Hollywood is perhaps the cradle of most controversies today. Despite the push for “inclusivity” on the internet and the film industry, there are some issues that might not sit well with everyone. And we have seen these clashes more often quite recently, as filmmakers and showrunners try to bend fantasies to their view.
Taika Waititi in Jojo Rabbit| Searchlight Pictures
Renowned director/actor Taika Waititi is counted among those creators who often go off the original script to add their own flair. And it seems he’s doing the same with his upcoming project, a remake of ‘Time Bandits‘, but in an unexpected way.
Waititi is not usually the kind to shy away from controversies. Will his latest move ruffle a few more feathers?
The Time Bandit reboot might change dwarfs to normal-sized humans
Taika Waititi rose to fame due to his work on the later sequels of MCU’s Thor saga,...
Taika Waititi in Jojo Rabbit| Searchlight Pictures
Renowned director/actor Taika Waititi is counted among those creators who often go off the original script to add their own flair. And it seems he’s doing the same with his upcoming project, a remake of ‘Time Bandits‘, but in an unexpected way.
Waititi is not usually the kind to shy away from controversies. Will his latest move ruffle a few more feathers?
The Time Bandit reboot might change dwarfs to normal-sized humans
Taika Waititi rose to fame due to his work on the later sequels of MCU’s Thor saga,...
- 5/31/2024
- by Sayantan Choudhary
- FandomWire
Quick Navigation The Silver Boots – Barbarella (1968) Rosie Beltzer’s Shoes – JoJo Rabbit (2019) The Parrish Sneakers – Jumanji (1995) The Edible Shoe? – Werner Herzog Eats a Shoe (1980) The One Red Shoe – The Man With One Red Shoe (1985) The Magic Jordans – Like Mike (2002) The Knife Boots – From Russia With Love (1963) The Cobbler’s Shoes – The Cobbler (2014) The Red Shoes – The Red Shoes (1948) The Ruby Slippers – The Wizard of Oz (1939) The Scuffed Jordans – Do the Right Thing (1989) Nike Air Mags – Back to the Future Part II (1989) Forrest Gump’s Nike Cortez – Forrest Gump (1994) Data’s Slick Shoes – The Goonies (1985) Cinderella’s Little Glass Slippers – Cinderella (1950)
Shoes have always been one of the most overlooked aspects of our wardrobes in everyday life.
However, this may change soon, as the rise of the “sneakerhead” has renewed attention and appreciation for footwear in general. In this article, we’ll look at some of cinema history’s most iconic and instantly recognizable shoes.
Shoes have always been one of the most overlooked aspects of our wardrobes in everyday life.
However, this may change soon, as the rise of the “sneakerhead” has renewed attention and appreciation for footwear in general. In this article, we’ll look at some of cinema history’s most iconic and instantly recognizable shoes.
- 5/27/2024
- by Jan Stromsodd
- Your Next Shoes
Oscar Isaac will voice Jesus Christ in 'The King of Kings'.The 45-year-old actor has joined the cast of the film that is inspired by the lives of both Jesus and Charles Dickens.Oscar joins an ensemble that includes Sir Kenneth Branagh as the celebrated author as well as Uma Thurman as the 'Great Expectations' scribe's wife Catherine while 'Jojo Rabbit' star Roman Griffin Davis voices their youngest son Walter.Meanwhile, Forest Whitaker is also set to feature as the apostle Peter.The movie is inspired by the Dickens short story 'The Life of Our Lord', which was published in 1934, more than six decades after the author's death.It tells the story of Dickens and Walter as they – along with their cat Willa – become immersed in the story of Jesus.The picture is being made by the South Korean animation house Mofac Animation and is directed by Seong-ho Jang with Anfernee Kim producing.
- 5/17/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Anthony Hopkins is taking on yet another iconic figure, this time from the world of music.
The stage and screen legend — a two-time Academy Award winner — is attached to star as George Frideric Handel in “The King of Covent Garden,” set during the period the famed opera composer worked on his choral masterpiece “Messiah.” Embankment Films has launched global pre-sales on the project, which is scheduled for a late fall 2025 release.
Andrew Levitas (“Minimata”) will direct “The King of Covent Garden” from a script by Tim Slover, with the filmmakers pitching the feature as “a powerfully majestic celebration of genius breaking all the rules to create an anthem inspiring the popular imagination of global audiences.” Dan Lupovitz (“Death Defying Acts,” “Simpatico”) and Kevan Van Thompson (“Ballerina,” “Jojo Rabbit”) will produce.
Global operatic mezzo-soprano star Katherine Jenkins joins Peter Touche (“Military Wives,” “Blinded by the Light”) as executive producer, adding her musical performance,...
The stage and screen legend — a two-time Academy Award winner — is attached to star as George Frideric Handel in “The King of Covent Garden,” set during the period the famed opera composer worked on his choral masterpiece “Messiah.” Embankment Films has launched global pre-sales on the project, which is scheduled for a late fall 2025 release.
Andrew Levitas (“Minimata”) will direct “The King of Covent Garden” from a script by Tim Slover, with the filmmakers pitching the feature as “a powerfully majestic celebration of genius breaking all the rules to create an anthem inspiring the popular imagination of global audiences.” Dan Lupovitz (“Death Defying Acts,” “Simpatico”) and Kevan Van Thompson (“Ballerina,” “Jojo Rabbit”) will produce.
Global operatic mezzo-soprano star Katherine Jenkins joins Peter Touche (“Military Wives,” “Blinded by the Light”) as executive producer, adding her musical performance,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Archie Yates, breakout star of Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit,” leads debutant Jordan Murphy Doidge’s coming-of-age drama “Clout | A Cautionary Tale.”
Yates scored a nomination at the Critics Choice Awards in the best young actor/actress category for “Jojo Rabbit.” In “Clout,” co-written by Tom Duthie, Tristam Thomas and Doidge, Yates plays boarding school teen Oskar who meets a tragic turn while proving himself in a bid for online fame. The script aims to be a hard-hitting social commentary that tackles hot-button issues like cyberbullying, viral obsession, and the erosion of truth in the digital sphere.
The cast also includes Nadine Marshall, Anna Wilson-Jones, Samuel Leakey (“Gretel & Hansel”) and social media influencer Kit Price.
The film is produced by Francis Chapman (Sundance winner “In The Summers”) for U.K.-based Pimlico Pictures. Principal photography has commenced and the script is being shot in both short and feature-length versions.
Doidge...
Yates scored a nomination at the Critics Choice Awards in the best young actor/actress category for “Jojo Rabbit.” In “Clout,” co-written by Tom Duthie, Tristam Thomas and Doidge, Yates plays boarding school teen Oskar who meets a tragic turn while proving himself in a bid for online fame. The script aims to be a hard-hitting social commentary that tackles hot-button issues like cyberbullying, viral obsession, and the erosion of truth in the digital sphere.
The cast also includes Nadine Marshall, Anna Wilson-Jones, Samuel Leakey (“Gretel & Hansel”) and social media influencer Kit Price.
The film is produced by Francis Chapman (Sundance winner “In The Summers”) for U.K.-based Pimlico Pictures. Principal photography has commenced and the script is being shot in both short and feature-length versions.
Doidge...
- 4/29/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Prime Video has announced the full cast for action comedy show “Costiera” set on Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast being directed by Emmy-winner Adam Bernstein and featuring Jesse Williams (“Take Me Out”) as the lead.
The ensemble cast for the English-language series being co-produced by Amazon Studios and Luca Bernabei for Lux Vide comprises British actor Jordan Alexandra; Spain’s Alejandra Onieva (“Alta Mar”); Italy’s Maria Chiara Giannetta (“Blanca”); Antonio Gerardi; Tommaso Ragno (“Nostalgia”); Amanda Campana; Pierpaolo Spollon; Britain’s Sam Haygarth (“Jojo Rabbit”); and France’s Jean-Hugues Anglade (“Sink or Swim”).
In “Costiera” – which started shooting in Italy in late February and is expected to wrap at the end of May – Williams is playing an Italian-American former Marine named Daniel De Luca, who is a problem solver in one of the most exclusive hotels in the world in the picturesque Amalfi Coast town of Positano. He is a...
The ensemble cast for the English-language series being co-produced by Amazon Studios and Luca Bernabei for Lux Vide comprises British actor Jordan Alexandra; Spain’s Alejandra Onieva (“Alta Mar”); Italy’s Maria Chiara Giannetta (“Blanca”); Antonio Gerardi; Tommaso Ragno (“Nostalgia”); Amanda Campana; Pierpaolo Spollon; Britain’s Sam Haygarth (“Jojo Rabbit”); and France’s Jean-Hugues Anglade (“Sink or Swim”).
In “Costiera” – which started shooting in Italy in late February and is expected to wrap at the end of May – Williams is playing an Italian-American former Marine named Daniel De Luca, who is a problem solver in one of the most exclusive hotels in the world in the picturesque Amalfi Coast town of Positano. He is a...
- 4/10/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Update: The rumors are true, folks! Scarlett Johansson is officially in talks to lead the new film in Universal’s Jurassic World franchise. The studio is moving faster than a Troodon after guzzling a can of Red Bull to get the project into production. Gareth Edwards directs the new Jurassic World film project from a script by Jurassic Park writer David Koepp. Universal is looking for dinosaurs to roar in theaters on July 2, 2025, giving the team a little more than a year to assemble the feature.
Universal’s Jurassic World film is another blockbuster franchise project for Johansson after she played Black Widow in many Marvel movies. She’s one of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents, especially after Oscar-worthy performances in films like Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. We expect much more news about the new Jurassic World project in the coming months, with fans eager to know the plot...
Universal’s Jurassic World film is another blockbuster franchise project for Johansson after she played Black Widow in many Marvel movies. She’s one of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents, especially after Oscar-worthy performances in films like Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. We expect much more news about the new Jurassic World project in the coming months, with fans eager to know the plot...
- 3/25/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Scarlett Johansson has found her next big franchise, and she's going to tangle with dinosaurs this time around. The "Black Widow" actor has officially entered talks to star in the new "Jurassic World" movie currently in the works at Universal Pictures. The project has been coming together very quickly behind the scenes in recent weeks. Should Johanson sign on the dotted line, it would provide some major A-list power to the proceedings.
The InSneider first reported the news a couple of weeks ago, but The Hollywood Reporter has now confirmed the development. There are currently no details on the character Johansson would be playing in the "Jurassic" universe. The indication is that this is going to be a fresh start for the franchise that could pave the way for a new trilogy. It's not yet clear if the new "Jurassic World" movie will be a full-on reboot or something that...
The InSneider first reported the news a couple of weeks ago, but The Hollywood Reporter has now confirmed the development. There are currently no details on the character Johansson would be playing in the "Jurassic" universe. The indication is that this is going to be a fresh start for the franchise that could pave the way for a new trilogy. It's not yet clear if the new "Jurassic World" movie will be a full-on reboot or something that...
- 3/25/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Scarlett Johansson is taking a bite out of a new blockbuster. The actor is in talks to join Universal’s new Jurassic World movie, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Universal is moving quickly on the film, which has a July 2, 2025, release date. Gareth Edwards is directing the new Jurassic World, which has a script from Jurassic Park scribe David Koepp. Edwards stepped into the role after David Leitch exited following a short attachment to the project.
The film returns Johansson to the world of franchises. She starred as Black Widow in a number of Marvel Studios movies, including the Avengers features, but unlike some co-stars in the superhero world, has had no trouble breaking out in other projects. She has earned two Oscar nominations, for Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. She has a voice role in the upcoming animated feature Transformers One, and has a big-budget Apple feature co-starring Channing Tatum...
Universal is moving quickly on the film, which has a July 2, 2025, release date. Gareth Edwards is directing the new Jurassic World, which has a script from Jurassic Park scribe David Koepp. Edwards stepped into the role after David Leitch exited following a short attachment to the project.
The film returns Johansson to the world of franchises. She starred as Black Widow in a number of Marvel Studios movies, including the Avengers features, but unlike some co-stars in the superhero world, has had no trouble breaking out in other projects. She has earned two Oscar nominations, for Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. She has a voice role in the upcoming animated feature Transformers One, and has a big-budget Apple feature co-starring Channing Tatum...
- 3/25/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“We Were Dangerous” is a surprisingly funny film for a movie whose central conflict is the sterilization of a group of young women on the fringes of society in 1950s New Zealand.
Knowing the project, which debuted at SXSW in Austin March 8, is executive-produced by from Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal’s Piki Films certainly informs how the film approaches its troubling topic — much like the production company’s Holocaust-set “Jojo Rabbit” — with such levity, the majority of the credit for the heartfelt tone goes to a trio of women: writer Maddie Dai, director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu and producer Morgan Waru.
“We Were Dangerous” stars Erana James, Nathalie Morris and Manaia Hall as the three girls being held in a delinquent program by a matron (played by Rima Te Wiata). And though the film revolves around female solidarity, the seed that sparked “We Were Dangerous,” which marks the directorial debut...
Knowing the project, which debuted at SXSW in Austin March 8, is executive-produced by from Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal’s Piki Films certainly informs how the film approaches its troubling topic — much like the production company’s Holocaust-set “Jojo Rabbit” — with such levity, the majority of the credit for the heartfelt tone goes to a trio of women: writer Maddie Dai, director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu and producer Morgan Waru.
“We Were Dangerous” stars Erana James, Nathalie Morris and Manaia Hall as the three girls being held in a delinquent program by a matron (played by Rima Te Wiata). And though the film revolves around female solidarity, the seed that sparked “We Were Dangerous,” which marks the directorial debut...
- 3/22/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
2023 was a miraculous year for German actress Sandra Huller. Not only did she receive critical acclaim for her riveting portrayal of a woman on trial for murdering her husband in France’s “Anatomy of a Fall,” she was also praised for her role as the wife of a Nazi commander in the United Kingdom’s German-language “The Zone of Interest.” Indeed, there was much interest in Huller and her two films. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for “Anatomy.” And both “Anatomy” and “Zone” landed slots for Best Picture, as well as Best Director bids for Justine Triet and Jonathan Glazer, respectively.
As I was speaking to academy members ahead of last Sunday’s ceremony, I detected a surprisingly robust amount of support for Huller. And many of those who had voted for her mentioned her work in “The Zone of Interest.” It really did seem...
As I was speaking to academy members ahead of last Sunday’s ceremony, I detected a surprisingly robust amount of support for Huller. And many of those who had voted for her mentioned her work in “The Zone of Interest.” It really did seem...
- 3/14/2024
- by Tariq Khan
- Gold Derby
The films in contention for the 2024 Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar are “American Fiction,” “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things,” and “The Zone of Interest.” Our odds currently indicate that “American Fiction” (7/2) will win the award, followed in order of likelihood by “Oppenheimer” (18/5), “Barbie” (4/1), “Poor Things” (9/2), and “The Zone of Interest” (9/2).
This marks only the 14th instance in 96 years of all five Best Adapted Screenplay-nominated films also being in the running for Best Picture. Prior to the last time in 2017 – the year “Moonlight” achieved dual victories – this had happened only twice during the 21st century (2011; 2013) and once during the latter half of the 20th (1965). The bulk of cases occurred almost annually from 1934 to 1943, with the only inapplicable year being 1937.
Respective “The Zone of Interest” and “Oppenheimer” writers Jonathan Glazer and Christopher Nolan are simultaneously nominated for Best Director, while Nolan is also set to face off against “American Fiction” scripter Cord Jefferson in the Best Picture race.
This marks only the 14th instance in 96 years of all five Best Adapted Screenplay-nominated films also being in the running for Best Picture. Prior to the last time in 2017 – the year “Moonlight” achieved dual victories – this had happened only twice during the 21st century (2011; 2013) and once during the latter half of the 20th (1965). The bulk of cases occurred almost annually from 1934 to 1943, with the only inapplicable year being 1937.
Respective “The Zone of Interest” and “Oppenheimer” writers Jonathan Glazer and Christopher Nolan are simultaneously nominated for Best Director, while Nolan is also set to face off against “American Fiction” scripter Cord Jefferson in the Best Picture race.
- 3/7/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
“Anatomy of a Fall” is the favorite to win Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars; director Justine Triet co-wrote the script with partner Arthur Harari. But another multi-hyphenate could pull off an upset: “Past Lives” writer/director Celine Song. Her acclaimed film follows two childhood friends from South Korea who reconnect in the USA years later and find that their bond is still there. Greta Lee and BAFTA-nominated Teo Yoo bring Song’s delicately crafted characters to life while the restrained story is a clear sign of Song’s maturity and control as a writer.
Her film has done very well with critics groups. She won Best Original Screenplay from the Austin Film Critics Association Awards, the Florida Film Critics Circle Awards, and the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards. She was also nominated at the Critics Choice Awards for Best Original Screenplay. She lost that race to...
Her film has done very well with critics groups. She won Best Original Screenplay from the Austin Film Critics Association Awards, the Florida Film Critics Circle Awards, and the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards. She was also nominated at the Critics Choice Awards for Best Original Screenplay. She lost that race to...
- 2/17/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Cord Jefferson will write and executive produce the upcoming Scarlett Johansson limited series, which serves as her first major television role.
The “American Fiction” filmmaker has boarded the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of John Katzenbach’s novel “Just Cause.” Additionally, acclaimed writer John Wells has joined the project, co-writing the series with Jefferson, and will also serve as an executive producer.
“Just Cause,” first published in 1992, tells the story of Matt Cowart, a Miami reporter. In this adaptation, Johansson will portray a female iteration of Cowart, named Madison “Madi” Cowart. The narrative follows Cowart after receiving a letter from a death row inmate claiming innocence. The ensuing investigation not only casts doubt on the inmate’s guilt but also uncovers other hidden horrors.
This project marks the second adaptation of “Just Cause,” the first being a 1995 film featuring Sean Connery, Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris,...
The “American Fiction” filmmaker has boarded the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of John Katzenbach’s novel “Just Cause.” Additionally, acclaimed writer John Wells has joined the project, co-writing the series with Jefferson, and will also serve as an executive producer.
“Just Cause,” first published in 1992, tells the story of Matt Cowart, a Miami reporter. In this adaptation, Johansson will portray a female iteration of Cowart, named Madison “Madi” Cowart. The narrative follows Cowart after receiving a letter from a death row inmate claiming innocence. The ensuing investigation not only casts doubt on the inmate’s guilt but also uncovers other hidden horrors.
This project marks the second adaptation of “Just Cause,” the first being a 1995 film featuring Sean Connery, Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Bill Nighy (Living, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) and Jojo Rabbit’s Roman Griffin Davis will star in road movie 500 Miles from director Morgan Matthews (X+Y, Williams), which Beta Cinema will start selling at the Berlin Film Festival’s European Film Market.
The Origin Pictures, Port Pictures and Minnow Films project is described as “a thrilling road movie full of heart, wit and wonder.”
“The story follows a broken family forced to come together when 16-year-old Finn (Davis) and his livewire younger brother Charlie run away from trouble at home in England to reach their estranged grandfather (Nighy) on Ireland’s stunning and wild West coast,” according to a plot description.
Matthews is set to direct from a script by Malcolm Campbell (What Richard Did, Herself, Ackley Bridge), based on the novel Charlie and Me by Mark Lowery.
Former head of BBC Film David Thompson (Billy Elliot, Notes on a Scandal,...
The Origin Pictures, Port Pictures and Minnow Films project is described as “a thrilling road movie full of heart, wit and wonder.”
“The story follows a broken family forced to come together when 16-year-old Finn (Davis) and his livewire younger brother Charlie run away from trouble at home in England to reach their estranged grandfather (Nighy) on Ireland’s stunning and wild West coast,” according to a plot description.
Matthews is set to direct from a script by Malcolm Campbell (What Richard Did, Herself, Ackley Bridge), based on the novel Charlie and Me by Mark Lowery.
Former head of BBC Film David Thompson (Billy Elliot, Notes on a Scandal,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Beta Cinema has acquired international sales rights to Morgan Matthews’ 500 Miles, starring Billy Nighy and Jojo Rabbit’s Roman Griffin Davies, and will launch sales at the EFM next week.
Billed as a road movie with heart, 500 Miles follows a broken family forced to come together when a 16year-old boy and his livewire younger brother run away from trouble at home in England to reach their estranged grandfather, played by Nighy, on Ireland’s west coast.
Matthews, director of X+Y (A Brilliant Young Mind) and documentary Williams, will direct from a script by Malcolm Campbell, based on the novel Charlie And Me by Mark Lowery.
Billed as a road movie with heart, 500 Miles follows a broken family forced to come together when a 16year-old boy and his livewire younger brother run away from trouble at home in England to reach their estranged grandfather, played by Nighy, on Ireland’s west coast.
Matthews, director of X+Y (A Brilliant Young Mind) and documentary Williams, will direct from a script by Malcolm Campbell, based on the novel Charlie And Me by Mark Lowery.
- 2/9/2024
- ScreenDaily
Bill Nighy and “Jojo Rabbit” breakout Roman Griffin Davis are lined up to star in “500 Miles,” directed by BAFTA winner Morgan Matthews.
Beta Cinema has acquired international sales rights to the film, and will launch sales at next week’s European Film Market.
The film, described as a “thrilling road movie full of heart, wit and wonder,” follows a broken family forced to come together when 16-year-old Finn (Davis) and his livewire younger brother Charlie run away from trouble at home in England to reach their estranged grandfather (Nighy) on Ireland’s stunning and wild west coast.
Matthews, director of drama “X+Y” starring Asa Butterfield and Sally Hawkins as well as documentary “Williams,” is set to direct from a script by Malcolm Campbell, based on the novel “Charlie and Me” by Mark Lowery.
Former head of BBC Film David Thompson is producing with Alex Gordon and Keren Misgav Ristvedt for Origin Pictures,...
Beta Cinema has acquired international sales rights to the film, and will launch sales at next week’s European Film Market.
The film, described as a “thrilling road movie full of heart, wit and wonder,” follows a broken family forced to come together when 16-year-old Finn (Davis) and his livewire younger brother Charlie run away from trouble at home in England to reach their estranged grandfather (Nighy) on Ireland’s stunning and wild west coast.
Matthews, director of drama “X+Y” starring Asa Butterfield and Sally Hawkins as well as documentary “Williams,” is set to direct from a script by Malcolm Campbell, based on the novel “Charlie and Me” by Mark Lowery.
Former head of BBC Film David Thompson is producing with Alex Gordon and Keren Misgav Ristvedt for Origin Pictures,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Director Taika Waititi, who won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his film ‘Jojo Rabbit’, has revealed his favourite Indian film by auteur Satyajit Ray. He said that his favourite Indian film is ‘Pather Panchali’ and heaped praise on “Asia’s Best Crime Detective” from Ray’s films featuring the character of Feluda.
Praising Satyajit Ray’s work and talking about his favourite Indian films, he said: “Of course, the Satyajit Ray film ‘Pather Panchali’. It was beautiful and very inspirational when I was making my early films. Next is the fabulous ‘Asia’s Best Crime Detective’ which is a fantastic big film which I think everyone should watch.”
Taika Waititi is bridging his latest directorial ‘Next Goal Wins’ to India.
The film is a comedic soccer film, based on a documentary under the same name.
The film, which stars Michael Fassbender, Elisabeth Moss, Kaimana, David Fane and Oscar Kightley,...
Praising Satyajit Ray’s work and talking about his favourite Indian films, he said: “Of course, the Satyajit Ray film ‘Pather Panchali’. It was beautiful and very inspirational when I was making my early films. Next is the fabulous ‘Asia’s Best Crime Detective’ which is a fantastic big film which I think everyone should watch.”
Taika Waititi is bridging his latest directorial ‘Next Goal Wins’ to India.
The film is a comedic soccer film, based on a documentary under the same name.
The film, which stars Michael Fassbender, Elisabeth Moss, Kaimana, David Fane and Oscar Kightley,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Actress Scarlett Johansson finally escaped our long-running photo gallery of the greatest living actresses to never receive an Oscar nomination. And she did it in grand style by picking up two for her 2019 films “Marriage Story” and “Jojo Rabbit.” Just recently, Kirsten Dunst had been in our gallery for years and then earned her first Academy Award bid for “The Power of the Dog.” Emily Blunt was finally nominated for “Oppenheimer” years after winning her first SAG Award for “A Quiet Place.”
In 2014, “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston looked like a lock to receive her first Academy Award nomination for “Cake,” following citations at the Golden Globes, SAG, and Broadcast Film Critics. Yet on Oscar morning, the Emmy-winner was left out. Aniston’s “Friends” costar and fellow Emmy-victor Lisa Kudrow found herself in a similar situation when she received an Independent Spirit Awards nomination for “The Opposite of Sex” yet came up short at the Oscars.
In 2014, “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston looked like a lock to receive her first Academy Award nomination for “Cake,” following citations at the Golden Globes, SAG, and Broadcast Film Critics. Yet on Oscar morning, the Emmy-winner was left out. Aniston’s “Friends” costar and fellow Emmy-victor Lisa Kudrow found herself in a similar situation when she received an Independent Spirit Awards nomination for “The Opposite of Sex” yet came up short at the Oscars.
- 1/24/2024
- by Chris Beachum, Zach Laws and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Disney and Tsg Entertainment Finance have settled litigation from August of 2023 when the financier sued the media giant for “rampant self-dealing” and breach of the parties’ revenue participation contract.
“The matter has been resolved,” said a Disney spokesperson.
Tsg said it has financed more than 140 films to the tune of $3.3 billion over the years with Fox, which Disney acquired in 2019, including Avatar: The Way of Water, Bohemian Rhapsody, Deadpool, Deadpool 2, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Logan, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, The Martian, The Grand Budapest Hotel, JoJo Rabbit, The Banshees of Inisherin, Hidden Figures, The Shape of Water and Empire of Light.
Tsg’s lawsuit filed last August in Los Angeles District Court said that Fox had promised Tsg a share of defined gross receipts for pictures under the companies’ long-term participation agreement but that the studio used “nearly every trick in the Hollywood accounting book” to not pay.
“The matter has been resolved,” said a Disney spokesperson.
Tsg said it has financed more than 140 films to the tune of $3.3 billion over the years with Fox, which Disney acquired in 2019, including Avatar: The Way of Water, Bohemian Rhapsody, Deadpool, Deadpool 2, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Logan, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, The Martian, The Grand Budapest Hotel, JoJo Rabbit, The Banshees of Inisherin, Hidden Figures, The Shape of Water and Empire of Light.
Tsg’s lawsuit filed last August in Los Angeles District Court said that Fox had promised Tsg a share of defined gross receipts for pictures under the companies’ long-term participation agreement but that the studio used “nearly every trick in the Hollywood accounting book” to not pay.
- 1/16/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
At the 2022 Oscars, Sian Heder won Best Adapted Screenplay for “Coda,” her adaptation of the French film “La Famille Bélier.” “Coda” also claimed Best Picture, thereby becoming the fifth remake to win the top Oscar. In 2021 playwright Florian Zeller shared in the Oscar win for Best Adapted Screenplay with Christopher Hampton for bring his stage hit “The Father” to the screen. In his directorial debut Zeller bagged Anthony Hopkins his second Best Actor Oscar. (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2024 Oscar predictions for Best Adapted Screenplay.)
Screen versions of stage works had won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars 15 times before. The most recent of these was in 2017 when “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney prevailed for adapting the latter’s un-produced play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.” Prior to that you have to go all the way back to 1989 when Alfred Uhry won for adapting...
Screen versions of stage works had won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars 15 times before. The most recent of these was in 2017 when “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney prevailed for adapting the latter’s un-produced play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.” Prior to that you have to go all the way back to 1989 when Alfred Uhry won for adapting...
- 1/11/2024
- by Paul Sheehan and Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Three of our five predicted nominees for Best Costume Design at the 2024 Oscars reaped bids on January 4 for the Costume Designers Guild Awards.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Poor Things”contend here in the period picture category against “Maestro,” “Napoleon” and “Oppenheimer.”
The Oscar frontrunner, “Barbie” vies here in the sci-fi/fantasy race against “Haunted Mansion,” “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire.”
‘The contemporary costume contenders are “American Fiction,” “May December,” “Nyad,” “Renfield” and “Saltburn.”
Our two other predicted Oscar nominees — “The Color Purple” and “Wonka” — can take heart that the guild often overlook films that go on to contend at the Academy Awards. Indeed the 2020 Oscar winner for Best Costume Design, “Little Women,” was snubbed by the CDG as were two of the other nominees, “The Irishman” and “Joker.” The guild honored...
“Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Poor Things”contend here in the period picture category against “Maestro,” “Napoleon” and “Oppenheimer.”
The Oscar frontrunner, “Barbie” vies here in the sci-fi/fantasy race against “Haunted Mansion,” “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire.”
‘The contemporary costume contenders are “American Fiction,” “May December,” “Nyad,” “Renfield” and “Saltburn.”
Our two other predicted Oscar nominees — “The Color Purple” and “Wonka” — can take heart that the guild often overlook films that go on to contend at the Academy Awards. Indeed the 2020 Oscar winner for Best Costume Design, “Little Women,” was snubbed by the CDG as were two of the other nominees, “The Irishman” and “Joker.” The guild honored...
- 1/4/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Pop star Rita Ora and Marvel director Taika Waititi first met in 2018 but didn’t spark romance rumors until 2021 before making their official debut as a couple. One year later, they tied the knot during a private ceremony in Los Angeles.
Ora opened up about their relationship in an interview with Vogue saying: “We met in LA and it was through friends and it was amazing. It was very casual … It was just a natural thing. We were both in Australia doing two separate jobs … and we kind of hung out and that was it. We went to a friend’s birthday party, and it all clicked.”
Now fans have some other questions about the pair including how much younger the singer is than her husband and who has the higher net worth.
Taika Waititi and Rita Ora pose for photo at the BoF Voices Gala Dinner | Hoda Davaine/Dave...
Ora opened up about their relationship in an interview with Vogue saying: “We met in LA and it was through friends and it was amazing. It was very casual … It was just a natural thing. We were both in Australia doing two separate jobs … and we kind of hung out and that was it. We went to a friend’s birthday party, and it all clicked.”
Now fans have some other questions about the pair including how much younger the singer is than her husband and who has the higher net worth.
Taika Waititi and Rita Ora pose for photo at the BoF Voices Gala Dinner | Hoda Davaine/Dave...
- 1/1/2024
- by Michelle Kapusta
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Less than two months after she hosted “Saturday Night Live” for the third time, Emma Stone picked up her first Best Actress Oscar nomination for “La La Land,” which soon led to a victory at the 2017 Academy Awards. As the star of “Poor Things,” she is now on a quest for a bookend trophy that would coincide with her recent entry into said NBC sketch series’ prestigious Five-Timers Club. Even if history doesn’t fully repeat itself, just being included in 2024’s lead actress lineup would give her the impressive distinction of being the only performer with multiple same-category Oscar bids directly linked to “SNL” hosting gigs.
Stone’s fifth official “SNL” appearance (not counting three mid-2010s cameos) occurred on December 2, just one day before the seventh anniversary of her fortuitous third outing. She had also previously served as emcee in October 2010, November 2011, and April 2019. This time, she began...
Stone’s fifth official “SNL” appearance (not counting three mid-2010s cameos) occurred on December 2, just one day before the seventh anniversary of her fortuitous third outing. She had also previously served as emcee in October 2010, November 2011, and April 2019. This time, she began...
- 12/6/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Taika Waititi might not be down for the count, but he's definitely been in a slump lately. Since taking home an Oscar for his efforts on his polarizing WWII dramedy "Jojo Rabbit" (a film I'm willing to go to bat for), the multi-hyphenate got a middling, bordering on hostile response to his return to the "Thor" movies with "Thor: Love and Thunder" (a film I'm ... less willing to go to bat for) and an even harsher reaction to his true story sports comedy "Next Goal Wins". Recently, Waititi admitted to The Hollywood Reporter he's been feeling "a bit fatigued by working on those big films, studio films," which is why he plans to cleanse his palate by working on something smaller next.
However, when he finally does return to the big-budget arena, he might just take a crack at one of the biggest franchises out there -- "Star Wars." Waititi...
However, when he finally does return to the big-budget arena, he might just take a crack at one of the biggest franchises out there -- "Star Wars." Waititi...
- 11/28/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Alfie Allen, Charlie Murphy and Jack Gleeson are to star in a Dutch-Belgian thriller series from Ozark co-creator Mark Williams, Night Train Media and Submarine.
They are starring alongside emerging Dutch star Martijn Lakemeier in the eight-part drama, which is for Dutch streamer Videoland and Belgium’s Streamz.
Production has begun in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, with Williams directing along with Arne Toonen, and we hear the ambition is for Safe Harbor to be a returner that aims to balance edge-of-the-seat thrills with character-based stories and a twisty plot line. Further shooting will take place in Belgium and Ireland, Deadline understands.
The series follows gifted hacker Tobias (Allen) and his ambitious best friend Marco (Lakemeier), who are intent on cracking into the tech billionaires club. They are plucked from quiet obscurity and plunged headfirst into...
They are starring alongside emerging Dutch star Martijn Lakemeier in the eight-part drama, which is for Dutch streamer Videoland and Belgium’s Streamz.
Production has begun in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, with Williams directing along with Arne Toonen, and we hear the ambition is for Safe Harbor to be a returner that aims to balance edge-of-the-seat thrills with character-based stories and a twisty plot line. Further shooting will take place in Belgium and Ireland, Deadline understands.
The series follows gifted hacker Tobias (Allen) and his ambitious best friend Marco (Lakemeier), who are intent on cracking into the tech billionaires club. They are plucked from quiet obscurity and plunged headfirst into...
- 11/28/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Taika Waititi is admitting that he had “no interest” in joining the MCU before directing “Thor: Ragnarok.”
The “Next Goal Wins” helmer said during the “Smartless” podcast that he only accepted writing a “Thor” Marvel project because he was “poor” and needed to feed his two children. In short, Marvel wasn’t part of Oscar-winning “Jojo Rabbit” director Waitit’s “plan” to be viewed as an auteur.
“You know what? I had no interest in doing one of those films,” Waititi said. “It wasn’t on my plan for my career as an auteur. But I was poor and I’d just had a second child, and I thought, ‘You know what, this would be a great opportunity to feed these children.'”
He continued, “And ‘Thor,’ let’s face it — it was probably the least popular franchise. I never read ‘Thor’ comics as a kid. That was the comic...
The “Next Goal Wins” helmer said during the “Smartless” podcast that he only accepted writing a “Thor” Marvel project because he was “poor” and needed to feed his two children. In short, Marvel wasn’t part of Oscar-winning “Jojo Rabbit” director Waitit’s “plan” to be viewed as an auteur.
“You know what? I had no interest in doing one of those films,” Waititi said. “It wasn’t on my plan for my career as an auteur. But I was poor and I’d just had a second child, and I thought, ‘You know what, this would be a great opportunity to feed these children.'”
He continued, “And ‘Thor,’ let’s face it — it was probably the least popular franchise. I never read ‘Thor’ comics as a kid. That was the comic...
- 11/27/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
When one hears the name Taika Waititi, a flurry of vibrant images from films like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’ come to mind. This filmmaker’s unique blend of humor, heart, and visual spectacle has carved out a distinct niche in cinema today. Now, imagine that same creativity infused into the Star Wars universe. Yes, Waititi is steering his ship into the galaxy far, far away, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. The task is monumental: capturing the magic that made the original trilogy not just a series of films but a cultural phenomenon. Let’s explore what Waititi’s vision might hold...
- 11/26/2023
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”) switching from Best Supporting Actress to Best Actress feels like some time ago now but the impact of that move can still be felt as the former category is the most open race we have this year. Such an open race, however, leads to excitement and surprise, leaving the door open for any number of contenders to take the lead in this race.
And no performance deserves to be out in front more in this category than Julianne Moore‘s role in Todd Haynes‘ “May December.” Moore collaborates with Haynes again after they worked together in several movies including “Far From Heaven,” but Netflix’s “May December” is a bold new entry in their canon that you can now catch in US theaters after it released on November 17. The movie will drop on Netflix on December 1.
Moore stars as Gracie, who is in...
And no performance deserves to be out in front more in this category than Julianne Moore‘s role in Todd Haynes‘ “May December.” Moore collaborates with Haynes again after they worked together in several movies including “Far From Heaven,” but Netflix’s “May December” is a bold new entry in their canon that you can now catch in US theaters after it released on November 17. The movie will drop on Netflix on December 1.
Moore stars as Gracie, who is in...
- 11/24/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
With the SAG-AFTRA strike officially in the rearview mirror, the Screen Actors Guild Awards are set to take take place on February 24, 2024. Last year, all four acting winners went on to prevail at the Academy Awards and the Best Film Ensemble champ, “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” won Best Picture. Our current odds at Gold Derby have casts from “Oppenheimer,” “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Poor Things” and “The Color Purple” predicted to fill out this year’s ensemble lineup, but I’m here to make a case for another likely nominee you may not see coming: Cord Jefferson‘s “American Fiction.”
“American Fiction” is based on the 2001 novel, “Erasure,” by Percival Everett and showcases an overlooked author’s frustration with the entertainment industry’s exploitation of Black artists. The film slated for a December 15 release has received widespread acclaim for its masterful way of satirizing this issue without...
“American Fiction” is based on the 2001 novel, “Erasure,” by Percival Everett and showcases an overlooked author’s frustration with the entertainment industry’s exploitation of Black artists. The film slated for a December 15 release has received widespread acclaim for its masterful way of satirizing this issue without...
- 11/24/2023
- by Frank Foresta
- Gold Derby
Director Taika Waititi's adaptation of one of the greatest underdog stories in sports is heading for a box office tally that resembles "rags" more than "riches." Maybe the only good news (if you can call it that) is that 2023 has already seen so many high-profile under-performers, from "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" to "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania" to "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" to "The Flash" and even "Mission: Impossible -- Dead Reckoning." Premiering on a weekend that featured the debut of "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" and a crowded field of movies jockeying for position, the relatively low-budget "Next Goal Wins" and its thud of an opening weekend has flown largely under the radar.
Of course, that's likely one of the biggest reasons why the latest Waititi film failed to gain much traction. In their latest box office report, Variety notes...
Of course, that's likely one of the biggest reasons why the latest Waititi film failed to gain much traction. In their latest box office report, Variety notes...
- 11/20/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
While the big Hollywood tentpoles are having mixed results at the box office, specialty distributors are trying to find an audiences for several festival films in a box office market that hasn’t been kind to many such titles since theaters reopened after the pandemic.
The good news is that Amazon/MGM’s “Saltburn” got off to a promising start from its limited release in seven theaters this weekend, grossing $315,492 for a per theater average of just over $45,000. That’s a higher average than other specialty films that have gained some traction in recent weeks, including A24’s “Priscilla” and Focus Features’ “The Holdovers.”
Written and directed by Emerald Fennell with MRC as producer, who won an Oscar for her screenplay for “Promising Young Woman,” “Saltburn” stars Barry Keoghan as an ostracized student named Oliver, who is befriended by a wealthy classmate named Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) and is invited...
The good news is that Amazon/MGM’s “Saltburn” got off to a promising start from its limited release in seven theaters this weekend, grossing $315,492 for a per theater average of just over $45,000. That’s a higher average than other specialty films that have gained some traction in recent weeks, including A24’s “Priscilla” and Focus Features’ “The Holdovers.”
Written and directed by Emerald Fennell with MRC as producer, who won an Oscar for her screenplay for “Promising Young Woman,” “Saltburn” stars Barry Keoghan as an ostracized student named Oliver, who is befriended by a wealthy classmate named Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) and is invited...
- 11/19/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins” marks the filmmaker’s first non-Marvel directorial outing since his Oscar-winning “Jojo Rabbit” in 2019. And while the multi-hyphenate has stayed busy with TV projects, including “Reservation Dogs” and “Our Flag Means Death,” he’s as surprised as anyone that it took him so long to release another original comedy.
His latest film, which stars Michael Fassbender as a European soccer coach who takes over the famously bad American Samoa national team, wrapped production in January 2020. Waititi was not able to work on the film during the Covid-19 pandemic, which delayed the editing and reshoot process until it finally premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
In a new interview with Insider, Waititi explained that he was ultimately grateful for the delays, as his independent film background has always led him to prefer relaxed timelines.
“I always try to have a lot of time,...
His latest film, which stars Michael Fassbender as a European soccer coach who takes over the famously bad American Samoa national team, wrapped production in January 2020. Waititi was not able to work on the film during the Covid-19 pandemic, which delayed the editing and reshoot process until it finally premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
In a new interview with Insider, Waititi explained that he was ultimately grateful for the delays, as his independent film background has always led him to prefer relaxed timelines.
“I always try to have a lot of time,...
- 11/18/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Michael Fassbender is a two-time Academy Award nominee who trained at the Drama Centre London before touring with the Oxford Stage Company; he’s performed Chekov and Shakespeare and worked a veritable who’s who of greatest living directors. Rookie actor Kaimana had never even considered trying to be an actor, noting she avoided school plays “like the plague.” Yet the two form a winning pair in “Next Goal Wins,” the funny, touching, uplifting new film from “Jojo Rabbit” filmmaker Taika Waititi, hitting theaters Nov. 17.
Based on the 2014 documentary of the same name, “Next Goal Wins” finds Fassbender playing Thomas Rongen, a coach whose anger management and alcohol issues finds him shipped off to American Samoa to lead the national football team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. He is set up to fail — the team is widely regarded as a punchline in the sport. But, fortunately, the team...
Based on the 2014 documentary of the same name, “Next Goal Wins” finds Fassbender playing Thomas Rongen, a coach whose anger management and alcohol issues finds him shipped off to American Samoa to lead the national football team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. He is set up to fail — the team is widely regarded as a punchline in the sport. But, fortunately, the team...
- 11/16/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Even if Marvel decides to produce a fifth “Thor” movie, Taika Waititi is unlikely to return to the director’s chair. The filmmaker spoke to Business Insider while promoting his underdog soccer crowdpleaser “Next Goal Wins.” During that chat, he was asked the extent of his involvement with the reportedly in-development “Thor 5.”
“I wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” Waititi responded. “I know that I won’t be involved.” He further stated that he was “going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for.”
Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarök turned him into a household name at least among the film nerd crowd. The pulpy, colorful and fantastical action comedy earned strong reviews along with a franchise-high rave reviews for the along with a franchise-high $854 million in late 2017. The film helped rejuvenate the “Thor” series after the successful ($644 million in 2013) but indifferently received “Thor: The Dark World.
“I wouldn’t know if that’s accurate,” Waititi responded. “I know that I won’t be involved.” He further stated that he was “going to concentrate on these other films that I’ve signed on for.”
Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarök turned him into a household name at least among the film nerd crowd. The pulpy, colorful and fantastical action comedy earned strong reviews along with a franchise-high rave reviews for the along with a franchise-high $854 million in late 2017. The film helped rejuvenate the “Thor” series after the successful ($644 million in 2013) but indifferently received “Thor: The Dark World.
- 11/14/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
“I think that I’m just attracted to that kind of storytelling,” declares Sterlin Harjo about telling stories that are both funny and serious on his recently concluded “Reservation Dogs.” For our recent webchat he adds, “If I have to stay with one genre, for lack of a better word, it would be comedies that are dramatic and dramas that are comedic.” We talked with Harjo as part of Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2023/2024 awards contenders. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
See ‘Reservation Dogs’ goes out on a high note: Third and final season is ‘satisfying on every level’
In “Reservation Dogs,” a gang of four indigenous teenagers from a small reservation community in Oklahoma try to make sense of life after the death of a friend. The coming of age comedy was created by Harjo and Oscar winner Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit”), and stars D’Pharaoh Woon-a-Tai,...
See ‘Reservation Dogs’ goes out on a high note: Third and final season is ‘satisfying on every level’
In “Reservation Dogs,” a gang of four indigenous teenagers from a small reservation community in Oklahoma try to make sense of life after the death of a friend. The coming of age comedy was created by Harjo and Oscar winner Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit”), and stars D’Pharaoh Woon-a-Tai,...
- 11/13/2023
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Big shift in the film distribution sphere here today as Searchlight’s longtime Head of Distribution Frank Rodriguez is heading to Amazon MGM Studios as their new General Sales Manager.
Rodriguez will report to Amazon MGM Head of Distribution Kevin Wilson, who was named to the position in April following the passing of longtime distribution boss Erik Lomis. The recent hire of Rodriguez is part of the restructuring of the theatrical distribution group over at Amazon MGM. Already at Amazon MGM is East Coast distribution vet Mark Boxer, who came to the studio during the Bob Berney era, who was named Head of Specialty Theatrical Distribution back in April.
Rodriguez–who received the distinguished ShowEast honor the “Bingham Ray Spirit Award” last month– has been at Searchlight since 2012 when it was Fox Searchlight and has overseen the domestic distribution of a slew of Oscar and award winning arthouse hits...
Rodriguez will report to Amazon MGM Head of Distribution Kevin Wilson, who was named to the position in April following the passing of longtime distribution boss Erik Lomis. The recent hire of Rodriguez is part of the restructuring of the theatrical distribution group over at Amazon MGM. Already at Amazon MGM is East Coast distribution vet Mark Boxer, who came to the studio during the Bob Berney era, who was named Head of Specialty Theatrical Distribution back in April.
Rodriguez–who received the distinguished ShowEast honor the “Bingham Ray Spirit Award” last month– has been at Searchlight since 2012 when it was Fox Searchlight and has overseen the domestic distribution of a slew of Oscar and award winning arthouse hits...
- 11/2/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s latest drama “Origin” has added an original song to its Oscar prospects.
New Zealand Māori artist Stan Walker performed the new song, “I Am,” at a private film screening at the Edition Hotel in West Hollywood on Wednesday. He also co-wrote the track with Michael Fatkin, Vince Harder and Te Kanapu Anasta. The song enters a competitive race of Oscar hopefuls from movies such as “Barbie” and “Trolls Band Together.”
Walker would make history as the second Indigenous person, and the first Indigenous man, nominated for original song. Buffy Sainte-Marie became the first Indigenous person ever to win an Academy Award in 1982 for the song “Up Where We Belong” from “An Officer and a Gentleman.” Aside from Sainte-Marie, the only Indigenous Oscar winner in 95 years is Taika Waititi, who took home the adapted screenplay prize for “Jojo Rabbit” (2019).
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
New Zealand Māori artist Stan Walker performed the new song, “I Am,” at a private film screening at the Edition Hotel in West Hollywood on Wednesday. He also co-wrote the track with Michael Fatkin, Vince Harder and Te Kanapu Anasta. The song enters a competitive race of Oscar hopefuls from movies such as “Barbie” and “Trolls Band Together.”
Walker would make history as the second Indigenous person, and the first Indigenous man, nominated for original song. Buffy Sainte-Marie became the first Indigenous person ever to win an Academy Award in 1982 for the song “Up Where We Belong” from “An Officer and a Gentleman.” Aside from Sainte-Marie, the only Indigenous Oscar winner in 95 years is Taika Waititi, who took home the adapted screenplay prize for “Jojo Rabbit” (2019).
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.
- 10/19/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
You may have noticed that there’s been a lot of talk about Lily Gladstone and her Indigenous heritage and what that fact will mean for her chances in the Academy Award Best Actress race as her epic feature “Killers of the Flower Moon” from director Martin Scorsese preps for liftoff in wide theatrical release this Friday (October 20). Gladstone is running a solid second place behind Emma Stone (“Poor Things”) in the Gold Derby combined Oscar odds for her much-praised performance as Osage Nation member Mollie Burkhart in the tragic fact-based saga.
Gladstone herself is of Blackfeet and Nimiipuu heritage and raised on a Blackfeet Nation reservation in Montana. One would presume this fact won’t work against the actress in 2024 as it might have in, say, 1954 or even ’74. And in fact it was only earlier this year that Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian actress to win Best Actress...
Gladstone herself is of Blackfeet and Nimiipuu heritage and raised on a Blackfeet Nation reservation in Montana. One would presume this fact won’t work against the actress in 2024 as it might have in, say, 1954 or even ’74. And in fact it was only earlier this year that Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian actress to win Best Actress...
- 10/17/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Thomasin McKenzie has a doozy of a day, the kind she’ll never forget in the first trailer for “Eileen.” Set during a grim 1964 Massachusetts winter, the William Oldroyd-directed noir concerns a young and impressionable secretary who becomes understandably enraptured by a new counselor (Anne Hathaway) at the prison where she works. The trailer doesn’t spell out what diabolical doings will be done, but the implication is Hathaway goes full femme fatale.
Alongside its two top-billed stars, “Eileen” features Shea Whigham, Siobhan Fallon Hogan and Owen Teague (who will soon headline “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” alongside Freya Allen).
Based on Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel of the same name and produced by Fifth Season, “Eileen” debuted to positive reviews at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Neon picked up the picture and plans to give it a year end awards season push. Audiences can expect a...
Alongside its two top-billed stars, “Eileen” features Shea Whigham, Siobhan Fallon Hogan and Owen Teague (who will soon headline “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” alongside Freya Allen).
Based on Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel of the same name and produced by Fifth Season, “Eileen” debuted to positive reviews at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Neon picked up the picture and plans to give it a year end awards season push. Audiences can expect a...
- 10/17/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
“The Zone of Interest” is a remarkable fourth film from Jonathan Glazer. The film, which A24 releases in the US on December 8, follows Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel) and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller) as they try to live a normal life just outside of the concentration camp.
The movie is about the banality of evil — how monstrous people live almost boringly while, in the background, some of the worst horrors in human history are being carried out. Daring is probably the best word to describe this film, particularly with one very late sequence that throws the film forward to modern-day Auschwitz, wherein we see women cleaning the buildings and grounds of the camp. Critics have hailed Glazer for his work.
David Rooney (The Hollywood Reporter) called the film a “devastating Holocaust drama like no other, which demonstrates with startling effectiveness [director Jonathan Glazer]’s unerring control of tonal and visual storytelling.
The movie is about the banality of evil — how monstrous people live almost boringly while, in the background, some of the worst horrors in human history are being carried out. Daring is probably the best word to describe this film, particularly with one very late sequence that throws the film forward to modern-day Auschwitz, wherein we see women cleaning the buildings and grounds of the camp. Critics have hailed Glazer for his work.
David Rooney (The Hollywood Reporter) called the film a “devastating Holocaust drama like no other, which demonstrates with startling effectiveness [director Jonathan Glazer]’s unerring control of tonal and visual storytelling.
- 10/13/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
In the four years since the Walt Disney Company bought 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight, the core studio — now known as 20th Century Studios — has become for the most part a content mill for its streaming services.
Some key IP — like next summer’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” — are still deemed worthy of theaters but most 20th Century Studios films, like the true-crime thriller “Boston Strangler” and “Vacation Friends 2,” are streaming-bound.
Insiders differ on whether this is a temporary situation caused by Covid variables, a Wall Street-driven rush to streaming and an uncertain theatrical marketplace playing their parts. Will the formally theatrically-focused powerhouse fade into Disney-backed irrelevancy or might an improved theatrical marketplace offer the former titan a chance to be more than just a streaming supply arm for the Walt Disney Company?
In March of 2019, the Walt Disney Company paid $71 billion for Fox Studios.
Some key IP — like next summer’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” — are still deemed worthy of theaters but most 20th Century Studios films, like the true-crime thriller “Boston Strangler” and “Vacation Friends 2,” are streaming-bound.
Insiders differ on whether this is a temporary situation caused by Covid variables, a Wall Street-driven rush to streaming and an uncertain theatrical marketplace playing their parts. Will the formally theatrically-focused powerhouse fade into Disney-backed irrelevancy or might an improved theatrical marketplace offer the former titan a chance to be more than just a streaming supply arm for the Walt Disney Company?
In March of 2019, the Walt Disney Company paid $71 billion for Fox Studios.
- 9/29/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Taika Waititi, the filmmaker who won an adapted screenplay Oscar for “Jojo Rabbit” in 2020, has dropped a new trailer for his forthcoming sports-themed feature comedy “Next Goal Wins,” a mini-featurette that plays to the tune of Abba’s “Take A Chance On Me” and teases the film’s charming humor. The film opens in theaters on November 17, capping a lengthy delay for the project that wrapped production nearly four years ago. Watch the trailer above.
The Searchlight Pictures film, which Waititi co-wrote (with Iain Morris) as well as directed, is based on the 2014 documentary “Next Goal Wins” and tells the inspirational true story of the American Samoa soccer team, a squad “infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup qualifiers approaching, the team hires the down-on-his-luck maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around.”
Besides Fassbender, the film features Oscar Kightley,...
The Searchlight Pictures film, which Waititi co-wrote (with Iain Morris) as well as directed, is based on the 2014 documentary “Next Goal Wins” and tells the inspirational true story of the American Samoa soccer team, a squad “infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup qualifiers approaching, the team hires the down-on-his-luck maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around.”
Besides Fassbender, the film features Oscar Kightley,...
- 9/27/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
“American Fiction,” Cord Jefferson’s blistering satire of race and media, captured the Toronto International Film Festival’s people’s choice award, bolstering its Oscars chances.
TIFF’s people’s choice award is considered to be among the best predictors of eventual awards success, though the 2023 festival hosted a weaker lineup than most years due to the writers and actors strikes that saw some prominent contenders skip a Canadian premiere. In the past, winners of the prize such as “Green Book,” “12 Years a Slave” and “Nomadland” went on to be named best picture at the Academy Awards. Other recipients, including “Belfast,” “La La Land,” “Jojo Rabbit,” and 2022’s winner, “The Fabelmans,” were all best picture nominees.
The people’s choice category was created in 1978. Seven recipients won best picture at the Oscars, with five of those victories coming in the past two decades.
Alexander Payne’s boarding school dramedy...
TIFF’s people’s choice award is considered to be among the best predictors of eventual awards success, though the 2023 festival hosted a weaker lineup than most years due to the writers and actors strikes that saw some prominent contenders skip a Canadian premiere. In the past, winners of the prize such as “Green Book,” “12 Years a Slave” and “Nomadland” went on to be named best picture at the Academy Awards. Other recipients, including “Belfast,” “La La Land,” “Jojo Rabbit,” and 2022’s winner, “The Fabelmans,” were all best picture nominees.
The people’s choice category was created in 1978. Seven recipients won best picture at the Oscars, with five of those victories coming in the past two decades.
Alexander Payne’s boarding school dramedy...
- 9/17/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
While a clutch of directorial debuts by actors mostly misfired, a return to form for Alexander Payne and award-worthy performances by Jamie Foxx and Jodie Comer offered plenty to get excited about
Of all the autumn film festivals, Toronto was always going to be the one that stood to lose the most from the strikes that are paralysing much of the film industry. For a public-facing event that is justly famous for the rapturously enthusiastic audience response to its celebratory gala screening events, the absence of actors because of the Sag-Aftra union action would be particularly keenly felt. After all, without a sprinkling of stars, a red carpet is just an impractically coloured floor covering.
There was speculation among those attending the festival that the unusually high number of films by actors turned directors this year was in part a strategy to circumvent the rules of the strike. The...
Of all the autumn film festivals, Toronto was always going to be the one that stood to lose the most from the strikes that are paralysing much of the film industry. For a public-facing event that is justly famous for the rapturously enthusiastic audience response to its celebratory gala screening events, the absence of actors because of the Sag-Aftra union action would be particularly keenly felt. After all, without a sprinkling of stars, a red carpet is just an impractically coloured floor covering.
There was speculation among those attending the festival that the unusually high number of films by actors turned directors this year was in part a strategy to circumvent the rules of the strike. The...
- 9/16/2023
- by Wendy Ide
- The Guardian - Film News
What will the people choose?
In its final stretch, on Sunday, the Toronto International Film Festival will announce the film chosen by the public for the People’s Choice Award of its 48th edition. After “Poor Things” took home the Golden Lion at Venice, we look to the Canadian awards season staple to boost a film in the hunt for best picture.
The top prize has become one of the most vital predictors of awards season success. In past years, best picture winners such as Peter Farrelly’s “Green Book” (2018) and Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland” (2020) made a winning stop at TIFF before getting Oscar glory. Other TIFF Audience Award recipients such as “The Fabelmans” (2022), “Belfast” (2021), “Jojo Rabbit” (2019), “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017) and “La La Land” (2016) are among the movies that went on to receive noms.
So, which movies are buzzing with support? The movie that wins at TIFF is...
In its final stretch, on Sunday, the Toronto International Film Festival will announce the film chosen by the public for the People’s Choice Award of its 48th edition. After “Poor Things” took home the Golden Lion at Venice, we look to the Canadian awards season staple to boost a film in the hunt for best picture.
The top prize has become one of the most vital predictors of awards season success. In past years, best picture winners such as Peter Farrelly’s “Green Book” (2018) and Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland” (2020) made a winning stop at TIFF before getting Oscar glory. Other TIFF Audience Award recipients such as “The Fabelmans” (2022), “Belfast” (2021), “Jojo Rabbit” (2019), “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017) and “La La Land” (2016) are among the movies that went on to receive noms.
So, which movies are buzzing with support? The movie that wins at TIFF is...
- 9/14/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The Japan rugby union team on Sunday thrashed tournament newcomers Chile 42-12 on the first weekend of the freshly kicked-off Rugby World Cup. But in 2015, Japan were the underdogs and yet pulled off a surprise result against rugby titans South Africa.
In the first ever match between the two nations Japan won 34-32, due to an 80th minute try.
“The Brighton Miracle,” a docu-drama capturing and re-constructing that shock match, has been picked up by Blue Sky Media. The film was produced by Syn Entertainment and the rights outside of Japan were brokered by producer’s rep Summer & Co.
The film was written and directed by Max Mannix. Mannix, himself a former professional rugby player, lived more than a decade in Japan and wrote the Kurosawa Kiyoshi-directed “Tokyo Sonata,” which debuted in Cannes Un Certain Regard in 2008.
“The Brighton Miracle” follows Eddie Jones, played in re-enactments by New Zealand actor...
In the first ever match between the two nations Japan won 34-32, due to an 80th minute try.
“The Brighton Miracle,” a docu-drama capturing and re-constructing that shock match, has been picked up by Blue Sky Media. The film was produced by Syn Entertainment and the rights outside of Japan were brokered by producer’s rep Summer & Co.
The film was written and directed by Max Mannix. Mannix, himself a former professional rugby player, lived more than a decade in Japan and wrote the Kurosawa Kiyoshi-directed “Tokyo Sonata,” which debuted in Cannes Un Certain Regard in 2008.
“The Brighton Miracle” follows Eddie Jones, played in re-enactments by New Zealand actor...
- 9/11/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Taika Waititi’s quirky sense of humor isn’t for everyone. The New Zealand filmmaker repeatedly punched the podium microphone during his introduction of “Next Goal Wins” at its Toronto International Film Festival world premiere at the Princess of Wales Theatre on Sunday while TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey stood by gamely smiling at the antics of his guest. Waititi, after all, had won the 2019 TIFF audience award for his last film, “Jojo Rabbit,” which had premiered in the same room and had raised eyebrows with its Nazi satire.
That said, “Next Goal Wins” is his best and most crowd-pleasing effort to date. It’s the true tale of American Samoa’s abysmal soccer team gearing up for the 2011 World Cup qualifier under the coaching of Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), who had just been fired by the U.S. national team. The story spawned a 2014 documentary of the same title by Steve Jamison and Mike Brett.
That said, “Next Goal Wins” is his best and most crowd-pleasing effort to date. It’s the true tale of American Samoa’s abysmal soccer team gearing up for the 2011 World Cup qualifier under the coaching of Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), who had just been fired by the U.S. national team. The story spawned a 2014 documentary of the same title by Steve Jamison and Mike Brett.
- 9/11/2023
- by Martin Tsai
- The Wrap
Searchlight will sail through award season with Venice winner “Poor Things” and Telluride hit “All of Us Strangers,” but the specialty distributor slotted Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins” for audience-friendly Toronto for a reason. The world premiere audience responded warmly to what one-time Toronto People’s Choice winner Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit”) calls “a true understory” sports tale. He was developing for some time Steve Jamison and Mike Brett’s 2014 documentary about the infamously losing American Samoan soccer team who recover under heavy-drinking Dutch coach Thomas Rongen (a miscast Michael Fassbender), and eventually found a window in his schedule to film in Hawaii.
Early Twitter TIFF response ranged from the oft-repeated “crowd-pleaser” and “sweet” to “imperfect but endearing.” Waititi has had a stellar run, from “What We Do in the Shadows” and “Thor: Ragnarok” through “Jojo Rabbit,” which won the Oscar for Adapted Screenplay. On “Next Goal Wins,” critics will be less effusive.
Early Twitter TIFF response ranged from the oft-repeated “crowd-pleaser” and “sweet” to “imperfect but endearing.” Waititi has had a stellar run, from “What We Do in the Shadows” and “Thor: Ragnarok” through “Jojo Rabbit,” which won the Oscar for Adapted Screenplay. On “Next Goal Wins,” critics will be less effusive.
- 9/11/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Viola Davis shines in Ben Affleck‘s “Air,” which tells the true story of how Nike signed Michael Jordan and made the Air Jordan shoe. Matt Damon portrays Nike marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro who negotiates a deal with Jordan’s mother. As Deloris Jordan, Davis deliver a powerful performance.
The actress imbues quiet strength, a sense of duty and honor, and a fierce motherly love into the stony exterior of an ambitious woman who knows her son’s worth and loves her family. It’s an enjoyable performance and it helps elevate the film from the average depths it likely would have sunken to without her. And critics agree.
Peter Travers (ABC News) explained: “Jordan himself insisted that only one actress could play his mom — Egot winner Viola Davis. Smart choice since the triumphant Davis is a primal force who powers the role of Deloris by nailing every nuance with maternal fire and feeling.
The actress imbues quiet strength, a sense of duty and honor, and a fierce motherly love into the stony exterior of an ambitious woman who knows her son’s worth and loves her family. It’s an enjoyable performance and it helps elevate the film from the average depths it likely would have sunken to without her. And critics agree.
Peter Travers (ABC News) explained: “Jordan himself insisted that only one actress could play his mom — Egot winner Viola Davis. Smart choice since the triumphant Davis is a primal force who powers the role of Deloris by nailing every nuance with maternal fire and feeling.
- 8/11/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
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