Variety‘s annual Power of Law breakfast, presented by City National Bank, featured speakers discussing the radical changes that have rocked the entertainment industry in recent years and how insiders are adapting to the uncertainty surrounding Hollywood.
The event honored Cliff Gilbert-Lurie, Ziffren Brittenham Llp co-managing and senior partner, with the Power of Law Award recognizing his long career and his impressive track record of philanthropic work in Los Angeles County and beyond. The event also celebrated those profiled in Variety‘s annual Legal Impact Report, which recognizes transactional and litigation attorneys working in media and entertainment.
Dea Lawrence, Variety‘s chief operating and marketing officer, opened the morning at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills remarks by acknowledging the significance of the legal eagles gathered.
“The lawyers in this room this morning are the best people to help us navigate the dramatic changes the entertainment industry has been experiencing this past year,...
The event honored Cliff Gilbert-Lurie, Ziffren Brittenham Llp co-managing and senior partner, with the Power of Law Award recognizing his long career and his impressive track record of philanthropic work in Los Angeles County and beyond. The event also celebrated those profiled in Variety‘s annual Legal Impact Report, which recognizes transactional and litigation attorneys working in media and entertainment.
Dea Lawrence, Variety‘s chief operating and marketing officer, opened the morning at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills remarks by acknowledging the significance of the legal eagles gathered.
“The lawyers in this room this morning are the best people to help us navigate the dramatic changes the entertainment industry has been experiencing this past year,...
- 4/19/2024
- by Jack Dunn, Selena Kuznikov and Lexi Carson
- Variety Film + TV
That’s a wrap on Oscar season 2024 — but first, the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast’s Roundtable dives in one last time to take a final look at the highs, lows and head scratchers from Sunday night’s ceremony. “Oppenheimer” did huge, but it didn’t quite sweep. “Poor Things” over-poor-formed. We’re still not quite sure what Al Pacino was doing before handing out the best picture Academy
Award. But overall, this year’s Oscars gets high marks for good speeches, fun segments, solid quips by host Jimmy Kimmel and perhaps — most importantly — ending early.
Listen to this week’s episode, and join Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and Michael Schneider as we give our parting thoughts in another Roundtable Mega Edition below:
And here are some required readings from Oscar night 2024:
How to Improve the Oscars: Add New Categories, Bump the Show Up to February and More...
Award. But overall, this year’s Oscars gets high marks for good speeches, fun segments, solid quips by host Jimmy Kimmel and perhaps — most importantly — ending early.
Listen to this week’s episode, and join Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and Michael Schneider as we give our parting thoughts in another Roundtable Mega Edition below:
And here are some required readings from Oscar night 2024:
How to Improve the Oscars: Add New Categories, Bump the Show Up to February and More...
- 3/15/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
We’re less than 24 hours from Hollywood’s biggest night, and if you haven’t filled out your office or household Oscar pool, time is running out. But first — check out this week’s Variety Awards Circuit Podcast for some final analysis. Awards guru Clayton Davis, along with Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and Michael Schneider recorded a Mega Roundtable edition this week to share their final thoughts on this year’s races. Listen below!
Will “Oppenheimer” clean up? Probably. But how much? In lead actress, who will win the battle of the stones: Lily Gladstone or Emma Stone? Will “Barbie” pick up anything besides best song?
So many categories to consider, and this week’s episode goes deep on the 23 categories, including the lesser-known ones that will be make or break in your pool.
Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster “Oppenheimer” has clinched every major guild and industry accolade — Golden Globes, Critics Choice,...
Will “Oppenheimer” clean up? Probably. But how much? In lead actress, who will win the battle of the stones: Lily Gladstone or Emma Stone? Will “Barbie” pick up anything besides best song?
So many categories to consider, and this week’s episode goes deep on the 23 categories, including the lesser-known ones that will be make or break in your pool.
Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster “Oppenheimer” has clinched every major guild and industry accolade — Golden Globes, Critics Choice,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Michael Schneider and Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
I’m no stranger to celebrity. I’ve sat down with Leonardo DiCaprio, I’ve interviewed Angelina Jolie — and I have never been more starstruck than last week, when I hosted a press conference with the breakout star of the year. That would be Messi, the lovable pooch who plays service dog Snoop in “Anatomy of a Fall” He’s the scene stealer of an Oscar-nominated movie and the one everyone wanted to meet at the recent Academy luncheon. He is a very, very good boi.
It was Messi’s first L.A. visit and besides the luncheon, he visited some historic landmarks — see his owner-trainer Lauren Martini-Contini’s Instagram for his “Baywatch” recreation. He and Martin-Contini (along with...
I’m no stranger to celebrity. I’ve sat down with Leonardo DiCaprio, I’ve interviewed Angelina Jolie — and I have never been more starstruck than last week, when I hosted a press conference with the breakout star of the year. That would be Messi, the lovable pooch who plays service dog Snoop in “Anatomy of a Fall” He’s the scene stealer of an Oscar-nominated movie and the one everyone wanted to meet at the recent Academy luncheon. He is a very, very good boi.
It was Messi’s first L.A. visit and besides the luncheon, he visited some historic landmarks — see his owner-trainer Lauren Martini-Contini’s Instagram for his “Baywatch” recreation. He and Martin-Contini (along with...
- 2/23/2024
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Jeffrey Wright is finally an Oscar nominee. The actor’s storied career had already brought him under the direction of masters such as Sidney Lumet, Ang Lee, and most recently, newcomer Cord Jefferson in the satirical dramedy “American Fiction.” But with his Oscar nom, Wright says he feels more supported than ever by the Hollywood community and studios.
“I’ve never had this level of support behind a project that I was central to from the powers that be, the business side of our industry,” he tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “I’ve never had it until now. I’m really grateful for that. We’re here now, and I’m so pleased the film has been recognized across the board. With a small movie and 26 days of filming, our budget was probably the catering budget for the last Bond movie I did.”
In this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast,...
“I’ve never had this level of support behind a project that I was central to from the powers that be, the business side of our industry,” he tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “I’ve never had it until now. I’m really grateful for that. We’re here now, and I’m so pleased the film has been recognized across the board. With a small movie and 26 days of filming, our budget was probably the catering budget for the last Bond movie I did.”
In this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast,...
- 2/22/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
“Killers of the Flower Moon” star Lily Gladstone embraces her monumental responsibility as an Oscar nominee, utilizing her platform to advocate for the Indigenous community and hoping to pave the way for more actors like herself.
During a panel conversation at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Virtuosos Awards, Gladstone — of Siksikaitsitapi and Niimiipuu heritage — addressed the harmful depictions and references to Indians in media, notably mentioning the Kansas City Chiefs the day before their Super Bowl win.
“Honestly, you could hold both teams accountable,” Gladstone tells Variety. “The 49ers are based on the California Gold Rush, which was an incredibly brutal time for California Indians. And then the Chiefs. There are many ways that you could interpret the name ‘chief.’ It’s not just the name that bothers me. It’s hearing that damn Tomahawk chop. Every time, it’s a stark reminder of what Hollywood has done to us,...
During a panel conversation at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Virtuosos Awards, Gladstone — of Siksikaitsitapi and Niimiipuu heritage — addressed the harmful depictions and references to Indians in media, notably mentioning the Kansas City Chiefs the day before their Super Bowl win.
“Honestly, you could hold both teams accountable,” Gladstone tells Variety. “The 49ers are based on the California Gold Rush, which was an incredibly brutal time for California Indians. And then the Chiefs. There are many ways that you could interpret the name ‘chief.’ It’s not just the name that bothers me. It’s hearing that damn Tomahawk chop. Every time, it’s a stark reminder of what Hollywood has done to us,...
- 2/15/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
In case you didn’t know, animation directors are also auteurs. According to Yahoo Finance, the global animation market reached more than $400 billion at the end of 2023. That was up from $391 billion one year before. And yet, animated projects are not automatically covered by the WGA, are separate from the DGA, and are consistently overlooked for their filmmaking achievements.
Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, the directing trio of Sony Animation’s animated box office smash “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” tell Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast that there are some critically needed changes in Hollywood.
“I think it’s worth repeating: animation is a big business for the industry,” says Dos Santos. “We bring a ton to the table; without it, everybody hurts. I also want to add that doing an animated film shouldn’t be a sacrifice for the artist doing it.”
Powers adds: “I do...
Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, the directing trio of Sony Animation’s animated box office smash “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” tell Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast that there are some critically needed changes in Hollywood.
“I think it’s worth repeating: animation is a big business for the industry,” says Dos Santos. “We bring a ton to the table; without it, everybody hurts. I also want to add that doing an animated film shouldn’t be a sacrifice for the artist doing it.”
Powers adds: “I do...
- 2/8/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Writer, director and actor Bradley Cooper began working on “Maestro” years before the film went into pre-production. One person he turned to early on in that process was his collaborator on his directorial debut (“A Star is Born”), cinematographer Matthew Libatique.
On this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Libatique discusses his process for shooting one of the most emotional scenes in the film – the Thanksgiving scene where Felicia (Carey Mulligan) finally confronts her husband, Leonard Bernstein (Cooper) over his late nights away from home.
Listen below.
In prepping for “Maestro,” the Oscar-nominated Libatique tells Variety: “What Bradley wanted to do was crack the code on the makeup and how he was going to physically transform into Lenny and working with Kazu.”
The result was a 40-minute proof of concept where they shot actual scenes. It was through that process that Libatique learned about what lenses they liked and what format worked.
On this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Libatique discusses his process for shooting one of the most emotional scenes in the film – the Thanksgiving scene where Felicia (Carey Mulligan) finally confronts her husband, Leonard Bernstein (Cooper) over his late nights away from home.
Listen below.
In prepping for “Maestro,” the Oscar-nominated Libatique tells Variety: “What Bradley wanted to do was crack the code on the makeup and how he was going to physically transform into Lenny and working with Kazu.”
The result was a 40-minute proof of concept where they shot actual scenes. It was through that process that Libatique learned about what lenses they liked and what format worked.
- 2/2/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
“Rustin” star Colman Domingo has just been named an Oscar nominee for best actor for his powerhouse performance in the biographical drama. As he arrives to record the latest episode of Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Domingo says he wants to stay present in this moment, noting that he was “waiting around for a certain call for a few hours.”
That “certain call” would former President Barack Obama, who is the founder of the production company Higher Ground, which financed the George C. Wolfe drama.
A fashionable and charismatic figure (who’s also participating in “Dry January”), Domingo says that Presidential call came about one hour before he entered the studio. Doing his best Obama impression, Domingo says the first thing the former President said was, “Colman! Congratulations! Enjoy this moment. Enjoy every step of this. It’s a wonderful thing. Have fun.”
On this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast,...
That “certain call” would former President Barack Obama, who is the founder of the production company Higher Ground, which financed the George C. Wolfe drama.
A fashionable and charismatic figure (who’s also participating in “Dry January”), Domingo says that Presidential call came about one hour before he entered the studio. Doing his best Obama impression, Domingo says the first thing the former President said was, “Colman! Congratulations! Enjoy this moment. Enjoy every step of this. It’s a wonderful thing. Have fun.”
On this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
cast and crew of “Poor Things” teased Mark Ruffalo about replacing him with Oscar Isaac — even bringing the other actor to set one day.
Despite having two Oscar nominations and starring in blockbusters such as “Avengers: Endgame,” Ruffalo sometimes grapples with imposter syndrome. The actor admitted this during a recent conversation with his “Poor Things” peers — director Yorgos Lanthimos, writer Tony McNamara and fellow cast members Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe and Ramy Yousef.
Ruffalo was offered the role of rakish attorney Duncan Wedderburn and recalled how he was sent the script. “I thought it was pretty amazing,” he noted. “But I doubted my ability to do it, to be honest with you. I was scared of it. Even to...
cast and crew of “Poor Things” teased Mark Ruffalo about replacing him with Oscar Isaac — even bringing the other actor to set one day.
Despite having two Oscar nominations and starring in blockbusters such as “Avengers: Endgame,” Ruffalo sometimes grapples with imposter syndrome. The actor admitted this during a recent conversation with his “Poor Things” peers — director Yorgos Lanthimos, writer Tony McNamara and fellow cast members Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe and Ramy Yousef.
Ruffalo was offered the role of rakish attorney Duncan Wedderburn and recalled how he was sent the script. “I thought it was pretty amazing,” he noted. “But I doubted my ability to do it, to be honest with you. I was scared of it. Even to...
- 1/18/2024
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Emma Stone has a dream, and not one you’d expect. The “Poor Things” star, coming off a Golden Globe win this week, tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast that she wants to be a contestant on the classic game show “Jeopardy” — and no, not the “Celebrity” edition.
“I apply every June,” she says. “I don’t want to go on ‘Celebrity Jeopardy.’ I want to earn my stripes. You can only take the test once a year with your email address, and I’ve never gotten on the show. I watch it every single night and I mark down how many answers I get right. I swear, I could go on ‘Jeopardy.'”
Stone could be the second woman nominated for producing and acting in the same year following Frances McDormand for “Nomadland” (2020), who won both. In addition, she could be the second actress to receive Oscar nods for...
“I apply every June,” she says. “I don’t want to go on ‘Celebrity Jeopardy.’ I want to earn my stripes. You can only take the test once a year with your email address, and I’ve never gotten on the show. I watch it every single night and I mark down how many answers I get right. I swear, I could go on ‘Jeopardy.'”
Stone could be the second woman nominated for producing and acting in the same year following Frances McDormand for “Nomadland” (2020), who won both. In addition, she could be the second actress to receive Oscar nods for...
- 1/11/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
True Detective is back after a five-year layoff, but that’s nothing compared to how long it’s been since Jodie Foster last starred in a TV series.
Foster — who stars as Alaska police chief Liz Danvers in the new fourth season of HBO’s crime anthology, subtitled Night Country (premiering this Sunday at 9/8c) — hasn’t been a full-time TV actor since her early teen years in the 1970s. (Did you know she co-starred in a TV version of Paper Moon?) But the Oscar winner was lured back to the small screen by the prospect of being on True Detective,...
Foster — who stars as Alaska police chief Liz Danvers in the new fourth season of HBO’s crime anthology, subtitled Night Country (premiering this Sunday at 9/8c) — hasn’t been a full-time TV actor since her early teen years in the 1970s. (Did you know she co-starred in a TV version of Paper Moon?) But the Oscar winner was lured back to the small screen by the prospect of being on True Detective,...
- 1/9/2024
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Legendary filmmaker Michael Mann is “worried about the future” of movies. But, he also declares, “Cinema is not dying.” A luminary auteur with a distinctive visual style and gripping storytelling, Mann calls this time following the end of the historic Hollywood strikes “a real watershed moment.”
“The companies are split in ways they haven’t been before between streamers and legacy studios,” he tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “Those interests don’t sometimes align. There isn’t a ‘Lew Wasserman’ figure now. There needs to be because this isn’t the end. These issues come up every time there’s a new modality. It always precipitates this.”
On this episode of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Mann discusses the experience of making his latest film, the awards contender “Ferrari,” and how working with Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz compares to his other actors from past movies. That includes reflecting...
“The companies are split in ways they haven’t been before between streamers and legacy studios,” he tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “Those interests don’t sometimes align. There isn’t a ‘Lew Wasserman’ figure now. There needs to be because this isn’t the end. These issues come up every time there’s a new modality. It always precipitates this.”
On this episode of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Mann discusses the experience of making his latest film, the awards contender “Ferrari,” and how working with Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz compares to his other actors from past movies. That includes reflecting...
- 1/4/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
“Ferrari” director Michael Mann sees similarities between Enzo Ferrari and Adam Driver, the actor playing him in their new film.
Hitting theaters Christmas Day, “Ferrari” focuses on a pivotal time in the Ferrari founder’s life – his marriage to wife Laura (Penélope Cruz) is deteriorating and she is unaware of the other family he has with girlfriend Lina (Shailene Woodley). At the same time, his company is on the verge of bankruptcy. It’s all set against the backdrop of the 1957 Mille Miglia, a tragic event in racing history.
In this exclusive featurette, Driver says he can relate to Ferrari’s mindset: “Enzo’s relentlessness and ambition and myopic focus, I completely understand.”
Producer-director Mann goes on to draw comparisons between their determination,...
“Ferrari” director Michael Mann sees similarities between Enzo Ferrari and Adam Driver, the actor playing him in their new film.
Hitting theaters Christmas Day, “Ferrari” focuses on a pivotal time in the Ferrari founder’s life – his marriage to wife Laura (Penélope Cruz) is deteriorating and she is unaware of the other family he has with girlfriend Lina (Shailene Woodley). At the same time, his company is on the verge of bankruptcy. It’s all set against the backdrop of the 1957 Mille Miglia, a tragic event in racing history.
In this exclusive featurette, Driver says he can relate to Ferrari’s mindset: “Enzo’s relentlessness and ambition and myopic focus, I completely understand.”
Producer-director Mann goes on to draw comparisons between their determination,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
[Editor’s Note: The following article contains spoilers for “The Curse” through Episode 5.]
“God damn it!”
Whitney Siegel is not pleased. Already today, Emma Stone’s frustrated entrepreneur/”artist” has lost a prospective buyer, wasted precious production hours on people that won’t be included in the show, and witnessed her so-called friend make fun of her on camera, in a home Whitney designed, with the entire crew watching. Now, the fake couple Whitney is paying to pretend like they’re excited about purchasing her passive house is saying they don’t want to fake everything. Rather than be paired up with a more camera-friendly stranger, the long-haired “actor” would prefer to walk through the home with his real-life, less aesthetically pleasing partner.
That’s the last straw for Whitney, and before walking outside, plastering on her semi-permanent smile, and facing the source of her irritation, she lets out a rare expletive. “God damn it!” she shouts. Is the...
“God damn it!”
Whitney Siegel is not pleased. Already today, Emma Stone’s frustrated entrepreneur/”artist” has lost a prospective buyer, wasted precious production hours on people that won’t be included in the show, and witnessed her so-called friend make fun of her on camera, in a home Whitney designed, with the entire crew watching. Now, the fake couple Whitney is paying to pretend like they’re excited about purchasing her passive house is saying they don’t want to fake everything. Rather than be paired up with a more camera-friendly stranger, the long-haired “actor” would prefer to walk through the home with his real-life, less aesthetically pleasing partner.
That’s the last straw for Whitney, and before walking outside, plastering on her semi-permanent smile, and facing the source of her irritation, she lets out a rare expletive. “God damn it!” she shouts. Is the...
- 12/11/2023
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
For all her work on stage and screen, Kristen Bell might best be known as the woman who cried over a sloth. Back in 2012, the actor went viral with a video shot by her husband, Dax Shepard isn’t even seen interacting with the sloth – in the video it’s just the anticipation of knowing it’s there causes her to practically hyperventilate with euphoria.
It was a moment Wallis Annenberg PetSpace’s Catie Voglio could relate to all too well. “I first saw the video of Kristin Bell’s reaction to the sloth, and I just knew that feeling of loving something so much, it almost hurts you,” she says.
So, when Voglio was working with a podcast...
For all her work on stage and screen, Kristen Bell might best be known as the woman who cried over a sloth. Back in 2012, the actor went viral with a video shot by her husband, Dax Shepard isn’t even seen interacting with the sloth – in the video it’s just the anticipation of knowing it’s there causes her to practically hyperventilate with euphoria.
It was a moment Wallis Annenberg PetSpace’s Catie Voglio could relate to all too well. “I first saw the video of Kristin Bell’s reaction to the sloth, and I just knew that feeling of loving something so much, it almost hurts you,” she says.
So, when Voglio was working with a podcast...
- 9/29/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
Charlene Lee and Claire Koonce want actors to succeed. At Clck casting, which they founded in 2019 after working together on various projects, they share similar work ethics and values. “Charlene and I really focus on inclusivity, authenticity and kindness,” says Koonce. “We feel there’s a lot of talent in this town. And the way that every single person is treated throughout the casting process is important to us. We want to cast authentically and inclusively and do quality work, but kindly.”
That skillset came in handy when the pair were tasked with casting “Beef,” Netflix’s heralded limited series starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun as Amy and Danny, strangers who continue to antagonize each other after a random road rage incident.
Charlene Lee and Claire Koonce want actors to succeed. At Clck casting, which they founded in 2019 after working together on various projects, they share similar work ethics and values. “Charlene and I really focus on inclusivity, authenticity and kindness,” says Koonce. “We feel there’s a lot of talent in this town. And the way that every single person is treated throughout the casting process is important to us. We want to cast authentically and inclusively and do quality work, but kindly.”
That skillset came in handy when the pair were tasked with casting “Beef,” Netflix’s heralded limited series starring Ali Wong and Steven Yeun as Amy and Danny, strangers who continue to antagonize each other after a random road rage incident.
- 8/18/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
With dual strikes currently underway, it’s an uncertain time for actors – and this is a profession that is used to uncertainty. Many aren’t just wondering about when their next job will be, but how they can afford rent, utilities and health care. One place that can help is the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and its Emergency Financial Assistance and Disaster Relief Fund. The Foundation’s programs and assistance are available to any SAG-AFTRA member currently paid up on dues who are able to prove financial crisis. The Foundation’s motto is: “If you need help, ask. If you can help, give.”
For those not familiar with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, it is a non-profit organization associated with the union but not part of it.
With dual strikes currently underway, it’s an uncertain time for actors – and this is a profession that is used to uncertainty. Many aren’t just wondering about when their next job will be, but how they can afford rent, utilities and health care. One place that can help is the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and its Emergency Financial Assistance and Disaster Relief Fund. The Foundation’s programs and assistance are available to any SAG-AFTRA member currently paid up on dues who are able to prove financial crisis. The Foundation’s motto is: “If you need help, ask. If you can help, give.”
For those not familiar with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, it is a non-profit organization associated with the union but not part of it.
- 8/1/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Variety won 14 first-place awards Sunday night at the Los Angeles Press Club’s 65th annual SoCal Journalism Awards, more than twice as many as any other entertainment publication.
The 14 awards represented a historic high for Variety at the SoCal Journalism Awards, topping the previous best of 12 first-place prizes the magazine earned in 2018. Variety came into Sunday’s ceremony with a record 96 nominations, representing work published online and in print during the 2022 calendar year.
The awards were handed out during a gala dinner attended by hundreds in the historic Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Several staffers won dual honors. Owen Gleiberman, Variety‘s chief film critic, won best obituary/appreciation for a look back at actor William Hurt, plus best online arts commentary for the column “Is ‘Tar’ Rooting for or Against Cate Blanchett’s Superstar Predator Conductor?” Chris Willman, senior writer and chief music critic,...
The 14 awards represented a historic high for Variety at the SoCal Journalism Awards, topping the previous best of 12 first-place prizes the magazine earned in 2018. Variety came into Sunday’s ceremony with a record 96 nominations, representing work published online and in print during the 2022 calendar year.
The awards were handed out during a gala dinner attended by hundreds in the historic Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Several staffers won dual honors. Owen Gleiberman, Variety‘s chief film critic, won best obituary/appreciation for a look back at actor William Hurt, plus best online arts commentary for the column “Is ‘Tar’ Rooting for or Against Cate Blanchett’s Superstar Predator Conductor?” Chris Willman, senior writer and chief music critic,...
- 6/26/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
There’s a long history of great actors who have never won an Emmy Award. Hugh Laurie has a total of 10 Emmy nominations with zero wins for his work but the most glaring oversight is that after six nominations for his iconic role on “House” he never took home the prize. But that’s nothing compared to Angela Lansbury, who went home empty-handed a whopping 18 times. But they’re in good company – including the likes of Jackie Gleason, Desi Arnaz Jr. and Phylicia Rashad.
With Emmy voting starting, I wanted to highlight some shows and performances that have so far gone overlooked by the Emmy Awards. Most of the programs I chose have been completely shut out by the Academy.
There’s a long history of great actors who have never won an Emmy Award. Hugh Laurie has a total of 10 Emmy nominations with zero wins for his work but the most glaring oversight is that after six nominations for his iconic role on “House” he never took home the prize. But that’s nothing compared to Angela Lansbury, who went home empty-handed a whopping 18 times. But they’re in good company – including the likes of Jackie Gleason, Desi Arnaz Jr. and Phylicia Rashad.
With Emmy voting starting, I wanted to highlight some shows and performances that have so far gone overlooked by the Emmy Awards. Most of the programs I chose have been completely shut out by the Academy.
- 6/16/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
In “A Soldier’s Play,” Captain Richard Davenport isn’t meant to sing. But when you cast legendary baritone Norm Lewis in the role, you take advantage of his talents. Lewis can be seen in the national touring production, currently playing at L.A.’s Ahmanson Theatre — and it’s thanks to director Kenny Leon that audiences get to hear Davenport sing at certain points it the show.
Written by Charles Fuller, “A Soldier’s Play” is set on an Army base in 1944, when the military is still segregated. Captain Davenport, a rare Black officer, is sent to investigate the shooting of Sergeant Vernon Waters. Though Black himself, Waters despises and persecutes Black men who he feels perpetuate old-fashioned stereotypes.
In “A Soldier’s Play,” Captain Richard Davenport isn’t meant to sing. But when you cast legendary baritone Norm Lewis in the role, you take advantage of his talents. Lewis can be seen in the national touring production, currently playing at L.A.’s Ahmanson Theatre — and it’s thanks to director Kenny Leon that audiences get to hear Davenport sing at certain points it the show.
Written by Charles Fuller, “A Soldier’s Play” is set on an Army base in 1944, when the military is still segregated. Captain Davenport, a rare Black officer, is sent to investigate the shooting of Sergeant Vernon Waters. Though Black himself, Waters despises and persecutes Black men who he feels perpetuate old-fashioned stereotypes.
- 6/9/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
When someone talks about improvisation, odds are your mind goes to what is known as short-form; theater games or quick scenes, the sort of performances popularized by “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and seen in small theaters. Most people have seen – or been in – groups like this.
Long-form improv, as the name implies, offers a different challenge. Rather than taking suggestions throughout a show for different scenes, performers only take a few suggestions at the top of a show and proceed to perform the rest of the show based on those. While there may be several scenes within a show, the idea is that they are all related to those initial prompts.
While it may be high-risk, it’s...
When someone talks about improvisation, odds are your mind goes to what is known as short-form; theater games or quick scenes, the sort of performances popularized by “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and seen in small theaters. Most people have seen – or been in – groups like this.
Long-form improv, as the name implies, offers a different challenge. Rather than taking suggestions throughout a show for different scenes, performers only take a few suggestions at the top of a show and proceed to perform the rest of the show based on those. While there may be several scenes within a show, the idea is that they are all related to those initial prompts.
While it may be high-risk, it’s...
- 6/5/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
Jason Henkel came to Los Angeles in 1993 to pursue an acting career, before he pivoted to working in animation production. But his experiences as a performer helped show him the kind of casting director he didn’t want to be. “I didn’t want to go into a field where I secretly felt, ‘I could do this better,’” he says. “And from the moment I became involved with voiceover, watching these amazing actors who were so great at manipulating their voices, I knew I could never do what they do.”
Henkel began his career as the assistant to the SVP of Music of DisneyToon before moving to casting in 2008, where he worked on the animated “Tinker Bell” movie with John Lasseter,...
Jason Henkel came to Los Angeles in 1993 to pursue an acting career, before he pivoted to working in animation production. But his experiences as a performer helped show him the kind of casting director he didn’t want to be. “I didn’t want to go into a field where I secretly felt, ‘I could do this better,’” he says. “And from the moment I became involved with voiceover, watching these amazing actors who were so great at manipulating their voices, I knew I could never do what they do.”
Henkel began his career as the assistant to the SVP of Music of DisneyToon before moving to casting in 2008, where he worked on the animated “Tinker Bell” movie with John Lasseter,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
Considering Ray Romano has worn so many hats in his career – comedian, actor, writer, producer – it’s hard to believe that the multi-hyphenate had never directed before. When I mention I assumed he had at least directed one of the 210 episodes of his acclaimed series “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Romano jokes: “Me too. I thought I must have directed one of them, right? But no, I had never done it.”
So it comes as a surprise not only to audiences but to Romano himself that he’s making his directorial debut with the feature film “Somewhere in Queens,” a poignant comedy about a working-class Italian family that hits theaters this weekend. The film is so resonant in so many ways...
Considering Ray Romano has worn so many hats in his career – comedian, actor, writer, producer – it’s hard to believe that the multi-hyphenate had never directed before. When I mention I assumed he had at least directed one of the 210 episodes of his acclaimed series “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Romano jokes: “Me too. I thought I must have directed one of them, right? But no, I had never done it.”
So it comes as a surprise not only to audiences but to Romano himself that he’s making his directorial debut with the feature film “Somewhere in Queens,” a poignant comedy about a working-class Italian family that hits theaters this weekend. The film is so resonant in so many ways...
- 4/21/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
Sometimes, you find startling accuracy in the most unlikely places. Codependency and toxic relationships have long been fodder for film and television, but lately there’s been a batch of quality entertainment that does an excellent job of depicting the reality of an unhealthy relationship — and the struggle to break free from one.
Surprisingly, it’s comedic entertainment that seems to be doing it best as of late. Take the first season of the Apple TV+ comedy “Shrinking,” which depicts a therapist (Jason Segel) trying to help a client (Heidi Gardner) break up with her verbally and emotionally abusive husband. It’s a character arc that rings only too true, expertly captured by “Saturday Night Live” breakout Gardner. Over on HBO Max,...
Sometimes, you find startling accuracy in the most unlikely places. Codependency and toxic relationships have long been fodder for film and television, but lately there’s been a batch of quality entertainment that does an excellent job of depicting the reality of an unhealthy relationship — and the struggle to break free from one.
Surprisingly, it’s comedic entertainment that seems to be doing it best as of late. Take the first season of the Apple TV+ comedy “Shrinking,” which depicts a therapist (Jason Segel) trying to help a client (Heidi Gardner) break up with her verbally and emotionally abusive husband. It’s a character arc that rings only too true, expertly captured by “Saturday Night Live” breakout Gardner. Over on HBO Max,...
- 4/14/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Pictured: Casting directors Katja Zarolinski and Geoff Josselson of Jz Casting.
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
Casting director Geoff Josselson just checked off a major bucket list item. When he was asked what show he dreamed of casting, he would say “Into the Woods.” And just last year, working with Telsey Casting, Josselson was part of the team that assembled the heralded Broadway revival starring Sara Bareilles, Brian D’Arcy James and Joshua Henry. Josselson is on a bit of a Stephen Sondheim spree — with Telsey he also helped cast the new production of “Sweeney Todd,” starring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. And he and his partner at Jz Casting, Katja Zarolinski, just collaborated for the first time with the Pasadena Playhouse to cast “A Little Night Music,...
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
Casting director Geoff Josselson just checked off a major bucket list item. When he was asked what show he dreamed of casting, he would say “Into the Woods.” And just last year, working with Telsey Casting, Josselson was part of the team that assembled the heralded Broadway revival starring Sara Bareilles, Brian D’Arcy James and Joshua Henry. Josselson is on a bit of a Stephen Sondheim spree — with Telsey he also helped cast the new production of “Sweeney Todd,” starring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. And he and his partner at Jz Casting, Katja Zarolinski, just collaborated for the first time with the Pasadena Playhouse to cast “A Little Night Music,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt are setting the record straight about the origins of "Ted Lasso." During a cast panel with Variety in celebration of the hit Apple TV+ show's third season, the show's co-creators were asked about the origin of the Ted Lasso character, and had a surprising answer.
Moderator and Actors on Actors host Jenelle Riley opened up the panel by asking about the inception of "Ted Lasso" as a character, referencing a story that's apparently been floating around the internet about co-creators and stars Brendan Hunt and Jason Sudeikis incorporating the character into sketch comedy early in their careers. "It's not true!" Sudeikis declared, before setting the record straight about exactly how the pair's early days working together at a theater in Amsterdam related to their eventual creation of the mustachioed Midwestern football coach.
The Ted Lasso Character Was Not Created In The '90s
"Brendan and...
Moderator and Actors on Actors host Jenelle Riley opened up the panel by asking about the inception of "Ted Lasso" as a character, referencing a story that's apparently been floating around the internet about co-creators and stars Brendan Hunt and Jason Sudeikis incorporating the character into sketch comedy early in their careers. "It's not true!" Sudeikis declared, before setting the record straight about exactly how the pair's early days working together at a theater in Amsterdam related to their eventual creation of the mustachioed Midwestern football coach.
The Ted Lasso Character Was Not Created In The '90s
"Brendan and...
- 3/23/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
On Sunday, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” appeared to be everything, everywhere, all at once. The film, of course, dominated the 95th Oscars with seven wins — including best picture. Virtually all the stars received wins, on what was truly a historic night.
And an emotional one. As the opening clips of this week’s Variety Awards Circuit Podcast illustrates, family was on the minds of this year’s winners. Listen to our Mega Roundtable edition, in which Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and myself recount the show and dissect the winners — from Jimmy Kimmel’s excellent monologue to how every single category panned out:
Big wins from the likes of Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Brendan Fraser and Michelle Yeoh meant many tears were shed — sure, on stage, but also in the audience.
Funny I should mention SXSW, as its unlikely march to the big Oscar wins started...
And an emotional one. As the opening clips of this week’s Variety Awards Circuit Podcast illustrates, family was on the minds of this year’s winners. Listen to our Mega Roundtable edition, in which Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and myself recount the show and dissect the winners — from Jimmy Kimmel’s excellent monologue to how every single category panned out:
Big wins from the likes of Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Brendan Fraser and Michelle Yeoh meant many tears were shed — sure, on stage, but also in the audience.
Funny I should mention SXSW, as its unlikely march to the big Oscar wins started...
- 3/16/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
The Academy Awards are this Sunday and it’s actually been a great year for film and particularly actors. So many of them have been recognized with nominations or wins, between the Oscars and the SAG Awards, not to mention BAFTA, Golden Globes, Critics Choice, Gotham and Independent Spirit Awards.
But with every great performance honored by a major group, there are so many more that are deserving, but seem to elude awards recognition. So going off the four existing acting categories, I wanted to suggest some other names from the year 2022 that deserve a look. And the best part is, they’re all currently available to stream so you can check them out yourself.
Supporting Actress – Mariana Treviño,...
The Academy Awards are this Sunday and it’s actually been a great year for film and particularly actors. So many of them have been recognized with nominations or wins, between the Oscars and the SAG Awards, not to mention BAFTA, Golden Globes, Critics Choice, Gotham and Independent Spirit Awards.
But with every great performance honored by a major group, there are so many more that are deserving, but seem to elude awards recognition. So going off the four existing acting categories, I wanted to suggest some other names from the year 2022 that deserve a look. And the best part is, they’re all currently available to stream so you can check them out yourself.
Supporting Actress – Mariana Treviño,...
- 3/11/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
It all comes down to this weekend. Variety’s Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Jenelle Riley and Michael Schneider dissect the Oscar categories one last time and share final predictions on this week’s edition of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit podcast.
It’s a Mega Roundtable of the podcast, as the team goes through every category and offers up their final thoughts. Will “Everything Everywhere All at Once” sweep the night? Or are some surprises in store? Listen along as you fill out your office Oscars pool:
Here are some of the potential wins that the team is rooting for:
Jenelle Riley is hoping to see “Everything Everywhere All at Once” star Michelle Yeoh win best actress. “It’s been almost a year since I saw this fabulous performance and I’ve just been counting down the days until Yeoh takes home an Oscar – and makes history as the first...
It’s a Mega Roundtable of the podcast, as the team goes through every category and offers up their final thoughts. Will “Everything Everywhere All at Once” sweep the night? Or are some surprises in store? Listen along as you fill out your office Oscars pool:
Here are some of the potential wins that the team is rooting for:
Jenelle Riley is hoping to see “Everything Everywhere All at Once” star Michelle Yeoh win best actress. “It’s been almost a year since I saw this fabulous performance and I’ve just been counting down the days until Yeoh takes home an Oscar – and makes history as the first...
- 3/9/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Craig Gillespie has entered a first look deal with Tomorrow Studios, a subsidiary of ITV Studios.
The deal represents an expansion of Gillespie’s partnership with Tomorrow, as the studio is already behind the Apple TV+ comedy series “Physical. Gillespie serves as a director on “Physical” and executive produces alongside Tomorrow Studios CEO Marty Adelstein and partner and president Becky Clements.
Along with “Physical,” which is currently in production on its third season, Gillespie’s television credits include serving as a director and executive producer of Hulu’s “Pam & Tommy” and “Mike.” In film, he is best known for directing “I, Tonya,” “Cruella” and “Lars and the Real Girl.”
“As we continue studio growth, having likeminded partners becomes of even greater importance, and we share with Craig a great passion for producing compelling scripted television projects,” said Adelstein and Clements. “This first look deal is a great addition to...
The deal represents an expansion of Gillespie’s partnership with Tomorrow, as the studio is already behind the Apple TV+ comedy series “Physical. Gillespie serves as a director on “Physical” and executive produces alongside Tomorrow Studios CEO Marty Adelstein and partner and president Becky Clements.
Along with “Physical,” which is currently in production on its third season, Gillespie’s television credits include serving as a director and executive producer of Hulu’s “Pam & Tommy” and “Mike.” In film, he is best known for directing “I, Tonya,” “Cruella” and “Lars and the Real Girl.”
“As we continue studio growth, having likeminded partners becomes of even greater importance, and we share with Craig a great passion for producing compelling scripted television projects,” said Adelstein and Clements. “This first look deal is a great addition to...
- 3/9/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
From major titles making their way to theaters to prominent auteurs delivering highly anticipated projects to streamers continuing to flex their strength, 2022 was a dynamic year for cinema. Variety asked editors Peter Debruge, Clayton Davis, Tim Gray, and Jenelle Riley, to answer four questions about this past year in film and discuss its standout moments. The questions are:
1. How would you rate 2022’s films against previous years?
2. What was the most important issue this year for the industry?
3. What film inspired you the most this year?
4. What scene stuck with you the most this year?
‘Top Gun: Maverick’
Peter Debruge
Chief Film Critic
1. The theatrical experience is back — “Top Gun: Maverick” saw to that last summer, with James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of the Water” confirming audiences’ commitment to the big-screen experience at year’s end. That’s encouraging after the pandemic gave us all reason to be wary of crowded cinemas,...
1. How would you rate 2022’s films against previous years?
2. What was the most important issue this year for the industry?
3. What film inspired you the most this year?
4. What scene stuck with you the most this year?
‘Top Gun: Maverick’
Peter Debruge
Chief Film Critic
1. The theatrical experience is back — “Top Gun: Maverick” saw to that last summer, with James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of the Water” confirming audiences’ commitment to the big-screen experience at year’s end. That’s encouraging after the pandemic gave us all reason to be wary of crowded cinemas,...
- 3/8/2023
- by Clayton Davis, Peter Debruge, Tim Gray and Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
Sometimes due to article lengths or just time, there are some fun tales from interviews and Q&As that don’t make their way into stories. So I’ve decided to include a round-up here. Enjoy!
The Accent in “Tár” Has Surprising Origins
If you’re not already aware, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a non-profit org that provides several resources and emergency assistance to SAG-AFTRA artists. It also hosts fantastic Q&As that really dive deep into the acting process and for the recent SAG Awards, organizers hosted several panels with contenders in different categories. I was honored to moderate a few, including one for the lead female actor in a film with nominees Ana de Armas (“Blonde”), Cate Blanchett...
Sometimes due to article lengths or just time, there are some fun tales from interviews and Q&As that don’t make their way into stories. So I’ve decided to include a round-up here. Enjoy!
The Accent in “Tár” Has Surprising Origins
If you’re not already aware, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a non-profit org that provides several resources and emergency assistance to SAG-AFTRA artists. It also hosts fantastic Q&As that really dive deep into the acting process and for the recent SAG Awards, organizers hosted several panels with contenders in different categories. I was honored to moderate a few, including one for the lead female actor in a film with nominees Ana de Armas (“Blonde”), Cate Blanchett...
- 3/7/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
Charlie Mackesy always thought Tom Hollander would make a great mole.
More specifically, the artist who wrote and illustrated the bestselling 2019 book “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” felt the British actor was a wonderful match to voice one of his characters in the short film adaptation he co-directed with Peter Baynton. The film, now streaming on Apple TV + has charmed audiences worldwide and is nominated for an Academy Award for animated short film.
Mackesy describes Hollander’s voice as a “velvety, rich cake-like sound” and was thrilled the British actor got involved. Notes Mackesy, “His voice is rich, and has a great range, and can move between comedy and pathos very easily. His voice is so diverse,...
Charlie Mackesy always thought Tom Hollander would make a great mole.
More specifically, the artist who wrote and illustrated the bestselling 2019 book “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” felt the British actor was a wonderful match to voice one of his characters in the short film adaptation he co-directed with Peter Baynton. The film, now streaming on Apple TV + has charmed audiences worldwide and is nominated for an Academy Award for animated short film.
Mackesy describes Hollander’s voice as a “velvety, rich cake-like sound” and was thrilled the British actor got involved. Notes Mackesy, “His voice is rich, and has a great range, and can move between comedy and pathos very easily. His voice is so diverse,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
This article first appeared as part of Jenelle Riley’s Acting Up newsletter – to subscribe for early content and weekly updates on all things acting, visit the Acting Up signup page.
One of my favorite genres also happens to be one of the least appreciated — horror. I’m sure philosophers and therapists can offer endless theories on why we love being scared, but it’s safe to say that horror films offer an experience like no other… when done correctly. Of course, it’s also one of the hardest genres to get just right, and a performance in the medium can make or break the movie. We’ve all seen those films or performances that walk a fine line between absolutely horror and unintentional comedy.
One of the best genre directors is M. Night Shyamalan, who has directed multiple actors to acclaimed performances in films that featured the supernatural, including...
One of my favorite genres also happens to be one of the least appreciated — horror. I’m sure philosophers and therapists can offer endless theories on why we love being scared, but it’s safe to say that horror films offer an experience like no other… when done correctly. Of course, it’s also one of the hardest genres to get just right, and a performance in the medium can make or break the movie. We’ve all seen those films or performances that walk a fine line between absolutely horror and unintentional comedy.
One of the best genre directors is M. Night Shyamalan, who has directed multiple actors to acclaimed performances in films that featured the supernatural, including...
- 2/11/2023
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Pencils down. Nomination voting for the 95th Academy Awards ended on January 17, and now we await the nominations announcement on Tuesday morning, January 24. On this episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, it’s a mega Roundtable edition, as we dissect final predictions for key categories.
That includes predictions for best picture, best director, best actor, best actress, the supporting categories and then, of course, the best song field. Film frontrunners remain “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “The Fabelmans” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” with other projects including “Elvis,” “Tár,” “Women Talking,” “The Whale,” “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Triangle of Sadness” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” also in the hunt.
Variety’s Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and Michael Schneider go through those key categories and catch you up on the ongoing headlines coming out of the campaign trail. Also check out the 2023 Oscars Hub: Awards Predictions,...
That includes predictions for best picture, best director, best actor, best actress, the supporting categories and then, of course, the best song field. Film frontrunners remain “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “The Fabelmans” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” with other projects including “Elvis,” “Tár,” “Women Talking,” “The Whale,” “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Triangle of Sadness” and “Avatar: The Way of Water” also in the hunt.
Variety’s Clayton Davis, Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and Michael Schneider go through those key categories and catch you up on the ongoing headlines coming out of the campaign trail. Also check out the 2023 Oscars Hub: Awards Predictions,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Ron Howard and Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch Among Honorees in Newport Beach Film Festival TV Special
PBS SoCal and Kcet are partnering with the Newport Beach Film Festival for a broadcast premiere of the “Newport Beach Film Festival Honors,” scheduled to air Sunday. The 30-minute special will be hosted by Jenelle Riley, Variety’s deputy awards and features editor, and includes interviews with honorees from the event such as Eddie Redmayne, Jonathan Majors, Patton Oswalt, Keke Palmer, Aubrey Plaza, Colson Baker and Paul Feig, along with several of Variety‘s 10 Actors to Watch.
“Newport is very proud to play an expanded role in the awards and FYC season,” Gregg Schwenk, co-founder and CEO of the Newport Beach Film Festival, told Variety. “Our amazing film programming along with unique opportunities to engage with the industry create a powerful opportunity to boost a film or specific talent.”
Howard, the Oscar-winning director behind films like “Apollo 13,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and “Thirteen Lives,” was previously awarded with...
“Newport is very proud to play an expanded role in the awards and FYC season,” Gregg Schwenk, co-founder and CEO of the Newport Beach Film Festival, told Variety. “Our amazing film programming along with unique opportunities to engage with the industry create a powerful opportunity to boost a film or specific talent.”
Howard, the Oscar-winning director behind films like “Apollo 13,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and “Thirteen Lives,” was previously awarded with...
- 1/6/2023
- by Katie Reul
- Variety Film + TV
Variety won 22 National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards at a ceremony in Universal City Sunday night, including a staff win for for entertainment website of the year. The 22 trophies represented the most scored by any publication at the event.
Also scoring top honors were deputy music editor Jem Aswad, winning online journalist of the year, and Elizabeth Wagmeister and Clayton Davis, co-hosts of “Variety’s The Take,” as anchor/hosts of the year.
The 15th annual awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work in national and local publications from July 2021 through June 2022, were handed out at the Universal Sheraton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
Tying for the most wins — four apiece — were Aswad and senior music writer and chief music critic Chris Willman. Close behind was chief correspondent Wagmeister, who scored three wins during the ceremony. Five staffers scored two awards each: senior vice president Tim Gray, executive editor of music Shirley Halperin,...
Also scoring top honors were deputy music editor Jem Aswad, winning online journalist of the year, and Elizabeth Wagmeister and Clayton Davis, co-hosts of “Variety’s The Take,” as anchor/hosts of the year.
The 15th annual awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club for work in national and local publications from July 2021 through June 2022, were handed out at the Universal Sheraton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
Tying for the most wins — four apiece — were Aswad and senior music writer and chief music critic Chris Willman. Close behind was chief correspondent Wagmeister, who scored three wins during the ceremony. Five staffers scored two awards each: senior vice president Tim Gray, executive editor of music Shirley Halperin,...
- 12/5/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
In addition to bestowing Variety’s Legends and Groundbreakers Award on Ron Howard, the festival will recognize several creatives at their 2022 Festival Honors on Oct. 16 and Eddie Redmayne on Oct. 15.
Eddie Redmayne
Icon Award
When Oscar winner Redmayne sat down in his first production meeting for “The Good Nurse,” his daughter had just been born. His daughter is 6 now as the feature is finally seeing its Netflix debut on Oct. 26.
“It’s been a passion project, and it’s been one of those projects that each step of the way has been massively enjoyable, despite the intensity of the subject matter,” Redmayne says. The feature, directed by Tobias Lindholm, is inspired by the true crimes of nurse Charlie Cullen who was investigated by nurse Amy Loughren, played by Jessica Chastain.
“With this film, I was really lucky that, firstly, I was able to meet the real Amy Loughren,” Redmayne says.
Eddie Redmayne
Icon Award
When Oscar winner Redmayne sat down in his first production meeting for “The Good Nurse,” his daughter had just been born. His daughter is 6 now as the feature is finally seeing its Netflix debut on Oct. 26.
“It’s been a passion project, and it’s been one of those projects that each step of the way has been massively enjoyable, despite the intensity of the subject matter,” Redmayne says. The feature, directed by Tobias Lindholm, is inspired by the true crimes of nurse Charlie Cullen who was investigated by nurse Amy Loughren, played by Jessica Chastain.
“With this film, I was really lucky that, firstly, I was able to meet the real Amy Loughren,” Redmayne says.
- 10/18/2022
- by Jenelle Riley, Nick Clement, EJ Panaligan, Katie Reul and Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Murray Bartlett took home his very first Emmy Award at Monday’s (12 September) ceremony for his role in HBO’s The White Lotus.
The Australian actor played the chaotic hotel manager Armond in the smash-hit drama.
Bartlett picked up the trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series.
In his speech, he thanked series creator Mike White, saying: “My God, thank you for giving me one of the best experiences of my life. I adore you and admire you.”
Fans of the show took delight in the win on Twitter, particularly because his character offered memorable scenes such as one where he defecated in a suitcase.
“Time for the Murray Bartlett Award, easily call of the night,” writer Jenelle Riley tweeted.
Time for the Murray Bartlett Award, easily call of the night.
— Jenelle Riley (@jenelleriley) September 13, 2022
“In all seriousness, Murray Bartlett’s character is the thematic crux and emotional core of The White Lotus.
The Australian actor played the chaotic hotel manager Armond in the smash-hit drama.
Bartlett picked up the trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series.
In his speech, he thanked series creator Mike White, saying: “My God, thank you for giving me one of the best experiences of my life. I adore you and admire you.”
Fans of the show took delight in the win on Twitter, particularly because his character offered memorable scenes such as one where he defecated in a suitcase.
“Time for the Murray Bartlett Award, easily call of the night,” writer Jenelle Riley tweeted.
Time for the Murray Bartlett Award, easily call of the night.
— Jenelle Riley (@jenelleriley) September 13, 2022
“In all seriousness, Murray Bartlett’s character is the thematic crux and emotional core of The White Lotus.
- 9/13/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Variety is pleased to announce that Amanda Seyfried, Murray Bartlett, Brendan Hunt, Lily James, Himesh Patel and Danny Strong have been added to the lineup for its second-ever Virtual TV Fest: The Nominees, featuring five panels airing virtually on Aug. 10 to an audience of voters. To register for the event, head to variety.com/tvfest.
Variety TV Fest: The Nominees expands its popular TV Fest franchise to include panels with Emmy-nominated actors, directors, producers and writers in the comedy, drama, limited/anthology, documentary and reality competition/nonfiction series categories.
The comedy series panel includes:
Paul W. Downs, “Hacks” John Hoffman, “Only Murders in the Building” Brendan Hunt, “Ted Lasso” Amy Sherman-Palladino & Dan Palladino, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Paul Simms, “What We Do in the Shadows”
Henry Winkler and Anthony Carrigan, “Barry” Moderated by Michael Schneider, TV Editor, Variety
The drama series panel includes:
Dan Erickson, “Severance” Peter Gould, “Better Call Saul” Ashley Lyle,...
Variety TV Fest: The Nominees expands its popular TV Fest franchise to include panels with Emmy-nominated actors, directors, producers and writers in the comedy, drama, limited/anthology, documentary and reality competition/nonfiction series categories.
The comedy series panel includes:
Paul W. Downs, “Hacks” John Hoffman, “Only Murders in the Building” Brendan Hunt, “Ted Lasso” Amy Sherman-Palladino & Dan Palladino, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Paul Simms, “What We Do in the Shadows”
Henry Winkler and Anthony Carrigan, “Barry” Moderated by Michael Schneider, TV Editor, Variety
The drama series panel includes:
Dan Erickson, “Severance” Peter Gould, “Better Call Saul” Ashley Lyle,...
- 8/3/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Allyson Felix, the most decorated female track and field athlete in Olympic history, with seven gold medal wins from 2012 to 2021, retired from her sport earlier this year. She promptly shifted her focus to a new competitive landscape: the business world.
Felix has since launched Saysh, a women’s lifestyle brand that is designed to cater to the needs of female athletes and active women. Speaking about her career transition at Variety‘s Sports and Entertainment Breakfast on July 21, Felix expressed her excitement for the growing number of opportunities that await star female athletes as media personalities, investors and entrepreneurs when they decide to come off the field.
Snowboarding star Chloe Kim, who has two gold medals to date, also appeared at the event, presented by City National Bank at the Maybourne in Beverly Hills, to discuss her burgeoning career as a content producer and the experience of growing up in...
Felix has since launched Saysh, a women’s lifestyle brand that is designed to cater to the needs of female athletes and active women. Speaking about her career transition at Variety‘s Sports and Entertainment Breakfast on July 21, Felix expressed her excitement for the growing number of opportunities that await star female athletes as media personalities, investors and entrepreneurs when they decide to come off the field.
Snowboarding star Chloe Kim, who has two gold medals to date, also appeared at the event, presented by City National Bank at the Maybourne in Beverly Hills, to discuss her burgeoning career as a content producer and the experience of growing up in...
- 7/23/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Various members of the sprawling “Ted Lasso” cast chatted with Gold Derby on the red carpet at an Emmys FYC event on Monday, July 18 at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. Apple TV Plus’ feel-good megahit received 20 Emmy nominations this year, more than any other comedy series. Two acting nominees, Hannah Waddingham and Toheeb Jimoh, got flirty on the carpet as they discussed their characters’ “sexy time” storyline that served as one of the highlights of the second season. Watch all nine red carpet interviews below.
Nominated cast members in attendance included supporting actresses Waddingham, Juno Temple and Sarah Niles, supporting actors Jimoh and Brett Goldstein, and guest stars Sam Richardson and James Lance. Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Cristo Fernandez and Kola Bokinni rounded out the roster. Gold Derby’s social media manager Latasha Ford assisted in our coverage.
See 2022 Emmy nominations: Complete list of contenders for 74th Primetime Emmys
Following a...
Nominated cast members in attendance included supporting actresses Waddingham, Juno Temple and Sarah Niles, supporting actors Jimoh and Brett Goldstein, and guest stars Sam Richardson and James Lance. Jeremy Swift, Phil Dunster, Cristo Fernandez and Kola Bokinni rounded out the roster. Gold Derby’s social media manager Latasha Ford assisted in our coverage.
See 2022 Emmy nominations: Complete list of contenders for 74th Primetime Emmys
Following a...
- 7/19/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: LA’s growing Micheaux Film Festival is to open with the Stephan James feature Delia’s Gone and will feature panels with Charlie Hunnam, AMPAS, Macro, Fremantle and Paramount. Scroll down for the lineup in full.
The fourth edition of the festival, which has a focus on Bipoc creators, will begin July 11th and run through July 17th at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live in Downtown L.A. The event will close with Ryan Stevens Harris’s Moon Garden.
In Delia’s Gone, starring James, Marisa Tomei, Travis Fimmel, Paul Walter Hauser and Genelle Williams, when a Black man with an intellectual disability is accused of his sister’s murder, he embarks on a journey to clear his name and find out who is responsible.
Throughout the week, panels will include a one-on-one career-spotlight conversation with Sons of Anarchy and Rebel Moon star Charlie Hunnam hosted by Jenelle Riley...
The fourth edition of the festival, which has a focus on Bipoc creators, will begin July 11th and run through July 17th at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live in Downtown L.A. The event will close with Ryan Stevens Harris’s Moon Garden.
In Delia’s Gone, starring James, Marisa Tomei, Travis Fimmel, Paul Walter Hauser and Genelle Williams, when a Black man with an intellectual disability is accused of his sister’s murder, he embarks on a journey to clear his name and find out who is responsible.
Throughout the week, panels will include a one-on-one career-spotlight conversation with Sons of Anarchy and Rebel Moon star Charlie Hunnam hosted by Jenelle Riley...
- 7/6/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Television creators, actors, directors, executives and diversity and inclusion experts joined Variety on Tuesday for the Changemakers Virtual Summit, dedicated to profiling people making positive social impact in the entertainment industry. Over the course of the day, Variety writers and editors spoke with prominent industry figures about mental health in television storytelling, improving representation both on-screen and off-screen, challenges that diversity and inclusion initiatives can face today and much more.
Here are the eight biggest takeaways from this year’s Variety Changemakers Summit.
‘Normalizing the Marginalized’ Is the Way Forward for Representation
While it’s no individual creator’s job to change the landscape of representation in media, it’s crucial to accept that changing the culture is an aspect of the job, said actor-producer David Oyelowo during the Stereotypes in Storytelling panel with senior awards editor Clayton Davis. Oyelowo specifically elaborated on his experience of being touted as a bastion of “diversity and inclusion,...
Here are the eight biggest takeaways from this year’s Variety Changemakers Summit.
‘Normalizing the Marginalized’ Is the Way Forward for Representation
While it’s no individual creator’s job to change the landscape of representation in media, it’s crucial to accept that changing the culture is an aspect of the job, said actor-producer David Oyelowo during the Stereotypes in Storytelling panel with senior awards editor Clayton Davis. Oyelowo specifically elaborated on his experience of being touted as a bastion of “diversity and inclusion,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Sasha Urban, Wilson Chapman and Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
This year, Netflix is hoping to make a splash in the limited series Emmy categories by appealing to current true crime-based entertainment consumption habits. Its “Inventing Anna” (created and produced by Shonda Rhimes) is a nine-part dramatization of the story of Anna Sorokin, who, using the surname Delvey, conned numerous rich New Yorkers into believing she was an heiress in temporary need of financial support. Recently, Variety’s Jenelle Riley moderated a virtual 2022 Emmys FYC panel consisting of half a dozen of the show’s cast members: Anna Chlumsky, Laverne Cox, Alexis Floyd, Julia Garner, Katie Lowes and Arian Moayed. Watch the video Q&a above.
Garner, a two-time Best Drama Supporting Actress Emmy winner for “Ozark,” first caught wind of Sorokin’s story while on her engagement trip in the spring of 2019. Although the thought occurred to her that she could successfully play the con artist in a screen adaptation,...
Garner, a two-time Best Drama Supporting Actress Emmy winner for “Ozark,” first caught wind of Sorokin’s story while on her engagement trip in the spring of 2019. Although the thought occurred to her that she could successfully play the con artist in a screen adaptation,...
- 6/14/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
After scoring its first Best Limited Series Emmy win last year with “The Queen’s Gambit,” Netflix is hoping for a repeat victory with “Maid,” a 10-part drama based on the memoir of the same name by Stephanie Land. The series stars Margaret Qualley as Alex Russell, a young mother who leaves her abusive partner and attempts to start her and her daughter’s lives anew. Qualley recently reflected on the experience of making the show during a 2022 Emmys FYC panel hosted by Variety’s Jenelle Riley along with castmates Andie MacDowell and Anika Noni Rose, executive producer/showrunner/writer Molly Smith Metzler, cinematographer/director Quyen Tran, and executive producer/director John Wells. Watch the video Q&a above.
When asked how she prepared for her challenging role, Qualley said her foremost concern was “forging that bond with Rylea [Nevaeh Whittet],” who plays Russell’s toddler daughter, Maddy, because “that was the one thing that…...
When asked how she prepared for her challenging role, Qualley said her foremost concern was “forging that bond with Rylea [Nevaeh Whittet],” who plays Russell’s toddler daughter, Maddy, because “that was the one thing that…...
- 6/13/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
There’s a quote from the 13th century Persian poet Rumi that sticks with Dakota Johnson as she navigates the early years of running her production company: “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
When asked what kinds of films TeaTime Pictures is looking to produce, it’s Rumi that Johnson returns to: “There’s no credo. There’s no mandate. It’s not like we make only one kind of movie with one kind of person. There are so many different worlds and people inside my mind and in my heart that I want to be able to to amplify,” she said in a conversation moderated by associate features editor Jenelle Riley at the Variety Entertainment Marketing Summit presented by Deloitte.
Johnson co-founded TeaTime with former Netflix development exec Ro Donnelly in 2019 and brought on former Boat Rocker vice chair...
When asked what kinds of films TeaTime Pictures is looking to produce, it’s Rumi that Johnson returns to: “There’s no credo. There’s no mandate. It’s not like we make only one kind of movie with one kind of person. There are so many different worlds and people inside my mind and in my heart that I want to be able to to amplify,” she said in a conversation moderated by associate features editor Jenelle Riley at the Variety Entertainment Marketing Summit presented by Deloitte.
Johnson co-founded TeaTime with former Netflix development exec Ro Donnelly in 2019 and brought on former Boat Rocker vice chair...
- 5/24/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has been nominated for 72 Southern California Journalism Awards, including best website, two for print journalist of the year, three for entertainment journalist of the year, and six for criticism of TV, music and books.
The awards, given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, honor outstanding journalism in the region across print, digital, radio and broadcast platforms.
Executive editor Ramin Setoodeh and deputy music editor Jem Aswad are both up for print journalist of the year. TV critic Daniel D’Addario, chief film critic Owen Gleiberman and senior writer/chief music critic Chris Willman are all nominated for entertainment journalist of the year. And Variety had a whopping three nominees for music criticism including Steven Gaydos, Gleiberman and Aswad. Chief TV critic Caroline Framke and D’Addario were also both nominated for criticism of television honors.
Aswad leads all Variety staffers with 14 total nominations, followed by Willman with eight nominations.
The awards, given out by the Los Angeles Press Club, honor outstanding journalism in the region across print, digital, radio and broadcast platforms.
Executive editor Ramin Setoodeh and deputy music editor Jem Aswad are both up for print journalist of the year. TV critic Daniel D’Addario, chief film critic Owen Gleiberman and senior writer/chief music critic Chris Willman are all nominated for entertainment journalist of the year. And Variety had a whopping three nominees for music criticism including Steven Gaydos, Gleiberman and Aswad. Chief TV critic Caroline Framke and D’Addario were also both nominated for criticism of television honors.
Aswad leads all Variety staffers with 14 total nominations, followed by Willman with eight nominations.
- 5/23/2022
- by Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
Entertainment journalists and industry professionals lamented the disappearing art-house film scene in Los Angeles following Landmark Theaters’ announcement that it will shutter its Pico Boulevard location at the end of May.
In a statement to media Wednesday, Landmark Theaters president Kevin Holloway said that the location has tried to extend its tenancy to no avail.
“We send our deepest appreciation to the Pico staff, guests, and the filmmaking community for their support over the years. We’re exploring opportunities to expand our Los Angeles footprint, which we hope to be able to share more on soon,” he added.
Many decried The Landmark Pico’s closing as yet another sign of small movie theaters losing out to corporate purchasing power on part of national chains like AMC. Additionally, people drew comparisons to another significant blow to L.A.’s local indie fukn scene, that of Arclight Cinemas — as well as its sister chain,...
In a statement to media Wednesday, Landmark Theaters president Kevin Holloway said that the location has tried to extend its tenancy to no avail.
“We send our deepest appreciation to the Pico staff, guests, and the filmmaking community for their support over the years. We’re exploring opportunities to expand our Los Angeles footprint, which we hope to be able to share more on soon,” he added.
Many decried The Landmark Pico’s closing as yet another sign of small movie theaters losing out to corporate purchasing power on part of national chains like AMC. Additionally, people drew comparisons to another significant blow to L.A.’s local indie fukn scene, that of Arclight Cinemas — as well as its sister chain,...
- 5/12/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
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