The MCU has seen its highs and lows in recent years, yet it remains the most successful franchise of all time. What began with a single movie in 2008 has evolved over 16 years into the largest cinematic universe to date, spanning both live-action films and TV shows.
Despite this remarkable achievement, there’s been a growing trend among prominent directors to criticize the MCU and superhero movies in general. Filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Francis Ford Coppola have mocked their concepts and execution, arguing that superhero movies don’t qualify as true cinema.
Five years ago, Martin Scorsese, one of the most acclaimed directors of all time, took aim at the genre, stating that he didn’t view them as cinema.
I don’t see them. I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema. Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well made as they are,...
Despite this remarkable achievement, there’s been a growing trend among prominent directors to criticize the MCU and superhero movies in general. Filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Francis Ford Coppola have mocked their concepts and execution, arguing that superhero movies don’t qualify as true cinema.
Five years ago, Martin Scorsese, one of the most acclaimed directors of all time, took aim at the genre, stating that he didn’t view them as cinema.
I don’t see them. I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema. Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well made as they are,...
- 5/28/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
MCU has had it’s up and downs in the last couple of years, but despite that, it’s still the most successful franchise of all times. What started out as a single movie released in 2008 over the course of 16 years grew into the largest cinematic universe to date which includes both live-action movies, and TV Shows.
Despite this impressive track record, it’s become sort of a trend among high-profile directors to criticize the MCU and superhero movies in general. Some of the biggest names in the industry like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Francis Ford Coppola mocked the premises and the executions, lauding that superhero movies are no true cinema.
5 years, ago Martin Scorsese one of the most critically acclaimed directors of all time decided to fire a couple of shots at the genre, saying that he didn’t see them as cinema.
I don’t see them.
Despite this impressive track record, it’s become sort of a trend among high-profile directors to criticize the MCU and superhero movies in general. Some of the biggest names in the industry like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Francis Ford Coppola mocked the premises and the executions, lauding that superhero movies are no true cinema.
5 years, ago Martin Scorsese one of the most critically acclaimed directors of all time decided to fire a couple of shots at the genre, saying that he didn’t see them as cinema.
I don’t see them.
- 5/28/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
Among the many mafia gangster films made across the world, throughout the history of cinema, Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather trilogy will forever remain the most iconic. With a screenplay by Mario Puzo and starring an incredible ensemble cast involving Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, and more, the movies now occupy a distinct place in Hollywood’s Hall of Fame.
Al Pacino and Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Even after all these decades, the trilogy serves as an inspiration to many, proving its outstanding legacy. Often, a few details from the set are revealed, bringing the movies back into the limelight. Recently, after the release of The Godfather trilogy on 4K Uhd for its 50th anniversary, the cast and movies are back in discussion for their antics on set.
The Godfather Cast Loved to Moon Each Other on Set
A scene from Francis Ford Coppola’s...
Al Pacino and Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Even after all these decades, the trilogy serves as an inspiration to many, proving its outstanding legacy. Often, a few details from the set are revealed, bringing the movies back into the limelight. Recently, after the release of The Godfather trilogy on 4K Uhd for its 50th anniversary, the cast and movies are back in discussion for their antics on set.
The Godfather Cast Loved to Moon Each Other on Set
A scene from Francis Ford Coppola’s...
- 5/28/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
Disappointment hung in the air a few days into the 2024 Cannes Film Festival when no main competition films had universally wowed industry and press. But you have to know where to look, which often means going outside the official selection and into sidebars like Un Certain Regard and Directors’ Fortnight in search of gems.
By the end of the festival, though, more than a few stunners had emerged. The competition’s final days brought a series of potentially historic and beloved-on-the-ground Palme contenders: Mohammad Rasolouf’s searing Iranian drama “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Payal Kapadia’s day-in-the-life Mumbai portrait “All We Imagine as Light,” and Sean Baker’s wild and crazy sex worker odyssey “Anora.”
Elsewhere, movies like Matthew Rankin’s Abbas Kiarostami homage “Universal Language” and Mahdi Fleifel’s “To a Land Unknown,” the only Palestinian movie to play Cannes this year, impressed in Directors’ Fortnight, the...
By the end of the festival, though, more than a few stunners had emerged. The competition’s final days brought a series of potentially historic and beloved-on-the-ground Palme contenders: Mohammad Rasolouf’s searing Iranian drama “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Payal Kapadia’s day-in-the-life Mumbai portrait “All We Imagine as Light,” and Sean Baker’s wild and crazy sex worker odyssey “Anora.”
Elsewhere, movies like Matthew Rankin’s Abbas Kiarostami homage “Universal Language” and Mahdi Fleifel’s “To a Land Unknown,” the only Palestinian movie to play Cannes this year, impressed in Directors’ Fortnight, the...
- 5/27/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio and David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
John Waters earlier this yearPhoto: CraSH/imageSPACE/Shutterstock (Shutterstock)
Freaks, sickos, and perverts the world over breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced in October 2022 that John Waters would be adapting his novel Liarmouth into a feature film. For one thing, the film would be his first since 2004's A Dirty Shame.
Freaks, sickos, and perverts the world over breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced in October 2022 that John Waters would be adapting his novel Liarmouth into a feature film. For one thing, the film would be his first since 2004's A Dirty Shame.
- 5/27/2024
- by Drew Gillis
- avclub.com
Actor Val Kilmer has had a long career in Hollywood, featuring in a combination of commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. During his more than four decades-long career in the film industry, Kilmer had the honor of working with legendary directors such as Tony Scott and Francis Ford Coppola and also donned the cape and cowl of Batman.
Batman Forever star Val Kilmer has worked with Tony Scott and Francis Ford Coppola (Credit: Warner Bros Pictures).
However, Kilmer revealed that he was envious of the filmography of another actor from the Batman movies for one peculiar reason. In an interview, Kilmer looked back upon his work in the black-comedy film Kiss Bang Bang while revealing his jealousy over actor Colin Farrell’s filmography. Here is why Val Kilmer was jealous of Colin Farrell and what the actor has stated about the same.
Val Kilmer Was Jealous of The Batman Actor...
Batman Forever star Val Kilmer has worked with Tony Scott and Francis Ford Coppola (Credit: Warner Bros Pictures).
However, Kilmer revealed that he was envious of the filmography of another actor from the Batman movies for one peculiar reason. In an interview, Kilmer looked back upon his work in the black-comedy film Kiss Bang Bang while revealing his jealousy over actor Colin Farrell’s filmography. Here is why Val Kilmer was jealous of Colin Farrell and what the actor has stated about the same.
Val Kilmer Was Jealous of The Batman Actor...
- 5/27/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
by Elisa Giudici
Sean Baker takes the Palme d'Or for "Anora" © Sameer Al Doumy / Afp
“I've been working towards this goal for thirty years.” So says Sean Baker as he leaps from his seat in the Lumière theater upon hearing the announcement of his Palme d’Or victory. He thanks Francis Ford Coppola and David Cronenberg, dedicates his film to sex workers, and champions indie cinema meant to be experienced in theaters -- the best experience, he says, “despite what some tech multinationals want us to believe.”
He knows his life as a filmmaker is about to change. The victory of Anora is the culmination of a long journey for a filmmaker who has merged a vibrant, funny, commercial approach with serious themes and auteur rigor. From his speech—one of the best ever delivered by a Palme winner—it’s clear that he is a great storyteller first and foremost.
Sean Baker takes the Palme d'Or for "Anora" © Sameer Al Doumy / Afp
“I've been working towards this goal for thirty years.” So says Sean Baker as he leaps from his seat in the Lumière theater upon hearing the announcement of his Palme d’Or victory. He thanks Francis Ford Coppola and David Cronenberg, dedicates his film to sex workers, and champions indie cinema meant to be experienced in theaters -- the best experience, he says, “despite what some tech multinationals want us to believe.”
He knows his life as a filmmaker is about to change. The victory of Anora is the culmination of a long journey for a filmmaker who has merged a vibrant, funny, commercial approach with serious themes and auteur rigor. From his speech—one of the best ever delivered by a Palme winner—it’s clear that he is a great storyteller first and foremost.
- 5/27/2024
- by Elisa Giudici
- FilmExperience
Only a few films have managed to do what The Godfather did. The 1972 film by Francis Ford Coppola starring Al Pacino is one of the greatest and most influential films of all time and you cannot have a conversation about Hollywood’s best works without mentioning it. Everything from the cinematography and direction to the cast and storyline was absolute perfection.
A still from The Godfather (1972) | Paramount Pictures
While the film went on to become a cultural phenomenon, there was no way the cast and crew could have guessed the level of impact The Godfather would go on to make. However, Al Pacino once recalled a moment from the set involving Francis Ford Coppola which made him realize just what a gem of a film he was in.
When Al Pacino Stumbled Across a Distressed Francis Ford Coppola Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Al Pacino...
A still from The Godfather (1972) | Paramount Pictures
While the film went on to become a cultural phenomenon, there was no way the cast and crew could have guessed the level of impact The Godfather would go on to make. However, Al Pacino once recalled a moment from the set involving Francis Ford Coppola which made him realize just what a gem of a film he was in.
When Al Pacino Stumbled Across a Distressed Francis Ford Coppola Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Al Pacino...
- 5/27/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Martin Scorsese’s war with Marvel seems to be over as filmmaker George Lucas recently revealed that the director might have eased his opinions about the MCU. The Departed filmmaker came under fire back in 2019 when he compared Marvel with theme park rides and said that they were not cinema, sparking controversy and a bunch of memes.
While the filmmaker was commenting on the lack of originality in Hollywood and how the only films getting made were superhero films, many fans took issue with him insulting their beloved franchise. However, the director seemed to have calmed down about the issue, according to George Lucas.
Did Martin Scorsese End His War With Marvel? Martin Scorsese in Hugo | Credits: Gk Films/Infinitum Nihil
Martin Scorsese has been the mastermind behind many of Hollywood’s greatest films in the New Wave era. The filmmaker helmed classics such as Goodfellas, Casino, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull,...
While the filmmaker was commenting on the lack of originality in Hollywood and how the only films getting made were superhero films, many fans took issue with him insulting their beloved franchise. However, the director seemed to have calmed down about the issue, according to George Lucas.
Did Martin Scorsese End His War With Marvel? Martin Scorsese in Hugo | Credits: Gk Films/Infinitum Nihil
Martin Scorsese has been the mastermind behind many of Hollywood’s greatest films in the New Wave era. The filmmaker helmed classics such as Goodfellas, Casino, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull,...
- 5/27/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Al Pacino ruled the screens from the 70s up to the 90s with many acclaimed works and performances that won him various awards. The 70s were the seminal decade for the actor that established him as a bankable movie star. Films like Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, and …And Justice for All proved that Pacino was a force to be reckoned with.
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
The most popular films that Pacino participated in during the decade were the two Godfather films in 1972 and 1974. However, when the first Godfather was made, Pacino was a young actor and did not know how to execute certain notes from director Francis Ford Coppola. The actor thought that Coppola was extremely disappointed by casting him as Michael Corleone.
Al Pacino’s Incompetence Led Him To Believe He was Ruining The Godfather
Al Pacino was unable to improvise during the...
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
The most popular films that Pacino participated in during the decade were the two Godfather films in 1972 and 1974. However, when the first Godfather was made, Pacino was a young actor and did not know how to execute certain notes from director Francis Ford Coppola. The actor thought that Coppola was extremely disappointed by casting him as Michael Corleone.
Al Pacino’s Incompetence Led Him To Believe He was Ruining The Godfather
Al Pacino was unable to improvise during the...
- 5/27/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
The 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival has now concluded, with Sean Baker’s Anora taking home the Palme d’Or. While our coverage will continue with a few more reviews this week––and far beyond as we provide updates on the journey of these selections––we’ve asked our contributors on the ground to share favorites.
See their picks below, and explore all of our coverage here.
Leonardo Goi (@LeonardoGoi)
1. Grand Tour (Miguel Gomes)
2. All We Imagine As Light (Payal Kapadia)
3. Misericordia (Alain Guiraudie)
4. Anora (Sean Baker)
5. Eephus (Carson Lund)
6. Viet And Nam (Trương Minh Quý)
7. Christmas Eve In Miller’s Point (Tyler Taormina)
8. Black Dog (Guan Hu)
9. Megalopolis (Francis Ford Coppola)
10. Good One (India Donaldson)
Read all of Leonardo’s reviews here.
Luke Hicks (@lou_hicks)
1. Anora (Sean Baker)
2. Caught by the Tides (Jia Zhangke)
3. Oh, Canada (Paul Schrader)
4. Viet and Nam (Trương Minh Quý)
5. The Seed of the Sacred Fig...
See their picks below, and explore all of our coverage here.
Leonardo Goi (@LeonardoGoi)
1. Grand Tour (Miguel Gomes)
2. All We Imagine As Light (Payal Kapadia)
3. Misericordia (Alain Guiraudie)
4. Anora (Sean Baker)
5. Eephus (Carson Lund)
6. Viet And Nam (Trương Minh Quý)
7. Christmas Eve In Miller’s Point (Tyler Taormina)
8. Black Dog (Guan Hu)
9. Megalopolis (Francis Ford Coppola)
10. Good One (India Donaldson)
Read all of Leonardo’s reviews here.
Luke Hicks (@lou_hicks)
1. Anora (Sean Baker)
2. Caught by the Tides (Jia Zhangke)
3. Oh, Canada (Paul Schrader)
4. Viet and Nam (Trương Minh Quý)
5. The Seed of the Sacred Fig...
- 5/27/2024
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
While the Cannes Film Festival makes headlines for its world premieres of some of the best films of the year, it also comes under fire for a few unsavory moments. Kelly Rowland, who starred in this year’s Mea Culpa, had an argument with a security guard at the red carpet of the festival when she was pushed away from the event quickly.
While Rowland did not expand on what the argument was about, the guard was seen pushing around Dominican actress Massiel Taveras on the red carpet while she posed for the press. Taveras also seemed to have a bitter argument with the guard and was even seen pushing her when the team started to roll up her dress.
Cannes Security Guard Under Fire Again After Moving Away Massiel Taveras Massiel Taveras in The Other Penelope | Credits: Código Tres Films/Fabud Films
After Kelly Rowland’s controversy on the...
While Rowland did not expand on what the argument was about, the guard was seen pushing around Dominican actress Massiel Taveras on the red carpet while she posed for the press. Taveras also seemed to have a bitter argument with the guard and was even seen pushing her when the team started to roll up her dress.
Cannes Security Guard Under Fire Again After Moving Away Massiel Taveras Massiel Taveras in The Other Penelope | Credits: Código Tres Films/Fabud Films
After Kelly Rowland’s controversy on the...
- 5/26/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Legendary actor James Caan was known for his role as Sonny Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. The actor received an Academy Award nomination for his role as Don’s eldest son and was often regarded as one of the greatest actors of the generation. Caan also starred in films such as Misery, The Gambler, and Elf.
Caan has also turned down many noted roles that turned out to be game-changers for the actors who ended up playing them. Among films such as The French Connection and Apocalypse Now, Caan was rumored to be offered the role of Han Solo in Star Wars. While Harrison Ford played the iconic character, Caan reportedly had a crude response to it.
James Caan’s Crude Response To Harrison Ford Playing Han Solo Harrison Ford in Star Wars: A New Hope | Credits: Lucasfilm Ltd./20th Century Fox
Harrison Ford’s role as...
Caan has also turned down many noted roles that turned out to be game-changers for the actors who ended up playing them. Among films such as The French Connection and Apocalypse Now, Caan was rumored to be offered the role of Han Solo in Star Wars. While Harrison Ford played the iconic character, Caan reportedly had a crude response to it.
James Caan’s Crude Response To Harrison Ford Playing Han Solo Harrison Ford in Star Wars: A New Hope | Credits: Lucasfilm Ltd./20th Century Fox
Harrison Ford’s role as...
- 5/26/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
George Lucas has received an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.The 80-year-old filmmaker - who is best known for creating the 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises - has been handed the prestigious accolade at the annual awards ceremony in Cannes, France, with George admitting that it's "always great to be recognized".Speaking to French reporter Didier Allouch, George shared: "Obviously we have a lot of fans, but, in terms of 'Star Wars' and stuff, I don't make the kind of movies that win awards."George feels proud that he decided to follow his own instincts as a filmmaker.The acclaimed director - who served as the chairman of Lucasfilm before selling it to The Walt Disney Company in 2012 - said: "I was just a student observer and I was bored to death. I said, ‘I don't want to make Hollywood movies. I know how to do this.
- 5/26/2024
- by Josh Evans
- Bang Showbiz
Established in 1977 with Episode IV – A New Hope, the Star Wars saga has gained a tremendous edge in the industry to be regarded as one of the greatest franchises in cinematic history. If anything, it has immaculately succeeded in creating the atomic age of cinema and winning the hearts of millions of fans worldwide with its brilliant masterpiece of a storyline.
The Star Wars lore. | Credit: StarWars.com.
However, many don’t know that this absolutely breathtaking universe from a figment of George Lucas’ imagination actually would have never made its way to the public had one other project of the mastermind gotten the greenlight: A movie adaptation of the comic strip Flash Gordon. Thankfully, Lucas faced rejection from that and ended up giving birth to a saga that created history.
Star Wars Came About Because George Lucas’ Flash Gordon Film Fell Apart
People say when one door closes, another...
The Star Wars lore. | Credit: StarWars.com.
However, many don’t know that this absolutely breathtaking universe from a figment of George Lucas’ imagination actually would have never made its way to the public had one other project of the mastermind gotten the greenlight: A movie adaptation of the comic strip Flash Gordon. Thankfully, Lucas faced rejection from that and ended up giving birth to a saga that created history.
Star Wars Came About Because George Lucas’ Flash Gordon Film Fell Apart
People say when one door closes, another...
- 5/26/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
The 2024 Cannes Film Festival concluded on Saturday, May 25 following two weeks packed with screenings, stars, press and parties. With the prizes having been handed out for the festival’s 77th anniversary, we can now start looking at what contenders might be in the best spot to get into the upcoming Oscar race. Let’s examine the winners from this year’s festival and see the history that each category has when it comes to the Oscars.
In recent years, we’ve seen the festival serve as a huge springboard for major players in the Oscar derby. Three of the last four winners of the festival’s top prize, the Palme d’Or, have nabbed Best Picture nominations: “Parasite” (2019), “Triangle of Sadness” (2022) and “Anatomy of a Fall” (2023). Other big winners at recent festivals that became big Oscar players include “Drive My Car,” “The Zone of Interest” and “BlacKkKlansman.” This year’s...
In recent years, we’ve seen the festival serve as a huge springboard for major players in the Oscar derby. Three of the last four winners of the festival’s top prize, the Palme d’Or, have nabbed Best Picture nominations: “Parasite” (2019), “Triangle of Sadness” (2022) and “Anatomy of a Fall” (2023). Other big winners at recent festivals that became big Oscar players include “Drive My Car,” “The Zone of Interest” and “BlacKkKlansman.” This year’s...
- 5/25/2024
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Hollywood veteran George Lucas looks on benevolently as Sean Baker receives his Palme d’Or for Anora from Greta Gerwig’s Cannes jury Photo: Courtesy of Cannes Film Festival
Visibly shaking in front of Greta Gerwig’s Cannes Film Festival jury, American director Sean Baker lifted his Palme d’Or for Anora from the hands of George Lucas and went down on his knees to kiss the ground in front of the Star Wars legend who had just received his own honorary Palme from fellow veteran Francis Ford Coppola in the closing ceremony of this year’s 77th edition.
Mohammad Rasoulof, special jury prize for The Seed Of The Sacred Fig: “My thoughts are with members of my team who are not here”. Photo: Courtesy of Cannes Film Festival Baker who has had two previous films launch at the festival - The Florida Project and Red Rocket - has...
Visibly shaking in front of Greta Gerwig’s Cannes Film Festival jury, American director Sean Baker lifted his Palme d’Or for Anora from the hands of George Lucas and went down on his knees to kiss the ground in front of the Star Wars legend who had just received his own honorary Palme from fellow veteran Francis Ford Coppola in the closing ceremony of this year’s 77th edition.
Mohammad Rasoulof, special jury prize for The Seed Of The Sacred Fig: “My thoughts are with members of my team who are not here”. Photo: Courtesy of Cannes Film Festival Baker who has had two previous films launch at the festival - The Florida Project and Red Rocket - has...
- 5/25/2024
- by Richard Mowe
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Often, the juries at the Cannes Film Festival will try to make a political statement in their choices for the winners of the world’s most famous film festival. Not this year. At least, not in the way they might have.
I rather thought that director Mohammad Rasoulof would take the Palme d’Or for his stirring The Seed Of The Sacred Fig. It deals with the oppressive regime in Iran and the crisis in one family, where the daughters rise up to protest against the wishes of their father, a judge handing out death sentences for those who make their voices heard.
Plus, the back story of Rasoulof’s own daring escape from his home country after making this movie in secrecy and also being handed an eight-year prison sentence, is also a strong one.
He made his way to Cannes, where his film deservedly received a rapturous welcome...
I rather thought that director Mohammad Rasoulof would take the Palme d’Or for his stirring The Seed Of The Sacred Fig. It deals with the oppressive regime in Iran and the crisis in one family, where the daughters rise up to protest against the wishes of their father, a judge handing out death sentences for those who make their voices heard.
Plus, the back story of Rasoulof’s own daring escape from his home country after making this movie in secrecy and also being handed an eight-year prison sentence, is also a strong one.
He made his way to Cannes, where his film deservedly received a rapturous welcome...
- 5/25/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
“We really led with our hearts for everything we watched,” said 77th Cannes Film Festival Jury President Greta Gerwig on what was a fiercely competitive year.
In a Cannes that delivered a Demi Moore comeback pro-femme horror film Substance, a ground breaking trans noir Spanish-lingo musical in Emilia Perez, Francis Ford Coppola’s $120M passion project Megalopolis, it was Sean Baker’s dark romantic comedy about a sex worker, Anora that transcended this year’s jury.
“It was an embarrassment of riches this year in terms of cinema,” exclaimed Gerwig, “we (the jury) could have been talking into next week.”
Anora follows a stripper who falls for a Russia oligarch’s son. He loves her so much, he marries her, much to the chagrin of his family. Chaos ensues.
Said Gerwig on why they chose it: “There was something that reminded us of a classic, there were structures of Lubitsch and Howard Hawks.
In a Cannes that delivered a Demi Moore comeback pro-femme horror film Substance, a ground breaking trans noir Spanish-lingo musical in Emilia Perez, Francis Ford Coppola’s $120M passion project Megalopolis, it was Sean Baker’s dark romantic comedy about a sex worker, Anora that transcended this year’s jury.
“It was an embarrassment of riches this year in terms of cinema,” exclaimed Gerwig, “we (the jury) could have been talking into next week.”
Anora follows a stripper who falls for a Russia oligarch’s son. He loves her so much, he marries her, much to the chagrin of his family. Chaos ensues.
Said Gerwig on why they chose it: “There was something that reminded us of a classic, there were structures of Lubitsch and Howard Hawks.
- 5/25/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: Sean Baker’s New York-set romantic dramedy Anora has scooped the Cannes Film Festival’s top prize, the Palme d’Or. This marked Baker’s second time in the competition after 2021’s Red Rocket, and tonight’s win amounted to the realization of what Baker said has been his “singular goal as a filmmaker for the past 30 years.”
Anora stars Mikey Madison as a stripper from Brooklyn who transforms into a modern Cinderella when she meets the son of a Russian oligarch. Complications arise when his parents find out and try to get the marriage annulled.
Related Gallery: Every Palme d’Or Winner Going Back To 1939
In his review, Deadline’s Damon Wise called it “a high-decibel screwball comedy… that accelerates at speed, cruises at high altitude for a surprisingly long time, then comes back down to Earth with a deeply affecting and almost unbearably melancholy coda that sends the audience out in silence.
Anora stars Mikey Madison as a stripper from Brooklyn who transforms into a modern Cinderella when she meets the son of a Russian oligarch. Complications arise when his parents find out and try to get the marriage annulled.
Related Gallery: Every Palme d’Or Winner Going Back To 1939
In his review, Deadline’s Damon Wise called it “a high-decibel screwball comedy… that accelerates at speed, cruises at high altitude for a surprisingly long time, then comes back down to Earth with a deeply affecting and almost unbearably melancholy coda that sends the audience out in silence.
- 5/25/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola reflected on their lifelong bond as the “Megalopolis” director presented the “Star Wars” visionary with Cannes Film Festival’s honorary Palme d’Or on Saturday night.
Before Lucas received the award, he was greeted in the theater by a several-minute standing ovation, during which he gave the crowd a thumbs-up and got a little teary-eyed. When Coppola came on stage, the two embraced and exchanged some private remarks.
In his speech, Coppola recalled his first meeting with Lucas, who shadowed him on the set of his film “Finian’s Rainbow” in 1968.
“Pleased to have someone in my own generation, I suggested he come every day, but only on one condition: That he come up with a brilliant suggestion every day, which he consistently did. And with that began an association that has lasted a lifetime,” Coppola said. “And he went on and on, making film history,...
Before Lucas received the award, he was greeted in the theater by a several-minute standing ovation, during which he gave the crowd a thumbs-up and got a little teary-eyed. When Coppola came on stage, the two embraced and exchanged some private remarks.
In his speech, Coppola recalled his first meeting with Lucas, who shadowed him on the set of his film “Finian’s Rainbow” in 1968.
“Pleased to have someone in my own generation, I suggested he come every day, but only on one condition: That he come up with a brilliant suggestion every day, which he consistently did. And with that began an association that has lasted a lifetime,” Coppola said. “And he went on and on, making film history,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The 77th Cannes Film Festival has come to a close. As with every year, the festival was host to its share of standing ovations, divisive screenings and debates over just which films and performances would take home awards at the end of the 12-day event, widely considered the most prestigious in the entire world. This year, Sean Baker’s Anora took the Palme d’Or while India’s All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix, generally considered the runner-up.
So, who else won out at this year’s Cannes Film Festival? While below is only a partial list of winners, you can check out the complete and extensive list here.
Palme d’Or: Anora, Sean Baker
Grand Prix: All We Imagine as Light, Payal Kapadia
Best Director: Miguel Gomes, Grand Tour
Best Actor: Jesse Plemons, Kinds of Kindness
Best Actress: Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldaña,...
So, who else won out at this year’s Cannes Film Festival? While below is only a partial list of winners, you can check out the complete and extensive list here.
Palme d’Or: Anora, Sean Baker
Grand Prix: All We Imagine as Light, Payal Kapadia
Best Director: Miguel Gomes, Grand Tour
Best Actor: Jesse Plemons, Kinds of Kindness
Best Actress: Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldaña,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
After two weeks of nonstop cinema, the moment of truth finally arrived. The winners of the 77th Cannes Film Festival were announced at a gala ceremony on Saturday night.
The Palme d’Or, the fest’s top honor, went to Sean Baker’s sex worker screwball comedy Anora. A nervous and shaking Baker took the stage and thanked the jury, saying he still “couldn’t believe it.” Baker said winning Cannes’ top prize has been “my singular goal as a filmmaker for the past 30 years.”
Baker also singled out Francis Ford Coppola and David Cronenberg, two veteran directors with films in Cannes competition this year, as major inspirations. Baker has come far, going from shooting his 2015 feature Tangerine on an iPhone5s to winning the Palme d’Or. He is the first American director to win the Palme since Terrence Malick for The Tree of Life in 2011.
Commenting on the jury’s decision,...
The Palme d’Or, the fest’s top honor, went to Sean Baker’s sex worker screwball comedy Anora. A nervous and shaking Baker took the stage and thanked the jury, saying he still “couldn’t believe it.” Baker said winning Cannes’ top prize has been “my singular goal as a filmmaker for the past 30 years.”
Baker also singled out Francis Ford Coppola and David Cronenberg, two veteran directors with films in Cannes competition this year, as major inspirations. Baker has come far, going from shooting his 2015 feature Tangerine on an iPhone5s to winning the Palme d’Or. He is the first American director to win the Palme since Terrence Malick for The Tree of Life in 2011.
Commenting on the jury’s decision,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival concludes today with the Closing Ceremony and presentation of the coveted award, the Palme d’Or which was awarded to Sean Baker’s Anora, on Saturday, May 25.
The Jury, chaired by director Greta Gerwig was tasked with awarding the Palme d’Or to one of the 22 films in the Competition.
Related: Cannes Film Festival: ‘Anora’ Wins Palme D’Or; ‘All We Imagine As Light’ Takes Grand Prize; ‘Emilia Perez’ Jury Prize & Best Actresses
The jury includes Turkish screenwriter and photographer Ebru Ceylan, American actress Lily Gladstone, French actress Eva Green and Lebanese director and screenwriter Nadine Labaki, as well as Spanish director and screenwriter Juan Antonio Bayona, Italian actor Pierfrancisco Favino, Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu, and French actor and producer Omar Sy.
Related: ‘Emilia Pérez’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere Photos: Édgar Ramírez, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña & More
Hu Guan’s drama Black Dog...
The Jury, chaired by director Greta Gerwig was tasked with awarding the Palme d’Or to one of the 22 films in the Competition.
Related: Cannes Film Festival: ‘Anora’ Wins Palme D’Or; ‘All We Imagine As Light’ Takes Grand Prize; ‘Emilia Perez’ Jury Prize & Best Actresses
The jury includes Turkish screenwriter and photographer Ebru Ceylan, American actress Lily Gladstone, French actress Eva Green and Lebanese director and screenwriter Nadine Labaki, as well as Spanish director and screenwriter Juan Antonio Bayona, Italian actor Pierfrancisco Favino, Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu, and French actor and producer Omar Sy.
Related: ‘Emilia Pérez’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere Photos: Édgar Ramírez, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña & More
Hu Guan’s drama Black Dog...
- 5/25/2024
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
Star Wars creator George Lucas was fêted with an Honorary Palme d’Or at this evening’s Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony.
In a poignant moment, Lucas was joined on stage by by his longtime friend, mentor and collaborator, Francis Ford Coppola who presented the award. On Lucas’ arrival, the crowd rose to their feet and gave the filmmaker a rousing five-minute standing ovation.
Coppola said on stage: “Congratulations George, not only are your many friends and I proud of you, but the whole world of cinema is too.” Lucas described the award as a “great honor” and thanked Coppola and the festival.
Standing ovation for George Lucas as he receives honorary Palme d'Or #Cannes2024 pic.twitter.com/OliQCfnblO
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) May 25, 2024
George Lucas accepts honorary Palme d'Or #Cannes2024 pic.twitter.com/wNfjIR7Kjp
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) May 25, 2024
Lucas has been in town this week,...
In a poignant moment, Lucas was joined on stage by by his longtime friend, mentor and collaborator, Francis Ford Coppola who presented the award. On Lucas’ arrival, the crowd rose to their feet and gave the filmmaker a rousing five-minute standing ovation.
Coppola said on stage: “Congratulations George, not only are your many friends and I proud of you, but the whole world of cinema is too.” Lucas described the award as a “great honor” and thanked Coppola and the festival.
Standing ovation for George Lucas as he receives honorary Palme d'Or #Cannes2024 pic.twitter.com/OliQCfnblO
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) May 25, 2024
George Lucas accepts honorary Palme d'Or #Cannes2024 pic.twitter.com/wNfjIR7Kjp
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) May 25, 2024
Lucas has been in town this week,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Sean Baker’s Anora has won the Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, which wrapped Saturday night (May 25).
The US comedy-drama stars Mikey Madison as the titular Anora, a sex worker who finds herself married to a Russian oligarch and must fend off his parents who are keen for an annulment. It marks Baker’s second time in Competition, following 2021’s Red Rocket.
Scroll down for full list of winners
In his speech, Baker devoted the award “to all sex workers past, present and future”, and voiced his support for theatrical distribution: “The future of cinema is where...
The US comedy-drama stars Mikey Madison as the titular Anora, a sex worker who finds herself married to a Russian oligarch and must fend off his parents who are keen for an annulment. It marks Baker’s second time in Competition, following 2021’s Red Rocket.
Scroll down for full list of winners
In his speech, Baker devoted the award “to all sex workers past, present and future”, and voiced his support for theatrical distribution: “The future of cinema is where...
- 5/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
Sean Baker’s “Anora” has won the Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, a jury headed by Greta Gerwig announced on Saturday.
The win for Baker’s freewheeling film about a stripper and the son of a Russian oligarch becomes the fifth consecutive Palme winner to be distributed by Neon, which previously handled “Anatomy of a Fall,” “The Triangle of Sadness,” “Titane” and “Parasite.”
TheWrap’s review said of the film, “It’s one of the most entertaining movies to play in Cannes this year, and also one of the most confounding: part character study of the title character (Mikey Madison), a sex worker from Brighton Beach who falls for rich Russian playboy Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn); part look into the world of the super-rich, an arena Baker has studiously avoided in films like ‘Tangerine,’ ‘The Florida Project’ and ‘Red Rocket’; part escalating nightmare comedy reminiscent of ’80s gems...
The win for Baker’s freewheeling film about a stripper and the son of a Russian oligarch becomes the fifth consecutive Palme winner to be distributed by Neon, which previously handled “Anatomy of a Fall,” “The Triangle of Sadness,” “Titane” and “Parasite.”
TheWrap’s review said of the film, “It’s one of the most entertaining movies to play in Cannes this year, and also one of the most confounding: part character study of the title character (Mikey Madison), a sex worker from Brighton Beach who falls for rich Russian playboy Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn); part look into the world of the super-rich, an arena Baker has studiously avoided in films like ‘Tangerine,’ ‘The Florida Project’ and ‘Red Rocket’; part escalating nightmare comedy reminiscent of ’80s gems...
- 5/25/2024
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Cannes — Nine years after being named one of Variety’s Directors to Watch, Sean Baker won the Palme d’Or for “Anora,” a rowdy whirlwind romance between an exotic dancer (Mikey Madison) and the obscenely rich son of a Russian oligarch (played by Mark Eydelshteyn). Baker is the first American filmmaker to cinch the festival’s top prize since Terrence Malick earned the Palme for “The Tree of Life” in 2011.
“Anora” is Baker’s third film to debut at Cannes, following “The Florida Project” and “Red Rocket.” He accepted the award from two-time Palme d’Or winner Francis Ford Coppola, whose “Megalopolis” went home empty-handed. Coppola also presented an honorary Palme d’Or to his friend and fellow legend George Lucas, whom he called his “own kid brother.”
Baker dedicated the award to “all sex workers, past, present and future,” underscoring the importance of “making films intended for theatrical exhibition.
“Anora” is Baker’s third film to debut at Cannes, following “The Florida Project” and “Red Rocket.” He accepted the award from two-time Palme d’Or winner Francis Ford Coppola, whose “Megalopolis” went home empty-handed. Coppola also presented an honorary Palme d’Or to his friend and fellow legend George Lucas, whom he called his “own kid brother.”
Baker dedicated the award to “all sex workers, past, present and future,” underscoring the importance of “making films intended for theatrical exhibition.
- 5/25/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
The 2024 Cannes Film Festival is finally coming to a close — but not without a big splash. Crossing the Croissette one last time, stars and filmmakers alike are about to find out who’s taking home this year’s prizes.
Guessing the Palme d’Or winner has become a beloved pastime for fans and critics alike, but the best part of any Cannes Awards ceremony are the surprises. This year’s jury, led by Greta Gerwig and including Lily Gladstone, Ebru Ceylan, Eva Green, Nadine Labaki, J.A. Bayona, Pierfrancesco Favino, Hirokazu Kore-eda, and Omar Sy, has been pretty tight-lipped about its preferences, but there are certainly a few standouts amongst the 22 films in competition.
“Megalopolis,” Francis Ford Coppola’s decades-in-the-making passion project saw him return to Cannes after many years, but was met with a mixed response despite IndieWire’s own appreciation for the film. One of the real standouts of...
Guessing the Palme d’Or winner has become a beloved pastime for fans and critics alike, but the best part of any Cannes Awards ceremony are the surprises. This year’s jury, led by Greta Gerwig and including Lily Gladstone, Ebru Ceylan, Eva Green, Nadine Labaki, J.A. Bayona, Pierfrancesco Favino, Hirokazu Kore-eda, and Omar Sy, has been pretty tight-lipped about its preferences, but there are certainly a few standouts amongst the 22 films in competition.
“Megalopolis,” Francis Ford Coppola’s decades-in-the-making passion project saw him return to Cannes after many years, but was met with a mixed response despite IndieWire’s own appreciation for the film. One of the real standouts of...
- 5/25/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
The hype out of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, for those far-flung and on the ground, tells one story: This was among the weaker lineups in recent memory.
Sure, huge stories broke out of the festival, from Francis Ford Coppola’s distribution push for his self-funded, decades-in-the-making passion project “Megalopolis” to Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof fleeing his home country after being sentenced to eight years in prison, finally making it to Cannes with his new film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” This journey inspired the jury to award him and his film a Special Prize (Prix Spécial).
Elsewhere in the official selection, Un Certain Regard already handed out its prizes on Friday from a jury led by Xavier Dolan and including Maïmouna Doucouré, Asmae El Moudir, Vicky Krieps, and Todd McCarthy. Among the top winners were Roberto Minervini (“The Damned”) and Rungano Nyoni (“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl”) tying for Best Director,...
Sure, huge stories broke out of the festival, from Francis Ford Coppola’s distribution push for his self-funded, decades-in-the-making passion project “Megalopolis” to Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof fleeing his home country after being sentenced to eight years in prison, finally making it to Cannes with his new film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” This journey inspired the jury to award him and his film a Special Prize (Prix Spécial).
Elsewhere in the official selection, Un Certain Regard already handed out its prizes on Friday from a jury led by Xavier Dolan and including Maïmouna Doucouré, Asmae El Moudir, Vicky Krieps, and Todd McCarthy. Among the top winners were Roberto Minervini (“The Damned”) and Rungano Nyoni (“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl”) tying for Best Director,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
Rolling off its acquisition of Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” Italy’s leading independent distributor Eagle Pictures has scooped Italian remake rights to French smash hit “A Little Something Extra,” along with a raft of high-profile projects shopped at the Cannes Film Market.
The company, which is owned by veteran producer-distributor Tarak Ben Ammar, will produce and distribute the Italian remake of “A Little Something Extra” (“Un Ptit truc en plus), Artus’ heartwarming family comedy which has taken the French box office by storm, selling a whooping 3.4 million tickets in theaters in three weeks.
“It’s a delightful film about a father and his son who rob a little jewelry shop in a small town and as they’re looking a place to hide, they get on a bus without realizing that it’s taking them to a summer camp for young adults with disabilities,” Ben Ammar said. “They all...
The company, which is owned by veteran producer-distributor Tarak Ben Ammar, will produce and distribute the Italian remake of “A Little Something Extra” (“Un Ptit truc en plus), Artus’ heartwarming family comedy which has taken the French box office by storm, selling a whooping 3.4 million tickets in theaters in three weeks.
“It’s a delightful film about a father and his son who rob a little jewelry shop in a small town and as they’re looking a place to hide, they get on a bus without realizing that it’s taking them to a summer camp for young adults with disabilities,” Ben Ammar said. “They all...
- 5/25/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Adam Driver has had a very interesting career in the industry starting with her supporting roles in the 2010s. After his on-screen debut in Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar, the actor continued improving himself with his supporting performances in Girls, Lincoln, Frances Ha, and Inside Lleywn Davis. The actor has now become a great leading man in dramas as well as blockbusters.
Adam Driver as Neil in Gayby | Wolfe Releasing
One of his most entertaining supporting roles was in the 2012 rom-com Gayby, where he played the role of Neil, the co-worker of Matthew Wilkas’s character. Neil is a comic book enthusiast, and he shares the sentiments of many Marvel fans who hated the infamous Spider-Man storyline One More Day and how it ruined many arcs up to that point.
The Hate For Spider-Man One More Day Is Echoed By Adam Driver’s Neil in Gayby
The One More Day...
Adam Driver as Neil in Gayby | Wolfe Releasing
One of his most entertaining supporting roles was in the 2012 rom-com Gayby, where he played the role of Neil, the co-worker of Matthew Wilkas’s character. Neil is a comic book enthusiast, and he shares the sentiments of many Marvel fans who hated the infamous Spider-Man storyline One More Day and how it ruined many arcs up to that point.
The Hate For Spider-Man One More Day Is Echoed By Adam Driver’s Neil in Gayby
The One More Day...
- 5/25/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
by Elisa Giudici
Megalopolis © 2024 Caesar Film LLC.
Francis Ford Coppola returns with a film that is already legendary even before its release, featuring a story that spans decades and a production so infamous and troubled that it warrants a film of its own. That nonexistent feature could have outshone Megalopolis, which, despite its high expectations, will be remembered in this year's Cannes Film Festival history as a major disappointment...
Megalopolis © 2024 Caesar Film LLC.
Francis Ford Coppola returns with a film that is already legendary even before its release, featuring a story that spans decades and a production so infamous and troubled that it warrants a film of its own. That nonexistent feature could have outshone Megalopolis, which, despite its high expectations, will be remembered in this year's Cannes Film Festival history as a major disappointment...
- 5/25/2024
- by Elisa Giudici
- FilmExperience
Lady Gaga has been born a star but now, she’s transforming into DC comic book character Harley Quinn for “Joker: Folie à Deux.”
The Oscar and Grammy winner teased her upcoming role alongside fellow Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix in the sequel to 2019 Batman prequel “Joker.” As Phoenix reprises his titular role as Arthur Fleck Aka the Joker, Gaga will play Harley from the “Batman the Animated Series” origins, as a bit different from Margot Robbie’s version of the character.
“You know my version of Harley is mine and it’s very authentic to this movie and these characters,” Gaga told Access Hollywood. “I’ve never done anything like I’ve done in this movie before, so it’s all going to be completely brand new and really fun.”
Margot Robbie brought Harley to life first in “Suicide Squad,” followed by spinoff “Birds of Prey” and quasi-reboot “The Suicide Squad.
The Oscar and Grammy winner teased her upcoming role alongside fellow Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix in the sequel to 2019 Batman prequel “Joker.” As Phoenix reprises his titular role as Arthur Fleck Aka the Joker, Gaga will play Harley from the “Batman the Animated Series” origins, as a bit different from Margot Robbie’s version of the character.
“You know my version of Harley is mine and it’s very authentic to this movie and these characters,” Gaga told Access Hollywood. “I’ve never done anything like I’ve done in this movie before, so it’s all going to be completely brand new and really fun.”
Margot Robbie brought Harley to life first in “Suicide Squad,” followed by spinoff “Birds of Prey” and quasi-reboot “The Suicide Squad.
- 5/24/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Cannes Film Festival is nearing its conclusion, with plenty of films making a splash on the starry Croisette on the French Riviera. However, one studio executive tells Variety, “There aren’t many Oscar-buzzy titles to be excited about, not even in the international feature space.”
This year’s main competition jury, led by president Greta Gerwig and including J.A. Bayona, Ebru Ceylan, Pierfrancesco Favino, Lily Gladstone, Eva Green, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Nadine Labaki and Omar Sy, will name its winners on Saturday.
It was looking like a foregone conclusion that the Palme d’Or win would be bestowed upon Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez,” starring Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, which was picked up by Netflix. However, on Friday, Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” garnered the most enthusiastic reactions on social media from attendees and the longest-standing ovation at 12 minutes. One awards publicist says,...
This year’s main competition jury, led by president Greta Gerwig and including J.A. Bayona, Ebru Ceylan, Pierfrancesco Favino, Lily Gladstone, Eva Green, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Nadine Labaki and Omar Sy, will name its winners on Saturday.
It was looking like a foregone conclusion that the Palme d’Or win would be bestowed upon Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez,” starring Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, which was picked up by Netflix. However, on Friday, Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” garnered the most enthusiastic reactions on social media from attendees and the longest-standing ovation at 12 minutes. One awards publicist says,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The 70s class of filmmakers who re-shaped cinema with their culture-defining works are seemingly getting some recognition recently. After Killers of the Flower Moon, Martin Scorsese’s stock is as high as ever. Steven Spielberg was recently announced to be revisiting a classic concept with him once again tackling a UFO film. Francis Ford Coppola is back in the spotlight with his ambitious passion project, Megalopolis. And George Lucas is getting honored at the Cannes Film Festival with a Palme d’Or for his contribution to cinema.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lucas would offer some retrospective about his career while accepting the award. He felt nostalgic about attending Cannes, which is where he presented his first feature, Thx-1138, at the Directors’ Fortnight in 1971. He would also, of course, talk about the very film series that is synonymous with him — Star Wars. When speaking about Disney’s purchase of the brand,...
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lucas would offer some retrospective about his career while accepting the award. He felt nostalgic about attending Cannes, which is where he presented his first feature, Thx-1138, at the Directors’ Fortnight in 1971. He would also, of course, talk about the very film series that is synonymous with him — Star Wars. When speaking about Disney’s purchase of the brand,...
- 5/24/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
“I’m a stubborn guy and I didn’t want people to tell me how to make my movies,” is how Star Wars creator George Lucas summed up the secret to his success, speaking to a crowd of fans at a packed Debussy theater in Cannes on Friday afternoon.
The 80-year-old filmmaker was being honored at the 77th Cannes festival with a Palme d’Or for his contribution to cinema, and the crowd, a much younger cohort than is usually seen at these events, whooped and hollered as Lucas walked on the stage. They were rapt as he sat down for a wide-ranging discussion of his life in the movie business.
Lucas said he felt “nostalgic” to be back in Cannes, where he presented his first feature, Thx-1138, at the Directors’ Fortnight back in 1971. His Thx-1138 co-writer and sound designer Walter Murch was in the audience as Lucas recalled how...
The 80-year-old filmmaker was being honored at the 77th Cannes festival with a Palme d’Or for his contribution to cinema, and the crowd, a much younger cohort than is usually seen at these events, whooped and hollered as Lucas walked on the stage. They were rapt as he sat down for a wide-ranging discussion of his life in the movie business.
Lucas said he felt “nostalgic” to be back in Cannes, where he presented his first feature, Thx-1138, at the Directors’ Fortnight back in 1971. His Thx-1138 co-writer and sound designer Walter Murch was in the audience as Lucas recalled how...
- 5/24/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
French producer Dimitri Rassam is enjoying a high-profile Cannes Film Festival as producer of Competition title Limonov: The Ballad and The Count Of Monte Cristo, which scored a rousing 12-minute ovation at its Out of Competition debut.
“It’s my first film in Competition, it has been a tremendous ride,” says Rassam, who is a producer on Limonov under his Paris-based Chapter 2 banner, alongside Italy’s Lorenzo Gangarossa and Mario Gianani as well as director Kirill Serebrennikov’s long-time collaborator Ilya Stewart.
Rassam is no stranger to the Cannes red carpet having regularly accompanied his actress mother Carole Bouquet in his early 20s, before mounting the festival’s famed steps in his own right as the producer of The Little Prince and co-producer of L’Immensità.
Cinema is also in his blood on his paternal side through late producer father Jean-Pierre Rassam, and uncle Paul Rassam, the long-time friend and collaborator...
“It’s my first film in Competition, it has been a tremendous ride,” says Rassam, who is a producer on Limonov under his Paris-based Chapter 2 banner, alongside Italy’s Lorenzo Gangarossa and Mario Gianani as well as director Kirill Serebrennikov’s long-time collaborator Ilya Stewart.
Rassam is no stranger to the Cannes red carpet having regularly accompanied his actress mother Carole Bouquet in his early 20s, before mounting the festival’s famed steps in his own right as the producer of The Little Prince and co-producer of L’Immensità.
Cinema is also in his blood on his paternal side through late producer father Jean-Pierre Rassam, and uncle Paul Rassam, the long-time friend and collaborator...
- 5/24/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
George Lucas got candid about criticism of the first six “Star Wars” films during a conversation at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday.
When speaking about the success of the franchise ahead of receiving the festival’s honorary Palme d’Or, Lucas reflected on some of the negative comments he’s received over the years.
“They would say, ‘It’s all white men,'” Lucas said of the films’ critics. “Most of the people are aliens! The idea is you’re supposed to accept people for what they are, whether they’re big and furry or whether they’re green or whatever. The idea is all people are equal.”
Lucas went on to say that the only beings in the “Star Wars” universe who were discriminated against were the robots.
“That was a way of saying, you know, people are always discriminating against something and sooner or later, that’s what’s going to happen,...
When speaking about the success of the franchise ahead of receiving the festival’s honorary Palme d’Or, Lucas reflected on some of the negative comments he’s received over the years.
“They would say, ‘It’s all white men,'” Lucas said of the films’ critics. “Most of the people are aliens! The idea is you’re supposed to accept people for what they are, whether they’re big and furry or whether they’re green or whatever. The idea is all people are equal.”
Lucas went on to say that the only beings in the “Star Wars” universe who were discriminated against were the robots.
“That was a way of saying, you know, people are always discriminating against something and sooner or later, that’s what’s going to happen,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
“We weren’t really that interested in making money, we were interested in making movies,” said Star Wars franchise architect George Lucas about the early days of his career with mentor Francis Ford Coppola in a Cannes sit down discussion today.
In a wide-ranging chat before a packed Salle Debussy Theatre crowd, Lucas, who is here to receive an honorary Palme d’or at the 77th edition shared how his Thx-1138 was accepted into a new section at Cannes, the Director’s Fortnight, back in 1971, but Warner Bros didn’t want to send the filmmaker or his co-scribe Walter Murch to France for the premiere. The duo scraped their money together, went to their own premiere in a side street venue, but snuck in because they didn’t have tickets. Years later he was asked by the French media why he didn’t go to the press conference of Thx 1138,...
In a wide-ranging chat before a packed Salle Debussy Theatre crowd, Lucas, who is here to receive an honorary Palme d’or at the 77th edition shared how his Thx-1138 was accepted into a new section at Cannes, the Director’s Fortnight, back in 1971, but Warner Bros didn’t want to send the filmmaker or his co-scribe Walter Murch to France for the premiere. The duo scraped their money together, went to their own premiere in a side street venue, but snuck in because they didn’t have tickets. Years later he was asked by the French media why he didn’t go to the press conference of Thx 1138,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Is Messi’s reign as cinema’s current top dog over?
The Palm Dog — Cannes’ annual celebration of on-screen canine performances which was last year won by the blue-eyed border collie from “Anatomy of a Fall,” the first step in a dramatic bound toward furry fame — has crowned a new champion.
The 2024 Palm Dog, presented at a special event on May 24, has been given to Kodi, the senior stray at the heart of acclaimed Swiss-French comedy “Dog on Trial.” The Un Certain Regard title from director and star Laetitia Dosch sees Kodi — believed to be a blonde Griffon cross — plays Cosmos, an aggressive pet who’s taken on as a client by a defense lawyer in story exploring the status of dogs in society. According to Palm Dog founder Toby Rose, Kodi is nearing his 10th birthday and will soon retire from acting, but bow-wows out having delivered a “fine four-legged swan song.
The Palm Dog — Cannes’ annual celebration of on-screen canine performances which was last year won by the blue-eyed border collie from “Anatomy of a Fall,” the first step in a dramatic bound toward furry fame — has crowned a new champion.
The 2024 Palm Dog, presented at a special event on May 24, has been given to Kodi, the senior stray at the heart of acclaimed Swiss-French comedy “Dog on Trial.” The Un Certain Regard title from director and star Laetitia Dosch sees Kodi — believed to be a blonde Griffon cross — plays Cosmos, an aggressive pet who’s taken on as a client by a defense lawyer in story exploring the status of dogs in society. According to Palm Dog founder Toby Rose, Kodi is nearing his 10th birthday and will soon retire from acting, but bow-wows out having delivered a “fine four-legged swan song.
- 5/24/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Good afternoon Insiders, Jesse Whittock back again to take you through the week’s news in the entertainment industry, as the Cannes Film Festival nears its close.
What More Cannes I Say?
Stand up for the standouts: After a quiet opening, the Cannes Film Festival received a shot of life as several buzzy titles finally hit the screen. The excitement on the ground began with The Substance, the much-anticipated blood-splattered horror thriller from French director Coralie Fargeat, which was met with a 13-minute ovation, the longest for a title at this year’s festival until Gilles Lellouche’s Beating Hearts (L’Amour Ouf) took that crown last night. Fargeat’s pic, which stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid, is a punk rock fable centered around a new product called The Substance that promises to transform people into the best version of themselves. It’s an offer that comes with a twist.
What More Cannes I Say?
Stand up for the standouts: After a quiet opening, the Cannes Film Festival received a shot of life as several buzzy titles finally hit the screen. The excitement on the ground began with The Substance, the much-anticipated blood-splattered horror thriller from French director Coralie Fargeat, which was met with a 13-minute ovation, the longest for a title at this year’s festival until Gilles Lellouche’s Beating Hearts (L’Amour Ouf) took that crown last night. Fargeat’s pic, which stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid, is a punk rock fable centered around a new product called The Substance that promises to transform people into the best version of themselves. It’s an offer that comes with a twist.
- 5/24/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The Megalopolis parties and debates last week generously fed Cannes’ appetite for media buzz. Fest-goers were reminded that Francis Coppola’s journey had been a thrill ride for those who witnessed it, invested in it or were impacted by its turmoil.
The auteur was trailed all week by fans and family, many having survived the melodramatic ordeals of One from the Heart, the operatic intrigues of Apocalypse Now and finally the utopian fever dream titled Megalopolis, which he financed by putting $120 million of his own money on the line.
All represented a defiant challenge to the pre-algorithmic definitions of risk and reward. But one long-term participant in the Coppola drama was a non-presence in Cannes last week — though he is receiving an honorary Palme d’Or on Saturday.
He’s George Lucas, the billionaire nerd from Modesto who in former years contributed a discipline and order to their company’s (Zoetrope) unruly landscape.
The auteur was trailed all week by fans and family, many having survived the melodramatic ordeals of One from the Heart, the operatic intrigues of Apocalypse Now and finally the utopian fever dream titled Megalopolis, which he financed by putting $120 million of his own money on the line.
All represented a defiant challenge to the pre-algorithmic definitions of risk and reward. But one long-term participant in the Coppola drama was a non-presence in Cannes last week — though he is receiving an honorary Palme d’Or on Saturday.
He’s George Lucas, the billionaire nerd from Modesto who in former years contributed a discipline and order to their company’s (Zoetrope) unruly landscape.
- 5/23/2024
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon MGM Studios has rounded out the cast of Oh. What. Fun., its all-star holiday comedy being directed by Michael Showalter, who is coming off the record-breaking success of the streamer’s romantic drama The Idea of You.
Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria, Joan Chen, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu and Maude Apatow have been added to the call sheet while Danielle Brooks has signed on for a cameo in the feature, which is currently shooting in Atlanta.
Michelle Pfeiffer is leading the ensemble that already include Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary and The Holdovers breakout Dominic Sessa.
Described as both a love letter to moms and tonally a cross between Home for the Holidays and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, the story centers on a woman named Claire Clauster (Pfeiffer) who organizes a special Christmas outing, but her family forgets her in the shuffle. By the time they realize their mistake,...
Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria, Joan Chen, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu and Maude Apatow have been added to the call sheet while Danielle Brooks has signed on for a cameo in the feature, which is currently shooting in Atlanta.
Michelle Pfeiffer is leading the ensemble that already include Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary and The Holdovers breakout Dominic Sessa.
Described as both a love letter to moms and tonally a cross between Home for the Holidays and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, the story centers on a woman named Claire Clauster (Pfeiffer) who organizes a special Christmas outing, but her family forgets her in the shuffle. By the time they realize their mistake,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Movies are hot, according to Marshall McLuhan, who wasn’t paying them a compliment but placing them within his theory of hot and cool media. He was referring to the sensory richness that makes movies such a captivating and complete experience that they require little active participation from the audience. Just sit in the dark and let the magic wash over you. Arnaud Desplechin doesn’t disagree about the magic, but he puts a different slant on things in the docufiction Filmlovers! (Spectateurs!), whose focus is the moviegoer as an essential part of the equation.
Abounding in movie love, the director’s first feature since Brother and Sister cites more than 50 films in its eloquent onrush of clips and philosophizing and memory. But, in a departure from most such cinema essays, there’s no auteur namechecking (or onscreen titles ID’ing clips); it’s not those 50 films’ making-of or even their makers that matter here,...
Abounding in movie love, the director’s first feature since Brother and Sister cites more than 50 films in its eloquent onrush of clips and philosophizing and memory. But, in a departure from most such cinema essays, there’s no auteur namechecking (or onscreen titles ID’ing clips); it’s not those 50 films’ making-of or even their makers that matter here,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Sheri Linden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Few periods on the calendar mean more to cinephiles than the two weekends in May occupied by the Cannes Film Festival. Since its founding in 1946, the French festival has been a launchpad for some of the most artistically significant films of all time. The Palme d’Or is one of the most coveted film awards on the planet, and the festival’s ability to balance subversive arthouse work with major Hollywood premieres has led many to view it as the world’s most significant celebration of cinema.
The 2024 lineup featured a mix of buzzy premieres from New Hollywood titans like Francis Ford Coppola and Paul Schrader alongside exciting new works from emerging directors. Between the Main Competition, Un Certain Regard, special screenings, and sidebars like the Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week, the onslaught of new films can be overwhelming for anyone who isn’t able to give the festival their 24/7 attention.
The 2024 lineup featured a mix of buzzy premieres from New Hollywood titans like Francis Ford Coppola and Paul Schrader alongside exciting new works from emerging directors. Between the Main Competition, Un Certain Regard, special screenings, and sidebars like the Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week, the onslaught of new films can be overwhelming for anyone who isn’t able to give the festival their 24/7 attention.
- 5/23/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Chloe Fineman’s IMDb page just keeps growing.
Less than a week after walking the red carpet at Cannes alongside Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, and Aubrey Plaza—her co-stars in Francis Ford Coppola’s long-simmering passion project Megalopolis—the Saturday Night Live star has gotten Laid.
According to a new Deadline report, Fineman is among the impressive list of guest stars who have signed onto the upcoming Peacock project, which stars Stephanie Hsu, Zosia Mamet, and Michael Angarano.
The comedy series, which Deadline says has been “described as a f*cked-up rom-com,” is based on the Australian series of the same name. It follows the adventures of a young woman (Hsu) who is shocked to learn that her exes are dying in a series of bizarre ways, so she attempts to reconstruct her full sex timeline in order to save those who remain.
Continue reading <i>SNL</i>’s Chloe...
Less than a week after walking the red carpet at Cannes alongside Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, and Aubrey Plaza—her co-stars in Francis Ford Coppola’s long-simmering passion project Megalopolis—the Saturday Night Live star has gotten Laid.
According to a new Deadline report, Fineman is among the impressive list of guest stars who have signed onto the upcoming Peacock project, which stars Stephanie Hsu, Zosia Mamet, and Michael Angarano.
The comedy series, which Deadline says has been “described as a f*cked-up rom-com,” is based on the Australian series of the same name. It follows the adventures of a young woman (Hsu) who is shocked to learn that her exes are dying in a series of bizarre ways, so she attempts to reconstruct her full sex timeline in order to save those who remain.
Continue reading <i>SNL</i>’s Chloe...
- 5/23/2024
- by Jennifer M. Wood
- LateNighter
At this month’s Cannes Film Festival, Francis Ford Coppola and Kevin Costner each unveiled passion projects they opted to finance themselves after institutional backers initially passed. This week, three auteurs make a trend — except instead of putting his own funds toward a deeply personal, sweeping epic, comedian Shane Gillis has made a lewd, bro-y workplace comedy set at a Pennsylvania tire shop.
Since getting fired from “Saturday Night Live” — before he’d even started — for offensive jokes on his podcast, Gillis has become the poster child for a decentralized, grassroots attention economy that allows some entertainers to build thriving careers without gatekeepers’ blessings. His 2021 special “Live in Austin” blew up on YouTube; the same podcast that cost him “SNL,” co-hosted with fellow comic Matt McCusker, continues apace; Gillis even self-produced his own sketch comedy series, “Gilly and Keeves,” which culminated with a feature-length special last year. (You can stream...
Since getting fired from “Saturday Night Live” — before he’d even started — for offensive jokes on his podcast, Gillis has become the poster child for a decentralized, grassroots attention economy that allows some entertainers to build thriving careers without gatekeepers’ blessings. His 2021 special “Live in Austin” blew up on YouTube; the same podcast that cost him “SNL,” co-hosted with fellow comic Matt McCusker, continues apace; Gillis even self-produced his own sketch comedy series, “Gilly and Keeves,” which culminated with a feature-length special last year. (You can stream...
- 5/23/2024
- by Alison Herman
- Variety Film + TV
Francis Ford Coppola made one of the greatest crime films ever when he adapted Mario Puzo’s The Godfather. The Marlon Brando-starrer saw the veteran win his second Oscar for Best Actor and was a breakthrough for Al Pacino. Coppola then followed it up with The Godfather – Part II, which became the first sequel to win Best Picture.
The sequel saw Robert De Niro play the role of a younger Vito Corleone (played by Brando in the original). De Niro won the Oscar for Best Supporting Role for the film and had a breakthrough with the film. While he did a phenomenal job as Corleone, he reportedly auditioned way back for the first part and was up for the role of Sonny Corleone.
Robert De Niro Originally Auditioned For Sonny Corleone In The Godfather Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Credits: Paramount Pictures/Alfran Productions
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather...
The sequel saw Robert De Niro play the role of a younger Vito Corleone (played by Brando in the original). De Niro won the Oscar for Best Supporting Role for the film and had a breakthrough with the film. While he did a phenomenal job as Corleone, he reportedly auditioned way back for the first part and was up for the role of Sonny Corleone.
Robert De Niro Originally Auditioned For Sonny Corleone In The Godfather Marlon Brando in The Godfather | Credits: Paramount Pictures/Alfran Productions
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather...
- 5/23/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Francis Ford Coppola‘s $120 million passion project Megalopolis has closed a fresh raft of deals following its buzzy world premiere in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival last week.
It has sold to Australia (Madman Entertainment), Benelux (September Films), Bulgaria (Profilm), Czech Republic and Slovakia (Film Europe), Ex- Yugoslavia (McF Megacom Film), Greece (Feelgood Entertainment), Hungary (Mozinet), Israel (Lev Cinemas), Morocco (Facility Event), Portugal (Midas Filmes) Romania (Independenta Film), Scandinavia (Njutafilms) and Turkey (Bir Film).
They join five top distributors who acquired the film prior to its world premiere on May 16: Constantin Film for Germany and all German-speaking territories, including Switzerland and Austria; Eagle Pictures for Italy; Tripictures for Spain; Entertainment Film Distributors Limited for the U.K., and Le Pacte for France.
Coppola’s long-time lawyer Barry Hirsch and Vincent Maraval, president of Goodfellas (ex-Wild Bunch International), brokered the new Megalopolis deals. They are also in...
It has sold to Australia (Madman Entertainment), Benelux (September Films), Bulgaria (Profilm), Czech Republic and Slovakia (Film Europe), Ex- Yugoslavia (McF Megacom Film), Greece (Feelgood Entertainment), Hungary (Mozinet), Israel (Lev Cinemas), Morocco (Facility Event), Portugal (Midas Filmes) Romania (Independenta Film), Scandinavia (Njutafilms) and Turkey (Bir Film).
They join five top distributors who acquired the film prior to its world premiere on May 16: Constantin Film for Germany and all German-speaking territories, including Switzerland and Austria; Eagle Pictures for Italy; Tripictures for Spain; Entertainment Film Distributors Limited for the U.K., and Le Pacte for France.
Coppola’s long-time lawyer Barry Hirsch and Vincent Maraval, president of Goodfellas (ex-Wild Bunch International), brokered the new Megalopolis deals. They are also in...
- 5/22/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
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