Paramount Pictures hosted a ‘Friends & Family’ screening for its new Johnny Knoxville-starrer Sweet Dreams at L.A.’s Laemmle Royal on April 1. Even with a handful of comedians in the building and a date that coincided with April Fool’s Day, the world premiere of filmmaker Lije Sarki’s recovery-centered softball dramedy was no joke.
The scene mirrored much larger Hollywood premieres as members of the starry cast and their friends (Anderson .Paak, Bobby Lee, Lil Dicky) mingled with movie stars (Josh Brolin, Shia Labeouf). Guests took advantage of a red carpet complete with a veteran Tinseltown photographer (Todd Williamson) while others waited in long lines simply to get into the Laemmle (an overflow theater was added to accommodate the number of RSVPs).
Three days later, Sarki was still soaking it in. “It’s wild to me to have that much support,” said the filmmaker over coffee on the...
The scene mirrored much larger Hollywood premieres as members of the starry cast and their friends (Anderson .Paak, Bobby Lee, Lil Dicky) mingled with movie stars (Josh Brolin, Shia Labeouf). Guests took advantage of a red carpet complete with a veteran Tinseltown photographer (Todd Williamson) while others waited in long lines simply to get into the Laemmle (an overflow theater was added to accommodate the number of RSVPs).
Three days later, Sarki was still soaking it in. “It’s wild to me to have that much support,” said the filmmaker over coffee on the...
- 4/9/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Johnny Knoxville always seems to display an aching vulnerability, and it’s not just because he’s voluntarily endured years of intense bodily suffering as a result of his Jackass movies. So he seems the perfect choice to play the central character in Lije Sarki’s raucous black comedy that plays like a Bad News Bears featuring recovering addicts rather than precocious children.
Knoxville plays Morris, whose sad state of affairs is made immediately apparent in the opening scene: He’s shown waking up nearly naked and bloody on a park bench, having clearly been on one hell of a bender the night before. Even worse, he had apparently left his eight-year-old daughter home alone, making him realize he’s a danger to others as well as himself.
To try to get his life back on track, Morris signs up for a 90-day stint at Sweet Dreams, a rehab center...
Knoxville plays Morris, whose sad state of affairs is made immediately apparent in the opening scene: He’s shown waking up nearly naked and bloody on a park bench, having clearly been on one hell of a bender the night before. Even worse, he had apparently left his eight-year-old daughter home alone, making him realize he’s a danger to others as well as himself.
To try to get his life back on track, Morris signs up for a 90-day stint at Sweet Dreams, a rehab center...
- 4/9/2024
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
To celebrate Johnny Knoxville’s upcoming film, Sweet Dreams, Wamg is giving away two prizepacks with some terrific swag!
Johnny Knoxville, Mo Amer, Bobby Lee and Kate Upton unite in this wild and off-the-wall journey of second chances from the producer of The Peanut Butter Falcon. Forced into rehab at Sweet Dreams recovery center, Morris (Knoxville) struggles to confront the wreckage of his life. But when their house goes up for auction, he reluctantly agrees to coach their misfit softball team of recovering addicts to win a cash prize and prove that everyone, despite their past, can hit a home run.
Check out the Official Sweet Creams Jerseys, inspired by the jerseys the cast wore in the film!
Written & Directed by Lije Sarki, the film stars Johnny Knoxville, Mo Amer, GaTa, Bobby Lee, Theo Von, Brian Van Holt, Jonnie Park, Shakewell, Adam Faison, Erik Anthony Gonzalez, Beth Grant with Jay Mohr and Kate Upton.
Johnny Knoxville, Mo Amer, Bobby Lee and Kate Upton unite in this wild and off-the-wall journey of second chances from the producer of The Peanut Butter Falcon. Forced into rehab at Sweet Dreams recovery center, Morris (Knoxville) struggles to confront the wreckage of his life. But when their house goes up for auction, he reluctantly agrees to coach their misfit softball team of recovering addicts to win a cash prize and prove that everyone, despite their past, can hit a home run.
Check out the Official Sweet Creams Jerseys, inspired by the jerseys the cast wore in the film!
Written & Directed by Lije Sarki, the film stars Johnny Knoxville, Mo Amer, GaTa, Bobby Lee, Theo Von, Brian Van Holt, Jonnie Park, Shakewell, Adam Faison, Erik Anthony Gonzalez, Beth Grant with Jay Mohr and Kate Upton.
- 4/5/2024
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In his “Saturday Night Live” monologue, Ramy Youssef called for a free Palestine and for the release of the hostages taken in the Israel-Hamas War.
At the top of his monologue, Youssef joked, “This is an incredibly spiritual weekend. We’re in the holy month of Ramadan. Tomorrow is Easter. And yesterday, Beyoncé released a new album. There’s just so many religions celebrating all at once.”
He went on to talk about the power of prayer, and joked that “In my friend group, I’m one of the only guys who prays. I’m friends with a lot of sinners, like, just disgusting people. And they call me when they’re in trouble because they want me to pray for them.”
Youssef recalled getting a call from his friend Ahmed, who asked him to pray for his family in Gaza.
“I’m like, ‘Dude, I got you,'” Youssef said.
At the top of his monologue, Youssef joked, “This is an incredibly spiritual weekend. We’re in the holy month of Ramadan. Tomorrow is Easter. And yesterday, Beyoncé released a new album. There’s just so many religions celebrating all at once.”
He went on to talk about the power of prayer, and joked that “In my friend group, I’m one of the only guys who prays. I’m friends with a lot of sinners, like, just disgusting people. And they call me when they’re in trouble because they want me to pray for them.”
Youssef recalled getting a call from his friend Ahmed, who asked him to pray for his family in Gaza.
“I’m like, ‘Dude, I got you,'” Youssef said.
- 3/31/2024
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
“Sweet Dreams” the new R-rated comedy feature, written and directed by Lije Sarki, stars Johnny Knoxville, Mo Amer, GaTa, Bobby Lee, Theo Von, Brian Van Holt, Jonnie Park, Shakewell, Adam Faison, Erik Anthony Gonzalez and Beth Grant, with Jay Mohr and Kate Upton, opening April 12, 2024 in theaters:
“…forced into rehab at the ‘Sweet Dreams’ recovery center, ‘Morris’ (Knoxville) struggles to confront the wreckage of his life.
‘But when their house goes up for auction, he reluctantly agrees to coach their misfit softball team of recovering addicts to win a cash prize and prove that everyone, despite their past, can hit a home run…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…forced into rehab at the ‘Sweet Dreams’ recovery center, ‘Morris’ (Knoxville) struggles to confront the wreckage of his life.
‘But when their house goes up for auction, he reluctantly agrees to coach their misfit softball team of recovering addicts to win a cash prize and prove that everyone, despite their past, can hit a home run…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 3/24/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
“Sweet Dreams” the new R-rated comedy feature, written and directed by Lije Sarki, stars Johnny Knoxville, Mo Amer, GaTa, Bobby Lee, Theo Von, Brian Van Holt, Jonnie Park, Shakewell, Adam Faison, Erik Anthony Gonzalez and Beth Grant, with Jay Mohr and Kate Upton, opening April 12, 2024 in theaters:
“…forced into rehab at the ‘Sweet Dreams’ recovery center, ‘Morris’ (Knoxville) struggles to confront the wreckage of his life.
‘But when their house goes up for auction, he reluctantly agrees to coach their misfit softball team of recovering addicts to win a cash prize and prove that everyone, despite their past, can hit a home run…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…forced into rehab at the ‘Sweet Dreams’ recovery center, ‘Morris’ (Knoxville) struggles to confront the wreckage of his life.
‘But when their house goes up for auction, he reluctantly agrees to coach their misfit softball team of recovering addicts to win a cash prize and prove that everyone, despite their past, can hit a home run…”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 3/14/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"You got 10 guys that need this place." Paramount has revealed an official trailer for a sports comedy called Sweet Dreams, a new film directed by the producer of sleeper hit The Peanut Butter Falcon previously. Opening in theaters in April this spring to enjoy. This fresh new comedy is a wild journey of second chances. Forced into rehab, Morris agrees to coach a misfit softball team of recovering addicts from his own house to prove that everyone, despite their past, can hit a home run. And maybe he will get his own life back on track, too. Johnny Knoxville stars as Morris, with an ensemble cast featuring Mo Amer, GaTa, Bobby Lee, Theo Von, Brian Van Holt, Jonnie Park, Shakewell, Adam Faison, plus Jay Mohr & Kate Upton. This doesn't look like it has the most original script, but it still does seem quite wholesome and amusing in an obnoxiously entertaining way.
- 3/13/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
HBO will premiere the comedy special “Ramy Youssef: More Feelings” on March 23.
Per the official description, the trailer sees the actor, writer and comedian “offer his unique reflections on our divided world, the unexpected perils of charitable giving and more,” hitting on topics including “the 2024 presidential election, the importance of prayer, and a childhood book report that changed the course of his life.”
“I’m done apologizing. I’m done saying that we’re peaceful,” Youssef says in the trailer. “For 20 years, we’ve had to prove to people that we’re safe. Every time you turn on CNN, there’s some Arab dude talking about how ‘Islam’ means ‘peace.’ You know that guy? But he’s always shouting it. He’s always like, ‘We come in peace!'”
“You’re like, ‘Bro, that’s the slogan for aliens,'” he continues. “‘That’s what aliens say before they take over the fucking planet,...
Per the official description, the trailer sees the actor, writer and comedian “offer his unique reflections on our divided world, the unexpected perils of charitable giving and more,” hitting on topics including “the 2024 presidential election, the importance of prayer, and a childhood book report that changed the course of his life.”
“I’m done apologizing. I’m done saying that we’re peaceful,” Youssef says in the trailer. “For 20 years, we’ve had to prove to people that we’re safe. Every time you turn on CNN, there’s some Arab dude talking about how ‘Islam’ means ‘peace.’ You know that guy? But he’s always shouting it. He’s always like, ‘We come in peace!'”
“You’re like, ‘Bro, that’s the slogan for aliens,'” he continues. “‘That’s what aliens say before they take over the fucking planet,...
- 3/5/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
‘We believe all life is sacred, no matter faith or ethnicity’
Riz Ahmed, Cate Blanchett, Kristen Stewart, Cherien Dabis and Rooney Mara are among Hollywood and entertainment celebrities urging US president Joe Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.
Andrew Garfield, Jessica Chastain, James Schamus, Joaquin Phoenix, Mahershala Ali, Jon Stewart, and Dua Lipa have also added their names to an open letter on Friday urging Biden and all world leaders to call for “an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost”.
It is estimated that more than 5,000 Palestinians and Israelis...
Riz Ahmed, Cate Blanchett, Kristen Stewart, Cherien Dabis and Rooney Mara are among Hollywood and entertainment celebrities urging US president Joe Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.
Andrew Garfield, Jessica Chastain, James Schamus, Joaquin Phoenix, Mahershala Ali, Jon Stewart, and Dua Lipa have also added their names to an open letter on Friday urging Biden and all world leaders to call for “an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost”.
It is estimated that more than 5,000 Palestinians and Israelis...
- 10/21/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
A long list of big-name actors released a letter today directed to President Biden asking him to call for a cease fire in Gaza and Israel.
Among the signatories are Mark Ruffalo, Jessica Chastian, Cate Blanchett, Quinta Brunson, Rosario Dawson, Oscar Isaac, Joaquin Phoenix, Alyssa Milano, Jon Stewart and many more. The list includes prominent Jewish, Muslim and Christian actors
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear President Biden,
We come together as artists and advocates, but most importantly as human beings witnessing the devastating loss of lives and unfolding horrors in Israel and Palestine.
We ask that, as President of the United States, you call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost. More than 5,000 people have been killed in the last week and a half – a number any person of conscience knows is catastrophic. We believe all life is sacred,...
Among the signatories are Mark Ruffalo, Jessica Chastian, Cate Blanchett, Quinta Brunson, Rosario Dawson, Oscar Isaac, Joaquin Phoenix, Alyssa Milano, Jon Stewart and many more. The list includes prominent Jewish, Muslim and Christian actors
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear President Biden,
We come together as artists and advocates, but most importantly as human beings witnessing the devastating loss of lives and unfolding horrors in Israel and Palestine.
We ask that, as President of the United States, you call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost. More than 5,000 people have been killed in the last week and a half – a number any person of conscience knows is catastrophic. We believe all life is sacred,...
- 10/20/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli actress Gal Gadot showed support for her native country.
The conflict reached a flash point on Saturday when Hamas launched a series of surprise attacks from the Gaza Strip with fighters crossing over the border.
Israel then retaliated against Hamas-controlled Gaza. This has led to massive casualties on both sides, with 700 Israelis killed and 1,000 wounded, while 493 Palestinians were killed and 2,751 wounded.
Taking to Instagram, Gadot expressed support for Israel.
Posting a screenshot of a BBC story about the conflict, Gadot wrote, “At least 250 Israeli[s] have been murdered and dozens of women children and elders held as hostages in Gaza, by Palestinian military group Hamas. Starting early morning more than 3,000 rockets were fired. Hamas is holding hostages, controlling bases and settlements in Israel. There have been more than 1,500 injured and heavy fighting is still ongoing.”
Gadot also posted a star of David with the words,...
The conflict reached a flash point on Saturday when Hamas launched a series of surprise attacks from the Gaza Strip with fighters crossing over the border.
Israel then retaliated against Hamas-controlled Gaza. This has led to massive casualties on both sides, with 700 Israelis killed and 1,000 wounded, while 493 Palestinians were killed and 2,751 wounded.
Taking to Instagram, Gadot expressed support for Israel.
Posting a screenshot of a BBC story about the conflict, Gadot wrote, “At least 250 Israeli[s] have been murdered and dozens of women children and elders held as hostages in Gaza, by Palestinian military group Hamas. Starting early morning more than 3,000 rockets were fired. Hamas is holding hostages, controlling bases and settlements in Israel. There have been more than 1,500 injured and heavy fighting is still ongoing.”
Gadot also posted a star of David with the words,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Zach Ament
- Uinterview
“Americanish,” billed as the first romantic comedy about Muslims helmed by a Muslim-American woman, is coming very soon to a theater (potentially) near you.
TheWrap exclusively debuted the trailer for Inam Zawahry’s directorial effort in May 2021. The film will debut in theaters in California and Arizona on Oct. 6 prior to its VOD premiere on Nov. 14. Sony Pictures International picked up the distribution rights in January of this year after a successful festival run.
Inspired by Aizzah Fatima’s critically acclaimed one-woman show “Dirty Paki Lingerie,” the picture first played at the CAAMFest, which is the largest Asian American film festival in the nation. It won the Audience Award and has since won 25 festival awards prior to the acquisition.
Zawahry spoke to TheWrap previously, when the trailer debuted, and noted that “What’s really important about this film is that is shows that American Muslim women are not a monolith...
TheWrap exclusively debuted the trailer for Inam Zawahry’s directorial effort in May 2021. The film will debut in theaters in California and Arizona on Oct. 6 prior to its VOD premiere on Nov. 14. Sony Pictures International picked up the distribution rights in January of this year after a successful festival run.
Inspired by Aizzah Fatima’s critically acclaimed one-woman show “Dirty Paki Lingerie,” the picture first played at the CAAMFest, which is the largest Asian American film festival in the nation. It won the Audience Award and has since won 25 festival awards prior to the acquisition.
Zawahry spoke to TheWrap previously, when the trailer debuted, and noted that “What’s really important about this film is that is shows that American Muslim women are not a monolith...
- 9/27/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Acast, the world’s largest global podcast company, and Luminary, the premium podcast network, have announced a strategic partnership to broaden the reach of selected Luminary Original podcasts. Six shows—including Under the Skin with Russell Brand, Joking Not Joking with Mo Amer and Azhar Usman and How I Masaba with Masaba Gupta—will be made available to listeners across all listening platforms, via Acast. Acast will also serve as Luminary’s exclusive monetization partner for these podcasts across all platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
Under the terms of the partnership, later this month Luminary will also leverage the Acast+ Access capability, which launched earlier this summer, to allow subscribers to access exclusive content on the listening app of their choice. With Acast+ Access, publishers and other companies, like Luminary, have the most powerful, centralized solution for all their podcasting and subscription-based needs—allowing them to manage advertising,...
Under the terms of the partnership, later this month Luminary will also leverage the Acast+ Access capability, which launched earlier this summer, to allow subscribers to access exclusive content on the listening app of their choice. With Acast+ Access, publishers and other companies, like Luminary, have the most powerful, centralized solution for all their podcasting and subscription-based needs—allowing them to manage advertising,...
- 9/7/2023
- Podnews.net
The most recent edition of The Hollywood Reporter’s award-winning Roundtable series features top talent working in television today.
The discussions included such talent and Emmy contenders as Pedro Pascal and Kieran Culkin (Drama Actor Roundtable), Jennifer Coolidge and Dominique Fishback (Drama Actress), Tyler James Williams and Steven Yeun (Comedy Actor), Jenna Ortega and Elle Fanning (Comedy Actress), Lisa Vanderpump and Keke Palmer (Reality), Mark Mylod and Karyn Kusama (Director) and Tony Gilroy and Sharon Horgan (Showrunner).
Ahead of Wednesday’s Emmy nominations announcement, watch candid conversations with the aforementioned stars and more about everything from fighting stereotypes and myth of leaving your demons on set to awkward moments that made it to air and the problem of a public life.
***
Comedy Actor Roundtable
Steven Yeun, John Mulaney, Jason Segel, Tyler James Williams and Mo Amer on when to embrace the anxiety hives, buy the BMW and push through that...
The discussions included such talent and Emmy contenders as Pedro Pascal and Kieran Culkin (Drama Actor Roundtable), Jennifer Coolidge and Dominique Fishback (Drama Actress), Tyler James Williams and Steven Yeun (Comedy Actor), Jenna Ortega and Elle Fanning (Comedy Actress), Lisa Vanderpump and Keke Palmer (Reality), Mark Mylod and Karyn Kusama (Director) and Tony Gilroy and Sharon Horgan (Showrunner).
Ahead of Wednesday’s Emmy nominations announcement, watch candid conversations with the aforementioned stars and more about everything from fighting stereotypes and myth of leaving your demons on set to awkward moments that made it to air and the problem of a public life.
***
Comedy Actor Roundtable
Steven Yeun, John Mulaney, Jason Segel, Tyler James Williams and Mo Amer on when to embrace the anxiety hives, buy the BMW and push through that...
- 7/10/2023
- by Lacey Rose and Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Ramy Youssef is writing an episode of his self-titled Hulu show, he absolutely loves walking that fine line between comedy and drama. “It’s probably my favorite thing to do in comedies, to just get near that thing you’re not supposed to. I feel that if someone’s gonna give me their time, I want to be able to cover something that could crack open a conversation at the dinner table that wouldn’t have been opened without some sort of healthy debate,” he reveals to Gold Derby during our recent webchat (watch the exclusive video interview above). He feels that with the most recent season of the program he has really found that perfect tone to strike for the series. “I feel like in the third season we really struck a great balance between our character development and it being something that just really makes me laugh out loud.
- 6/17/2023
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Sometimes the best way for a performer to gain screen time is to write their own material — and there are dozens of multihyphenates who have balanced writing and acting duties on their respective series this season. That’s particularly true in comedy, a genre that sees many series led by performers who mine their own lives for onscreen laughs. (See, for example, HBO Max’s Bridget Everett-led Somebody Somewhere, Peacock’s Pete Davidson vehicle Bupkis and Netflix’s Mo, co-created by and starring Mo Amer.)
But running a show is also a great way for an actor to branch out into the directing field. This season, these five actor-writers also helmed episodes of their Emmy-contending shows.
Donald Glover
Atlanta (FX/Hulu)
Donald Glover in Atlanta
The star-creator won two Emmys, one for directing and one for acting, for the dark comedy’s first season in 2017. During the fourth and final season,...
But running a show is also a great way for an actor to branch out into the directing field. This season, these five actor-writers also helmed episodes of their Emmy-contending shows.
Donald Glover
Atlanta (FX/Hulu)
Donald Glover in Atlanta
The star-creator won two Emmys, one for directing and one for acting, for the dark comedy’s first season in 2017. During the fourth and final season,...
- 6/12/2023
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jason Segel is opening up about his time spent on “How I Met Your Mother”, revealing that he was “really unhappy” with his life and career during the final years of the show. The 43-year-old actor, and current star of the Apple TV+ series “Shrinking”, reflected on the hit CBS sitcom during a roundtable interview for The Hollywood Reporter.
“There was a period in my life and career around the last couple of years of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ where things were firing in both movies and TV, and everyone was telling me how well it was going and I was really unhappy,” he revealed.
About a father named Ted recounting his adventures of living with his friends in New York City, “How I Met Your Mother” ran for nine seasons from 2005 to 2014. During that time, Segel played Marshall Eriksen alongside Josh Radnor as Ted Mosby, Alyson Hannigan as Lily Aldrin,...
“There was a period in my life and career around the last couple of years of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ where things were firing in both movies and TV, and everyone was telling me how well it was going and I was really unhappy,” he revealed.
About a father named Ted recounting his adventures of living with his friends in New York City, “How I Met Your Mother” ran for nine seasons from 2005 to 2014. During that time, Segel played Marshall Eriksen alongside Josh Radnor as Ted Mosby, Alyson Hannigan as Lily Aldrin,...
- 6/3/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
The most important rule change at this year’s Emmys can’t even be found in the 78-page “Primetime Emmy Awards Rules & Procedures 2022-2023” book. But when nominations are announced on June 12, that change could make Emmy voters look a lot more open-minded and a lot less lazy than they’ve seemed in recent years.
Or it could do nothing at all.
The new rule, all of two sentences long, was dropped into a press release several months ago announcing changes for the 75th Emmys: “The number of selections each voting member is allowed to make per category in first-round voting will now be capped at the number of nominations specified for that category. Members will no longer be allowed to vote for an unlimited number of selections in any category.”
Readers of this space may understand why I consider the change so consequential. At the end of the 2022 Emmy season,...
Or it could do nothing at all.
The new rule, all of two sentences long, was dropped into a press release several months ago announcing changes for the 75th Emmys: “The number of selections each voting member is allowed to make per category in first-round voting will now be capped at the number of nominations specified for that category. Members will no longer be allowed to vote for an unlimited number of selections in any category.”
Readers of this space may understand why I consider the change so consequential. At the end of the 2022 Emmy season,...
- 6/2/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Steven Yeun stopped by THR for a roundtable discussion with Jason Segel, Tyler James Williams, Mo Amer, and John Mulaney last month to discuss their careers and upcoming projects. And at the top of Yeun’s list? “Thunderbolts,” helmed by Jake Schreier, who just directed the actor in the hit Netflix limited series “Beef.” So is Yeun excited to team up with Schreier again on a new project?
Continue reading Steven Yeun Talks About His “Really Interesting Role” In ‘Thunderbolts’ & Doesn’t Look At Joining The MCU As A “Trap” at The Playlist.
Continue reading Steven Yeun Talks About His “Really Interesting Role” In ‘Thunderbolts’ & Doesn’t Look At Joining The MCU As A “Trap” at The Playlist.
- 6/1/2023
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
“So, same time next week?” Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams jokes with the others — Steven Yeun (Beef), Jason Segel (Shrinking), Mo Amer (Mo) and John Mulaney (John Mulaney: Baby J) — after a particularly therapeutic hour of conversation in early May. It is THR‘s annual Comedy Actor Emmy Roundtable, and the five men gathered, a mix of top stand-up and scripted talent, use the platform to swap stories and speak candidly about the pressures of the business, the splurges that they made (or urged others to make) and what, exactly, has prompted tears, hives and periods of necessary silence.
If a fan is to approach you all on the street, what is he or she likely to recognize you from?
Mo Amer I usually get, “I’m a huge fan of your music.” I’m like, “I’m not DJ Khaled.” (Laughter.)
Steven Yeun For me, it was Glenn...
If a fan is to approach you all on the street, what is he or she likely to recognize you from?
Mo Amer I usually get, “I’m a huge fan of your music.” I’m like, “I’m not DJ Khaled.” (Laughter.)
Steven Yeun For me, it was Glenn...
- 6/1/2023
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This story about Mo Amer, Jessica Williams, Helen Mirren, Aminah Nieves, Brandon Sklenar, Delroy Lindo and Mayan Lopez originally appeared in the Race Begins issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
First-year series play a vital role at the Emmys, which can start to feel like a parade of “been there, done that” as the same shows take home awards year after year. Five new shows broke into the Outstanding Drama and Comedy Series categories last year, and here are some of our favorites from the many hoping to accomplish the same feat in 2023.
Mohammed Amer, “Mo” Mohammed “Mo” Amer (Jeff Vespa for TheWrap)
Hollywood might not have seemed predestined for Mo Amer, a Palestinian American standup who, after fleeing Kuwait (where he was born), settled in Houston, Texas. He’s a natural storyteller, and his semi-autobiographical Netflix series “Mo” proves that he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.
First-year series play a vital role at the Emmys, which can start to feel like a parade of “been there, done that” as the same shows take home awards year after year. Five new shows broke into the Outstanding Drama and Comedy Series categories last year, and here are some of our favorites from the many hoping to accomplish the same feat in 2023.
Mohammed Amer, “Mo” Mohammed “Mo” Amer (Jeff Vespa for TheWrap)
Hollywood might not have seemed predestined for Mo Amer, a Palestinian American standup who, after fleeing Kuwait (where he was born), settled in Houston, Texas. He’s a natural storyteller, and his semi-autobiographical Netflix series “Mo” proves that he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.
- 5/29/2023
- by Wrap Staff
- The Wrap
Mo Amer, the guest on this episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, which was recorded via Zoom in front of students at Chapman University, is a Kuwait-born Palestinian standup comedian, writer, producer and actor. His semi-autobiographical rookie comedy series Mo — which was produced by A24 and streamed by Netflix, which he co-created with Ramy Youssef, for which he wrote the pilot and on which he stars — is the first ever Palestinian-American sitcom, and is currently generating Emmy buzz.
The New Yorker has described Mo’s depiction of an undocumented immigrant’s life in Houston as “delivered with a warmth, confidence, and localism that evokes Spike Lee’s Brooklyn, E-40’s Bay Area or the Philadelphia that Sylvester Stallone memorialized in Rocky.” Since the show first dropped last August 24, it has accumulated rave reviews leading to a 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, fans like Steven Spielberg and widespread...
The New Yorker has described Mo’s depiction of an undocumented immigrant’s life in Houston as “delivered with a warmth, confidence, and localism that evokes Spike Lee’s Brooklyn, E-40’s Bay Area or the Philadelphia that Sylvester Stallone memorialized in Rocky.” Since the show first dropped last August 24, it has accumulated rave reviews leading to a 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, fans like Steven Spielberg and widespread...
- 5/24/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mo Amer created and starred in one of the most subversive, acclaimed TV shows of 2022 when his A24-produced comedy “Mo” became a Netflix hit. The series, which follows a Palestinian man’s tragically hilarious attempts to jump through the hurdles of the United States’ immigration system, shed light on the bureaucratic challenges that so many asylum seekers face. The show’s unapologetically honest approach to telling immigration stories immediately set it apart from the competition and helped it build a passionate fanbase.
That fanbase apparently includes none other than Steven Spielberg. In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Amer looked back on the surreal year that he has enjoyed following the show’s premiere. He singled out unique experiences like his recent AFI Award for TV Program of the Year as highlights of his journey — and revealed that at one point, Spielberg even sent him a letter praising the show.
That fanbase apparently includes none other than Steven Spielberg. In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Amer looked back on the surreal year that he has enjoyed following the show’s premiere. He singled out unique experiences like his recent AFI Award for TV Program of the Year as highlights of his journey — and revealed that at one point, Spielberg even sent him a letter praising the show.
- 4/30/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
You can thank former President Donald Trump for the remarkable rise in TV shows featuring Muslim protagonists – including Hulu’s “Ramy,” Netflix’s “Mo” and Disney+’s “Ms. Marvel,” among others.
Trump’s 2017 executive order banning travel from certain Muslim-majority countries not only fueled the rise of such shows but “led to an unprecedented expansion in [Muslim] representations,” said Evelyn Alsultany, a professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at USC’s Dornsife College and expert on the history of Muslim and Arab representation in the U.S. media.
Shifts in representation often occur in response to a crisis, she said, but this change was dramatic.
“There was something about the Trump presidency that inspired people to act that galvanized not just individuals and organizations but industries like Hollywood,” said Alsultany, whose latest book on the issue is titled “Broken: The Failed Promise of Muslim Inclusion.” “I’ve never seen anything like it before,...
Trump’s 2017 executive order banning travel from certain Muslim-majority countries not only fueled the rise of such shows but “led to an unprecedented expansion in [Muslim] representations,” said Evelyn Alsultany, a professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at USC’s Dornsife College and expert on the history of Muslim and Arab representation in the U.S. media.
Shifts in representation often occur in response to a crisis, she said, but this change was dramatic.
“There was something about the Trump presidency that inspired people to act that galvanized not just individuals and organizations but industries like Hollywood,” said Alsultany, whose latest book on the issue is titled “Broken: The Failed Promise of Muslim Inclusion.” “I’ve never seen anything like it before,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Brenda Gazzar
- The Wrap
Deadline has launched the streaming site for its 2023 Contenders Television award-season event, which wrapped over the weekend after a total of 40 scripted series showed off their wares in front of voters at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles.
Click here to launch the Contenders 2023 streaming site.
The list of panelists was a who’s who of the industry, with attendees across Saturday and Sunday hearing in-person from the likes of Helen Mirren, Eugene Levy, Natasha Lyonne, Betty Gilpin, Riley Keough, Keegan-Michael Key, Kristin Chenoweth, Quinta Brunson, Scott Z. Burns, Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Evan Peters, Niecy Nash-Betts, Wanda Sykes, Kathryn Hahn, Cheryl Strayed, Melanie Lynskey, Joel McHale, Patrick Stewart, Marc Maron, Adam Scott, Damian Lewis, Peter Gould, Maya Rudolph, Taron Egerton, Dennis Lehane, Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, “Weird” Al Yankovic, Bryan Cranston, Mo Amer, Michael Chiklis, Elle Fanning, Kerry Washington, Delroy Lindo and Paddy Considine to name just a few.
Click here to launch the Contenders 2023 streaming site.
The list of panelists was a who’s who of the industry, with attendees across Saturday and Sunday hearing in-person from the likes of Helen Mirren, Eugene Levy, Natasha Lyonne, Betty Gilpin, Riley Keough, Keegan-Michael Key, Kristin Chenoweth, Quinta Brunson, Scott Z. Burns, Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Evan Peters, Niecy Nash-Betts, Wanda Sykes, Kathryn Hahn, Cheryl Strayed, Melanie Lynskey, Joel McHale, Patrick Stewart, Marc Maron, Adam Scott, Damian Lewis, Peter Gould, Maya Rudolph, Taron Egerton, Dennis Lehane, Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, “Weird” Al Yankovic, Bryan Cranston, Mo Amer, Michael Chiklis, Elle Fanning, Kerry Washington, Delroy Lindo and Paddy Considine to name just a few.
- 4/18/2023
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadlines Contenders Television continued its annual weekend event on Sunday, April 16, with talent arrivals at the Director’s Guild of America in Los Angeles. Day 2 of the in-person event features creatives from 20 captivating series taking the stage including Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Zoë Chao, Peter Gould, Taron Egerton, Maya Rudolph, Chris O’Dowd, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Quinta Brunson, Lisa Ann Walter, Andrene Ward-Hammond, Rosie Perez, Hope Davis, Bryan Cranston, Marlee Matlin, Elle Fanning, Mo Amer, Helen Mirren, Wes Bentley, Piper Perabo, Gil Birmingham and Stephen Kay.
Panels from today included American Born Chinese, Party Down, Better Call Saul, Black Bird, Shrinking, Abbott Elementary, Your Honor, Mo, The Great, Yellowstone, House of the Dragon & many more.
Related: Deadline Contenders Television 2023 Arrivals & Panels Gallery: Natasha Lyonne, Dominique Fishback, Ali Wong, Riley Keough, Evan Peters & More
Stay tuned for more galleries and video interviews from Deadline’s 2023 TV awards-season kickoff event.
Panels from today included American Born Chinese, Party Down, Better Call Saul, Black Bird, Shrinking, Abbott Elementary, Your Honor, Mo, The Great, Yellowstone, House of the Dragon & many more.
Related: Deadline Contenders Television 2023 Arrivals & Panels Gallery: Natasha Lyonne, Dominique Fishback, Ali Wong, Riley Keough, Evan Peters & More
Stay tuned for more galleries and video interviews from Deadline’s 2023 TV awards-season kickoff event.
- 4/17/2023
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
Mo star and creator Mo Amer discussed the difficulties and tender vulnerability that comes with addressing his family’s hardships and experiences when he joined Deadline’s Contenders TV event Sunday.
The Netflix comedy-drama series, also co-created with Ramy Youssef, is inspired by Amer’s real-life experiences as a Palestinian refugee in America. The show explores the life of Amer and his family in Houston as they try to attain U.S. citizenship while working odd jobs to stay afloat. Teresa Ruiz, Omar Elba and Tobe Nwigwe also star.
Trying to explain the many nuances of the American legal immigration system, whether on or off screen, certainly has its challenges, something Amer thought long and hard about while penning the series. “Doing something that’s so incredibly personal to you, that’s a scary thing,” Amer said. “It sounds like it might be easy and something that is just in your wheelhouse,...
The Netflix comedy-drama series, also co-created with Ramy Youssef, is inspired by Amer’s real-life experiences as a Palestinian refugee in America. The show explores the life of Amer and his family in Houston as they try to attain U.S. citizenship while working odd jobs to stay afloat. Teresa Ruiz, Omar Elba and Tobe Nwigwe also star.
Trying to explain the many nuances of the American legal immigration system, whether on or off screen, certainly has its challenges, something Amer thought long and hard about while penning the series. “Doing something that’s so incredibly personal to you, that’s a scary thing,” Amer said. “It sounds like it might be easy and something that is just in your wheelhouse,...
- 4/16/2023
- by Destiny Jackson
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline’s Contenders Television, where the top networks and streamers are showing off their wares and Emmy hopefuls, continues Sunday with 20 more panels after a chock-full Saturday featuring some of the best and brightest series this awards season.
Click here to register for and watch the livestream.
After the likes of Riley Keogh, Patrick Stewart, Steven Yeun, Natasha Lyonne, Marc Maron, Wanda Sykes, Kathryn Hahn and Joel McHale took the DGA Theater stage in Los Angeles, Sunday’s lineup is slated to feature appearances by Helen Mirren, Adam Scott, Quinta Brunson, Maya Rudolph, Taron Egerton, Jason Segel, Bryan Cranston, Weird Al Yankovic, Kerry Washington, Elle Fanning, Paddy Considine and many more.
The studios and streamers participating this weekend at our panel extravaganza: Peacock, Prime Video, National Geographic, Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, CBS Studios, Showtime, Fox Entertainment, Paramount+, AMC/AMC+, HBO Max, Starz, Sony Pictures Television, ABC, Roku, Onyx Collective and Disney+.
Click here to register for and watch the livestream.
After the likes of Riley Keogh, Patrick Stewart, Steven Yeun, Natasha Lyonne, Marc Maron, Wanda Sykes, Kathryn Hahn and Joel McHale took the DGA Theater stage in Los Angeles, Sunday’s lineup is slated to feature appearances by Helen Mirren, Adam Scott, Quinta Brunson, Maya Rudolph, Taron Egerton, Jason Segel, Bryan Cranston, Weird Al Yankovic, Kerry Washington, Elle Fanning, Paddy Considine and many more.
The studios and streamers participating this weekend at our panel extravaganza: Peacock, Prime Video, National Geographic, Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, CBS Studios, Showtime, Fox Entertainment, Paramount+, AMC/AMC+, HBO Max, Starz, Sony Pictures Television, ABC, Roku, Onyx Collective and Disney+.
- 4/16/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
“Lana,” hosted by Journalist Rawaa Augé, is a new Arabic-language podcast tackling issues that impact Arab youth
Doha Debates, an organization focused on bringing people together around global topics through live debates, town halls, podcasts, films and more, today released its first Arabic-language podcast, Lana.
The podcast, hosted by former France 24 Arabic presenter and Al Jazeera journalist Rawaa Augé, tackles questions for young Arabs in culture today, including: Is the Internet a healthy debate space? Is the Arabic language evolving? and, Has cancel culture gone too far? Augé and her guests will also address beauty standards, mental health issues, and the complexities of immigration and asylum. The trailer for the Arabic-language podcast is here.
“Lana”—the Arabic word for “ours”—debuted at the two-day TEDinArabicSummit in mid-March and can be heard now at DohaDebates.com/podcasts and on most major podcast platforms. It is produced in partnership between Doha Debates...
Doha Debates, an organization focused on bringing people together around global topics through live debates, town halls, podcasts, films and more, today released its first Arabic-language podcast, Lana.
The podcast, hosted by former France 24 Arabic presenter and Al Jazeera journalist Rawaa Augé, tackles questions for young Arabs in culture today, including: Is the Internet a healthy debate space? Is the Arabic language evolving? and, Has cancel culture gone too far? Augé and her guests will also address beauty standards, mental health issues, and the complexities of immigration and asylum. The trailer for the Arabic-language podcast is here.
“Lana”—the Arabic word for “ours”—debuted at the two-day TEDinArabicSummit in mid-March and can be heard now at DohaDebates.com/podcasts and on most major podcast platforms. It is produced in partnership between Doha Debates...
- 3/27/2023
- Podnews.net
Everything Everywhere All at Once won big at this year’s Independent Spirit Awards, taking home seven awards out of eight nominations. The only award it didn’t win was, interestingly enough, one it did win, as Ke Huy Quan beat Jamie Lee Curtis in the Best Supporting Performance category.
Here are the winners of winners of the 38th Independent Spirit Awards:
Movies:
Best Feature:
Bones and All
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Our Father, The Devil
Tár
Women Talking
Best Director:
Todd Field, Tár
Kogonada, After Yang
Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Sarah Polley, Women Talking
Halina Reijn, Bodies Bodies Bodies
Best First Feature:
Aftersun
Emily the Criminal
The Inspection
Murina
Palm Trees and Power Lines
Best Lead Performance:
Cate Blanchett, Tár
Dale Dickey, A Love Song
Mia Goth, Pearl
Regina Hall, Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.
Paul Mescal, Aftersun
Aubrey Plaza, Emily the Criminal
Jeremy Pope,...
Here are the winners of winners of the 38th Independent Spirit Awards:
Movies:
Best Feature:
Bones and All
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Our Father, The Devil
Tár
Women Talking
Best Director:
Todd Field, Tár
Kogonada, After Yang
Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Sarah Polley, Women Talking
Halina Reijn, Bodies Bodies Bodies
Best First Feature:
Aftersun
Emily the Criminal
The Inspection
Murina
Palm Trees and Power Lines
Best Lead Performance:
Cate Blanchett, Tár
Dale Dickey, A Love Song
Mia Goth, Pearl
Regina Hall, Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.
Paul Mescal, Aftersun
Aubrey Plaza, Emily the Criminal
Jeremy Pope,...
- 3/5/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
The award for best performance in a new scripted series at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards went to Quinta Brunson for her role in Abbott Elementary.
“I feel like the least independent person here because of having wonderful supporters like Warner Bros., who’s in the room tonight, and ABC and Disney — the big bad one,” the actress said in her acceptance speech at Saturday’s ceremony, drawing laughter from the audience for the latter comment. She also expressed gratitude for the series’ cast and crew, “because of the spirit of my show and all that goes into it. We have a bunch of people … who come from making things out of nothing. And my show, Abbot Elementary, is made by people who make something out of nothing every day. We just got very fortunate to be supported by the studios and networks that we’re supported by, but we have that spirit.
“I feel like the least independent person here because of having wonderful supporters like Warner Bros., who’s in the room tonight, and ABC and Disney — the big bad one,” the actress said in her acceptance speech at Saturday’s ceremony, drawing laughter from the audience for the latter comment. She also expressed gratitude for the series’ cast and crew, “because of the spirit of my show and all that goes into it. We have a bunch of people … who come from making things out of nothing. And my show, Abbot Elementary, is made by people who make something out of nothing every day. We just got very fortunate to be supported by the studios and networks that we’re supported by, but we have that spirit.
- 3/5/2023
- by Christy Piña and Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hasan Minhaj took his talents to the beach on Saturday for the first time as the host for the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards.
“For those of you wondering, I am definitely not making as much as Jerrod Carmichael made when he hosted the Golden Globes,” Minhaj kicked off his opening monologue. “Not even close. I am literally making 1/1000 of what he made. They just handed me a Starbucks gift card, and they were like, ‘Hey man, just use what’s left on it.'”
He went on to joke that instead of broadcasting the Spirit Awards ceremony like it does every year, IFC chose to air Semi-Pro, a movie that, Minhaj said, lost money at the box office and has a 22 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
The comedian then switched his focus to Hollywood’s A-listers, who made their way to Santa Monica for the daytime awards show.
“When you all told...
“For those of you wondering, I am definitely not making as much as Jerrod Carmichael made when he hosted the Golden Globes,” Minhaj kicked off his opening monologue. “Not even close. I am literally making 1/1000 of what he made. They just handed me a Starbucks gift card, and they were like, ‘Hey man, just use what’s left on it.'”
He went on to joke that instead of broadcasting the Spirit Awards ceremony like it does every year, IFC chose to air Semi-Pro, a movie that, Minhaj said, lost money at the box office and has a 22 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
The comedian then switched his focus to Hollywood’s A-listers, who made their way to Santa Monica for the daytime awards show.
“When you all told...
- 3/4/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
You can argue that Hasan Minhaj is a master at working a crowd — the two-time Peabody Award winner hosted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2017, helmed the weekly show Patriot Act from 2018 to 2020 and toured his one-man show Homecoming King nationwide before filming it as a Netflix special. But this March, he is looking to unlock new hosting skills as he emcees the Film Independent Spirit Awards for the first time. This year’s event recognizes a characteristically wide breadth of nominees: Awards-season staples are joined by smaller films that missed deserved nods from other awards bodies, like Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul and Bodies Bodies Bodies.
Ahead of the gig, THR caught up with Minhaj to discuss the nominees, what he intends to bring to the stage and the other projects he has coming up.
Was hosting the Spirit Awards an immediate “yes” for you?
[The hosts are] always so funny...
Ahead of the gig, THR caught up with Minhaj to discuss the nominees, what he intends to bring to the stage and the other projects he has coming up.
Was hosting the Spirit Awards an immediate “yes” for you?
[The hosts are] always so funny...
- 3/3/2023
- by Hilton Dresden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Everything Everywhere All at Once won the top prize at the 2023 PGA Awards.
Other winners at the Producers Guild of America awards ceremony Saturday night include Navalny, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, The Bear and The White Lotus.
Daveed Diggs kicked off the show with opening comments. Pinocchio was the first winner of the night, presented by Hacks‘ Hannah Einbinder, as del Toro noted it was “a fantastic year for animation, every artist in this category is trying to push it,” once again emphasizing that animation is an art form for audiences beyond children.
B.J. Novak presented the Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television to Mindy Kaling, recalling their early days together at The Office and their careers since. “She knows a lot about producing now but she was great at it even before she did, because she’s a great producer for the same reason that many people, including her,...
Other winners at the Producers Guild of America awards ceremony Saturday night include Navalny, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, The Bear and The White Lotus.
Daveed Diggs kicked off the show with opening comments. Pinocchio was the first winner of the night, presented by Hacks‘ Hannah Einbinder, as del Toro noted it was “a fantastic year for animation, every artist in this category is trying to push it,” once again emphasizing that animation is an art form for audiences beyond children.
B.J. Novak presented the Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television to Mindy Kaling, recalling their early days together at The Office and their careers since. “She knows a lot about producing now but she was great at it even before she did, because she’s a great producer for the same reason that many people, including her,...
- 2/26/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Producers Guild of America has revealed the presenters lineup for the 34th annual PGA Awards, to be held on Saturday at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
Notable Hollywood leaders will take the stage to present throughout the evening to spotlight this year’s top producing talent. They include Angela Bassett, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Austin Butler, Billy Eichner, Bob Odenkirk, Brendan Fraser, Cate Blanchett, Danielle Deadwyler, Dave Burd, Diego Luna, Eugenio Derbez, Hannah Einbinder, Hong Chau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jay Ellis, Kate Hudson, Ke Huy Quan, Kerry Condon, Leslie Odom, Jr., Michelle Williams, Michelle Yeoh, Mo Amer, Monica Barbaro, Nicole Byer, Paul Dano, Robert Rodriguez, Ron Howard, Sacha Baron Cohen, Sandra Oh, Sherry Lansing, and Stephanie Hsu.
The PGA Awards celebrate the producers behind the best films, television series, and new media projects of the year. Widely known as a reliable bellwether for the Best Picture category at the Oscars,...
Notable Hollywood leaders will take the stage to present throughout the evening to spotlight this year’s top producing talent. They include Angela Bassett, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Austin Butler, Billy Eichner, Bob Odenkirk, Brendan Fraser, Cate Blanchett, Danielle Deadwyler, Dave Burd, Diego Luna, Eugenio Derbez, Hannah Einbinder, Hong Chau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jay Ellis, Kate Hudson, Ke Huy Quan, Kerry Condon, Leslie Odom, Jr., Michelle Williams, Michelle Yeoh, Mo Amer, Monica Barbaro, Nicole Byer, Paul Dano, Robert Rodriguez, Ron Howard, Sacha Baron Cohen, Sandra Oh, Sherry Lansing, and Stephanie Hsu.
The PGA Awards celebrate the producers behind the best films, television series, and new media projects of the year. Widely known as a reliable bellwether for the Best Picture category at the Oscars,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Austin Butler, Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh and Brendan Fraser Among Presenters for 2023 PGA Awards
The Producers Guild Awards stage will be filled with some of the year’s biggest stars, who will be presenters at Saturday night’s awards show.
Austin Butler, Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Billy Eichner, Bob Odenkirk, Cate Blanchett, Danielle Deadwyler, Diego Luna, Eugenio Derbez, Hong Chau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kate Hudson, Ke Huy Quan, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Sandra Oh and Stephanie Hsu will take the stage to present throughout the evening.
Other notable stars who will spotlight this year’s top producing talent include Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Dave Burd, Hannah Einbinder, Jay Ellis, Kerry Condon, Mo Amer, Monica Barbaro, Nicole Byer, Robert Rodriguez, Ron Howard, Sacha Baron Cohen, Sherry Lansing and more.
Every year, the PGA Awards gather acclaimed producers, industry leaders and teams to celebrate the year’s biggest producers behind the top films, television series and other media projects.
The top prize of...
Austin Butler, Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Billy Eichner, Bob Odenkirk, Cate Blanchett, Danielle Deadwyler, Diego Luna, Eugenio Derbez, Hong Chau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kate Hudson, Ke Huy Quan, Leslie Odom Jr., Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Sandra Oh and Stephanie Hsu will take the stage to present throughout the evening.
Other notable stars who will spotlight this year’s top producing talent include Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Dave Burd, Hannah Einbinder, Jay Ellis, Kerry Condon, Mo Amer, Monica Barbaro, Nicole Byer, Robert Rodriguez, Ron Howard, Sacha Baron Cohen, Sherry Lansing and more.
Every year, the PGA Awards gather acclaimed producers, industry leaders and teams to celebrate the year’s biggest producers behind the top films, television series and other media projects.
The top prize of...
- 2/24/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) revealed the group of Hollywood leaders that will present at the upcoming awards ceremony.
PGA announced a star-studded slate of presenters, including Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”); Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”); Austin Butler (“Elvis”); Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis, Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All At Once”); Paul Dano and Michelle Williams (“The Fabelmans”); Jay Ellis and Monica Barbaro (“Top Gun”); Hong Chau and Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”); Kate Hudson and Leslie Odom, Jr. (“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”); Cate Blanchett (“Tár”); Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”); as well as Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Billy Eichner, Bob Odenkirk, Dave Burd, Diego Luna, Eugenio Derbez, Hannah Einbinder, Mo Amer, Nicole Byer, Robert Rodriguez, Ron Howard, Sacha Baron Cohen, Sandra Oh, Sherry Lansing and many more.
The ceremony will also honor Tom Cruise with the David O. Selznick Award, Mindy Kaling with the Norman Lear Award,...
PGA announced a star-studded slate of presenters, including Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”); Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”); Austin Butler (“Elvis”); Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis, Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All At Once”); Paul Dano and Michelle Williams (“The Fabelmans”); Jay Ellis and Monica Barbaro (“Top Gun”); Hong Chau and Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”); Kate Hudson and Leslie Odom, Jr. (“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”); Cate Blanchett (“Tár”); Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”); as well as Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Billy Eichner, Bob Odenkirk, Dave Burd, Diego Luna, Eugenio Derbez, Hannah Einbinder, Mo Amer, Nicole Byer, Robert Rodriguez, Ron Howard, Sacha Baron Cohen, Sandra Oh, Sherry Lansing and many more.
The ceremony will also honor Tom Cruise with the David O. Selznick Award, Mindy Kaling with the Norman Lear Award,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay, Julia MacCary, Katie Reul and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
The Red Sea International Film Festival (Red Sea Iff) has confirmed the third edition will take place from 30 November – 9 December 2023 in Jeddah, nestled on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. The second edition, was widely applauded for significantly expanding the industry and events program alongside presenting 143 films from 66 countries to 39,410 filmgoers and 4,345 film professionals, media and students, with an overall percentage capacity increase of 12.
The 2022 Festival showcased seven new Saudi feature films and 16 short films from an exciting wave of filmmakers, demonstrating the flourishing local industry and innovative filmmakers responsible for driving and bringing an exciting new vibrancy to Saudi cinema.
Shining a light on films from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia, and Africa, the Festival’s film competition saw Academy Award-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone at the helm and along with his fellow jurors, present 13 Yusr Awards to recognise the highest achievements in storytelling. The Golden Yusr for...
The 2022 Festival showcased seven new Saudi feature films and 16 short films from an exciting wave of filmmakers, demonstrating the flourishing local industry and innovative filmmakers responsible for driving and bringing an exciting new vibrancy to Saudi cinema.
Shining a light on films from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Asia, and Africa, the Festival’s film competition saw Academy Award-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone at the helm and along with his fellow jurors, present 13 Yusr Awards to recognise the highest achievements in storytelling. The Golden Yusr for...
- 2/8/2023
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer will host of the next season of the televised debate series Doha Debates.
The series is an entertaining, educational tool funded by the non-profit Qatar Foundation.
Filmed in front of a live studio audience in Qatar’s Education City, each episode of the Doha Debates show will feature a monologue by Amer followed by discussions of timely events and global issues with celebrities and expert guests.
To produce the new season, Doha Debates has joined forces with Film 45, with Emmy-winning “Oprah Winfrey Show” producer Katy Davis serving as the Doha Debates showrunner and executive producer.
Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
“Mo,” which will be returning to Netflix for a second season, is considered a cultural milestone for centering its narrative around his experience as a Palestinian refugee in Texas. The show has a large audience in the Arab world besides being popular in the U.
The series is an entertaining, educational tool funded by the non-profit Qatar Foundation.
Filmed in front of a live studio audience in Qatar’s Education City, each episode of the Doha Debates show will feature a monologue by Amer followed by discussions of timely events and global issues with celebrities and expert guests.
To produce the new season, Doha Debates has joined forces with Film 45, with Emmy-winning “Oprah Winfrey Show” producer Katy Davis serving as the Doha Debates showrunner and executive producer.
Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
“Mo,” which will be returning to Netflix for a second season, is considered a cultural milestone for centering its narrative around his experience as a Palestinian refugee in Texas. The show has a large audience in the Arab world besides being popular in the U.
- 1/18/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood’s biggest names in film and television returned to the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills for a celebration of the American Film Institute’s picks of the year’s top 10 offerings from those media.
The ballroom for the AFI Awards luncheon was crowded with top executives like Disney’s Bob Iger and Dana Walden, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, WB TV’s Channing Dungey, FX’s John Landgraf, Universal’s Donna Langley, Warners’ Pam Abdy and Michael DeLuca, Apple’s Eddy Cue, AppleTV+’s Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg and Participant’s David Linde; filmmakers and creators including The Fabelmans’ Steven Spielberg, Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson, Avatar: The Way of Water’s James Cameron, The White Lotus’ Mike White, Nope’s Jordan Peele and Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski; and stars such as Nope’s Daniel Kaluuya, The Woman King’s Viola Davis,...
The ballroom for the AFI Awards luncheon was crowded with top executives like Disney’s Bob Iger and Dana Walden, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, WB TV’s Channing Dungey, FX’s John Landgraf, Universal’s Donna Langley, Warners’ Pam Abdy and Michael DeLuca, Apple’s Eddy Cue, AppleTV+’s Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg and Participant’s David Linde; filmmakers and creators including The Fabelmans’ Steven Spielberg, Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson, Avatar: The Way of Water’s James Cameron, The White Lotus’ Mike White, Nope’s Jordan Peele and Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski; and stars such as Nope’s Daniel Kaluuya, The Woman King’s Viola Davis,...
- 1/14/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix has decided to air a little bit more of Mo. The comedy series, created by comedians Mo Amer and Ramy Youssef, has been renewed for a second and final season on the streaming service.
Starring Amer, Teresa Ruiz, Farah Bsieso, Omar Elba, and Tobe Nwigwe, the series follows a Palestinian refugee (Amer) on his journey to asylum in the US. The first season of eight episodes arrived on August 24th. A premiere date for the final episodes will be announced in the future.
Read More…...
Starring Amer, Teresa Ruiz, Farah Bsieso, Omar Elba, and Tobe Nwigwe, the series follows a Palestinian refugee (Amer) on his journey to asylum in the US. The first season of eight episodes arrived on August 24th. A premiere date for the final episodes will be announced in the future.
Read More…...
- 1/13/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Netflix has renewed its comedy Mo for a second season — but it will also be the show’s last.
Ending after two seasons is by design: The second installment will wrap up Palestinian refugee Mo Najjar’s (co-creator and star Mo Amer) journey to gain asylum in Houston.
“I’m thankful to continue to tell a universal story of struggle that relates to so many refugees and millions of underrepresented humans trying to be seen around the globe, and to be able to bring the people who loved and rooted for Mo Najjar along for the ride as we close this chapter of his story,” Amer said in a statement.
Mo, which Amer co-created with Ramy Youssef, premiered in August 2022 to widespread critical praise. Above all else, Mo allows [the title character] to just be himself — and it’s that self-assured voice that makes the series such a treat to watch,” The Hollywood Reporter critic Angie Han wrote.
Ending after two seasons is by design: The second installment will wrap up Palestinian refugee Mo Najjar’s (co-creator and star Mo Amer) journey to gain asylum in Houston.
“I’m thankful to continue to tell a universal story of struggle that relates to so many refugees and millions of underrepresented humans trying to be seen around the globe, and to be able to bring the people who loved and rooted for Mo Najjar along for the ride as we close this chapter of his story,” Amer said in a statement.
Mo, which Amer co-created with Ramy Youssef, premiered in August 2022 to widespread critical praise. Above all else, Mo allows [the title character] to just be himself — and it’s that self-assured voice that makes the series such a treat to watch,” The Hollywood Reporter critic Angie Han wrote.
- 1/12/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Good news: Mo has been renewed for a second season at Netflix.
Bad news: Season 2 will be its last.
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The streaming giant has renewed the critically acclaimed series for a final season, TVLine has learned. The news comes nearly five months after the release of Season 1, which dropped in its entirety on Aug. 24.
The bittersweet announcement comes...
Bad news: Season 2 will be its last.
More from TVLineReese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher Team on Netflix's Your Place or Mine -- Watch Rom-Com TrailerSAG Awards 2023: Ozark's Final Season Leads TV Nominations -- See Full ListGolden Globes: Dahmer's Evan Peters Wins Best Actor in a Limited Series
The streaming giant has renewed the critically acclaimed series for a final season, TVLine has learned. The news comes nearly five months after the release of Season 1, which dropped in its entirety on Aug. 24.
The bittersweet announcement comes...
- 1/12/2023
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
“Mo” has been renewed for Season 2 at Netflix, which will also be the show’s final season, Variety has learned. The single-camera comedy debuted its first season on the streaming service in August 2022.
“I’m thankful to continue to tell a universal story of struggle that relates to so many refugees and millions of under-represented humans trying to be seen around the globe and to be able to bring the people who loved and rooted for Mo Najjar along for the ride as we close this chapter of his story,” said Mo Amer, series star, co-creator, and executive producer.
Amer stars as a fictionalized version of himself in the show. Per the official synopsis, “Mo Najjar straddles the line between two cultures, three languages and a ton of bulls–t as a Palestinian refugee living one step away from obtaining asylum in the U.S. His family — including his resilient...
“I’m thankful to continue to tell a universal story of struggle that relates to so many refugees and millions of under-represented humans trying to be seen around the globe and to be able to bring the people who loved and rooted for Mo Najjar along for the ride as we close this chapter of his story,” said Mo Amer, series star, co-creator, and executive producer.
Amer stars as a fictionalized version of himself in the show. Per the official synopsis, “Mo Najjar straddles the line between two cultures, three languages and a ton of bulls–t as a Palestinian refugee living one step away from obtaining asylum in the U.S. His family — including his resilient...
- 1/12/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has renewed Mo for Season 2,. It will be the praised comedy series last, brining Mo Najjar’s journey for asylum to a conclusion.
Co-created and executive produced by Mo Amer, who stars in the titular role, and Ramy Youssef, Mo is inspired by Amer’s life. It follows Mo Najjar (Amer), who straddles the line between two cultures, three languages and a ton of bullsh*t as a Palestinian refugee living one step away from obtaining asylum in the U.S. His family — including his resilient mother and hilariously unfiltered brother — flee to Houston, Texas. Mo deftly adapts to his new world, but it’s tough to get ahead when you’re tied up in red tape.
“I’m thankful to continue to tell a universal story of struggle that relates to so many refugees and millions of under-represented humans trying to be seen around the globe and...
Co-created and executive produced by Mo Amer, who stars in the titular role, and Ramy Youssef, Mo is inspired by Amer’s life. It follows Mo Najjar (Amer), who straddles the line between two cultures, three languages and a ton of bullsh*t as a Palestinian refugee living one step away from obtaining asylum in the U.S. His family — including his resilient mother and hilariously unfiltered brother — flee to Houston, Texas. Mo deftly adapts to his new world, but it’s tough to get ahead when you’re tied up in red tape.
“I’m thankful to continue to tell a universal story of struggle that relates to so many refugees and millions of under-represented humans trying to be seen around the globe and...
- 1/12/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Mo Amer took inspiration from his own life for his Netflix comedy series Mo, co-created by Ramy Youssef, which follows a Palestinian refugee seeking asylum and U.S. citizenship in Houston. The series premiered in August on the streamer and quickly received acclaim for being one of the first American TV series to feature a Palestinian-American refugee protagonist. It also scored a Gotham Award for Breakthrough Series Under 40 Minutes.
Related Story Stand-Up Comedian Mo Amer Talks Career And Potential Second Season Of Netflix Comedy ‘Mo’: "Ask Netflix I Don’t Know What’s Going On" — Red Sea Film Festival Related Story Oscar-Contending Short 'The Elephant Whisperers' Centers On Indigenous Indian Couple And Their Sizeable Family Related Story 'Harry and Meghan': Duke Of Sussex Claims Palace Issued Joint False Statement & Says William "Screamed And Shouted" At Him
The first episode, titled “Hamoodi,” is the latest installment of It Starts on the Page,...
Related Story Stand-Up Comedian Mo Amer Talks Career And Potential Second Season Of Netflix Comedy ‘Mo’: "Ask Netflix I Don’t Know What’s Going On" — Red Sea Film Festival Related Story Oscar-Contending Short 'The Elephant Whisperers' Centers On Indigenous Indian Couple And Their Sizeable Family Related Story 'Harry and Meghan': Duke Of Sussex Claims Palace Issued Joint False Statement & Says William "Screamed And Shouted" At Him
The first episode, titled “Hamoodi,” is the latest installment of It Starts on the Page,...
- 12/15/2022
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The best shows of 2022 didn’t just tell compelling stories or introduce likable characters — they built entire worlds.
Some were clearly fantastical ones, like the sci-fi corporate hell that was Severance. Some transported us to eras or locations rarely depicted in American pop culture, like the Korean generational saga Pachinko. Still others took as their setting a mundane reality and dug deeper to find the specific joys or pains buried within them, à la Somebody Somewhere. A few expanded existing universes, like Better Call Saul has done for Breaking Bad. At least one, The Rehearsal, invented new realities for itself as it went along, only to collapse them all in disorienting, sometimes disturbing fashion.
Collectively, these series transported us beyond the here and now, and in doing so offered ways to better understand ourselves and the people and communities around us — all while...
The best shows of 2022 didn’t just tell compelling stories or introduce likable characters — they built entire worlds.
Some were clearly fantastical ones, like the sci-fi corporate hell that was Severance. Some transported us to eras or locations rarely depicted in American pop culture, like the Korean generational saga Pachinko. Still others took as their setting a mundane reality and dug deeper to find the specific joys or pains buried within them, à la Somebody Somewhere. A few expanded existing universes, like Better Call Saul has done for Breaking Bad. At least one, The Rehearsal, invented new realities for itself as it went along, only to collapse them all in disorienting, sometimes disturbing fashion.
Collectively, these series transported us beyond the here and now, and in doing so offered ways to better understand ourselves and the people and communities around us — all while...
- 12/15/2022
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Johnny Knoxville (Reboot), Mo Amer (Mo) and Kate Upton (The Other Woman) will topline the indie comedy Sweet Dreams, from writer-director Lije Sarki. Additional cast set for the pic includes actor-comedians Bobby Lee (Reservation Dogs), Theo Von and Jay Mohr (The Cleaning Lady), as well as GaTa (Dave), Brian Van Holt (Joe vs. Carole), Jon “Dumbfoundead” Park (Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens), Adam Faison (Hellraiser) and Shakewell.
Drawing on Sarki’s personal experience with sobriety, Sweet Dreams follows Morris (Knoxville) as he navigates his way through a mandatory stay at Sweet Dreams sober living. In an attempt to get his life back on track, Morris agrees to coach a misfit softball team of his fellow housemates. Amer is playing Pete, who runs the sober living, with Upton portraying one of the facility’s residents.
1993’s Sarki is producing alongside Robert Ogden Barnum for The Barnum Picture Company, Ari Basile,...
Drawing on Sarki’s personal experience with sobriety, Sweet Dreams follows Morris (Knoxville) as he navigates his way through a mandatory stay at Sweet Dreams sober living. In an attempt to get his life back on track, Morris agrees to coach a misfit softball team of his fellow housemates. Amer is playing Pete, who runs the sober living, with Upton portraying one of the facility’s residents.
1993’s Sarki is producing alongside Robert Ogden Barnum for The Barnum Picture Company, Ari Basile,...
- 12/13/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2023 Independent Spirit Awards television nominations were announced Tuesday, December 13, three weeks after the corresponding film contenders were revealed. This is the third year that Film Independent will be honoring small screen programs and performers alongside movie creatives. Scroll down to see the full list of nominees for the 2023 TV Indie Spirits.
This year, the Best New Series (Scripted and Non-Scripted) and Best TV Ensemble Cast Spirit Awards categories remain intact, but the two individual TV acting ones have been overhauled. During today’s announcement, Film Independent President Josh Welsh said the organization hopes “to better reflect the diversity of incredible work being created” by establishing its gender-neutral Best Lead and Supporting TV Performance categories. 10 nominees are vying for each of these two awards, whereas only five apiece competed annually in the now-retired male and female categories.
The cast of Apple TV+’s “Pachinko” have already been named the 2023 Independent...
This year, the Best New Series (Scripted and Non-Scripted) and Best TV Ensemble Cast Spirit Awards categories remain intact, but the two individual TV acting ones have been overhauled. During today’s announcement, Film Independent President Josh Welsh said the organization hopes “to better reflect the diversity of incredible work being created” by establishing its gender-neutral Best Lead and Supporting TV Performance categories. 10 nominees are vying for each of these two awards, whereas only five apiece competed annually in the now-retired male and female categories.
The cast of Apple TV+’s “Pachinko” have already been named the 2023 Independent...
- 12/13/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Film Independent has revealed the television nominations for the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which this year have gone gender-neutral, just like its film colleagues. As revealed online Tuesday morning by Asia Kate Dillon (“Billions“), the annoncement included a winner: Apple TV+’s “Pachinko” won for best new ensemble cast, including Soji Arai, Jin Ha, Inji Jeong, Minha Kim, Kaho Minami, Lee Minho, Steve Sanghyun Noh, Anna Sawai, Jimmi Simpson and Yuh-jung Youn.
Overall, leading the nominees were ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” FX’s “The Bear,” Apple TV+’s “Severance” and HBO Max’s “Severance,” all tied with three nods each.
“As the television landscape continues to evolve, and independent artists expand the idea of how stories can be told, we’re proud to be changing with them,” said Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent. “With our new categories and gender-neutral acting awards, we hope to better reflect the diversity of...
Overall, leading the nominees were ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” FX’s “The Bear,” Apple TV+’s “Severance” and HBO Max’s “Severance,” all tied with three nods each.
“As the television landscape continues to evolve, and independent artists expand the idea of how stories can be told, we’re proud to be changing with them,” said Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent. “With our new categories and gender-neutral acting awards, we hope to better reflect the diversity of...
- 12/13/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
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