The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) has invited 487 artists and executives to become members, with Sandra Huller, Justin Triet, Celine Song and Da’Vine Joy Randolph among the high profile invitees.
Also invited to join are actors Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Fiona Shaw, directors Alice Diop, David Yates and S S Rajamouli, and writers Arthur Harari and Tony McNamara.
Executives invited to join that branch of the Academy include British Film Institute CEO Ben Roberts and Fifth Season co-CEOs Chris Rice and Graham Taylor.
Among those invited to join the costume designers branch are Holly Waddington and Małgorzata Karpiuk.
Also invited to join are actors Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Fiona Shaw, directors Alice Diop, David Yates and S S Rajamouli, and writers Arthur Harari and Tony McNamara.
Executives invited to join that branch of the Academy include British Film Institute CEO Ben Roberts and Fifth Season co-CEOs Chris Rice and Graham Taylor.
Among those invited to join the costume designers branch are Holly Waddington and Małgorzata Karpiuk.
- 6/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) has invited 487 artists and executives to become members, with Sandra Huller, Justin Triet, Celine Song and Da’Vine Joy Randolph among the high profile invitees.
Also invited to join are actors Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Fiona Shaw, directors Alice Diop, David Yates and S S Rajamouli, and writers Arthur Harari and Tony McNamara.
Executives invited to join that branch of the Academy include British Film Institute CEO Ben Roberts and Fifth Season co-CEOs Chris Rice and Graham Taylor.
Among those invited to join the costume designers branch are Holly Waddington and Małgorzata Karpiuk.
Also invited to join are actors Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Fiona Shaw, directors Alice Diop, David Yates and S S Rajamouli, and writers Arthur Harari and Tony McNamara.
Executives invited to join that branch of the Academy include British Film Institute CEO Ben Roberts and Fifth Season co-CEOs Chris Rice and Graham Taylor.
Among those invited to join the costume designers branch are Holly Waddington and Małgorzata Karpiuk.
- 6/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
Every summer, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences invites a deluge of new members to join its ranks. Since #OscarsSoWhite back in 2015, the Academy has moved away from its elitist tendencies and toward embracing younger and more diverse artists and executives from all over the world. This year’s invited class is no exception.
If the invitees all accept Academy membership, the total members will number 10,910 and voting members 9,934. And with the addition of the 2024 members, 35 percent of Academy members identify as women, 20 percent of Academy members are from underrepresented ethnic and racial communities, and 20 percent of Academy members are from countries or territories outside the U.S.
As usual, a slew of Oscar nominees and winners are gaining admittance to the club (71 Oscar nominees and 19 winners), including actors Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), Sandra Hüller, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”), costume designer Holly Waddington...
If the invitees all accept Academy membership, the total members will number 10,910 and voting members 9,934. And with the addition of the 2024 members, 35 percent of Academy members identify as women, 20 percent of Academy members are from underrepresented ethnic and racial communities, and 20 percent of Academy members are from countries or territories outside the U.S.
As usual, a slew of Oscar nominees and winners are gaining admittance to the club (71 Oscar nominees and 19 winners), including actors Lily Gladstone (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), Sandra Hüller, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”), costume designer Holly Waddington...
- 6/25/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Jessica Alba, Lily Gladstone, Greta Lee, Catherine O’Hara, and S.S. Rajamouli, director of “Rrr,” are among the 487 artists and executives invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. With all expected acceptances, AMPAS membership will rise to 10,910 from 10,817 last year, with 9,934 members eligible to vote in the upcoming 97th Oscars in 2025—an increase from last year’s 9,375.
This year’s invitees include 44% women, a 4% increase from 2023, and 41% from underrepresented ethnic and racial communities, marking a significant 7% rise. The actors, casting directors, costume designers, documentary, executives, makeup artists and hairstylists branches have invited more women than men. The actors, directors, documentary, and writers branches mainly comprised artists from underrepresented communities.
The directors branch features the most impressive array of filmmakers from both international and domestic spheres, such as Lila Avilés (“Totem”), Jayro Bustamante (“La Llorona”), Jd Dillard (“Devotion”), Alice Diop (“Saint Omer”), Boots Riley (“Sorry to Bother You...
This year’s invitees include 44% women, a 4% increase from 2023, and 41% from underrepresented ethnic and racial communities, marking a significant 7% rise. The actors, casting directors, costume designers, documentary, executives, makeup artists and hairstylists branches have invited more women than men. The actors, directors, documentary, and writers branches mainly comprised artists from underrepresented communities.
The directors branch features the most impressive array of filmmakers from both international and domestic spheres, such as Lila Avilés (“Totem”), Jayro Bustamante (“La Llorona”), Jd Dillard (“Devotion”), Alice Diop (“Saint Omer”), Boots Riley (“Sorry to Bother You...
- 6/25/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Tuesday that it is extending invitations to 487 to join the membership ranks of the Oscar organizer. If all accept, it will bring the Academy’s total membership to 10,910, of which 9,934 would be voting members.
This year’s list across 19 branches include 2024 Oscar winners Da’Vine Joy Randolph from The Holdovers; Poor Things costume designer Holly Waddington and production design team James Price, Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek; 20 Days in Mariupol director Mstyslav Chernov, War Is Over! producer Brad Booker; The Zone of Interest sound duo Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn; the Godzilla Minus One VFX team Tatsuji Nojima, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Takashi Yamazaki; American Fiction writer-director Cord Jefferson; and Anatomy of a Fall writing duo Justine Triet and Arthur Harari.
Jefferson and Triet are among eight names on the list who were invited to more than one branch (noted...
This year’s list across 19 branches include 2024 Oscar winners Da’Vine Joy Randolph from The Holdovers; Poor Things costume designer Holly Waddington and production design team James Price, Shona Heath and Zsuzsa Mihalek; 20 Days in Mariupol director Mstyslav Chernov, War Is Over! producer Brad Booker; The Zone of Interest sound duo Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn; the Godzilla Minus One VFX team Tatsuji Nojima, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Takashi Yamazaki; American Fiction writer-director Cord Jefferson; and Anatomy of a Fall writing duo Justine Triet and Arthur Harari.
Jefferson and Triet are among eight names on the list who were invited to more than one branch (noted...
- 6/25/2024
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Ranker is a popular place on the Internet where people can rank whatever they want, however, they want, and whenever they want. This is always a fan-focused ranking system and it is never officially tied to the people behind the projects in question. Recently, a large survey was organized on Ranker, whose goal was to determine the best black actors in recent years. The list includes a bunch of names, but in our report, we have decided to list the first ten names from the site, as to provide you with a better insight, combined with our original comment and opinions which will add flavor to the whole report.
Of course, since this is indeed an important list, have decided to report on it, so we are going to bring you the results by listing the top 10 actors on this list, from 10th to first place. We hope you’ll enjoy it!
Of course, since this is indeed an important list, have decided to report on it, so we are going to bring you the results by listing the top 10 actors on this list, from 10th to first place. We hope you’ll enjoy it!
- 5/29/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
The 2024 Tribeca Festival jury has been announced with a star-studded filmmaker lineup.
This year, David O. Russell, Selma Blair, Asghar Farhadi, Kim Cattrall, Francesca Scorsese, and more will select the winning projects in the film, games, and audio storytelling sections across the 17 competition categories. In addition to the awards in competition categories, the Nora Ephron Award, created to honor the spirit and vision of the legendary filmmaker and writer, will be presented.
The festival, presented by Okx, will take place from June 5 through 16.
“We are thrilled to once again welcome a diverse group of remarkable filmmakers, creatives and industry players as jurors for the 2024 Tribeca Festival,” executive vice president at Tribeca Enterprises Nancy Lefkowitz said. “We look forward to their wide-ranging perspectives across storytelling genres and mediums coming together to honor the extraordinary group of submissions this year.”
The winning films, projects, filmmakers, storytellers, and actors in each category will...
This year, David O. Russell, Selma Blair, Asghar Farhadi, Kim Cattrall, Francesca Scorsese, and more will select the winning projects in the film, games, and audio storytelling sections across the 17 competition categories. In addition to the awards in competition categories, the Nora Ephron Award, created to honor the spirit and vision of the legendary filmmaker and writer, will be presented.
The festival, presented by Okx, will take place from June 5 through 16.
“We are thrilled to once again welcome a diverse group of remarkable filmmakers, creatives and industry players as jurors for the 2024 Tribeca Festival,” executive vice president at Tribeca Enterprises Nancy Lefkowitz said. “We look forward to their wide-ranging perspectives across storytelling genres and mediums coming together to honor the extraordinary group of submissions this year.”
The winning films, projects, filmmakers, storytellers, and actors in each category will...
- 5/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Update: After this story was published, the “Origin” Twitter account was deleted.
Previously: After the release of her latest film “Origin,” director Ava DuVernay was vocal about her disappointment that the movie failed to garner widespread attention or awards buzz. Now, the X/Twitter account for “Origin” is taking aim at the distributor Neon, calling out the company for not inviting the filmmakers to its Oscar party.
Quote-tweeting a photo from the party, the account posted one day after the Academy Awards: “Is it odd that the filmmakers of Neon’s current film in theaters weren’t invited to this Neon celebration? Nope. Standard operating procedure for [founder Tom] Quinn and team. That’s how Neon rolls. More on this later.”
The event was hosted at the Hollywood Athletic Club by Neon, which touted its Oscar win for “Anatomy of a Fall,” which picked up best original screenplay on Sunday and was also nominated for best picture,...
Previously: After the release of her latest film “Origin,” director Ava DuVernay was vocal about her disappointment that the movie failed to garner widespread attention or awards buzz. Now, the X/Twitter account for “Origin” is taking aim at the distributor Neon, calling out the company for not inviting the filmmakers to its Oscar party.
Quote-tweeting a photo from the party, the account posted one day after the Academy Awards: “Is it odd that the filmmakers of Neon’s current film in theaters weren’t invited to this Neon celebration? Nope. Standard operating procedure for [founder Tom] Quinn and team. That’s how Neon rolls. More on this later.”
The event was hosted at the Hollywood Athletic Club by Neon, which touted its Oscar win for “Anatomy of a Fall,” which picked up best original screenplay on Sunday and was also nominated for best picture,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Alfre Woodard has joined the cast of the upcoming Apple TV+ drama series “The Last Frontier,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Woodard joins previously announced series lead Jason Clarke in the show, as well as cast members Haley Bennett, Dominic Cooper, Simone Kessell, Tait Blum, and “Reservation Dogs” alum Dallas Goldtooth. Apple has given the show a 10-episode order.
Per the official description, the series “follows US Marshall Frank Remnick (Clarke), the lone Marshal in charge of the quiet, rugged barrens of Alaska, whose jurisdiction is turned upside-down when a prison transport plane crashes in the remote wilderness, setting free dozens of violent inmates. Tasked with protecting the town he’s vowed to keep safe, he begins to suspect the crash wasn’t an accident, but the first step of a well-crafted plan with international political implications.”
Woodard will star as Bradford, described as “a top leader in the CIA.” This...
Woodard joins previously announced series lead Jason Clarke in the show, as well as cast members Haley Bennett, Dominic Cooper, Simone Kessell, Tait Blum, and “Reservation Dogs” alum Dallas Goldtooth. Apple has given the show a 10-episode order.
Per the official description, the series “follows US Marshall Frank Remnick (Clarke), the lone Marshal in charge of the quiet, rugged barrens of Alaska, whose jurisdiction is turned upside-down when a prison transport plane crashes in the remote wilderness, setting free dozens of violent inmates. Tasked with protecting the town he’s vowed to keep safe, he begins to suspect the crash wasn’t an accident, but the first step of a well-crafted plan with international political implications.”
Woodard will star as Bradford, described as “a top leader in the CIA.” This...
- 2/27/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Filmmaker Eric Branco, best known for his work as a cinematographer on films like Clemency and The 40-Year-Old Version, has signed on to make his feature directorial debut with the drama Silent Partner for Black Man Films
Based on a short film of the same name, Silent Partner is written by actor and Black Man Films co-founder Roderick Lawrence, James J. Johnson, and Branco. The pic follows a Black attorney in New York who is thrust into a stand-your-ground case by a senior partner. He is asked to defend a white woman who has murdered a Black teen. The story focuses on the attorney’s moral struggle, his relationship with his wife, and the black professional experience of microaggressions in the workplace and systemic racism in the justice system. The film began production last week in New York City. Cast features Roderick Lawrence, Susan Heyward, Eric Nelsen, and Jeff Perry.
Based on a short film of the same name, Silent Partner is written by actor and Black Man Films co-founder Roderick Lawrence, James J. Johnson, and Branco. The pic follows a Black attorney in New York who is thrust into a stand-your-ground case by a senior partner. He is asked to defend a white woman who has murdered a Black teen. The story focuses on the attorney’s moral struggle, his relationship with his wife, and the black professional experience of microaggressions in the workplace and systemic racism in the justice system. The film began production last week in New York City. Cast features Roderick Lawrence, Susan Heyward, Eric Nelsen, and Jeff Perry.
- 1/29/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The Athena Film Festival has announced the finalists for the 2024 Athena List, the festival’s Black List-inspired selection of unproduced screenplays focused on female leadership.
High-profile projects that were featured on past editions of the Athena List, part of the Barnard-based festival, include Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic On the Basis of Sex, Chinonye Chukwu‘s Clemency, the Sundance 2024-bound Out of My Mind by On the Basis of Sex writer Daniel Stiepleman, and Patricia Clarkson-starrer Lilly about Lilly Ledbetter and her fight for fair pay.
This year’s finalists are 7 on 10 by Samantha Lavin, A Bridge Between Us by Gina Hackett, I Don’t Dream in Spanish Anymore by Missy Hernandez, Keesha Goes to Camp by Rebecca Jordan Smith, Liars by Alicia Louzoun-Heisler, The Pendulum Woman by Katherine Hayes and Skrrrt! by Gabriela García Medina and Katherine Craft.
7 on 10 focuses on a former WNBA player sentenced to seven years...
High-profile projects that were featured on past editions of the Athena List, part of the Barnard-based festival, include Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic On the Basis of Sex, Chinonye Chukwu‘s Clemency, the Sundance 2024-bound Out of My Mind by On the Basis of Sex writer Daniel Stiepleman, and Patricia Clarkson-starrer Lilly about Lilly Ledbetter and her fight for fair pay.
This year’s finalists are 7 on 10 by Samantha Lavin, A Bridge Between Us by Gina Hackett, I Don’t Dream in Spanish Anymore by Missy Hernandez, Keesha Goes to Camp by Rebecca Jordan Smith, Liars by Alicia Louzoun-Heisler, The Pendulum Woman by Katherine Hayes and Skrrrt! by Gabriela García Medina and Katherine Craft.
7 on 10 focuses on a former WNBA player sentenced to seven years...
- 1/17/2024
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s almost time again for me to pack my bags and head to Park City, Utah, for the 2024 edition of the Sundance Film Festival. The last few years have been challenging for the fest, with the 2021 and 2022 editions only being online due to the pandemic. The 2023 edition was a hybrid version that sported a few high-profile debuts, including A24’s horror hit Talk to Me, but overall was a bit of a modest year in terms of stuff that broke out. However, 2024 seems to be a high-end year for the fest, with tons of big stars on the way to the festival, including Pedro Pascal, Kristen Stewart (there with two movies), Sebastian Stan, Woody Harrelson and many more.
It’s always interesting to note the trend in storytelling at this famous indie fest. In recent years, the pandemic weighed highly on the fest, with many films acknowledging the toll it took,...
It’s always interesting to note the trend in storytelling at this famous indie fest. In recent years, the pandemic weighed highly on the fest, with many films acknowledging the toll it took,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Providing our first glimpse at the next year in cinema, the 2024 Sundance Film Festival has unveiled its lineup of 82 films, eight episodic titles, and New Frontier interactive experiences. Taking place January 18–28, 2024, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, with a selection of titles available online nationwide from January 25–28, 2024, the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Notable highlights in this year’s edition includes Steven Soderbergh’s new Lucy Liu-led feature Presence, Rose Glass’ Love Lies Bleeding starring Kristen Stewart, Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow, Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden’s Freaky Tales starring Pedro Pascal, the Zellners’ Sasquatch Sunset, Aaron Schimberg’s A Different Man, Handling the Undead starring Renate Reinsve and Anders Danielsen Lie, the Saoirse Ronan-led The Outrun, Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, Nathan Silver’s Between the Temples starring Jason Schwartzman, Brett Story and Stephan Maing’s Amazon Labor Union documentary Union,...
Notable highlights in this year’s edition includes Steven Soderbergh’s new Lucy Liu-led feature Presence, Rose Glass’ Love Lies Bleeding starring Kristen Stewart, Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow, Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden’s Freaky Tales starring Pedro Pascal, the Zellners’ Sasquatch Sunset, Aaron Schimberg’s A Different Man, Handling the Undead starring Renate Reinsve and Anders Danielsen Lie, the Saoirse Ronan-led The Outrun, Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, Nathan Silver’s Between the Temples starring Jason Schwartzman, Brett Story and Stephan Maing’s Amazon Labor Union documentary Union,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: We hear that Apple has won a multiple-studio bidding war for Cin Fabré’s memoir Wolf Hustle, about a young Black woman’s ascent on male-dominated Wall Street. Till filmmaker Chinonye Chukwu is adapting it as a feature, and directing and producing under her Where’s the Fire banner alongside Entertainment 360.
In Wolf Hustle, Fabré, who was a broker on Wall Street, offers an engrossing and unapologetic portrait of a young Black woman succeeding in the testosterone-laden New York business world. In her deconstruction of the business world, the author grapples with what is most meaningful in life, ultimately beating Wall Street at its own game. The project is billed as being a mix of The Wolf of Wall Street and The Big Short set in 1990s New York. Wolf Hustle is her debut book.
Entertainment 360’s Priya Satiani, Guymon Casady and Alex Holcomb will produce.
Chukwu recently...
In Wolf Hustle, Fabré, who was a broker on Wall Street, offers an engrossing and unapologetic portrait of a young Black woman succeeding in the testosterone-laden New York business world. In her deconstruction of the business world, the author grapples with what is most meaningful in life, ultimately beating Wall Street at its own game. The project is billed as being a mix of The Wolf of Wall Street and The Big Short set in 1990s New York. Wolf Hustle is her debut book.
Entertainment 360’s Priya Satiani, Guymon Casady and Alex Holcomb will produce.
Chukwu recently...
- 3/8/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Athena Film Festival has announced the winners and finalists for the 2023 Athena List, the festival’s Black List-inspired selection of unproduced screenplays focused on female leadership.
High-profile projects that were featured on past editions of the Athena List, part of the Barnard-based festival, include Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic On the Basis of Sex, Chinonye Chukwu’s Clemency and Patricia Clarkson-starrer Lilly about Lilly Ledbetter and her fight for fair pay.
The winners of the 2023 Athena List are Driverless, by Hari Leigh; Going Dutch, by Kate Condé Hamilton; Laylayon, by Nic Yulo; and Scarce, by Mrittika Sarin. The finalists are 72, by Marissa Chibas; Blue Veil, by Shireen Alihaji; The Copeland Case, by Cecilia Copeland; and Requiem for a Glacier, by Stephanie Falkeis.
Driverless focuses on a female robotics engineer who takes a cross-country journey of self-discovery using the company’s driverless car prototype. In Going Dutch, a scientist finds...
High-profile projects that were featured on past editions of the Athena List, part of the Barnard-based festival, include Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic On the Basis of Sex, Chinonye Chukwu’s Clemency and Patricia Clarkson-starrer Lilly about Lilly Ledbetter and her fight for fair pay.
The winners of the 2023 Athena List are Driverless, by Hari Leigh; Going Dutch, by Kate Condé Hamilton; Laylayon, by Nic Yulo; and Scarce, by Mrittika Sarin. The finalists are 72, by Marissa Chibas; Blue Veil, by Shireen Alihaji; The Copeland Case, by Cecilia Copeland; and Requiem for a Glacier, by Stephanie Falkeis.
Driverless focuses on a female robotics engineer who takes a cross-country journey of self-discovery using the company’s driverless car prototype. In Going Dutch, a scientist finds...
- 2/28/2023
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2023 Athena Film Festival is set to open with a screening of Chinonye Chukwu’s acclaimed Till and close with the New York premiere of the timely Sundance selection Plan C.
The screening of Till, about how Emmett Till’s mother transformed her grief into a movement for justice, is just the latest in Chukwu’s history with the Barnard College festival focused on female leadership.
Her first film, Clemency, was on The Athena List, the festival’s Black List-inspired selection of best unproduced screenplays. That film also screened at the 2020 festival. And Athena launched the Chinonye Chukwu Emerging Writer Award in 2021.
And the Till screening comes after the acclaimed film surprisingly missed out on Oscar nominations including for star Danielle Deadwyler’s celebrated performance as Mamie Till-Mobley.
The festival will close with the New York premiere of Plan C, Tracy Droz Tragos’ documentary about a grassroots network fighting to...
The screening of Till, about how Emmett Till’s mother transformed her grief into a movement for justice, is just the latest in Chukwu’s history with the Barnard College festival focused on female leadership.
Her first film, Clemency, was on The Athena List, the festival’s Black List-inspired selection of best unproduced screenplays. That film also screened at the 2020 festival. And Athena launched the Chinonye Chukwu Emerging Writer Award in 2021.
And the Till screening comes after the acclaimed film surprisingly missed out on Oscar nominations including for star Danielle Deadwyler’s celebrated performance as Mamie Till-Mobley.
The festival will close with the New York premiere of Plan C, Tracy Droz Tragos’ documentary about a grassroots network fighting to...
- 2/22/2023
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Environmental Activism Pic ‘Finite: The Climate of Change’ Lands UK Release & Global Sales
Exclusive: Feature documentary Finite: The Climate of Change has secured a UK theatrical release from indie distributor Espresso Media from February 15. Espresso is also handling global distribution, with sales to Japan (Nhk) and Estonia (Err) confirmed. The pic is currently in release in Germany. Directed by climate activist turned filmmaker Rich Felgate, the film follows concerned citizens in Germany who step forward to save an ancient forest from one of Europe’s biggest coal mines. However, the local citizens also form an unlikely alliance with a frustrated community in rural northeast England who are forced into action to protect their homes from a new opencast coal mine.
Altitude Boards True-Crime Pic ‘Speedway’
Altitude Film Sales has boarded Speedway, a true-crime feature documentary from first-time filmmakers Luke Rynderman and Adam Kamien. The film digs into one of the...
Exclusive: Feature documentary Finite: The Climate of Change has secured a UK theatrical release from indie distributor Espresso Media from February 15. Espresso is also handling global distribution, with sales to Japan (Nhk) and Estonia (Err) confirmed. The pic is currently in release in Germany. Directed by climate activist turned filmmaker Rich Felgate, the film follows concerned citizens in Germany who step forward to save an ancient forest from one of Europe’s biggest coal mines. However, the local citizens also form an unlikely alliance with a frustrated community in rural northeast England who are forced into action to protect their homes from a new opencast coal mine.
Altitude Boards True-Crime Pic ‘Speedway’
Altitude Film Sales has boarded Speedway, a true-crime feature documentary from first-time filmmakers Luke Rynderman and Adam Kamien. The film digs into one of the...
- 2/9/2023
- by Zac Ntim and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
This year, women directors – and their women-centric subjects – swept the awards at Sundance Film Festival. Three women directors – Madeleine Gavin, Maryam Keshavarz, and Noora Niasari – won Audience Awards for their films on North Korea (“Beyond Utopia”), intergenerational motherhood (“The Persian Version”), and custody in diaspora (“Shayda”). Portraits of masculinity were also celebrated as well. First-time feature filmmaker Sing J. Lee won the Directing Award for his touching portrait of masculinity and fatherhood in “The Accidental Getaway Driver,” while Sauvnik Kaur’s intimate documentary on brotherhood “Against The Tide” took home a Special Jury Award. After two years of isolation and virtual festival-ing, it seems that stories of tenderness appealed over aggressive storytelling at Park City this year.
“This year’s Festival has been an extraordinary experience,” said Joana Vicente, Sundance Institute CEO. “The artists that comprise the 2023 Sundance Film Festival have demonstrated a sense of urgency and dedication to excellence in independent film.
“This year’s Festival has been an extraordinary experience,” said Joana Vicente, Sundance Institute CEO. “The artists that comprise the 2023 Sundance Film Festival have demonstrated a sense of urgency and dedication to excellence in independent film.
- 2/1/2023
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
‘Till’ Director Chinonye Chukwu Slams ‘Unabashed Misogyny Towards Black Women’ Following Oscars Snub
To director Chinonye Chukwu, the Academy Awards snub of “Till” only makes the historical film more relevant.
Chukwu, who was among the many female contenders shut out of the Best Director category, took to Instagram to address Hollywood’s reception of her feature charting Mamie Till-Mobley’s fight for justice following her son Emmett Till’s murder. The film has received SAG and BAFTA nominations for lead actress Danielle Deadwyler but was not recognized by the 95th Academy Awards in any category.
“We live in a world and work in industries that are so aggressively committed to upholding whiteness and perpetuating an unabashed misogyny towards Black women,” Chukwu wrote. “And yet, I am forever in gratitude for the greatest lesson of my life: Regardless of any challenges or obstacles, I will always have the power to cultivate my own joy, and it is this joy that will continue to be...
Chukwu, who was among the many female contenders shut out of the Best Director category, took to Instagram to address Hollywood’s reception of her feature charting Mamie Till-Mobley’s fight for justice following her son Emmett Till’s murder. The film has received SAG and BAFTA nominations for lead actress Danielle Deadwyler but was not recognized by the 95th Academy Awards in any category.
“We live in a world and work in industries that are so aggressively committed to upholding whiteness and perpetuating an unabashed misogyny towards Black women,” Chukwu wrote. “And yet, I am forever in gratitude for the greatest lesson of my life: Regardless of any challenges or obstacles, I will always have the power to cultivate my own joy, and it is this joy that will continue to be...
- 1/25/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Till director Chinonye Chukwu has shared a powerful message about the treatment of Black women in Hollywood following the 2023 Oscar nominations.
On Tuesday (24 January), the nominations were announced for the 95th Academy Awards. You can read the full list of nominees here.
Some of the biggest snubs and surprises came in the Best Actress category, after Till star Danielle Deadwyler and The Woman King’s Viola Davis failed to earn nominations, despite being deemed frontrunners in the category.
The acclaimed biopic Till, in which Deadwyler plays Mamie Till-Bradley, the mother of murdered 14-year-old Emmett Till, did not receive any nominations.
Following the announcement, director Chukwu shared a photo to Instagram in which she is seen crouching next to a woman in a wheelchair, smiling up at her.
“We live in a world and work in industries that are so aggressively committed to upholding whiteness and perpetuating an unabashed misogyny towards Black women,...
On Tuesday (24 January), the nominations were announced for the 95th Academy Awards. You can read the full list of nominees here.
Some of the biggest snubs and surprises came in the Best Actress category, after Till star Danielle Deadwyler and The Woman King’s Viola Davis failed to earn nominations, despite being deemed frontrunners in the category.
The acclaimed biopic Till, in which Deadwyler plays Mamie Till-Bradley, the mother of murdered 14-year-old Emmett Till, did not receive any nominations.
Following the announcement, director Chukwu shared a photo to Instagram in which she is seen crouching next to a woman in a wheelchair, smiling up at her.
“We live in a world and work in industries that are so aggressively committed to upholding whiteness and perpetuating an unabashed misogyny towards Black women,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Film
Till writer-director Chinonye Chukwu called out “unabashed misogyny towards Black women” after her film was notably left out of the 2023 Oscar nominations, with star Danielle Deadwyler missing out on the best actress nod many experts predicted she’d receive for her portrayal of Emmett Till’s mother, Mamie Till-Mobley.
“We live in a world and work in industries that are so aggressively committed to upholding whiteness and perpetuating an unabashed misogyny towards Black women,” Chukwu wrote in part on Instagram Tuesday.
Still, she tried to find her own happiness in the Oscar disappointment.
“I am forever in gratitude for the greatest lesson of my life – regardless of any challenges or obstacles, I will always have the power to cultivate my own joy, and it is this joy that will continue to be one of my greatest forms of resistance,” Chukwu wrote.
Her comments accompanied a picture of the director with civil rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams,...
“We live in a world and work in industries that are so aggressively committed to upholding whiteness and perpetuating an unabashed misogyny towards Black women,” Chukwu wrote in part on Instagram Tuesday.
Still, she tried to find her own happiness in the Oscar disappointment.
“I am forever in gratitude for the greatest lesson of my life – regardless of any challenges or obstacles, I will always have the power to cultivate my own joy, and it is this joy that will continue to be one of my greatest forms of resistance,” Chukwu wrote.
Her comments accompanied a picture of the director with civil rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams,...
- 1/24/2023
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in full swing, and our own Chris Bumbray covering the event, we wanted to know what film is your favorite of Sundance’s top prize: The Grand Jury Prize- Dramatic. From the very first winner (Old Enough) in 1984 to the most recent winner (Nanny) in 2022, let us know your favorite. If you’ve been to Sundance, please share your experience(s) in the comments section.
Favorite Sundance Grand Jury Prize WinnerNanny (2022)Coda (2021)Minari (2020)Clemency (2019)The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)The Birth of a Nation (2016)Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)Whiplash (2014)Fruitvale Station (2013)Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)Like Crazy (2011)Winter's Bone (2010)Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire (2009)Frozen River (2008)Padre Nuestro (2007)Quinceañera (2006)Forty Shades of Blue (2005)Primer (2004)American Splendor (2003)Personal Velocity: Three Portraits (2002)The Believer (2001)Girlfight (2000)You Can Count on Me (2000)Three...
Favorite Sundance Grand Jury Prize WinnerNanny (2022)Coda (2021)Minari (2020)Clemency (2019)The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)The Birth of a Nation (2016)Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)Whiplash (2014)Fruitvale Station (2013)Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)Like Crazy (2011)Winter's Bone (2010)Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire (2009)Frozen River (2008)Padre Nuestro (2007)Quinceañera (2006)Forty Shades of Blue (2005)Primer (2004)American Splendor (2003)Personal Velocity: Three Portraits (2002)The Believer (2001)Girlfight (2000)You Can Count on Me (2000)Three...
- 1/22/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
(Center) Chinonye Chukwu (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Flc), (left and right:) Danielle Deadwyler in Till (Lynsey Weatherspoon / Orion Pictures) Graphic: Jimmy Hasse With only two feature films under her belt, Chinonye Chukwu has already proven herself an actor’s director. The stars of her films give grounded, breathtaking performances...
- 10/16/2022
- by Murtada Elfadl
- avclub.com
(from left) Danielle Deadwyler as Mamie Till Mobley and Jalyn Hall as Emmett Till in Till, directed by Chinonye Chukwu. Photo: Orion Pictures Emmett Till was kidnapped, tortured, and lynched in Mississippi in 1955 because he whistled at a white woman. This is history—a story that every Black American knows all too well.
- 10/13/2022
- by Murtada Elfadl
- avclub.com
We have Denzel Washington’s single teardrop. We have Viola Davis’ runny nose. And now, we have Danielle Deadwyler’s lip quiver, expertly executed in Chinonye Chukwu’s deeply moving drama “Till.” Another best actress contender emerges although I wish the film could rise to the level of Deadwyler’s performance.
The sturdy drama follows Mamie Till-Mobley (Deadwyler), the mother of Emmett Till, whose abduction and lynching in 1955 sparked global outrage and served as an important catalyst in the civil rights movement. “Till” charts Mamie’s grief, as well as her pursuit of justice. But getting people to see a movie about such a horrific event will be a tough sell, even if the film avoids depicting much of the brutality of Emmett Till’s killing.
In the weeks leading up to its debut at the New York Film Festival where it had its world premiere on Saturday, I’ve told dozens of people – colleagues,...
The sturdy drama follows Mamie Till-Mobley (Deadwyler), the mother of Emmett Till, whose abduction and lynching in 1955 sparked global outrage and served as an important catalyst in the civil rights movement. “Till” charts Mamie’s grief, as well as her pursuit of justice. But getting people to see a movie about such a horrific event will be a tough sell, even if the film avoids depicting much of the brutality of Emmett Till’s killing.
In the weeks leading up to its debut at the New York Film Festival where it had its world premiere on Saturday, I’ve told dozens of people – colleagues,...
- 10/1/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson's "Black Adam" is about to shake up the DC Extended Universe. Based on the character created by Otto Binder and C.C. Beck, Adam is an agent of extreme chaos. In the comic books, he is typically the archenemy of Shazam. In Jaume Collett-Serra's film, he will be portrayed as an antihero, one who has the potential to be a powerful ally of the Justice Society of America or one of its most dreaded foes.
As written by Adam Sztykiel, Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, the movie will introduce both Adam and the Jsa into the Dceu. Given that the beleaguered brand is attempting to right itself after years of aimless development, it's vitally important that "Black Adam" palpably connects with mainstream audiences. It won't be easy. There's a ton of backstory to cover in this film, which, if not cleanly conveyed, could prove to be a major...
As written by Adam Sztykiel, Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, the movie will introduce both Adam and the Jsa into the Dceu. Given that the beleaguered brand is attempting to right itself after years of aimless development, it's vitally important that "Black Adam" palpably connects with mainstream audiences. It won't be easy. There's a ton of backstory to cover in this film, which, if not cleanly conveyed, could prove to be a major...
- 9/9/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
In 1973 Chol Soo Lee, a 21-year-old Korean immigrant, was wrongfully incarcerated for the murder of a Chinatown gang leader. He became a symbol for systemic injustice against Asian Americans and spurred solidarity within his community. His prison memoirs have been adapted into a book and his case inspired the 1989 drama film “True Believer.” But his life — what happened before and after he became famous for his imprisonment — was far from a Hollywood fairy tale.
In the documentary “Free Chol Soo Lee,” first-time doc directors Julie Ha and Eugene Yi use archival materials in an attempt to present their tragic hero in all three dimensions. Despite their efforts, Soo Lee feels just out of reach, but the story of his life remains as important as it is horrifying.
The film opens by explaining the crime and how Soo Lee became a prime suspect. Journalistic giant K.W. Lee compared Soo Lee’s...
In the documentary “Free Chol Soo Lee,” first-time doc directors Julie Ha and Eugene Yi use archival materials in an attempt to present their tragic hero in all three dimensions. Despite their efforts, Soo Lee feels just out of reach, but the story of his life remains as important as it is horrifying.
The film opens by explaining the crime and how Soo Lee became a prime suspect. Journalistic giant K.W. Lee compared Soo Lee’s...
- 8/26/2022
- by Lena Wilson
- The Wrap
Co-founder recalls early lessons and its emergence as a major financier of indie filmmaking.
It is 20 years since UK advertising and music photographer Phil Hunt set up Head Gear Films.
The now booming production company and film financier is a major force in the Cannes market this year, involved in films including Mister Smith Entertainment’s He Went That Way, starring Jacob Elordi and Zachary Quinto, Altitude’s Sentinel, Gfm’s The Accursed and many others, including several titles from its sister company Bankside.
Back in 1998, Hunt had produced his first feature, Fast Food, a micro-budget movie made for £50,000, which...
It is 20 years since UK advertising and music photographer Phil Hunt set up Head Gear Films.
The now booming production company and film financier is a major force in the Cannes market this year, involved in films including Mister Smith Entertainment’s He Went That Way, starring Jacob Elordi and Zachary Quinto, Altitude’s Sentinel, Gfm’s The Accursed and many others, including several titles from its sister company Bankside.
Back in 1998, Hunt had produced his first feature, Fast Food, a micro-budget movie made for £50,000, which...
- 5/20/2022
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Co-founder recalls early lessons and its emergence as a major financier of indie filmmaking.
It is 20 years since UK advertising and music photographer Phil Hunt set up Head Gear Films.
The now booming production company and film financier is a major force in the Cannes market this year, involved in films including Mister Smith Entertainment’s He Went That Way, starring Jacob Elordi and Zachary Quinto, Altitude’s Sentinel, Gfm’s The Accursed and many others, including several titles from its sister company Bankside.
Back in 1998, Hunt had produced his first feature, Fast Food, a micro-budget movie made for £50,000, which...
It is 20 years since UK advertising and music photographer Phil Hunt set up Head Gear Films.
The now booming production company and film financier is a major force in the Cannes market this year, involved in films including Mister Smith Entertainment’s He Went That Way, starring Jacob Elordi and Zachary Quinto, Altitude’s Sentinel, Gfm’s The Accursed and many others, including several titles from its sister company Bankside.
Back in 1998, Hunt had produced his first feature, Fast Food, a micro-budget movie made for £50,000, which...
- 5/20/2022
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Co-founder recalls early lessons and its emergence as a major financier of indie filmmaking.
It is 20 years since UK advertising and music photographer Phil Hunt set up Head Gear Films.
The now booming production company and film financier is a major force in the Cannes market this year, involved in films like Mister Smith Entertainment’s He Went That Way starring Jacob Elordi and Zachary Quinto, Altitude’s Sentinel, Gfm’s The Accursed and many others, including several titles from its sister company Bankside.
Back in 1998, Hunt had produced his first feature, Fast Food, a micro-budget movie made for £50,000, which...
It is 20 years since UK advertising and music photographer Phil Hunt set up Head Gear Films.
The now booming production company and film financier is a major force in the Cannes market this year, involved in films like Mister Smith Entertainment’s He Went That Way starring Jacob Elordi and Zachary Quinto, Altitude’s Sentinel, Gfm’s The Accursed and many others, including several titles from its sister company Bankside.
Back in 1998, Hunt had produced his first feature, Fast Food, a micro-budget movie made for £50,000, which...
- 5/20/2022
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Recently launched finance, production and sales company Est Studios has entered into a co-production partnership with Malaysia and LA-based Ace Pictures Entertainment for a slate of films aimed primarily at the Asian market.
The partnership says it is looking at an initial slate of 15 projects that they will co-produce with Est Studios representing sales on some of the films at key markets such as Cannes and Berlin.
The deal for the partnership was negotiated by Tenten Wei and Juefang Zhang for Est Studios and by Peter Wong and Emma Lee on behalf of Ace Pictures.
Est Studios, whose mission is to produce and sell new Asian film and TV, recently boarded world sales for Sundance 2022 title Maika. Meanwhile, the team behind Ace Pictures — producers Peter Wong, Emma Lee and Timur Bekbosunov and executive producer Johnny Chang — recently worked on indie films including Sundance winner Clemency, Color Out Of Space and Daniel Isn’t Real.
The partnership says it is looking at an initial slate of 15 projects that they will co-produce with Est Studios representing sales on some of the films at key markets such as Cannes and Berlin.
The deal for the partnership was negotiated by Tenten Wei and Juefang Zhang for Est Studios and by Peter Wong and Emma Lee on behalf of Ace Pictures.
Est Studios, whose mission is to produce and sell new Asian film and TV, recently boarded world sales for Sundance 2022 title Maika. Meanwhile, the team behind Ace Pictures — producers Peter Wong, Emma Lee and Timur Bekbosunov and executive producer Johnny Chang — recently worked on indie films including Sundance winner Clemency, Color Out Of Space and Daniel Isn’t Real.
- 4/12/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: WME has signed writer, actor, and producer Maurice Williams.
Williams is known for his acting roles via various mediums; on the digital side, he co-starred in Broke, created and written by Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson; in film, he has appeared in indies Clemency and Drib; and on TV, he had guest spots on ABC’s Conviction and CBS’s Superior Donuts.
Alongside How To Make It In America’s Ian Edelman, Williams is the writer, showrunner, and executive producer of the upcoming animated series for Netflix, Entergalactic, starring Kid Cudi.
Also at Netflix, Williams — teaming once again with Edelman — is in development on the live-action, half-hour comedy The Vince Staples Show, starring rapper Vince Staples.
Williams got his start as a writer in the Kenya Barris camp. Barris serves as executive producer on both Entergalactic and The Vince Staples Show.
Williams has also appeared on stage, on both coasts,...
Williams is known for his acting roles via various mediums; on the digital side, he co-starred in Broke, created and written by Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson; in film, he has appeared in indies Clemency and Drib; and on TV, he had guest spots on ABC’s Conviction and CBS’s Superior Donuts.
Alongside How To Make It In America’s Ian Edelman, Williams is the writer, showrunner, and executive producer of the upcoming animated series for Netflix, Entergalactic, starring Kid Cudi.
Also at Netflix, Williams — teaming once again with Edelman — is in development on the live-action, half-hour comedy The Vince Staples Show, starring rapper Vince Staples.
Williams got his start as a writer in the Kenya Barris camp. Barris serves as executive producer on both Entergalactic and The Vince Staples Show.
Williams has also appeared on stage, on both coasts,...
- 2/22/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the psychological thriller Measure of Revenge, starring Oscar winner Melissa Leo, Bella Thorne and Jake Weary, slating it for a day-and-date release on March 18.
In the debut feature of Malaysian helmer Peyfa, Broadway actress Lillian Cooper (Leo) is making her final on-stage appearance when her famous son, Curtis (Weary), is found dead. When his death is ruled as an accidental overdose, a suspicious Lillian decides to take matters into her own hands. On a quest for answers, she strikes up an unlikely alliance with her son’s drug dealer, Taz (Thorne), setting in motion a bloody warpath to uncover the truth, inspired by the characters she portrayed on stage.
Measure of Revenge also stars Roma Maffia (Disclosure), Adrian Martinez and Benedict Samuel (The Walk). Jen Gatien produced with Peter Wong and Timur Bekbosunov for Ace Pictures Entertainment. Johnny Chang, Bronwyn Cornelius and Emma Lee exec produced, with Jay Cannold co-producing.
“Melissa steps into this role of a grieving and relentless mother seeking justice for her son with such ease that it draws the viewer deeply into her journey and keeps you captivated and rooting for her every step of the way,” said Vertical Entertainment Partner Peter Jarowey.
“We are excited to partner up with Vertical Entertainment on Measure of Revenge to release a film that is an emotional and thrilling experience filled with mystery and surprise,” added Gatien, Wong and Bekbosunov in a joint statement. “Melissa Leo delivers a powerful and energetic performance in the role of a mother hellbent on revenge, forming great screen chemistry with the immensely talented Bella Thorne. We can’t wait for audiences to discover the film.”
Ace Pictures Entertainment is a film production and investment company, with a focus on genre fare. Chang leads its team as CEO, with Wong as President, Lee as VP of Business Affairs and Bekbosunov as VP of Creative Affairs. Since its 2017 launch, the company has provided full financing and production services for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner Clemency, starring Alfre Woodard, which was released by Neon and Focus Features; the dark Sundance comedy Blush, starring Wendi McLendon-Covey; the documentary M for Magic about the world-renowned Magic Castle; the supernatural thriller Daniel Isn’t Real, starring Patrick Schwarzenegger and Miles Robbins, released by Samuel Goldwyn and sold internationally by Voltage; and the horror cult hit Color Out of Space, directed by Richard Stanley and starring Nicolas Cage, which was released by Rlj Entertainment and sold internationally by XYZ. Ace Pictures also provided partial financing for the fantastical drama Come Away, directed by Brenda Chapman and starring Angelina Jolie, which was released by Relativity Media, and James Wan’s horror film Malignant.
Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor, which was founded in 2012. Other upcoming releases from the company include the SXSW & Venice prize winner Topside; the Sundance thriller Emily the Criminal, starring Aubrey Plaza, which it co-acquired with Roadside Attractions; Lyle Mitchell Corbine, Jr.’s Independent Spirit Award-nominated Wild Indian, starring Michael Greyeyes and Chaske Spencer; Krystin Ver Linden’s Alice, starring Keke Palmer, Common, Gaius Charles and Jonny Lee Miller, which premiered at Sundance 2022; and romantic comedy The Hating Game, starring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell.
Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal for Measure of Revenge on behalf of Vertical Entertainment, with Bekbosunov and CAA on behalf of Ace Pictures. Leo is represented by APA and The Initiative Group; Thorne by CAA, Thirty Three Management and Strategic Public Relations; and Weary by Gersh, Management 360 and Shafran PR.
In the debut feature of Malaysian helmer Peyfa, Broadway actress Lillian Cooper (Leo) is making her final on-stage appearance when her famous son, Curtis (Weary), is found dead. When his death is ruled as an accidental overdose, a suspicious Lillian decides to take matters into her own hands. On a quest for answers, she strikes up an unlikely alliance with her son’s drug dealer, Taz (Thorne), setting in motion a bloody warpath to uncover the truth, inspired by the characters she portrayed on stage.
Measure of Revenge also stars Roma Maffia (Disclosure), Adrian Martinez and Benedict Samuel (The Walk). Jen Gatien produced with Peter Wong and Timur Bekbosunov for Ace Pictures Entertainment. Johnny Chang, Bronwyn Cornelius and Emma Lee exec produced, with Jay Cannold co-producing.
“Melissa steps into this role of a grieving and relentless mother seeking justice for her son with such ease that it draws the viewer deeply into her journey and keeps you captivated and rooting for her every step of the way,” said Vertical Entertainment Partner Peter Jarowey.
“We are excited to partner up with Vertical Entertainment on Measure of Revenge to release a film that is an emotional and thrilling experience filled with mystery and surprise,” added Gatien, Wong and Bekbosunov in a joint statement. “Melissa Leo delivers a powerful and energetic performance in the role of a mother hellbent on revenge, forming great screen chemistry with the immensely talented Bella Thorne. We can’t wait for audiences to discover the film.”
Ace Pictures Entertainment is a film production and investment company, with a focus on genre fare. Chang leads its team as CEO, with Wong as President, Lee as VP of Business Affairs and Bekbosunov as VP of Creative Affairs. Since its 2017 launch, the company has provided full financing and production services for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner Clemency, starring Alfre Woodard, which was released by Neon and Focus Features; the dark Sundance comedy Blush, starring Wendi McLendon-Covey; the documentary M for Magic about the world-renowned Magic Castle; the supernatural thriller Daniel Isn’t Real, starring Patrick Schwarzenegger and Miles Robbins, released by Samuel Goldwyn and sold internationally by Voltage; and the horror cult hit Color Out of Space, directed by Richard Stanley and starring Nicolas Cage, which was released by Rlj Entertainment and sold internationally by XYZ. Ace Pictures also provided partial financing for the fantastical drama Come Away, directed by Brenda Chapman and starring Angelina Jolie, which was released by Relativity Media, and James Wan’s horror film Malignant.
Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor, which was founded in 2012. Other upcoming releases from the company include the SXSW & Venice prize winner Topside; the Sundance thriller Emily the Criminal, starring Aubrey Plaza, which it co-acquired with Roadside Attractions; Lyle Mitchell Corbine, Jr.’s Independent Spirit Award-nominated Wild Indian, starring Michael Greyeyes and Chaske Spencer; Krystin Ver Linden’s Alice, starring Keke Palmer, Common, Gaius Charles and Jonny Lee Miller, which premiered at Sundance 2022; and romantic comedy The Hating Game, starring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell.
Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal for Measure of Revenge on behalf of Vertical Entertainment, with Bekbosunov and CAA on behalf of Ace Pictures. Leo is represented by APA and The Initiative Group; Thorne by CAA, Thirty Three Management and Strategic Public Relations; and Weary by Gersh, Management 360 and Shafran PR.
- 2/10/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
When “Nanny” writer-director Nikyatu Jusu got a message from the Sundance team in late January asking to jump on a call, the first time filmmaker realized that the project must’ve won an award, which would be presented publicly the next day.
First, Jusu thought that the prize might go to the film’s star Anna Diop, who’d been earning rave reviews for her performance as Aisha, a Senegalese woman who recently immigrated to America and begins working for a wealth family on the Upper East Side in New York City. Then, she speculated the prize could be for cinematographer Rina Yang’s work lensing the film, which would be a win for the whole team. But she didn’t imagine that the film would instead win one of Sundance’s grand jury award in the U.S. dramatic category — and she certainly didn’t expect her reaction to be captured in real time.
First, Jusu thought that the prize might go to the film’s star Anna Diop, who’d been earning rave reviews for her performance as Aisha, a Senegalese woman who recently immigrated to America and begins working for a wealth family on the Upper East Side in New York City. Then, she speculated the prize could be for cinematographer Rina Yang’s work lensing the film, which would be a win for the whole team. But she didn’t imagine that the film would instead win one of Sundance’s grand jury award in the U.S. dramatic category — and she certainly didn’t expect her reaction to be captured in real time.
- 2/8/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Oscars: Can Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem Be the Fourth Married Couple Nominated in the Same Year?
Penélope Cruz is luxuriously refined in “Parallel Mothers,” a performance that has picked up critical acclaim and notable accolades since debuting at Venice. The voting bloc of the international community is a key demographic that pushed last year’s “The Father” from Florian Zeller, another Sony Pictures Classics feature, to perform exceptionally well with the Academy despite significant misses from key guild groups leading to nominations. Zeller’s film went on to win two major Oscars for adapted screenplay (Zeller and Christopher Hampton) and best actor (Anthony Hopkins).
The awards prospects for Pedro Almodóvar’s Spanish drama have been hindered by the switch in-person to virtual campaigning, which is not unique to all of this year’s contenders. However, the lifeblood of a film like “Parallel Mothers” appeals to and requires the international community’s presence, so the BAFTA snubs nearly across the board are worrisome. Almodóvar, a familiar favorite,...
The awards prospects for Pedro Almodóvar’s Spanish drama have been hindered by the switch in-person to virtual campaigning, which is not unique to all of this year’s contenders. However, the lifeblood of a film like “Parallel Mothers” appeals to and requires the international community’s presence, so the BAFTA snubs nearly across the board are worrisome. Almodóvar, a familiar favorite,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The hits just keep on coming with Gary Dauberman's "'Salem's Lot." The more we hear about the cast, the better it sounds. That latest wonderful character actor to join up for this Stephen King vampire tale is none other than Alfre Woodard ("Luke Cage" and "Clemency"). She'll be playing the role of Dr. Cody, an ally of the young writer at the center of this story as he uncovers the dirty, blood-thirsty secret of the tiny town of 'Salem's Lot.
Woodward joins Lewis Pullman, who is playing Ben Mears a novelist who returns to his quaint childhood hometown only to find it harboring a dark secret (namely,...
The post 'Salem's Lot Movie Has the Good Taste to Cast Alfre Woodard appeared first on /Film.
Woodward joins Lewis Pullman, who is playing Ben Mears a novelist who returns to his quaint childhood hometown only to find it harboring a dark secret (namely,...
The post 'Salem's Lot Movie Has the Good Taste to Cast Alfre Woodard appeared first on /Film.
- 9/4/2021
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Alfre Woodard has joined the cast of the upcoming remake of Stephen King novel ‘Salem’s Lot.’
Woodard will take on the role of the gender-flipped Dr. Cody. Cody provides assistance to Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman), Susan Norton (Makenzie Leigh) and Matt Burke (Bill Camp) in fighting the spread of vampires. Spencer Treat Clark also stars as Mike Ryerson.
King’s 1975 horror was his second published novel and tells the story of a writer named Ben Mears who returns to the town of Jerusalem’s Lot (or ‘Salem’s Lot for short) in Maine, where he had lived from the age of five through nine, only to discover that the residents are becoming vampires.
In 1979, the story was adapted into a two-part miniseries which was directed by Tobe Hooper and starred David Soul as Ben Mears and James Mason as Richard Straker, the towns mysterious new arrival.
Also in news...
Woodard will take on the role of the gender-flipped Dr. Cody. Cody provides assistance to Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman), Susan Norton (Makenzie Leigh) and Matt Burke (Bill Camp) in fighting the spread of vampires. Spencer Treat Clark also stars as Mike Ryerson.
King’s 1975 horror was his second published novel and tells the story of a writer named Ben Mears who returns to the town of Jerusalem’s Lot (or ‘Salem’s Lot for short) in Maine, where he had lived from the age of five through nine, only to discover that the residents are becoming vampires.
In 1979, the story was adapted into a two-part miniseries which was directed by Tobe Hooper and starred David Soul as Ben Mears and James Mason as Richard Straker, the towns mysterious new arrival.
Also in news...
- 9/3/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
UK distributor is looking for investment partners.
UK distributor Modern Films has hired a chief operating officer in a new role, as part of a rebrand of the company.
Former Curzon executive Phil Mordecai has joined the company to work on the corporate development of the revamped, newly-named Modern Films Group.
The Group will consist of four elements: Modern Films Fund, which will invest in the creation and distribution of socio-cultural stories; production, distribution and licensing arm Modern Films Entertainment; Modern Films Technology, a virtual screening room and embeddable player for exhibitors and audience data; and Modern Films Impact Projects focused on environmental,...
UK distributor Modern Films has hired a chief operating officer in a new role, as part of a rebrand of the company.
Former Curzon executive Phil Mordecai has joined the company to work on the corporate development of the revamped, newly-named Modern Films Group.
The Group will consist of four elements: Modern Films Fund, which will invest in the creation and distribution of socio-cultural stories; production, distribution and licensing arm Modern Films Entertainment; Modern Films Technology, a virtual screening room and embeddable player for exhibitors and audience data; and Modern Films Impact Projects focused on environmental,...
- 8/6/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Whoopi Goldberg and Danielle Deadwyler will star in Chinonye Chukwu’s upcoming film “Till,” about Mamie Till-Mobley’s fight for justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Louis Till.
Deadwyler will portray Mamie Till-Mobley, while Goldberg is set to play Till’s grandmother, Alma Carthan. Goldberg will also serve as a producer on the project, for MGM’s Orion Pictures, alongside Keith Beauchamp, Barbara Broccoli, Thomas K. Levine, Michael Jp Reilly and Frederick Zollo.
“We have waited a very long time to bring this historically necessary important film to people,” Goldberg said. “And as we watch the repression of American History when it comes to people of color it makes it even that more important. I couldn’t be with better people: Fred, Barbara, Chinonye, Keith, Michael and Danielle.”
Deadwyler, who is best known for her role in HBO’s “Watchmen,” said of being cast in the film, “It is a...
Deadwyler will portray Mamie Till-Mobley, while Goldberg is set to play Till’s grandmother, Alma Carthan. Goldberg will also serve as a producer on the project, for MGM’s Orion Pictures, alongside Keith Beauchamp, Barbara Broccoli, Thomas K. Levine, Michael Jp Reilly and Frederick Zollo.
“We have waited a very long time to bring this historically necessary important film to people,” Goldberg said. “And as we watch the repression of American History when it comes to people of color it makes it even that more important. I couldn’t be with better people: Fred, Barbara, Chinonye, Keith, Michael and Danielle.”
Deadwyler, who is best known for her role in HBO’s “Watchmen,” said of being cast in the film, “It is a...
- 7/23/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
"Watchmen" star Danielle Deadwyler and Whoopi Goldberg are set to star in "Till," a drama about the aftermath of the murder of Emmett Till from the director of "Clemency," Chinonye Chukwu.
"Till" is set up at MGM's Orion Pictures, and the studio will kick off production on the film this September in Atlanta.
"Till" is about Mamie Till-Mobley, who led a pursuit for justice for her 14-year-old son Emmett Louis Till, choosing to have an open casket at her son's funeral following his gruesome murder in 1955 after he was accused of offending a white woman in a grocery store. Mamie chose to have Jet magazine publish the horrific photos at the funeral, which became a galvanizing moment that helped lead to the creation of the civil rights movement.
Deadwyler in the film will play Mamie, while Goldbergh will portray Emmett's grandmother Alma Carthan.
Chukwu also wrote the screenplay based...
"Till" is set up at MGM's Orion Pictures, and the studio will kick off production on the film this September in Atlanta.
"Till" is about Mamie Till-Mobley, who led a pursuit for justice for her 14-year-old son Emmett Louis Till, choosing to have an open casket at her son's funeral following his gruesome murder in 1955 after he was accused of offending a white woman in a grocery store. Mamie chose to have Jet magazine publish the horrific photos at the funeral, which became a galvanizing moment that helped lead to the creation of the civil rights movement.
Deadwyler in the film will play Mamie, while Goldbergh will portray Emmett's grandmother Alma Carthan.
Chukwu also wrote the screenplay based...
- 7/23/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Alfre Woodard is set as a series regular in BET+/CBC’s The Porter, an original drama series about a group of 1920s railway workers who unite to form the world’s first Black union. Woodard also will serve as an executive producer on the series, from Inferno Pictures and Sienna Films, a Sphere Media company. Shooting is currently underway in Winnipeg, Canada.
Created by Arnold Pinnock and Bruce Ramsay with Annmarie Morais, Marsha Greene and Aubrey Nealon, The Porter tells the story of the people who fought to ignite the civil rights movement in North America.
Set in the early 1920s, The Porter offers a dramatic and compelling look at the Black community in St. Antoine, Montreal — known, at the time, as the “Harlem of the North...
Created by Arnold Pinnock and Bruce Ramsay with Annmarie Morais, Marsha Greene and Aubrey Nealon, The Porter tells the story of the people who fought to ignite the civil rights movement in North America.
Set in the early 1920s, The Porter offers a dramatic and compelling look at the Black community in St. Antoine, Montreal — known, at the time, as the “Harlem of the North...
- 7/19/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Clemency star Alfre Woodard has joined the ensemble cast for The Porter, a BET+ and CBC period drama about North American railway workers now shooting in Winnipeg.
Set in the roaring 1920s in Montreal and Chicago, the drama from Inferno Pictures and Sienna Films follows two Black railway porters who hustle, dream, cross borders and confront racial barriers on and off the railways that crossed North America. Woodard will play Fay, a local brothel owner in St. Antoine, Montreal who lives life on her own terms.
She most recently starred in the Apple TV+ series See and will appear opposite Kevin Hart in the Netflix feature film ...
Set in the roaring 1920s in Montreal and Chicago, the drama from Inferno Pictures and Sienna Films follows two Black railway porters who hustle, dream, cross borders and confront racial barriers on and off the railways that crossed North America. Woodard will play Fay, a local brothel owner in St. Antoine, Montreal who lives life on her own terms.
She most recently starred in the Apple TV+ series See and will appear opposite Kevin Hart in the Netflix feature film ...
- 7/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Clemency star Alfre Woodard has joined the ensemble cast for The Porter, a BET+ and CBC period drama about North American railway workers now shooting in Winnipeg.
Set in the roaring 1920s in Montreal and Chicago, the drama from Inferno Pictures and Sienna Films follows two Black railway porters who hustle, dream, cross borders and confront racial barriers on and off the railways that crossed North America. Woodard will play Fay, a local brothel owner in St. Antoine, Montreal who lives life on her own terms.
She most recently starred in the Apple TV+ series See and will appear opposite Kevin Hart in the Netflix feature film ...
Set in the roaring 1920s in Montreal and Chicago, the drama from Inferno Pictures and Sienna Films follows two Black railway porters who hustle, dream, cross borders and confront racial barriers on and off the railways that crossed North America. Woodard will play Fay, a local brothel owner in St. Antoine, Montreal who lives life on her own terms.
She most recently starred in the Apple TV+ series See and will appear opposite Kevin Hart in the Netflix feature film ...
- 7/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Four-time Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Alfre Woodard is the latest to join the cast of Blair Underwood’s upcoming psychological thriller “Viral.”
Production on the project — directed, produced by and starring Underwood — is currently underway in New York, after filming was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The casting news also marks a reunion for Woodward and Underwood, who previously teamed up for the Netflix drama “Juanita,” Showtime’s “The Wishing Tree” and the stage show “Love Letters.” The pair of entertainers have had an equally long history offscreen. In 1989, Woodard and Underwood co-founded Artists for a New South Africa (Ansa), an organization to support the mission to end apartheid, alongside fellow actors like Danny Glover, Mary Steenburgen and Cch Pounder.
Woodard is set to play Dr. Johnetta, a psychiatrist specializing in deep trauma, in the thriller, which follows Underwood’s character Andrew as he falls into paranoia after his wife Jules goes missing.
Production on the project — directed, produced by and starring Underwood — is currently underway in New York, after filming was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The casting news also marks a reunion for Woodward and Underwood, who previously teamed up for the Netflix drama “Juanita,” Showtime’s “The Wishing Tree” and the stage show “Love Letters.” The pair of entertainers have had an equally long history offscreen. In 1989, Woodard and Underwood co-founded Artists for a New South Africa (Ansa), an organization to support the mission to end apartheid, alongside fellow actors like Danny Glover, Mary Steenburgen and Cch Pounder.
Woodard is set to play Dr. Johnetta, a psychiatrist specializing in deep trauma, in the thriller, which follows Underwood’s character Andrew as he falls into paranoia after his wife Jules goes missing.
- 6/3/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon’s conspiracy thriller series The Terminal List welcomes a trio of actors to its cast with the addition of Lamonica Garrett, Alexis Louder and Tom Amandes in recurring roles.
They will join previously announced talent Chris Pratt, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Constance Wu, Riley Keough, Taylor Kitsch and Jeanne Tripplehorn.
Based on Jack Carr’s bestselling novel and written by David Digilio, The Terminal List follows James Reece (Pratt) after his entire platoon of Navy SEALs is ambushed during a high-stakes covert mission. Reece returns home to his family with conflicting memories of the event and questions about his culpability. However, as new evidence comes to light, Reece discovers dark forces working against him, endangering not only his life but the lives of those he loves.
Executive producers are Pratt, Carr, Antonia Fuqua through Fuqua Films, and writer Daniel Shattuck. Digilio serves as showrunner and also executive produces. The Terminal List...
They will join previously announced talent Chris Pratt, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Constance Wu, Riley Keough, Taylor Kitsch and Jeanne Tripplehorn.
Based on Jack Carr’s bestselling novel and written by David Digilio, The Terminal List follows James Reece (Pratt) after his entire platoon of Navy SEALs is ambushed during a high-stakes covert mission. Reece returns home to his family with conflicting memories of the event and questions about his culpability. However, as new evidence comes to light, Reece discovers dark forces working against him, endangering not only his life but the lives of those he loves.
Executive producers are Pratt, Carr, Antonia Fuqua through Fuqua Films, and writer Daniel Shattuck. Digilio serves as showrunner and also executive produces. The Terminal List...
- 6/2/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Peter Murimi’s documentary to launch on digital platform Bohemia Euphoria.
Bohemia Media has acquired UK, Ireland and North America rights to documentary I Am Samuel and plans to launch it on upcoming streaming platform, Bohemia Euphoria.
The feature directorial debut of Kenyan journalist Peter Murimi is an intimate portrait of a queer Kenyan man and his partner, and their experiences in a country where their love is criminalized. The documentary previously played at the UK’s BFI Flare and London film festivals.
The deal, which was struck directly with the filmmakers, will see the film launch on June 3 in...
Bohemia Media has acquired UK, Ireland and North America rights to documentary I Am Samuel and plans to launch it on upcoming streaming platform, Bohemia Euphoria.
The feature directorial debut of Kenyan journalist Peter Murimi is an intimate portrait of a queer Kenyan man and his partner, and their experiences in a country where their love is criminalized. The documentary previously played at the UK’s BFI Flare and London film festivals.
The deal, which was struck directly with the filmmakers, will see the film launch on June 3 in...
- 4/30/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The BAFTA Awards will be held on April 10 and April 11, but who will take home prizes when the British academy announces its winners. Scroll down for our racetrack odds in 22 categories, which are based on the combined predictions of thousands of Gold Derby users. Our projected winners are highlighted in gold.
The BAFTAs are the British equivalent of the Oscars, and due to their overlapping memberships, they might give us a preview of things to come. But the Brits might not be as interested in setting up the Oscars as they have been in recent years. For these awards a new jury system decided the nominees for acting and directing, leading to a unique lineup where half of the Oscar-nominated performers are missing and a number of under-the-radar contenders broke through instead.
SEEWill the BAFTAs break their Best Picture curse? They haven’t agreed with Oscars in 7 years
But the...
The BAFTAs are the British equivalent of the Oscars, and due to their overlapping memberships, they might give us a preview of things to come. But the Brits might not be as interested in setting up the Oscars as they have been in recent years. For these awards a new jury system decided the nominees for acting and directing, leading to a unique lineup where half of the Oscar-nominated performers are missing and a number of under-the-radar contenders broke through instead.
SEEWill the BAFTAs break their Best Picture curse? They haven’t agreed with Oscars in 7 years
But the...
- 4/9/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Film
In the one category in which the nominees were determined by the entire BAFTA membership, rather than individual chapters or select juries, more conventional wisdom prevailed than in the surprise-filled acting and directing races. Four of the nominees here have featured heavily in the U.S. awards race thus far. Chloé Zhao’s stirring docufiction “Nomadland” has been viewed for months as the season’s clear frontrunner, and maintains that status here with a field-leading seven nominations. Aaron Sorkin’s all-star courtroom drama “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” generally seen as “Nomadland’s” closest competitor, also cracks the list, but with only three nods overall. For the remaining three slots, BAFTA voters honored their own: Emerald Fennell’s spiky feminist black comedy “Promising Young Woman” made it in, matching the enthusiasm shown by American awards groups for this U.K.-U.S. co-production, as did Florian Zeller’s...
In the one category in which the nominees were determined by the entire BAFTA membership, rather than individual chapters or select juries, more conventional wisdom prevailed than in the surprise-filled acting and directing races. Four of the nominees here have featured heavily in the U.S. awards race thus far. Chloé Zhao’s stirring docufiction “Nomadland” has been viewed for months as the season’s clear frontrunner, and maintains that status here with a field-leading seven nominations. Aaron Sorkin’s all-star courtroom drama “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” generally seen as “Nomadland’s” closest competitor, also cracks the list, but with only three nods overall. For the remaining three slots, BAFTA voters honored their own: Emerald Fennell’s spiky feminist black comedy “Promising Young Woman” made it in, matching the enthusiasm shown by American awards groups for this U.K.-U.S. co-production, as did Florian Zeller’s...
- 3/26/2021
- by Guy Lodge
- Variety Film + TV
London, March 10: Indian actor Adarsh Gourav has been nominated in the Leading Actor category for his role in The White Tiger at the BAFTA Awards 2021. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced its list of nominees for the year on Tuesday, which includes a record breaking number of female directors.
This year also sees the most diverse set of nominations. Notable nominees include ones in the Leading Actress category for Radha Blank for The Forty-Year-Old Version, Maria Bakalova for Borat Subsequent Film and Dominique Fishback for Judas And The Black Messiah.
In the Leading Actor, Adarsh Gourav will compete with late actor Chadwick Boseman for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Anthony Hopkins for The Father.
The White Tiger also received nomination for Ramin Bahrani in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.
Here's the list of the nominees at the upcoming BAFTA awards:
Best Film
The Father
The Mauritanian...
This year also sees the most diverse set of nominations. Notable nominees include ones in the Leading Actress category for Radha Blank for The Forty-Year-Old Version, Maria Bakalova for Borat Subsequent Film and Dominique Fishback for Judas And The Black Messiah.
In the Leading Actor, Adarsh Gourav will compete with late actor Chadwick Boseman for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Anthony Hopkins for The Father.
The White Tiger also received nomination for Ramin Bahrani in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.
Here's the list of the nominees at the upcoming BAFTA awards:
Best Film
The Father
The Mauritanian...
- 3/10/2021
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Awards experts and aficionados hoping to receive some clarity on this chaotic and extended Oscar season were done no favors by the BAFTA Awards this year. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts threw a number of curveballs into the mix for 2021, snubbing numerous assumed Academy Award contenders like Viola Davis, Sacha Baron Cohen, Carey Mulligan, director David Fincher, director Aaron Sorkin, and Gary Oldman and elevating underdogs such as Alan Kim, Dominique Fishback, and Tahar Rahim. Ahead, everything to know about the 2021 BAFTAs, including when the ceremony takes place, who is nominated, and how voting changed.
When are the BAFTA Awards?
The 2021 BAFTA Awards take place on April 11 in a virtual ceremony. But really the fun starts one day earlier, on April 10, when the film craft awards will be announced. Both shows will be broadcast from London’s Royal Albert Hall: the April 10 ceremony airs on BBC Two...
When are the BAFTA Awards?
The 2021 BAFTA Awards take place on April 11 in a virtual ceremony. But really the fun starts one day earlier, on April 10, when the film craft awards will be announced. Both shows will be broadcast from London’s Royal Albert Hall: the April 10 ceremony airs on BBC Two...
- 3/9/2021
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
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