When photo archivist Michael Ochs brokered a deal to offload his sprawling collection of 20th century iconography to Getty Images in 2007, neither seller nor buyer knew absolutely everything that was included in the transaction. Ochs had a decades-long reputation as the ultimate source of rock ‘n’ roll imagery, but his collection, at the time of its sale, included 3 million vintage prints, proof sheets and negatives. Many hadn’t been seen in decades, and others, presumably, never at all — particularly some shots of Old Hollywood, obtained in countless acquisitions over the decades that built up the Michael Ochs Archive.
“The Earl Leaf collection alone was over 100,000 negatives,” Ochs says of the late beatnik photographer, who shot many unknowns (Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood) before they blew up and Leaf went on to become the house photographer for The Beach Boys.
Getty has scanned, edited, captioned and digitized nearly 400,000 images from the collection since the acquisition,...
“The Earl Leaf collection alone was over 100,000 negatives,” Ochs says of the late beatnik photographer, who shot many unknowns (Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood) before they blew up and Leaf went on to become the house photographer for The Beach Boys.
Getty has scanned, edited, captioned and digitized nearly 400,000 images from the collection since the acquisition,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“I think it was Andy Warhol who said, “Make art and let others decide whether it is good or bad. But while they are deciding, make some more”.
That was the line with which Nicole Kidman ended her 15-minute acceptance speech after Meryl Streep had presented her with the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award.
That is something that seems entirely appropriate for Kidman, who doesn’t seem to stop “making art,” taking risks at every turn, telling stories through her power not just as an actor, but also a producer dedicated to bringing those stories to screens big and small. At 56, she is on the younger side of the previous 48 recipients of this very high honor, the first Australian to receive it. And someone very much in the middle of creating those life achievements that led to last night’s honor at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where a large...
That was the line with which Nicole Kidman ended her 15-minute acceptance speech after Meryl Streep had presented her with the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award.
That is something that seems entirely appropriate for Kidman, who doesn’t seem to stop “making art,” taking risks at every turn, telling stories through her power not just as an actor, but also a producer dedicated to bringing those stories to screens big and small. At 56, she is on the younger side of the previous 48 recipients of this very high honor, the first Australian to receive it. And someone very much in the middle of creating those life achievements that led to last night’s honor at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where a large...
- 4/28/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Nicole Kidman received the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award Saturday at a gala in Los Angeles, where she became the first-ever Australian to earn the honor.
Kidman co-stars like Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Watts, and Morgan Freeman — who spoofed Kidman’s iconic AMC ad at the ceremony — were on hand to celebrate the Oscar-winning Moulin Rouge actress.
Morgan Freeman parodies Nicole Kidman’s AMC spot at #AFILife pic.twitter.com/LHnblEh33Y
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 28, 2024
Fellow Australians Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Cate Blanchett also contributed video tributes to Kidman,...
Kidman co-stars like Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Watts, and Morgan Freeman — who spoofed Kidman’s iconic AMC ad at the ceremony — were on hand to celebrate the Oscar-winning Moulin Rouge actress.
Morgan Freeman parodies Nicole Kidman’s AMC spot at #AFILife pic.twitter.com/LHnblEh33Y
— Deadline Hollywood (@Deadline) April 28, 2024
Fellow Australians Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Cate Blanchett also contributed video tributes to Kidman,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
As Luca Guadagnino’s acclaimed tennis film Challengers makes its case for sporting immortality, critic Guy Lodge chooses 20 of the genre’s undisputed heavyweights
Challengers reviewed by Wendy Ide
Analogies of life as sport have been exhausted by every Pe teacher in existence. In the movies, however, they’re eternally renewable. Take Challengers, Luca Guadagnino’s sleek, sexy, sweat-drenched new film, which hits every metaphor you might expect in its story of three tennis pros locked in a tense love triangle: games are won and lost, points scored, doubles partners swapped, and so on. Shot and paced with the ricocheting energy of a great tennis match, it’s a sports movie that, like many a classic of the genre, understands the parallels between sport and cinema as two great crowd-pleasing pastimes.
The sports movie is pretty much as old as movies themselves: for early silent-cinema pioneers at the turn of the 20th century,...
Challengers reviewed by Wendy Ide
Analogies of life as sport have been exhausted by every Pe teacher in existence. In the movies, however, they’re eternally renewable. Take Challengers, Luca Guadagnino’s sleek, sexy, sweat-drenched new film, which hits every metaphor you might expect in its story of three tennis pros locked in a tense love triangle: games are won and lost, points scored, doubles partners swapped, and so on. Shot and paced with the ricocheting energy of a great tennis match, it’s a sports movie that, like many a classic of the genre, understands the parallels between sport and cinema as two great crowd-pleasing pastimes.
The sports movie is pretty much as old as movies themselves: for early silent-cinema pioneers at the turn of the 20th century,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Guy Lodge
- The Guardian - Film News
Renowned for her acting prowess, Angelina Jolie almost portrayed the historical figure Cleopatra in a film, which was ultimately canceled. Following the disastrous reception of Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1963 film, numerous filmmakers have expressed interest in bringing their vision of the Egyptian queen to the screen.
Angelina Jolie | Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Jolie was attached to one such project, with directors like David Fincher and Ang Lee also being involved before its cancellation. Brian Helgeland, the original screenwriter of the film, has recently provided insight into the canceled film, describing it as a love affair epic infused with elements like political thriller, assassinations, and romance.
Inside Angelina Jolie’s Canceled Epic of Cleopatra
Screenwriter and producer Brian Helgeland recently reflected on the canceled Cleopatra film, which was set to star Angelina Jolie. He shared that he was the “very first writer” to work on the film’s script, which aimed to...
Angelina Jolie | Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Jolie was attached to one such project, with directors like David Fincher and Ang Lee also being involved before its cancellation. Brian Helgeland, the original screenwriter of the film, has recently provided insight into the canceled film, describing it as a love affair epic infused with elements like political thriller, assassinations, and romance.
Inside Angelina Jolie’s Canceled Epic of Cleopatra
Screenwriter and producer Brian Helgeland recently reflected on the canceled Cleopatra film, which was set to star Angelina Jolie. He shared that he was the “very first writer” to work on the film’s script, which aimed to...
- 4/25/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Brian Helgeland has been discussing his script for Sony’s aborted take on Cleopatra which was set to star Angelina Jolie…
Cleopatra is one of those iconic figures that Hollywood seems perpetually interested in bringing to the screen again, even if the vast majority of these projects never seem to get anywhere.
One of the other nearly-ran Cleopatra projects was set to feature Angelina Jolie back in 2011. Writer and director Brian Helgeland has been chatting about his time on the project as the first writer to get a crack at the script. According to the director of Payback and A Knight’s Tale, it would have included some surprising events, apparently rooted in history:
“I was the very first writer on Cleopatra when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said in an interview with Inverse.
“It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex,...
Cleopatra is one of those iconic figures that Hollywood seems perpetually interested in bringing to the screen again, even if the vast majority of these projects never seem to get anywhere.
One of the other nearly-ran Cleopatra projects was set to feature Angelina Jolie back in 2011. Writer and director Brian Helgeland has been chatting about his time on the project as the first writer to get a crack at the script. According to the director of Payback and A Knight’s Tale, it would have included some surprising events, apparently rooted in history:
“I was the very first writer on Cleopatra when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said in an interview with Inverse.
“It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Angelina Jolie’s scrapped “Cleopatra” movie was part romance epic and part “political thriller with assassinations and sex,” according to the movie’s original screenwriter Brian Helgeland. The Oscar-winning actor was set to play the Egyptian queen in a tentpole for Sony Pictures that once courted director David Fincher to helm. It never got off the ground.
“I was the very first writer on ‘Cleopatra’ when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said in an interview with Inverse. “It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex, but it’s an epic that’s divided between her love affairs with Caesar and Marc Antony. Lots of true events surprised me when I was writing it.”
“For example, the day Caesar was assassinated — the Ides of March and all that stuff — she was in Rome,” he continued. “They were leaving for Egypt,...
“I was the very first writer on ‘Cleopatra’ when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said in an interview with Inverse. “It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex, but it’s an epic that’s divided between her love affairs with Caesar and Marc Antony. Lots of true events surprised me when I was writing it.”
“For example, the day Caesar was assassinated — the Ides of March and all that stuff — she was in Rome,” he continued. “They were leaving for Egypt,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Long live Queen Cleopatra, even if her film adaptations have been plagued for more than half a century.
After Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1963 “Cleopatra” starring Elizabeth Taylor made history as one of the biggest box office disasters ever, a long-gestating adaptation was set with Angelina Jolie attached to star (and directors like David Fincher and Ang Lee being attached at different times). “A Knight’s Tale” and “Man on Fire” writer Brian Helgeland wrote the script, and while the film was “almost made,” it eventually fell by the wayside.
Now, Helgeland is recalling the details of the scrapped project in a new interview with Inverse. “I was the very first writer on ‘Cleopatra’ when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said. “It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex, but it’s an epic that’s divided between her...
After Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s 1963 “Cleopatra” starring Elizabeth Taylor made history as one of the biggest box office disasters ever, a long-gestating adaptation was set with Angelina Jolie attached to star (and directors like David Fincher and Ang Lee being attached at different times). “A Knight’s Tale” and “Man on Fire” writer Brian Helgeland wrote the script, and while the film was “almost made,” it eventually fell by the wayside.
Now, Helgeland is recalling the details of the scrapped project in a new interview with Inverse. “I was the very first writer on ‘Cleopatra’ when it was being developed for Angelina Jolie to star in, which was almost made,” Helgeland said. “It had elements of a political thriller with assassinations and sex, but it’s an epic that’s divided between her...
- 4/23/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Nicole Kidman’s friends and collaborators will be in the building when she is honored at the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala.
AFI shared that Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Watts and Reese Witherspoon are set as presenters for the gala, scheduled to take place at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on April 27.
Fellow AFI Life Achievement Award winner Streep worked with Kidman on HBO’s Big Little Lies, as did Witherspoon. Both Kidman and Witherspoon served as executive producers of the Emmy Award-winning hit series. Watts is a longtime friend of Kidman, dating back to their early acting careers. They both starred in the 1991 feature Flirting. Freeman and Kidman collaborated on the Paramount series Lioness for Taylor Sheridan.
“Nicole Kidman embodies the glamour and romance of Hollywood past — a true screen icon — but she is also a risk taker — and so each performance is something new and something profound,...
AFI shared that Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Naomi Watts and Reese Witherspoon are set as presenters for the gala, scheduled to take place at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on April 27.
Fellow AFI Life Achievement Award winner Streep worked with Kidman on HBO’s Big Little Lies, as did Witherspoon. Both Kidman and Witherspoon served as executive producers of the Emmy Award-winning hit series. Watts is a longtime friend of Kidman, dating back to their early acting careers. They both starred in the 1991 feature Flirting. Freeman and Kidman collaborated on the Paramount series Lioness for Taylor Sheridan.
“Nicole Kidman embodies the glamour and romance of Hollywood past — a true screen icon — but she is also a risk taker — and so each performance is something new and something profound,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Buddy Adler was just two years into his brief reign as the Head of Production for 20th Century Fox in 1958 when producer Walter Wanger brought him an epic project that could potentially pull the then-struggling studio out of its box office slump. The film wound up soaring so far over budget that Fox would be forced to sell 180 acres of its Los Angeles backlot to Alcoa just to stay financially afloat.
Had Adler made "Cleopatra" on his own terms, the title role would've been a sensibly priced production toplined by one of the studio's affordable contract stars (e.g. Joan Collins or Joanne Woodward). Wanger, however, had outsized dreams. He saw the historical drama as a Hollywood epic for the ages. He believed in its potential to dominate the box office and win scores of Academy Awards. He wanted Elizabeth Taylor, arguably the most popular movie star on the planet,...
Had Adler made "Cleopatra" on his own terms, the title role would've been a sensibly priced production toplined by one of the studio's affordable contract stars (e.g. Joan Collins or Joanne Woodward). Wanger, however, had outsized dreams. He saw the historical drama as a Hollywood epic for the ages. He believed in its potential to dominate the box office and win scores of Academy Awards. He wanted Elizabeth Taylor, arguably the most popular movie star on the planet,...
- 4/14/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Nicole Scherzinger, Succession star Sarah Snook, Game of Thrones and Sherlock actor Mark Gatiss, a revival of the musical Sunset Boulevard and the play Stranger Things: The First Shadow were among the winners at the 2024 Olivier Awards, which celebrate achievements in London theater. The ceremony at Royal Albert Hall in the British capital was hosted by Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham.
The revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Sunset Boulevard, which has starred Scherzinger as Norma Desmond and is set to come to Broadway this year, won the best musical revival award, the best actress honor for the former Pussycat Dolls singer and five other honors after also leading the nominations with 11.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the Netflix hit series, which has hinted at its Broadway ambitions, won the best new entertainment or comedy play award, as well as the Olivier for best set design.
Dear England,...
The revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Sunset Boulevard, which has starred Scherzinger as Norma Desmond and is set to come to Broadway this year, won the best musical revival award, the best actress honor for the former Pussycat Dolls singer and five other honors after also leading the nominations with 11.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel to the Netflix hit series, which has hinted at its Broadway ambitions, won the best new entertainment or comedy play award, as well as the Olivier for best set design.
Dear England,...
- 4/14/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Marco Mueller has been appointed artistic director of Italy’s Taormina Film Festival, which will have a top notch selection committee comprising British film curator and former London fest chief Sandra Hebron and former Cannes Directors’ Fortnight boss Edouard Waintrop.
As anticipated by Variety, Mueller, who over the past decades has headed both the Venice and Rome fests — among several other events — is taking the reins of the storied Sicilian event that has had its ups and downs over the years. Held since the mid-1950s in the Sicilian resort known to U.S. audiences as the location of “The White Lotus” Season 2, the summer fest boasts an 8,000-seat open-air ancient Greek amphitheater in the shadow of Sicily’s active Mt. Etna volcano. Guests have included Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Steven Spielberg, Federico Fellini, Pedro Almodovar and Tom Cruise.
The 70th edition of Taormina will run July 12-19. It will...
As anticipated by Variety, Mueller, who over the past decades has headed both the Venice and Rome fests — among several other events — is taking the reins of the storied Sicilian event that has had its ups and downs over the years. Held since the mid-1950s in the Sicilian resort known to U.S. audiences as the location of “The White Lotus” Season 2, the summer fest boasts an 8,000-seat open-air ancient Greek amphitheater in the shadow of Sicily’s active Mt. Etna volcano. Guests have included Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Steven Spielberg, Federico Fellini, Pedro Almodovar and Tom Cruise.
The 70th edition of Taormina will run July 12-19. It will...
- 4/12/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Lots of actors get their starts on soap operas and we’re taking a look at all of the famous actors who appeared on General Hospital before getting their big breaks elsewhere.
General Hospital has been airing on ABC since 1963 and just celebrated its 61st anniversary on April 1.
While many of the actors on the show have remained in their roles for decades, many celebs got their start on the soap opera and eventually broke into the world of film and primetime television.
Stars like James Franco, Chandra Wilson, Elizabeth Taylor, and more have had guest arcs on General Hospital after they were already famous, so we’re not including them here.
Browse through the slideshow to see all of the actors who were on General Hospital before becoming famous…...
General Hospital has been airing on ABC since 1963 and just celebrated its 61st anniversary on April 1.
While many of the actors on the show have remained in their roles for decades, many celebs got their start on the soap opera and eventually broke into the world of film and primetime television.
Stars like James Franco, Chandra Wilson, Elizabeth Taylor, and more have had guest arcs on General Hospital after they were already famous, so we’re not including them here.
Browse through the slideshow to see all of the actors who were on General Hospital before becoming famous…...
- 4/5/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Veteran film festivals curator and chief Marco Mueller, who over the past decades has headed both the Venice and Rome fests – among several other events – is operationally back in Italy where he is expected to be appointed artistic director of Sicily’s storied but troubled Taormina Film Festival.
According to several sources Mueller, who in more recent years relocated to China, is expected to sign a contract on Thursday to become Taormina fest chief. The event is run by the Fondazione Taormina Arte Sicilia foundation currently being managed by Sergio Bonomo. Bonomo is a former board member of the foundation who was put in charge of Taormina Arte by the local government in January after political squabbles caused another board member to resign and the board to fall apart.
Mueller, 70, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Over the years he has amassed plenty of experience at Rotterdam, Locarno,...
According to several sources Mueller, who in more recent years relocated to China, is expected to sign a contract on Thursday to become Taormina fest chief. The event is run by the Fondazione Taormina Arte Sicilia foundation currently being managed by Sergio Bonomo. Bonomo is a former board member of the foundation who was put in charge of Taormina Arte by the local government in January after political squabbles caused another board member to resign and the board to fall apart.
Mueller, 70, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Over the years he has amassed plenty of experience at Rotterdam, Locarno,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Anthony and Bailey Smith didn’t run the smoothest Mega Leg on “The Amazing Race 36,” but the third leg was definitely not the charm. Starting at the back of the pack in Medellín, Colombia, the twin brothers quickly fell behind and made matters worse on their own when they switched Detours three times, ultimately leading to their elimination.
“We definitely struggled and all we can do is laugh at it,” Anthony tells Gold Derby (watch above). “I was excited all day to watch it but also, like, pacing myself. I was getting ready for the downfall.”
The duo initially picked the truck-loading Detour and then switched to cooking. But they didn’t even turn on the burners before they opted to go back to trucks. After spending approximately 15 minutes there, they decided to return to cooking. “We were being a little too indecisive for our own good,” Bailey says. “I...
“We definitely struggled and all we can do is laugh at it,” Anthony tells Gold Derby (watch above). “I was excited all day to watch it but also, like, pacing myself. I was getting ready for the downfall.”
The duo initially picked the truck-loading Detour and then switched to cooking. But they didn’t even turn on the burners before they opted to go back to trucks. After spending approximately 15 minutes there, they decided to return to cooking. “We were being a little too indecisive for our own good,” Bailey says. “I...
- 3/28/2024
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Michael Jackson‘s three grown children made a rare public appearance together at the opening night of Mj: The Musical in London. Prince Jackson and Paris Jackson have always seemed more comfortable in the spotlight. But youngest sibling, Bigi Jackson, has notoriously avoided the public eye. Here’s what we know about Bigi and his brother and sister now that all three are all grown up.
Prince Jackson, Paris Jackson and Bigi Jackson at the opening night of “Mj: The Musical” on March 27, 2024 | John Phillips/Getty Images
Prince, Paris, and Bigi walked the red carpet together outside the Prince Edward Theatre. Paris, 25, and Bigi were notably somber in front of photographers, while Prince, 27, smiled widely and seemed quite at ease. Mj: The Musical focuses on Michael Jackson’s life and career while making the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The West End production stars the Broadway show’s original lead, Myles Frost,...
Prince Jackson, Paris Jackson and Bigi Jackson at the opening night of “Mj: The Musical” on March 27, 2024 | John Phillips/Getty Images
Prince, Paris, and Bigi walked the red carpet together outside the Prince Edward Theatre. Paris, 25, and Bigi were notably somber in front of photographers, while Prince, 27, smiled widely and seemed quite at ease. Mj: The Musical focuses on Michael Jackson’s life and career while making the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The West End production stars the Broadway show’s original lead, Myles Frost,...
- 3/28/2024
- by Ali Hicks
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elizabeth Taylor remains one of the most iconic actresses to ever grace the silver screen. And she knew it, coming out of a partial retirement to play the role of Pearl Slaghoople – the mother to Elizabeth Perkins’ Wilma and mother-in-law to John Goodman’s Fred – in 1994’s The Flintstones, an adaptation of the Hanna-Barbera production. But getting such prestige comes at a high cost. Like, a present every day she was on set-level of cost.
While Elizabeth Taylor isn’t in much of The Flintstones, her sheer stature put her in a position to demand just about anything she wanted, to which producer Bruce Cohen was happy to oblige. Kyle MacLachlan – who played Slate & Co.’s VP Cliff Vandercave in The Flintstones – remembered, “The cast was crazy. Bruce got Elizabeth Taylor to do that movie. It was amazing. She had to have a gift every day. A gift every day.
While Elizabeth Taylor isn’t in much of The Flintstones, her sheer stature put her in a position to demand just about anything she wanted, to which producer Bruce Cohen was happy to oblige. Kyle MacLachlan – who played Slate & Co.’s VP Cliff Vandercave in The Flintstones – remembered, “The cast was crazy. Bruce got Elizabeth Taylor to do that movie. It was amazing. She had to have a gift every day. A gift every day.
- 3/26/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
McKenna Grace reprises her lead role as Phoebe in “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” which led the weekend box office with $45 million. At 17 she is not yet a household name, but she laid some groundwork early: At age six she had a supporting role on the Disney Channel sitcom “Crash & Bernstein.” Later she received an Emmy nomination for her work in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and portrayed the younger selves for the leads in movies like “I, Tonya” and “Captain Marvel.”
Her “Ghostbusters” co-star is Finn Wolfhard, who made his debut at 13 in CW’s “Supernatural” before starring in “Stranger Things” and “It.” Zendaya, star of “Dune: Part Two,” got her start as a Disney Channel regular. Her co-star, Oscar-nominated Austin Butler, cut his teeth at Nickelodeon.
It’s a strange juxtaposition: Child actors are currently at the forefront of the uncomfortable but necessary conversation centered in Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz...
Her “Ghostbusters” co-star is Finn Wolfhard, who made his debut at 13 in CW’s “Supernatural” before starring in “Stranger Things” and “It.” Zendaya, star of “Dune: Part Two,” got her start as a Disney Channel regular. Her co-star, Oscar-nominated Austin Butler, cut his teeth at Nickelodeon.
It’s a strange juxtaposition: Child actors are currently at the forefront of the uncomfortable but necessary conversation centered in Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz...
- 3/25/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann and Dana Harris-Bridson
- Indiewire
Richard Burton was one of the most influential actors of the 60s and one of the highest-paid actors at the time. He was known for his signature baritone voice and became a Shakespearean actor. He played Hamlet in the 1964 Broadway production of the popular play by William Shakespeare, where his performance was lauded by the general public.
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in 1963’s Cleopatra
He has also been nominated for an Oscar many times in his career for his great performances in many films. However, his most popular aspect that made headlines was his turbulent relationship with Elizabeth Taylor. Now, a new book based on their life together suggests that Taylor is responsible for the downfall of Burton’s time as a classical actor.
Meeting Elizabeth Taylor Reportedly Put an End to Richard Burton’s Broadway Career Richard Burton as Hamlet in the 1964 Broadway play of the same name...
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in 1963’s Cleopatra
He has also been nominated for an Oscar many times in his career for his great performances in many films. However, his most popular aspect that made headlines was his turbulent relationship with Elizabeth Taylor. Now, a new book based on their life together suggests that Taylor is responsible for the downfall of Burton’s time as a classical actor.
Meeting Elizabeth Taylor Reportedly Put an End to Richard Burton’s Broadway Career Richard Burton as Hamlet in the 1964 Broadway play of the same name...
- 3/21/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Since the inception of the Academy Awards, the U.S.-based organization behind them has always strived to honor worldwide film achievements. Their extensive roster of competitive acting winners alone consists of artists from 30 unique countries, three of which first gained representation during the 2020s. The last full decade’s worth of triumphant performers hail from eight countries, while 42.1% of the individual actors nominated during that time originate from outside of America.
The academy’s history of recognizing acting talent on a global scale dates all the way back to the inaugural Oscars ceremony in 1929, when Swiss-born Emil Jannings (who was of German and American parentage) won Best Actor for his work in both “The Last Command” and “The Way of All Flesh.” Over the next three years, the Best Actress prize was exclusively awarded to Canadians: Mary Pickford (“Coquette”), Norma Shearer (“The Divorcee”), and Marie Dressler (“Min and Bill...
The academy’s history of recognizing acting talent on a global scale dates all the way back to the inaugural Oscars ceremony in 1929, when Swiss-born Emil Jannings (who was of German and American parentage) won Best Actor for his work in both “The Last Command” and “The Way of All Flesh.” Over the next three years, the Best Actress prize was exclusively awarded to Canadians: Mary Pickford (“Coquette”), Norma Shearer (“The Divorcee”), and Marie Dressler (“Min and Bill...
- 3/18/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
David Seidler, the London-born playwright and screenwriter best known for “The King’s Speech,” has died while on a fly-fishing vacation in New Zealand, as per a report in The Guardian. His spokesperson said he was in the location he most revered, doing the activity he most loved when he passed: “It is exactly as he would have scripted it.” The winner of the Academy Award and BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay for the Colin Firth-led film was 86 years old.
Seidler’s career began in Australian television in the late 1960s. He came to the United States in the early 1980s, working for the soap opera “Another World,” then writing television movies like “Malice in Wonderland,” something of an early version of the series “Feud” as it concerned Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons starring Jane Alexander and Elizabeth Taylor. He also wrote “Onassis: The Richest Man in the World” starring...
Seidler’s career began in Australian television in the late 1960s. He came to the United States in the early 1980s, working for the soap opera “Another World,” then writing television movies like “Malice in Wonderland,” something of an early version of the series “Feud” as it concerned Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons starring Jane Alexander and Elizabeth Taylor. He also wrote “Onassis: The Richest Man in the World” starring...
- 3/18/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
David Seidler, who won an Academy Award for writing the 2010 film The King’s Speech, died on Saturday at age 86. Longtime manager Jeff Aghassi said that Seidler died while fly-fishing, one of his favorite activities. “David was in the place he loved most in the world — New Zealand — doing what gave him the greatest peace, which was fly-fishing,” Aghassi said in a statement, per Variety. “If given the chance, it is exactly as he would have scripted it.” Seidler’s screen career started nearly 60 years ago when he wrote episodes for the Australia television series Adventures of the Seaspray. In the 1980s, he scripted episodes of the Days of Our Lives, Another World, and General Hospital. Seidler is also renowned for his biopic work, having co-written the TV movies Malice in Wonderland (starring Elizabeth Taylor) and Onassis: The Richest Man in the World (starring Raul Julia) and the feature film Tucker: The Man and His Dream...
- 3/17/2024
- TV Insider
David Seidler, the Academy Award-winning writer of the 2010 film “The King’s Speech,” died on Saturday. No cause of death was given. He was 86 years old.
Seidler’s film took home both Best Original Screenplay and several other Academy Awards at the 2011 ceremony, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. The movie told the story of King George VI (Colin Firth), who battled a stutter, and his relationship with speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).
Telling the story of George VI was a longtime dream of Seidler’s because he also grew up with a stutter. As relayed by the Stuttering Foundation, Seidler contended with the condition from his third birthday until the age of 16. He explained, “I had huge trouble with the ‘H’ sound, so when the telephone rang, I would break into a cold sweat, because I couldn’t say ‘hello.'”
“I don’t know if school still works this way,...
Seidler’s film took home both Best Original Screenplay and several other Academy Awards at the 2011 ceremony, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. The movie told the story of King George VI (Colin Firth), who battled a stutter, and his relationship with speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).
Telling the story of George VI was a longtime dream of Seidler’s because he also grew up with a stutter. As relayed by the Stuttering Foundation, Seidler contended with the condition from his third birthday until the age of 16. He explained, “I had huge trouble with the ‘H’ sound, so when the telephone rang, I would break into a cold sweat, because I couldn’t say ‘hello.'”
“I don’t know if school still works this way,...
- 3/17/2024
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Why Luke and Laura’s Wedding is Still Talk of the Town Let’s start with a little time travel, shall we? The General Hospital Luke and Laura’s Wedding is the stuff of legends. And no, not just because of the questionable fashion choices of the 80s. This episode set the bar for soap opera nuptials so high that every wedding since has been playing catch-up. There wasn’t going to be a wedding, said Tristan Rogers, and yet, here we are, still gabbing about it decades later. It’s like Elizabeth Taylor herself decided to sprinkle a bit...
- 3/13/2024
- by Jane Wiggle
- TVovermind.com
The historical epic “Becket” is turning 60 this week. When it was released, “Becket” was considered Important. It was a huge and handsome production with sumptuous sets and costumes and a cast seemingly of thousands. And it featured two of the top and sexiest stars of the day – Peter O’Toole, fresh from his Oscar-nominated triumph in 1962’s “Lawrence of Arabia” and Richard Burton whose career had been overshadowed with his high-profile love affair with Elizabeth Taylor that began during the production of the infamous 1963 “Cleopatra.”
Set in the 12th century England, “Becket” revolves around the relationship between the hedonistic King Henry II (O’Toole), who never met a wench he didn’t bed, and Thomas Becket, his loyal friend and wingman for Henry’s sexual escapades. And because the Production Code was still in force, the film can only imply that Henry is in love with Becket. Henry makes Becket his...
Set in the 12th century England, “Becket” revolves around the relationship between the hedonistic King Henry II (O’Toole), who never met a wench he didn’t bed, and Thomas Becket, his loyal friend and wingman for Henry’s sexual escapades. And because the Production Code was still in force, the film can only imply that Henry is in love with Becket. Henry makes Becket his...
- 3/12/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Numerous actors aspire to stand on the illustrious stage and utter the iconic words, “I would like to thank The Academy,” as they receive the coveted Oscar. The Oscar is the pinnacle of achievement in the filmmaking industry, a dream for many. However, the reality is that not everyone can emerge victorious.
Many actors have come to understand that even multiple nominations don’t guarantee a win. The competition at the Academy Awards is fierce, and not everyone will have the honor of seeing their name engraved on the prestigious golden statue. We are now listing four deserving actors who finished their careers without ever winning an Oscar.
4 Actors Who Ended Their Careers Without An Oscar Win
As previously noted, securing an Oscar remains the pinnacle of acknowledgement for numerous actors, yet several top stars have not won the prestigious award. In fact, some actors concluded their careers without ever attaining an Academy Award.
Many actors have come to understand that even multiple nominations don’t guarantee a win. The competition at the Academy Awards is fierce, and not everyone will have the honor of seeing their name engraved on the prestigious golden statue. We are now listing four deserving actors who finished their careers without ever winning an Oscar.
4 Actors Who Ended Their Careers Without An Oscar Win
As previously noted, securing an Oscar remains the pinnacle of acknowledgement for numerous actors, yet several top stars have not won the prestigious award. In fact, some actors concluded their careers without ever attaining an Academy Award.
- 3/11/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
No Oscars go without some form of drama on stage. While this year the ceremony was relatively less controversial, one moment received much criticism from fans. Actor Al Pacino was invited on stage to present the award for Best Picture.
While no Envelope Gate (La La Land being announced instead of Moonlight) occurred, Al Pacino reportedly missed one key part of the presentation. The usual tradition is to read out the nominees first and then announce the winner. But the 83-year-old veteran reportedly skipped the nominations and went straight to announce the winner i.e. Oppenheimer.
Al Pacino Makes A Grave Error While Announcing Oppenheimer’s Oscar Win A still from Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer swept the Oscars this year with seven wins. The film won in the main categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.
While no Envelope Gate (La La Land being announced instead of Moonlight) occurred, Al Pacino reportedly missed one key part of the presentation. The usual tradition is to read out the nominees first and then announce the winner. But the 83-year-old veteran reportedly skipped the nominations and went straight to announce the winner i.e. Oppenheimer.
Al Pacino Makes A Grave Error While Announcing Oppenheimer’s Oscar Win A still from Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer swept the Oscars this year with seven wins. The film won in the main categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.
- 3/11/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Wrestler and actor John Cena was the driver of surprise and shock at the ongoing 96th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. He appeared naked on the Oscars stage as he presented the award for Best Costume Design to ‘Poor Things’, reports ‘Variety’.
John’s bit paid homage to one of the craziest moments in the history of the Academy Awards back in 1974 when a naked man ran on stage at the 46th Oscars while David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor.
As per ‘Variety’, it was at the height of the 1970s streaking fan, when nude people frequently interrupted public events.
“Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?”, Kimmel asked the Oscars audience after remembering the infamous moment.
“I said, can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn’t that be crazy?”
Kimmel was clearly setting up...
John’s bit paid homage to one of the craziest moments in the history of the Academy Awards back in 1974 when a naked man ran on stage at the 46th Oscars while David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor.
As per ‘Variety’, it was at the height of the 1970s streaking fan, when nude people frequently interrupted public events.
“Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?”, Kimmel asked the Oscars audience after remembering the infamous moment.
“I said, can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn’t that be crazy?”
Kimmel was clearly setting up...
- 3/11/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Al Pacino skipped over quite a few steps before announcing Oppenheimer as the best picture winner at the Oscars 2024.
The actor took the stage at the awards ceremony to present the top prize of the night. As is tradition, announcers usually name all of the nominees before announcing who will be taking home the award.
Instead of announcing the nominees — which also included American Fiction, Anatomy of a Fall,
Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, Past Lives, Poor Things and The Zone of Interest — he opened the envelope and said, “My eyes see Oppenheimer.”
Not including the recount of all the films up for best picture takes away some of the suspense of the award, as well as the projects’ final chance to get the recognition they deserve for being nominated for the highest honor in Hollywood.
Users on social media took issue with the names of...
The actor took the stage at the awards ceremony to present the top prize of the night. As is tradition, announcers usually name all of the nominees before announcing who will be taking home the award.
Instead of announcing the nominees — which also included American Fiction, Anatomy of a Fall,
Barbie, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Maestro, Past Lives, Poor Things and The Zone of Interest — he opened the envelope and said, “My eyes see Oppenheimer.”
Not including the recount of all the films up for best picture takes away some of the suspense of the award, as well as the projects’ final chance to get the recognition they deserve for being nominated for the highest honor in Hollywood.
Users on social media took issue with the names of...
- 3/11/2024
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
From Billie Eilish’s heartrending performance to John Cena’s beefcake cameo, the 96th Academy Awards served up some pretty terrific moments and more than a few surprises.
Here were the highlights — and lowlights — from Sunday’s telecast on ABC.
Great Moment when members of Osage Nation walked the red carpet. Like the costumes we saw in Killers of the Flower Moon, their Indigenous attire was both extravagant and gorgeous.
Surprise how the show started five minutes late because some attendees still hadn’t made it into the theater. Arrivals has been complicated by the security measures meant to keep pro-Palestinian protesters at a distance, and that led to “hundreds of people” getting stuck outside the entrance.
Pro-Palestinian protesters in Hollywood, CA ahead of 96th Oscars
Snub delayed for Greta Gerwig and how she didn’t get a nomination for Best Director.
Here were the highlights — and lowlights — from Sunday’s telecast on ABC.
Great Moment when members of Osage Nation walked the red carpet. Like the costumes we saw in Killers of the Flower Moon, their Indigenous attire was both extravagant and gorgeous.
Surprise how the show started five minutes late because some attendees still hadn’t made it into the theater. Arrivals has been complicated by the security measures meant to keep pro-Palestinian protesters at a distance, and that led to “hundreds of people” getting stuck outside the entrance.
Pro-Palestinian protesters in Hollywood, CA ahead of 96th Oscars
Snub delayed for Greta Gerwig and how she didn’t get a nomination for Best Director.
- 3/11/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscars 2024: John Cena Appears On Stage N*de Just With An Envelope Covering His Asset ( Photo Credit – Flickr )
Oscars 2024: It is the biggest award night ever, and all were decked up in their most glam avatar. But John Cena took things up a notch by going n*de on stage! Yes, you read that right! The former WWE star and now a notable Hollywood actor walked across the stage wearing nothing. But why? Keep scrolling for more.
Yargos Lanthimos directed Poor Things, which took home multiple Academy Awards, including Best Hair & Makeup and Set Production. Emma Stone was one of the frontrunners for the Best Actress in a Leading Role. Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo lost the Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar to his Marvel co-star Robert Downey Jr.
Mark Ruffalo and Emma Stone’s movie Poor Things was also nominated for Best Costume, and to announce the winner,...
Oscars 2024: It is the biggest award night ever, and all were decked up in their most glam avatar. But John Cena took things up a notch by going n*de on stage! Yes, you read that right! The former WWE star and now a notable Hollywood actor walked across the stage wearing nothing. But why? Keep scrolling for more.
Yargos Lanthimos directed Poor Things, which took home multiple Academy Awards, including Best Hair & Makeup and Set Production. Emma Stone was one of the frontrunners for the Best Actress in a Leading Role. Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo lost the Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar to his Marvel co-star Robert Downey Jr.
Mark Ruffalo and Emma Stone’s movie Poor Things was also nominated for Best Costume, and to announce the winner,...
- 3/11/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
Tonight, the Peacemaker was a Disrupter, so to speak.
John Cena gave out the Oscar for Best Costume Design (spoiler: the winner was Poor Things) nearly nude with a big placard covering his cajones that read “Costume Design”.
Host Jimmy Kimmel wanted to pay homage to the 1974 streaking incident which involved the late Robert Opel, who ran naked behind an unsuspecting David Niven onstage, who was introducing Elizabeth Taylor at the time.
After the laughter simmered, Niven beamed at the time, “Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was almost bound to happen … But isn’t it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?”
Related: Oscar Winners List – Updating Live On Hollywood’s Biggest Night
Tonight, as Kimmel was trying to cue the streaker to streak, Cena popped his head out from behind some scenery...
John Cena gave out the Oscar for Best Costume Design (spoiler: the winner was Poor Things) nearly nude with a big placard covering his cajones that read “Costume Design”.
Host Jimmy Kimmel wanted to pay homage to the 1974 streaking incident which involved the late Robert Opel, who ran naked behind an unsuspecting David Niven onstage, who was introducing Elizabeth Taylor at the time.
After the laughter simmered, Niven beamed at the time, “Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was almost bound to happen … But isn’t it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?”
Related: Oscar Winners List – Updating Live On Hollywood’s Biggest Night
Tonight, as Kimmel was trying to cue the streaker to streak, Cena popped his head out from behind some scenery...
- 3/11/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
John Cena appeared naked on the Oscars stage while presenting the award for best costume design to “Poor Things.” It was all part of a bit that paid homage to one of the craziest moments in the history of the Academy Awards when a naked man ran on stage at the 46th Oscars in 1974 while David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor. It was at the height of the ’70s streaking fan, when nude people frequently interrupted public events.
Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?” Kimmel asked the Oscars audience after remembering the infamous moment. “I said, can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn’t that be crazy?”
Kimmel was clearly setting up a bit where a streaker would run across the stage during the 2024 ceremony. That’s when a shirtless John Cena popped his head out from the corner of the stage.
Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today?” Kimmel asked the Oscars audience after remembering the infamous moment. “I said, can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn’t that be crazy?”
Kimmel was clearly setting up a bit where a streaker would run across the stage during the 2024 ceremony. That’s when a shirtless John Cena popped his head out from the corner of the stage.
- 3/11/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
During his monologue for the 2024 Oscars, host Jimmy Kimmel was quick to call out the Film Academy for failing to nominate Greta Gerwig for Barbie.
“It was a hard year but it was also a great year for movies despite the fact that everything stopped,” Kimmel reflected, alluding to the 2023 actors and writers strikes.
“Here we are all dressed up celebrating the best of the best beginning with Barbie,” Kimmel said, describing the film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as a “monster hit.”
“What an achievement to take a plastic doll no one even liked anymore… Now Barbie is a feminist icon thanks to Greta Gerwig who many believe deserved to be nominated for best director,” Kimmel added. After the audience erupted into an applause Kimmel quipped, “I know you’re clapping, but you’re the ones who didn’t vote for her by the way. Don’t act...
“It was a hard year but it was also a great year for movies despite the fact that everything stopped,” Kimmel reflected, alluding to the 2023 actors and writers strikes.
“Here we are all dressed up celebrating the best of the best beginning with Barbie,” Kimmel said, describing the film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as a “monster hit.”
“What an achievement to take a plastic doll no one even liked anymore… Now Barbie is a feminist icon thanks to Greta Gerwig who many believe deserved to be nominated for best director,” Kimmel added. After the audience erupted into an applause Kimmel quipped, “I know you’re clapping, but you’re the ones who didn’t vote for her by the way. Don’t act...
- 3/10/2024
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pageantry. Screw ups. Touching tributes. Private beefs made public. There are plenty of reasons to watch the Oscars. But they all amount to partaking in, witnessing, movie history in its many forms — the high art, the gossip, the record-breaking moments when an arthouse director becomes a household name.
However, there are a lot of ways to set a record. There are big moments like Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King tying the record with 11 trophies or Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite becoming the first film not in English (or silent) to win Best Picture. And then, beyond those sit the oddities and records that are nearly impossible to break. Give me records like Walter Brennan winning three Best Supporting Actor awards because, as a former extra, he was popular with the Union of Film Extras, who were allowed to vote. At least, the story goes, they were allowed...
However, there are a lot of ways to set a record. There are big moments like Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King tying the record with 11 trophies or Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite becoming the first film not in English (or silent) to win Best Picture. And then, beyond those sit the oddities and records that are nearly impossible to break. Give me records like Walter Brennan winning three Best Supporting Actor awards because, as a former extra, he was popular with the Union of Film Extras, who were allowed to vote. At least, the story goes, they were allowed...
- 3/10/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
If you're making a list of the greatest film acting debuts of all time, Kate Winslet's unnervingly ecstatic portrayal of Juliet Hulme in Peter Jackson's "Heavenly Creatures" better be at or near the top of the list -- and you should absolutely tether it to co-star Melanie Lynskey's startling debut as Pauline Parker in the same fantastic movie. You can't set the bar any higher than this, and all the two actors have done over the last 30 years is meet or surpass our expectations.
While Lynskey ultimately found her groove as a versatile and rousingly effective character actor, Winslet's career skyrocketed to superstardom in 1997 when she landed the role of Rose in James Cameron's disaster epic "Titanic." Her red-hot romance with Leonardo Di Caprio's dashing Jack granted her cinematic immortality, at which point she was faced with the daunting challenge of living up to mainstream moviegoers' expectations.
While Lynskey ultimately found her groove as a versatile and rousingly effective character actor, Winslet's career skyrocketed to superstardom in 1997 when she landed the role of Rose in James Cameron's disaster epic "Titanic." Her red-hot romance with Leonardo Di Caprio's dashing Jack granted her cinematic immortality, at which point she was faced with the daunting challenge of living up to mainstream moviegoers' expectations.
- 3/5/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Elizabeth Taylor was once a Hollywood icon and movie actress noted for her unique beauty and portrayal of strong-willed characters. She started her career as a child star in the early 1940s before making her way into stardom the following decade.
Elizabeth Taylor in A Date with Judy
Apart from her acting prowess, Taylor had many shocking revelations in life that fed the tabloids. She had seven husbands, was a Judaism convert, and even contracted a serious illness.
Suggested“A pretty hard act to follow”: Elizabeth Taylor Laughed Off 1974 Oscars Controversy After Gay Rights Activist Streaked N-ked Across Stage
Elizabeth Taylor’s Dramatic Hollywood Transformation
One of the many things people noticed about Elizabeth Taylor was her appearance and personality. She was different from the rest of her co-child stars, and in her 1987 interview with Rolling Stone, the British-American star shared:
“When I was a child in England they...
Elizabeth Taylor in A Date with Judy
Apart from her acting prowess, Taylor had many shocking revelations in life that fed the tabloids. She had seven husbands, was a Judaism convert, and even contracted a serious illness.
Suggested“A pretty hard act to follow”: Elizabeth Taylor Laughed Off 1974 Oscars Controversy After Gay Rights Activist Streaked N-ked Across Stage
Elizabeth Taylor’s Dramatic Hollywood Transformation
One of the many things people noticed about Elizabeth Taylor was her appearance and personality. She was different from the rest of her co-child stars, and in her 1987 interview with Rolling Stone, the British-American star shared:
“When I was a child in England they...
- 3/4/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Oscar winning Nomadland producer Peter Spears has optioned Mike Nichols: A Life, the 2021 biography of the director by Mark Harris, for development as a dramatic feature film.
The planned adaptation of the book, a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist, will not be a cradle-to-grave biography but will focus on a young Nichols as he journeys from Broadway to Hollywood to make his first film, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), depicting his high-stakes collaboration with the film’s two married stars, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Spears will develop the film for his production company, Cor Cordium. His other producing credits include the Oscar-winning Call Me by Your Name (2017), Bones and All (2022), and On Swift Horses, with Jacob Elordi, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Diego Calva, and Will Poulter, which will open later this year. Harris is also the author of Pictures at a Revolution (2008) and the World War II filmmaking history...
The planned adaptation of the book, a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist, will not be a cradle-to-grave biography but will focus on a young Nichols as he journeys from Broadway to Hollywood to make his first film, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), depicting his high-stakes collaboration with the film’s two married stars, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Spears will develop the film for his production company, Cor Cordium. His other producing credits include the Oscar-winning Call Me by Your Name (2017), Bones and All (2022), and On Swift Horses, with Jacob Elordi, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Diego Calva, and Will Poulter, which will open later this year. Harris is also the author of Pictures at a Revolution (2008) and the World War II filmmaking history...
- 3/2/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Elizabeth Taylor’s son will be interviewed on TV for the first time about his mother in the upcoming Kim Kardashian-produced doc about one of Hollywood’s ultimate leading ladies.
Kari Lia, one of the EPs behind Passion Pictures’ Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar [working title] for the BBC, revealed to Deadline that Chris Wilding, Taylor’s son with her second husband Michael Wilding, will speak after many decades.
Former film editor Wilding will feature in the upcoming doc series alongside Todd Fisher, Carrie Fisher’s brother, and Aileen Getty, Taylor’s daughter-in-law who campaigned alongside her to help those with HIV/Aids. The new interviewees will contribute alongside the likes of Kardashian, Joan Collins and Margaret O’Brien, all of whom knew Taylor personally.
Lia said Wilding had been “shy” in the past to discuss his mother’s legacy but, as what would have been her 92nd birthday approaches, he felt...
Kari Lia, one of the EPs behind Passion Pictures’ Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar [working title] for the BBC, revealed to Deadline that Chris Wilding, Taylor’s son with her second husband Michael Wilding, will speak after many decades.
Former film editor Wilding will feature in the upcoming doc series alongside Todd Fisher, Carrie Fisher’s brother, and Aileen Getty, Taylor’s daughter-in-law who campaigned alongside her to help those with HIV/Aids. The new interviewees will contribute alongside the likes of Kardashian, Joan Collins and Margaret O’Brien, all of whom knew Taylor personally.
Lia said Wilding had been “shy” in the past to discuss his mother’s legacy but, as what would have been her 92nd birthday approaches, he felt...
- 2/27/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (Etaf) announced today its “Stuck in the 80s Night” to be held at Center Stage in Atlanta on National HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day – a national observance the organization commemorates on February 28.
The event centers awareness about HIV-specific criminalization laws established in the 1980s by educating about the impact of outdated legislation and celebrating the resilience of people living with HIV.
“Stuck in the 80s Night” will feature fireside chats and panel discussions led by CNN Newsroom anchor, Fredricka Whitfield, CNN This Morning Weekend co-anchor, Victor Blackwell, Etaf Council of Justice Leaders, Robert Suttle, Former Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, Harold Phillips, Co-Executive Director of HIV Legal Network, Janet Butler-McPhee, and Co-Executive Director of Sero Project, Kamaria Laffrey. The red-carpet evening will also include performances by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and six-time Grammy award-winning artist,...
The event centers awareness about HIV-specific criminalization laws established in the 1980s by educating about the impact of outdated legislation and celebrating the resilience of people living with HIV.
“Stuck in the 80s Night” will feature fireside chats and panel discussions led by CNN Newsroom anchor, Fredricka Whitfield, CNN This Morning Weekend co-anchor, Victor Blackwell, Etaf Council of Justice Leaders, Robert Suttle, Former Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, Harold Phillips, Co-Executive Director of HIV Legal Network, Janet Butler-McPhee, and Co-Executive Director of Sero Project, Kamaria Laffrey. The red-carpet evening will also include performances by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and six-time Grammy award-winning artist,...
- 2/27/2024
- Look to the Stars
Enough with the winter gloom: Feel-good shows are about to take over TV market London Screenings, as distributors echo Russell Crowe’s Maximus iconic words: “Are you not entertained?”
“Most platforms are looking for entertaining shows. Escapism is a big thing,” says Fremantle International CEO Jens Richter.
“You want to take the audience somewhere else and make sure they forget about their reality for a minute. ‘We want to entertain you.’ That’s the headline, basically.”
Beta Group’s chief distribution officer Oliver Bachert agrees – in a world challenged by many conflicts, watching something “accessible and easy” feels more appealing than ever.
“We see things that are maybe not that ambitious, but they work as entertainment. A bit of blue sky helps us deal with everyday news. Even up north, Nordic Noir just got lighter.”
Crime and thrillers are still “major export genres,” notices Rachel Glaister of All3Media International, but...
“Most platforms are looking for entertaining shows. Escapism is a big thing,” says Fremantle International CEO Jens Richter.
“You want to take the audience somewhere else and make sure they forget about their reality for a minute. ‘We want to entertain you.’ That’s the headline, basically.”
Beta Group’s chief distribution officer Oliver Bachert agrees – in a world challenged by many conflicts, watching something “accessible and easy” feels more appealing than ever.
“We see things that are maybe not that ambitious, but they work as entertainment. A bit of blue sky helps us deal with everyday news. Even up north, Nordic Noir just got lighter.”
Crime and thrillers are still “major export genres,” notices Rachel Glaister of All3Media International, but...
- 2/27/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscar heavyweight, Grammy-winning great and all-around icon, Barbra Streisand was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
“This is such a wonderful award to get because you know in advance you’re going to get it. You don’t have to sit there in squirm… And if you don’t have to put on such a happy face, ‘I’m so happy to lose!’ Anyway, you all know what I mean,” the legend joked.
Pivoting to more serious matters, Streisand revealed that she was proud to be a SAG-AFTRA member for over 60 years, “I can’t believe it. I remember dreaming of being an actress as a teenager, sitting in my bed in Brooklyn with a pint of coffee ice cream and a movie magazine.”
But in the end, Streisand dedicated her lifetime achievement speech to the actors among her in the auditorium.
“This is such a wonderful award to get because you know in advance you’re going to get it. You don’t have to sit there in squirm… And if you don’t have to put on such a happy face, ‘I’m so happy to lose!’ Anyway, you all know what I mean,” the legend joked.
Pivoting to more serious matters, Streisand revealed that she was proud to be a SAG-AFTRA member for over 60 years, “I can’t believe it. I remember dreaming of being an actress as a teenager, sitting in my bed in Brooklyn with a pint of coffee ice cream and a movie magazine.”
But in the end, Streisand dedicated her lifetime achievement speech to the actors among her in the auditorium.
- 2/25/2024
- by Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
Elizabeth Taylor was the glamorous Hollywood icon who starred in dozens of movies throughout her career, collecting two Best Actress trophies at the Oscars and three additional nominations. But how many of those titles remain classics? Let’s take a look back at 15 of her greatest films, ranked worst to best.
Born in 1932, Taylor began her career as a child actress, landing her first leading role when she was just 12-years-old with “National Velvet” (1944). She quickly transitioned into adult stardom, earning her first Oscar nomination as Best Actress for “Raintree County” (1957). Subsequent bids for “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958) and “Suddenly, Last Summer” (1959) quickly followed.
She collected her first statuette playing a prostitute with man troubles in “Butterfield 8” (1960), a film she openly hated. Her win probably had more to do with an emergency tracheotomy she underwent right before the ceremony than the performance, but either way, Taylor was...
Born in 1932, Taylor began her career as a child actress, landing her first leading role when she was just 12-years-old with “National Velvet” (1944). She quickly transitioned into adult stardom, earning her first Oscar nomination as Best Actress for “Raintree County” (1957). Subsequent bids for “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958) and “Suddenly, Last Summer” (1959) quickly followed.
She collected her first statuette playing a prostitute with man troubles in “Butterfield 8” (1960), a film she openly hated. Her win probably had more to do with an emergency tracheotomy she underwent right before the ceremony than the performance, but either way, Taylor was...
- 2/23/2024
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Welcome to Deadline’s London TV Screenings list, our definitive look at next week’s buzzy event taking Soho by storm. If you’re wondering who’s exhibiting, what’s on offer and want to dive deeper into the distribs’ strategy, we’ve done the hard work for you, presenting profiles from nearly 30 exhibiting sales houses. Below, check out profiles for all the London TV Screenings founders, along with the outfits based in the UK. Read on, and find all our London TV Screenings content throughout the week here.
The Founders
ALL3MEDIA International
Key shows
Parenthood – Silverback Films’ natural history series about the extreme lengths parents go to to ensure the survival of their offspring.
The Underdog – Truman Show-style guessing game format that sees social media influencers compete in a popularity contest alongside one person without an online following.
Protection – ITV thriller based on the first-hand experiences of a long serving witness protection officer.
The Founders
ALL3MEDIA International
Key shows
Parenthood – Silverback Films’ natural history series about the extreme lengths parents go to to ensure the survival of their offspring.
The Underdog – Truman Show-style guessing game format that sees social media influencers compete in a popularity contest alongside one person without an online following.
Protection – ITV thriller based on the first-hand experiences of a long serving witness protection officer.
- 2/22/2024
- by Max Goldbart, Jesse Whittock and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
What makes an actor? Since the very first Screen Actors Guild Awards in 1995, actors have shared what it means to work in Hollywood with the “I am an actor” speech.
The tradition began with Angela Lansbury, who detailed her accomplishments on screen at the inaugural SAG Awards: “I’ve been Elizabeth Taylor’s sister, Spencer Tracy’s mistress, Elvis’ mother, and a singing teapot,” she said. She reminded her peers that, “at one time or another, everyone loves the opportunity to act,” even a child with a creative imagination for playing pretend. And she embraced the spirit of the SAG Awards as a night dedicated to “the art and craft of acting by the people who should know about it.”
Join us on a trip down memory lane as we visit some of the greatest “I am an actor” speeches of the last 30 years.
The Early Era
Lansbury was just...
The tradition began with Angela Lansbury, who detailed her accomplishments on screen at the inaugural SAG Awards: “I’ve been Elizabeth Taylor’s sister, Spencer Tracy’s mistress, Elvis’ mother, and a singing teapot,” she said. She reminded her peers that, “at one time or another, everyone loves the opportunity to act,” even a child with a creative imagination for playing pretend. And she embraced the spirit of the SAG Awards as a night dedicated to “the art and craft of acting by the people who should know about it.”
Join us on a trip down memory lane as we visit some of the greatest “I am an actor” speeches of the last 30 years.
The Early Era
Lansbury was just...
- 2/22/2024
- by Erin Corbett
- Tudum - Netflix
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced that global media leader, producer, philanthropist, actress and author Oprah Winfrey will receive GLAAD’s Vanguard Award and Emmy Award-winning actress and producer Niecy Nash-Betts will receive the Stephen F.Kolzak Award, which goes to members of the LGBTQ community, at the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles.
Hosted by Wayne Brady, special guests include: Alexandra Shipp (Anyone But You), Daniel Franzese, Heather Dubrow (The Real Housewives of Orange County), Jason Sudeikis, and the cast from “Ted Lasso,” Jonathan Bailey (Fellow Travelers), Matt Bomer (Fellow Travelers), Meredith Marks (The RealHousewives of Salt Lake City), Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (Loot), Michelle Visage (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Victoria Monét (3x Grammy-Winning Artist), the cast from “RuPaul’sDrag Race,” and Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist nominee David Archuleta will perform at the official GLAAD Media Awards After-Party.
GLAAD...
Hosted by Wayne Brady, special guests include: Alexandra Shipp (Anyone But You), Daniel Franzese, Heather Dubrow (The Real Housewives of Orange County), Jason Sudeikis, and the cast from “Ted Lasso,” Jonathan Bailey (Fellow Travelers), Matt Bomer (Fellow Travelers), Meredith Marks (The RealHousewives of Salt Lake City), Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (Loot), Michelle Visage (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Victoria Monét (3x Grammy-Winning Artist), the cast from “RuPaul’sDrag Race,” and Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist nominee David Archuleta will perform at the official GLAAD Media Awards After-Party.
GLAAD...
- 2/21/2024
- Look to the Stars
Oprah Winfrey and Niecy Nash-Betts have a date with GLAAD.
The organization announced Tuesday that the pair is booked for special honors at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on March 14. Winfrey has been tapped to receive a Vanguard Award “for championing allyship and making a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues.” Previous honorees include Bad Bunny, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Kerry Washington, Cher, Janet Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Kacey Musgraves and Antonio Banderas.
Nash-Betts will take home a Stephen F. Kolzak Award for raising the visibility of LGBTQ people and issues as a member of the community. Previous recipients include Jeremy Pope, Laverne Cox, Wanda Sykes, Jim Parsons, Ruby Rose, Chaz Bono, Melissa Etheridge, Ellen DeGeneres and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
Hosted by Wayne Brady, the GLAAD Media Awards will take place at the Beverly Hilton. Stars expected to appear at the event include Rodriguez,...
The organization announced Tuesday that the pair is booked for special honors at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on March 14. Winfrey has been tapped to receive a Vanguard Award “for championing allyship and making a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues.” Previous honorees include Bad Bunny, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Kerry Washington, Cher, Janet Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Kacey Musgraves and Antonio Banderas.
Nash-Betts will take home a Stephen F. Kolzak Award for raising the visibility of LGBTQ people and issues as a member of the community. Previous recipients include Jeremy Pope, Laverne Cox, Wanda Sykes, Jim Parsons, Ruby Rose, Chaz Bono, Melissa Etheridge, Ellen DeGeneres and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
Hosted by Wayne Brady, the GLAAD Media Awards will take place at the Beverly Hilton. Stars expected to appear at the event include Rodriguez,...
- 2/20/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oprah Winfrey and Niecy Nash-Betts will be honored at the 35th GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on March 14.
Winfrey will receive GLAAD’s Vanguard Award, which is presented to allies for making a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues.
Nash-Betts will be presented with the GLAAD Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which honors an LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in raising visibility and promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues.
“At a time when it was potentially career-ending to support LGBTQ people, Oprah Winfrey did what’s right and championed our community’s stories,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement, in part, Tuesday. “A pioneer for diverse and inclusive media, she shines a powerful light on HIV, coming out, LGBTQ people, our families and the challenges we face which educated and moved countless around the world.”
Nash-Betts,...
Winfrey will receive GLAAD’s Vanguard Award, which is presented to allies for making a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues.
Nash-Betts will be presented with the GLAAD Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which honors an LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in raising visibility and promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues.
“At a time when it was potentially career-ending to support LGBTQ people, Oprah Winfrey did what’s right and championed our community’s stories,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement, in part, Tuesday. “A pioneer for diverse and inclusive media, she shines a powerful light on HIV, coming out, LGBTQ people, our families and the challenges we face which educated and moved countless around the world.”
Nash-Betts,...
- 2/20/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Samantha Morton, the British actor (She Said, The Whale, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Walking Dead), writer (I Am…Kirsty) and director (The Unloved), received the BAFTA Fellowship, the British Academy’s highest honor at the BAFTA Film Awards in London on Sunday. But the outspoken star used her moment on stage to share very emotional words about children who live in poverty or who can’t live safely at home.
“For me, this is really nothing short of a miracle,” Morton said about receiving the honor, recalling how she was “hungry” and “cold” as a kid growing up in poverty.
“Film changed my life, it transformed me,” she continued. “When I first saw Ken Loach’s Kes… I was forever changed” seeing “poverty, people like me, my life and my family on the screen,” she said. Her conclusion: “Representation matters.”
Like British director Loach, Morton has...
“For me, this is really nothing short of a miracle,” Morton said about receiving the honor, recalling how she was “hungry” and “cold” as a kid growing up in poverty.
“Film changed my life, it transformed me,” she continued. “When I first saw Ken Loach’s Kes… I was forever changed” seeing “poverty, people like me, my life and my family on the screen,” she said. Her conclusion: “Representation matters.”
Like British director Loach, Morton has...
- 2/18/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cillian Murphy presented Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan with the BFI Fellowship, the British Film Institute’s highest honor, Wednesday evening at a London dinner event hosted by BFI chair Tim Richards.
“The BFI Fellowship recognizes Nolan’s extraordinary achievements and enormous contribution to cinema as one of the world’s most innovative and influential film directors,” the organization said.
Nolan received the honor at the annual BFI Chair’s Dinner at the Rosewood Hotel in central London. Murphy, who has worked with Nolan on the likes of the Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Dunkirk and Oppenheimer, was in attendance along with such film industry guests as NBCUniversal Studio Group chair and chief content officer Donna Langley, Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thomas, Michael Caine, Josh Hartnett, Hans Zimmer, Hoyte van Hoytema, Barbara Broccoli, Tom Hiddleston, Michelle Dockery, Gurinder Chadha, Misan Harriman, Molly Manning Walker, BFI CEO Ben Roberts, as well as U.K. Prime...
“The BFI Fellowship recognizes Nolan’s extraordinary achievements and enormous contribution to cinema as one of the world’s most innovative and influential film directors,” the organization said.
Nolan received the honor at the annual BFI Chair’s Dinner at the Rosewood Hotel in central London. Murphy, who has worked with Nolan on the likes of the Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Dunkirk and Oppenheimer, was in attendance along with such film industry guests as NBCUniversal Studio Group chair and chief content officer Donna Langley, Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thomas, Michael Caine, Josh Hartnett, Hans Zimmer, Hoyte van Hoytema, Barbara Broccoli, Tom Hiddleston, Michelle Dockery, Gurinder Chadha, Misan Harriman, Molly Manning Walker, BFI CEO Ben Roberts, as well as U.K. Prime...
- 2/15/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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