You might say it's a miracle that Tim Burton's "Batman" was ever made, considering the director's unusually dark vision and the multitude of issues faced by the production. Indeed, Burton referred to the process of making his 1989 blockbuster as "torture," citing all manner of hurdles, from rewrites to grueling all-night shoots, and even a fall out with Carl Grissom actor Jack Palance, who evidently felt the young filmmaker was in no position to give any authoritative direction.
But at least Burton was somewhat shielded from the surprisingly virulent backlash that followed Michael Keaton's casting in the lead role. Thankfully, the movie was shooting at the UK's famed Pinewood Studios, and thus Burton and co. weren't subjected to the full force of the furor that was brewing stateside. Pinewood also offered more than shelter from controversy. The Buckinghamshire studio's giant backlot allowed Burton and production designer Anton Furst to...
But at least Burton was somewhat shielded from the surprisingly virulent backlash that followed Michael Keaton's casting in the lead role. Thankfully, the movie was shooting at the UK's famed Pinewood Studios, and thus Burton and co. weren't subjected to the full force of the furor that was brewing stateside. Pinewood also offered more than shelter from controversy. The Buckinghamshire studio's giant backlot allowed Burton and production designer Anton Furst to...
- 8/19/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
The producer also begins her fifth year as an Ampas governor-at-large.
Producer Janet Yang has been elected to a second term as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) by the US organisation’s board of governors.
Yang, first elected Ampas president this time last year, is also beginning her fifth year as a governor-at-large for the Academy.
A member of the Academy’s producers branch since 2002, Yang’s producing credits include The Joy Luck Club, The People vs Larry Flynt and animated feature Over the Moon.
Also elected to the Ampas board, as vice-presidents and chairs of their respective committees,...
Producer Janet Yang has been elected to a second term as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) by the US organisation’s board of governors.
Yang, first elected Ampas president this time last year, is also beginning her fifth year as a governor-at-large for the Academy.
A member of the Academy’s producers branch since 2002, Yang’s producing credits include The Joy Luck Club, The People vs Larry Flynt and animated feature Over the Moon.
Also elected to the Ampas board, as vice-presidents and chairs of their respective committees,...
- 8/2/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Janet Yang has been re-elected as president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Her second-term re-election was made by the Academy’s board of governors who additionally elected a number of officer positions for 2023-2024.
Yang is an Emmy-winning producer with credits on projects including “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Zero Effect,” “High Crimes,” “Dark Matter,” “Shanghai Calling” and “Over the Moon.” She climbed to her success in Hollywood after working under Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy who helped show her the ropes at Amblin.
“I’ve felt like an outsider many times throughout my life,” Yang said this year at the Oscars. “It’s wonderful to have a sense of belonging, and terrible not to … If I can help open the door for other women and people of color, I’m thrilled.
Since 2002, she has been a member of the Academy’s...
Yang is an Emmy-winning producer with credits on projects including “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Zero Effect,” “High Crimes,” “Dark Matter,” “Shanghai Calling” and “Over the Moon.” She climbed to her success in Hollywood after working under Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy who helped show her the ropes at Amblin.
“I’ve felt like an outsider many times throughout my life,” Yang said this year at the Oscars. “It’s wonderful to have a sense of belonging, and terrible not to … If I can help open the door for other women and people of color, I’m thrilled.
Since 2002, she has been a member of the Academy’s...
- 8/1/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Janet Yang has been elected to her second term as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, AMPAS announced Tuesday. Yang was chosen by the Academy’s 55-member Board of Governors at the first meeting of the 2023-2024 board, which was elected in June.
Yang is the fourth woman to serve as Academy president, and the first Asian-American. She is a member of the Academy’s Producers Branch, with a filmography that includes “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and the animated feature “Over the Moon.”
Yang is a one of three Governors-at-Large. Where most of the AMPAS governors are elected by specific branches, the at-large positions are nominated by the Academy president and elected by the board. She was first nominated for the board by then-president John Bailey in 2019 and nominated again by David Rubin in 2022, putting her in the second year of her second three-year term.
Yang is the fourth woman to serve as Academy president, and the first Asian-American. She is a member of the Academy’s Producers Branch, with a filmography that includes “The Joy Luck Club,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and the animated feature “Over the Moon.”
Yang is a one of three Governors-at-Large. Where most of the AMPAS governors are elected by specific branches, the at-large positions are nominated by the Academy president and elected by the board. She was first nominated for the board by then-president John Bailey in 2019 and nominated again by David Rubin in 2022, putting her in the second year of her second three-year term.
- 8/1/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday that its Board of Governors has re-elected producer Janet Yang as president of the organization. Members elected new people to fill the majority of officer positions as well, with only Lynette Howell Taylor and Kim Taylor-Coleman returning to their posts.
CEO Bill Kramer, who started his role around the same time as Yang last year, said in a statement, “I am thrilled to welcome this year’s board officers. Under Janet’s esteemed leadership, these dedicated governors will guide the Academy’s ongoing efforts to elevate the work of our global membership and film community, highlight our industry’s rich history, foster meaningful dialogue, and continue to build equity and inclusion in every aspect of our organization.”
Yang will now be in her second term as president, and her fifth year as a Governor-at-Large, having made history as the first Asian-American,...
CEO Bill Kramer, who started his role around the same time as Yang last year, said in a statement, “I am thrilled to welcome this year’s board officers. Under Janet’s esteemed leadership, these dedicated governors will guide the Academy’s ongoing efforts to elevate the work of our global membership and film community, highlight our industry’s rich history, foster meaningful dialogue, and continue to build equity and inclusion in every aspect of our organization.”
Yang will now be in her second term as president, and her fifth year as a Governor-at-Large, having made history as the first Asian-American,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Janet Yang, the film producer who a year ago was elected the 36th president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, was re-elected to that post on Tuesday during the first meeting of the Academy’s recently reconstituted board of governors, the Academy has announced.
Yang, 67, the Queens-born daughter of Chinese immigrants, broke into showbiz by connecting key players in the Chinese and Hollywood film industries to make possible films like Empire of the Sun before becoming a producer of films including The Joy Luck Club and The People vs. Larry Flynt. She is just the fourth female (after Bette Davis, Fay Kanin and Cheryl Boone Isaacs) and second person of color (after Boone Isaacs) ever tapped for the board’s top job.
A member of the producers branch since 2002, she has served on the board since 2019 as a governor-at-large. Three seats for governors-at-large were added to the...
Yang, 67, the Queens-born daughter of Chinese immigrants, broke into showbiz by connecting key players in the Chinese and Hollywood film industries to make possible films like Empire of the Sun before becoming a producer of films including The Joy Luck Club and The People vs. Larry Flynt. She is just the fourth female (after Bette Davis, Fay Kanin and Cheryl Boone Isaacs) and second person of color (after Boone Isaacs) ever tapped for the board’s top job.
A member of the producers branch since 2002, she has served on the board since 2019 as a governor-at-large. Three seats for governors-at-large were added to the...
- 8/1/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Summer Of Soul producer David Dinerstein among new intake.
Bad Robot president of film Hannah Minghella, marketing executive and Summer Of Soul producer David Dinerstein, and actor Lou Diamond Phillips are among the new intake of governors announced on Thursday.
Also elected to the board for the first time are: Wendy Aylsworth, production and technology branch; Richard Gibbs, music branch; Jinko Gotoh, short films and feature animation branch; Kalina Ivanov, production design branch; Simon Kilmurry, documentary branch; Daniel Orlandi, costume designers branch; Dana Stevens, writers branch; and Mark P. Stoeckinger, sound branch.
Minghella belongs to the executives branch, Dinerstein to marketing and public relations,...
Bad Robot president of film Hannah Minghella, marketing executive and Summer Of Soul producer David Dinerstein, and actor Lou Diamond Phillips are among the new intake of governors announced on Thursday.
Also elected to the board for the first time are: Wendy Aylsworth, production and technology branch; Richard Gibbs, music branch; Jinko Gotoh, short films and feature animation branch; Kalina Ivanov, production design branch; Simon Kilmurry, documentary branch; Daniel Orlandi, costume designers branch; Dana Stevens, writers branch; and Mark P. Stoeckinger, sound branch.
Minghella belongs to the executives branch, Dinerstein to marketing and public relations,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
There will be a lot of new faces in the room at the next meeting of the Board Of Governors of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences including actor Lou Diamond Phillips. Eleven first timers have been elected in the organizations annual election to select one third of the Board as eleven other members have termed off including Actors Branch Governor Whoopi Goldberg and Writers Branch Governor Larry Karaszewski. With AMPAS’ more stringent guidelines for service in place now two longtime Board members, Charles Bernstein (Music) and Jon Bloom (shorts and feature animation) are permanently off the Board, while others termed out can run again in two years.
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board:
Rob Bredow, Visual Effects Branch
Ava DuVernay, Directors Branch
Linda Flowers, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch
Lynette Howell Taylor, Producers Branch
Stephen Rivkin, Film Editors Branch
Debra Zane, Casting Directors Branch
Elected to the Board...
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board:
Rob Bredow, Visual Effects Branch
Ava DuVernay, Directors Branch
Linda Flowers, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch
Lynette Howell Taylor, Producers Branch
Stephen Rivkin, Film Editors Branch
Debra Zane, Casting Directors Branch
Elected to the Board...
- 6/22/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
As a result of elections that took place this year from June 5-9, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 55-person board of governors convenes in July, more than one-fifth of its seats will be occupied by people who were not a part of it in June.
This is the result not of a repudiation of incumbents — in fact, no incumbent who could have sought reelection opted not to, and no incumbent who sought reelection lost — but rather of stricter term limits that the board imposed upon itself in recent years.
For the 2023-24 term, the board — which is composed of three governors representing each of the Academy’s 18 branches except for the newly created production/technology branch, which has just one, plus three “governors at large” — will be joined by 11 rookie governors: Wendy Aylsworth (production/technology branch), David I. Dinerstein (marketing/public relations), Richard Gibbs (music), Jinko Gotoh...
This is the result not of a repudiation of incumbents — in fact, no incumbent who could have sought reelection opted not to, and no incumbent who sought reelection lost — but rather of stricter term limits that the board imposed upon itself in recent years.
For the 2023-24 term, the board — which is composed of three governors representing each of the Academy’s 18 branches except for the newly created production/technology branch, which has just one, plus three “governors at large” — will be joined by 11 rookie governors: Wendy Aylsworth (production/technology branch), David I. Dinerstein (marketing/public relations), Richard Gibbs (music), Jinko Gotoh...
- 6/22/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor Lou Diamond Phillips, documentary filmmaker Simon Kilmurry and writer Dana Stevens are among the 11 film professionals who have been elected to the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy announced on Thursday.
Those new governors are part of a wholesale makeover of the AMPAS board prompted by new term limits imposed last year. In 10 of the 11 branches where first-time governors were elected, the incumbent governors were unable to run again because of those new limits, which restrict governors to two consecutive three-year terms. Last year, when those limits were instituted, 10 governors were termed off the board and 12 first-time governors were elected.
This year’s election means that 23 of the 55 members of the board will be in their first or second term.
In the Academy’s 18 branches, all six incumbent governors who were eligible to run again were re-elected. Those are Debra Zane...
Those new governors are part of a wholesale makeover of the AMPAS board prompted by new term limits imposed last year. In 10 of the 11 branches where first-time governors were elected, the incumbent governors were unable to run again because of those new limits, which restrict governors to two consecutive three-year terms. Last year, when those limits were instituted, 10 governors were termed off the board and 12 first-time governors were elected.
This year’s election means that 23 of the 55 members of the board will be in their first or second term.
In the Academy’s 18 branches, all six incumbent governors who were eligible to run again were re-elected. Those are Debra Zane...
- 6/22/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has announced its newly elected Board of Governors. The governors, who set the Academy’s strategic vision and watch out for the organization’s financial health, will take office at the first scheduled board meeting of the new term. Wednesday the board voted to expand theatrical release requirements in order to qualify for Best Picture eligibility.
Directors branch member Ava DuVernay is back on the 55-member 2023-2024 Academy Board of Governors. So is producer Lynette Howell Taylor. The incumbents stay, while the ones who have served their three-year term move on, to be replaced by someone else. And, after three terms, like those served by Charles Bernstein and Jon Bloom, they are permanently termed off.
The Academy’s 18 branches are each represented by three governors, except for the recently established Production and Technology Branch, which is represented by a single governor. As a result of this election,...
Directors branch member Ava DuVernay is back on the 55-member 2023-2024 Academy Board of Governors. So is producer Lynette Howell Taylor. The incumbents stay, while the ones who have served their three-year term move on, to be replaced by someone else. And, after three terms, like those served by Charles Bernstein and Jon Bloom, they are permanently termed off.
The Academy’s 18 branches are each represented by three governors, except for the recently established Production and Technology Branch, which is represented by a single governor. As a result of this election,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the newly elected Board of Governors for the 2023-2024 year.
Elected to the board for the first time are acclaimed actor Lou Diamond Phillips, screenwriter Dana Stevens, executive Hannah Minghella, costume designer Daniel Orlandi and more. Among the newly elected is technology executive Wendy Aylsworth, who will represent the brand new Production and Technology Branch. Aylsworth, who also serves on the Board of Governors for the Television Academy, spent more than two decades at Warner Bros. and became the first woman president of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
In addition, six incumbents were re-elected to the board — Rob Bredow (visual effects), Ava DuVernay (directors), Linda Flowers (makeup artists and hairstylists), Lynette Howell Taylor (producers), Stephen Rivkin (film editors) and Debra Zane (casting directors). Also, cinematographer Ellen Kuras returns after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy,...
Elected to the board for the first time are acclaimed actor Lou Diamond Phillips, screenwriter Dana Stevens, executive Hannah Minghella, costume designer Daniel Orlandi and more. Among the newly elected is technology executive Wendy Aylsworth, who will represent the brand new Production and Technology Branch. Aylsworth, who also serves on the Board of Governors for the Television Academy, spent more than two decades at Warner Bros. and became the first woman president of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
In addition, six incumbents were re-elected to the board — Rob Bredow (visual effects), Ava DuVernay (directors), Linda Flowers (makeup artists and hairstylists), Lynette Howell Taylor (producers), Stephen Rivkin (film editors) and Debra Zane (casting directors). Also, cinematographer Ellen Kuras returns after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Four new members have joined the Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy said Wednesday.
They include cinematographer and cinematography branch governor Paul Cameron, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Collateral and Man on Fire; production designer Tom Duffield, a governor in the production design branch whose credits include Patriots Day, Hell or High Water and Ed Wood; and short films and feature animation branch governor Marlon West, who is head of effects animation and a VFX supervisor at Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios. His credits include Encanto, Frozen and Hercules.
The council is also welcoming back former co-chair Paul Debevec, a computer graphics and virtual production innovator and VFX branch governor who serves as a director of research for product innovation at Netflix and is an adjunct research...
Four new members have joined the Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy said Wednesday.
They include cinematographer and cinematography branch governor Paul Cameron, whose credits include Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Collateral and Man on Fire; production designer Tom Duffield, a governor in the production design branch whose credits include Patriots Day, Hell or High Water and Ed Wood; and short films and feature animation branch governor Marlon West, who is head of effects animation and a VFX supervisor at Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios. His credits include Encanto, Frozen and Hercules.
The council is also welcoming back former co-chair Paul Debevec, a computer graphics and virtual production innovator and VFX branch governor who serves as a director of research for product innovation at Netflix and is an adjunct research...
- 11/2/2022
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced its newly elected 2022-2023 Board of Governors, who will help set the Academy’s strategic vision, preserve the organization’s financial health, and assure the fulfillment of its mission.
Among the 12 additions elected to the board for the first time are Oscar winner Marlee Matlin to the Actors Branch, three-time Best Picture nominee Jason Blum to the Producers Branch, and four-time nominee Jason Reitman to the Directors Branch.
By each joining one of the Academy’s 17 branches, which are each represented by three governors, they start the first of their three-year terms. Per Academy rules, the new governors are allowed to serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years.
The four incumbent governors reelected this year include...
Among the 12 additions elected to the board for the first time are Oscar winner Marlee Matlin to the Actors Branch, three-time Best Picture nominee Jason Blum to the Producers Branch, and four-time nominee Jason Reitman to the Directors Branch.
By each joining one of the Academy’s 17 branches, which are each represented by three governors, they start the first of their three-year terms. Per Academy rules, the new governors are allowed to serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years.
The four incumbent governors reelected this year include...
- 6/22/2022
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin, and past Oscar nominees producer Jason Blum and director Jason Reitman are among first-time members elected to the Board Of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences as AMPAS announced its new 2022-2023 Board today.
In addition to Matlin for the Actors Branch, Reitman for Directors, and Blum for Producers, other newly elected first time Bog members are Richard Hicks (Casting), Dion Beebe (Cinematographers), Chris Hegedus (Documentary), Nancy Richardson (Film Editors), Megan Colligan (Marketing and Public Relations), Missy Parker (Production Design), Marlon West (Short Films and Feature Animation), Peter Devlin (Sound), and Paul Debevec (Visual Effects).
Incumbent Governors who have been reelected include Ruth E. Carter (Costume Designers), Donna Gigliotti (Executives), Howard Berger (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists), and Eric Roth (Writers). Returning to the Bog after a hiatus is Charles Fox (Music).
They all join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber,...
In addition to Matlin for the Actors Branch, Reitman for Directors, and Blum for Producers, other newly elected first time Bog members are Richard Hicks (Casting), Dion Beebe (Cinematographers), Chris Hegedus (Documentary), Nancy Richardson (Film Editors), Megan Colligan (Marketing and Public Relations), Missy Parker (Production Design), Marlon West (Short Films and Feature Animation), Peter Devlin (Sound), and Paul Debevec (Visual Effects).
Incumbent Governors who have been reelected include Ruth E. Carter (Costume Designers), Donna Gigliotti (Executives), Howard Berger (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists), and Eric Roth (Writers). Returning to the Bog after a hiatus is Charles Fox (Music).
They all join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the newly elected Board of Governors for the 2022-2023 year.
Elected to the board for the first time are Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin, cinematographer Dion Beebe, director Jason Reitman, producer Jason Blum, casting director Richard Hicks and more. In addition, four incumbents were re-elected to the board, including Ruth E. Carter (costume designers), Donna Gigliotti (executives), Howard Berger (makeup artists and hairstylists) and Eric Roth (writers). In addition, Oscar nominee Charles Fox returns to the board after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber, Charles Bernstein, Susanne Bier, Jon Bloom, Gary C. Bourgeois, Rob Bredow, Brooke Breton, Paul Cameron, Eduardo Castro, Bill Corso, Teri E. Dorman, Tom Duffield, Ava DuVernay, Linda Flowers, DeVon Franklin, Rodrigo García, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynette Howell Taylor, Larry Karaszewski, Laura C. Kim, Christina Kounelias, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, Stephen Rivkin,...
Elected to the board for the first time are Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin, cinematographer Dion Beebe, director Jason Reitman, producer Jason Blum, casting director Richard Hicks and more. In addition, four incumbents were re-elected to the board, including Ruth E. Carter (costume designers), Donna Gigliotti (executives), Howard Berger (makeup artists and hairstylists) and Eric Roth (writers). In addition, Oscar nominee Charles Fox returns to the board after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy, Kate Amend, Bonnie Arnold, Lesley Barber, Charles Bernstein, Susanne Bier, Jon Bloom, Gary C. Bourgeois, Rob Bredow, Brooke Breton, Paul Cameron, Eduardo Castro, Bill Corso, Teri E. Dorman, Tom Duffield, Ava DuVernay, Linda Flowers, DeVon Franklin, Rodrigo García, Whoopi Goldberg, Lynette Howell Taylor, Larry Karaszewski, Laura C. Kim, Christina Kounelias, David Linde, Isis Mussenden, Stephen Rivkin,...
- 6/22/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The 54-person board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — comprised of three elected governors from each of the organization’s 17 branches and three “governors-at-large” appointed by the president — will look very different when it gathers next month than it did when it convened on Tuesday.
Following elections held over the past month, 12 people were elected to the board for the first time, including Marlee Matlin, the Oscar-winning star of Children of a Lesser God and this year’s best picture Oscar winner Coda, who will represent the actors branch; Jason Reitman, the second-generation filmmaker behind best picture Oscar nominees Juno and Up in the Air, who will serve the directors branch; and Jason Blum, the Blumhouse chief and producer of best picture Oscar nominee Get Out, who will advocate for the producers branch.
Other rookie governors will include...
The 54-person board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — comprised of three elected governors from each of the organization’s 17 branches and three “governors-at-large” appointed by the president — will look very different when it gathers next month than it did when it convened on Tuesday.
Following elections held over the past month, 12 people were elected to the board for the first time, including Marlee Matlin, the Oscar-winning star of Children of a Lesser God and this year’s best picture Oscar winner Coda, who will represent the actors branch; Jason Reitman, the second-generation filmmaker behind best picture Oscar nominees Juno and Up in the Air, who will serve the directors branch; and Jason Blum, the Blumhouse chief and producer of best picture Oscar nominee Get Out, who will advocate for the producers branch.
Other rookie governors will include...
- 6/22/2022
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences met Friday morning to discuss the consequences for actor Will Smith following his slap of presenter Chris Rock during the 94th Oscars telecast, and voted to ban Smith from all Academy events including the Oscars for 10 years.
Smith, who resigned from the Academy last week, replied soon after in a statement, saying “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
Here is the Academy’s statement:
“The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.
During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests,...
Smith, who resigned from the Academy last week, replied soon after in a statement, saying “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision.”
Here is the Academy’s statement:
“The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.
During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests,...
- 4/8/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Electins and returning governers results in 31-23 female-male split.
Women outnumber men on the board of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences for the first time, it emerged on Monday (June 21).
As a result of this election for the 2021-22 cycle, the number of women Academy governors has increased from 26 to 31, compared to 23 male governors. The number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities has risen from 12 to 15.
Board of governor elections resulted in the following first-time board members: Rita Wilson, actors branch; Kim Taylor-Coleman, casting directors branch; Paul Cameron, cinematographers branch; Eduardo Castro, costume designers branch; Jean Tsien,...
Women outnumber men on the board of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences for the first time, it emerged on Monday (June 21).
As a result of this election for the 2021-22 cycle, the number of women Academy governors has increased from 26 to 31, compared to 23 male governors. The number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities has risen from 12 to 15.
Board of governor elections resulted in the following first-time board members: Rita Wilson, actors branch; Kim Taylor-Coleman, casting directors branch; Paul Cameron, cinematographers branch; Eduardo Castro, costume designers branch; Jean Tsien,...
- 6/21/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Electins and returning governers results in 31-23 female-male split.
Women outnumber men on the board of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences for the first time, it emerged on Monday (June 21).
As a result of this election for the 2021-22 cycle, the number of women Academy governors has increased from 26 to 31, compared to 23 male governors. The number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities has risen from 12 to 15.
Board of governor elections resulted in the following first-time board members: Rita Wilson, actors branch; Kim Taylor-Coleman, casting directors branch; Paul Cameron, cinematographers branch; Eduardo Castro, costume designers branch; Jean Tsien,...
Women outnumber men on the board of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences for the first time, it emerged on Monday (June 21).
As a result of this election for the 2021-22 cycle, the number of women Academy governors has increased from 26 to 31, compared to 23 male governors. The number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities has risen from 12 to 15.
Board of governor elections resulted in the following first-time board members: Rita Wilson, actors branch; Kim Taylor-Coleman, casting directors branch; Paul Cameron, cinematographers branch; Eduardo Castro, costume designers branch; Jean Tsien,...
- 6/21/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the results of the new elected Board of Governors for the 2021-2022 year, showing increasing progress within the Oscar ranks. The number of women increased from 26 to 31 while the number from underrepresented racial and ethnic communities grew from 12 to 15.
Elected to the board for the first time are actor Rita Wilson, composer Lesley Barber and screenwriter Howard A. Rodman and more. Four incumbents were reelected to the board, including the heads of the following branches — Susanne Bier (directors), Jennifer Todd (producers), Tom Duffield (production design) and Bonnie Arnold (short films and feature animation branch). Oscar winner Bill Corso (“Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events”) returns to the board after a hiatus.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility...
Elected to the board for the first time are actor Rita Wilson, composer Lesley Barber and screenwriter Howard A. Rodman and more. Four incumbents were reelected to the board, including the heads of the following branches — Susanne Bier (directors), Jennifer Todd (producers), Tom Duffield (production design) and Bonnie Arnold (short films and feature animation branch). Oscar winner Bill Corso (“Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events”) returns to the board after a hiatus.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility...
- 6/21/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Monday announced its newly elected 2021–2022 Board of Governors. Among the first-timers is Rita Wilson for the actors branch, while Oscar- and Emmy-winning director Susanne Bier returns for a new term in the directors branch, as does two-time Oscar show producer Jennifer Todd for the producers branch. Seven out of 12 governors elected for the first time are women, as are three out of four returning governors.
As a result of the election, the number of women Academy governors increases from 26 to 31, and the number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities increases from 12 to 15.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years. The Board of Governors sets the Academy’s strategic vision,...
As a result of the election, the number of women Academy governors increases from 26 to 31, and the number of governors from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities increases from 12 to 15.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to two three-year terms (consecutive or non-consecutive), followed by a two-year hiatus, after which eligibility renews for up to two additional three-year terms, for a lifetime maximum of 12 years. The Board of Governors sets the Academy’s strategic vision,...
- 6/21/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The total number of women on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors is now 22, one more than last year. That’s because producer Jennifer Todd not only beat her Oscar show co-producer Michael De Luca as a finalist to represent the producers branch, but in a run-off election to resolve a tie vote, beat horror maestro Jason Blum as well.
Todd is president of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Pearl Street Films, where she produced “Live by Night” and executive produced last year’s “Jason Bourne.” Her credits also include “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Across the Universe,” “Prime,” “Memento,” “Boiler Room” and the “Austin Powers” films. Todd earned an Emmy nomination for her work on the HBO television movie, “If These Walls Could Talk 2.”
Todd joins incumbents Albert Berger and Mark Johnson in representing the...
Todd is president of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Pearl Street Films, where she produced “Live by Night” and executive produced last year’s “Jason Bourne.” Her credits also include “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Across the Universe,” “Prime,” “Memento,” “Boiler Room” and the “Austin Powers” films. Todd earned an Emmy nomination for her work on the HBO television movie, “If These Walls Could Talk 2.”
Todd joins incumbents Albert Berger and Mark Johnson in representing the...
- 6/20/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The total number of women on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors is now 22, one more than last year. That’s because producer Jennifer Todd not only beat her Oscar show co-producer Michael De Luca as a finalist to represent the producers branch, but in a run-off election to resolve a tie vote, beat horror maestro Jason Blum as well.
Todd is president of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Pearl Street Films, where she produced “Live by Night” and executive produced last year’s “Jason Bourne.” Her credits also include “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Across the Universe,” “Prime,” “Memento,” “Boiler Room” and the “Austin Powers” films. Todd earned an Emmy nomination for her work on the HBO television movie, “If These Walls Could Talk 2.”
Todd joins incumbents Albert Berger and Mark Johnson in representing the...
Todd is president of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Pearl Street Films, where she produced “Live by Night” and executive produced last year’s “Jason Bourne.” Her credits also include “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Across the Universe,” “Prime,” “Memento,” “Boiler Room” and the “Austin Powers” films. Todd earned an Emmy nomination for her work on the HBO television movie, “If These Walls Could Talk 2.”
Todd joins incumbents Albert Berger and Mark Johnson in representing the...
- 6/20/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Updated, 4:15 Pm: Oscarcast producer Jennifer Todd has won the Producers Branch runoff election for 2018-19 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors. She beat Blumhouse founder and CEO Jason Blum for the seat. She begins her three-year term on July 1, serving alongside Producers Branch incumbents Albert Berger and Mark Johnson.
It was the fourth time in Academy history, following the 2009 ties in the Directors Branch, the Writers Branch in 2015 and the Film Editors Branch the following year.
Previously, June 14: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced its newly elected 2018–19 Board of Governors, including four first-timers, 10 incumbents and two returnees. There also will be a runoff between Jason Blum and Jennifer Todd in the Producers Branch.
The rookies are Alfred Molina, Actors Branch; Tom Duffield, Designers Branch; Susanne Bier, Directors Branch; Bonnie Arnold, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch. Molina, who replaces Tom Hanks,...
It was the fourth time in Academy history, following the 2009 ties in the Directors Branch, the Writers Branch in 2015 and the Film Editors Branch the following year.
Previously, June 14: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced its newly elected 2018–19 Board of Governors, including four first-timers, 10 incumbents and two returnees. There also will be a runoff between Jason Blum and Jennifer Todd in the Producers Branch.
The rookies are Alfred Molina, Actors Branch; Tom Duffield, Designers Branch; Susanne Bier, Directors Branch; Bonnie Arnold, Short Films and Feature Animation Branch. Molina, who replaces Tom Hanks,...
- 6/20/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Jason Blum in run-off election.
June 20 Update: Memento producer Jennifer Todd has prevailed in the run-off election against Jason Blum and has joined the Academy board after a vote by the producers branch initially resulted in a tie.
Todd joins incumbents Albert Berger and Mark Johnson in representing the branch and will assume her post on July 1.
June 14 Report: Susanne Bier has been elected to the Academy board and takes her place among the 2018-19 intake alongside Alfred Molina.
New board members include How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World producer Bonnie Arnold and production designer Tom Duffield. The...
June 20 Update: Memento producer Jennifer Todd has prevailed in the run-off election against Jason Blum and has joined the Academy board after a vote by the producers branch initially resulted in a tie.
Todd joins incumbents Albert Berger and Mark Johnson in representing the branch and will assume her post on July 1.
June 14 Report: Susanne Bier has been elected to the Academy board and takes her place among the 2018-19 intake alongside Alfred Molina.
New board members include How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World producer Bonnie Arnold and production designer Tom Duffield. The...
- 6/20/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
On Thursday (June 14), the motion picture academy announced the results of its annual Board of Governors election. Alfred Molina prevailed in a hotly contested contest to be one of the three representatives from the actors branch while Susanne Bier won her bid to be a voice for the directors branch.
Each of the 17 branches of the academy is represented by three governors who serve three-year terms. Those terms are staggered such that one governor from each branch is up for re-election each year. And no governor may serve for more than nine uninterrupted years.
See Alfred Molina (‘Feud: Bette and Joan’) chats playing ‘the heart of the story’ in battle between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford [Exclusive Video]
Ten incumbents were voted back in by branch members while Molina and Bier number among the four newcomers to the board. And two more return after a break from service.
In all, women won...
Each of the 17 branches of the academy is represented by three governors who serve three-year terms. Those terms are staggered such that one governor from each branch is up for re-election each year. And no governor may serve for more than nine uninterrupted years.
See Alfred Molina (‘Feud: Bette and Joan’) chats playing ‘the heart of the story’ in battle between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford [Exclusive Video]
Ten incumbents were voted back in by branch members while Molina and Bier number among the four newcomers to the board. And two more return after a break from service.
In all, women won...
- 6/14/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Given the myriad challenges that face the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it’s surprising that more than 180 members vied for 17 available spots on the 54-member Board of Governors, which oversees the Academy’s strategic mission, financial health and the Oscars. The run-off voting ended May 18 to cull the field to four nominees per branch. The elected 2018–19 Board of Governors will assume their posts on July 1.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
- 6/14/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Given the myriad challenges that face the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, it’s surprising that more than 180 members vied for 17 available spots on the 54-member Board of Governors, which oversees the Academy’s strategic mission, financial health and the Oscars. The run-off voting ended May 18 to cull the field to four nominees per branch. The elected 2018–19 Board of Governors will assume their posts on July 1.
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
The Academy’s 17 branches are each represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Actor Tom Hanks is leaving, having served his three-year term, while producer Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg publicist Marvin Levy and director Michael Mann did not seek re-election.
Among the hopefuls who did not make the cut are actresses Meg Ryan and Brie Larson, screenwriter John Ridley, producer Michael De Luca, public relations branch member Rob Friedman, and executive Michael Barker.
First-timers include two women: Susanne Bier,...
- 6/14/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Actor Alfred Molina, director Susanne Bier and animation producer/executive Bonnie Arnold have been elected to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors for the first time, the Academy announced on Thursday.
They will be joined on the board by another first-time member, designer Tom Duffield, and by 10 incumbent governors who were re-elected and another two who are returning to the board after a hiatus.
The re-elected incumbents are Bernard Telsey, Casting Directors Branch; Daryn Okada, Cinematographers Branch; Rory Kennedy, Documentary Branch; Jim Gianopulos, Executives Branch; Carol Littleton, Film Editors Branch; Lois Burwell, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch; Michael Giacchino, Music Branch; Scott Millan, Sound Branch; John Knoll, Visual Effects Branch; and Billy Ray, Writers Branch.
Also Read: Film Academy Expels Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby
Former Academy president Sid Ganis is returning to represent the Public Relations Branch after a hiatus, as is Jeffrey Kurland in the Costume Designers Branch.
They will be joined on the board by another first-time member, designer Tom Duffield, and by 10 incumbent governors who were re-elected and another two who are returning to the board after a hiatus.
The re-elected incumbents are Bernard Telsey, Casting Directors Branch; Daryn Okada, Cinematographers Branch; Rory Kennedy, Documentary Branch; Jim Gianopulos, Executives Branch; Carol Littleton, Film Editors Branch; Lois Burwell, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch; Michael Giacchino, Music Branch; Scott Millan, Sound Branch; John Knoll, Visual Effects Branch; and Billy Ray, Writers Branch.
Also Read: Film Academy Expels Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby
Former Academy president Sid Ganis is returning to represent the Public Relations Branch after a hiatus, as is Jeffrey Kurland in the Costume Designers Branch.
- 6/14/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Thursday its newly elected individuals to its Board of Governors for 2018-2019.
Those elected to the board for the first time are:
Alfred Molina (Actors Branch)
Tom Duffield (Designers Branch)
Susanne Bier (Directors Branch)
Bonnie Arnold (Short Films and Feature Animation Branch)
Incumbent governors reelected include:
Bernard Telsey (Casting Directors Branch)
Daryn Okada (Cinematographers Branch)
Rory Kennedy (Documentary Branch)
Jim Gianopulos (Executives Branch)
Carol Littleton (Film Editors Branch)
Lois Burwell (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch)
Michael Giacchino (Music Branch)
Scott Millan (Sound Branch)
John Knoll (Visual Effects Branch)
Billy Ray (Writers Branch)
Returning after hiatus are:
Jeffrey Kurland (Costume Designers Branch)
Sid Ganis (Public Relations Branch)
A tie in the balloting between horror maestro Jason Blum and Oscars producer Jennifer Todd in the Producers Branch will necessitate a run-off election. Voting will begin Monday, June 18 and end Tuesday, June 19. The...
Those elected to the board for the first time are:
Alfred Molina (Actors Branch)
Tom Duffield (Designers Branch)
Susanne Bier (Directors Branch)
Bonnie Arnold (Short Films and Feature Animation Branch)
Incumbent governors reelected include:
Bernard Telsey (Casting Directors Branch)
Daryn Okada (Cinematographers Branch)
Rory Kennedy (Documentary Branch)
Jim Gianopulos (Executives Branch)
Carol Littleton (Film Editors Branch)
Lois Burwell (Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch)
Michael Giacchino (Music Branch)
Scott Millan (Sound Branch)
John Knoll (Visual Effects Branch)
Billy Ray (Writers Branch)
Returning after hiatus are:
Jeffrey Kurland (Costume Designers Branch)
Sid Ganis (Public Relations Branch)
A tie in the balloting between horror maestro Jason Blum and Oscars producer Jennifer Todd in the Producers Branch will necessitate a run-off election. Voting will begin Monday, June 18 and end Tuesday, June 19. The...
- 6/14/2018
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
Jason Blum in run-off election.
Susanne Bier has been elected to the Academy board and takes her place among the 2018-19 intake alongside Alfred Molina.
New board members include How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World producer Bonnie Arnold and production designer Tom Duffield. The new arrivals assume their posts on July 1.
Incumbent governors re-elected to the board are: Bernard Telsey, Daryn Okada, Rory Kennedy, Jim Gianopulos, Carol Littleton, Lois Burwell, Michael Giacchino, Scott Millan, John Knoll, and Billy Ray. Jeffrey Kurland and Sid Ganis return to the board after a hiatus.
The balloting in the Academy’s producers...
Susanne Bier has been elected to the Academy board and takes her place among the 2018-19 intake alongside Alfred Molina.
New board members include How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World producer Bonnie Arnold and production designer Tom Duffield. The new arrivals assume their posts on July 1.
Incumbent governors re-elected to the board are: Bernard Telsey, Daryn Okada, Rory Kennedy, Jim Gianopulos, Carol Littleton, Lois Burwell, Michael Giacchino, Scott Millan, John Knoll, and Billy Ray. Jeffrey Kurland and Sid Ganis return to the board after a hiatus.
The balloting in the Academy’s producers...
- 6/14/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Alfred Molina, who played director Robert Aldrich in the FX miniseries Feud: Bette and Joan, and Susanne Bier, director of the Oscar-winning Danish film In a Better World, have been elected to the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which on Thursday announced its newly elected board for 2018-2019.
Molina, elected to represent the actors branch, and Bier, repping directors, were both elected to serve on the board for the first time. Also joining the board for the first time are Tom Duffield, the production designer whose recent credits include Hell or High Water and Patriots Day, who ...
Molina, elected to represent the actors branch, and Bier, repping directors, were both elected to serve on the board for the first time. Also joining the board for the first time are Tom Duffield, the production designer whose recent credits include Hell or High Water and Patriots Day, who ...
- 6/14/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alfred Molina, who played director Robert Aldrich in the FX miniseries Feud: Bette and Joan, and Susanne Bier, director of the Oscar-winning Danish film In a Better World, have been elected to the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which on Thursday announced its newly elected board for 2018-2019.
Molina, elected to represent the actors branch, and Bier, repping directors, were both elected to serve on the board for the first time. Also joining the board for the first time are Tom Duffield, the production designer whose recent credits include Hell or High Water and Patriots Day, who ...
Molina, elected to represent the actors branch, and Bier, repping directors, were both elected to serve on the board for the first time. Also joining the board for the first time are Tom Duffield, the production designer whose recent credits include Hell or High Water and Patriots Day, who ...
- 6/14/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
At this point, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ governors election looks more like a round-up than a race; more than 180 members have declared their interest in filling 17 contested spots on the 54-member Board of Governors.
Voting in the run-off round starts on Monday and ends May 18. That will narrow the present field to a maximum of four nominees per branch in the final round, which follows.
For now, there are on average about 11 candidates in the running for each slot. In the casting directors and costume design branches, only three members have declared for each slot. But not so in the actors branch, where 17 members — including Brie Larson, Jacki Weaver and Meg Ryan — are vying for the spot being vacated by termed-out Tom Hanks; or the producers, executives, and public relations branches, all of which have a bumper crop of candidates. Marvin Levy, currently a governor in the public relations branch,...
Voting in the run-off round starts on Monday and ends May 18. That will narrow the present field to a maximum of four nominees per branch in the final round, which follows.
For now, there are on average about 11 candidates in the running for each slot. In the casting directors and costume design branches, only three members have declared for each slot. But not so in the actors branch, where 17 members — including Brie Larson, Jacki Weaver and Meg Ryan — are vying for the spot being vacated by termed-out Tom Hanks; or the producers, executives, and public relations branches, all of which have a bumper crop of candidates. Marvin Levy, currently a governor in the public relations branch,...
- 5/11/2018
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
The Guild announced on Thursday nominations for the 21st Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards across a multitude of categories covering features, TV, commercials and music videos.
Among the film nominees were Café Society, Manchester By The Sea, Hell Or High Water and Arrival.
TV nominees encompass Game Of Thrones, The Night of and Silicon Valley, while Beyonce’s Lemonade visual extravaganza is a heavy-hitter in the music videos section.
The awards show is set for February 11 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland.
Excellence In Production Design For A Feature FilmPERIOD Film
Café Society, Santo Loquasto
Fences, David Gropman
Hacksaw Ridge, Barry Robison
Hail, Caesar!, Jess Gonchor
Hidden Figures, Wynn Thomas
Jackie, Jean Rabasse
Fantasy Film
Arrival, Patrice Vermette
Doctor Strange, Charles Wood
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, Stuart Craig
Passengers, Guy Hendrix Dyas
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Doug Chiang, Neil Lamont
Contemporary Film
Hell Or High Water, Tom Duffield
[link...
Among the film nominees were Café Society, Manchester By The Sea, Hell Or High Water and Arrival.
TV nominees encompass Game Of Thrones, The Night of and Silicon Valley, while Beyonce’s Lemonade visual extravaganza is a heavy-hitter in the music videos section.
The awards show is set for February 11 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland.
Excellence In Production Design For A Feature FilmPERIOD Film
Café Society, Santo Loquasto
Fences, David Gropman
Hacksaw Ridge, Barry Robison
Hail, Caesar!, Jess Gonchor
Hidden Figures, Wynn Thomas
Jackie, Jean Rabasse
Fantasy Film
Arrival, Patrice Vermette
Doctor Strange, Charles Wood
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, Stuart Craig
Passengers, Guy Hendrix Dyas
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Doug Chiang, Neil Lamont
Contemporary Film
Hell Or High Water, Tom Duffield
[link...
- 1/5/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Lone Survivor star Mark Wahlberg was the recipient of Spike TV’s 2014 “Guys Choice” Troops Choice Award.
Former Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell and actors Charlie Hunnam, Emile Hirsch and Wahlberg attended Spike TV’s ‘Guys Choice 2014′ at Sony Pictures Studios on June 7, 2014 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Spike TV).
Spike TV’s “Guys Choice” program premieres Wednesday, June 11 at 9p Et/Pt on Spike TV.
In keeping with Spike’s year-round efforts to support our nation’s servicemen and women, “Guys Choice” will once again feature inspiring moments saluting our troops and returning veterans.
Four Navy SEALs on a covert mission to neutralize a high-level al-Qaeda operative face an impossible, moral decision in Lone Survivor, the intense, action-packed story of heroism, courage and survival, on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, including Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet™ and On Demand Now, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
Former Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell and actors Charlie Hunnam, Emile Hirsch and Wahlberg attended Spike TV’s ‘Guys Choice 2014′ at Sony Pictures Studios on June 7, 2014 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Spike TV).
Spike TV’s “Guys Choice” program premieres Wednesday, June 11 at 9p Et/Pt on Spike TV.
In keeping with Spike’s year-round efforts to support our nation’s servicemen and women, “Guys Choice” will once again feature inspiring moments saluting our troops and returning veterans.
Four Navy SEALs on a covert mission to neutralize a high-level al-Qaeda operative face an impossible, moral decision in Lone Survivor, the intense, action-packed story of heroism, courage and survival, on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, including Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet™ and On Demand Now, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
- 6/9/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Four Navy SEALs on a covert mission to neutralize a high-level al-Qaeda operative face an impossible, moral decision in Lone Survivor, the intense, action-packed story of heroism, courage and survival, coming to Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, including Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet™ and On Demand on June 3, 2014, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
Lone Survivor will also be available on Digital HD two weeks earlier on May 20, 2014.
Based on Marcus Luttrell’s The New York Times bestselling memoir, Director Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) explores the unbreakable bond of brotherhood in a film that Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers praised as “a powerhouse film.” Lone Survivor tells the incredible tale of Operation Red Wings, a mission about four Navy SEALs ambushed by the enemy deep in the mountains of Afghanistan. As the soldiers are confronted by unthinkable odds they must find reserves of strength and resilience in order to fight to the finish.
Lone Survivor will also be available on Digital HD two weeks earlier on May 20, 2014.
Based on Marcus Luttrell’s The New York Times bestselling memoir, Director Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) explores the unbreakable bond of brotherhood in a film that Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers praised as “a powerhouse film.” Lone Survivor tells the incredible tale of Operation Red Wings, a mission about four Navy SEALs ambushed by the enemy deep in the mountains of Afghanistan. As the soldiers are confronted by unthinkable odds they must find reserves of strength and resilience in order to fight to the finish.
- 4/14/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
”My girlfriend still doesn’t know why her sweaters are always stretched out.”
Of the eight collaborations between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, most of my movie buff friends will choose Ed Wood as their favorite, yet it was the least successful at the box-office, grossing less than 6 million dollars in 1994. Chronicling the man’s rise to “personal success” and his overwhelming desire to become the next Orson Welles, Ed Wood charted the director’s fascinatingly manic career; from Glen Or Glenda, to Bride Of The Monster, to Plan 9 From Outer Space. These were three of the most shamefully undesirable disasters “Hollywood” has ever produced, but to Ed Wood they were gold. Wood was a man who had the utmost level of zest for his so-called “art” and would never back-down to the barrage of criticism he would constantly receive. To him, Glen Or Glenda was a highly personal film,...
Of the eight collaborations between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, most of my movie buff friends will choose Ed Wood as their favorite, yet it was the least successful at the box-office, grossing less than 6 million dollars in 1994. Chronicling the man’s rise to “personal success” and his overwhelming desire to become the next Orson Welles, Ed Wood charted the director’s fascinatingly manic career; from Glen Or Glenda, to Bride Of The Monster, to Plan 9 From Outer Space. These were three of the most shamefully undesirable disasters “Hollywood” has ever produced, but to Ed Wood they were gold. Wood was a man who had the utmost level of zest for his so-called “art” and would never back-down to the barrage of criticism he would constantly receive. To him, Glen Or Glenda was a highly personal film,...
- 9/14/2012
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"Schmucks" was no schmuck and took the money.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Film Commission on Monday announced the first 25 film and TV productions to qualify for recently passed state tax credits. A handful of high-profile projects were included, including DreamWorks' Jay Roach-helmed comedy "Dinner for Schmucks" and Sony's Facebook saga "The Social Network."
"I fought hard for economic-stimulus measures, including the film and television production incentive, because we must do everything in our power to stimulate the economy and put Californians back to work," Schwarzenegger said. "This is about the makeup artists, the caterers and the countless other small businesses that rely on film and television production to succeed and create jobs for Californians."
The governor said the tax-based production incentives are an attempt to stop a runaway-production trend that has seen more than three dozen other states lure film and TV projects from California. The new...
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Film Commission on Monday announced the first 25 film and TV productions to qualify for recently passed state tax credits. A handful of high-profile projects were included, including DreamWorks' Jay Roach-helmed comedy "Dinner for Schmucks" and Sony's Facebook saga "The Social Network."
"I fought hard for economic-stimulus measures, including the film and television production incentive, because we must do everything in our power to stimulate the economy and put Californians back to work," Schwarzenegger said. "This is about the makeup artists, the caterers and the countless other small businesses that rely on film and television production to succeed and create jobs for Californians."
The governor said the tax-based production incentives are an attempt to stop a runaway-production trend that has seen more than three dozen other states lure film and TV projects from California. The new...
- 7/27/2009
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Kingdom, about a terrorist attack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, would seem to be another addition to the list of this fall's politically-charged movies. But unlike the upcoming Rendition or In the Valley of Elah, Peter Berg's movie is no more than an action movie with an exotic backdrop. That would be fine, if only the movie were more exciting. It succeeds neither as a pointed political commentary nor as a taut thriller. With Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, and Jennifer Garner heading the cast, the movie should generate some healthy opening-weekend business. But its long-term prospects seem iffy.
The title sequence does a nifty job of sketching the history of America's involvement in Saudi Arabia during the last century, from the discovery of oil to the emergence of Osama bin Laden. The film itself opens with a gripping set-piece -- a baseball game held in the American compound (populated mainly by oil company workers and their families) that is disrupted by a deadly terrorist assault. The FBI is charged with investigating the killing of Americans on foreign soil, but Washington honchos, including a craven Attorney General (Danny Huston), refuse to authorize any official American action. So a strong-willed FBI agent, Ronald Fleury (Foxx), assembles his own small team and heads off to the Middle East to investigate. While the Saudis are initially wary of these American interlopers, the leading Saudi officer eventually decides to cooperate with Fleury's team. They mine the crime scene for clues and interview witnesses, with the hope of tracking down the mastermind behind the attacks.
The relationship of the two lead investigators is the strongest element in the film. Screenwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan seems to have taken some inspiration from In the Heat of the Night. The dynamic between the two detectives is exactly the same as in that Oscar-winning 1967 film. Fleury is the fish out of water in an alien world, and after some tense initial encounters, he and the local sheriff join forces to solve the crime. Foxx demonstrates his usual charisma, though the best performance comes from Ashraf Barhom (who previously appeared in Paradise Now) as the humane Arab colonel.
Unfortunately, the other actors have less opportunity to shine. Jason Bateman (as the least experienced team member) and Jeremy Piven (as a slick American diplomat who might be a cousin of Entourage's Ari Gold) do have a few funny moments. Garner has little to do, and Cooper barely registers at all. The biggest waste of the film is casting this superb Oscar-winning actor in a role that any B-level TV personality could have played just as smoothly. The fault is not with the actors; their roles are completely devoid of sharp character details. All we learn about Fleury is that he's a devoted father, which is established in a treacly early scene in which he visits his son's school.
The shallow script might have been salvaged by more dynamic direction. But Berg (Friday Night Lights) films much of the action in close-ups with a jerky moving camera. The film cries out for long shots that would clarify the logistics. Berg simply thrusts us into the middle of the chaos, which might have been his intention, but the result is a vertigo-inducing ride that leaves a lot of the action unintelligible.
The excessive use of close-ups undermines the strong work of cinematographer Mauro Fiore and production designer Tom Duffield. The film ends by suggesting that lust for revenge can warp righteous American patriots as well as Islamic fundamentalists. Still, this earnestly even-handed message is a bit of a cheat. Given the heinous actions of the terrorists, audiences are primed to cheer when they finally get blown to smithereens. We might cheer more loudly if The Kingdom were a more effective piece of rabble-rousing.THE KINGDOM
Universal Pictures
Relativity Media, A Forward Pass/Stuber-Parent Production
Credits:
Director: Peter Berg
Screenwriter: Matthew Michael Carnahan
Producers: Michael Mann, Scott Stuber
Executive producers: Mary Parent, Steven Saeta, Sarah Aubrey, John Cameron, Ryan Kavanaugh
Director of photography: Mauro Fiore
Production designer: Tom Duffield
Music: Danny Elfman
Costume designer: Susan Matheson
Editors: Kevin Stitt, Colby Parker Jr.
Cast:
Ronald Fleury: Jamie Foxx
Grant Sykes: Chris Cooper
Janet Mayes: Jennifer Garner
Adam Leavitt: Jason Bateman
Col. Faris Al Ghazi: Ashraf Barhom
Damon Schmidt: Jeremy Piven
James Grace: Richard Jenkins
Gideon Young: Danny Huston
Sgt. Haytham: Ali Suliman
Aaron Jackson: Tim McGraw
Francis Manner: Kyle Chandler
Elaine Flowers: Frances Fisher
Maricella Canavesio: Anna Deavere Smith
Prince Ahmed Bin Khaled: Omar Berdouni
General Al Abdulmalik: Mahmoud Said
Abu Hamza: Hezi Saddik
Running time -- 110 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
The title sequence does a nifty job of sketching the history of America's involvement in Saudi Arabia during the last century, from the discovery of oil to the emergence of Osama bin Laden. The film itself opens with a gripping set-piece -- a baseball game held in the American compound (populated mainly by oil company workers and their families) that is disrupted by a deadly terrorist assault. The FBI is charged with investigating the killing of Americans on foreign soil, but Washington honchos, including a craven Attorney General (Danny Huston), refuse to authorize any official American action. So a strong-willed FBI agent, Ronald Fleury (Foxx), assembles his own small team and heads off to the Middle East to investigate. While the Saudis are initially wary of these American interlopers, the leading Saudi officer eventually decides to cooperate with Fleury's team. They mine the crime scene for clues and interview witnesses, with the hope of tracking down the mastermind behind the attacks.
The relationship of the two lead investigators is the strongest element in the film. Screenwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan seems to have taken some inspiration from In the Heat of the Night. The dynamic between the two detectives is exactly the same as in that Oscar-winning 1967 film. Fleury is the fish out of water in an alien world, and after some tense initial encounters, he and the local sheriff join forces to solve the crime. Foxx demonstrates his usual charisma, though the best performance comes from Ashraf Barhom (who previously appeared in Paradise Now) as the humane Arab colonel.
Unfortunately, the other actors have less opportunity to shine. Jason Bateman (as the least experienced team member) and Jeremy Piven (as a slick American diplomat who might be a cousin of Entourage's Ari Gold) do have a few funny moments. Garner has little to do, and Cooper barely registers at all. The biggest waste of the film is casting this superb Oscar-winning actor in a role that any B-level TV personality could have played just as smoothly. The fault is not with the actors; their roles are completely devoid of sharp character details. All we learn about Fleury is that he's a devoted father, which is established in a treacly early scene in which he visits his son's school.
The shallow script might have been salvaged by more dynamic direction. But Berg (Friday Night Lights) films much of the action in close-ups with a jerky moving camera. The film cries out for long shots that would clarify the logistics. Berg simply thrusts us into the middle of the chaos, which might have been his intention, but the result is a vertigo-inducing ride that leaves a lot of the action unintelligible.
The excessive use of close-ups undermines the strong work of cinematographer Mauro Fiore and production designer Tom Duffield. The film ends by suggesting that lust for revenge can warp righteous American patriots as well as Islamic fundamentalists. Still, this earnestly even-handed message is a bit of a cheat. Given the heinous actions of the terrorists, audiences are primed to cheer when they finally get blown to smithereens. We might cheer more loudly if The Kingdom were a more effective piece of rabble-rousing.THE KINGDOM
Universal Pictures
Relativity Media, A Forward Pass/Stuber-Parent Production
Credits:
Director: Peter Berg
Screenwriter: Matthew Michael Carnahan
Producers: Michael Mann, Scott Stuber
Executive producers: Mary Parent, Steven Saeta, Sarah Aubrey, John Cameron, Ryan Kavanaugh
Director of photography: Mauro Fiore
Production designer: Tom Duffield
Music: Danny Elfman
Costume designer: Susan Matheson
Editors: Kevin Stitt, Colby Parker Jr.
Cast:
Ronald Fleury: Jamie Foxx
Grant Sykes: Chris Cooper
Janet Mayes: Jennifer Garner
Adam Leavitt: Jason Bateman
Col. Faris Al Ghazi: Ashraf Barhom
Damon Schmidt: Jeremy Piven
James Grace: Richard Jenkins
Gideon Young: Danny Huston
Sgt. Haytham: Ali Suliman
Aaron Jackson: Tim McGraw
Francis Manner: Kyle Chandler
Elaine Flowers: Frances Fisher
Maricella Canavesio: Anna Deavere Smith
Prince Ahmed Bin Khaled: Omar Berdouni
General Al Abdulmalik: Mahmoud Said
Abu Hamza: Hezi Saddik
Running time -- 110 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 9/12/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In "The Weather Man", Nicolas Cage doesn't so much play a protagonist, warts and all, as he plays a protagonist who is all warts. While not thoroughly unlikable, Cage's David Spritz, a weatherman for a local Chicago TV station, is the kind of guy who makes eyes roll in your head. He seemingly can't avoid social blunders no matter how many warnings he gets -- and ignores. So the challenge writer Steven Conrad and director Gore Verbinski face is how to get audiences to invest emotionally in such a schmo. They don't always succeed.
Cage brings so much positive baggage to his roles these days that he can redeem even the most anti-social of anti-heroes, as he did last month in "Lord of War". But David Spritz appears to have baffled him, too, so he takes the approach that David is simply not too bright. Therefore, the challenge faced by Paramount's marketing team is to sell a film, directed by the maker of "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and starring Cage and Michael Caine, to mainstream audiences when the film probably should have been made by Paramount Classics. For this is a Sundance film gussied up with studio production values and big stars. It will be a hard sell.
In the opening shot, Cage wears such a sad-sack look you just know that, all superficial evidence to the contrary, David is one unhappy dude. Professionally, he is an overachiever, making far too much money working a couple of hours each day to deliver the usually bad weather news to Chicago viewers. He even has a promising feeler from a national morning show in New York. However, not too deep below this surface lies a wealth of insecurities and pain, which has little to do with the fact his "fans" love to throw the remnants of fast food at him on the street.
David is divorced and unhappily so. Despite the shrill and condescending manner of ex-wife Noreen (Hope Davis, in a continuation of her smug bitch in "Proof"), he wants to get back together with her. He struggles equally as fruitlessly to win the approval of his dad, Robert Spritz (Caine), a prize-winning novelist who might have a fatal illness. His son (Nicholas Hoult, the youngster in "About a Boy") is in counseling for marijuana use and his counselor (Gil Bellows) shows signs of being a pedophiliac. Meanwhile, his overweight daughter (Gemmenne De La Pena) feels sad and lonely most of the time. To bond with her he takes up -- archery?
The most depressing thing for David, though, is his job. With his father as a role model, he expects more of himself than being a TV weatherman. He is not even a meteorologist, for Pete's sake. A real meteorologist explains to him the risks of predicting weather: "It's just wind. It blows all over the place."
The movie blows all over the place, too, as its meandering plotlines do flesh out this portrait of a success who believes himself a failure, but never expands any further. You understand that David is absent-minded, self-absorbed and tries so hard to do the right thing that he inevitably does the wrong thing. How many illustrations of these lamentable facts do you need in a movie, though?
Somehow, at the end, clouds lift and the sun shines down and you're not sure why. David's big revelation is that it's OK to be a weatherman and not a Great Novelist. That, and his father for once speaks to him without weary disappointment in his voice.
Cage brings intelligence to his playing of a man sorely lacking in same. David often acts like an asshole, but the real problem is a lack of inner resources to confront and defeat the challenges he faces. Caine's exasperated father is his exact opposite, a man with few self-doubts and a novelist's facility for noticing the tiniest nuances in behavior. The young actors who play David's kids do wonderful jobs of expressing youthful confusions in their encounters with the pathetic world of adults.
Since the movie is set in Chicago and briefly in New York, winter weather certainly plays its role. Cinematographer Phedon Papamichael makes you feel the cold even as he finds genuine beauty in the patterns of clouds, ice on Lake Michigan and bundled pedestrian traffic on chilly streets. Designer Tom Duffield contrasts the various environments of David Life's from the sterile steel and glass of his apartment, noticeably bereft of hearth and family, with the comfy digs of his former suburban house and his dad's well-upholstered mansion. Hans Zimmer's music, often with an emphasis on the xylophone, is alternately cheerful and melancholy.
THE WEATHER MAN
Paramount Pictures
Paramount and Escape Artists present an Escape Artists production
Credits:
Director: Gore Verbinski
Screenwriter/co-producer: Steven Conrad
Producers: Todd Black, Steve Tisch, Jason Blumenthal
Executive producers: David Alper, William S. Beasley, Norm Golightly
Director of photography: Phedon Papamichael
Production designer: Tom Duffield
Music: Hans Zimmer
Costumes: Penny Rose
Editor: Craig Wood
Cast:
David Spritz: Nicolas Cage
Robert Spritz: Michael Caine
Noreen: Hope Davis
Don: Gil Bellows
Russ: Michael Rispoli
Shelly: Gemmenne De La Pena
Mike: Nicholas Hoult
MPAA rating R
Running time -- 100 minutes...
Cage brings so much positive baggage to his roles these days that he can redeem even the most anti-social of anti-heroes, as he did last month in "Lord of War". But David Spritz appears to have baffled him, too, so he takes the approach that David is simply not too bright. Therefore, the challenge faced by Paramount's marketing team is to sell a film, directed by the maker of "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and starring Cage and Michael Caine, to mainstream audiences when the film probably should have been made by Paramount Classics. For this is a Sundance film gussied up with studio production values and big stars. It will be a hard sell.
In the opening shot, Cage wears such a sad-sack look you just know that, all superficial evidence to the contrary, David is one unhappy dude. Professionally, he is an overachiever, making far too much money working a couple of hours each day to deliver the usually bad weather news to Chicago viewers. He even has a promising feeler from a national morning show in New York. However, not too deep below this surface lies a wealth of insecurities and pain, which has little to do with the fact his "fans" love to throw the remnants of fast food at him on the street.
David is divorced and unhappily so. Despite the shrill and condescending manner of ex-wife Noreen (Hope Davis, in a continuation of her smug bitch in "Proof"), he wants to get back together with her. He struggles equally as fruitlessly to win the approval of his dad, Robert Spritz (Caine), a prize-winning novelist who might have a fatal illness. His son (Nicholas Hoult, the youngster in "About a Boy") is in counseling for marijuana use and his counselor (Gil Bellows) shows signs of being a pedophiliac. Meanwhile, his overweight daughter (Gemmenne De La Pena) feels sad and lonely most of the time. To bond with her he takes up -- archery?
The most depressing thing for David, though, is his job. With his father as a role model, he expects more of himself than being a TV weatherman. He is not even a meteorologist, for Pete's sake. A real meteorologist explains to him the risks of predicting weather: "It's just wind. It blows all over the place."
The movie blows all over the place, too, as its meandering plotlines do flesh out this portrait of a success who believes himself a failure, but never expands any further. You understand that David is absent-minded, self-absorbed and tries so hard to do the right thing that he inevitably does the wrong thing. How many illustrations of these lamentable facts do you need in a movie, though?
Somehow, at the end, clouds lift and the sun shines down and you're not sure why. David's big revelation is that it's OK to be a weatherman and not a Great Novelist. That, and his father for once speaks to him without weary disappointment in his voice.
Cage brings intelligence to his playing of a man sorely lacking in same. David often acts like an asshole, but the real problem is a lack of inner resources to confront and defeat the challenges he faces. Caine's exasperated father is his exact opposite, a man with few self-doubts and a novelist's facility for noticing the tiniest nuances in behavior. The young actors who play David's kids do wonderful jobs of expressing youthful confusions in their encounters with the pathetic world of adults.
Since the movie is set in Chicago and briefly in New York, winter weather certainly plays its role. Cinematographer Phedon Papamichael makes you feel the cold even as he finds genuine beauty in the patterns of clouds, ice on Lake Michigan and bundled pedestrian traffic on chilly streets. Designer Tom Duffield contrasts the various environments of David Life's from the sterile steel and glass of his apartment, noticeably bereft of hearth and family, with the comfy digs of his former suburban house and his dad's well-upholstered mansion. Hans Zimmer's music, often with an emphasis on the xylophone, is alternately cheerful and melancholy.
THE WEATHER MAN
Paramount Pictures
Paramount and Escape Artists present an Escape Artists production
Credits:
Director: Gore Verbinski
Screenwriter/co-producer: Steven Conrad
Producers: Todd Black, Steve Tisch, Jason Blumenthal
Executive producers: David Alper, William S. Beasley, Norm Golightly
Director of photography: Phedon Papamichael
Production designer: Tom Duffield
Music: Hans Zimmer
Costumes: Penny Rose
Editor: Craig Wood
Cast:
David Spritz: Nicolas Cage
Robert Spritz: Michael Caine
Noreen: Hope Davis
Don: Gil Bellows
Russ: Michael Rispoli
Shelly: Gemmenne De La Pena
Mike: Nicholas Hoult
MPAA rating R
Running time -- 100 minutes...
- 11/17/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This review was written for the theatrical release of "The Ring".
For those of us who perpetually encounter bizarre malfunctions and technological stubbornness from our VCRs, the idea of a malicious spirit taking revenge against humanity through a videotape makes perfect sense. Of course, there are evil ghosts in those damn machines! DreamWorks' "The Ring", an American version of a hugely successful Japanese horror film about a mysterious videotape, is an undeniably creepy, unnerving experience that turns mundane things -- a refrigerator door, a ringing telephone, TV static -- into moments of terrific suspense.
The supernatural elements don't always add up logically, but director Gore Verbinski is firmly in control of the film's strong visuals, and an attractive cast headed by Naomi Watts lends credibility to the scary goings-on. The film seems destined for its biggest success among teens both in theatrical venues and, oddly, video and DVD.
The original film, directed by Hideo Nakata and based on Koji Suzuki's novel "Ringu", was a phenomenon in East Asia, spawning not only two sequels but a 12-part TV adaptation in Japan. All these stories focus on a videotape that, if viewed, leads to terrifying death. Immediately after a person sees the tape, a phone rings and a voice declares that the viewer has seven days to live.
The American version takes place in rainy Washington state, where gloomy weather, an isolated island and a remote motel cabin all contribute to the eerie, nightmarish atmosphere. The mysterious deaths of four teenagers, who supposedly watched the tape, leads Seattle newspaper reporter Rachel Keller (Watts), the aunt of one of the dead teens, to investigate. Initially feeling more like a murder mystery than a ghost story, the movie has Rachel backtrack through her niece's past week, leading her to a mountain cabin where the teen and her three friends spent the previous weekend. Here Rachel comes across the tape and watches it. Sure enough, the phone rings and her seven days have begun.
She turns to ex-boyfriend Noah Martin Henderson), something of a video whiz, and soon he, too, is "contaminated" by the video. But the person with the most prescient perceptions and insight into the matter is Rachel's young son Aidan David Dorfman). Not only was he close to his late cousin, but he seemingly is in contact with the spirit of a young girl, Samara (Daveigh Chase), whose untimely end is connected to the videotape.
The tape itself, a black-and-white short, has a Dali-esque quality that gives everyone the creeps. As Rachel's investigation plows ahead, the tape's surreal images, which seem so free-form and random, take concrete form: As Rachel spots this window and that lighthouse in real life, she gains more and more understanding of the tragedy that befell Samara and her only living relative, Richard Morgan (Brian Cox). Perhaps too much gets explained away. Giving literal truth to those random images robs the film of at least some of its supernatural underpinnings. The movie does recover its sense of dread and things beyond explanation by the end, however, leaving the story open to an American sequel as well.
Watts, so impressive in that other surreal mystery, David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive", anchors the film as an aggressive journalist determined to ferret out the truth no matter what the cost, forgetting that people close to her may pay the price. Henderson complements her well as her disbelieving yet nonetheless intrigued colleague. Dorfman has an extraordinary presence. The child actor's round face and large eyes seem to give off a wisdom beyond his years.
Verbinski rigidly controls his color palette, keeping even exterior day scenes dark and foreboding while playing with images that range from a fiery red maple tree alone in a desolate landscape to ordinary door knobs and faucets, which take on an unsettling malevolence. The meticulous work in Bojan Bazelli's cinematography and Tom Duffield's production design create an environment that, seemingly, plays a role in the spooky events.
THE RING
DreamWorks Pictures
A Bender-Spink Inc. production
Credits:
Director: Gore Verbinski
Screenwriter: Ehren Kruger
Producers: Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald
Executive producers: Mike Macari, Roy Lee, Michele Weisler
Director of photography: Bojan Bazelli
Production designer: Tom Duffield
Music: Hans Zimmer
Costume designer: Julie Weiss
Editor: Craig Wood
Special makeup effects designer: Rick Baker
Visual effects supervisor: Charles Gibson
Cast:
Rachel Keller: Naomi Watts
Noah: Martin Henderson
Richard Morgan: Brian Cox
Aidan: David Dorfman
Samara: Daveigh Chase
Running time -- 114 minutes
MPAA rating PG-13...
For those of us who perpetually encounter bizarre malfunctions and technological stubbornness from our VCRs, the idea of a malicious spirit taking revenge against humanity through a videotape makes perfect sense. Of course, there are evil ghosts in those damn machines! DreamWorks' "The Ring", an American version of a hugely successful Japanese horror film about a mysterious videotape, is an undeniably creepy, unnerving experience that turns mundane things -- a refrigerator door, a ringing telephone, TV static -- into moments of terrific suspense.
The supernatural elements don't always add up logically, but director Gore Verbinski is firmly in control of the film's strong visuals, and an attractive cast headed by Naomi Watts lends credibility to the scary goings-on. The film seems destined for its biggest success among teens both in theatrical venues and, oddly, video and DVD.
The original film, directed by Hideo Nakata and based on Koji Suzuki's novel "Ringu", was a phenomenon in East Asia, spawning not only two sequels but a 12-part TV adaptation in Japan. All these stories focus on a videotape that, if viewed, leads to terrifying death. Immediately after a person sees the tape, a phone rings and a voice declares that the viewer has seven days to live.
The American version takes place in rainy Washington state, where gloomy weather, an isolated island and a remote motel cabin all contribute to the eerie, nightmarish atmosphere. The mysterious deaths of four teenagers, who supposedly watched the tape, leads Seattle newspaper reporter Rachel Keller (Watts), the aunt of one of the dead teens, to investigate. Initially feeling more like a murder mystery than a ghost story, the movie has Rachel backtrack through her niece's past week, leading her to a mountain cabin where the teen and her three friends spent the previous weekend. Here Rachel comes across the tape and watches it. Sure enough, the phone rings and her seven days have begun.
She turns to ex-boyfriend Noah Martin Henderson), something of a video whiz, and soon he, too, is "contaminated" by the video. But the person with the most prescient perceptions and insight into the matter is Rachel's young son Aidan David Dorfman). Not only was he close to his late cousin, but he seemingly is in contact with the spirit of a young girl, Samara (Daveigh Chase), whose untimely end is connected to the videotape.
The tape itself, a black-and-white short, has a Dali-esque quality that gives everyone the creeps. As Rachel's investigation plows ahead, the tape's surreal images, which seem so free-form and random, take concrete form: As Rachel spots this window and that lighthouse in real life, she gains more and more understanding of the tragedy that befell Samara and her only living relative, Richard Morgan (Brian Cox). Perhaps too much gets explained away. Giving literal truth to those random images robs the film of at least some of its supernatural underpinnings. The movie does recover its sense of dread and things beyond explanation by the end, however, leaving the story open to an American sequel as well.
Watts, so impressive in that other surreal mystery, David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive", anchors the film as an aggressive journalist determined to ferret out the truth no matter what the cost, forgetting that people close to her may pay the price. Henderson complements her well as her disbelieving yet nonetheless intrigued colleague. Dorfman has an extraordinary presence. The child actor's round face and large eyes seem to give off a wisdom beyond his years.
Verbinski rigidly controls his color palette, keeping even exterior day scenes dark and foreboding while playing with images that range from a fiery red maple tree alone in a desolate landscape to ordinary door knobs and faucets, which take on an unsettling malevolence. The meticulous work in Bojan Bazelli's cinematography and Tom Duffield's production design create an environment that, seemingly, plays a role in the spooky events.
THE RING
DreamWorks Pictures
A Bender-Spink Inc. production
Credits:
Director: Gore Verbinski
Screenwriter: Ehren Kruger
Producers: Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald
Executive producers: Mike Macari, Roy Lee, Michele Weisler
Director of photography: Bojan Bazelli
Production designer: Tom Duffield
Music: Hans Zimmer
Costume designer: Julie Weiss
Editor: Craig Wood
Special makeup effects designer: Rick Baker
Visual effects supervisor: Charles Gibson
Cast:
Rachel Keller: Naomi Watts
Noah: Martin Henderson
Richard Morgan: Brian Cox
Aidan: David Dorfman
Samara: Daveigh Chase
Running time -- 114 minutes
MPAA rating PG-13...
- 10/4/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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