You have to admit, even the promise of it is fascinating: what does a photoreal-animated Lion King film look like when it comes from Barry Jenkins – the director of Moonlight, and If Beale Street Could Talk, and The Underground Railroad? We’re about to find out, because Jenkins is directing Mufasa: The Lion King, the follow-up to Jon Favreau’s 2019 The Lion King remake – ostensibly a prequel about the rise of Simba’s legendary dad, but also weaving in sequel threads following Simba and Nala’s burgeoning family. And it’s not that Jenkins is being parachuted in – he’s working with his regular cinematographer James Laxton, and editor Joi McMillon, bringing his impeccable craft to an entirely different type of filmmaking, with the biggest tools blockbusterdom can bring. Check out the trailer here:
There’s plenty to dig into here – particularly those big names in the cast list. While...
There’s plenty to dig into here – particularly those big names in the cast list. While...
- 4/29/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Walt Disney Pictures brought the Pride Lands to Sin City. The studio unveiled footage of “Mufasa: The Lion King” at their CinemaCon panel this Monday, showcasing Barry Jenkins’ prequel of the 2019 “Lion King” remake.
Jenkins accompanied the film to Las Vegas at CinemaCon, and he explained to the crowd, “what the director of ‘Moonlight’ is doing here to tell me about an 8-quadrant legacy film.” Well, he said making it was “one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.”
A photorealistic CGI film in the vein of the 2019 film, “Mufasa: The Lion King” will focus on the ascension of Mufasa (voiced in the prequel by “The Underground Railroad” star Aaron Pierre) to the ruler of the Pride Lands. Kelvin Harrison Jr. will also star as Scar, along with Seth Rogan, Billy Eichner, and John Kani all reprising their roles from the 2019 “Lion King” as Pumbaa, Timon, and Raifiki,...
Jenkins accompanied the film to Las Vegas at CinemaCon, and he explained to the crowd, “what the director of ‘Moonlight’ is doing here to tell me about an 8-quadrant legacy film.” Well, he said making it was “one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.”
A photorealistic CGI film in the vein of the 2019 film, “Mufasa: The Lion King” will focus on the ascension of Mufasa (voiced in the prequel by “The Underground Railroad” star Aaron Pierre) to the ruler of the Pride Lands. Kelvin Harrison Jr. will also star as Scar, along with Seth Rogan, Billy Eichner, and John Kani all reprising their roles from the 2019 “Lion King” as Pumbaa, Timon, and Raifiki,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Brian Welk and Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The American Cinema Editors group has revealed the nominees for the 2023 Eddie Awards, which will be handed out March 5 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
The live-action theatrical feature competition has two categories, drama and comedy. The nominees in the category of best edited dramatic feature are Sven Budelmann for All Quiet on the Western Front, Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond for Elvis, Monika Willi for Tár, Eddie Hamilton for Top Gun: Maverick and Terilyn A. Shropshire for The Woman King. Nominees for best edited comedic feature are Mikkel E.G. Nielsen for The Banshees of Inisherin, Paul Rogers for Everything Everywhere All at Once, Bob Ducsay for Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Christopher Tellefsen for The Menu and Ruben Östlund and Mikel Cee Karlsson for Triangle of Sadness.
With her nomination for The Woman King, Shropshire becomes the second Black woman to be nominated for an Eddie in the dramatic feature category.
The live-action theatrical feature competition has two categories, drama and comedy. The nominees in the category of best edited dramatic feature are Sven Budelmann for All Quiet on the Western Front, Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond for Elvis, Monika Willi for Tár, Eddie Hamilton for Top Gun: Maverick and Terilyn A. Shropshire for The Woman King. Nominees for best edited comedic feature are Mikkel E.G. Nielsen for The Banshees of Inisherin, Paul Rogers for Everything Everywhere All at Once, Bob Ducsay for Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Christopher Tellefsen for The Menu and Ruben Östlund and Mikel Cee Karlsson for Triangle of Sadness.
With her nomination for The Woman King, Shropshire becomes the second Black woman to be nominated for an Eddie in the dramatic feature category.
- 2/1/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After two weeks of solid showings at the box office, excellent reviews and passionate fan responses, “The Woman King” has become one of the year’s standout hits, with plans to be competitive in the awards races for both major and artisan category attention.
One of the film’s standout stars, Thuso Mbedu, who plays the young Nawi, will be campaigning for supporting actress attention, Variety has learned. Academy Award winner Viola Davis (“Fences”) will be the sole actress campaigning for lead actress.
Mbedu, who was the breakout sensation of 2021’s Emmy-nominated series “The Underground Railroad” from director Barry Jenkins, will compete in supporting alongside her co-stars Sheila Atim, Jayme Lawson, Adrienne Warren and most prominent, Lashana Lynch. All of the male actors, including John Boyega, will be competing in supporting actor.
Beginning with “Gone with the Wind” (1939) duo Olivia de Havilland and winner Hattie McDaniel, who became the first...
One of the film’s standout stars, Thuso Mbedu, who plays the young Nawi, will be campaigning for supporting actress attention, Variety has learned. Academy Award winner Viola Davis (“Fences”) will be the sole actress campaigning for lead actress.
Mbedu, who was the breakout sensation of 2021’s Emmy-nominated series “The Underground Railroad” from director Barry Jenkins, will compete in supporting alongside her co-stars Sheila Atim, Jayme Lawson, Adrienne Warren and most prominent, Lashana Lynch. All of the male actors, including John Boyega, will be competing in supporting actor.
Beginning with “Gone with the Wind” (1939) duo Olivia de Havilland and winner Hattie McDaniel, who became the first...
- 9/26/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Instead of being the last stop in the ramp-up to the Oscars, this year Film Independent opted to move up the Independent Spirit Awards by three weeks. On Sunday, the usual sun-blasted outdoor hang near the blustery tent in Santa Monica marked an exuberant reunion for the pandemic-battered film community. (Last year’s awards were a virtual affair.) And due to the new date, the major Spirit wins could have some impact on the Oscar results, as the Academy will vote between March 17 and 22. Indie Spirit winners often repeat at the Oscars, even though this year many of their categories celebrate the indiest of indies, which are nowhere near the mainstream.
Hosted with brio by married couple Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman, the 37th Independent Spirit Awards aired live on IFC and the IFC app, and streamed on AMC+. “They’re not going to your movies,” warned Offerman of the...
Hosted with brio by married couple Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman, the 37th Independent Spirit Awards aired live on IFC and the IFC app, and streamed on AMC+. “They’re not going to your movies,” warned Offerman of the...
- 3/7/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
For winners at the Film Independent Spirit Awards Sunday, the mood was one of community-oriented gratitude. The show, like so many other celebrations of cinematic excellence, is often defined by speeches filled with breathless lists of thank-yous. But that took on a different flavor this year: Sunday marked the first time the show has been staged in person in two years, and it comes as Hollywood has been in a tizzy over the Academy’s decision to omit eight categories from the live broadcast when the Oscars air next month, in favor of editing in pre-taped segments for short-film and below-the-line categories like sound and editing.
Among those who used their time during the live broadcast of the Spirit Awards on IFC to champion their often-under-appreciated collaborators was Ruth Negga, who won the award for best supporting female for her role in “Passing.” Zooming into the ceremony remotely, she said...
Among those who used their time during the live broadcast of the Spirit Awards on IFC to champion their often-under-appreciated collaborators was Ruth Negga, who won the award for best supporting female for her role in “Passing.” Zooming into the ceremony remotely, she said...
- 3/7/2022
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
“The Lost Daughter” was the big winner, but the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards will also be remembered as the year that the Indie Spirits moved away from the Oscars in more ways than one.
After decades as the show that takes place the Saturday afternoon before the Academy Awards, the Spirit Awards moved to a Sunday three weeks earlier, with Film Independent president Josh Welsh explaining, “Shifting earlier in the awards season will allow us to shine an even brighter light on the films and shows we are excited to celebrate.”
The move was considered an attempt to influence awards season more than it could in its usual spot, which takes place after Oscar voting has stopped; this year, the Spirit Awards showcased its favorites before Academy voters could even begin casting their ballots.
But the date change didn’t really matter, because the Indie Spirit Awards’ connection to and...
After decades as the show that takes place the Saturday afternoon before the Academy Awards, the Spirit Awards moved to a Sunday three weeks earlier, with Film Independent president Josh Welsh explaining, “Shifting earlier in the awards season will allow us to shine an even brighter light on the films and shows we are excited to celebrate.”
The move was considered an attempt to influence awards season more than it could in its usual spot, which takes place after Oscar voting has stopped; this year, the Spirit Awards showcased its favorites before Academy voters could even begin casting their ballots.
But the date change didn’t really matter, because the Indie Spirit Awards’ connection to and...
- 3/7/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Wins also for Drive My Car, Mass, Troy Kotsur.
Netflix dominated the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards as The Lost Daughter took home the prizes for best film and director and screenplay for Maggie Gyllenhaal in an in-person ceremony on Santa Monica Beach that honoured diversity.
Sunday’s (6) triumph at Film Independent’s 37th awards show saw the Elena Ferrante adaptation starring Oscar nominated Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley convert three of its four nominations.
Buckley was also in contention for supporting actress and while many Oscar contenders were ineligible for the Spirit Awards due to the $22.5m budget limit, The Lost Daughter...
Netflix dominated the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards as The Lost Daughter took home the prizes for best film and director and screenplay for Maggie Gyllenhaal in an in-person ceremony on Santa Monica Beach that honoured diversity.
Sunday’s (6) triumph at Film Independent’s 37th awards show saw the Elena Ferrante adaptation starring Oscar nominated Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley convert three of its four nominations.
Buckley was also in contention for supporting actress and while many Oscar contenders were ineligible for the Spirit Awards due to the $22.5m budget limit, The Lost Daughter...
- 3/7/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Film Independent Spirit Awards winners have all been announced! The ceremony, which usually takes place during the same weekend as the Oscars, shared this year's nominees for the Spirit Awards on Dec. 14, 2021 via a livestream broadcast with Regina Hall, Naomi Watts, and Beanie Feldstein.
Kristen Stewart, who recently scored her first Oscar nomination for her haunting portrayal of Princess Diana in "Spencer," served as the honorary chair. Wearing a sequined Chanel jumpsuit, she presented the award for best male lead, which went to Simon Rex for his role in "Red Rocket." Meanwhile, Taylour Paige won best female lead for "Zola." It was a big night for films "The Lost Daughter" and "Zola," which scored two and three wins, respectively. This year's presenters included Sydney Sweeney, Lily James, Regina Hall, Andrew Garfield, and Rosario Dawson.
Keep reading for the complete list of winners ahead.
Film Categories
Best Feature
Winner: "The Lost Daughter...
Kristen Stewart, who recently scored her first Oscar nomination for her haunting portrayal of Princess Diana in "Spencer," served as the honorary chair. Wearing a sequined Chanel jumpsuit, she presented the award for best male lead, which went to Simon Rex for his role in "Red Rocket." Meanwhile, Taylour Paige won best female lead for "Zola." It was a big night for films "The Lost Daughter" and "Zola," which scored two and three wins, respectively. This year's presenters included Sydney Sweeney, Lily James, Regina Hall, Andrew Garfield, and Rosario Dawson.
Keep reading for the complete list of winners ahead.
Film Categories
Best Feature
Winner: "The Lost Daughter...
- 3/7/2022
- by Princess Gabbara
- Popsugar.com
Who were the big winners at the 37th Independent Spirit Awards, presented on Sunday, March 6, at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California? Scroll down for the complete list of results in all categories, updated throughout the ceremony as the awards were handed out.
SEE2022 Oscars guild awards scorecard: ‘King Richard’ reigns over SAG and Ace Eddies to grab early lead
These awards are unique in that they are limited to American films made for under $20 million; films made outside the United States are eligible for Best International Feature. And the awards are decided in two stages. In the first round, committees of film professionals, experts, and critics choose the nominees. In the second round, the entire Film Independent membership gets to vote for the winners. Members include industry insiders, but also anyone in the general public who wish to pay yearly dues starting at $95 per year.
The Oscars...
SEE2022 Oscars guild awards scorecard: ‘King Richard’ reigns over SAG and Ace Eddies to grab early lead
These awards are unique in that they are limited to American films made for under $20 million; films made outside the United States are eligible for Best International Feature. And the awards are decided in two stages. In the first round, committees of film professionals, experts, and critics choose the nominees. In the second round, the entire Film Independent membership gets to vote for the winners. Members include industry insiders, but also anyone in the general public who wish to pay yearly dues starting at $95 per year.
The Oscars...
- 3/7/2022
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards: ‘The Lost Daughter’ Takes the Top Prize (Complete Winners List)
The 37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards were handed out Sunday at the Santa Monica Pier, with comedy power couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally serving as hosts.
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
There weren’t too many surprises throughout the night. Troy Kotsur won the first award of the evening, Best Supporting Male Actor for “Coda,” very much as predicted. Taylour Paige took home Best Female Lead Actor, for “Zola,” while Simon Rex, of “Red Rocket,” walked away with Best Male Lead. Ruth Negga won Best Supporting Female Actor for “Passing,” beating out Jessie Buckley from “The Lost Daughter.”
But Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of the Elena Ferrante book won the three other categories in which it was nominated — Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Feature — and was the night’s biggest victor. Gyllenhaal gave three effusive thank you speeches, spreading her appreciation around to her cast, crew, financiers, publicist, husband and mother. “Women in film!
- 3/6/2022
- by Missy Schwartz
- The Wrap
“The Lost Daughter,” a psychological drama that marked the directing debut of Maggie Gyllenhaal, was named the best feature at the 37th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday. It was one of a leading three prizes that the movie about a middle-aged professor forced to grapple with her life choices earned at the ocean-side ceremony.
“Red Rocket’s” Simon Rex and “Zola’s” Taylour Page earned best lead actor and actress prizes for portraying a faded porn star and a part-time stripper, respectively, a sign of the edgy projects that the Spirits were designed to highlight. The awards aired on IFC and were handed out in a tent next to the Santa Monica Pier during a boozy ceremony that stretched on for two hours and change.
The Spirits mostly spread the wealth. “Passing” and “Zola” won two prizes apiece, but no other films made repeat visits to the podium to accept statues.
“Red Rocket’s” Simon Rex and “Zola’s” Taylour Page earned best lead actor and actress prizes for portraying a faded porn star and a part-time stripper, respectively, a sign of the edgy projects that the Spirits were designed to highlight. The awards aired on IFC and were handed out in a tent next to the Santa Monica Pier during a boozy ceremony that stretched on for two hours and change.
The Spirits mostly spread the wealth. “Passing” and “Zola” won two prizes apiece, but no other films made repeat visits to the podium to accept statues.
- 3/6/2022
- by Brent Lang, William Earl and Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
A24 is the leading film distributor with 13 nominations, followed by Neon and Netflix on nine.
Janicza Bravo’s Zola led the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations with seven nods, followed by Lauren Hadaway’s The Novice with five and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter on four.
All three are competing for best feature and best director, with Ninja Thyberg for Pleasure and Mike Mills for C’mon C’mon rounding out the latter category. It’s the second year in a row that four women have been nominated for best director.
The other best feature nominees are C’mon C’mon...
Janicza Bravo’s Zola led the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations with seven nods, followed by Lauren Hadaway’s The Novice with five and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter on four.
All three are competing for best feature and best director, with Ninja Thyberg for Pleasure and Mike Mills for C’mon C’mon rounding out the latter category. It’s the second year in a row that four women have been nominated for best director.
The other best feature nominees are C’mon C’mon...
- 12/14/2021
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
The 2022 Independent Spirit Awards nominations were announced Tuesday, December 14. So who made the cut at these kudos, which celebrate the best in American independent films? Scroll down to see the full 2022 Indie Spirits nominations list. Remember, only American-made movies with budgets under $20 million were eligible for consideration.
These Spirit contenders were decided by nominating committees that included film critics, film programmers, producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, actors, past nominees and winners, and members of Film Independent’s Board of Directors. Winners will be chosen by all of Film Independent’s eligible members, including industry insiders and any movie fans who sign up for membership starting at $95 per year.
These awards have come to be a significant preview of the Oscars as the motion picture academy embraces more independent films. Six of the last 10 Spirit champs for Best Feature went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture including last year’s double dipper “Nomadland,...
These Spirit contenders were decided by nominating committees that included film critics, film programmers, producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, actors, past nominees and winners, and members of Film Independent’s Board of Directors. Winners will be chosen by all of Film Independent’s eligible members, including industry insiders and any movie fans who sign up for membership starting at $95 per year.
These awards have come to be a significant preview of the Oscars as the motion picture academy embraces more independent films. Six of the last 10 Spirit champs for Best Feature went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture including last year’s double dipper “Nomadland,...
- 12/14/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Distributor A24 and Zola led nominations as the Film Independent Spirit Awards revealed their 37th annual nods in a pre-taped presentation hosted by Beanie Feldstein, Regina Hall and Naomi Watts. The Spirit Awards are skedded for Sunday, March 6, 2022 — live and in-person this year back on the beach in Santa Monica, and broadcast on IFC.
A24’s Zola, by Janicza Bravo and based on a Twitter chain from a riotous road trip, was recognized for Best Feature Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Female Lead and Supporting Male. Mike Mills’ C’mon C’mon with Joaquin Phoenix took four nods including feature, director and screenplay. Accolades were rounded out by two nominations for Sean Baker’s Red Rocket, for Best Male Lead, Simon Rex ,and Best Supporting Female, Suzanna Son. The Humans, directed by Stephen Karam based on his one-act play, was nominated in cinematography.
Netflix and Neon took nine nods each, with...
A24’s Zola, by Janicza Bravo and based on a Twitter chain from a riotous road trip, was recognized for Best Feature Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Female Lead and Supporting Male. Mike Mills’ C’mon C’mon with Joaquin Phoenix took four nods including feature, director and screenplay. Accolades were rounded out by two nominations for Sean Baker’s Red Rocket, for Best Male Lead, Simon Rex ,and Best Supporting Female, Suzanna Son. The Humans, directed by Stephen Karam based on his one-act play, was nominated in cinematography.
Netflix and Neon took nine nods each, with...
- 12/14/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The Critics Choice Association held its fourth annual Celebration of Black Cinema and Television during an in-person ceremony on Monday evening at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, which will be the new home to the Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 9. Hosted by Emmy winner Niecy Nash, some of the honorees included Jennifer Hudson from “Respect” (MGM/United Artists Releasing), Ruth Negga from “Passing” (Netflix) and the cast of Jeymes Samuel’s “The Harder They Fall” (Netflix).
Oscar and Emmy-winning actress Taraji P. Henson presented Halle Berry with the career achievement award to close the evening out, with Berry delivering a tearful and moving speech. “When I started 30 years ago, there weren’t rooms like this where I could go and feel affirmed or esteemed,” she said. “I was often alone. I was one of the few Black people in a room, searching to find my value, searching to find my worth.
Oscar and Emmy-winning actress Taraji P. Henson presented Halle Berry with the career achievement award to close the evening out, with Berry delivering a tearful and moving speech. “When I started 30 years ago, there weren’t rooms like this where I could go and feel affirmed or esteemed,” she said. “I was often alone. I was one of the few Black people in a room, searching to find my value, searching to find my worth.
- 12/7/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood may not have always known what to do with Janicza Bravo, but she certainly knew what to do with it. The visionary filmmaker behind “Zola,” one of the year’s most inventive and incisive films, Bravo has said her films don’t typically fit the mold of what the industry expects from Black women.
Her first film, “Lemon,” was about an insufferable white guy. And while no one is better equipped to skewer insufferable white guys than a brilliant Black woman, that’s a fact most risk-averse executives are not usually smart enough to understand. Luckily for Bravo, and everyone else, A24 and Christine Vachon got it.
Bursting onto the summer film slate after a long theatrical hiatus, “Zola” offered a triumphant welcome home for cinephiles. After months of watching movies at home, “Zola” was a rousing assault on all those dormant senses. Bursting with vivid color shot by rising star Ari Wegner,...
Her first film, “Lemon,” was about an insufferable white guy. And while no one is better equipped to skewer insufferable white guys than a brilliant Black woman, that’s a fact most risk-averse executives are not usually smart enough to understand. Luckily for Bravo, and everyone else, A24 and Christine Vachon got it.
Bursting onto the summer film slate after a long theatrical hiatus, “Zola” offered a triumphant welcome home for cinephiles. After months of watching movies at home, “Zola” was a rousing assault on all those dormant senses. Bursting with vivid color shot by rising star Ari Wegner,...
- 10/15/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Onnalee Blank just received her ninth and 10th Emmy nominations in the Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing categories for her work as the sound supervisor and re-recording artist, respectively, on Amazon Prime’s 10-episode limited series “The Underground Railroad.” After accruing seven of her preceding eight bids for HBO’s concluded phenomenon “Game of Thrones,” Blank admits, “Something about getting recognized for my work that is not that show feels like, Ok, yes, I broke through that barrier.” In our exclusive video interview (watch above), Blank elaborates on her determination to subvert the tropes of a traditional slave narrative on “The Underground Railroad,” on her two Emmy episode submissions for the series, and on merging different genres, themes and ambiences on it.
SEEJames Laxton interview: ‘The Underground Railroad’ cinematographer
Based on Colson Whitehead‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name and directed in its entirety by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins,...
SEEJames Laxton interview: ‘The Underground Railroad’ cinematographer
Based on Colson Whitehead‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name and directed in its entirety by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins,...
- 8/11/2021
- by Luca Giliberti
- Gold Derby
How much longer can the industry ignore the reverence of actor Colman Domingo before they decide to take notice? This holiday weekend gives audiences the 2020 Sundance Film Festival hit “Zola” from A24 and co-writer and director Janicza Bravo. As “X,” the mysterious and terrifying “roommate” of Stefani (Riley Keough), who takes her, the free-spirited Zola (Taylour Paige) and the emotionally unstable Derrek (Nicholas Braun) on a road trip to Florida to dance at a strip club, Domingo slithers through the role with focus and menacing ease.
As history has shown, the fun and frightening villains are always a good ticket to Oscar recognition. Whether it’s the psychological torment exhibited by Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) or the sadistic killing spree shown by Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) in “No Country for Old Men” (2007), a person that people love to hate can have positive effects on the awards circuit.
As history has shown, the fun and frightening villains are always a good ticket to Oscar recognition. Whether it’s the psychological torment exhibited by Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) or the sadistic killing spree shown by Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) in “No Country for Old Men” (2007), a person that people love to hate can have positive effects on the awards circuit.
- 7/4/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Based on Colson Whitehead‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name and directed by Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins, “The Underground Railroad” is a 10-episode limited series that was released in its entirety on Amazon Prime Video on May 14. Although set in the 1850s, the story, which features everything from skyscrapers to elevators to underground railroads, is not, in terms of its themes, exclusive to that specific period in U.S. American history. It is both a story about Black endurance, resistance and resilience and one that serves as a reminder that racism is not only encrusted into the inception of the U.S. but still very much alive and kicking today. Scroll down to watch our 14 video interviews with top Emmy contenders from the show.
Thuso Mbedu stars as Cora Randall, an enslaved girl who makes a bid for freedom from slave-holding Georgia and, in turn, takes possession of her personhood.
Thuso Mbedu stars as Cora Randall, an enslaved girl who makes a bid for freedom from slave-holding Georgia and, in turn, takes possession of her personhood.
- 6/26/2021
- by Luca Giliberti
- Gold Derby
Academy Award nominee Joi McMillon edited five installments of Barry Jenkins‘ 10-episode limited series “The Underground Railroad,” which is based on Colson Whitehead‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. In our exclusive video interview, McMillon discusses the importance of ensuring that Cora’s (Thuso Mbedu) “perspective is [thoroughly] represented,” the depiction of violence on this show, and finally, two of her upcoming projects. Watch the full video webchat above.
Of the five episodes McMillon edited, the premiere, titled “Georgia,” and the finale, titled “Mabel,” were the first two she worked on. The former opens with a unique montage, which strings together various scenes and images that are spread throughout the entire season and concludes with a close-up of Cora’s face. McMillon explains that she and Jenkins wanted to ensure that what they saw in Cora’s/Mbedu’s eyes would help “connect the audience to her [Cora’s] story.” When viewers first meet Cora,...
Of the five episodes McMillon edited, the premiere, titled “Georgia,” and the finale, titled “Mabel,” were the first two she worked on. The former opens with a unique montage, which strings together various scenes and images that are spread throughout the entire season and concludes with a close-up of Cora’s face. McMillon explains that she and Jenkins wanted to ensure that what they saw in Cora’s/Mbedu’s eyes would help “connect the audience to her [Cora’s] story.” When viewers first meet Cora,...
- 6/16/2021
- by Luca Giliberti
- Gold Derby
Consider This: Conversations highlight television’s award-worthy productions through panel discussions with the artists themselves. The above video is in partnership with Amazon Prime Video, produced by IndieWire’s Creative Producer Leonardo Adrian Garcia, and hosted by film director Gina Prince-Bythewood.
Stage production is rarely a simple feat in the realm of television, especially when your project requires you to get real trains up and running underground. Such was the case with Barry Jenkins’ acclaimed “The Underground Railroad,” which features a literal interpretation of the real-world underground network of abolitionists that helped enslaved Black people flee to freedom in America in the 1800s.
“Barry and I were talking about it he said, ‘I don’t know much about how the story is going to go but I can tell you that we need real trains with real people and a real tunnel,'” series production designer Mark Friedberg said. “It was a tricky thing.
Stage production is rarely a simple feat in the realm of television, especially when your project requires you to get real trains up and running underground. Such was the case with Barry Jenkins’ acclaimed “The Underground Railroad,” which features a literal interpretation of the real-world underground network of abolitionists that helped enslaved Black people flee to freedom in America in the 1800s.
“Barry and I were talking about it he said, ‘I don’t know much about how the story is going to go but I can tell you that we need real trains with real people and a real tunnel,'” series production designer Mark Friedberg said. “It was a tricky thing.
- 6/14/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
“My hope was to recontextualize the way we view my ancestors,” says Barry Jenkins, the showrunner and director of Amazon’s 10-part limited series The Underground Railroad, adapted from Colson Whitehead’s bestselling 2016 novel of the same name. “We use this word ‘enslaved,’ which refers to what was done to them, not to who they were or what they did. And the journey of [protagonist] Cora is this wonderful example of [illustrating] who she was and what she did.”
The project reunites Jenkins with cinematographer James Laxton and editor Joi McMillon — his Fsu classmates and collaborators ...
The project reunites Jenkins with cinematographer James Laxton and editor Joi McMillon — his Fsu classmates and collaborators ...
“My hope was to recontextualize the way we view my ancestors,” says Barry Jenkins, the showrunner and director of Amazon’s 10-part limited series The Underground Railroad, adapted from Colson Whitehead’s bestselling 2016 novel of the same name. “We use this word ‘enslaved,’ which refers to what was done to them, not to who they were or what they did. And the journey of [protagonist] Cora is this wonderful example of [illustrating] who she was and what she did.”
The project reunites Jenkins with cinematographer James Laxton and editor Joi McMillon — his Fsu classmates and collaborators ...
The project reunites Jenkins with cinematographer James Laxton and editor Joi McMillon — his Fsu classmates and collaborators ...
Joi McMillon — the first Black woman to earn an Oscar nomination in film editing (alongside fellow editor Nat Sanders for Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight) — recently reteamed with her Florida State classmate Jenkins for his powerful Amazon limited series The Underground Railroad, based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The 10-episode series follows Cora Randall, played by Thuso Mbedu, a slave who flees her Georgia plantation using an underground train system. McMillon, who led a team of editors that also included Alex O’Flinn and Daniel Morfesis, spoke to THR about her biggest challenges, exploring Black mental health, and using Cora as a ...
Joi McMillon — the first Black woman to earn an Oscar nomination in film editing (alongside fellow editor Nat Sanders for Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight) — recently reteamed with her Florida State classmate Jenkins for his powerful Amazon limited series The Underground Railroad, based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The 10-episode series follows Cora Randall, played by Thuso Mbedu, a slave who flees her Georgia plantation using an underground train system. McMillon, who led a team of editors that also included Alex O’Flinn and Daniel Morfesis, spoke to THR about her biggest challenges, exploring Black mental health, and using Cora as a ...
Joi McMillon and Onnalee Blank, editor and supervising sound editor/rerecording mixer, respectively, on Barry Jenkins’ powerful The Underground Railroad, are featured in a new episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s weekly “Behind the Screen” series.
The Underground Railroad, Amazon’s original series based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, follows Cora Randall, played by Thuso Mbedu, as a slave who flees her Georgia plantation. “Thuso was already a bright shining star in her own, right, in South Africa. And so this is kind of her introduction to American audiences,” says McMillon as she discusses editing the series. “I was just blown ...
The Underground Railroad, Amazon’s original series based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, follows Cora Randall, played by Thuso Mbedu, as a slave who flees her Georgia plantation. “Thuso was already a bright shining star in her own, right, in South Africa. And so this is kind of her introduction to American audiences,” says McMillon as she discusses editing the series. “I was just blown ...
- 5/28/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Joi McMillon and Onnalee Blank, editor and supervising sound editor/rerecording mixer, respectively, on Barry Jenkins’ powerful The Underground Railroad, are featured in a new episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s weekly “Behind the Screen” series.
The Underground Railroad, Amazon’s original series based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, follows Cora Randall, played by Thuso Mbedu, as a slave who flees her Georgia plantation. “Thuso was already a bright shining star in her own, right, in South Africa. And so this is kind of her introduction to American audiences,” says McMillon as she discusses editing the series. “I was just blown ...
The Underground Railroad, Amazon’s original series based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, follows Cora Randall, played by Thuso Mbedu, as a slave who flees her Georgia plantation. “Thuso was already a bright shining star in her own, right, in South Africa. And so this is kind of her introduction to American audiences,” says McMillon as she discusses editing the series. “I was just blown ...
- 5/28/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Curated by the IndieWire Crafts team, Craft Considerations is a platform for filmmakers to talk about recent work that we believe is worthy of awards consideration. In partnership with Amazon Studios, for this inaugural edition we talked to key members of “The Underground Railroad” post-production team, re-recording mixer/supervising sound editor Onnalee Blank, composer Nicholas Britell, and editor Joi McMillon about their work helping director Barry Jenkins adapt Colson Whitehead’s novel of the same name into a 10-part limited series.
Unlike many of Barry Jenkins’ key collaborators on “The Underground Railroad,” Onnalee Blank was the rare department head who had years of experience working in television. She was quick to point out how different “The Underground Railroad” was compared to other episodic projects: On a series like “Game of Thrones,” for which Blank won three Emmys, once she created a location’s soundscape, it supplied a base that the...
Unlike many of Barry Jenkins’ key collaborators on “The Underground Railroad,” Onnalee Blank was the rare department head who had years of experience working in television. She was quick to point out how different “The Underground Railroad” was compared to other episodic projects: On a series like “Game of Thrones,” for which Blank won three Emmys, once she created a location’s soundscape, it supplied a base that the...
- 5/20/2021
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
After nearly 15 long and bleak months for the movie theater industry, a consortium of the major and independent studios gathered inside an AMC theater in Century City on Wednesday to celebrate — and cheerlead — the return of theatrical exhibition. Part of the industry-wide campaign called “The Big Screen Is Back,” the event showcased over 30 feature films — from massive tentpoles like “Black Widow” and “F9” to indies like Janicza Bravo’s “Zola” and Questlove’s “Summer of Soul” — set to debut in movie theaters through the rest of the year, as introduced by a parade of filmmakers, actors, and executives. Some — including executives from every major studio, as well as filmmakers like Bravo, J.J. Abrams, and Jason Blum — appeared in person; others appeared via pre-recorded messages.
The event started with an in-person speech by one of the industry’s elder statesmen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, about the power and importance of the moviegoing experience.
The event started with an in-person speech by one of the industry’s elder statesmen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, about the power and importance of the moviegoing experience.
- 5/19/2021
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Edgar Wright, John Krasinski, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Hall, Neill Blomkamp introduce footage.
Studio and indie distributor brass took part in theatrical showcase ‘The Big Screen Is Back’ on Wednesday (May 19) as they teased upcoming releases for summer and beyond to invited press at AMC Century City in Los Angeles.
Arnold Schwarzenegger took to the stage and chanted “We are back! We are back!” at the event, organised by National Association Of Theatre Owners, Motion Picture Association, exhibitors, distributors, and CAA head of motion picture marketing Megan Crawford.
J.J. Abrams, Maggie Q and Jason Blum also turned up in...
Studio and indie distributor brass took part in theatrical showcase ‘The Big Screen Is Back’ on Wednesday (May 19) as they teased upcoming releases for summer and beyond to invited press at AMC Century City in Los Angeles.
Arnold Schwarzenegger took to the stage and chanted “We are back! We are back!” at the event, organised by National Association Of Theatre Owners, Motion Picture Association, exhibitors, distributors, and CAA head of motion picture marketing Megan Crawford.
J.J. Abrams, Maggie Q and Jason Blum also turned up in...
- 5/19/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
John Krasinski, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Hall, J.J. Abrams, Neill Blomkamp introduce footage.
Studio brass took part in theatrical showcase ‘The Big Screen Is Back’ on Wednesday (May 19) as they teased upcoming releases for summer and beyond to invited press at AMC Century City in Los Angeles.
Stars and filmmakers including J.J. Abrams and Maggie Q, who both turned up in person, and recorded messages from John Krasinski, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Rebecca Hall introduced footage.
Abrams spoke of his love for cinema-going, teed up footage of a longtime cinema employee, and signed off by saying, “I...
Studio brass took part in theatrical showcase ‘The Big Screen Is Back’ on Wednesday (May 19) as they teased upcoming releases for summer and beyond to invited press at AMC Century City in Los Angeles.
Stars and filmmakers including J.J. Abrams and Maggie Q, who both turned up in person, and recorded messages from John Krasinski, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Rebecca Hall introduced footage.
Abrams spoke of his love for cinema-going, teed up footage of a longtime cinema employee, and signed off by saying, “I...
- 5/19/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Amazon Prime just won a couple of Oscars for their film “Sound of Metal,” and now the streaming service is jumping right into Emmy season with “Beyond the Screen” virtual events and a “Prime Video Presents” podcast to promote their slate of programs from May 1 through June 10. Their events can be found on the Emmys FYC calendar.
Among the programs being promoted by Amazon this season include the sci-fi dramas “The Boys” and “The Expanse”; the Barry Jenkins limited series “The Underground Railroad”; the telefilms “Uncle Frank,” “Yearly Departed,” and “Sylvie’s Love”; the documentary “All In: The Fight for Democracy“; the anthologies “Solos” and “Them”; and the theatrical special “What the Constitution Means to Me.”
Seersvp now for May 10: TV documentary directors for ‘Framing Britney Spears,’ ‘Heaven’s Gate,’ ‘High on the Hog,’ ‘Seduced,’ ‘The Year Earth Changed’ join Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts series
“Beyond the Screen” kicked...
Among the programs being promoted by Amazon this season include the sci-fi dramas “The Boys” and “The Expanse”; the Barry Jenkins limited series “The Underground Railroad”; the telefilms “Uncle Frank,” “Yearly Departed,” and “Sylvie’s Love”; the documentary “All In: The Fight for Democracy“; the anthologies “Solos” and “Them”; and the theatrical special “What the Constitution Means to Me.”
Seersvp now for May 10: TV documentary directors for ‘Framing Britney Spears,’ ‘Heaven’s Gate,’ ‘High on the Hog,’ ‘Seduced,’ ‘The Year Earth Changed’ join Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts series
“Beyond the Screen” kicked...
- 5/3/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Amazon Prime Video has once again put a pause on its annual in-person Emmy FYC pop-up events space due to the pandemic. But in its place, the streamer has curated a virtual experience, dubbed “Beyond the Screen,” that kicks off this weekend with an evening devoted to the stars, crafts and music of Steve McQueen’s anthology series “Small Axe.”
Variety has the exclusive roundup of the Emmy FYC panels, screenings, podcasts and performances that will kick off Amazon Studios and Prime Video’s campaign starting May 1, and continuing through June 10.
Talent populating the panels, set to be streamed for Television Academy members, include McQueen and John Boyega (“Small Axe”); Barry Jenkins and Joel Edgerton (“The Underground Railroad”), and Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Aya Cash and Jack Quaid (“The Boys”). Other contenders participating include “Solos,” “Sylvie’s Love,” “The Expanse,” “Them,” “Uncle Frank,” “What The Constitution Means To Me” and “Yearly Departed.
Variety has the exclusive roundup of the Emmy FYC panels, screenings, podcasts and performances that will kick off Amazon Studios and Prime Video’s campaign starting May 1, and continuing through June 10.
Talent populating the panels, set to be streamed for Television Academy members, include McQueen and John Boyega (“Small Axe”); Barry Jenkins and Joel Edgerton (“The Underground Railroad”), and Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Aya Cash and Jack Quaid (“The Boys”). Other contenders participating include “Solos,” “Sylvie’s Love,” “The Expanse,” “Them,” “Uncle Frank,” “What The Constitution Means To Me” and “Yearly Departed.
- 4/30/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscars made a historic move when they announced their new inclusion requirements for best picture eligibility. For some, this was a welcomed change from the Academy, while others found it to be intrusive to the sanctity of movies and the stories that people want to tell.
For people like me, it was the single bravest act I’ve witnessed from an awards body that I’ve loved my entire life. As a Latino/Black man from an inner-city community, who has often felt like he didn’t belong in this very arena, it was by far the most appreciated gesture. It encapsulated the example of the change that people in the street have been asking for since the murder of George Floyd.
I’m not comparing the murder of an innocent man to a few actors getting a part in a movie; I’m referring to those with the capacity to undo the wrongs,...
For people like me, it was the single bravest act I’ve witnessed from an awards body that I’ve loved my entire life. As a Latino/Black man from an inner-city community, who has often felt like he didn’t belong in this very arena, it was by far the most appreciated gesture. It encapsulated the example of the change that people in the street have been asking for since the murder of George Floyd.
I’m not comparing the murder of an innocent man to a few actors getting a part in a movie; I’m referring to those with the capacity to undo the wrongs,...
- 9/9/2020
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
“I’m here. I’m part of this now.”
— Pam, “The Office”
The human mind and soul exist, but are not mutually exclusive to chasing your dreams. In kindergarten, your teacher may have asked you what you wanted to be when you grow up. As 5 and 6 year olds, we try to pick the coolest job, or perhaps even mirror what our parents or guardians are doing at that moment in time. Like many young kids from an inner-city neighborhood, you struggle to find your place in a world not reflected broadly in the media.
As a champion for the underserved, underrepresented and an unashamed advocate for diversity, my role as the film awards editor at Variety is a humbling achievement that will never go unappreciated. This is my first week on the new job. So who am I and what is all this about?
Founding my own corner of the web at AwardsCircuit,...
— Pam, “The Office”
The human mind and soul exist, but are not mutually exclusive to chasing your dreams. In kindergarten, your teacher may have asked you what you wanted to be when you grow up. As 5 and 6 year olds, we try to pick the coolest job, or perhaps even mirror what our parents or guardians are doing at that moment in time. Like many young kids from an inner-city neighborhood, you struggle to find your place in a world not reflected broadly in the media.
As a champion for the underserved, underrepresented and an unashamed advocate for diversity, my role as the film awards editor at Variety is a humbling achievement that will never go unappreciated. This is my first week on the new job. So who am I and what is all this about?
Founding my own corner of the web at AwardsCircuit,...
- 9/2/2020
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Janicza Bravo’s Zola is a story that was originally chronicled in 144 tweets by a woman named A’Ziah “Zola” King. The Twitter thread chronicled a high-anxiety experience that Zola had while traveling in Florida with a friend, wherein she becomes her unofficial madame, encounters her hysterical boyfriend Jarrett and finds herself in the middle of a kidnapping scenario. Bravo’s adaptation takes the straightforward yet gripping narrative of a sequence of tweets and heightens the stakes by playing with perspective. Editor Joi McMillon talks about her trajectory as an editor and what enticed her to help make Zola. Filmmaker: How and […]...
- 2/3/2020
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Janicza Bravo’s Zola is a story that was originally chronicled in 144 tweets by a woman named A’Ziah “Zola” King. The Twitter thread chronicled a high-anxiety experience that Zola had while traveling in Florida with a friend, wherein she becomes her unofficial madame, encounters her hysterical boyfriend Jarrett and finds herself in the middle of a kidnapping scenario. Bravo’s adaptation takes the straightforward yet gripping narrative of a sequence of tweets and heightens the stakes by playing with perspective. Editor Joi McMillon talks about her trajectory as an editor and what enticed her to help make Zola. Filmmaker: How and […]...
- 2/3/2020
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences was quick to point out on Jan. 13 as the Oscar nominations were announced, that “A record 62 women were nominated, almost one-third of this year’s nominees.” Twenty of those below-the-line nominations were for women and minorities, including Sandy Powell, who secured her 15th nomination for “The Irishman,” and “Jojo Rabbit” costume designer Mayes C. Rubeo, who landed her inaugural Oscar nomination and entered the history books as the first Latina to be nominated in the category.
Rubeo wanted to create a world filled with vibrant colors to reflect the idea that the film was shot from the perspective of a 10-year-old boy. Similarly, when she was re-creating Hitler’s uniform, Rubeo dressed Taika Waititi (who also adapted the screenplay and directed) in baggy riding pants because he was, after all, a figment of the boy’s imagination.
Barbara Ling also landed her first...
Rubeo wanted to create a world filled with vibrant colors to reflect the idea that the film was shot from the perspective of a 10-year-old boy. Similarly, when she was re-creating Hitler’s uniform, Rubeo dressed Taika Waititi (who also adapted the screenplay and directed) in baggy riding pants because he was, after all, a figment of the boy’s imagination.
Barbara Ling also landed her first...
- 1/27/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
In the Academy Awards’ 90-year history, just nine black women have won Oscars. But here’s where it gets worse: Only one of those nine won in a non-acting category, Irene Cara, who co-wrote Best Original Song winner “Flashdance… What a Feeling” from “Flashdance” (1983). Cara could get some long overdue company this year from three people — all from the same film, “Black Panther.”
Three of “Black Panther”‘s seven nominations include black women as part of its nominees: Hannah Beachler is up for Best Production Design; Ruth E. Carter earned her third career Best Costume Design bid; and Sza co-wrote Best Original Song contender “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar, Sounwave and Anthony Tiffith.
Not only is Beachler the first African-American woman to be nominated for Best Production Design, but she’s the first African-American ever to be shortlisted in the category. Carter broke down that barrier in her category...
Three of “Black Panther”‘s seven nominations include black women as part of its nominees: Hannah Beachler is up for Best Production Design; Ruth E. Carter earned her third career Best Costume Design bid; and Sza co-wrote Best Original Song contender “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar, Sounwave and Anthony Tiffith.
Not only is Beachler the first African-American woman to be nominated for Best Production Design, but she’s the first African-American ever to be shortlisted in the category. Carter broke down that barrier in her category...
- 2/17/2019
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
As a kindred spirit, Barry Jenkins had long wanted to adapt James Baldwin’s “If Beale Street Could Talk.” And through the struggle of African-American couple Tish (KiKi Layne) and Fonny (Stephan James) to find happiness in ’70s-era New York despite their separation from his wrongful incarceration, Jenkins sought to make cinematic the shared theme of love and injustice.
“I think one of the common things in Barry’s movies is the theme of ‘love in spite of,'” said Joi McMillon, who once again divided the editing of scenes with Nat Sanders, following their Oscar-nominated “Moonlight” (the first distinction for an African-American woman). “In ‘Moonlight,’ in spite of [Chiron’s] circumstances and surroundings, he’s able to find love and watch it grow.
“In ‘Beale Street,’ in spite of the injustice that has been handed to [Tish and Fonny], they are still supported by a loving family and the bond between them strengthens over time.
“I think one of the common things in Barry’s movies is the theme of ‘love in spite of,'” said Joi McMillon, who once again divided the editing of scenes with Nat Sanders, following their Oscar-nominated “Moonlight” (the first distinction for an African-American woman). “In ‘Moonlight,’ in spite of [Chiron’s] circumstances and surroundings, he’s able to find love and watch it grow.
“In ‘Beale Street,’ in spite of the injustice that has been handed to [Tish and Fonny], they are still supported by a loving family and the bond between them strengthens over time.
- 1/14/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Barry Jenkins wants to get personal. In his latest film, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” the Oscar-winning director uses close-ups so the audience can stare directly into the eyes of his characters. By looking at the characters at their most vulnerable, the viewer can’t deny them their humanity. Audiences can begin to understand their emotion. Their pain. Their loss.
“Every now and then, if you have to look someone in the eye, you sit up,” Jenkins told TheWrap’s Steve Pond on Friday at a screening of “Beale Street,” Jenkins’ follow-up to the Oscar-winning “Moonlight.”
Adapted from the best-selling James Baldwin book of the same name, “If Beale Street Could Talk” follows the journey of a young Harlem couple in the ’70s with a perilous future. Stephan James plays sculptor Alonzo “Fonny” Hunt, a man thrown in jail after being put in a police lineup for a rape he didn’t commit.
“Every now and then, if you have to look someone in the eye, you sit up,” Jenkins told TheWrap’s Steve Pond on Friday at a screening of “Beale Street,” Jenkins’ follow-up to the Oscar-winning “Moonlight.”
Adapted from the best-selling James Baldwin book of the same name, “If Beale Street Could Talk” follows the journey of a young Harlem couple in the ’70s with a perilous future. Stephan James plays sculptor Alonzo “Fonny” Hunt, a man thrown in jail after being put in a police lineup for a rape he didn’t commit.
- 1/8/2019
- by Omar Sanchez
- The Wrap
Is 2018 an anomaly, or is it a harbinger of things to come?
The awards derbies of recent years have seen a predominance of indie films at the expense of big studio features — resulting in a slate of Oscar contenders devoid not only of genuine blockbusters but also of more modest mid-budget crowd-pleasers. This has dampened the ratings of the Oscars telecast, much to the consternation of the Academy.
But this year feels different, with studio pics including “Black Panther,” “First Man” (pictured above) and “A Star Is Born” definitely in the running.
And along with this rise in the fortunes of studio pictures, many artisans who have worked on them — from cinematographers to costume designers to visual-effects supervisors — are seeing their projects attain a new level of acclaim and respect.
But before the distribution of the top prizes Feb. 24 at the Dolby Theatre, these artisans will have to run the...
The awards derbies of recent years have seen a predominance of indie films at the expense of big studio features — resulting in a slate of Oscar contenders devoid not only of genuine blockbusters but also of more modest mid-budget crowd-pleasers. This has dampened the ratings of the Oscars telecast, much to the consternation of the Academy.
But this year feels different, with studio pics including “Black Panther,” “First Man” (pictured above) and “A Star Is Born” definitely in the running.
And along with this rise in the fortunes of studio pictures, many artisans who have worked on them — from cinematographers to costume designers to visual-effects supervisors — are seeing their projects attain a new level of acclaim and respect.
But before the distribution of the top prizes Feb. 24 at the Dolby Theatre, these artisans will have to run the...
- 12/17/2018
- by Peter Caranicas
- Variety Film + TV
This award season the best editing navigated complex mood swings in capturing love and pain in such Oscar contenders as “Roma,” “A Star Is Born,” “The Favourite,” “First Man,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Green Book,” and “Widows.”
Several movies started off strong with the bold opening, including the mopping of water in the credit scene in “Roma,” the perilous X-15 flight in “First Man,” and the juxtaposition of Viola Davis in bed with Liam Neeson with the botched heist in “Widows.”
“Roma,” Alfonso Cuarón’s black-and-white childhood remembrance of things past, establishes a rhythm as well as a cleansing metaphor about life and memory with the flow of water in the opening. Cuarón, who served as editor with co-editor Adam Gough, created a dance with his pacing, making the viewer a voyeur in a family drama filled with daily adventures that ebb and flow in intensity.
The director meticulously...
Several movies started off strong with the bold opening, including the mopping of water in the credit scene in “Roma,” the perilous X-15 flight in “First Man,” and the juxtaposition of Viola Davis in bed with Liam Neeson with the botched heist in “Widows.”
“Roma,” Alfonso Cuarón’s black-and-white childhood remembrance of things past, establishes a rhythm as well as a cleansing metaphor about life and memory with the flow of water in the opening. Cuarón, who served as editor with co-editor Adam Gough, created a dance with his pacing, making the viewer a voyeur in a family drama filled with daily adventures that ebb and flow in intensity.
The director meticulously...
- 12/13/2018
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Nat Sanders and Joi McMillon, the Oscar-nominated editors of Moonlight and editors of Barry Jenkins' latest film, If Beale Street Could Talk, are the guests on a new episode of The Hollywood Reporter's Behind the Screen podcast series.
McMillon — who, with Moonlight, became the first black woman to be nominated for an Oscar in film editing — also recently edited 2017’s Lemon. Sanders' credits include 2013 indie Short Term 12, for which he earned his first Independent Spirit Award, and 2017’s The Glass Castle.
During this podcast, they share their memories of the confusion at the Oscars, when Moonlight was named best ...
McMillon — who, with Moonlight, became the first black woman to be nominated for an Oscar in film editing — also recently edited 2017’s Lemon. Sanders' credits include 2013 indie Short Term 12, for which he earned his first Independent Spirit Award, and 2017’s The Glass Castle.
During this podcast, they share their memories of the confusion at the Oscars, when Moonlight was named best ...
- 11/30/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Nat Sanders and Joi McMillon, the Oscar-nominated editors of Moonlight and editors of Barry Jenkins' latest film, If Beale Street Could Talk, are the guests on a new episode of The Hollywood Reporter's Behind the Screen podcast series.
McMillon — who, with Moonlight, became the first black woman to be nominated for an Oscar in film editing — also recently edited 2017’s Lemon. Sanders' credits include 2013 indie Short Term 12, for which he earned his first Independent Spirit Award, and 2017’s The Glass Castle.
During this podcast, they share their memories of the confusion at the Oscars, when Moonlight was named best ...
McMillon — who, with Moonlight, became the first black woman to be nominated for an Oscar in film editing — also recently edited 2017’s Lemon. Sanders' credits include 2013 indie Short Term 12, for which he earned his first Independent Spirit Award, and 2017’s The Glass Castle.
During this podcast, they share their memories of the confusion at the Oscars, when Moonlight was named best ...
- 11/30/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spoiler Alert: This story alludes to crucial plot details from Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk.
On Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk—the Oscar winner’s follow-up to Moonlight—editors Nat Sanders and Joi McMillon came up against an age-old question. With a narrative based on existing material—spoiled by awareness or historical fact—what is the best approach? How can a story be brought to life with such emotional vitality that facts become an afterthought?
An adaptation of a classic James Baldwin novel, Beale Street tells the story of 19-year-old Tish, an African-American woman in ’70s Harlem, who is forced to grow up fast, with a child on the way and a fiancé in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
For Jenkins’ editors, contemplating the director’s longtime passion project, there were a number of factors with which to contend, shaping the story and its final moments.
On Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk—the Oscar winner’s follow-up to Moonlight—editors Nat Sanders and Joi McMillon came up against an age-old question. With a narrative based on existing material—spoiled by awareness or historical fact—what is the best approach? How can a story be brought to life with such emotional vitality that facts become an afterthought?
An adaptation of a classic James Baldwin novel, Beale Street tells the story of 19-year-old Tish, an African-American woman in ’70s Harlem, who is forced to grow up fast, with a child on the way and a fiancé in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
For Jenkins’ editors, contemplating the director’s longtime passion project, there were a number of factors with which to contend, shaping the story and its final moments.
- 11/7/2018
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
At Deadline’s The Contenders Los Angeles today, Annapurna Pictures showed off two dramas from their impressive awards-season slate, and a unifying concern emerged: The American Dream, and the ways it has changed over time. While members of the privileged class have bent it into a new, baser shape, for those less fortunate, it’s often denied altogether.
The first of the two films at hand was Adam McKay’s Vice, his follow-up to The Big Short, which took on the 2008 financial crisis and won McKay the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. One of the later entries of the season (and mostly still shrouded in mystery), Vice examines the political rise of Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), a Washington insider with big pockets, who became the most powerful Vice President in American history under George W. Bush.
In conversation with star Amy Adams, who portrays Lynne Cheney, and Deadline’s Dominic Patten,...
The first of the two films at hand was Adam McKay’s Vice, his follow-up to The Big Short, which took on the 2008 financial crisis and won McKay the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. One of the later entries of the season (and mostly still shrouded in mystery), Vice examines the political rise of Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), a Washington insider with big pockets, who became the most powerful Vice President in American history under George W. Bush.
In conversation with star Amy Adams, who portrays Lynne Cheney, and Deadline’s Dominic Patten,...
- 11/3/2018
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Marvel Studios Chief Kevin Feige and PGA President Lucy Fisher have been added to the line-up for the for the 5th edition of Produced By: New York, the Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced Wednesday.
In addition, “Crazy Rich Asians” producer John Penotti, “If Beale Street Could Talk” producer Adele Romanski and editor Joi McMillon, “Three Identical Strangers” producer Becky Read and director Tim Wardle will join the previously announced session series “Producing Masterclass: The Creative Collaborations.”
Feige most recently participated at PGA’s annual Produced By conference in Los Angeles last June.
Produced By: New York 2018 will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10 at One Time Warner Center in New York.
Also Read: Marvel Studios Chief Kevin Feige to Receive BAFTA's Albert R. Broccoli Britannia Award
Previously announced panelists include: “The Favourite” director and producer Yorgos Lanthimos and writer Tony McNamara; “A Quiet Place” director, writer, and executive producer...
In addition, “Crazy Rich Asians” producer John Penotti, “If Beale Street Could Talk” producer Adele Romanski and editor Joi McMillon, “Three Identical Strangers” producer Becky Read and director Tim Wardle will join the previously announced session series “Producing Masterclass: The Creative Collaborations.”
Feige most recently participated at PGA’s annual Produced By conference in Los Angeles last June.
Produced By: New York 2018 will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10 at One Time Warner Center in New York.
Also Read: Marvel Studios Chief Kevin Feige to Receive BAFTA's Albert R. Broccoli Britannia Award
Previously announced panelists include: “The Favourite” director and producer Yorgos Lanthimos and writer Tony McNamara; “A Quiet Place” director, writer, and executive producer...
- 10/3/2018
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) set their lineup of speakers as well as additional programming for the 5th edition of Produced By: New York. The event will be held on Saturday, November 10 at One Time Warner Center in New York.
Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige and film producer and PGA co-president Lucy Fisher have been added to the growing list of speakers. Joining them are Joi McMillon, John Penotti, Becky Read, Adele Romanski, and Tim Wardle, who will be joining the previously announced session series “Producing Masterclass: The Creative Collaborations.”
This year’s program will also include a new session, “Late-Night Laughs,” which, as the title suggests, will delve into the world of New York late-night TV. The session will feature a discussion with executive producers and showrunners from established and upcoming shows about the unique challenges of producing the funny on different platforms. Chris Licht will moderate the discussion, which to date includes: Jen Flanz, Mike Shoemaker and Prashanth Venkataramanujam.
“Producing Masterclass: The Creative Collaborations” is a popular feature of Produced By: New York and spotlights a producer from each film taking the stage with a key collaborator to discuss how their partnerships provided defining elements of their memorable films, setting them on course for the awards season. New additions to the session include: Black Panther producer Kevin Feige; Crazy Rich Asians producer John Penotti; If Beale Street Could Talk” producer Adele Romanski and editor Joi McMillon; and Three Identical Strangers producer Becky Read and director Tim Wardle.
They join a roster of previously announced panelists The Favourite director and producer Yorgos Lanthimos and writer Tony McNamara; A Quiet Place director, writer, and executive producer John Krasinski and producer Andrew Form; Rbg producers and directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West; Widows director, writer, and producer Steve McQueen and producer Iain Canning; and Won’t You Be My Neighbor? director and producer Morgan Neville and producer Caryn Capotosto. Academy Award-winning producer Bruce Cohen (American Beauty) and Mimi Valdés (Hidden Figures) will lead the discussions.
Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige and film producer and PGA co-president Lucy Fisher have been added to the growing list of speakers. Joining them are Joi McMillon, John Penotti, Becky Read, Adele Romanski, and Tim Wardle, who will be joining the previously announced session series “Producing Masterclass: The Creative Collaborations.”
This year’s program will also include a new session, “Late-Night Laughs,” which, as the title suggests, will delve into the world of New York late-night TV. The session will feature a discussion with executive producers and showrunners from established and upcoming shows about the unique challenges of producing the funny on different platforms. Chris Licht will moderate the discussion, which to date includes: Jen Flanz, Mike Shoemaker and Prashanth Venkataramanujam.
“Producing Masterclass: The Creative Collaborations” is a popular feature of Produced By: New York and spotlights a producer from each film taking the stage with a key collaborator to discuss how their partnerships provided defining elements of their memorable films, setting them on course for the awards season. New additions to the session include: Black Panther producer Kevin Feige; Crazy Rich Asians producer John Penotti; If Beale Street Could Talk” producer Adele Romanski and editor Joi McMillon; and Three Identical Strangers producer Becky Read and director Tim Wardle.
They join a roster of previously announced panelists The Favourite director and producer Yorgos Lanthimos and writer Tony McNamara; A Quiet Place director, writer, and executive producer John Krasinski and producer Andrew Form; Rbg producers and directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West; Widows director, writer, and producer Steve McQueen and producer Iain Canning; and Won’t You Be My Neighbor? director and producer Morgan Neville and producer Caryn Capotosto. Academy Award-winning producer Bruce Cohen (American Beauty) and Mimi Valdés (Hidden Figures) will lead the discussions.
- 10/3/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
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