Plot: The incredible true story of Hollywood revolution meeting social revolution: it’s a wild caper of Black Panther founder Huey Newton escaping from the FBI to Cuba with the help of famed producer Bert Schneider in an impossibly elaborate plan – involving a fake movie production — that goes wrong every way it possibly can. And somehow, it’s all true. Mostly.
Review: The stories of revolutionary political figures and social reformers have been popular for big and small screen adaptations for decades. There seems to be more focus on the 1960s and 1970s than any other period in American history. The 2021 film Judas and the Black Messiah looked at controversial figure Fred Hampton, while this year’s Shirley chronicled Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s run for United States President. While these and the stories of Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X have made for acclaimed productions, the story of Black...
Review: The stories of revolutionary political figures and social reformers have been popular for big and small screen adaptations for decades. There seems to be more focus on the 1960s and 1970s than any other period in American history. The 2021 film Judas and the Black Messiah looked at controversial figure Fred Hampton, while this year’s Shirley chronicled Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s run for United States President. While these and the stories of Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X have made for acclaimed productions, the story of Black...
- 5/18/2024
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
As Neil Young once sang, the now shuttered Participant is gone, but not forgotten.
Some of Tinseltown’s leading talents like Regina King, George Clooney, Ava DuVernay, Daniel Dae Kim, Martin Sheen, Regina King, Alfonso Cuaron, Matt Damon, Diego Luna and more have joined up with the National Domestic Workers Alliance to express “gratitude and pride” in the work put out by the Jeff Skoll-created shingle over the last two decades. At the same time, the A-Listers are imploring the ever increasingly conglomerated industry to keep their eyes on the social impact prize.
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever; to expand the room for debate, to open our hearts to experiences vastly different from our own, to immerse us in the beauty of humanity’s complexities,” the star-studded letter says. “And in the face of unprecedented change and uncertainty,...
Some of Tinseltown’s leading talents like Regina King, George Clooney, Ava DuVernay, Daniel Dae Kim, Martin Sheen, Regina King, Alfonso Cuaron, Matt Damon, Diego Luna and more have joined up with the National Domestic Workers Alliance to express “gratitude and pride” in the work put out by the Jeff Skoll-created shingle over the last two decades. At the same time, the A-Listers are imploring the ever increasingly conglomerated industry to keep their eyes on the social impact prize.
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever; to expand the room for debate, to open our hearts to experiences vastly different from our own, to immerse us in the beauty of humanity’s complexities,” the star-studded letter says. “And in the face of unprecedented change and uncertainty,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
H.E.R., the Oscar, Emmy, and five-time Grammy award-winning musical artist who made her feature acting debut with the recent The Color Purple musical adaptation, is keeping her movie career marching along.
The multi-hyphenate is set to develop, produce, and star in a majorettes-inspired project set up at 20th Century Studios.
The untitled project reteams her with Oprah Winfrey and Scott Sanders, her producers on Color Purple. Fascinated by the majorettes and their impact on Black culture, H.E.R. approached Winfrey and Sanders with this project after working with them on Color Purple. The duo will produce alongside H.E.R., with Winfrey producing via her Harpo Films, and Sanders through Scott Sanders Productions.
Lauren Ashley Smith has been tapped to pen the script for what is being described as dance movie set at a fictional Historically Black College or University (Hbcu) in Atlanta. The story follows an introverted ballet dancer from L.
The multi-hyphenate is set to develop, produce, and star in a majorettes-inspired project set up at 20th Century Studios.
The untitled project reteams her with Oprah Winfrey and Scott Sanders, her producers on Color Purple. Fascinated by the majorettes and their impact on Black culture, H.E.R. approached Winfrey and Sanders with this project after working with them on Color Purple. The duo will produce alongside H.E.R., with Winfrey producing via her Harpo Films, and Sanders through Scott Sanders Productions.
Lauren Ashley Smith has been tapped to pen the script for what is being described as dance movie set at a fictional Historically Black College or University (Hbcu) in Atlanta. The story follows an introverted ballet dancer from L.
- 4/25/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Projects centered around the left-wing revolutionary group, the Black Panther Party, continue to fascinate popular culture. In 2022, Daniel Kaluuya won an Oscar for portraying the betrayed deputy chairman, Fred Hampton, in the bio-crime drama, “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Now, a new limited series, “The Big Cigar,” based on a Playboy Article by Joshuah Bearman (known for the Wired Article that inspired “Argo”), tells the too-good-to-be-true story of Black Panther co-founder Huey Percy Newton’s escape to Cuba with the assistance of a famous film producer.
Continue reading ‘The Big Cigar’ Trailer: André Holland Stars As Black Panther Huey Newton For Apple Series In May at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Big Cigar’ Trailer: André Holland Stars As Black Panther Huey Newton For Apple Series In May at The Playlist.
- 4/24/2024
- by Megan Fisher
- The Playlist
Lakeith Stanfield has entered into negotiations to star in and produce a feature adaptation of the hit neo-noir video game ‘El Paso, Elsewhere’.
The story will follow James Savage (Stanfield), who, while recovering from a toxic relationship, confronts both his inner demons and enigmatic ex-girlfriend, Janet, before she executes a world-ending ritual. James navigates her reality-bending universe of ethereal monsters while facing the truth of his own addictions and skewed sense of self-worth, learning that the only route to love is through healing.
Also in news – Steve Buscemi joins season 2 of ‘Wednesday’
The production of an upcoming project will be a collaborative effort between Lorenzo di Bonaventura’s Di Bonaventura Pictures, known for their work on blockbuster franchises such as Transformers and G.I. Joe, and Colin Stark. Both parties will be actively involved in the production process.
Stanfield’s most recently appeared in ‘The Book of Clarence’ and is known...
The story will follow James Savage (Stanfield), who, while recovering from a toxic relationship, confronts both his inner demons and enigmatic ex-girlfriend, Janet, before she executes a world-ending ritual. James navigates her reality-bending universe of ethereal monsters while facing the truth of his own addictions and skewed sense of self-worth, learning that the only route to love is through healing.
Also in news – Steve Buscemi joins season 2 of ‘Wednesday’
The production of an upcoming project will be a collaborative effort between Lorenzo di Bonaventura’s Di Bonaventura Pictures, known for their work on blockbuster franchises such as Transformers and G.I. Joe, and Colin Stark. Both parties will be actively involved in the production process.
Stanfield’s most recently appeared in ‘The Book of Clarence’ and is known...
- 4/23/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Academy Award nominee Lakeith Stanfield (The Book of Clarence) is in talks to star in and produce a feature adaptation of the hit neo-noir video game El Paso, Elsewhere, Deadline has learned.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura’s Di Bonaventura Pictures and Colin Stark will also produce.
The film will center on James Savage (Stanfield), who while recovering from a toxic relationship, confronts both his inner demons and enigmatic ex-girlfriend, Janet, before she executes a world-ending ritual. James navigates her reality-bending universe of ethereal monsters while facing the truth of his own addictions and skewed sense of self-worth, learning that the only route to love is through healing.
Released in September 2023, the game was developed by Strange Scaffold, the development label of BAFTA nominee Xalavier Nelson Jr.
Known for roles in films like Judas and the Black Messiah, The Book of Clarence, Knives Out and Selma, Stanfield has...
Lorenzo di Bonaventura’s Di Bonaventura Pictures and Colin Stark will also produce.
The film will center on James Savage (Stanfield), who while recovering from a toxic relationship, confronts both his inner demons and enigmatic ex-girlfriend, Janet, before she executes a world-ending ritual. James navigates her reality-bending universe of ethereal monsters while facing the truth of his own addictions and skewed sense of self-worth, learning that the only route to love is through healing.
Released in September 2023, the game was developed by Strange Scaffold, the development label of BAFTA nominee Xalavier Nelson Jr.
Known for roles in films like Judas and the Black Messiah, The Book of Clarence, Knives Out and Selma, Stanfield has...
- 4/22/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
End of an era, end of a business model, end of a gravy train, end of the world. There were plenty of mixed emotions this week in response to the closure of Oscar-winning production company Participant, and at the very least the industry has agreed something has come to an end.
When Variety broke the news Tuesday that billionaire Jeff Skoll’s 20-year-old company will shut down — after fetching 21 Oscars and introducing a business model that prioritized social impact a bit more than profits – many in the industry were rattled. Not just that mid-level, standalone financier and producer had left the market, but what that means for the viability of movies and TV shows that ask vital questions about justice and the humanity’s future.
“The end of Participant Media is devastating news to anyone who cares about documentaries,” director Julie Cohen wrote bluntly on X. She’s the co-director...
When Variety broke the news Tuesday that billionaire Jeff Skoll’s 20-year-old company will shut down — after fetching 21 Oscars and introducing a business model that prioritized social impact a bit more than profits – many in the industry were rattled. Not just that mid-level, standalone financier and producer had left the market, but what that means for the viability of movies and TV shows that ask vital questions about justice and the humanity’s future.
“The end of Participant Media is devastating news to anyone who cares about documentaries,” director Julie Cohen wrote bluntly on X. She’s the co-director...
- 4/19/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The shocking news that Participant, a leading producer of specialized/independent features with a socially relevant interest as well many top documentaries, is shutting down immediately hit the industry hard Tuesday. With a profile of co-produced films over the last 20 years that rivals any other company’s slate, this was devastating news.
Founder and owner Jeff Skoll’s decision to shut down his company will impact the production of a certain kind of specialized film, particularly in the documentary field. Never a distributor, and most often collaborating with other production companies, Participant was still a significant force for most of its two decades.
But what’s the real impact of this move? Jonathan Dana, a veteran distribution executive and producer, commented, “It didn’t fail. It just ran its course.” That typifies much of the insider reaction, which relates to the specific purpose and goals of the company.
‘Spotlight’ © Open...
Founder and owner Jeff Skoll’s decision to shut down his company will impact the production of a certain kind of specialized film, particularly in the documentary field. Never a distributor, and most often collaborating with other production companies, Participant was still a significant force for most of its two decades.
But what’s the real impact of this move? Jonathan Dana, a veteran distribution executive and producer, commented, “It didn’t fail. It just ran its course.” That typifies much of the insider reaction, which relates to the specific purpose and goals of the company.
‘Spotlight’ © Open...
- 4/18/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Jeff Skoll, the billionaire philanthropist who launched Participant 20 years ago to champion socially conscious films, is closing down the impact producer-financier behind Spotlight, Roma, and Green Book.
In a memo to staff on Tuesday morning eBay co-founder Skoll said, ”I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability. Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
The statement hinted at what may have driven the Canadian’s “very difficult decision”. Studios and streamers are scrutinising their spend more than ever,...
In a memo to staff on Tuesday morning eBay co-founder Skoll said, ”I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability. Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
The statement hinted at what may have driven the Canadian’s “very difficult decision”. Studios and streamers are scrutinising their spend more than ever,...
- 4/16/2024
- ScreenDaily
After 20 years, Participant is shutting down.
Founder Jeff Skoll announced the news in a note to staff Tuesday, writing, “after much reflection, I have made the very difficult decision to wind down company operations.” During its run, the company was behind best picture winners Green Book and Moonlight, and docs such as An Inconvenient Truth and Rbg.
EBay co-founder Skoll founded the company in 2004 with a dual mission of making money and inspiring social change through entertainment (the company later moved into television and other ventures). It has helped produce and finance a slew of high-profile awards contenders. Its films won 21 Oscars and its series won 18 Emmys. It earned more than $3.3 billion at the box office. Veteran studio executive David Linde has been running Participant since 2016; previous execs involved in Participant include Ricky Strauss.
It was heavily involved in the nonfiction space, with its shuttering sure to send ripples through that community.
Founder Jeff Skoll announced the news in a note to staff Tuesday, writing, “after much reflection, I have made the very difficult decision to wind down company operations.” During its run, the company was behind best picture winners Green Book and Moonlight, and docs such as An Inconvenient Truth and Rbg.
EBay co-founder Skoll founded the company in 2004 with a dual mission of making money and inspiring social change through entertainment (the company later moved into television and other ventures). It has helped produce and finance a slew of high-profile awards contenders. Its films won 21 Oscars and its series won 18 Emmys. It earned more than $3.3 billion at the box office. Veteran studio executive David Linde has been running Participant since 2016; previous execs involved in Participant include Ricky Strauss.
It was heavily involved in the nonfiction space, with its shuttering sure to send ripples through that community.
- 4/16/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Participant, the media company behind films like “Spotlight,” “Green Book,” “Roma,” and many more, is shutting its doors after 20 years in operation.
Jeff Skoll, who founded the company in 2004, informed the staff in a memo (obtained by IndieWire) that Participant would “wind down company operations.”
Nearly all of Participant’s roughly 100 staffers are being let go with no new content or production in the works. Only Participant’s library of 135 films remaining.
“I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability,” Skoll wrote. “Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
Participant’s 135 titles, half of them documentaries and also including five series, have earned $3.3 billion at the global box office. Participant has produced two Best Picture winners and earned 21 Oscars total from 86 nominations, as well as 18 Emmys on 62 nominations.
Jeff Skoll, who founded the company in 2004, informed the staff in a memo (obtained by IndieWire) that Participant would “wind down company operations.”
Nearly all of Participant’s roughly 100 staffers are being let go with no new content or production in the works. Only Participant’s library of 135 films remaining.
“I founded Participant with the mission of creating world-class content that inspires positive social change, prioritizing impact alongside commercial sustainability,” Skoll wrote. “Since then, the entertainment industry has seen revolutionary changes in how content is created, distributed and consumed.”
Participant’s 135 titles, half of them documentaries and also including five series, have earned $3.3 billion at the global box office. Participant has produced two Best Picture winners and earned 21 Oscars total from 86 nominations, as well as 18 Emmys on 62 nominations.
- 4/16/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Financier and producer Participant is shuttering after 20 years. Founder Jeff Skoll alerted staff at 10:30Am, Deadline has confirmed.
The production’s m.o. was to bring content to the world that was socially conscious, read their Oscar Best Picture winners Spotlight and Universal’s Green Book, as well as DreamWorks’ Oscar winner Lincoln. All in Participant counts 135 films, five series, 21 Oscars including two Best Pictures, four Best Documentaries and two Best International Features, 18 Primetime Emmys and north of $3.3 billion in global box office.
Skoll told staffers, as you can read below, that it was a “very difficult decision” and stems from it being “the right time for me to evaluate my next chapter and approach to tackling the pressing issues of our time.” He also mentioned that he hasn’t been involved in the day-to-day management of the studio.
Skoll is a Canadian engineer, billionaire who was the first president of eBay.
The production’s m.o. was to bring content to the world that was socially conscious, read their Oscar Best Picture winners Spotlight and Universal’s Green Book, as well as DreamWorks’ Oscar winner Lincoln. All in Participant counts 135 films, five series, 21 Oscars including two Best Pictures, four Best Documentaries and two Best International Features, 18 Primetime Emmys and north of $3.3 billion in global box office.
Skoll told staffers, as you can read below, that it was a “very difficult decision” and stems from it being “the right time for me to evaluate my next chapter and approach to tackling the pressing issues of our time.” He also mentioned that he hasn’t been involved in the day-to-day management of the studio.
Skoll is a Canadian engineer, billionaire who was the first president of eBay.
- 4/16/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to welcome the Fantastic Four. The group, led by The Last of Us fame Pedro Pascal, will pit an older group of superheroes against Silver Surfer and Galactus, two well-known villains. After keeping us guessing for months, Marvel has finally revealed that Julia Garner—best known for starring in the Netflix series Ozark—is being cast as Silver Surfer.
Doug Jones as the Silver Surfer in a still from Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
It should be noted, however, that this version will be Shalla-Bal, Silver Surfer’s romantic interest in Marvel Comics. But it seems not everyone is happy with the latest Marvel update on the upcoming flick.
Lakeith Stanfield, best known for his dynamic acting range in films such as Sorry to Bother You and Judas and the Black Messiah, expressed disappointment when Garner was announced as the new Silver Surfer.
Doug Jones as the Silver Surfer in a still from Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
It should be noted, however, that this version will be Shalla-Bal, Silver Surfer’s romantic interest in Marvel Comics. But it seems not everyone is happy with the latest Marvel update on the upcoming flick.
Lakeith Stanfield, best known for his dynamic acting range in films such as Sorry to Bother You and Judas and the Black Messiah, expressed disappointment when Garner was announced as the new Silver Surfer.
- 4/4/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
This year’s races for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress were over before they started. Robert Downey Jr. in “Oppenheimer” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph in “The Holdovers” took leads in the Gold Derby odds in their respective categories early in the season. They both went on to pick up Golden Globe, Critics Choice, BAFTA and SAG Awards. By the time the Oscars rolled around, there was a “near zero” chance of either of them losing.
In contrast, the lead acting contests provided considerably more suspense. Bradley Cooper in “Maestro,” Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers” and Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer” were all looking strong at different point in the derby, before Murphy really exploded and ultimately won the Best Actor Oscar. And Lily Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Emma Stone in “Poor Things” kept trading the top spot in the Best Actress odds. Gladstone finally reclaimed...
In contrast, the lead acting contests provided considerably more suspense. Bradley Cooper in “Maestro,” Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers” and Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer” were all looking strong at different point in the derby, before Murphy really exploded and ultimately won the Best Actor Oscar. And Lily Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Emma Stone in “Poor Things” kept trading the top spot in the Best Actress odds. Gladstone finally reclaimed...
- 3/27/2024
- by Tariq Khan
- Gold Derby
Ryan Coogler has signed on to produce Universal’s jukebox musical based on the music of Prince.
The “Black Panther” director will produce alongside Zinzi Coogler and Sev Oganian through their Proximity Media, with Proximity’s Rebecca Cho executive producing. They join the project just over 5 years after Universal acquired the rights to the rock and funk legend’s music.
Bryan Edward Hill wrote a previous draft for the film, which won’t be a Prince biopic, but rather an original story inspired by Prince, who died in 2016, and his music. Atom Factory’s Troy Carter, entertainment adviser for the musician’s estate, will also produce with Universal Music’s Jody Gerson.
Proximity Media was founded by Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, and co-founded by Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis and Peter Nicks. The company’s projects include “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy.
The “Black Panther” director will produce alongside Zinzi Coogler and Sev Oganian through their Proximity Media, with Proximity’s Rebecca Cho executive producing. They join the project just over 5 years after Universal acquired the rights to the rock and funk legend’s music.
Bryan Edward Hill wrote a previous draft for the film, which won’t be a Prince biopic, but rather an original story inspired by Prince, who died in 2016, and his music. Atom Factory’s Troy Carter, entertainment adviser for the musician’s estate, will also produce with Universal Music’s Jody Gerson.
Proximity Media was founded by Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, and co-founded by Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis and Peter Nicks. The company’s projects include “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy.
- 3/23/2024
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media has boarded an untitled Prince music inspired film at Universal Pictures, Deadline has confirmed.
Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian are producing, and Rebecca Cho will executive produce through Proximity Media. Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group Jody Gerson will also produce.
Bryan Edward Hill (Titans TV series) wrote a previous draft for the film.
Proximity Media is a multi-media company founded by the Cooglers and Ohanian, and co-founded by 2x Oscar winning composer Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis and Peter Nicks with a mission to create event-driven feature films, television, soundtracks, and podcasts that bring audiences closer together through stories involving often-overlooked subject matters. Proximity’s film projects include two-time Academy Award-winning Judas and the Black Messiah and Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Upcoming, Proximity is readying production on Ryan Coogler’s highly anticipated untitled event film at Warner Bros. The film...
Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian are producing, and Rebecca Cho will executive produce through Proximity Media. Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group Jody Gerson will also produce.
Bryan Edward Hill (Titans TV series) wrote a previous draft for the film.
Proximity Media is a multi-media company founded by the Cooglers and Ohanian, and co-founded by 2x Oscar winning composer Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis and Peter Nicks with a mission to create event-driven feature films, television, soundtracks, and podcasts that bring audiences closer together through stories involving often-overlooked subject matters. Proximity’s film projects include two-time Academy Award-winning Judas and the Black Messiah and Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Upcoming, Proximity is readying production on Ryan Coogler’s highly anticipated untitled event film at Warner Bros. The film...
- 3/23/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
By taking home the 2024 Best Actor Oscar for “Oppenheimer,” Cillian Murphy blazed a trail as the first Irish-born lead performer ever honored by the film academy. Prior to his victory, there had not been a native Irish acting winner in over 30 years nor any from his city of Cork, as the only earlier examples had involved supporting winners and fellow Dubliners Barry Fitzgerald and Brenda Fricker. His historic achievement brings the total number of different countries that have produced acting champs during the last decade to eight.
As has been the case throughout practically all of Oscars history, the United States is by far the dominant birthplace among the 2015-2024 acting winners. Of the group’s 37 unique members, 26 (or 70.3%) originate from there, including newly-crowned victors Emma Stone (“Poor Things”), Robert Downey Jr. (“Oppenheimer”), and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”). Stone is one of three American actors to bag two trophies within the last 10 years,...
As has been the case throughout practically all of Oscars history, the United States is by far the dominant birthplace among the 2015-2024 acting winners. Of the group’s 37 unique members, 26 (or 70.3%) originate from there, including newly-crowned victors Emma Stone (“Poor Things”), Robert Downey Jr. (“Oppenheimer”), and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”). Stone is one of three American actors to bag two trophies within the last 10 years,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Since the Academy Awards were first handed out in 1929, only 23 Oscars have been awarded to performances given by Black actresses and actors. Hattie McDaniel made history for Black performers by winning for “Gone With the Wind” (supporting in 1939), while Sidney Poitier was the first male actor to prevail for “Lilies of the Field” (lead in 1963). Denzel Washington became the first two-time Black acting champion when he claimed victory for “Glory” (supporting in 1989) and “Training Day” (lead in 2001), with Mahershala Ali joining him years later for “Moonlight” (supporting in 2016) and “Green Book” (supporting in 2018). Halle Berry was the first, and so far only, Black Best Actress thanks to “Monster’s Ball” (2001). The acting category with the most Black winners is Best Supporting Actress, with 10 including recent champ Da’Vine Joy Randolph for “The Holdovers” (2023). Tour our photo gallery above of every Black actress and actor who won Academy Awards.
Let’s take a...
Let’s take a...
- 3/11/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Just as Gold Derby predicted, Robert Downey Jr. (“Oppenheimer”) has prevailed at the 2024 Oscars in the category of Best Supporting Actor. Earlier this awards season, the 58-year-old performer, who is perhaps best known for playing Marvel’s “Iron Man,” claimed victory at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, BAFTA and SAG Awards for his role as Rear Admiral Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan‘s biopic about the life of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. This marks Downey’s first career Oscars win; he was previously nominated for “Chaplin” and “Tropic Thunder”.
Downey was the overwhelming favorite to triumph on Sunday, March 10 by all 29 of Gold Derby’s Oscar Experts from major media outlets: Andrea Mandell (People Magazine), Anne Thompson (Indiewire), Brian Truitt (USA Today), Christopher Rosen (Gold Derby), Claudia Puig (Kpcc), Clayton Davis (Variety), Eric Deggans (NPR), Erik Davis (Fandango), Grae Drake (Moviefone), Jazz Tangcay (Variety), Joyce Eng (Gold Derby), Keith Simanton...
Downey was the overwhelming favorite to triumph on Sunday, March 10 by all 29 of Gold Derby’s Oscar Experts from major media outlets: Andrea Mandell (People Magazine), Anne Thompson (Indiewire), Brian Truitt (USA Today), Christopher Rosen (Gold Derby), Claudia Puig (Kpcc), Clayton Davis (Variety), Eric Deggans (NPR), Erik Davis (Fandango), Grae Drake (Moviefone), Jazz Tangcay (Variety), Joyce Eng (Gold Derby), Keith Simanton...
- 3/11/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The 2024 Oscar nominees for Best Actor are Bradley Cooper (“Maestro”), Colman Domingo (“Rustin”), Paul Giamatti (“The Holdovers”), Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”), and Jeffrey Wright (“American Fiction”). Murphy (16/5) is favored to win by our odds, followed in order by Giamatti (18/5), Cooper (9/2), Wright (9/2), and Domingo (9/2).
Whereas last year’s lead male lineup was the first in almost nine decades to consist entirely of Oscars newcomers, this one includes three rookies and two general veterans. Standing alone in having already competed for this specific award is Cooper, who was previously recognized for “Silver Linings Playbook” (2013), “American Sniper” (2015), and “A Star Is Born” (2019). Since he personally helmed both “A Star Is Born” and “Maestro,” he is now the fourth person to direct himself to multiple acting nominations, following Laurence Olivier, Warren Beatty, and Clint Eastwood.
Cooper is concurrently nominated for co-writing the original screenplay for “Maestro” with past winner Josh Singer and is directly involved...
Whereas last year’s lead male lineup was the first in almost nine decades to consist entirely of Oscars newcomers, this one includes three rookies and two general veterans. Standing alone in having already competed for this specific award is Cooper, who was previously recognized for “Silver Linings Playbook” (2013), “American Sniper” (2015), and “A Star Is Born” (2019). Since he personally helmed both “A Star Is Born” and “Maestro,” he is now the fourth person to direct himself to multiple acting nominations, following Laurence Olivier, Warren Beatty, and Clint Eastwood.
Cooper is concurrently nominated for co-writing the original screenplay for “Maestro” with past winner Josh Singer and is directly involved...
- 3/8/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The 2024 Oscar nominees for Best Supporting Actor are Sterling K. Brown (“American Fiction”), Robert De Niro (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), Robert Downey Jr. (“Oppenheimer”), Ryan Gosling (“Barbie”), and Mark Ruffalo (“Poor Things”). Our odds currently show Downey (3/1) triumphing, followed in order of likelihood by Gosling (39/10), Ruffalo (9/2), De Niro (9/2), and Brown (9/2).
At 80, De Niro ranks as the ninth oldest nominee in the history of this category, which was established just six years before he was born. Less than eight years separate him from record holder Christopher Plummer, whose victory at 82 for “Beginners” (2012) would put him solely ahead of De Niro on the winners list. As it happens, De Niro already sits in sixth place among the youngest supporting male champs, having triumphed at 31 on his very first bid for “The Godfather Part II” (1975).
Having also achieved a Best Actor victory for “Raging Bull” (1981), De Niro is indeed the only member...
At 80, De Niro ranks as the ninth oldest nominee in the history of this category, which was established just six years before he was born. Less than eight years separate him from record holder Christopher Plummer, whose victory at 82 for “Beginners” (2012) would put him solely ahead of De Niro on the winners list. As it happens, De Niro already sits in sixth place among the youngest supporting male champs, having triumphed at 31 on his very first bid for “The Godfather Part II” (1975).
Having also achieved a Best Actor victory for “Raging Bull” (1981), De Niro is indeed the only member...
- 3/8/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The songs in the running for the 2024 Best Original Song Oscar are “It Never Went Away” (“American Symphony”), “I’m Just Ken” (“Barbie”), “What Was I Made For?” (“Barbie”), “The Fire Inside” (“Flamin’ Hot”), and “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” (“Killers of the Flower Moon”). Our current odds show that “What Was I Made For?” (31/10)) is favored to win, followed in order by “I’m Just Ken” (37/10), “It Never Went Away” (9/2), “The Fire Inside” (9/2), and “Wahzhazhe” (9/2).
This year’s roster of eight individual songwriters includes two pairs of former winners, each of which is associated with a “Barbie” song. Those who prevailed most recently are sibling duo Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, whose bid for “What Was I Made For?” comes two years after they took the gold for the title tune from the “James Bond” movie “No Time to Die” (2022). They are now set to battle “I’m...
This year’s roster of eight individual songwriters includes two pairs of former winners, each of which is associated with a “Barbie” song. Those who prevailed most recently are sibling duo Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, whose bid for “What Was I Made For?” comes two years after they took the gold for the title tune from the “James Bond” movie “No Time to Die” (2022). They are now set to battle “I’m...
- 3/7/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
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Photo: Oscar Snubs
Happy Awards Season 2021! The biggest night in the film industry, the Academy Awards, is not too far off at this point, with preliminary voting already underway, and the official nominations being announced in just one week. The recent Golden Globes (even with all their internal misfires) gave us a general indication of what kinds of films we should expect to be recognized, with the likes of 'Nomadland', 'Judas and the Black Messiah', 'The Trial of the Chicago 7', 'Minari', and 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' appearing to be early favorites for the major awards. However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts...
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Photo: Oscar Snubs
Happy Awards Season 2021! The biggest night in the film industry, the Academy Awards, is not too far off at this point, with preliminary voting already underway, and the official nominations being announced in just one week. The recent Golden Globes (even with all their internal misfires) gave us a general indication of what kinds of films we should expect to be recognized, with the likes of 'Nomadland', 'Judas and the Black Messiah', 'The Trial of the Chicago 7', 'Minari', and 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' appearing to be early favorites for the major awards. However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts...
- 3/6/2024
- by Patrick Nash
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Emmy and BAFTA nominee Dominique Fishback is set to receive the Culture Certified award at The Creative Collective’s inaugural Creative Class celebration.
The Culture Certified award will honor both established and emerging Black talent and seeks to recognize individuals whose contributions “significantly impact, influence, and shape cultural landscapes at large.” The special award is presented by the Create Collective (Ccnyc) in partnership with Prime Video’s Culture Rated initiative, which champions Black creatives, perspectives, and community across social media, on Prime Video and with in-person events, like CultureCon.
The prize marks the latest accolade for Fishback, who experienced a breakout year in 2023. She earned her first Emmy nomination for her buzzworthy performance as Dre in the Prime Video series “Swarm.” Fishback also earned nods from the Indie Spirit Awards, Gotham Awards, the NAACP Image Awards and more for her transformative work in the psychological comic thriller from co-creators Janine Nabers and Donald Glover.
The Culture Certified award will honor both established and emerging Black talent and seeks to recognize individuals whose contributions “significantly impact, influence, and shape cultural landscapes at large.” The special award is presented by the Create Collective (Ccnyc) in partnership with Prime Video’s Culture Rated initiative, which champions Black creatives, perspectives, and community across social media, on Prime Video and with in-person events, like CultureCon.
The prize marks the latest accolade for Fishback, who experienced a breakout year in 2023. She earned her first Emmy nomination for her buzzworthy performance as Dre in the Prime Video series “Swarm.” Fishback also earned nods from the Indie Spirit Awards, Gotham Awards, the NAACP Image Awards and more for her transformative work in the psychological comic thriller from co-creators Janine Nabers and Donald Glover.
- 2/26/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Charles D. King made history tonight, becoming the first Black producer to accept the PGA Milestone Award. Watch his acceptance speech below.
It’s an award that’s bestowed to producers or production teams that have made historic contributions to the entertainment industry. The Producers Guild’s 2023 recipients were Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy. Other past honorees include Louis B. Mayer, Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock, as well as Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Sherry Lansing, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy, Clint Eastwood, James Cameron and more.
When the Macro founder and boss said that when he first got the news of the honor, “I was a little shocked and surprised. I was without words. I was filled with tremendous gratitude.
“I stand on the shoulders of all the incredible producers, executives, my parents and our ancestors who kicked down doors, made sacrifices and blazed a trail for me to...
It’s an award that’s bestowed to producers or production teams that have made historic contributions to the entertainment industry. The Producers Guild’s 2023 recipients were Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy. Other past honorees include Louis B. Mayer, Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock, as well as Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Sherry Lansing, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy, Clint Eastwood, James Cameron and more.
When the Macro founder and boss said that when he first got the news of the honor, “I was a little shocked and surprised. I was without words. I was filled with tremendous gratitude.
“I stand on the shoulders of all the incredible producers, executives, my parents and our ancestors who kicked down doors, made sacrifices and blazed a trail for me to...
- 2/26/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Fred Topel
- Deadline Film + TV
As of this writing the combined predictions of Gold Derby users lean towards Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer”) with 17/5 odds in this year’s Oscar race for Best Actor. Meanwhile, Paul Giamatti (“The Holdovers”) is close behind in second place with 69/20 odds. However, the former may have more going for him. Here are five reasons why I think Murphy is the favorite.
SEEOscars: Will ‘Oppenheimer’ or ‘Poor Things’ win all three design awards?
1. He’s starring in the Best Picture frontrunner
“Oppenheimer” is expected to be quite a juggernaut on Oscar night. It’s currently predicted to take home eight accolades: Best Picture, Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Score and Best Sound. With that in mind, it’s possible that Murphy could be carried along in the sweep. He’s the face of the whole thing and carries the film on his shoulders.
SEEOscars: Will ‘Oppenheimer’ or ‘Poor Things’ win all three design awards?
1. He’s starring in the Best Picture frontrunner
“Oppenheimer” is expected to be quite a juggernaut on Oscar night. It’s currently predicted to take home eight accolades: Best Picture, Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Score and Best Sound. With that in mind, it’s possible that Murphy could be carried along in the sweep. He’s the face of the whole thing and carries the film on his shoulders.
- 2/22/2024
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Lakeith Stanfield, the Oscar-nominated star of “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Atlanta,” has joined Raoul Peck’s “Ernest Cole: Lost and Found.” The upcoming documentary chronicles the life and work of Ernest Cole, one of the first Black freelance photographers in South Africa, whose early pictures showed Black life under apartheid. They were images that shocked the world.
Stanfield will be the voice of Cole, helping to bring his words to life on screen. Magnolia acquired North American rights from Mk2 Films and is planning a theatrical release for later this year. Peck is an acclaimed filmmaker. His credits include “I Am Not Your Negro,” an Oscar-nominated look at writer and activist James Baldwin, and the HBO documentary miniseries, “Exterminate All the Brutes,” which received a Peabody Award. Magnolia released “I Am Not Your Negro.” Stanfield’s other credits include “Get Out,” “Knives Out” and “Haunted Mansion.”
Cole fled...
Stanfield will be the voice of Cole, helping to bring his words to life on screen. Magnolia acquired North American rights from Mk2 Films and is planning a theatrical release for later this year. Peck is an acclaimed filmmaker. His credits include “I Am Not Your Negro,” an Oscar-nominated look at writer and activist James Baldwin, and the HBO documentary miniseries, “Exterminate All the Brutes,” which received a Peabody Award. Magnolia released “I Am Not Your Negro.” Stanfield’s other credits include “Get Out,” “Knives Out” and “Haunted Mansion.”
Cole fled...
- 2/12/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Update, March 19: Warner Bros. has slated the film for a March 7, 2025 IMAX release.
After a heated bidding war, Warner Bros. won the rights to the latest collaboration from writer-director-producer Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan.
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group’s Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy confirmed the studio landed a deal with the duo for the untitled movie, based on an original script by Coogler. Details about the plot are being kept under wraps, but it has been described as an “original genre film.”
The new movie marks Coogler and Jordan’s fifth collaboration, beginning with “Fruitvale Station” in 2013 and continuing with the “Creed” and “Black Panther” franchises. De Luca and Abdy also have a successful track record with the duo, as they greenlit “Creed III” during their tenure at MGM.
News of the project surfaced last month when it was reported that Coogler and Jordan...
After a heated bidding war, Warner Bros. won the rights to the latest collaboration from writer-director-producer Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan.
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group’s Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy confirmed the studio landed a deal with the duo for the untitled movie, based on an original script by Coogler. Details about the plot are being kept under wraps, but it has been described as an “original genre film.”
The new movie marks Coogler and Jordan’s fifth collaboration, beginning with “Fruitvale Station” in 2013 and continuing with the “Creed” and “Black Panther” franchises. De Luca and Abdy also have a successful track record with the duo, as they greenlit “Creed III” during their tenure at MGM.
News of the project surfaced last month when it was reported that Coogler and Jordan...
- 2/8/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
While innovations in technology have made it easier than ever to make a movie, it has become harder than ever to receive significant financial backing. Doubly hard when one is a director of an underrepresented background.
Black Americans have been a part of the film industry since the beginning, over a century ago, but one could argue that there were not any Black film directors given enough of a platform to become a household name until the 1990s. Though a diverse set of directors were able to breakthrough from that time through the aughts, the shift in focus toward solely blockbuster filmmaking has left many Black filmmakers out to dry.
In recent years, quite a few Black directors have seen a greater level of support and reverence, from “Get Out” director Jordan Peele to “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler, “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins to “Selma” director Ava DuVernay. And every...
Black Americans have been a part of the film industry since the beginning, over a century ago, but one could argue that there were not any Black film directors given enough of a platform to become a household name until the 1990s. Though a diverse set of directors were able to breakthrough from that time through the aughts, the shift in focus toward solely blockbuster filmmaking has left many Black filmmakers out to dry.
In recent years, quite a few Black directors have seen a greater level of support and reverence, from “Get Out” director Jordan Peele to “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler, “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins to “Selma” director Ava DuVernay. And every...
- 2/1/2024
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
It’s a fairly packed month on Hulu this February thanks to the addition of some interesting TV shows from FX and ABC. While the streamer’s own original content is somewhat limited – Life + Beth is returning for season 2 – you can also catch the new series of Feud this month. The new installment in Ryan Murphy’s juicy anthology show is based on the bestseller Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era by Laurence Leamer, and tells the story of Truman Capote’s betrayal and fall-out with New York’s most glamorous socialites. The cast is absolutely stacked, with Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny and Calista Flockhart all swearing delicious revenge on Tom Hollander’s Capote.
Also via Hulu in February comes the third season of Abbott Elementary, along with new episodes of The Connors, The Good Doctor, Will Trent,...
Also via Hulu in February comes the third season of Abbott Elementary, along with new episodes of The Connors, The Good Doctor, Will Trent,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
It’s hardly a secret that viewership of the annual Academy Awards telecast on ABC has been in precipitous decline over the past four years or so in the age of Covid, with a notable but comparatively modest upward bump last year. It was in 2021 that the ratings and audience numbers suffered a massive nosedive in the wake of the coronavirus closing theaters and wreaking havoc with the release schedule, plummeting from 23.6 million viewers on average in 2020 to a scant 10.4 million in 2021. The audience rebounded in 2022 – to 16.6 million – and then a bit more last year, to 18.7 million.
But hope springs eternal this year in the age of “Barbenheimer.” For the first time in some two decades, a genuine box office phenomenon is favored to win Best Picture. In 2004, it was the international blockbuster “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” This time, it’s “Oppenheimer.” Back in...
But hope springs eternal this year in the age of “Barbenheimer.” For the first time in some two decades, a genuine box office phenomenon is favored to win Best Picture. In 2004, it was the international blockbuster “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” This time, it’s “Oppenheimer.” Back in...
- 1/25/2024
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
The 96th Oscars telecast will be broadcast on Sunday, March 10 and air live on ABC at 7:00 p.m. Et/ 4:00 p.m. Pt. We update predictions through awards season, so keep checking IndieWire for all our 2024 Oscar picks.
The State of the Race
As expected, the 2024 Oscar nominations for Best Original Song are mostly artists that own an Oscar statuette (honorary Oscars still count!).
Although “Barbie” had a rougher time elsewhere, it did get its maximum number of nomination slots here, with “Dance the Night” singer Dua Lipa’s loss being a gain for “I’m Just Ken.” Now, the question becomes whether the latter has a chance at the Oscar, or will the longtime frontrunner “What Was I Made For?” ultimately win.
Split votes are never a thing to really count on, the Academy is pretty good at reaching a consensus when a project has multiple nominations within a category,...
The State of the Race
As expected, the 2024 Oscar nominations for Best Original Song are mostly artists that own an Oscar statuette (honorary Oscars still count!).
Although “Barbie” had a rougher time elsewhere, it did get its maximum number of nomination slots here, with “Dance the Night” singer Dua Lipa’s loss being a gain for “I’m Just Ken.” Now, the question becomes whether the latter has a chance at the Oscar, or will the longtime frontrunner “What Was I Made For?” ultimately win.
Split votes are never a thing to really count on, the Academy is pretty good at reaching a consensus when a project has multiple nominations within a category,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
There was no greater surprise at last year’s Cannes Film Festival than Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest.” Glazer, a British avant-garde filmmaker found himself at the center of Oscar buzz for his adaptation of Martin Amis‘ 2014 novel about Rudolf Hoss (Christian Friedel), the commandant of Auschwitz and his wife. The hauntingly quiet film won the Grand Jury Prize. At the heart of the film is Sandra Huller as Hedwig Hoss. Here are five reasons why we think she’ll reap a Best Supporting Actress nomination.
She’s in contention for another film
Huller is the lead in Justine Triet’s Palme D’Or winning courtroom drama, “Anatomy of a Fall” and is expected to number among the five Best Actress nominees. A dozen performers have competed in both the lead and supporting races in the same year. She could be the lucky 13th, as voters who watch...
She’s in contention for another film
Huller is the lead in Justine Triet’s Palme D’Or winning courtroom drama, “Anatomy of a Fall” and is expected to number among the five Best Actress nominees. A dozen performers have competed in both the lead and supporting races in the same year. She could be the lucky 13th, as voters who watch...
- 1/22/2024
- by Nick Bisa
- Gold Derby
Jacob Elordi first came to fam in the 2018 Netflix hit, “The Kissing Booth.” The immense success of the teen romcom spawned two sequels which both achieved #1 on the platform. He followed that up with a role on the HBO Emmy-winning drama “Euphoria.” His sinisterly intoxicating turn as Nate Jacobs left audiences in a steamy conflict between body and mind.
He has supporting roles in two red-hot Oscar contenders this year: “Saltburn” and “Priscilla.” In the former, he plays the object of Barry Keoghan’s character. In the later, he takes on the iconic role of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Sofia Coppola’s film focuses on the marriage between Presley and his teen bride, Priscilla Beaulieu (Cailee Spaeny).
Despite being in the wake of Austin Butler’s Oscar-nominated turn in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” critics raved about Elordi’s performance:
“A jaw-dropping Jacob Elordi [gives] Austin Butler a...
He has supporting roles in two red-hot Oscar contenders this year: “Saltburn” and “Priscilla.” In the former, he plays the object of Barry Keoghan’s character. In the later, he takes on the iconic role of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Sofia Coppola’s film focuses on the marriage between Presley and his teen bride, Priscilla Beaulieu (Cailee Spaeny).
Despite being in the wake of Austin Butler’s Oscar-nominated turn in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” critics raved about Elordi’s performance:
“A jaw-dropping Jacob Elordi [gives] Austin Butler a...
- 1/22/2024
- by Nick Bisa
- Gold Derby
Charles Melton hasn’t had a great week. First, he missed out on the BAFTA longlist for Best Supporting Actor. Then, he was snubbed by the Screen Actors’ Guild Awards in their list of official nominees. The two notable omissions have damaged Melton’s chances of an Oscar nomination for his breakout role in Todd Haynes‘ exquisite “May December.”
The Netflix movie follows Natalie Portman as an actress who visits a couple (Julianne Moore and Melton) to do research on them for a film based on the couple’s past scandal. The scandal in question revolves around the couple’s initial affair, which began when the woman was in her 30s and the boy was only 13. As the man — Joe — Melton delivers one of the most heartbreaking performances of the year. Robert Downey Jr. delivers a drama acting masterclass in “Oppenheimer,” Ryan Gosling delivers a comedy masterclass in “Barbie,” and...
The Netflix movie follows Natalie Portman as an actress who visits a couple (Julianne Moore and Melton) to do research on them for a film based on the couple’s past scandal. The scandal in question revolves around the couple’s initial affair, which began when the woman was in her 30s and the boy was only 13. As the man — Joe — Melton delivers one of the most heartbreaking performances of the year. Robert Downey Jr. delivers a drama acting masterclass in “Oppenheimer,” Ryan Gosling delivers a comedy masterclass in “Barbie,” and...
- 1/19/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
As Andrea Riseborough (“To Leslie”), Penélope Cruz (“Parallel Mothers”), and Lakeith Stanfield (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) have proven in recent years, there is ample precedent for performers to earn Oscar nominations despite snubs at the BAFTA, Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards. Indeed, 18 such instances have occurred since 2002, the first year that all four precursor prizes were preceded by official nominations.
Over the last 22 years, each of the four acting Oscar categories has produced at least three out-of-the-blue bids. However, none of the performers who overcame their four earlier snubs managed to clinch the gold and instead had to settle for being Oscar finalists.
It’s worth noting that Marcia Gay Harden won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Pollock” without any precursor bids, albeit in 2001 when there were no Critics Choice nominations. The four precursor trophies were evenly distributed among her Oscar competitors: Judi Dench, Kate Hudson,...
Over the last 22 years, each of the four acting Oscar categories has produced at least three out-of-the-blue bids. However, none of the performers who overcame their four earlier snubs managed to clinch the gold and instead had to settle for being Oscar finalists.
It’s worth noting that Marcia Gay Harden won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Pollock” without any precursor bids, albeit in 2001 when there were no Critics Choice nominations. The four precursor trophies were evenly distributed among her Oscar competitors: Judi Dench, Kate Hudson,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards gave us our first true surprises of this year’s awards season. Since it is the first major kudos with five-nominee slots in each category, there was a number of snubs in the acting categories, one of whom was Sandra Hüller for “Anatomy of a Fall,” in a sea of exclusions that included Leonardo DiCaprio (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), Mark Ruffalo (“Poor Things”), Andrew Scott (“All of Us Strangers”), Greta Lee (“Past Lives”), Fantasia Barrino (“The Color Purple”), Rosamund Pike (“Saltburn”), America Ferrera (“Barbie”), and the trio of actors from “May December”: Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Melton.
But fear not, they all still have hope yet for receiving recognition from the academy, particularly Hüller, who is the only performance from an international film in the bunch. She plays Sandra Voyter in Justine Triet‘s award-winning film, a woman who tries to...
But fear not, they all still have hope yet for receiving recognition from the academy, particularly Hüller, who is the only performance from an international film in the bunch. She plays Sandra Voyter in Justine Triet‘s award-winning film, a woman who tries to...
- 1/18/2024
- by Christopher Tsang
- Gold Derby
Daniel Kaluuya is only 34; he’s already an Oscar winner— Best Supporting Actor for “Judas and the Black Messiah” in 2020 and a two-time nominee— and in 2021, he was named among the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. And since that Oscar win, we’ve only seen him onscreen once in live-action, 2021’s “Nope,” by Jordan Peele.
Continue reading ‘The Kitchen’: Daniel Kaluuya’s Dystopian Sci-Fi Directorial Debut Debuts Friday On Netflix at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘The Kitchen’: Daniel Kaluuya’s Dystopian Sci-Fi Directorial Debut Debuts Friday On Netflix at The Playlist.
- 1/17/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Lakeith Stanfield has joined Mark Wahlberg on the cast of Shane Black’s crime thriller ‘Play Dirty.’
The adaptation Donald E. Westlake’s Parker novels sees Wahlberg as the hardened professional thief who is, naturally, double-crossed and left for dead. His hunt for revenge, however, brings with it a shot at the biggest heist of his career. But, even with the help of his partner, an actor-slash-con artist named Grofield (Stanfield), he’ll still need to outsmart a South American dictator, the New York mob and the world’s richest man if he hopes to stay alive.
The feature will be directed by Black, who also co-wrote the script with Charles Mondry and Anthony Bagarozzi. Jules Daly and Marc Toberoff are the producers while Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey from Team Downey, along with Black, Mondry, Bagarozzi, and James Skotchdopole are the executive producers. Additionally, Ezra Emanuel is serving as the co-producer.
The adaptation Donald E. Westlake’s Parker novels sees Wahlberg as the hardened professional thief who is, naturally, double-crossed and left for dead. His hunt for revenge, however, brings with it a shot at the biggest heist of his career. But, even with the help of his partner, an actor-slash-con artist named Grofield (Stanfield), he’ll still need to outsmart a South American dictator, the New York mob and the world’s richest man if he hopes to stay alive.
The feature will be directed by Black, who also co-wrote the script with Charles Mondry and Anthony Bagarozzi. Jules Daly and Marc Toberoff are the producers while Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey from Team Downey, along with Black, Mondry, Bagarozzi, and James Skotchdopole are the executive producers. Additionally, Ezra Emanuel is serving as the co-producer.
- 1/17/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Lakeith Stanfield, who is coming off of starring in Jeymes Samuel’s The Book of Clarence, has joined Mark Wahlberg in in Play Dirty, the crime thriller that Shane Black is directing for Amazon MGM Studios.
An adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s Parker novels, the feature stars Wahlberg as the hardened professional thief who is, naturally, double-crossed and left for dead. His hunt for revenge, however, brings with it a shot at the biggest heist of his career. But, per the studio, even with the help of his partner, an actor-slash-con artist named Grofield, he’ll still need to outsmart a South American dictator, the New York mob and the world’s richest man if he hopes to stay alive.
Stanfield will play Grofield, the con artist.
Black, Charles Mondry, and Anthony Bagarozzi wrote the script.
Jules Daly and Marc Toberoff are producing. The project was previously being produced...
An adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s Parker novels, the feature stars Wahlberg as the hardened professional thief who is, naturally, double-crossed and left for dead. His hunt for revenge, however, brings with it a shot at the biggest heist of his career. But, per the studio, even with the help of his partner, an actor-slash-con artist named Grofield, he’ll still need to outsmart a South American dictator, the New York mob and the world’s richest man if he hopes to stay alive.
Stanfield will play Grofield, the con artist.
Black, Charles Mondry, and Anthony Bagarozzi wrote the script.
Jules Daly and Marc Toberoff are producing. The project was previously being produced...
- 1/16/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There is plenty of precedent for performers to still earn Oscar nominations after snubs by the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes and SAG Awards. Last year, Andrea Riseborough became the latest Oscar contender to come out of nowhere when she reaped a Best Actress bid for “To Leslie.”
She joined a roster of 23 other performers who heard their names on Oscar nominations morning despite being repeatedly overlooked earlier in awards season. However, for all of those who overcame these earlier snubs the nomination had to be reward enough as none took home the Oscar.
(Note: Marcia Gay Harden won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Pollock” without any precursor bids. However, that was in 2001, the year before the Critics Choice introduced nominations. Frances McDormand won with that group for both “Almost Famous” and “Wonder Boys,” Kate Hudson took home the Globe for “Almost Famous” and Judi Dench prevailed at SAG for “Chocolat.
She joined a roster of 23 other performers who heard their names on Oscar nominations morning despite being repeatedly overlooked earlier in awards season. However, for all of those who overcame these earlier snubs the nomination had to be reward enough as none took home the Oscar.
(Note: Marcia Gay Harden won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Pollock” without any precursor bids. However, that was in 2001, the year before the Critics Choice introduced nominations. Frances McDormand won with that group for both “Almost Famous” and “Wonder Boys,” Kate Hudson took home the Globe for “Almost Famous” and Judi Dench prevailed at SAG for “Chocolat.
- 1/15/2024
- by Paul Sheehan and Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
All titles below begin streaming for free on January 1 unless otherwise noted:
Originals
Action
Prepare To Die
– 1/13-
A young man trains in the ways of martial arts to seek vengeance on the corrupt landowner who murdered his family.
Documentary
Vice News Presents: Epstein Didn’T Kill Himself
-1/17-
How the mysteries surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s life and death gave rise to a conspiracy theory that will never die.
Gone Before His Time: Kobe Bryant
-1/26-
Recount the achievements – some personal, some professional, and many halted – of an NBA legend before his untimely death.
TMZ No Bs: Hollywood’S Dumbest Moments
-1/31-
Join TMZ as they examine baffling & cringe worthy celebrity moments – Hollywood stars aren’t always the sharpest tools in the shed.
Horror
Where The Devil Roams
-1/5-
A family of murderous sideshow performers traverse the harsh conditions of Depression-era America in a bloody deal with the Devil.
Originals
Action
Prepare To Die
– 1/13-
A young man trains in the ways of martial arts to seek vengeance on the corrupt landowner who murdered his family.
Documentary
Vice News Presents: Epstein Didn’T Kill Himself
-1/17-
How the mysteries surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s life and death gave rise to a conspiracy theory that will never die.
Gone Before His Time: Kobe Bryant
-1/26-
Recount the achievements – some personal, some professional, and many halted – of an NBA legend before his untimely death.
TMZ No Bs: Hollywood’S Dumbest Moments
-1/31-
Join TMZ as they examine baffling & cringe worthy celebrity moments – Hollywood stars aren’t always the sharpest tools in the shed.
Horror
Where The Devil Roams
-1/5-
A family of murderous sideshow performers traverse the harsh conditions of Depression-era America in a bloody deal with the Devil.
- 1/12/2024
- by Stephen Nepa
- Age of the Nerd
Ever since “The Holdovers” premiered at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival, 21-year-old Dominic Sessa has steadily attracted heaps of praise for his debut performance as one of its central characters. Despite earning recognition from some critics groups, he now unfortunately sits as a BAFTA longlist contender with no other key industry precursor bids. However, there is plenty of precedent for performers to still earn Oscar nominations after snubs by the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes and SAG Awards.
Below, we list the 24 performers who pulled off Oscar nominations surprises after being overlooked earlier in awards season. However, for all of those who overcame these earlier snubs the nomination had to be reward enough as none took home the Oscar. Andrea Riseborough (“To Leslie”) is the latest addition to this list for her Best Actress bid last year.
(Note: Marcia Gay Harden won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Pollock” without any precursor bids.
Below, we list the 24 performers who pulled off Oscar nominations surprises after being overlooked earlier in awards season. However, for all of those who overcame these earlier snubs the nomination had to be reward enough as none took home the Oscar. Andrea Riseborough (“To Leslie”) is the latest addition to this list for her Best Actress bid last year.
(Note: Marcia Gay Harden won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Pollock” without any precursor bids.
- 1/11/2024
- by Paul Sheehan and Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The winter holiday season can be a lucrative one at the box office, but this year's was on uncertain ground. 2021 brought us "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and 2022 brought us "Avatar: The Way of Water," both of which now rank amongst the highest-grossing movies in history. 2023 has no such clear-cut smash hit, with "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" ultimately disappointing in its opening frame. Luckily, another Warner Bros. movie has emerged to provide the Christmas box office with a much-needed jolt: "The Color Purple."
Directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, the musical adaptation of the classic book of the same name lit up the charts on Christmas Day, taking in a massive $18.1 million, per The Numbers. That made it easily the number one movie of the holiday ahead of "The Lost Kingdom" ($10.6 million) and "Wonka" ($10.3 million). Interestingly, all three of these are Warner Bros. releases.
Circling back to the movie at hand,...
Directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, the musical adaptation of the classic book of the same name lit up the charts on Christmas Day, taking in a massive $18.1 million, per The Numbers. That made it easily the number one movie of the holiday ahead of "The Lost Kingdom" ($10.6 million) and "Wonka" ($10.3 million). Interestingly, all three of these are Warner Bros. releases.
Circling back to the movie at hand,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Every year, Christmas comes along to bring a big new release or two to the box office. Often, it's a major awards season contender. Other times, it's a big-budget tentpole from a studio looking to capitalize on the holiday window. In some cases, it's both. "The Color Purple" firmly falls into the "both" category as it is unquestionably a movie that Warner Bros. wants in the Oscar conversation, but also one they spent a great deal of money on. So, can the movie become the big Christmas season hit the studio is banking on?
Directed by Blitz Bazawule ("Black Is King"), the big-budget musical opens on Christmas Day this year, which falls on a Monday. It will be facing quite a bit of competition as "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" (also a Warner Bros. release) opens on December 22, with A24's "The Iron Claw," Illumination's animated "Migration," and Sony's...
Directed by Blitz Bazawule ("Black Is King"), the big-budget musical opens on Christmas Day this year, which falls on a Monday. It will be facing quite a bit of competition as "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" (also a Warner Bros. release) opens on December 22, with A24's "The Iron Claw," Illumination's animated "Migration," and Sony's...
- 12/21/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Netflix’s “Maestro” is out on the streaming service this Christmas and the period film will surely delight film lovers and movie fans alike. Bradley Cooper‘s Leonard Bernstein film isn’t an ordinary biopic as it dispenses the tired cradle-to-grave true story trope to focus entirely on Bernstein’s marriage to Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). The film spans decades including the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and each part of the film is made in the style of filmmaking used in said period. This makes for a wonderfully visual spectacle with the sets, costumes, and hair and makeup all some of the best work in each area of filmmaking. Add to that excellent acting from Cooper and Mulligan as well as top-tier directing, cinematography, and editing and you’ve got an Oscars hopeful that could reap bids in multiple categories. Let’s break it down.
Best Picture
Cooper is a...
Best Picture
Cooper is a...
- 12/20/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced that their 2024 Milestone Award would go to Charles D. King, founder and CEO of MacRo, for his contributions to the film industry. The “They Cloned Tyrone” producer will accept the award at the 35th annual Producers Guild Awards on Sunday, February 25.
Past recipients of the Milestone Award, meant to recognize producers or production teams that have made historic contributions to the entertainment industry, include 2023 recipients Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, the current co-CEOs of Warner Bros., as well as Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Sherry Lansing, Clint Eastwood, James Cameron, George Lucas, and Kathleen Kennedy, and Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Its legacy goes far enough back to also include Hollywood legends Louis B. Mayer, Walt Disney, and Alfred Hitchcock as past recipients.
“Charles King’s achievements in our industry are undeniable whether as an agent representing important voices or as the...
Past recipients of the Milestone Award, meant to recognize producers or production teams that have made historic contributions to the entertainment industry, include 2023 recipients Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, the current co-CEOs of Warner Bros., as well as Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Sherry Lansing, Clint Eastwood, James Cameron, George Lucas, and Kathleen Kennedy, and Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Its legacy goes far enough back to also include Hollywood legends Louis B. Mayer, Walt Disney, and Alfred Hitchcock as past recipients.
“Charles King’s achievements in our industry are undeniable whether as an agent representing important voices or as the...
- 12/19/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Trailblazing industry producer, financier earned historic Oscar nod for Judas And The Black Messiah.
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) will honour Macro CEO Charles D. King with the 2024 Milestone Award “for his immeasurable contribution to the film industry” at the 35th Annual Producers Guild Awards on February 25, 2024.
The Milestone Award recognises producers or production teams that have made historic contributions to the entertainment industry. Warner Bros picture group co-heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy received the award this year, and prior recipients include James Cameron, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, and Alfred Hitchcock.
As a producer and financier,...
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) will honour Macro CEO Charles D. King with the 2024 Milestone Award “for his immeasurable contribution to the film industry” at the 35th Annual Producers Guild Awards on February 25, 2024.
The Milestone Award recognises producers or production teams that have made historic contributions to the entertainment industry. Warner Bros picture group co-heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy received the award this year, and prior recipients include James Cameron, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, and Alfred Hitchcock.
As a producer and financier,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Annette Bening, who recently starred in Netflix’s biopic “Nyad,” will receive a special Golden Medallion tribute award from the Telluride Film Festival on Jan. 6, 2024. Meg Ryan will present the award to her at Netflix’s Tudum Theater in Los Angeles. The event will also feature a conversation focused on her career trajectory, which Bening’s “Nyad” co-star Jodie Foster will moderate.
Due to the actors strike, Bening was unable to accept the honor at the Telluride Film Festival in September, marking the first time Telluride has presented an honor outside of the dates of the festival. Previous Golden Medallion recipients include Cate Blanchett, Anthony Hopkins and Kate Winslet.
Bening was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for portraying Diana Nyad. She has also received Oscar nominations for “The Grifters,” “American Beauty,” “Being Julia” and “The Kids Are All Right.”
Charles D. King to Receive Milestone Award at 2024 Producers Guild...
Due to the actors strike, Bening was unable to accept the honor at the Telluride Film Festival in September, marking the first time Telluride has presented an honor outside of the dates of the festival. Previous Golden Medallion recipients include Cate Blanchett, Anthony Hopkins and Kate Winslet.
Bening was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for portraying Diana Nyad. She has also received Oscar nominations for “The Grifters,” “American Beauty,” “Being Julia” and “The Kids Are All Right.”
Charles D. King to Receive Milestone Award at 2024 Producers Guild...
- 12/19/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Valerie Wu, Jaden Thompson and Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
The Producers Guild of America will honor film producer Charles D. King with the Milestone Award at the 2024 PGA Awards.
King will accept the accolade, which is the PGA’s most prestigious honor, at the 35th annual awards show on Feb. 25.
The award recognizes producers or production teams that have made historic contributions to the entertainment industry. Early recipients of the Milestone Award include Hollywood legends Louis B. Mayer, Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock, as well as contemporary innovators Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Sherry Lansing, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy, Clint Eastwood, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, and James Cameron. The PGA most recently honored Warner Bros. Picture Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy with the award in 2023.
King is the founder and CEO of MacRo, a multiplatform media company representing the voices and perspectives of Black people, indigenous people, and people of color. The company...
King will accept the accolade, which is the PGA’s most prestigious honor, at the 35th annual awards show on Feb. 25.
The award recognizes producers or production teams that have made historic contributions to the entertainment industry. Early recipients of the Milestone Award include Hollywood legends Louis B. Mayer, Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock, as well as contemporary innovators Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Sherry Lansing, George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy, Clint Eastwood, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, and James Cameron. The PGA most recently honored Warner Bros. Picture Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy with the award in 2023.
King is the founder and CEO of MacRo, a multiplatform media company representing the voices and perspectives of Black people, indigenous people, and people of color. The company...
- 12/19/2023
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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