, star of “Shaft,” “Roots,” and “Generations,” has died at the age of 81.
The actor succumbed after a short battle with pancreatic cancer, TheWrap has learned. Roundtree’s family was at his side when he died. His agency, Artists & Partners, confirmed his death.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the agency said in a statement obtained by TheWrap. “His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The actor starred in a number of landmark films, including 1971’s “Shaft” and its two sequels, 1972’s “Shaft’s Big Score!” and 1973’s “Shaft in Africa.” Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year at the Golden Globes following the first movie.
Roundtree also starred in “Inchon” and...
The actor succumbed after a short battle with pancreatic cancer, TheWrap has learned. Roundtree’s family was at his side when he died. His agency, Artists & Partners, confirmed his death.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the agency said in a statement obtained by TheWrap. “His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The actor starred in a number of landmark films, including 1971’s “Shaft” and its two sequels, 1972’s “Shaft’s Big Score!” and 1973’s “Shaft in Africa.” Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year at the Golden Globes following the first movie.
Roundtree also starred in “Inchon” and...
- 10/25/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Richard Roundtree, the ultracool actor who helped open the door to a generation of Black filmmakers and performers with his portrayal of private eye John Shaft, “the cat that won’t cop out when there’s danger all about,” died Tuesday. He was 81.
Roundtree died at his home in Los Angeles of pancreatic cancer, his manager, Patrick McMinn, told The Hollywood Reporter.
He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and had a double mastectomy. “Breast cancer is not gender specific,” he said four years later. “And men have this cavalier attitude about health issues. I got such positive feedback because I spoke out about it, and it’s been quite a number of years now. I’m a survivor.”
Roundtree also portrayed the title character opposite Peter O’Toole as Robinson Crusoe in Man Friday, was featured as an army sergeant opposite Laurence Olivier as Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Korean...
Roundtree died at his home in Los Angeles of pancreatic cancer, his manager, Patrick McMinn, told The Hollywood Reporter.
He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and had a double mastectomy. “Breast cancer is not gender specific,” he said four years later. “And men have this cavalier attitude about health issues. I got such positive feedback because I spoke out about it, and it’s been quite a number of years now. I’m a survivor.”
Roundtree also portrayed the title character opposite Peter O’Toole as Robinson Crusoe in Man Friday, was featured as an army sergeant opposite Laurence Olivier as Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Korean...
- 10/25/2023
- by Chris Koseluk
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard Roundtree, an icon of Blaxploitation film who starred as detective John Shaft in Gordon Parks’ 1971 action thriller, died Tuesday afternoon after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81 years old.
His death was confirmed by Patrick McMinn, his manager since 1987.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said in his statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree was a leading man from the very start of his lifetime in screen acting. After beginning his career in modeling, he secured “Shaft” at the age of 28, marking his feature debut. The MGM release earned $12 million in ticket sales off of a $500,000 production budget, helping to save the studio from bankruptcy. A breakthrough hit, “Shaft” set the tone for a prolific decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking and demonstrated Hollywood’s historical failure to consider Black talent...
His death was confirmed by Patrick McMinn, his manager since 1987.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said in his statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree was a leading man from the very start of his lifetime in screen acting. After beginning his career in modeling, he secured “Shaft” at the age of 28, marking his feature debut. The MGM release earned $12 million in ticket sales off of a $500,000 production budget, helping to save the studio from bankruptcy. A breakthrough hit, “Shaft” set the tone for a prolific decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking and demonstrated Hollywood’s historical failure to consider Black talent...
- 10/25/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
In “Caligula: The Ultimate Cut,” absolute power corrupts absolutely, but even using absolutely all of the footage shot for the notorious production back in 1976 does not necessarily result in a better film. The most expensive independent film ever produced until that time, “Caligula” was conceived by late Penthouse founder Bob Guccione as a sexually explicit film that also featured real actors and high production values; hiring bestselling author Gore Vidal to write a script for Italian avant-garde director Tinto Brass (“Salon Kitty”), Guccione subsequently attracted such respected thespians as Malcolm McDowell, Peter O’Toole, John Gielgud and Helen Mirren to star. But after disputes between Brass and Vidal prompted the author to sue to remove his name from the film, Guccione commandeered final cut and inserted shots of graphic sex and violence, prompting cast and crew alike to disavow the film.
Devoting a substantial portion of his adult life to “Caligula...
Devoting a substantial portion of his adult life to “Caligula...
- 10/4/2023
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Gambon, a protégé of Laurence Olivier and giant of the British stage who portrayed Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, apparently with little effort, in the final six Harry Potter movies, has died. He was 82.
“The Great Gambon,” as Ralph Richardson once called him, died “peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia,” according to a family statement provided Thursday by a publicist.
Among the first group of actors recruited by Olivier for the National Theatre Company in the early 1960s, Gambon, a Dublin native, was nominated 13 times for an Olivier Award, winning in 1986 and ’90 for Alan Ayckbourn’s A Chorus of Disapproval and Man of the Moment, respectively, and in 1988 for Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge.
He received another one for his turn as a recently widowed businessman trying to reunite with his former mistress in Skylight,...
“The Great Gambon,” as Ralph Richardson once called him, died “peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia,” according to a family statement provided Thursday by a publicist.
Among the first group of actors recruited by Olivier for the National Theatre Company in the early 1960s, Gambon, a Dublin native, was nominated 13 times for an Olivier Award, winning in 1986 and ’90 for Alan Ayckbourn’s A Chorus of Disapproval and Man of the Moment, respectively, and in 1988 for Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge.
He received another one for his turn as a recently widowed businessman trying to reunite with his former mistress in Skylight,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Leonardo DiCaprio has reaped an even dozen Oscar nominations for acting. His first bid was back in 1994 in Best Supporting Actor for “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” After a gap of more than a decade (including being snubbed for “Titanic), he contended for Best Actor in 2005 for “The Aviator” and in 2007 for “Blood Diamond.” He then earned two nominations for Martin Scorsese‘s “The Wolf of Wall Street” in 2014 as both producer and star. Two years later, he won Best Actor for “The Revenant.” Most recently he competed in lead in 2020 for Quentin Tarantino‘s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Those five Best Actor nominations match the tallies of the likes of Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks, Al Pacino, Sean Penn, and James Stewart.
DiCaprio reunites with Scorsese this year for the historical epic “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The film tells the true story of the Osage reservation in...
DiCaprio reunites with Scorsese this year for the historical epic “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The film tells the true story of the Osage reservation in...
- 9/11/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Austin Sipes, student symposium coordinator for the Telluride Film Festival, checked in this year’s class that had traveled far and wide to participate in what he termed as a “life-changing” immersion into the intricacies of filmmaking.
In 2000, as an undergraduate at the University of Vermont, Sipes hitched up in Telluride as one of the few chosen to engage in the student symposium, now in its 33rd year.
Okay, how life-changing was it? “A thousand million percent life-changing,” came the sparky response.
“I tell the students every year that it’s a life-changing experience,” Sipes told me.
(L-r) Austin Sipes, Graydon Hanson and Jacob Stefiuk
“And invariably they come to me afterwards with cries of, ‘You are not kidding!’”
Sipes now works in reality television. He’s currently associate director of Top Chef, and left the shoot for a few days to run the Telluride symposium.
Over the years, I’ve observed scores of students,...
In 2000, as an undergraduate at the University of Vermont, Sipes hitched up in Telluride as one of the few chosen to engage in the student symposium, now in its 33rd year.
Okay, how life-changing was it? “A thousand million percent life-changing,” came the sparky response.
“I tell the students every year that it’s a life-changing experience,” Sipes told me.
(L-r) Austin Sipes, Graydon Hanson and Jacob Stefiuk
“And invariably they come to me afterwards with cries of, ‘You are not kidding!’”
Sipes now works in reality television. He’s currently associate director of Top Chef, and left the shoot for a few days to run the Telluride symposium.
Over the years, I’ve observed scores of students,...
- 8/31/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Both the 2001 film "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and the 2002 sequel "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" starred the legendary Richard Harris as Professor Albus Dumbledore, the elderly wizard principal of a secret boarding school for child wizards and witches. The school, called Hogwarts, was a vast and mysterious place, full of secret passages, living paintings, shifting staircases, and hidden rooms that contain ineffable magical secrets. The two films, both directed by Chris Columbus, are the only two in the series to possess a sense of glittering wonderment. As the title character (played by Daniel Radcliffe) explored the world of wizards and witches, he was constantly confronting unusual and astonishing things that left him speechless.
Overseeing Harry's wonderment was Dumbledore, depicted in the first two movies as kind, soft-spoken, and grandfatherly. He understood that dangers lurked around every corner, but bothered to understand the inner lives of the...
Overseeing Harry's wonderment was Dumbledore, depicted in the first two movies as kind, soft-spoken, and grandfatherly. He understood that dangers lurked around every corner, but bothered to understand the inner lives of the...
- 8/26/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Winter King is a British historical drama series about the Arthurian legend created by Kate Brooke, Ed Whitmore, and Bernard Cornwell. The MGM+ series is based on a trilogy of books called The Warlord Chronicles novels written by Bernard Cornwell. The Winter King stars Iain De Caestecker in the lead role of King Arthur, with Jordan Alexandra, Stuart Campbell, Nathaniel Martello-White, and Ellie James starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved The Winter King here are some similar shows you could watch next.
The Last Kingdom (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Netflix
Synopsis: A story of redemption, vengeance, and self-discovery set against the birth of England, this drama series follows young warrior and outsider, Uhtred on a fierce mission to reclaim his birthright. The Last Kingdom combines real historical figures and events with fiction, re-telling the history of King Alfred the Great and his desire to unite...
The Last Kingdom (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Netflix
Synopsis: A story of redemption, vengeance, and self-discovery set against the birth of England, this drama series follows young warrior and outsider, Uhtred on a fierce mission to reclaim his birthright. The Last Kingdom combines real historical figures and events with fiction, re-telling the history of King Alfred the Great and his desire to unite...
- 8/21/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.