Exclusive: Netflix’s new feature Boss Dan Lin has tapped former DreamWorks Animation and Coyote Vs. Acme producer Chris deFaria to consult for the streamer’s animation department, we hear on very good authority.
Lin and deFaria worked together on the mega success of The Lego Movie when the duo were at Warners. Essentially, what is being sorted at Netflix is how to eventize their animation movies more. The streamer, together with Annapurna, saved the Blue Sky axed Disney LGBTQ+ movie Nimona, a casualty of the Disney-Fox merger; the pic wound up getting an Oscar nomination for Animated Feature.
Animation reports into Lin. Karen Toliver serves as VP of Animated Film.
At Warners deFaria worked as the president of Animation and Innovative Technology. He held that position for four years between 2013 and 2017, which included co-oversight of the studio’s Warner Animation Group. While at Warners, deFaria’s credits included Man of Steel,...
Lin and deFaria worked together on the mega success of The Lego Movie when the duo were at Warners. Essentially, what is being sorted at Netflix is how to eventize their animation movies more. The streamer, together with Annapurna, saved the Blue Sky axed Disney LGBTQ+ movie Nimona, a casualty of the Disney-Fox merger; the pic wound up getting an Oscar nomination for Animated Feature.
Animation reports into Lin. Karen Toliver serves as VP of Animated Film.
At Warners deFaria worked as the president of Animation and Innovative Technology. He held that position for four years between 2013 and 2017, which included co-oversight of the studio’s Warner Animation Group. While at Warners, deFaria’s credits included Man of Steel,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Thanksgiving weekend featured an animation face-off between a titan of the industry, the 100-year-old Walt Disney Animation Studios, and a relative upstart, Netflix, which only started releasing its own animated features in 2019.
Disney’s holiday movie, “Wish,” was a musical extravaganza featuring the watercolor backgrounds of the studio’s past combined with cutting-edge CGI, while Netflix’s “Leo” was a more budget-conscious musical set in modern-day Florida.
It was a showdown of theatrical versus streaming, legacy studio versus blustery upstart, fairy tale versus contemporary storytelling. And the results were startling.
While “Wish” came in third at the box office with a disappointing $31.6 million, the Adam Sandler-starring “Leo” debuted to 34.6 million views (which is hours viewed divided by total runtime), according to Netflix, which in box office terms equaled a haul of around $500 million for its opening weekend, one insider with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. “Leo” has been...
Disney’s holiday movie, “Wish,” was a musical extravaganza featuring the watercolor backgrounds of the studio’s past combined with cutting-edge CGI, while Netflix’s “Leo” was a more budget-conscious musical set in modern-day Florida.
It was a showdown of theatrical versus streaming, legacy studio versus blustery upstart, fairy tale versus contemporary storytelling. And the results were startling.
While “Wish” came in third at the box office with a disappointing $31.6 million, the Adam Sandler-starring “Leo” debuted to 34.6 million views (which is hours viewed divided by total runtime), according to Netflix, which in box office terms equaled a haul of around $500 million for its opening weekend, one insider with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap. “Leo” has been...
- 12/11/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Skydance Animation has signed a multiyear pact with Netflix to develop and produce animated movies for the streamer. First up for release under the deal is Spellbound, a title that was previously set up at Apple, where Skydance Animation signed a pact in 2021. Now, the animation arm of the David Ellison-run studio has found a new streaming home at a time when Netflix is restructuring its animation efforts.
Apple and the John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation have parted ways, with the latter bringing its full existing animation slate to Netflix. In addition to Spellbound, which voice stars Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem and features music from Alan Menkin, Netflix will release the once Apple-bound Pookoo from Tangled director Nathan Greno. Spellbound is due out in 2024, with Pookoo hitting the service a year later.
The Skydance and Netflix slate also includes Ray Gunn, directed by Pixar alum Brad Bird,...
Apple and the John Lasseter-led Skydance Animation have parted ways, with the latter bringing its full existing animation slate to Netflix. In addition to Spellbound, which voice stars Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem and features music from Alan Menkin, Netflix will release the once Apple-bound Pookoo from Tangled director Nathan Greno. Spellbound is due out in 2024, with Pookoo hitting the service a year later.
The Skydance and Netflix slate also includes Ray Gunn, directed by Pixar alum Brad Bird,...
- 10/18/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix’s animation unit and the film slate it controls will undergo a restructure, resulting in job cuts and the shutdown of two films currently in pre-production. As a result of the reorg, the streamer is looking to recruit outside deals to keep its animated content volume consistent.
Final headcounts on pink slips were not immediately clear but are expected to be handed down in the coming weeks. A Netflix spokesperson confirmed the plans but did not provide further comment on the matter.
After she was named animation vice president in February 2022, executive Karen Toliver has been tweaking the long-term strategy for the group that is still committed to a robust slate, per insiders. To that end, the division is exploring output deal offers to third-party producers to air their animated works on the service. Specific companies or producers being courted were not immediately known.
Two slate projects have put into turnaround,...
Final headcounts on pink slips were not immediately clear but are expected to be handed down in the coming weeks. A Netflix spokesperson confirmed the plans but did not provide further comment on the matter.
After she was named animation vice president in February 2022, executive Karen Toliver has been tweaking the long-term strategy for the group that is still committed to a robust slate, per insiders. To that end, the division is exploring output deal offers to third-party producers to air their animated works on the service. Specific companies or producers being courted were not immediately known.
Two slate projects have put into turnaround,...
- 10/11/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Max has released the official trailer for Young Love, the animated series spinoff of the Oscar-winning short Hair Love. The 12-episode season premieres with four episodes on Thursday, September 21 on Max and continues with four episodes weekly, leading up to the season finale on October 5.
From creator Matthew A. Cherry and Sony Pictures Animation, Young Love takes a look into the lives of African American millennial parents Stephen Love (Scott Mescudi) and Angela Young (Issa Rae) as they experience the relatable ups and downs of modern life. In remission following a battle with cancer, Angela struggles to balance her work as a stylist with the demands of parenthood, while Stephen attempts to carve out a career as a musician in an ultra-competitive industry. Along with their fearless daughter Zuri (Brooke Monroe Conaway), this tight-knit Chicago family juggles careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues, and multi-generational dynamics while striving to make a better life for themselves.
From creator Matthew A. Cherry and Sony Pictures Animation, Young Love takes a look into the lives of African American millennial parents Stephen Love (Scott Mescudi) and Angela Young (Issa Rae) as they experience the relatable ups and downs of modern life. In remission following a battle with cancer, Angela struggles to balance her work as a stylist with the demands of parenthood, while Stephen attempts to carve out a career as a musician in an ultra-competitive industry. Along with their fearless daughter Zuri (Brooke Monroe Conaway), this tight-knit Chicago family juggles careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues, and multi-generational dynamics while striving to make a better life for themselves.
- 9/12/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Byron Allen’s ‘Comics Unleashed’ Joins CBS’ Fall Late Night Lineup For Limited Run (TV News Roundup)
“Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen” has been acquired by CBS to temporarily take over the 12:37 a.m. timeslot vacated by “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” That timeslot will eventually be replaced with a new version of the former Comedy Central series “@midnight” — but after the Hollywood strikes are resolved. For now, “Comics Unleashed” will fill the slot in a limited run with nightly airings beginning on Monday, Sept. 18, the network announced Monday.
The round-style comedy talk show features Allen speaking with a panel of rotating comedians, including Sebastian Maniscalco, Tiffany Haddish, Gabriel Iglesias, Cedric the Entertainer, Howie Mandel, Leslie Jones, Wayne Brady, Roy Wood, Jr., Whitney Cummings, Jb Smoove, Billy Gardell, Margaret Cho, Brad Garrett, Sheryl Underwood, Adam Carolla, Gina Yashere, Dane Cook, Sinbad, George Wallace, Caroline Rhea, Tommy Davidson, David Alan Grier, Kevin Hart, Chelsea Handler, Katt Williams, Dennis Miller, Jamie Kennedy, Iliza Shlesinger, Jon Lovitz,...
The round-style comedy talk show features Allen speaking with a panel of rotating comedians, including Sebastian Maniscalco, Tiffany Haddish, Gabriel Iglesias, Cedric the Entertainer, Howie Mandel, Leslie Jones, Wayne Brady, Roy Wood, Jr., Whitney Cummings, Jb Smoove, Billy Gardell, Margaret Cho, Brad Garrett, Sheryl Underwood, Adam Carolla, Gina Yashere, Dane Cook, Sinbad, George Wallace, Caroline Rhea, Tommy Davidson, David Alan Grier, Kevin Hart, Chelsea Handler, Katt Williams, Dennis Miller, Jamie Kennedy, Iliza Shlesinger, Jon Lovitz,...
- 9/12/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
Max has debuted the first trailer for Young Love, the series spinoff of Matthew A. Cherry’s Oscar-winning Hair Love short.
The two-minute teaser for the 12-episode, animated expansion produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation features Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) as music producer Stephen Love, Issa Rae as natural hair vlogger Angela Young, and Brooke Monroe Conaway as their young daughter Zuri Young Love.
The trio navigate the modern ups and downs of their professional and personal lives in Chicago as artists and a Black millennial-parented family. For Angela, that’s returning to her work as a stylist after cancer treatment, while Steven manages the grind of a career in an ultra-competitive industry.
“Welcome to my castle,” Zuri tells one of her friends as they enter her apartment. “You can drop your bag on the floor. My mom and dad will get them.”
“Are we the help?” Stephen asks.
The two-minute teaser for the 12-episode, animated expansion produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation features Scott Mescudi (Kid Cudi) as music producer Stephen Love, Issa Rae as natural hair vlogger Angela Young, and Brooke Monroe Conaway as their young daughter Zuri Young Love.
The trio navigate the modern ups and downs of their professional and personal lives in Chicago as artists and a Black millennial-parented family. For Angela, that’s returning to her work as a stylist after cancer treatment, while Steven manages the grind of a career in an ultra-competitive industry.
“Welcome to my castle,” Zuri tells one of her friends as they enter her apartment. “You can drop your bag on the floor. My mom and dad will get them.”
“Are we the help?” Stephen asks.
- 9/12/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The first trailer for Max’s family-friendly animated comedy “Young Love” has arrived. The 12-episode series comes from Matthew A. Cherry, the Oscar-winning creator behind the short “Hair Love,” and Sony Pictures Animation.
Set in the same universe as Cherry’s Academy Award-winning short film, “Young Love” expands the world of the Love family. The Chicago-based series stars Scott Mescudi, aka Kid Cudi, as Stephen and Issa Rae as Angela, two millennial parents raising their fearless daughter, Zuri (Brooke Monroe Conaway).
As Angela struggles to maintain a work-life balance in the wake of her battle with cancer, Stephen attempts to make a name for himself in the highly competitive music industry. Described as “heartfelt” and “comedic” in a press release, the series juggles the ups and downs of careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues and multi-generational dynamics.
In addition to Mescudi and Rae, the Max series stars Loretta Devine (“Dreamgirls”), Harry Lennix...
Set in the same universe as Cherry’s Academy Award-winning short film, “Young Love” expands the world of the Love family. The Chicago-based series stars Scott Mescudi, aka Kid Cudi, as Stephen and Issa Rae as Angela, two millennial parents raising their fearless daughter, Zuri (Brooke Monroe Conaway).
As Angela struggles to maintain a work-life balance in the wake of her battle with cancer, Stephen attempts to make a name for himself in the highly competitive music industry. Described as “heartfelt” and “comedic” in a press release, the series juggles the ups and downs of careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues and multi-generational dynamics.
In addition to Mescudi and Rae, the Max series stars Loretta Devine (“Dreamgirls”), Harry Lennix...
- 9/12/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Issa Rae and Kid Cudi (whose real name is Scott Mescudi) are loving parents just trying their best in the full trailer for the upcoming animated series Young Love, which you can check out above.
The first four episodes will premiere Thursday, Sept. 21 on Max; four new episodes will drop weekly until the finale on Oct. 5.
More from TVLineDirectors of Cancelled Batgirl Were 'Sad' After Seeing The Flash Movie, Still Feel There Is 'Unfinished Business'Kumail Nanjiani Says He Never Received Offers to Reprise Voice Role of Prismo in Adventure Time: Fionna and CakeMy Adventures With Superman Finale Summons Familiar Foe...
The first four episodes will premiere Thursday, Sept. 21 on Max; four new episodes will drop weekly until the finale on Oct. 5.
More from TVLineDirectors of Cancelled Batgirl Were 'Sad' After Seeing The Flash Movie, Still Feel There Is 'Unfinished Business'Kumail Nanjiani Says He Never Received Offers to Reprise Voice Role of Prismo in Adventure Time: Fionna and CakeMy Adventures With Superman Finale Summons Familiar Foe...
- 9/12/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Netflix, the world’s preeminent animation producer by production volume, outlay and awards, has set out a roadmap at Annecy for how it is looking to invest in the future of animation.
Sketched by John Derderian and Karen Toliver, Netflix animation heads of series and film respectively, the game plan takes in building on Netflix’s strengths, in adult animation, and genre and anime in series; maintaining a vast diversity of shows and movies; and looking in every project for a creator’s vision which Netflix will seek to connect with the right audience, at the right price.
Derderian and Toliver talked to Variety at France’s Annecy Animation Festival whose Netflix’s panel this Wednesday June 14, From Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget to Blue Eye Samurai – See What’s Next @ Netflix, promises to be one of Annecy’s most talked-about highlights.
As for diversity, the panel looks set...
Sketched by John Derderian and Karen Toliver, Netflix animation heads of series and film respectively, the game plan takes in building on Netflix’s strengths, in adult animation, and genre and anime in series; maintaining a vast diversity of shows and movies; and looking in every project for a creator’s vision which Netflix will seek to connect with the right audience, at the right price.
Derderian and Toliver talked to Variety at France’s Annecy Animation Festival whose Netflix’s panel this Wednesday June 14, From Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget to Blue Eye Samurai – See What’s Next @ Netflix, promises to be one of Annecy’s most talked-about highlights.
As for diversity, the panel looks set...
- 6/14/2023
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The potential for advances in technology to help create and share new types of stories, as well as diversity and inclusion, were key themes during a discussion of the future of storytelling at the View VFX and animation conference, which is taking place this week in person in Turin, Italy, and virtually via a livestream.
Speakers including Lucasfilm and Ilm’s creative head Rob Bredow discussed everything from VR and Ar experiences to new forms of entertainment such as Walt Disney World’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience. “That kind of storytelling, building a film world, opened my eyes to the kind of stories we can create,” Bredow said of the latter, citing opportunities “for more types of storytelling and more personalized stories.”
Director Peter Ramsey — an Oscar-winner for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — warned that these opportunities can be “more engaging if done well,...
The potential for advances in technology to help create and share new types of stories, as well as diversity and inclusion, were key themes during a discussion of the future of storytelling at the View VFX and animation conference, which is taking place this week in person in Turin, Italy, and virtually via a livestream.
Speakers including Lucasfilm and Ilm’s creative head Rob Bredow discussed everything from VR and Ar experiences to new forms of entertainment such as Walt Disney World’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience. “That kind of storytelling, building a film world, opened my eyes to the kind of stories we can create,” Bredow said of the latter, citing opportunities “for more types of storytelling and more personalized stories.”
Director Peter Ramsey — an Oscar-winner for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — warned that these opportunities can be “more engaging if done well,...
- 10/20/2022
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When the initial announcement was made that eight categories would be pre-taped and then edited into the 2022 Oscars broadcast, we all knew the short film categories — Best Animated Short, Best Documentary Short and Best Live Action Short — would be the first on the chopping block. While these projects are the least seen of all the Oscar nominees, the categories have given us some amazing moments over the years. So rather than wallow in our sadness about not seeing these doled out live, let’s take a look back at four of the best speeches from past Best Animated Short winners. Hopefully the academy realizes soon that the short categories are something special and should be left alone.
The five Oscar nominees in contention for this year’s Best Animated Short prize are the following: “Affairs of the Art” (Joanna Quinn and Les Mills), “Bestia” (Hugo Covarrubias and Tevo Díaz), “Boxballet...
The five Oscar nominees in contention for this year’s Best Animated Short prize are the following: “Affairs of the Art” (Joanna Quinn and Les Mills), “Bestia” (Hugo Covarrubias and Tevo Díaz), “Boxballet...
- 3/25/2022
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has linked up with nonprofit FilmAid for a series of conversations and masterclasses on the art of filmmaking.
Dubbed Academy x FilmAid: Visiting Artists Series, the initiative enlists Academy members for sessions designed to provide insights into a variety of filmmaking topics like directing, documentary filmmaking, costume design, cinematography, sound mixing and more.
In addition to being distributed as part of FilmAid’s training programs, the series is available on the Academy’s YouTube channel which already features a conversation with Oscar-winning duo Matthew Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver about Hair Love, Michael Goi talking about visual style, sound ...
Dubbed Academy x FilmAid: Visiting Artists Series, the initiative enlists Academy members for sessions designed to provide insights into a variety of filmmaking topics like directing, documentary filmmaking, costume design, cinematography, sound mixing and more.
In addition to being distributed as part of FilmAid’s training programs, the series is available on the Academy’s YouTube channel which already features a conversation with Oscar-winning duo Matthew Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver about Hair Love, Michael Goi talking about visual style, sound ...
- 10/5/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has linked up with nonprofit FilmAid for a series of conversations and masterclasses on the art of filmmaking.
Dubbed Academy x FilmAid: Visiting Artists Series, the initiative enlists Academy members for sessions designed to provide insights into a variety of filmmaking topics like directing, documentary filmmaking, costume design, cinematography, sound mixing and more.
In addition to being distributed as part of FilmAid’s training programs, the series is available on the Academy’s YouTube channel which already features a conversation with Oscar-winning duo Matthew Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver about Hair Love, Michael Goi talking about visual style, sound ...
Dubbed Academy x FilmAid: Visiting Artists Series, the initiative enlists Academy members for sessions designed to provide insights into a variety of filmmaking topics like directing, documentary filmmaking, costume design, cinematography, sound mixing and more.
In addition to being distributed as part of FilmAid’s training programs, the series is available on the Academy’s YouTube channel which already features a conversation with Oscar-winning duo Matthew Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver about Hair Love, Michael Goi talking about visual style, sound ...
- 10/5/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Women In Animation has unveiled the program for its fifth World Summit, which is part of the virtual programming for the hybrid version of the Annecy International Animation Festival taking place this year.
The event, produced in concert with South African animation studio Triggerfish, will also be available exclusively to Wia members from Monday, June 14th at 12:00 a.m. Pst through Saturday, June 19th. On the 20th, it will become available to the general public via Women in Animation’s website and YouTube channel.
Centered on the theme of “The Business Case For Diversity,” the 2021 virtual Summit will feature panels on topics including “Alternative Career Paths and Opportunities for Talent,” “Greenlighting Diverse Voices” and more. Highlights will include a Keynote speech presented by Justice Rx’s Vice President of Creative Affairs, Amma Y. Ghartey-Tagoe Kootin, as well as Fireside Chat with Marvel Studios’ Executive Vice President of Production, Victoria Alonso.
The event, produced in concert with South African animation studio Triggerfish, will also be available exclusively to Wia members from Monday, June 14th at 12:00 a.m. Pst through Saturday, June 19th. On the 20th, it will become available to the general public via Women in Animation’s website and YouTube channel.
Centered on the theme of “The Business Case For Diversity,” the 2021 virtual Summit will feature panels on topics including “Alternative Career Paths and Opportunities for Talent,” “Greenlighting Diverse Voices” and more. Highlights will include a Keynote speech presented by Justice Rx’s Vice President of Creative Affairs, Amma Y. Ghartey-Tagoe Kootin, as well as Fireside Chat with Marvel Studios’ Executive Vice President of Production, Victoria Alonso.
- 5/26/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is the front-runner to win three Oscars, including Best Makeup and Hairstyling, for which Mia Neal, Jamika Wilson, and Sergio Lopez-Rivera are all first-time contenders. Their candidacy is also historic since Neal and Wilson are the first Black nominees in the history of the category.
Neal, Wilson, and Lopez-Rivera are nominated in no small part for transforming Viola Davis into legendary blues singer Ma Rainey, in addition to the 1920s styles for the rest of the cast. Leading up to the Oscars, the film won for its makeup and hair at the BAFTA Awards, the Critics Choice Awards, and the Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards, not to mention our very own Gold Derby Awards.
SEEWatch the ‘Ma Rainey’ scene that best captures Viola Davis’ transformation
So the film seems like a safe bet for the Oscar, according to the combined predictions of thousands of Gold Derby users.
Neal, Wilson, and Lopez-Rivera are nominated in no small part for transforming Viola Davis into legendary blues singer Ma Rainey, in addition to the 1920s styles for the rest of the cast. Leading up to the Oscars, the film won for its makeup and hair at the BAFTA Awards, the Critics Choice Awards, and the Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards, not to mention our very own Gold Derby Awards.
SEEWatch the ‘Ma Rainey’ scene that best captures Viola Davis’ transformation
So the film seems like a safe bet for the Oscar, according to the combined predictions of thousands of Gold Derby users.
- 4/23/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Los Angeles, Nov 10 (Ians) Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of Beyonce and Jay-Z, will narrate the audiobook for Hair Love, which is based on an Oscar-winning short film by Matthew A. Cherry.
Cherry announced the news on Twitter with a clip that samples the four-minute long audiobook.
Cherry's film follows an African American father who is attempting to do his daughter's hair for the first time. The film took home an Academy Award in 2020 for Best Animated Short Film. Cherry wrote, directed and co-produced the film with Karen Rupert Toliver.
Hair love will also be developed into an animated TV show titled Young Love, for soon-to-be launched HBO Max.
The eight-year-old Carter has already made her name and won numerous accolades. She won the BET Her Award in 2020 for the song "Brown skin girl", making her the youngest recipient of a BET Award. She also won an NAACP Image Award for the same single,...
Cherry announced the news on Twitter with a clip that samples the four-minute long audiobook.
Cherry's film follows an African American father who is attempting to do his daughter's hair for the first time. The film took home an Academy Award in 2020 for Best Animated Short Film. Cherry wrote, directed and co-produced the film with Karen Rupert Toliver.
Hair love will also be developed into an animated TV show titled Young Love, for soon-to-be launched HBO Max.
The eight-year-old Carter has already made her name and won numerous accolades. She won the BET Her Award in 2020 for the song "Brown skin girl", making her the youngest recipient of a BET Award. She also won an NAACP Image Award for the same single,...
- 11/10/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Blue Ivy Carter, the child of Beyonce and Jay-Z, will narrate the audiobook for “Hair Love,” based on Matthew A. Cherry’s Oscar-winning short film.
Cherry announced the news on social media, posting a clip that samples the four-minute long audiobook.
https://t.co/MSZxGSkZJn pic.twitter.com/wQ8gWl30Oy
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) November 9, 2020
The touching tale, which follows an African American dad attempting to do his daughter’s hair for the first time, took home an Academy Award in 2020 for best animated short film. Last May, it was released as a children’s book with illustrations by Vashti Harrison. Cherry’s short film — which he wrote, directed and co-produced with Karen Rupert Toliver — will also be developed into an animated TV show at HBO Max called “Young Love,” based on the characters from “Hair Love.”
Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge praised “Hair Love” when it was released earlier this year,...
Cherry announced the news on social media, posting a clip that samples the four-minute long audiobook.
https://t.co/MSZxGSkZJn pic.twitter.com/wQ8gWl30Oy
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) November 9, 2020
The touching tale, which follows an African American dad attempting to do his daughter’s hair for the first time, took home an Academy Award in 2020 for best animated short film. Last May, it was released as a children’s book with illustrations by Vashti Harrison. Cherry’s short film — which he wrote, directed and co-produced with Karen Rupert Toliver — will also be developed into an animated TV show at HBO Max called “Young Love,” based on the characters from “Hair Love.”
Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge praised “Hair Love” when it was released earlier this year,...
- 11/9/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Matthew A. Cherry will make his directorial feature debut on “Tut,” a new take on the Egyptian boy-king Tutankhamun, that has begun in development at Sony Pictures Animation, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
“Tut” (tentatively titled) is an Afro-futuristic take on the boy king and is based on an original idea from Cherry and Monica A. Young. It will be a fantastical journey through ancient Egypt and aims to celebrate the culture that introduced the world to countless modern conventions and technologies.
Cherry and Young will also executive produce the film.
“Matthew is one of today’s most exceptional creative voices. We had the privilege of collaborating with him on his first animated short, which has since evolved into his first animated series – and we’re so proud to team up again on his first animated feature, Tut. Matthew has a bold and modern take on this story rarely told,...
“Tut” (tentatively titled) is an Afro-futuristic take on the boy king and is based on an original idea from Cherry and Monica A. Young. It will be a fantastical journey through ancient Egypt and aims to celebrate the culture that introduced the world to countless modern conventions and technologies.
Cherry and Young will also executive produce the film.
“Matthew is one of today’s most exceptional creative voices. We had the privilege of collaborating with him on his first animated short, which has since evolved into his first animated series – and we’re so proud to team up again on his first animated feature, Tut. Matthew has a bold and modern take on this story rarely told,...
- 10/14/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Sony Pictures Animation has plucked the first feature film from Academy Award winner Matthew A. Cherry.
After winning the Oscar for his acclaimed short “Hair Love,” Cherry is at work on the tentatively-titled “Tut,” an afro-futuristic, coming-of-age story of the boy king Tutankhamun.
Based on an original idea from Cherry and Monica A. Young, the film will take audiences on a journey through ancient Egypt and celebrate a culture that introduced the world to countless modern conventions and technologies.
Cherry said he was “beyond excited to explore the magical world of ancient Egypt through the eyes of its youngest ruler, King Tut. I’ve always wanted to dive deeper into the legend of the boy king and we can’t think of better partners to embark upon this journey with than Kristine Belson, Karen Toliver and the great people at Sony Pictures Animation.”
Spa president Kristine Belson called Cherry “one...
After winning the Oscar for his acclaimed short “Hair Love,” Cherry is at work on the tentatively-titled “Tut,” an afro-futuristic, coming-of-age story of the boy king Tutankhamun.
Based on an original idea from Cherry and Monica A. Young, the film will take audiences on a journey through ancient Egypt and celebrate a culture that introduced the world to countless modern conventions and technologies.
Cherry said he was “beyond excited to explore the magical world of ancient Egypt through the eyes of its youngest ruler, King Tut. I’ve always wanted to dive deeper into the legend of the boy king and we can’t think of better partners to embark upon this journey with than Kristine Belson, Karen Toliver and the great people at Sony Pictures Animation.”
Spa president Kristine Belson called Cherry “one...
- 10/14/2020
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
When Oscar-winning actor Geena Davis starred in 1991’s “Thelma & Louise,” she was shocked at how many women came up to her on the street and told her how inspiring the movie was to them. For her, this was a wake up call to the inequities within on-screen gender representation.
“It made me realize that we give women so few opportunities to come out of a movie feeling inspired by the female characters,” Davis said in the most recent installment of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Academy Dialogues.” “So from then on, I decided that I wanted to choose roles with the women in the audience in mind. What are they going to think about my character? How is it going to make them feel?”
Davis was joined by chair of The Hollywood Commission Anita Hill, filmmaker Alma Har’el, composer Laura Karpman and EVP of Creative at...
“It made me realize that we give women so few opportunities to come out of a movie feeling inspired by the female characters,” Davis said in the most recent installment of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Academy Dialogues.” “So from then on, I decided that I wanted to choose roles with the women in the audience in mind. What are they going to think about my character? How is it going to make them feel?”
Davis was joined by chair of The Hollywood Commission Anita Hill, filmmaker Alma Har’el, composer Laura Karpman and EVP of Creative at...
- 10/8/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
HBO Max has ordered 12 episodes of a new animated series called “Young Love,” based on the Academy Award-winning short film “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry and Sony Pictures Animation.
Cherry created the new series and will serve as showrunner with animator Carl Jones.
The series, which will follow the same characters introduced in the short film, will be executive produced by Blue Key Entertainment’s Monica A. Young, who produced “Hair Love,” along with Lion Forge Animation’s David Steward II and Carl Reed.
Also Read: 'Perry Mason': That George Gannon Twist, Explained
“Hair Love” followed the relationship between an African-American father and his daughter Zuri as they tackled a daunting task — doing Zuri’s hair for the firs time together.
Here is the description from HBO Max:
“Filled with comedy and heart, Young Love is an honest look into the world of the Young family – including millennial parents Stephen and Angela,...
Cherry created the new series and will serve as showrunner with animator Carl Jones.
The series, which will follow the same characters introduced in the short film, will be executive produced by Blue Key Entertainment’s Monica A. Young, who produced “Hair Love,” along with Lion Forge Animation’s David Steward II and Carl Reed.
Also Read: 'Perry Mason': That George Gannon Twist, Explained
“Hair Love” followed the relationship between an African-American father and his daughter Zuri as they tackled a daunting task — doing Zuri’s hair for the firs time together.
Here is the description from HBO Max:
“Filled with comedy and heart, Young Love is an honest look into the world of the Young family – including millennial parents Stephen and Angela,...
- 7/7/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
HBO Max has ordered a 12-episode season of “Young Love,” an animated series based on the characters from Matthew A. Cherry and Sony Pictures Animation’s Oscar-winning animated short, “Hair Love.”
Creator Cherry will showrun the series with Carl Jones, the animation creative best known for “The Boondocks” and “Black Dynamite”; Blue Key Entertainment’s Monica A. Young, who produced “Hair Love,” will executive produce the streaming service’s new show alongside Lion Forge Animation’s David Steward II and Carl Reed.
“I am beyond excited to continue telling the story of Stephen, Angela and Zuri and further explore the family dynamics of a young Black millennial family we established in our short film Hair Love as an animated series,” said Cherry. “Couldn’t ask for better partners in Sony Pictures Animation and HBO Max in helping us get ‘Young Love’ out to the world.”
“Hair Love” explored the relationship...
Creator Cherry will showrun the series with Carl Jones, the animation creative best known for “The Boondocks” and “Black Dynamite”; Blue Key Entertainment’s Monica A. Young, who produced “Hair Love,” will executive produce the streaming service’s new show alongside Lion Forge Animation’s David Steward II and Carl Reed.
“I am beyond excited to continue telling the story of Stephen, Angela and Zuri and further explore the family dynamics of a young Black millennial family we established in our short film Hair Love as an animated series,” said Cherry. “Couldn’t ask for better partners in Sony Pictures Animation and HBO Max in helping us get ‘Young Love’ out to the world.”
“Hair Love” explored the relationship...
- 7/7/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Life goes on this summer for Academy internships, in a virtual way. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is plowing forward with the fourth year of Academy Gold, its entertainment industry internship enhancement and mentorship program for students and young professionals from underrepresented communities. During the summer, as the pandemic continues, the program will be virtual, with an extension program in the fall for those students who delayed their summer internships.
“In the face of a pandemic and our continued efforts to drive equity in our industry, the decision on whether or not to proceed with the Academy Gold program this summer was very clear,” said Academy COO Christine Simmons. “Our pipeline program is even more critical at a time when underrepresented communities are being disproportionately affected by Covid-19. The needs are heightened, and we are dedicated to delivering an educational, fun and rewarding virtual experience for these...
“In the face of a pandemic and our continued efforts to drive equity in our industry, the decision on whether or not to proceed with the Academy Gold program this summer was very clear,” said Academy COO Christine Simmons. “Our pipeline program is even more critical at a time when underrepresented communities are being disproportionately affected by Covid-19. The needs are heightened, and we are dedicated to delivering an educational, fun and rewarding virtual experience for these...
- 6/17/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Life goes on this summer for Academy internships, in a virtual way. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is plowing forward with the fourth year of Academy Gold, its entertainment industry internship enhancement and mentorship program for students and young professionals from underrepresented communities. During the summer, as the pandemic continues, the program will be virtual, with an extension program in the fall for those students who delayed their summer internships.
“In the face of a pandemic and our continued efforts to drive equity in our industry, the decision on whether or not to proceed with the Academy Gold program this summer was very clear,” said Academy COO Christine Simmons. “Our pipeline program is even more critical at a time when underrepresented communities are being disproportionately affected by Covid-19. The needs are heightened, and we are dedicated to delivering an educational, fun and rewarding virtual experience for these...
“In the face of a pandemic and our continued efforts to drive equity in our industry, the decision on whether or not to proceed with the Academy Gold program this summer was very clear,” said Academy COO Christine Simmons. “Our pipeline program is even more critical at a time when underrepresented communities are being disproportionately affected by Covid-19. The needs are heightened, and we are dedicated to delivering an educational, fun and rewarding virtual experience for these...
- 6/17/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences launched its fourth Academy Gold internship program.
The program, which is being held virtually because of the Covid-19 pandemic, offers mentorship for 74 students and young professionals from underrepresented communities.
“We are so thankful for our industry partners, who share the Academy’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that move the needle on inclusion in our community,” said Academy governor and education and outreach committee chair Nancy Utley of Searchlight Pictures, said in a statement. “Their support is integral to the success of Academy Gold, and we commend them on finding innovative ways to continue their internship programs during this challenging and uncertain time.”
Participating partners include AMC Networks, Bron Studios, Circle of Confusion, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Walt Disney Company, Dolby Laboratories, DTS (part of Xperi Corporation), FotoKem, HBO, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Evolve Entertainment Fund, Moving Picture Institute,...
The program, which is being held virtually because of the Covid-19 pandemic, offers mentorship for 74 students and young professionals from underrepresented communities.
“We are so thankful for our industry partners, who share the Academy’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that move the needle on inclusion in our community,” said Academy governor and education and outreach committee chair Nancy Utley of Searchlight Pictures, said in a statement. “Their support is integral to the success of Academy Gold, and we commend them on finding innovative ways to continue their internship programs during this challenging and uncertain time.”
Participating partners include AMC Networks, Bron Studios, Circle of Confusion, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Walt Disney Company, Dolby Laboratories, DTS (part of Xperi Corporation), FotoKem, HBO, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Evolve Entertainment Fund, Moving Picture Institute,...
- 6/17/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
“If ever there was a time to reimagine the future then we are in it,” said Jamal Joseph, kicking off the 2020 Women in Animation World Virtual Summit by addressing this year’s overriding theme.
The Columbia professor, activist and former Black Panther member moderated Wednesday’s first panel, Black Women in Animation: Looking to the Future.
Taking place on the third day of Annecy’s online festival and running in the festival’s Carte Blanche section, the panel examined the personal experiences of four women working in the industry.
British-Nigerian screenwriter Misan Sagay – best known for the 2013 film ”Belle” and now working on her first animated feature for Netflix – said that the lack of diversity in popular film and TV series of her childhood left her feeling “erased from the narrative.”
She added: “Think about all the fairy tales that you’re not in. It’s not as though you...
The Columbia professor, activist and former Black Panther member moderated Wednesday’s first panel, Black Women in Animation: Looking to the Future.
Taking place on the third day of Annecy’s online festival and running in the festival’s Carte Blanche section, the panel examined the personal experiences of four women working in the industry.
British-Nigerian screenwriter Misan Sagay – best known for the 2013 film ”Belle” and now working on her first animated feature for Netflix – said that the lack of diversity in popular film and TV series of her childhood left her feeling “erased from the narrative.”
She added: “Think about all the fairy tales that you’re not in. It’s not as though you...
- 6/17/2020
- by Ann-Marie Corvin
- Variety Film + TV
The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police and the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests in the U.S. and around the world has reshaped the agenda at the first ever Women in Animation Virtual Summit, held in conjunction with Annecy 2020 Online, this year’s digital version of the Annecy International Animation Festival and Mifa 2020.
Unveiled by Women in Animation on Thursday, the summit’s program will cover both the global call for justice and the Covid-19 crisis and their momentous effects on the animation industry.
Under the motto, “Reimagining the Future: Race, Solidarity and the Culture of Work,” the Women in Animation Virtual World Summit will post exclusively on Annecy Online on June 17 and be available for festival and Mifa badge holders to view for the rest of the two-week festival.
Wia will make the Summit available to their members and more widely at a later date.
Unveiled by Women in Animation on Thursday, the summit’s program will cover both the global call for justice and the Covid-19 crisis and their momentous effects on the animation industry.
Under the motto, “Reimagining the Future: Race, Solidarity and the Culture of Work,” the Women in Animation Virtual World Summit will post exclusively on Annecy Online on June 17 and be available for festival and Mifa badge holders to view for the rest of the two-week festival.
Wia will make the Summit available to their members and more widely at a later date.
- 6/11/2020
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
The seven-minute animated short about a girl and her afro hair has won fans and critical acclaim – but the battle is far from won
On its release last year, Hair Love, a sweetly poignant film about an African-American father’s efforts to style his daughter Zuri’s curls, became the latest in a handful of productions to take a deeper look at the cultural significance of afro hair. Chris Rock’s 2009 documentary Good Hair memorably critiqued the billion-dollar black haircare industry, while 2018 rom-com Nappily Ever After explored one woman’s fraught relationship with her natural hair in a society that was openly hostile towards it. It is vital that this subject continues to be explored, not least because incidents in the Us, where a student wrestler was forced to cut his dreadlocks, and in the UK, where a pupil has been punished for wearing her afro, show hair discrimination is still rife.
On its release last year, Hair Love, a sweetly poignant film about an African-American father’s efforts to style his daughter Zuri’s curls, became the latest in a handful of productions to take a deeper look at the cultural significance of afro hair. Chris Rock’s 2009 documentary Good Hair memorably critiqued the billion-dollar black haircare industry, while 2018 rom-com Nappily Ever After explored one woman’s fraught relationship with her natural hair in a society that was openly hostile towards it. It is vital that this subject continues to be explored, not least because incidents in the Us, where a student wrestler was forced to cut his dreadlocks, and in the UK, where a pupil has been punished for wearing her afro, show hair discrimination is still rife.
- 2/25/2020
- by Tola Onanuga
- The Guardian - Film News
Every time I’ve wandered into a department store in the past decade or so, I inevitably run into a display of sassy, glittering shirts emblazoned with aggressively empowering phrases — “Feminist,” “Girl Boss,” “The Future Is Female” — aimed at teenagers and millennial women like me. Corporate feminism like this tends to smooth the edges off the movement’s radicalism by frantically waving pink pompoms in our faces, turning the idea of “girl power” into an aesthetic. It’s not overall a terrible thing to promote encouraging messages in the name of equality, or something like it. But one side effect of being so blatantly pandered to, with the endgame of getting us to buy what they’re selling, is a bone-deep, irritated exhaustion.
This is how I felt watching the Oscars this year. It was nice, in theory, for Steve Martin and Chris Rock to acknowledge the fact that women...
This is how I felt watching the Oscars this year. It was nice, in theory, for Steve Martin and Chris Rock to acknowledge the fact that women...
- 2/10/2020
- by Caroline Framke
- Variety Film + TV
The 92nd Oscars featured a mix of the expected and the unexpected Sunday, with Neon’s South Korean film Parasite capping the evening by winning Best Picture, making history as the first foreign-language film ever to take the marquee prize.
Parasite director and co-writer Bong Joon Ho made four trips to the Dolby Theater stage, with the film also winning for Directing, Original Screenplay and International Feature.
Other honorees who spent this compressed Oscar season honing their acceptance speeches for tonight were the four Acting winners — all of whom won as expected. That meant statuettes for Joaquin Phoenix (Leading Actor for Joker), Renee Zellweger (Leading Actress for Judy), Brad Pitt (Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Laura Dern (Supporting Actress for Marriage Story).
Check out all the winners’ speeches below.
Best Picture
Parasite
Kwak Sin Ae and Bong Joon Ho, Producers
Actress in a Leading Role...
Parasite director and co-writer Bong Joon Ho made four trips to the Dolby Theater stage, with the film also winning for Directing, Original Screenplay and International Feature.
Other honorees who spent this compressed Oscar season honing their acceptance speeches for tonight were the four Acting winners — all of whom won as expected. That meant statuettes for Joaquin Phoenix (Leading Actor for Joker), Renee Zellweger (Leading Actress for Judy), Brad Pitt (Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Laura Dern (Supporting Actress for Marriage Story).
Check out all the winners’ speeches below.
Best Picture
Parasite
Kwak Sin Ae and Bong Joon Ho, Producers
Actress in a Leading Role...
- 2/10/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2020 Oscars telecast was host-less for the second consecutive year. But while last year’s ceremony was more of a daring experience, this year’s comparatively by-the-numbers event showed signs that the experiment might need to come to an end. Thankfully the ceremony was saved by a little historic Korean film, whose presence injected some much-needed joy and energy into an otherwise listless ceremony.
SEE2020 Oscars: Full list of winners (and losers) at the 92nd Academy Awards
Janelle Monae began by serenading Best Supporting Actor nominee Tom Hanks (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”) with the theme song to Mr. Rogers’s eponymous children’s program. But that note of quiet gave way to a rousing opening number that was equal parts classic and progressive.
You had background dancers dressed in some of the nominated films’ costumes, while Monae called out the Oscars for their lack of diversity. It was certainly a political opening,...
SEE2020 Oscars: Full list of winners (and losers) at the 92nd Academy Awards
Janelle Monae began by serenading Best Supporting Actor nominee Tom Hanks (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”) with the theme song to Mr. Rogers’s eponymous children’s program. But that note of quiet gave way to a rousing opening number that was equal parts classic and progressive.
You had background dancers dressed in some of the nominated films’ costumes, while Monae called out the Oscars for their lack of diversity. It was certainly a political opening,...
- 2/10/2020
- by Tony Ruiz
- Gold Derby
Parasite – Bong Joon Ho
Neon’s film Parasite made Oscar history by becoming the first foreign language film to win Best Picture during the 92nd Academy Awards. Nominated for six Oscars, the film walked away on Sunday night with four Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.
Directed by Bong Joon Ho, Parasite previously won the Palme d’Or at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival as well as top honors at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast.
Only 11 international feature films have ever been nominated in the Best Picture category. Bong Joon Ho became the first South Korean to ever win the best director Oscar.
During his acceptance speech he said, “When I was young and studying cinema, there was a saying that I carved deep into my heart, which is “the most personal is the most creative.
Neon’s film Parasite made Oscar history by becoming the first foreign language film to win Best Picture during the 92nd Academy Awards. Nominated for six Oscars, the film walked away on Sunday night with four Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.
Directed by Bong Joon Ho, Parasite previously won the Palme d’Or at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival as well as top honors at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast.
Only 11 international feature films have ever been nominated in the Best Picture category. Bong Joon Ho became the first South Korean to ever win the best director Oscar.
During his acceptance speech he said, “When I was young and studying cinema, there was a saying that I carved deep into my heart, which is “the most personal is the most creative.
- 2/10/2020
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Early on in the Oscars telecast, Steve Martin and Chris Rock took the stage at the hostless ceremony and started riffing on a melange of topics. After spending a bit of time taking some playful jabs at Amazon’s Jeff Bezos who was in the audience, they pivoted towards the topic of diversity this year.
“Chris, I thought there was something missing from the list this year,” Martin said in regards to nominations — specifically the director’s category.
Rock responded, “Vaginas?”
“Yeah!” they said. This was of course, in reference to the lack of recognition of female filmmakers in the Best Directing category.
At one point Rock and Martin gave a shout out to Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo, who was the lone person of color nominated in an acting category. Rock added that Erivo “did such a great job hiding black people in Harriet that the Academy got her to hide all the black nominees!
“Chris, I thought there was something missing from the list this year,” Martin said in regards to nominations — specifically the director’s category.
Rock responded, “Vaginas?”
“Yeah!” they said. This was of course, in reference to the lack of recognition of female filmmakers in the Best Directing category.
At one point Rock and Martin gave a shout out to Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo, who was the lone person of color nominated in an acting category. Rock added that Erivo “did such a great job hiding black people in Harriet that the Academy got her to hide all the black nominees!
- 2/10/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Whimsical goofs, pleas for humanity, and calls for Hollywood to tell more diverse stories were on full display at the 92nd Academy Awards on Sunday night, when Parasite, 1917, and Joker each won multiple Oscars.
Bong Joon Ho’s unpredictable satirical thriller Parasite, about a poor family that ingratiates itself into a wealthy household, won Best Picture — making it the first foreign-language film to win the top honor. Bong also won awards for directing and his screenplay; the film also won in the recently renamed “Best International Film” category. Renee Zellweger...
Bong Joon Ho’s unpredictable satirical thriller Parasite, about a poor family that ingratiates itself into a wealthy household, won Best Picture — making it the first foreign-language film to win the top honor. Bong also won awards for directing and his screenplay; the film also won in the recently renamed “Best International Film” category. Renee Zellweger...
- 2/10/2020
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Though it lost Best Picture, “1917,” Sam Mendes’ single-shot, World War I extravaganza, was rewarded with the most crafts Oscars Sunday night. For its technical virtuosity it received three awards, powered by cinematographer Roger Deakins’ second win for his brilliant camera choreography.
Deakins was joined by the sound mixing team of Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson for their intricate soundscape as part of the continuous-shot narrative, and, surprisingly, Mpc Film (the dark horse winner) for VFX. Ironically, though, Mpc’s win overshadowed its own innovative virtual production and photoreal animation on Jon Favreau’s “The Lion King.” Yet this supporting visual effects work played an integral role in making stitches invisible and creating CG environments (including No Man’s Land and the burning village of Écoust).
Meanwhile, Pixar won its 10th animated feature Oscar for “Toy Story 4,” and “Hair Love,” the black father-daughter bonding work, took home the animated short Oscar.
Deakins was joined by the sound mixing team of Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson for their intricate soundscape as part of the continuous-shot narrative, and, surprisingly, Mpc Film (the dark horse winner) for VFX. Ironically, though, Mpc’s win overshadowed its own innovative virtual production and photoreal animation on Jon Favreau’s “The Lion King.” Yet this supporting visual effects work played an integral role in making stitches invisible and creating CG environments (including No Man’s Land and the burning village of Écoust).
Meanwhile, Pixar won its 10th animated feature Oscar for “Toy Story 4,” and “Hair Love,” the black father-daughter bonding work, took home the animated short Oscar.
- 2/10/2020
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
AwardsSee the full list of Oscar winners. DWThe Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, began on Sunday night in Los Angeles, with a first acting award for Brad Pitt for Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood and a writing win for Nazi-era comedy Jojo Rabbit. Parasite Director Bong Joon-Ho made history at the Oscars, with the film being the first foreign language film to win an Oscar. He is also only the second win the Oscar for Best Director for a non-English film. Laura Dern picked up the award for supporting actress for her role in Netflix's Marriage Story while South Korean director Bong Joon-Ho picked up three awards for Parasite. Joaquin Phoenix won best actor for Joker, delivering an emotional speech, and Renee Zellweger won best actress for Judy Garland biopic Judy. Brad Pitt previously won the Oscar as a producer of 12 Years a Slave...
- 2/10/2020
- by Haripriya
- The News Minute
Sunday’s 92nd Academy Awards were an eventful evening filled with both fantastic and cringeworthy moments. From Eminem’s surprise performance to James Corden and Rebel Wilson dressing up as cats, here are the best and worst moments of the 2020 Oscars.
Best: Janelle Monae’s Opening Number
First, the “Dirty Computer” singer put on a Mr. Rogers-style red cardigan and sang “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Then she sang another number accompanied by backup dancers dressed as recent popular movies, some of which were not nominated for Oscars this year, including “Midsommar,” “Us” and “Dolemite Is My Name.”
Best: Chris Rock and Steve Martin
The pair of comedians joked that they’ve been “demoted” from their previous roles as hosts, and that the reason the Oscars are hostless now is because of “Twitter.” Other highlights include shouting out Jeff Bezos (“great actor!”) and telling Martin Scorsese to...
Best: Janelle Monae’s Opening Number
First, the “Dirty Computer” singer put on a Mr. Rogers-style red cardigan and sang “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Then she sang another number accompanied by backup dancers dressed as recent popular movies, some of which were not nominated for Oscars this year, including “Midsommar,” “Us” and “Dolemite Is My Name.”
Best: Chris Rock and Steve Martin
The pair of comedians joked that they’ve been “demoted” from their previous roles as hosts, and that the reason the Oscars are hostless now is because of “Twitter.” Other highlights include shouting out Jeff Bezos (“great actor!”) and telling Martin Scorsese to...
- 2/10/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell and Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Women had another record-breaking night at this year’s Oscars, accounting for one-third of the awards handed out on Sunday night.
Across the 24 categories, 13 women and 26 men took home statuettes this year, an uptick from the previous record set last year when women accounted for 27.8% of the 54 winners. Though there were two fewer female winners compared to last year’s 15, the overall amount of winners was Lao down 28% from 2019.
In addition to Renee Zellweger, who took home Best Actress for her role in the Judy Garland biopic “Judy,” and Best Supporting Actress winner Laura Dern, for “Marriage Story,” the following women earned Oscars on Sunday:
Karen Rupert Toliver, “Hair Love” (Best Animated Short Film) Barbara Ling & Nancy Haigh, “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood (Best Production Design) Jacqueline Durran, “Little Women” (Best Costume Design) Julia Reichert, “American Factory” (Best Documentary Feature) Carol Dysinger and Elena Andreicheva, “Learning to Skateboard in...
Across the 24 categories, 13 women and 26 men took home statuettes this year, an uptick from the previous record set last year when women accounted for 27.8% of the 54 winners. Though there were two fewer female winners compared to last year’s 15, the overall amount of winners was Lao down 28% from 2019.
In addition to Renee Zellweger, who took home Best Actress for her role in the Judy Garland biopic “Judy,” and Best Supporting Actress winner Laura Dern, for “Marriage Story,” the following women earned Oscars on Sunday:
Karen Rupert Toliver, “Hair Love” (Best Animated Short Film) Barbara Ling & Nancy Haigh, “Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood (Best Production Design) Jacqueline Durran, “Little Women” (Best Costume Design) Julia Reichert, “American Factory” (Best Documentary Feature) Carol Dysinger and Elena Andreicheva, “Learning to Skateboard in...
- 2/10/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Who were the big winners at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards, who lost, who upset and who made history? Go here for the complete list of winners in all 24 categories as they’re announced, but scroll down here for our minute-by-minute analysis as winners are announced throughout the night.
SEE2020 Oscars: Full list of winners (and losers) at the 92nd Academy Awards
“Joker” led the Oscar nominations with 11, followed by “The Irishman,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “1917” with 10 apiece. And there was a lot of history at stake for those films. “Joker” had the potential to become the first superhero (or in this case supervillain) comic book movie to win Best Picture. Netflix‘s “The Irishman” would’ve been the first streaming movie to win. “Hollywood” had the potential to bring filmmaker Quentin Tarantino his first Best Picture and Best Director victories despite two past wins for...
SEE2020 Oscars: Full list of winners (and losers) at the 92nd Academy Awards
“Joker” led the Oscar nominations with 11, followed by “The Irishman,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “1917” with 10 apiece. And there was a lot of history at stake for those films. “Joker” had the potential to become the first superhero (or in this case supervillain) comic book movie to win Best Picture. Netflix‘s “The Irishman” would’ve been the first streaming movie to win. “Hollywood” had the potential to bring filmmaker Quentin Tarantino his first Best Picture and Best Director victories despite two past wins for...
- 2/10/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Here are the winners at the 92nd annual Academy Awards that handed out Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Click above to see a photo gallery.
Best Picture
Parasite
(Neon)
A Barunson E&a Production
Kwak Sin Ae and Bong Joon Ho, Producers
Actress in a Leading Role
Renée Zellweger
Judy (Ld Entertainment and Roadside Attractions)
Actor in a Leading Role
Joaquin Phoenix
Joker (Warner Bros.)
Directing
Parasite (Neon)
Bong Joon Ho
Original Song
“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman (Paramount)
Music by Elton John
Lyric by Bernie Taupin
Original Score
Joker (Warner Bros.)
Hildur Guðnadóttir
International Feature
Parasite
A Barunson E&A Production
South Korea
Makeup and Hairstyling
Bombshell (Lionsgate)
Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker
Visual Effects
1917 (Universal/Amblin Partners)
Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler and Dominic Tuohy
Film Editing
Ford v Ferrari (Walt Disney)
Michael McCusker and Andrew Buckland
Cinematography
1917 (Universal/Amblin Partners...
Best Picture
Parasite
(Neon)
A Barunson E&a Production
Kwak Sin Ae and Bong Joon Ho, Producers
Actress in a Leading Role
Renée Zellweger
Judy (Ld Entertainment and Roadside Attractions)
Actor in a Leading Role
Joaquin Phoenix
Joker (Warner Bros.)
Directing
Parasite (Neon)
Bong Joon Ho
Original Song
“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman (Paramount)
Music by Elton John
Lyric by Bernie Taupin
Original Score
Joker (Warner Bros.)
Hildur Guðnadóttir
International Feature
Parasite
A Barunson E&A Production
South Korea
Makeup and Hairstyling
Bombshell (Lionsgate)
Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker
Visual Effects
1917 (Universal/Amblin Partners)
Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler and Dominic Tuohy
Film Editing
Ford v Ferrari (Walt Disney)
Michael McCusker and Andrew Buckland
Cinematography
1917 (Universal/Amblin Partners...
- 2/10/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Two years ago, Kobe Bryant took the stage at the Academy Awards to accept, alongside Glen Keane, the Best Animated Short Film award for Dear Basketball. The Oscar win for his personal project came less than a year after the NBA great had retired from the sport.
Tonight, another former professional athlete who segued to an entertainment career, former NFL player Matthew A. Cherry, accepted the Best Animated Short Film Oscar for a personal project, Hair Love. In his speech, Cherry dedicated the award to Bryant, who died tragically two weeks ago.
“This award is dedicated to Kobe Bryant,” said Cherry who also paid tribute to Bryant at pre-Oscar events. “May we all have a second act as great as his was.”
Hair Love, voiced by Issa Rae, follows an African-American father’s first attempt to do his daughter’s hair. It stems from Cherry’s desire to promote hair...
Tonight, another former professional athlete who segued to an entertainment career, former NFL player Matthew A. Cherry, accepted the Best Animated Short Film Oscar for a personal project, Hair Love. In his speech, Cherry dedicated the award to Bryant, who died tragically two weeks ago.
“This award is dedicated to Kobe Bryant,” said Cherry who also paid tribute to Bryant at pre-Oscar events. “May we all have a second act as great as his was.”
Hair Love, voiced by Issa Rae, follows an African-American father’s first attempt to do his daughter’s hair. It stems from Cherry’s desire to promote hair...
- 2/10/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Leslie Jones is calling out the Academy Awards for the lack of black nominees this year.
Jones, who became a member of the Oscars voting pool ahead of the 2018 ceremony, shared on Friday that the selection process “didn’t take long” this year, as she only voted for categories where black filmmakers, composers and actors received nominations.
“Welp I just finished voting for the Oscars. It didn’t take long cause there are no black people on it,” she wrote on Twitter and Instagram, noting that she voted for Cynthia Erivo “and abstained from the rest.”
“More black people please,...
Jones, who became a member of the Oscars voting pool ahead of the 2018 ceremony, shared on Friday that the selection process “didn’t take long” this year, as she only voted for categories where black filmmakers, composers and actors received nominations.
“Welp I just finished voting for the Oscars. It didn’t take long cause there are no black people on it,” she wrote on Twitter and Instagram, noting that she voted for Cynthia Erivo “and abstained from the rest.”
“More black people please,...
- 2/8/2020
- by Maria Pasquini
- PEOPLE.com
It looks like there’s going to be a lot of love for “Hair Love” at this year’s Oscars. According to our infamous racetrack odds, the short is way out front to claim the prize for Best Animated Short. Those odds are derived from the predictions of our Expert film journalists, Gold Derby Editors, Top 24 Users and the many regular Gold Derby readers making their own predictions.
But could an upset be bubbling in this category? Let’s take a closer look at all five of this year’s nominated shorts, in order by their current Gold Derby odds.
See Oscars Upsets: 24 Potential Surprise Winners To Watch For
“Hair Love” (odds of winning: 82/25)
An African-American father faces the challenge of a lifetime when he finds himself having to style his daughter’s hair for the first time.
This is the first Oscar nomination for both Matthew A. Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver.
But could an upset be bubbling in this category? Let’s take a closer look at all five of this year’s nominated shorts, in order by their current Gold Derby odds.
See Oscars Upsets: 24 Potential Surprise Winners To Watch For
“Hair Love” (odds of winning: 82/25)
An African-American father faces the challenge of a lifetime when he finds himself having to style his daughter’s hair for the first time.
This is the first Oscar nomination for both Matthew A. Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver.
- 2/8/2020
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
It would be difficult to find five films more diverse in technique approach and subject matter than this year’s nominees for
animated short film.
Dcera (Daughter)
Daria Kashcheeva
In creating her student film “Dcera” at Famu in Prague, Kashcheeva was interested in telling a story about how childhood events shape adult relationships. Her stop-motion techniques collided hard with an interest in hand-held cinematography. Studying frame-by-frame the cinematography on Lars von Trier’s “Breaking the Waves,” Kashcheeva created an unusual rapid pace and style for this stop-motion film about a woman remembering aspects of her life with her dying father. It earned two awards when it premiered last summer at Annecy. “When the puppet moved somewhere, I consciously delayed the camera movement,” she says. “I wanted to make a feeling that there is a real cinematographer, who doesn’t know what is going to happen next and who just experienced...
animated short film.
Dcera (Daughter)
Daria Kashcheeva
In creating her student film “Dcera” at Famu in Prague, Kashcheeva was interested in telling a story about how childhood events shape adult relationships. Her stop-motion techniques collided hard with an interest in hand-held cinematography. Studying frame-by-frame the cinematography on Lars von Trier’s “Breaking the Waves,” Kashcheeva created an unusual rapid pace and style for this stop-motion film about a woman remembering aspects of her life with her dying father. It earned two awards when it premiered last summer at Annecy. “When the puppet moved somewhere, I consciously delayed the camera movement,” she says. “I wanted to make a feeling that there is a real cinematographer, who doesn’t know what is going to happen next and who just experienced...
- 2/4/2020
- by Thomas J. McLean
- Variety Film + TV
The Best Animated Shorts race is about the difficulty of connecting as families and friends. There are three stop-motion works, and two that are 2D (“Hair Love” and “Kitbull”). Three are directed by women — “Daughter’s” Daria Kashcheeva, “Kitbull’s” Rosana Sullivan, and “Sister’s” Siqi Song” — and “Hair Love” is directed by black filmmaker Matthew Cherry. All are very personal in tackling loneliness and fear and advancing animation to achieve intimate, abstract expressions.
“Hair Love,” the frontrunner, concerns a single black father trying to do his daughter’s hair for the first time. It was financed through Kickstarter, animated by Six Point Harness, and distributed by Sony Pictures Animation. Animation newbie Cherry (“BlacKkKlansman” executive producer) was intrigued about the trend of black dads doing their daughters’ hair on YouTube videos going viral. “I wanted to [turn around] those negative stereotypes of dads not being involved in their kids’ lives, and represent that mainstream,...
“Hair Love,” the frontrunner, concerns a single black father trying to do his daughter’s hair for the first time. It was financed through Kickstarter, animated by Six Point Harness, and distributed by Sony Pictures Animation. Animation newbie Cherry (“BlacKkKlansman” executive producer) was intrigued about the trend of black dads doing their daughters’ hair on YouTube videos going viral. “I wanted to [turn around] those negative stereotypes of dads not being involved in their kids’ lives, and represent that mainstream,...
- 1/28/2020
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The Oscars’ failure to nominate any female directors has ignited a fierce backlash, as has the lack of diversity among top acting nominees.
A deeper dive into the categories reveals that the number of black nominees hit a three-year low. Only five black people were nominated for Oscars in 2020. That’s down from 15 in 2019, 13 in 2018 and 18 in 2017.
In 2019, the only black acting nominee was Cynthia Erivo, who was nominated for best actress for “Harriet,” as well as best song for “Stand Up (From Harriet).” Composer Joshuah Brian Campbell, who co-wrote “Stand Up,” is also black. The other black nominees include “Les Misérables” director Ladj Ly, up for best international feature, and the “Hair Love” team of Matthew A. Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver, recognized in the best animated short category.
“It feels a bit like I’ve got a responsibility to represent all the people of color who have done...
A deeper dive into the categories reveals that the number of black nominees hit a three-year low. Only five black people were nominated for Oscars in 2020. That’s down from 15 in 2019, 13 in 2018 and 18 in 2017.
In 2019, the only black acting nominee was Cynthia Erivo, who was nominated for best actress for “Harriet,” as well as best song for “Stand Up (From Harriet).” Composer Joshuah Brian Campbell, who co-wrote “Stand Up,” is also black. The other black nominees include “Les Misérables” director Ladj Ly, up for best international feature, and the “Hair Love” team of Matthew A. Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver, recognized in the best animated short category.
“It feels a bit like I’ve got a responsibility to represent all the people of color who have done...
- 1/25/2020
- by Brent Lang and Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Earning his first Oscar nomination for Hair Love, his first animated short, Matthew A. Cherry’s entrée into the medium was inspired by a phenomenon he’d observed on social media.
Centering his short on an African American father, as he confronts the intimidating task of doing his daughter’s hair for the first time, Cherry noticed in 2016 a number of viral videos of African American fathers doing the same, and the incredible response these posts got. “I really like to share family-friendly content when I can, especially if it’s Black families interacting and loving and living. I really believe in just normalizing us, and for whatever reason, every time I would post a video of moms interacting with their kids or doing their hair, it would do okay,” he explains. “But every time there was a Black father interacting with their daughter, it would always go so much more viral.
Centering his short on an African American father, as he confronts the intimidating task of doing his daughter’s hair for the first time, Cherry noticed in 2016 a number of viral videos of African American fathers doing the same, and the incredible response these posts got. “I really like to share family-friendly content when I can, especially if it’s Black families interacting and loving and living. I really believe in just normalizing us, and for whatever reason, every time I would post a video of moms interacting with their kids or doing their hair, it would do okay,” he explains. “But every time there was a Black father interacting with their daughter, it would always go so much more viral.
- 1/22/2020
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The 92nd Academy Award nominations were disappointing to many due to the limited nominations for people of color in front of and behind the camera. However, director Matthew A.Cherry and producer Karen Rupert Toliver did make the cut. The African-American filmmakers are up for Best Animated Short for “Hair Love,” which tells the story of a Black father doing his daughter’s hair for the first time (watch it above). And the nomination is historic in more ways than one.
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This marks the first Oscar nomination for both Cherry and Toliver. Cherry, a former NFL athlete-turned-film and television director, follows former NBA champion Kobe Bryant as only the second professional athlete to earn an Oscar nomination. Coincidentally enough, Bryant took home the Oscar in this very category a couple of years ago for “Dear Basketball” (2017), which also made him...
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This marks the first Oscar nomination for both Cherry and Toliver. Cherry, a former NFL athlete-turned-film and television director, follows former NBA champion Kobe Bryant as only the second professional athlete to earn an Oscar nomination. Coincidentally enough, Bryant took home the Oscar in this very category a couple of years ago for “Dear Basketball” (2017), which also made him...
- 1/22/2020
- by Cordell Martin
- Gold Derby
Animation newbie Matthew Cherry (“BlacKkKlansman” executive producer) has entered the Best Animated Short Oscar race with “Hair Love,” which warmly embraces black father-daughter bonding over doing her hair for the first time. “I was intrigued about the trend of black dads doing their daughter’s hair on YouTube videos that went viral,” he said. “I wanted to [turn around] those negative stereotypes of dads not being involved in their kids’ lives, and represent that mainstream, modern day family that exits right now.”
The indie-produced short, distributed by Sony Pictures Animation, launched as a Kickstarter campaign in 2017. With strong black industry support, though, it amassing nearly $300,000, the most highly-funded short film campaign in Kickstarter history. Cherry formed a directing team with animators Everett Downing Jr. and Bruce Smith (creator of “The Proud Family”), and received early support from Karen Rupert Toliver during her transition from Blue Sky to Sony (where she’s currently...
The indie-produced short, distributed by Sony Pictures Animation, launched as a Kickstarter campaign in 2017. With strong black industry support, though, it amassing nearly $300,000, the most highly-funded short film campaign in Kickstarter history. Cherry formed a directing team with animators Everett Downing Jr. and Bruce Smith (creator of “The Proud Family”), and received early support from Karen Rupert Toliver during her transition from Blue Sky to Sony (where she’s currently...
- 1/7/2020
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
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