Celebration of cinema has always been extended by the Oscars honoring the prowess of cinematic excellence with one of the most recognized accolades. Throughout the rich history of cinema, there have been several movies based on true events, that left a mark among moviegoers or in the pages of history.
A still from Lawrence of Arabia
Also, movies that are based on true events are another way of documenting the particular incident, albeit a portion of fictionalization may alter the accuracy, but for cinema’s sake, filmmakers enjoy the basic freedom to have their own touch to the narrative. Throughout history, movies like The Great Ziegfeld by Robert Z. Leonard, or it would be criminal not to mention David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, and several other movies have claimed the Best Picture Oscars. Here is a list of six movies that won an Oscar in the Best Picture category.
A still from Lawrence of Arabia
Also, movies that are based on true events are another way of documenting the particular incident, albeit a portion of fictionalization may alter the accuracy, but for cinema’s sake, filmmakers enjoy the basic freedom to have their own touch to the narrative. Throughout history, movies like The Great Ziegfeld by Robert Z. Leonard, or it would be criminal not to mention David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, and several other movies have claimed the Best Picture Oscars. Here is a list of six movies that won an Oscar in the Best Picture category.
- 5/9/2024
- by Lachit Roy
- FandomWire
[Editor’s note: this list was originally published in December 2017. It has since been updated with new entries.]
The 21st Century is only two decades old, but its first batch of Best Picture winners already paints an extraordinary portrait of a world in flux. From historical epics to intimate digital indies, from a musical that riffs on showbiz standards to period drama that reflects on present crises, from a sparse modern western to an overstimulating multiverse martial arts story, these 24 films range from “problematic” to “perfect” and hit all points in between. More than that, they illustrate Hollywood’s evolving definition of greatness and the relationship between the film industry and the times that forge it.
Here are the 24 Best Picture winners of the 21st century, ranked from worst to best.
With editorial contributions from David Ehrlich and Eric Kohn.
24. “Crash” “Crash” ©Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection
“Brokeback Mountain” deserved better, but the Academy didn’t know it. Paul Haggis’ painfully obvious ensemble drama about racial prejudices in Los Angeles was a smug,...
The 21st Century is only two decades old, but its first batch of Best Picture winners already paints an extraordinary portrait of a world in flux. From historical epics to intimate digital indies, from a musical that riffs on showbiz standards to period drama that reflects on present crises, from a sparse modern western to an overstimulating multiverse martial arts story, these 24 films range from “problematic” to “perfect” and hit all points in between. More than that, they illustrate Hollywood’s evolving definition of greatness and the relationship between the film industry and the times that forge it.
Here are the 24 Best Picture winners of the 21st century, ranked from worst to best.
With editorial contributions from David Ehrlich and Eric Kohn.
24. “Crash” “Crash” ©Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection
“Brokeback Mountain” deserved better, but the Academy didn’t know it. Paul Haggis’ painfully obvious ensemble drama about racial prejudices in Los Angeles was a smug,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
In terms of how many biographical performances they each include, the 2023 and 2024 acting Oscar lineups are staggeringly different. Whereas only two portrayals of real people (Austin Butler as Elvis Presley in “Elvis” and Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe in “Blonde”) were recognized last year, a whopping 10 are presently nominated, constituting the highest such rate (50%) in five years. What’s more, this is only the third time in almost a century of Oscars history that real-life characters aren’t outnumbered by fictional ones.
This year’s near-record biographical performance rate ranks only behind the 60% ones of 2016 and 2019. Unsurprisingly, three of the four eventual winners in both previous cases belonged to those majorities. This includes leads Leonardo DiCaprio as Hugh Glass, Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, and Olivia Colman as Queen Anne as well as supporting players Mark Rylance as Rudolf Abel, Alicia Vikander as Gerda Wegener, and Mahershala Ali as Don Shirley.
This year’s near-record biographical performance rate ranks only behind the 60% ones of 2016 and 2019. Unsurprisingly, three of the four eventual winners in both previous cases belonged to those majorities. This includes leads Leonardo DiCaprio as Hugh Glass, Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, and Olivia Colman as Queen Anne as well as supporting players Mark Rylance as Rudolf Abel, Alicia Vikander as Gerda Wegener, and Mahershala Ali as Don Shirley.
- 2/5/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Nick Vallelonga, the writer, producer and actor whose work on Universal’s Green Book brought him a pair of Oscars and Golden Globes for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture, has signed with Independent Artist Group for representation.
Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film co-written by Vallelonga was inspired by the true story of his father, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a tough-nosed nightclub bouncer who took a job as the driver and bodyguard for celebrated pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) during the 1960s, cultivating an unexpected bond with the eccentric musical genius while on tour with him through the racially charged Deep South.
Released in November 2018 after world premiering at TIFF, where it won the People’s Choice Award, the DreamWorks title grossed more than $321M worldwide.
Vallelonga is fresh off success with international sales at AFM for his new film That’s Amore, a rom-com that he wrote...
Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film co-written by Vallelonga was inspired by the true story of his father, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a tough-nosed nightclub bouncer who took a job as the driver and bodyguard for celebrated pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) during the 1960s, cultivating an unexpected bond with the eccentric musical genius while on tour with him through the racially charged Deep South.
Released in November 2018 after world premiering at TIFF, where it won the People’s Choice Award, the DreamWorks title grossed more than $321M worldwide.
Vallelonga is fresh off success with international sales at AFM for his new film That’s Amore, a rom-com that he wrote...
- 11/1/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The cause of death for Frank Vallelonga Jr., an actor who appeared in “Green Book” and “The Sopranos,” has been revealed.
Last November, police responded to a 3:50 a.m. call reporting that a body had been dumped outside of a factory near 1243 Oak Point Ave in the Bronx. The man, who was later identified as Vallelonga Jr., was found unconscious and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the NYPD. He was 60.
Steven Smith, 35, has been arrested and charged with concealment of a human corpse.
Also Read:
Al Jaffee, Mastermind of the Mad Magazine ‘Fold-In’ Comic, Dies at 102
According to the New York Post and the Daily News, the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday concluded in its autopsy report that Vallelonga Jr “died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl and cocaine.”
TheWrap has reached out to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to confirm.
Last November, police responded to a 3:50 a.m. call reporting that a body had been dumped outside of a factory near 1243 Oak Point Ave in the Bronx. The man, who was later identified as Vallelonga Jr., was found unconscious and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the NYPD. He was 60.
Steven Smith, 35, has been arrested and charged with concealment of a human corpse.
Also Read:
Al Jaffee, Mastermind of the Mad Magazine ‘Fold-In’ Comic, Dies at 102
According to the New York Post and the Daily News, the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office on Monday concluded in its autopsy report that Vallelonga Jr “died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl and cocaine.”
TheWrap has reached out to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to confirm.
- 4/11/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Since the enormous popularity surrounding Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe has never waned in the seven decades since they both rocketed to superstardom, it’s no wonder that Austin Butler and Ana de Armas sailed to Oscar nominations for portraying them in the 2022 films “Elvis” and “Blonde.” What is odd, however, is that the respective Best Actor and Best Actress hopefuls are the only ones nominated in any of this year’s acting categories for playing real people. While this 90 percent fictional character rate is far from unprecedented, it does stand in stark contrast to the preceding decade’s average of 59 percent and thus raises questions as to why academy voters chose to veer in the opposite direction.
The last instance of two or fewer portrayals of real people leading to Oscar nominations in the same year involved 2003 Best Actress champ Charlize Theron, whose “Monster” character, Aileen Wuornos, stood completely...
The last instance of two or fewer portrayals of real people leading to Oscar nominations in the same year involved 2003 Best Actress champ Charlize Theron, whose “Monster” character, Aileen Wuornos, stood completely...
- 3/6/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
As society evolves, moments in films that were once beloved can start to sour in history’s proverbial rear-view mirror. When Sandy (Olivia Newton John) revamps her entire look and personality to please her boyfriend Danny (John Travolta) at the end of Grease (1978), for example. Or when the cartoon crows in Disney’s animated classic Dumbo are literally called “The Jim Crows”.
Even plenty of Academy Award-winning movies have not aged particularly well. As the 94th Academy Awards approach this Sunday (27 March), here are 10 Oscar-winning films that are problematic in 2021.
Green Book (2018)
When Green Book, which won Best Picture at the 91st Academy Awards, arrived in cinemas a few years back, it quickly became a divisive topic of conversation. The picture, starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen, enjoyed early success with audiences and sailed through awards season, but critics lambasted it as being shortsighted in its depiction of race relations.
Even plenty of Academy Award-winning movies have not aged particularly well. As the 94th Academy Awards approach this Sunday (27 March), here are 10 Oscar-winning films that are problematic in 2021.
Green Book (2018)
When Green Book, which won Best Picture at the 91st Academy Awards, arrived in cinemas a few years back, it quickly became a divisive topic of conversation. The picture, starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen, enjoyed early success with audiences and sailed through awards season, but critics lambasted it as being shortsighted in its depiction of race relations.
- 1/27/2023
- by Rachel Brodsky
- The Independent - Film
Actor Frank Vallelonga Jr., best known for his role in the Green Book film, was found dead on a sidewalk in the Bronx on Thursday. He was 60.
Vallelonga’s body was found outside of a sheet metal factory with no visible trauma. Police declared him dead on the scene.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
The details behind Vallelonga’s death remain unclear and his body will be turned over to a medical examiner to determine the cause of death. Early reports indicate the signs are pointing to an overdose. A man has been arrested in connection to the actor’s death for the concealment of a human corpse.
>Watch: Nick Vallelonga’s uINTERVIEW
Vallelonga was known as the real-life son of Frank Vallelonga Sr., who was black pianist Don Shirley‘s bodyguard in the 1950s and 60s. Green Book told the story of the two touring...
Vallelonga’s body was found outside of a sheet metal factory with no visible trauma. Police declared him dead on the scene.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
The details behind Vallelonga’s death remain unclear and his body will be turned over to a medical examiner to determine the cause of death. Early reports indicate the signs are pointing to an overdose. A man has been arrested in connection to the actor’s death for the concealment of a human corpse.
>Watch: Nick Vallelonga’s uINTERVIEW
Vallelonga was known as the real-life son of Frank Vallelonga Sr., who was black pianist Don Shirley‘s bodyguard in the 1950s and 60s. Green Book told the story of the two touring...
- 12/3/2022
- by Rose Carter
- Uinterview
Frank Vallelonga Jr., who appeared in the Best Picture winner Green Book, was found dead this week outside of a factory in the Bronx. He was 60.
According to police, “Upon arrival, police observed an unidentified adult male, unconscious and unresponsive, on the ground at the location…The male had no obvious signs of trauma observed. Ems responded to the location and pronounced the male deceased at the scene. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing.” An individual was arrested for concealing the actor’s corpse.
In a statement, Vallelonga Jr.’s manager said, “This is a sad and completely shocking tragedy…Frank was a great guy, father, brother, actor and friend. He will be missed terribly.” Vallelonga Jr.’s family cited November 28th as the day of the actor’s death.
Frank Vallelonga Jr.’s father, also known as Tony Lip, was portrayed by Viggo Mortensen in Green Book,...
According to police, “Upon arrival, police observed an unidentified adult male, unconscious and unresponsive, on the ground at the location…The male had no obvious signs of trauma observed. Ems responded to the location and pronounced the male deceased at the scene. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing.” An individual was arrested for concealing the actor’s corpse.
In a statement, Vallelonga Jr.’s manager said, “This is a sad and completely shocking tragedy…Frank was a great guy, father, brother, actor and friend. He will be missed terribly.” Vallelonga Jr.’s family cited November 28th as the day of the actor’s death.
Frank Vallelonga Jr.’s father, also known as Tony Lip, was portrayed by Viggo Mortensen in Green Book,...
- 12/2/2022
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Click here to read the full article.
The NYPD identified a body found in the Bronx as Green Book actor Frank Vallelonga Jr., The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The actor, who was 60, portrayed a relative of Viggo Mortensen’s bouncer Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga. In real life, he was the son of the bouncer portrayed in the film.
The police found Vallelonga Jr., unconscious and unresponsive but with no observable trauma, early Monday morning on the ground outside of the address of a sheet-metal factory.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing, and the medical examiner will determine the cause of death, but someone has been arrested and charged with concealment of a human corpse.
Vallelonga Jr.’s manager, Melissa Prophet, also confirmed his death to THR.
His other recent credits include crime film The Birthday Cake (2021) that starred Val Kilmer and Ewan McGregor and a 2018 episode of CBS’ The Neighborhood.
The NYPD identified a body found in the Bronx as Green Book actor Frank Vallelonga Jr., The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The actor, who was 60, portrayed a relative of Viggo Mortensen’s bouncer Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga. In real life, he was the son of the bouncer portrayed in the film.
The police found Vallelonga Jr., unconscious and unresponsive but with no observable trauma, early Monday morning on the ground outside of the address of a sheet-metal factory.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing, and the medical examiner will determine the cause of death, but someone has been arrested and charged with concealment of a human corpse.
Vallelonga Jr.’s manager, Melissa Prophet, also confirmed his death to THR.
His other recent credits include crime film The Birthday Cake (2021) that starred Val Kilmer and Ewan McGregor and a 2018 episode of CBS’ The Neighborhood.
- 12/1/2022
- by Abbey White and Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Green Book” actor Frank Vallelonga Jr. has died at the age of 60, Variety has confirmed.
The NYPD responded to a call early Monday morning just before 4 a.m. in the Bronx and found Vallelonga Jr. laying unconscious and unresponsive on the ground. Following the arrival of Ems to the location, the actor was pronounced dead on the scene. The NYPD also confirmed the arrest of a 35-year-old man named Steven Smith on charges of concealment of a human corpse.
Vallelonga Jr. was the son of late actor Tony Lip, whose real name was Frank Vallelonga. Before Lip died in 2013, he consistently took on roles as mafia crime bosses throughout his acting career, notably portraying Carmine Lupertazzi in HBO’s “The Sopranos.” Lip also portrayed mobster Philip Giaccone in “Donnie Brasco” and real-life Lucchese crime family mobster Francesco Manzo in “Goodfellas,” in addition to playing a small role in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather.
The NYPD responded to a call early Monday morning just before 4 a.m. in the Bronx and found Vallelonga Jr. laying unconscious and unresponsive on the ground. Following the arrival of Ems to the location, the actor was pronounced dead on the scene. The NYPD also confirmed the arrest of a 35-year-old man named Steven Smith on charges of concealment of a human corpse.
Vallelonga Jr. was the son of late actor Tony Lip, whose real name was Frank Vallelonga. Before Lip died in 2013, he consistently took on roles as mafia crime bosses throughout his acting career, notably portraying Carmine Lupertazzi in HBO’s “The Sopranos.” Lip also portrayed mobster Philip Giaccone in “Donnie Brasco” and real-life Lucchese crime family mobster Francesco Manzo in “Goodfellas,” in addition to playing a small role in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather.
- 12/1/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Frank Vallelonga Jr. was found dead outside a Bronx sheet metal manufacturing factory.
Vallelonga’s body was dumped outside of the factory and was later identified by the NYPD, as Deadline reported. The corpse was found on November 28, with the identification announced December 1 via the New York Post. Vallelonga Jr., age 60, was dumped out of a car at 3:50 a.m. and is believed to have overdosed on drugs. The investigation is ongoing.
Vallelonga starred in the 2018 Best Picture winner “Green Book,” in which he portrayed a relative of Viggo Mortensen’s character Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga. Based on a true story, “Green Book” tells the story of bouncer Vallenlonga befriending a Black pianist Dr. Don Shirley, played by Mahershala Ali. Vallelonga Jr. is the real-life son of Mortensen’s character. He also had a small role in a 2004 episode of “The Sopranos.”
Steven Smith, a 35-year-old man, has been...
Vallelonga’s body was dumped outside of the factory and was later identified by the NYPD, as Deadline reported. The corpse was found on November 28, with the identification announced December 1 via the New York Post. Vallelonga Jr., age 60, was dumped out of a car at 3:50 a.m. and is believed to have overdosed on drugs. The investigation is ongoing.
Vallelonga starred in the 2018 Best Picture winner “Green Book,” in which he portrayed a relative of Viggo Mortensen’s character Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga. Based on a true story, “Green Book” tells the story of bouncer Vallenlonga befriending a Black pianist Dr. Don Shirley, played by Mahershala Ali. Vallelonga Jr. is the real-life son of Mortensen’s character. He also had a small role in a 2004 episode of “The Sopranos.”
Steven Smith, a 35-year-old man, has been...
- 12/1/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
“Green Book” actor Frank Vallelonga Jr. has been found dead at age 60 in New York City.
The late star, who played Rudy Vallelonga in the Oscar-winning film, was found in the Bronx after the NYPD responded to a call about an unconscious man in the street, TMZ reported.
Police have said the Medical Examiner will now determine an official cause of death, with them confirming a suspect had been charged with dumping the actor’s body.
TMZ also stated cops said the suspect told them that Vallelonga Jr. had overdosed.
Read More: Jake Flint, Country Singer, Dead At 37 Just Hours After Marrying Wife Brenda
The person in question was said to have dumped the actor’s body from a car owned by his brother, Nick Vallelonga; the co-writer and producer of “Green Book”. However, Nick insisted the suspect did not have permission or authority to drive his vehicle.
Vallelonga Jr.
The late star, who played Rudy Vallelonga in the Oscar-winning film, was found in the Bronx after the NYPD responded to a call about an unconscious man in the street, TMZ reported.
Police have said the Medical Examiner will now determine an official cause of death, with them confirming a suspect had been charged with dumping the actor’s body.
TMZ also stated cops said the suspect told them that Vallelonga Jr. had overdosed.
Read More: Jake Flint, Country Singer, Dead At 37 Just Hours After Marrying Wife Brenda
The person in question was said to have dumped the actor’s body from a car owned by his brother, Nick Vallelonga; the co-writer and producer of “Green Book”. However, Nick insisted the suspect did not have permission or authority to drive his vehicle.
Vallelonga Jr.
- 12/1/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Frank Vallelonga Jr., an actor who appeared in “Green Book” and “The Sopranos,” died Monday of unknown causes in the Bronx, New York, the NYPD confirmed to TheWrap. He was 60.
Police responded to a 3:50 a.m. call reporting that a body had been dumped outside of a factory near 1243 Oak Point Ave. The man, who was later identified as Vallelonga Jr., was found unconscious and pronounced dead at the scene. No obvious signs of trauma were observed on the body, said a spokesperson for the NYPD.
Steven Smith, 35, has been arrested and charged with concealment of a human corpse. According to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the investigation is ongoing.
Vallelonga Jr. is the son of the real-life bouncer and actor Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga, who Viggo Mortenson portrayed in the 2018 Best Picture winner “Green Book.” Vallelonga Jr. played his uncle Rudy Vallelonga in...
Police responded to a 3:50 a.m. call reporting that a body had been dumped outside of a factory near 1243 Oak Point Ave. The man, who was later identified as Vallelonga Jr., was found unconscious and pronounced dead at the scene. No obvious signs of trauma were observed on the body, said a spokesperson for the NYPD.
Steven Smith, 35, has been arrested and charged with concealment of a human corpse. According to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the investigation is ongoing.
Vallelonga Jr. is the son of the real-life bouncer and actor Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga, who Viggo Mortenson portrayed in the 2018 Best Picture winner “Green Book.” Vallelonga Jr. played his uncle Rudy Vallelonga in...
- 12/1/2022
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
For Steven Spielberg’s coming-of-age origin myth “The Fabelmans” (November 11), Universal enacted the “Green Book” plan: Put it in front of the friendly audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival. Spielberg has shown his films at many festivals over the years, but never TIFF — which also happened to offer the best timing for the very pregnant Michelle Williams to make a North American festival trip. The Toronto crowd’s standing ovation was raucous and enthusiastic at the Royal Alexandra Theatre and sure enough, the family drama won the often Oscar-predictive People’s Choice audience award.
Thus Spielberg’s auto-fictional, intimate, and modestly budgeted film instantly pushed to the front of the Oscar Best Picture race, with support expected from directors, writers, crafts, and most especially, actors. While four-time nominee Williams is less likely to win as Best Actress, it was her choice not to play category fraud. She is front...
Thus Spielberg’s auto-fictional, intimate, and modestly budgeted film instantly pushed to the front of the Oscar Best Picture race, with support expected from directors, writers, crafts, and most especially, actors. While four-time nominee Williams is less likely to win as Best Actress, it was her choice not to play category fraud. She is front...
- 11/1/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
When Peter Farrelly’s “The Greatest Beer Run Ever” was announced for the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, there was never much question when it would screen. Even though the prestige slots at TIFF are on the first weekend, “Beer Run” would be a Tuesday night film, because that’s the same stealth slot that Farrelly’s precious film, “Green Book,” took when it premiered at the festival five years ago on its way to winning the TIFF audience award and the Oscar for Best Picture.
And “The Greatest Beer Run Ever,” which had its debut at Roy Thomson Hall on Tuesday, is like Farrelly’s last film in more ways than the choice of venue and day. The director once known for slapstick comedies like “Dumb and Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary” seems to have a new specialty: movies based on stranger-than-fiction true stories about working class, salt-of-the-earth guys...
And “The Greatest Beer Run Ever,” which had its debut at Roy Thomson Hall on Tuesday, is like Farrelly’s last film in more ways than the choice of venue and day. The director once known for slapstick comedies like “Dumb and Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary” seems to have a new specialty: movies based on stranger-than-fiction true stories about working class, salt-of-the-earth guys...
- 9/14/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
As society evolves, moments in films that were once beloved can start to sour in history’s proverbial rear-view mirror. When Sandy (Olivia Newton John) revamps her entire look and personality to please her boyfriend Danny (John Travolta) at the end of Grease (1978), for example. Or when the cartoon crows in Disney’s animated classic Dumbo are literally called “The Jim Crows”.
Even plenty of Academy Award-winning movies have not aged particularly well. As the 94th Academy Awards approach this Sunday (27 March), here are 10 Oscar-winning films that are problematic in 2021.
Green Book (2018)
When Green Book, which won Best Picture at the 91st Academy Awards, arrived in cinemas a few years back, it quickly became a divisive topic of conversation. The picture, starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen, enjoyed early success with audiences and sailed through awards season, but critics lambasted it as being shortsighted in its depiction of race relations.
Even plenty of Academy Award-winning movies have not aged particularly well. As the 94th Academy Awards approach this Sunday (27 March), here are 10 Oscar-winning films that are problematic in 2021.
Green Book (2018)
When Green Book, which won Best Picture at the 91st Academy Awards, arrived in cinemas a few years back, it quickly became a divisive topic of conversation. The picture, starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen, enjoyed early success with audiences and sailed through awards season, but critics lambasted it as being shortsighted in its depiction of race relations.
- 3/27/2022
- by Rachel Brodsky
- The Independent - Film
It seems like Britney Spears' youngest son has got a piece of her musical talents. The pop star, 40, couldn't help but to sing the praises of kids Sean Preston Federline, 16, and Jayden James Federline, 15, who she called "geniuses" in a March 24 Instagram post. Britney—who shares them with ex-husband Kevin Federline—went on to gush about Jayden's knack for music, revealing that he "can play jazz and literally anything on the piano." "His gift scares me," she wrote, noting that after watching Green Book, the Oscar-winning film about pianist Don Shirley, Jayden once "sat down and immediately started playing the blues…It's scary...
- 3/24/2022
- E! Online
When Daniel Kaluuya won the 2021 Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as Fred Hampton in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” he became the 77th performer to be honored for a portrayal of a real person. There has been at least one such case across the four acting categories in 19 of the last 20 years, with the 2017 quartet being the last to all win for playing fictional characters. This year, there are nine nominees with the potential to continue the trend, including two whose real-life counterparts are still living.
In Oscar history, it is most common for a win of this kind to come in the Best Actor category. In the nine decades since George Arliss prevailed here for playing Benjamin Disraeli in “Disraeli” (1930), 27 more lead male champs have followed, and they now account for 30% of all victories in the category. The six who have triumphed in the last decade alone...
In Oscar history, it is most common for a win of this kind to come in the Best Actor category. In the nine decades since George Arliss prevailed here for playing Benjamin Disraeli in “Disraeli” (1930), 27 more lead male champs have followed, and they now account for 30% of all victories in the category. The six who have triumphed in the last decade alone...
- 3/15/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
This year’s Oscar race is in a bio rhythm, with a huge percentage of films based upon real people and events.
Merriam-Webster defines “biopic” as simply a biographical movie. That’s true, but there’s a wide range under that umbrella term, as this year’s contenders remind us.
They include films that span several years, including: “A Journal for Jordan” and “King Richard”; some cover multiple decades, such as “House of Gucci,” the Aretha Franklin pic “Respect” and “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.”
Other films, including “Being the Ricardos,” focus on a moment in time, which becomes a prism for exploring the era and the lives of various individuals.
Narrative films are not documentaries, so every pic takes liberty with the facts. Some take this to the extreme, such as “Spencer” (in which the life of Princess Diana borders on a horror film and begins with the disclaimer...
Merriam-Webster defines “biopic” as simply a biographical movie. That’s true, but there’s a wide range under that umbrella term, as this year’s contenders remind us.
They include films that span several years, including: “A Journal for Jordan” and “King Richard”; some cover multiple decades, such as “House of Gucci,” the Aretha Franklin pic “Respect” and “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.”
Other films, including “Being the Ricardos,” focus on a moment in time, which becomes a prism for exploring the era and the lives of various individuals.
Narrative films are not documentaries, so every pic takes liberty with the facts. Some take this to the extreme, such as “Spencer” (in which the life of Princess Diana borders on a horror film and begins with the disclaimer...
- 12/23/2021
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Academy voters need to bring an open mind and a box of tissues for the heart-wrenching and moving “Swan Song.” Spearheaded by two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali and Oscar nominee Naomie Harris, it’s difficult to find more pure and deliberate performances from two of today’s most revered actors. If this late-bloomer in the awards season can make enough noise and get enough butts in screening seats, a worthy play for several categories could be on the horizon. In addition, this seems like the first film that feels authentically identifiable to Apple Original Films, which will bode well for its awards brand moving forward. However, its most significant hurdle may be awards groups confusing it with the other “Swan Song” that opened over the summer.
“Swan Song” takes place in the near future where family man Cameron Turner (Ali) is diagnosed with a terminal illness. To shield his family from grief,...
“Swan Song” takes place in the near future where family man Cameron Turner (Ali) is diagnosed with a terminal illness. To shield his family from grief,...
- 11/13/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Since the first Best Supporting Actor award was given to Walter Brennan at the 9th Academy Awards ceremony in 1937, 75 men have received this honor, with seven winning two statues in this category. Seven actors tie for the most Best Supporting Actor nominations at four – one of whom is Brennan, who also holds the record for most wins in this category. He won an astonishing three out of four nominations between 1937 and 1942.
Both the youngest and the oldest acting nominees in the history of the Academy received their nominations in this category. Eight-year-old Justin Henry has held the record for youngest nominee in any category for 41 years, having received a bid for his performance in “Kramer vs. Kramer” in 1980. After being overlooked by the Academy for much of his career, Christopher Plummer received three supporting nominations between 2010 and 2018, and holds three separate spots on the top 10 list of oldest nominees in this category.
Both the youngest and the oldest acting nominees in the history of the Academy received their nominations in this category. Eight-year-old Justin Henry has held the record for youngest nominee in any category for 41 years, having received a bid for his performance in “Kramer vs. Kramer” in 1980. After being overlooked by the Academy for much of his career, Christopher Plummer received three supporting nominations between 2010 and 2018, and holds three separate spots on the top 10 list of oldest nominees in this category.
- 10/22/2021
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Composed by Mozart in 1787, Don Giovanni, one of the most famous operas, which is included in the repertoires of the most famous theatres in the world, tells the story of a young, dissolute nobleman who crosses all the borders of decency. The eponymous Don Giovanni wins and breaks hearts, insulting and alienating subsequent people, to the point of supernatural culmination and a moralising conclusion. The Sound Of Identity by James Kicklighter tells the story of producing a modern version of the famous opera. A pioneering production: the role of Don Giovanni is played by the first transgender singer in the history of the medium, Lucia Lucas, and the premiere of the opera takes place in ... Tulsa.
One cannot help but feel that history repeats itself. Suffice it to recall Peter Farrelly's Green Book and the factual story of Don Shirley, a prominent African-American pianist, touring the southern racist states.
One cannot help but feel that history repeats itself. Suffice it to recall Peter Farrelly's Green Book and the factual story of Don Shirley, a prominent African-American pianist, touring the southern racist states.
- 5/31/2021
- by Mateusz Tarwacki
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Video Version of this Article Photo/Video: Oscar Nominated Performances/Hollywood Insider YouTube Channel Over the years many Oscars have been won for portrayals of real-life people. Renée Zellweger won Best Actress in 2020 for playing Judy Garland. In 2019, Rami Malek won for his role as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and Mahershala Ali won for playing piano maestro Dr. Don Shirley. This year, eight of the 20 acting nominees are nominated for their portrayals of real-life figures: Billie Holiday, Ma Rainey, Herman J. Mankiewicz, Marion Davies, Sam Cooke, Fred Hampton, William O’Neal, and Abbie Hoffman. Related article: Oscars 2021 Winners: The 93rd Show With Record-Breaking Historic Successes, Shocks and Surprises Related article: A Tribute To The Academy Awards: All Best Actor/Actress Speeches From The Beginning Of Oscars 1929-2019 | From Rami Malek, Leonardo DiCaprio To Marlon Brando & Beyond | From Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep To Bette Davis & Beyond Here are the 8 Real-Life Figures Behind...
- 4/27/2021
- by Caroline Schneider
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Photo: Road Trip Movies Introduction The open road calling to travelers is a time-honored theme. Humans have been journeying across the world as long as they’ve been walking on it. The term “road trip” is a more modern conception in terms of its meaning. The characters are leaving something behind, or they are heading off to find something. For this article, we pick out tales of journeys on the road. Related article: New Releases: Your Comprehensive Guide to Every New Movie Coming Out in February 2021 Related article: Video | The Artist Evolves: All Leonardo DiCaprio Roles & Performances, 1980s to 2020 Filmography 10 Amazing Road Trip Movies 'Green Book' ‘Green Book’ follows the story of an Italian-American bouncer as he becomes the driver of an African-American pianist in the 1960s American South. The film is inspired by the true story of Frank Vallelonga and Don Shirley. It made $321 million of a $23 million dollar budget.
- 2/17/2021
- by Drew Alexander Ross
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
The 2019 Best Picture Oscar winner “Green Book” is back in the conversation as the film’s star Viggo Mortensen starts rolling out his directorial debut “Falling,” where he plays a gay man taking care of his homophobic, ailing father. In “Green Book,” he played the driver of Dr. Don Shirley, the concert pianist played by Mahershala Ali, and some complained that the film played into white savior tropes. Shirley’s family publicly criticized the film as a misrepresentation of their relative, while other critics have condemned “Green Book” as simply the story of a bigot’s (in this case Mortensen’s character) redemption.
But Mortensen has continued to defend the film, and has insisted that it will “stand the test of time” in a new interview with The Film Stage (via The Playlist).
“The dumbass in that story was the white guy,” Mortensen said. “There was a steep learning curve for the character I played.
But Mortensen has continued to defend the film, and has insisted that it will “stand the test of time” in a new interview with The Film Stage (via The Playlist).
“The dumbass in that story was the white guy,” Mortensen said. “There was a steep learning curve for the character I played.
- 2/13/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
The 2020 Best Supporting Actor lineup, which included performances that ranged from 43 to 56 minutes long, proved that high screen times are fairly common in the category. Six actors have won the award with over one hour of screen time, while an additional 18 nominees have passed that mark. Here is a look at the 10 performances that rank as the longest of them all (and here are the 10 longest winners):
10. Jeff Bridges (“Thunderbolt and Lightfoot”)
1 hour, 6 minutes, 23 seconds (57.74% of the film)
After Mickey Rooney and Sal Mineo, Bridges became the third man to receive two acting Oscar nominations by age 25, and there has not been another in the 45 years since. His second bid for playing the titular Lightfoot also earned him a spot on this list and was the 11th nominated supporting male performance to have over one hour of screen time. Bridges finally scored his first win at age 60, as a lead in “Crazy Heart,...
10. Jeff Bridges (“Thunderbolt and Lightfoot”)
1 hour, 6 minutes, 23 seconds (57.74% of the film)
After Mickey Rooney and Sal Mineo, Bridges became the third man to receive two acting Oscar nominations by age 25, and there has not been another in the 45 years since. His second bid for playing the titular Lightfoot also earned him a spot on this list and was the 11th nominated supporting male performance to have over one hour of screen time. Bridges finally scored his first win at age 60, as a lead in “Crazy Heart,...
- 1/31/2021
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Viggo Mortensen has some strong words for critics of the 2019 Best Picture Oscar winner “Green Book.” In a new interview with The Independent, the actor railed against controversy that director Peter Farrelly’s movie played into a white savior narrative. Mortensen is currently promoting his new film “Falling,” in which he plays a gay man struggling to care for his ailing, homophobic father.
“Much of the criticism that was leveled at [‘Green Book’] was not only unreasonable, but it was inaccurate, mendacious, and irresponsible,” he said. “It’s based on a load of bulls*** and an axe to grind and little else. Does it affect what I’m doing, or how people perceive me as an actor? Maybe it does. But I can’t really do anything about that.”
In “Green Book,” Viggo Mortensen plays an Italian-American driver tasked with escorting and protecting concert pianist Dr. Don Shirley, played by Oscar winner Mahershala Ali.
“Much of the criticism that was leveled at [‘Green Book’] was not only unreasonable, but it was inaccurate, mendacious, and irresponsible,” he said. “It’s based on a load of bulls*** and an axe to grind and little else. Does it affect what I’m doing, or how people perceive me as an actor? Maybe it does. But I can’t really do anything about that.”
In “Green Book,” Viggo Mortensen plays an Italian-American driver tasked with escorting and protecting concert pianist Dr. Don Shirley, played by Oscar winner Mahershala Ali.
- 12/6/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Dave Shaw and Don Shirley were already legends in the scuba diving community when, in October 2004, they decided to explore South Africa's Boesmansgat cave, breaking a world record in the process because of how deep they went. What they didn't expect was to find a dead body at the bottom - that of Deon Dreyer, another celebrated diver, who had disappeared there ten years previously. Partly out of concern for his family and partly, they admitted, because they felt drawn to the challenge, they arranged to return to the cave in January of the following year to try and retrieve it. It was an expedition which they knew would be dangerous and they approached it with extreme care, but nevertheless, Dave lost his life in the process.
Much of this film is comprised of footage from the documentary which Dave and Don planned to make about the retrieval. It's framed.
Much of this film is comprised of footage from the documentary which Dave and Don planned to make about the retrieval. It's framed.
- 11/14/2020
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The most selfless acts people perform in their lives are often the things that they’re most remembered for in their deaths. That’s certainly the case for late high level scuba-diver, David Shaw, whose generous gesture of providing closure for another scuba-diver’s family, which sadly proved to be the last thing he did, is highlighted in […]
The post Don Shirley Fondly Remembers Scuba Diving with David Shaw in Dave Not Coming Back Exclusive Clip appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Don Shirley Fondly Remembers Scuba Diving with David Shaw in Dave Not Coming Back Exclusive Clip appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 11/10/2020
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
At last year's 91st Academy Awards, Green Book took home some serious prizes, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, and to much controversy, Best Picture, beating out Black Panther, BlacKkkblansman, Roma, and many other critically acclaimed films from 2019. Green Book does a handful of things very well, much thanks to the excellent acting by stars Mahershala Ali, who plays genius black pianist Don Shirley, or Doc, as he's called by his co-star Viggo Mortensen who plays Shirley's driver Tony “Lip" as he's known to his Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn.
- 8/13/2020
- by Tyler Bey
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
No hairstylist has been more instrumental in shaping the looks of African American actors and actresses for television and film of the last 10 years than Lawrence Davis, one of the most sought-after talents in his field. His skill alone doesn’t account for why Davis has worked on more than 80 movies and TV series — in addition to winning two Emmys — his real talent lies in how he uses his craft in a critical, and often underestimated role in the visual storytelling of a film or TV series. “It’s a key element of defining a character for an actor because hair is a language too, especially for Black people,” said Mahershala Ali, who brought Davis onto “Green Book” and “True Detective” to collaborate with to establish his characters. “It’s hard to overstate the value of — or at least how — African Americans express something about themselves through how they chose to wear their hair.
- 6/23/2020
- by Leah Lu
- Indiewire
Like many who care about racial justice – especially those of us who write about pop culture – one of my inclinations is to recommend movies and television shows as educational tools or emotional salves for a given moment. But while many of the lists I saw from Black folks feature the work of Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay, the 2011 white savior film The Help also started trending on Twitter.
Based on a novel by Kathryn Stockett, The Help lives in a category of film alongside Green Book, Crash, and Driving Miss Daisy. These movies exist to comfort white people like myself about race. But right now, when more white people in this country than ever before are confronting anti-Black racism and police brutality, white people need to fight our inclination to use media as escapism and a numbing agent. Instead we need media that challenges us and to sit in our discomfort,...
Based on a novel by Kathryn Stockett, The Help lives in a category of film alongside Green Book, Crash, and Driving Miss Daisy. These movies exist to comfort white people like myself about race. But right now, when more white people in this country than ever before are confronting anti-Black racism and police brutality, white people need to fight our inclination to use media as escapism and a numbing agent. Instead we need media that challenges us and to sit in our discomfort,...
- 6/9/2020
- by Delia Harrington
- Den of Geek
The Ruderman Foundation, which promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas, presented the Morton E. Ruderman Award in inclusion to directing duo Peter and Bobby Farrelly Tuesday night at a star-packed presentation in Beverly Hills, CA.
The Farrelly Brothers were given the award “in recognition of their advocacy for the inclusive and authentic representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.” The pair have regularly included actual disabled performers in their feature films, such as their 1998 comedy “There’s Something About Mary” and the 2001 film “Shallow Hal.” Peter Farrelly won two Academy Awards in 2019 as producer and co-screenwriter of “Green Book.”
Disability remains one of the more ignored elements of representation in media, this in spite the Ruderman Foundation’s research announcing that over 20 percent of the top characters in television with disabilities are actually played by disabled performers, an increase from 5 percent in 2016. And at this...
The Farrelly Brothers were given the award “in recognition of their advocacy for the inclusive and authentic representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry.” The pair have regularly included actual disabled performers in their feature films, such as their 1998 comedy “There’s Something About Mary” and the 2001 film “Shallow Hal.” Peter Farrelly won two Academy Awards in 2019 as producer and co-screenwriter of “Green Book.”
Disability remains one of the more ignored elements of representation in media, this in spite the Ruderman Foundation’s research announcing that over 20 percent of the top characters in television with disabilities are actually played by disabled performers, an increase from 5 percent in 2016. And at this...
- 3/4/2020
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
“Rocketman” had somewhat higher hopes during the awards season than what it ended up with, but it nevertheless came away with an Oscar on Sunday night: Best Original Song for “I’m Gonna Love Me Again,” written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. That adds it to the list of Lgbtq-themed movies that have won Oscars. Click above to see our list of 29 winning titles.
SEE2020 Oscars: Full list of winners (and losers) at the 92nd Academy Awards
This music biopic told Elton John’s life story, including his childhood, his career beginnings, his struggles with substance abuse, and his fight to come to terms with being gay despite parents who didn’t accept him. Taron Egerton played John in a performance that won him a Golden Globe and earned him nominations at the SAG Awards and BAFTAs. The film was also nominated by the Cinema Audio Society, the Costume Designers Guild,...
SEE2020 Oscars: Full list of winners (and losers) at the 92nd Academy Awards
This music biopic told Elton John’s life story, including his childhood, his career beginnings, his struggles with substance abuse, and his fight to come to terms with being gay despite parents who didn’t accept him. Taron Egerton played John in a performance that won him a Golden Globe and earned him nominations at the SAG Awards and BAFTAs. The film was also nominated by the Cinema Audio Society, the Costume Designers Guild,...
- 2/10/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Predicting the winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture is never easy. We were sure the top prize at the 2019 Oscars would go to “Roma” but it was “Green Book” that won. In coming up with our 2020 Oscar predictions, we considered a slew of factors, starting with the preferential ballot used to determine the winner. Add in the pedigree of the filmmakers, the critical reception to the films, the box office tally and the track record of the studios. We take all of these into consideration again as we look ahead to the 2020 Academy Awards. (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2020 Oscars predictions for Best Picture.)
Contenders began to emerge at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Others will be seen for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival in May. However, most of the top tier of Best Picture hopefuls won’t screen until September at four film festivals: Venice,...
Contenders began to emerge at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Others will be seen for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival in May. However, most of the top tier of Best Picture hopefuls won’t screen until September at four film festivals: Venice,...
- 1/8/2020
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Hopefully Brad Pitt left some room on his mantel for a new Golden Globe Award!
The actor, 56, took home the prize for best supporting actor in a motion picture on Sunday, beating out Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Anthony Hopkins in The Two Popes, Al Pacino in The Irishman and Joe Pesci in The Irishman.
“When I was starting out, these names that were just listed, were like gods to me. This is an honor in itself,” Pitt started his acceptance speech, praising his fellow nominees.
“I want to say hi to my folks, because, hey,...
The actor, 56, took home the prize for best supporting actor in a motion picture on Sunday, beating out Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Anthony Hopkins in The Two Popes, Al Pacino in The Irishman and Joe Pesci in The Irishman.
“When I was starting out, these names that were just listed, were like gods to me. This is an honor in itself,” Pitt started his acceptance speech, praising his fellow nominees.
“I want to say hi to my folks, because, hey,...
- 1/6/2020
- by Jen Juneau
- PEOPLE.com
A hot-button question that society — or at least Twitter — has been debating for years enveloped the Oscar race last season: Who is allowed to tell which stories?
Many were angered that Green Book, a film largely about Don Shirley, a once-famous and now deceased black concert pianist, had been made not by people who knew the black experience firsthand but rather by white screenwriters and a white director. They also were upset that it was told not through Shirley's eyes but rather through those of a white character who knew him. The response of the filmmakers — one of ...
Many were angered that Green Book, a film largely about Don Shirley, a once-famous and now deceased black concert pianist, had been made not by people who knew the black experience firsthand but rather by white screenwriters and a white director. They also were upset that it was told not through Shirley's eyes but rather through those of a white character who knew him. The response of the filmmakers — one of ...
- 11/27/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
A hot-button question that society — or at least Twitter — has been debating for years enveloped the Oscar race last season: Who is allowed to tell which stories?
Many were angered that Green Book, a film largely about Don Shirley, a once-famous and now deceased black concert pianist, had been made not by people who knew the black experience firsthand but rather by white screenwriters and a white director. They also were upset that it was told not through Shirley's eyes but rather through those of a white character who knew him. The response of the filmmakers — one of ...
Many were angered that Green Book, a film largely about Don Shirley, a once-famous and now deceased black concert pianist, had been made not by people who knew the black experience firsthand but rather by white screenwriters and a white director. They also were upset that it was told not through Shirley's eyes but rather through those of a white character who knew him. The response of the filmmakers — one of ...
- 11/27/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taika Waititi’s serio-comic”Jojo Rabbit” won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday (Sept. 15). This New Zealand director is a triple threat. He adapted Christine Leunens‘ novel “Caging Skies” and co-stars as Adolf Hitler, the imaginary friend of Jojo “Rabbit” Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis), a young boy whose mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in the attic. This crowd-pleaser will be released by Fox Searchlight on Oct. 18 just as awards season kicks into high gear.
While higher profile pictures played at bigger theaters multiple times, Tiff ensures there is fairness in the process by giving this award to the film that inspires the biggest percentage of its total audience to vote online. Second place went to Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” (which also showcases Johansson) while Bong Joon-ho’s Cannes champ “Parasite” was third.
This win for “Jojo Rabbit” certainly raises its Oscar hopes.
While higher profile pictures played at bigger theaters multiple times, Tiff ensures there is fairness in the process by giving this award to the film that inspires the biggest percentage of its total audience to vote online. Second place went to Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” (which also showcases Johansson) while Bong Joon-ho’s Cannes champ “Parasite” was third.
This win for “Jojo Rabbit” certainly raises its Oscar hopes.
- 9/15/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
While Cannes, Berlin, and Venice are all more exotic and glamorous film festivals, the Toronto International Film Festival has become the kingmaker when it comes to the Academy Awards. Since 2008, all but one of the films that won the festival’s People’s Choice Award have gone on to become nominated for Best Picture, and multiple films that premiered there have gone on to win the biggest Oscar. Here are five of those films from the past decade.
“Slumdog Millionaire” (2008) — While the Toronto-to-Oscar pipeline dates back to “American Beauty” in 1999, it reached another level with Danny Boyle’s crowd-pleaser about a young Indian man whose childhood helps him conquer “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire”. While “Slumdog” premiered at Telluride, it was at Toronto where the buzz hit full swing, winning the People’s Choice Award before grossing $377 million worldwide and taking home eight Oscars.
“The King’s Speech” (2010) — Toronto...
“Slumdog Millionaire” (2008) — While the Toronto-to-Oscar pipeline dates back to “American Beauty” in 1999, it reached another level with Danny Boyle’s crowd-pleaser about a young Indian man whose childhood helps him conquer “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire”. While “Slumdog” premiered at Telluride, it was at Toronto where the buzz hit full swing, winning the People’s Choice Award before grossing $377 million worldwide and taking home eight Oscars.
“The King’s Speech” (2010) — Toronto...
- 9/4/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Mahershala Ali is having a busy summer.
In the space of the last two weeks, the two-time Academy Award winner has been nominated for an Emmy, was unveiled as the face of Marvel’s new “Blade” reboot during a surprise Comic-Con appearance, and is now set to join season 2 of the Hulu comedy “Ramy.”
Ali, who has been cast in a “special guest star role,” is said to be a “huge fan” of the Ramy Youssef-created series. Season 2 of “Ramy” is slated to premiere in 2020.
The actor has been on a hot streak as of late. He won his first Oscar, for best supporting actor, in 2016 for “Moonlight,” and won the same prize this year for his portrayal of Don Shirley in “Green Book.” He most recently starred in the third season of HBO’s drama series “True Detective,” for which he picked up an Emmy nod, and appeared in “Alita: Battle Angel.
In the space of the last two weeks, the two-time Academy Award winner has been nominated for an Emmy, was unveiled as the face of Marvel’s new “Blade” reboot during a surprise Comic-Con appearance, and is now set to join season 2 of the Hulu comedy “Ramy.”
Ali, who has been cast in a “special guest star role,” is said to be a “huge fan” of the Ramy Youssef-created series. Season 2 of “Ramy” is slated to premiere in 2020.
The actor has been on a hot streak as of late. He won his first Oscar, for best supporting actor, in 2016 for “Moonlight,” and won the same prize this year for his portrayal of Don Shirley in “Green Book.” He most recently starred in the third season of HBO’s drama series “True Detective,” for which he picked up an Emmy nod, and appeared in “Alita: Battle Angel.
- 7/26/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Marvel is rebooting the “Blade” series, and has cast Mahershala Ali to star.
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige announced the news at Comic-Con on Saturday as the panel’s big ending surprise. Ali also took the stage at the announcement to massive applause, donning the Blade baseball cap.
Wesley Snipes previously played the half-vampire superhero in 1998’s “Blade” and its two sequels, “Blade II” and “Blade: Trinity.” Coincidentally, Feige was a co-producer on “Trinity.” The series focuses on the titular vigilante, a human who possesses vampire strengths and protect humans from vampires.
Ali has been on a hot streak as of late. He won his first Oscar, for best supporting actor, in 2016 for “Moonlight,” and won the same prize this year for his portrayal of Don Shirley in “Green Book.” He most recently starred in the third season of HBO’s drama series “True Detective” and appeared in “Alita: Battle Angel.
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige announced the news at Comic-Con on Saturday as the panel’s big ending surprise. Ali also took the stage at the announcement to massive applause, donning the Blade baseball cap.
Wesley Snipes previously played the half-vampire superhero in 1998’s “Blade” and its two sequels, “Blade II” and “Blade: Trinity.” Coincidentally, Feige was a co-producer on “Trinity.” The series focuses on the titular vigilante, a human who possesses vampire strengths and protect humans from vampires.
Ali has been on a hot streak as of late. He won his first Oscar, for best supporting actor, in 2016 for “Moonlight,” and won the same prize this year for his portrayal of Don Shirley in “Green Book.” He most recently starred in the third season of HBO’s drama series “True Detective” and appeared in “Alita: Battle Angel.
- 7/21/2019
- by Alex Stedman
- Variety Film + TV
Composer Kris Bowers has exploded on the film and TV music scene in the wake of his sublime work on the three-time Oscar-winning Green Book. Not only did Bowers compose the upbeat jazzy road music, was Mahershala Ali’s piano hands during production, but he literally had to transcribe all of Dr. Don Shirley’s pieces by ear. You see, Shirley never wrote any of his music down. For the Los Angeles native Julliard-educated pianist, it was a feasible exercise that brought him back to his younger musician days.
This Emmy season, Bowers’ moving notes can be heard in Ava DuVernay’s limited Netflix series, When They See Us. It’s the gripping re-telling of the Central Park 5 –the five Harlem teenagers who in 1989 were convicted of a rape they didn’t commit. Watching these poor young men be framed and subjected to a cruel, unnecessary life in prison, and tumultuous life on parole,...
This Emmy season, Bowers’ moving notes can be heard in Ava DuVernay’s limited Netflix series, When They See Us. It’s the gripping re-telling of the Central Park 5 –the five Harlem teenagers who in 1989 were convicted of a rape they didn’t commit. Watching these poor young men be framed and subjected to a cruel, unnecessary life in prison, and tumultuous life on parole,...
- 6/11/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali is executive producing and plans to star in prison drama “Solitary” for Fox Searchlight.
The specialty label has bought the movie rights to Albert Woodfox’s 2019 memoir about the 43 years he spent in solitary confinement in Louisiana’s Angola Prison. The book’s full title is “Solitary: Unbroken by Four Decades In Solitary Confinement, My Story of Transformation and Hope.” The project is in the early stages of development without a director or screenwriter attached.
Woodfox and Herman Wallace were indicted in 1972 for the killing of a prison corrections officer and convicted in 1974. Activists began working in the 1990s on appeals and Woodfox’s conviction was overturned in 2014. He was released in 2016 after the prosecution agreed to drop its push for a retrial and accept his plea of no contest to lesser charges of burglary and manslaughter.
During their time in Angola, Woodfox and...
The specialty label has bought the movie rights to Albert Woodfox’s 2019 memoir about the 43 years he spent in solitary confinement in Louisiana’s Angola Prison. The book’s full title is “Solitary: Unbroken by Four Decades In Solitary Confinement, My Story of Transformation and Hope.” The project is in the early stages of development without a director or screenwriter attached.
Woodfox and Herman Wallace were indicted in 1972 for the killing of a prison corrections officer and convicted in 1974. Activists began working in the 1990s on appeals and Woodfox’s conviction was overturned in 2014. He was released in 2016 after the prosecution agreed to drop its push for a retrial and accept his plea of no contest to lesser charges of burglary and manslaughter.
During their time in Angola, Woodfox and...
- 6/4/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
One of the producers behind the Oscar-winning but divisive “Green Book” defended the film from criticism over how they told the story, arguing that it was actually aimed towards an older white audience.
“The audience for that kind of movie is largely older and largely white,” said Jonathan King, president of narrative film and television at Participant Media. “If you believe that older white people don’t need to be told to be less racist anymore because that’s an issue from the past, look around. Because they do.”
King was speaking on a panel about diversity and inclusion during the Milken Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, on Monday.
“Occasionally you need to make a movie that is directed at older white people,” he added.
Also Read: Why the 'Green Book' Oscar Victory Has Divided Hollywood
Although it won Best Picture at this year’s Oscars, “Green Book...
“The audience for that kind of movie is largely older and largely white,” said Jonathan King, president of narrative film and television at Participant Media. “If you believe that older white people don’t need to be told to be less racist anymore because that’s an issue from the past, look around. Because they do.”
King was speaking on a panel about diversity and inclusion during the Milken Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, on Monday.
“Occasionally you need to make a movie that is directed at older white people,” he added.
Also Read: Why the 'Green Book' Oscar Victory Has Divided Hollywood
Although it won Best Picture at this year’s Oscars, “Green Book...
- 4/29/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Divisive director and artist Julian Schnabel recently sat down for an interview with The Guardian. In his chat with the U.K. outlet, published Friday morning, Schnabel shared his thoughts on the controversy surrounding white people telling the stories of people of color.
The issue launched into the public zeitgeist this year because of Green Book and the criticism the Oscar-winning film faced for director Peter Farrelly's portrait of African-American musician Dr. Don Shirley (played by Mahershala Ali). Backlash ensued after several of Dr. Shirley's relatives expressed their disappointment in how parts of his life were portrayed on film.
But Schnabel commented on ...
The issue launched into the public zeitgeist this year because of Green Book and the criticism the Oscar-winning film faced for director Peter Farrelly's portrait of African-American musician Dr. Don Shirley (played by Mahershala Ali). Backlash ensued after several of Dr. Shirley's relatives expressed their disappointment in how parts of his life were portrayed on film.
But Schnabel commented on ...
Divisive director and artist Julian Schnabel recently sat down for an interview with The Guardian. In his chat with the U.K. outlet, published Friday morning, Schnabel shared his thoughts on the controversy surrounding white people telling the stories of people of color.
The issue launched into the public zeitgeist this year because of Green Book and the criticism the Oscar-winning film faced for director Peter Farrelly's portrait of African-American musician Dr. Don Shirley (played by Mahershala Ali). Backlash ensued after several of Dr. Shirley's relatives expressed their disappointment in how parts of his life were portrayed on film.
But Schnabel commented on ...
The issue launched into the public zeitgeist this year because of Green Book and the criticism the Oscar-winning film faced for director Peter Farrelly's portrait of African-American musician Dr. Don Shirley (played by Mahershala Ali). Backlash ensued after several of Dr. Shirley's relatives expressed their disappointment in how parts of his life were portrayed on film.
But Schnabel commented on ...
Robin Bissell’s “The Best of Enemies” may not be some kind of game-changing corrective to all the retrograde films about race in America (we’re talking about an uplifting historical biopic directed by the executive producer of “Seabiscuit”), but this sturdy drama has the good sense to recognize that allyship is only valuable when it’s hard. When it’s a sacrifice. When it forces white people to put some of their own skin in the game.
Feel-good Hollywood movies about race in America — specifically the ones that are meant to assuage white audiences of the latent guilt they feel about the historical and ongoing treatment of black people in this country — tend to hinge on the concept of friendship. And not just any friendship, but true friendship. The clumsy Eddie Murphy vehicle “Mr. Church” was “inspired by a true friendship.” So was “Green Book,” even if the truth...
Feel-good Hollywood movies about race in America — specifically the ones that are meant to assuage white audiences of the latent guilt they feel about the historical and ongoing treatment of black people in this country — tend to hinge on the concept of friendship. And not just any friendship, but true friendship. The clumsy Eddie Murphy vehicle “Mr. Church” was “inspired by a true friendship.” So was “Green Book,” even if the truth...
- 4/4/2019
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
“Green Book” has driven past the $300 million mark at the worldwide box office, thanks to its best picture Academy Award win and a stellar performance in China.
The road-trip drama from Universal Pictures has grossed $84.5 million domestically and $219.6 million internationally in 62 markets via Amblin and Lionsgate, bringing its estimated worldwide haul to $304 million.
“Green Book” also took home Oscars for supporting actor for Mahershala Ali’s portrayal of jazz pianist Don Shirley and original screenplay. It saw the highest post-Oscar box office bump since 2010’s “The King’s Speech.”
“Green Book” also debuted solidly in China, where it’s crossed $70 million. It’s become the highest-grossing best picture winner in the territory, surpassing “Titanic.”
The film, produced by Participant Media and DreamWorks Pictures, saw its top performances in China (Alibaba/Amblin), France (Metropolitan/Lionsgate) with $14 million, Germany (eOne/Amblin) with $13.5 million, Japan (Gaga/Lionsgate) with $14.6 million, and the U.K. (eOne/Amblin) with $12.9 million.
The road-trip drama from Universal Pictures has grossed $84.5 million domestically and $219.6 million internationally in 62 markets via Amblin and Lionsgate, bringing its estimated worldwide haul to $304 million.
“Green Book” also took home Oscars for supporting actor for Mahershala Ali’s portrayal of jazz pianist Don Shirley and original screenplay. It saw the highest post-Oscar box office bump since 2010’s “The King’s Speech.”
“Green Book” also debuted solidly in China, where it’s crossed $70 million. It’s become the highest-grossing best picture winner in the territory, surpassing “Titanic.”
The film, produced by Participant Media and DreamWorks Pictures, saw its top performances in China (Alibaba/Amblin), France (Metropolitan/Lionsgate) with $14 million, Germany (eOne/Amblin) with $13.5 million, Japan (Gaga/Lionsgate) with $14.6 million, and the U.K. (eOne/Amblin) with $12.9 million.
- 4/1/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
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