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Don’t be afraid to catch feelings. Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” just scored the biggest box office opening day of the year so far, earning a spectacular $62 million across Friday and preview screenings from 4,440 locations. It will have no trouble blasting past the $82.5 million debut earned by “Dune: Part Two” to overtake it as the biggest domestic opening of 2024. It’ll also be the first release to notch a nine-figure domestic opening in nearly 11 months — the last one to get above $100 million was “Barbie” last summer.
It’s a welcome bounce back for Pixar Animation Studios, which has struggled at the box office in recent years after Disney sent films like “Turning Red,” “Soul” and “Luca” directly to Disney+ during the Covid pandemic, a decision that Pixar head (and the director of the original “Inside Out”) Pete Docter says “trained” audiences to watch the studio’s features on streaming.
It’s a welcome bounce back for Pixar Animation Studios, which has struggled at the box office in recent years after Disney sent films like “Turning Red,” “Soul” and “Luca” directly to Disney+ during the Covid pandemic, a decision that Pixar head (and the director of the original “Inside Out”) Pete Docter says “trained” audiences to watch the studio’s features on streaming.
- 6/15/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety - Film News
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Sulayman Tahir’s “Peripheral” and Coke Daniels’ “The Waterboyz” were among the winners of this year’s Best of ABFF Awards, presented Saturday at the American Black Film Festival.
Hosted by Dondré Whitfield, the festival presented winners in the official film selection categories: narrative and documentary features, series and the HBO Short Film Award showcase. This year’s festival takes place June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment June 17-24 on ABFF Play.
“Peripheral,” which saw its world premiere at the festival, tells the story of a woman whose husband goes missing after moving into their new home, and strange and paranormal events that start to occur upon his return. Directed by Tahir, the film won best narrative feature. Andria B. Langston, Patrick Walker, Patricia Mizen, D’Kia Anderson and Sami Tortorello star in “Peripheral,” co-written by Tahir and Jordan Tortorello.
Daniels’ “The Waterboyz” follows two young...
Hosted by Dondré Whitfield, the festival presented winners in the official film selection categories: narrative and documentary features, series and the HBO Short Film Award showcase. This year’s festival takes place June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment June 17-24 on ABFF Play.
“Peripheral,” which saw its world premiere at the festival, tells the story of a woman whose husband goes missing after moving into their new home, and strange and paranormal events that start to occur upon his return. Directed by Tahir, the film won best narrative feature. Andria B. Langston, Patrick Walker, Patricia Mizen, D’Kia Anderson and Sami Tortorello star in “Peripheral,” co-written by Tahir and Jordan Tortorello.
Daniels’ “The Waterboyz” follows two young...
- 6/15/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety - Film News
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Move out of the way, Sadness: “Inside Out 2” just scored the biggest box office previews of 2024.
Disney and Pixar’s latest animated outing grossed $13 million in Thursday previews domestically, plus $22.3 million internationally. The family-friendly sequel is projected to launch between $80 million and $90 million this weekend.
A debut on the higher end would give “Inside Out 2” the biggest opening of the year. Warner Bros. currently holds the top two spots of 2024 with “Dune: Part Two” at $82.5 million and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” at $80 million.
For reference, “Inside Out 2’s” $13 million in domestic box office previews outpaced last year’s “The Little Mermaid” ($10.3 million), “Minions: The Rise of Gru” ($10.8 million) and “Toy Story 4” ($12 million). It falls a bit short of recent animated superhero sequels like “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” ($17.4 million) and “Incredibles 2” ($18.5 million).
Outside of the U.S. and Canada, “Inside Out 2” did particularly well in Mexico,...
Disney and Pixar’s latest animated outing grossed $13 million in Thursday previews domestically, plus $22.3 million internationally. The family-friendly sequel is projected to launch between $80 million and $90 million this weekend.
A debut on the higher end would give “Inside Out 2” the biggest opening of the year. Warner Bros. currently holds the top two spots of 2024 with “Dune: Part Two” at $82.5 million and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” at $80 million.
For reference, “Inside Out 2’s” $13 million in domestic box office previews outpaced last year’s “The Little Mermaid” ($10.3 million), “Minions: The Rise of Gru” ($10.8 million) and “Toy Story 4” ($12 million). It falls a bit short of recent animated superhero sequels like “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” ($17.4 million) and “Incredibles 2” ($18.5 million).
Outside of the U.S. and Canada, “Inside Out 2” did particularly well in Mexico,...
- 6/14/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld and Jordan Moreau
- Variety - Film News
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The weekend’s big theatrical release is Disney and Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2,’ but if that’s not your cup of tea, there are some great choices to watch at home on all the major streaming services. Here are IMDb’s picks for the best things to stream this weekend.
“Presumed Innocent” on Apple TV+
If this legal thriller seems familiar to you it's probably because there have been many incarnations over the years, from Scott Turow's bestselling novel in 1987 and the 1990 box office hit starring Harrison Ford, to made-for-television sequels in 1992 and 2011. David E. Kelly and J.J. Abrams team up to bring an updated version to the screen with Jake Gyllenhaal taking on the role of Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor accused of murder. The miniseries premiered its first two episodes on Wednesday, with new episode dropping weekly.
“House of the Dragon” on Max
Time needed to be spent setting the table in the first season of “Game of Thrones” prequel series “House of the Dragon” to introduce the Targaryen ancestors and their complex family dynamics. The second season promises to deliver some fireworks, as the civil war between Rhaenyra Targaryen and her half-brother Aegon II takes center stage. An uptick in action and an abundance of dragons should help boost the show's popularity after a successful maiden launch. If there is any doubt in your mind whether to continue (or start) the series, know that there’s a just-announced third season in the works.
“Bridgerton” on Netflix
The final four episodes of Season 3 are streaming on Netflix, and will deliver on the promise of that Episode 4 cliffhanger and learn what follows after Colin’s proposal to Pen. As their slow-burn romance comes to a conclusion, “Bridgerton” fans are already speculating as to which characters will be in the spotlight for Season 4, which—based on the show’s production history—likely won’t arrive until 2026.
“The Boys” on Prime Video
Fans are eager to dive into Season 4 of “The Boys” this weekend, with the first three episodes now streaming. Newcomers Valorie Currie and Susan Heyward are the latest supes to jump into the fray (as Firecracker and Sister Sage, respectively), and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (“The Walking Dead”) joins the cast as an old colleague of Butcher. Savor the show while it lasts; “The Boys” was just renewed for its fifth and final season.
‘Brats’ on Hulu
Andrew McCarthy directs this documentary about the group of young stars branded as the “Brat Pack” in the 1980s. McCarthy tracks down the Brat Pack cohort—which include himself, Molly Ringwald, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, and others—to reflect on the impact the label (and Hollywood) had on them. A must see for ‘80s kids, you can stream it on Hulu now.
Head over to IMDb to add these to your Watchlist, add your rating, and learn more....
“Presumed Innocent” on Apple TV+
If this legal thriller seems familiar to you it's probably because there have been many incarnations over the years, from Scott Turow's bestselling novel in 1987 and the 1990 box office hit starring Harrison Ford, to made-for-television sequels in 1992 and 2011. David E. Kelly and J.J. Abrams team up to bring an updated version to the screen with Jake Gyllenhaal taking on the role of Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor accused of murder. The miniseries premiered its first two episodes on Wednesday, with new episode dropping weekly.
“House of the Dragon” on Max
Time needed to be spent setting the table in the first season of “Game of Thrones” prequel series “House of the Dragon” to introduce the Targaryen ancestors and their complex family dynamics. The second season promises to deliver some fireworks, as the civil war between Rhaenyra Targaryen and her half-brother Aegon II takes center stage. An uptick in action and an abundance of dragons should help boost the show's popularity after a successful maiden launch. If there is any doubt in your mind whether to continue (or start) the series, know that there’s a just-announced third season in the works.
“Bridgerton” on Netflix
The final four episodes of Season 3 are streaming on Netflix, and will deliver on the promise of that Episode 4 cliffhanger and learn what follows after Colin’s proposal to Pen. As their slow-burn romance comes to a conclusion, “Bridgerton” fans are already speculating as to which characters will be in the spotlight for Season 4, which—based on the show’s production history—likely won’t arrive until 2026.
“The Boys” on Prime Video
Fans are eager to dive into Season 4 of “The Boys” this weekend, with the first three episodes now streaming. Newcomers Valorie Currie and Susan Heyward are the latest supes to jump into the fray (as Firecracker and Sister Sage, respectively), and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (“The Walking Dead”) joins the cast as an old colleague of Butcher. Savor the show while it lasts; “The Boys” was just renewed for its fifth and final season.
‘Brats’ on Hulu
Andrew McCarthy directs this documentary about the group of young stars branded as the “Brat Pack” in the 1980s. McCarthy tracks down the Brat Pack cohort—which include himself, Molly Ringwald, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, and others—to reflect on the impact the label (and Hollywood) had on them. A must see for ‘80s kids, you can stream it on Hulu now.
Head over to IMDb to add these to your Watchlist, add your rating, and learn more....
- 6/13/2024
- IMDb News
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Most of the action in Steven Spielberg’s 1974 directorial debut, Sugarland Express, unfolds over the course of an extended car chase as Goldie Hawn and William Atherton’s characters try to evade a long convoy of police vehicles in an effort to regain custody of their young son from foster care.
While the film predated high-speed freeway car chases, modern audiences might be reminded of such events, including O.J. Simpson’s infamous white Bronco chase, which unfolded roughly 30 years ago, on June 17, 1994.
And sure enough, Spielberg himself admitted he thought of his own film when he saw the Bronco chase, which riveted audiences as it took over TV.
Speaking after a 50th-anniversary screening of Sugarland at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, Spielberg jokingly said he thought, “Shit, they’re stealing my thunder,” when he saw the Simpson chase.
Elsewhere during the post-screening Q&a, Spielberg reflected on making the film, including casting lead...
While the film predated high-speed freeway car chases, modern audiences might be reminded of such events, including O.J. Simpson’s infamous white Bronco chase, which unfolded roughly 30 years ago, on June 17, 1994.
And sure enough, Spielberg himself admitted he thought of his own film when he saw the Bronco chase, which riveted audiences as it took over TV.
Speaking after a 50th-anniversary screening of Sugarland at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, Spielberg jokingly said he thought, “Shit, they’re stealing my thunder,” when he saw the Simpson chase.
Elsewhere during the post-screening Q&a, Spielberg reflected on making the film, including casting lead...
- 6/15/2024
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Sony Pictures Classics’ Dylan Leiner along with FilmNation’s Stefan Zorich and Paramount’s Fabrizio Carrer were among the top film executives and companies who participated in the 13th NY Film & Entertainment Soccer Tournament for charity hosted at the Tribeca Festival.
The sun-drenched event gathered 39 teams, along with more than 60 filmmakers from the Tribeca Festival, and hundreds of spectators at Brooklyn Bridge Park overlooking downtown Manhattan.
The annual 5 v 5 charity soccer tournament, co-organized by Leiner and Jeffrey Saunders, will donate funds to the two organizations reigning atop the Soccer-4-Good Division, the big winner being Upwardly Global – which helps immigrants and refugees get back to work in their chosen fields; and Grassrootsoccer, an organization that leverages the power of soccer to equip young people with life-saving information, services and mentorship.
Some of the high-profile talent in attendance included Phil Dunster (“Ted Lasso”) who presented his short film “Idiomatic” at Tribeca...
The sun-drenched event gathered 39 teams, along with more than 60 filmmakers from the Tribeca Festival, and hundreds of spectators at Brooklyn Bridge Park overlooking downtown Manhattan.
The annual 5 v 5 charity soccer tournament, co-organized by Leiner and Jeffrey Saunders, will donate funds to the two organizations reigning atop the Soccer-4-Good Division, the big winner being Upwardly Global – which helps immigrants and refugees get back to work in their chosen fields; and Grassrootsoccer, an organization that leverages the power of soccer to equip young people with life-saving information, services and mentorship.
Some of the high-profile talent in attendance included Phil Dunster (“Ted Lasso”) who presented his short film “Idiomatic” at Tribeca...
- 6/15/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
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The Annecy Animation Festival, the most important eight days of the year for the global animation industry, wraps up tonight, so we’re looking back at 10 themes that dominated the dialogue around this year’s event.
Annecy is Hollywood’s Favorite Animation Showcase
In interviews held before this year’s festival, several representatives from Hollywood studios, speaking on background, told us that Annecy has now replaced Comic-Con as their most important promotional event of the year for animation.
During a backstage interview with Variety at a “Transformers: One” panel, festival artistic director Marcel Jean explained that building that reputation wasn’t a quick or easy process. “It’s a long-term work to convince the studios that Annecy is a place to be for them,” he said. “I think we are building a very strong relationship with Paramount, and it’s the same with most of the studios now.”
Paramount...
Annecy is Hollywood’s Favorite Animation Showcase
In interviews held before this year’s festival, several representatives from Hollywood studios, speaking on background, told us that Annecy has now replaced Comic-Con as their most important promotional event of the year for animation.
During a backstage interview with Variety at a “Transformers: One” panel, festival artistic director Marcel Jean explained that building that reputation wasn’t a quick or easy process. “It’s a long-term work to convince the studios that Annecy is a place to be for them,” he said. “I think we are building a very strong relationship with Paramount, and it’s the same with most of the studios now.”
Paramount...
- 6/15/2024
- by Jamie Lang and John Hopewell
- Variety - Film News
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In Hulu’s “We Were the Lucky Ones,” Joey King plays Halina, a young girl who dreams of finding romance, but the looming Second World War throws her life down another unimaginable path. Based on Georgia Hunter’s book, the series follows the true story of the Kurc family living in Poland and how the Holocaust threatened to rip the family apart.
In dressing Halina, costume designer Lucy Duncan made sure to keep outfits anchored in the period of Polish history. Florals and bright clothing give way to darker palettes as Halina battles to survive.
Here, King and Duncan reflect...
In dressing Halina, costume designer Lucy Duncan made sure to keep outfits anchored in the period of Polish history. Florals and bright clothing give way to darker palettes as Halina battles to survive.
Here, King and Duncan reflect...
- 6/15/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety - TV News
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Adam Elliot’s oddball Aussie feature Memoir of a Snail has won the Cristal award for best feature film at the 2024 Annecy Film Festival, the world’s leading international animation fest.
The dark dramedy, about a lonely, snail-obsessed hoarder — voiced by Succession star Sarah Snook — recounting her life story to one of her beloved gastropods, is Elliot’s first feature since 2009’s Mary and Max, which also won the top honor at Annecy. An impressive group of Australian A-listers, including Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jacki Weaver, Eric Bana and Nick Cave provide supporting voice work. IFC Films picked up North American rights to Memoir of a Snail ahead of the festival.
Flow, a drama from Latvian animator Gints Zilbalodis (Away), which follows a cat that survives a world-destroying deluge on a boat with a collection of other animals, won this year’s jury award and audience prize, voted on by Annecy attendees.
The dark dramedy, about a lonely, snail-obsessed hoarder — voiced by Succession star Sarah Snook — recounting her life story to one of her beloved gastropods, is Elliot’s first feature since 2009’s Mary and Max, which also won the top honor at Annecy. An impressive group of Australian A-listers, including Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jacki Weaver, Eric Bana and Nick Cave provide supporting voice work. IFC Films picked up North American rights to Memoir of a Snail ahead of the festival.
Flow, a drama from Latvian animator Gints Zilbalodis (Away), which follows a cat that survives a world-destroying deluge on a boat with a collection of other animals, won this year’s jury award and audience prize, voted on by Annecy attendees.
- 6/15/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Angela Bofill, the singer-songwriter behind hits “I Try,” “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” and “I’m On Your Side,” has died. She was 70.
The Cuban-Puerto Rican musician died on Thursday at her daughter’s home in Vallejo, California, her friend and rep Rich Engel told People. A cause of death was not immediately available. Engel also shared the news of her passing on Bofill’s Facebook page in two separate posts.
“On Behalf Of My Dear Friend Angie, I Am Saddened To Announce Her Passing On The Morning Of June 13th,” he wrote in the first social media post, before sharing funeral information.
In the second post, he added, “Just To Clear Up The Confusion. On Behalf Of Shauna Bofill, Husband Chris Portuguese, We Are Saddened But Must Report That The Passing Of Angela Yesterday Is Indeed True. We Thank Melba Moore And Maysa For Their Early Condolences. Thanks For Your Many Posts.
The Cuban-Puerto Rican musician died on Thursday at her daughter’s home in Vallejo, California, her friend and rep Rich Engel told People. A cause of death was not immediately available. Engel also shared the news of her passing on Bofill’s Facebook page in two separate posts.
“On Behalf Of My Dear Friend Angie, I Am Saddened To Announce Her Passing On The Morning Of June 13th,” he wrote in the first social media post, before sharing funeral information.
In the second post, he added, “Just To Clear Up The Confusion. On Behalf Of Shauna Bofill, Husband Chris Portuguese, We Are Saddened But Must Report That The Passing Of Angela Yesterday Is Indeed True. We Thank Melba Moore And Maysa For Their Early Condolences. Thanks For Your Many Posts.
- 6/15/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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The Annecy Animation Festival hosted its closing ceremony on Saturday, where there were two clear winners from the main feature film competition. Adam Elliot’s “Memoir of a Snail” took Annecy’s top award, the Cristal for best feature, and Gints Zilbalodis’ “Flow” scooped just about everything else.
Australian stop-motion feature “Memoir of a Snail” is the latest from Elliot, an Academy Award winner who scored the animated short statue in 2004 with his stop-motion film “Harvie Krumpet.” This time around, the director offers the heartstring-pulling story of Grace Pudel, a lonely misfit who loves collecting snails.
“There’s a magic to 100%-CG-free stop-motion, with its cellophane flames and tears made of sexual lubricant,” wrote Variety Chief Film Critic Peter Debruge in his review of the film. “Don’t be surprised if ‘Memoir’ has you shedding real ones in your seat.”
Zilbalodis’ “Flow” won a four-pack of honors at this year...
Australian stop-motion feature “Memoir of a Snail” is the latest from Elliot, an Academy Award winner who scored the animated short statue in 2004 with his stop-motion film “Harvie Krumpet.” This time around, the director offers the heartstring-pulling story of Grace Pudel, a lonely misfit who loves collecting snails.
“There’s a magic to 100%-CG-free stop-motion, with its cellophane flames and tears made of sexual lubricant,” wrote Variety Chief Film Critic Peter Debruge in his review of the film. “Don’t be surprised if ‘Memoir’ has you shedding real ones in your seat.”
Zilbalodis’ “Flow” won a four-pack of honors at this year...
- 6/15/2024
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDFlNTdiMWQtNGQ2Mi00MjkwLTlkOGQtZmJlZGEyODk3Mzc3XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Joe Alwyn opened up about the end of his relationship with Taylor Swift in a recent interview with the Sunday Times Style Magazine.
In April 2023, Alwyn and Swift’s breakup was reported, and by September, Swift was in a highly public relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Swift’s newest album “The Tortured Poets Department” was seemingly named after a WhatsApp group called The Tortured Man Club, which Alwyn shared with actors Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott. When asked if he had listen to the album, Alwyn avoided the question.
“I would hope that anyone and everyone can empathize and understand the difficulties that come with the end of a long, loving, fully committed relationship of over six and a half years,” Alwyn said. “That is a hard thing to navigate. What is unusual and abnormal in this situation is that, one week later, it’s suddenly...
In April 2023, Alwyn and Swift’s breakup was reported, and by September, Swift was in a highly public relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Swift’s newest album “The Tortured Poets Department” was seemingly named after a WhatsApp group called The Tortured Man Club, which Alwyn shared with actors Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott. When asked if he had listen to the album, Alwyn avoided the question.
“I would hope that anyone and everyone can empathize and understand the difficulties that come with the end of a long, loving, fully committed relationship of over six and a half years,” Alwyn said. “That is a hard thing to navigate. What is unusual and abnormal in this situation is that, one week later, it’s suddenly...
- 6/15/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTY4MTMwYzUtMjc3MS00MjNiLTgzNDYtOWY3YTE5NzE5ZWUxXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Morgan Freeman isn’t a fan of Black History Month.
“I detest it. The mere idea of it. You are going to give me the shortest month in a year? And you are going to celebrate ‘my’ history?! This whole idea makes my teeth itch. It’s not right,” he tells Variety.
“My history is American history. It’s the one thing in this world I am interested in, beyond making money, having a good time and getting enough sleep.”
Having exec produced Civil War series “The Gray House” alongside Lori McCreary through Revelations Entertainment, the past is very much on Freeman’s mind.
“I detest it. The mere idea of it. You are going to give me the shortest month in a year? And you are going to celebrate ‘my’ history?! This whole idea makes my teeth itch. It’s not right,” he tells Variety.
“My history is American history. It’s the one thing in this world I am interested in, beyond making money, having a good time and getting enough sleep.”
Having exec produced Civil War series “The Gray House” alongside Lori McCreary through Revelations Entertainment, the past is very much on Freeman’s mind.
- 6/15/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety - TV News
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The only thing more powerful than a first impression is a second one — at least, that’s the bet that “Summer Solstice,” a new anti-romantic comedy from Cartilage Films, makes on itself. Beginning with a character giving an impassioned monologue recounting his gender-affirming surgery, the speech quickly curdles into something pretty tacky, even including the line, “I went from a caterpillar to a butterfly.” But then another voice interrupts: “Okay, thanks. That’s enough.” This has all been in an audition room. And the audition is not going well.
“I had a family member come to a screening. And she said, ‘I was terrified in the first 30 seconds that this movie was going to be so awful,’” says writer-director Noah Schamus with a laugh.
The scene reorients to introduce Leo (Bobbi Salvör Menuez), a transgender man treading water in the ever-replenishing pool of auditioning New York actors. The performance drops and Leo returns to reality,...
“I had a family member come to a screening. And she said, ‘I was terrified in the first 30 seconds that this movie was going to be so awful,’” says writer-director Noah Schamus with a laugh.
The scene reorients to introduce Leo (Bobbi Salvör Menuez), a transgender man treading water in the ever-replenishing pool of auditioning New York actors. The performance drops and Leo returns to reality,...
- 6/15/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZjNhN2FlYWYtMjQyNC00YTk4LTg2YzMtNGYxNDBlNzk1MzcyXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
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The expansion of California’s film and television tax credit program was a major topic of conversation in the first week of negotiations between studios and streamers and the Hollywood Basic Crafts coalition, according to the unions.
Per the Teamsters Local 399, which is a member of the labor group, a “common theme” of the week was unions expressing their drive to improve the state program. “It is our members — and their stories — that impact this important middle-class job creation program. An incentive program that ultimately the employers also benefit from,” Hollywood Basic Crafts chairperson and Local 399 principal officer Lindsay Dougherty said in a statement on Friday night. “We are committed to a continued partnership with these employers to increase the work here in California, but increasing work here in the state will not be done by making any concessions on behalf of our members throughout these negotiations.”
Despite the fact...
Per the Teamsters Local 399, which is a member of the labor group, a “common theme” of the week was unions expressing their drive to improve the state program. “It is our members — and their stories — that impact this important middle-class job creation program. An incentive program that ultimately the employers also benefit from,” Hollywood Basic Crafts chairperson and Local 399 principal officer Lindsay Dougherty said in a statement on Friday night. “We are committed to a continued partnership with these employers to increase the work here in California, but increasing work here in the state will not be done by making any concessions on behalf of our members throughout these negotiations.”
Despite the fact...
- 6/15/2024
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNWUzMjIzNmEtYWE4MC00NDJkLTlkMDAtMTg3MzI1MDNiM2YwXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
“It feels to me like there’s more there.”
J. Smith-Cameron is manifesting a return to “Hacks,” hoping the showrunners Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky find a way to bring Kathy Vance back to the show. The last time she did that, was on HBO’s “Succession” where a four-episode stint turned into a full series run.
In “Hacks,” Smith-Cameron plays Deborah’s (Jean Smart) estranged sister. At the end of episode six, Kathy is introduced after receiving an unexpected invitation to Deborah’s Christmas Spectacular. She accepts and shows up with a gift in hand.
But...
J. Smith-Cameron is manifesting a return to “Hacks,” hoping the showrunners Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky find a way to bring Kathy Vance back to the show. The last time she did that, was on HBO’s “Succession” where a four-episode stint turned into a full series run.
In “Hacks,” Smith-Cameron plays Deborah’s (Jean Smart) estranged sister. At the end of episode six, Kathy is introduced after receiving an unexpected invitation to Deborah’s Christmas Spectacular. She accepts and shows up with a gift in hand.
But...
- 6/15/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety - TV News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTg5NTc4NzQtNTk0ZC00NWU4LWE4YjQtMDQ5NWQ5YzMyMjY0XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
At the Monte-Carlo TV Festival Saturday, Lee Jung-Jae, one of the stars of new Disney+ series “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” spoke with Variety about how he prepared for his role as Jedi Master Sol, the strengths of Leslye Headland, the show’s creator, as a showrunner, and the relationship between Sol and Amandla Stenberg’s characters.
Lee, who won a Primetime Emmy for “Squid Game,” says that for 50% of “The Acolyte” role he drew inspiration from previous depictions of the Jedi Masters, and “for the remaining 50% I tried to find something that was appropriate to Sol – something that would only incarnate him.
Lee, who won a Primetime Emmy for “Squid Game,” says that for 50% of “The Acolyte” role he drew inspiration from previous depictions of the Jedi Masters, and “for the remaining 50% I tried to find something that was appropriate to Sol – something that would only incarnate him.
- 6/15/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety - TV News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzQzNDY2MjAtMzcyNy00NTdiLWI1OTctN2ViZjRmNDkwZjUxXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Before “Iron Man” and “Thor,” before “Spider-Man” and “X-Men,” there was “Blade.” Starring Wesley Snipes as the titular daywalking half-vampire vampire slayer, the movie debuted in 1998 at a time when Marvel comics had yet to enjoy a successful feature film adaptation. The New Line Cinema production was enough of a hit — grossing $131.2 million worldwide — that Snipes returned for two sequels, establishing the company’s first ever bona fide movie franchise. Had “Blade” bombed, the Marvel Cinematic Universe may never have happened.
So when Marvel Studios announced in 2019 that two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali was going to bring the character to the MCU, it seemed like a total no brainer.
Five years later, however, “Blade” has weathered the Covid-19 pandemic and two major guild strikes, faced three release date changes, lost two directors, and hired at least a half dozen screenwriters in what could be the most protracted development process...
So when Marvel Studios announced in 2019 that two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali was going to bring the character to the MCU, it seemed like a total no brainer.
Five years later, however, “Blade” has weathered the Covid-19 pandemic and two major guild strikes, faced three release date changes, lost two directors, and hired at least a half dozen screenwriters in what could be the most protracted development process...
- 6/15/2024
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYjZhYjdiYTQtYmNhMy00Y2E5LWFhZmUtYzVkMTIwMjUzMmRjXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
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Joe Alwyn has broken his silence on the end of his relationship with Taylor Swift, over a year after their breakup.
The actor sat down with The Sunday Times Style Magazine ahead of the release of his upcoming film, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness, on June 21. During the conversation, Alwyn spoke candidly about his breakup with the global superstar in April 2023.
While he is the first to address their breakup publicly, Swift’s newest album, The Tortured Poets Department, seemingly addresses it, with songs like “So Long, London” and “The Black Dog.” Not to mention the name of the album itself resembles a WhatsApp group chat Alwyn has with Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal called The Tortured Man Club.
When asked if he had listened to the album, Alwyn didn’t directly answer the question. Instead, he told the publication, “I would hope that anyone and everyone can empathize and...
The actor sat down with The Sunday Times Style Magazine ahead of the release of his upcoming film, Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness, on June 21. During the conversation, Alwyn spoke candidly about his breakup with the global superstar in April 2023.
While he is the first to address their breakup publicly, Swift’s newest album, The Tortured Poets Department, seemingly addresses it, with songs like “So Long, London” and “The Black Dog.” Not to mention the name of the album itself resembles a WhatsApp group chat Alwyn has with Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal called The Tortured Man Club.
When asked if he had listened to the album, Alwyn didn’t directly answer the question. Instead, he told the publication, “I would hope that anyone and everyone can empathize and...
- 6/15/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZjFhYjQxYzItMTgwMi00ZjViLTg0ZjEtOWE2MDc5YTcyYmViXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
British actor Stephen Fry remembers being about 10 years old in the late 1960s when he first saw a production of Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest” on television.
He immediately checked out the “Complete Works of Oscar Wilde” from the mobile library that visited his town in rural England.
“I went back and said, ‘Have you got anything else?’ And [the librarian] said, “Well, that’s the complete works,’” Fry tells me on the latest episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “I searched the shelves and I found this book, ‘The Trials of Oscar Wilde.’ I thought, that’s really weird.
He immediately checked out the “Complete Works of Oscar Wilde” from the mobile library that visited his town in rural England.
“I went back and said, ‘Have you got anything else?’ And [the librarian] said, “Well, that’s the complete works,’” Fry tells me on the latest episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “I searched the shelves and I found this book, ‘The Trials of Oscar Wilde.’ I thought, that’s really weird.
- 6/15/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety - TV News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZjFhYjQxYzItMTgwMi00ZjViLTg0ZjEtOWE2MDc5YTcyYmViXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
British actor Stephen Fry remembers being about 10 years old in the late 1960s when he first saw a production of Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest” on television.
He immediately checked out the “Complete Works of Oscar Wilde” from the mobile library that visited his town in rural England.
“I went back and said, ‘Have you got anything else?’ And [the librarian] said, “Well, that’s the complete works,’” Fry tells me on the latest episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “I searched the shelves and I found this book, ‘The Trials of Oscar Wilde.’ I thought, that’s really weird. I thought trials as in trials and tribulations, maybe he had a very unhappy life. So I took the book out and she stamped it out for me looking a bit doubtful as to whether I should read it. I didn’t understand why.”
Fry learned that...
He immediately checked out the “Complete Works of Oscar Wilde” from the mobile library that visited his town in rural England.
“I went back and said, ‘Have you got anything else?’ And [the librarian] said, “Well, that’s the complete works,’” Fry tells me on the latest episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “I searched the shelves and I found this book, ‘The Trials of Oscar Wilde.’ I thought, that’s really weird. I thought trials as in trials and tribulations, maybe he had a very unhappy life. So I took the book out and she stamped it out for me looking a bit doubtful as to whether I should read it. I didn’t understand why.”
Fry learned that...
- 6/15/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZWVkYTNjYWItYmJjZC00NjNjLTg1NjQtOTdmYWQyNWU3OTAyXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZWVkYTNjYWItYmJjZC00NjNjLTg1NjQtOTdmYWQyNWU3OTAyXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
Where to begin in describing the emotions Hollywood and theater owners — not to mention Pixar and its parent company Disney — are likely feeling over the stunning start of Inside Out 2 at the box office. (Hint: Sadness isn’t one of them.)
Pixar’s tentpole earned a massive $62 million on Friday, well ahead of expectations and putting the movie on course to open in the $140 million to $150 million range domestically over Father’s Day weekend, one of the top three starts ever for an animated film and the second-best for Pixar. Rival studios believe it could climb as high as $155 million to $160 million, but Disney is being more circumspect. Friday’s haul includes a huge $13 million in Thursday previews.
Fellow Pixar sequel Incredibles 2 is the crown-holder for top animated domestic opening ($182.7 million), followed by Illumination and Universal’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($146.4 million), Pixar’s Finding Dory ($135.1 million...
Pixar’s tentpole earned a massive $62 million on Friday, well ahead of expectations and putting the movie on course to open in the $140 million to $150 million range domestically over Father’s Day weekend, one of the top three starts ever for an animated film and the second-best for Pixar. Rival studios believe it could climb as high as $155 million to $160 million, but Disney is being more circumspect. Friday’s haul includes a huge $13 million in Thursday previews.
Fellow Pixar sequel Incredibles 2 is the crown-holder for top animated domestic opening ($182.7 million), followed by Illumination and Universal’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($146.4 million), Pixar’s Finding Dory ($135.1 million...
- 6/15/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Trialed for alleged sexual assault on June 14, Dominique Boutonnat, the president of the National Film Board, France’s most powerful film institution, is facing a three-year suspended prison sentence.
Boutonnat was indicted in February 2021 for the alleged sexual assault of his then 19-year-old godson in August 2020, during a vacation in Greece. On Friday, at the Nanterre courthouse, the prosecutor requested a three-year suspended prison sentence against Boutonnat who is currently service a second mandate as president of the Cnc. He was re-upped by the French government in 2022 in spite of the fact that he had been indicted on sexual assault charges a year prior. He has denied all accusations. The Cnc said in a statement sent to Variety that the “allegations concern the private sphere and have nothing to do with the Cnc’s activities whose functioning were not affected by the undertaking of the judicial procedure.”
The film executive,...
Boutonnat was indicted in February 2021 for the alleged sexual assault of his then 19-year-old godson in August 2020, during a vacation in Greece. On Friday, at the Nanterre courthouse, the prosecutor requested a three-year suspended prison sentence against Boutonnat who is currently service a second mandate as president of the Cnc. He was re-upped by the French government in 2022 in spite of the fact that he had been indicted on sexual assault charges a year prior. He has denied all accusations. The Cnc said in a statement sent to Variety that the “allegations concern the private sphere and have nothing to do with the Cnc’s activities whose functioning were not affected by the undertaking of the judicial procedure.”
The film executive,...
- 6/15/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzQ0ZTExY2UtYTZjMi00ODJhLTk4YTYtYzVkYTExZTc0YTJjXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Now wrapping its fourth edition, the Annecy Animation Festival’s artistic residency program shepherds selected titles on a development odyssey, hosting filmmakers for a three-month stint at Annecy’s Papeteries Image Factory for tailored, individual mentoring sessions related to screenwriting and graphic development.
The program offers those most precious gifts all – time to explore and grounds to experiment.
Once done, the filmmakers can bring their projects to market, while the festival never lets past laureates fall too far out of sight. A graduate of the residency’s inaugural edition in 2021, director Upamanyu Bhattacharyya later brought his feature “Heirloom” to Annecy’s Cannes showcase in 2023 and will launch production this very month.
“We hope the film will be advanced enough for a Wip screening next year,” says Annecy Residency coordinator Géraldine Baché. “And then, of course, for a festival premiere in 2027!”
There are the three new titles Annecy hopes to accompany...
The program offers those most precious gifts all – time to explore and grounds to experiment.
Once done, the filmmakers can bring their projects to market, while the festival never lets past laureates fall too far out of sight. A graduate of the residency’s inaugural edition in 2021, director Upamanyu Bhattacharyya later brought his feature “Heirloom” to Annecy’s Cannes showcase in 2023 and will launch production this very month.
“We hope the film will be advanced enough for a Wip screening next year,” says Annecy Residency coordinator Géraldine Baché. “And then, of course, for a festival premiere in 2027!”
There are the three new titles Annecy hopes to accompany...
- 6/15/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNmNjNzI5YTEtNGQzMC00YTFhLTljYjItNTU3Nzc3MDkyNTkwXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
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My Character Was Killed Off. Is My Career Dead?
Dear Remy,
I always knew my character would be killed off.
When I took on the role of patriarch in a prestige drama series, the production company was very clear that the man I would be playing had an expiry date. I thought nothing of it at the time—reflecting instead on how well the producers communicated. Colleagues of mine have been informed of the death of their characters by reading about it in the sides that script runners brought to their trailers. At least I didn’t discover the person I was playing would meet a grisly end in front of an acne-ridden film school graduate who’s been consistently getting my coffee order wrong.
So it took me by surprise when we filmed my final scenes for the show, and I felt grief. I know it makes no sense.
Dear Remy,
I always knew my character would be killed off.
When I took on the role of patriarch in a prestige drama series, the production company was very clear that the man I would be playing had an expiry date. I thought nothing of it at the time—reflecting instead on how well the producers communicated. Colleagues of mine have been informed of the death of their characters by reading about it in the sides that script runners brought to their trailers. At least I didn’t discover the person I was playing would meet a grisly end in front of an acne-ridden film school graduate who’s been consistently getting my coffee order wrong.
So it took me by surprise when we filmed my final scenes for the show, and I felt grief. I know it makes no sense.
- 6/15/2024
- by Remy Blumenfeld
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTM0YjM4ODctNzE5NC00MTU3LWI3ZjctMmNhYjAxZWQ2MDRmXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTM0YjM4ODctNzE5NC00MTU3LWI3ZjctMmNhYjAxZWQ2MDRmXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
Kate Middleton made her first public appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis.
The Princess of Wales attended the 2024 Trooping the Colour, celebrating King Charles’ birthday on Saturday. She stood on the balcony with her husband, Prince William, and their three children — George, Charlotte and Louis.
On Friday, Middleton shared that she would be returning to some royal duties this summer, starting with the king’s celebration, while she continues to undergo cancer treatment.
“I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months,” she wrote on social media Friday. “It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times. I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired...
The Princess of Wales attended the 2024 Trooping the Colour, celebrating King Charles’ birthday on Saturday. She stood on the balcony with her husband, Prince William, and their three children — George, Charlotte and Louis.
On Friday, Middleton shared that she would be returning to some royal duties this summer, starting with the king’s celebration, while she continues to undergo cancer treatment.
“I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months,” she wrote on social media Friday. “It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times. I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired...
- 6/15/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNGI2OTkzN2MtM2JmOS00MTZlLWE1YTgtYTE2ODc5MWVmMWQ3XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
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The promise from organizers of the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival is for a mix of the “old and the new” and to that end this year’s program offers a look at emerging contemporary filmmakers as well as movies that chart a course from the local industry’s development in the early 1900s through to today.
The bustling Chinese metropolis has been transformed by its annual celebration of cinema, with 47 theaters spread out across the city’s 16 districts hosting an estimated 1,600 screenings of 461 films across the June 14-23 event. There’s heavy promotion everywhere you look — hanging from lampposts, dominating the billboards that inform this city of more than 26 million people.
Domestic productions are taking pride of place throughout the program and — most noticeably this year — across the festival’s four central Golden Goblet competitions for feature films, which boast no less than 12 mainland Chinese films.
“As the only...
The bustling Chinese metropolis has been transformed by its annual celebration of cinema, with 47 theaters spread out across the city’s 16 districts hosting an estimated 1,600 screenings of 461 films across the June 14-23 event. There’s heavy promotion everywhere you look — hanging from lampposts, dominating the billboards that inform this city of more than 26 million people.
Domestic productions are taking pride of place throughout the program and — most noticeably this year — across the festival’s four central Golden Goblet competitions for feature films, which boast no less than 12 mainland Chinese films.
“As the only...
- 6/15/2024
- by Mathew Scott
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BN2U0MmZmMTItMmIwNy00NDhjLWI1MTYtNTk1OWU3Yzk2MzhmXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BN2U0MmZmMTItMmIwNy00NDhjLWI1MTYtNTk1OWU3Yzk2MzhmXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
Towards the end of the first act of the 2024 Grammy Awards, Tracy Chapman — 15 years since her last tour and largely absent from the public eye — joined country singer Luke Combs on stage for a duet of “Fast Car.” Chapman wrote and released the song in 1988, and Combs had spent 2023 riding a wave of popularity for his note-for-note cover.
The moment captured the in-house audience — see Taylor Swift singing along — and at home. The show hit four-year viewership highs. It was a particularly sweet pay-off for producer Ben Winston, who spent the months leading up to the show never really believing they’d get Chapman on stage. Such is the agony of making the Grammys, apparently, where talks with artists frequently fall through and so much of the night is dependent on who gets nominated eight weeks before the show.
Winston, who’s now a year out from his job showrunning...
The moment captured the in-house audience — see Taylor Swift singing along — and at home. The show hit four-year viewership highs. It was a particularly sweet pay-off for producer Ben Winston, who spent the months leading up to the show never really believing they’d get Chapman on stage. Such is the agony of making the Grammys, apparently, where talks with artists frequently fall through and so much of the night is dependent on who gets nominated eight weeks before the show.
Winston, who’s now a year out from his job showrunning...
- 6/15/2024
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzY1YTM3YTEtMjc1Mi00YTQ0LWIyMGUtZGMwYTRjNzk5YmM3XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzY1YTM3YTEtMjc1Mi00YTQ0LWIyMGUtZGMwYTRjNzk5YmM3XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
Multi-award-winning Dutch-Australian director Rolf de Heer’s films expand creative horizons in the ways he deals with character, narrative and dialogue. Heads were turned with the Venice Grand Jury Prize-winner Bad Boy Bubby (1993), the story of a 35-year-old man-child who, after being locked away his entire life by his mother, escapes into a “real” world that appears more bizarre than his previous existence.
De Heer’s Cannes Un Certain Regard-winner Ten Canoes (2006) was a riotously funny morality tale set in pre-colonized Australia — the first shot entirely using Indigenous languages. The Survival of Kindness, winner of Berlin’s 2022 Fipresci award, meanwhile, was a gripping dystopian tale stripped almost entirely of any dialogue — but one that still made its message about the horrors of racism perfectly clear.
In the days ahead, the 73-year-old De Heer will turn film watcher rather than maker as he takes up a place on the main competition...
De Heer’s Cannes Un Certain Regard-winner Ten Canoes (2006) was a riotously funny morality tale set in pre-colonized Australia — the first shot entirely using Indigenous languages. The Survival of Kindness, winner of Berlin’s 2022 Fipresci award, meanwhile, was a gripping dystopian tale stripped almost entirely of any dialogue — but one that still made its message about the horrors of racism perfectly clear.
In the days ahead, the 73-year-old De Heer will turn film watcher rather than maker as he takes up a place on the main competition...
- 6/15/2024
- by Mathew Scott
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZjRlYjE3Y2YtZmEzMS00ZjRiLTk1NzUtM2U0N2RmYTk2MzUwXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Japanese creator Naoko Yamada, whose latest film “The Colors Within” screened in the main competition at this year’s Annecy Animation Festival, continues to challenge herself.
“Animation provides me with hope, yearning and challenges. It allows me to expand my imagination infinitely and, at the same time, it challenges me to see how much imagination I actually have,” she told Variety via an interpreter following the premiere of her latest.
“I want to see what I can do without limiting myself to any particular subjects.”
It introduces a young Totsuko, a closeted synesthete who can actually see others as colors. She becomes fascinated with honor student Kimi – and her dazzling shade, who has dropped out of school but pretends to attend for her grandmother’s sake.
Kimi also has a hidden talent – she loves to play the electric guitar and dabbles in songwriting. Later, when the two start to become friends,...
“Animation provides me with hope, yearning and challenges. It allows me to expand my imagination infinitely and, at the same time, it challenges me to see how much imagination I actually have,” she told Variety via an interpreter following the premiere of her latest.
“I want to see what I can do without limiting myself to any particular subjects.”
It introduces a young Totsuko, a closeted synesthete who can actually see others as colors. She becomes fascinated with honor student Kimi – and her dazzling shade, who has dropped out of school but pretends to attend for her grandmother’s sake.
Kimi also has a hidden talent – she loves to play the electric guitar and dabbles in songwriting. Later, when the two start to become friends,...
- 6/15/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZGFjMzE2YzUtZWU4Yi00MTNkLTk5YmQtYzg0ZmZkNjZjMDJmXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Parallax China, one of China’s leading independent film sales companies, has picked up rights to a pair of titles that debut this week at the Shanghai International Film Festival.
It is handling world sales on “Qian Tang River,” directed by Wan Bo, and “Another Day of Hope,” by Liu Taifeng. Both are directorial debuts and both appear in the non-competitive Refreshing Chinese Cinema section.
Set in the 1950s at a site on the Qiantang River, which is notorious for its dangerous tides, “Qian Tang River,” chronicles three generations of a family, their beliefs, battles and failures. The cast isheaded by Wang Zheng, Chen Yunong, Liu Lu, Wang Yidi and Yao Anlian. Production of the Liu Yiying and Wan-scripted drama is by Gao Yujie. Cinematography is by Zhang Xing.
“Another Day of Hope” sees the mundane life of Wen Li shattered by an accident. Until then, he had been...
It is handling world sales on “Qian Tang River,” directed by Wan Bo, and “Another Day of Hope,” by Liu Taifeng. Both are directorial debuts and both appear in the non-competitive Refreshing Chinese Cinema section.
Set in the 1950s at a site on the Qiantang River, which is notorious for its dangerous tides, “Qian Tang River,” chronicles three generations of a family, their beliefs, battles and failures. The cast isheaded by Wang Zheng, Chen Yunong, Liu Lu, Wang Yidi and Yao Anlian. Production of the Liu Yiying and Wan-scripted drama is by Gao Yujie. Cinematography is by Zhang Xing.
“Another Day of Hope” sees the mundane life of Wen Li shattered by an accident. Until then, he had been...
- 6/15/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BM2NmYmY1MjItMmVkNy00YzVmLWE1MzMtMzI2YmQyYTU3YmJmXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BM2NmYmY1MjItMmVkNy00YzVmLWE1MzMtMzI2YmQyYTU3YmJmXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
In the opening section of Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution, you might be forgiven for thinking this is an extended Pride Month promo to breathe new life into Netflix’s 2022 special, Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration. But in a Q&a following the rousingly received opening-night screening at the Provincetown Film Festival, director Page Hurwitz clarified the chicken-and-the-egg situation, explaining that she produced the event at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, which assembled 22 prominent queer comics on the same bill, as a foundational building block for this documentary surveying the rich history of LGBTQ+ comedians.
At a time when a new generation of queer comics from across the sexual and gender identity spectrum has emerged into what appears to be a thriving scene, this is an invaluable primer on the many performers who kicked down resistant doors to make today’s greater representation possible.
Even if it only served as...
At a time when a new generation of queer comics from across the sexual and gender identity spectrum has emerged into what appears to be a thriving scene, this is an invaluable primer on the many performers who kicked down resistant doors to make today’s greater representation possible.
Even if it only served as...
- 6/15/2024
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOWM2M2Y0ZDItMDIwOC00N2FhLWE5NDktYTU5NGI5NDdhNWIyXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOWM2M2Y0ZDItMDIwOC00N2FhLWE5NDktYTU5NGI5NDdhNWIyXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
The 23rd edition of the Transilvania International Film Festival, kicked off Friday night with a sold-out screening of Dogman, the canine-focused revenge thriller by the French veteran Luc Besson, with Dogman co-star Jojo T. Gibbs in attendance.
Some 3,500 viewers backed Unirii Square in central Bucharest for the start of the 11-day festival, which runs through June 24. The biggest film extravaganza in Romania, the festival is one of the premier events on the Eastern European industry callender, with more than 200 films, exhibitions, concerts, talks and special events scheduled, and around 1,000 industry professionals expected.
Alongside Jojo T. Gibbs, most recently seen in Alex Garland’s Civil War, the TIFF guest list this year includes Italian filmmakers Daniele Luchetti (The Yes Man), who will be honored with the festival’s special award for contribution to world cinema; and Romanian film and theater legend Catrinel Dumitrescu (Aurora), who will receive the excellence award at...
Some 3,500 viewers backed Unirii Square in central Bucharest for the start of the 11-day festival, which runs through June 24. The biggest film extravaganza in Romania, the festival is one of the premier events on the Eastern European industry callender, with more than 200 films, exhibitions, concerts, talks and special events scheduled, and around 1,000 industry professionals expected.
Alongside Jojo T. Gibbs, most recently seen in Alex Garland’s Civil War, the TIFF guest list this year includes Italian filmmakers Daniele Luchetti (The Yes Man), who will be honored with the festival’s special award for contribution to world cinema; and Romanian film and theater legend Catrinel Dumitrescu (Aurora), who will receive the excellence award at...
- 6/15/2024
- by Stjepan Hundic
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BODMyN2JmZjctMDJhYS00YmQ4LWI3NDEtNzliNzRkYjlkYzlhXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
“Bridgerton” alumnus Simone Ashley is happy that Shonda Rhimes’ hit Netflix show, now in its third season, continues to empower its viewers.
“It really has! I don’t think it’s that surprising – we are all strong women in this show. It was only natural it was going to happen, I think. We have strong women writers and they want to portray women in that [position of] power,” she tells Variety.
“This show is full of such joy.”
On Friday, Ashley received the International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent from Albert II, Prince of Monaco, at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, and...
“It really has! I don’t think it’s that surprising – we are all strong women in this show. It was only natural it was going to happen, I think. We have strong women writers and they want to portray women in that [position of] power,” she tells Variety.
“This show is full of such joy.”
On Friday, Ashley received the International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent from Albert II, Prince of Monaco, at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, and...
- 6/15/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety - TV News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzQ4ZDg0MzMtZmYwOS00Y2JmLTg4MjAtZGNjMDViYTBhMDQ4XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Spanish Animation is ready for more international collaborations in the near future, but there is one stipulation: “Passion is mandatory,” said Hampa Studio’s Álvaro García González. Behind “The Treasure of Barracuda,” the company is currently eyeing Latin America.
“Anybody who makes animation needs passion. Otherwise, you would work in a different industry. We are a great country to co-produce with. Also because of very competitive prices, compared with the rest of Europe.”
Speaking at Annecy’s Animation from Spain: The Spanish Animation Industry in the Spotlight panel, González was accompanied by Daysi Cruz Cid of Morgana Studios, which joined forces with ReachStar and ReDefine Originals on upcoming Dominican Republic-set baseball pic “Diamante.”
“We care a lot about people and about culture. That’s why ‘Diamante’ was born. We wanted to give back to the Dominican Republic. It’s about passion, again, and the pursuit of happiness. We are proud...
“Anybody who makes animation needs passion. Otherwise, you would work in a different industry. We are a great country to co-produce with. Also because of very competitive prices, compared with the rest of Europe.”
Speaking at Annecy’s Animation from Spain: The Spanish Animation Industry in the Spotlight panel, González was accompanied by Daysi Cruz Cid of Morgana Studios, which joined forces with ReachStar and ReDefine Originals on upcoming Dominican Republic-set baseball pic “Diamante.”
“We care a lot about people and about culture. That’s why ‘Diamante’ was born. We wanted to give back to the Dominican Republic. It’s about passion, again, and the pursuit of happiness. We are proud...
- 6/15/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYzQwZjUyMTQtMGU0Ny00Nzk3LThiYTYtNThjOTk0MTc0OWYxXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Iranian filmmaker Marjan Khosravi, winner of multiple awards for her shorts, is bowing her first feature-length film, “Requiem for a Tribe,” at the Shanghai International Film Festival. The film is in the documentary competition and eligible for a Golden Goblet.
Khosravi has an awards-laden career. Earlier this year, she won awards at Hot Docs and Fribourg for her short documentary “Mrs. Iran’s Husband” and at Budapest for “The Dream of a Horse.” Her mid-length documentary “The Snow Calls” premiered at IDFA in 2020 and won a prize at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.
“Requiem for a Tribe” follows Hajar, a 55-year-old woman from southwestern Iran’s Bakhtiari tribe who is betrayed by her family and forced to abandon a nomadic lifestyle. The film is set in a context where climate change, urbanization and social issues have drastically diminished the traditional migratory activities of the tribe.
Khosravi has an intimate...
Khosravi has an awards-laden career. Earlier this year, she won awards at Hot Docs and Fribourg for her short documentary “Mrs. Iran’s Husband” and at Budapest for “The Dream of a Horse.” Her mid-length documentary “The Snow Calls” premiered at IDFA in 2020 and won a prize at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.
“Requiem for a Tribe” follows Hajar, a 55-year-old woman from southwestern Iran’s Bakhtiari tribe who is betrayed by her family and forced to abandon a nomadic lifestyle. The film is set in a context where climate change, urbanization and social issues have drastically diminished the traditional migratory activities of the tribe.
Khosravi has an intimate...
- 6/15/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDU3MWUyYTAtN2FlOS00OTJkLTgxNGYtODk1MTc2MzViMThiXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
It has been commonplace in academic circles to divide up and label Chinese filmmakers into generations that reflect socio-political currents as much as cinematic style.
Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou, who were educated at the end of the Cultural Revolution, are considered the leading lights of the “fifth generation.” The rebellious cluster that followed them, Zhang Yuan, Wang Xioashuai, Jia Zhangke and Lou Ye are among those labelled as “sixth generation.”
But with substantial bodies of work under their belts and international reputations already established, the sixth generation are no longer quite so new, nor so angry.
The four Chinese films selected for the main competition – all world premieres – at this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival represent a showcase of directors who are also known-quantities, but who are worthy of higher profiles. (The festival’s Asian Talent selection has a further selection of six more directors seeking to break through.
Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou, who were educated at the end of the Cultural Revolution, are considered the leading lights of the “fifth generation.” The rebellious cluster that followed them, Zhang Yuan, Wang Xioashuai, Jia Zhangke and Lou Ye are among those labelled as “sixth generation.”
But with substantial bodies of work under their belts and international reputations already established, the sixth generation are no longer quite so new, nor so angry.
The four Chinese films selected for the main competition – all world premieres – at this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival represent a showcase of directors who are also known-quantities, but who are worthy of higher profiles. (The festival’s Asian Talent selection has a further selection of six more directors seeking to break through.
- 6/15/2024
- by Jenny S. Li and Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BN2ZhNTc0OTUtY2NmOS00ZTIxLTg1MTYtOGEyNzFkODc4NGZhXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Annecy, France — Michael Ouweleen, president of Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Adult Swim, a major force behind the rise of adult animation, has signalled at Annecy the company’s intention to ramp up its presence in Europe and international markets at large.
“We very much want to see Adult Swim originals coming from anywhere in the world,” Ouweleen told Variety at the French festival.
The stars are aligning for the overseas drive.
In the U.S., Adult Swim is on a roll. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Adult Swim saw greater primetime growth among 18-49s than any other major cable network.
“We very much want to see Adult Swim originals coming from anywhere in the world,” Ouweleen told Variety at the French festival.
The stars are aligning for the overseas drive.
In the U.S., Adult Swim is on a roll. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Adult Swim saw greater primetime growth among 18-49s than any other major cable network.
- 6/15/2024
- by John Hopewell and Jamie Lang
- Variety - TV News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzY4M2MyYTUtNGYwOS00Njk5LWIyMzAtNjNjYjNjYmUyNmUwXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
The minimal and subliminal converge in Swiss artist Yves Netzhammer’s Annecy Contrechamp title “Journey of Shadows” (“Reise der Schatten”).
Netzhammer, who made his feature debut with “Journey,” is well known for his work in sculpture, animation, mixed-media and video, all of which informed his animated project and abstract rendering of the human condition.
“I’ve developed many animation works for installations over the last few years. In the process, a kind of visual vocabulary with human figures, animals and objects has emerged,” Netzhammer told Variety.
“My feature focuses on the narrative structure, which, on the one hand, follows cinematic rules, but on the other hand, functions in a circular way due to my associative visual language and allows us to think of many things, both personal and collective. My characters are given an identity through this feature film,” he added.
“Journey of Shadows”
Produced by Stella Händler at Freihändler Filmproduktion Gmbh...
Netzhammer, who made his feature debut with “Journey,” is well known for his work in sculpture, animation, mixed-media and video, all of which informed his animated project and abstract rendering of the human condition.
“I’ve developed many animation works for installations over the last few years. In the process, a kind of visual vocabulary with human figures, animals and objects has emerged,” Netzhammer told Variety.
“My feature focuses on the narrative structure, which, on the one hand, follows cinematic rules, but on the other hand, functions in a circular way due to my associative visual language and allows us to think of many things, both personal and collective. My characters are given an identity through this feature film,” he added.
“Journey of Shadows”
Produced by Stella Händler at Freihändler Filmproduktion Gmbh...
- 6/15/2024
- by Holly Jones
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTJkYWY5OWEtNWNiMC00OWMzLTg4ZmYtZjQzMmNiYWYxZWVjXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Far from the bright lights of Bollywood, the indomitable Indian documentary filmmaking industry has been making waves globally.
The recent past has several examples of India’s international success. In 2021, Payal Kapadia’s “A Night of Knowing Nothing” won the Cannes documentary award, while Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh’s “Writing With Fire” won Sundance and was Oscar nominated. In 2022, Kartiki Gonsalves’ “The Elephant Whisperers” won the documentary short Oscar; Shaunak Sen’s “All That Breathes” won both the Sundance and Cannes documentary awards and scored an Oscar nomination, in addition to a plethora of other wins; and Vinay Shukla’s “While We Watched” won awards at Toronto and Busan.
In 2023, Sarvnik Kaur’s “Against the Tide” won a special jury award at Sundance and in 2024, Park City continued to be a happy hunting ground for India with a win for Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan’s “Nocturnes.” 2024 has continued to bring cheer for India,...
The recent past has several examples of India’s international success. In 2021, Payal Kapadia’s “A Night of Knowing Nothing” won the Cannes documentary award, while Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh’s “Writing With Fire” won Sundance and was Oscar nominated. In 2022, Kartiki Gonsalves’ “The Elephant Whisperers” won the documentary short Oscar; Shaunak Sen’s “All That Breathes” won both the Sundance and Cannes documentary awards and scored an Oscar nomination, in addition to a plethora of other wins; and Vinay Shukla’s “While We Watched” won awards at Toronto and Busan.
In 2023, Sarvnik Kaur’s “Against the Tide” won a special jury award at Sundance and in 2024, Park City continued to be a happy hunting ground for India with a win for Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan’s “Nocturnes.” 2024 has continued to bring cheer for India,...
- 6/15/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTRkMmY3NDUtZTBjZS00ZmVmLTk3OTUtNDI5OGRjNzVkNTlhXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Six first or second-time directors from China take up the majority of the 11 slots in the Shanghai International Film Festival’s Asian New Talents section.
While family drama is the dominant genre, Variety takes a look what they are serving up:
Adapted from the book of the same name, Wang Xinrui’s “Dreaming of Mother and Home” depicts the drama of an adult daughter and her mother who is struggling through the last stages of life.
Zeng Zhi, previously a commercials director, puts the focus of his debut feature “Friday, Funfair” on the struggles of a young woman who was abandoned by her husband and is left to take care of her entire family and her sick only daughter.
Zhang Xuyu has made a series of short films and documentaries – including 2019 documentary short “Mr. Darcy,” was selected for the Brussels Independent Film Festival – before turning to fiction. His Shanghai feature,...
While family drama is the dominant genre, Variety takes a look what they are serving up:
Adapted from the book of the same name, Wang Xinrui’s “Dreaming of Mother and Home” depicts the drama of an adult daughter and her mother who is struggling through the last stages of life.
Zeng Zhi, previously a commercials director, puts the focus of his debut feature “Friday, Funfair” on the struggles of a young woman who was abandoned by her husband and is left to take care of her entire family and her sick only daughter.
Zhang Xuyu has made a series of short films and documentaries – including 2019 documentary short “Mr. Darcy,” was selected for the Brussels Independent Film Festival – before turning to fiction. His Shanghai feature,...
- 6/15/2024
- by Jenny S. Li
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZjdiYTAxMTQtNTg4Ny00ZDhjLWIxODctODU2ZTc2NzJhZTc5XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
The mystery has been solved, but “The Gathering” is far from done.
“We would love a second season. I am just going to put it out there,” executive producer Laura Cotton tells Variety.
“We have great plans and the show’s premise already gives it a great potential in terms of a format. These characters have so far to go. They are drawn so beautifully and we want to see where they go next.”
Creator Helen Walsh would also like to return to her Merseyside community.
“Something we didn’t get to explore in such a level of detail are their backstories.
“We would love a second season. I am just going to put it out there,” executive producer Laura Cotton tells Variety.
“We have great plans and the show’s premise already gives it a great potential in terms of a format. These characters have so far to go. They are drawn so beautifully and we want to see where they go next.”
Creator Helen Walsh would also like to return to her Merseyside community.
“Something we didn’t get to explore in such a level of detail are their backstories.
- 6/15/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety - TV News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTI1NGEyYjItMDcxNS00MWRlLWJmMDgtNzZmZjZlZGZmMWI0XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZTI1NGEyYjItMDcxNS00MWRlLWJmMDgtNzZmZjZlZGZmMWI0XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
Less than a decade ago, the Shanghai International Film Festival was the preeminent annual hotspot for Hollywood and European dealmakers determined to forge alliances and carve out a foothold in China’s then-booming commercial film sector. In the post-pandemic era, however, as the Chinese industry continues to mature and the Hollywood hype over the country’s market potential long ago gave way to grim reality, the festival has transitioned into a somewhat more inward-facing occasion.
That domestic focus is on display in the Shanghai event’s 2024 lineup, which features 10 Chinese movies among the 25 titles of the two main international competition sections (and not a single film from the U.S. or South Korea). For international film buffs, the Shanghai festival is now best viewed as an opportunity to take stock of current trends in Chinese filmmaking — and on that front, the event’s 2024 lineup is rich with potential.
The 26th...
That domestic focus is on display in the Shanghai event’s 2024 lineup, which features 10 Chinese movies among the 25 titles of the two main international competition sections (and not a single film from the U.S. or South Korea). For international film buffs, the Shanghai festival is now best viewed as an opportunity to take stock of current trends in Chinese filmmaking — and on that front, the event’s 2024 lineup is rich with potential.
The 26th...
- 6/15/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski and Mathew Scott
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmI4MDE5ZmEtOWRlMC00MmQxLTkxMzUtZjg3MDliMWFlZjgzXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
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Andrew McCarthy said he credits his Pretty in Pink co-star Molly Ringwald for getting his role in the 1986 iconic film.
The actor, whose new Hulu documentary Brats dropped on Thursday, recently looked back at John Hughes’ teen rom-com and how he got cast as heartthrob Blane McDonnagh.
“That part was written for a square-jawed, big, hunky, you know, quarterback and Molly got me that part,” McCarthy recalled to Entertainment Tonight. “I auditioned and Molly said, ‘Oh, that’s who I would fall for. He’s dreamy. He’s poetic.’ And so John Hughes went, ‘Really? That wimp?'”
The Resident actor continued, “He listened to Molly, which is what John did. John honored, not just on screen but in real life, John listened and respected young people. So, I was miscast in a way. I made what could [have] been a jerk have some sensitivity, so there was some empathy towards him.
The actor, whose new Hulu documentary Brats dropped on Thursday, recently looked back at John Hughes’ teen rom-com and how he got cast as heartthrob Blane McDonnagh.
“That part was written for a square-jawed, big, hunky, you know, quarterback and Molly got me that part,” McCarthy recalled to Entertainment Tonight. “I auditioned and Molly said, ‘Oh, that’s who I would fall for. He’s dreamy. He’s poetic.’ And so John Hughes went, ‘Really? That wimp?'”
The Resident actor continued, “He listened to Molly, which is what John did. John honored, not just on screen but in real life, John listened and respected young people. So, I was miscast in a way. I made what could [have] been a jerk have some sensitivity, so there was some empathy towards him.
- 6/15/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNjYxYWY4MjAtNmRmNi00NjVlLTlkMGItNWMwN2E4ZDY0Y2MzXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
The Monte-Carlo Television Festival has rolled out the blue carpet welcoming star guests for its 63rd edition, but it also has an eye on the future.
“We’re always working towards expanding and developing the festival. Each year, we get better and better,” executive director Cécile Menoni says.
Listing “fabulous highlights,” Menoni gushes over this year’s Crystal Nymph winner: Morgan Freeman. The award recognizes the “stellar body of work” of the veteran actor, who recently exec produced “The Gray House,” which celebrated its world premiere Friday at the opening ceremony. Mary-Louise Parker, Daisy Head, Amethyst Davis and Ben Vereen attended.
“We’re always working towards expanding and developing the festival. Each year, we get better and better,” executive director Cécile Menoni says.
Listing “fabulous highlights,” Menoni gushes over this year’s Crystal Nymph winner: Morgan Freeman. The award recognizes the “stellar body of work” of the veteran actor, who recently exec produced “The Gray House,” which celebrated its world premiere Friday at the opening ceremony. Mary-Louise Parker, Daisy Head, Amethyst Davis and Ben Vereen attended.
- 6/15/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety - TV News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMWE3NDVmZDYtNTQzZC00NDQ5LTlkZWUtZDY5ODc1ZGEwODIyXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
Along with a red-carpet opening ceremony, a press conference with the members of the main competition jury is a staple event of major film festivals and the 26th edition of the Shanghai International Film Festival kicked off in traditional form on Friday.
Along with Vietnam-French director Tran Anh Hung, previously revealed as jury president, the other members of the decisive committee this year are: Australian director and screenwriter Rolf de Heer; German director Matthias Glasner; Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Ka Fai; Argentinian director Santiago Mitre; Chinese director Sonthar Gyal; and, the jury’s only woman, star actor Zhou Xun.
A packed audience lobbed familiar questions about the criteria they jurors would employ to decide the Golden Goblet prize winners, and what informs those views.
Tran, who is based largely in France, rejected the idea of an East-West clash of sensibilities. “Film is its own language, and I try to...
Along with Vietnam-French director Tran Anh Hung, previously revealed as jury president, the other members of the decisive committee this year are: Australian director and screenwriter Rolf de Heer; German director Matthias Glasner; Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Ka Fai; Argentinian director Santiago Mitre; Chinese director Sonthar Gyal; and, the jury’s only woman, star actor Zhou Xun.
A packed audience lobbed familiar questions about the criteria they jurors would employ to decide the Golden Goblet prize winners, and what informs those views.
Tran, who is based largely in France, rejected the idea of an East-West clash of sensibilities. “Film is its own language, and I try to...
- 6/15/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety - Film News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNTRhOWY2MDQtNmU4Ni00MTVjLTkwYjgtODA2MTY2MDY2YTE5XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNTRhOWY2MDQtNmU4Ni00MTVjLTkwYjgtODA2MTY2MDY2YTE5XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
Charles Barkley revealed on Friday that he would be retiring from his duties as a longtime TV broadcaster following the 2024-25 season.
The NBA legend has served as a studio host for TNT’s Inside the NBA since 2000. His announcement also came amid Warner Bros. Discovery’s uncertainty regarding its media rights to the NBA next year, talks in which Barkley himself has played a starring role.
“There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months,” Barkley said after Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night. “I just want to say, I talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT. But I have made the decision myself, no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television.”
He continued, “I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me,...
The NBA legend has served as a studio host for TNT’s Inside the NBA since 2000. His announcement also came amid Warner Bros. Discovery’s uncertainty regarding its media rights to the NBA next year, talks in which Barkley himself has played a starring role.
“There’s been a lot of noise around our network the last few months,” Barkley said after Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday night. “I just want to say, I talked to all the other networks, but I ain’t going nowhere other than TNT. But I have made the decision myself, no matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television.”
He continued, “I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me,...
- 6/15/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTliNmYxZmItYmE1OC00YTg2LTkwOWEtNDk3NzFhZWFhM2E3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,0,500,281_.jpg)
Charles Barkley is blocking Warner Bros. Discovery’s drive to the net.
The basketball legend added a new wrinkle to Warner’s ongoing efforts to retain media rights to the NBA late Friday evening by announcing he would retire from his announcing duties on “Inside the NBA,” the influential TNT program he has co-hosted for years.
“I have made the decision myself,” Barkley said during televised remarks on NBA TV following Game 4 of the NBA Finals. “No matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television.”
Barkley said he would not move to another network,...
The basketball legend added a new wrinkle to Warner’s ongoing efforts to retain media rights to the NBA late Friday evening by announcing he would retire from his announcing duties on “Inside the NBA,” the influential TNT program he has co-hosted for years.
“I have made the decision myself,” Barkley said during televised remarks on NBA TV following Game 4 of the NBA Finals. “No matter what happens, next year is going to be my last year on television.”
Barkley said he would not move to another network,...
- 6/15/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety - TV News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDkzZDlkZjQtOTgzZi00ZmUxLWJiZGYtYjBlMGI2ZTc5Nzc4XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDkzZDlkZjQtOTgzZi00ZmUxLWJiZGYtYjBlMGI2ZTc5Nzc4XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
For millions of Japanese viewers as well as countless fans across the globe, the Ultraman franchise, pitting a giant superhero against giant kaiju creatures of all shapes and breeds, has been a popular staple since it was first launched as a TV series in the 1960s.
But for this critic and likely many other viewers, especially in the U.S., the new English-language reboot, Ultraman: Rising, will be their first encounter with a character who’s been taking flight for over a half a century in live-action, animated and manga formats.
The experience is not unlike discovering Star Wars for the first time by watching the 2015 J.J. Abrams version, which doesn’t ring much of a bell if you haven’t seen the earlier ones. Still, the the team behind this endearing if familiar feature-length take does a good job at ushering us into a whole new world of heroes and villains,...
But for this critic and likely many other viewers, especially in the U.S., the new English-language reboot, Ultraman: Rising, will be their first encounter with a character who’s been taking flight for over a half a century in live-action, animated and manga formats.
The experience is not unlike discovering Star Wars for the first time by watching the 2015 J.J. Abrams version, which doesn’t ring much of a bell if you haven’t seen the earlier ones. Still, the the team behind this endearing if familiar feature-length take does a good job at ushering us into a whole new world of heroes and villains,...
- 6/15/2024
- by Jordan Mintzer
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNjc3NDQ5ZmQtZTE0MC00ZDJkLWEyYjAtNDMyNmFiOTMyNTIxXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNjc3NDQ5ZmQtZTE0MC00ZDJkLWEyYjAtNDMyNmFiOTMyNTIxXkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX140_CR0,0,140,140_.jpg)
Blake Lively is reassuring passionate It Ends With Us book fans that she believes they will love the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s beloved book.
The actress, who plays Lily Bloom, spoke to Entertainment Tonight on Friday about the movie, which Justin Baldoni also directed and starred in.
“Some people will always like a book better than a movie and some people like a movie better than the book, but I think that we just did our best to honor the book and honor the fans, and, I think, really make something that works even by itself,” Lively explained.
“If you don’t know the book, the movie works,” she continued. “I don’t think there’s any way that if you read the book and you saw the movie that you wouldn’t be thrilled. We really worked hard on that,” she added. “I also believe if you...
The actress, who plays Lily Bloom, spoke to Entertainment Tonight on Friday about the movie, which Justin Baldoni also directed and starred in.
“Some people will always like a book better than a movie and some people like a movie better than the book, but I think that we just did our best to honor the book and honor the fans, and, I think, really make something that works even by itself,” Lively explained.
“If you don’t know the book, the movie works,” she continued. “I don’t think there’s any way that if you read the book and you saw the movie that you wouldn’t be thrilled. We really worked hard on that,” she added. “I also believe if you...
- 6/15/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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