The documentary “Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is set to premiere globally on June 18 on Netflix. The feature-length documentary, the first of its kind to address this topic, examines the history of queer stand-up comedy as — according to its logline — “an instrument for social change over the past five decades, actively reflecting and challenging cultural norms and values.”
The film combines stand-up performances and talking head interviews, as well as archival materials featuring LGBTQ+ comedians, and includes Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Suzy Izzard, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Bob The Drag Queen and Trixie Mattel.
Historians interviewed for the documentary include Dave Holmes, Roger Mason, Shar Jossell, Susan Stryker and Kate Aurthur, Variety‘s Editor-at-Large.
“Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is written and directed by Page Hurwitz. “I’m excited for the film to premiere, particularly at this time, because comedy has the power to unite, and...
The film combines stand-up performances and talking head interviews, as well as archival materials featuring LGBTQ+ comedians, and includes Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Suzy Izzard, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Bob The Drag Queen and Trixie Mattel.
Historians interviewed for the documentary include Dave Holmes, Roger Mason, Shar Jossell, Susan Stryker and Kate Aurthur, Variety‘s Editor-at-Large.
“Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution” is written and directed by Page Hurwitz. “I’m excited for the film to premiere, particularly at this time, because comedy has the power to unite, and...
- 4/17/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
Zendaya claims she, too, is unaware of when “Euphoria” Season 3 will begin production.
Although the “Euphoria” star is an executive producer of the hit HBO series, she said she’s “not in charge” of whether or not the third season will really happen. But of course Zendaya wants to play Rue again.
“If it’s right for the characters and everything turns out the way it should, of course,” Zendaya told me at the “Challengers” premiere in Los Angeles Tuesday night. “But it’s beyond me.”
HBO announced the postponement of “Euphoria” Season 3 on March 25, saying that the network and creator Sam Levinson “remain committed to making an exceptional third season.”
“In the interim, we are allowing our in-demand cast to pursue other opportunities,” an HBO spokesperson told Variety at the time.
Three days later, Storm Reid, who plays Rue’s younger sister Gia, was the first cast member to...
Although the “Euphoria” star is an executive producer of the hit HBO series, she said she’s “not in charge” of whether or not the third season will really happen. But of course Zendaya wants to play Rue again.
“If it’s right for the characters and everything turns out the way it should, of course,” Zendaya told me at the “Challengers” premiere in Los Angeles Tuesday night. “But it’s beyond me.”
HBO announced the postponement of “Euphoria” Season 3 on March 25, saying that the network and creator Sam Levinson “remain committed to making an exceptional third season.”
“In the interim, we are allowing our in-demand cast to pursue other opportunities,” an HBO spokesperson told Variety at the time.
Three days later, Storm Reid, who plays Rue’s younger sister Gia, was the first cast member to...
- 4/17/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
The cheating scandal that rocked “Vanderpump Rules” is now being taken to court.
Rachel Leviss has filed a lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court against Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix for eavesdropping, revenge porn, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Leviss, who was a cast member on the reality show, had a secret romantic relationship with Sandoval during the filming of Season 10, despite him dating fellow cast member Madix. Sandoval and Madix returned for the show’s current Season 11, while Leviss did not.
“Leviss was a victim of the predatory and dishonest behavior of an older man, who recorded sexually explicit videos of her without her knowledge or consent, which were then distributed, disseminated, and discussed publicly by a scorned women seeking vengeance, catalyzing the scandal,” the lawsuit reads.
A video of Leviss and Sandoval was discussed in the previous season of “Vanderpump Rules” as the...
Rachel Leviss has filed a lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court against Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix for eavesdropping, revenge porn, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Leviss, who was a cast member on the reality show, had a secret romantic relationship with Sandoval during the filming of Season 10, despite him dating fellow cast member Madix. Sandoval and Madix returned for the show’s current Season 11, while Leviss did not.
“Leviss was a victim of the predatory and dishonest behavior of an older man, who recorded sexually explicit videos of her without her knowledge or consent, which were then distributed, disseminated, and discussed publicly by a scorned women seeking vengeance, catalyzing the scandal,” the lawsuit reads.
A video of Leviss and Sandoval was discussed in the previous season of “Vanderpump Rules” as the...
- 2/29/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Christopher Nolan seems primed for the sort of coronation the Oscars bestow now and again — his film “Oppenheimer’s” sweep of precursor awards has had a sort of lumbering majesty to it, a sense that the grandest spectacle of the year is about to get a commensurate celebration from the Dolby Theatre stage.
There’s a pleasing symmetry to the idea: “Oppenheimer” is not a sentimental favorite from the “Coda” school, or a sweltering, messy emotional high-wire act like “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” It’s a coolly logical piece of work, and it represents the year’s logical choice. It was a drama for adults that made nearly a billion dollars globally, an achievement that’s worth celebrating in part because so few directors get the chance; its ambition is written across every frame. After a series of misses — “Inception” and “Dunkirk” nominated for Best Picture but settling for undercard wins,...
There’s a pleasing symmetry to the idea: “Oppenheimer” is not a sentimental favorite from the “Coda” school, or a sweltering, messy emotional high-wire act like “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” It’s a coolly logical piece of work, and it represents the year’s logical choice. It was a drama for adults that made nearly a billion dollars globally, an achievement that’s worth celebrating in part because so few directors get the chance; its ambition is written across every frame. After a series of misses — “Inception” and “Dunkirk” nominated for Best Picture but settling for undercard wins,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
The hottest reality TV stars in show business gathered on Wednesday to celebrate Variety’s inaugural Women of Reality TV power list, presented by DirecTV. Honoring the 40 most powerful women in unscripted entertainment, the Bravo elite mingled with real estate flippers, dancers, judges, singers, survivors, amazing racers and those just looking for love.
Despite being at capacity with women known for delivering on drama, the conversation often revolved around the realities of being vulnerable with the world. And for just one night, everyone was there for the right reasons.
Snacking on caviar potato puffs and Spago’s salmon pizza, the honorees gathered for a cocktail party before the dinner. An elated Heidi D’Amelio of “The D’Amelios” snapped a selfie with “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Giudice, who flew in for the celebration with husband Luis Ruelas. Heather Gay of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City...
Despite being at capacity with women known for delivering on drama, the conversation often revolved around the realities of being vulnerable with the world. And for just one night, everyone was there for the right reasons.
Snacking on caviar potato puffs and Spago’s salmon pizza, the honorees gathered for a cocktail party before the dinner. An elated Heidi D’Amelio of “The D’Amelios” snapped a selfie with “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Giudice, who flew in for the celebration with husband Luis Ruelas. Heather Gay of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City...
- 11/30/2023
- by Meredith Woerner, Caroline Brew and Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Earlier on Friday, Bravo announced from BravoCon that Season 11 of “Vanderpump Rules” will premiere in January. That raises a big question: After a 10th season that concluded in June, during which the show became a ratings smash, a pop culture sensation and an eventual Emmy nominee — all because of the cheating scandal within the show that captured the nation’s fickle attention — where will the Bravo series go after the #Scandoval?
One place it seemingly won’t be going, at least as far as the BravoCon audience was concerned, is redemption for cast member Tom Sandoval, who last year had an affair with his former castmate Rachel Leviss — thereby blowing up his relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix. Every time he spoke from when he was first introduced, Sandoval received loud boos, even as moderator Karamo Brown tried to tell the crowd to stop. When an audience questioner asked...
One place it seemingly won’t be going, at least as far as the BravoCon audience was concerned, is redemption for cast member Tom Sandoval, who last year had an affair with his former castmate Rachel Leviss — thereby blowing up his relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix. Every time he spoke from when he was first introduced, Sandoval received loud boos, even as moderator Karamo Brown tried to tell the crowd to stop. When an audience questioner asked...
- 11/3/2023
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
A group of A-list actors is adding pressure on SAG-AFTRA leadership to find a way to resolve the actors strike, which has now lasted 97 days.
George Clooney, Tyler Perry, Scarlett Johansson, and others held a Zoom meeting on Tuesday afternoon with Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s executive director.
Though the tone has been described as “supportive,” the actors did not call the meeting merely to express support. According to several sources, the A-listers represent significant discontent within the guild that talks have broken down, and are looking for a path to restart negotiations and end the strike.
Perry employs hundreds of people at his studio in Atlanta, and has been concerned for weeks that he cannot resume production.
The group, which also includes Emma Stone and Ben Affleck, was said by one source to have given a “presentation” to Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland.
George Clooney, Tyler Perry, Scarlett Johansson, and others held a Zoom meeting on Tuesday afternoon with Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, and Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the union’s executive director.
Though the tone has been described as “supportive,” the actors did not call the meeting merely to express support. According to several sources, the A-listers represent significant discontent within the guild that talks have broken down, and are looking for a path to restart negotiations and end the strike.
Perry employs hundreds of people at his studio in Atlanta, and has been concerned for weeks that he cannot resume production.
The group, which also includes Emma Stone and Ben Affleck, was said by one source to have given a “presentation” to Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland.
- 10/18/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and WGA are set to meet again Sunday after four consecutive days of negotiations designed to secure a new three-year contract and bring the nearly five-month writers strike to an end.
Industry sources reported that on Saturday afternoon that a ‘best and final’ offer was sent to WGA negotiators around 5 p.m. Pt. Legal representatives for labor and management huddled Saturday in person at AMPTP headquarters. Other key players on both sides monitored events closely but from afar.
Shortly before 8 p.m. Pt, the WGA and AMPTP issued a joint statement: “The WGA and AMPTP met for bargaining on Saturday and will meet again on Sunday.”
The AMPTP’s move to make a “last, best and final offer” to the WGA is meant to signal to the guild that the companies will not engage in further negotiation on the terms of...
Industry sources reported that on Saturday afternoon that a ‘best and final’ offer was sent to WGA negotiators around 5 p.m. Pt. Legal representatives for labor and management huddled Saturday in person at AMPTP headquarters. Other key players on both sides monitored events closely but from afar.
Shortly before 8 p.m. Pt, the WGA and AMPTP issued a joint statement: “The WGA and AMPTP met for bargaining on Saturday and will meet again on Sunday.”
The AMPTP’s move to make a “last, best and final offer” to the WGA is meant to signal to the guild that the companies will not engage in further negotiation on the terms of...
- 9/23/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Daniel D’Addario is stepping into a new role at Variety.
The journalist, who was brought on as chief television critic in 2018, has been named chief correspondent for the magazine, co-editors-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh and Cynthia Littleton announced. In his new position, D’Addario will be writing substantial features as well as commentary for print and online. He will continue to work with editor-at-large Kate Aurthur.
“I am so excited to try new kinds of writing for Variety,” D’Addario says. “I love thinking like a critic, but bringing my perspective to bear on narrative journalism after getting out in the field and talking to people represents an exciting opportunity, and a fun challenge.”
In his time covering television for Variety, D’Addario has won multiple Los Angeles Press Club Awards, including prizes for political commentary for his coverage of the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings and “The Lincoln Project.” He has served...
The journalist, who was brought on as chief television critic in 2018, has been named chief correspondent for the magazine, co-editors-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh and Cynthia Littleton announced. In his new position, D’Addario will be writing substantial features as well as commentary for print and online. He will continue to work with editor-at-large Kate Aurthur.
“I am so excited to try new kinds of writing for Variety,” D’Addario says. “I love thinking like a critic, but bringing my perspective to bear on narrative journalism after getting out in the field and talking to people represents an exciting opportunity, and a fun challenge.”
In his time covering television for Variety, D’Addario has won multiple Los Angeles Press Club Awards, including prizes for political commentary for his coverage of the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings and “The Lincoln Project.” He has served...
- 8/21/2023
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Aramide A. Tinubu is Variety’s new TV critic, joining fellow critic Alison Herman, who started at the publication in April. In her role, Tinubu, who is based in New York City, will write reviews, commentary and cover stories, and will be a key voice in television coverage across all of Variety’s platforms. She will work with editor-at-large Kate Aurthur, who oversees TV criticism and features.
As a critic, consultant, producer and entertainment editor, Tinubu has been published in Essence, The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, Bustle and Netflix’s Tudum. “We are so excited to have Aramide join our team as a TV critic,” say Variety co-editors-in-chief Cynthia Littleton and Ramin Setoodeh. “Criticism has always been a backbone of our coverage, and we know that Aramide’s byline — and point of view — will further bolster our team.”
Says Tinubu: “For more than a century, Variety has been the blueprint for entertainment executives,...
As a critic, consultant, producer and entertainment editor, Tinubu has been published in Essence, The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, Bustle and Netflix’s Tudum. “We are so excited to have Aramide join our team as a TV critic,” say Variety co-editors-in-chief Cynthia Littleton and Ramin Setoodeh. “Criticism has always been a backbone of our coverage, and we know that Aramide’s byline — and point of view — will further bolster our team.”
Says Tinubu: “For more than a century, Variety has been the blueprint for entertainment executives,...
- 7/17/2023
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Variety won 14 first-place awards Sunday night at the Los Angeles Press Club’s 65th annual SoCal Journalism Awards, more than twice as many as any other entertainment publication.
The 14 awards represented a historic high for Variety at the SoCal Journalism Awards, topping the previous best of 12 first-place prizes the magazine earned in 2018. Variety came into Sunday’s ceremony with a record 96 nominations, representing work published online and in print during the 2022 calendar year.
The awards were handed out during a gala dinner attended by hundreds in the historic Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Several staffers won dual honors. Owen Gleiberman, Variety‘s chief film critic, won best obituary/appreciation for a look back at actor William Hurt, plus best online arts commentary for the column “Is ‘Tar’ Rooting for or Against Cate Blanchett’s Superstar Predator Conductor?” Chris Willman, senior writer and chief music critic,...
The 14 awards represented a historic high for Variety at the SoCal Journalism Awards, topping the previous best of 12 first-place prizes the magazine earned in 2018. Variety came into Sunday’s ceremony with a record 96 nominations, representing work published online and in print during the 2022 calendar year.
The awards were handed out during a gala dinner attended by hundreds in the historic Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Several staffers won dual honors. Owen Gleiberman, Variety‘s chief film critic, won best obituary/appreciation for a look back at actor William Hurt, plus best online arts commentary for the column “Is ‘Tar’ Rooting for or Against Cate Blanchett’s Superstar Predator Conductor?” Chris Willman, senior writer and chief music critic,...
- 6/26/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Garcelle Beauvais has said the new season of the Bravo reality series will drop in November — and will be a kinder edition of the franchise.
“I’m hearing November is our release date. It’s back to fun and glamour and friendships,” said Beauvais of Season 13. “It’s not as toxic as it was. I think the last season was pretty hardcore on everybody.”
Season 12 has been described by Variety’s resident “Real Housewives” correspondent Kate Aurthur as “grisly,” and ultimately led to the departure of long-time provocateur Lisa Rinna this past January. Rinna constantly stirred the pot on the show, and feuded heavily with Kathy Hilton. She also got into her share of spats with Beauvais, who had been friendly with Rinna, a fellow actor, prior to starring together on “Real Housewives.”
Beauvais, who was speaking at an A+E Networks-presented breakfast...
“I’m hearing November is our release date. It’s back to fun and glamour and friendships,” said Beauvais of Season 13. “It’s not as toxic as it was. I think the last season was pretty hardcore on everybody.”
Season 12 has been described by Variety’s resident “Real Housewives” correspondent Kate Aurthur as “grisly,” and ultimately led to the departure of long-time provocateur Lisa Rinna this past January. Rinna constantly stirred the pot on the show, and feuded heavily with Kathy Hilton. She also got into her share of spats with Beauvais, who had been friendly with Rinna, a fellow actor, prior to starring together on “Real Housewives.”
Beauvais, who was speaking at an A+E Networks-presented breakfast...
- 6/13/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The official 2022-2023 TV season ended on May 24, according to Nielsen and as you may have seen via my annual TV series rankers (which I posted on Monday), we’ve got the wrap on this year’s winners and losers in the good ol’ fashioned linear TV world. Football, “Yellowstone” and procedurals, oh my!
But we’re not living in a good ol’ fashioned linear TV world anymore. Television didn’t grind to a halt on May 24, and the Memorial Day weekend gauntlet of finales and premieres (!) was a fine reminder that TV no longer plays by the rules of a Nielsen calendar. Three of the biggest on-screen events of the year all took place on Sunday night: The series finales of HBO’s “Succession” and “Barry,” as well as the mind-blowing Season 2 ender for “Yellowjackets,” which hit Showtime’s linear channel that same evening.
Let’s say that again.
But we’re not living in a good ol’ fashioned linear TV world anymore. Television didn’t grind to a halt on May 24, and the Memorial Day weekend gauntlet of finales and premieres (!) was a fine reminder that TV no longer plays by the rules of a Nielsen calendar. Three of the biggest on-screen events of the year all took place on Sunday night: The series finales of HBO’s “Succession” and “Barry,” as well as the mind-blowing Season 2 ender for “Yellowjackets,” which hit Showtime’s linear channel that same evening.
Let’s say that again.
- 6/1/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Lisa Vanderpump, Bravo personality, restauranteur and branding mogul, labeled the “Vanderpump Rules” infidelity scandal, “a producer’s dream, but talent’s nightmare.”
When speaking with editor at large Kate Aurthur at Variety’s 2023 Entertainment Marketing Summit, Vanderpump revealed just how “gobsmacked” and “shattered” she was when the cheating scandal — aka the Scandoval — broke out between her cast members on the reality show, which she executively produces.
“I was basically having a bloody heart attack,” Vanderpump told Aurthur.
TMZ first reported that “Vanderpump” stars, and real-life couple, Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix’s nine-year relationship came to an end after Sandoval’s affair with fellow co-star Raquel Leviss. Since then, all eyes have been on the reality TV show centered around Vanderpump’s restaurants in West Hollywood.
Vanderpump painted the picture of the magnitude of the affair for the uninitiated, “It was almost akin to ‘Friends,’ like [if] Chandler and Phoebe suddenly [started] shagging.
When speaking with editor at large Kate Aurthur at Variety’s 2023 Entertainment Marketing Summit, Vanderpump revealed just how “gobsmacked” and “shattered” she was when the cheating scandal — aka the Scandoval — broke out between her cast members on the reality show, which she executively produces.
“I was basically having a bloody heart attack,” Vanderpump told Aurthur.
TMZ first reported that “Vanderpump” stars, and real-life couple, Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix’s nine-year relationship came to an end after Sandoval’s affair with fellow co-star Raquel Leviss. Since then, all eyes have been on the reality TV show centered around Vanderpump’s restaurants in West Hollywood.
Vanderpump painted the picture of the magnitude of the affair for the uninitiated, “It was almost akin to ‘Friends,’ like [if] Chandler and Phoebe suddenly [started] shagging.
- 4/19/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
Alison Herman is Variety’s new TV critic, joining chief TV critic Daniel D’Addario. In the role, Herman will be a key voice in television criticism, writing reviews, commentary, appreciations and cover stories across all of Variety’s platforms. She will work with editor-at-large Kate Aurthur, who oversees the publication’s TV criticism and features.
Herman was a staff writer at The Ringer from 2016 to 2023, where she covered television and popular culture. During her tenure, she wrote columns on new shows, profiled performers such as John Mulaney and reported the definitive piece on the aesthetics of “Succession.”
“TV criticism is one of the bedrocks of Variety, as the No. 1 brand covering the business of entertainment,” co-Editors-in-Chief Cynthia Littleton and Ramin Setoodeh say. “Alison’s deep knowledge of television and pop culture make her the perfect addition to our team.”
Says Herman: “I couldn’t be more excited to cover television...
Herman was a staff writer at The Ringer from 2016 to 2023, where she covered television and popular culture. During her tenure, she wrote columns on new shows, profiled performers such as John Mulaney and reported the definitive piece on the aesthetics of “Succession.”
“TV criticism is one of the bedrocks of Variety, as the No. 1 brand covering the business of entertainment,” co-Editors-in-Chief Cynthia Littleton and Ramin Setoodeh say. “Alison’s deep knowledge of television and pop culture make her the perfect addition to our team.”
Says Herman: “I couldn’t be more excited to cover television...
- 4/17/2023
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
There is nothing better than a cinematic needle drop. This year was absolutely loaded perfect song selections that charmed, horrified, confused or absolutely destroyed audiences. To celebrate the best moments of music in 2022’s film and television the Variety staff cobbled together a list of our favorite hits.
Labrinth & Zendaya “I’m Tired” – “Euphoria”
Music Supervisor: Jen Malone
This song is hauntingly perfect for the scene in which it is featured. Rue (Zendaya) is out of her mind on drugs and hallucinates that she is in a church before she sees herself in her living room dancing with her dead father. Zendaya proves that she is not only one of the best actresses of her time in this scene, but one hell of a singer to boot. – Joe Otterson
Donovan “Riki Tiki Tavi” – “Barbarian”
Music Supervisor: Jillian Ennis
During the tensest scene of this year’s horror hit “Barbarian,” Tess...
Labrinth & Zendaya “I’m Tired” – “Euphoria”
Music Supervisor: Jen Malone
This song is hauntingly perfect for the scene in which it is featured. Rue (Zendaya) is out of her mind on drugs and hallucinates that she is in a church before she sees herself in her living room dancing with her dead father. Zendaya proves that she is not only one of the best actresses of her time in this scene, but one hell of a singer to boot. – Joe Otterson
Donovan “Riki Tiki Tavi” – “Barbarian”
Music Supervisor: Jillian Ennis
During the tensest scene of this year’s horror hit “Barbarian,” Tess...
- 12/21/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay, William Earl, Joe Otterson, Kate Aurthur, Todd Gilchrist, EJ Panaligan, Ellise Shafer, Meredith Woerner, Katie Reul and Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Tom Cruise revived movie theaters with the blockbuster hit “Top Gun: Maverick,” Taylor Swift broke the internet (and Ticketmaster) with her “Midnights” album and “Eras” tour and Michelle Yeoh proved that Marvel wasn’t the only one with a multiverse up its sleeve with “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Here is what the Variety staff is thankful for in entertainment in 2022.
In a year when fabulous genre storytelling in general was everywhere on TV — “Stranger Things,” “Ms. Marvel,” “The Sandman,” “The Rings of Power,” “House of the Dragon” — I have been thankful for three sci-fi shows that have dazzled me the most. Apple TV+’s “Severance” vivisects office life through the prism of a paranoid thriller; Paramount+’s “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” captures the old magic of “Star Trek” while feeling thrilling new; and Disney+’s “Andor” transforms “Star Wars” into a platform for some of the most trenchant...
In a year when fabulous genre storytelling in general was everywhere on TV — “Stranger Things,” “Ms. Marvel,” “The Sandman,” “The Rings of Power,” “House of the Dragon” — I have been thankful for three sci-fi shows that have dazzled me the most. Apple TV+’s “Severance” vivisects office life through the prism of a paranoid thriller; Paramount+’s “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” captures the old magic of “Star Trek” while feeling thrilling new; and Disney+’s “Andor” transforms “Star Wars” into a platform for some of the most trenchant...
- 11/24/2022
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
During a keynote conversation at Variety‘s Business Managers Breakfast presented by City National Bank, “Community” and “Rick and Morty” creator Dan Harmon talked at length about the upcoming “Community” movie, sharing that Donald Glover is “down to clown” in the project.
Entertainment business managers gathered at the Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills on Thursday morning for the breakfast, which featured conversations with Harmon and Shondaland exec Betsy Beers. Additionally, founding partner John Rigney of Level Four Business Management was honored with the Variety Business Manager Elite Award.
During a conversation with Variety television editor Michael Schneider, Harmon discussed the ongoing development of the upcoming “Community” movie, which at the end of September was officially confirmed at Peacock. Harmon said that the upcoming movie is currently being written, and that he can’t imagine it without series star Donald Glover, who wasn’t included in the cast in the original greenlight announcement.
Entertainment business managers gathered at the Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills on Thursday morning for the breakfast, which featured conversations with Harmon and Shondaland exec Betsy Beers. Additionally, founding partner John Rigney of Level Four Business Management was honored with the Variety Business Manager Elite Award.
During a conversation with Variety television editor Michael Schneider, Harmon discussed the ongoing development of the upcoming “Community” movie, which at the end of September was officially confirmed at Peacock. Harmon said that the upcoming movie is currently being written, and that he can’t imagine it without series star Donald Glover, who wasn’t included in the cast in the original greenlight announcement.
- 11/3/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
BravoCon is back.
The fan experience, taking place Oct. 14-16 at the Javits Center in New York City, is returning for the first time since its inaugural edition in 2019.
With over 140 “Bravolebrities” set to participate in over 60 live events, BravoCon will shine a spotlight on the network’s top series. The casts from multiple cities in “The Real Housewives” franchise will turn out en masse — with a notable absence of Lisa Rinna from the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” panel. Rinna, who’s had a difficult time on the current 12th season of “Beverly Hills” — both on screen, as she’s mourned the death of her mother, and on social media as the season has aired — participated in BravoCon in 2019, but as of yet won’t return this year. Nor will “Beverly Hills” cast member Diana Jenkins be on the panel, which includes Garcelle Beauvais, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Crystal Minkoff,...
The fan experience, taking place Oct. 14-16 at the Javits Center in New York City, is returning for the first time since its inaugural edition in 2019.
With over 140 “Bravolebrities” set to participate in over 60 live events, BravoCon will shine a spotlight on the network’s top series. The casts from multiple cities in “The Real Housewives” franchise will turn out en masse — with a notable absence of Lisa Rinna from the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” panel. Rinna, who’s had a difficult time on the current 12th season of “Beverly Hills” — both on screen, as she’s mourned the death of her mother, and on social media as the season has aired — participated in BravoCon in 2019, but as of yet won’t return this year. Nor will “Beverly Hills” cast member Diana Jenkins be on the panel, which includes Garcelle Beauvais, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Crystal Minkoff,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
And this is it, the final 25 categories from the 74th Emmy awards will be revealed, and winners crowned, on Monday at the Microsoft theater in Downtown Los Angeles. Will it ultimately be a roster of predictable victors and repeats from past years? Or are we in for some surprises?
On this episode of the “Variety Awards Circuit Podcast,” it’s an all-roundtable edition as we go through all of the remaining categories and give out final best guesses and biggest dreams.
Will predictable winners wind up on stage, or are we in for some big surprises from the likes of “Squid Game” or “Abbott Elementary”? What hints can be found in last weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys winners? Listen below!
Here is a roundup of predictions from Variety’s Team TV. Be gentle: Unlike past years, this Emmy season is either the most unpredictable in years… or we’ll look...
On this episode of the “Variety Awards Circuit Podcast,” it’s an all-roundtable edition as we go through all of the remaining categories and give out final best guesses and biggest dreams.
Will predictable winners wind up on stage, or are we in for some big surprises from the likes of “Squid Game” or “Abbott Elementary”? What hints can be found in last weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys winners? Listen below!
Here is a roundup of predictions from Variety’s Team TV. Be gentle: Unlike past years, this Emmy season is either the most unpredictable in years… or we’ll look...
- 9/9/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
In May, Kaley Cuoco said that she felt “the plane has landed” on “The Flight Attendant,” seemingly telling viewers that the HBO Max series would not be returning for a third season.
“You’d think after 30 years in this business, I’d learned how to talk in interviews. But no, I still run my mouth. It hadn’t even aired yet,” she tells Variety in a new interview. “I’m like, ‘Guys, let’s sit for a second!’ Look, I’ve learned in my life never say never — that’s my biggest advice. So I’m definitely open to it.”
She continued, “I was at a dinner a couple of weeks ago sitting next to [executive producer] Greg Berlanti, and there were a lot of people there so it was really hard to talk, but I whispered to him, and I’m like, ‘Third season?’ And he just nodded at me. I was like,...
“You’d think after 30 years in this business, I’d learned how to talk in interviews. But no, I still run my mouth. It hadn’t even aired yet,” she tells Variety in a new interview. “I’m like, ‘Guys, let’s sit for a second!’ Look, I’ve learned in my life never say never — that’s my biggest advice. So I’m definitely open to it.”
She continued, “I was at a dinner a couple of weeks ago sitting next to [executive producer] Greg Berlanti, and there were a lot of people there so it was really hard to talk, but I whispered to him, and I’m like, ‘Third season?’ And he just nodded at me. I was like,...
- 8/11/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Mandy Moore let her disappointment known on social media about the shocking Emmy nominations snubs for the final season of her beloved NBC series, “This Is Us.” Moore earned some of the best reviews of her career for her performance in the final season, most notably in the series’ penultimate episode. Moore was viewed as a contender for actress in a drama series but didn’t make the cut.
“Do I wish our show was recognized in what I think was it’s finest hour? Sure,” Moore wrote on her Instagram story. “And Dan Fogelman’s brilliant writing for 6 seasons (hello The Train)? Ken Olin’s impeccable direction? Our insanely, wildly talented cast and crew? Yah…. But nothing can take away what our show meant to So Many (us included). That’s an incredible legacy to be a part of. I will be grateful forever.”
The beloved series only received one nomination at the 2022 Emmys,...
“Do I wish our show was recognized in what I think was it’s finest hour? Sure,” Moore wrote on her Instagram story. “And Dan Fogelman’s brilliant writing for 6 seasons (hello The Train)? Ken Olin’s impeccable direction? Our insanely, wildly talented cast and crew? Yah…. But nothing can take away what our show meant to So Many (us included). That’s an incredible legacy to be a part of. I will be grateful forever.”
The beloved series only received one nomination at the 2022 Emmys,...
- 7/12/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s “Squid Game” continues to make history. The brutal South Korean drama about class, power, wealth and kiddie games has just landed an Emmy nomination for outstanding drama — making it the first-ever non-English language show to receive a series nod by the Television Academy. “Squid Game” earned a total of 14 Emmy nominations, including Lee Jung-jae for lead actor, Jung Ho-yeon for supporting actress, Park Hae-soo and Oh Yeong-su for supporting actor and Lee You-mi for guest actress.
Until this year, non-English projects have never won — or have even been nominated in — a major category at the SAG Awards, Golden Globes or the Primetime Emmys. But that has changed this year, as “Squid Game” already has been nominated at the SAG Awards for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series and by the Globes for best drama.
Hwang Dong-hyuk created the series for Netflix; the first season starred...
Until this year, non-English projects have never won — or have even been nominated in — a major category at the SAG Awards, Golden Globes or the Primetime Emmys. But that has changed this year, as “Squid Game” already has been nominated at the SAG Awards for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series and by the Globes for best drama.
Hwang Dong-hyuk created the series for Netflix; the first season starred...
- 7/12/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Jen Shah pleaded guilty Monday on criminal fraud charges stemming from an alleged telemarketing scheme, according to court documents obtained by Variety.
Shah — who had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges — entered the plea on Monday morning in Manhattan federal court, one week ahead of the planned trial, which was scheduled to begin on July 18.
Shah and others were previously accused of scamming hundreds of elderly people through a wide-ranging telemarketing scheme in the U.S. The situation has been a storyline on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” where Shah is known for her over-the-top lifestyle, glitzy fashion, many assistants, crying, screaming, throwing drinks and continuous denials.
Shah’s plea agreement calls for a sentence of up to 14 years in prison. Her sentencing is now scheduled for Nov. 28, the Monday after Thanksgiving.
In addition to time behind bars,...
Shah — who had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges — entered the plea on Monday morning in Manhattan federal court, one week ahead of the planned trial, which was scheduled to begin on July 18.
Shah and others were previously accused of scamming hundreds of elderly people through a wide-ranging telemarketing scheme in the U.S. The situation has been a storyline on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” where Shah is known for her over-the-top lifestyle, glitzy fashion, many assistants, crying, screaming, throwing drinks and continuous denials.
Shah’s plea agreement calls for a sentence of up to 14 years in prison. Her sentencing is now scheduled for Nov. 28, the Monday after Thanksgiving.
In addition to time behind bars,...
- 7/11/2022
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
The fourth season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” has been unlike its previous seasons both in tone and the length of the show’s episodes. But according to Matt and Ross Duffer — collectively known as the Duffer brothers — they had no other choice.
In an interview for Variety’s Showrunners Sitdown With Kate Aurthur presented by FX, the Duffer Brothers said that because of how “Stranger Things 4” was structured, with its four distinct storylines, “If you look at one of the episodes — like, you couldn’t cut it out 15 minutes early,” Matt Duffer said.
Ross Duffer cited the finale as an example: “Reel one is build-up dread. Reel two is action, chaos. And then, reel three is our traditional coda, come down after all of that. You didn’t really want to break it after just the build-up. It wouldn’t feel like a satisfying episode. So, at a certain point we just said,...
In an interview for Variety’s Showrunners Sitdown With Kate Aurthur presented by FX, the Duffer Brothers said that because of how “Stranger Things 4” was structured, with its four distinct storylines, “If you look at one of the episodes — like, you couldn’t cut it out 15 minutes early,” Matt Duffer said.
Ross Duffer cited the finale as an example: “Reel one is build-up dread. Reel two is action, chaos. And then, reel three is our traditional coda, come down after all of that. You didn’t really want to break it after just the build-up. It wouldn’t feel like a satisfying episode. So, at a certain point we just said,...
- 6/24/2022
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
When “Yellowjackets” premiered on Showtime last fall, the show — about a girls’ soccer team trying to survive in the wilderness in 1996 after a plane crash, and the aftermath of that crash 25 years later — activated the internet in a specific and intense way. Theories on Reddit abounded, and since “Yellowjackets” had presented its high-school-aged characters as cannibals in its pilot episode, nothing seemed off limits.
In an interview at the Variety studio earlier this month, “Yellowjackets” creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, along with co-showrunner Jonathan Lisco, talked about the experience of being on the receiving end of all of that theorizing. “It was surreal,” Lyle said. “You hope that people will watch the show and respond to the show, but the level of passion and enthusiasm that the fans of the show were just bringing to the table was astounding. It was a little mind blowing.”
And then there was...
In an interview at the Variety studio earlier this month, “Yellowjackets” creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, along with co-showrunner Jonathan Lisco, talked about the experience of being on the receiving end of all of that theorizing. “It was surreal,” Lyle said. “You hope that people will watch the show and respond to the show, but the level of passion and enthusiasm that the fans of the show were just bringing to the table was astounding. It was a little mind blowing.”
And then there was...
- 6/22/2022
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
“This is all really fun,” said Stefani Robinson, reflecting back on her career. “Making vampire dick jokes, are you joking me?”
The fourth season of FX’s vampire comedy “What We Do in the Shadows” will premiere on July 12, but before that, showrunners Robinson and Paul Simms delved into the characters’ Season 3 tribulations: Namely, the existential crisis faced by Nandor (Kayvan Novak), and the death and rebirth of energy vampire Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch).
Simms said Colin’s third-season journey began with Stefani Robinson — no relation to Colin that we know of — saying in the writers’ room, “We can’t just have Colin boring people again.”
“So we were always discussing, well, how did he become an energy vampire?” Simms continued. “Where did he come from? Was he turned into an energy vampire? Was he born that way?
“And finally we said, ‘Let’s make those questions his own questions.
The fourth season of FX’s vampire comedy “What We Do in the Shadows” will premiere on July 12, but before that, showrunners Robinson and Paul Simms delved into the characters’ Season 3 tribulations: Namely, the existential crisis faced by Nandor (Kayvan Novak), and the death and rebirth of energy vampire Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch).
Simms said Colin’s third-season journey began with Stefani Robinson — no relation to Colin that we know of — saying in the writers’ room, “We can’t just have Colin boring people again.”
“So we were always discussing, well, how did he become an energy vampire?” Simms continued. “Where did he come from? Was he turned into an energy vampire? Was he born that way?
“And finally we said, ‘Let’s make those questions his own questions.
- 6/20/2022
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Upon its release on Sept. 17, 2021, “Squid Game” quickly became an international phenomenon. But before it became Netflix’s most popular series of all-time, Hwang Dong-hyuk, its creator, had paid a physical price to make it happen: Six (six!) of his teeth had fallen out during the show’s production. Hwang, who’d famously had dreamed up “Squid Game” years before as a movie, with the story born out of his own financial struggles during the Great Recession, had written and directed every episode of the show — and that stressful immersion had taken a toll.
“I was so scared of going to the dentist,” Hwang said. “I hate those things.”
He feels confident, though, that he can avoid future dental crises as he embarks on writing the show’s second season. “This time, I hire some more people to help me,” Hwang said with a laugh, during a video interview for...
“I was so scared of going to the dentist,” Hwang said. “I hate those things.”
He feels confident, though, that he can avoid future dental crises as he embarks on writing the show’s second season. “This time, I hire some more people to help me,” Hwang said with a laugh, during a video interview for...
- 6/17/2022
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi — the co-creators of “Reservation Dogs” — met in the mid-aughts, and though Harjo is from Oklahoma and Waititi grew up in New Zealand, they immediately bonded over their shared experiences as Indigenous filmmakers. As Waititi’s star rose, the two remained friends, but “I never talked to him about work,” Harjo said. “I mean, enough people I think are trying to get stuff from Taika, so we just kept it as friendship.”
That changed a few years ago, though, when Waititi mentioned to Harjo that he had an overall deal with FX, were Harjo to have any ideas for a show. “That’s sort of all I needed to hear,” Harjo said with a laugh during a video interview for Variety’s Showrunners Sitdown with Kate Aurthur presented by FX.
Their ideas for what would eventually be the series “Reservation Dogs,” which premiered on FX last August,...
That changed a few years ago, though, when Waititi mentioned to Harjo that he had an overall deal with FX, were Harjo to have any ideas for a show. “That’s sort of all I needed to hear,” Harjo said with a laugh during a video interview for Variety’s Showrunners Sitdown with Kate Aurthur presented by FX.
Their ideas for what would eventually be the series “Reservation Dogs,” which premiered on FX last August,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
The creative team behind “Gordita Chronicles” are ready to bring change to the small screen.
Premiering on June 23 on HBO Max, the semi-autobiographical series from creator and executive producer Claudia Forestieri tells the story of a Dominican family that leaves Santo Domingo for Miami in pursuit of the American Dream. Joining Forestieri in a keynote conversation at Variety‘s Changemakers Summit with editor-at-large Kate Aurthur were executive producers Zoe Saldaña, Eva Longoria and Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz, who also serves as showrunner. With the pressure of telling such an intensely personal story, Forestieri explained why she believes “Gordita Chronicles” is a tale that should be heard.
“I was like, ‘I want to write a script to explain to people all my neuroses,'” she said. “Also, during 2016, when Donald Trump was running for president, he said a lot of very offensive things about immigrants. I wanted to tell a story about all...
Premiering on June 23 on HBO Max, the semi-autobiographical series from creator and executive producer Claudia Forestieri tells the story of a Dominican family that leaves Santo Domingo for Miami in pursuit of the American Dream. Joining Forestieri in a keynote conversation at Variety‘s Changemakers Summit with editor-at-large Kate Aurthur were executive producers Zoe Saldaña, Eva Longoria and Brigitte Muñoz-Liebowitz, who also serves as showrunner. With the pressure of telling such an intensely personal story, Forestieri explained why she believes “Gordita Chronicles” is a tale that should be heard.
“I was like, ‘I want to write a script to explain to people all my neuroses,'” she said. “Also, during 2016, when Donald Trump was running for president, he said a lot of very offensive things about immigrants. I wanted to tell a story about all...
- 6/15/2022
- by Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
HBO is juggling multiple television shows for a shot at the Primetime Emmy Awards, which could make them a dominating force in all categories, particularly for directing and writing.
Just wrapping its season finale, “Barry” is expected to match, if not exceed, its previous 18 nomination haul last time. Actor and producer Bill Hader will be among the “locks” for outstanding comedy series and lead actor (comedy). Still, with two previous Emmy noms for directing, he’ll be in the running again with the episode “710N,” the sixth episode that finds the titular hitman attacked by Traci’s gang. Three “Barry” episodes will also vie for attention in the writing categories: “710N” (by Duffy Boudreau), “candy asses” (by Liz Sarnoff) and the finale “starting now” (by Hader and Alec Berg).
Read more: Variety’s Awards Circuit Emmys Predictions Hub
With Zendaya leading the charge for lead actress (drama) for her towering...
Just wrapping its season finale, “Barry” is expected to match, if not exceed, its previous 18 nomination haul last time. Actor and producer Bill Hader will be among the “locks” for outstanding comedy series and lead actor (comedy). Still, with two previous Emmy noms for directing, he’ll be in the running again with the episode “710N,” the sixth episode that finds the titular hitman attacked by Traci’s gang. Three “Barry” episodes will also vie for attention in the writing categories: “710N” (by Duffy Boudreau), “candy asses” (by Liz Sarnoff) and the finale “starting now” (by Hader and Alec Berg).
Read more: Variety’s Awards Circuit Emmys Predictions Hub
With Zendaya leading the charge for lead actress (drama) for her towering...
- 6/14/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
A key question about Season 2 of “And Just Like That”: Will Carrie and Samantha still be texting?
“Yes!” answered a gleeful Michael Patrick King, the showrunner of the HBO Max series.
King and his writers’ room have only recently embarked on working on the second season of the “Sex and the City” revival. During an interview at his office on the Warner Bros. lot, though he was hesitant to share much about Season 2, King was happy to answer that question definitively. After all, the texting back-and-forth was the show’s inventive way of keeping Samantha on the show after Kim Cattrall has said she no longer wants to play Samantha.
King also indulged a question about what Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Samantha (formerly portrayed by Kim Cattrall) would have talked about during the finale when they saw each other off-screen during the finale, having made a plan after...
“Yes!” answered a gleeful Michael Patrick King, the showrunner of the HBO Max series.
King and his writers’ room have only recently embarked on working on the second season of the “Sex and the City” revival. During an interview at his office on the Warner Bros. lot, though he was hesitant to share much about Season 2, King was happy to answer that question definitively. After all, the texting back-and-forth was the show’s inventive way of keeping Samantha on the show after Kim Cattrall has said she no longer wants to play Samantha.
King also indulged a question about what Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Samantha (formerly portrayed by Kim Cattrall) would have talked about during the finale when they saw each other off-screen during the finale, having made a plan after...
- 6/7/2022
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has been nominated for 72 Southern California Journalism Awards, including best website, two for print journalist of the year, three for entertainment journalist of the year, and six for criticism of TV, music and books.
The awards, given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, honor outstanding journalism in the region across print, digital, radio and broadcast platforms.
Executive editor Ramin Setoodeh and deputy music editor Jem Aswad are both up for print journalist of the year. TV critic Daniel D’Addario, chief film critic Owen Gleiberman and senior writer/chief music critic Chris Willman are all nominated for entertainment journalist of the year. And Variety had a whopping three nominees for music criticism including Steven Gaydos, Gleiberman and Aswad. Chief TV critic Caroline Framke and D’Addario were also both nominated for criticism of television honors.
Aswad leads all Variety staffers with 14 total nominations, followed by Willman with eight nominations.
The awards, given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, honor outstanding journalism in the region across print, digital, radio and broadcast platforms.
Executive editor Ramin Setoodeh and deputy music editor Jem Aswad are both up for print journalist of the year. TV critic Daniel D’Addario, chief film critic Owen Gleiberman and senior writer/chief music critic Chris Willman are all nominated for entertainment journalist of the year. And Variety had a whopping three nominees for music criticism including Steven Gaydos, Gleiberman and Aswad. Chief TV critic Caroline Framke and D’Addario were also both nominated for criticism of television honors.
Aswad leads all Variety staffers with 14 total nominations, followed by Willman with eight nominations.
- 5/23/2022
- by Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Schneider has been elevated to Television Editor of Variety, overseeing TV industry coverage as well as TV awards-related news and features.
Variety is also expanding its TV presence with editor-at-large Kate Aurthur taking on new responsibilities for leading fan-focused coverage of TV content. Variety is increasing its investment in coverage of current series, from series previews and first-looks to episodic recaps, cast and showrunner Q&As, critical commentary, post-mortems, scene breakdowns and other content that fuels word-of-mouth and social conversation around TV.
Schneider and Aurthur will work closely together in steering the industry’s largest team of TV-focused reporters. Schneider will drive industry news, features and analysis in addition to continuing to lead Variety’s TV awards coverage.
“Michael Schneider has more than earned this promotion,” said Cynthia Littleton, Variety co-editor in chief, to whom Schneider reports. “He works tirelessly to cover an industry that he loves, and he...
Variety is also expanding its TV presence with editor-at-large Kate Aurthur taking on new responsibilities for leading fan-focused coverage of TV content. Variety is increasing its investment in coverage of current series, from series previews and first-looks to episodic recaps, cast and showrunner Q&As, critical commentary, post-mortems, scene breakdowns and other content that fuels word-of-mouth and social conversation around TV.
Schneider and Aurthur will work closely together in steering the industry’s largest team of TV-focused reporters. Schneider will drive industry news, features and analysis in addition to continuing to lead Variety’s TV awards coverage.
“Michael Schneider has more than earned this promotion,” said Cynthia Littleton, Variety co-editor in chief, to whom Schneider reports. “He works tirelessly to cover an industry that he loves, and he...
- 3/30/2022
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
The 2022 Oscars ceremony was derailed when Will Smith walked onstage and slapped Chris Rock across the face for making a joke about his wife, actor Jada Pinkett Smith. Rock referenced Pinkett Smith’s baldness (she has alopecia) and made a reference to 1997 movie G.I. Jane (which features a bald Demi Moore). Shortly after smacking the comedian, Smith returned to the stage for winning for Best Leading Actor, accepting the award in a bizarre, tearful speech.
As the chaos unfurled on-screen, the program scrambled to defuse the tension in the room.
As the chaos unfurled on-screen, the program scrambled to defuse the tension in the room.
- 3/28/2022
- by Sarah Grant
- Rollingstone.com
Will Smith walked up onstage and smacked Chris Rock across the face during the Oscars on Sunday night after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair loss. Lawmakers, like the rest of us, weren’t sure how to react. Two of them, Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Jamaal Bowman (D-n.Y.), posted, then deleted, tweets defending the eventual Best Actor winner.
“#Alopecia nation stand up!” Pressley wrote. “Thank you #WillSmith Shout out to all the husbands who defend their wives living with alopecia in the face of daily ignorance & insults.
“#Alopecia nation stand up!” Pressley wrote. “Thank you #WillSmith Shout out to all the husbands who defend their wives living with alopecia in the face of daily ignorance & insults.
- 3/28/2022
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
Variety won 26 National Art and Entertainment Journalism Awards, including entertainment publication for its 115th anniversary issue “Gamechangers” and two journalist of the year awards: senior vice president Tim Gray for print and deputy music editor Jem Aswad for online.
The venerable entertainment publication received 98 nominations.
The awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work created from July 2020 through June 2021, were handed out virtually Feb. 17 after an in-person event scheduled for Feb. 5 was canceled due to ongoing concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aswad picked up so many awards, presenters remarked on it throughout the event. He ended up with six more awards in addition to his online journalist of the year award. He won two awards for his story “Inside the Dirty Business of Hit Songwriting,” and one each for “Jason Derulo Cracked TikTok’s Code and Resurrected His Career,” “Learning to Be Ok With the Word ‘Vinyls,’” “These...
The venerable entertainment publication received 98 nominations.
The awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work created from July 2020 through June 2021, were handed out virtually Feb. 17 after an in-person event scheduled for Feb. 5 was canceled due to ongoing concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aswad picked up so many awards, presenters remarked on it throughout the event. He ended up with six more awards in addition to his online journalist of the year award. He won two awards for his story “Inside the Dirty Business of Hit Songwriting,” and one each for “Jason Derulo Cracked TikTok’s Code and Resurrected His Career,” “Learning to Be Ok With the Word ‘Vinyls,’” “These...
- 2/18/2022
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has scored 98 nominations for the 2021 National Art and Entertainment Journalism awards, leading all publications.
The awards are presented yearly by the Los Angeles Press Club.
“Thank you to the Naej for recognizing the hard and wonderful work of our great team of writers and editors. We’re so honored,” said Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief of Variety.
Variety was nominated twice for print entertainment publication, for its “Hitmakers” and “Gamechangers” issues. Variety.com was nominated for entertainment website. Senior vice president Tim Gray and features editor Chris Willman both earned nominations for print journalist of the year, while deputy music editor Jem Aswad is nominated for online journalist of the year.
Variety scored six nominations across the photography and art category, including two nods for cover art, for the “Death of Cable” and “Power of Women” covers. Photo director Jennifer Dorn, former creative director Raul Aguila and photographer Sophy Holland were...
The awards are presented yearly by the Los Angeles Press Club.
“Thank you to the Naej for recognizing the hard and wonderful work of our great team of writers and editors. We’re so honored,” said Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief of Variety.
Variety was nominated twice for print entertainment publication, for its “Hitmakers” and “Gamechangers” issues. Variety.com was nominated for entertainment website. Senior vice president Tim Gray and features editor Chris Willman both earned nominations for print journalist of the year, while deputy music editor Jem Aswad is nominated for online journalist of the year.
Variety scored six nominations across the photography and art category, including two nods for cover art, for the “Death of Cable” and “Power of Women” covers. Photo director Jennifer Dorn, former creative director Raul Aguila and photographer Sophy Holland were...
- 1/19/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
In this first-person account, Blake Stuerman, 30, details his experiences over his four years with the filmmaker Bryan Singer, who came to prominence as a director with 1995’s “The Usual Suspects,” and directed several blockbusters, including “X-Men,” “Superman Returns,” and, most recently, 2018’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Stuerman met Singer in 2009 in New York City when he was 18 years old, and entered into a sexual relationship with him shortly after; Singer was 43. Their time together ended after Stuerman was fired as Singer’s assistant in June 2013 on the film “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” which opened the following year. Stuerman believes his relationship with Singer was abusive and traumatic. He says he was further traumatized by witnessing an incident in 2012 in which Singer allegedly assaulted someone.
Variety corroborated parts of Stuerman’s account of his life with Singer through documents, photographs, emails and text messages provided by Stuerman, and by speaking with people...
Stuerman met Singer in 2009 in New York City when he was 18 years old, and entered into a sexual relationship with him shortly after; Singer was 43. Their time together ended after Stuerman was fired as Singer’s assistant in June 2013 on the film “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” which opened the following year. Stuerman believes his relationship with Singer was abusive and traumatic. He says he was further traumatized by witnessing an incident in 2012 in which Singer allegedly assaulted someone.
Variety corroborated parts of Stuerman’s account of his life with Singer through documents, photographs, emails and text messages provided by Stuerman, and by speaking with people...
- 12/20/2021
- by Blake Stuerman
- Variety Film + TV
Logan Roy did it again. The media baron’s checkmate vs. his kids had fans buzzing following Sunday night’s Season 3 finale, and it paid off in initial viewing. According to HBO, the episode, “All the Bells Say,” delivered 1.7 million viewers across all platforms in same-day viewing.
That’s a new series high for the show, which has averaged a linear rating of around 543,000 this season. HBO had previously touted the Season 3 opener of the family-dynasty drama as its most watched, averaging over 1.4 million viewers across all platforms.
For the finale, HBO reported that total viewing increased 47% versus the Season 2 finale, 21% from the Season 3 premiere and 8% from last week’s penultimate episode, “Chiantishire.”
When including delayed viewing, HBO reports an average of 6.1 million viewers to-date for Season 3, which it reports is up 56% from season 2 after a similar period of time. HBO said the Season 3 premiere episode, which returned on Oct.
That’s a new series high for the show, which has averaged a linear rating of around 543,000 this season. HBO had previously touted the Season 3 opener of the family-dynasty drama as its most watched, averaging over 1.4 million viewers across all platforms.
For the finale, HBO reported that total viewing increased 47% versus the Season 2 finale, 21% from the Season 3 premiere and 8% from last week’s penultimate episode, “Chiantishire.”
When including delayed viewing, HBO reports an average of 6.1 million viewers to-date for Season 3, which it reports is up 56% from season 2 after a similar period of time. HBO said the Season 3 premiere episode, which returned on Oct.
- 12/13/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
There will almost certainly be several winners clutching their first-ever Emmys the night of Sept. 19 — some of whom are practically shoo-ins, like “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis, who had never been nominated before this year.
Others have been nominated before but are on tap to finally win one, such as Kathryn Hahn for “WandaVision” — and on a terribly tragic and bittersweet note, the late Michael K. Williams, for “Lovecraft Country.” I couldn’t wait to see him land that Emmy, so overdue given his body of work. And I’m so saddened that he won’t be there to soak in that moment.
Williams’ death casts a bit of a pall on this year’s ceremony, but there are also plenty of uplifting moments to look forward to, including the chance for both Jean Smart and Kenan Thompson — easily among TV’s Most Valuable Players — to potentially each win two Emmys on the night.
Others have been nominated before but are on tap to finally win one, such as Kathryn Hahn for “WandaVision” — and on a terribly tragic and bittersweet note, the late Michael K. Williams, for “Lovecraft Country.” I couldn’t wait to see him land that Emmy, so overdue given his body of work. And I’m so saddened that he won’t be there to soak in that moment.
Williams’ death casts a bit of a pall on this year’s ceremony, but there are also plenty of uplifting moments to look forward to, including the chance for both Jean Smart and Kenan Thompson — easily among TV’s Most Valuable Players — to potentially each win two Emmys on the night.
- 9/17/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Time’s Up has dissolved an advisory board that included several A-list Hollywood actors, including Jessica Chastain and Reese Witherspoon, as the organization continues to face an existential crisis.
The advocacy group — formed with much fanfare just three years ago at the height of the #MeToo movement — has been profoundly harmed by its mishandling of harassment allegations against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Time’s Up announced on Saturday that its governing board would resign over the next 30 days, and that a new board would be chosen to oversee the group. Only four of the 22 governing board members were expected to stick around for a transitional period.
Time’s Up also had a 71-member advisory board, which included a broad range of activists and Hollywood stars. In addition to Chastain and Witherspoon, the board members included Natalie Portman, Janelle Monae, Brie Larson, Tessa Thompson, Padma Lakshmi, Laura Dern, America Ferrera, Kerry Washington,...
The advocacy group — formed with much fanfare just three years ago at the height of the #MeToo movement — has been profoundly harmed by its mishandling of harassment allegations against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Time’s Up announced on Saturday that its governing board would resign over the next 30 days, and that a new board would be chosen to oversee the group. Only four of the 22 governing board members were expected to stick around for a transitional period.
Time’s Up also had a 71-member advisory board, which included a broad range of activists and Hollywood stars. In addition to Chastain and Witherspoon, the board members included Natalie Portman, Janelle Monae, Brie Larson, Tessa Thompson, Padma Lakshmi, Laura Dern, America Ferrera, Kerry Washington,...
- 9/10/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
From RZA to Jon Favreau, artists, filmmakers, journalists and activists gathered on Aug. 26 for Variety‘s inaugural Truth Seekers Summit, in partnership with Rolling Stone and presented by Showtime Documentary Films.
The summit explored the art of documentary and investigative storytelling. Here are 10 takeaways from the two-day event.
RZA Was Inspired By Robert De Niro In Making His Series “Wu-Tang: An American Saga”
Speaking about the difficulties of writing about his own life and career in the format of a TV series, RZA said Robert De Niro helped him understand how to separate himself from the art.
“When I saw ‘Cape Fear,’ my brain clicked, because I’m such a fan of his,” RZA said. “I knew him from ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Goodfellas,’ and then here he was playing this psychopath. And he played it so brilliantly. It’s actually an artistic thing to separate yourself from art. I met Mr.
The summit explored the art of documentary and investigative storytelling. Here are 10 takeaways from the two-day event.
RZA Was Inspired By Robert De Niro In Making His Series “Wu-Tang: An American Saga”
Speaking about the difficulties of writing about his own life and career in the format of a TV series, RZA said Robert De Niro helped him understand how to separate himself from the art.
“When I saw ‘Cape Fear,’ my brain clicked, because I’m such a fan of his,” RZA said. “I knew him from ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Goodfellas,’ and then here he was playing this psychopath. And he played it so brilliantly. It’s actually an artistic thing to separate yourself from art. I met Mr.
- 8/27/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld, Selome Hailu and Jennifer Yuma
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has been nominated for 62 Southern California Journalism Awards, including two for entertainment journalist of the year, one for print journalist of the year, traditional news website, and in-house or corporate publication.
The awards, given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, honor outstanding journalism in the region across print, digital, radio and broadcast platforms.
Features editor Chris Willman and chief film critic Owen Gleiberman are both up for entertainment journalist of the year, and senior TV editor Brian Steinberg is up for print journalist of the year. Willman leads all Variety staffers with eight total nominations, followed by Gleiberman and Steinberg with five apiece.
Variety‘s “Hitmakers” issue featuring Harry Styles and “The Great Depression” issue, about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Hollywood, are both nominated for best single issue. “An Earth-Shattering Year,” reflecting on the industry-shaking events of 2020, is up for best in-house or corporate publication.
The awards, given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, honor outstanding journalism in the region across print, digital, radio and broadcast platforms.
Features editor Chris Willman and chief film critic Owen Gleiberman are both up for entertainment journalist of the year, and senior TV editor Brian Steinberg is up for print journalist of the year. Willman leads all Variety staffers with eight total nominations, followed by Gleiberman and Steinberg with five apiece.
Variety‘s “Hitmakers” issue featuring Harry Styles and “The Great Depression” issue, about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Hollywood, are both nominated for best single issue. “An Earth-Shattering Year,” reflecting on the industry-shaking events of 2020, is up for best in-house or corporate publication.
- 8/11/2021
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
MTV turns 40 on Sunday, and it hardly looks its age. Well, that’s because it hardly looks like, well, anything anymore. At least that’s the depressing state of the linear MTV channel, which in recent years has become 95% reruns of “Ridiculousness,” along with a handful of runs of 20-year-old movies (“Joe Dirt”) and limited first-run airings of legacy shows like “Teen Mom” and “Catfish: The TV Series.”
It’s been a cliché for years to complain about what happened to the music on MTV. But the music question has been moot since the mid-2000s, when videos moved to YouTube and Vevo. The larger issue is, what happened to the programming, period, on MTV? It’s become a zombie channel, and for those of us still rooting for the brand, it’s a sad sight to see.
MTV isn’t the only neglected cable channel out there; as my...
It’s been a cliché for years to complain about what happened to the music on MTV. But the music question has been moot since the mid-2000s, when videos moved to YouTube and Vevo. The larger issue is, what happened to the programming, period, on MTV? It’s become a zombie channel, and for those of us still rooting for the brand, it’s a sad sight to see.
MTV isn’t the only neglected cable channel out there; as my...
- 8/1/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Of all the movies on Marvel Studios’ upcoming slate, “Eternals” has been the most mysterious, between its sprawling and multicultural ensemble, its Oscar-winning auteur director in Chloé Zhao and its story of a race of immortal beings who have secretly been on Earth for millennia. With the teaser trailer finally released to the world, we now have a greater sense of how Zhao will be integrating her unique cinematic eye to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and how the Eternals will fit inside the MCU.
Here’s what we’ve learned.
The Eternals are an integral — but invisible — part of human history
Set to Skeeter Davis’ haunting song “The End of the World,” we first meet the Eternals as their massive, totemic ship appears before a small tribe of early humans, many thousands of years in our past. As the Eternals’ leader Ajak (Salma Hayek) explains in voice-over, the Eternals have “watched,...
Here’s what we’ve learned.
The Eternals are an integral — but invisible — part of human history
Set to Skeeter Davis’ haunting song “The End of the World,” we first meet the Eternals as their massive, totemic ship appears before a small tribe of early humans, many thousands of years in our past. As the Eternals’ leader Ajak (Salma Hayek) explains in voice-over, the Eternals have “watched,...
- 5/24/2021
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
The third season of Netflix’s “Master of None” will premiere on May 23 and be subtitled “Moments in Love,” following Lena Waithe’s character Denise and her partner Alicia, who is played by Naomi Ackie.
“Let’s say we’re at a party, Maxwell’s playing, you don’t know me, I don’t know you, and I ask you out on a date. Would you say yes?” Waithe’s Denise posits in the trailer for the new season.
As seen in the trailer, which you can watch below, the couple is living together in a countryside house and going through the ups and downs of marriage. In one scene they are sharing a bath, in another they are slow dancing, but in another they are fighting in their bedroom. The season will explore struggles with fertility and personal growth for characters, both together and apart, while also asking existential questions about love and life.
“Let’s say we’re at a party, Maxwell’s playing, you don’t know me, I don’t know you, and I ask you out on a date. Would you say yes?” Waithe’s Denise posits in the trailer for the new season.
As seen in the trailer, which you can watch below, the couple is living together in a countryside house and going through the ups and downs of marriage. In one scene they are sharing a bath, in another they are slow dancing, but in another they are fighting in their bedroom. The season will explore struggles with fertility and personal growth for characters, both together and apart, while also asking existential questions about love and life.
- 4/26/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Variety took home 20 top honors at Friday’s National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards, including the wins for best entertainment website, podcast host, best headline and for music and theater criticism.
The virtual ceremony was hosted by comedian Alonzo Bodden. This year’s Veritas Award for film from the Los Angeles Press Club went to Netflix’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
Variety was nominated for a record 99 National Arts and Entertainment Journalism awards. Organizers noted that total submissions for the awards topped more than 1,000 for the first time.
Variety‘s wins demonstrated the range of coverage offered by the global entertainment news source over a turbulent year.
The music criticism victory went to deputy music editor Jem Aswad for “Phoebe Bridgers’ ‘Punisher,’ ‘Grammy Salute to Prince.'”
Aswad also won for arts feature under 1,000 words for “What’s Next for Lockdown Live Music?” And Aswad shared a third win with Shirley Halperin,...
The virtual ceremony was hosted by comedian Alonzo Bodden. This year’s Veritas Award for film from the Los Angeles Press Club went to Netflix’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
Variety was nominated for a record 99 National Arts and Entertainment Journalism awards. Organizers noted that total submissions for the awards topped more than 1,000 for the first time.
Variety‘s wins demonstrated the range of coverage offered by the global entertainment news source over a turbulent year.
The music criticism victory went to deputy music editor Jem Aswad for “Phoebe Bridgers’ ‘Punisher,’ ‘Grammy Salute to Prince.'”
Aswad also won for arts feature under 1,000 words for “What’s Next for Lockdown Live Music?” And Aswad shared a third win with Shirley Halperin,...
- 4/10/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
HBO says that six Woody Allen films available for streaming on HBO Max will remain on the service after some online called out the streamer for hosting those films alongside the new docuseries “Allen v. Farrow.”
“These titles will remain available in the library to allow viewers to make their own informed decisions about screening the work,” HBO said in a statement to TheWrap.
“Allen v. Farrow,” which premiered Sunday on HBO and for streaming on HBO Max, examines Dylan Farrow’s accusations of sexual abuse against her adopted father Allen. Others online then noticed that six films, including five starring Mia Farrow, are all available on the streamer. While the films aren’t prominently displayed or promoted, the films available for streaming through HBO Max for those looking for them are “Scoop,” “Broadway Danny Rose,” “Shadows and Fog,” “Radio Days,” “Another Woman” and “September.”
“White privilege is letting Woody...
“These titles will remain available in the library to allow viewers to make their own informed decisions about screening the work,” HBO said in a statement to TheWrap.
“Allen v. Farrow,” which premiered Sunday on HBO and for streaming on HBO Max, examines Dylan Farrow’s accusations of sexual abuse against her adopted father Allen. Others online then noticed that six films, including five starring Mia Farrow, are all available on the streamer. While the films aren’t prominently displayed or promoted, the films available for streaming through HBO Max for those looking for them are “Scoop,” “Broadway Danny Rose,” “Shadows and Fog,” “Radio Days,” “Another Woman” and “September.”
“White privilege is letting Woody...
- 2/22/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Woody Allen and his wife Soon-Yi Previn have issued a statement to the press through a spokesperson — Allen’s sister, producer Letty Aronson — in response to the HBO docuseries “Allen v. Farrow” that premiered Sunday. The program details his daughter Dylan Farrow’s allegations of abuse against the director, and includes in-depth interviews with her, Allen’s former partner Mia Farrow, and those who say they witnessed his behavior.
Allen and Previn claim the filmmakers — Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering — had “no interest in the truth” and were “surreptitiously collaborating” with the Farrows to do a “hatchet job riddled with falsehoods.”
In the four-part docuseries, which contains interviews with the Farrows as well as close family friends and experts, Dylan Farrow says that “for the longest time I’ve been trying to set the record straight… No matter what you think you know, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Allen and Previn claim the filmmakers — Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering — had “no interest in the truth” and were “surreptitiously collaborating” with the Farrows to do a “hatchet job riddled with falsehoods.”
In the four-part docuseries, which contains interviews with the Farrows as well as close family friends and experts, Dylan Farrow says that “for the longest time I’ve been trying to set the record straight… No matter what you think you know, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
- 2/22/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
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.