The Park: "XYZ Films is proud to announce that they will be releasing Shal Ngo's dystopian thriller The Park on North American VOD March 2nd. A tale of apocalyptic adventure and survival set within a long-abandoned amusement park, the thriller, which occurs in a world without adults, stars an amazing ensemble of young talent.
Filmmaker Shal Ngo's feature debut is a thrilling, dark journey through a dystopian world where children rule - and life is fleeting.
When a mysterious virus starts killing all adults, society is left to be governed by children living on borrowed time. After the adult population is wiped out, rival kids battle for control of an abandoned theme park. Danger lurks around every corner, and they must do whatever it takes to survive their hellish Neverland.
James Emanuel Shapiro, XYZ Films' Executive Vice President of U.S. Distribution, notes, "The Park is one of the...
Filmmaker Shal Ngo's feature debut is a thrilling, dark journey through a dystopian world where children rule - and life is fleeting.
When a mysterious virus starts killing all adults, society is left to be governed by children living on borrowed time. After the adult population is wiped out, rival kids battle for control of an abandoned theme park. Danger lurks around every corner, and they must do whatever it takes to survive their hellish Neverland.
James Emanuel Shapiro, XYZ Films' Executive Vice President of U.S. Distribution, notes, "The Park is one of the...
- 2/10/2023
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Exclusive: Renowned documentarian Lisa Cortés has entered into a first-look development agreement with the Museum of the City of New York, the goal being to hone documentary IP based on the museum’s exhibitions.
News of the deal — initiated by producer Jon Sechrist — follows the Sundance world premiere of Cortés’ latest critically acclaimed feature doc, Little Richard: I Am Everything, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize in U.S. Documentary Competition and sold to Magnolia Pictures.
Cortés will now look to build a creative pipeline from McNy’s 100 years of exhibitions to the screen, with plans for projects on food, social justice, music, and more. The first being made under the deal is a docuseries based on Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off, an exhibition inviting bakers from every borough to design New York City-inspired gingerbread creations.
Cortés will develop and produce all projects through her New York-based production company Cortés Filmworks,...
News of the deal — initiated by producer Jon Sechrist — follows the Sundance world premiere of Cortés’ latest critically acclaimed feature doc, Little Richard: I Am Everything, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize in U.S. Documentary Competition and sold to Magnolia Pictures.
Cortés will now look to build a creative pipeline from McNy’s 100 years of exhibitions to the screen, with plans for projects on food, social justice, music, and more. The first being made under the deal is a docuseries based on Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off, an exhibition inviting bakers from every borough to design New York City-inspired gingerbread creations.
Cortés will develop and produce all projects through her New York-based production company Cortés Filmworks,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Abramorama and Roco Films have co-acquired U.S. distribution rights to Cynthia Lowen’s abortion documentary “Battleground.” The film premiered in the documentary competition category at the Tribeca Festival in June. The doc follows three women in charge of anti-abortion organizations devoted to overturning Roe v. Wade.
Abramorama and Roco Films will co-release “Battleground” in hundreds of theaters across the country beginning Oct. 7 for an official Academy Award qualifying run. The film will also be simultaneously released in schools, non-profit spaces and corporate board rooms, both in-person and virtually. In addition, impact agencies Together Films and Red Owl will deliver a comprehensive national impact campaign alongside the release.
The doc is timely given the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June, effectively striking down the ruling that has guaranteed basic abortion rights in the U.S. since 1973.
“We are at a profound turning point in American...
Abramorama and Roco Films will co-release “Battleground” in hundreds of theaters across the country beginning Oct. 7 for an official Academy Award qualifying run. The film will also be simultaneously released in schools, non-profit spaces and corporate board rooms, both in-person and virtually. In addition, impact agencies Together Films and Red Owl will deliver a comprehensive national impact campaign alongside the release.
The doc is timely given the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June, effectively striking down the ruling that has guaranteed basic abortion rights in the U.S. since 1973.
“We are at a profound turning point in American...
- 8/29/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Beanie Mania filmmaker Yemisi Brookes, documentarian-cinematographer Christopher Frierson (Dmx: Don’t Try to Understand), director-producer Lisa Cortés (All In: The Fight For Democracy), directors Morgan Pehme and Dan Dimauro (Get Me Roger Stone), Mark Laita’s YouTube channel Soft White Underbelly and The Speed Cubers filmmaker Sue Kim have signed with Black Box Management for representation.
As it announces its new signings, Black Box has two client projects at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival: the documentary TikTok, Boom from director Shalini Kantayya, which looks at the rise and cultural influence of the ubiquitous social media app, and John Patton Ford’s thriller Emily the Criminal, starring Aubrey Plaza.
“These new signs are part of the continued expansion of the Black Box family. From the start we have always been drawn to artists and creators who are disruptive and have something new to say,” said Black Box founders Mike Dill and Lowell Shapiro in a joint statement.
As it announces its new signings, Black Box has two client projects at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival: the documentary TikTok, Boom from director Shalini Kantayya, which looks at the rise and cultural influence of the ubiquitous social media app, and John Patton Ford’s thriller Emily the Criminal, starring Aubrey Plaza.
“These new signs are part of the continued expansion of the Black Box family. From the start we have always been drawn to artists and creators who are disruptive and have something new to say,” said Black Box founders Mike Dill and Lowell Shapiro in a joint statement.
- 1/25/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Documentaries are front and center at this year’s Telluride Film Festival, far more than usual, with 18 new releases in the main program (not classics) and a total of four from NatGeo Documentary Films. How did that happen? NatGeo is no stranger to quality nonfiction, from Oscar, BAFTA, and Emmy-winning “Free Solo” to Oscar-nominated Syria-under-siege documentary “The Cave.”
For one thing, one of the films booked for last year’s canceled festival is in the 2021 selection, as Tff co-director Julie Huntsinger welcomed rookie filmmaker Max Lowe back with “Torn,” the true story of a family hit hard by the loss of his father, legendary mountaineer Alex Lowe, killed in a Tibet avalanche in 1999.
Much like Bing Liu’s Oscar-winning “Minding the Gap,” “Torn” explores untapped emotions as Lowe seeks answers to complex and uncharted family dynamics, helped by his younger brothers, his mother, and her second husband, his father’s mountain partner,...
For one thing, one of the films booked for last year’s canceled festival is in the 2021 selection, as Tff co-director Julie Huntsinger welcomed rookie filmmaker Max Lowe back with “Torn,” the true story of a family hit hard by the loss of his father, legendary mountaineer Alex Lowe, killed in a Tibet avalanche in 1999.
Much like Bing Liu’s Oscar-winning “Minding the Gap,” “Torn” explores untapped emotions as Lowe seeks answers to complex and uncharted family dynamics, helped by his younger brothers, his mother, and her second husband, his father’s mountain partner,...
- 9/1/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Stacey Abrams just picked up a Primetime Emmy nomination for her voice-over performance on ABC’s “Black-ish” election special. Abrams made her appearance in an episode of the series last fall in an animated special.
In the two-part episode, which aired on October 4, Dre (played by Emmy nominee Anthony Anderson) begins to explore local politics and seeks advice from Abrams, who plays herself. “Election Special Pt. 1” and “Election Special Pt. 2” follows the Johnsons as they navigated the democratic process of voting during an election.
Abrams is a voting rights activist and New York Times bestselling author who produced the award-winning documentary “All In: The Fight for Democracy,” which was shortlisted for an Academy Award in the documentary feature category. The documentary was a call to action not just from Abrams but from the filmmakers Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortes to mobilize communities through a grassroots campaign to get voters out...
In the two-part episode, which aired on October 4, Dre (played by Emmy nominee Anthony Anderson) begins to explore local politics and seeks advice from Abrams, who plays herself. “Election Special Pt. 1” and “Election Special Pt. 2” follows the Johnsons as they navigated the democratic process of voting during an election.
Abrams is a voting rights activist and New York Times bestselling author who produced the award-winning documentary “All In: The Fight for Democracy,” which was shortlisted for an Academy Award in the documentary feature category. The documentary was a call to action not just from Abrams but from the filmmakers Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortes to mobilize communities through a grassroots campaign to get voters out...
- 7/13/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
In a year when Covid-19 forced so many in-person political gatherings to become made-for-tv virtual moments, it’s perhaps not much of a surprise that the Emmys would recognize one of them: a special to commemorate Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Celebrating America: An Inauguration Night Special, which was hosted by Tom Hanks, was nominated in the Variety Special category, along with the Grammys, the Oscars, the Super Bowl Halftime Show and Stephen Colbert’s Election Night special on Showtime. The inaugural special also garnered a nomination for music direction, and Colbert’s special also was nominated in the writing and production design categories.
An Inauguration Night Special was produced by Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss’s White Cherry Entertainment. They also produced and directed the Democratic National Convention, though that weeklong event, almost all virtual, didn’t get a nomination for Nonfiction Special or Series even though organizers were talking up the possibility.
Celebrating America: An Inauguration Night Special, which was hosted by Tom Hanks, was nominated in the Variety Special category, along with the Grammys, the Oscars, the Super Bowl Halftime Show and Stephen Colbert’s Election Night special on Showtime. The inaugural special also garnered a nomination for music direction, and Colbert’s special also was nominated in the writing and production design categories.
An Inauguration Night Special was produced by Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss’s White Cherry Entertainment. They also produced and directed the Democratic National Convention, though that weeklong event, almost all virtual, didn’t get a nomination for Nonfiction Special or Series even though organizers were talking up the possibility.
- 7/13/2021
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: Do not read if you have not yet watched “We the People,” streaming now on Netflix.
“We the People,” doesn’t just teach civics, it also mixes music and animation as storytelling devices to get its message across to adults and kids alike.
Each of the 10 episodes of the series created by Chris Nee and also executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama clock in at under five minutes but still manage to cover everything from the electoral system to taxes to Federal vs. State Power. Each also features an original song featuring new music from H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, Brandi Carlile, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Lambert, Cordae, Bebe Rexha, Kyle and Andra Day. One even includes poet Amanda Gorman.
The songs are a call to action, allowing audiences to connect through the power of music, but also the message. Each episode has its own unique sound and music working...
“We the People,” doesn’t just teach civics, it also mixes music and animation as storytelling devices to get its message across to adults and kids alike.
Each of the 10 episodes of the series created by Chris Nee and also executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama clock in at under five minutes but still manage to cover everything from the electoral system to taxes to Federal vs. State Power. Each also features an original song featuring new music from H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, Brandi Carlile, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Lambert, Cordae, Bebe Rexha, Kyle and Andra Day. One even includes poet Amanda Gorman.
The songs are a call to action, allowing audiences to connect through the power of music, but also the message. Each episode has its own unique sound and music working...
- 7/4/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Janelle Monaé has dropped a new single, “Stronger,” from the new animated Netflix series We the People.
The 10-episode show, which was produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, debuts July 4th and centers on civic engagement. The episodes will include musicians like Monaé, H.E.R., Andra Day, Brandi Carlile, and Adam Lambert teaching viewers in song, which the singer evokes in her new track.
“Even when we struggle and we get kicked down/We pick each other up with a little polish,” Monaé sings. “All of my friends want a legacy...
The 10-episode show, which was produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, debuts July 4th and centers on civic engagement. The episodes will include musicians like Monaé, H.E.R., Andra Day, Brandi Carlile, and Adam Lambert teaching viewers in song, which the singer evokes in her new track.
“Even when we struggle and we get kicked down/We pick each other up with a little polish,” Monaé sings. “All of my friends want a legacy...
- 7/2/2021
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
More than a dozen of music’s biggest stars, from Beyoncé to H.E.R., would love an Emmy to add to their award shelves.
A Variety review of the 535 entries throughout the Television Academy’s seven music categories reveals a surprising number of A-list singers, songwriters and music directors apparently eager for TV’s top honor. Among them:
H.E.R. (with Josiah Bassey) is entered for original song for “Hold Us Together” from the Disney Plus movie “Safety.” She won the Oscar earlier this year and already has four Grammys, so an Emmy win would put her three-fourths of the way to a fabled Egot. Beyoncé is entered for music direction and original song (both with Derek Dixie) for “Black Is King,” her musical film companion to “The Lion King” (also on Disney Plus). The song “Black Parade” won her a Grammy earlier this year for best R&b performance.
A Variety review of the 535 entries throughout the Television Academy’s seven music categories reveals a surprising number of A-list singers, songwriters and music directors apparently eager for TV’s top honor. Among them:
H.E.R. (with Josiah Bassey) is entered for original song for “Hold Us Together” from the Disney Plus movie “Safety.” She won the Oscar earlier this year and already has four Grammys, so an Emmy win would put her three-fourths of the way to a fabled Egot. Beyoncé is entered for music direction and original song (both with Derek Dixie) for “Black Is King,” her musical film companion to “The Lion King” (also on Disney Plus). The song “Black Parade” won her a Grammy earlier this year for best R&b performance.
- 6/22/2021
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
The Television Academy is making a small, but meaningful change in how it recognizes gender-nonbinary performers in the Emmy competition. Effective immediately, nominees and/or winners in any performer category can request that their nomination certificate and Emmy statuette carry the term “performer” in place of “actor” or actress.”
The org isn’t abolishing its actor, actress, supporting actor or supporting actress categories, but it is acknowledging that “no performer category titled ‘actor’ or ‘actress’ has ever had a gender requirement for submissions.”
The move comes several years after “Billions” star Asia Kate Dillon, the first gender-nonbinary performer to play a nonbinary character on a major TV show, first asked the TV Academy in 2017 to clarify its gender distinctions. Ultimately, Dillon asked to be entered into the “supporting actor” category at the Emmys.
Last year, in an open letter to the SAG Awards, Dillon asked that kudocast to also drop its gendered acting categories,...
The org isn’t abolishing its actor, actress, supporting actor or supporting actress categories, but it is acknowledging that “no performer category titled ‘actor’ or ‘actress’ has ever had a gender requirement for submissions.”
The move comes several years after “Billions” star Asia Kate Dillon, the first gender-nonbinary performer to play a nonbinary character on a major TV show, first asked the TV Academy in 2017 to clarify its gender distinctions. Ultimately, Dillon asked to be entered into the “supporting actor” category at the Emmys.
Last year, in an open letter to the SAG Awards, Dillon asked that kudocast to also drop its gendered acting categories,...
- 6/21/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Stacey Abrams hinted at future political office (no surprise) defended a compromise on the voting rights bill “because we need to make progress” and said of Juneteeth: “It’s important that we remember that this isn’t a celebration about the end of slavery alone, it is about justice delayed and nearly denied.”
“I say this having been one before and possibly one again – as politicians, our tendency is to say that a vote leads to instant action,” she said in a wide raging interview with Robin Roberts as she accepted the Tribeca Festival’s inaugural Harry Belafonte Voices For Social Justice Award Saturday, only a few days after President Biden signed a law making it a national holiday.
Juneteeth started with the freed slaves of Galveston, Texas in 1865, although the Emancipation Proclamation had already freed the slaves in the South in 1863.
“It’s important that we remember that this...
“I say this having been one before and possibly one again – as politicians, our tendency is to say that a vote leads to instant action,” she said in a wide raging interview with Robin Roberts as she accepted the Tribeca Festival’s inaugural Harry Belafonte Voices For Social Justice Award Saturday, only a few days after President Biden signed a law making it a national holiday.
Juneteeth started with the freed slaves of Galveston, Texas in 1865, although the Emancipation Proclamation had already freed the slaves in the South in 1863.
“It’s important that we remember that this...
- 6/19/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Like the tides, the right to vote has ebbed and flowed dating back to Reconstruction in the wake of the Civil War. Stacey Abrams — one of the Democratic party’s brightest stars who was key in turning Georgia blue in the 2020 presidential election and the key subject of Lisa Cortés and Liz Garbus’s documentary, All In: The Fight for Democracy — would be the first to tell you that the fight is ongoing. The gains she and disenfranchised voters made last November were quickly followed by onerous restrictions enacted in more than a dozen states.
“Ultimately, in moviemaking terms, it’s like ...
“Ultimately, in moviemaking terms, it’s like ...
- 6/18/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Like the tides, the right to vote has ebbed and flowed dating back to Reconstruction in the wake of the Civil War. Stacey Abrams — one of the Democratic party’s brightest stars who was key in turning Georgia blue in the 2020 presidential election and the key subject of Lisa Cortés and Liz Garbus’s documentary, All In: The Fight for Democracy — would be the first to tell you that the fight is ongoing. The gains she and disenfranchised voters made last November were quickly followed by onerous restrictions enacted in more than a dozen states.
“Ultimately, in moviemaking terms, it’s like ...
“Ultimately, in moviemaking terms, it’s like ...
- 6/18/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Remember when National Geographic’s “Free Solo” won the Academy Award for documentary in 2018 and then went on to win six Emmys, including directing for a documentary/nonfiction program? Or when ESPN’s “O.J.: Made in America” did the same thing in 2016?
The loophole that allowed docs to somehow compete in both Oscars and Emmys was always a bit bizarre. It couldn’t happen in scripted, where the rules have been ironclad: If you were released theatrically first, you’re a movie; if you’re on television, you’re, well, TV.
In documentary, though, it’s often TV outlets such as HBO, PBS or Nat Geo commissioning and funding the projects to air on their networks — making them, arguably, TV projects. But if they’re screened in theaters, the Oscars can claim them too. “Why a television documentary is eligible for AMPAS’ feature awards is a question for AMPAS,” the...
The loophole that allowed docs to somehow compete in both Oscars and Emmys was always a bit bizarre. It couldn’t happen in scripted, where the rules have been ironclad: If you were released theatrically first, you’re a movie; if you’re on television, you’re, well, TV.
In documentary, though, it’s often TV outlets such as HBO, PBS or Nat Geo commissioning and funding the projects to air on their networks — making them, arguably, TV projects. But if they’re screened in theaters, the Oscars can claim them too. “Why a television documentary is eligible for AMPAS’ feature awards is a question for AMPAS,” the...
- 6/17/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Spoiler Alert: Do not read if you have not yet watched the Season 4 finale of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” streaming now on Hulu.
Writer, producer and director Liz Garbus is adamantly opposed to the death penalty, something she has explored in such documentaries as “The Execution of Wanda Jean” dating back to 2002. Yet, for her scripted television directorial debut, the fourth season finale of Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” she delivers an episode that carries out such a sentence.
While the idea “does go against a larger principle I have,” Garbus tells Variety, “they’re very different situations.”
Certainly the biggest difference is that “The Handmaid’s Tale” is fictional — and fantastical in some ways — and was not setting out to validate such retribution for a crime. In the episode, entitled “The Wilderness,” former Gilead Commander Fred (Joseph Fiennes) cuts a deal to turn over secrets about how that new “government” works...
Writer, producer and director Liz Garbus is adamantly opposed to the death penalty, something she has explored in such documentaries as “The Execution of Wanda Jean” dating back to 2002. Yet, for her scripted television directorial debut, the fourth season finale of Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” she delivers an episode that carries out such a sentence.
While the idea “does go against a larger principle I have,” Garbus tells Variety, “they’re very different situations.”
Certainly the biggest difference is that “The Handmaid’s Tale” is fictional — and fantastical in some ways — and was not setting out to validate such retribution for a crime. In the episode, entitled “The Wilderness,” former Gilead Commander Fred (Joseph Fiennes) cuts a deal to turn over secrets about how that new “government” works...
- 6/16/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Some of the documentary features vying for 2021 Emmys may seem familiar. That’s because a bunch of them pushed through the ultra-long Oscar season last year, and some landed on the Oscar shortlist of 15, only to be left off the final five nominations. Last year’s revised Emmy rules dictate that no Oscar nominees will be chasing one of two Primetime Emmy Award categories for features, Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special or Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking. That’s why you can count out of the Emmy running the Oscar-winning “My Octopus Teacher” (Netflix) and four nominees “Collective” (Magnolia), “Time” (Amazon), “Crip Camp” (Netflix), and “The Mole Agent” (Gravitas Ventures).
Last year, the Television Academy forged a stronger divide between the Emmy Awards and the Oscars to clear up some of the confusion that has reigned as movies have double-dipped from one to the other. The Academy has done its...
Last year, the Television Academy forged a stronger divide between the Emmy Awards and the Oscars to clear up some of the confusion that has reigned as movies have double-dipped from one to the other. The Academy has done its...
- 6/14/2021
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Stacey Abrams has been tapped to receive the inaugural Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice award as part of the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival.
The new award named for Belafonte — the Emmy-winning actor, activist and civil rights leader — is intended to recognize individuals who have used storytelling and the arts to enact change in their communities.
Abrams, in addition to her work as a politician and voting rights activist, also produced last year’s gripping documentary “All In: The Fight for Democracy,” which illuminated America’s history of voter suppression. As such, Tribeca announced that Abrams will be honored for her “outstanding leadership, service and commitment to fighting against injustices through her work as a political leader, voting rights activist and novelist.”
“We are proud to salute the brilliant and inspiring actor, activist and friend, Harry Belafonte with this award created in his honor,’” said Tribeca Chief Content Officer, Paula Weinstein.
The new award named for Belafonte — the Emmy-winning actor, activist and civil rights leader — is intended to recognize individuals who have used storytelling and the arts to enact change in their communities.
Abrams, in addition to her work as a politician and voting rights activist, also produced last year’s gripping documentary “All In: The Fight for Democracy,” which illuminated America’s history of voter suppression. As such, Tribeca announced that Abrams will be honored for her “outstanding leadership, service and commitment to fighting against injustices through her work as a political leader, voting rights activist and novelist.”
“We are proud to salute the brilliant and inspiring actor, activist and friend, Harry Belafonte with this award created in his honor,’” said Tribeca Chief Content Officer, Paula Weinstein.
- 5/13/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘I May Destroy You,’ ‘Small Axe,’ Stephen Colbert Among Peabody Awards 2021 Nominations
“I May Destroy You,” “Small Axe,” “Ted Lasso,” “The Good Lord Bird” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” are among this year’s entertainment nominees for the Peabody Awards.
The Peabody Awards Board of Jurors on Tuesday announced this year’s nominees for entertainment, documentaries, news, podcast/radio, children’s & youth, public service and arts. A total of 60 nominees were revealed as representing “the most compelling and empowering stories released in broadcasting and streaming media during 2020.”
PBS once again led the nominations with 12 programs, followed by Netflix with nine. HBO was next with five, and then Amazon and Showtime with three each, and Apple TV Plus and CBS with two apiece. Out of the nominees, half will be named winners and recognized during a virtual celebration in June.
A unanimous vote by the Peabody Awards Board’s 19 jurors is necessary to include on the final lists, which is how...
The Peabody Awards Board of Jurors on Tuesday announced this year’s nominees for entertainment, documentaries, news, podcast/radio, children’s & youth, public service and arts. A total of 60 nominees were revealed as representing “the most compelling and empowering stories released in broadcasting and streaming media during 2020.”
PBS once again led the nominations with 12 programs, followed by Netflix with nine. HBO was next with five, and then Amazon and Showtime with three each, and Apple TV Plus and CBS with two apiece. Out of the nominees, half will be named winners and recognized during a virtual celebration in June.
A unanimous vote by the Peabody Awards Board’s 19 jurors is necessary to include on the final lists, which is how...
- 5/4/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Peabody Awards Board of Jurors announced this year’s crop of nominees today, singling out 60 stories from more than 1,300 submissions for its prestigious award honoring broadcasting and streaming media during 2020. The Peabody Awards recognize the finest work produced for television, podcasts/radio and the web in entertainment, news, documentary, arts, children’s/youth, public service and multimedia programming.
“During an incredibly turbulent and difficult year, these nominees rose to the occasion and delivered compelling and empowering stories,” said chair of the Peabody Board of Jurors Martha Nelson. “From Covid-19 coverage to poignant explorations of identity, each nominee not only told a powerful story but also made a significant impact on media programming and the cultural landscape. We’re thrilled to recognize their outstanding and inspiring work.”
Perhaps unsurprising given the landscape of the last 18 months, the Peabody honorees skewed more heavily towards news programs, with only 10 Entertainment selections, as...
“During an incredibly turbulent and difficult year, these nominees rose to the occasion and delivered compelling and empowering stories,” said chair of the Peabody Board of Jurors Martha Nelson. “From Covid-19 coverage to poignant explorations of identity, each nominee not only told a powerful story but also made a significant impact on media programming and the cultural landscape. We’re thrilled to recognize their outstanding and inspiring work.”
Perhaps unsurprising given the landscape of the last 18 months, the Peabody honorees skewed more heavily towards news programs, with only 10 Entertainment selections, as...
- 5/4/2021
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
Winners will be announced virtually in June
“Ted Lasso,” the “Euphoria” Christmas special and Michaela Coel’s “I May Destroy You” are among the 60 Peabody Award nominees for 2021, the organization’s board of jurors announced Tuesday.
The nominations span documentaries, news programming, television and streaming. PBS led the pack with 12 nominations for its nonfiction programming like the recent “Asian Americans” series and “PBS NewsHour” coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic. Netflix and HBO followed with nine and five nominations, respectively.
The 30 winners will be announced a ceremony to be held virtually in June.
“During an incredibly turbulent and difficult year, these nominees rose to the occasion and delivered compelling and empowering stories,” said Martha Nelson, chair of the Peabody Board of Jurors. “From Covid-19 coverage to poignant explorations of identity, each nominee not only told a powerful story but also made a significant impact on media programming and the cultural landscape.
“Ted Lasso,” the “Euphoria” Christmas special and Michaela Coel’s “I May Destroy You” are among the 60 Peabody Award nominees for 2021, the organization’s board of jurors announced Tuesday.
The nominations span documentaries, news programming, television and streaming. PBS led the pack with 12 nominations for its nonfiction programming like the recent “Asian Americans” series and “PBS NewsHour” coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic. Netflix and HBO followed with nine and five nominations, respectively.
The 30 winners will be announced a ceremony to be held virtually in June.
“During an incredibly turbulent and difficult year, these nominees rose to the occasion and delivered compelling and empowering stories,” said Martha Nelson, chair of the Peabody Board of Jurors. “From Covid-19 coverage to poignant explorations of identity, each nominee not only told a powerful story but also made a significant impact on media programming and the cultural landscape.
- 5/4/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Amazon Prime just won a couple of Oscars for their film “Sound of Metal,” and now the streaming service is jumping right into Emmy season with “Beyond the Screen” virtual events and a “Prime Video Presents” podcast to promote their slate of programs from May 1 through June 10. Their events can be found on the Emmys FYC calendar.
Among the programs being promoted by Amazon this season include the sci-fi dramas “The Boys” and “The Expanse”; the Barry Jenkins limited series “The Underground Railroad”; the telefilms “Uncle Frank,” “Yearly Departed,” and “Sylvie’s Love”; the documentary “All In: The Fight for Democracy“; the anthologies “Solos” and “Them”; and the theatrical special “What the Constitution Means to Me.”
Seersvp now for May 10: TV documentary directors for ‘Framing Britney Spears,’ ‘Heaven’s Gate,’ ‘High on the Hog,’ ‘Seduced,’ ‘The Year Earth Changed’ join Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts series
“Beyond the Screen” kicked...
Among the programs being promoted by Amazon this season include the sci-fi dramas “The Boys” and “The Expanse”; the Barry Jenkins limited series “The Underground Railroad”; the telefilms “Uncle Frank,” “Yearly Departed,” and “Sylvie’s Love”; the documentary “All In: The Fight for Democracy“; the anthologies “Solos” and “Them”; and the theatrical special “What the Constitution Means to Me.”
Seersvp now for May 10: TV documentary directors for ‘Framing Britney Spears,’ ‘Heaven’s Gate,’ ‘High on the Hog,’ ‘Seduced,’ ‘The Year Earth Changed’ join Gold Derby’s Meet the Experts series
“Beyond the Screen” kicked...
- 5/3/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Amazon Prime Video has once again put a pause on its annual in-person Emmy FYC pop-up events space due to the pandemic. But in its place, the streamer has curated a virtual experience, dubbed “Beyond the Screen,” that kicks off this weekend with an evening devoted to the stars, crafts and music of Steve McQueen’s anthology series “Small Axe.”
Variety has the exclusive roundup of the Emmy FYC panels, screenings, podcasts and performances that will kick off Amazon Studios and Prime Video’s campaign starting May 1, and continuing through June 10.
Talent populating the panels, set to be streamed for Television Academy members, include McQueen and John Boyega (“Small Axe”); Barry Jenkins and Joel Edgerton (“The Underground Railroad”), and Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Aya Cash and Jack Quaid (“The Boys”). Other contenders participating include “Solos,” “Sylvie’s Love,” “The Expanse,” “Them,” “Uncle Frank,” “What The Constitution Means To Me” and “Yearly Departed.
Variety has the exclusive roundup of the Emmy FYC panels, screenings, podcasts and performances that will kick off Amazon Studios and Prime Video’s campaign starting May 1, and continuing through June 10.
Talent populating the panels, set to be streamed for Television Academy members, include McQueen and John Boyega (“Small Axe”); Barry Jenkins and Joel Edgerton (“The Underground Railroad”), and Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Aya Cash and Jack Quaid (“The Boys”). Other contenders participating include “Solos,” “Sylvie’s Love,” “The Expanse,” “Them,” “Uncle Frank,” “What The Constitution Means To Me” and “Yearly Departed.
- 4/30/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
With the end of the most unconventional Academy Awards cycle in sight, the 93rd Oscars will be the culmination of more than a year of campaigning as the entertainment industry (and the world at large) was turned upside down by the pandemic. Along the way, Variety remained an essential stop for storytellers to discuss their films. Actors, writers, directors and icons alike shared intimate stories about creativity, determination and art. Check out our Oscar season cover stories below.
Viola Davis and Stacey Abrams on Oscar Season, Politics and Wielding Their Power as Black Women
As the intersection between entertainment and politics continues to meld, mutual success has landed Viola Davis and Stacey Abrams smack in the middle of Hollywood’s film awards conversation. Davis, one of the industry’s most celebrated actors, is being lauded for her performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and is considered a lead contender in...
Viola Davis and Stacey Abrams on Oscar Season, Politics and Wielding Their Power as Black Women
As the intersection between entertainment and politics continues to meld, mutual success has landed Viola Davis and Stacey Abrams smack in the middle of Hollywood’s film awards conversation. Davis, one of the industry’s most celebrated actors, is being lauded for her performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and is considered a lead contender in...
- 4/21/2021
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
There are hundreds of social-media stars, each with millions of fans. Now a new startup, Creator Plus, is launching a studio and a streaming service to give big-name creators a platform for feature films.
The company was founded by Benjamin Grubbs, former global head of top creator partnerships at YouTube, and Silicon Valley tech investor and entrepreneur Jonathan Shambroom (who was once Gm of the Crackle streaming service).
The duo say Creator Plus (creatorplus.com) has raised $12 million in funding from Malaysia-based investment firm Petra Group and Freestyle Capital, as well as entrepreneurial creators Jake Roper, Peter Hollens, Wendy Ayche (aka Wengie), tech veterans including Selina Tobaccowala, and strategic business partners including Jazwares CEO Judd Zebersky.
Films produced by Creator Plus — it’s using the trendy “plus” that’s flooded the streaming sector — will premiere on the company’s proprietary platform across web, mobile and connected-tv devices in a premium...
The company was founded by Benjamin Grubbs, former global head of top creator partnerships at YouTube, and Silicon Valley tech investor and entrepreneur Jonathan Shambroom (who was once Gm of the Crackle streaming service).
The duo say Creator Plus (creatorplus.com) has raised $12 million in funding from Malaysia-based investment firm Petra Group and Freestyle Capital, as well as entrepreneurial creators Jake Roper, Peter Hollens, Wendy Ayche (aka Wengie), tech veterans including Selina Tobaccowala, and strategic business partners including Jazwares CEO Judd Zebersky.
Films produced by Creator Plus — it’s using the trendy “plus” that’s flooded the streaming sector — will premiere on the company’s proprietary platform across web, mobile and connected-tv devices in a premium...
- 4/21/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” got a big boost in its bid for Best Editing at the Oscars with a win at the Ace Golden Eddie Awards on April 17. It prevailed in the drama race at these awards bestowed by American Cinema Editors over two of its Oscar rivals — “Nomadland” and “Sound of Metal” — as well as “Mank” and “Minari.”
Another of the Oscar nominees, “Promising Young Woman,” lost the comedy/musical category to “Palm Springs.” The other contenders in that race were “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “I Care a Lot” and “On the Rocks.”
Oscar watchers were sure to be watching Saturday’s virtual ceremony. These kudos have previewed of the 18 out of the last 30 Best Picture winners and a whopping 22 of the last 30 Film Editing Oscar champs. Not surprisingly, the Golden Eddies are also prescient when it comes to predicting the five Film Editing Oscar slots. Four of...
Another of the Oscar nominees, “Promising Young Woman,” lost the comedy/musical category to “Palm Springs.” The other contenders in that race were “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “I Care a Lot” and “On the Rocks.”
Oscar watchers were sure to be watching Saturday’s virtual ceremony. These kudos have previewed of the 18 out of the last 30 Best Picture winners and a whopping 22 of the last 30 Film Editing Oscar champs. Not surprisingly, the Golden Eddies are also prescient when it comes to predicting the five Film Editing Oscar slots. Four of...
- 4/17/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The American Cinema Editors guild, which hands out its awards on April 17, has a good track record as a preview of the Oscar winner for Best Picture (18 out of the last 30) and a great one for forecasting who will win the Film Editing Oscar (22 of the last 30). Not surprisingly, it is also fairly prescient when it comes to predicting the five Film Editing Oscar slots. Four of this year’s Academy Awards nominees contend for this cutting prize; “The Father” was snubbed by the American Cinema Editors.
The Ace Eddie Awards divide their prizes for editing between dramas and comedies/musicals. Oscar nominees “Nomadland,” “Sound of Metal and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” contend here in the drama race, which is rounded out by “Mank” and “Minari.” Facing off on the comedy side against Oscar nominee “Promising Young Woman” are “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “I Care a Lot,” “On the Rocks” and “Palm Springs.
The Ace Eddie Awards divide their prizes for editing between dramas and comedies/musicals. Oscar nominees “Nomadland,” “Sound of Metal and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” contend here in the drama race, which is rounded out by “Mank” and “Minari.” Facing off on the comedy side against Oscar nominee “Promising Young Woman” are “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “I Care a Lot,” “On the Rocks” and “Palm Springs.
- 4/16/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The Guild of Music Supervisors held their 11th annual awards virtually today, celebrating outstanding achievement in the craft of music supervision in film, television, documentary, games, advertising and trailers.
Quincy Jones received this year’s Icon Award while Maureen Crowe, the founding President of the Guild of Music Supervisors, accepted the Legacy Award.
Music legend Stevie Wonder made a surprise visit and gave a heartfelt tribute to the accomplishments of Jones.
Pop star Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas O’Connell, made a cameo appearance to present an award at today’s teleconference show.
The complete winners list for the 11th Annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards is listed below.
Film
Best Music Supervision for Film Budgeted Over $25 Million
Tom MacDougall – Soul *Winner*
Jonathan Leahy – Bill & Ted Face The Music
Becky Bentham – Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Julia Michels – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Angela Leus – Trolls World...
Quincy Jones received this year’s Icon Award while Maureen Crowe, the founding President of the Guild of Music Supervisors, accepted the Legacy Award.
Music legend Stevie Wonder made a surprise visit and gave a heartfelt tribute to the accomplishments of Jones.
Pop star Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas O’Connell, made a cameo appearance to present an award at today’s teleconference show.
The complete winners list for the 11th Annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards is listed below.
Film
Best Music Supervision for Film Budgeted Over $25 Million
Tom MacDougall – Soul *Winner*
Jonathan Leahy – Bill & Ted Face The Music
Becky Bentham – Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Julia Michels – Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Angela Leus – Trolls World...
- 4/12/2021
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
“It’s an honor to be recognized as an innovator,” said music icon Mariah Carey, while accepting the Innovator Award at the 12th Annual African American Film Critics Association Awards, which took place virtually for a private audience.
“Because in my experience,” Carey continued, “when you have holes in your only pair of shoes and are existing on a dollar a day, choosing between food and a subway ride — when you are the only one who believes in your vision for yourself, you better get to innovating.”
Oscar-winner Viola Davis was bestowed with the organization’s Icon Award and confessed that she sometimes struggles with feeling worthy of being lauded.
“My acceptance of any of this praise is equal to my absolute just passion to leave a legacy. A legacy for brown-skin girls just like me who were told that they were invisible.”
She added, “I have been blessed and...
“Because in my experience,” Carey continued, “when you have holes in your only pair of shoes and are existing on a dollar a day, choosing between food and a subway ride — when you are the only one who believes in your vision for yourself, you better get to innovating.”
Oscar-winner Viola Davis was bestowed with the organization’s Icon Award and confessed that she sometimes struggles with feeling worthy of being lauded.
“My acceptance of any of this praise is equal to my absolute just passion to leave a legacy. A legacy for brown-skin girls just like me who were told that they were invisible.”
She added, “I have been blessed and...
- 4/8/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Another guild award is in the books, ladies and gentlemen. The Writers Guild Awards are in the rearview mirror now, with some definite Oscar implications. For one thing, it does really now seem like Emerald Fennell is headed towards an Academy Award for her Promising Young Woman screenplay. She’s almost undoubtedly taken a strong lead over Aaron Sorkin and his script for The Trial of the Chicago 7. On the flip-side, Kemp Powers’ hopes to upset Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland in Best Adapted Screenplay took a hit when One Night in Miami… lost at WGA to Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. Could they be in line for another upset? We shall see… Here are all of the winners from the Writers Guild Awards: Film Original Screenplay “Judas and the Black Messiah” (Warner Bros) – Screenplay by Will Berson & Shaka King, Story by Will Berson & Shaka King and Kenny Lucas & Keith Lucas “Palm Springs...
- 3/22/2021
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” and “Promising Young Woman” took top narrative film honors on Sunday at the 73rd annual Writers Guild of America Awards.
Kal Penn hosted the virtual presentation that cemented “Borat” and “Promising Young Woman” as among the frontrunners for Oscar screenplay wins next month.
Amazon Studios’ “Borat” prevailed for adapted screenplay for a large contingent of scribes led by star and director Sacha Baron Cohen. Focus Features’ “Promising Young Woman” was recognized for original screenplay with the win for writer-director Emerald Fennell.
Fennell is on a white-hot streak as a writer, director and actor known for her role as Camilla Parker-Bowles on “The Crown,” which won the trophy for drama series. She made a point of noting the importance of the WGA to her career.
Speaking from what she described as her “bleak writer’s room in London,” Fennell told the crowd, “It’s such a big deal...
Kal Penn hosted the virtual presentation that cemented “Borat” and “Promising Young Woman” as among the frontrunners for Oscar screenplay wins next month.
Amazon Studios’ “Borat” prevailed for adapted screenplay for a large contingent of scribes led by star and director Sacha Baron Cohen. Focus Features’ “Promising Young Woman” was recognized for original screenplay with the win for writer-director Emerald Fennell.
Fennell is on a white-hot streak as a writer, director and actor known for her role as Camilla Parker-Bowles on “The Crown,” which won the trophy for drama series. She made a point of noting the importance of the WGA to her career.
Speaking from what she described as her “bleak writer’s room in London,” Fennell told the crowd, “It’s such a big deal...
- 3/21/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The 73rd Writers Guild Awards is underway in a virtual ceremony, honoring the best in original and adapted screenplay and documentary, TV, new media, news, radio/audio and promotional writing.
For the first time, in recent history, the awards ceremonies for both WGA West and WGA East will be in lock step as both have been merged tonight in one live stream. Typically, two ceremonies are held separately in both L.A. and NYC at the same time, with both reading off winners at separate times. Quite often, the NY awards ceremony will get ahead of LA’s and announce winners, completely spoiling the suspense for anyone in the Beverly Hilton ballroom.
Tonight’s host Kal Penn, clad in a satin purple tux jacket, was live from what looked to be his home. The Harold & Kumar actor mentioned that he just became a WGA member.
“When I joined SAG they just gave me a pin,...
For the first time, in recent history, the awards ceremonies for both WGA West and WGA East will be in lock step as both have been merged tonight in one live stream. Typically, two ceremonies are held separately in both L.A. and NYC at the same time, with both reading off winners at separate times. Quite often, the NY awards ceremony will get ahead of LA’s and announce winners, completely spoiling the suspense for anyone in the Beverly Hilton ballroom.
Tonight’s host Kal Penn, clad in a satin purple tux jacket, was live from what looked to be his home. The Harold & Kumar actor mentioned that he just became a WGA member.
“When I joined SAG they just gave me a pin,...
- 3/21/2021
- by Denise Petski, Anthony D'Alessandro and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” and “Promising Young Woman” were named the best adapted original screenplays of 2021 at the Writers Guild Awards, which took place in a virtual ceremony on Sunday.
While “Promising Young Woman” went into the show with a slight edge over “The Trial of the Chicago 7’ for the original-screenplay award,”Borat” was a decided dark horse in the adapted-screenplay category, whose nominees also included “One Night in Miami,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “News of the World’ and “The White Tiger.”
Writers Guild winners in the screenplay categories go on to win Oscars almost two-thirds of the time, although the two awards sometimes differ because the WGA is an award strictly for screenplays for movies that were made under the terms of the guild’s Minimum Basic Agreement, or similar agreements from a number of international guilds.
This year, those restrictions disqualified three Oscar-nominated screenplays: “Minari” in the Original...
While “Promising Young Woman” went into the show with a slight edge over “The Trial of the Chicago 7’ for the original-screenplay award,”Borat” was a decided dark horse in the adapted-screenplay category, whose nominees also included “One Night in Miami,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “News of the World’ and “The White Tiger.”
Writers Guild winners in the screenplay categories go on to win Oscars almost two-thirds of the time, although the two awards sometimes differ because the WGA is an award strictly for screenplays for movies that were made under the terms of the guild’s Minimum Basic Agreement, or similar agreements from a number of international guilds.
This year, those restrictions disqualified three Oscar-nominated screenplays: “Minari” in the Original...
- 3/21/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Before the Indie Spirits, before the Oscars, there are the guilds, and as Hollywood inches its way through a protracted awards season, it’s up to each voting body to dole out their own accolades. On Sunday night, it was time for the writers to shine, as the Writers Guild of America presented their awards for film, television, news, and more, all voted on by fellow writers. For writers, by writers!
As IndieWire’s own Anne Thompson has noted, the WGA’s film nominees are less predictive than an indication of what’s losing and gaining heat, from the missing early 2020 releases “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” “The King of Staten Island,” and “Da 5 Bloods,” to such surging movies as “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Sound of Metal,” and “Promising Young Woman,” all of which recently earned Best Picture nods from the Academy.
At the Sunday night event, Emerald Fennell...
As IndieWire’s own Anne Thompson has noted, the WGA’s film nominees are less predictive than an indication of what’s losing and gaining heat, from the missing early 2020 releases “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” “The King of Staten Island,” and “Da 5 Bloods,” to such surging movies as “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Sound of Metal,” and “Promising Young Woman,” all of which recently earned Best Picture nods from the Academy.
At the Sunday night event, Emerald Fennell...
- 3/21/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The Writers Guild of America Awards were handed during a virtual ceremony on Sunday, March 21. But don’t base your Oscar predictions on these kudos. Every year a slew of Oscar-nominated scripts are deemed ineligible for consideration here due to guild guidelines. Indeed, over the past 12 years only 80 of the Writers Guild of America Awards nominees have numbered among the 120 screenplays that reaped Academy Awards bids. Scroll down for the 2021 Writers Guild of America Awards winners list.
Our odds predict that “Nomadland” will win Best Adapted Screenplay winner at the Oscars but it was not allowed to compete at the WGA Awards. Neither was another Oscar contender in that category: “The Father.” The guild did match the academy three-for-five in this category, with “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “One Night in Miami” and “The White Tiger” competing at both. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “News of the World” round out the guild nominees.
Our odds predict that “Nomadland” will win Best Adapted Screenplay winner at the Oscars but it was not allowed to compete at the WGA Awards. Neither was another Oscar contender in that category: “The Father.” The guild did match the academy three-for-five in this category, with “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “One Night in Miami” and “The White Tiger” competing at both. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “News of the World” round out the guild nominees.
- 3/21/2021
- by Zach Laws and Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The 15 shortlisted contenders for Best Documentary Feature showcase the diversity and power in vérité storytelling with such a vast array of subjects and visions. From racial injustice and voter suppression to government conspiracies and emotionally connecting with animals, these stories, from all corners of life, illuminate the world we live in today.
Both the 15 semi-finalists and five nominees were determined by preferential voting. Final voting for the winner is widened to all academy members who attest to having watched all the nominees. Let’s take a closer look at the 15 films and their performances at the precursor awards.
The film that tackles 2020’s most pressing issue is “76 Days,” which gives an insider view of overwhelmed frontline workers caring for patients battling Covid-19 in Wuhan hospitals during its citywide lockdown. The direct cinema filmmaking highlights the doctors and nurses’ nonstop care, sustained compassion, and waves of anguish, all while donning...
Both the 15 semi-finalists and five nominees were determined by preferential voting. Final voting for the winner is widened to all academy members who attest to having watched all the nominees. Let’s take a closer look at the 15 films and their performances at the precursor awards.
The film that tackles 2020’s most pressing issue is “76 Days,” which gives an insider view of overwhelmed frontline workers caring for patients battling Covid-19 in Wuhan hospitals during its citywide lockdown. The direct cinema filmmaking highlights the doctors and nurses’ nonstop care, sustained compassion, and waves of anguish, all while donning...
- 3/14/2021
- by Nick Ruhrkraut
- Gold Derby
Oscar winner Viola Davis will receive the Icon Award from the African American Film Critics Assn. during the 12th annual Aafca awards on April 7.
Previous recipients of Aafca’s Icon Award are Sidney Poitier and Kenya Barris.
Announcing the honor, Aafca president Gil Robertson said: “Viola Davis has excelled in every single format available to an actor. She’s a powerhouse actress who continues to impress with her incredible range and ability to lend herself to any era and dig deep into the humanity of every character she plays.”
“When you think about her in ‘Doubt,’’The Help,’ ‘Fences’ and now ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’ she just goes there,” he continued. “Following in the footsteps of other legendary actresses by becoming an advocate for social justice issues and taking additional steps of creating the images that we see by producing, she has firmly established herself as a true artist.”
Davis...
Previous recipients of Aafca’s Icon Award are Sidney Poitier and Kenya Barris.
Announcing the honor, Aafca president Gil Robertson said: “Viola Davis has excelled in every single format available to an actor. She’s a powerhouse actress who continues to impress with her incredible range and ability to lend herself to any era and dig deep into the humanity of every character she plays.”
“When you think about her in ‘Doubt,’’The Help,’ ‘Fences’ and now ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’ she just goes there,” he continued. “Following in the footsteps of other legendary actresses by becoming an advocate for social justice issues and taking additional steps of creating the images that we see by producing, she has firmly established herself as a true artist.”
Davis...
- 3/12/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The nominations for the 2021 Ace Eddie Awards announced on Thursday (March 11) include our Oscar frontrunner for Best Film Editing, “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” along with three of the other four films we’re predicting to reap bids in that race: “Mank,” “Nomadland” and “Sound of Metal.” While “The Father” was snubbed by the American Cinema Editors we expect it to be the fifth Academy Awards contender.
The Ace Eddie Awards divide their prizes for editing between dramas and comedies/musicals. “Mank,” “Nomadland,” “Sound of Metal and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” contend here in the drama race, which is rounded out by “Minari.” Facing off on the comedy side are “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “I Care a Lot,” “On the Rocks,” “Palm Springs” and “Promising Young Woman.”
In 1992, the Eddies went from three to five nominees (matching that of the Oscars) and in 2000 it split the award in two,...
The Ace Eddie Awards divide their prizes for editing between dramas and comedies/musicals. “Mank,” “Nomadland,” “Sound of Metal and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” contend here in the drama race, which is rounded out by “Minari.” Facing off on the comedy side are “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “I Care a Lot,” “On the Rocks,” “Palm Springs” and “Promising Young Woman.”
In 1992, the Eddies went from three to five nominees (matching that of the Oscars) and in 2000 it split the award in two,...
- 3/11/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
“Mank,” “Minari,” “Nomadland,” “Sound of Metal” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” have been nominated in the dramatic-film category at the American Cinema Editors’ 71st annual Ace Eddie Awards, which honors the best in film and television editing.
In the comedy film category, the nominees are “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “I Care a Lot,” “On the Rocks,” “Palm Springs” and “Promising Young Woman.”
The films that were bypassed in the Ace nominations include “Tenet,” “News of the World,” “The Father,” “Da 5 Bloods” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
Over the past decade, 90% of the Oscar nominees for Best Film Editing have first been nominated by the American Cinema Editors. The Oscar nominees are heavily weighted toward the Ace dramatic category, with 34 nominees coming from that category since 2010, as opposed to 11 nominees from the comedy category.
The Ace Eddies’ animated feature nominations went to “The Croods: A New Age,” “Onward,” “Over the Moon,...
In the comedy film category, the nominees are “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “I Care a Lot,” “On the Rocks,” “Palm Springs” and “Promising Young Woman.”
The films that were bypassed in the Ace nominations include “Tenet,” “News of the World,” “The Father,” “Da 5 Bloods” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
Over the past decade, 90% of the Oscar nominees for Best Film Editing have first been nominated by the American Cinema Editors. The Oscar nominees are heavily weighted toward the Ace dramatic category, with 34 nominees coming from that category since 2010, as opposed to 11 nominees from the comedy category.
The Ace Eddies’ animated feature nominations went to “The Croods: A New Age,” “Onward,” “Over the Moon,...
- 3/11/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
This year’s American Cinema Editors (Ace) nominations include “Nomadland,” “Mank,” “Minari,” “Sound of Metal” and “The Trial of Chicago 7.”
The guild, which will hand out its awards in a virtual ceremony on April 17, has a good track record forecasting the Oscar best picture winner — it has predicted 18 out of the last 29 winners. Last year, best edited feature film – dramatic went to “Parasite’s” Yang Jin-mo, and the film went on to win best picture at the Oscars. It also has a good record for predicting who wins the best editing Oscar — 23 out of the last 29 winners.
Nominees in comedy feature include “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “I Care a Lot,” “On The Rocks” “Palm Springs” and “Promising Young Woman.”
As previously announced, Spike Lee will receive the Ace Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award, recognizing a filmmaker who exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film. Editors Lynzee Klingman...
The guild, which will hand out its awards in a virtual ceremony on April 17, has a good track record forecasting the Oscar best picture winner — it has predicted 18 out of the last 29 winners. Last year, best edited feature film – dramatic went to “Parasite’s” Yang Jin-mo, and the film went on to win best picture at the Oscars. It also has a good record for predicting who wins the best editing Oscar — 23 out of the last 29 winners.
Nominees in comedy feature include “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm,” “I Care a Lot,” “On The Rocks” “Palm Springs” and “Promising Young Woman.”
As previously announced, Spike Lee will receive the Ace Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award, recognizing a filmmaker who exemplifies distinguished achievement in the art and business of film. Editors Lynzee Klingman...
- 3/11/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Editors on films ranging from Amazon’s Borat Subsequent Moviefilm to Netflix’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 have been nominated for the 71st annual Ace Eddie Awards, presented by the American Cinema Editors to recognize the year’s best in picture editing in 14 film, TV and documentary categories.
Winners will be announced during a virtual awards ceremony April 17, where Spike Lee will receive the Ace Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award and Lynzee Klingman and Sidney Wolinsky will receive the group’s Career Achievement Awards.
As for today’s nominees, the marquee film categories are split into Dramatic and Comedy. The former features Chicago 7 along with Netflix’s Mank, A24’s Minari, Searchlight’s Nomadland (edited by writer-director Chloé Zhao) and Amazon’s Sound of Metal. The comedy nominees include Borat, Netflix’s I Care a Lot, Apple’s On the Rocks, Neon/Hulu’s Palm Springs...
Winners will be announced during a virtual awards ceremony April 17, where Spike Lee will receive the Ace Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award and Lynzee Klingman and Sidney Wolinsky will receive the group’s Career Achievement Awards.
As for today’s nominees, the marquee film categories are split into Dramatic and Comedy. The former features Chicago 7 along with Netflix’s Mank, A24’s Minari, Searchlight’s Nomadland (edited by writer-director Chloé Zhao) and Amazon’s Sound of Metal. The comedy nominees include Borat, Netflix’s I Care a Lot, Apple’s On the Rocks, Neon/Hulu’s Palm Springs...
- 3/11/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Nominees for the 71st annual Ace Eddie Awards include such Best Picture contenders as Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland,” David Fincher’s monochromatic “Mank,” Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Lee Isaac Chung’s “Minari,” Emerald Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman” (as a comedy), and Darius Marder’s “Sound of Metal.”
The awards show will be held live on April 17 at 11:00 a.m. Pt.
Overlooked, though, were “News of the World” (edited by “Argo” Oscar-winner William Goldenberg) and “Tenet,” as well as three Black-led dramas, “Da 5 Bloods,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “One Night in Miami.” However, there’s still the possibility of one or two of these making the final Oscar nominations, along with the buzzy “Minari” and “Promising Young Woman.”
In terms of using the Editing win as an Oscar bellwether for predicting Best Picture, the last time the winners coincided was “Argo” in...
The awards show will be held live on April 17 at 11:00 a.m. Pt.
Overlooked, though, were “News of the World” (edited by “Argo” Oscar-winner William Goldenberg) and “Tenet,” as well as three Black-led dramas, “Da 5 Bloods,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “One Night in Miami.” However, there’s still the possibility of one or two of these making the final Oscar nominations, along with the buzzy “Minari” and “Promising Young Woman.”
In terms of using the Editing win as an Oscar bellwether for predicting Best Picture, the last time the winners coincided was “Argo” in...
- 3/11/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
When the 2021 Oscars nominations are announced on Monday, March 15, watch for “Mank” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” to dominate the morning. These Netflix films are predicted to top all others that premiered in theaters or streamed online within the eligibility period, which lasted two months longer than normal due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Below, see the film-by-film breakdown of all of the features that are expected to receive bids this year, based on Gold Derby’s racetrack odds.
SEEour Experts’ Oscar predictions in all 23 categories
“Mank” is the only movie we’re predicting to reap double-digit bids, with 13 total. This nonlinear, black-and-white film tells the true story of Herman J. Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman), a screenwriter who struggles with alcoholism while penning the script for Orson Welles‘ “Citizen Kane.” “Mank” is directed by David Fincher, based on a script his late father Jack Fincher wrote decades earlier. Amanda Seyfried takes on the role of Marion Davies,...
SEEour Experts’ Oscar predictions in all 23 categories
“Mank” is the only movie we’re predicting to reap double-digit bids, with 13 total. This nonlinear, black-and-white film tells the true story of Herman J. Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman), a screenwriter who struggles with alcoholism while penning the script for Orson Welles‘ “Citizen Kane.” “Mank” is directed by David Fincher, based on a script his late father Jack Fincher wrote decades earlier. Amanda Seyfried takes on the role of Marion Davies,...
- 3/11/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Janelle Monáe delivered a searing rendition of her song, “Turntables,” on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Tuesday, March 9th.
The performance found Monáe and her small backing band performing the track in a cavernous warehouse space bathed in pale blue light. “Turntables” swings between a stripped-down march during the verses and a righteous, rave-up chorus, during which Monáe sang, “Hands dirty, mind clean/A different vision with a new dream/We kicking out the old regime/Liberation, elevation, education.”
Monáe wrote “Turntables” for All In: The Fight for Democracy,...
The performance found Monáe and her small backing band performing the track in a cavernous warehouse space bathed in pale blue light. “Turntables” swings between a stripped-down march during the verses and a righteous, rave-up chorus, during which Monáe sang, “Hands dirty, mind clean/A different vision with a new dream/We kicking out the old regime/Liberation, elevation, education.”
Monáe wrote “Turntables” for All In: The Fight for Democracy,...
- 3/10/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
The African American Film Critics Association has picked Shaka King’s acclaimed “Judas and the Black Messiah” as the best film of the year. This is the 12th such awards in the history of the organization, which last year gave top honors to Jordan Peele’s “Us.”
“Judas and the Black Messiah” was the big winner, as it also picked up Best Supporting Actor for Daniel Kaluuya and Best Supporting Actress for Dominique Fishback. “One Night in Miami” tied “Judas” for the most overall wins, however, with three total prizes: Best Director for Regina King, Best Screenplay for Kemp Powers, and Best Ensemble. The wins for both these films help them gain momentum as awards season advances.
Also gaining momentum? Chadwick Boseman, voted Best Actor by the critics group for his performance as a tormented trumpeter in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” That follows Best Actor wins for the late performer...
“Judas and the Black Messiah” was the big winner, as it also picked up Best Supporting Actor for Daniel Kaluuya and Best Supporting Actress for Dominique Fishback. “One Night in Miami” tied “Judas” for the most overall wins, however, with three total prizes: Best Director for Regina King, Best Screenplay for Kemp Powers, and Best Ensemble. The wins for both these films help them gain momentum as awards season advances.
Also gaining momentum? Chadwick Boseman, voted Best Actor by the critics group for his performance as a tormented trumpeter in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” That follows Best Actor wins for the late performer...
- 3/9/2021
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
“Judas and the Black Messiah” has been named best film by the African American Film Critics Association (Aafca), leading the list of winners at the 12th Aafca awards with four awards, including accolades for stars Daniel Kaluuya and Dominique Fishback. Director Shaka King will also be honored with the breakout director prize.
“Serving alongside an all-Black producing team, “Judas and the Black Messiah” director Shaka King created a project that permanently enshrines pivotal Black Panther leader Fred Hampton as an American hero,” Aafca President/Co-Founder Gil Robertson said in a statement announcing the winners. “Released against the backdrop of the present-day Black Lives Matter movement, the film’s message of commitment and sacrifice to social justice is empowering.”
Describing Kaluuya’s portrayal of the late Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton as “literally on fire” and Fishback as “an actress to watch,” Robertson added, “our members are thrilled to award...
“Serving alongside an all-Black producing team, “Judas and the Black Messiah” director Shaka King created a project that permanently enshrines pivotal Black Panther leader Fred Hampton as an American hero,” Aafca President/Co-Founder Gil Robertson said in a statement announcing the winners. “Released against the backdrop of the present-day Black Lives Matter movement, the film’s message of commitment and sacrifice to social justice is empowering.”
Describing Kaluuya’s portrayal of the late Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton as “literally on fire” and Fishback as “an actress to watch,” Robertson added, “our members are thrilled to award...
- 3/9/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca), the world’s largest group of Black film critics, named “Judas and the Black Messiah” as Best Picture on Tuesday.
In addition to Best Picture, the film also earned two additional awards for Best Actor for Daniel Kaluuya and Best Supporting Actress for Dominique Fishback.
“One Night In Miami” won three awards: Regina King was named Best Director, Kemp Powers won Best Screenplay and the cast won for Best Ensemble.
Other acting awards went to Andra Day for “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” and the late Chadwick Boseman for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Day and Boseman won Golden Globe acting awards last week.
Powers also co-wrote and co-directed “Soul,” the Best Animation winner. See the complete list of the 12th Aafca Awards below:
Best Picture: “Judas and the Black Messiah” (Warner Bros.)
Best Director: Regina King, “One Night In Miami” (Amazon Studios)
Best Actor: Chadwick Boseman,...
In addition to Best Picture, the film also earned two additional awards for Best Actor for Daniel Kaluuya and Best Supporting Actress for Dominique Fishback.
“One Night In Miami” won three awards: Regina King was named Best Director, Kemp Powers won Best Screenplay and the cast won for Best Ensemble.
Other acting awards went to Andra Day for “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” and the late Chadwick Boseman for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Day and Boseman won Golden Globe acting awards last week.
Powers also co-wrote and co-directed “Soul,” the Best Animation winner. See the complete list of the 12th Aafca Awards below:
Best Picture: “Judas and the Black Messiah” (Warner Bros.)
Best Director: Regina King, “One Night In Miami” (Amazon Studios)
Best Actor: Chadwick Boseman,...
- 3/9/2021
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
African American Film Critics Association has released its annual list of recipients for the 12th Aafca Awards with Judas and the Black Messiah being named the year’s Best Picture by the world’s largest group of Black film critics. The Fred Hampton-Bill O’Neal drama took home the most awards with a Breakout Director nod for Shaka King as well as Best Supporting Actor and Actress wins for Daniel Kaluuya and Dominique Fishback, respectively.
“Serving alongside an all-Black producing team, Judas and the Black Messiah director Shaka King created a project that permanently enshrines pivotal Black Panther leader Fred Hampton as an American hero,” commented Aafca President and co-founder Gil Robertson. “Released against the backdrop of the present-day Black Lives Matter movement, the film’s message of commitment and sacrifice to social justice is empowering. Daniel Kaluuya as Hampton is literally on fire and is supported well by...
“Serving alongside an all-Black producing team, Judas and the Black Messiah director Shaka King created a project that permanently enshrines pivotal Black Panther leader Fred Hampton as an American hero,” commented Aafca President and co-founder Gil Robertson. “Released against the backdrop of the present-day Black Lives Matter movement, the film’s message of commitment and sacrifice to social justice is empowering. Daniel Kaluuya as Hampton is literally on fire and is supported well by...
- 3/9/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
After dealing with a narcissist in the White House for four years, it may be difficult to imagine a politician who doesn’t make everything about themself. But consider Stacey Abrams, the former Georgia gubernatorial candidate, who nearly won election in 2018 to become the country’s first Black woman governor.
After that campaign made Abrams a national figure and an inspiration to Democrats, documentary directors came-a-calling, she says, but she turned them down.
“I had been asked by many different filmmakers to consider doing a documentary about my race [for governor], about my story,” Abrams tells Deadline. She said she declined because what interested her wasn’t a documentary about herself, but one on voter suppression.
“My deep concern with how I’d been approached is that it would become essentially a partisan story about me,” Abrams explains. “And for those who did not want my success, it would give them a reason to ignore the narrative,...
After that campaign made Abrams a national figure and an inspiration to Democrats, documentary directors came-a-calling, she says, but she turned them down.
“I had been asked by many different filmmakers to consider doing a documentary about my race [for governor], about my story,” Abrams tells Deadline. She said she declined because what interested her wasn’t a documentary about herself, but one on voter suppression.
“My deep concern with how I’d been approached is that it would become essentially a partisan story about me,” Abrams explains. “And for those who did not want my success, it would give them a reason to ignore the narrative,...
- 3/8/2021
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
“Turntables” is not, as you might guess from its placement in the documentary “All In: The Fight for Democracy,” a song written to extol vinyl. It uses that film’s exploration of the historical and recent suppression of Black voters’ rights in Georgia as a launchpad to explore “what’s goin’ on” in a nation still not done turning away from racial inequities. Janelle Monáe co-wrote and performed it last fall, at a time when, as she says in the lyrics, it felt like “the whole world about to testify,” as America’s racial cauldron turned into as big a story as the global pandemic.
Prior to working on the song, Monáe had been in a funk instead of working out the funk, having writers’ block as a result of processing so much bad news from quarantine. But after Stacey Abrams — one of the documentary’s producers as well as...
Prior to working on the song, Monáe had been in a funk instead of working out the funk, having writers’ block as a result of processing so much bad news from quarantine. But after Stacey Abrams — one of the documentary’s producers as well as...
- 3/6/2021
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
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