Reflecting on her career, Lena Waithe says, “I think about legacy a lot.” The writer-producer-actor, whose body of work includes creating Showtime drama The Chi and BET’s Twenties, has been on a steady upward trajectory since winning a primetime Emmy Award in 2017 for outstanding writing on Netflix’s Master of None. But for Waithe, success raised questions about where she was headed. “I didn’t know what I was actually trying to build. I wanted to have real agency over my career, but it was also not just about me, it’s about who I can work with.”
Together with Rishi Rajani, a studio exec who honed his skills at 20th Century Fox, UTA, Paradigm, and Studio 8, Waithe has created a multi-platform entertainment company that accomplishes both. At Hillman Grad Productions, Waithe and Rishi develop projects that often go against the industry grain, while also hiring up-and-coming talent...
Together with Rishi Rajani, a studio exec who honed his skills at 20th Century Fox, UTA, Paradigm, and Studio 8, Waithe has created a multi-platform entertainment company that accomplishes both. At Hillman Grad Productions, Waithe and Rishi develop projects that often go against the industry grain, while also hiring up-and-coming talent...
- 5/19/2024
- by Carita Rizzo
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Global may be a direct competitor, but NBCUniversal Studio group chairman and chief content officer Donna Langley will be disappointed if the media giant goes away.
“It’s sad,” Langley said at the Kering Women in Motion talk at the Cannes Film Festival, noting that a sale of Paramount means there will be fewer Hollywood studios. “These companies have been great and I’m a big believer in this competitive landscape — kind of ‘all boats will rise. There’s enough to go around.’ I like having healthy competitors; it’s much more fun and interesting and it’s just best for the business.”
Paramount has been entertaining offers in recent months, with companies like Skydance and Sony circling the studio. Langley is hopeful that the deal will be finished by the end of the year. “It’s enough already reading about this,” she said. “No one really knows what’s happening.
“It’s sad,” Langley said at the Kering Women in Motion talk at the Cannes Film Festival, noting that a sale of Paramount means there will be fewer Hollywood studios. “These companies have been great and I’m a big believer in this competitive landscape — kind of ‘all boats will rise. There’s enough to go around.’ I like having healthy competitors; it’s much more fun and interesting and it’s just best for the business.”
Paramount has been entertaining offers in recent months, with companies like Skydance and Sony circling the studio. Langley is hopeful that the deal will be finished by the end of the year. “It’s enough already reading about this,” she said. “No one really knows what’s happening.
- 5/18/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Jane Schoenbrun’s “I Saw The TV Glow,” out in limited theaters now, is about teenagers Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) and Owen (Justice Smith), who bond over a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”-style TV show, “The Pink Opaque.” As they continue to get more into the lore of the television show, the edges blur between the reality of their lives and “The Pink Opaque.”
Schoenbrun has described “Buffy” as a pivotal show for them while they were growing up, so creating their version of that felt like giving their 13-year-old self a gift. So getting “The Pink Opaque” just right was monumental.
The premise of “The Pink Opaque,” like most ’90s shows, is perfectly silly and immediately nostalgic. Isabel (Helena Howard) and Tara (Snail Mail’s Lindsay Jordan) meet at summer camp and realize they have an ancient, psychic connection. When camp ends, the two are able to meet on a...
Schoenbrun has described “Buffy” as a pivotal show for them while they were growing up, so creating their version of that felt like giving their 13-year-old self a gift. So getting “The Pink Opaque” just right was monumental.
The premise of “The Pink Opaque,” like most ’90s shows, is perfectly silly and immediately nostalgic. Isabel (Helena Howard) and Tara (Snail Mail’s Lindsay Jordan) meet at summer camp and realize they have an ancient, psychic connection. When camp ends, the two are able to meet on a...
- 5/9/2024
- by Kerensa Cadenas
- Indiewire
One more video recap to enjoy as a last look back at the movies of 2023. Vietnamese film critic Nguyên Lê has revealed his Cinema Montage 2023 video, featuring a look at his Top 25 Best Films from last year (+ 2 extras). Oppenheimer won the Academy Award for Best Picture a few weeks ago, ending the 2023 awards season. Though that doesn't mean we can't still continue to celebrate all the great movies from last year. His video features many of my personal 2023 favorites as well, including: A Thousand and One, American Fiction, Godzilla: Minus One, Past Lives, Perfect Days, The Promised Land, and The Taste of Things. Plus other underrated gems like Polite Society, Sleep, Monster, Knock at the Cabin, Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. The video comes in under 3 minutes and is a wonderfully short and sweet reminder of all the beauty cinema offers us every year.
- 3/19/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Teyana Taylor had a breakout year as an actress last year, starring in “The Book of Clarence,” “White Men Can’t Jump,” and most notably her Film Independent Spirit Award-nominated performance in the brilliant “A Thousand and One.” But the R&b star is now making the leap to feature film director.
Taylor is set to make her feature directorial debut on a film called “Get Lite” that is now in development at Paramount Pictures, an individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire. She’s cast Storm Reid in the lead role.
Reid is also producing the film through her production banner A Seed & Wings Productions, and she’ll be producing alongside “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris via his Khalabo Ink Society. Taylor is executive producing.
“Get Lite” is the story of a studious New York City teenager who has his world upended when he falls for a charismatic beatmaker...
Taylor is set to make her feature directorial debut on a film called “Get Lite” that is now in development at Paramount Pictures, an individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire. She’s cast Storm Reid in the lead role.
Reid is also producing the film through her production banner A Seed & Wings Productions, and she’ll be producing alongside “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris via his Khalabo Ink Society. Taylor is executive producing.
“Get Lite” is the story of a studious New York City teenager who has his world upended when he falls for a charismatic beatmaker...
- 3/18/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Storm Reid is attached to star in Teyana Taylor’s directorial debut Get Lite, which is in development at Paramount Pictures. Reid will also produce through her banner, A Seed & Wings Productions, alongside Kenya Barris and his Khalabo Ink Society.
Along with Barris and Reid, the film will be produced by Bill Karesh through Offbrnd, Robyn Simpson through A Seed & Wings Productions and Anni Weisband. Additionally, Taylor will executive produce with Coco Gilbert serving as co-producer. Eric Gross will pen the script.
The film follows a studious New York City teenager who has his world upended when he falls for a charismatic beatmaker (played by Reid) who recruits him to join her Litefeet dance crew, forcing him to choose between a safe academic path and his rekindled love of dance.
For Taylor, a Harlem native who first made a name for herself working as a choreographer and dancer,...
Along with Barris and Reid, the film will be produced by Bill Karesh through Offbrnd, Robyn Simpson through A Seed & Wings Productions and Anni Weisband. Additionally, Taylor will executive produce with Coco Gilbert serving as co-producer. Eric Gross will pen the script.
The film follows a studious New York City teenager who has his world upended when he falls for a charismatic beatmaker (played by Reid) who recruits him to join her Litefeet dance crew, forcing him to choose between a safe academic path and his rekindled love of dance.
For Taylor, a Harlem native who first made a name for herself working as a choreographer and dancer,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Canadian drama Brother won the 55th NAACP Image Award prize for outstanding international motion picture on Thursday night (March 14) as the advocacy group for Black America handed out its latest round of honours.
The film, directed and written by Clement Virgo and winner last year of 12 Canadian Screen Awards, had already been named outstanding independent film by the group, whose awards are being presented over five nights culminating in a televised ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday (March 15).
Ava DuVernay was revealed as winner of the group’s outstanding directing in a motion picture award for Origin and Cord Jefferson,...
The film, directed and written by Clement Virgo and winner last year of 12 Canadian Screen Awards, had already been named outstanding independent film by the group, whose awards are being presented over five nights culminating in a televised ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday (March 15).
Ava DuVernay was revealed as winner of the group’s outstanding directing in a motion picture award for Origin and Cord Jefferson,...
- 3/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
The next Paul Thomas Anderson movie has a release date.
While announcing several calendar placements for its upcoming theatrical slate, Warner Bros. revealed on Tuesday that Anderson’s untitled project starring Leonardo DiCaprio will arrive in theaters (including IMAX venues) on August 8, 2025.
Little is officially known about Anderson’s new movie, other than its cast: DiCaprio, Sean Penn, “Licorice Pizza” breakout Alana Haim, “A Thousand and One” star Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall. Unofficially, however, the film has a reported budget north of $115 million, according to Variety. There has also been broad and unconfirmed speculation that the untitled feature is at least partially inspired or based on Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel “Vineland.” That book was set in the mid-1980s, although it’s unclear if Anderson’s potential take on the material would follow its same timeline. (Anderson previously adapted Pynchon’s “Inherent Vice” for the big screen.)
Production on the untitled film,...
While announcing several calendar placements for its upcoming theatrical slate, Warner Bros. revealed on Tuesday that Anderson’s untitled project starring Leonardo DiCaprio will arrive in theaters (including IMAX venues) on August 8, 2025.
Little is officially known about Anderson’s new movie, other than its cast: DiCaprio, Sean Penn, “Licorice Pizza” breakout Alana Haim, “A Thousand and One” star Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall. Unofficially, however, the film has a reported budget north of $115 million, according to Variety. There has also been broad and unconfirmed speculation that the untitled feature is at least partially inspired or based on Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel “Vineland.” That book was set in the mid-1980s, although it’s unclear if Anderson’s potential take on the material would follow its same timeline. (Anderson previously adapted Pynchon’s “Inherent Vice” for the big screen.)
Production on the untitled film,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Veteran talent agent Fatmata Kamara has joined Independent Artist Group, the agency’s Head of Global Talent, Andrew Rogers, announced on Friday.
Kamara joins from the now-defunct A3 Artists Agency, where she represented an array of diverse talent including Will Catlett, Clark Backo, Larenz Tate (Power Book II: Ghost), Stephanie Arcila (Fire Country), Blu Hunt, Genneya Walton, Shahadi Wright Joseph, and Kaci Walfall (Ava Duvernay’s Naomi), all of whom she is bringing with her to Iag.
Prior to A3, Kamara was a talent agent at CAA, where she represented such talents as Zazie Beetz, Gabrielle Union, H.E.R., Miles Brown, and Jesse Williams. Before CAA, she worked at the prior iteration of A3, Abrams Artists Agency. During her career, she has been known...
Kamara joins from the now-defunct A3 Artists Agency, where she represented an array of diverse talent including Will Catlett, Clark Backo, Larenz Tate (Power Book II: Ghost), Stephanie Arcila (Fire Country), Blu Hunt, Genneya Walton, Shahadi Wright Joseph, and Kaci Walfall (Ava Duvernay’s Naomi), all of whom she is bringing with her to Iag.
Prior to A3, Kamara was a talent agent at CAA, where she represented such talents as Zazie Beetz, Gabrielle Union, H.E.R., Miles Brown, and Jesse Williams. Before CAA, she worked at the prior iteration of A3, Abrams Artists Agency. During her career, she has been known...
- 3/8/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Score Killers of the Flower Moon Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone Credit: AppleTV+
Weekly Commentary: It’s Ludwig Göransson taking home another Oscar for “Oppenheimer,” following his first win for “Black Panther.”
Next.
Will Win: “Oppenheimer” (Ludwig Göransson)
Could Win: “Killers of the Flower Moon...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Score Killers of the Flower Moon Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone Credit: AppleTV+
Weekly Commentary: It’s Ludwig Göransson taking home another Oscar for “Oppenheimer,” following his first win for “Black Panther.”
Next.
Will Win: “Oppenheimer” (Ludwig Göransson)
Could Win: “Killers of the Flower Moon...
- 3/7/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Weekly Commentary: “The Creator” has the advantage, but honesty, any film can win.
“Godzilla Minus One” is in the discussion and could be a cool choice for the Academy to make, similar to “Ex Machina.” However, don’t count out the power...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Weekly Commentary: “The Creator” has the advantage, but honesty, any film can win.
“Godzilla Minus One” is in the discussion and could be a cool choice for the Academy to make, similar to “Ex Machina.” However, don’t count out the power...
- 3/7/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling “Poor Things” – Willem Dafoe
Weekly Commentary: Another deathmatch between two movies — Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi comedy “Poor Things.”
“Maestro” won big at the Makeup and Hair guild while “Poor Things” took home the BAFTA prize.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling “Poor Things” – Willem Dafoe
Weekly Commentary: Another deathmatch between two movies — Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi comedy “Poor Things.”
“Maestro” won big at the Makeup and Hair guild while “Poor Things” took home the BAFTA prize.
- 3/7/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Screenplay Past Lives, from left: Teo Yoo, Greta Lee, John Magro, 2023. © A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection
Weekly Commentary: Following its victories at the Golden Globes for best screenplay and the BAFTA for original screenplay, it appears almost inevitable that “Anatomy of a Fall” will secure the Oscar for its co-writers,...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Oscars Predictions:
Best Original Screenplay Past Lives, from left: Teo Yoo, Greta Lee, John Magro, 2023. © A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection
Weekly Commentary: Following its victories at the Golden Globes for best screenplay and the BAFTA for original screenplay, it appears almost inevitable that “Anatomy of a Fall” will secure the Oscar for its co-writers,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Actress in a Leading Role Emma Stone in “Poor Things”
Weekly Commentary: In best actress, the competition is as fierce as it gets. Emma Stone’s transformation into a woman with a child’s brain surgically implanted in Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi comedy “Poor Things” has garnered substantial support.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Actress in a Leading Role Emma Stone in “Poor Things”
Weekly Commentary: In best actress, the competition is as fierce as it gets. Emma Stone’s transformation into a woman with a child’s brain surgically implanted in Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi comedy “Poor Things” has garnered substantial support.
- 3/7/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Achievement in Directing The Zone Of Interest, 2023. © A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection
Weekly Commentary: Christopher Nolan… in a walk. It’s not really worth going over any other potential upsets, but if you prefer — Jonathan Glazer for “The Zone of Interest.”
After a year hit with Hollywood...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2024 Oscars Predictions:
Best Achievement in Directing The Zone Of Interest, 2023. © A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection
Weekly Commentary: Christopher Nolan… in a walk. It’s not really worth going over any other potential upsets, but if you prefer — Jonathan Glazer for “The Zone of Interest.”
After a year hit with Hollywood...
- 3/7/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson is going to keep telling her truth.
As she took the stage at the 2024 ABFF Honors on Sunday night, “The Color Purple” star pointed to a tattoo on her left bicep that spells out those words exactly: “The Truth.”
“If you are alive and God blessed you with another day to live, it is your job to tell your truth,” Henson told the crowd gathered for the American Black Film Festival’s marquee gala. “Because by you telling your truth, you set yourself free and somebody else free. When we stay quiet, nothing changes. The squeaky wheel gets fixed.”
That ideology is something Henson’s learned to keep close over the years, particularly when it comes to navigating Hollywood.
Late last year, Henson spoke her truth and sparked an important conversation about the unique challenges Black actresses face. She used her platform during “The Color Purple” press...
As she took the stage at the 2024 ABFF Honors on Sunday night, “The Color Purple” star pointed to a tattoo on her left bicep that spells out those words exactly: “The Truth.”
“If you are alive and God blessed you with another day to live, it is your job to tell your truth,” Henson told the crowd gathered for the American Black Film Festival’s marquee gala. “Because by you telling your truth, you set yourself free and somebody else free. When we stay quiet, nothing changes. The squeaky wheel gets fixed.”
That ideology is something Henson’s learned to keep close over the years, particularly when it comes to navigating Hollywood.
Late last year, Henson spoke her truth and sparked an important conversation about the unique challenges Black actresses face. She used her platform during “The Color Purple” press...
- 3/5/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
This year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards stayed ahead of the Oscar curve once more, announcing their winners on Sunday, February 25 in the usual chilly white tent on the Santa Monica beach (and on YouTube). With Oscar voting not over until the evening of February 27, the winners at the 39th Spirits could gain valuable Oscar momentum.
Host Aidy Bryant played to a warm crowd who chuckled at her jokes. The Spirits are “also known as the bisexual Oscars,” she said. Being an awards show host is tricky, she added, “I could be panned, considered out of touch, and sexist, and potentially be slapped. Worst case: nobody mentions me.”
When she tried roasting the celebrities, she called “May December” star Natalie Portman a “stupid bitch,” Sterling K. Brown “a Stupid K. Bitch,” and said of Charles Melton, “everyone wants to have sex with you, you stupid bitch” and Greta Lee, “you...
Host Aidy Bryant played to a warm crowd who chuckled at her jokes. The Spirits are “also known as the bisexual Oscars,” she said. Being an awards show host is tricky, she added, “I could be panned, considered out of touch, and sexist, and potentially be slapped. Worst case: nobody mentions me.”
When she tried roasting the celebrities, she called “May December” star Natalie Portman a “stupid bitch,” Sterling K. Brown “a Stupid K. Bitch,” and said of Charles Melton, “everyone wants to have sex with you, you stupid bitch” and Greta Lee, “you...
- 2/26/2024
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The rain stayed away from Santa Monica Beach on Sunday (February 25) as Past Lives was named best film and Celine Song best director at the 39th annual Spirit Awards.
While the legacy studio and streamer contenders have dominated much of the big-ticket awards shows this season like Saturday night’s SAG Awards, last weekend’s Baftas, the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, this was a good opportunity for the Oscar-nominated A24 romance and Song to earn gongs for a film which has done well among critics groups since its world premiere at Sundance just over one year ago.
Jeffrey Wright...
While the legacy studio and streamer contenders have dominated much of the big-ticket awards shows this season like Saturday night’s SAG Awards, last weekend’s Baftas, the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, this was a good opportunity for the Oscar-nominated A24 romance and Song to earn gongs for a film which has done well among critics groups since its world premiere at Sundance just over one year ago.
Jeffrey Wright...
- 2/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
Greta Lee and Teo Yoo in ‘Past Lives’ (Photo Credit: Jon Pack / Courtesy of A24)
Past Lives took home top film honors at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards, held on February 25th in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica. The film also earned Celine Song the Best Director award, with American Fiction‘s Cord Jefferson and May December‘s Samy Burch earning screenplay honors.
On the television side, The Last of Us collected two awards: Nick Offerman for Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series and Keivonn Montreal Woodard for Best Breakthrough Performance in a New Scripted Series. Beef also netted two wins, with Ali Wong awarded Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series and the show earning the Best New Scripted Series award.
2024 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations
Best Feature (Award given to the producer.)
All of Us Strangers
Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin,...
Past Lives took home top film honors at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards, held on February 25th in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica. The film also earned Celine Song the Best Director award, with American Fiction‘s Cord Jefferson and May December‘s Samy Burch earning screenplay honors.
On the television side, The Last of Us collected two awards: Nick Offerman for Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series and Keivonn Montreal Woodard for Best Breakthrough Performance in a New Scripted Series. Beef also netted two wins, with Ali Wong awarded Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series and the show earning the Best New Scripted Series award.
2024 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations
Best Feature (Award given to the producer.)
All of Us Strangers
Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Jeffrey Wright took home the award for best lead performance at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards for his role in American Fiction.
When Wright made his way to the stage to accept the award from presenter Colman Domingo, he expressed how thrilled he was to receive the honor from the actor. “Wow, thank you, thank you. And to receive this from you, Colman, man…it’s just a beautiful gift,” he gushed.
The American Fiction star had one of the most candid, heartfelt speeches of the night.
“It’s funny, you go to these awards shows, [and] you kind of grow tired of them and then you get one and uh…kind of changes the vibe,” he joked, met with raucous laughter.
He recalled attending the Independent Spirit Awards back in 1997, when he was up for best debut performance for his starring role in Basquiat. “The first time I was here at the Independent Spirit Awards,...
When Wright made his way to the stage to accept the award from presenter Colman Domingo, he expressed how thrilled he was to receive the honor from the actor. “Wow, thank you, thank you. And to receive this from you, Colman, man…it’s just a beautiful gift,” he gushed.
The American Fiction star had one of the most candid, heartfelt speeches of the night.
“It’s funny, you go to these awards shows, [and] you kind of grow tired of them and then you get one and uh…kind of changes the vibe,” he joked, met with raucous laughter.
He recalled attending the Independent Spirit Awards back in 1997, when he was up for best debut performance for his starring role in Basquiat. “The first time I was here at the Independent Spirit Awards,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Another big award show took place this weekend (in addition to the SAG Awards), the Film Independent Spirit Awards, which celebrates indie film and TV. One thing about this awards show is that their idea of independent sometimes makes me scratch my head a bit, with HBO’s big-budget The Last of Us nominated a whole bunch in the TV category, along with Netflix’s Beef and several other streaming shows, which I’m not sure one could call independent. For films, there’s a $30 million budget cap. For TV, I’m honestly not sure what the benchmark is because Last of Us was notoriously an expensive show to shoot, costing at least $100 million.
Indeed, The Last of Us won some key awards on the TV side, winning Best Supporting Performance (for Nick Offerman) and Best Breakthrough Performance (for Keivonn Montreal Woodard). Over on the film side, American Fiction and...
Indeed, The Last of Us won some key awards on the TV side, winning Best Supporting Performance (for Nick Offerman) and Best Breakthrough Performance (for Keivonn Montreal Woodard). Over on the film side, American Fiction and...
- 2/26/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
A24’s Past Lives won the top prize for best feature at the 39th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, with writer-director Celine Song also winning best director for her feature film debut.
American Fiction’s Jeffrey Wright won best lead performance for his role in the Amazon MGM Studios comedy, presented to him by his fellow Oscar nominee Colman Domingo. “It’s funny, you go to these award shows, and you kind of grow tired of them,” laughed Wright. “And then you get one. It changes the vibe a little bit.”
American Fiction writer-director Cord Jefferson also won best screenplay for his directorial debut. “Our film is so independent that one morning I woke up at our hotel to find out that there had been a triple stabbing the night before in the lobby,” said Jefferson. “They were cleaning up the blood. And I would not have it any other way.
American Fiction’s Jeffrey Wright won best lead performance for his role in the Amazon MGM Studios comedy, presented to him by his fellow Oscar nominee Colman Domingo. “It’s funny, you go to these award shows, and you kind of grow tired of them,” laughed Wright. “And then you get one. It changes the vibe a little bit.”
American Fiction writer-director Cord Jefferson also won best screenplay for his directorial debut. “Our film is so independent that one morning I woke up at our hotel to find out that there had been a triple stabbing the night before in the lobby,” said Jefferson. “They were cleaning up the blood. And I would not have it any other way.
- 2/26/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Past Lives was named best feature at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which were handed out Sunday afternoon in Santa Monica.
In addition, Celine Song was named best director for her work on the film.
Elsewhere, Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the Spirit Award for best supporting performance, for her role in The Holdovers, repeating her win from Saturday night’s SAG Awards and other shows this awards season. Her co-star, Dominic Sessa, won the Spirit Award for best breakthrough performance.
American Fiction also collected two trophies: Cord Jefferson won the award for best screenplay, while Jeffrey Wright won for best lead performance.
May December won the award for best first screenplay for Samy Burch (story by Burch and Alex Mechanik). Four Daughters was named best documentary.
On the TV side, Beef was named best new scripted series, while Ali Wong won best lead performance for her role in the show,...
In addition, Celine Song was named best director for her work on the film.
Elsewhere, Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the Spirit Award for best supporting performance, for her role in The Holdovers, repeating her win from Saturday night’s SAG Awards and other shows this awards season. Her co-star, Dominic Sessa, won the Spirit Award for best breakthrough performance.
American Fiction also collected two trophies: Cord Jefferson won the award for best screenplay, while Jeffrey Wright won for best lead performance.
May December won the award for best first screenplay for Samy Burch (story by Burch and Alex Mechanik). Four Daughters was named best documentary.
On the TV side, Beef was named best new scripted series, while Ali Wong won best lead performance for her role in the show,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The best in independent film and television were honored at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards!
Plenty of A-List stars were in attendance at the event on Sunday afternoon (February 25) at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif.
Movies are only eligible for a Spirit Award if they have a budget of less than $30 million, so there are some awards favorites like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Killers of the Flower Moon that are not nominated.
American Fiction, May December, and Past Lives lead the pack this year with five nominations each.
Make sure to check out our post with photos of Every celeb who attended the event! Also check out our best dressed list.
Head inside to see the full list of winners…
Keep scrolling to see the full list of winners…
Best Feature (Award given to the producer)
All of Us Strangers
Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Sarah Harvey
American Fiction
Producers: Cord Jefferson,...
Plenty of A-List stars were in attendance at the event on Sunday afternoon (February 25) at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif.
Movies are only eligible for a Spirit Award if they have a budget of less than $30 million, so there are some awards favorites like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Killers of the Flower Moon that are not nominated.
American Fiction, May December, and Past Lives lead the pack this year with five nominations each.
Make sure to check out our post with photos of Every celeb who attended the event! Also check out our best dressed list.
Head inside to see the full list of winners…
Keep scrolling to see the full list of winners…
Best Feature (Award given to the producer)
All of Us Strangers
Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Sarah Harvey
American Fiction
Producers: Cord Jefferson,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday awarded A24’s Past Lives its Best Feature and the film’s Celine Song the Best Director in a ceremony on the beach in Santa Monica, giving the indie romantic drama a boost as it heads toward the Oscars where it is up for Best Picture.
Past Lives topped a marquee Best Feature category that included Netflix’s May December, Amazon MGM Studios’ American Fiction, Searchlight’s All of Us Strangers, Sony Pictures Classics’ We Grown Now and Mubi’s Passages.
“There is a concept in our film, an Eastern concept, and it’s called inyeon,” Song, making her feature directorial debut, said in her acceptance speech with her producers and cast. “It is about how just by being in the same space and time in this life, it means we actually knew each other for many, many lives that came before this one.
Past Lives topped a marquee Best Feature category that included Netflix’s May December, Amazon MGM Studios’ American Fiction, Searchlight’s All of Us Strangers, Sony Pictures Classics’ We Grown Now and Mubi’s Passages.
“There is a concept in our film, an Eastern concept, and it’s called inyeon,” Song, making her feature directorial debut, said in her acceptance speech with her producers and cast. “It is about how just by being in the same space and time in this life, it means we actually knew each other for many, many lives that came before this one.
- 2/26/2024
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2024 Independent Spirit Awards took place on Sunday at the traditional Santa Monica beach tent location, with Aidy Bryant hosting. “Past Lives” took home the coveted Best Feature award, with “Beef” being honored as Best New Scripted Series. Check out the full list of winners and nominees below.
Best Feature
“Past Lives”
Producers: David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon
“All of Us Strangers”
Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Sarah Harvey
“American Fiction”
Producers: Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson, Nikos Karamigios, Ben LeClair
“May December”
Producers: Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, Grant S. Johnson, Pamela Koffler, Tyler W. Konney, Sophie Mas, Natalie Portman, Christine Vachon
“Passages”
Producers: Michel Merkt, Saïd Ben Saïd
“We Grown Now”
Producers: Minhal Baig, Joe Pirro
Best Lead Performance
Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”
Jessica Chastain, “Memory”
Greta Lee, “Past Lives”
Trace Lysette, “Monica”
Natalie Portman, “May December”
Judy Reyes, “Birth/Rebirth”
Franz Rogowski, “Passages”
Andrew Scott, “All of Us Strangers”
Teyana Taylor,...
Best Feature
“Past Lives”
Producers: David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon
“All of Us Strangers”
Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Sarah Harvey
“American Fiction”
Producers: Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson, Nikos Karamigios, Ben LeClair
“May December”
Producers: Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, Grant S. Johnson, Pamela Koffler, Tyler W. Konney, Sophie Mas, Natalie Portman, Christine Vachon
“Passages”
Producers: Michel Merkt, Saïd Ben Saïd
“We Grown Now”
Producers: Minhal Baig, Joe Pirro
Best Lead Performance
Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”
Jessica Chastain, “Memory”
Greta Lee, “Past Lives”
Trace Lysette, “Monica”
Natalie Portman, “May December”
Judy Reyes, “Birth/Rebirth”
Franz Rogowski, “Passages”
Andrew Scott, “All of Us Strangers”
Teyana Taylor,...
- 2/25/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Live from a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, California, it’s the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards! This year’s ceremony, which kicked off this afternoon, was hosted by “Saturday Night Live” alum Aidy Bryant and feted the best in indie film and TV.
This year’s pack of nominees included a slew of Oscar contenders and a number of indie gems, all competing for the biggest prizes in the indie sphere.
Celine Song’s “Past Lives” won Best Feature (which the filmmaker picked up just minutes after winning Best Director as well), while “The Holdovers” and “American Fiction” also enjoyed multiple wins, including a Best Performance win for “American Fiction” star Jeffrey Wright and Best Screenplay for writer Cord Jefferson, and a Best Supporting Performance win for “The Holdovers” standout Da’Vine Joy Randolph and a Breakthrough Performance win for newbie Dominic Sessa.
Thanks to the Spirits’ various TV categories,...
This year’s pack of nominees included a slew of Oscar contenders and a number of indie gems, all competing for the biggest prizes in the indie sphere.
Celine Song’s “Past Lives” won Best Feature (which the filmmaker picked up just minutes after winning Best Director as well), while “The Holdovers” and “American Fiction” also enjoyed multiple wins, including a Best Performance win for “American Fiction” star Jeffrey Wright and Best Screenplay for writer Cord Jefferson, and a Best Supporting Performance win for “The Holdovers” standout Da’Vine Joy Randolph and a Breakthrough Performance win for newbie Dominic Sessa.
Thanks to the Spirits’ various TV categories,...
- 2/25/2024
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards are being handed out Sunday, February 25, from Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, CA in a show hosted by comedian, actress and “SNL” alumnus Aidy Bryant. On the film side, the nominations were dominated by “American Fiction,” “Past Lives” and “May December,” which picked up five nods apiece. Those three films are up for Best Feature along with “All of Us Strangers,” “Passages” and “We Grown Now.” Best Director is a contest between Andrew Haigh (“All of Us Strangers”), Todd Haynes (“May December”), William Oldroyd (“Eileen”), Ira Sachs (“Passages”) and Celine Song (“Past Lives”).
Of the nominated features, only “American Fiction” and “Past Lives” are also in the running for Best Picture at the Oscars, while none of the nominated directors are up for Academy Awards. However, on the off chance that either “American Fiction” or “Past Lives” manages to take the top prize at...
Of the nominated features, only “American Fiction” and “Past Lives” are also in the running for Best Picture at the Oscars, while none of the nominated directors are up for Academy Awards. However, on the off chance that either “American Fiction” or “Past Lives” manages to take the top prize at...
- 2/25/2024
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
The best in independent film and television is being celebrated today at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards!
Lots of celebs are expected to be in attendance for the daytime awards show on Sunday afternoon (February 25) at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif.
The event always happens during the day with the beach as a backdrop!
SNL‘s Aidy Bryant is hosting the event this year and it’s being streamed live on the YouTube channels of both IMDb and Film Independent.
American Fiction, May December, and Past Lives are all tied for the most nominations this year with five each, included Best Feature.
Head inside to watch the live stream and see photos of every celeb in attendance…
You can watch the live stream below.
Keep scrolling to see all of the celebs in attendance…
Jessica Chastain (Memory)
Fyi: Jessica is wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress,...
Lots of celebs are expected to be in attendance for the daytime awards show on Sunday afternoon (February 25) at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Calif.
The event always happens during the day with the beach as a backdrop!
SNL‘s Aidy Bryant is hosting the event this year and it’s being streamed live on the YouTube channels of both IMDb and Film Independent.
American Fiction, May December, and Past Lives are all tied for the most nominations this year with five each, included Best Feature.
Head inside to watch the live stream and see photos of every celeb in attendance…
You can watch the live stream below.
Keep scrolling to see all of the celebs in attendance…
Jessica Chastain (Memory)
Fyi: Jessica is wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress,...
- 2/25/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The Film Independent Spirit Awards have been dutifully assigned to their worthy recipients, thus putting a button on yet another great year of indie film and innovative visual storytelling. And as awards prognosticators now ponder their Oscar futures with this new data set and the tent falls around our knees, we want to shout out one more time all of the producers, writers, directors, performers and more who made this such a special experience.
This year’s ceremony streamed live on IMDb’s YouTube and across other social platforms, including Film Independent’s own YouTube channel and Twitter (or “X” if you’re being pedantic). The full livestream (see below) will remain available to watch On Demand for the next eight weeks, which highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, arrival carpet interviews and more will are available at filmindependent.org and wherever fine entertainment journalism prevails.
Best Supporting Performance
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
The Holdovers...
This year’s ceremony streamed live on IMDb’s YouTube and across other social platforms, including Film Independent’s own YouTube channel and Twitter (or “X” if you’re being pedantic). The full livestream (see below) will remain available to watch On Demand for the next eight weeks, which highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, arrival carpet interviews and more will are available at filmindependent.org and wherever fine entertainment journalism prevails.
Best Supporting Performance
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
The Holdovers...
- 2/23/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
The 39th Independent Spirit Awards will stream live on Film Independent and IMDb’s YouTube channels on Sunday, February 25. Scroll down to see our official odds in all 12 film categories (with our predicted winners highlighted in gold) and be sure to make or update your own predictions while there’s still time.
Heading into the ceremony, which will be hosted by comic actress Aidy Bryant, “American Fiction,” “May December,” and “Past Lives” stand as the year’s nominations leaders with five apiece. They will all face off in the top category of Best Picture, along with “Passages” (four total bids), “All of Us Strangers” (three), and “We Grown Now” (three).
Last year’s Spirit Awards previewed the Oscars success of “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which left both ceremonies with seven wins including Best Picture. Over the years, only eight recipients of the academy’s highest honor have first clinched the corresponding Spirit Award,...
Heading into the ceremony, which will be hosted by comic actress Aidy Bryant, “American Fiction,” “May December,” and “Past Lives” stand as the year’s nominations leaders with five apiece. They will all face off in the top category of Best Picture, along with “Passages” (four total bids), “All of Us Strangers” (three), and “We Grown Now” (three).
Last year’s Spirit Awards previewed the Oscars success of “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which left both ceremonies with seven wins including Best Picture. Over the years, only eight recipients of the academy’s highest honor have first clinched the corresponding Spirit Award,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
On Wednesday night, the African American Film Critics Association honored the top actors, directors and films of the year at the 15th annual Aafca Awards, in a Los Angeles ceremony hosted by Roy Wood Jr.
One of night’s top honors — which were announced in advance — went to American Fiction star Jeffrey Wright, who delivered a humorous speech about the debt actors owe to critics as he accepted the Legend Award.
“There is a line in The Dresser which, to my mind, is the film that best captures what it is to be an actor,” he began. “Albert Finney, playing this blustery, brilliant, Shakespearean actress, says these horrible words: ‘The critics. Hate the critics. I have nothing but compassion for them. How can one hate the crippled, the mentally deficient, and the dead?'”
“I’ve been changed,” Wright said to a response of thunderous laughter. “After this moment I...
One of night’s top honors — which were announced in advance — went to American Fiction star Jeffrey Wright, who delivered a humorous speech about the debt actors owe to critics as he accepted the Legend Award.
“There is a line in The Dresser which, to my mind, is the film that best captures what it is to be an actor,” he began. “Albert Finney, playing this blustery, brilliant, Shakespearean actress, says these horrible words: ‘The critics. Hate the critics. I have nothing but compassion for them. How can one hate the crippled, the mentally deficient, and the dead?'”
“I’ve been changed,” Wright said to a response of thunderous laughter. “After this moment I...
- 2/22/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Featured prominently among the coverage from our media outlet, eight filmmakers in Raven Jackson (All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt), Savanah Leaf (Earth Mama), Sing J. Lee (The Accidental Getaway Driver), Laura Moss (birth/rebirth), A.V. Rockwell (A Thousand and One), D. Smith (Kokomo City), Aitch Alberto (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe), and Erica Tremblay (Fancy Dance) have been selected for the 2024 Momentum Fellowship – the Sundance Institute’s incubator of sorts that helps mostly filmmakers who’ve previously delivered their feature debuts at the fest and are now gunning for the critical support for their next feature.…...
- 2/22/2024
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
It's difficult to encapsulate the importance of Lana and Lilly Wachowski as directors. While the queer crime thriller "Bound" marked the sisters' directorial debut, it was their 1999 hit "The Matrix" that completely changed the landscape of science-fiction cinema forever. In 2021, the franchise's fourth installment, "The Maxtrix Resurrections" was released, but the film was a solo directorial venture from Lana Wachowski. Lilly has not directed a film since 2015's "Jupiter Ascending," but spent time directing season 1 of "Sense 8" and serving as the showrunner for "Work in Progress." The former was yet another sci-fi epic, but the latter is a sweet, semi-autobiographical queer dramedy starring Abby McEnany. It seems that working on this series must have inspired Lilly to continue similar creative ventures because according to a report from Collider, her next feature film is "Trash Mountain" starring Caleb Hearon.
Hearon co-wrote the film with Ruby Caster ("Bleeding Love"), and the...
Hearon co-wrote the film with Ruby Caster ("Bleeding Love"), and the...
- 2/12/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
From the first moments of A.V. Rockwell’s debut feature, A Thousand and One, the audience is in the company of Teyana Taylor’s vivid portrayal of Inez, a woman in 1994 Harlem. She’s just out of Rikers and on a mission to rescue her son, Terry, out of the foster care system. As Terry grows older, the viewer follows their loving, messy relationship in a changing city. After winning the 2023 Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, A Thousand and One has continued to rack up accolades for Taylor and Rockwell, who now finds herself nominated for first-time feature film at the DGA Awards. She recently talked to THR about the inception of her indelible central character and her portrait of New York.
What is the origin of Inez?
It was really about creating a character that I wanted to see, especially in the way that she was representing moms of color.
What is the origin of Inez?
It was really about creating a character that I wanted to see, especially in the way that she was representing moms of color.
- 2/11/2024
- by Esther Zuckerman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With the 96th Academy Awards now only a month away, each weekend brings a new award show that reveals a new look at the shape of the Oscar race. Tonight, the auteurs behind some of 2023’s biggest films gathered at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles to celebrate the craft of filmmaking at the Directors Guild of America Awards.
Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Alexander Payne were nominated for the night’s top prize, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film, with Oscar frontrunner Nolan walking away with the coveted trophy. Celine Song, Cord Jefferson, A.V. Rockwell, Manuela Martelli, and Noora Niasari competed for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Theatrical Feature Film, which ultimately went to Song.
The show celebrated some of the best directors working in television, with awards in a variety of categories ranging from TV dramas and sitcoms to commercials and reality TV.
Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Alexander Payne were nominated for the night’s top prize, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film, with Oscar frontrunner Nolan walking away with the coveted trophy. Celine Song, Cord Jefferson, A.V. Rockwell, Manuela Martelli, and Noora Niasari competed for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Theatrical Feature Film, which ultimately went to Song.
The show celebrated some of the best directors working in television, with awards in a variety of categories ranging from TV dramas and sitcoms to commercials and reality TV.
- 2/11/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Christopher Nolan has won the feature-film prize from the Directors Guild of America for “Oppenheimer,” reinforcing his film’s status as the heavy favorite this awards season. The honor went to Nolan at the end of the 76th annual DGA Awards, which took place on Saturday night in Beverly Hills.
In the other film categories, Celine Song won the award for first-time directing for her gentle drama “Past Lives” and Mstyslav Chernov won the documentary award for “20 Days in Mariupol,” his on-the-ground report from the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Peter Hoar won the drama-series award for “The Last of Us,” in a category in which the other four nominees were all from different episodes of “Succession.”
The award for Comedy Series directing went to Christopher Storer for the “Fishes” episode of “The Bear.” Sarah Adina Smith won the award for TV movie or limited series for...
In the other film categories, Celine Song won the award for first-time directing for her gentle drama “Past Lives” and Mstyslav Chernov won the documentary award for “20 Days in Mariupol,” his on-the-ground report from the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Peter Hoar won the drama-series award for “The Last of Us,” in a category in which the other four nominees were all from different episodes of “Succession.”
The award for Comedy Series directing went to Christopher Storer for the “Fishes” episode of “The Bear.” Sarah Adina Smith won the award for TV movie or limited series for...
- 2/11/2024
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
“Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan, Christopher Storer of FX’s “The Bear” and Peter Hoar of HBO’s “The Last of Us” were the top winners Saturday night at the Directors Guild of America’s 76th annual DGA Awards.
The DGA win seals Nolan’s frontrunner position to land the director Oscar at the March 10 Academy Awards. Celine Song took home the DGA medallion for first-time director for her much-praised A24 drama “Past Lives.” “Guys, this is so amazing,” Song told the crowd.
Judd Apatow hosted the three-hour ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The multi-hyphenate opened his monologue with a zinger rooted in the DGA’s image as being friendly with the studio CEOs and its history of never mounting a significant strike against Hollywood’s major studios. Apatow joked that his agents told him to hold out for more money for his fifth time as host of the DGA ceremony.
The DGA win seals Nolan’s frontrunner position to land the director Oscar at the March 10 Academy Awards. Celine Song took home the DGA medallion for first-time director for her much-praised A24 drama “Past Lives.” “Guys, this is so amazing,” Song told the crowd.
Judd Apatow hosted the three-hour ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The multi-hyphenate opened his monologue with a zinger rooted in the DGA’s image as being friendly with the studio CEOs and its history of never mounting a significant strike against Hollywood’s major studios. Apatow joked that his agents told him to hold out for more money for his fifth time as host of the DGA ceremony.
- 2/11/2024
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
The 76th Directors Guild of America Awards took place on Saturday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. Pt with Judd Apatow hosting the in-person, non-televised ceremony. These kudos honored the best helmers of the year in movies and television, as voted on by more than 18,000 members of the directing guild. Scroll down for the 2024 DGA Awards winners list in three film and eight TV categories.
As always, the all-important feature film category is one of the most telling bellwethers for the eventual Best Director Oscar. The guild and the academy have only disagreed for Best Director eight times over the past seven decades, with the last three years lining up perfectly for Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert (2022’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Jane Campion (2021’s “The Power of the Dog”) and Chloé Zhao (2020’s “Nomadland”).
This year, just three of the DGA’s nominees also reaped directing Oscar bids: Yorgos Lanthimos...
As always, the all-important feature film category is one of the most telling bellwethers for the eventual Best Director Oscar. The guild and the academy have only disagreed for Best Director eight times over the past seven decades, with the last three years lining up perfectly for Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert (2022’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Jane Campion (2021’s “The Power of the Dog”) and Chloé Zhao (2020’s “Nomadland”).
This year, just three of the DGA’s nominees also reaped directing Oscar bids: Yorgos Lanthimos...
- 2/11/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The Directors Guild of America Awards are on February 10, and while the race for Best Film Director looks like a runaway for Christopher Nolan (“Oppenheimer”), Best First-Time Feature Director could be a little more suspenseful. The top two contenders are also first-time Oscar nominees this year: Celine Song for “Past Lives” and Cord Jefferson for “American Fiction.” They’re both Oscar-nominated for their screenplays, though. So which will be the industry’s choice for their direction?
As of this writing Song is the heavy favorite to win with leading odds of 31/10. Betting on her to win are all 11 of the Expert journalists currently making their predictions, 10 out of the 11 Gold Derby Editors who cover awards year-round, 23 of the Top 24 Users who got the best scores predicting last year’s DGA winners and 23 of the All-Star Top 24 who got the highest scores when you combine multiple years’ results. Jefferson trails in...
As of this writing Song is the heavy favorite to win with leading odds of 31/10. Betting on her to win are all 11 of the Expert journalists currently making their predictions, 10 out of the 11 Gold Derby Editors who cover awards year-round, 23 of the Top 24 Users who got the best scores predicting last year’s DGA winners and 23 of the All-Star Top 24 who got the highest scores when you combine multiple years’ results. Jefferson trails in...
- 2/8/2024
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Following a turbulent year marked by dueling industry strikes and the violent contraction–if not yet full pop–of the streaming bubble, 2024 has thus far been pretty good to Hollywood. It certainly helps that we’re in the middle of awards season, which for cineastes amounts to a three-month holiday largely characterized by voluminous binge-watching. And not just binge-watching of the year’s top films. For the curious, the season also offers up a smuggler’s bounty full of talking special post-screening Q&As, roundtables, filmmaker panels, celebratory cocktail receptions and more.
Traditionally Film Independent’s Directors Close-Up series has been a little bit of all of the above, presenting behind-the-scenes insight into the year’s most important works of cinema, straight from the mouths and brains of filmmakers themselves. As the virtual portion of this year’s programming winds down (see below), we’re looking ahead now to our...
Traditionally Film Independent’s Directors Close-Up series has been a little bit of all of the above, presenting behind-the-scenes insight into the year’s most important works of cinema, straight from the mouths and brains of filmmakers themselves. As the virtual portion of this year’s programming winds down (see below), we’re looking ahead now to our...
- 2/7/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
The 6th American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors announced today that Kelvin Harrison Jr. is the recipient of the 2024 Rising Star Award which is presented to a contemporary artist in acknowledgement of their recent success and future promise in the film and television industry. The 2024 ABFF Honors is presented by Nice Crowd and will take place on Sunday, March 3rd at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson. Guests at the intimate, non-televised dinner will include ABFF honorees and festival partners.
As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate legendary performer Garrett Morris; Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated and Golden Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson; Tony, Emmy, AFI, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, and groundbreaking writer and producer Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the show. Nominees in that category include: “A Thousand and One,...
As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate legendary performer Garrett Morris; Academy Award nominated, Emmy nominated and Golden Globe-winning actress Taraji P. Henson; Tony, Emmy, AFI, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, and groundbreaking writer and producer Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the show. Nominees in that category include: “A Thousand and One,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: The American Black Film Festival Honors said Tuesday that Kelvin Harrison Jr. is the recipient of its 2024 Rising Star Award, presented to a contemporary artist in acknowledgement of their success and future promise in the film and television industry.
The 2024 ABFF Honors will take place March 3 at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by Tommy Davidson.
As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright and Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the ceremony among nominees A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell; American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson; Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay; The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule; They Cloned Tyrone, directed by Juel Taylor; and The Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
“It is amazing to see ABFF honorees,...
The 2024 ABFF Honors will take place March 3 at the Sls hotel in Beverly Hills, hosted by Tommy Davidson.
As previously announced, the ABFF Honors will also celebrate Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright and Mara Brock Akil. The ABFF Fan Favorite Movie of the Year will also be announced at the ceremony among nominees A Thousand and One, directed by A.V. Rockwell; American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson; Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay; The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule; They Cloned Tyrone, directed by Juel Taylor; and The Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
“It is amazing to see ABFF honorees,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Searchlight’s All of Us Strangers leads the 2024 Dorian Awards film nominations with nine, followed by the Warner Bros juggernaut Barbie with seven. Netflix’s May December is next with six noms, A24’s Past Lives (five) and Searchlight’s Poor Things (four). All five will compete for the marquee Best Film of the Year prize, presented by Galeca: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics.
All of Us Strangers will face off against MGM’s Bottoms, Mubi/Sbs’ Passages, Netfix’s Rustin (Netflix and Amazon MGM’s Saltburn for LGBTQ Film of the Year.
The Director of the Year race pits Oscar-snubbed Barbie helmer Greta Gerwig against Andrew Haigh (All of Us Strangers), Todd Haynes (May December), Christopher Nolan (Universal’s Oppenheimer) and Celine Song (Past Lives).
Along with such offbeat categories as Campy Flick and Unsung Film of the year, the Dorians will debut three new ones in 2024: LGBTQ Screenplay of the Year,...
All of Us Strangers will face off against MGM’s Bottoms, Mubi/Sbs’ Passages, Netfix’s Rustin (Netflix and Amazon MGM’s Saltburn for LGBTQ Film of the Year.
The Director of the Year race pits Oscar-snubbed Barbie helmer Greta Gerwig against Andrew Haigh (All of Us Strangers), Todd Haynes (May December), Christopher Nolan (Universal’s Oppenheimer) and Celine Song (Past Lives).
Along with such offbeat categories as Campy Flick and Unsung Film of the year, the Dorians will debut three new ones in 2024: LGBTQ Screenplay of the Year,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Andrew Haigh’s “All of Us Strangers” led nominations Monday for the 15th Dorian Film Awards, as voted on by the Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, with nine nominations, including Film of the Year, LGBTQ Film of the Year, Director of the Year, co-lead Andrew Scott and supporting actress Claire Foy.
The group’s more than 500 entertainment critics and journalists also handed out nods to “Barbie,” which scored seven nominations; followed by Todd Haynes’ “May December” with six; and Celine Song’s “Past Lives” with five, including Director of the Year.
While the Oscars overlooked “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig this year, she’s very much in the running at this awards show, as is Song, Haynes, and Haigh.
“Bottoms” star Ayo Edebiri, who just collected her first Emmy for “The Bear,” is nominated in two categories: “We’re Wilde About You!” Rising Star Award and Wilde Artist Award, given to...
The group’s more than 500 entertainment critics and journalists also handed out nods to “Barbie,” which scored seven nominations; followed by Todd Haynes’ “May December” with six; and Celine Song’s “Past Lives” with five, including Director of the Year.
While the Oscars overlooked “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig this year, she’s very much in the running at this awards show, as is Song, Haynes, and Haigh.
“Bottoms” star Ayo Edebiri, who just collected her first Emmy for “The Bear,” is nominated in two categories: “We’re Wilde About You!” Rising Star Award and Wilde Artist Award, given to...
- 2/6/2024
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Galeca: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics announced the nominees of the 15th Dorian Film Awards, and Searchlight’s All of Us Strangers leads the nominations with nine.
The Andrew Haigh-written and -directed drama earned nods for film of the year, LGBTQ film of the year and genre film of the year, with Haigh also landing nods for best director and best screenplay. Andrew Scott was nominated for his lead performance, while Claire Foy and Paul Mescal are both nominated in best supporting performance. (The Dorians’ acting categories are gender neutral, with 10 contenders in both categories.)
Following in All of Us Strangers‘ lead is Warner Bros.’ Barbie, which scored seven noms, including film of the year, best director for Greta Gerwig (also nominated for writing the screenplay with partner Noah Baumbach), best supporting performance (Ryan Gosling) and best film music.
The three remaining film of the year nominees are Netflix’s May December,...
The Andrew Haigh-written and -directed drama earned nods for film of the year, LGBTQ film of the year and genre film of the year, with Haigh also landing nods for best director and best screenplay. Andrew Scott was nominated for his lead performance, while Claire Foy and Paul Mescal are both nominated in best supporting performance. (The Dorians’ acting categories are gender neutral, with 10 contenders in both categories.)
Following in All of Us Strangers‘ lead is Warner Bros.’ Barbie, which scored seven noms, including film of the year, best director for Greta Gerwig (also nominated for writing the screenplay with partner Noah Baumbach), best supporting performance (Ryan Gosling) and best film music.
The three remaining film of the year nominees are Netflix’s May December,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alana Haim and Teyana Taylor will star in Paul Thomas Anderson’s next movie.Alana, 32, will reunite with her 'Licorice Pizza' director Anderson for the film, which will also feature 'A Thousand and One' actress Teyana, 33, Wood Harris, rapper Shayna McHayle and newcomer Chase Infiniti, according to The Hollywood Reporter.They will join previously announced leads Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Regina Hall in the untitled movie, which will also be produced by Anderson, along with Sara Murphy and Adam Somner.Deadline previously reported that while the logline for the movie was being kept secret, it will have a "contemporary setting and is the most commercial one [Anderson] has attempted".Penn and Haim previously worked together on 'Licorice Pizza', while Hall and McHayle collaborated on Andrew Bujalski’s 2018 comedy 'Support the Girls'.'Licorice Pizza' received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Director.
- 2/3/2024
- by Colette Fahy 2
- Bang Showbiz
“Licorice Pizza” star Alana Haim is reuniting with filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson for his next film. Anderson wrote the script and is directing the currently untitled film for Warner Bros., led by Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy (who gave a green light to “Licorice Pizza” when they ran MGM).
Along with Haim, other new additions to the cast include “A Thousand and One” breakout Teyana Taylor, “Creed” actor Wood Harris, rapper Shayna McHayle (a.k.a. Junglepussy) and newcomer Chase Infiniti. Anderson is producing the film with Sara Murphy and Adam Somner.
Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn were previously reported to star in the feature, alongside “Girls Trip” star Regina Hall. Hall previously worked with McHayle on Andrew Bujalski’s 2018 comedy “Support the Girls.”
While plot details are being kept under wraps, a source with knowledge of the production previously told Variety that the feature will be...
Along with Haim, other new additions to the cast include “A Thousand and One” breakout Teyana Taylor, “Creed” actor Wood Harris, rapper Shayna McHayle (a.k.a. Junglepussy) and newcomer Chase Infiniti. Anderson is producing the film with Sara Murphy and Adam Somner.
Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn were previously reported to star in the feature, alongside “Girls Trip” star Regina Hall. Hall previously worked with McHayle on Andrew Bujalski’s 2018 comedy “Support the Girls.”
While plot details are being kept under wraps, a source with knowledge of the production previously told Variety that the feature will be...
- 2/2/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
As Paul Thomas Anderson shoots his untitled new movie, the film’s ensemble cast continues to take shape with a mixture of returning Anderson collaborators and new faces.
IndieWire has confirmed that five new actors have been added to the project, including “Licorice Pizza” star Alana Haim, “A Thousand and One” standout Teyana Taylor, Shayna McHale, Wood Harris, and newcomer Chase Infiniti. The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The actors join a cast headlined by Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, and Sean Penn. Penn also appeared alongside Haim in “Licorice Pizza.”
Anderson is known for repeatedly collaborating with the same actors, so the addition of Haim (whom he has also directed in several music videos) will not be surprising to his fans. The film’s growing cast suggests that audiences could be in for another large ensemble piece from Anderson in the vein of “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” or “Licorice Pizza.
IndieWire has confirmed that five new actors have been added to the project, including “Licorice Pizza” star Alana Haim, “A Thousand and One” standout Teyana Taylor, Shayna McHale, Wood Harris, and newcomer Chase Infiniti. The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The actors join a cast headlined by Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, and Sean Penn. Penn also appeared alongside Haim in “Licorice Pizza.”
Anderson is known for repeatedly collaborating with the same actors, so the addition of Haim (whom he has also directed in several music videos) will not be surprising to his fans. The film’s growing cast suggests that audiences could be in for another large ensemble piece from Anderson in the vein of “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” or “Licorice Pizza.
- 2/2/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
With production beginning in Northern California for Paul Thomas Anderson’s next feature, the casting announcements are finally starting to flow in. After Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, and Sean Penn were announced, we learned this week that newcomer Chase Infiniti is part of the ensemble.
Now, THR reports Licorice Pizza star Alana Haim will join the project, alongside Teyana Taylor (A Thousand and One), Wood Harris, and Shayna McHayle aka Junglepussy (Support the Girls).
The recent set photos have also further fueled much speculation that Paul Thomas Anderson is taking on a contemporary update of Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, shifting its 1984-set depiction of Reagan’s reign of terror to the Maga state of today. If this proves to be the case, we would imagine DiCaprio takes the lead Zoyd Wheeler role, Regina Hall is Frenesi Gates, Chase Infiniti is their daughter Prairie, and Sean Penn plays the villainous Brock Vond.
Now, THR reports Licorice Pizza star Alana Haim will join the project, alongside Teyana Taylor (A Thousand and One), Wood Harris, and Shayna McHayle aka Junglepussy (Support the Girls).
The recent set photos have also further fueled much speculation that Paul Thomas Anderson is taking on a contemporary update of Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, shifting its 1984-set depiction of Reagan’s reign of terror to the Maga state of today. If this proves to be the case, we would imagine DiCaprio takes the lead Zoyd Wheeler role, Regina Hall is Frenesi Gates, Chase Infiniti is their daughter Prairie, and Sean Penn plays the villainous Brock Vond.
- 2/2/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.