Over the last few years, there have been some major shifts in the way those on the autism spectrum are understood. Conditions like autism have been reframed as an asset rather than a disability, due largely to conversations happening in spaces like TikTok. There has even been a vernacular reconfiguration, with the terms neurotypical and neurodivergent coming into wider acceptance as the more inclusive and less historically loaded categorizations.
As with basically all discourse, these positive developments have occasionally fueled actions with bad intent—like neurotypical people self-diagnosing as neurodivergent, essentially for purposes of clout. Enter Tony Goldwyn’s Ezra, which sees itself as a kind of rebuke to films like Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close for at least nominally wrestling with the notion of whether we should raise children to be as normative as possible or fully embrace their divergences.
The film’s plot concerns a New York comedian,...
As with basically all discourse, these positive developments have occasionally fueled actions with bad intent—like neurotypical people self-diagnosing as neurodivergent, essentially for purposes of clout. Enter Tony Goldwyn’s Ezra, which sees itself as a kind of rebuke to films like Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close for at least nominally wrestling with the notion of whether we should raise children to be as normative as possible or fully embrace their divergences.
The film’s plot concerns a New York comedian,...
- 5/26/2024
- by Charles Lyons-Burt
- Slant Magazine
Tony Goldwyn and Bobby Cannavale are stepping out to promote their new movie!
The two actors posed for photos together at a special screening of their new movie Ezra hosted by Tribeca and Bleeker Street on Monday evening (April 29) held at the Sva Theater in New York City.
Also in attendance at the screening was newcomer William A. Fitzgerald, who plays Bobby‘s son in the movie.
Keep reading to find out more…Ezra “follows Max Bernal (Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (Robert De Niro), while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne). When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives.”
Tony directed by movie from a screenplay by Tony Spiridakis. Whoopi Goldberg, Vera Farmiga, and Rainn Wilson also appear in the movie.
The two actors posed for photos together at a special screening of their new movie Ezra hosted by Tribeca and Bleeker Street on Monday evening (April 29) held at the Sva Theater in New York City.
Also in attendance at the screening was newcomer William A. Fitzgerald, who plays Bobby‘s son in the movie.
Keep reading to find out more…Ezra “follows Max Bernal (Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (Robert De Niro), while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne). When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives.”
Tony directed by movie from a screenplay by Tony Spiridakis. Whoopi Goldberg, Vera Farmiga, and Rainn Wilson also appear in the movie.
- 4/30/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Kent Sanderson has been promoted to president of Bleecker Street, the indie studio behind “Logan Lucky” and “Captain Fantastic.” The veteran executive previously served as the company’s head of acquisitions and ancillary distribution. Sanderson has been with Bleecker Street, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, since its inception in 2014.
In his previous role, he led both the curation of Bleecker’s film slate and the company’s home entertainment strategy, including co-founding and co-running home entertainment label Decal, which Bleecker operates as a joint-venture with Neon. In his new post, Sanderson will continue to report to Bleecker Street CEO Andrew Karpen.
Sanderson’s elevation is one of several key promotions across the company. Vikki Hart has been elevated to vice president, distribution and sales. She previously had been director of sales, distribution. At the same time, Miranda King has been promoted to vice president, acquisitions and co-productions. She previously served as director,...
In his previous role, he led both the curation of Bleecker’s film slate and the company’s home entertainment strategy, including co-founding and co-running home entertainment label Decal, which Bleecker operates as a joint-venture with Neon. In his new post, Sanderson will continue to report to Bleecker Street CEO Andrew Karpen.
Sanderson’s elevation is one of several key promotions across the company. Vikki Hart has been elevated to vice president, distribution and sales. She previously had been director of sales, distribution. At the same time, Miranda King has been promoted to vice president, acquisitions and co-productions. She previously served as director,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Cate Blanchett is taking on the U.N. by way of Hillary Clinton meets Margaret Thatcher garb in a first look at upcoming comedy “Rumours.”
The film is written and directed by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson, with Bleecker Street distributing. While no release date has been announced yet, the feature is expected to be released in 2024, and debuted first look footage as part of Bleecker Street’s 10-year anniversary reel.
Oscar winner Blanchett co-stars alongside fellow Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, Roy Dupuis, Charles Dance, Denis Ménochet, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Rolando Ravello, Takehiro Hira, and Zlatko Burić. “Rumours” follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies at the annual G7 summit after they become lost in the woods and face increasing peril while attempting to draft a provisional statement regarding a global crisis.
Ari Aster executive produces through his and Lars Knudsen’s Square Peg production company,...
The film is written and directed by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson, with Bleecker Street distributing. While no release date has been announced yet, the feature is expected to be released in 2024, and debuted first look footage as part of Bleecker Street’s 10-year anniversary reel.
Oscar winner Blanchett co-stars alongside fellow Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, Roy Dupuis, Charles Dance, Denis Ménochet, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Rolando Ravello, Takehiro Hira, and Zlatko Burić. “Rumours” follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies at the annual G7 summit after they become lost in the woods and face increasing peril while attempting to draft a provisional statement regarding a global crisis.
Ari Aster executive produces through his and Lars Knudsen’s Square Peg production company,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Bleecker Street has unveiled a reel showcasing both where the company has been and where it’s headed, unveiling never-before-seen footage from numerous upcoming titles.
Titles nearest on the horizon that are teased include Nathan and David Zellner’s acclaimed Sundance pic Sasquatch Sunset, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough, which opens in select theaters April 12, and Tony Goldwyn’s family dramedy Ezra, out May 31. Others include Julia von Heinz’s Treasure (June 14), starring Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry; Jocelyn Moorhouse’s comedy The Fabulous Four (July 26), starring Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, Megan Mullally and Sheryl Lee Ralph; Mikael Håfström’s sci-fi pic Slingshot (August 23), starring Casey Affleck, Laurence Fishbourne and Emily Beecham; and Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths (October 18), starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
Then, there’s Uberto Pasolini’s The Return, starring Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche and Charlie Plummer, and the film Rumours with Cate Blanchett,...
Titles nearest on the horizon that are teased include Nathan and David Zellner’s acclaimed Sundance pic Sasquatch Sunset, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough, which opens in select theaters April 12, and Tony Goldwyn’s family dramedy Ezra, out May 31. Others include Julia von Heinz’s Treasure (June 14), starring Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry; Jocelyn Moorhouse’s comedy The Fabulous Four (July 26), starring Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, Megan Mullally and Sheryl Lee Ralph; Mikael Håfström’s sci-fi pic Slingshot (August 23), starring Casey Affleck, Laurence Fishbourne and Emily Beecham; and Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths (October 18), starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
Then, there’s Uberto Pasolini’s The Return, starring Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche and Charlie Plummer, and the film Rumours with Cate Blanchett,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Robert De Niro is bringing his latest family-centered feature to his own turf thanks to Tribeca.
De Niro, who co-founded the festival and film program with Jane Rosenthal, is set to host a special screening of the upcoming film “Ezra” exclusively for Tribeca Members April 29 at the Sva Theatre in New York City. The advance screening marks the second Tribeca Members event since its inaugural offering, “An Evening with Larry David,” to celebrate the series finale of the beloved HBO comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
“Ezra” follows stand-up comic Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale), who lives with his father (De Niro) and autistic son Ezra (William Fitzgerald). As Max struggles to co-parent with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne), the family tries to make difficult decisions about Ezra’s future, leading father-son duo Max and Ezra to embark on a cross-country road trip. Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson, and Whoopi Goldberg co-star.
The feature is directed by Tony Goldwyn,...
De Niro, who co-founded the festival and film program with Jane Rosenthal, is set to host a special screening of the upcoming film “Ezra” exclusively for Tribeca Members April 29 at the Sva Theatre in New York City. The advance screening marks the second Tribeca Members event since its inaugural offering, “An Evening with Larry David,” to celebrate the series finale of the beloved HBO comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
“Ezra” follows stand-up comic Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale), who lives with his father (De Niro) and autistic son Ezra (William Fitzgerald). As Max struggles to co-parent with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne), the family tries to make difficult decisions about Ezra’s future, leading father-son duo Max and Ezra to embark on a cross-country road trip. Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson, and Whoopi Goldberg co-star.
The feature is directed by Tony Goldwyn,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Screenwriter Tony Spiridakis wasn’t familiar with the Museum of the Moving Image’s Marvels of Media Festival — which celebrates the work of mediamakers with autism — before penning his star-studded film Ezra, about parenting a child on the spectrum. But he quickly became a supporter after MoM founder and former AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan reached out.
“[The festival] understands the power of empathy and the undeniable beauty of diversity,” says Spiridakis, who now sits on its advisory board alongside Ezra director Tony Goldwyn. “It shows the unfiltered, authentic expression that comes from the unique perspectives of autistic mediamakers, something Hollywood and all artists can benefit from.”
Marvels of Media, taking place until tomorrow in Queens, joins the ReelAbilities Film Festival, which runs April 3 through 10, and is hosting Ezra’s New York premiere on opening night. Both of the film festivals are dedicated to disabled filmmakers and narratives showcasing characters with a disability.
“[The festival] understands the power of empathy and the undeniable beauty of diversity,” says Spiridakis, who now sits on its advisory board alongside Ezra director Tony Goldwyn. “It shows the unfiltered, authentic expression that comes from the unique perspectives of autistic mediamakers, something Hollywood and all artists can benefit from.”
Marvels of Media, taking place until tomorrow in Queens, joins the ReelAbilities Film Festival, which runs April 3 through 10, and is hosting Ezra’s New York premiere on opening night. Both of the film festivals are dedicated to disabled filmmakers and narratives showcasing characters with a disability.
- 3/29/2024
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 27th Sonoma International Film Festival (March 20-24), as always, leaned into wine and food with the sold-out opening night U.S. premiere of Thomas Napper’s “Widow Clicquot” (Vertical Entertainment), starring Haley Bennett as the woman who saves the legendary winemaker’s legacy. The wine country film festival drew its highest audience attendance to date with a robust film slate programmed by artistic director Carl Spence (working with Executive Director Ginny Krieger), in his second year, including upcoming specialty fare like Luc Besson’s “DogMan” (Briarcliff Entertainment) starring Caleb Landry Jones in an incendiary performance, and Sony Pictures Classics’ raucous comedy “Wicked Little Letters,” starring Olivia Colman, along with a smattering of yummy wine and food events.
The five-day festival curated by Spence along with senior programmers Amanda Salazar and Ken Jacobson, showcased more than 100 films. Twenty-five countries were represented in this year’s lineup of 43 narrative features, 16 documentary features,...
The five-day festival curated by Spence along with senior programmers Amanda Salazar and Ken Jacobson, showcased more than 100 films. Twenty-five countries were represented in this year’s lineup of 43 narrative features, 16 documentary features,...
- 3/24/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
"I don't want him in his own world, I want him in *this* world." Bleecker Street has finally unveiled the full official trailer for the heartfelt comedy film titled Ezra, an autism story about parents and their autistic child. This initially premiered at last year's Toronto Film Festival, with stops at the Sun Valley and Boulder Film Festivals earlier this year. Ezra centers on comedian Max co-parenting autistic son Ezra with his ex-wife Jenna. Faced with crucial decisions about Ezra's future, Max and Ezra decide to go on a life-changing cross-country road trip. Robert De Niro plays the father of the main character Max, a stand-up comic who is struggling with the situation & his family. Ezra stars Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson, Tony Goldwyn; and introducing William A. Fitzgerald as Ezra with De Niro as Stan. Reviews from the fests praise the film, stating it's "warm,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
No one ever said loving people is easy. Each person comes with their own set of challenges and unpredictabilities. Patience, tolerance, and understanding are crucial for a meaningful and beneficial bond. If you’re willing to go the distance for someone you love, the rewards can be worth every moment of frustration, heartache, and pain. Today, Bleecker Street debuted a trailer for the studio’s comedic family drama, Ezra, a touching story about fathers and sons going above and beyond the call of duty to find balance in a world designed to judge and persecute.
Ezra follows Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (Robert De Niro) while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (introducing William Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne). When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a...
Ezra follows Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (Robert De Niro) while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (introducing William Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne). When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a...
- 3/13/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Bobby Cannavale, Robert De Niro and Rose Byrne lead a starry ensemble drama focused on caring for a neurodivergent child in the trailer for Ezra.
Director Tony Goldwyn’s family-focused feature is set to hit theaters May 31 from Bleecker Street after debuting at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson and Goldwyn round out the film’s cast.
Ezra follows Max, a stand-up comic who lives with his father (De Niro) and decides to take his autistic son, Ezra (newcomer William Fitzgerald), on a road trip amid questions about the boy’s future.
“You’re fighting for something,” De Niro says in the trailer. “You might have to suffer consequences, but it’s worth it because you did it.”
Later in the footage, Cannavale says, “A dad’s job is to take his son down the field. If he gets tackled, all that dad...
Director Tony Goldwyn’s family-focused feature is set to hit theaters May 31 from Bleecker Street after debuting at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson and Goldwyn round out the film’s cast.
Ezra follows Max, a stand-up comic who lives with his father (De Niro) and decides to take his autistic son, Ezra (newcomer William Fitzgerald), on a road trip amid questions about the boy’s future.
“You’re fighting for something,” De Niro says in the trailer. “You might have to suffer consequences, but it’s worth it because you did it.”
Later in the footage, Cannavale says, “A dad’s job is to take his son down the field. If he gets tackled, all that dad...
- 3/13/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bobby Cannavale Is a Stand-up Comic with an Autistic Son, a Road Trip, and a Dream in ‘Ezra’ Trailer
Bobby Cannavale has been passed over at the Comedy Cellar, but if he doesn’t get his act together — and we don’t mean his stand-up act — life itself will pass him by.
Bleecker Street released the trailer for its upcoming feature film “Ezra” on Wednesday, March 13, which in addition to Cannavale stars Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson, Tony Goldwyn, and newcomer William A. Fitzgerald, and Robert De Niro. Pretty good cast there.
“Ezra” follows Max Bernal (Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (De Niro) while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (Fitzgerald) with ex-wife (Rose Byrne). Cannavale is broke — the living with dad part probably gave that away — and “still not over” Byrne.
Max gets his potential big break when invited to do a late-night set for Jimmy Kimmel. (Unclear if it’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in the “Ezra” Cinematic Universe.) One problem:...
Bleecker Street released the trailer for its upcoming feature film “Ezra” on Wednesday, March 13, which in addition to Cannavale stars Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson, Tony Goldwyn, and newcomer William A. Fitzgerald, and Robert De Niro. Pretty good cast there.
“Ezra” follows Max Bernal (Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (De Niro) while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (Fitzgerald) with ex-wife (Rose Byrne). Cannavale is broke — the living with dad part probably gave that away — and “still not over” Byrne.
Max gets his potential big break when invited to do a late-night set for Jimmy Kimmel. (Unclear if it’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in the “Ezra” Cinematic Universe.) One problem:...
- 3/13/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Bleecker Street has released a first-look trailer for their new family comedy/drama “Ezra,” which will be released in theaters on May 31. Featuring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, and Oscar-winner Robert De Niro, the trio star as three adults from the same family with wildly differing opinions about what’s best for one precious neurodivergent little boy, the titular Ezra. Cannavale and De Niro previously worked together in the Martin Scorsese gangster pic “The Irishman.”
This project will be much more lighthearted than the previous one; however, it still has dramatic aspects.
Continue reading ‘Ezra’ Trailer: Bobby Cannavale & Robert De Niro Reunite For Autism Dramedy Coming May 31 at The Playlist.
This project will be much more lighthearted than the previous one; however, it still has dramatic aspects.
Continue reading ‘Ezra’ Trailer: Bobby Cannavale & Robert De Niro Reunite For Autism Dramedy Coming May 31 at The Playlist.
- 3/13/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Variety will honor Molly Ringwald with the Variety Creative Vanguard Award at the Miami Film Festival on Saturday, April 6. The award will be for her outstanding career achievements, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
Ringwald will participate in a Q&a about her extensive work in film and TV with Variety Senior Awards Editor Clayton Davis.
“It’s important to remember that before Molly Ringwald was the iconic young star of John Hughes’ teen angst-driven comedies such as ‘Sixteen Candles,’ ‘Pretty in Pink’ and ‘The Breakfast Club,’ she first starred in Paul Mazursky’s contemporary update of Shakespeare’s ‘Tempest,’” said Steve Gaydos, Variety EVP of Global Content and Executive Editor. “This is important because the secret of Ringwald’s early success and career longevity is the simple fact she has always been one of American film and television’s most gifted and versatile actresses. Her dazzling work this...
Ringwald will participate in a Q&a about her extensive work in film and TV with Variety Senior Awards Editor Clayton Davis.
“It’s important to remember that before Molly Ringwald was the iconic young star of John Hughes’ teen angst-driven comedies such as ‘Sixteen Candles,’ ‘Pretty in Pink’ and ‘The Breakfast Club,’ she first starred in Paul Mazursky’s contemporary update of Shakespeare’s ‘Tempest,’” said Steve Gaydos, Variety EVP of Global Content and Executive Editor. “This is important because the secret of Ringwald’s early success and career longevity is the simple fact she has always been one of American film and television’s most gifted and versatile actresses. Her dazzling work this...
- 3/12/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
After the 96th Academy Awards honors were handed out on Sunday night, here’s a look at the next projects the Oscar nominees in the acting categories (supporting and lead) are planning to tackle:
Annette Bening
Nyad
The five-time Oscar nominee stars with Alison Brie and Sam Neill on Peacock series Apples Never Fall (March 14), an adaptation of a Liane Moriarty novel. Also this year, Bening stars in Poolman opposite Chris Pine in his feature directorial debut.
Emily Blunt
Oppenheimer
She stars opposite fellow Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling in David Leitch’s movie The Fall Guy, premiering at SXSW before Universal releases it May 3. Two weeks after that, Blunt can be heard voicing a unicorn in husband John Krasinski’s Paramount feature If.
Danielle Brooks
The Color Purple
The actress has been filming Jared Hess’ video game adaptation Minecraft with Jack Black, set for release from Warner Bros. in 2025. She...
Annette Bening
Nyad
The five-time Oscar nominee stars with Alison Brie and Sam Neill on Peacock series Apples Never Fall (March 14), an adaptation of a Liane Moriarty novel. Also this year, Bening stars in Poolman opposite Chris Pine in his feature directorial debut.
Emily Blunt
Oppenheimer
She stars opposite fellow Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling in David Leitch’s movie The Fall Guy, premiering at SXSW before Universal releases it May 3. Two weeks after that, Blunt can be heard voicing a unicorn in husband John Krasinski’s Paramount feature If.
Danielle Brooks
The Color Purple
The actress has been filming Jared Hess’ video game adaptation Minecraft with Jack Black, set for release from Warner Bros. in 2025. She...
- 3/11/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Miami Film Festival has announced the lineup for its 41st edition, including “Thelma,” starring June Squibb, opening the event and Tony Goldwyn’s “Ezra” as closing night selection.
Goldwyn will be honored at the festival with the Art of Light award along with Alison Brie, while Greg Kwedar, director of “Sing Sing,” will receive the Impact Award.
The festival runs April 5-14, with Goldwyn in attendance for the April 13 closing screening of “Ezra,” which stars Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rainn Wilson.
“This year’s lineup spotlights exciting narrative programming, essential documentaries, and groundbreaking shorts, bringing an unbelievable host of films to our local community,” said James Woolley, Executive Director. “The Miami Film Festival is delighted to welcome our audiences back for another year of incredible screenings and inspiring conversations.”
“We are thrilled to be bringing this incredible slate of diverse and exciting films to Miami,...
Goldwyn will be honored at the festival with the Art of Light award along with Alison Brie, while Greg Kwedar, director of “Sing Sing,” will receive the Impact Award.
The festival runs April 5-14, with Goldwyn in attendance for the April 13 closing screening of “Ezra,” which stars Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rainn Wilson.
“This year’s lineup spotlights exciting narrative programming, essential documentaries, and groundbreaking shorts, bringing an unbelievable host of films to our local community,” said James Woolley, Executive Director. “The Miami Film Festival is delighted to welcome our audiences back for another year of incredible screenings and inspiring conversations.”
“We are thrilled to be bringing this incredible slate of diverse and exciting films to Miami,...
- 3/7/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
The Emmy®-winning and critically acclaimed Max Original comedy series Hacks has added Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace, and Tony Goldwyn as guest stars for the highly anticipated third season, debuting this spring.
Season 3 logline: A year after parting, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava (Hannah Einbinder) pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles.
Newly announced cast: Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace (“Clean Slate”), and Tony Goldwyn.
Returning cast: Emmy®, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award winner Jean Smart and Emmy®, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award nominee Hannah Einbinder return alongside Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo, and Lorenza Izzo.
Season 3 credits: Hacks is created and showrun by Emmy® winners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky. It is...
Season 3 logline: A year after parting, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava (Hannah Einbinder) pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles.
Newly announced cast: Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace (“Clean Slate”), and Tony Goldwyn.
Returning cast: Emmy®, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award winner Jean Smart and Emmy®, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award nominee Hannah Einbinder return alongside Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo, and Lorenza Izzo.
Season 3 credits: Hacks is created and showrun by Emmy® winners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky. It is...
- 3/2/2024
- by TV Shows MCM
- Martin Cid Music
Tony Goldwyn, the beloved actor and filmmaker who is perhaps best known for starring in the film Ghost and the TV series Scandal, will receive the Boulder International Film Festival’s Career Achievement Award on Friday in Boulder, Col., The Hollywood Reporter can exclusively report.
The entire evening — which kicks off the fest’s 20th edition — will be a celebration of the 63-year-old actor. At the historic Boulder Theatre, the proceedings will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a screening of Ezra, a new film directed by Goldwyn that features an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Rainn Wilson, Vera Farmiga and Goldwyn himself. The movie also made a big splash at the most recent Toronto International Film Festival last September.
Immediately afterward, Goldwyn will be presented with the festival’s highest honor. And then, he and yours truly will sit down for a career retrospective...
The entire evening — which kicks off the fest’s 20th edition — will be a celebration of the 63-year-old actor. At the historic Boulder Theatre, the proceedings will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a screening of Ezra, a new film directed by Goldwyn that features an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Rainn Wilson, Vera Farmiga and Goldwyn himself. The movie also made a big splash at the most recent Toronto International Film Festival last September.
Immediately afterward, Goldwyn will be presented with the festival’s highest honor. And then, he and yours truly will sit down for a career retrospective...
- 2/28/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 13th annual Sun Valley Film Festival, kicking off Feb. 28, will aim to once again to capture the spirit of storytelling by celebrating poignant films at the Idaho ski resort town.
This year’s festival kicks off with “Ezra,” directed by Tony Goldwyn and starring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne and Robert De Niro, and concludes March 3 with a screening of “Sugarcane,” a documentary about missing children at a Native residential school that recently won a directing trophy for Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat at Sundance.
The programming team also chose multiple films from first-time feature filmmakers, including Sophia Sabello and Pablo Feldman’s “Edge of Everything,” Annie Baker’s “Janet Planet,” Marc Marriott’s “Tokyo Cowboy,” Caroline Lindy’s “Your Monster,” while the documentary line-up includes Maggie Contreras’ “Maestra” and Lisa D’Apolito’s “Shari & Lamb Chop.”
Panels and starry tributes are planned at the fest, with movies screening at...
This year’s festival kicks off with “Ezra,” directed by Tony Goldwyn and starring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne and Robert De Niro, and concludes March 3 with a screening of “Sugarcane,” a documentary about missing children at a Native residential school that recently won a directing trophy for Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat at Sundance.
The programming team also chose multiple films from first-time feature filmmakers, including Sophia Sabello and Pablo Feldman’s “Edge of Everything,” Annie Baker’s “Janet Planet,” Marc Marriott’s “Tokyo Cowboy,” Caroline Lindy’s “Your Monster,” while the documentary line-up includes Maggie Contreras’ “Maestra” and Lisa D’Apolito’s “Shari & Lamb Chop.”
Panels and starry tributes are planned at the fest, with movies screening at...
- 2/28/2024
- by Nick Clement
- Variety Film + TV
Meredith Hama-Brown’s feature debut “Seagrass,” starring Ally Maki, will debut in U.S. theaters on Feb. 22, beginning with special screenings with the cast and director.
Q&a’s will be held at New York’s Roxy Cinema and Los Angeles’ Laemmle Royal on Feb. 22 and Las Vegas’ Regal Theatre on Feb. 23. Maki will be in Los Angeles, Hama-Brown and cinematographer Norm Li will be in New York, and actor Chris Pang will be in Las Vegas. The film will also have its U.S. festival premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, screening on Feb. 12 and Feb. 13.
The synopsis for “Seagrass” reads, “Set in the mid 1990’s, a Japanese Canadian woman (Maki) grappling with the recent death of her mother brings her family to a self-development retreat. When her distressed relationship with her husband begins to affect the children’s emotional security, the family is forever changed.”
In addition to Maki and Pang,...
Q&a’s will be held at New York’s Roxy Cinema and Los Angeles’ Laemmle Royal on Feb. 22 and Las Vegas’ Regal Theatre on Feb. 23. Maki will be in Los Angeles, Hama-Brown and cinematographer Norm Li will be in New York, and actor Chris Pang will be in Las Vegas. The film will also have its U.S. festival premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, screening on Feb. 12 and Feb. 13.
The synopsis for “Seagrass” reads, “Set in the mid 1990’s, a Japanese Canadian woman (Maki) grappling with the recent death of her mother brings her family to a self-development retreat. When her distressed relationship with her husband begins to affect the children’s emotional security, the family is forever changed.”
In addition to Maki and Pang,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The longest-serving actor on Law & Order is set to work his last case.
Sam Waterston, who has been part of the NBC drama since 1994, is leaving the show. His final episode as Manhattan District Attorney Jack McCoy is set to air Feb. 22. Tony Goldwyn (Scandal, Oppenheimer) will then join Law & Order as the new Da.
The 83-year-old Waterston joined L&o at the beginning of its fifth season. He’ll depart partway through his 19th season on the series, having appeared in more than 400 episodes as McCoy, who began on the series as an assistant district attorney. The character was appointed interim Da in season 17 and was revealed to have won the elected position of district attorney in the 20th and final season of the show’s original 1990-2010 run. Waterston reprised the character when NBC revived Law & Order in 2022, serving as a link to the original show.
Sam Waterston, who has been part of the NBC drama since 1994, is leaving the show. His final episode as Manhattan District Attorney Jack McCoy is set to air Feb. 22. Tony Goldwyn (Scandal, Oppenheimer) will then join Law & Order as the new Da.
The 83-year-old Waterston joined L&o at the beginning of its fifth season. He’ll depart partway through his 19th season on the series, having appeared in more than 400 episodes as McCoy, who began on the series as an assistant district attorney. The character was appointed interim Da in season 17 and was revealed to have won the elected position of district attorney in the 20th and final season of the show’s original 1990-2010 run. Waterston reprised the character when NBC revived Law & Order in 2022, serving as a link to the original show.
- 2/2/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s the end of an era on NBC’s Law & Order as Sam Waterston is gearing up to say goodbye. Waterston’s final appearance as District Attorney Jack McCoy, whom he played across more than 400 episodes, will air on February 22.
As Waterston exits, the cast will be joined by Tony Goldwyn, who will portray the new district attorney. Goldwyn has previously starred in the Law & Order spinoff Criminal Intent as Frank Goren, a character who died on the series. Goldwyn will be playing a new character on Law & Order.
Waterston made his debut on the series in the Season 5 premiere (1994) titled “Second Opinion.” He scored a SAG Award and three Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1997, 1999 and 2000, for his portrayal of McCoy. He has also reprised the role in various other projects including spinoff shows: Law & Order Special Victims Unit...
As Waterston exits, the cast will be joined by Tony Goldwyn, who will portray the new district attorney. Goldwyn has previously starred in the Law & Order spinoff Criminal Intent as Frank Goren, a character who died on the series. Goldwyn will be playing a new character on Law & Order.
Waterston made his debut on the series in the Season 5 premiere (1994) titled “Second Opinion.” He scored a SAG Award and three Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1997, 1999 and 2000, for his portrayal of McCoy. He has also reprised the role in various other projects including spinoff shows: Law & Order Special Victims Unit...
- 2/2/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive, Updated: It’s official. The Disney+ movie, Young Woman and the Sea, is getting a limited theatrical release on May 31. This is after the Daisy Ridley movie tested in the high 90s.
I also hear that the movie will have a marketing campaign tailored to a limited release. Originally, we heard from a non-Disney source that the feature take on Glenn Stout’s novel was going to get a tentpole push.
Anyway, it’s another win for streaming movies heading to the big screen, and studios recognizing the potential for them there first.
Exclusive, Jan. 26: In an arguable first for a Disney+ movie, Disney is contemplating a theatrical release for the Daisy Ridley starring, Joachim Rønning directed feature take of Glenn Stout’s Young Woman and the Sea after the picture scored in the high 90s.
Deadline is hearing that a May 31 theatrical release date is being eyed with a big global campaign,...
I also hear that the movie will have a marketing campaign tailored to a limited release. Originally, we heard from a non-Disney source that the feature take on Glenn Stout’s novel was going to get a tentpole push.
Anyway, it’s another win for streaming movies heading to the big screen, and studios recognizing the potential for them there first.
Exclusive, Jan. 26: In an arguable first for a Disney+ movie, Disney is contemplating a theatrical release for the Daisy Ridley starring, Joachim Rønning directed feature take of Glenn Stout’s Young Woman and the Sea after the picture scored in the high 90s.
Deadline is hearing that a May 31 theatrical release date is being eyed with a big global campaign,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Wayfarer Studios, Meralta Films and Inked Entertainment are teaming on Errands & Espionage, a feature adaptation of the forthcoming action comedy novel by Sam Tschida, after prevailing in a bidding war for rights to the book.
Set to release in November 2024 via Forever, the buzzy title follows an unassuming, recently divorced housewife who is recruited by the CIA to complete a secret mission her doppelganger died attempting, forcing her to balance her roles as a housewife and novice spy. This is the first installment of Tschida’s new Secret Agent Housewife book series. Pitch for the feature take is The Flight Attendant meets Miss Congeniality.
Errands & Espionage will be executive produced by Steve Sarowitz of Wayfarer Studios and David Purse of Inked Entertainment. Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof will produce for Wayfarer along with Oscar- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, Nina Aujla, and Maya Gnyp for Meralta Films. Tschida will serve as a consulting producer,...
Set to release in November 2024 via Forever, the buzzy title follows an unassuming, recently divorced housewife who is recruited by the CIA to complete a secret mission her doppelganger died attempting, forcing her to balance her roles as a housewife and novice spy. This is the first installment of Tschida’s new Secret Agent Housewife book series. Pitch for the feature take is The Flight Attendant meets Miss Congeniality.
Errands & Espionage will be executive produced by Steve Sarowitz of Wayfarer Studios and David Purse of Inked Entertainment. Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof will produce for Wayfarer along with Oscar- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, Nina Aujla, and Maya Gnyp for Meralta Films. Tschida will serve as a consulting producer,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina) has been set to star opposite Cate Blanchett in Rumours, a comedy from writer-directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson (The Green Fog), which Bleecker Street has snapped up for release in U.S. theaters this year.
The film follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies at the annual G7 summit after they become lost in the woods and face increasing peril while attempting to draft a provisional statement regarding a global crisis.
Also featuring in a top role in the pic, which recently wrapped production in Hungary, is Genie Award winner Roy Dupuis (Shake Hands with the Devil). Additional cast includes Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Denis Ménochet (Inglourious Basterds), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Knock at the Cabin), Rolando Ravello (Perfect Strangers), Takehiro Hira (Gran Turismo), and Zlatko Burić (Triangle of Sadness).
Hailing from Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen’s Square Peg,...
The film follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies at the annual G7 summit after they become lost in the woods and face increasing peril while attempting to draft a provisional statement regarding a global crisis.
Also featuring in a top role in the pic, which recently wrapped production in Hungary, is Genie Award winner Roy Dupuis (Shake Hands with the Devil). Additional cast includes Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Denis Ménochet (Inglourious Basterds), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Knock at the Cabin), Rolando Ravello (Perfect Strangers), Takehiro Hira (Gran Turismo), and Zlatko Burić (Triangle of Sadness).
Hailing from Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen’s Square Peg,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Julia Roberts is sharing her love and adoration for her husband Danny Moder.
The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actress has been married to Danny, 54, since 2002 after meeting on the set of the movie The Mexican.
Danny is an Emmy-nominated cinematographer and he was the assistant camera operator on that film. His most recent movie was Ezra, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival back in September.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Well, it all starts with Danny Moder, you know?” Julia said on The Today Show. “He’s just really our anchor and our person. And in the most beautiful way, the captain of our ship, you know, truly.”
“And it’s not, like, giving it all away to him,” she added. “It’s just that for me, understanding how deeply felt life could be really started with him.”
Julia just broke her silence on the death of a famous ex-boyfriend.
The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actress has been married to Danny, 54, since 2002 after meeting on the set of the movie The Mexican.
Danny is an Emmy-nominated cinematographer and he was the assistant camera operator on that film. His most recent movie was Ezra, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival back in September.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Well, it all starts with Danny Moder, you know?” Julia said on The Today Show. “He’s just really our anchor and our person. And in the most beautiful way, the captain of our ship, you know, truly.”
“And it’s not, like, giving it all away to him,” she added. “It’s just that for me, understanding how deeply felt life could be really started with him.”
Julia just broke her silence on the death of a famous ex-boyfriend.
- 12/5/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Bhutan’s official Oscar entry “The Monk and the Gun,” Pawo Choyning Dorji‘s follow-up to “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom,” has been acquired by more distributors in key territories.
Rolling off premieres at Telluride, Toronto, Rome and Busan, the crowdpleaser has been acquired by Mfa+ Distribution, Edko Films (Hong Kong, Macau), Officine Ubu (Italy) and Maxam Inc. (Japan). The film is represented by Films Boutique in international markets. The movie was also acquired by Roadside Attraction for the U.S. in a deal negotiated with UTA, which is repping the film in North America.
Previous deals were scored with Pyramide Distribution (France), September Films (Benelux), Rialto Distribution (Australia), Future Films (Scandinavia), A Contracorriente (Spain), Lev Films (Israel), Aurora Films (Poland), Trigon (Switzerland), Alambique Films (Portugal) and Impact Films (India and Indian Subcontinent).
“The Monk and the Gun” is set in the Kingdom of Bhutan in 2006. Modernization has finally...
Rolling off premieres at Telluride, Toronto, Rome and Busan, the crowdpleaser has been acquired by Mfa+ Distribution, Edko Films (Hong Kong, Macau), Officine Ubu (Italy) and Maxam Inc. (Japan). The film is represented by Films Boutique in international markets. The movie was also acquired by Roadside Attraction for the U.S. in a deal negotiated with UTA, which is repping the film in North America.
Previous deals were scored with Pyramide Distribution (France), September Films (Benelux), Rialto Distribution (Australia), Future Films (Scandinavia), A Contracorriente (Spain), Lev Films (Israel), Aurora Films (Poland), Trigon (Switzerland), Alambique Films (Portugal) and Impact Films (India and Indian Subcontinent).
“The Monk and the Gun” is set in the Kingdom of Bhutan in 2006. Modernization has finally...
- 12/1/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
‘Hajjan’ director Abu Bakr Shawky and ‘Theeb’ producer’ Bassel Ghandour on initial clint roster.
Untamed Talent, a new management and production company led by former Mister Smith Entertainment executive Antone Saliba, has launched with the backing of Dubai-based Front Row Productions and unveiled its first roster of clients.
The firm will represent filmmakers from the established Middle East industry hubs of Egypt and Saudi as well as promoting talent from more underrepresented countries in South West Asia and North Africa such as Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iran.
Front Row Productions, a joint venture of leading Middle East distribution...
Untamed Talent, a new management and production company led by former Mister Smith Entertainment executive Antone Saliba, has launched with the backing of Dubai-based Front Row Productions and unveiled its first roster of clients.
The firm will represent filmmakers from the established Middle East industry hubs of Egypt and Saudi as well as promoting talent from more underrepresented countries in South West Asia and North Africa such as Jordan, Morocco, Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iran.
Front Row Productions, a joint venture of leading Middle East distribution...
- 12/1/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Indie and art film producer Jon Kilik, unlike many, remains hopeful for the personal, mid-budget movie for grown-ups. “Those are the films directors love to make and audiences still love,” says Kilik, being feted this week at Poland’s Camerimage cinematography festival for work of special visual sensitivity.
Having flown in from a shoot in Rome, Kilik confesses he still loves being on set after a career spanning four decades, including work with Spike Lee, Julian Schnabel, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Jim Jarmusch and Oliver Stone.
His latest project filming in Europe, “In the Hand of Dante,” starring Gal Gadot and Oscar Isaac in a metaphorical journey through hell to paradise, is characteristic of Kilik’s lifelong passion for bringing challenging works of literature and art to the screen.
And he’s proven time and again that such films have an audience and are economically viable, he points out, if handled...
Having flown in from a shoot in Rome, Kilik confesses he still loves being on set after a career spanning four decades, including work with Spike Lee, Julian Schnabel, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Jim Jarmusch and Oliver Stone.
His latest project filming in Europe, “In the Hand of Dante,” starring Gal Gadot and Oscar Isaac in a metaphorical journey through hell to paradise, is characteristic of Kilik’s lifelong passion for bringing challenging works of literature and art to the screen.
And he’s proven time and again that such films have an audience and are economically viable, he points out, if handled...
- 11/19/2023
- by Will Tizard
- Variety Film + TV
Family dramedy to get 2024 theatrical release.
Bleecker Street has acquired US rights to TIFF premiere Ezra starring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, and Robert De Niro.
Tony Goldwyn directed from a screenplay by Tony Spiridakis about Brandel (Cannavale), a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comic who struggles through the failure of his career and marriage.
After moving in with his father Stan (De Niro), Max and his ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) remain at odds on how to best raise their autistic son Ezra (Fitzgerald).
The cast includes newcomer William A. Fitzgerald, Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson, and Whoopi Goldberg.
Bleecker...
Bleecker Street has acquired US rights to TIFF premiere Ezra starring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, and Robert De Niro.
Tony Goldwyn directed from a screenplay by Tony Spiridakis about Brandel (Cannavale), a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comic who struggles through the failure of his career and marriage.
After moving in with his father Stan (De Niro), Max and his ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) remain at odds on how to best raise their autistic son Ezra (Fitzgerald).
The cast includes newcomer William A. Fitzgerald, Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson, and Whoopi Goldberg.
Bleecker...
- 11/6/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Bleecker Street has acquired “Ezra” from Tony Goldwyn, the actor-turned-director, which stars Robby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro and William A. Fitzgerald.
The movie recently made its world premiere in the Special Presentations section of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg are also in the cast. Bleecker Street is planning to release the film theatrically in 2024.
According to the official synopsis the movie follows “Max Brandel (Cannavale), a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comedian, who struggles through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his father, Stan (De Niro), Max and his ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) remain at odds on how to best raise their autistic son, Ezra (Fitzgerald).” The synopsis says that “Ezra” is an “endearing and funny exploration of a fractured family determined to push through hardship to care for the ones they love most.
The movie recently made its world premiere in the Special Presentations section of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg are also in the cast. Bleecker Street is planning to release the film theatrically in 2024.
According to the official synopsis the movie follows “Max Brandel (Cannavale), a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comedian, who struggles through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his father, Stan (De Niro), Max and his ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) remain at odds on how to best raise their autistic son, Ezra (Fitzgerald).” The synopsis says that “Ezra” is an “endearing and funny exploration of a fractured family determined to push through hardship to care for the ones they love most.
- 11/6/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Bleecker Street has acquired U.S. rights to “Ezra,” a family comedy starring Robert De Niro, Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale.
The movie, directed by Tony Goldwyn, premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival and will be released theatrically in 2024.
“Ezra” follows Max Brandel (Cannavale), a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comedian, who struggles through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his father (De Niro), Max and his ex-wife Jenna remain at odds on how to best raise their autistic son, Ezra (newcomer William A. Fitzgerald). Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg round out the cast.
This marks Bleecker Street’s second acquisition out of TIFF following James Hawes’ “One Life,” starring Anthony Hopkins. As the actors’ strike drags on and productions remain dark, distributors have been buying movies months after their Toronto premieres to fill the calendar. Sony Pictures Classics...
The movie, directed by Tony Goldwyn, premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival and will be released theatrically in 2024.
“Ezra” follows Max Brandel (Cannavale), a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comedian, who struggles through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his father (De Niro), Max and his ex-wife Jenna remain at odds on how to best raise their autistic son, Ezra (newcomer William A. Fitzgerald). Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg round out the cast.
This marks Bleecker Street’s second acquisition out of TIFF following James Hawes’ “One Life,” starring Anthony Hopkins. As the actors’ strike drags on and productions remain dark, distributors have been buying movies months after their Toronto premieres to fill the calendar. Sony Pictures Classics...
- 11/6/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Bleecker Street has nabbed Tony Goldwyn’s Ezra, which stars Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro and newcomer William A. Fitzgerald in a drama about the challenges of parenthood and autism.
Ezra, which bowed at the Toronto Film Festival, also has Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg in its ensemble cast. Bleecker Street plans a 2024 theatrical release.
Ezra stars Cannavale as Max Brandel, a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less successful stand-up comedian struggling through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his uncommunicative father, played by De Niro, Max and his ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) remain at odds on how to best raise their autistic son, Ezra, played by Fitzgerald.
Max often includes his challenging relationship with his son, Ezra, in his comedy material, but not always with the best results. Nonetheless, the family remains determined to push through hardship to care for the ones they love most.
Ezra, which bowed at the Toronto Film Festival, also has Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg in its ensemble cast. Bleecker Street plans a 2024 theatrical release.
Ezra stars Cannavale as Max Brandel, a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less successful stand-up comedian struggling through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his uncommunicative father, played by De Niro, Max and his ex-wife Jenna (Byrne) remain at odds on how to best raise their autistic son, Ezra, played by Fitzgerald.
Max often includes his challenging relationship with his son, Ezra, in his comedy material, but not always with the best results. Nonetheless, the family remains determined to push through hardship to care for the ones they love most.
- 11/6/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Because the fall festivals had fewer actors and writers on hand due to the strikes, more independent movies came into the season looking for buyers. And even with AMPTP buyers getting cold feet on some with interim agreements, many titles have already found homes, making it one of the busiest fall festival seasons across Venice, Toronto, and Telluride in recent memory.
Below is the running list of movies that have found buyers.
Movies Acquired After the Festivals
“Ezra”
Section: TIFF Gala Presentations
Distributor: Bleecker Street
Date Acquired: Nov. 6
Bleecker Street’s second TIFF acquisition is “Ezra,” the family dramedy from director Tony Goldwyn that stars Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, and Robert De Niro. The distributor is planning a 2024 theatrical release.
“Ezra” follows a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comic also struggling through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his father, Stan (De Niro...
Below is the running list of movies that have found buyers.
Movies Acquired After the Festivals
“Ezra”
Section: TIFF Gala Presentations
Distributor: Bleecker Street
Date Acquired: Nov. 6
Bleecker Street’s second TIFF acquisition is “Ezra,” the family dramedy from director Tony Goldwyn that stars Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, and Robert De Niro. The distributor is planning a 2024 theatrical release.
“Ezra” follows a once successful late-night comedy writer turned less-successful stand-up comic also struggling through the failure of his career and marriage. After moving in with his father, Stan (De Niro...
- 11/6/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Filming Joker may not be an experience Robert De Niro and Joaquin Phoenix look back on fondly. At least when it comes to the dynamic between the two of them. The actors clashed on the set of the 2019 film. Not about the storyline or a simple case of differing personalities. Rather, their conflicting approaches to filming.
Friction between Phoenix and De Niro happened because of a read-through
As Joker director Todd Phillips told Vanity Fair, a problem came up almost immediately as a result of Phoenix and De Niro’s acting methods. De Niro, he explained, liked doing read-throughs of the script from cover to cover prior to shooting. Whereas Phoenix adopted a looser, “let it happen” method.
It all started when Phillips got a call from De Niro asking him to relay a message to Phoenix. “Bob called me, and he goes, ‘Tell him he’s an actor and...
Friction between Phoenix and De Niro happened because of a read-through
As Joker director Todd Phillips told Vanity Fair, a problem came up almost immediately as a result of Phoenix and De Niro’s acting methods. De Niro, he explained, liked doing read-throughs of the script from cover to cover prior to shooting. Whereas Phoenix adopted a looser, “let it happen” method.
It all started when Phillips got a call from De Niro asking him to relay a message to Phoenix. “Bob called me, and he goes, ‘Tell him he’s an actor and...
- 10/28/2023
- by Mandi Kerr
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Bhutan’s official Oscar entry “The Monk And The Gun,” Pawo Choyning Dorji’s follow-up to “Lunana: A Yak in The Classroom,” has been bought by a raft of well-established international theatrical distributors.
Following its festival premieres at Telluride, Toronto, Rome and Busan, “The Monk and the Gun” has been sold by Films Boutique to Pyramide Distribution (France), September Films (Benelux), Rialto Distribution (Australia), Future Films (Scandinavia), A Contracorriente (Spain), Lev Films (Israel), Aurora Films (Poland), Trigon (Switzerland), Alambique Films (Portugal) and Impact Films (India and Indian Subcontinent).
Earlier this week, the crowdpleaser was also acquired by Roadside Attraction for the U.S. in a deal negotiated with UTA, which is repping the film in North America. Films Boutique is currently negotiating deals in other territories.
Choyning Dorji’s feature debut, “Lunana, a Yak in the Classroom,” was the second film ever submitted by Bhutan for the Oscar race and...
Following its festival premieres at Telluride, Toronto, Rome and Busan, “The Monk and the Gun” has been sold by Films Boutique to Pyramide Distribution (France), September Films (Benelux), Rialto Distribution (Australia), Future Films (Scandinavia), A Contracorriente (Spain), Lev Films (Israel), Aurora Films (Poland), Trigon (Switzerland), Alambique Films (Portugal) and Impact Films (India and Indian Subcontinent).
Earlier this week, the crowdpleaser was also acquired by Roadside Attraction for the U.S. in a deal negotiated with UTA, which is repping the film in North America. Films Boutique is currently negotiating deals in other territories.
Choyning Dorji’s feature debut, “Lunana, a Yak in the Classroom,” was the second film ever submitted by Bhutan for the Oscar race and...
- 10/26/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Amidst a recent expansion into docs and scripted series, after just two years as a producer-financier of features, Closer Media has added accomplished producers Joey Marra and Nate Matteson to its leadership team. Former Jigsaw exec Marra will lead the company’s non-fiction division, with former manager Matteson set to oversee scripted television.
The hires come following Closer Media’s successful run on the fall festival circuit with titles including its first narrative feature, Ezra, The Monk and the Gun, which was snapped up for North America by Roadside Attractions after bowing out of Toronto, and the documentary In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon.
Marra will be based out of New York City, with Matteson working out of L.A.
Since joining Closer, Marra has spearheaded development of the Elon Musk documentary Musk, from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, which was recently acquired by HBO. He produced...
The hires come following Closer Media’s successful run on the fall festival circuit with titles including its first narrative feature, Ezra, The Monk and the Gun, which was snapped up for North America by Roadside Attractions after bowing out of Toronto, and the documentary In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon.
Marra will be based out of New York City, with Matteson working out of L.A.
Since joining Closer, Marra has spearheaded development of the Elon Musk documentary Musk, from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, which was recently acquired by HBO. He produced...
- 10/25/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Tony Goldwyn writes about the experience of working with his longtime friend, writer Tony Spiridakis, on the movie “Ezra,” which screened at TIFF and won the Audience Award at the Woodstock Film Festival. Bobby Cannavale stars as the father of an 11-year-old autistic son who sets off on a road trip with his son, without the permission of his son’s mother or his father, played by Robert De Niro, whose car he has “borrowed.”
The friendship began before I could shut the door of my blue ’77 Chevy Nova. I had made the two and a half hour drive from college in Boston through the heart of the Berkshire mountains to Williamstown, Mass. — ready to start my first professional job at the mecca of summer theaters, the Williamstown Theater Festival. Unsure of where to report for duty, I pulled into the driveway alongside the white, neo-Roman portico of Williamstown’s Adams Memorial Theater.
The friendship began before I could shut the door of my blue ’77 Chevy Nova. I had made the two and a half hour drive from college in Boston through the heart of the Berkshire mountains to Williamstown, Mass. — ready to start my first professional job at the mecca of summer theaters, the Williamstown Theater Festival. Unsure of where to report for duty, I pulled into the driveway alongside the white, neo-Roman portico of Williamstown’s Adams Memorial Theater.
- 10/20/2023
- by Tony Goldwyn
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Tony Goldwyn called them “thoughtful human movies” — the ones, he said, “that don’t have the big marketing hook or are not genre pictures or horror or action movies have become increasingly difficult to get made.”
We were discussing Ezra, his new film as director. It’s about how Max (Bobby Cannavale), an erratic stand-up comic and divorced father, dives head first into outlawing himself against, among others, his ex-wife (Rose Byrne), education officials and the FBI because he believes that only he knows what’s best for his son Ezra, who is on the autism spectrum.
The film recently won the Audience Award for Narrative Films at the Woodstock Film Festival.
There’s a huge gulf between the heavy duty tentpoles and other gargantuan studio fare, leaving little room for the smaller, more meaningful — and often more satisfying — movie where maybe you might learn something about how others live their lives.
We were discussing Ezra, his new film as director. It’s about how Max (Bobby Cannavale), an erratic stand-up comic and divorced father, dives head first into outlawing himself against, among others, his ex-wife (Rose Byrne), education officials and the FBI because he believes that only he knows what’s best for his son Ezra, who is on the autism spectrum.
The film recently won the Audience Award for Narrative Films at the Woodstock Film Festival.
There’s a huge gulf between the heavy duty tentpoles and other gargantuan studio fare, leaving little room for the smaller, more meaningful — and often more satisfying — movie where maybe you might learn something about how others live their lives.
- 10/20/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Woodstock Film Festival has added Tony Goldwyn’s comedy drama “Ezra,” starring Bobby Cannavale and Robert De Niro to its 2023 lineup.
In the film, which made its world premiere earlier this month at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival, Cannavale stars as Max, a stand up comic who after recently blowing up his career and marriage is living with his father Stan (De Niro). When Max’s autistic son Ezra is expelled from yet another school, Max makes the controversial decision to take him on a cross-country road trip.
In addition to Cannavale and De Niro, “Ezra” stars Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg and Rainn Wilson. (Mister Smith Entertainment and CAA are handling sales.)
“I am so excited that the Woodstock Film Festival chose to screen ‘Ezra,'” says Goldwyn. “Woodstock is one of the coolest festivals in the country for a filmmaker. After such an enthusiastic reception at TIFF last week,...
In the film, which made its world premiere earlier this month at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival, Cannavale stars as Max, a stand up comic who after recently blowing up his career and marriage is living with his father Stan (De Niro). When Max’s autistic son Ezra is expelled from yet another school, Max makes the controversial decision to take him on a cross-country road trip.
In addition to Cannavale and De Niro, “Ezra” stars Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg and Rainn Wilson. (Mister Smith Entertainment and CAA are handling sales.)
“I am so excited that the Woodstock Film Festival chose to screen ‘Ezra,'” says Goldwyn. “Woodstock is one of the coolest festivals in the country for a filmmaker. After such an enthusiastic reception at TIFF last week,...
- 9/20/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Movies containing portrayals of autism haven’t always treated the subject with sensitivity and conviction. Some breakout successes like “Rain Man” have conflated it with the savant syndrome, which isn’t representative of the full spectrum of people with autism. Writer Tony Spiridakis, who has raised an autistic child, and his friend, director Tony Goldwyn, approach the subject with the benefit of first-hand experience. They even have an autistic child actor in the title role (William Fitzgerald).
Continue reading ‘Ezra’ Review: Bobby Cannavale’s Formulaic Autism Dramedy Devolves Into A Pile Of Platitudes [TIFF] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Ezra’ Review: Bobby Cannavale’s Formulaic Autism Dramedy Devolves Into A Pile Of Platitudes [TIFF] at The Playlist.
- 9/15/2023
- by Ankit Jhunjhunwala
- The Playlist
Tony Goldwyn is best known as an actor who has starred in films like Ghost (1990) and on TV programs including Scandal (2012-2018). But he has also quietly and consistently built an impressive résumé as a director, with A Walk on the Moon (1999), The Last Kiss (2006), Conviction (2010) and, most recently, Ezra. The dramedy just had its world premiere as a sales title at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it had audiences laughing and crying and has generated raves, especially for the performance of its lead actor, Bobby Cannavale.
Ezra centers on a single father, stand-up comedian Max (Cannavale), who is fiercely protective of his autistic son, Ezra (William Fitzgerald), and winds up taking him on the run rather than allowing him to be sent to a special school and medicated. The film also stars Rose Byrne as the boy’s mother; Goldwyn as her new boyfriend; Robert De Niro as...
Ezra centers on a single father, stand-up comedian Max (Cannavale), who is fiercely protective of his autistic son, Ezra (William Fitzgerald), and winds up taking him on the run rather than allowing him to be sent to a special school and medicated. The film also stars Rose Byrne as the boy’s mother; Goldwyn as her new boyfriend; Robert De Niro as...
- 9/14/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Toronto — When the crowd settles in, the lights go down and the movie starts, this year’s Toronto International Film Festival is more or less business as usual.
The rest of the time, not so much.
This is a TIFF with fewer stars, fewer studio movies and more films up for sale but fewer buyers willing to commit during the writers’ and actors’ strikes. That’s a distinctly different beast from the TIFF that would normally host a parade of movie stars on an array of red carpets every day, particularly during the opening weekend that concludes on Sunday.
And yet, this year’s festival has had a familiar assortment of potential awards movies, crowd-pleasers, bold indies, star vehicles, international projects and weirdo midnight romps. And in the theaters when those movies play, the number of movie stars in the seats can be beside the point for at least a couple of hours.
The rest of the time, not so much.
This is a TIFF with fewer stars, fewer studio movies and more films up for sale but fewer buyers willing to commit during the writers’ and actors’ strikes. That’s a distinctly different beast from the TIFF that would normally host a parade of movie stars on an array of red carpets every day, particularly during the opening weekend that concludes on Sunday.
And yet, this year’s festival has had a familiar assortment of potential awards movies, crowd-pleasers, bold indies, star vehicles, international projects and weirdo midnight romps. And in the theaters when those movies play, the number of movie stars in the seats can be beside the point for at least a couple of hours.
- 9/11/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Zhang Xin, the renowned Chinese entrepreneur who used her love of architecture and brilliant business acumen to reshape Beijing and Shanghai’s skyline, has turned her attention to a new challenge: film producer. In September 2022, the billionaire businesswoman — who spent her teenage years working in Hong Kong garment and electronics factories — resigned as CEO of Soho China, one of the world’s preeminent real estate companies she built with her husband, and took up permanent residence in New York City.
Zhang will celebrate the one-year anniversary of leaving Soho at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival, where the Manhattan-based Closer Media, the startup indie production and financing venture she runs with veteran indie producer William Horberg, has no fewer than three films screening. Horberg’s numerous credits include The Queen’s Gambit and The Kite Runner.
Their Toronto lineup includes the Tony Goldwyn-directed Ezra, a dramedy about an autistic 11-year-old who embarks...
Zhang will celebrate the one-year anniversary of leaving Soho at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival, where the Manhattan-based Closer Media, the startup indie production and financing venture she runs with veteran indie producer William Horberg, has no fewer than three films screening. Horberg’s numerous credits include The Queen’s Gambit and The Kite Runner.
Their Toronto lineup includes the Tony Goldwyn-directed Ezra, a dramedy about an autistic 11-year-old who embarks...
- 9/9/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It is never a normal “opening night” when it comes to the Toronto Film Festival, which is offering numerous films including the much anticipated Hayao Miyizaki film The Boy and the Heron, which is the key opening-night gala. But there are others including two exceptional directorial debuts from celebrated veteran stars Kristin Scott Thomas and Patricia Arquette making it all a very memorable kickoff for TIFF on many fronts.
In fact this is a festival this year featuring numerous premieres of films either marking the first time an actor has gone behind the camera as Thomas and Arquette have done, respectively, with Special Presentation North Star, and the Discovery Section opener Gonzo Girl, or taking their latest shot as a director. In the coming days we will also have Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour; Viggo Mortensen’s sophomore feature The Dead Don’t Hurt; Ethan Hawke’s Wildcat; Chris Pine...
In fact this is a festival this year featuring numerous premieres of films either marking the first time an actor has gone behind the camera as Thomas and Arquette have done, respectively, with Special Presentation North Star, and the Discovery Section opener Gonzo Girl, or taking their latest shot as a director. In the coming days we will also have Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour; Viggo Mortensen’s sophomore feature The Dead Don’t Hurt; Ethan Hawke’s Wildcat; Chris Pine...
- 9/8/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The star power at TIFF will still be shining bright this year.
On Thursday, the Toronto International Film Festival is kicking off for its 48th year, and with it will come plenty of celebrities.
But with the Hollywood writers and actors guilds still on strike, things will be a little more subdued.
A number of productions featuring guild members have been granted waivers by their unions in order to promote their films at the festival, while many international productions uninvolved in the strikes are also being presented.
Read More: Lil Nas X Documentary ‘Long Live Montero’ To Premiere At TIFF 2023
Which Stars Are Coming To TIFF?
Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard have been given the go-ahead to walk the red carpet and do press for their Michel Franco-directed film “Memory”.
Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson are both expected to attend the festival with their new movie, “Daddio”, written and directed by Christy Hall.
On Thursday, the Toronto International Film Festival is kicking off for its 48th year, and with it will come plenty of celebrities.
But with the Hollywood writers and actors guilds still on strike, things will be a little more subdued.
A number of productions featuring guild members have been granted waivers by their unions in order to promote their films at the festival, while many international productions uninvolved in the strikes are also being presented.
Read More: Lil Nas X Documentary ‘Long Live Montero’ To Premiere At TIFF 2023
Which Stars Are Coming To TIFF?
Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard have been given the go-ahead to walk the red carpet and do press for their Michel Franco-directed film “Memory”.
Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson are both expected to attend the festival with their new movie, “Daddio”, written and directed by Christy Hall.
- 9/7/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Toronto International Film FestivalPhoto: J. Countess (Getty Images)
Hollywood may be mostly shut down, but festival season is still chugging along. The Venice International Film Festival, which winds down this week, saw its fair share of pro-union speeches, controversial guests and opinions, and, as always, buzzy premieres ready to hit...
Hollywood may be mostly shut down, but festival season is still chugging along. The Venice International Film Festival, which winds down this week, saw its fair share of pro-union speeches, controversial guests and opinions, and, as always, buzzy premieres ready to hit...
- 9/7/2023
- by Emma Keates
- avclub.com
Daddio, Lee, Boy Kills World, North Star, Woman Of The Hour, Hell Of A Summer among TIFF picks.
Kate Winslet as war photographer Lee Miller, Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn in a taxi cab, and Ewan McGregor in the story of estranged siblings trying to coax their mother out of a furniture store sofa are just some of the storylines of acquisition titles screening at 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
This year’s selection boasts a number of feature directorial debuts from Anna Kendrick, Kristin Scott Thomas, Chris Pine, and Finn Wolfhard, as well as sophomore outings by Michael Keaton and Viggo Mortensen.
Kate Winslet as war photographer Lee Miller, Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn in a taxi cab, and Ewan McGregor in the story of estranged siblings trying to coax their mother out of a furniture store sofa are just some of the storylines of acquisition titles screening at 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
This year’s selection boasts a number of feature directorial debuts from Anna Kendrick, Kristin Scott Thomas, Chris Pine, and Finn Wolfhard, as well as sophomore outings by Michael Keaton and Viggo Mortensen.
- 9/7/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Domestic distributor Bleecker Street is in negotiations to acquire rights to “Fackham Hall,” a British spoof of “Downton Abbey” and other costume dramas. Sales outfit The Veterans is pre-selling international territories. And as international buyers face a potential drought of Hollywood product due to strikes, the market is offering other promising presale titles.
WME Independent is pre-selling James Madigan’s “The Beast,” with Samuel L. Jackson in negotiations to star. He’ll play a U.S. president who fights a coup in his battle-ready, bomb-proof limousine with grenades and shotguns. As he rides through a violent wasteland of chaos and unrelenting carnage, he must learn to control The Beast — and the monster inside himself — to save his life, the life of a Secret Service agent (Joel Kinnaman of “Suicide Squad” fame) and his country. Unified Pictures’ Keith Kjarval, Fifth Season, Film 44’s John Logan Pierson and Peter Berg are producing...
WME Independent is pre-selling James Madigan’s “The Beast,” with Samuel L. Jackson in negotiations to star. He’ll play a U.S. president who fights a coup in his battle-ready, bomb-proof limousine with grenades and shotguns. As he rides through a violent wasteland of chaos and unrelenting carnage, he must learn to control The Beast — and the monster inside himself — to save his life, the life of a Secret Service agent (Joel Kinnaman of “Suicide Squad” fame) and his country. Unified Pictures’ Keith Kjarval, Fifth Season, Film 44’s John Logan Pierson and Peter Berg are producing...
- 9/7/2023
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
With nearly one week to go until the Toronto International Film Festival 2023 (or TIFF 2023) kicks off, the A-listers who are and aren’t attending have been revealed.
Amid ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, some stars are able to attend and promote their films at the 48th annual festival thanks to interim agreements.
Among those expected to hit TIFF are Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson for “Daddio”, Finn Wolfhard and some of his “Hell Of A Summer” co-stars, Viggo Mortensen for “The Dead Don’t Hurt” and Maya Hawke and Laura Linney for “Wildcat”, as per Deadline.
Read More: TIFF 2023: Talking Heads To Reunite For 40th Anniversary IMAX Screening Of ‘Stop Making Sense’
The outlet also reports those whom are likely to travel to the 6ix, including Nicolas Cage for A24’s “Dream Scenario” — the actor is reportedly close to finalizing an interim agreement — and Jessica Chastain for Michel Franco’s...
Amid ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, some stars are able to attend and promote their films at the 48th annual festival thanks to interim agreements.
Among those expected to hit TIFF are Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson for “Daddio”, Finn Wolfhard and some of his “Hell Of A Summer” co-stars, Viggo Mortensen for “The Dead Don’t Hurt” and Maya Hawke and Laura Linney for “Wildcat”, as per Deadline.
Read More: TIFF 2023: Talking Heads To Reunite For 40th Anniversary IMAX Screening Of ‘Stop Making Sense’
The outlet also reports those whom are likely to travel to the 6ix, including Nicolas Cage for A24’s “Dream Scenario” — the actor is reportedly close to finalizing an interim agreement — and Jessica Chastain for Michel Franco’s...
- 8/30/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
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