Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Screenplay Past Lives, from left: Teo Yoo, Greta Lee, John Magro, 2023. © A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection
Weekly Commentary: Following its victories at the Golden Globes for best screenplay and the BAFTA for original screenplay, it appears almost inevitable that “Anatomy of a Fall” will secure the Oscar for its co-writers,...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Screenplay Past Lives, from left: Teo Yoo, Greta Lee, John Magro, 2023. © A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection
Weekly Commentary: Following its victories at the Golden Globes for best screenplay and the BAFTA for original screenplay, it appears almost inevitable that “Anatomy of a Fall” will secure the Oscar for its co-writers,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Now that most schools are back in session, who’s up for a history lesson? Okay, we had one a few weeks ago with the, still in theatres, Oppenheimer. And though it’s really well done, to be honest, it’s kind of a “downer” what with all the “atomic bomb stuff”. This new flick also deals with science, but it concerns the exploration of space, much like the surprise “crowd-pleaser” of 2016, Hidden Figures. Like that film, it concerns one member, rather than the mathematics trio, of a minority that is usually not the focus of these docudramas. Oh, and rather than the swinging sixties this story is much more recent, capping off in 2009. It’s really the story of a dreamer, a man who dares to imagine leaving Earth to travel A Million Miles Away.
It is the late 1960s when we meet the Hernandez family, who are leaving lots of friends,...
It is the late 1960s when we meet the Hernandez family, who are leaving lots of friends,...
- 9/15/2023
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
CinemaBlind’s Review – 85%
A Million Miles Away is a feel-good drama film based on the autobiography of astronaut José Hernández titled Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut. The Prime Video film follows the story of Hernández from when he was a child and he came to the United States as a migrant farm worker with his parents. In his childhood, he saw the launch of Apollo 11, and from then on he harbored a dream of going into space. Throughout his life he overcomes a lot of hurdles first with the help of his family and then his wife in order to achieve his dream.
A Million Miles Away does justice to its inspirational story and puts forward a great film that will make you feel like anything is achievable if you work hard enough and that is the film’s best quality. The...
A Million Miles Away is a feel-good drama film based on the autobiography of astronaut José Hernández titled Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut. The Prime Video film follows the story of Hernández from when he was a child and he came to the United States as a migrant farm worker with his parents. In his childhood, he saw the launch of Apollo 11, and from then on he harbored a dream of going into space. Throughout his life he overcomes a lot of hurdles first with the help of his family and then his wife in order to achieve his dream.
A Million Miles Away does justice to its inspirational story and puts forward a great film that will make you feel like anything is achievable if you work hard enough and that is the film’s best quality. The...
- 9/13/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Enter the contest below for the chance to win a pair of passes to attend an advance screening of A Million Miles Away on Saturday, September 9th at 10:00am at the Emagine Royal Oak!
Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm worker on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the unwavering support of his hard-working parents, relatives, and teachers, José’s unrelenting drive & determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. Acclaimed writer and director Alejandra Márquez Abella has created a dazzling tribute to the loyalty and tenacity of the entire Hernández family, as well as anyone who dares to dream.
About The Film Genre: Drama,...
Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm worker on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the unwavering support of his hard-working parents, relatives, and teachers, José’s unrelenting drive & determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. Acclaimed writer and director Alejandra Márquez Abella has created a dazzling tribute to the loyalty and tenacity of the entire Hernández family, as well as anyone who dares to dream.
About The Film Genre: Drama,...
- 8/31/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
A Million Miles Away trailer: Michael Peña stars in the story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández
The drama A Million Miles Away, which is based on the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, is set to be released through the Prime Video streaming service on September 15th – and with that date exactly one month away, a trailer for the film has arrived online and can be seen in the embed above.
Alejandra Márquez Abella, whose previous credits include Mal de tierra, Semana Santa, The Good Girls, Northern Skies Over Empty Space, and episodes of Narcos: Mexico, directed A Million Miles Away from a screenplay she crafted with Bettina Gilois and Hernán Jiménez. Michael Peña of the first two Ant-Man films takes on the role of José Hernández, and the film follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm workers on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles...
Alejandra Márquez Abella, whose previous credits include Mal de tierra, Semana Santa, The Good Girls, Northern Skies Over Empty Space, and episodes of Narcos: Mexico, directed A Million Miles Away from a screenplay she crafted with Bettina Gilois and Hernán Jiménez. Michael Peña of the first two Ant-Man films takes on the role of José Hernández, and the film follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm workers on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles...
- 8/15/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Garret Dillahunt (Sprung) is the newest addition to Prime Video’s film A Million Miles Away, starring Narcos: Mexico‘s Michael Peña, which is in production in Mexico City.
The film directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California — dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his family’s support and his unrelenting determination, pushing through 11 rejections from NASA, Jose’s story is a tale of perseverance, community and sacrifice to accomplish an impossible dream.
A Million Miles Away‘s ensemble also includes Rosa Salazar, Bobby Soto, Julio César Cedillo, Veronica Falcón, Sarayu Blue and Eric Johnson, as well as Jordan Dean, Ashley Ciarra, Michelle Krusiec, Emma Fassler, Michael Adler,...
The film directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California — dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his family’s support and his unrelenting determination, pushing through 11 rejections from NASA, Jose’s story is a tale of perseverance, community and sacrifice to accomplish an impossible dream.
A Million Miles Away‘s ensemble also includes Rosa Salazar, Bobby Soto, Julio César Cedillo, Veronica Falcón, Sarayu Blue and Eric Johnson, as well as Jordan Dean, Ashley Ciarra, Michelle Krusiec, Emma Fassler, Michael Adler,...
- 9/1/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Rosa Salazar (Alita: Battle Angel), Bobby Soto (Narcos: Mexico), Julio Cesar Cedillo (Narcos: Mexico), Veronica Falcón (Ozark), Sarayu Blue (I Feel Bad) and Eric Johnson (Fifty Shades franchise) are among the newest additions to Prime Video’s Michael Peña starrer A Million Miles Away, which has entered production in Mexico City. Others rounding out the ensemble of the Alejandra Márquez Abella-helmed film include Jordan Dean (Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace), Ashley Ciarra (Chupa), Michelle Krusiec (Hollywood), Emma Fassler (Recovery Road), Michael Adler (Super Pumped), Carlos S. Sanchez (Chicago Fire) and Isaac Arellanes (Ghostwriter).
A Million Miles Away is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California —dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his...
A Million Miles Away is based on the inspiring true story of Jose Hernandez, who defied insurmountable odds to become the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. From six years old, he toiled in the fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California —dreaming of traveling the night skies on a rocket ship. Through his...
- 8/30/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Michael Peña is heading into orbit.
The actor will play true-life Mexican American astronaut Jose Hernandez in A Million Miles Away, a drama that Alejandra Màrquez Abella is directing for Amazon Studios.
The feature project is based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away in 2020, wrote the initial script that has since been worked on by Hernán Jiménez and Abella.
Mark Ciardi, who produced true-life tales McFarland and American Underdog, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
Hernandez is described as the first migrant farmworker to travel into space. The man, who didn’t learn English until the age of 12, spent his childhood moving from town to town and working fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California with his family. Not giving up his dream of...
Michael Peña is heading into orbit.
The actor will play true-life Mexican American astronaut Jose Hernandez in A Million Miles Away, a drama that Alejandra Màrquez Abella is directing for Amazon Studios.
The feature project is based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away in 2020, wrote the initial script that has since been worked on by Hernán Jiménez and Abella.
Mark Ciardi, who produced true-life tales McFarland and American Underdog, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
Hernandez is described as the first migrant farmworker to travel into space. The man, who didn’t learn English until the age of 12, spent his childhood moving from town to town and working fields between Michoacán and Stockton, California with his family. Not giving up his dream of...
- 7/19/2022
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Producer Robin Roberts was joined by star and fellow producer Danielle Brooks at Deadline’s Contenders Television: The Nominees awards-season event for Lifetime’s panel on Robin Roberts Presents Mahalia, which has been Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Television Movie.
The biopic on the late great gospel superstar singer Mahalia Jackson is the second film in a deal Roberts has with Lifetime to bring stories of great meaning to her to the small screen. The first was the well-received Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story, and now Roberts continues to stay in the world of real-life people and inspirations in bringing Jackson’s story to Lifetime.
So why did the Good Morning America anchor and journalist decide to dip into the world of narrative moviemaking?
“It’s a way to exercise a different creative muscle. I love saying Good Morning America. No two days are the same, especially, you know,...
The biopic on the late great gospel superstar singer Mahalia Jackson is the second film in a deal Roberts has with Lifetime to bring stories of great meaning to her to the small screen. The first was the well-received Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story, and now Roberts continues to stay in the world of real-life people and inspirations in bringing Jackson’s story to Lifetime.
So why did the Good Morning America anchor and journalist decide to dip into the world of narrative moviemaking?
“It’s a way to exercise a different creative muscle. I love saying Good Morning America. No two days are the same, especially, you know,...
- 8/15/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime’s biopic Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia stars Danielle Brooks in the story of gospel icon Mahalia Jackson and her journey to becaming one of the most revered singers in American history. She also melded her music to the civil rights movement — she stood with Martin Luther King Jr at the March on Washington where she performed in hopes her music would encourage and inspire racial equality.
Jason Dirden, Olivia Washington, Rob Demery and Joaquina Kalukango star in the film alongside Brooks, the Orange Is the New Black alum who scored a Tony nom for The Color Purple. She was approached for Mahalia by Kenny Leon, who had previously worked with Brooks on the stage production of Much Ado About Nothing.
The script, from Bessie writer Bettina Gilois (Bessie Smith was an early Mahalia influence) and first-time feature scribe Todd Kreidler, is the latest installment of Deadline’s It Starts...
Jason Dirden, Olivia Washington, Rob Demery and Joaquina Kalukango star in the film alongside Brooks, the Orange Is the New Black alum who scored a Tony nom for The Color Purple. She was approached for Mahalia by Kenny Leon, who had previously worked with Brooks on the stage production of Much Ado About Nothing.
The script, from Bessie writer Bettina Gilois (Bessie Smith was an early Mahalia influence) and first-time feature scribe Todd Kreidler, is the latest installment of Deadline’s It Starts...
- 6/25/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The true story of Mexican American astronaut is getting the feature treatment from Netflix and filmmaker Alejandra Márquez Abella.
Abella is in final negotiations to direct A Million Miles Away, based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars by space shuttle astronaut Jose M. Hernandez. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away earlier this year, wrote the script that has been revised by Hernán Jiménez.
Mark Ciardi, who produced McFarland USA as well as the upcoming Disney+ sports drama Safety, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
The book and the script chronicle the life of ...
Abella is in final negotiations to direct A Million Miles Away, based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars by space shuttle astronaut Jose M. Hernandez. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away earlier this year, wrote the script that has been revised by Hernán Jiménez.
Mark Ciardi, who produced McFarland USA as well as the upcoming Disney+ sports drama Safety, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
The book and the script chronicle the life of ...
- 11/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The true story of Mexican American astronaut is getting the feature treatment from Netflix and filmmaker Alejandra Márquez Abella.
Abella is in final negotiations to direct A Million Miles Away, based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars by space shuttle astronaut Jose M. Hernandez. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away earlier this year, wrote the script that has been revised by Hernán Jiménez.
Mark Ciardi, who produced McFarland USA as well as the upcoming Disney+ sports drama Safety, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
The book and the script chronicle the life of ...
Abella is in final negotiations to direct A Million Miles Away, based on the autobiography Reaching for the Stars by space shuttle astronaut Jose M. Hernandez. Bettina Gilois, the scribe who wrote McFarland, USA and Bessie and who passed away earlier this year, wrote the script that has been revised by Hernán Jiménez.
Mark Ciardi, who produced McFarland USA as well as the upcoming Disney+ sports drama Safety, and Campbell McInnes are producing via Ciardi’s Select Films banner.
The book and the script chronicle the life of ...
- 11/19/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Many TV legends and contributors were included for the “In Memoriam” segment on Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony for ABC. But producers are always forced to omit some of the 100+ insiders who died since the last ceremony. Who was left out of the group that was honored?
With dozens of television veterans having died since last year’s mid-September ceremony, people certainly included were these six TV Academy Hall of Fame members:
Diahann Carroll
Leonard Goldberg (executive at 20th Century Fox and ABC; producer of “Charlie’s Angels” and more)
Jim Lehrer (anchor/reporter of “MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour)
Regis Philbin
Carl Reiner
Fred Silverman
SEECelebrity Deaths 2020: In Memoriam Gallery
Even though he wasn’t known for his TV work, blockbuster film actor Chadwick Boseman was featured in the final slot. NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant was not mentioned, even though the event was being held in the Staples Center.
With dozens of television veterans having died since last year’s mid-September ceremony, people certainly included were these six TV Academy Hall of Fame members:
Diahann Carroll
Leonard Goldberg (executive at 20th Century Fox and ABC; producer of “Charlie’s Angels” and more)
Jim Lehrer (anchor/reporter of “MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour)
Regis Philbin
Carl Reiner
Fred Silverman
SEECelebrity Deaths 2020: In Memoriam Gallery
Even though he wasn’t known for his TV work, blockbuster film actor Chadwick Boseman was featured in the final slot. NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant was not mentioned, even though the event was being held in the Staples Center.
- 9/21/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
For Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on ABC, producers will have the always difficult task of assembling a memoriam segment. Even though the event hosted by Jimmy Kimmel will be virtual, it’s a certainty they will include the popular “In Memoriam” on the show.
With over 100 television veterans having died since last year’s mid-September ceremony, those expected to be honored would include such TV legends and TV Academy Hall of Fame members:
Diahann Carroll
Leonard Goldberg (executive at 20th Century Fox and ABC; producer of “Charlie’s Angels” and more)
Jim Lehrer (anchor/reporter of “MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour)
Regis Philbin
Carl Reiner
Fred Silverman
SEECelebrity Deaths 2020: In Memoriam Gallery
Even though they weren’t known for their TV work, it’s very likely NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and blockbuster film actor Chadwick Boseman will be honored. Also among the dozens most likely included since they...
With over 100 television veterans having died since last year’s mid-September ceremony, those expected to be honored would include such TV legends and TV Academy Hall of Fame members:
Diahann Carroll
Leonard Goldberg (executive at 20th Century Fox and ABC; producer of “Charlie’s Angels” and more)
Jim Lehrer (anchor/reporter of “MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour)
Regis Philbin
Carl Reiner
Fred Silverman
SEECelebrity Deaths 2020: In Memoriam Gallery
Even though they weren’t known for their TV work, it’s very likely NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and blockbuster film actor Chadwick Boseman will be honored. Also among the dozens most likely included since they...
- 9/20/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Ronald L. Schwary, Oscar-winning producer of Robert Redford’s 1980 drama “Ordinary People,” died on July 2 at age 76, his family announced.
He was forced into retirement in 2015 due to a rare neurological autonomic disorder that he had been struggling with. His death was due to complications of his disorder. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his sons.
Schwary’s extensive career as a producer took off in 1978 after serving as an associate producer on the film adaptation of the Neil Simon play “California Suite,” starring Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor and many others. That same year, he also served as associate producer and production manager for the Sydney Pollack-directed film “The Electric Horseman,” starring Fonda and Robert Redford.
Also Read: Bettina Gilois, 'McFarland USA' and 'Bessie' Screenwriter, Dies at 58
The following year, Redford hired Schwary as the sole producer for his directorial debut, “Ordinary People.” That film...
He was forced into retirement in 2015 due to a rare neurological autonomic disorder that he had been struggling with. His death was due to complications of his disorder. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his sons.
Schwary’s extensive career as a producer took off in 1978 after serving as an associate producer on the film adaptation of the Neil Simon play “California Suite,” starring Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor and many others. That same year, he also served as associate producer and production manager for the Sydney Pollack-directed film “The Electric Horseman,” starring Fonda and Robert Redford.
Also Read: Bettina Gilois, 'McFarland USA' and 'Bessie' Screenwriter, Dies at 58
The following year, Redford hired Schwary as the sole producer for his directorial debut, “Ordinary People.” That film...
- 7/11/2020
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Bettina Gilois, a screenwriter who worked on “McFarland USA” and “Bessie,” has died from cancer. She was 58.
Gilois passed away on Sunday, her friend told multiple media outlets. TheWrap has reached out to representatives for Gilois.
Along with “McFarland USA,” Gilois co-wrote the film “Glory Road” about Texas Western college basketball team of the 1960s, and “The Lost Wife of Robert Durst,” a 2017 Lifetime TV movie that starred Katharine McPhee. The HBO pic “Bessie” starred Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith. Gilois received an Emmy nomination for co-writing the biopic about the legendary blues singer, which she shared with Dee Rees, Christopher Cleveland and Horton Foote.
Also Read: Charlie Daniels, Country Music Singer of 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia,' Dies at 83
Gilois was in the middle of writing the series “Muscle Shoals” about the famed Alabama recording studio, which was being produced by Johnny Depp, with Nancy Wilson of Heart composing the music.
Gilois passed away on Sunday, her friend told multiple media outlets. TheWrap has reached out to representatives for Gilois.
Along with “McFarland USA,” Gilois co-wrote the film “Glory Road” about Texas Western college basketball team of the 1960s, and “The Lost Wife of Robert Durst,” a 2017 Lifetime TV movie that starred Katharine McPhee. The HBO pic “Bessie” starred Queen Latifah as Bessie Smith. Gilois received an Emmy nomination for co-writing the biopic about the legendary blues singer, which she shared with Dee Rees, Christopher Cleveland and Horton Foote.
Also Read: Charlie Daniels, Country Music Singer of 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia,' Dies at 83
Gilois was in the middle of writing the series “Muscle Shoals” about the famed Alabama recording studio, which was being produced by Johnny Depp, with Nancy Wilson of Heart composing the music.
- 7/6/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Bettina Gilois, an Emmy-nominated writer who worked on the screenplays for the Kevin Costner film McFarland, USA and the Queen Latifah-starring HBO biopic Bessie, has died. She was 58.
Gilois, who was battling cancer, died Sunday in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles, her friend Joshua Plant told The Hollywood Reporter.
A native of Berlin who attended Columbia University, Gilois also co-wrote the 2006 feature Glory Road, about the history-making Texas Western college basketball team of the 1960s, and The Lost Wife of Robert Durst, a 2017 Lifetime telefilm that starred Katharine McPhee.
She served as a producer on Fire Birds (1990),...
Gilois, who was battling cancer, died Sunday in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles, her friend Joshua Plant told The Hollywood Reporter.
A native of Berlin who attended Columbia University, Gilois also co-wrote the 2006 feature Glory Road, about the history-making Texas Western college basketball team of the 1960s, and The Lost Wife of Robert Durst, a 2017 Lifetime telefilm that starred Katharine McPhee.
She served as a producer on Fire Birds (1990),...
Bettina Gilois, an Emmy-nominated writer who worked on the screenplays for the Kevin Costner film McFarland, USA and the Queen Latifah-starring HBO biopic Bessie, has died. She was 58.
Gilois, who was battling cancer, died Sunday in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles, her friend Joshua Plant told The Hollywood Reporter.
A native of Berlin who attended Columbia University, Gilois also co-wrote the 2006 feature Glory Road, about the history-making Texas Western college basketball team of the 1960s, and The Lost Wife of Robert Durst, a 2017 Lifetime telefilm that starred Katharine McPhee.
She served as a producer on Fire Birds (1990),...
Gilois, who was battling cancer, died Sunday in her sleep at her home in Los Angeles, her friend Joshua Plant told The Hollywood Reporter.
A native of Berlin who attended Columbia University, Gilois also co-wrote the 2006 feature Glory Road, about the history-making Texas Western college basketball team of the 1960s, and The Lost Wife of Robert Durst, a 2017 Lifetime telefilm that starred Katharine McPhee.
She served as a producer on Fire Birds (1990),...
Hollywood screenwriter and author Bettina Gilois died Sunday night in her sleep after battling cancer, her friend Joshua Plant confirmed to Variety. She was 58.
Gilois wrote the HBO film “Bessie” starring Queen Latifah, and numerous other films and books.
Before her death, Gilois had several projects in the works, including the drama “Shutter Spy,” about Hollywood photographer Frank Worth, and the series “Muscle Shoals,” which is produced by Johnny Depp. She was also writing a story for Lifetime about Mahalia Jackson, and Netflix’s “A Million Miles Away,” a true story about Jose Hernandez, a migrant worker who later became an astronaut.
Her credits include Disney’s “McFarland, USA” with Kevin Costner, “Glory Road” starring Josh Lucas and Lifetime’s “The Lost Wife of Robert Durst.” She was nominated for a Emmy for writing “Bessie” and “McFarland, USA.”
Among its accolades, “Bessie” won an NAACP Image Award for writing for...
Gilois wrote the HBO film “Bessie” starring Queen Latifah, and numerous other films and books.
Before her death, Gilois had several projects in the works, including the drama “Shutter Spy,” about Hollywood photographer Frank Worth, and the series “Muscle Shoals,” which is produced by Johnny Depp. She was also writing a story for Lifetime about Mahalia Jackson, and Netflix’s “A Million Miles Away,” a true story about Jose Hernandez, a migrant worker who later became an astronaut.
Her credits include Disney’s “McFarland, USA” with Kevin Costner, “Glory Road” starring Josh Lucas and Lifetime’s “The Lost Wife of Robert Durst.” She was nominated for a Emmy for writing “Bessie” and “McFarland, USA.”
Among its accolades, “Bessie” won an NAACP Image Award for writing for...
- 7/6/2020
- by Mackenzie Nichols
- Variety Film + TV
Bettina Gilois, an award-winning screenwriter and author, has died in her sleep at age 58, according to a friend. She had an advanced form of cancer and passed just days before her July 9 birthday.
Gilois was having what was described by a friend as “a career year” when she passed, with several projects in development at various networks.
Gilois first began working as an assistant to Slava Tsukerman, the director of Liquid Sky, in her native Berlin. She also worked at Andy Warhol’s Factory in New York on the television series Andy Warhol’s Fifteen Minutes.
She subsequently joined Keith Barish and Arnold Kopelson Productions as a development executive, which led to producing credits on Fire Birds, as well as Triple Bogie on a Par Five Hole with Amos Poe.
She began her writing career working with Joel Silver Productions, and in the last twenty five years has written projects for further notable producers,...
Gilois was having what was described by a friend as “a career year” when she passed, with several projects in development at various networks.
Gilois first began working as an assistant to Slava Tsukerman, the director of Liquid Sky, in her native Berlin. She also worked at Andy Warhol’s Factory in New York on the television series Andy Warhol’s Fifteen Minutes.
She subsequently joined Keith Barish and Arnold Kopelson Productions as a development executive, which led to producing credits on Fire Birds, as well as Triple Bogie on a Par Five Hole with Amos Poe.
She began her writing career working with Joel Silver Productions, and in the last twenty five years has written projects for further notable producers,...
- 7/5/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime is beefing up its TV film slate for next year, increasing the total to 75 movies and has signed on “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts to help with the endevor.
The female-skewing network has signed Roberts to a production deal for a series of movies and documentaries that will all fall under the banner, “Robin Roberts Presents.” The network also detailed the first two projects from Roberts.
The first one will focus on African American Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, whose inspirational music and faith were a great support for Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. Roberts will executive produce the movie alongside Linda Berman of Lincoln Square Productions, with a script written by Bettina Gilois.
Also Read: Original 'Project Runway' Production Company to Return for Bravo Reboot
The second project is based on the true story of Alexis Manigo, who at age 18, discovers her real name...
The female-skewing network has signed Roberts to a production deal for a series of movies and documentaries that will all fall under the banner, “Robin Roberts Presents.” The network also detailed the first two projects from Roberts.
The first one will focus on African American Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, whose inspirational music and faith were a great support for Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. Roberts will executive produce the movie alongside Linda Berman of Lincoln Square Productions, with a script written by Bettina Gilois.
Also Read: Original 'Project Runway' Production Company to Return for Bravo Reboot
The second project is based on the true story of Alexis Manigo, who at age 18, discovers her real name...
- 7/26/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Lifetime announced at TCA today an ambitious slate of original movies for 2019. Among the 75 films planned for next year are a series of telepics and documentaries from veteran newswoman Robin Roberts along with book franchises from authors V.C. Andrews and Victoria Christopher Murray.
The A+E Networks-owned cable net unveiled today a major production deal with Roberts for movies and docs under the Robin Roberts Presents banner to debut next year. It also is in development on Murray’s Seven Deadly Sins anthology, reteaming with producer T.D. Jakes, and has commissioned the first three books — Lust, Envy and Greed – to debut next year.
Andrews’ five-book series about the twisted relationships of the Casteel Family also being turned into movies. First up is V.C. Andrews’ Heaven, starring Annalise Basso, Julie Benz, Chris William Martin and Chris McNally.
Those projects join the previously announced Jane Green three-picture deal. The first movie,...
The A+E Networks-owned cable net unveiled today a major production deal with Roberts for movies and docs under the Robin Roberts Presents banner to debut next year. It also is in development on Murray’s Seven Deadly Sins anthology, reteaming with producer T.D. Jakes, and has commissioned the first three books — Lust, Envy and Greed – to debut next year.
Andrews’ five-book series about the twisted relationships of the Casteel Family also being turned into movies. First up is V.C. Andrews’ Heaven, starring Annalise Basso, Julie Benz, Chris William Martin and Chris McNally.
Those projects join the previously announced Jane Green three-picture deal. The first movie,...
- 7/26/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has unveiled a big expansion of its original movie lineup for next year. As part of the push the A+E Networks cabler has set new franchises with ABC News’ Robin Roberts and megachurch leader Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Lifetime plans to produce or acquire some 75 movies next year, a significant increase from 2018. The cabler has signed a wide-ranging production deal with “Good Morning America” anchor Roberts to produce movies and feature-length documentaries under the “Robin Roberts Presents” banner.
Also in the works for Lifetime is a five-movie series based on the novels of V.C. Andrews, starting next year with “V.C. Andrews’ Heaven.”
Roberts will focus on projects based on true events with an inspirational or educational focus. The first project under the deal will be a drama based on the life of famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Roberts and Linda Berman of ABC’s Lincoln Square Productions...
Lifetime plans to produce or acquire some 75 movies next year, a significant increase from 2018. The cabler has signed a wide-ranging production deal with “Good Morning America” anchor Roberts to produce movies and feature-length documentaries under the “Robin Roberts Presents” banner.
Also in the works for Lifetime is a five-movie series based on the novels of V.C. Andrews, starting next year with “V.C. Andrews’ Heaven.”
Roberts will focus on projects based on true events with an inspirational or educational focus. The first project under the deal will be a drama based on the life of famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Roberts and Linda Berman of ABC’s Lincoln Square Productions...
- 7/26/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Robin Roberts is getting into the Lifetime original movie business.
As part of the cable network's push to increase its load of original telepics, climbing to an anticipated 75 in 2019, the Good Morning America anchor will produce her own efforts under the banner of Robin Roberts Presents.
A mix of scripted projects and documentaries, Robin Roberts Presents will first take on the subjects of gospel singer and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson and adult kidnap survivor Alexis Manigo. Each will be translated into a film, with Bettina Gilois writing the Jackson script and Michele Samit and Richard Kletter tackling Manigo....
As part of the cable network's push to increase its load of original telepics, climbing to an anticipated 75 in 2019, the Good Morning America anchor will produce her own efforts under the banner of Robin Roberts Presents.
A mix of scripted projects and documentaries, Robin Roberts Presents will first take on the subjects of gospel singer and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson and adult kidnap survivor Alexis Manigo. Each will be translated into a film, with Bettina Gilois writing the Jackson script and Michele Samit and Richard Kletter tackling Manigo....
- 7/26/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Muscle Shoals, a drama based on the life of Rick Hall, producer of the legendary Muscle Shoals sound, has sold to ABC for development under a straight-to-series model, Deadline has learned. The project hails from Global Road Entertainment, Johnny Depp and Christie Dembrowski’s Infinitum Nihil, Richard Branson’s Virgin Produced, and Joshua D. Maurer and Alixandre Witlin’s City Entertainment. The drama has been in development at Global Road since 2016.
Emmy-nominated Bettina Gilois (Bessie) is writing the drama based on Hall’s life as chronicled in his autobiography The Man from Muscle Shoals: My Journey from Shame to Fame and the acclaimed Sundance documentary Muscle Shoals.
Depp, Dembrowski and Bobby DeLeon of Infinitum Nihil are executive producing along with Jason Felts, Justin Berfield and Rene Rigal at Branson’s Virgin Produced; and City Entertainment’s Maurer and Witlin. Nancy Wilson of the seminal group Heart serves as Executive Music...
Emmy-nominated Bettina Gilois (Bessie) is writing the drama based on Hall’s life as chronicled in his autobiography The Man from Muscle Shoals: My Journey from Shame to Fame and the acclaimed Sundance documentary Muscle Shoals.
Depp, Dembrowski and Bobby DeLeon of Infinitum Nihil are executive producing along with Jason Felts, Justin Berfield and Rene Rigal at Branson’s Virgin Produced; and City Entertainment’s Maurer and Witlin. Nancy Wilson of the seminal group Heart serves as Executive Music...
- 4/26/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Rock'n'roll legend Nancy Wilson has joined Global Road Entertainment’s limited music drama series Muscle Shoals as Executive Music Producer via her Roadcase Productions shingle, and Emmy-nominated Bettina Gilois (Bessie) has signed on to write the drama, which is in development, based on Rick Hall's autobiography The Man From Muscle Shoals: My Journey from Shame to Fame. Muscle Shoals hails from Johnny Depp and Christie Dembrowski's Infinitum Nihil, Richard Branson's…...
- 1/18/2018
- Deadline TV
Accused murderer Robert Durst will be getting the Lifetime treatment in a new scripted film, TheWrap has learned. The untitled drama will be adapted from the book “A Deadly Secret: The Bizarre and Chilling Story of Robert Durst” by Matt Birkbeck, and will be told through the eyes of Durst’s first wife and alleged victim, Kathleen. Bettina Gilois is writing the adaptation, which is described as being in early development, while Linda Berman is producing with Lincoln Square, A+E Studios and Lifetime. Also Read: Robert Durst Gets 7-Year Prison Sentence in Plea Deal Durst garnered notoriety after HBO documentary “The Jinx” became a.
- 8/23/2016
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
Lifetime is getting into the Robert Durst business. A TV movie about the alleged murderer is in the works at the cable channel, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. In the early stages of development, the untitled project tells the story of Durst through the eyes and relationship of his wife, Kathie Durst, who was allegedly one of his murder victims. Lifetime has optioned Matt Birkbeck's A Deadly Secret: The Bizarre and Chilling Story of Robert Durst as source material for the script, which will be penned by Bettina Gilois (Bessie). Linda Berman is producing the film with Lincoln Square, A+E Studios and
read more...
read more...
- 8/23/2016
- by Kate Stanhope
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Lifetime is developing an untitled movie about real estate magnate Robert Durst, subject of HBO’s The Jinx, who’s serving a seven-year prison sentence in Louisiana for weapons possession. The network has optioned Matt Birkbeck’s book A Deadly Secret: The Bizarre and Chilling Story of Robert Durst, for use as source material for the script, which will be penned by Emmy-nominated Bessie scribe Bettina Gilois. Linda Berman is producing via ABC News’ Lincoln Square…...
- 8/23/2016
- Deadline TV
Ryan Coogler's "Creed" topped the NAACP Image Awards nomination which were revealed this morning. "Creed" received nods for best picture, director for Coogler, actor for Michael B. Jordan, writing for Coogler and Aaron Covington, and supporting actress noms for both Phylicia Rashad and Tessa Thompson.
We'll find out the winners on February 5 on the live airing of the ceremony on TV one.
Here is the full list of nominees of the 47th NAACP Image Awards:
Entertainer Of The Year
Michael B. Jordan
Misty Copeland
Pharrell Williams
Shonda Rhimes
Viola Davis
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
.black-ish. (ABC)
.House of Lies. (Showtime)
.Key & Peele. (Comedy Central)
.Orange is the New Black. (Netflix)
.Survivor.s Remorse. (Starz)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Andre Braugher . .Brooklyn Nine-Nine. (Fox)
Anthony Anderson . .black-ish. (ABC)
Don Cheadle . .House of Lies. (Showtime)
Dwayne Johnson . .Ballers. (HBO)
RonReaco Lee . .Survivor.s Remorse. (Starz)
Outstanding Actress...
We'll find out the winners on February 5 on the live airing of the ceremony on TV one.
Here is the full list of nominees of the 47th NAACP Image Awards:
Entertainer Of The Year
Michael B. Jordan
Misty Copeland
Pharrell Williams
Shonda Rhimes
Viola Davis
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
.black-ish. (ABC)
.House of Lies. (Showtime)
.Key & Peele. (Comedy Central)
.Orange is the New Black. (Netflix)
.Survivor.s Remorse. (Starz)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Andre Braugher . .Brooklyn Nine-Nine. (Fox)
Anthony Anderson . .black-ish. (ABC)
Don Cheadle . .House of Lies. (Showtime)
Dwayne Johnson . .Ballers. (HBO)
RonReaco Lee . .Survivor.s Remorse. (Starz)
Outstanding Actress...
- 12/8/2015
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
HitFix is live-updating all the winners from tonight's 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards. Here's the list as it stands now: Allison Janney, “Mom” **Winner** Mayim Bialik, “The Big Bang Theory” Niecy Nash, “Getting On” Julie Bowen, “Modern Family” Kate McKinnon “Saturday Night Live” Gaby Hoffmann, “Transparent” Jane Krakowski, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” Anna Chlumsky, “Veep” Supporting Actor, Comedy Tony Hale, “Veep” **Winner** Andre Braugher, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” Adam Driver, “Girls” Keegan-Michael Key, “Key & Peele” Ty Burrell, “Modern Family” Tituss Burgess, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” Directing For A Comedy Series Jill Soloway for Transparent, “Best New Girl” from Amazon Instant Video and Amazon Studios **Winner** Phil Lord and Christopher Miller for The Last Man On Earth, “Alive In Tucson” (Pilot) from Fox and 20th Century Fox Television Louis C.K. for Louie, “Sleepover” from FX Networks, Pig Newton, Inc. and FX Productions Mike Judge for Silicon Valley, “Sand Hill Shuffle” from HBO, HBO Entertainment in association with Judgemental Films,...
- 9/21/2015
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Music biopics tend to thrive in two areas: reintroducing the world to relevant music and providing meaty roles for actors. The greats — "Sid and Nancy," "Coal Miner's Daughter," "La Vie en Rose," "What's Love Got to Do With It" — transcend these anticipated attributes with surprises big and small, touching on more than just the major events of a musician's life and digging into the unique themes surrounding them. Dee Rees' follow-up to her richly individual debut film, "Pariah," hems a little too closely to what's expected. "Bessie," starring Queen Latifah in a role perfect for the former jazz and soul singer, ultimately relies too heavily on the conventional structuring of rise, fall and redemption, but does find its voice in its all-too-few moments of specificity. Read More: 2015 Emmys Predictions: Best TV Movie In a script from four screenwriters — Rees, Christopher Cleveland, Horton Foote and Bettina Gilois...
- 5/17/2015
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO Films drama "Bessie," which is directed by Dee Rees, from a screenplay penned by Rees, Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois. With a story by Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues," one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s. The premium cabler has announced will debut this spring, Saturday, May 16 at 8Pm. . "Bessie" is executive produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Lili Fini Zanuck, Richard D. Zanuck, Shelby Stone and Randi Michel. Ron Schmidt produces. The cast...
- 5/13/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Lady Sings the Hues: Rees Returns to Resurrect the Star of Blues Singer
Many may not be immediately familiar with the name Bessie Smith, an incredibly talented and enigmatic blues singer from the 1920s and 30s, whose accomplishments may have lapsed into obscurity outside of the aficionado’s realm. Until now. Returning with her sophomore feature after her powerful 2011 debut Pariah, Dee Rees throws herself into the prickly wiles of the biopic with Bessie for HBO Films. Following in the footsteps of several auteurs that have developed projects with the network, often imbued with those exact details of real life personalities that made their lives so startling in the first place (like Soderbergh’s 2013 Liberace film, Behind the Candelabra), on the surface, Rees gracefully navigates the period with graceful resilience. Until we start to realize there’s still too much we don’t know about Bessie Smith. Eschewing, or more aptly,...
Many may not be immediately familiar with the name Bessie Smith, an incredibly talented and enigmatic blues singer from the 1920s and 30s, whose accomplishments may have lapsed into obscurity outside of the aficionado’s realm. Until now. Returning with her sophomore feature after her powerful 2011 debut Pariah, Dee Rees throws herself into the prickly wiles of the biopic with Bessie for HBO Films. Following in the footsteps of several auteurs that have developed projects with the network, often imbued with those exact details of real life personalities that made their lives so startling in the first place (like Soderbergh’s 2013 Liberace film, Behind the Candelabra), on the surface, Rees gracefully navigates the period with graceful resilience. Until we start to realize there’s still too much we don’t know about Bessie Smith. Eschewing, or more aptly,...
- 5/13/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO Films drama "Bessie," which is directed by Dee Rees, from a screenplay penned by Rees, Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois. With a story by Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues," one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s. The premium cabler has announced will debut this spring, Saturday, May 16 at 8Pm. . "Bessie" is executive produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Lili Fini Zanuck, Richard D. Zanuck, Shelby Stone and Randi Michel. Ron Schmidt produces. The cast...
- 4/27/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO Films drama "Bessie," which is directed by Dee Rees, from a screenplay penned by Rees, Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois. With a story by Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues," one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s. The premium cabler has announced will debut this spring, Saturday, May 16 at 8Pm. . "Bessie" is executive produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Lili Fini Zanuck, Richard D. Zanuck, Shelby Stone and Randi Michel. Ron Schmidt produces. The cast...
- 4/13/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Defying the odds against her, Bessie Smith became one of the most acclaimed performing and recording artists of the 1920s and '30s. HBO has posted a trailer for Bessie, which stars Queen Latifah as the troubled singer. The movie was directed by Dee Rees who also co-wrote with Christopher Cleveland and Bettina Gilois. Cast includes Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi Alexander, Mike Epps, Mo’Nique, Tika Sumpter, Tory Kittles, Oliver Platt, Bryan Greenberg and Charles S…...
- 4/4/2015
- Deadline TV
"If you're not riskin' nothin', neither will they." At a time when record executives finally realized that there was a sizeable black audience waiting to buy records from black musicians, Bessie Smith rose to fame and inspired a new generation of artists with her incredible blues. Now the story of the woman who came to be known as The Empress of the Blues is coming to HBO with Queen Latifiah (Valentine's Day, Just Wright) taking the title role in Bessie. It looks like another solid piece of filmmaking from HBO, which isn't surprising with Pariah director Dee Rees behind the lens, and it's refreshing to dig into the blues. Watch! Here's the teaser trailer for Dee Rees' Bessie from HBO: Bessie is directed by Dee Rees (Pariah) and written by Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois (McFarland USA, Glory Road). Queen Latifah (Bringing Down the House) stars as legendary blues singer...
- 4/4/2015
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Read More: Watch: Things Go Downhill Fast for Queen Latifah in Trailer for Dee Rees' 'Bessie' on HBO Take a trip to the Roaring '20s with "Bessie," a biopic about the life of acclaimed jazz singer Bessie Smith. From the official HBO synopsis: "With a story by Dee Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues," who became one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s and is an enduring icon today." Smith achieved widespread fame as one of the highest paid black singers in the '20s and '30s, but led a turbulent life fraught with infidelity and a difficult marriage. She also pioneered the way for queer women in jazz with her openness about her bisexuality, which pervaded both her onstage and offstage presence. The film was helmed by "Pariah" director Dee Rees,...
- 4/3/2015
- by Becca Nadler
- Indiewire
Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO Films drama "Bessie," which is directed by Dee Rees, from a screenplay penned by Rees, Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois. With a story by Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues," one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s. The premium cabler has announced will debut this spring, Saturday, May 16 at 8Pm. . "Bessie" is executive produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Lili Fini Zanuck, Richard D. Zanuck, Shelby Stone and Randi Michel. Ron Schmidt produces. The cast...
- 4/3/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The latest in HBO original films will bring the story of legendary iconic blues singer Bessie Smith to life with an all star cast and a notable director. The biopic is directed by Dee Rees, best known for her award winning feature film Pariah about a young girl discovering her sexual and gender identity in the inner city. The biopic is executive produced and stars Queen Latifah, an actress who has proven herself as a musical performer in the film adaptation of musical Chicago and as a dramatic presence in the Television movie Life Support. Also notable in the cast are Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi Alexander, Mike Epps, Tika Sumpter, Tory Kittles, Oliver Platt, Bryan Greenberg, with Charles S. Dutton and Mo’Nique.
Here is the synopsis:
“Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in this HBO Films presentation, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dee Rees from a screenplay...
Here is the synopsis:
“Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in this HBO Films presentation, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dee Rees from a screenplay...
- 3/15/2015
- by Jean Pierre Diez
- SoundOnSight
Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO Films drama "Bessie," which is directed by Dee Rees, from a screenplay penned by Rees, Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois. With a story by Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues," one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s, offering an intimate look at the determined woman whose immense talent and love for music took her from anonymity in the rough-and-tumble world of vaudeville, to the 1920s blues scene and international fame, capturing her professional highs and personal lows,...
- 3/14/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
I smell Emmy Awards consideration for this one, later this year... Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO Films drama "Bessie," which is directed by Dee Rees, from a screenplay penned by Rees, Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois. With a story by Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues," one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s. The premium cabler has announced will debut this spring, Saturday, May 16 at 8Pm. . "Bessie" is executive produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Lili Fini Zanuck, Richard D....
- 3/13/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
I smell Emmy Awards consideration for this one, later this year... Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO Films drama "Bessie," which is directed by Dee Rees, from a screenplay penned by Rees, Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois. With a story by Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues," one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s. The premium cabler has announced, via press release today, that the film will debut this spring, Saturday, May 16 at 8Pm. . "Bessie" is executive produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim...
- 2/24/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Chicago – Sports stories are made for the underdog, and it is the conduit for many immigrants and minorities to break through to the American Dream. “McFarland, USA” takes that idea and runs with it, as a high school cross country team of Mexican immigrants head towards the finish line.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Kevin Costner portrays the “coach,” with the same good vibes and unflappable air he has given all of his sports movie roles. This is based-on-a-true-story, so there actually is a cross country team in McFarland (north of Bakersfield, California), who kept winning because of the coach and the tradition established there. This is the origin story of that team in 1987, as the Mexican immigrant sons of “pickers” (field workers) become the core of the runners. The themes of poverty and wanting to belong to America run like a thread through the story, which per usual for sports stories involved second...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Kevin Costner portrays the “coach,” with the same good vibes and unflappable air he has given all of his sports movie roles. This is based-on-a-true-story, so there actually is a cross country team in McFarland (north of Bakersfield, California), who kept winning because of the coach and the tradition established there. This is the origin story of that team in 1987, as the Mexican immigrant sons of “pickers” (field workers) become the core of the runners. The themes of poverty and wanting to belong to America run like a thread through the story, which per usual for sports stories involved second...
- 2/23/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Personal Best: Caro Returns to Studio Filmmaking with Feel-Good Adaptation
It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from New Zealand director Niki Caro, who made headlines with her 2002 sophomore film, Whale Rider, before making her Hollywood debut with 2005’s North Country. After the dismal reception of her 2009 effort, A Heavenly Vintage (aka The Vinter’s Luck), she’s helmed, of all things, a Disney film, McFarland, USA. Kevin Costner, once the penultimate star of mainstream, sports themed cinema, finds himself as the figure responsible for fostering athletic careers, moving from Ivan Reitman’s Draft Day to late 1980’s cross-country coach here. Caro’s film is the second ‘based on a true story’ minority flavored studio flick this year, following Sean McNamara’s Spare Parts, which also relates the travails of a group of Hispanic students overcoming odds to succeed in an organized school events. Beat by methodical beat,...
It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything from New Zealand director Niki Caro, who made headlines with her 2002 sophomore film, Whale Rider, before making her Hollywood debut with 2005’s North Country. After the dismal reception of her 2009 effort, A Heavenly Vintage (aka The Vinter’s Luck), she’s helmed, of all things, a Disney film, McFarland, USA. Kevin Costner, once the penultimate star of mainstream, sports themed cinema, finds himself as the figure responsible for fostering athletic careers, moving from Ivan Reitman’s Draft Day to late 1980’s cross-country coach here. Caro’s film is the second ‘based on a true story’ minority flavored studio flick this year, following Sean McNamara’s Spare Parts, which also relates the travails of a group of Hispanic students overcoming odds to succeed in an organized school events. Beat by methodical beat,...
- 2/19/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
There is a recognizable template to inspirational sports dramas developed by Disney. You have a beleaguered coach figure trying to reclaim his former glory. You have a rowdy, unmotivated group of ragtag players that just need to add discipline to their raw talent to attain success. You have an antagonist buoyed by prestige or power that the underdog protagonists have to face. You have montages set to swelling music, and of course, the inevitable down-to-the-wire speech, of which any dedicated fan of the genre could recite a variation. Oh, and most of the time, they are based on a true story.
The sport is different but the song remains the same for McFarland, USA. Kevin Costner continues his dismal streak of performances after Three Days to Kill and Draft Day, as high-school football coach Jim White. After roughing up a student, White loses his job at an elite secondary school...
The sport is different but the song remains the same for McFarland, USA. Kevin Costner continues his dismal streak of performances after Three Days to Kill and Draft Day, as high-school football coach Jim White. After roughing up a student, White loses his job at an elite secondary school...
- 2/18/2015
- by Jordan Adler
- We Got This Covered
Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.
Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic.
With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his...
Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic.
With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his...
- 2/10/2015
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO Films drama "Bessie," which is directed by Dee Rees, from a screenplay penned by Rees, Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois. With a story by Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues," one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s. The premium cabler has announced, via press release today, that the film will debut this spring, although a specific date isn't given. "Bessie" is executive produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Lili Fini Zanuck, Richard D. Zanuck, Shelby Stone and...
- 1/9/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures has released a lineup, along with new photos and dates, of their upcoming movies for 2015.
From dinosaurs to fairy tales, super heroes to galaxies far, far away, one of the most anticipated films next year is from director Steven Spielberg.
©DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Tom Hanks (left) stars in Spielberg’s (right) Untitled Cold War spy thriller, which is the true story of James Donovan, an attorney who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible mission to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot.
“This is one of the more astonishing stories about the Cold War I’d ever heard. James Donovan is a hero to me and Tom made him so completely accessible. I’ve always wanted to make a spy...
From dinosaurs to fairy tales, super heroes to galaxies far, far away, one of the most anticipated films next year is from director Steven Spielberg.
©DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Tom Hanks (left) stars in Spielberg’s (right) Untitled Cold War spy thriller, which is the true story of James Donovan, an attorney who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible mission to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot.
“This is one of the more astonishing stories about the Cold War I’d ever heard. James Donovan is a hero to me and Tom made him so completely accessible. I’ve always wanted to make a spy...
- 12/30/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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