Producer Will Packer has launched a management company, Collective Edge, set to be run by longtime Will Packer Productions exec Shayla Cowan.
Packer will be managed by Collective Edge which, Cowan said in a statement, will be “dedicated to creating a community of innovators who continuously push boundaries, inspire one another, and redefine what is possible.”
Most recently, Cowan served as chief of staff for Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, where she served as a producer on the 2022 Academy Awards telecast, as well as the recent films Praise This for Peacock and Beast for Universal. She also advises the companies’ marketing, communications and business strategies.
“I’ve seen firsthand Shayla’s ability to cultivate relationships throughout this industry,” said Packer in a statement. “That combined with her unequaled work ethic, exceptional leadership and incredible advocacy skills make her an ideal choice to cultivate and propel the careers of...
Packer will be managed by Collective Edge which, Cowan said in a statement, will be “dedicated to creating a community of innovators who continuously push boundaries, inspire one another, and redefine what is possible.”
Most recently, Cowan served as chief of staff for Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, where she served as a producer on the 2022 Academy Awards telecast, as well as the recent films Praise This for Peacock and Beast for Universal. She also advises the companies’ marketing, communications and business strategies.
“I’ve seen firsthand Shayla’s ability to cultivate relationships throughout this industry,” said Packer in a statement. “That combined with her unequaled work ethic, exceptional leadership and incredible advocacy skills make her an ideal choice to cultivate and propel the careers of...
- 11/1/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official awards predictions for the upcoming Oscars and Emmys ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis; Awards Circuit Column, a weekly analysis dissecting the trends and contenders by television editor Michael Schneider (for Emmys) and Davis (for Oscars); Awards Circuit Podcast, a weekly interview series with talent and an expert roundtable discussion; and Awards Circuit Video analyzes various categories and contenders by Variety's leading awards pundits. Variety's unmatched coverage gives its readership unbeatable exposure in print and online, as well as provide inside reports on all the contenders in this year's awards season races.
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Emmys Collective
Visit each category, per the individual awards show from The Emmys Hub
To see old predictions and commentary,...
To see all the latest predictions, of all the categories, in one place, visit The Emmys Collective
Visit each category, per the individual awards show from The Emmys Hub
To see old predictions and commentary,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The new Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer said in an interview Tuesday that he has big ideas for the Oscars, one of which is having a producer who can handle the show across “multiple years.”
“I think bringing on producers for multiple years is advisable and we are working on that, as well,” Kramer told the Academy’s A.Frame digital magazine on Tuesday. “The 95th gives us a great opportunity to knit together the incredible legacy of the Oscars, the diverse and powerful work we do across the Academy, and our vision for the future.”
This would be a shift for the Academy. For years, the Academy has typically cycled through various guest producers of the Oscars show, including the likes of Will Packer (with Shayla Cowan) earlier this year and Steven Soderbergh (with Jesse Collins and Stacey Sher) the year before that during...
“I think bringing on producers for multiple years is advisable and we are working on that, as well,” Kramer told the Academy’s A.Frame digital magazine on Tuesday. “The 95th gives us a great opportunity to knit together the incredible legacy of the Oscars, the diverse and powerful work we do across the Academy, and our vision for the future.”
This would be a shift for the Academy. For years, the Academy has typically cycled through various guest producers of the Oscars show, including the likes of Will Packer (with Shayla Cowan) earlier this year and Steven Soderbergh (with Jesse Collins and Stacey Sher) the year before that during...
- 8/16/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
”Once I saw Will yelling at the stage with such vitriol my heart dropped.”
Oscars telecast producer Will Packer learned prior to the best actor award that Will Smith was about to be physically removed from the show for slapping Chris Rock and “immediately” relayed that Rock did not want that to happen.
Speaking in his first public interview since the notorious incident at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday (March 27), Packer told Good Morning America that when his fellow show producer Shayla Cowan told him about the plan, which he had not been privy to, “I immediately went to...
Oscars telecast producer Will Packer learned prior to the best actor award that Will Smith was about to be physically removed from the show for slapping Chris Rock and “immediately” relayed that Rock did not want that to happen.
Speaking in his first public interview since the notorious incident at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday (March 27), Packer told Good Morning America that when his fellow show producer Shayla Cowan told him about the plan, which he had not been privy to, “I immediately went to...
- 4/1/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Will Packer, who co-produced last Sunday’s 94th Academy Awards ceremony along with Shayla Cowan, spoke in depth Friday morning on “Good Morning America” about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock. The incident occurred during the Oscars, after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head while presenting the documentary feature category. Packer said he thought it was a bit when the slap first happened, saying, “I thought it was part of something that Chris and Will were doing on their own. I thought it was a bit. I wasn’t concerned at all.”
Packer confirmed Rock was “freestyling” when he went off-script to make the Pinkett Smith joke, adding, “I said, ‘Watch this, he’s going to kill,’ because I knew he had an amazing lineup of jokes that we had. We had him in the prompter and ultimately he did not get to one joke. He...
Packer confirmed Rock was “freestyling” when he went off-script to make the Pinkett Smith joke, adding, “I said, ‘Watch this, he’s going to kill,’ because I knew he had an amazing lineup of jokes that we had. We had him in the prompter and ultimately he did not get to one joke. He...
- 4/1/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Oscars producer Will Packer is finally speaking out about the very intense scene that erupted backstage after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock across the face during Sunday night’s Oscars, including just how close Smith came to an actual arrest.
Breaking his silence in an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, Packer says Los Angeles Police Department officials were ready to take Smith into custody, but it was Rock who saved him from a trip to jail. The show airs on Friday at 7 a.m. Et.
“They were saying,...
Breaking his silence in an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, Packer says Los Angeles Police Department officials were ready to take Smith into custody, but it was Rock who saved him from a trip to jail. The show airs on Friday at 7 a.m. Et.
“They were saying,...
- 4/1/2022
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
From Will Smith to Cut Categories: How the Oscars Can Recover After Its Most Controversial Year Ever
Ask 100 people in the entertainment industry what the Academy Awards telecast should entail, and you’re bound to get 100 different opinions. But it’s safe to say that all 100 would agree that what happened at the Oscars on Sunday was not the way to go.
There was, of course, the specter of Will Smith smacking Chris Rock on the air, in retaliation for Rock’s “G.I. Jane 2” joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who is bald due to alopecia, a diagnosis she revealed in 2018. The incident, followed by Smith’s regretful-yet-defiant acceptance speech for best actor, vaporized excitement inside the Dolby Theatre and devoured any conversation about the Oscars online that was not about What Will Smith Just Did on Live TV. (Smith apologized to Rock and the Academy in a statement on Monday.)
“I think it’s incredibly disappointing,” says one Academy member, who spoke anonymously to remain candid.
There was, of course, the specter of Will Smith smacking Chris Rock on the air, in retaliation for Rock’s “G.I. Jane 2” joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who is bald due to alopecia, a diagnosis she revealed in 2018. The incident, followed by Smith’s regretful-yet-defiant acceptance speech for best actor, vaporized excitement inside the Dolby Theatre and devoured any conversation about the Oscars online that was not about What Will Smith Just Did on Live TV. (Smith apologized to Rock and the Academy in a statement on Monday.)
“I think it’s incredibly disappointing,” says one Academy member, who spoke anonymously to remain candid.
- 3/29/2022
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
2Nd Update, 9:25 Am: Will Smith has finally apologized to Chris Rock for slapping him during the live Oscar telecast on March 27, and now we have the final numbers for the 94th Academy Awards.
Inching up a touch from the fast nationals of yesterday morning, the very dramatic and historic 2022 Oscars captured 16.6 million viewers and a rating among adults 18-49 of 3.8.
While still the second least-watched and lowest-rated Academy Awards ever, Sunday’s Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall-hosted show is up nearly 60% in audience and 73% in the key demo from the hostless 2021 Oscars.
According to Nielsen time slot breakdowns, the 2022 Oscars saw no significant surge in viewers after the King Richard star took a whack at comic Rock for a crack about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair. There was jump of around 614,000 viewers in the 11 Pm – 11:14 Pm Et slot when Smith took the stage again for...
Inching up a touch from the fast nationals of yesterday morning, the very dramatic and historic 2022 Oscars captured 16.6 million viewers and a rating among adults 18-49 of 3.8.
While still the second least-watched and lowest-rated Academy Awards ever, Sunday’s Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall-hosted show is up nearly 60% in audience and 73% in the key demo from the hostless 2021 Oscars.
According to Nielsen time slot breakdowns, the 2022 Oscars saw no significant surge in viewers after the King Richard star took a whack at comic Rock for a crack about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair. There was jump of around 614,000 viewers in the 11 Pm – 11:14 Pm Et slot when Smith took the stage again for...
- 3/29/2022
- by Dominic Patten and Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Two years into a global pandemic, the 2022 Oscars initially appeared intent on becoming the Grammys tonight.
Kicking off with an introduction by the legendary Venus and Serena Williams and leaping immediately into a lime-drenched performance of the Oscar-nominated King Richard theme song by Beyoncé from the tennis courts of Compton, the 94th Academy Awards on ABC looked like a ceremony in search of an identity.
Hollywood Reacts To The Oscar Slap: Physical Assault, Say Many; “How We Do It”, Says Jaden Smith
Of course, amidst all the winners and performers, there is one shocking and disturbing moment that will define this year’s show and permanently stain the already struggling Academy Awards. That moment was a very unscripted, very real, and only-on-live-television moment when Will Smith went up onstage and hit Chris Rock hard for going off script and mocking Jada Pinkett Smith as he got ready to hand out the Documentary Feature Award.
Kicking off with an introduction by the legendary Venus and Serena Williams and leaping immediately into a lime-drenched performance of the Oscar-nominated King Richard theme song by Beyoncé from the tennis courts of Compton, the 94th Academy Awards on ABC looked like a ceremony in search of an identity.
Hollywood Reacts To The Oscar Slap: Physical Assault, Say Many; “How We Do It”, Says Jaden Smith
Of course, amidst all the winners and performers, there is one shocking and disturbing moment that will define this year’s show and permanently stain the already struggling Academy Awards. That moment was a very unscripted, very real, and only-on-live-television moment when Will Smith went up onstage and hit Chris Rock hard for going off script and mocking Jada Pinkett Smith as he got ready to hand out the Documentary Feature Award.
- 3/28/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Lin-Manuel Miranda will not be present at the Academy Awards on Sunday evening. The creative composer has elected against attending the Oscars ceremony at the Dolby Theater “out of caution” after learning that his wife, Vanessa Nadal, has recently tested positive for Covid-19.
Miranda revealed his decision through Twitter on Saturday afternoon, adding that he and his children continue to test negative for Covid-19.
“This weekend, my wife tested [positive] for Covid. She’s doing fine. Kids and I have tested [negative], but out of caution, I won’t be going to the Oscars tomorrow night,” Miranda wrote. “Cheering for my [Tick, Tick … Boom!] and Encanto families [with] my own family, alongside all of you, All of you.”
Made it to Hollywood…
This weekend, my wife tested ➕ for Covid.
She's doing fine. Kids & I have tested ➖, but out of caution, I won't be going to the Oscars tomorrow night. Cheering for my TickTickBoom & Encanto families w my own family,...
Miranda revealed his decision through Twitter on Saturday afternoon, adding that he and his children continue to test negative for Covid-19.
“This weekend, my wife tested [positive] for Covid. She’s doing fine. Kids and I have tested [negative], but out of caution, I won’t be going to the Oscars tomorrow night,” Miranda wrote. “Cheering for my [Tick, Tick … Boom!] and Encanto families [with] my own family, alongside all of you, All of you.”
Made it to Hollywood…
This weekend, my wife tested ➕ for Covid.
She's doing fine. Kids & I have tested ➖, but out of caution, I won't be going to the Oscars tomorrow night. Cheering for my TickTickBoom & Encanto families w my own family,...
- 3/26/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
The 94th Oscars are less than 24 hours away and it’s time to look at Wamg’s predictions!
Throughout the week, preparations have continued at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood for Tinseltown’s big night, The Academy Awards. These past few days Oscar producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan have announced that Beyoncé, Billie Eilish and Finneas, Reba McEntire and Sebastián Yatra will perform this year’s nominated songs on the 94th Oscars, the Academy will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first 007 movie and the 50th anniversary of “The Godfather” and a performance of the hit “Encanto” song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
The 94th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. Edt/5 p.m. Pdt and in more than 200 territories worldwide. American Sign Language (Asl) provided by Certified Deaf Interpreters,...
Throughout the week, preparations have continued at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood for Tinseltown’s big night, The Academy Awards. These past few days Oscar producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan have announced that Beyoncé, Billie Eilish and Finneas, Reba McEntire and Sebastián Yatra will perform this year’s nominated songs on the 94th Oscars, the Academy will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first 007 movie and the 50th anniversary of “The Godfather” and a performance of the hit “Encanto” song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
The 94th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. Edt/5 p.m. Pdt and in more than 200 territories worldwide. American Sign Language (Asl) provided by Certified Deaf Interpreters,...
- 3/26/2022
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
As Film Twitter is ready to consign Oscars 22 to the dustbin of failed Oscar shows, the creative team behind the March 27th Oscar telecast are promising a show that’s anything but ordinary. From sets that extend into the audience to a production mandate that’s all about keeping the kinetic energy flowing seamlessly through ever-changing stagecraft, producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan took a Thursday press conference to set the stage for an event that’s leaning on populist appeal while attempting not to further piss off riled-up cinephiles. “We are going to keep surprising you,” said Packer.
Controversially, eight categories will be presented before the live broadcast and edited into the live show, a move that’s meant to help keep things moving by forgoing tracking shots of winners making the long walk from their seats to the stage.
“One of the misperceptions is that things are being taken off the show,...
Controversially, eight categories will be presented before the live broadcast and edited into the live show, a move that’s meant to help keep things moving by forgoing tracking shots of winners making the long walk from their seats to the stage.
“One of the misperceptions is that things are being taken off the show,...
- 3/25/2022
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
The 94th Academy Awards is returning to the Dolby Theatre this Sunday, and Swarovski has teamed up with Emmy-award creative director and designer David Korins to provide 90,000 Swarovski Crystals for the stage design.
Perhaps the most dazzling aspect to Korins’ staging is the crystal curtain, which is made from Swarovski Crystals. “The beautiful thing about working with Swarovski Crystals is that you use them just the way they are. They shine and sparkle the way you want them to,” Korins tells Variety. “With Swarovski Crystals, there’s no need for scenic enhancements, what you want to do is accentuate what they are already meant to do and that is capture and reflect light beautifully.”
Korins’ stage design will also feature a dome, two floating orbs illuminated with strands of Swarovski Crystals and a swirling design. Producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan wanted a design that felt modern and fun.
Korins...
Perhaps the most dazzling aspect to Korins’ staging is the crystal curtain, which is made from Swarovski Crystals. “The beautiful thing about working with Swarovski Crystals is that you use them just the way they are. They shine and sparkle the way you want them to,” Korins tells Variety. “With Swarovski Crystals, there’s no need for scenic enhancements, what you want to do is accentuate what they are already meant to do and that is capture and reflect light beautifully.”
Korins’ stage design will also feature a dome, two floating orbs illuminated with strands of Swarovski Crystals and a swirling design. Producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan wanted a design that felt modern and fun.
Korins...
- 3/24/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
First live performance set for Encanto song ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’.
Will Packer, the show producer of the 2022 Oscars deflected a question about whether Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky would feature in this weekend’s 94th Academy Awards, by telling a press conference on Thursday (March 24) “The show is still in process.”
It emerged this week that co-host Amy Schumer wanted some kind of virtual participation by Zelensky, who has won admiration on the global stage for his defiant stance in the war with Russia. That idea was rejected and while Packer did not address the issue directly he said,...
Will Packer, the show producer of the 2022 Oscars deflected a question about whether Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky would feature in this weekend’s 94th Academy Awards, by telling a press conference on Thursday (March 24) “The show is still in process.”
It emerged this week that co-host Amy Schumer wanted some kind of virtual participation by Zelensky, who has won admiration on the global stage for his defiant stance in the war with Russia. That idea was rejected and while Packer did not address the issue directly he said,...
- 3/24/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The 94th Academy Awards are just three days away and this afternoon producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan, hosts Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall, director Glenn Weiss, musical director Adam Blackstone and production designer David Korins took questions from the press about the telecast. A ceremony that has already upset members of the Academy over how eight categories will be incorporated into the broadcast.
Continue reading Oscars 2022: Everything We Now Know About The Telecast at The Playlist.
Continue reading Oscars 2022: Everything We Now Know About The Telecast at The Playlist.
- 3/24/2022
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
We don’t talk about Bruno. But we do sing about him. And that is what Encanto cast members will do this Sunday at the Oscars, in a first-ever live performance of the breakout song from Disney’s Academy Award-nominated, animated hit.
Oscars producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan announced on Thursday afternoon that Encanto cast members Adassa (who voiced Dolores), Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel), Mauro Castillo (Felix), Carolina Gaitan (Pepa) and Diane Guerrero (Isabela) — along with Becky G and Luis “Despacito” Fonsi, for good measure — are set to perform “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” during Sunday’s telecast on ABC.
Oscars producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan announced on Thursday afternoon that Encanto cast members Adassa (who voiced Dolores), Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel), Mauro Castillo (Felix), Carolina Gaitan (Pepa) and Diane Guerrero (Isabela) — along with Becky G and Luis “Despacito” Fonsi, for good measure — are set to perform “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” during Sunday’s telecast on ABC.
- 3/24/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Will Packer, the producer of this year’s Oscars telecast, said the annual celebration of movies is working to create a more streamlined and television-friendly experience. It’s one that will embrace social media, with Packer telling journalists on Thursday that allowing fans to vote on their favorite movie of the year on Twitter will help democratize the experience. As part of that effort a special award, dubbed the Oscars fan favorite prize, will be handed out on Sunday.
“It just helps to augment what is already a show that’s all about elevating the best of community building,” said Packer. “It creates a two-way dialogue and is more inclusive because the Oscars always felt so stuffy and so one-percenter.”
But some of Packer’s moves have been controversial. Among the changes to the telecast is a decision to present eight categories, including awards for sound, documentary short, and editing,...
“It just helps to augment what is already a show that’s all about elevating the best of community building,” said Packer. “It creates a two-way dialogue and is more inclusive because the Oscars always felt so stuffy and so one-percenter.”
But some of Packer’s moves have been controversial. Among the changes to the telecast is a decision to present eight categories, including awards for sound, documentary short, and editing,...
- 3/24/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
In a year of controversy and a self-described untypical Oscars, co-host Wanda Sykes on Thursday promised there would be some jabs in Sunday’s ceremony, but no one will get hurt.
“We’re trying to stayed aligned with the themes,” The Good Fight alum said today of the uniting power of film at a virtual press conference for the 94th Academy Awards.. “We aren’t going to trash anyone – satire but not mean-spirited,” Sykes added.
However, never one to let a good joke go, Sykes wasn’t entirely done, noting how hard it is to keep things PG and kind-hearted.
“Regina, we got to hold her back sometimes, she goes for the jugular,” the Upshaws star said of co-host and Girls Trip star Regina Hall.
Sitting next to Sykes, Hall had her own take on working with both Sykes and Amy Schumer and Sunday’s show.
“What’s been fun...
“We’re trying to stayed aligned with the themes,” The Good Fight alum said today of the uniting power of film at a virtual press conference for the 94th Academy Awards.. “We aren’t going to trash anyone – satire but not mean-spirited,” Sykes added.
However, never one to let a good joke go, Sykes wasn’t entirely done, noting how hard it is to keep things PG and kind-hearted.
“Regina, we got to hold her back sometimes, she goes for the jugular,” the Upshaws star said of co-host and Girls Trip star Regina Hall.
Sitting next to Sykes, Hall had her own take on working with both Sykes and Amy Schumer and Sunday’s show.
“What’s been fun...
- 3/24/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
In a letter to members this morning Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Dawn Hudson says the 94th Oscars have had the biggest voting turnout in Academy history.
Although PricewaterhouseCooopers, AMPAS’ longtime accounting firm, never releases specific results in terms of vote totals for winners and nominees, it does give Academy execs the info on turnout in terms of numbers of members, across 82 countries and 17 branches, who participated. There are currently 9,487 eligible voting members in the Academy. Final voting closed at 5 p.m. Pt on Tuesday.
Here is the letter:
Thank you once again for voting. This year—the 94th—we had the highest voting turnout in Academy history from our members in 82 countries! And bravo to all the filmmakers who inspired such passion.
Honor your fellow artists by tuning in on Oscars Sunday, March 27, at 8pm Et / 5pm Pt on ABC. “Movie Lovers Unite” has been the...
Although PricewaterhouseCooopers, AMPAS’ longtime accounting firm, never releases specific results in terms of vote totals for winners and nominees, it does give Academy execs the info on turnout in terms of numbers of members, across 82 countries and 17 branches, who participated. There are currently 9,487 eligible voting members in the Academy. Final voting closed at 5 p.m. Pt on Tuesday.
Here is the letter:
Thank you once again for voting. This year—the 94th—we had the highest voting turnout in Academy history from our members in 82 countries! And bravo to all the filmmakers who inspired such passion.
Honor your fellow artists by tuning in on Oscars Sunday, March 27, at 8pm Et / 5pm Pt on ABC. “Movie Lovers Unite” has been the...
- 3/24/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Rachel Zegler Confirmed to Present at Oscars, Plus Venus and Serena Williams, Jacob Elordi, and More
After much ado over whether or not she would be invited to the ceremony at all, “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler has now been confirmed as a presenter at the 94th annual Academy Awards, taking place this Sunday, March 27 and to be broadcast on ABC beginning at 5 pm Pt. Did Zegler’s invite get lost in the mail? The actress, who plays Maria in Steven Spielberg’s Best Picture-nominated revamp of the beloved musical and next leads Disney’s live-action “Snow White,” revealed earlier this week that she wasn’t originally asked to attend the ceremony.
But now she’s set to take to the Oscars stage as a presenter, along with Jacob Elordi, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jill Scott, J.K. Simmons, and Serena and Venus Williams (previously singled out by Jane Campion in a controversial Critics Choice Awards speech), as the Academy announced on Wednesday evening. Josh Brolin and Jason Momoa...
But now she’s set to take to the Oscars stage as a presenter, along with Jacob Elordi, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jill Scott, J.K. Simmons, and Serena and Venus Williams (previously singled out by Jane Campion in a controversial Critics Choice Awards speech), as the Academy announced on Wednesday evening. Josh Brolin and Jason Momoa...
- 3/23/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
“Tick, Tick … Boom!” star Vanessa Hudgens, “Are You The One” host Terrence J and fashion designer Brandon Maxwell will host the “The Oscars Red Carpet Show,” the official pre-show for the 94th Oscars on Sunday, March 27, producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan announced Wednesday. “The Oscars Red Carpet Show” will air at 6:30 p.m. Et/3:30 p.m. Pt on ABC.
Before the Academy Awards begin at 8 p.m. Et, the 90-minute special will showcase Oscar nominees, performers and presenters with a sneak peek at Hollywood’s biggest night, including a special appearance by DJ M.O.S. The “Red Carpet Show” is executive produced by David Chamberlin and Michael Antinoro, alongside Packer and Cowan.
In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, the Academy Awards have announced a star-filled night of presenters, including Elliot Page, Bill Murray, Jennifer Garner, Stephanie Beatriz, DJ Khaled, H.E.R., Tiffany Haddish, Tony Hawk,...
Before the Academy Awards begin at 8 p.m. Et, the 90-minute special will showcase Oscar nominees, performers and presenters with a sneak peek at Hollywood’s biggest night, including a special appearance by DJ M.O.S. The “Red Carpet Show” is executive produced by David Chamberlin and Michael Antinoro, alongside Packer and Cowan.
In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, the Academy Awards have announced a star-filled night of presenters, including Elliot Page, Bill Murray, Jennifer Garner, Stephanie Beatriz, DJ Khaled, H.E.R., Tiffany Haddish, Tony Hawk,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscars Red Carpet Show will be hosted this year by Vanessa Hudgens, Terrence J, and Brandon Maxwell, it was revealed on Wednesday by producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan. The 90-minute special kicks off on March 27 at 6:30 p.m. Edt/3:30 p.m. Pdt via ABC.
In addition to their live red carpet coverage, the trio will also highlight the 94th Academy Award nominees, performers, and presenters, while giving viewers a sneak peek behind the scenes of the celebration. The show will also feature a special appearance by DJ M.O.S.
The Oscars’ live show, hosted by Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes, and Amy Schumer, will follow the special, airing live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood starting at 8 p.m. Edt/5 p.m. Pdt.
Recently announced presenters include Stephanie Beatriz, DJ Khaled, Jennifer Garner, H.E.R., Tiffany Haddish, Tony Hawk, Bill Murray, Elliot Page, Kelly Slater, Shaun White,...
In addition to their live red carpet coverage, the trio will also highlight the 94th Academy Award nominees, performers, and presenters, while giving viewers a sneak peek behind the scenes of the celebration. The show will also feature a special appearance by DJ M.O.S.
The Oscars’ live show, hosted by Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes, and Amy Schumer, will follow the special, airing live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood starting at 8 p.m. Edt/5 p.m. Pdt.
Recently announced presenters include Stephanie Beatriz, DJ Khaled, Jennifer Garner, H.E.R., Tiffany Haddish, Tony Hawk, Bill Murray, Elliot Page, Kelly Slater, Shaun White,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar producer Will Packer is in good spirits about producing this year’s 94th telecast. Like everyone globally, he’s spent the past two years having existential thoughts regarding his legacy, influence and priorities. But, a Hollywood outsider, Packer could be the right man for the job.
Packer and the Academy have received criticism following the announcement that eight categories, three shorts and five artisan, will be pre-recorded and edited into the live telecast for viewers at home. He says he has empathy and respect for the craftspeople. Still, he decided to treat the show as an entertainment property, saying: “I’m going to do the best I can to treat this show with the reverence and respect I think it deserves, but I’m also going to try to make an entertaining show.”
He compares creating a newly envisioned Oscars to the Super Bowl. “The NFL can never control who plays in the game,...
Packer and the Academy have received criticism following the announcement that eight categories, three shorts and five artisan, will be pre-recorded and edited into the live telecast for viewers at home. He says he has empathy and respect for the craftspeople. Still, he decided to treat the show as an entertainment property, saying: “I’m going to do the best I can to treat this show with the reverence and respect I think it deserves, but I’m also going to try to make an entertaining show.”
He compares creating a newly envisioned Oscars to the Super Bowl. “The NFL can never control who plays in the game,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
What had been rumored has now come true: Beyoncé will indeed perform at the Oscars March 27.
Though whether she will from the tennis court in Compton where Venus and Serena Williams are believed to have trained in the early ’90s, as seen in the film “King Richard,” wasn’t confirmed by the Academy Tuesday night. That’s when the organization announced who would be singing the Best Original Song nominees at Sunday’s ceremony.
Beyoncé will be performing “Be Alive” from “King Richard,” for which she is nominated alongside Dixson. Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas will be performing their song nominee “No Time to Die” from the James Bond film of the same name. As will Sebastián Yatra for “Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto”. Meanwhile, perpetual Oscar underdog Diane Warren’s “Somehow You Do” from “Four Good Days” will be performed by Reba McEntire.
Of note, Van Morrison, nominated for “Down to Joy” from “Belfast,...
Though whether she will from the tennis court in Compton where Venus and Serena Williams are believed to have trained in the early ’90s, as seen in the film “King Richard,” wasn’t confirmed by the Academy Tuesday night. That’s when the organization announced who would be singing the Best Original Song nominees at Sunday’s ceremony.
Beyoncé will be performing “Be Alive” from “King Richard,” for which she is nominated alongside Dixson. Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas will be performing their song nominee “No Time to Die” from the James Bond film of the same name. As will Sebastián Yatra for “Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto”. Meanwhile, perpetual Oscar underdog Diane Warren’s “Somehow You Do” from “Four Good Days” will be performed by Reba McEntire.
Of note, Van Morrison, nominated for “Down to Joy” from “Belfast,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson and Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
The Oscars have announced the musical performers for this year’s nominees for best original song, which will include Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Finneas, Reba McEntire and Sebastián Yatra. Four of the five songs will be performed, while nominee Van Morrison, who penned and sang “Down to Joy” from “Belfast,” was invited but will not attend the ceremony due to his tour schedule. As a result, the song will not be performed on the broadcast.
Final voting for the 94th Oscars ended at 5 p.m. Pt today, and the original song race is one of the most competitive of the night. The nominated songs and credited songwriters this year are: “Be Alive” from “King Richard” (music and lyrics by Dixson and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter), “Dos Origuitas” from “Encanto” (music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda), “Down to Joy” from “Belfast” (music and lyrics by Van Morrison), “No Time to Die” from “No Time to Die...
Final voting for the 94th Oscars ended at 5 p.m. Pt today, and the original song race is one of the most competitive of the night. The nominated songs and credited songwriters this year are: “Be Alive” from “King Richard” (music and lyrics by Dixson and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter), “Dos Origuitas” from “Encanto” (music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda), “Down to Joy” from “Belfast” (music and lyrics by Van Morrison), “No Time to Die” from “No Time to Die...
- 3/23/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
As Deadline broke Monday, Beyoncé has now been officially confirmed to sing in one of the slots of Best Original Song contenders on the 94th Oscars on Sunday. As noted in the Deadline article, speculation is her performance of the nominated song (co-written with Dixson) called “Be Alive” from King Richard will take place via satellite from a Compton tennis court. That aspect, however, was not in the Academy’s long-awaited announcement today of plans for the Best Song presentations on the ABC Oscarcast.
As my colleague Mike Fleming noted, the formal announcement would come after voting closed Tuesday, and indeed it did — exactly at 5 p.m. Pt, which is the same moment ballots had to be in to PricewaterhouseCoopers. The campaign is over. All that is left now is the show itself.
The Best Song performance lineup as expected also includes Billie Eilish and Finneas with “No Time To Die,...
As my colleague Mike Fleming noted, the formal announcement would come after voting closed Tuesday, and indeed it did — exactly at 5 p.m. Pt, which is the same moment ballots had to be in to PricewaterhouseCoopers. The campaign is over. All that is left now is the show itself.
The Best Song performance lineup as expected also includes Billie Eilish and Finneas with “No Time To Die,...
- 3/22/2022
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, March 21: DJ Khaled, Jennifer Garner, H.E.R., Tiffany Haddish, Stephanie Beatriz, Tony Hawk, Bill Murray, Elliot Page, Kelly Slater, and Shaun White will present at the 94th Academy Awards.
Updated, March 15: Samuel L. Jackson, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Shawn Mendes, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tyler Perry, and “The Little Mermaid” star Halle Bailey are set to present at the 2022 Oscars.
Updated, March 11: Daniel Kaluuya (last year’s Best Supporting Actor winner for “Judas and the Black Messiah”), Mila Kunis, Lupita Nyong’o (Best Supporting Actress winner for “12 Years a Slave”), Naomi Scott, Wesley Snipes, and John Travolta have all been added as Oscars presenters at the 94th Academy Awards on March 27.
Updated, March 8: Ruth E. Carter (Oscar-winning costume designer of “Black Panther”), Anthony Hopkins (last year’s Best Actor winner for “The Father”), Lily James, John Leguizamo, Simu Liu, Rami Malek (Best Actor...
Updated, March 15: Samuel L. Jackson, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Shawn Mendes, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tyler Perry, and “The Little Mermaid” star Halle Bailey are set to present at the 2022 Oscars.
Updated, March 11: Daniel Kaluuya (last year’s Best Supporting Actor winner for “Judas and the Black Messiah”), Mila Kunis, Lupita Nyong’o (Best Supporting Actress winner for “12 Years a Slave”), Naomi Scott, Wesley Snipes, and John Travolta have all been added as Oscars presenters at the 94th Academy Awards on March 27.
Updated, March 8: Ruth E. Carter (Oscar-winning costume designer of “Black Panther”), Anthony Hopkins (last year’s Best Actor winner for “The Father”), Lily James, John Leguizamo, Simu Liu, Rami Malek (Best Actor...
- 3/21/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Amy Schumer is co-hosting the 94th Academy Awards with Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes, and she’s revealed at least one idea she planned for the upcoming ceremony: having Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy appear during the ceremony via satellite or a pre-taped video segment. The 2022 Oscars will take place while Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, and many celebrities have raises millions of dollars for Ukrainian aid.
“I think there is definitely pressure in one way to be like, ‘This is a vacation, let people forget we just want to have this night,’ but it is like, ‘Well we have so many eyes and ears on this show,’” Schumer told Drew Barrymore on an upcoming episode of her eponymous daytime talk snow (via Et Canada). “I think it’s a great opportunity to at least comment on a couple of things. I have some jokes that kind of highlight the sort of current condition.
“I think there is definitely pressure in one way to be like, ‘This is a vacation, let people forget we just want to have this night,’ but it is like, ‘Well we have so many eyes and ears on this show,’” Schumer told Drew Barrymore on an upcoming episode of her eponymous daytime talk snow (via Et Canada). “I think it’s a great opportunity to at least comment on a couple of things. I have some jokes that kind of highlight the sort of current condition.
- 3/21/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscars on Friday set some of the musicians who will perform on the live ABC ceremony on March 27 from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Oscarcast producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan said an “all-star band” will feature the show’s music director Adam Blackstone, blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, percussionist and singer Sheila E. and pianist Robert Glasper. Organizers said an orchestra will also return to the telecast.
DJ D-Nice has also been set to perform during the show, and has been tapped to perform at the Academy’s post-Oscar Governors Ball gala. The Samples, a vocal group led by Jason White, also will appear on the Oscarcast.
There have been no announcements yet from producers about what songs may be performed during the telecast; organizers have been quiet about who might participate from an A-list roster of Original Song nominees that include big names Beyoncé, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Van Morrison...
Oscarcast producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan said an “all-star band” will feature the show’s music director Adam Blackstone, blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, percussionist and singer Sheila E. and pianist Robert Glasper. Organizers said an orchestra will also return to the telecast.
DJ D-Nice has also been set to perform during the show, and has been tapped to perform at the Academy’s post-Oscar Governors Ball gala. The Samples, a vocal group led by Jason White, also will appear on the Oscarcast.
There have been no announcements yet from producers about what songs may be performed during the telecast; organizers have been quiet about who might participate from an A-list roster of Original Song nominees that include big names Beyoncé, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Van Morrison...
- 3/18/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
We’re just over a week away from the 94th Annual Academy Awards, and now producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan are announcing the first batch of artists taking the stage as 2022 Oscars musical performers. An All-Star Band consisting of Oscars music director Adam Blackstone, blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, singer and percussionist Sheila E., and pianist Robert Glasper will perform, along with the Jason White-led vocal group The Samples and the return of a live orchestra. In addition to the ceremony, DJ D-Nice will perform at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science’s post-show celebration, the Governors Ball. On Friday, March 18, the DJ will be joined by special guests as he hosts the Oscars Club Quarantine party, which viewers can check out live on his and The Academy’s Instagram pages from 6:30 to 8 pm Pdt. The details of these performances are currently kept under wraps, but...
- 3/18/2022
- TV Insider
The Oscars will feature an unusual all-star band starring Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, legendary singer-percussionist Sheila E. and iconic jazz pianist Robert Glasper along with musical director Adam Blackstone, show producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan announced. The Oscars air live on ABC and broadcast outlets worldwide on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at 8 p.m. Et/ 5 p.m. Pt.
Barker is one of the most in-demand producers and drummers in the rock world, appearing recently with Machine Gun Kelly, among many others. Sheila E. is perhaps best known for her work with Prince, but is an established solo performer who came up in the legendary Bay Area musical family the Escovedos and had performed with Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock and Lionel Richie by the time she was in her early 20s. Glasper is an innovative and highly respected jazz keyboardist who figures prominently in the recent book “Dilla Time,” about the late J.
Barker is one of the most in-demand producers and drummers in the rock world, appearing recently with Machine Gun Kelly, among many others. Sheila E. is perhaps best known for her work with Prince, but is an established solo performer who came up in the legendary Bay Area musical family the Escovedos and had performed with Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock and Lionel Richie by the time she was in her early 20s. Glasper is an innovative and highly respected jazz keyboardist who figures prominently in the recent book “Dilla Time,” about the late J.
- 3/18/2022
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Show producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan today announced additional presenters for the 94th Oscars®. The star lineup includes Halle Bailey, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Shawn Mendes, Tyler Perry and Tracee Ellis Ross. “The Oscars” will air live on ABC and broadcast outlets worldwide on Sunday, March 27, […]
The post Halle Berry, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson & Samuel L. Jackson To Be Presenters At ’94th Oscars’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post Halle Berry, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson & Samuel L. Jackson To Be Presenters At ’94th Oscars’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 3/15/2022
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Oscarcast producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan have opened the envelope on the first batch of presenters for the 94th Academy Awards. And the Oscar-presenter job goes to … Kevin Costner, Zoë Kravitz, Lady Gaga, Rosie Perez, Chris Rock and Yuh-Jung Youn.
“Movies inspire us, entertain us and unite us across the globe,” Packer said. “That’s the precise goal of the show this year, and we’re thrilled to welcome the first of a stellar lineup joining the Oscars stage to help us celebrate the power of film and honor the year’s best in filmmaking.”
Yellowstone’s Costner, The Batman’s Kravitz, House of Gucci’s Gaga, Birds of Prey‘s Perez, Fargo’s Rock and Minari‘s Youn make up the first group of announced presenters. The producers will announce more talent joining the show in the coming weeks. The show traditionally brings back the previous year’s...
“Movies inspire us, entertain us and unite us across the globe,” Packer said. “That’s the precise goal of the show this year, and we’re thrilled to welcome the first of a stellar lineup joining the Oscars stage to help us celebrate the power of film and honor the year’s best in filmmaking.”
Yellowstone’s Costner, The Batman’s Kravitz, House of Gucci’s Gaga, Birds of Prey‘s Perez, Fargo’s Rock and Minari‘s Youn make up the first group of announced presenters. The producers will announce more talent joining the show in the coming weeks. The show traditionally brings back the previous year’s...
- 3/3/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The 94th annual Academy Awards may have some triaging to do this year when the ceremony, after another protracted awards season, bows on March 27. Last year’s event took place on the very late date of April 27 due to the ongoing pandemic, and in downtown LA’s union station to a much smaller guest list. This year’s ceremony, produced by Hollywood polymath Will Packer, will return to its roots at the Dolby Theatre. But a recent recap of television ratings for 2021 compiled by Variety paints a bleak picture for viewership.
While 2020’s numbers the year “Parasite” won were considered to be a new all-time low (23.6 million), the April 2021 telecast drew just 10.4 million viewers, plunging nearly 60 percent. The 2020 show was no. 2 most-watched “entertainment” telecast — behind a Super Bowl airing of “The Masked Singer.”
This year’s Oscars telecast didn’t even crack the top 100 overall, with more viewers tuning into...
While 2020’s numbers the year “Parasite” won were considered to be a new all-time low (23.6 million), the April 2021 telecast drew just 10.4 million viewers, plunging nearly 60 percent. The 2020 show was no. 2 most-watched “entertainment” telecast — behind a Super Bowl airing of “The Masked Singer.”
This year’s Oscars telecast didn’t even crack the top 100 overall, with more viewers tuning into...
- 1/2/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) leadership introduced a resolution at a scheduled Board of Governors meeting today to begin holding annual meetings for the entire Oscar membership of more than 10,000 industry professionals.
The Board of Governors responded with enthusiastic support, which aligns with their ongoing strategy to keep all of its members engaged and informed. These types of meetings have been held in the past, but this is intended to invite a meaningful exchange among its members and make an annual meeting official moving forward.
The new resolution read as follows:
“A meeting of the members of AMPAS shall be held annually in the second quarter of the calendar year, in the Country of Los Angeles, virtually and/or in person, as the Board of Governors may designate, the purpose of considering the affairs of the Academy. Members may submit written questions in advance of the...
The Board of Governors responded with enthusiastic support, which aligns with their ongoing strategy to keep all of its members engaged and informed. These types of meetings have been held in the past, but this is intended to invite a meaningful exchange among its members and make an annual meeting official moving forward.
The new resolution read as follows:
“A meeting of the members of AMPAS shall be held annually in the second quarter of the calendar year, in the Country of Los Angeles, virtually and/or in person, as the Board of Governors may designate, the purpose of considering the affairs of the Academy. Members may submit written questions in advance of the...
- 10/5/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Organisation eager to stop ratings decline.
Hollywood and TV producer Will Packer is the Academy’s latest pick to produce the Oscars telecast in the organisation’s ongoing battle to make the ceremony broadly appealing amid an ongoing ratings decline.
Packer will take charge of the 94th Academy Awards on March 27 2022. He founded Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media and has produced or served as executive producer on the likes of Straight Outta Compton, What Men Want, the Ride Along films, the Roots remake, Blackballed and That Girl Lay Lay.
Shayla Cowan, chief of staff of Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media,...
Hollywood and TV producer Will Packer is the Academy’s latest pick to produce the Oscars telecast in the organisation’s ongoing battle to make the ceremony broadly appealing amid an ongoing ratings decline.
Packer will take charge of the 94th Academy Awards on March 27 2022. He founded Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media and has produced or served as executive producer on the likes of Straight Outta Compton, What Men Want, the Ride Along films, the Roots remake, Blackballed and That Girl Lay Lay.
Shayla Cowan, chief of staff of Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media,...
- 10/5/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Will Packer has been named Producer of the 94th Annual Academy Awards, set for March 27.
This will be the first Oscar show to be produced by Packer, a prolific producer of numerous films and TV projects including Straight Outta Compton, Ride Along, Girls Trip, the Think Like a Man films and the television remake of Roots, for which he received an Emmy nomination. But his credits do not include a lot of live TV projects, so taking on the Oscars will be a relatively new experience. His wide-ranging credits in comedy give hope that he also will be creating a fun Academy Awards.
The Academy clearly is looking for fresh ideas and new directions after the pandemic-affected, critically derided and record-low-rated 2021 telecast produced by the trio of Steven Soderbergh, Stacey Sher and Jesse Collins. Of course the ratings collapse of that show, which was delayed to April 25, was not entirely...
This will be the first Oscar show to be produced by Packer, a prolific producer of numerous films and TV projects including Straight Outta Compton, Ride Along, Girls Trip, the Think Like a Man films and the television remake of Roots, for which he received an Emmy nomination. But his credits do not include a lot of live TV projects, so taking on the Oscars will be a relatively new experience. His wide-ranging credits in comedy give hope that he also will be creating a fun Academy Awards.
The Academy clearly is looking for fresh ideas and new directions after the pandemic-affected, critically derided and record-low-rated 2021 telecast produced by the trio of Steven Soderbergh, Stacey Sher and Jesse Collins. Of course the ratings collapse of that show, which was delayed to April 25, was not entirely...
- 10/5/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Packer will produce the 94th Oscars. He takes the reins of the show at a time when the broadcast and those of other awards shows are struggling to remain relevant. Last year’s telecast, which took place in the shadow of the Covid pandemic and at a time when the global box office was a shadow of itself, drew 9.23 million viewers, a 51% drop from the 18.69 million who tuned into the program in 2020. It represented a new low in viewership.
Packer has shown a deft touch identifying and producing projects that are broadly commercial. His credits include “Girls Trip,” “Straight Outta Compton,” and “Ride Along.” His television work includes “That Girl Lay Lay,” “Blackballed,” “Ambitions,” “Bigger,” “Being Mary Jane,” “Uncle Buck” and the remake of “Roots,” for which he received an Emmy nomination. He is the founder and CEO of film production company Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media,...
Packer has shown a deft touch identifying and producing projects that are broadly commercial. His credits include “Girls Trip,” “Straight Outta Compton,” and “Ride Along.” His television work includes “That Girl Lay Lay,” “Blackballed,” “Ambitions,” “Bigger,” “Being Mary Jane,” “Uncle Buck” and the remake of “Roots,” for which he received an Emmy nomination. He is the founder and CEO of film production company Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media,...
- 10/5/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Following in the footsteps as such big names as Steven Soderbergh, Jesse Collins, Stacey Sher, Lynette Howell Taylor, Stephanie Allain, and Donna Gigliotti, Hollywood multi-hyphenate Will Packer will produce the 94th Oscars. Shayla Cowan, chief of staff of Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, will serve as co-producer alongside Packer. The move marks Packer’s first involvement with the Oscars, which will air live on ABC and broadcast outlets worldwide on Sunday, March 27, 2022.
“Will is a powerhouse producer who has enjoyed success across all movie genres. He’s already bringing a boundless energy and a focus on innovation to this year’s Oscars, to entertain the widest spectrum of fans. Many wonderful surprises ahead!,” said Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in an official statement.
Added Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, “There is no one better than Will Packer to celebrate our collective love for cinema.
“Will is a powerhouse producer who has enjoyed success across all movie genres. He’s already bringing a boundless energy and a focus on innovation to this year’s Oscars, to entertain the widest spectrum of fans. Many wonderful surprises ahead!,” said Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in an official statement.
Added Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, “There is no one better than Will Packer to celebrate our collective love for cinema.
- 10/5/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
In the upcoming comedy “Little,” Regina Hall stars as the alpha adult version of the character and Marsai Martin (“Black-ish”) is her 13-year-old bespectacled inner nerd. The movie is already garnering attention because it turned Martin into Hollywood’s youngest executive producer. Will Packer, another exec producer on the film, helped Martin make history and is no stranger to success. His Will Packer Prods. has a cluster of blockbusters — including 10 that premiered at No. 1 — with a combined gross of more than $1 billion worldwide.
“I spend a lot of time thinking about audiences and holes in the marketplace for those who aren’t being served,” says Packer, a jaunty old soul whose wise smile and natty collection of hats and pocket squares belie his age. He turns 45 this month. “That’s the manifestation of me spending a lot of time instinctually being involved with creating stuff that’s going to speak...
“I spend a lot of time thinking about audiences and holes in the marketplace for those who aren’t being served,” says Packer, a jaunty old soul whose wise smile and natty collection of hats and pocket squares belie his age. He turns 45 this month. “That’s the manifestation of me spending a lot of time instinctually being involved with creating stuff that’s going to speak...
- 4/11/2019
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- Variety Film + TV
Will Packer has appointed Shayla Cowan as Chief of Staff of Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media. She will be tasked with managing and overseeing all operational and administrative activities of both companies, continuing in her role of advising Packer and supporting the development and production of his films, TV series, digital programming and other projects.
Cowan, who started out as a crew member on Packer’s 2010 film Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming, had been Packer’s executive assistant. She has associate producer credits on Packer pics Girls Trip and Night School, Little, What Men Want, Breaking In and Almost Christmas.
She also earned film credits for Think Like a Man and Ride Along and their sequels, No Good Deed, Wedding Ringer and Straight Outta Compton.
Packer’s films have grossed more than $1 billion and 10 have opened at No. 1 at the box office.
Cowan, who started out as a crew member on Packer’s 2010 film Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming, had been Packer’s executive assistant. She has associate producer credits on Packer pics Girls Trip and Night School, Little, What Men Want, Breaking In and Almost Christmas.
She also earned film credits for Think Like a Man and Ride Along and their sequels, No Good Deed, Wedding Ringer and Straight Outta Compton.
Packer’s films have grossed more than $1 billion and 10 have opened at No. 1 at the box office.
- 12/5/2018
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
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