Stuck at home while Covid-19 infections spike? The good news is that the best new movies to watch this week are heading straight to streaming services.
Amazon Prime subscribers can close out Steve McQueen’s masterful “Small Axe” anthology, while August Wilson adaptation “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — featuring the final role of Chadwick Boseman, starring opposite never-better Viola Davis in the title role — makes its way to Netflix.
But if it’s big-screen spectacle you’re after, you’ll have to judge for yourself how safe it is to watch films such as “Monster Hunter” — in which “Resident Evil” star Milla Jovovich steps into another video game adaptation to do battle with massive CG beasts from a parallel dimension — and “Fatale,” an infidelity thriller starring Hilary Swank as the Las Vegas fling who re-enters a philandering husband’s life after he calls the cops.
On demand, Gerard Butler was supposed...
Amazon Prime subscribers can close out Steve McQueen’s masterful “Small Axe” anthology, while August Wilson adaptation “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” — featuring the final role of Chadwick Boseman, starring opposite never-better Viola Davis in the title role — makes its way to Netflix.
But if it’s big-screen spectacle you’re after, you’ll have to judge for yourself how safe it is to watch films such as “Monster Hunter” — in which “Resident Evil” star Milla Jovovich steps into another video game adaptation to do battle with massive CG beasts from a parallel dimension — and “Fatale,” an infidelity thriller starring Hilary Swank as the Las Vegas fling who re-enters a philandering husband’s life after he calls the cops.
On demand, Gerard Butler was supposed...
- 12/18/2020
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Back in 1995, in the midst of cinema’s brief fixation with Jane Austen, director Roger Michell made the definitive film of “Persuasion”: as literate and elegant as it was underestimated upon release. That same year, Amy Heckerling set the bar for modernized Austen adaptations with her lithely funny and era-defining “Emma” riff “Clueless.” A quarter-century later, the straightforwardly titled “Modern Persuasion” falls some way short of either benchmark. Refashioning Austen’s bittersweet final novel about love surmounting prickly English class politics as a peppy romantic comedy of missed connections among the moneyed New York media set, Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki’s film is both too innocuous and too flatly imagined to stir much feeling either way.
What it does have going for it is Alicia Witt, a likable, spirited star too little used by Hollywood of late, but recently a leading mainstay of Hallmark holiday movies — from which...
What it does have going for it is Alicia Witt, a likable, spirited star too little used by Hollywood of late, but recently a leading mainstay of Hallmark holiday movies — from which...
- 12/16/2020
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
"What better way for me to get over my first love than to watch him fall in love with someone else...?" Samuel Goldwyn Films has released an official trailer for a romantic comedy titled Modern Persuasion, made by actors / filmmakers Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki. The film is an adaptation of Jane Austen's 1817 novel "Persuasion", updated as a story about Modern Persuasion. A happily single woman focused on her career in New York is forced to deal with the aftermath of feelings about a failed relationship when "the one that got away" hires her company. The film stars Alicia Witt as Wren Cosgrove, with Bebe Neuwirth, Daniella Pineda, Liza Lapira, Mark Moses, Li Jun Li, Dominic Rains, and Shane McRae. This looks super cliche and extra schmaltzy, but it might be a fun watch with this rather spunky cast. Take a look. Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Appel & Lisecki's Modern Persuasion,...
- 11/13/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Pacific Northwest Pictures to release in Canada.
Myriad Pictures announced on Wednesday (September 30) that Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired US rights to rom-com Modern Persuasion starring Alicia Witt.
Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki directed the Jane Austen adaptation from Tangerine Entertainment and Tortyfly Pictures, based on a screenplay by Lisecki (Gayby) and Barbara Radecki (Expecting).
Witt, stars with Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth in the contemporary tale about a New York workaholic whose firm is hired by an old flame.
Samuel Goldwyn Films will release Modern Persuasion in December.
Myriad Pictures president and CEO Kirk D’Amico said: “We are delighted...
Myriad Pictures announced on Wednesday (September 30) that Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired US rights to rom-com Modern Persuasion starring Alicia Witt.
Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki directed the Jane Austen adaptation from Tangerine Entertainment and Tortyfly Pictures, based on a screenplay by Lisecki (Gayby) and Barbara Radecki (Expecting).
Witt, stars with Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth in the contemporary tale about a New York workaholic whose firm is hired by an old flame.
Samuel Goldwyn Films will release Modern Persuasion in December.
Myriad Pictures president and CEO Kirk D’Amico said: “We are delighted...
- 9/30/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Myriad Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to the Alicia Witt romantic comedy “Modern Persuasion,” which will premiere at the Cannes Virtual Market.
The film, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1817 novel “Persuasion,” is directed by Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki from a script by Lisecki and Barbara Radecki. The film also stars Liza Lapira, Daniela Pineda, Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth.
“Modern Persuasion” centers on Witt’s character, a happily single and self-confessed workaholic who, after steadfastly rising to the top of the ladder in the New York corporate publicity world, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. When her firm is hired by a previous love, long-lost feelings are stirred.
Myriad Pictures president and CEO Kirk D’Amico said: “We loved Alex’s and Jonathan’s modern day take on the Jane Austen classic and are excited to begin selling this delightful and clever romantic comedy. Alicia Witt...
The film, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1817 novel “Persuasion,” is directed by Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki from a script by Lisecki and Barbara Radecki. The film also stars Liza Lapira, Daniela Pineda, Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth.
“Modern Persuasion” centers on Witt’s character, a happily single and self-confessed workaholic who, after steadfastly rising to the top of the ladder in the New York corporate publicity world, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. When her firm is hired by a previous love, long-lost feelings are stirred.
Myriad Pictures president and CEO Kirk D’Amico said: “We loved Alex’s and Jonathan’s modern day take on the Jane Austen classic and are excited to begin selling this delightful and clever romantic comedy. Alicia Witt...
- 6/18/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Tangerine Entertainment and Tortyfly Pictures produced.
Myriad Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to the rom-com Modern Persuasion starring Alicia Witt and will launch sales and screen the film at the Cannes virtual market next week.
Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki directed the Jane Austen adaptation from Tangerine Entertainment and Tortyfly Pictures, based on a screenplay by Lisecki (Gayby) and Barbara Radecki (Expecting).
Witt, stars with Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth in the contemporary tale about a New York workaholic whose firm is hired by an old flame.
Tangerine Entertainment, founded by Amy Hobby and Anne Hubbell, works exclusively with female-identifying...
Myriad Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to the rom-com Modern Persuasion starring Alicia Witt and will launch sales and screen the film at the Cannes virtual market next week.
Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki directed the Jane Austen adaptation from Tangerine Entertainment and Tortyfly Pictures, based on a screenplay by Lisecki (Gayby) and Barbara Radecki (Expecting).
Witt, stars with Shane McRae and Bebe Neuwirth in the contemporary tale about a New York workaholic whose firm is hired by an old flame.
Tangerine Entertainment, founded by Amy Hobby and Anne Hubbell, works exclusively with female-identifying...
- 6/15/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Ser’Darius Blain, last seen on the big screen in Sony’s blockbuster, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, has been cast in Against All Enemies, joining Kristen Stewart, Jack O’Connell, Vince Vaughn, and Anthony Mackie. Directed by Benedict Andrews, the political thriller follows iconic actress Jean Seberg (Stewart) who, in the late 1960s, was targeted by the illegal FBI surveillance program Cointelpro in retaliation for her support of the Black Panther Party. Blain will play Louis Lewis, a Black Panther who is arrested by the FBI. Fred Berger and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones of Automatik are producing alongside Kate Garwood and Stephen Hopkins, as well as Bradley Pilz, Alan Ritchson, and Marina Acton. The script is by Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, both of whom will serve as executive producers. Blain, who up next stars in the CW’s Charmed reboot, is repped by Paradigm, Grandview, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman,...
- 7/26/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Another Jane Austen adaptation is on its way. Alicia Witt is set to star in the indie feature Modern Persuasion, a modern adaptation of Austen’s Persuasion to be directed by Alex Appel (The Death of Alice Blue) and Jonathan Lisecki (Gayby).
Witt’s numerous feature credits include this year’s Mississippi Requiem opposite James Franco and Topher Grace, 88 Minutes opposite Al Pacino, Two Weeks Notice opposite Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant, Last Holiday with Queen Latifah.
From a script penned by Lisecki and Barbara Radecki (Expecting), Modern Persuasion centers on Wren Cosgrove (Witt), a happily single and self-confessed workaholic who, after steadfastly rising to the top of the ladder in the NY corporate publicity world, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. But when her firm is hired by the man who got away, Wren finds herself having to interact with her ex-boyfriend every day when...
Witt’s numerous feature credits include this year’s Mississippi Requiem opposite James Franco and Topher Grace, 88 Minutes opposite Al Pacino, Two Weeks Notice opposite Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant, Last Holiday with Queen Latifah.
From a script penned by Lisecki and Barbara Radecki (Expecting), Modern Persuasion centers on Wren Cosgrove (Witt), a happily single and self-confessed workaholic who, after steadfastly rising to the top of the ladder in the NY corporate publicity world, finds herself coming home every night to her cat. But when her firm is hired by the man who got away, Wren finds herself having to interact with her ex-boyfriend every day when...
- 7/19/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Strange things are afoot in West Hollywood, or at least that’s the case in the new thriller “Kiss Me, Kill Me,” about a grisly murder and a search for justice. After Dusty (Van Hansis) confronts his boyfriend Stephen (Gale Harold) about his frequent infidelity, he blacks out, only to wake up and discover that Stephen has been murdered. Now, everyone’s looking to Dusty as the prime suspect. The film also stars Brianna Brown (“Devious Maids”), Yolonda Ross (“The Get Down”), Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye”), Matthew Ludwinski (“Going Down in La-la Land”), Craig Robert Young (“The Last Ship”), Kit Williamson (“Mad Men”), Jonathan Lisecki (“Gayby”) and more. Watch an exclusive trailer for the film below.
Read More: Kickstarting a New Golden Age of Lgbt Film: Kit Williamson Interviews Casper Andreas
“I have always enjoyed a good who-done-it,” says director Casper Andreas. “Growing up, I was a huge fan of...
Read More: Kickstarting a New Golden Age of Lgbt Film: Kit Williamson Interviews Casper Andreas
“I have always enjoyed a good who-done-it,” says director Casper Andreas. “Growing up, I was a huge fan of...
- 12/5/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
These showbiz peeps rocked the vote, today. Their next important vote: guild voting for Best Movies / Performances of the Year (or just continuing to be fabulous if they're not a guild member)!
Cute election day photos of Zoe Kazan, Mae Whitman, Justin Theroux, Drew Barrymore, Erich Bergen, Jonathan Lisecki (Gayby), Judy Greer, Neil Patrick Harris, Marisa Tomei, Adam Scott, Kelly Mantle (RuPaul's Drag Race), Anne Hathaway, Melissa McCarthy, Garrett Dillahunt, Chloe Bennet (Agents of Shield), Jason Ritter, and Nicole Kidman after the jump.
Which photo is your favorite?...
Cute election day photos of Zoe Kazan, Mae Whitman, Justin Theroux, Drew Barrymore, Erich Bergen, Jonathan Lisecki (Gayby), Judy Greer, Neil Patrick Harris, Marisa Tomei, Adam Scott, Kelly Mantle (RuPaul's Drag Race), Anne Hathaway, Melissa McCarthy, Garrett Dillahunt, Chloe Bennet (Agents of Shield), Jason Ritter, and Nicole Kidman after the jump.
Which photo is your favorite?...
- 11/8/2016
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Watch the Gotham Awards Streaming and Find Out the Winners Live Tonight!
Tonight starting at 6:30pm Est you can watch the red carpet arrivals for the 2014 Gotham Awards hosted by Jonathan Lisecki, streaming exclusively at www.ifp.org . The awards show will start at 8:00 pm and will be hosted by talented actress Uma Thurman.
The list of guests and presenters includes some of this season's most talked about talent such as Patricia Arquette ( who just won the Nyfcc Award for Best Supporting Actress for "Boyhood"), Steve Carell ("Foxcatcher"), Ethan Hawke ("Boyhood"), Oscar Isaac ("A Most Violent Year"), Jonathan Glazer ("Under the Skin"), Bill Hader ("The Skeleton Twins"), J.C. Chandor ("A Most Violent Year"), Scarlet Johansson ("Under the Skin"), Miles Teller ("Whiplash") Ira Sachs ("Love is Strange"), Julianne Moore ("Still Alice"), Jenny Slate ("Obvious Child"), Hilary Swank ("The Homesman"), and many more. ...
Tonight starting at 6:30pm Est you can watch the red carpet arrivals for the 2014 Gotham Awards hosted by Jonathan Lisecki, streaming exclusively at www.ifp.org . The awards show will start at 8:00 pm and will be hosted by talented actress Uma Thurman.
The list of guests and presenters includes some of this season's most talked about talent such as Patricia Arquette ( who just won the Nyfcc Award for Best Supporting Actress for "Boyhood"), Steve Carell ("Foxcatcher"), Ethan Hawke ("Boyhood"), Oscar Isaac ("A Most Violent Year"), Jonathan Glazer ("Under the Skin"), Bill Hader ("The Skeleton Twins"), J.C. Chandor ("A Most Violent Year"), Scarlet Johansson ("Under the Skin"), Miles Teller ("Whiplash") Ira Sachs ("Love is Strange"), Julianne Moore ("Still Alice"), Jenny Slate ("Obvious Child"), Hilary Swank ("The Homesman"), and many more. ...
- 12/1/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Paul Feig went from creating ’90s cult favorite Freaks and Geeks to directing 2011′s comedy hit Bridesmaids, but between those, he directed 2003′s little-known drama I Am David – which he’s still proud of to this day. See what the director had to say about that film, along with his other picks for favorite underrated movies:
Loves of a Blonde
“This first feature film from Amadeus director Milos Forman is the funny and bittersweet tale of a pretty teenage girl living in Communist Czechoslovakia trying desperately to find anything to lift her out of her bleak everyday life. Filled with funny,...
Loves of a Blonde
“This first feature film from Amadeus director Milos Forman is the funny and bittersweet tale of a pretty teenage girl living in Communist Czechoslovakia trying desperately to find anything to lift her out of her bleak everyday life. Filled with funny,...
- 3/14/2014
- by EW staff
- EW - Inside Movies
Clearly the biggest Lgbt news in America last week -- which just so happened to also mark pride celebrations in gay meccas like New York and San Francisco -- was the Supreme Court's historical rulings on the Defense of Marriage Act and Prop 8. But in the midst of that came a notable success story in the indie film world: Jonathan Lisecki's "Gayby" was picked as the film of the week on iTunes and subsequently soared to the top of their charts, beating out films with budgets and theatrical grosses literally 100 times greater (if not 1,000). Perhaps all the big news put at-home audiences in a particularly gay content friendly mood, or maybe Lisecki's hilarious and charming rom com simply won them over (like it did Kerry Washington and Paul Feig, whose vocal support for the film surely aided it as well). The answer is probably somewhere in the middle, along...
- 7/2/2013
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
From my Irish heart to you, Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Out boxer Orlando Cruz has won his second fight since coming out, defeating Aaron Martinez in a 6th round technical knockout. Cruz wore his trademark boxing kilt, made of two flags, the Puerto Rican flag on one side, and a Pride flag on the other.
Forbes has released their annual Most Influential Celebrities list, topped by Oprah Winfrey. The only out celebrity on the list is Suze Orman, who I admit, I never think about.
Oz the Great and Powerful is cruising to another box office win with $42 million, followed by Halle Berry's The Call at $17 million, with Burt Wonderstone coming in a disappointing third with $11 million.
The new edition of American Horror Story will have the subtitle Coven, and will shoot on location for the first time, in New Orleans. Ryan Murphy says he's also considering a spin-off series,...
Out boxer Orlando Cruz has won his second fight since coming out, defeating Aaron Martinez in a 6th round technical knockout. Cruz wore his trademark boxing kilt, made of two flags, the Puerto Rican flag on one side, and a Pride flag on the other.
Forbes has released their annual Most Influential Celebrities list, topped by Oprah Winfrey. The only out celebrity on the list is Suze Orman, who I admit, I never think about.
Oz the Great and Powerful is cruising to another box office win with $42 million, followed by Halle Berry's The Call at $17 million, with Burt Wonderstone coming in a disappointing third with $11 million.
The new edition of American Horror Story will have the subtitle Coven, and will shoot on location for the first time, in New Orleans. Ryan Murphy says he's also considering a spin-off series,...
- 3/17/2013
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
Coming on the heels of some exceptionally strong Lgbt docs at both Sundance (Marta Cunningham's "Valentine Road" and Roger Ross Williams' "God Loves Uganda") and Berlin (Sébastien Lifshitz's "Bambi" and Angela Christlieb's "Naked Opera"), SXSW continued what is clearly shaping up to become a banner year. In its previous two editions, SXSW was the theatrical birthplace of both Andrew Haigh's romantic drama "Weekend" and Jonathan Lisecki's gay man/straight girl romantic comedy "Gayby," establishing the festival as just as reliable a place to find quality queer narrative films as its two aforementioned predecessors. But this year was all about non-fiction. Three documentaries -- Malcolm Ingram's "Continental," Jeffrey Schwarz's "I Am Divine" and Pj Raval's "Before You Know It" -- each premiered at the fest, and each will deservedly be a highlight at the scores of doc and Lgbt-focused festivals they'll surely...
- 3/15/2013
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
Each year, the awards season comes to a close with two of the biggest ceremonies in the Us. Tonight is of course the best known, with the Academy Awards being the most prestigious handed out in the industry. But every year, the previous night is reserved for recognising the achievements in filmmaking outside of the studio system with the Independent Spirit Awards.
I’m a big fan of the Independent Spirit Awards, and look forward to their results every year. Last night, some of the finest talents across the independent industry were recognised, and Silver Linings Playbook came away on top with an impressive four category wins.
David O. Russell’s latest feature took home the Best Feature award, it won him personally the Best Director and Best Screenplay awards, and Jennifer Lawrence’s remarkable performance in it won her the Best Female Lead award.
Derek Connolly’s script in...
I’m a big fan of the Independent Spirit Awards, and look forward to their results every year. Last night, some of the finest talents across the independent industry were recognised, and Silver Linings Playbook came away on top with an impressive four category wins.
David O. Russell’s latest feature took home the Best Feature award, it won him personally the Best Director and Best Screenplay awards, and Jennifer Lawrence’s remarkable performance in it won her the Best Female Lead award.
Derek Connolly’s script in...
- 2/24/2013
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Although there rarely seems to be much (if any) overlap between the Independent Spirit Awards and the Oscars when it comes to the winners, it's always nice to see some of these movies getting recognition when they will likely be ignored by the Academy. Silver Linings Playbook does not seem to have much of a shot at winning anything tonight (with the exception of Jennifer Lawrence for Best Actress), but it dominated the competition last night winning 4 out of the 5 categories it was nominated in including Best Picture. Jennifer Lawrence also won for Best Female Lead and David O. Russell won Best Director and Best Screenplay. Other winners included The Sessions co-stars John Hawkes for Best Male Lead and Helen Hunt for Best Supporting Female, while Matthew McConaughey won Best Supporting Male for his performance in Magic Mike. Amour took home the Best Foreign Film Award and The Invisible War won Best Documentary.
- 2/24/2013
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
It would be the film with the juju in David O. Russell’s zany black comedy that was the toast of the 28th Independent Spirit Awards beating Beasts Of The Southern Wild – its fiercest rival in all major categories. Silver Linings Playbook cleaned up, grabbing Best Feature, Director, Screenplay and Best Actress went to Jennifer Lawrence – the heavy favorite for tomorrow’s Oscar. Fox Searchlight might have grabbed only one award for Beasts in the Cinematography category, but it’s other Sundance pick-up The Sessions managed to nab a pair of acting prizes for Helen Hunt and Oscar snubbed John Hawkes for Best Male Lead. In our favorite grant categories, Adam Leon (Gimme the Loot) nabbed the Someone to Watch Award (last year it went to Mark Jackson), the Piaget Producers Award went to Mynette Louie (she produced Tze Chun’s sophomore film Eye of Winter which we are keeping...
- 2/24/2013
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
It's one of the biggest night's in the independent film industry, and as the 2013 Spirit Awards come to an end, we grant you with the complete list of winners!
Earlier this evening (February 23), celebrities flocked to Santa Monica Beach for a night of celebrations honoring the best and brightest from the world of independent film.
Taking home the prize for Best Feature was the cast and crew of "Silver Linings Playbook," while John Hawkes (The Sessions) and Jennifer Lawrence ("Silver Linings Playbook") took home the awards for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
In addition, Matthew McConaughey ("Magic Mike") scored a win for Best Supporting Actor, while Helen Hunt (The Sessions) took home the prize for Best Supporting Actress.
Meanwhile, David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook") proved victorious in the Best Director category and "Middle of Nowhere" received the John Cassavetes award, which pays homage to the best film created...
Earlier this evening (February 23), celebrities flocked to Santa Monica Beach for a night of celebrations honoring the best and brightest from the world of independent film.
Taking home the prize for Best Feature was the cast and crew of "Silver Linings Playbook," while John Hawkes (The Sessions) and Jennifer Lawrence ("Silver Linings Playbook") took home the awards for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
In addition, Matthew McConaughey ("Magic Mike") scored a win for Best Supporting Actor, while Helen Hunt (The Sessions) took home the prize for Best Supporting Actress.
Meanwhile, David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook") proved victorious in the Best Director category and "Middle of Nowhere" received the John Cassavetes award, which pays homage to the best film created...
- 2/24/2013
- GossipCenter
It's one of the biggest night's in the independent film industry, and as the 2013 Spirit Awards come to an end, we are granting you with the complete list of victors!
Earlier this evening (February 23), celebrities headed over to the Santa Monica Beach for a night of celebrations honoring the best Indie films from the past year.
Taking home the prize for Best Feature was the cast and crew of "Silver Linings Playbook," while John Hawkes and Jennifer Lawrence took home the awards for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
In addition, Matthew McConaughey scored a win for Best Supporting Actor, while Helen Hunt took was honored with a nod for Best Supporting Actress.
Meanwhile, David O. Russell proved victorious in the Best Director category and "Middle of Nowhere" received the honor of the John Cassavetes, which pays homage to the best film created with a budget under $500,000.
Take a look...
Earlier this evening (February 23), celebrities headed over to the Santa Monica Beach for a night of celebrations honoring the best Indie films from the past year.
Taking home the prize for Best Feature was the cast and crew of "Silver Linings Playbook," while John Hawkes and Jennifer Lawrence took home the awards for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
In addition, Matthew McConaughey scored a win for Best Supporting Actor, while Helen Hunt took was honored with a nod for Best Supporting Actress.
Meanwhile, David O. Russell proved victorious in the Best Director category and "Middle of Nowhere" received the honor of the John Cassavetes, which pays homage to the best film created with a budget under $500,000.
Take a look...
- 2/24/2013
- GossipCenter
David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook" was the big winner at the 28th annual Independent Spirit Awards held in Santa Monica, CA this afternoon and hosted by Andy Samberg. "Silver Linings" took home the Best Feature, Actress (Jennifer Lawrence), Director, and Screenplay trophies.
McConaughey, who nearly stole the show in Steven Soderbergh's "Magic Mike," won the Best Supporting Male award for a performance that was largely ignored by the Academy Awards. As Samberg astutely observed, "We've got Matthew McConaughey...Hollywood fuck you!"
Jennifer Lawrence won the Best Female Lead award for "Silver Linings Playbook," while John Hawkes took home the Best Male Lead trophy for "Sessions." His co-star, Helen Hunt, won the Best Supporting Female award.
Michael Haneke's "Amour," a darling of the 85th Academy Awards, deservingly won Best International Film.
The awards show can be seen on IFC tonight at 10 pm (Est).
Here's the full list...
McConaughey, who nearly stole the show in Steven Soderbergh's "Magic Mike," won the Best Supporting Male award for a performance that was largely ignored by the Academy Awards. As Samberg astutely observed, "We've got Matthew McConaughey...Hollywood fuck you!"
Jennifer Lawrence won the Best Female Lead award for "Silver Linings Playbook," while John Hawkes took home the Best Male Lead trophy for "Sessions." His co-star, Helen Hunt, won the Best Supporting Female award.
Michael Haneke's "Amour," a darling of the 85th Academy Awards, deservingly won Best International Film.
The awards show can be seen on IFC tonight at 10 pm (Est).
Here's the full list...
- 2/24/2013
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook" had a heyday at the 28th Independent Spirit Awards, taking home four prizes out of five nominations, including Best Feature, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Female Lead for Jennifer Lawrence.
"The Sessions" also got its due after being shut out at the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. John Hawkes beat out "Silver Linings'" Bradley Cooper for Best Male Lead and Helen Hunt won Best Supporting Female. Also worth noting? Matthew McCounaghey's Best Supporting Male win for "Magic Mike," and his Best Male Lead loss for "Killer Joe."
Here is the full list of Independent Spirit Awards 2013 winners:
Best Feature
"Beasts of the Southern Wild"
"Bernie"
"Keep the Lights On"
"Moonrise Kingdom"
"Silver Linings Playbook"
Best Director
Benh Zeitlin, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Ira Sachs, "Keep the Lights On"
Julia Loktev, "The Loneliest Planet"
Wes Anderson, "Moonrise Kingdom"
David O. Russell,...
"The Sessions" also got its due after being shut out at the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. John Hawkes beat out "Silver Linings'" Bradley Cooper for Best Male Lead and Helen Hunt won Best Supporting Female. Also worth noting? Matthew McCounaghey's Best Supporting Male win for "Magic Mike," and his Best Male Lead loss for "Killer Joe."
Here is the full list of Independent Spirit Awards 2013 winners:
Best Feature
"Beasts of the Southern Wild"
"Bernie"
"Keep the Lights On"
"Moonrise Kingdom"
"Silver Linings Playbook"
Best Director
Benh Zeitlin, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Ira Sachs, "Keep the Lights On"
Julia Loktev, "The Loneliest Planet"
Wes Anderson, "Moonrise Kingdom"
David O. Russell,...
- 2/24/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
The weekend’s other big movie awards ceremony—the Independent Spirit Awards—was held this afternoon in Santa Monica, Calif., with Andy Samberg on board as host. The big winner was David O. Russell’s romantic dramedy Silver Linings Playbook, which took home four prizes: best feature, best director, best actress, and best screenplay. But there was plenty of love spread around the year’s top indies. Here’s the full list of winners:
Best Feature
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Bernie
Keep the Lights On
Moonrise Kingdom
Silver Linings Playbook – Winner
Best Director
Benh Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Ira Sachs,...
Best Feature
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Bernie
Keep the Lights On
Moonrise Kingdom
Silver Linings Playbook – Winner
Best Director
Benh Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Ira Sachs,...
- 2/24/2013
- by Josh Rottenberg
- EW - Inside Movies
Today the 2013 Spirit Awards were handed out and it was a dominating effort from Silver Linings Playbook as it won Best Picture, Director (David O. Russell), Actress (Jennifer Lawrence) and Screenplay (Russell). The only award it was nominated for and didn't win was Best Actor where Bradley Cooper lost to John Hawkes for The Sessions, but that's only a minor blip on the radar when you win this big. Among the early awards handed out, Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower won for Best First Feature while Derek Connolly won for Best First Screenplay for the romantic sci-fi film Safety Not Guaranteed. Then the Twitterverse exploded with a Best Supporting Actor win for Matthew McConaughey and his work in Magic Mike, which, for a time, seemed like it may be able to eek into that last Supporting slot at the Oscars. No dice, a Spirit Award it will have to be.
- 2/23/2013
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Some of the best movies from this year are being celebrated on Feb. 23 at the Independent Spirit Awards — and HollywoodLife.com is live streaming the red carpet just for you!
Andy Samberg will host the Independent Spirit Awards on Feb. 23, the awards show that celebrates independent films and showcases the best of the year to a bigger audience. While some A-Listers are such as Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper are nominated, other actors and films that are also nominated will surely be added to your must-see list! Keep reading to watch the live red carpet now!
The Independent Spirit Awards air on Feb. 23 at 10Pm Et on IFC. See the full list of nominations below:
Best Feature
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Bernie
Keep the Lights on
Moonrise Kingdom
Silver Linings Playbook
Best Director
Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom
Julia Loktev, The Loneliest Planet
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Ira Sachs,...
Andy Samberg will host the Independent Spirit Awards on Feb. 23, the awards show that celebrates independent films and showcases the best of the year to a bigger audience. While some A-Listers are such as Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper are nominated, other actors and films that are also nominated will surely be added to your must-see list! Keep reading to watch the live red carpet now!
The Independent Spirit Awards air on Feb. 23 at 10Pm Et on IFC. See the full list of nominations below:
Best Feature
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Bernie
Keep the Lights on
Moonrise Kingdom
Silver Linings Playbook
Best Director
Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom
Julia Loktev, The Loneliest Planet
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Ira Sachs,...
- 2/23/2013
- by Christopher Rogers
- HollywoodLife
pssst. 7 Days Until Oscar Nominations!
Oscar ballots are due tomorrow, and for whatever problems AMPAS had with its non beta-tested new online voting system, only one measly 24 hour extension came their way. So we have to start drawing barely visiblie lines in the blog sand and collect ourselves to look back now that we're in the before & after week... "This is where we've been!". Just in case you've missed any of this film year's interviews *thus far* here they are collected for you. (I'll update this index when more 2012 related interviews come our way, via DVD releases, continuing Oscar campaigns and whatnot.)
Actors
Alan Cumming in Any Day Now
Ann Dowd in Compliance
Eddie Redmayne in Les Misérables
Kerry Washington in Django Unchained
Logan Lerman in The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Nicole Kidman in The Paperboy
Nicole Kidman on the 10th anniversary of her Oscar win in The Hours...
Oscar ballots are due tomorrow, and for whatever problems AMPAS had with its non beta-tested new online voting system, only one measly 24 hour extension came their way. So we have to start drawing barely visiblie lines in the blog sand and collect ourselves to look back now that we're in the before & after week... "This is where we've been!". Just in case you've missed any of this film year's interviews *thus far* here they are collected for you. (I'll update this index when more 2012 related interviews come our way, via DVD releases, continuing Oscar campaigns and whatnot.)
Actors
Alan Cumming in Any Day Now
Ann Dowd in Compliance
Eddie Redmayne in Les Misérables
Kerry Washington in Django Unchained
Logan Lerman in The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Nicole Kidman in The Paperboy
Nicole Kidman on the 10th anniversary of her Oscar win in The Hours...
- 1/3/2013
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Awards Daily Spike Lee won't see Django Unchained "slavery was not a spaghetti western" and Sasha is right that if he made the film he'd be crucified in the media that's now celebrating Tarantino.
E! It's a third marriage for Kate Winslet who could now legally change her name legally to "Kate Rocknroll" should she want to.
Michael Murray's hilariously inappropriate interview with Rust & Bone's "Marion Cotillard"
Movie|Line a good interview with Tom Hooper on his Les Misérables direction... and the controversial choices he made
Coming Soon the cast of Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom follow up The Grand Budapest Hotel is revealed. I'm sad that there's no Anjelica Huston (I need her in my Wes movies) but it's fun to know that some regulars will return and the newbies Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law and Saoirse Ronan, who has, according to the man himself "quite a big part" are exciting gets.
E! It's a third marriage for Kate Winslet who could now legally change her name legally to "Kate Rocknroll" should she want to.
Michael Murray's hilariously inappropriate interview with Rust & Bone's "Marion Cotillard"
Movie|Line a good interview with Tom Hooper on his Les Misérables direction... and the controversial choices he made
Coming Soon the cast of Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom follow up The Grand Budapest Hotel is revealed. I'm sad that there's no Anjelica Huston (I need her in my Wes movies) but it's fun to know that some regulars will return and the newbies Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law and Saoirse Ronan, who has, according to the man himself "quite a big part" are exciting gets.
- 12/27/2012
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Titie: Gayby Directed by: Jonathan Lisecki Starring: Jenn Harris, Matthew Wilkas Running time: 89 minutes, Unrated Special features: Commentary, Gaby Short, Deleted Dream Musical Sequence, More Deleted Scenes Jenn is a single woman in her thirties whom is desperate to have a baby. She asks her best friend Matt (who is gay) to be the father of her child. She doesn’t want to do fertility treatments, she wants to make a baby the “old fashioned way.” Matt semi-reluctantly agrees. While the process is an arduous one, they both question their friendship, their separate searches for love and their anxieties about raising a child together. This tale has been told a [ Read More ]
The post Gayby DVD Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Gayby DVD Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 12/23/2012
- by juliana
- ShockYa
For those of you who are looking for a different angle with your comedy, “Gayby” from writer-director-star Jonathan Lisecki might just be the comedy you’ve been looking for. “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” star Matthew Wilkas stars as a gay man who decides to have a baby with his straight best friend (Jenn Harris). The film is based on a popular short film that became the darling of more than 100 film festivals. The film, distributed by Wolfe Video, has already been released on digital platforms, but if you prefer the physical, you can now get a copy of “Gayby” on DVD now! The DVD will also come with bonus [ Read More ]
The post Gayby Now Available On DVD appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Gayby Now Available On DVD appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 12/12/2012
- by monique
- ShockYa
This week on DVD/Blu-ray: A comedy about a gay guy and his best girl friend who decide to have a baby (cough, a "Gayby"); the complete first season of Lena Dunham's extremely successful foray into television; a demented and totally fun forgotten gem from the '80s; Christopher Nolan's black-and-white debut, remastered for the first time on Blu-ray; and a mostly wordless trio of films with music by composer Philip Glass #1. "Gayby" Criticwire Page A raucous hit on the festival circuit (and recent nominee at the upcoming Spirit Awards) "Gayby" is the long form version of Jonathan Lisecki's award-winning short of the same name about two thirty-something friends from college, Matt (Matthew Wilkas) and Jenn (the hilarious Jenn Harris,) who decide they want to bring a baby into the world the old-fashioned way. The couple continues to navigate the daunting New York dating scene throughout their ups and downs of attempting.
- 12/11/2012
- by Nigel M Smith
- Indiewire
Here's the latest in Austin and Texas film news.
Native Texan Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom and Aff 2012 Marquee Feature Audience Award winner Silver Linings Playbook top the 28th Annual Film Independent Spirit Award nominations, Indiewire reports. Both films were nominated for Best Feature alongside Austinite Richard Linklater's Bernie.In more Film Independent Spirit Award news, the former Austinite Mark Duplass-fronted Safety Not Guaranteed received a Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay nod, alongside former Austinite Jonathan Lisecki's (our interview) SXSW 2012 premiere Gayby (Elizabeth's review). Past and present Austinites, including John Hawkes (The Sessions), Jack Black (Bernie) and Matthew McConaughey (Killer Joe) were nominated for Best Male Lead. McConaughey received a second nomination, Best Supporting Male, for his role in Magic Mike. And former Austinite Elizabeth Mims (Elizabeth's interview) rounds out the awards show with a Truer Than Fiction nomination for Only the Young (Elizabeth's review...
Native Texan Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom and Aff 2012 Marquee Feature Audience Award winner Silver Linings Playbook top the 28th Annual Film Independent Spirit Award nominations, Indiewire reports. Both films were nominated for Best Feature alongside Austinite Richard Linklater's Bernie.In more Film Independent Spirit Award news, the former Austinite Mark Duplass-fronted Safety Not Guaranteed received a Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay nod, alongside former Austinite Jonathan Lisecki's (our interview) SXSW 2012 premiere Gayby (Elizabeth's review). Past and present Austinites, including John Hawkes (The Sessions), Jack Black (Bernie) and Matthew McConaughey (Killer Joe) were nominated for Best Male Lead. McConaughey received a second nomination, Best Supporting Male, for his role in Magic Mike. And former Austinite Elizabeth Mims (Elizabeth's interview) rounds out the awards show with a Truer Than Fiction nomination for Only the Young (Elizabeth's review...
- 12/3/2012
- by Jordan Gass-Poore'
- Slackerwood
Before you can take a breath after the Gotham awards, the Independent Spirit Award nominations have rolled out (here’s the official list), and not without some notable parallels. For the most part, the Best Feature lineup is hardly surprising, perhaps with the exception of Bernie, which was an entertaining film from an excellent director, but this is a slot that could have been filled by something more deserving. The other selections are a bit more typical, with Moonrise Kingdom, The Silver Linings Playbook, and Beasts of the Southern Wild all critical darlings from the past year (though Beasts should really be in the Best First Feature category, but this has more to do with producer credits than director Benh Zeitlin). It’s great to see Ira Sachs’ latest, Keep the Lights On receiving the continued attention as well, one of the very few significant Lgbt related films this year.
- 11/29/2012
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
And just like that, awards season is upon us. I'd like to say that it's a time of year when your chances of seeing a great film in theatres are significantly increased, but I don't know if that's entirely true. Either way, the Independent Spirit Awards kicked things off today with their full list of nominations, which could potentially influence Oscar chances for some filmmakers and actors. I'm guessing that at least a few of these folks will be in the running. David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook and Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom led the way with 5 nominations each, while Beasts of the Southern Wild and Keep the Lights On both earned 4. It's awesome to see Matthew McConaughey recognized for both Magic Mike and Killer Joe, but a little disappointing that The Imposter was overlooked for Best Documentary. What do you think of this year's Spirit Award nominees?...
- 11/27/2012
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
The 28th Annual Film Independent Spirit Award nominations were announced eaelier today and while Moonrise Kingdom and Silver Linings Playbook both grabbed five noms a piece, it is Bernie, Keep The Lights On and Beasts of the Southern Wild who are glowing with their four noms each. Our jeers, cheers and snubs commentary shall be coming soon. Here are the entire list of nominees for the 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature:
Beasts of the Southern Wild – Producers: Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey & Josh Penn
Bernie – Producers: Liz Glotzer, Richard Linklater, David McFadzean, Dete Meserve, Judd Payne, Celine Rattray, Martin Shafer, Ginger Sledge, Matt Williams
Keep the Lights On – Producers: Marie Therese Guirgis, Lucas Joaquin, Ira Sachs
Moonrise Kingdom – Producers: Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Steven Rales, Scott Rudin
Silver Linings Playbook – Producers: Bruce Cohen, Donna Gigliotti, Jonathan Gordon
Best Director
Wes Anderson – Moonrise Kingdom
Julia Loktev – The Loneliest Planet
David O. Russell...
Best Feature:
Beasts of the Southern Wild – Producers: Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey & Josh Penn
Bernie – Producers: Liz Glotzer, Richard Linklater, David McFadzean, Dete Meserve, Judd Payne, Celine Rattray, Martin Shafer, Ginger Sledge, Matt Williams
Keep the Lights On – Producers: Marie Therese Guirgis, Lucas Joaquin, Ira Sachs
Moonrise Kingdom – Producers: Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Steven Rales, Scott Rudin
Silver Linings Playbook – Producers: Bruce Cohen, Donna Gigliotti, Jonathan Gordon
Best Director
Wes Anderson – Moonrise Kingdom
Julia Loktev – The Loneliest Planet
David O. Russell...
- 11/27/2012
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Nominations for the 28th Film Independent Spirit Awards were announced today and were led by Moonrise Kingdom and Silver Linings Playbook with five nominations each followed closely by fellow Best Feature nominees Beasts of the Southern Wild and Keep the Lights On as well as Ava DuVernay's Middle of Nowhere, each with four nominations. Richard Linklater's Bernie was the fifth Best Feature nominee while Middle of Nowhere found its four nominations largely in the acting categories with Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo and Lorraine Toussant all being nominated and the fourth for the John Cassavetes Award, which goes to the "best" film made for under $500,000. Looking over the list of nominees I can't help but shrug at the screenplay nomination for Ruby Sparks (a film I loathed), but it's nice to see some First Time Feature love for Colin Trevorrow's Safety Not Guaranteed and Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower,...
- 11/27/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The nominees have just been announced for the 28th Annual Independent Spirit Awards which will be held on February 23rd.
Five films have scored nominations for the top award of the night - Best Feature. They include "Beasts Of The Southern Wild," "Bernie," "Keep The Lights On," "Moonrise Kingdom" and "Silver Linings Playbook."
Four of those five also scored nominations for best director with Julia Loktev's work on "The Loneliest Planet" taking over for Richard Linklater's "Bernie". Here's the full list of nominees:
"Silver Linings Playbook" and "Moonrise Kingdom" topped the overall list with five nominations each, "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Middle of Nowhere" and "Keep the Lights On" came next with four nominations each.
Best Feature
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Bernie
Keep the Lights On
Moonrise Kingdom
Silver Linings Playbook
Best Director
Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom
Julia Loktev, The Loneliest Planet
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Ira Sachs,...
Five films have scored nominations for the top award of the night - Best Feature. They include "Beasts Of The Southern Wild," "Bernie," "Keep The Lights On," "Moonrise Kingdom" and "Silver Linings Playbook."
Four of those five also scored nominations for best director with Julia Loktev's work on "The Loneliest Planet" taking over for Richard Linklater's "Bernie". Here's the full list of nominees:
"Silver Linings Playbook" and "Moonrise Kingdom" topped the overall list with five nominations each, "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Middle of Nowhere" and "Keep the Lights On" came next with four nominations each.
Best Feature
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Bernie
Keep the Lights On
Moonrise Kingdom
Silver Linings Playbook
Best Director
Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom
Julia Loktev, The Loneliest Planet
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Ira Sachs,...
- 11/27/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Hot on the heels of last night's indie-spirited Gotham Awards are today's nominations for Film Independent's 28th annual Independent Spirit Awards; the proverbial Oscars of Indie film.
In years past the Independent Spirit Award nominations have served as an indicator of future Oscar nominees, but we'll have to wait and see if that is the case for 2013, keeping in mind a few of the organization's key eligibility requirements: i.e. a film's budget cannot exceed $20 million and must have been made and distributed in America.
Check out the complete nominations list, announced by Anna Kendrick, Zoe Saldana and Common, after the jump!
Best Feature
"Beasts of the Southern Wild"
"Bernie"
"Keep the Lights On"
"Moonrise Kingdom"
"Silver Linings Playbook"
Best Director
Wes Anderson, "Moonrise Kingdom"
Julia Loktev, "The Loneliest Planet"
David O. Russell, "Silver Linings Playbook"
Ira Sachs, "Keep The Lights On"
Benh Zeitlin, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Best Male Lead
Jack Black,...
In years past the Independent Spirit Award nominations have served as an indicator of future Oscar nominees, but we'll have to wait and see if that is the case for 2013, keeping in mind a few of the organization's key eligibility requirements: i.e. a film's budget cannot exceed $20 million and must have been made and distributed in America.
Check out the complete nominations list, announced by Anna Kendrick, Zoe Saldana and Common, after the jump!
Best Feature
"Beasts of the Southern Wild"
"Bernie"
"Keep the Lights On"
"Moonrise Kingdom"
"Silver Linings Playbook"
Best Director
Wes Anderson, "Moonrise Kingdom"
Julia Loktev, "The Loneliest Planet"
David O. Russell, "Silver Linings Playbook"
Ira Sachs, "Keep The Lights On"
Benh Zeitlin, "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Best Male Lead
Jack Black,...
- 11/27/2012
- by Kara Warner
- MTV Movies Blog
Silver Linings Playbook and Moonrise Kingdom led the Independent Spirit Award nominations with five each, including best picture.
Other best picture contenders were Bernie, Beasts of the Southern Wild, and Keep the Lights On.
With big-screen behemoths like Lincoln, Argo, and Les Miserables dominating Oscar talk, Film Independent’s awards — chosen by filmmakers, actors, critics, and festival programers — cast the spotlight on some smaller films that are nonetheless worthy of consideration this award season.
A little more analysis is on the way, but for now here are the nominees:
Best Director
Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom
Julia Loktev, The Loneliest Planet
David O. Russell,...
Other best picture contenders were Bernie, Beasts of the Southern Wild, and Keep the Lights On.
With big-screen behemoths like Lincoln, Argo, and Les Miserables dominating Oscar talk, Film Independent’s awards — chosen by filmmakers, actors, critics, and festival programers — cast the spotlight on some smaller films that are nonetheless worthy of consideration this award season.
A little more analysis is on the way, but for now here are the nominees:
Best Director
Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom
Julia Loktev, The Loneliest Planet
David O. Russell,...
- 11/27/2012
- by Anthony Breznican
- EW - Inside Movies
Actors Anna Kendrick, Zoe Saldana and Common presented the nominees for the 28th Film Independent Spirit Awards in a press conference on Tuesday, November 27 at 10:00 am at The W Hotel in Hollywood.
Both "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Moonrise Kingdom" lead the nominations including best picture where they will compete with "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Bernie," and "Keep the Lights On."
Directors Wes Anderson ("Moonrise Kingdom") and David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook") are also nominated in the best director category along with Julia Loktev ("The Loneliest Planet"), Ira Sachs ("Keep the Lights On"), and Benh Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild").
And actor Matthew McConaughey's transformation is now complete. He is nominated for both best actor ("Killer Joe") and best supporting actor ("Magic Mike").
Winners of the 28th Film Independent Spirit Awards will be announced on February 23, 2013 when they will hold their traditional Saturday afternoon awards show...
Both "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Moonrise Kingdom" lead the nominations including best picture where they will compete with "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Bernie," and "Keep the Lights On."
Directors Wes Anderson ("Moonrise Kingdom") and David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook") are also nominated in the best director category along with Julia Loktev ("The Loneliest Planet"), Ira Sachs ("Keep the Lights On"), and Benh Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild").
And actor Matthew McConaughey's transformation is now complete. He is nominated for both best actor ("Killer Joe") and best supporting actor ("Magic Mike").
Winners of the 28th Film Independent Spirit Awards will be announced on February 23, 2013 when they will hold their traditional Saturday afternoon awards show...
- 11/27/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The nominations for the 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards were announced this morning by actors Anna Kendrick, Zoe Saldana, and Common. Nominees for Best Feature include Beasts Of The Southern Wild, Bernie, Keep The Lights On, Moonrise Kingdom, and Silver Linings Playbook. Starlet was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is given one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.
Winners will be announced at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 23, 2013. The awards ceremony will be held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, and the premiere broadcast will air later that evening at 10:00 pm Et/Pt on IFC.
2013 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer, Executive Producers are not awarded)
Beasts of the Southern Wild Producers: Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey & Josh Penn Bernie Producers: Liz Glotzer, Richard Linklater, David McFadzean, Dete Meserve, Judd Payne,...
Winners will be announced at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 23, 2013. The awards ceremony will be held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, and the premiere broadcast will air later that evening at 10:00 pm Et/Pt on IFC.
2013 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer, Executive Producers are not awarded)
Beasts of the Southern Wild Producers: Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey & Josh Penn Bernie Producers: Liz Glotzer, Richard Linklater, David McFadzean, Dete Meserve, Judd Payne,...
- 11/27/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Gayby
Directed by Jonathan Lisecki
United States, 2012
Philadelphia Film Festival
Jenn (Jenn Harris) and Matt (Matthew Wilkas) are 30-something friends from college. He’s gay, she’s straight. He’s just out of a long relationship, she’s had zero luck in her love life. Both feel the call of commitment, so they decide to have a baby through traditionally heterosexual means.
Every description for Gayby includes the phrase “the old fashioned way” in some iteration. While the awkward sex – especially the first time – between Jenn and Matt is truly hilarious, the film also has flashes of poignancy with its mostly tongue-in-cheek look at modern relationships.
Still, Gayby can be frustrating. There’s one gratifying sigh of relief when a sitcom-ish double date mistaken identity setup is easily avoided and yields an ultimately stronger, post-date makeout scene.
But then fewer than 20 minutes later Jenn irrationally decides to drop incredibly bad...
Directed by Jonathan Lisecki
United States, 2012
Philadelphia Film Festival
Jenn (Jenn Harris) and Matt (Matthew Wilkas) are 30-something friends from college. He’s gay, she’s straight. He’s just out of a long relationship, she’s had zero luck in her love life. Both feel the call of commitment, so they decide to have a baby through traditionally heterosexual means.
Every description for Gayby includes the phrase “the old fashioned way” in some iteration. While the awkward sex – especially the first time – between Jenn and Matt is truly hilarious, the film also has flashes of poignancy with its mostly tongue-in-cheek look at modern relationships.
Still, Gayby can be frustrating. There’s one gratifying sigh of relief when a sitcom-ish double date mistaken identity setup is easily avoided and yields an ultimately stronger, post-date makeout scene.
But then fewer than 20 minutes later Jenn irrationally decides to drop incredibly bad...
- 10/22/2012
- by Neal Dhand
- SoundOnSight
Because of time constraints and interview availability I ended up having to watch the new comedy Gayby, which opened this weekend in NYC, alone a week or so ago. Though comedies are much funnier with crowds, I still laughed out loud. So it was a joy to interview the writer/director Jonathan Lisecki for Towleroad. He also co-stars in the movie as one of the central couple's best friends, "Nelson". He was smart enough to keep some of the best lines for himself.
Here's two bits about his actors that I couldn't fit into the published interview.
Nathaniel R: I noticed you're cross-pollinating with HBO's Girls with your casting.
Jonathan Lisecki: Some people ask if I cast Alex Karpovsky and Adam Driver because they’re both in Girls – there was no Girls last year. I love Lena. She’s awesome. My short played with Tiny Furniture on the festival circuit.
Here's two bits about his actors that I couldn't fit into the published interview.
Nathaniel R: I noticed you're cross-pollinating with HBO's Girls with your casting.
Jonathan Lisecki: Some people ask if I cast Alex Karpovsky and Adam Driver because they’re both in Girls – there was no Girls last year. I love Lena. She’s awesome. My short played with Tiny Furniture on the festival circuit.
- 10/14/2012
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Gayby might be the first feature from writer/director Jonathan Lisecki, but its ace comic timing and deft depiction of physical humor suggest a seasoned comedic maestro. Expanded from a short that Lisecki shopped around the festival circuit in 2010 (it debuted at Slamdance and went on to hit more than 100 venues), the film is easily one of the year’s funniest, much thanks to its maker’s classic instincts for drumming up laughs. A veteran of independent theater, Lisecki couples a sharp, knowing wit with a mature sense of benevolence, yielding a well-rounded comedy for a demographic that desperately needs it.
Gayby is about characters first, namely Jenn (Jenn Harris) and Matt (Matthew Wilkas), a straight woman and her gay best friend who decide to have a child together the old-fashioned way. Hilarity, of course, ensues, but not in the boilerplate manner one might expect. Brimming with quotable one-liners (many spouted by Nelson,...
Gayby is about characters first, namely Jenn (Jenn Harris) and Matt (Matthew Wilkas), a straight woman and her gay best friend who decide to have a child together the old-fashioned way. Hilarity, of course, ensues, but not in the boilerplate manner one might expect. Brimming with quotable one-liners (many spouted by Nelson,...
- 10/12/2012
- by R. Kurt Osenlund
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
A Love By Any Other Name: Lisecki’s Debut a Modest Comedic Gem
Based on his short film of the same name, director Jonathan Lisecki expands Gayby for his feature debut, a surprisingly well tread concept, into a delightful narrative exploring an all too familiar premise. Employing a plethora of notable film and television stars as reliable reinforcement, there’s nary a dull moment, for better or worse, in a feature that hits all the notes its heterosexual counterpart, Friends With Kids, just couldn’t.
Friends Jenn (Jenn Harris) and Matt (Matthew Wilkas) have been the best of friends since college, and now, both in their thirties, find themselves single and not exactly where they imagined themselves to be. Matt, a comic book aficionado, works in a comic book store where his hours are tooled around avoiding his ex-boyfriend, a frequent fixture there. Jenn, a yoga instructor, despises her boss,...
Based on his short film of the same name, director Jonathan Lisecki expands Gayby for his feature debut, a surprisingly well tread concept, into a delightful narrative exploring an all too familiar premise. Employing a plethora of notable film and television stars as reliable reinforcement, there’s nary a dull moment, for better or worse, in a feature that hits all the notes its heterosexual counterpart, Friends With Kids, just couldn’t.
Friends Jenn (Jenn Harris) and Matt (Matthew Wilkas) have been the best of friends since college, and now, both in their thirties, find themselves single and not exactly where they imagined themselves to be. Matt, a comic book aficionado, works in a comic book store where his hours are tooled around avoiding his ex-boyfriend, a frequent fixture there. Jenn, a yoga instructor, despises her boss,...
- 10/12/2012
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
At first glance, the new film Gayby sounds like a remake of the Madonna film The Next Best Thing. Both films are about two best friends—a straight woman and a gay man—who have a baby together after giving up on finding serious relationships. But where The Next Best Thing delves into the melodrama that comes later in life as they raise the child together, Jonathan Lisecki's Gayby focuses on the comedic foibles that result from these two friends trying to procreate together “the old-fashioned way.”
Jenn and Matt have been best friends since college (they even had a Will & Grace-esque drunken dalliance). Now in her thirties, Jenn (Jenn Harris) is finding life unfulfilling. Her job teaching “hot yoga” seems to be going nowhere—just like her dating life. Likewise, Matt (Matthew Wilkas) is dealing with a devastating breakup. He can barely focus on starting up with dating again,...
Jenn and Matt have been best friends since college (they even had a Will & Grace-esque drunken dalliance). Now in her thirties, Jenn (Jenn Harris) is finding life unfulfilling. Her job teaching “hot yoga” seems to be going nowhere—just like her dating life. Likewise, Matt (Matthew Wilkas) is dealing with a devastating breakup. He can barely focus on starting up with dating again,...
- 10/12/2012
- by John Keith
- JustPressPlay.net
Below writer-director Jonathan Lisecki shares his favorite (and raunchy) scene from his winning feature film debut "Gayby," a long form version of his award-winning short of the same name. The film follows thirty-something friends from college Matt (Wilkas) and Jenn (Harris) as they decide they want to bring a baby into the world the old-fashioned way. The couple continues to navigate the daunting New York dating scene throughout their trials and tribulations at attempting pregnancy, and much interpersonal strife and hilarity ensues. "Gayby" opens October 12 in New York and October 26 in Los Angeles. There’s something about this clip and what happens after that makes it my favorite part of the film. When we were doing our schedule, we realized we would have to shoot on my birthday. Not that I was opposed to that. On an ultra-low-budget film, you can’t be picky about when you work. Perhaps to make up for it,...
- 10/11/2012
- by Jonathan Lisecki
- Indiewire
You have one chance to figure out what “Gayby” is about. If you said “gay baby,” ding ding ding, you got it! Or maybe it should be “baby with a gay,” but at any rate, “Gayby” treads the familiar narrative path of the contentious relationship between the single woman and her biological clock. Much like Madonna and Rupert Everett in “The Next Best Thing,” college buds Jenn and Matt (Jennifer Harris and Matthew Wilkas, real-life college buds -- check out their snapshots in the title sequence) decide to make a go of this whole babymaking business (yes, the old-fashioned way). “Gayby” is a slight little comedy, definitely amusing enough while exploring well known territory. Director Jonathan Lisecki throws you into this world without a lot of intro to the characters, so it can take a moment to warm up to them, including the sassy effeminate bear Nelson (played by Lisecki...
- 10/11/2012
- by Katie Walsh
- The Playlist
About ten minutes into the comedy Gayby - in which a gay man and his best ladyfriend decide to procreate in the most dinner-party-convo-demolishing way possible (aka "The Old Fashioned Way") - I laughed out loud. Sure, some gay romcoms are cute, or naughty, or sweet - but laugh-out-loud funny? Pretty rare. So imagine my delight when I found my guard shattered to thousands of glittery bits by the well-placed use of the word "whimsical".
Written and directed by relative newcomer Jonathan Lisecki, Gayby tells the story of two New York City friends who want to be parents, and decide that it's time to use their natural biological complements to do so. Matt (Matthew Wilkas, aka "The Adorable Bastard Lovechild of Dexter and Stifler") works in a comic book store and is still sorting through the rubble of a failed long-term relationship. Jenn (future Gay Icon nominee Jenn Harris) is...
Written and directed by relative newcomer Jonathan Lisecki, Gayby tells the story of two New York City friends who want to be parents, and decide that it's time to use their natural biological complements to do so. Matt (Matthew Wilkas, aka "The Adorable Bastard Lovechild of Dexter and Stifler") works in a comic book store and is still sorting through the rubble of a failed long-term relationship. Jenn (future Gay Icon nominee Jenn Harris) is...
- 10/10/2012
- by brian
- The Backlot
Every year there is a film or two that finds success through the festival circuit. Maybe it was overshadowed at Sundance or Toronto, but has consistently built word of mouth through screenings at SXSW, Seattle, Laff or other popular regional festivals across the country. Meet this year's addition to that word of mouth club: "Gayby." The New York-based comedy debuted at SXSW this spring and has been winning both gay and straight fans ever since. Based on his original short film, Jonathan Lisecki's "Gayby" centers on two lifelong friends, Jenn (Jenn Harris) and Matt (Matthew Wilkas) who decide to fulfill an...
- 10/9/2012
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
Jenn Harris and Matthew Wilkas in Gayby
Festival circuit favorite Gayby opens in limited release on Friday, October 12th. The film's subject: a gay man and his female best friend decide to have a baby together. Producers shared this clip exclusively for AfterElton readers featuring Matthew Wilkas as "Matt", writer/director Jonathan Lisecki as "Nelson" and Mike Doyle as "Scott", the potential new guy in Matt's life.
[logo_video_player|video_id=842230|width=540|height=305]
From the film's press kit...
Jenn and Matt are best friends from college who are now in their thirties. Fed up with the New York dating scene and single by choice, Jenn spends her days teaching ‘hot yoga’ and running errands for her boss. Matt, unable to get over his ex-boyfriend, has withdrawn into his comic-bookstore job and has stopped pursuing his dream of being a graphic novelist.
When Jenn proposes that they have a baby together, it seems like the right idea at the right time.
Festival circuit favorite Gayby opens in limited release on Friday, October 12th. The film's subject: a gay man and his female best friend decide to have a baby together. Producers shared this clip exclusively for AfterElton readers featuring Matthew Wilkas as "Matt", writer/director Jonathan Lisecki as "Nelson" and Mike Doyle as "Scott", the potential new guy in Matt's life.
[logo_video_player|video_id=842230|width=540|height=305]
From the film's press kit...
Jenn and Matt are best friends from college who are now in their thirties. Fed up with the New York dating scene and single by choice, Jenn spends her days teaching ‘hot yoga’ and running errands for her boss. Matt, unable to get over his ex-boyfriend, has withdrawn into his comic-bookstore job and has stopped pursuing his dream of being a graphic novelist.
When Jenn proposes that they have a baby together, it seems like the right idea at the right time.
- 10/4/2012
- by AfterElton.com Staff
- The Backlot
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