The X-Men are one step closer to joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe with their own movie.
Screenwriter Michael Lesslie (“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes”) is in talks with Marvel Studios to write the first “X-Men” movie since the mutant superhero franchise was acquired by Disney in its purchase of 21st Century Fox in 2019.
As with every Marvel Studios film, Kevin Feige will produce, but nothing else about the film has been set, including director or cast. Marvel has been slowly seeding the MCU with mutants over the past two years, including brief mentions in 2022’s “Ms. Marvel” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and appearances of the X-Men’s namesake and leader, Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), in an alternative universe in 2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and of Beast (Kelsey Grammer) in the post-credits sequence of 2023’s “The Marvels.”
Most recently, Marvel Studios...
Screenwriter Michael Lesslie (“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes”) is in talks with Marvel Studios to write the first “X-Men” movie since the mutant superhero franchise was acquired by Disney in its purchase of 21st Century Fox in 2019.
As with every Marvel Studios film, Kevin Feige will produce, but nothing else about the film has been set, including director or cast. Marvel has been slowly seeding the MCU with mutants over the past two years, including brief mentions in 2022’s “Ms. Marvel” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and appearances of the X-Men’s namesake and leader, Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), in an alternative universe in 2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and of Beast (Kelsey Grammer) in the post-credits sequence of 2023’s “The Marvels.”
Most recently, Marvel Studios...
- 5/21/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Focus Features has bought international rights to “Hamlet,” Aneil Karia’s London-set modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s famed play starring Oscar winner Riz Ahmed.
Morfydd Clark and Joe Alwyn (“Kinds of Kindness”) also star in the film, which wrapped production at the end of last year and was acquired by Focus Features some time ago. WME Independent and CAA are co-repping North American rights, while WME handled international sales.
In this latest interpretation of “Hamlet,” Ahmed plays the titular lead, a man who is haunted by his father’s ghost and moves from elite London to the city’s underground, from Hindu temples to homeless tent cities. He embarks on a violent journey to avenge his father’s murder, ultimately questioning his own role in the family’s corruption.
The film was penned by Michael Lesslie (“Macbeth”). Ahmed produced “Hamlet” on behalf of his production company Left-Handed Films with Allie Moore.
Morfydd Clark and Joe Alwyn (“Kinds of Kindness”) also star in the film, which wrapped production at the end of last year and was acquired by Focus Features some time ago. WME Independent and CAA are co-repping North American rights, while WME handled international sales.
In this latest interpretation of “Hamlet,” Ahmed plays the titular lead, a man who is haunted by his father’s ghost and moves from elite London to the city’s underground, from Hindu temples to homeless tent cities. He embarks on a violent journey to avenge his father’s murder, ultimately questioning his own role in the family’s corruption.
The film was penned by Michael Lesslie (“Macbeth”). Ahmed produced “Hamlet” on behalf of his production company Left-Handed Films with Allie Moore.
- 5/19/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Disney+ Hotstar isn’t done with the Criminal Justice franchise just yet — in fact, it might only just be getting started.
We can reveal the streamer has ordered a fourth season of the Hindi-language series, which is from Applause Entertainment and was originally based on the 2008 BBC series of the same name.
Peter Moffat’s British show went to two seasons, but Gaurav Banerjee, Disney+ Hotstar’s Head of Content for Disney+ Hotstar and HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star, and his team have now taking the Indian show well beyond that point. You can watch a teaser trailer for the fourth season here.
“This is a pretty special moment because it marks five years of the Hotstar Specials journey, which launched in 2019,” he said. “Criminal Justice was our first big fiction series, and it is fantastic to see the franchise become stronger and continue to get critical acclaim and consumer love.
We can reveal the streamer has ordered a fourth season of the Hindi-language series, which is from Applause Entertainment and was originally based on the 2008 BBC series of the same name.
Peter Moffat’s British show went to two seasons, but Gaurav Banerjee, Disney+ Hotstar’s Head of Content for Disney+ Hotstar and HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star, and his team have now taking the Indian show well beyond that point. You can watch a teaser trailer for the fourth season here.
“This is a pretty special moment because it marks five years of the Hotstar Specials journey, which launched in 2019,” he said. “Criminal Justice was our first big fiction series, and it is fantastic to see the franchise become stronger and continue to get critical acclaim and consumer love.
- 5/17/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Michael Cera caught Tyler Taormina’s feature directing debut Ham on Rye after a friend suggested he check it out. He was so impressed that he signed himself up as a sort of producing “cheerleader” on the filmmaker’s latest picture Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point, which plays in Directors’ Fortnight on Friday,May 17, at the Cannes Film Festival.
Cera’s quick to point out that Krista Minto, co-writer Eric Berger and others did the heavy-lifting producer duties on the picture that’s almost like a fly-on-the-wall exploration of a sprawling Long Island family’s holiday get-together.
“They’re the ones who actually made the movies,” he stressed.
The film’s Cannes screening comes at a time when Cera, who has made short films, has two films in development, both of which he will direct. One of them is called Gummy, the other is untitled. The untitled one is likely to go first,...
Cera’s quick to point out that Krista Minto, co-writer Eric Berger and others did the heavy-lifting producer duties on the picture that’s almost like a fly-on-the-wall exploration of a sprawling Long Island family’s holiday get-together.
“They’re the ones who actually made the movies,” he stressed.
The film’s Cannes screening comes at a time when Cera, who has made short films, has two films in development, both of which he will direct. One of them is called Gummy, the other is untitled. The untitled one is likely to go first,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Filming is now underway on action adventure movie “Afterburn,” starring Dave Bautista and Samuel L. Jackson with Olga Kurylenko and Kristofer Hivju rounding out the cast.
The film is directed by J.J. Perry, who recently helmed Lionsgate’s “The Killer’s Game,” also with Bautista, working from a screenplay adapted by Matthew Johnson and Nimrod Antal from the “Red 5” comic book of the same name.
Set ten years after a solar flare wiped out technology across the globe, “Afterburn” follows ex-soldier Jake (Bautista), who works as a treasure hunter recovering valuable objects from the old world for powerful clients. His latest mission: team up with freedom fighter Drea (Kurylenko) to recover the Mona Lisa before an unhinged warlord gets there first.
The picture is produced by Neal H. Moritz (“Fast and Furious” franchise) and Toby Jaffe (“Total Recall”) for Original Film and Steve Richards for Endurance Media. Bautista will also produce for Dogbone Entertainment,...
The film is directed by J.J. Perry, who recently helmed Lionsgate’s “The Killer’s Game,” also with Bautista, working from a screenplay adapted by Matthew Johnson and Nimrod Antal from the “Red 5” comic book of the same name.
Set ten years after a solar flare wiped out technology across the globe, “Afterburn” follows ex-soldier Jake (Bautista), who works as a treasure hunter recovering valuable objects from the old world for powerful clients. His latest mission: team up with freedom fighter Drea (Kurylenko) to recover the Mona Lisa before an unhinged warlord gets there first.
The picture is produced by Neal H. Moritz (“Fast and Furious” franchise) and Toby Jaffe (“Total Recall”) for Original Film and Steve Richards for Endurance Media. Bautista will also produce for Dogbone Entertainment,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Following a highly successful collaboration on Hulu’s Pam & Tommy, Sebastian Stan and Lily James are set to reteam on Let the Evil Go West, a psychological horror thriller from director Christian Tafdrup (Speak No Evil).
north.five.six. reps the film’s international rights and will introduce it to buyers at Cannes, while CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group arranged the financing and will handle the domestic sale.
Let the Evil Go West follows a railroad worker who stumbles upon a fortune under deeply disturbing circumstances. As horrifying visions and manifestations drive him toward madness, his wife becomes convinced that an evil presence has attached itself to their family.
Xc Vs penned the script. Tim and Trevor White are producing under their Star Thrower Entertainment banner, alongside Mark Fasano and Nathan Klingher for Gramercy Park Media, which is also financing the film, and Allan Mandelbaum.
north.five.six. reps the film’s international rights and will introduce it to buyers at Cannes, while CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group arranged the financing and will handle the domestic sale.
Let the Evil Go West follows a railroad worker who stumbles upon a fortune under deeply disturbing circumstances. As horrifying visions and manifestations drive him toward madness, his wife becomes convinced that an evil presence has attached itself to their family.
Xc Vs penned the script. Tim and Trevor White are producing under their Star Thrower Entertainment banner, alongside Mark Fasano and Nathan Klingher for Gramercy Park Media, which is also financing the film, and Allan Mandelbaum.
- 5/9/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Dozens of top Hollywood creatives and activists have signed an open letter in response to the shuttering of production company Participant — imploring the industry to continue to effect change through film and television as the defunct company once did.
George Clooney, Aflonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson and more are signators, in addition to groups like GLAAD and Human Rights Watch. The letter was coordinated by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (Ndwa), which collaborated with Participant and director Cuarón on a visibility campaign for his 2018 Oscar winner “Roma.”
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever,” the letter states. “There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.
George Clooney, Aflonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson and more are signators, in addition to groups like GLAAD and Human Rights Watch. The letter was coordinated by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (Ndwa), which collaborated with Participant and director Cuarón on a visibility campaign for his 2018 Oscar winner “Roma.”
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever,” the letter states. “There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.
- 5/7/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
“We stand at the summit of Mont Blanc, the White Mountain. Highest peak of the Alpine arch and inspiration for the first Montblanc fountain pen, designed over 100 years ago for the adventurous traveler who wants to leave his mark.”
Say what you want of Wes Anderson’s oeuvre, but his gift for ad copy speaks for itself. With a commercial track record that includes collaborations with American Express, SoftBank, Stella Artois, Prada, and H&m, Anderson’s touch seems to translate as well to sales as it does to cinematic ennui. His most recent commission, an advertisement campaign for Montblanc’s 100th Anniversary of its Meisterstück pen, features Anderson himself, sporting a whispy walrus mustache, as well as frequent collaborators Jason Schwartzman and Rupert Friend, all posing as a group of mountain-climbers with a particular affection for the freedom and inspiration offered by Montblanc’s products.
Shot by renowned cinematographer Linus Sandgren...
Say what you want of Wes Anderson’s oeuvre, but his gift for ad copy speaks for itself. With a commercial track record that includes collaborations with American Express, SoftBank, Stella Artois, Prada, and H&m, Anderson’s touch seems to translate as well to sales as it does to cinematic ennui. His most recent commission, an advertisement campaign for Montblanc’s 100th Anniversary of its Meisterstück pen, features Anderson himself, sporting a whispy walrus mustache, as well as frequent collaborators Jason Schwartzman and Rupert Friend, all posing as a group of mountain-climbers with a particular affection for the freedom and inspiration offered by Montblanc’s products.
Shot by renowned cinematographer Linus Sandgren...
- 5/2/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), William H. Macy and Clifton Collins Jr. have joined director Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams,” Variety has learned.
Production on the film, from Black Bear and also starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, began earlier this month in Spokane, Wash.
“Train Dreams” is the sweeping and poignant tale of Robert Grainier (Edgerton), a day laborer employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America. Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys (Jones), and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to make sense of his place in a rapidly changing world. As his story unfolds, he experiences great love, unspeakable loss, and unique bonds on a journey that is both distinct and universal. The picture features a script by Bentley and Greg Kwedar (“Sing Sing”), which is adapted from Denis Johnson’s iconic, Pulitzer Prize-nominated novella of the same name.
Production on the film, from Black Bear and also starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, began earlier this month in Spokane, Wash.
“Train Dreams” is the sweeping and poignant tale of Robert Grainier (Edgerton), a day laborer employed as a logger helping to expand the railways across America. Forced to spend prolonged periods of time away from his wife, Gladys (Jones), and their young daughter, Grainier struggles to make sense of his place in a rapidly changing world. As his story unfolds, he experiences great love, unspeakable loss, and unique bonds on a journey that is both distinct and universal. The picture features a script by Bentley and Greg Kwedar (“Sing Sing”), which is adapted from Denis Johnson’s iconic, Pulitzer Prize-nominated novella of the same name.
- 5/2/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
While Wes Anderson continues production in Germany on his new film The Phoenician Scheme, starring Benicio Del Toro, Michael Cera, Bill Murray, Riz Ahmed, and Mia Threapleton (Kate Winslet’s daughter), we have another treat from the filmmaker today. After teaming with cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel on his latest feature, he’s now collaborated with Linus Sandgren for a new short film / ad for a company that certainly fits his brand.
To mark a century since the pen Meisterstück was first introduced in 1924, Montblanc has partnered with Anderson to create a campaign that journeys into the Maison’s extraordinary world as seen through the filmmaker’s eyes. Directed by and starring Anderson, who co-directed with Roman Coppola and co-stars with Rupert Friend and Jason Schwartzman, the humorous three-minute feature was shot over two days in Berlin.
Anderson also shot alternate versions for other countries, featuring Maude Apatow and Waris Ahluwalia as...
To mark a century since the pen Meisterstück was first introduced in 1924, Montblanc has partnered with Anderson to create a campaign that journeys into the Maison’s extraordinary world as seen through the filmmaker’s eyes. Directed by and starring Anderson, who co-directed with Roman Coppola and co-stars with Rupert Friend and Jason Schwartzman, the humorous three-minute feature was shot over two days in Berlin.
Anderson also shot alternate versions for other countries, featuring Maude Apatow and Waris Ahluwalia as...
- 5/2/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Josh Rosenbaum has been promoted to partner at Ken Kao’s Waypoint Entertainment, the production and finance company behind Neon’s upcoming horror thriller Cuckoo.
Rosenbaum, who began his career at WME, joined the company in 2015 and has worked on films that include 2017’s Hostiles, Jared Leto starrer The Outsider, and Jonah Hill’s directorial debut, Mid 90s. Rosenbaum’s appointment to the newly created post comes after the company signed on to a slate deal with Neon that will see the company produce and finance films in the $10 million range with the speciality label.
“Whether advocating for filmmakers or seamlessly collaborating with our partner teams, those fortunate enough to work alongside him can attest to his undeniable creative prowess,” said Kao. “His multifaceted contributions across all areas of the business have been pivotal to our success, and I am excited to have him as a Partner, propelling Waypoint to even greater heights.
Rosenbaum, who began his career at WME, joined the company in 2015 and has worked on films that include 2017’s Hostiles, Jared Leto starrer The Outsider, and Jonah Hill’s directorial debut, Mid 90s. Rosenbaum’s appointment to the newly created post comes after the company signed on to a slate deal with Neon that will see the company produce and finance films in the $10 million range with the speciality label.
“Whether advocating for filmmakers or seamlessly collaborating with our partner teams, those fortunate enough to work alongside him can attest to his undeniable creative prowess,” said Kao. “His multifaceted contributions across all areas of the business have been pivotal to our success, and I am excited to have him as a Partner, propelling Waypoint to even greater heights.
- 5/1/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One of the most anticipated and hottest films of 2024 is finally here. We are talking about Zendaya‘s Challengers which was memed to death for a threesome scene that was shown in the trailer but if you have seen the film then you know that the brilliance of the film is much more than that one scene. Directed by Call Me By Your Name‘s Luca Guadagnino from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes, the sports romantic drama follows the story of a talented tennis player Tashi, and her twisted relationship with two tennis players, one of whom is her husband now. Challengers stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor in the lead role with Jordan Thompson, Faith Fay, Hailey Gates, and Tierre Diaz starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the story of ambition and toxic relationships in Challengers you should check out these films with similar themes next.
- 4/29/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Hulu’s acclaimed new limited series “We Were the Lucky Ones” is led by Logan Lerman. who give the best performance of his career. Adapted from Georgia Hunter‘s 2017 book of the same, the story follows the Kurcs, a Polish Jewish family torn apart by WWII. It’s a difficult watch but creator Erica Lipez has crafted a gripping, vital narrative with Lerman at the center of the show. He plays Addy Kurc, the middle child who pursues a career as a composer in post-war Paris. Critics agree, Lerman is a revelation in this role.
Proma Khosla (Indie Wire) stated: “As Addy, Lerman is siloed from the other siblings for almost the entire series, but never waivers in his portrayal of someone sustained by hope and eventually in the haze of grief.”
Maggie Levitt (Collider) observed: “Lerman is another clear standout in the series, though his performance is more subtle...
Proma Khosla (Indie Wire) stated: “As Addy, Lerman is siloed from the other siblings for almost the entire series, but never waivers in his portrayal of someone sustained by hope and eventually in the haze of grief.”
Maggie Levitt (Collider) observed: “Lerman is another clear standout in the series, though his performance is more subtle...
- 4/26/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Riz Ahmed has landed a part in Wes Anderson's latest film.The 41-year-old actor is to feature in the acclaimed director's untitled new project that is currently shooting in Berlin.Plot details have not been disclosed but the movie is expected to be a typical Anderson ensemble piece with many of his usual collaborators – although it will be the first time that Riz has worked with the 'Asteroid City' helmer.Benicio Del Toro and Bill Murray both feature in the cast of the project along with Michael Cera – another working with the filmmaker for the first time.The picture has a script from Anderson and Roman Coppola, who has worked with the director on five previous movies, and had been set to start production late last year before the Hollywood strikes caused a delay.Meanwhile, Riz recently revealed how the work of legendary director Martin Scorsese had...
- 4/17/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Wes Anderson provoked chatter at this year's Oscar ceremony by not being there to accept his award for Best Live Action Short Film for The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar. But he had a good excuse — he was kicking off work on his next film. While some the cast included the predictable likes of regulars such as Bill Murray and Benicio Del Toro, we now also know that Riz Ahmed is among their number.
Anderson's latest is still largely under wraps, with no official word on a plot yet. But the director has cameras cranking away in Berlin, working from a script he wrote with Roman Coppola. Production was supposed to kick off last year, until the dual strikes put paid to that plan. And while it has yet to be confirmed, the title for the new project is rumoured as The Phoenician Scheme. Michael Cera is also on...
Anderson's latest is still largely under wraps, with no official word on a plot yet. But the director has cameras cranking away in Berlin, working from a script he wrote with Roman Coppola. Production was supposed to kick off last year, until the dual strikes put paid to that plan. And while it has yet to be confirmed, the title for the new project is rumoured as The Phoenician Scheme. Michael Cera is also on...
- 4/17/2024
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Tom Ripley is getting another chance on the awards circuit. The sinister con artist, created by author Patricia Highsmith in a series of novels, is played by Andrew Scott in the new limited series “Ripley” from Netflix. A quarter-century ago a variation of the same story was told in Anthony Minghella‘s film “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” but while that iteration received five Oscar nomination, it was snubbed for Best Picture, and star Matt Damon was left out of Best Actor. Can Scott make up for that with a nom for Best Movie/Limited Actor?
Damon’s portrayal of Tom Ripley had more warmth to it, a sense of longing (“I always thought it would be better to be a fake somebody than a real nobody”). He was a tragic monster who trapped himself in a web of lies and murder. Scott’s performance suggests someone more methodical and calculating.
Damon’s portrayal of Tom Ripley had more warmth to it, a sense of longing (“I always thought it would be better to be a fake somebody than a real nobody”). He was a tragic monster who trapped himself in a web of lies and murder. Scott’s performance suggests someone more methodical and calculating.
- 4/16/2024
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) has been tapped for a role in the newest film from Wes Anderson, Deadline can confirm.
Details as to the plot of the untitled feature, as well as Ahmed’s role are under wraps. But this is the actor’s first project with Anderson, who is coming off his first Oscar win for his Netflix short The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, based on the story by Roald Dahl. Michael Cera will also be introduced to Anderson’s world in the new film, as previously reported, with his regular collaborators Benicio del Toro and Bill Murray on board for roles, too.
Currently filming in Berlin, the film is written by Anderson and Roman Coppola, whose collaboration goes back to The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. No word yet as to who will serve as its distributor. Anderson hinted at the project in a September 2023 interview with Deadline,...
Details as to the plot of the untitled feature, as well as Ahmed’s role are under wraps. But this is the actor’s first project with Anderson, who is coming off his first Oscar win for his Netflix short The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, based on the story by Roald Dahl. Michael Cera will also be introduced to Anderson’s world in the new film, as previously reported, with his regular collaborators Benicio del Toro and Bill Murray on board for roles, too.
Currently filming in Berlin, the film is written by Anderson and Roman Coppola, whose collaboration goes back to The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. No word yet as to who will serve as its distributor. Anderson hinted at the project in a September 2023 interview with Deadline,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Riz Ahmed is now a Wes Anderson featured player.
The actor, last seen in Apple’s love drama Fingernails, has joined the roster of acclaimed auteur’s latest project, an untitled feature that is now shooting in Berlin.
Plot details are being kept in the breast pocket, but it is shaping up to be another ensemble piece with several of his usual cadre of artists.
Benicio Del Toro and Bill Murray are also on the call sheet for the project. The feature has a script from Anderson and Roman Coppola, who has worked on five of the filmmaker’s movies. Michael Cera, also cast in the picture, is among the other Anderson first-timers.
The project was at one point eying a fall 2023 start, but the twin strikes last year pushed the start of production.
The feature has no distributor at this stage, although Anderson’s previous outing, 2023’s Asteroid City,...
The actor, last seen in Apple’s love drama Fingernails, has joined the roster of acclaimed auteur’s latest project, an untitled feature that is now shooting in Berlin.
Plot details are being kept in the breast pocket, but it is shaping up to be another ensemble piece with several of his usual cadre of artists.
Benicio Del Toro and Bill Murray are also on the call sheet for the project. The feature has a script from Anderson and Roman Coppola, who has worked on five of the filmmaker’s movies. Michael Cera, also cast in the picture, is among the other Anderson first-timers.
The project was at one point eying a fall 2023 start, but the twin strikes last year pushed the start of production.
The feature has no distributor at this stage, although Anderson’s previous outing, 2023’s Asteroid City,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Featuring stars including Riz Ahmed and Nabhaan Rizwan, the event aims to celebrate the ‘rich tapestry of Muslim experiences via the medium of film’
A major new UK film festival dedicated to Muslim cinema announced its inaugural lineup on Tuesday, with a slew of award-winning films featuring the likes of Riz Ahmed and Informer’s Nabhaan Rizwan.
Ahmed, winner of an Oscar for best live action short film, will appear in Dammi, a short film directed by Yann Demange, the French film-maker best known for Top Boy and Northern Ireland-set drama ’71. Ahmed co-stars with Isabelle Adjani in a story about a man confronting his French and Algerian heritage on a trip to Paris. Rizwan plays the lead in In Camera, a British feature directed by Naqqash Khalid that screened at the London film festival, as an actor struggling to make a career in the film industry in the face of repeated rejections.
A major new UK film festival dedicated to Muslim cinema announced its inaugural lineup on Tuesday, with a slew of award-winning films featuring the likes of Riz Ahmed and Informer’s Nabhaan Rizwan.
Ahmed, winner of an Oscar for best live action short film, will appear in Dammi, a short film directed by Yann Demange, the French film-maker best known for Top Boy and Northern Ireland-set drama ’71. Ahmed co-stars with Isabelle Adjani in a story about a man confronting his French and Algerian heritage on a trip to Paris. Rizwan plays the lead in In Camera, a British feature directed by Naqqash Khalid that screened at the London film festival, as an actor struggling to make a career in the film industry in the face of repeated rejections.
- 4/16/2024
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: Justin Lin has come aboard to direct Stakehorse for Amazon MGM Studios from a script penned by Justin Piasecki. Hidden Pictures’ Todd Lieberman and Alex Young will produce, with Lin producing through his Perfect Storm Entertainment banner and Piasecki executive producing.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the film is being described as a crime thriller.
Piasecki’s script was No. 2 on the latest Black List.
Lin has been staying busy as of late. He’s going back to his indie roots with The Last Days of John Allen Chau, which is heading into production soon, and also has the Apple thriller Two for the Money with Charlize Theron and Daniel Craig starring and is developing One Punch Man for Sony Pictures.
Piasecki most recently penned the Dave Mackenzie pic Relay, starring Lily James and Riz Ahmed.
Lin is repped by CAA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the film is being described as a crime thriller.
Piasecki’s script was No. 2 on the latest Black List.
Lin has been staying busy as of late. He’s going back to his indie roots with The Last Days of John Allen Chau, which is heading into production soon, and also has the Apple thriller Two for the Money with Charlize Theron and Daniel Craig starring and is developing One Punch Man for Sony Pictures.
Piasecki most recently penned the Dave Mackenzie pic Relay, starring Lily James and Riz Ahmed.
Lin is repped by CAA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
- 4/12/2024
- by Justin Kroll and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
More film celebrities have joined the Cinema for Gaza auction looking to raise funds for the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (Map) before final bids are accepted on Friday.
Joaquin Phoenix has donated a signed Joker poster, and will also sign, along with Lynne Ramsay, a poster for You Were Never Really Here, the 2017 crime thriller. Other late entries include six signed books from horrormeister Guillermo Del Toro and a signed The Crown script by Emma Corin, organizers said Thursday.
There’s also auction lots for a painting by American History X director Tony Kaye and a signed clapperboard from the cast and team behind Hamlet, including Joe Alwyn, Riz Ahmed, Timothy Spall and Morfyyd Clark. The final lots were added Thursday ahead of the last bids accepted on Friday.
“Cinema For Gaza’s first fundraiser is in its final few days, and with over $200,000 and counting raised, has finished adding new lots.
Joaquin Phoenix has donated a signed Joker poster, and will also sign, along with Lynne Ramsay, a poster for You Were Never Really Here, the 2017 crime thriller. Other late entries include six signed books from horrormeister Guillermo Del Toro and a signed The Crown script by Emma Corin, organizers said Thursday.
There’s also auction lots for a painting by American History X director Tony Kaye and a signed clapperboard from the cast and team behind Hamlet, including Joe Alwyn, Riz Ahmed, Timothy Spall and Morfyyd Clark. The final lots were added Thursday ahead of the last bids accepted on Friday.
“Cinema For Gaza’s first fundraiser is in its final few days, and with over $200,000 and counting raised, has finished adding new lots.
- 4/11/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When is an already well-distinguished artist arguably underrated and still overdue for further and greater recognition? Well, 71-year-old writer/director Steven Zaillian, an Academy Award-winning screenwriter (“Schindler’s List”) and five-time nominee, is already regarded as one of the most celebrated screenwriters on the planet. Yet, following the release of the fabulous “Ripley,” his striking and haunting new Netflix series— not to mention in addition to his excellent and deeply undervalued 2016 series, “The Night Of” starring Riz Ahmed— Zaillian’s filmmaking career recognition merits an ascension to the level of venerated master.
Continue reading ‘Ripley’ Review: Steven Zaillian’s Gripping Thriller Is A Strikingly Haunting Portrait Of A Fractured & Fraudulent Life at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Ripley’ Review: Steven Zaillian’s Gripping Thriller Is A Strikingly Haunting Portrait Of A Fractured & Fraudulent Life at The Playlist.
- 4/4/2024
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Sam Worthington, the star of James Cameron’s Avatar franchise, has signed with WME for representation.
Most recently, Worthington was seen starring opposite Kevin Hart in F. Gary Gray’s heist pic Lift for Netflix, which debuted on the platform in January. Prior to that, he reprised his role as paralyzed former Marine-turned-Na’vi Jake Sully in Avatar: The Way of Water, the sequel to Cameron’s 2009 sci-fi epic, seeing the films together gross over $5.22 billion worldwide. Worthington will again reprise the role in Avatar 3, which Disney has slated for release on December 19, 2025.
Also recently starring opposite Andrew Garfield in FX’s Under the Banner of Heaven, which was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Limited Series, Worthington’s other past film credits include Mel Gibson’s Oscar-nominated Hacksaw Ridge with Garfield, Brad Anderson’s Fractured, The Shack, Everest, Cake, The Debt, Clash of the Titans and Cate Shortland’s Somersault,...
Most recently, Worthington was seen starring opposite Kevin Hart in F. Gary Gray’s heist pic Lift for Netflix, which debuted on the platform in January. Prior to that, he reprised his role as paralyzed former Marine-turned-Na’vi Jake Sully in Avatar: The Way of Water, the sequel to Cameron’s 2009 sci-fi epic, seeing the films together gross over $5.22 billion worldwide. Worthington will again reprise the role in Avatar 3, which Disney has slated for release on December 19, 2025.
Also recently starring opposite Andrew Garfield in FX’s Under the Banner of Heaven, which was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Limited Series, Worthington’s other past film credits include Mel Gibson’s Oscar-nominated Hacksaw Ridge with Garfield, Brad Anderson’s Fractured, The Shack, Everest, Cake, The Debt, Clash of the Titans and Cate Shortland’s Somersault,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
New in theaters is “One Life” starring legendary actor Anthony Hopkins as real-life British humanitarian Sir Nicholas Winton. Just three years ago he led French playwright Florian Zeller‘s feature directorial debut “The Father.” It not only managed to win him a second Oscar for Best Actor following “The Silence of the Lambs” back in 1991, but it also made headlines. One reason was how it was unconventionally the final award presented during the telecast that year because the sentimental favorite, Chadwick Boseman (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”), was widely expected to win posthumously. Hopkins pulled off a huge upset, though, and he wasn’t even there to accept it. How did that win happen? Here are five reasons.
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
1. Hopkins had a very awards-friendly role
His character in “The Father” was an aging man suffering dementia. Multiple actors had won accolades for...
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
1. Hopkins had a very awards-friendly role
His character in “The Father” was an aging man suffering dementia. Multiple actors had won accolades for...
- 3/19/2024
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Neon and Waypoint have struck a strategic financial partnership to collaborate on a theatrical slate of “bold, genre-spanning”larger independent features.
The non-exclusive pact sees Waypoint, led by Ken Kao, invest in the slate after the partners worked together on Tilman Singer’s Cuckoo, which premiered in Berlinale Special gala last month.
Waypoint founder and president Kao said, “Our joint venture will focus on the underserved market of larger independent films, specifically in the $10m+ range that often get overlooked by studios and streamers.”
Neon founder and CEO Tom Quinn hailed Waypoint’s “commitment and unique ability to create bold,...
The non-exclusive pact sees Waypoint, led by Ken Kao, invest in the slate after the partners worked together on Tilman Singer’s Cuckoo, which premiered in Berlinale Special gala last month.
Waypoint founder and president Kao said, “Our joint venture will focus on the underserved market of larger independent films, specifically in the $10m+ range that often get overlooked by studios and streamers.”
Neon founder and CEO Tom Quinn hailed Waypoint’s “commitment and unique ability to create bold,...
- 3/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
Neon, the studio that backed Oscar-winners “Anatomy of a Fall” and “Parasite,” has ironed out a deal with Waypoint Entertainment, the production company behind “The Favourite” and “The Nice Guys,” to bring more mid-budget movies to the big screen.
The deal follows the company’s collaboration on the Hunter Schafer-led horror movie “Cuckoo,” which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and SXSW. Waypoint’s investment will allow Neon to expand its production and distribution efforts, something it’s been attempting to do since the New York-based distributor explored a sale in 2022 as a way to grow its business. Though a deal with investor Steven Rales, the wealthy businessman who founded the production company Indian Paintbrush, never came to fruition, Neon has managed to bolster its footprint. It recently launched an international sales division to handle the global distribution of its films.
“Our joint venture will focus on the underserved market of larger independent films,...
The deal follows the company’s collaboration on the Hunter Schafer-led horror movie “Cuckoo,” which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and SXSW. Waypoint’s investment will allow Neon to expand its production and distribution efforts, something it’s been attempting to do since the New York-based distributor explored a sale in 2022 as a way to grow its business. Though a deal with investor Steven Rales, the wealthy businessman who founded the production company Indian Paintbrush, never came to fruition, Neon has managed to bolster its footprint. It recently launched an international sales division to handle the global distribution of its films.
“Our joint venture will focus on the underserved market of larger independent films,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Neon is bolstering its production and distribution capabilities with a new financial investment from the producers of its most recent film, “Cuckoo,” which just screened at the SXSW Film Festival.
Indie-studio Neon has formed a strategic financial partnership with Waypoint Entertainment, a production company led by producer Ken Kao that’s been behind films like “The Favourite” and “The Nice Guys.” Together, the two companies will work on a slate of genre films intended for theatrical release.
The deal is non-exclusive, and no details on the slate of films were announced today — but the films will be indies in the $10 million+ range. The investment should give Neon a bit more financial firepower to compete with the likes of A24. Neon will handle global distribution on each of Waypoint’s titles via its newly-launched international sales division.
“Ken Kao and the Waypoint team have long demonstrated their commitment and unique ability to create bold,...
Indie-studio Neon has formed a strategic financial partnership with Waypoint Entertainment, a production company led by producer Ken Kao that’s been behind films like “The Favourite” and “The Nice Guys.” Together, the two companies will work on a slate of genre films intended for theatrical release.
The deal is non-exclusive, and no details on the slate of films were announced today — but the films will be indies in the $10 million+ range. The investment should give Neon a bit more financial firepower to compete with the likes of A24. Neon will handle global distribution on each of Waypoint’s titles via its newly-launched international sales division.
“Ken Kao and the Waypoint team have long demonstrated their commitment and unique ability to create bold,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Channel 4 Bonuses Are “Slap In The Face” For Fired Staffers & Ailing Freelance Workforce, Bectu Says
“A slap in the face” was the verdict of broadcasting union Bectu to Channel 4 bosses’ decision to accept bonuses this year amidst a 250-staff layoff program.
Deadline revealed yesterday that the network’s CEO Alex Mahon, content boss Ian Katz and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan would be taking their bonuses in 2024, although at reduced rates.
Responding, Bectu Head Philippa Childs pointed to the optics of the bonuses being taken at a time when freelance community morale is at an all-time low. Channel 4’s Remuneration Committee would have rubberstamped the bonuses around the time the broadcaster began implementing a 250-staff layoff program, which is seeing commissioning teams shrunk back amidst tricky economic headwinds and a slowdown in commissioning.
“Hot on the heels of recent announcements of mass redundancies at the broadcaster, this will come as a slap in the face to both those at risk of redundancy and the...
Deadline revealed yesterday that the network’s CEO Alex Mahon, content boss Ian Katz and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan would be taking their bonuses in 2024, although at reduced rates.
Responding, Bectu Head Philippa Childs pointed to the optics of the bonuses being taken at a time when freelance community morale is at an all-time low. Channel 4’s Remuneration Committee would have rubberstamped the bonuses around the time the broadcaster began implementing a 250-staff layoff program, which is seeing commissioning teams shrunk back amidst tricky economic headwinds and a slowdown in commissioning.
“Hot on the heels of recent announcements of mass redundancies at the broadcaster, this will come as a slap in the face to both those at risk of redundancy and the...
- 3/19/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Channel 4 bosses will take home reduced bonuses in 2024 as 250 staffers are laid off.
Deadline can reveal that the vast majority of Channel 4 staff will receive a bonus this year around half the level of 2023, including CEO Alex Mahon, content boss Ian Katz and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan. The trio will see their pay reduced by around 30% to 40% from last year’s record highs, we are also told.
The decision on bonuses was recently rubberstamped by the network’s Remuneration Committee and a Channel 4 spokesman told Deadline the bonus was calculated from the network’s “annual targets, remit and business goals.” This decision to award them bonuses was made in the past few weeks as the redundancy program has been in full flow – the biggest such program initiated by the broadcaster for 15 years.
Senior bosses’ separate six-figure loyalty bonuses, which Deadline revealed had been indefinitely deferred last year amidst a revolt from producers,...
Deadline can reveal that the vast majority of Channel 4 staff will receive a bonus this year around half the level of 2023, including CEO Alex Mahon, content boss Ian Katz and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Allan. The trio will see their pay reduced by around 30% to 40% from last year’s record highs, we are also told.
The decision on bonuses was recently rubberstamped by the network’s Remuneration Committee and a Channel 4 spokesman told Deadline the bonus was calculated from the network’s “annual targets, remit and business goals.” This decision to award them bonuses was made in the past few weeks as the redundancy program has been in full flow – the biggest such program initiated by the broadcaster for 15 years.
Senior bosses’ separate six-figure loyalty bonuses, which Deadline revealed had been indefinitely deferred last year amidst a revolt from producers,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“Lupin” star Omar Sy, “Fast X” director Louis Leterrier and “Gangs of London” producer Thomas Benski have launched Carrousel Studios, a European independent production company with offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal.
The banner will finance and produce film and TV projects, with an emphasis on elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy. The company will look to tap into tax credits, European incentives and brands to finance content. CAA Media Finance architected the financing for the venture.
Sy, Leterrier and Benski, who have worked together on several series and films, said the name of the company, Carrousel, reflects its inclusive DNA. “A carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from, no matter their age or background,” explained the trio in a joint statement. “Additionally, the word carrousel is understood around the globe and associated with magical moments. Our Carrousel will have that same feel,...
The banner will finance and produce film and TV projects, with an emphasis on elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy. The company will look to tap into tax credits, European incentives and brands to finance content. CAA Media Finance architected the financing for the venture.
Sy, Leterrier and Benski, who have worked together on several series and films, said the name of the company, Carrousel, reflects its inclusive DNA. “A carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from, no matter their age or background,” explained the trio in a joint statement. “Additionally, the word carrousel is understood around the globe and associated with magical moments. Our Carrousel will have that same feel,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
French star Omar Sy (Lupin, The Intouchables) is joining forces with Fast X and Transporter director Louis Leterrier and producer Thomas Benski (American Honey, Gangs of London) to launch Carrousel Studios, a new European independent studio.
Billed as an “artists-first” studio, Carrousel aims to focus on elevated genre, in the film and TV, to “lean into elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy projects,” according to a statement, by taking advantage of “myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production, incredible talent (in front and behind the camera) as well as other European incentives.”
All three men are represented by CAA and CAA Media Finance set up the financing for the venture. Carrousel Studios will have offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal.
The company name is meant to evoke a spirit of entertainment. “By definition, a carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from,...
Billed as an “artists-first” studio, Carrousel aims to focus on elevated genre, in the film and TV, to “lean into elevated action, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and comedy projects,” according to a statement, by taking advantage of “myriad tax credits, subsidies, cost of production, incredible talent (in front and behind the camera) as well as other European incentives.”
All three men are represented by CAA and CAA Media Finance set up the financing for the venture. Carrousel Studios will have offices in Paris, London, Los Angeles and Senegal.
The company name is meant to evoke a spirit of entertainment. “By definition, a carrousel’s sole purpose is to entertain, no matter where the riders come from,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Danny Dyer’s range is continuing to expand as the Football Factory star lands himself a Channel 4 documentary series exploring modern masculinity.
Danny Dyer: How To Be A Man will see the EastEnders alum delve deep into the evolving landscape of masculinity. At a time when people are labeling masculinity “toxic,” Dyer, who made his name in a string of movies playing traditional “hard men” and also hosted Danny Dyer’s Deadliest Men for Bravo, will ask people across Britain what they think it means to be a man in our society, and what the future is for the male identity.
The series from Whitworth Media will feature interviews with a politician, psychologists, a mental health expert, a fitness expert, a sex therapist, an influencer, male victims of domestic abuse, and members of the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus to offer a range of voices and perspectives on this complex subject.
Danny Dyer: How To Be A Man will see the EastEnders alum delve deep into the evolving landscape of masculinity. At a time when people are labeling masculinity “toxic,” Dyer, who made his name in a string of movies playing traditional “hard men” and also hosted Danny Dyer’s Deadliest Men for Bravo, will ask people across Britain what they think it means to be a man in our society, and what the future is for the male identity.
The series from Whitworth Media will feature interviews with a politician, psychologists, a mental health expert, a fitness expert, a sex therapist, an influencer, male victims of domestic abuse, and members of the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus to offer a range of voices and perspectives on this complex subject.
- 3/13/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscars weekend is the most star-studded of the year. Whether nominated or unattached to the Academy-recognized films, celebrities gather en masse to celebrate the awards show.
This year, like many before, Vanity Fair threw the largest and most extravagant after-party. The many groups of A-list actors, Grammy Award-winning singers, and cultural icons would make your eyes pop. Here are some of the most exciting:
(L-r) Tyrese Gibson and Chris Hemsworth. Billie Eilish, Maude Apatow, Sydney Sweeney, and Camila Cabello | Kevin Mazur/VF24/WireImage for Vanity Fair; Dave Benett/VF24/WireImage for Vanity Fair
Hosted by Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Radhika Jones, the 2024 Oscars After-Party took place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Chris Hemsworth presented “Best Animated Feature” with Anya Taylor-Joy at the Oscars. During the after-party, he laughed with singer/actor Tyrese Gibson.
Euphoria stars Maude Apatow and Sydney Sweeney reunited for a photo alongside Billie Eilish and Camila Cabello.
This year, like many before, Vanity Fair threw the largest and most extravagant after-party. The many groups of A-list actors, Grammy Award-winning singers, and cultural icons would make your eyes pop. Here are some of the most exciting:
(L-r) Tyrese Gibson and Chris Hemsworth. Billie Eilish, Maude Apatow, Sydney Sweeney, and Camila Cabello | Kevin Mazur/VF24/WireImage for Vanity Fair; Dave Benett/VF24/WireImage for Vanity Fair
Hosted by Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Radhika Jones, the 2024 Oscars After-Party took place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Chris Hemsworth presented “Best Animated Feature” with Anya Taylor-Joy at the Oscars. During the after-party, he laughed with singer/actor Tyrese Gibson.
Euphoria stars Maude Apatow and Sydney Sweeney reunited for a photo alongside Billie Eilish and Camila Cabello.
- 3/12/2024
- by Ali Hicks
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“This is the night! We did it!” people said to each other as they arrived at the Oscars last night.
There are two sides of the red carpet: The one everyone sees at home with megawatt stars, and the one behind them where other ticket holders walk up a massive staircase, also draped in scarlet, where staff members politely and sternly moved everyone along as people lingered to take selfies.
Oppenheimer would go on to win the night, but the team behind Godzilla Minus One, the 2023 Japanese film directed by Takashi Yamazaki,...
There are two sides of the red carpet: The one everyone sees at home with megawatt stars, and the one behind them where other ticket holders walk up a massive staircase, also draped in scarlet, where staff members politely and sternly moved everyone along as people lingered to take selfies.
Oppenheimer would go on to win the night, but the team behind Godzilla Minus One, the 2023 Japanese film directed by Takashi Yamazaki,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Krystie Lee Yandoli
- Rollingstone.com
Ceasefire pins among Oscar guests and nominees were numerous on this afternoon’s red carpet with Poor Things actor Ramy Youssef, Oscar nominated supporting actor Mark Ruffalo from that pic, as well as Barbie “What Was I Made For?” songwriting team Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell donning them.
Youssef told Deadline, “This is for Artists for Ceasefire” about the pin.
“We have a growing list of so many artists who want a permanent immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” the actor added.
“To get really universal about it, it’s about stop killing kids,” he continued.
“We’re using our voices to speak to people’s hearts,” he added, “we want people to have safety and justice.”
“It’s obvious something a lot of people have a lot of opinions about, and I think there can be a place and time to process feelings,” Youssef said, speaking about the divided political situation in Israel and Gaza.
Youssef told Deadline, “This is for Artists for Ceasefire” about the pin.
“We have a growing list of so many artists who want a permanent immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” the actor added.
“To get really universal about it, it’s about stop killing kids,” he continued.
“We’re using our voices to speak to people’s hearts,” he added, “we want people to have safety and justice.”
“It’s obvious something a lot of people have a lot of opinions about, and I think there can be a place and time to process feelings,” Youssef said, speaking about the divided political situation in Israel and Gaza.
- 3/10/2024
- by Antonia Blyth and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Hundreds of protesters have shut down a major section of Hollywood during the Oscars red carpet, turning Hollywood’s biggest night into a traffic nightmare. With just a few minutes ahead of the telecast’s scheduled start time, much of the ballroom is uncharacteristically empty and people are running to their seats.
There was a growing sense of anxiety from production staffers and publicists on the red carpet that tonight’s Oscars will not start on time due to the gridlock. The broadcast itself kicked off five minutes late.
Protesters shut down Sunset Boulevard between Vine Street and La Brea Avenue. They marched down the street with signs that read “No awards for genocide” and drove school buses covered with Palestinian flags. Police ordered the protest to disperse and waited on Sunset Boulevard with battering rams.
Executives, such as Bob Iger, waited an hour to walk the red carpet due to the traffic jam.
There was a growing sense of anxiety from production staffers and publicists on the red carpet that tonight’s Oscars will not start on time due to the gridlock. The broadcast itself kicked off five minutes late.
Protesters shut down Sunset Boulevard between Vine Street and La Brea Avenue. They marched down the street with signs that read “No awards for genocide” and drove school buses covered with Palestinian flags. Police ordered the protest to disperse and waited on Sunset Boulevard with battering rams.
Executives, such as Bob Iger, waited an hour to walk the red carpet due to the traffic jam.
- 3/10/2024
- by Jaden Thompson, Matt Donnelly and Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
The 96th Academy Awards ceremony should be known as the Cannes Oscars, argues Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Frémaux.
He’s got a point.
Frémaux sipped a cocktail at the Charles Finch and Chanel Annual Pre-Oscar Dinner in the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and ticked off Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall and Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest as films that played and won the top prizes at last May’s festival.
Michael Barker, Sony Picture Classics co-chair, helped Frémaux out by adding in Martin Scorsese’s The Killers of the Flower Moon, which also premiered on the Croisette.
“Here we are in March, and the top winners at last year’s Cannes are still in the conversation, and are here at the Oscars,” says Frémaux, giving himself a pat on the back.
Related: Oscar Week 2024 Parties & Events List: The List
He adds that...
He’s got a point.
Frémaux sipped a cocktail at the Charles Finch and Chanel Annual Pre-Oscar Dinner in the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and ticked off Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall and Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest as films that played and won the top prizes at last May’s festival.
Michael Barker, Sony Picture Classics co-chair, helped Frémaux out by adding in Martin Scorsese’s The Killers of the Flower Moon, which also premiered on the Croisette.
“Here we are in March, and the top winners at last year’s Cannes are still in the conversation, and are here at the Oscars,” says Frémaux, giving himself a pat on the back.
Related: Oscar Week 2024 Parties & Events List: The List
He adds that...
- 3/10/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar week is finally here! Ask anyone who has been in the thick of awards season and they’ll likely let out a huge sigh followed by exasperated admission that this has been one of the most hectic runs in recent memory. The condensed calendar, forced by last year’s dual strikes, could translate to more lively bashes, however, as there’s light at the end of the tunnel with Sunday’s Oscars. That can only mean that champagne is currently popping at A-list bashes across Los Angeles, and The Hollywood Reporter is on the scene everywhere from Vanity Fair and Elton John to MPTF’s Night Before. See below for the roundup of all the red carpet action.
Vanity Fair
Editor in chief Radhika Jones hosted a milestone 30th anniversary party at a custom designed structure that connects the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts with Beverly Hills City Hall.
Vanity Fair
Editor in chief Radhika Jones hosted a milestone 30th anniversary party at a custom designed structure that connects the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts with Beverly Hills City Hall.
- 3/7/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba and Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Wednesday’s announcement that the British government would be introducing the new Independent Film Tax Credit sparked a response that was nothing short of jubilant across the entire sector.
The incentive — a 53% expenditure credit that equates to a tax relief of approximately 40% for U.K. productions with a budget of up to £15 million ($19.2 million) — was labeled by BFI chief executive Ben Roberts as “the most significant policy intervention since the 1990s.” Elsewhere, the likes of Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas, Barbara Broccoli, Andrew Haigh, Gurinder Chadha, Mike Leigh, Steve McQueen, Ridley Scott, Riz Ahmed, Jonathan Glazer, Gareth Edwards Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner were among the chorus of filmmaking heavyweights celebrating the news.
Speaking to Variety a day later, Roberts underlines the impact the credit could have on the independent sector, which — while inward investment has boomed over the last decade — has found itself at a point of crisis, with...
The incentive — a 53% expenditure credit that equates to a tax relief of approximately 40% for U.K. productions with a budget of up to £15 million ($19.2 million) — was labeled by BFI chief executive Ben Roberts as “the most significant policy intervention since the 1990s.” Elsewhere, the likes of Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas, Barbara Broccoli, Andrew Haigh, Gurinder Chadha, Mike Leigh, Steve McQueen, Ridley Scott, Riz Ahmed, Jonathan Glazer, Gareth Edwards Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner were among the chorus of filmmaking heavyweights celebrating the news.
Speaking to Variety a day later, Roberts underlines the impact the credit could have on the independent sector, which — while inward investment has boomed over the last decade — has found itself at a point of crisis, with...
- 3/7/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Supporting Actor Barbie, Ryan Gosling, 2023. © Warner Bos. / Courtesy Everett Collection
Weekly Commentary: There’s no way to prove this statement, but I think Robert Downey Jr is winning by such a wide margin for his work in “Oppenheimer.”
With Critics Choice, Golden Globes, SAG and BAFTA in his pocket,...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Supporting Actor Barbie, Ryan Gosling, 2023. © Warner Bos. / Courtesy Everett Collection
Weekly Commentary: There’s no way to prove this statement, but I think Robert Downey Jr is winning by such a wide margin for his work in “Oppenheimer.”
With Critics Choice, Golden Globes, SAG and BAFTA in his pocket,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
“Nimona,” Netflix and Annapurna Animation’s Oscar-nominated film, is a compelling tale of passion, resilience and searching for community — both on and off the screen.
When brave knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) is falsely accused of assassinating the queen, he teams up with the chaotic, shapeshifting teenager Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) in the hopes of clearing his name and bringing peace to the kingdom.
Nimona and Ballister’s quest closely echoes the long journey of the film’s producers, who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles — not only to bring the film to screens, but all the way to the Academy Awards.
Nobody relates more than producers Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary, who have been attached to the project for nearly a decade. Originally conceived at Blue Sky Studios in 2016, the animated production first hit a speed bump in 2018 with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
“We were working on it...
When brave knight Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) is falsely accused of assassinating the queen, he teams up with the chaotic, shapeshifting teenager Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz) in the hopes of clearing his name and bringing peace to the kingdom.
Nimona and Ballister’s quest closely echoes the long journey of the film’s producers, who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles — not only to bring the film to screens, but all the way to the Academy Awards.
Nobody relates more than producers Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary, who have been attached to the project for nearly a decade. Originally conceived at Blue Sky Studios in 2016, the animated production first hit a speed bump in 2018 with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
“We were working on it...
- 3/7/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Last year, Brendan Fraser won Best Actor for “The Whale,” which also won Best Makeup and Hairstyling for artists Adrien Morot, Judy Chin, and Annemarie Bradley. This is a combination of Oscar categories that have popped up several times over the years. But could it happen again this year? Well, theoretically, yes.
The brilliant makeup artist Kazu Hiro, also known as Kazuhiro Tsuji, turned Bradley Cooper into Leonard Bernstein in Netflix’s “Maestro.” Kazu Hiro landed himself an Oscar nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling alongside Kay Georgiou and Lori McCoy-Bell. Meanwhile, Cooper is nominated for Best Actor.
Along with “The Whale,” several other movies have done well with this pair of Oscar categories. In 2018, “Darkest Hour” won Best Actor for Gary Oldman and Hiro won Best Makeup and Hairstyling alongside David Malinowski and Lucy Sibbick. In 2014, “Dallas Buyers Club” won both awards, too, with Matthew McConaughey winning for acting...
The brilliant makeup artist Kazu Hiro, also known as Kazuhiro Tsuji, turned Bradley Cooper into Leonard Bernstein in Netflix’s “Maestro.” Kazu Hiro landed himself an Oscar nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling alongside Kay Georgiou and Lori McCoy-Bell. Meanwhile, Cooper is nominated for Best Actor.
Along with “The Whale,” several other movies have done well with this pair of Oscar categories. In 2018, “Darkest Hour” won Best Actor for Gary Oldman and Hiro won Best Makeup and Hairstyling alongside David Malinowski and Lucy Sibbick. In 2014, “Dallas Buyers Club” won both awards, too, with Matthew McConaughey winning for acting...
- 3/6/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Wes Anderson is long overdue an Oscar. The iconic director has been nominated seven times and lost on all seven occasions. He earned his eighth nomination this year for Best Live Action Short Film for his Roald Dahl adaptation “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” (shared with Steven Rales).
However, Anderson could find himself trumped again as there is an impactful, emotional, heartfelt obstacle in his way: Misan Harriman‘s “The After.” Harriman, who rose to prominence as a photographer, has created one of the year’s most talked about short films with “The After.” The Netflix short follows David Oyelowo as a man who suffers an extraordinary loss and attempts to go through the ensuing healing process.
The movie has earned plenty of A-list supporters, with Angelina Jolie, Jeff Bridges, and Oprah all making it known how much they adored the tragic short film. Meghan Markle also conducted a...
However, Anderson could find himself trumped again as there is an impactful, emotional, heartfelt obstacle in his way: Misan Harriman‘s “The After.” Harriman, who rose to prominence as a photographer, has created one of the year’s most talked about short films with “The After.” The Netflix short follows David Oyelowo as a man who suffers an extraordinary loss and attempts to go through the ensuing healing process.
The movie has earned plenty of A-list supporters, with Angelina Jolie, Jeff Bridges, and Oprah all making it known how much they adored the tragic short film. Meghan Markle also conducted a...
- 3/6/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Applications are now open for the 21st edition of Screen International’s Screen Stars of Tomorrow, our annual portfolio of new talent from the UK and Ireland.
The submissions window is open for one month, from March 6 to April 5, 2024.
Applications are open to UK and Irish citizens and long-term residents of either country. There is no upper or lower age limit, but applicants should be at an early stage in their film career, demonstrate exceptional promise and be ready to progress to the next level.
Applicants should use this Google Form and need to attach a brief bio, a headshot...
The submissions window is open for one month, from March 6 to April 5, 2024.
Applications are open to UK and Irish citizens and long-term residents of either country. There is no upper or lower age limit, but applicants should be at an early stage in their film career, demonstrate exceptional promise and be ready to progress to the next level.
Applicants should use this Google Form and need to attach a brief bio, a headshot...
- 3/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Black Bear has hired Courtney L. Cunniff as senior vice president of film. Cunniff comes to Black Bear from eOne and Hasbro, where she served as vice president of production and development & acquisitions for film titles under both of the company’s banners. Black Bear’s credits include “The Imitation Game,” “I Care A Lot” and “Nyad,” which recently earned Oscar nominations for Annette Bening and Jodie Foster.
In her new role, Cunniff will focus on the development, packaging and production of the company’s slate, which includes such upcoming projects as David Mackenzie’s “Relay” starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington; Andrew Patterson’s “The Rivals of Amziah King” starring Matthew McConaughey; and Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams” starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones.
In Cunniff’s previous job at eOne and Hasbro, she sourced and assessed development material and oversaw the path to production for a...
In her new role, Cunniff will focus on the development, packaging and production of the company’s slate, which includes such upcoming projects as David Mackenzie’s “Relay” starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington; Andrew Patterson’s “The Rivals of Amziah King” starring Matthew McConaughey; and Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams” starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones.
In Cunniff’s previous job at eOne and Hasbro, she sourced and assessed development material and oversaw the path to production for a...
- 2/23/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
In January of 2021, Megan Ellison got a call from Erik Lomis, the former head of distribution at her company, Annapurna Pictures, asking if she’d like to take a look at a movie whose filmmakers needed a lifeline. Disney was days away from announcing that it planned to shutter Blue Sky Studios, the 500-person, Greenwich, Connecticut-based animation studio it had inherited in the 2019 Fox acquisition, and with that closure, the Burbank media giant would be dropping Blue Sky’s most promising movie, Nimona.
“I wasn’t really engaging in new film projects at the time, but being curious, I said yes,” Ellison said, in an email.
Ellison watched the hand-drawn storyboard reels, which directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane had adapted from Nd Stevenson’s 2015 graphic novel, and instantly connected with the title character, a shape-shifter voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz who appears most often as a young woman, but...
“I wasn’t really engaging in new film projects at the time, but being curious, I said yes,” Ellison said, in an email.
Ellison watched the hand-drawn storyboard reels, which directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane had adapted from Nd Stevenson’s 2015 graphic novel, and instantly connected with the title character, a shape-shifter voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz who appears most often as a young woman, but...
- 2/22/2024
- by Rebecca Keegan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nominations voting is from January 11–16, 2024, with official Oscar nominations announced on January 23, 2024. Final voting is February 22–27, 2024. And finally, the 96th Oscars telecast will be broadcast on Sunday, March 10, and air live on ABC at 8 p.m. Et/ 5 p.m. Pt. We update predictions throughout awards season, so keep checking IndieWire for all our 2024 Oscar picks.
The State of the Race
Sony’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” solidified its standing as the Oscar favorite after dominating Asifa-Hollywood’s 51st Annie Awards on February 17 at UCLA’s Royce Hall. The acclaimed sequel from producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller grabbed seven awards, including best animated feature. It also won FX, character design, direction, music, production design, and editorial.
Its closest Oscar competitor, Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron“ (Studio Ghibli-GKids), took home two Annies for Takeshi Honda’s character animation and Miyazaki’s storyboarding. However, “The Boy and the Heron...
The State of the Race
Sony’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” solidified its standing as the Oscar favorite after dominating Asifa-Hollywood’s 51st Annie Awards on February 17 at UCLA’s Royce Hall. The acclaimed sequel from producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller grabbed seven awards, including best animated feature. It also won FX, character design, direction, music, production design, and editorial.
Its closest Oscar competitor, Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron“ (Studio Ghibli-GKids), took home two Annies for Takeshi Honda’s character animation and Miyazaki’s storyboarding. However, “The Boy and the Heron...
- 2/20/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” Comes to Max
Following its December theatrical premiere, the recent DC blockbuster “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” will make its streaming debut on Max this month!
James Wan returns to the helm in the Jason Momoa-starrer, which sees Aquaman turn to his imprisoned brother and former King of Atlantis Orm (Patrick Wilson) and set aside their differences to save their family and the world as Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) now wields the power of the Black Trident, vowing to stop at nothing to avenge to his father’s death.
In addition to Momoa, Wilson, and Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren, Randall Park, and John Rhys-Davies also reprise their roles in the sequel with Temuera Morrison, Martin Short, Vincent Regan, Jani Zhao, Indya Moore, and others.
The film has earned $433 million at the global box office, a relatively modest sum compared to 2018’s “Aquaman,...
Following its December theatrical premiere, the recent DC blockbuster “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” will make its streaming debut on Max this month!
James Wan returns to the helm in the Jason Momoa-starrer, which sees Aquaman turn to his imprisoned brother and former King of Atlantis Orm (Patrick Wilson) and set aside their differences to save their family and the world as Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) now wields the power of the Black Trident, vowing to stop at nothing to avenge to his father’s death.
In addition to Momoa, Wilson, and Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren, Randall Park, and John Rhys-Davies also reprise their roles in the sequel with Temuera Morrison, Martin Short, Vincent Regan, Jani Zhao, Indya Moore, and others.
The film has earned $433 million at the global box office, a relatively modest sum compared to 2018’s “Aquaman,...
- 2/20/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Sally Potter To Re-Release 2009 Feature ‘Rage’ As Series Of Instagram Posts To Mark 15th Anniversary
British filmmaker Sally Potter has set plans to re-release her 2009 feature Rage, starring Riz Ahmed, Lily Cole, Jude Law, and Judi Dench, as a series of posts on Instagram, to mark the film’s 15th anniversary.
Potter has said the movie will unravel over several “real-time” posts across seven days, starting February 23.
The film also stars Patrick J Adams, Jacob Cedergren, John Leguizamo, Eddie Izzard, David Oyelowo, Dianne Wiest, Steve Buscemi, Adriana Barraza, Simon Abkarian and Bob Balaban. The original concept in 2009 was for the film to be watched on smartphones. The synopsis reads: Michelangelo, an unseen schoolboy armed only with a mobile phone, goes behind the scenes at a New York fashion show for seven days in which an accident on the catwalk turns into a murder investigation, and his interviews with key players become a bitterly funny expose of an industry in crisis.
The story unfolds shot by shot,...
Potter has said the movie will unravel over several “real-time” posts across seven days, starting February 23.
The film also stars Patrick J Adams, Jacob Cedergren, John Leguizamo, Eddie Izzard, David Oyelowo, Dianne Wiest, Steve Buscemi, Adriana Barraza, Simon Abkarian and Bob Balaban. The original concept in 2009 was for the film to be watched on smartphones. The synopsis reads: Michelangelo, an unseen schoolboy armed only with a mobile phone, goes behind the scenes at a New York fashion show for seven days in which an accident on the catwalk turns into a murder investigation, and his interviews with key players become a bitterly funny expose of an industry in crisis.
The story unfolds shot by shot,...
- 2/20/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2024 Best Animated Feature Oscar race is in full force, and it is an interesting one. Once again, there is no Walt Disney Animation movie nominated, but an underrated Pixar gem instead. There's a sequel to a movie that already won an Oscar with "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," the latest (but seemingly not last) masterpiece from legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, and a fantastic little indie dark horse in the form of the largely wordless "Robot Dreams."
Then there's "Nimona," the latest Oscar-hopeful from Netflix. The film is not small enough to be considered a dark horse like "Robot Dreams," but definitely feels like an underrated contender considering it didn't get as much widespread attention as the other theatrically released films in this category. Still, "Nimona" is every bit as worthy of the award as the other nominees.
The movie is based on Nd Stevenson's graphic novel of the same name.
Then there's "Nimona," the latest Oscar-hopeful from Netflix. The film is not small enough to be considered a dark horse like "Robot Dreams," but definitely feels like an underrated contender considering it didn't get as much widespread attention as the other theatrically released films in this category. Still, "Nimona" is every bit as worthy of the award as the other nominees.
The movie is based on Nd Stevenson's graphic novel of the same name.
- 2/20/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.