Very few directors have ever had the kind of run Rob Reiner did as a director between 1984 and 1992. Think about it. This is Spinal Tap, The Sure Thing, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men. Surely, that run alone would be enough to solidify him as one of the greatest Hollywood directors of all time? Those movies are so good it almost doesn’t matter how much money-losing crap he puts out now…and there is a lot of it… and North isn’t even the worst of it! So how did this man go from making a few great movies that defined and elevated our pop culture on so many different levels to suddenly pumping out nothing but heartless, soulless political flicks (did anyone see Lbj?) and rom-coms that are neither romantic nor comedic?
So, how did this jack of...
So, how did this jack of...
- 4/26/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Rob Reiner is the multi-hyphenate who has excelled both in front of and behind the camera for over 50 years, starting as an actor before moving into directing. Let’s take a look back at 12 of his greatest films as a director, ranked worst to best.
Reiner was born into the business as the son of performer Estelle Reiner and comedian Carl Reiner, creator of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” He shot to fame on television with his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic, the liberal son-in-law to buffoonish bigot Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) on “All in the Family.” The series brought him two Emmys as Best Comedy Supporting Actor (1974 and 1978). His victory, in fact, made the show the first to ever win acting prizes for all four of its leads, with O’Connor and Jean Stapleton prevailing in lead and Sally Struthers in supporting.
He transitioned into filmmaking with the rock...
Reiner was born into the business as the son of performer Estelle Reiner and comedian Carl Reiner, creator of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” He shot to fame on television with his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic, the liberal son-in-law to buffoonish bigot Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) on “All in the Family.” The series brought him two Emmys as Best Comedy Supporting Actor (1974 and 1978). His victory, in fact, made the show the first to ever win acting prizes for all four of its leads, with O’Connor and Jean Stapleton prevailing in lead and Sally Struthers in supporting.
He transitioned into filmmaking with the rock...
- 3/1/2024
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Before he started filling up the nation's drug store book racks with tawdry tales of romance and suspense, Sidney Sheldon was one of Hollywood and Broadway's most prolific writers. He could write comedies, musicals, musical-comedies, mysteries, dramas, thrillers ... just about everything short of slasher flicks (though he probably would've knocked out one of those had they been a thing during his 1940s - '60s heyday). Clearly, he had an ear for what worked, and he wasn't just knocking out quickie programmers. He won a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for the Cary Grant-Myrna Loy-Shirley Temple screwball hit "The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer," and earned a Best Musical Tony for the Gwen Verdon-led Broadway smash "Redhead."
And when television came calling, rather than turn up his nose as many of his established film and theater colleagues did during the medium's early days, he enthusiastically picked up the phone.
Sheldon...
And when television came calling, rather than turn up his nose as many of his established film and theater colleagues did during the medium's early days, he enthusiastically picked up the phone.
Sheldon...
- 2/16/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
One of the most acclaimed movies of 1998 is “Pleasantville,” starring Tobey Maguire, Reese Witherspoon, Jeff Daniels, William H. Macy and Joan Allen. Written and directed by four-time Oscar nominee Gary Ross, the film is a creative fantasy drama about two 1990s teen siblings who are transported to a 1950s family sitcom and then slowly begin to transform the dull, colorless world into someplace better. Released 25 years ago in October 1998, “Pleasantville” only grossed about $50 million worldwide on a $60 million budget. But it did end up receiving three Oscar nominations. Read on for Gold Derby’s tribute to the “Pleasantville” 25th anniversary.
Most of the nation’s critics gave enthusiastic notices to “Pleasantville,” including Roger Ebert in the Chicago Sun-Times, who picked it as the second-best film of 1998 and wrote that it “is the kind of parable that encourages us to re-evaluate the good old days and take a fresh look at...
Most of the nation’s critics gave enthusiastic notices to “Pleasantville,” including Roger Ebert in the Chicago Sun-Times, who picked it as the second-best film of 1998 and wrote that it “is the kind of parable that encourages us to re-evaluate the good old days and take a fresh look at...
- 11/3/2023
- by Brian Rowe
- Gold Derby
Arthur “Artie” R. Schmidt, who won Oscars for editing Robert Zemeckis films “Forrest Gump” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” died Saturday at his home in Santa Barbara. He was 86.
Schmidt and Zemeckis were longtime collaborators, having worked on a total of ten films together, including “Forrest Gump” (1994), the “Back to the Future” trilogy (1985-1990), “Cast Away” (2000), and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988). Other prominent films Schmidt worked on include “Jaws 2” (1978), “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980), for which he was Oscar-nommed; “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992), “Death Becomes Her” (1992), “Addams Family Values” (1993) and “Contact” (1997). He was also brought on to help with “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003) in the midst of its production.
Additionally, Schmidt collaborated with director Mike Nichols on three films: “The Fortune” (1975) “The Birdcage” (1996), and “Primary Colors” (1998). He also took on the challenge of editing a film that combines both animation and live-action: “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Schmidt and Zemeckis were longtime collaborators, having worked on a total of ten films together, including “Forrest Gump” (1994), the “Back to the Future” trilogy (1985-1990), “Cast Away” (2000), and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988). Other prominent films Schmidt worked on include “Jaws 2” (1978), “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980), for which he was Oscar-nommed; “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992), “Death Becomes Her” (1992), “Addams Family Values” (1993) and “Contact” (1997). He was also brought on to help with “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003) in the midst of its production.
Additionally, Schmidt collaborated with director Mike Nichols on three films: “The Fortune” (1975) “The Birdcage” (1996), and “Primary Colors” (1998). He also took on the challenge of editing a film that combines both animation and live-action: “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
- 8/7/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Robert Schmidt, the film editor whose decades-long collaboration with director Robert Zemeckis on classics such as Forrest Gump, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Cast Away, Contact and all three Back to the Future films won him two Oscars, has died, Deadline has confirmed. He was 86.
Schmidt’s two Best Film Editing Oscars came for Roger Rabbit (1988) and Forrest Gump (1994). His other collaborations with Zemeckis included Death Becomes Her (1992) and What Lies Beneath (2000).
“Arthur Schmidt was incredibly talented and a joy to work with,” Zemeckis said in a statement to Deadline. “He was a true gentleman and I am honored to have known him and to have created what we did together.”
Schmidt had a distinguished career beyond that artistic partnership.
He edited films directed by Michael Mann, Taylor Hackford, Michael Apted, Mike Nichols, Barry Sonnenfeld and many others.
In addition to his Oscars, Schmidt won Ace Eddies for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl...
Schmidt’s two Best Film Editing Oscars came for Roger Rabbit (1988) and Forrest Gump (1994). His other collaborations with Zemeckis included Death Becomes Her (1992) and What Lies Beneath (2000).
“Arthur Schmidt was incredibly talented and a joy to work with,” Zemeckis said in a statement to Deadline. “He was a true gentleman and I am honored to have known him and to have created what we did together.”
Schmidt had a distinguished career beyond that artistic partnership.
He edited films directed by Michael Mann, Taylor Hackford, Michael Apted, Mike Nichols, Barry Sonnenfeld and many others.
In addition to his Oscars, Schmidt won Ace Eddies for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl...
- 8/7/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Arthur Schmidt, the two-time Oscar-winning film editor who collaborated with director Robert Zemeckis on 10 films, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump and the Back to the Future trilogy, has died. He was 86.
Schmidt died Saturday of an unknown cause at his home in Santa Barbara, his brother Ron Schmidt told The Hollywood Reporter.
The second-generation film editor also cut three Mike Nichols features — The Fortune (1975), The Birdcage (1996) and Primary Colors (1998) — and two helmed by Michael Apted — Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980), for which he received his first Oscar nom, and Firstborn (1984).
His résumé over four decades included work on Marathon Man (1976), Jaws 2 (1978), Ruthless People (1986), Beaches (1988), The Rocketeer (1991), The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and Congo (1995), and he was brought in for three months to help tidy up the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie in 2003.
Schmidt received his Academy Awards in 1989 for Who Framed Roger Rabbit and in 1995 for Forrest Gump,...
Schmidt died Saturday of an unknown cause at his home in Santa Barbara, his brother Ron Schmidt told The Hollywood Reporter.
The second-generation film editor also cut three Mike Nichols features — The Fortune (1975), The Birdcage (1996) and Primary Colors (1998) — and two helmed by Michael Apted — Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980), for which he received his first Oscar nom, and Firstborn (1984).
His résumé over four decades included work on Marathon Man (1976), Jaws 2 (1978), Ruthless People (1986), Beaches (1988), The Rocketeer (1991), The Last of the Mohicans (1992) and Congo (1995), and he was brought in for three months to help tidy up the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie in 2003.
Schmidt received his Academy Awards in 1989 for Who Framed Roger Rabbit and in 1995 for Forrest Gump,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Rhett Bartlett
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Welcome to The B-Side, from The Film Stage. Here we talk about movie stars! Not the movies that made them famous or kept them famous, but the ones that they made in between.
Today we discuss a character actress, multiple Oscar nominee (and winner) and living legend who is still somehow underrated: Kathy “Bobo” Bates!
Our B-Sides today are: A Home of Our Own, Dolores Claiborne, Love Liza, and Richard Jewell.
The actress made her bones in the theater, originating roles in iconic stuff such as ‘Night Mother and Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.
Our guest is Billy Ray Brewton, host of the superb The Incinerator Podcast, the Movie Mixtapes podcast, and the Center Clueless podcast. Brewton is also the Festival Director/Lead Programmer of Make Believe Seattle.
We talk to Brewton about why it is that Bates is his favorite working actress, her innate Southern charm,...
Today we discuss a character actress, multiple Oscar nominee (and winner) and living legend who is still somehow underrated: Kathy “Bobo” Bates!
Our B-Sides today are: A Home of Our Own, Dolores Claiborne, Love Liza, and Richard Jewell.
The actress made her bones in the theater, originating roles in iconic stuff such as ‘Night Mother and Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.
Our guest is Billy Ray Brewton, host of the superb The Incinerator Podcast, the Movie Mixtapes podcast, and the Center Clueless podcast. Brewton is also the Festival Director/Lead Programmer of Make Believe Seattle.
We talk to Brewton about why it is that Bates is his favorite working actress, her innate Southern charm,...
- 7/21/2023
- by Dan Mecca
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: Film industry veteran Michele ‘Missy’ Imperato Stablile has been named President, Worldwide Physical Production, Warner Bros. Pictures. She will report directly to Warner Bros Pictures Group Co-Chair and CEOs Michael DeLuca and Pam Abdy. She’ll join the studio in the coming weeks.
In her new role, Imperato Stabile will lead the division responsible for all aspects of the Warner Bros. Pictures Group’s film productions, including digital effects, post-production services and product placement.
“We think Missy’s one of the best in the business,” said DeLuca and Abdy. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with her before and have seen how skillfully she works with our creative partners and production teams to deliver a top-notch filmmaking experience, which results in great films. We can’t wait for her to get started.”
Imperato has been a producer, executive producer and production...
In her new role, Imperato Stabile will lead the division responsible for all aspects of the Warner Bros. Pictures Group’s film productions, including digital effects, post-production services and product placement.
“We think Missy’s one of the best in the business,” said DeLuca and Abdy. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with her before and have seen how skillfully she works with our creative partners and production teams to deliver a top-notch filmmaking experience, which results in great films. We can’t wait for her to get started.”
Imperato has been a producer, executive producer and production...
- 3/10/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
John Travolta is an award-winning American actor, singer, producer, and dancer. He achieved international stardom following his leading role in the hit musical film Saturday Night Fever (1977), which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. His subsequent box office successes include Grease (1978), Pulp Fiction (1994), Get Shorty (1995), Face/Off (1997), Swordfish (2001) and Be Cool (2005). His extensive film credits also include films such as Urban Cowboy (1980) and Phenomenon (1996). Other notable performances include the romantic comedy film Look Who’s Talking (1989) and its two sequels, as well as the comedic films Primary Colors (1998) and Hairspray (2007).
John Travolta. Depostiphotos
Throughout his career, Travolta has won numerous accolades including one Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for the television biopic The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016). Additionally, he was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor for Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction,...
John Travolta. Depostiphotos
Throughout his career, Travolta has won numerous accolades including one Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for the television biopic The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016). Additionally, he was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor for Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction,...
- 2/25/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Everyone knows about the fabled and miraculous box office run of James Cameron’s “Titanic.” The film rode a wave of rave reviews, following months of bad press related to cost overruns, release date delays and behind-the-scenes melodrama, to a record-setting 600 million domestic and 1.8 billion worldwide total. Opening with just 28 million, it spent its first 15 weekends atop the domestic box office, still a record for consecutive Fri-Sun frames.
What of the films that perished in the first months of 1998? For three straight months, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s Oscar-winning romance/disaster feature sunk most of the competition. This was 1998, when big movies were not expected to open before the May-to-August summer movie season. The film that dethroned “Titanic,” an expensive, grimdark adaptation of “Lost in Space,” was itself a surprisingly “big” movie for its early April opening weekend.
That’s not to say the films were all bad, or...
What of the films that perished in the first months of 1998? For three straight months, Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s Oscar-winning romance/disaster feature sunk most of the competition. This was 1998, when big movies were not expected to open before the May-to-August summer movie season. The film that dethroned “Titanic,” an expensive, grimdark adaptation of “Lost in Space,” was itself a surprisingly “big” movie for its early April opening weekend.
That’s not to say the films were all bad, or...
- 2/15/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
There are certain actors who have been in something you’ve seen, but it feels like Allison Janney has been in everything—a party guest in Mike Nichols’ Wolf, a starstruck teacher in Primary Colors, the voice of a starfish in Finding Nemo, Tonya Harding’s mother in I, Tonya, the chief of staff in West Wing. And yet,…...
- 9/21/2022
- by Todd Gilchrist
- avclub.com
Caroline Aaron stars as Shirley Maisel on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Pic credit: ©Imagecollect.com/Birdie Thompson/AdMedia
One of our favorite Jewish TV mothers, Shirley Maisel, is played by character actor Caroline Aaron and has spent the past five years in the magical world of the Prime Video series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Playing Shirley Maisel has been an unbelievably thrilling ride that has her working with top-notch theater and film colleagues amid the hilarious and poignant words of Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband, Dan Palladino.
The popular series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, has won a total of 81 awards, including 20 Emmys. The series is currently nominated for 12 Emmys. The 2022 awards ceremony will take place on Monday, September 12, airing on CBS.
Now in production in New York for Season 5, which is also the final season, Aaron says it is going to be difficult to say goodbye to this beautiful, well-written,...
One of our favorite Jewish TV mothers, Shirley Maisel, is played by character actor Caroline Aaron and has spent the past five years in the magical world of the Prime Video series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Playing Shirley Maisel has been an unbelievably thrilling ride that has her working with top-notch theater and film colleagues amid the hilarious and poignant words of Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband, Dan Palladino.
The popular series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, has won a total of 81 awards, including 20 Emmys. The series is currently nominated for 12 Emmys. The 2022 awards ceremony will take place on Monday, September 12, airing on CBS.
Now in production in New York for Season 5, which is also the final season, Aaron says it is going to be difficult to say goodbye to this beautiful, well-written,...
- 9/9/2022
- by Debra Wallace
- Monsters and Critics
Academy Award winner Kathy Bates and YouTube star Liza Koshy have joined the cast for an upcoming romantic comedy film from Netflix.
The film, which is currently untitled, is headlined by former “The Paperboy” co-stars Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron, as well as “Kissing Booth” lead Joey King. According to the logline, the film will focus on a young woman, her mother and her movie star boss as as a surprising romance kicks off comedic consequences for the trio, forcing them to face complications of love, sex and identity.
The film is directed by “The Last Five Years” and “Beautiful Creatures” director Richard Lagravenese, who co-wrote the script with Carrie Solomon. Roth/Kirschenbaum Films produces the Netflix title, with Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum serving as the producers and Alyssa Altman executive producing. The film will reportedly begin shooting later this year.
Bates first came to prominence in Hollywood for...
The film, which is currently untitled, is headlined by former “The Paperboy” co-stars Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron, as well as “Kissing Booth” lead Joey King. According to the logline, the film will focus on a young woman, her mother and her movie star boss as as a surprising romance kicks off comedic consequences for the trio, forcing them to face complications of love, sex and identity.
The film is directed by “The Last Five Years” and “Beautiful Creatures” director Richard Lagravenese, who co-wrote the script with Carrie Solomon. Roth/Kirschenbaum Films produces the Netflix title, with Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum serving as the producers and Alyssa Altman executive producing. The film will reportedly begin shooting later this year.
Bates first came to prominence in Hollywood for...
- 8/4/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Misery Oscar winner Kathy Bates and Liza on Demand actress Liza Koshy are joining the untitled Netflix romantic comedy which stars Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron and Joey King.
The Fisher King Oscar nominee Richard Lagravenese is directing off a screenplay he co-wrote with Carrie Solomon.
The story is set following a surprising romance which kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother and her movie star boss as they face the complications of love, sex, and identity.
Producers for the pic are Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum for Roth/Kirschenbaum Films. EP is Alyssa Altman for Roth/Kirschenbaum.
Bates, who is repped by CAA, is starring in the upcoming Lionsgate adaptation of the Judy Blume classic, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Ken Kwapis’ Thelma and The Miracle Club opposite Maggie Smith and Laura Linney. Other feature credits include The Highwaymen, Richard Jewell, Titanic,...
The Fisher King Oscar nominee Richard Lagravenese is directing off a screenplay he co-wrote with Carrie Solomon.
The story is set following a surprising romance which kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother and her movie star boss as they face the complications of love, sex, and identity.
Producers for the pic are Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum for Roth/Kirschenbaum Films. EP is Alyssa Altman for Roth/Kirschenbaum.
Bates, who is repped by CAA, is starring in the upcoming Lionsgate adaptation of the Judy Blume classic, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Ken Kwapis’ Thelma and The Miracle Club opposite Maggie Smith and Laura Linney. Other feature credits include The Highwaymen, Richard Jewell, Titanic,...
- 8/4/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Ned Eisenberg, an actor best known for his work on “Law and Order: Svu” and for starring in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby,” has died. He was 65.
Eisenberg died at his home in New York on Sunday after battling cancer, his agents confirmed to TheWrap.
“As Ned would say, he was attacked by two very rare assassins — cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma,” his wife Patricia said in a statement. “Over the course of two years, he bravely fought the cancers in private while continuing to work in show business to ensure that his medical coverage paid for himself and his family.”
Eisenberg portrayed defense attorney Roger Kressler on “Law & Order: Svu,” a high-powered attorney who went toe-to-toe in the courtroom with the “Svu” regulars on numerous occasions. He separately played a different character on the standard “Law & Order,” another recurring defense attorney who appeared in seven different episodes dating...
Eisenberg died at his home in New York on Sunday after battling cancer, his agents confirmed to TheWrap.
“As Ned would say, he was attacked by two very rare assassins — cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma,” his wife Patricia said in a statement. “Over the course of two years, he bravely fought the cancers in private while continuing to work in show business to ensure that his medical coverage paid for himself and his family.”
Eisenberg portrayed defense attorney Roger Kressler on “Law & Order: Svu,” a high-powered attorney who went toe-to-toe in the courtroom with the “Svu” regulars on numerous occasions. He separately played a different character on the standard “Law & Order,” another recurring defense attorney who appeared in seven different episodes dating...
- 2/28/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Ned Eisenberg, a stage and screen actor who played defense attorney Roger Kressler on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and Detective Hauser in “Mare of Easttown,” has died. He was 65.
His agents at Nicolosi & Co. confirmed his death. Eisenberg’s wife Patricia said in a statement, “As Ned would say, he was attacked by two very rare assassins — cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma. Over the course of two years, he bravely fought the cancers in private while continuing to work in show business to ensure that his medical coverage paid for himself and his family.”
Eisenberg also worked in feature films, playing Sally Mendoza in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” and photographer Joe Rosenthal in “Flags of Our Fathers.”
Among his other feature roles were Oliver Stone’s “World Trade Center,” “Limitless,” “Won’t Back Down,” “Experimenter,” “Asher,” “The Exterminator,” “The Burning,” “Moving Violations,” “Air America,” “Last Man Standing,...
His agents at Nicolosi & Co. confirmed his death. Eisenberg’s wife Patricia said in a statement, “As Ned would say, he was attacked by two very rare assassins — cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma. Over the course of two years, he bravely fought the cancers in private while continuing to work in show business to ensure that his medical coverage paid for himself and his family.”
Eisenberg also worked in feature films, playing Sally Mendoza in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” and photographer Joe Rosenthal in “Flags of Our Fathers.”
Among his other feature roles were Oliver Stone’s “World Trade Center,” “Limitless,” “Won’t Back Down,” “Experimenter,” “Asher,” “The Exterminator,” “The Burning,” “Moving Violations,” “Air America,” “Last Man Standing,...
- 2/28/2022
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Ned Eisenberg, a prolific stage, television and film character actor perhaps most widely recognized for his long-running recurring role as defense attorney Roger Kressler on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, died of cancer Feb. 27 at his home in New York. He was 65.
His death was announced by his agents at Nicolosi & Co. speaking on behalf of his wife, the actress Patricia Dunnock, and family.
In a statement, Dunnock said “As Ned would say, he was attacked by two very rare assassins — cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma. Over the course of two years, he bravely fought the cancers in private while continuing to work in show business to ensure that his medical coverage paid for himself and his family.”
Born in the Bronx, Eisenberg began his film and TV career in the early 1980s, most notably in four episodes of Miami Vice and, in 1990, a starring role in...
His death was announced by his agents at Nicolosi & Co. speaking on behalf of his wife, the actress Patricia Dunnock, and family.
In a statement, Dunnock said “As Ned would say, he was attacked by two very rare assassins — cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma. Over the course of two years, he bravely fought the cancers in private while continuing to work in show business to ensure that his medical coverage paid for himself and his family.”
Born in the Bronx, Eisenberg began his film and TV career in the early 1980s, most notably in four episodes of Miami Vice and, in 1990, a starring role in...
- 2/28/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“Why can’t he learn how to give a better speech?” With the State of the Union address looming next month, Joe Biden’s Hollywood critics and supporters increasingly ask that question as they see his approval ratings tank even as his policies gain favor.
Talk with Michael Douglas, Robert Redford, Warren Beatty and others who have portrayed U.S. presidents and political climbers during their careers and they all describe their intense self-training in presidential cadence and elocution. Even Ronald Reagan habitually consulted coach Michael Deaver (and wife Nancy), while Lyndon Johnson demanded the presence of director Franklin Schaffner. They worked hard at it.
“A presidential speech today is like seeing a Marvel movie with no action,” observes filmmaker Barry Levinson. In his hilarious 1997 movie Wag the Dog, a desperate president hires political hustlers, played by Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro, to drum up a fake political crisis...
Talk with Michael Douglas, Robert Redford, Warren Beatty and others who have portrayed U.S. presidents and political climbers during their careers and they all describe their intense self-training in presidential cadence and elocution. Even Ronald Reagan habitually consulted coach Michael Deaver (and wife Nancy), while Lyndon Johnson demanded the presence of director Franklin Schaffner. They worked hard at it.
“A presidential speech today is like seeing a Marvel movie with no action,” observes filmmaker Barry Levinson. In his hilarious 1997 movie Wag the Dog, a desperate president hires political hustlers, played by Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro, to drum up a fake political crisis...
- 2/3/2022
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has postponed the 12th annual Governors Awards ceremony as Covid-19 cases surge.
“We have made the difficult decision to change our plans in hosting the Governors Awards in person on January 15,” an Academy spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday. “Given the uncertainties around the variants, and the impact this could have on our community, we feel this is the best and safest decision for our honorees and guests. Rescheduled plans will come at a later date as we continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all those involved.”
A new date has not been announced yet.
The Academy was set to fete Samuel L. Jackson, Elaine May and Liv Ullmann with honorary Oscars, and Danny Glover with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at an in-person event on Jan. 15, 2022. The ceremony is the latest event planned for early 2022 to face major...
“We have made the difficult decision to change our plans in hosting the Governors Awards in person on January 15,” an Academy spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday. “Given the uncertainties around the variants, and the impact this could have on our community, we feel this is the best and safest decision for our honorees and guests. Rescheduled plans will come at a later date as we continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all those involved.”
A new date has not been announced yet.
The Academy was set to fete Samuel L. Jackson, Elaine May and Liv Ullmann with honorary Oscars, and Danny Glover with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at an in-person event on Jan. 15, 2022. The ceremony is the latest event planned for early 2022 to face major...
- 12/22/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Attention actressexuals and awards-nuts. The final (?) season of Supporting Actress Smackdown is deep in progress. Ep. 1 on 2020, Ep. 2 on 2000 and Ep. 3 on 1946 are behind us. Here's what's next and if the movies are currently on a streaming service we've indicated that otherwise they're all available to rent at the usual places like YouTube, iTunes, Amazon, and Apple TV. As per usual we'll be intermittently celebrating the following film years leading up to these events...
Smackdown 1998 on Monday July 26th, 2021
Kathy Bates, Primary Colors (Hulu) Brenda Blethyn, Little Voice Judi Dench, Shakespeare in Love (Fubo and Starz) Rachel Griffiths, Hilary and Jackie Lynn Redgrave, Gods and Monsters (HBOMax)
To get the maximum enjoyment out of the Smackdown consider rewatching the films along with us! Voting is open from now until Saturday July 24th. email in your votes with "1998 smackdown" in the subject line and a heart rating on each actress from...
Smackdown 1998 on Monday July 26th, 2021
Kathy Bates, Primary Colors (Hulu) Brenda Blethyn, Little Voice Judi Dench, Shakespeare in Love (Fubo and Starz) Rachel Griffiths, Hilary and Jackie Lynn Redgrave, Gods and Monsters (HBOMax)
To get the maximum enjoyment out of the Smackdown consider rewatching the films along with us! Voting is open from now until Saturday July 24th. email in your votes with "1998 smackdown" in the subject line and a heart rating on each actress from...
- 6/29/2021
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
When screen acting pioneer Lillian Gish was presented with an honorary Academy Award exactly 50 years ago, she broke new ground as the first female director to receive one, having helmed “Remodeling Her Husband” over half a century earlier. Within the last four years, internationally renowned filmmakers Agnès Varda and Lina Wertmüller have followed her lead. Now, the academy has chosen to recognize the eclectic career of multihyphenate Elaine May, thus making her a member of this exclusive club.
Along with Danny Glover, Samuel L. Jackson, and Liv Ullmann, May is set to be honored at the upcoming 12th annual Governors Awards. The 89-year-old has earned this accolade because her “bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers.” Often cited as a revolutionary comedic genius, her work ethic and achievements have only garnered more respect and admiration over time.
As a child of stage actors,...
Along with Danny Glover, Samuel L. Jackson, and Liv Ullmann, May is set to be honored at the upcoming 12th annual Governors Awards. The 89-year-old has earned this accolade because her “bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers.” Often cited as a revolutionary comedic genius, her work ethic and achievements have only garnered more respect and admiration over time.
As a child of stage actors,...
- 6/29/2021
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
by Nathaniel R
After a year off from the Honorary Oscars, thanks to Covid-19, we deserved an awesome list this year and the Academy has provided. This is exactly the type of list we need each year wherein the Academy honors people who haven't already won Oscars but contributed indelibly to film culture. At the next Governor's Awards, which will be on January 15th, 2022 (instead of in its usual November spot) the Honorary Oscar will be given to actors Samuel L Jackson and Liv Ullmann, and the actress/director/screenwriter Elaine May (two previous nominations for writing for Primary Colors and Heaven Can Wait). If you count honorary prizes this means 89 year old Elaine May will just be an Emmy short of EGOTing since she's already won a Tony (The Waverly Gallery) and a Grammy (An Evening with Mike Nichols and Elaine May)...
After a year off from the Honorary Oscars, thanks to Covid-19, we deserved an awesome list this year and the Academy has provided. This is exactly the type of list we need each year wherein the Academy honors people who haven't already won Oscars but contributed indelibly to film culture. At the next Governor's Awards, which will be on January 15th, 2022 (instead of in its usual November spot) the Honorary Oscar will be given to actors Samuel L Jackson and Liv Ullmann, and the actress/director/screenwriter Elaine May (two previous nominations for writing for Primary Colors and Heaven Can Wait). If you count honorary prizes this means 89 year old Elaine May will just be an Emmy short of EGOTing since she's already won a Tony (The Waverly Gallery) and a Grammy (An Evening with Mike Nichols and Elaine May)...
- 6/24/2021
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Samuel L. Jackson, Elaine May and Liv Ullmann will receive honorary Oscars this year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Thursday. Danny Glover will also receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The four Oscar statuettes will be presented at the Governors Awards ceremony on Jan. 15, 2022.
“We are thrilled to present this year’s Governors Awards to four honorees who have had a profound impact on both film and society,” Academy president David Rubin said in a statement. “Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers. Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover’s decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights reflects his dedication...
“We are thrilled to present this year’s Governors Awards to four honorees who have had a profound impact on both film and society,” Academy president David Rubin said in a statement. “Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers. Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover’s decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights reflects his dedication...
- 6/24/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Thursday that its Board of Governors voted to present the annual Honorary Awards to Samuel L. Jackson, Elaine May, and Liv Ullmann. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will be given to Danny Glover. The four Oscar statuettes will be presented at the Academy’s 12th annual Governors Awards on Saturday, January 15, 2022, in Los Angeles.
Academy President David Rubin summed up the recipients’ impact, cinematic and otherwise, in the following statement: “Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers.”
Rubin added, “Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover’s decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights reflects his...
Academy President David Rubin summed up the recipients’ impact, cinematic and otherwise, in the following statement: “Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers.”
Rubin added, “Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover’s decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights reflects his...
- 6/24/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors voted to present Honorary Oscars to Samuel L. Jackson, Elaine May and Liv Ullmann, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Danny Glover, the Academy announced on Thursday.
The four Honorary Oscars will be presented at the Academy’s 12th Governors Awards on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in Los Angeles.
“We are thrilled to present this year’s Governors Awards to four honorees who have had a profound impact on both film and society,” Academy president David Rubin said in a statement. “Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers. Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover...
The four Honorary Oscars will be presented at the Academy’s 12th Governors Awards on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in Los Angeles.
“We are thrilled to present this year’s Governors Awards to four honorees who have had a profound impact on both film and society,” Academy president David Rubin said in a statement. “Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers. Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover...
- 6/24/2021
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Update, with information on Diller-Geffen involvement The Lehman Trilogy, Stefano Massini’s acclaimed play adapted by Ben Power, will begin post-shutdown performances at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 25, with an opening night set for Thursday, Oct. 14.
The reopening announcement was made by lead producers National Theatre and Neal Street Productions, a team that no longer includes Scott Rudin (his previously announced partners Barry Diller and David Geffen remain as co-producers). Rudin, Diller and Geffen were not credited in today’s announcement as they had been in previous announcements.
Lehman, following sold-out runs at London’s National Theatre and Off Broadway’s Park Avenue Armory, had just begun a Broadway run when the Covid shutdown hit on March 12, 2020.
Outside of The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman, The Lehman Trilogy is the first of the Broadway productions formerly headed by Rudin to announce its reopening since the producer announced his...
The reopening announcement was made by lead producers National Theatre and Neal Street Productions, a team that no longer includes Scott Rudin (his previously announced partners Barry Diller and David Geffen remain as co-producers). Rudin, Diller and Geffen were not credited in today’s announcement as they had been in previous announcements.
Lehman, following sold-out runs at London’s National Theatre and Off Broadway’s Park Avenue Armory, had just begun a Broadway run when the Covid shutdown hit on March 12, 2020.
Outside of The Music Man starring Hugh Jackman, The Lehman Trilogy is the first of the Broadway productions formerly headed by Rudin to announce its reopening since the producer announced his...
- 6/4/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu’s list of new releases for June 2021 is highlighted by a host of useful library titles and one fascinating original film.
The original film in question is the one that lends its delightful photo of Pierce Brosnan delivering a baby to this post. False Positive stars and was written by Ilana Glazer (Broad City). It sounds like a really fun, creepy time with a synopsis that reads: “After months of trying and failing to get pregnant, Lucy (Glazer) and Adrian (Justin Theroux) finally find their dream fertility doctor in the illustrious Dr. Hindle (Pierce Brosnan). But after becoming pregnant with a healthy baby girl, Lucy begins to notice something sinister through Hindle’s gleaming charm, and she sets out to uncover the unsettling truth about him, and her own “birth story.” Cool!
Hulu’s other original offerings aren’t too inspiring this month. Only Love, Victor season 2 on June 11 moves the needle much.
The original film in question is the one that lends its delightful photo of Pierce Brosnan delivering a baby to this post. False Positive stars and was written by Ilana Glazer (Broad City). It sounds like a really fun, creepy time with a synopsis that reads: “After months of trying and failing to get pregnant, Lucy (Glazer) and Adrian (Justin Theroux) finally find their dream fertility doctor in the illustrious Dr. Hindle (Pierce Brosnan). But after becoming pregnant with a healthy baby girl, Lucy begins to notice something sinister through Hindle’s gleaming charm, and she sets out to uncover the unsettling truth about him, and her own “birth story.” Cool!
Hulu’s other original offerings aren’t too inspiring this month. Only Love, Victor season 2 on June 11 moves the needle much.
- 5/30/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The Screen Actors Guild Awards have one of the best track records with the four Oscar acting categories: SAG has only mismatched five times in Best Actor, seven times in Best Actress, nine times in Best Supporting Actor and eight times in Best Supporting Actress. That’s pretty good news for SAG champs Chadwick Boseman (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom“), Viola Davis (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”), Daniel Kaluuya (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) and Yuh-Jung Youn (“Minari”). But while SAG matches up with Oscar a lot in the categories individually, it has comparatively less success batting 1000 in all four categories in one year.
In its 26-year history, SAG has directly matched 4/4 with Oscar only eight times, most recently last year with sweepers Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”), Renee Zellweger (“Judy”), Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”) and Laura Dern (“Marriage Story”). That was the second season with a complete 20/20 acting sweep of the Golden Globe,...
In its 26-year history, SAG has directly matched 4/4 with Oscar only eight times, most recently last year with sweepers Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”), Renee Zellweger (“Judy”), Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”) and Laura Dern (“Marriage Story”). That was the second season with a complete 20/20 acting sweep of the Golden Globe,...
- 4/8/2021
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Maria Bakalova took home the Best Supporting Actress prize at Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards for “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” which was great for her and also great for us because that means the unruly supporting actress Oscar race is still the one to watch. This was a good get for Bakalova in the middle of Oscar voting after she surprisingly lost the Golden Globe last week in the lead category. History would tell you that she’s almost assured an Oscar nomination, but with how wacky the race is this year, nothing is guaranteed.
Since Critics Choice started handing out awards 26 years ago, only one supporting actress winner has not gone on to receive an Oscar nomination: Joan Allen, who won for 1998’s “Pleasantville” in a tie (!) with Kathy Bates for “Primary Colors.” This was back when the Critics Choice Awards were not televised and just unveiled winners and no nominees,...
Since Critics Choice started handing out awards 26 years ago, only one supporting actress winner has not gone on to receive an Oscar nomination: Joan Allen, who won for 1998’s “Pleasantville” in a tie (!) with Kathy Bates for “Primary Colors.” This was back when the Critics Choice Awards were not televised and just unveiled winners and no nominees,...
- 3/8/2021
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
The Supporting Actress Smackdown will resume in March 2021. Final Season!
Happy Smackdown to you Happy Smackdown to you
Happy Smackdown you actressexuals,
Happy Smackdown to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!
After StinkyLulu graciously let us continue/revive the series here seven or eight years ago (eep!) we've done 35 episodes: 1938, 1941, 1943, 1944, 1947, 1948, 1952, 1954, 1957, 1960, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and concurrently with Oscar races as they happened 2016, 2017, and 2018.
So, where to now?
The Remaining Years
1937- Brady (In Old Chicago) | Leeds (Stage Door) | Shirley (Stella Dallas) | Trevor (Dead End) | Whitty (Night Must Fall)
1946 - Baxter (The Razor's Edge) | Barrymore (The Spiral Staircase) | Gish (Duel in the Sun) | Robson (Saratoga Trunk) | Sondegaard (Anna and the King of Siam)
1951 Joan Blondell (The Blue Veil) | Dunnock (Death of a Salesman) | Grant (Detective Story) | Hunter (A Streetcar Named Desire) | Ritter (The Mating Season)
1986 - Harper (Crimes of the Heart) | Laurie (Children of a Lesser God) | Mastrantonio (The Color of Money) | Smith (A Room With a View) | Weist (Hannah and Her Sisters...
Happy Smackdown to you Happy Smackdown to you
Happy Smackdown you actressexuals,
Happy Smackdown to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!
After StinkyLulu graciously let us continue/revive the series here seven or eight years ago (eep!) we've done 35 episodes: 1938, 1941, 1943, 1944, 1947, 1948, 1952, 1954, 1957, 1960, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and concurrently with Oscar races as they happened 2016, 2017, and 2018.
So, where to now?
The Remaining Years
1937- Brady (In Old Chicago) | Leeds (Stage Door) | Shirley (Stella Dallas) | Trevor (Dead End) | Whitty (Night Must Fall)
1946 - Baxter (The Razor's Edge) | Barrymore (The Spiral Staircase) | Gish (Duel in the Sun) | Robson (Saratoga Trunk) | Sondegaard (Anna and the King of Siam)
1951 Joan Blondell (The Blue Veil) | Dunnock (Death of a Salesman) | Grant (Detective Story) | Hunter (A Streetcar Named Desire) | Ritter (The Mating Season)
1986 - Harper (Crimes of the Heart) | Laurie (Children of a Lesser God) | Mastrantonio (The Color of Money) | Smith (A Room With a View) | Weist (Hannah and Her Sisters...
- 2/17/2021
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Emmy-winning TV host Larry King has died. He was 87 years old.
His official Twitter account posted an announcement of his death on Saturday morning.
“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” it read. “For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster.”
Called “the master of the mic” by Time magazine, King was a mainstay on CNN, with his genial style, trademark suspenders and black eyeglasses. “Larry King Live,” which ran for 25 years until 2010, featured interviews with newsmakers and celebrities, as well as calls and emails from viewers. King’s show was mostly based out of CNN’s studios in Los Angeles,...
His official Twitter account posted an announcement of his death on Saturday morning.
“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” it read. “For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster.”
Called “the master of the mic” by Time magazine, King was a mainstay on CNN, with his genial style, trademark suspenders and black eyeglasses. “Larry King Live,” which ran for 25 years until 2010, featured interviews with newsmakers and celebrities, as well as calls and emails from viewers. King’s show was mostly based out of CNN’s studios in Los Angeles,...
- 1/23/2021
- by Laura Haefner
- Variety Film + TV
Larry King, the award-winning TV and radio host who became a household name with his long-running CNN show Larry King Live, died Saturday morning at the age of 87.
“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host, and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” King’s official Twitter announced Saturday morning. No cause of death was provided, but King’s death came weeks after it was revealed that the 87-year-old host was battling coronavirus.
“For 63 years...
“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host, and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” King’s official Twitter announced Saturday morning. No cause of death was provided, but King’s death came weeks after it was revealed that the 87-year-old host was battling coronavirus.
“For 63 years...
- 1/23/2021
- by Ryan Reed and Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Update, 9:26 Pm Pt: Miles Taylor appeared on Chris Cuomo’s CNN show and explained why he lied to Anderson Cooper in August about being Anonymous, the Trump administration figure who wrote a scathing New York Times op ed and book.
“Why should CNN keep you on the payroll after lying like that?” Cuomo asked Taylor, who has been a CNN contributor since August.
“It’s a great question, and I will just give you the blunt truth,” he said. “When I said in A Warning, I said in the book that if asked, I would strenuously deny it, that I was the author. And here’s the reason, because the things I said in that book were ideas that I wanted Donald Trump to challenge on their merits. We have seen over the course of four years that Donald Trump’s preference is to find personal attacks and distractions...
“Why should CNN keep you on the payroll after lying like that?” Cuomo asked Taylor, who has been a CNN contributor since August.
“It’s a great question, and I will just give you the blunt truth,” he said. “When I said in A Warning, I said in the book that if asked, I would strenuously deny it, that I was the author. And here’s the reason, because the things I said in that book were ideas that I wanted Donald Trump to challenge on their merits. We have seen over the course of four years that Donald Trump’s preference is to find personal attacks and distractions...
- 10/29/2020
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
With theaters in an unprecedented nationwide shutdown, we look back at the game-changing titles in play on this weekend in box-office history.
Under normal circumstances, this weekend would likely have been the best of 2020 to date. With “Mulan” (Disney) set to open and “A Quiet Place Part II” (Paramount) in its second week, grosses totaling $200 million were likely.
More from IndieWirePremium VOD Dominates FandangoNOW Top 10, Led by 'The Invisible Man'Exhibitors Sweat as Audiences Warm to the Studios' VOD Experiment
And in 1998, this was the weekend after the Oscars — a date then known as something of a box-office dead zone. Streaming didn’t exist, and theater windows were longer than 90 days, which meant new films stayed away because they didn’t want to compete with the post-Oscar bump. Today, Oscar movies are no threat since most winners are on some form of VOD, or in wider release.
Last year, much of...
Under normal circumstances, this weekend would likely have been the best of 2020 to date. With “Mulan” (Disney) set to open and “A Quiet Place Part II” (Paramount) in its second week, grosses totaling $200 million were likely.
More from IndieWirePremium VOD Dominates FandangoNOW Top 10, Led by 'The Invisible Man'Exhibitors Sweat as Audiences Warm to the Studios' VOD Experiment
And in 1998, this was the weekend after the Oscars — a date then known as something of a box-office dead zone. Streaming didn’t exist, and theater windows were longer than 90 days, which meant new films stayed away because they didn’t want to compete with the post-Oscar bump. Today, Oscar movies are no threat since most winners are on some form of VOD, or in wider release.
Last year, much of...
- 3/29/2020
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
It’s been so long since A Million Little Things checked in with Delilah’s father, Lenny, he seems like a whole new person.
When Lenny shows up in Thursday’s episode (ABC, 10/9c), he will no longer be played by Gerald McRaney. CSI vet Paul Guilfoyle has taken over the role, TVLine has confirmed.
More from TVLineTV Ratings: Conners Hits Audience High With Live Outing, The Flash Eyes LowsThe Conners Live -- Grade the Episode!ABC's thirtysomething Sequel Adds Supergirl Alum Odette Annable
We hear that the recast happened because McRaney had a scheduling conflict that prevented him from returning to the ensemble drama.
When Lenny shows up in Thursday’s episode (ABC, 10/9c), he will no longer be played by Gerald McRaney. CSI vet Paul Guilfoyle has taken over the role, TVLine has confirmed.
More from TVLineTV Ratings: Conners Hits Audience High With Live Outing, The Flash Eyes LowsThe Conners Live -- Grade the Episode!ABC's thirtysomething Sequel Adds Supergirl Alum Odette Annable
We hear that the recast happened because McRaney had a scheduling conflict that prevented him from returning to the ensemble drama.
- 2/12/2020
- TVLine.com
Throughout the last few weeks and months, we’ve been updating our photo galleries of the 2020 Oscar nominees. Each gallery ranks their greatest films from worst to best, including the ones for front-runners Renee Zellweger, Joaquin Phoenix, Laura Dern and Brad Pitt. Take a tour of each of the 14 actors and actresses below to see if your favorite movies were ranked on top. Just click on the name to be taken to the gallery.
Antonio Banderas
Oscar nominee for “Pain and Glory” with other roles in “Philadelphia,” “Evita” and “Puss in Boots”
Kathy Bates
Oscar winner for “Misery” plus nominations for “Primary Colors,” “About Schmidt” and “Richard Jewell”
Laura Dern
Oscar nominee for “Rambling Rose,” “Wild” and “Marriage Story”
Leonardo DiCaprio
Oscar winner for “The Revenant” plus nominations for “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” “The Aviator,” “Blood Diamond,” “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
Tom Hanks...
Antonio Banderas
Oscar nominee for “Pain and Glory” with other roles in “Philadelphia,” “Evita” and “Puss in Boots”
Kathy Bates
Oscar winner for “Misery” plus nominations for “Primary Colors,” “About Schmidt” and “Richard Jewell”
Laura Dern
Oscar nominee for “Rambling Rose,” “Wild” and “Marriage Story”
Leonardo DiCaprio
Oscar winner for “The Revenant” plus nominations for “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” “The Aviator,” “Blood Diamond,” “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
Tom Hanks...
- 2/7/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
When Kathy Bates smashed that sledgehammer into James Caan’s ankles 30 years ago in Misery, the world may have collectively cringed, but it made Bates an unforgettable force in Hollywood history.
The then 42-year-old actress wasn’t a household name when she took on that role of homicidal nurse Annie Wilkes. She’d had theatrical successes before, and appeared in a few smaller films and television shows like St. Elsewhere and L.A. Law. And yet, that year, she took home an Oscar, proving the game wasn’t up for women over 35. Not by a long shot.
This year, Bates is enjoying her fourth Oscar nomination, this time for Richard Jewell, the Clint Eastwood-directed true tale of a heroic security guard falsely accused of planting a bomb at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, although he actually found the device and saved many lives.
Despite the Academy recognition, it’s only very recently,...
The then 42-year-old actress wasn’t a household name when she took on that role of homicidal nurse Annie Wilkes. She’d had theatrical successes before, and appeared in a few smaller films and television shows like St. Elsewhere and L.A. Law. And yet, that year, she took home an Oscar, proving the game wasn’t up for women over 35. Not by a long shot.
This year, Bates is enjoying her fourth Oscar nomination, this time for Richard Jewell, the Clint Eastwood-directed true tale of a heroic security guard falsely accused of planting a bomb at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, although he actually found the device and saved many lives.
Despite the Academy recognition, it’s only very recently,...
- 1/30/2020
- by Antonia Blyth
- Deadline Film + TV
After their wins at last Sunday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards, Joaquin Phoenix (“Joker”), Renee Zellweger (“Judy”), Brad Pitt (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”) and Laura Dern (“Marriage Story”) continue to stroll toward Oscar glory. The SAG Awards has one of the best track records with the academy: SAG has only missed five times in Best Actor, seven times in Best Actress, nine times in Best Supporting Actor and eight times in Best Supporting Actress. Not too shabby. But despite so much overlap in the categories individually, SAG and Oscar do not link up 4/4 as often as you might assume.
In its 25-year history, SAG has only had a direct match in all four Oscar acting races seven times, most recently two years ago when the foursome of Gary Oldman (“Darkest Hour”), Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney became the first set of acting winners to sweep the four...
In its 25-year history, SAG has only had a direct match in all four Oscar acting races seven times, most recently two years ago when the foursome of Gary Oldman (“Darkest Hour”), Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney became the first set of acting winners to sweep the four...
- 1/28/2020
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
One of the biggest surprises on Oscar nominations morning came with the very first category announcement, when Kathy Bates‘s name was read in Best Supporting Actress for “Richard Jewell.” Where does Clint Eastwood‘s true life drama fall within the rest of her filmography? Tour through our photo gallery of Bates’s 15 greatest films, ranked worst to best.
See 28 most surprising Oscar nominees: We goofed by not predicting Kathy Bates, Cynthia Erivo, ‘Klaus’ and more
Prior to her movie career, Bates was a highly respected stage actress. But when her acclaimed theater roles were adapted into film, she was never apart of the transfer. She did get to join the cast of the play “Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” when director Robert Altman filmed the play, but in other cases she missed out. Bates saw three of her stage characters adapted to the screen...
See 28 most surprising Oscar nominees: We goofed by not predicting Kathy Bates, Cynthia Erivo, ‘Klaus’ and more
Prior to her movie career, Bates was a highly respected stage actress. But when her acclaimed theater roles were adapted into film, she was never apart of the transfer. She did get to join the cast of the play “Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” when director Robert Altman filmed the play, but in other cases she missed out. Bates saw three of her stage characters adapted to the screen...
- 1/17/2020
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
In today’s film news roundup, Afm tells attendees that Santa Monica isn’t burning, the La Film Critics honor Elaine May and MarketCast hires a Nielsen executive.
Afm Reassurance
With less than a week before the American Film Market opens in Santa Monica, Afm has assured attendees that the beachside city has not been hit by the region’s wildfires.
The Getty Fire near the Getty Museum is the closest fire. The blaze, which ignited on Oct. 28, is about seven miles away from Afm headquarters at the Loews Hotel. It has now burned more than 700 acres, forcing evacuations from more than 7,000 homes.
“We would like to assure you that there are no fires in Santa Monica,” Afm said in a message. “Some media have referred to fires in the ‘Santa Monica Mountains.’ This mountain range is actually in Los Angeles, miles from Santa Monica. There is no threat to the Santa Monica business area.
Afm Reassurance
With less than a week before the American Film Market opens in Santa Monica, Afm has assured attendees that the beachside city has not been hit by the region’s wildfires.
The Getty Fire near the Getty Museum is the closest fire. The blaze, which ignited on Oct. 28, is about seven miles away from Afm headquarters at the Loews Hotel. It has now burned more than 700 acres, forcing evacuations from more than 7,000 homes.
“We would like to assure you that there are no fires in Santa Monica,” Afm said in a message. “Some media have referred to fires in the ‘Santa Monica Mountains.’ This mountain range is actually in Los Angeles, miles from Santa Monica. There is no threat to the Santa Monica business area.
- 11/1/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – John Travolta continues to surprise by challenging himself in offbeat roles. His latest is “The Fanatic,” which had its nationwide release on August 30th. To promote the film and greet admirers, Travolta stopped by the Wizard World Comic Con in Chicago, and Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com shot an Exclusive Photo.
“The Fanatic” was based on a true story that actually occurred to co-writer/director Fred Durst, the front man for the band Limp Bizkit. The topic is extreme fandom and stalking, and Travolta portrays Moose, an autistic man who worships horror film actor Hunter Dunbar (Devon Sawa). After finding out where his hero lives, Moose begins stalking him relentlessly, escalating into a dangerous situation for Dunbar. Durst based the story on a fan who pursued him during the height of Limp Bizkit’s popularity.
John Travolta at Wizard World Comic Con Chicago, August 24th, 2019
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.
“The Fanatic” was based on a true story that actually occurred to co-writer/director Fred Durst, the front man for the band Limp Bizkit. The topic is extreme fandom and stalking, and Travolta portrays Moose, an autistic man who worships horror film actor Hunter Dunbar (Devon Sawa). After finding out where his hero lives, Moose begins stalking him relentlessly, escalating into a dangerous situation for Dunbar. Durst based the story on a fan who pursued him during the height of Limp Bizkit’s popularity.
John Travolta at Wizard World Comic Con Chicago, August 24th, 2019
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.
- 9/1/2019
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Exclusive: Rob Reiner, the Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning director, producer, writer and actor, is now a client of ICM Partners.
As a filmmaker, he’s behind such pics as Misery –which launched Kathy Bates as tour de force actress, landing an Oscar off her first nomination–and other blockbusters including When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me and A Few Good Men (which notched four Oscar noms including Reiner with a Best Picture nom).
Reiner’s cult-classic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap recently celebrated its 35th anniversary at the Tribeca Film Festival.
In total, Reiner won two Emmys for his role on Norman Lear’s All in the Family and is a five-time nominee. His career includes nine Golden Globe and three DGA Award noms.
In 1987, Reiner co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, which produced the hits above as well as his Michael Douglas-Annette Bening screwball comedy The American President,...
As a filmmaker, he’s behind such pics as Misery –which launched Kathy Bates as tour de force actress, landing an Oscar off her first nomination–and other blockbusters including When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Stand By Me and A Few Good Men (which notched four Oscar noms including Reiner with a Best Picture nom).
Reiner’s cult-classic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap recently celebrated its 35th anniversary at the Tribeca Film Festival.
In total, Reiner won two Emmys for his role on Norman Lear’s All in the Family and is a five-time nominee. His career includes nine Golden Globe and three DGA Award noms.
In 1987, Reiner co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, which produced the hits above as well as his Michael Douglas-Annette Bening screwball comedy The American President,...
- 8/7/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Out of all the nominees spread across the 26 categories at the 2018 Tony Awards, 20 of them stand out as particularly noteworthy. Check out the complete list of nominations here.
The following Broadway productions from this past season were completely shut out by the nominating committee: “Head Over Heels,” “Straight White Men,” “Pretty Woman,” “The Nap,” “The Lifespan of a Fact,” “American Son,” and “True West.”
This year marks the second time this decade that the category of Best Musical consisted of five nominees, the first being in 2016. It’s also the third time for both Best Play (which had five nominees in 2014 and 2018) and Best Play Revival (which had five nominees in 2016 and 2018). And this year marks the fourth instance when the category of Best Musical Revival had only two nominees; the previous times were in 1995, 2002, and 2011.
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Two of this year...
The following Broadway productions from this past season were completely shut out by the nominating committee: “Head Over Heels,” “Straight White Men,” “Pretty Woman,” “The Nap,” “The Lifespan of a Fact,” “American Son,” and “True West.”
This year marks the second time this decade that the category of Best Musical consisted of five nominees, the first being in 2016. It’s also the third time for both Best Play (which had five nominees in 2014 and 2018) and Best Play Revival (which had five nominees in 2016 and 2018). And this year marks the fourth instance when the category of Best Musical Revival had only two nominees; the previous times were in 1995, 2002, and 2011.
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Two of this year...
- 4/30/2019
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
On March 20, 1998, Universal unveiled the R-rated political drama Primary Colors in theaters. The film went on to nab two nominations at the 15th Academy Awards, for Kathy Bates in the supporting actress category and for its screenplay. The Hollywood Reporter's original review is below:
John Travolta presses the flesh in all its current presidential connotations in Primary Colors, an enthralling, entertaining slant on the Clinton quest for the Oval Office.
Chock-full of doughnuts and drawl, Travolta's performance, together with Emma Thompson's pithy portrayal of a Hillary-esque mate, should lure sophisticated audiences to this Mike Nichols-directed film....
John Travolta presses the flesh in all its current presidential connotations in Primary Colors, an enthralling, entertaining slant on the Clinton quest for the Oval Office.
Chock-full of doughnuts and drawl, Travolta's performance, together with Emma Thompson's pithy portrayal of a Hillary-esque mate, should lure sophisticated audiences to this Mike Nichols-directed film....
- 3/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
On March 20, 1998, Universal unveiled the R-rated political drama Primary Colors in theaters. The film went on to nab two nominations at the 15th Academy Awards, for Kathy Bates in the supporting actress category and for its screenplay. The Hollywood Reporter's original review is below:
John Travolta presses the flesh in all its current presidential connotations in Primary Colors, an enthralling, entertaining slant on the Clinton quest for the Oval Office.
Chock-full of doughnuts and drawl, Travolta's performance, together with Emma Thompson's pithy portrayal of a Hillary-esque mate, should lure sophisticated audiences to this Mike Nichols-directed film....
John Travolta presses the flesh in all its current presidential connotations in Primary Colors, an enthralling, entertaining slant on the Clinton quest for the Oval Office.
Chock-full of doughnuts and drawl, Travolta's performance, together with Emma Thompson's pithy portrayal of a Hillary-esque mate, should lure sophisticated audiences to this Mike Nichols-directed film....
- 3/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rob Reiner celebrates his 72nd birthday on March 6, 2019. The multi-hyphenate has excelled both in front of and behind the camera for over 50 years, starting as an actor before moving into directing. In honor of his birthday, let’s take a look back at 12 of his greatest films as a director, ranked worst to best.
Reiner was born into the business as the son of performer Estelle Reiner and comedian Carl Reiner, creator of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” He shot to fame on television with his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic, the liberal son-in-law to buffoonish bigot Archie Bunker (Caroll O’Connor) on “All in the Family.” The series brought him two Emmys as Best Comedy Supporting Actor (1974 and 1978). His victory, in fact, made the show the first to ever win acting prizes for all four of its leads, with O’Connor and Jean Stapleton prevailing in lead and Sally Struthers in supporting.
Reiner was born into the business as the son of performer Estelle Reiner and comedian Carl Reiner, creator of “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” He shot to fame on television with his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic, the liberal son-in-law to buffoonish bigot Archie Bunker (Caroll O’Connor) on “All in the Family.” The series brought him two Emmys as Best Comedy Supporting Actor (1974 and 1978). His victory, in fact, made the show the first to ever win acting prizes for all four of its leads, with O’Connor and Jean Stapleton prevailing in lead and Sally Struthers in supporting.
- 3/6/2019
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
After the same four people became the first quartet to run the table with all the major acting awards last year en route to Oscar gold, it’s refreshing to know that we definitely won’t get that sheep mentality rubber-stamping this year.
The Golden Globe Best Actor champs Christian Bale (“Vice”) and Rami Malek (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) have already split the Critics’ Choice (Bale) and Screen Actors Guild Awards (Malek). Globe and Critics’ Choice supporting actress winner Regina King (“If Beale Street Could Talk”) was snubbed at SAG and BAFTA. And SAG gave its supporting actress statuette to an Oscar snubbee, Emily Blunt (“A Quiet Place”), for the second time in four years, guaranteeing that the four SAG Awards winners — Glenn Close (“The Wife”) and Mahershala Ali (“Green Book”) being the others — won’t all go on to win the corresponding Oscar.
The SAG Awards has a good track record with the academy.
The Golden Globe Best Actor champs Christian Bale (“Vice”) and Rami Malek (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) have already split the Critics’ Choice (Bale) and Screen Actors Guild Awards (Malek). Globe and Critics’ Choice supporting actress winner Regina King (“If Beale Street Could Talk”) was snubbed at SAG and BAFTA. And SAG gave its supporting actress statuette to an Oscar snubbee, Emily Blunt (“A Quiet Place”), for the second time in four years, guaranteeing that the four SAG Awards winners — Glenn Close (“The Wife”) and Mahershala Ali (“Green Book”) being the others — won’t all go on to win the corresponding Oscar.
The SAG Awards has a good track record with the academy.
- 1/30/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Over the first three instalments of this five-part series on the gender gap at the Academy Awards and BAFTAs, we found that the academy has made much better progress in recent years than their British counterparts. Indeed, if this trajectory continues, the Oscars will soon overtake the BAFTAs and the ratio of women to men will level out much faster. Be sure to read part one (historic overview), part two (last 20 years) and part three (projected trends).
But how have these increases in the number of female nominees panned out in terms of wins? Below, figures 7a and 7b display the percentages of female nominees and winners per decade.
See Oscars and BAFTAs gender gap (Part 1): There have been more male winners than female nominees
Both figures 7a and 7b show a clear progression in each decade of the percentage of nominees and winners who are women, at both the Oscars and BAFTAs.
But how have these increases in the number of female nominees panned out in terms of wins? Below, figures 7a and 7b display the percentages of female nominees and winners per decade.
See Oscars and BAFTAs gender gap (Part 1): There have been more male winners than female nominees
Both figures 7a and 7b show a clear progression in each decade of the percentage of nominees and winners who are women, at both the Oscars and BAFTAs.
- 12/30/2018
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Mike Nichols would’ve celebrated his 87th birthday on November 6, 2018. One of the few people to complete the Egot, the acclaimed director excelled in film, television and theater until his death in 2014. In honor of his birthday, let’s take a look back at all 18 of his movies, ranked worst to best.
Born in 1931 in Berlin, Germany, Nichols got his start as one half of the comedic improvisational act Nichols and May, working alongside Elaine May. In 1960, the two opened the Broadway show “An Evening with Mike Nichols and Elaine May,” winning a Grammy in 1962 for the LP version. Their partnership ended just a year later, though they would collaborate several times thereafter, including on “The Birdcage” (1996) and “Primary Colors” (1998).
Nichols began his directing career on Broadway, gaining fame for his productions of such Neil Simon classics as “Barefoot in the Park” (1964) and “The Odd Couple” (1965). Both would bring him...
Born in 1931 in Berlin, Germany, Nichols got his start as one half of the comedic improvisational act Nichols and May, working alongside Elaine May. In 1960, the two opened the Broadway show “An Evening with Mike Nichols and Elaine May,” winning a Grammy in 1962 for the LP version. Their partnership ended just a year later, though they would collaborate several times thereafter, including on “The Birdcage” (1996) and “Primary Colors” (1998).
Nichols began his directing career on Broadway, gaining fame for his productions of such Neil Simon classics as “Barefoot in the Park” (1964) and “The Odd Couple” (1965). Both would bring him...
- 11/6/2018
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
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