Exclusive: Awkwafina is about to blow our minds by pairing two unlikely things: Chinatown restaurants and the Califronia punk scene from the 1970s and ’80s. The Crazy Rich Asians breakout and Jumanji: The Next Level star is collaborating with Topic Studios to develop a yet-to-be-titled feature film inspired by the Topic.com article “How Chinese Food Fueled the Rise of California Punk. Awkwafina is set to star and produce alongside Topic Studios.
Written by Madeline Leung Coleman, the article explores how, during the recession of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Chinatown restaurants from Sacramento to San Francisco started renting their banquet halls for rehearsal space and booking the young bands of nascent West Coast punk as dinner entertainment to bring in additional business. The article puts shine on these Chinese and Filipino restaurants and how they became some of California’s most important venues and the focal point of...
Written by Madeline Leung Coleman, the article explores how, during the recession of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Chinatown restaurants from Sacramento to San Francisco started renting their banquet halls for rehearsal space and booking the young bands of nascent West Coast punk as dinner entertainment to bring in additional business. The article puts shine on these Chinese and Filipino restaurants and how they became some of California’s most important venues and the focal point of...
- 12/17/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Young Elizabeth I created by British playwright Anya Reiss.
Us cable and streaming company Starz has given a green light to Becoming Elizabeth, a drama series about the young Elizabeth I created by British playwright Anya Reiss and produced by London-based The Forge.
Reiss will be lead writer on the eight-episode series – telling the story of Elizabeth Tudor before she came to the throne – and work with an all-female writing team including Emily Ballou, Anna Jordan and Suhayla El-Bushra.
Reiss will also be an executive producer, along with The Forge’s George Ormond and George Faber, who previously served as...
Us cable and streaming company Starz has given a green light to Becoming Elizabeth, a drama series about the young Elizabeth I created by British playwright Anya Reiss and produced by London-based The Forge.
Reiss will be lead writer on the eight-episode series – telling the story of Elizabeth Tudor before she came to the throne – and work with an all-female writing team including Emily Ballou, Anna Jordan and Suhayla El-Bushra.
Reiss will also be an executive producer, along with The Forge’s George Ormond and George Faber, who previously served as...
- 12/3/2019
- by 31¦John Hazelton¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Showtime’s upcoming “Halo” series has added three more series regulars.
Danny Sapani, Olive Gray, and Charlie Murphy have all joined the show, which is based on the video game franchise of the same name and is set to begin production this month in Budapest. They join previously announced series lead Pablo Schrieber, who will play the Master Chief, as well as Natascha McElhone, Bokeem Woodbine, Shabana Azmi, Bentley Kalu, Natasha Culzac, and Kate Kennedy. The series is currently scheduled to air in the first quarter of 2021.
Sapani will play Captain Jacob Keyes, described a dedicated military man, a war hero and a caring father. He finds that working alongside his daughter and his ex-wife is usually the cause of conflict rather than comfort. Sapani’s television credits include shows like “Harlots,” “The Crown,” “Doctor Who,” and “The Bastard Executioner.” His film credits include “Black Panther,” “Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi,...
Danny Sapani, Olive Gray, and Charlie Murphy have all joined the show, which is based on the video game franchise of the same name and is set to begin production this month in Budapest. They join previously announced series lead Pablo Schrieber, who will play the Master Chief, as well as Natascha McElhone, Bokeem Woodbine, Shabana Azmi, Bentley Kalu, Natasha Culzac, and Kate Kennedy. The series is currently scheduled to air in the first quarter of 2021.
Sapani will play Captain Jacob Keyes, described a dedicated military man, a war hero and a caring father. He finds that working alongside his daughter and his ex-wife is usually the cause of conflict rather than comfort. Sapani’s television credits include shows like “Harlots,” “The Crown,” “Doctor Who,” and “The Bastard Executioner.” His film credits include “Black Panther,” “Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi,...
- 11/8/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
In Variety’s third Mipcom Roundup Alibaba’s streaming platform Youku gets BBC programs, Lagardère buys full ownership of Barcelona’s Veranda, Banijay rolls out Guinness World Records series, Blue Ant International sells and renews and All3Media Intl. extends into Japan and Taiwan.
All3Media Strikes Deals in Japan, Taiwan
All3Media has grown its footprint in Asia thanks to newly announced deals with U-next, Disney and Wowow in Japan and Catchplay in Taiwan. The U-Next deal includes 22 hours of primetime drama including Neal Street Productions’ Bafta-nominated “Informer,” two seasons of Screentime’s Australian drama “Playing for Keeps” and The Forge Entertainment-produced mini-series “Dark Money.” Catchplay in Taiwan and Tohokushinsha in Japan have secured rights to Bafta-nominated mini-series “Mrs. Wilson,” produced by Snowed In for BBC One and Masterpiece. All3Media also sold two factual entertainment series to Japanese broadcasters, “Travel Guides (Australia)” in the company’s first-ever...
All3Media Strikes Deals in Japan, Taiwan
All3Media has grown its footprint in Asia thanks to newly announced deals with U-next, Disney and Wowow in Japan and Catchplay in Taiwan. The U-Next deal includes 22 hours of primetime drama including Neal Street Productions’ Bafta-nominated “Informer,” two seasons of Screentime’s Australian drama “Playing for Keeps” and The Forge Entertainment-produced mini-series “Dark Money.” Catchplay in Taiwan and Tohokushinsha in Japan have secured rights to Bafta-nominated mini-series “Mrs. Wilson,” produced by Snowed In for BBC One and Masterpiece. All3Media also sold two factual entertainment series to Japanese broadcasters, “Travel Guides (Australia)” in the company’s first-ever...
- 10/15/2019
- by Jamie Lang and Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
A high-end TV series that will delve into the 2017 assassination of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia is being developed by New York’s Topic Studios in partnership with U.S. incubator Vespucci Group and Italy’s Indiana Production.
Prominent Israeli film and TV writer Noah Stollman is on board to pen the screenplay, giving the project strong cachet.
The as yet untitled series is based on the book “Murder on the Malta Express” co-authored by British investigative journalist John Sweeney with Italy’s Carlo Bonini (“Suburra”) and Maltese journalist-blogger Manuel Delia.
“Through Manuel, John, and Carlo we have unprecedented access to an extremely timely story set against the backdrop of the global threat on journalism,” producer Daniel Turcan (“Marjorie Prime”) co-founder of Vespucci Group said in a joint statement.
The book investigating who killed Daphne Caruana Galizia published by Maltese imprint Midsea Books will be released on Sunday, October...
Prominent Israeli film and TV writer Noah Stollman is on board to pen the screenplay, giving the project strong cachet.
The as yet untitled series is based on the book “Murder on the Malta Express” co-authored by British investigative journalist John Sweeney with Italy’s Carlo Bonini (“Suburra”) and Maltese journalist-blogger Manuel Delia.
“Through Manuel, John, and Carlo we have unprecedented access to an extremely timely story set against the backdrop of the global threat on journalism,” producer Daniel Turcan (“Marjorie Prime”) co-founder of Vespucci Group said in a joint statement.
The book investigating who killed Daphne Caruana Galizia published by Maltese imprint Midsea Books will be released on Sunday, October...
- 10/14/2019
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Topic Studios has brought in veteran scripted development executive Quan Phung as Svp Original Series.
Phung is tasked with building a scripted content team in Los Angeles following Topic’s recent decision to relocate the studio’s scripted TV division from New York to L.A., resulting in a handful of layoffs, including Svp Scripted Programming Lisa Leingang.
Based out of the studio’s L.A. office, Phung will oversee the sourcing, developing and packaging of premium ongoing and event series to the broadcast, cable and streaming marketplace. He will report to Topic Studios Evp Maria Zuckerman, who has been working on refocusing the company’s strategy across film, TV, audio and nonfiction since joining in May. Entering the scripted series arena, where the studio doesn’t have a presence yet, is considered a priority.
“Quan is a forward-thinking, savvy and highly respected veteran, and the depth of his...
Phung is tasked with building a scripted content team in Los Angeles following Topic’s recent decision to relocate the studio’s scripted TV division from New York to L.A., resulting in a handful of layoffs, including Svp Scripted Programming Lisa Leingang.
Based out of the studio’s L.A. office, Phung will oversee the sourcing, developing and packaging of premium ongoing and event series to the broadcast, cable and streaming marketplace. He will report to Topic Studios Evp Maria Zuckerman, who has been working on refocusing the company’s strategy across film, TV, audio and nonfiction since joining in May. Entering the scripted series arena, where the studio doesn’t have a presence yet, is considered a priority.
“Quan is a forward-thinking, savvy and highly respected veteran, and the depth of his...
- 10/2/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A small round of layoffs has hit Topic Studios this week in the television division, insiders familiar with the company told Variety.
One of the insiders said three executives at the New York-based producer and distributor are out: senior vice president of scripted programming and Viacom alum Lisa Leingang, vice president of development Mona Panchal and scripted programming director Kate Zabinsky.
A spokesperson for Topic Studios declined to comment on personnel, but said the scripted television division is in the process of relocating to Los Angeles. Topic operates as an arm of Pierre Omidyar’s First Look Media, and has been making cost-cutting moves since HBO vet Maria Zuckerman replaced Adam Pincus as executive vice president in May.
In late June, First Look shuttered the studio’s digital publication Topic Magazine, dedicated to nonfiction storytelling, and cut off funding to the political cartoon website the Nib. In mid-July, New York...
One of the insiders said three executives at the New York-based producer and distributor are out: senior vice president of scripted programming and Viacom alum Lisa Leingang, vice president of development Mona Panchal and scripted programming director Kate Zabinsky.
A spokesperson for Topic Studios declined to comment on personnel, but said the scripted television division is in the process of relocating to Los Angeles. Topic operates as an arm of Pierre Omidyar’s First Look Media, and has been making cost-cutting moves since HBO vet Maria Zuckerman replaced Adam Pincus as executive vice president in May.
In late June, First Look shuttered the studio’s digital publication Topic Magazine, dedicated to nonfiction storytelling, and cut off funding to the political cartoon website the Nib. In mid-July, New York...
- 9/21/2019
- by Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Topic Studios has signed a first-look deal with Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin, the filmmakers and stars of the buddy comedy “The Climb.”
Under the two-year deal, the duo will develop and produce feature films with an eye to direct for Topic with their Watch This Ready banner. “The Climb” was Covino’s feature directorial debut and was developed, financed and produced on a fast track by Topic Studios after acquiring the original short film of the same name at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
“The Climb” premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year where it won the Jury’s “Coup de Coeur” Award and was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. The film tells the story of an epic friendship between two lifelong friends spanning numerous years, marriages, heartbreaks and conflicts.
“The Climb” premiered in North America at the Telluride Film Festival...
Under the two-year deal, the duo will develop and produce feature films with an eye to direct for Topic with their Watch This Ready banner. “The Climb” was Covino’s feature directorial debut and was developed, financed and produced on a fast track by Topic Studios after acquiring the original short film of the same name at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
“The Climb” premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year where it won the Jury’s “Coup de Coeur” Award and was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. The film tells the story of an epic friendship between two lifelong friends spanning numerous years, marriages, heartbreaks and conflicts.
“The Climb” premiered in North America at the Telluride Film Festival...
- 9/4/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The film Judy tracks the final year of Judy Garland’s life, the quintessential cautionary tale of child stardom. The list of tragic names since suggest things have not improved much – although some directors are trying
Judy Garland was a walking ghost story. Watch footage of the patron saint of child stars from any time after The Wizard of Oz, made when she was 16, and you see a woman haunted by the girl she never had a chance to be. How that haunting ended is the subject of a new movie, Judy, starring Renée Zellweger as Garland in 1969, middle-aged in London, broke and addicted. She was doomed long before then. The details – an adolescent starlet destroyed by studio executives – remain less ghost story than horror movie.
For generations, Garland has been a cautionary tale for kids who might venture on to the big screen. But the comfort of Judy, in theory at least,...
Judy Garland was a walking ghost story. Watch footage of the patron saint of child stars from any time after The Wizard of Oz, made when she was 16, and you see a woman haunted by the girl she never had a chance to be. How that haunting ended is the subject of a new movie, Judy, starring Renée Zellweger as Garland in 1969, middle-aged in London, broke and addicted. She was doomed long before then. The details – an adolescent starlet destroyed by studio executives – remain less ghost story than horror movie.
For generations, Garland has been a cautionary tale for kids who might venture on to the big screen. But the comfort of Judy, in theory at least,...
- 8/30/2019
- by Danny Leigh
- The Guardian - Film News
Thanks to the advocacy of composer Miriam Cutler, the TV Academy finally added a separate category for original documentary scores (series and specials) this season, and she promptly was nominated for both “Rbg” and “Love, Gilda.” It’s a very competitive field with Oscar winner “Free Solo” (Marco Beltrami and Brandon Roberts); “Game of Thrones: The Last Watch” (Hannah Peel); “Hostile Planet” and “Our Planet”, and Cutler couldn’t be more thrilled. “The enthusiasm for the category has been huge with all the submissions and some really good nominees,” she said. “It just opens it up.”
Cutler’s been working as an award-winning doc composer for 25 years, but up until now has never gotten close to winning a Primetime Emmy. “Look what happened: the very first time, two nominations,” she added. “I think it acknowledges how interest in docs has really [grown].”
It took many years of lobbying the TV Academy...
Cutler’s been working as an award-winning doc composer for 25 years, but up until now has never gotten close to winning a Primetime Emmy. “Look what happened: the very first time, two nominations,” she added. “I think it acknowledges how interest in docs has really [grown].”
It took many years of lobbying the TV Academy...
- 8/29/2019
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
David Koch, a libertarian supporter of many conservative causes who reshaped America’s political landscape and also funded many charities, has died at age 79.
His brother, Charles Koch, confirmed the news in a statement Friday. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my brother David,” he said. “Anyone who worked with David surely experienced his giant personality and passion for life.”
The family of David Koch also released a statement. “While we mourn the loss of our hero, we remember his iconic laughter, insatiable curiosity, and gentle heart,” it said.
The Koch brothers had a net worth of tens of billions of dollars. David Koch gained most of his wealth from a 42% stake in Wichita, Kan.-based Koch Industries.
The company, of which David Koch owned 42%, was the center of power for the Koch brothers for decades. They started and co-owned the Kansas-based energy and chemical company,...
His brother, Charles Koch, confirmed the news in a statement Friday. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my brother David,” he said. “Anyone who worked with David surely experienced his giant personality and passion for life.”
The family of David Koch also released a statement. “While we mourn the loss of our hero, we remember his iconic laughter, insatiable curiosity, and gentle heart,” it said.
The Koch brothers had a net worth of tens of billions of dollars. David Koch gained most of his wealth from a 42% stake in Wichita, Kan.-based Koch Industries.
The company, of which David Koch owned 42%, was the center of power for the Koch brothers for decades. They started and co-owned the Kansas-based energy and chemical company,...
- 8/23/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
In this week’s International TV Newswire, “Money Heist’ fanbase heaves with anticipation at Part 3, two prominent European doc fests change directors, All3Media confirms “Dark Money’s” pre-sales credentials; Zfd favorite “Worst Witch” gets an Nhk makeover; and Econet Media’s satellite TV biz goes into administration:
‘Money Heist’ Part 3 Anticipation Boils
Two weeks out from its July 19 Netflix global release, expectation for “Money Heist” Part 3 (aka “La Casa de Papel” Temporada 3) is coming to a boil. “Money Heist” Parts 1 and 2 ranked as the second most-binged Svod Spanish-language show in the world in June, app TV Time revealed to TodoTVNews this week, beaten only by “Alta Mar,”· the latest from “Velvet’s” Bambu and another Netflix show. Adding to the excitement, “Money Heist” Part 3 does not now appear to be just an extra season, moreover, but creator Alex Pina’s ambition to create the biggest Spanish series ever. Already, at a June 20 Madrid press conference,...
‘Money Heist’ Part 3 Anticipation Boils
Two weeks out from its July 19 Netflix global release, expectation for “Money Heist” Part 3 (aka “La Casa de Papel” Temporada 3) is coming to a boil. “Money Heist” Parts 1 and 2 ranked as the second most-binged Svod Spanish-language show in the world in June, app TV Time revealed to TodoTVNews this week, beaten only by “Alta Mar,”· the latest from “Velvet’s” Bambu and another Netflix show. Adding to the excitement, “Money Heist” Part 3 does not now appear to be just an extra season, moreover, but creator Alex Pina’s ambition to create the biggest Spanish series ever. Already, at a June 20 Madrid press conference,...
- 7/5/2019
- by John Hopewell and Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Topic Studios has hired veteran HBO executive Maria Zuckerman as executive vice president to lead overall strategy including development, financing and production of films, documentaries, TV, podcasts and digital programming.
Zuckerman worked for nearly 20 years at HBO, where she most recently served as senior VP of HBO Films. She oversaw production of more than 30 titles during her tenure, resulting in 17 Emmy Awards. In 2015, Variety named Zuckerman one of Hollywood’s New Leaders in Television.
“Maria is a super smart, creative executive who filmmakers and talent love to work with,” said Michael Bloom, CEO of First Look Media & Topic. “Combined with her extensive experience at HBO and her impressive background working with established and new voices, we knew she had the right sensibility for us.”
Notable films shepherded by Zuckerman include “Bessie,” starring Queen Latifah and directed by Dee Rees, which won four Emmys; Stephen Frears’ “Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight...
Zuckerman worked for nearly 20 years at HBO, where she most recently served as senior VP of HBO Films. She oversaw production of more than 30 titles during her tenure, resulting in 17 Emmy Awards. In 2015, Variety named Zuckerman one of Hollywood’s New Leaders in Television.
“Maria is a super smart, creative executive who filmmakers and talent love to work with,” said Michael Bloom, CEO of First Look Media & Topic. “Combined with her extensive experience at HBO and her impressive background working with established and new voices, we knew she had the right sensibility for us.”
Notable films shepherded by Zuckerman include “Bessie,” starring Queen Latifah and directed by Dee Rees, which won four Emmys; Stephen Frears’ “Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight...
- 5/6/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
New arrival will be based in New York, and work out of new Los Angeles office.
Topic Studios, whose drama The Climb premiers in official selection in Cannes later this month, has hired former HBO executive Maria Zuckerman as executive vice-president.
Zuckerman will lead Topic Studios’ overall strategy encompassing development, financing and production of features, documentaries, TV, podcasts, and digital programming.
Topic projects include Netflix sports documentary Losers from Mickey Duzyj, and John Cameron Mitchell’s podcast Anthem: Homunculus.
The company co-financed and produced best picture Oscar winner Spotlight, and its slate highlights include Leave No Trace, political documentary Dark Money,...
Topic Studios, whose drama The Climb premiers in official selection in Cannes later this month, has hired former HBO executive Maria Zuckerman as executive vice-president.
Zuckerman will lead Topic Studios’ overall strategy encompassing development, financing and production of features, documentaries, TV, podcasts, and digital programming.
Topic projects include Netflix sports documentary Losers from Mickey Duzyj, and John Cameron Mitchell’s podcast Anthem: Homunculus.
The company co-financed and produced best picture Oscar winner Spotlight, and its slate highlights include Leave No Trace, political documentary Dark Money,...
- 5/6/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Every week, IndieWire asks a select handful of film critics two questions and publishes the results on Monday.
This week’s question: What is the best documentary about the American political system?
“13th”
Anne McCarthy (@annemitchmcc), Teen Vogue, Ms. Magazine, Bonjour Paris
Although “13th” is, in effect – at face value – about the U.S. prison system, that’s not entirely what it’s about. Ava DuVernay’s Oscar-nominated 2016 documentary illustrates with poise and punch just how the U.S. political system and the government directly contributed to the highly problematic American prison system as we know it today. From President Clinton’s “3 Strikes” rule, President Reagan’s crack-down on crack cocaine, and more, we see the correlations between political acts and overcrowded jails, wrongly convicted inmates, and young lives lost at the hands of the people who are supposed to protect them. In an ideal world, every American would see this film.
This week’s question: What is the best documentary about the American political system?
“13th”
Anne McCarthy (@annemitchmcc), Teen Vogue, Ms. Magazine, Bonjour Paris
Although “13th” is, in effect – at face value – about the U.S. prison system, that’s not entirely what it’s about. Ava DuVernay’s Oscar-nominated 2016 documentary illustrates with poise and punch just how the U.S. political system and the government directly contributed to the highly problematic American prison system as we know it today. From President Clinton’s “3 Strikes” rule, President Reagan’s crack-down on crack cocaine, and more, we see the correlations between political acts and overcrowded jails, wrongly convicted inmates, and young lives lost at the hands of the people who are supposed to protect them. In an ideal world, every American would see this film.
- 3/18/2019
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Jenn Wexler and Ashlee Blackwell were recently featured as special guests on our Corpse Club Women in Horror Month episodes, and we're thrilled to announce that both of them will be on a "Women & Horror" panel at New York City's Athena Film Festival this March!
On Saturday, March 2nd, at 7:00pm, The Ranger filmmaker Jenn Wexler and Horror Noire co-writer/producer (and founder of Graveyard Shift Sisters) Ashlee Blackwell will join actress Nancy Stephens and writer/director Christina Raia for a "Women & Horror" panel moderated by Caryn Coleman, the Director of Programming/Special Projects at Nitehawk Cinema.
The panel will take place at Barnard College, James Room, followed by a screening of John Carpenter's Halloween, featuring a Q&A with actress and activist Nancy Stephens (who played Marion in the classic horror film).
Read on for more details on the panel and screening, and for additional information, visit:
https://athenafilmfestival.
On Saturday, March 2nd, at 7:00pm, The Ranger filmmaker Jenn Wexler and Horror Noire co-writer/producer (and founder of Graveyard Shift Sisters) Ashlee Blackwell will join actress Nancy Stephens and writer/director Christina Raia for a "Women & Horror" panel moderated by Caryn Coleman, the Director of Programming/Special Projects at Nitehawk Cinema.
The panel will take place at Barnard College, James Room, followed by a screening of John Carpenter's Halloween, featuring a Q&A with actress and activist Nancy Stephens (who played Marion in the classic horror film).
Read on for more details on the panel and screening, and for additional information, visit:
https://athenafilmfestival.
- 2/25/2019
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Julius Onah’s thriller Luce has sold to Neon and Topic Studios at the Sundance Film Festival. Both studios have taken domestic rights to the feature, which is based on Jc Lee’s play and premiered Sunday in the U.S. Dramatic Competition.
Luce marks Neon’s fourth acquisition at Sundance this year, having previously taken rights to Alejandro Landes’ cinematic thriller Monos, Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s horror film, The Lodge and Abe Forsythe’s Little Monsters.
Luce centers on Amy and Peter Edgar (Naomi Watts and Tim Roth) who adopted their son Luce (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) from war-torn Eritrea 10 years ago. Luce is now an all-star student athlete, beloved by everyone. After a series of encounters with his teacher, Harriet Wilson (Octavia Spencer), questions about who Luce really is begin to emerge. A thrilling psychological drama, Luce addresses such themes as identity, truth, individuality and race. Onah shot the movie on 35mm.
Luce marks Neon’s fourth acquisition at Sundance this year, having previously taken rights to Alejandro Landes’ cinematic thriller Monos, Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s horror film, The Lodge and Abe Forsythe’s Little Monsters.
Luce centers on Amy and Peter Edgar (Naomi Watts and Tim Roth) who adopted their son Luce (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) from war-torn Eritrea 10 years ago. Luce is now an all-star student athlete, beloved by everyone. After a series of encounters with his teacher, Harriet Wilson (Octavia Spencer), questions about who Luce really is begin to emerge. A thrilling psychological drama, Luce addresses such themes as identity, truth, individuality and race. Onah shot the movie on 35mm.
- 1/30/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Jeff Bridges is honored by cinematographers, the “Arctic” filmmakers get a first-look deal and releases are set for “Vault,” the Seth Rogen-Charlize Theron comedy and “What Lies Ahead.”
Bridges Honored
The American Society of Cinematographers has selected Jeff Bridges as the recipient of the organizations’ 2019 Board of Governors Award.
Bridges will accept the award at the 33rd Annual Asc Awards for Outstanding Achievement on Feb. 9 at Hollywood & Highland’s Ray Dolby Ballroom.
“Jeff Bridges is an extraordinary talent on the screen, and also a remarkable person off screen,” said Asc President Kees van Oostrum. “He is beloved by many for his achievements as an outstanding Oscar-winning actor. We at the Asc feel like Jeff is one of us, because he shares our passion for creating artful imagery through his still photography. We are incredibly honored to present him with our Board of Governors Award.
Bridges Honored
The American Society of Cinematographers has selected Jeff Bridges as the recipient of the organizations’ 2019 Board of Governors Award.
Bridges will accept the award at the 33rd Annual Asc Awards for Outstanding Achievement on Feb. 9 at Hollywood & Highland’s Ray Dolby Ballroom.
“Jeff Bridges is an extraordinary talent on the screen, and also a remarkable person off screen,” said Asc President Kees van Oostrum. “He is beloved by many for his achievements as an outstanding Oscar-winning actor. We at the Asc feel like Jeff is one of us, because he shares our passion for creating artful imagery through his still photography. We are incredibly honored to present him with our Board of Governors Award.
- 1/18/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Arrangement with Arctic filmmakers to cover, film, TV.
Topic Studios has struck a first-look film and television deal with filmmaking team Joe Penna and Ryan Morrison, expanding on a recent collaboration on a scripted anthology series to be announced soon.
The deal will encompass film and television projects. Penna and Morrison’s debut feature Arctic premiered in Cannes last summer and Bleecker Street has set a February 1 Us release date for the survival thriller staring Mads Mikkelsen.
The duo is in pre-production on second feature Stowaway, a sci-fi thriller starring Anna Kendrick and Toni Collette.
“We have loved working with Joe and Ryan,...
Topic Studios has struck a first-look film and television deal with filmmaking team Joe Penna and Ryan Morrison, expanding on a recent collaboration on a scripted anthology series to be announced soon.
The deal will encompass film and television projects. Penna and Morrison’s debut feature Arctic premiered in Cannes last summer and Bleecker Street has set a February 1 Us release date for the survival thriller staring Mads Mikkelsen.
The duo is in pre-production on second feature Stowaway, a sci-fi thriller starring Anna Kendrick and Toni Collette.
“We have loved working with Joe and Ryan,...
- 1/17/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Topic Studios has signed a first look film and television deal with filmmakers Joe Penna and Ryan Morrison, whose feature Arctic made its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last May as an official selection in the Midnight section. The deal expands the relationship between Topic, Penna and Morrison who recently collaborated on a scripted anthology series which will be announced soon.
“We have loved working with Joe and Ryan,” said Lisa Leingang and Ryan Heller for Topic Studios. “They are a rare combination of world-builders, Diy filmmakers and first class storytellers. There’s so much we want to do together.”
Said Penna and Morrison: “We’re beyond excited to be working so closely with Topic. They truly support their creative partners and tell the type of stories people need to hear. Topic is a studio with something to say and we’re very much looking forward joining the conversation.
“We have loved working with Joe and Ryan,” said Lisa Leingang and Ryan Heller for Topic Studios. “They are a rare combination of world-builders, Diy filmmakers and first class storytellers. There’s so much we want to do together.”
Said Penna and Morrison: “We’re beyond excited to be working so closely with Topic. They truly support their creative partners and tell the type of stories people need to hear. Topic is a studio with something to say and we’re very much looking forward joining the conversation.
- 1/17/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Yet another competitive category, it’s possible any of the Oscars frontrunners listed below are snubbed and it’s possible all of them make the cut. It’s hard to see the documentary branch not rewarding at least a few of the summer’s big doc hits with a nod. Our guess is that means “Three Identical Strangers” misses out, but “Rbg” could as well. [Posted Jan. 16, 2019]
Likely Frontrunners
“Free Solo”
“Hale County This Morning, This Evening”
“Minding the Gap”
“Rbg”
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Players
“Charm City”
“Communion”
“Crime + Punishment”
“Dark Money”
“The Distant Barking of Dogs”
“Of Fathers and Sons”
“On Her Shoulders”
“Shirkers”
“The Silence of Others”
“Three Identical Strangers”
More predictions:
Best Picture
Best Director
Actress
Actor
Supporting Actress
Supporting Actor
Original Screenplay
Adapted Screenplay
Foreign Language Film
Continue reading 2019 Best Documentary Feature Oscars Predictions at The Playlist.
Likely Frontrunners
“Free Solo”
“Hale County This Morning, This Evening”
“Minding the Gap”
“Rbg”
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Players
“Charm City”
“Communion”
“Crime + Punishment”
“Dark Money”
“The Distant Barking of Dogs”
“Of Fathers and Sons”
“On Her Shoulders”
“Shirkers”
“The Silence of Others”
“Three Identical Strangers”
More predictions:
Best Picture
Best Director
Actress
Actor
Supporting Actress
Supporting Actor
Original Screenplay
Adapted Screenplay
Foreign Language Film
Continue reading 2019 Best Documentary Feature Oscars Predictions at The Playlist.
- 1/17/2019
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
Senator Jon Tester is far more likely to appear in the halls of Congress than the corridors of CAA. But the Montana Democrat came to the venerable talent agency earlier this week—not seeking representation, but to represent.
Tester turned out in support of the Oscar-shortlisted documentary Dark Money at a CAA screening that drew a standing room-only crowd. The film directed by Kimberly Reed, a fellow Montanan, investigates the pernicious role of untraceable cash flooding U.S. elections. The subject is an important one to Tester, who just won re-election to a third term in a very tight race that attracted loads of anonymous spending.
“I can’t tell you how many dollars of dark money came into my state yet,” he told the audience during a Q&A. “And we may never know how many dollars came into the state. If it was for me or against me,...
Tester turned out in support of the Oscar-shortlisted documentary Dark Money at a CAA screening that drew a standing room-only crowd. The film directed by Kimberly Reed, a fellow Montanan, investigates the pernicious role of untraceable cash flooding U.S. elections. The subject is an important one to Tester, who just won re-election to a third term in a very tight race that attracted loads of anonymous spending.
“I can’t tell you how many dollars of dark money came into my state yet,” he told the audience during a Q&A. “And we may never know how many dollars came into the state. If it was for me or against me,...
- 1/12/2019
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Just in time for some essential Oscar nomination prep, documentary film lovers can catch up on all 15 shortlisted contenders for Best Documentary, thanks to the Academy’s recently launched new program “Oscars Spotlight: Documentary Feature Shortlist.” The program features all of the shortlisted titles, including “Charm City,” “Communion,” “Crime + Punishment,” “Dark Money,” “The Distant Barking of Dogs,” “Free Solo,” “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” “Minding the Gap,” “Of Fathers and Sons,” “On Her Shoulders,” “Rbg,” “Shirkers,” “The Silence of Others,” “Three Identical Strangers,” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
The films are screening theatrically in 13 cities nationwide now through January 21, 2019. A number of screenings will also include Q&As with filmmakers, and you can find out more about those (and other important ticket-buying info) right here on the Atom Tickets website.
“The Academy is thrilled to be collaborating with exhibitors and distributors to shine a light on...
The films are screening theatrically in 13 cities nationwide now through January 21, 2019. A number of screenings will also include Q&As with filmmakers, and you can find out more about those (and other important ticket-buying info) right here on the Atom Tickets website.
“The Academy is thrilled to be collaborating with exhibitors and distributors to shine a light on...
- 1/3/2019
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, led by the organization’s Future of Film Committee, has announced a new program showcasing the 15 documentary feature films that remain in contention for the 91st Oscars.
“Oscars Spotlight: Documentary Feature Shortlist” will screen theatrically in 13 cities nationwide beginning on Dec. 31 and concluding on Jan. 21 — the day before Oscar nominations are to be announced.
“The Academy is thrilled to be collaborating with exhibitors and distributors to shine a light on the best documentaries of the year,” says producer Albert Berger, Academy governor and chair of the Future of Film Committee. “We want to encourage moviegoing and engage audiences across the country in our process as we move through the shortlists, nominations, and towards the Oscars.”
See below for a list of locations (theaters and showtimes subject to change):
Austin — Alamo Drafthouse Mueller
Boston — AMC Loews Boston Common 19
Chicago — Music Box Theatre...
“Oscars Spotlight: Documentary Feature Shortlist” will screen theatrically in 13 cities nationwide beginning on Dec. 31 and concluding on Jan. 21 — the day before Oscar nominations are to be announced.
“The Academy is thrilled to be collaborating with exhibitors and distributors to shine a light on the best documentaries of the year,” says producer Albert Berger, Academy governor and chair of the Future of Film Committee. “We want to encourage moviegoing and engage audiences across the country in our process as we move through the shortlists, nominations, and towards the Oscars.”
See below for a list of locations (theaters and showtimes subject to change):
Austin — Alamo Drafthouse Mueller
Boston — AMC Loews Boston Common 19
Chicago — Music Box Theatre...
- 12/21/2018
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscars statues backstage at The 87th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 22, 2015.
Three hundred forty-seven feature films are eligible for the 2018 Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today.
To be eligible for 91st Academy Awards consideration, feature films must open in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County by December 31, and begin a minimum run of seven consecutive days. https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/91st_reminder_list.pdf
Under Academy rules, a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format.
Feature films that receive their first public exhibition or distribution in any manner other than as a theatrical motion picture release are not eligible for Academy Awards in any category. The “Reminder List of...
Three hundred forty-seven feature films are eligible for the 2018 Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today.
To be eligible for 91st Academy Awards consideration, feature films must open in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County by December 31, and begin a minimum run of seven consecutive days. https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/91st_reminder_list.pdf
Under Academy rules, a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format.
Feature films that receive their first public exhibition or distribution in any manner other than as a theatrical motion picture release are not eligible for Academy Awards in any category. The “Reminder List of...
- 12/18/2018
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Yesterday afternoon, the Academy did something brand new. The announced nine shortlists for the upcoming 91st Academy Awards. Yes, the Oscars are hinting at some of their below the line finalists. In the categories of Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short Subject, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Animated Short Film, Best Live Action Short Film, and Best Visual Effects, we now have a narrowed field. Essentially, Academy voters can now focus in on just a handful of titles in these categories. The wisdom of that remains to be seen, but time will tell if we get a different set of nominees than expected because of this. For now, get used to it. This is the new normal, Oscar voting wise… Below you’ll be able to see the nine lists that voters will be selecting from. In Best Documentary Feature,...
- 12/18/2018
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Last year, the Academy documentary branch had to grapple with a record 170 documentary feature submissions for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar. This year, it wasn’t not so bad: only 166 were entered. The short list of 15 was announced December 17, along with eight others for the first time on a single date this year.
All year, branch members have been getting lists of secure online screeners available to watch on the Academy website, increasing in volume. It’s a burden to watch them all, so the ones with the most attention move to the top of the much-watch list. The early advantage went to early box office hits that were made available in the summer such as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (Focus Features), “Rbg” (CNN/Magnolia), and “Three Identical Strangers” (CNN/Neon), as well as August/September openers including critically hailed “Dark Money” (PBS), “Crime + Punishment” and “Minding the Gap...
All year, branch members have been getting lists of secure online screeners available to watch on the Academy website, increasing in volume. It’s a burden to watch them all, so the ones with the most attention move to the top of the much-watch list. The early advantage went to early box office hits that were made available in the summer such as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (Focus Features), “Rbg” (CNN/Magnolia), and “Three Identical Strangers” (CNN/Neon), as well as August/September openers including critically hailed “Dark Money” (PBS), “Crime + Punishment” and “Minding the Gap...
- 12/17/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Last year, the Academy documentary branch had to grapple with a record 170 documentary feature submissions for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar. This year, it wasn’t not so bad: only 166 were entered. The short list of 15 was announced December 17, along with eight others for the first time on a single date this year.
All year, branch members have been getting lists of secure online screeners available to watch on the Academy website, increasing in volume. It’s a burden to watch them all, so the ones with the most attention move to the top of the much-watch list. The early advantage went to early box office hits that were made available in the summer such as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (Focus Features), “Rbg” (CNN/Magnolia), and “Three Identical Strangers” (CNN/Neon), as well as September openers including critically hailed “Dark Money” (PBS), “Crime + Punishment (“Hulu”), and another...
All year, branch members have been getting lists of secure online screeners available to watch on the Academy website, increasing in volume. It’s a burden to watch them all, so the ones with the most attention move to the top of the much-watch list. The early advantage went to early box office hits that were made available in the summer such as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (Focus Features), “Rbg” (CNN/Magnolia), and “Three Identical Strangers” (CNN/Neon), as well as September openers including critically hailed “Dark Money” (PBS), “Crime + Punishment (“Hulu”), and another...
- 12/17/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released the shortlists in nine categories, including Best Feature Documentary, where hit documentaries like “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” and “Free Solo” are among the list of contenders.
While a few of the films on the doc-feature shortlist were not nominated or singled out by other awards groups – “Charm City,” “Communion” and “The Distant Barking of Dogs” being the biggest surprises – for the most part, the list stays true to the nonfiction films that have garnered the most critical and commercial attention in 2018.
Crucially, it includes the four top-grossing nonfiction films of the year: “Free Solo,” “Rbg,” “Three Identical Strangers” and the presumed frontrunner, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” But the most-honored films of the year are also accounted for, including “Minding the Gap,” “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” “Crime + Punishment,” “Of Fathers and Sons” and “Shirkers.”
Also...
While a few of the films on the doc-feature shortlist were not nominated or singled out by other awards groups – “Charm City,” “Communion” and “The Distant Barking of Dogs” being the biggest surprises – for the most part, the list stays true to the nonfiction films that have garnered the most critical and commercial attention in 2018.
Crucially, it includes the four top-grossing nonfiction films of the year: “Free Solo,” “Rbg,” “Three Identical Strangers” and the presumed frontrunner, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” But the most-honored films of the year are also accounted for, including “Minding the Gap,” “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” “Crime + Punishment,” “Of Fathers and Sons” and “Shirkers.”
Also...
- 12/17/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster and Steve Pond
- The Wrap
For the first time in Oscars history, the academy released the short lists in nine categories all at once. On Monday, December 17, the hopefuls in a wide range of races found out if they are still in contention for the 91st annual Academy Awards. Among these are the marquee awards for Best Foreign Language Film (which was pared down to nine films from the 87 submitted) and Best Documentary Feature (which went from 166 to 15).
The race for Best Visual Effects, which has already been narrowed down to 20 films, was cut in half. Both music awards – Best Original Song and Best Original Score — were winnowed down to just 15 contenders from upwards of 100 submission while the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category will have just seven. And the three awards for shorts – animated, documentary and live-action — were culled from dozens of entries to 10 apiece.
See 2019 Oscar nominations: 10 Academy Awards with special rules – Original Song,...
The race for Best Visual Effects, which has already been narrowed down to 20 films, was cut in half. Both music awards – Best Original Song and Best Original Score — were winnowed down to just 15 contenders from upwards of 100 submission while the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category will have just seven. And the three awards for shorts – animated, documentary and live-action — were culled from dozens of entries to 10 apiece.
See 2019 Oscar nominations: 10 Academy Awards with special rules – Original Song,...
- 12/17/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
It won’t exactly be on a par with Oscars nominations morning, but Monday will be one of the biggest December days in the history of the Academy Awards.
That’s because for the first time, the Academy isn’t systematically doling out the short lists of films that remain in contention. Instead, they’re dropping all the lists at once in a single press release that will trim the fields in Best Documentary Feature, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Original Song and six other categories.
One drop, nine categories, a total of 101 films that’ll get good news and far more that’ll be disappointed.
The strategy of dumping all the Oscars short lists at once has not been greeted with universal approval. For one thing, contenders in the different categories were used to having their individual moments in the spotlight. Music Branch voters, who are facing a pair...
That’s because for the first time, the Academy isn’t systematically doling out the short lists of films that remain in contention. Instead, they’re dropping all the lists at once in a single press release that will trim the fields in Best Documentary Feature, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Original Song and six other categories.
One drop, nine categories, a total of 101 films that’ll get good news and far more that’ll be disappointed.
The strategy of dumping all the Oscars short lists at once has not been greeted with universal approval. For one thing, contenders in the different categories were used to having their individual moments in the spotlight. Music Branch voters, who are facing a pair...
- 12/14/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Topic Studios (“Leave No Trace”) has bought rights to Rachel Lyon’s debut novel “Self-Portrait With Boy” and plans to develop the project as a feature film.
Lyon will adapt her own novel. John Lyons (“Boogie Nights”), who recently signed a first-look deal with Topic Studios, has come on board to produce.
The story is set in Brooklyn in the early 1990s and tells the story of a young photographer who unintentionally captures a tragedy during a self-portrait. The choice of what to do with this devastating image haunts her as she is forced to confront the limits of her own ambition.
“Rachel’s novel is a gripping, emotionally complex ghost story about the price of creative success,” said said Ryan Heller, vice president for acquisitions and feature films. “We were instantly drawn to ways we could bring this story – and its bygone era of New York — to the big...
Lyon will adapt her own novel. John Lyons (“Boogie Nights”), who recently signed a first-look deal with Topic Studios, has come on board to produce.
The story is set in Brooklyn in the early 1990s and tells the story of a young photographer who unintentionally captures a tragedy during a self-portrait. The choice of what to do with this devastating image haunts her as she is forced to confront the limits of her own ambition.
“Rachel’s novel is a gripping, emotionally complex ghost story about the price of creative success,” said said Ryan Heller, vice president for acquisitions and feature films. “We were instantly drawn to ways we could bring this story – and its bygone era of New York — to the big...
- 12/13/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
“Minding the Gap” had a great day on December 8. Hours after Bing Liu‘s heartfelt look at live in the Rust Belt was named Best Documentary Feature of the year by the Chicago film critics, it won the top award from The International Documentary Association (Ida).
At the Ida, it prevailed in the largest-ever field of contenders at this key precursor prize. Among the competition were all of the other frontrunners for Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars: National Geographic’s “Free Solo,” Hulu’s “Crime + Punishment,” the Mr. Rogers retrospective “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” and PBS’ “Dark Money.”
This was the first year that Ida had nominated 10 films for their top award, a sharp increase from the 5-6 contenders cited in the past. While only two films were nominated by both the Ida and Oscar last year, in 2017 the groups lined up on four nominees and...
At the Ida, it prevailed in the largest-ever field of contenders at this key precursor prize. Among the competition were all of the other frontrunners for Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars: National Geographic’s “Free Solo,” Hulu’s “Crime + Punishment,” the Mr. Rogers retrospective “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” and PBS’ “Dark Money.”
This was the first year that Ida had nominated 10 films for their top award, a sharp increase from the 5-6 contenders cited in the past. While only two films were nominated by both the Ida and Oscar last year, in 2017 the groups lined up on four nominees and...
- 12/9/2018
- by Paul Sheehan and John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Bing Liu’s skateboarding movie “Minding The Gap” has won the International Documentary Association’s award for top feature of 2018.
Floyd Russ’s “Zion” was awarded best short. Netflix’s “Wild Wild Country” won for best limited series and HBO’s “John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls” took the ABC News VideoSource Award. PBS’ “Pov” won for best curated series, Showtime’s “The Trade” for best episodic series, Mel Films for best short form series, and Jayisha Patel’s “Circle” for the David L. Wolper Student Documentary Award.
Both Melissa Haizlip’s “Mr. Soul!” and Steve Loveridge’s “Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.” were each awarded best music documentary while “Bisbee ’17” and “Hale County This Morning, This Evening” were each awarded best music score. The New York Times’ “Caliphate” took the inaugural award in the audio documentary category.
Ricki Lake hosted the ceremonies Saturday night for the 34th...
Floyd Russ’s “Zion” was awarded best short. Netflix’s “Wild Wild Country” won for best limited series and HBO’s “John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls” took the ABC News VideoSource Award. PBS’ “Pov” won for best curated series, Showtime’s “The Trade” for best episodic series, Mel Films for best short form series, and Jayisha Patel’s “Circle” for the David L. Wolper Student Documentary Award.
Both Melissa Haizlip’s “Mr. Soul!” and Steve Loveridge’s “Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.” were each awarded best music documentary while “Bisbee ’17” and “Hale County This Morning, This Evening” were each awarded best music score. The New York Times’ “Caliphate” took the inaugural award in the audio documentary category.
Ricki Lake hosted the ceremonies Saturday night for the 34th...
- 12/9/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Morgan Neville’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” has been named the best documentary of 2018 at the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, which were handed out on Saturday evening at Bric in Brooklyn, New York.
The film about “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” star Fred Rogers won in a category whose other nominees were “Crime + Punishment,” “Dark Money,” “Free Solo,” “Hal,” “Hitler’s Hollywood,” “Minding the Gap,” “Rbg,” “Three Identical Strangers,” “Wild Wild Country.”
Michael Moore received a lifetime achievement award from Robert De Niro, who called him “an American hero.” Moore new film, “Fahrenheit 11/9,” was not nominated in the Best Documentary category, instead receiving a mention only in Best Political Documentary, where it lost to “Rbg.”
Also Read: 'Minding the Gap' Leads All Films in Nominations for Cinema Eye Honors
“Quincy” won the award for best music documentary, while “Free Solo” won for best sports documentary and most innovative documentary.
The film about “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” star Fred Rogers won in a category whose other nominees were “Crime + Punishment,” “Dark Money,” “Free Solo,” “Hal,” “Hitler’s Hollywood,” “Minding the Gap,” “Rbg,” “Three Identical Strangers,” “Wild Wild Country.”
Michael Moore received a lifetime achievement award from Robert De Niro, who called him “an American hero.” Moore new film, “Fahrenheit 11/9,” was not nominated in the Best Documentary category, instead receiving a mention only in Best Political Documentary, where it lost to “Rbg.”
Also Read: 'Minding the Gap' Leads All Films in Nominations for Cinema Eye Honors
“Quincy” won the award for best music documentary, while “Free Solo” won for best sports documentary and most innovative documentary.
- 11/11/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Cinema Eye Honors (Ceh) announced nominees for its 12th annual awards Thursday afternoon, boosting acclaimed films “Minding the Gap” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” further along in the Documentary Feature derby. “Minding the Gap,” directed by debut filmmaker Bing Liu, even made Ceh history by tying three other films for the most nominations (seven) in Cinema Eye history.
Ceh is our final bellwether in providing a glimpse at what our Documentary Feature short list might look like for the upcoming Oscars. Ceh and Oscar matched three films in all of the last three years of both races though in none of those years did they choose the same winner. With that precedent in mind, we might expect three of Ceh’s six nominees to not only make the short list, but go on to be Oscar nominated in January.
The Ceh nominees this year do mirror, at least in part,...
Ceh is our final bellwether in providing a glimpse at what our Documentary Feature short list might look like for the upcoming Oscars. Ceh and Oscar matched three films in all of the last three years of both races though in none of those years did they choose the same winner. With that precedent in mind, we might expect three of Ceh’s six nominees to not only make the short list, but go on to be Oscar nominated in January.
The Ceh nominees this year do mirror, at least in part,...
- 11/8/2018
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
A total of 166 films have been submitted for consideration in the documentary feature category for the 91st Academy Awards.
Notable titles up for the gold include “Rbg,” “Three Identical Strangers,” “Free Solo” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” — which have performed strongly at the box office. Fred Rogers documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” has grossed $22.6 million domestically.
Nine of the 10 titles named as finalists for the International Documentary Association’s top feature are on the list, including “Crime + Punishment,” “Dark Money,” “Free Solo,” “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” “Minding the Gap,” “Of Fathers and Sons,” “The Silence of Others,” “United Skates” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences noted that several of the 166 films have not yet had their required Los Angeles and New York qualifying runs. A shortlist of 15 movies will be announced on Dec. 17.
Nominations...
Notable titles up for the gold include “Rbg,” “Three Identical Strangers,” “Free Solo” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” — which have performed strongly at the box office. Fred Rogers documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” has grossed $22.6 million domestically.
Nine of the 10 titles named as finalists for the International Documentary Association’s top feature are on the list, including “Crime + Punishment,” “Dark Money,” “Free Solo,” “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” “Minding the Gap,” “Of Fathers and Sons,” “The Silence of Others,” “United Skates” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences noted that several of the 166 films have not yet had their required Los Angeles and New York qualifying runs. A shortlist of 15 movies will be announced on Dec. 17.
Nominations...
- 11/8/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Last year, the Academy documentary branch had to grapple with a record 170 documentary feature submissions for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar. This year, it’s not so bad: only 166 were entered. The short list of 15 will be announced, along with eight others for the first time on a single date this year: December 17.
All year, branch members have been getting lists of secure online screeners available to watch on the Academy website, increasing in volume until last month, when they received a batch of 77, with more to come. It’s a burden to watch them all, so the ones with the most attention move to the top of the much-watch list. Give the advantage to early box office hits that were made available in the summer such as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” “Rbg,” and “Three Identical Strangers,” as well as September’s list including critically hailed “Dark Money,...
All year, branch members have been getting lists of secure online screeners available to watch on the Academy website, increasing in volume until last month, when they received a batch of 77, with more to come. It’s a burden to watch them all, so the ones with the most attention move to the top of the much-watch list. Give the advantage to early box office hits that were made available in the summer such as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” “Rbg,” and “Three Identical Strangers,” as well as September’s list including critically hailed “Dark Money,...
- 11/8/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Last year, the Academy documentary branch had to grapple with a record 170 documentary feature submissions for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar. This year, it’s not so bad: only 166 were entered. The short list of 15 will be announced, along with eight others for the first time on a single date this year: December 17.
All year, branch members have been getting lists of secure online screeners available to watch on the Academy website, increasing in volume until last month, when they received a batch of 77, with more to come. It’s a burden to watch them all, so the ones with the most attention move to the top of the much-watch list. Give the advantage to early box office hits that were made available in the summer such as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” “Rbg,” and “Three Identical Strangers,” as well as September’s list including critically hailed “Dark Money,...
All year, branch members have been getting lists of secure online screeners available to watch on the Academy website, increasing in volume until last month, when they received a batch of 77, with more to come. It’s a burden to watch them all, so the ones with the most attention move to the top of the much-watch list. Give the advantage to early box office hits that were made available in the summer such as “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” “Rbg,” and “Three Identical Strangers,” as well as September’s list including critically hailed “Dark Money,...
- 11/8/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
A whopping 166 documentary features have been submitted to the academy for consideration at the 2019 Oscars. That is down by four from last year’s record 170 submissions. Among these contenders are all of the highest grossing documentaries of the year including “Free Solo,” “Rbg” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
To winnow the entries down to the 15 semi-finalists that will be announced on December 17, the academy is sending monthly packages of the newly eligible documentary feature screeners to all 400 or so members of the documentary branch. While all members are encouraged to watch as many of these as they can, one-fifth of the voters are assigned each title. In late November, each branch member will submit a preferential ballot listing their top 15 choices.
See 2019 Oscars: Foreign-language film entries from A (Afghanistan) to Y (Yemen)
All of these ballots will be collated to determine the 15 semi-finalists. Branch members will then be...
To winnow the entries down to the 15 semi-finalists that will be announced on December 17, the academy is sending monthly packages of the newly eligible documentary feature screeners to all 400 or so members of the documentary branch. While all members are encouraged to watch as many of these as they can, one-fifth of the voters are assigned each title. In late November, each branch member will submit a preferential ballot listing their top 15 choices.
See 2019 Oscars: Foreign-language film entries from A (Afghanistan) to Y (Yemen)
All of these ballots will be collated to determine the 15 semi-finalists. Branch members will then be...
- 11/8/2018
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
In a year that has seen multiple documentaries find mainstream success, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the list of 166 docs that have been submitted for Oscar consideration this year.
Among the films on the list are Michael Moore’s anti-Trump polemic “Fahrenheit 11/9,” as well as CNN Films’ Ruth Bader Ginsburg biography “Rbg” and Focus’ Mister Rogers retrospective “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Other films considered frontrunners include “Three Identical Strangers,” the wild story of triplets who were separated at birth by a bizarre experiment, “Free Solo,” which documents the first ever attempt to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan without any climbing gear, and “Dark Money,” an investigative report into the influence of billionaires on American democracy through the lens of a Montana congressional race.
Also Read: Sorry, Oscar Documentary Voters: Your Workload Just Doubled
The contender field is slightly less than last year’s record field of 170 but does include,...
Among the films on the list are Michael Moore’s anti-Trump polemic “Fahrenheit 11/9,” as well as CNN Films’ Ruth Bader Ginsburg biography “Rbg” and Focus’ Mister Rogers retrospective “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Other films considered frontrunners include “Three Identical Strangers,” the wild story of triplets who were separated at birth by a bizarre experiment, “Free Solo,” which documents the first ever attempt to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan without any climbing gear, and “Dark Money,” an investigative report into the influence of billionaires on American democracy through the lens of a Montana congressional race.
Also Read: Sorry, Oscar Documentary Voters: Your Workload Just Doubled
The contender field is slightly less than last year’s record field of 170 but does include,...
- 11/8/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Suspense is building as the midterm elections near, with control of the House and Senate—and possibly the fate of American democracy—hanging in the balance. The outcome remains unclear but one race is hardly in doubt: In the contest to influence election results, “dark money” is winning.
Kimberly Reed’s film Dark Money, nominated as best documentary for the Ida Awards and the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, explores the way untraceable cash from anonymous donors—corporations and wealthy individuals—is being deployed to sway voters.
“This is really about disclosure, about where this money is coming from,” Reed tells Deadline. “Because if you turn the lights off all the sudden this money starts getting used for lots of nefarious purposes.”
Some of those nefarious purposes include bankrolling attack ads and direct-mail campaigns, the kind that jam everybody’s mailboxes around election time. Dark Money details how one Republican candidate for statewide office in Montana,...
Kimberly Reed’s film Dark Money, nominated as best documentary for the Ida Awards and the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, explores the way untraceable cash from anonymous donors—corporations and wealthy individuals—is being deployed to sway voters.
“This is really about disclosure, about where this money is coming from,” Reed tells Deadline. “Because if you turn the lights off all the sudden this money starts getting used for lots of nefarious purposes.”
Some of those nefarious purposes include bankrolling attack ads and direct-mail campaigns, the kind that jam everybody’s mailboxes around election time. Dark Money details how one Republican candidate for statewide office in Montana,...
- 11/1/2018
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Members of the Academy’s documentary branch received a generous gift from AMPAS on Friday: 77 new films that had qualified in this year’s Best Documentary Feature category.
And it turned what had been a modest year for docs — with a total of 83 films included in June, July, August and September groups — into one in which the number of eligible films that voters would need to watch nearly doubled.
The Academy also promised voters in the branch to expect a final batch of films in early November — which, if it hits double digits, will set a new record in the category.
Also Read: 'Free Solo' Leads Critics' Choice Documentary Awards Nominations
The previous high, set last year, was 170 films. With 160 already on the Oscar eligibility list and one additional (though likely small) batch yet to come, this year’s crop will give voters a lot of work to do before...
And it turned what had been a modest year for docs — with a total of 83 films included in June, July, August and September groups — into one in which the number of eligible films that voters would need to watch nearly doubled.
The Academy also promised voters in the branch to expect a final batch of films in early November — which, if it hits double digits, will set a new record in the category.
Also Read: 'Free Solo' Leads Critics' Choice Documentary Awards Nominations
The previous high, set last year, was 170 films. With 160 already on the Oscar eligibility list and one additional (though likely small) batch yet to come, this year’s crop will give voters a lot of work to do before...
- 10/27/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The International Documentary Association (Ida) announced nominees for its annual awards on Wednesday morning. The ten films nominated in the Best Feature category were pulled from the group’s short list announced earlier this month. Among those nominees are five early frontrunners in the Oscar race for Documentary Feature: National Geographic’s “Free Solo,” Hulu’s two films “Minding the Gap” and “Crime + Punishment,” the Mister Rogers piece “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” and PBS’ “Dark Money,” all of which were also cited by the Broadcast Film Critics Association for their own documentary awards.
This is the first year the Ida has nominated 10 films for their top award, an increase from the 5-6 nominated previously. While only two films were nominated by both the Ida and Oscar last year, in 2016 the groups lined up on four nominees and in 2015 there were three double dippers. In each year, the...
This is the first year the Ida has nominated 10 films for their top award, an increase from the 5-6 nominated previously. While only two films were nominated by both the Ida and Oscar last year, in 2016 the groups lined up on four nominees and in 2015 there were three double dippers. In each year, the...
- 10/24/2018
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
“Dark Money,” “Free Solo,” “Minding the Gap,” “The Silence of Others” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” have been nominated for the top film award at the International Documentary Association’s 2018 Ida Documentary Awards, the Ida announced on Wednesday.
Those five films will be joined in the feature category by another five: “Crime + Punishment,” “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” “Of Fathers and Sons,” “Sky and Ground” and “United Skates.”
The 10 Ida Documentary Awards feature nominees is the largest number ever nominated in the category, which has typically consisted of five films. Half of the films were directed by women.
Also Read: 'Free Solo' Leads Critics' Choice Documentary Awards Nominations
Missing from the list are a few of the most successful docs of the year, including “Rbg,” “Three Identical Strangers” and “Fahrenheit 11/9.”
In the television categories, nominees include “American Masters,” “Pov” and “Independent Lens” in Curated Series,...
Those five films will be joined in the feature category by another five: “Crime + Punishment,” “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” “Of Fathers and Sons,” “Sky and Ground” and “United Skates.”
The 10 Ida Documentary Awards feature nominees is the largest number ever nominated in the category, which has typically consisted of five films. Half of the films were directed by women.
Also Read: 'Free Solo' Leads Critics' Choice Documentary Awards Nominations
Missing from the list are a few of the most successful docs of the year, including “Rbg,” “Three Identical Strangers” and “Fahrenheit 11/9.”
In the television categories, nominees include “American Masters,” “Pov” and “Independent Lens” in Curated Series,...
- 10/24/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
With the sprawling number of high-caliber documentaries flooding every platform and clamoring for attention, the International Documentary Association Awards are a crucial curator pointing other awards groups in the direction of what they need to see. Academy documentary branch members, who are inundated with hundreds of movies to watch, aren’t necessarily keeping track of which movies won awards at festivals along the way.
So far, the influential Doc NYC shortlist and the Critics Choice Documentary Award nominees also included many of the Ida’s feature picks: On all three lists are Stephen Maing’s NYPD expose “Crime + Punishment,” fall box office hit E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s vertiginous “Free Solo,” rookie filmmaker Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap,” and Morgan Neville’s summer box office phenomenon “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” an emotionally wrenching portrait of the late TV star Fred Rogers.
Making two out...
So far, the influential Doc NYC shortlist and the Critics Choice Documentary Award nominees also included many of the Ida’s feature picks: On all three lists are Stephen Maing’s NYPD expose “Crime + Punishment,” fall box office hit E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s vertiginous “Free Solo,” rookie filmmaker Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap,” and Morgan Neville’s summer box office phenomenon “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” an emotionally wrenching portrait of the late TV star Fred Rogers.
Making two out...
- 10/24/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
With the sprawling number of high-caliber documentaries flooding every platform and clamoring for attention, the International Documentary Association Awards are a crucial curator pointing other awards groups in the direction of what they need to see. Academy documentary branch members, who are inundated with hundreds of movies to watch, aren’t necessarily keeping track of which movies won awards at festivals along the way.
So far, the influential Doc NYC shortlist and the Critics Choice Documentary Award nominees also included many of the Ida’s feature picks: On all three lists are Stephen Maing’s NYPD expose “Crime + Punishment,” fall box office hit E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s vertiginous “Free Solo,” rookie filmmaker Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap,” and Morgan Neville’s summer box office phenomenon “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” an emotionally wrenching portrait of the late TV star Fred Rogers.
Making two out...
So far, the influential Doc NYC shortlist and the Critics Choice Documentary Award nominees also included many of the Ida’s feature picks: On all three lists are Stephen Maing’s NYPD expose “Crime + Punishment,” fall box office hit E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s vertiginous “Free Solo,” rookie filmmaker Bing Liu’s “Minding the Gap,” and Morgan Neville’s summer box office phenomenon “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” an emotionally wrenching portrait of the late TV star Fred Rogers.
Making two out...
- 10/24/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The International Documentary Assn. announced nominees for the 34th annual Ida Awards Wednesday, spotlighting the best in documentary filmmaking.
Among the feature nominees were mainstays on the circuit so far this year like Hulu’s “Crime + Punishment” and “Minding the Gap,” as well as National Geographic’s “Free Solo” and Focus Features’ “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
In recognition of another banner year for non-fiction cinema, which has been reflected in box office spikes around key titles this year, the Ida expanded the number of nominees in the best feature and short films categories to 10 films.
In “creative recognition” fields, winners and nominees were announced. “Distant Constellation” won the cinematography prize, while “Minding the Gap” took editing. “The Other Side of Everything” won the writing award, and the music category saw a tie, between “Bisbee ’17” and “Hale County This Morning, This Evening.”
Additionally, the Ida’s Courage Under...
Among the feature nominees were mainstays on the circuit so far this year like Hulu’s “Crime + Punishment” and “Minding the Gap,” as well as National Geographic’s “Free Solo” and Focus Features’ “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
In recognition of another banner year for non-fiction cinema, which has been reflected in box office spikes around key titles this year, the Ida expanded the number of nominees in the best feature and short films categories to 10 films.
In “creative recognition” fields, winners and nominees were announced. “Distant Constellation” won the cinematography prize, while “Minding the Gap” took editing. “The Other Side of Everything” won the writing award, and the music category saw a tie, between “Bisbee ’17” and “Hale County This Morning, This Evening.”
Additionally, the Ida’s Courage Under...
- 10/24/2018
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Variety Film + TV
The International Documentary Association is out with the nominees for its 2018 Ida Documentary Awards. Winners of the 34th edition will be announced December 8 duyring a ceremony hosted by Ricki Lake at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. See the full list of nominees below.
Up for Best Feature — which has been expanded to 10 nominees this year — are Stephen Maing’s Crime + Punishment, Kimberly Reed’s Dark Money, E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s Free Solo, RaMell Ross’ Hale County This Morning, This Evening, Bing Liu’s Minding the Gap, Talal Derki’s Of Fathers and Sons, Talya Tibbon and Joshua Bennett’s Sky and Ground, Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar’s The Silence of Others, Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown’s United Skates and Morgan Neville’s Won’t You Be My Neighbor.
“This year’s nominees and winners of the Ida Awards reflects that 2018 has been a remarkable...
Up for Best Feature — which has been expanded to 10 nominees this year — are Stephen Maing’s Crime + Punishment, Kimberly Reed’s Dark Money, E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s Free Solo, RaMell Ross’ Hale County This Morning, This Evening, Bing Liu’s Minding the Gap, Talal Derki’s Of Fathers and Sons, Talya Tibbon and Joshua Bennett’s Sky and Ground, Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar’s The Silence of Others, Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown’s United Skates and Morgan Neville’s Won’t You Be My Neighbor.
“This year’s nominees and winners of the Ida Awards reflects that 2018 has been a remarkable...
- 10/24/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The nominees for the International Documentary Association's 2018 Ida Documentary Awards were announced today.
The nominees for best feature are Morgan Neville's Mister Rogers doc Won't You Be My Neighbor; Stephen Maing's NYPD doc Crime + Punishment; Kimberly Reed's post-Citizens United thriller Dark Money; E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s El Capitan-climbing film Free Solo; RaMell Ross' portrait of black lives Hale County This Morning, This Evening; Bing Liu's coming-of-age film Minding the Gap; Talal Derki's infiltration of a Jihadi household in Of Fathers and Sons; Talya Tibbon and Joshua Bennett's humanitarian crisis film Sky & Ground; Almudena Carracedo ...
The nominees for best feature are Morgan Neville's Mister Rogers doc Won't You Be My Neighbor; Stephen Maing's NYPD doc Crime + Punishment; Kimberly Reed's post-Citizens United thriller Dark Money; E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s El Capitan-climbing film Free Solo; RaMell Ross' portrait of black lives Hale County This Morning, This Evening; Bing Liu's coming-of-age film Minding the Gap; Talal Derki's infiltration of a Jihadi household in Of Fathers and Sons; Talya Tibbon and Joshua Bennett's humanitarian crisis film Sky & Ground; Almudena Carracedo ...
- 10/24/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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