Hollywood is full of inspiring sports-themed movies, especially those focused on underdogs who rise to the occasion. But films about rowing teams are few and far between — until now. Director George Clooney’s The Boys in the Boat is a gorgeous adaptation of the Depression-era story of a group of poor but scrappy young men who find a slice of glory when they become the USA’s choice to compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It is, to use a well worn cliché, a stand-up-and-cheer tale if ever there was one.
But the primary reason to cheer is the kind of unspoken underlying message within, that this is a sport where it is imperative that everyone in the boat rows as one, in unison and together physically and psychologically. This makes The Boys in the Boat not just enormously entertaining, but also important and relevant to our current world that is more divided,...
But the primary reason to cheer is the kind of unspoken underlying message within, that this is a sport where it is imperative that everyone in the boat rows as one, in unison and together physically and psychologically. This makes The Boys in the Boat not just enormously entertaining, but also important and relevant to our current world that is more divided,...
- 12/15/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Director George Clooney on the set of his film The Boys In The Boat An Amazon MGM Studios film Photo credit: Laurie Sparham © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This summer, the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will be held July 26 – August 11.
For the first time in history, the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games will not take place in a stadium. Thousands of athletes will parade in boats along the Seine, the river that flows through Paris, in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators.
A total of 40 sports are in the Olympics, including rowing.
On Christmas Day, George Clooney’s new film, The Boys In The Boat, is set for release – and it’s a terrific film!
Based on the best-selling book by Daniel James Brown, The Boys In The Boat tells the story of the bootstrapping University of Washington junior varsity rowing team that — against all odds — went...
This summer, the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will be held July 26 – August 11.
For the first time in history, the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games will not take place in a stadium. Thousands of athletes will parade in boats along the Seine, the river that flows through Paris, in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators.
A total of 40 sports are in the Olympics, including rowing.
On Christmas Day, George Clooney’s new film, The Boys In The Boat, is set for release – and it’s a terrific film!
Based on the best-selling book by Daniel James Brown, The Boys In The Boat tells the story of the bootstrapping University of Washington junior varsity rowing team that — against all odds — went...
- 11/29/2023
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Summer Of Soul producer David Dinerstein among new intake.
Bad Robot president of film Hannah Minghella, marketing executive and Summer Of Soul producer David Dinerstein, and actor Lou Diamond Phillips are among the new intake of governors announced on Thursday.
Also elected to the board for the first time are: Wendy Aylsworth, production and technology branch; Richard Gibbs, music branch; Jinko Gotoh, short films and feature animation branch; Kalina Ivanov, production design branch; Simon Kilmurry, documentary branch; Daniel Orlandi, costume designers branch; Dana Stevens, writers branch; and Mark P. Stoeckinger, sound branch.
Minghella belongs to the executives branch, Dinerstein to marketing and public relations,...
Bad Robot president of film Hannah Minghella, marketing executive and Summer Of Soul producer David Dinerstein, and actor Lou Diamond Phillips are among the new intake of governors announced on Thursday.
Also elected to the board for the first time are: Wendy Aylsworth, production and technology branch; Richard Gibbs, music branch; Jinko Gotoh, short films and feature animation branch; Kalina Ivanov, production design branch; Simon Kilmurry, documentary branch; Daniel Orlandi, costume designers branch; Dana Stevens, writers branch; and Mark P. Stoeckinger, sound branch.
Minghella belongs to the executives branch, Dinerstein to marketing and public relations,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
There will be a lot of new faces in the room at the next meeting of the Board Of Governors of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences including actor Lou Diamond Phillips. Eleven first timers have been elected in the organizations annual election to select one third of the Board as eleven other members have termed off including Actors Branch Governor Whoopi Goldberg and Writers Branch Governor Larry Karaszewski. With AMPAS’ more stringent guidelines for service in place now two longtime Board members, Charles Bernstein (Music) and Jon Bloom (shorts and feature animation) are permanently off the Board, while others termed out can run again in two years.
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board:
Rob Bredow, Visual Effects Branch
Ava DuVernay, Directors Branch
Linda Flowers, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch
Lynette Howell Taylor, Producers Branch
Stephen Rivkin, Film Editors Branch
Debra Zane, Casting Directors Branch
Elected to the Board...
Incumbent governors reelected to the Board:
Rob Bredow, Visual Effects Branch
Ava DuVernay, Directors Branch
Linda Flowers, Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch
Lynette Howell Taylor, Producers Branch
Stephen Rivkin, Film Editors Branch
Debra Zane, Casting Directors Branch
Elected to the Board...
- 6/22/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
As a result of elections that took place this year from June 5-9, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 55-person board of governors convenes in July, more than one-fifth of its seats will be occupied by people who were not a part of it in June.
This is the result not of a repudiation of incumbents — in fact, no incumbent who could have sought reelection opted not to, and no incumbent who sought reelection lost — but rather of stricter term limits that the board imposed upon itself in recent years.
For the 2023-24 term, the board — which is composed of three governors representing each of the Academy’s 18 branches except for the newly created production/technology branch, which has just one, plus three “governors at large” — will be joined by 11 rookie governors: Wendy Aylsworth (production/technology branch), David I. Dinerstein (marketing/public relations), Richard Gibbs (music), Jinko Gotoh...
This is the result not of a repudiation of incumbents — in fact, no incumbent who could have sought reelection opted not to, and no incumbent who sought reelection lost — but rather of stricter term limits that the board imposed upon itself in recent years.
For the 2023-24 term, the board — which is composed of three governors representing each of the Academy’s 18 branches except for the newly created production/technology branch, which has just one, plus three “governors at large” — will be joined by 11 rookie governors: Wendy Aylsworth (production/technology branch), David I. Dinerstein (marketing/public relations), Richard Gibbs (music), Jinko Gotoh...
- 6/22/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor Lou Diamond Phillips, documentary filmmaker Simon Kilmurry and writer Dana Stevens are among the 11 film professionals who have been elected to the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy announced on Thursday.
Those new governors are part of a wholesale makeover of the AMPAS board prompted by new term limits imposed last year. In 10 of the 11 branches where first-time governors were elected, the incumbent governors were unable to run again because of those new limits, which restrict governors to two consecutive three-year terms. Last year, when those limits were instituted, 10 governors were termed off the board and 12 first-time governors were elected.
This year’s election means that 23 of the 55 members of the board will be in their first or second term.
In the Academy’s 18 branches, all six incumbent governors who were eligible to run again were re-elected. Those are Debra Zane...
Those new governors are part of a wholesale makeover of the AMPAS board prompted by new term limits imposed last year. In 10 of the 11 branches where first-time governors were elected, the incumbent governors were unable to run again because of those new limits, which restrict governors to two consecutive three-year terms. Last year, when those limits were instituted, 10 governors were termed off the board and 12 first-time governors were elected.
This year’s election means that 23 of the 55 members of the board will be in their first or second term.
In the Academy’s 18 branches, all six incumbent governors who were eligible to run again were re-elected. Those are Debra Zane...
- 6/22/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has announced its newly elected Board of Governors. The governors, who set the Academy’s strategic vision and watch out for the organization’s financial health, will take office at the first scheduled board meeting of the new term. Wednesday the board voted to expand theatrical release requirements in order to qualify for Best Picture eligibility.
Directors branch member Ava DuVernay is back on the 55-member 2023-2024 Academy Board of Governors. So is producer Lynette Howell Taylor. The incumbents stay, while the ones who have served their three-year term move on, to be replaced by someone else. And, after three terms, like those served by Charles Bernstein and Jon Bloom, they are permanently termed off.
The Academy’s 18 branches are each represented by three governors, except for the recently established Production and Technology Branch, which is represented by a single governor. As a result of this election,...
Directors branch member Ava DuVernay is back on the 55-member 2023-2024 Academy Board of Governors. So is producer Lynette Howell Taylor. The incumbents stay, while the ones who have served their three-year term move on, to be replaced by someone else. And, after three terms, like those served by Charles Bernstein and Jon Bloom, they are permanently termed off.
The Academy’s 18 branches are each represented by three governors, except for the recently established Production and Technology Branch, which is represented by a single governor. As a result of this election,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the newly elected Board of Governors for the 2023-2024 year.
Elected to the board for the first time are acclaimed actor Lou Diamond Phillips, screenwriter Dana Stevens, executive Hannah Minghella, costume designer Daniel Orlandi and more. Among the newly elected is technology executive Wendy Aylsworth, who will represent the brand new Production and Technology Branch. Aylsworth, who also serves on the Board of Governors for the Television Academy, spent more than two decades at Warner Bros. and became the first woman president of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
In addition, six incumbents were re-elected to the board — Rob Bredow (visual effects), Ava DuVernay (directors), Linda Flowers (makeup artists and hairstylists), Lynette Howell Taylor (producers), Stephen Rivkin (film editors) and Debra Zane (casting directors). Also, cinematographer Ellen Kuras returns after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy,...
Elected to the board for the first time are acclaimed actor Lou Diamond Phillips, screenwriter Dana Stevens, executive Hannah Minghella, costume designer Daniel Orlandi and more. Among the newly elected is technology executive Wendy Aylsworth, who will represent the brand new Production and Technology Branch. Aylsworth, who also serves on the Board of Governors for the Television Academy, spent more than two decades at Warner Bros. and became the first woman president of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
In addition, six incumbents were re-elected to the board — Rob Bredow (visual effects), Ava DuVernay (directors), Linda Flowers (makeup artists and hairstylists), Lynette Howell Taylor (producers), Stephen Rivkin (film editors) and Debra Zane (casting directors). Also, cinematographer Ellen Kuras returns after a hiatus.
They will join returning governors Pam Abdy,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
George Clooney’s “The Tender Bar,” set in the working-class neighborhood of Manhasset, Long Island, spans 15 years starting in 1973. In the film, which bows Dec. 17 in theaters, young Jr Maguire, played by Daniel Ranieri, spends his time among family members: his mom (Lily Rabe), grandmother (Sondra James), grandfather (Christopher Lloyd) and uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck), the last of whom owns a bar called The Dickens.
The Dickens was a real Long Island establishment, but for the film, based on J.R. Moehringer’s memoir, the period setting was re-created in a number of Massachusetts towns, including Beverly, Braintree, Lowell and Worcester.
Production designer Kalina Ivanov outfitted a bar that reflects its past — not just in the thick hardback books that line its shelves but in the rest of the decor as well. “We decided it should be created in 1928 and rooted it in the history of the town, when it came...
The Dickens was a real Long Island establishment, but for the film, based on J.R. Moehringer’s memoir, the period setting was re-created in a number of Massachusetts towns, including Beverly, Braintree, Lowell and Worcester.
Production designer Kalina Ivanov outfitted a bar that reflects its past — not just in the thick hardback books that line its shelves but in the rest of the decor as well. “We decided it should be created in 1928 and rooted it in the history of the town, when it came...
- 12/3/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Proving a book sometimes can be judged by its cover, Matt Ruff’s fantasy-horror novel “Lovecraft Country” left quite an impression on Kalina Ivanov, even before the production designer considered working on showrunner Misha Green’s HBO adaptation.
“I really chased this project,” said Ivanov in an interview with IndieWire. “I had read the book in 2017 and was quite taken with it, [even] the front cover graphics. It’s a really well-thought-out book. When I heard it was coming together for HBO, I pestered my agent and said, ‘We gotta go for this.'”
That pestering paid off, as Ivanov would land the challenging project by showing how it needed to go far beyond designing a single look for the series as whole. Each episode of Green’s adaptation would reveal a new aspect of America’s true horrors, which run far deeper than introducing a new scaly monster, shifting genre and time period,...
“I really chased this project,” said Ivanov in an interview with IndieWire. “I had read the book in 2017 and was quite taken with it, [even] the front cover graphics. It’s a really well-thought-out book. When I heard it was coming together for HBO, I pestered my agent and said, ‘We gotta go for this.'”
That pestering paid off, as Ivanov would land the challenging project by showing how it needed to go far beyond designing a single look for the series as whole. Each episode of Green’s adaptation would reveal a new aspect of America’s true horrors, which run far deeper than introducing a new scaly monster, shifting genre and time period,...
- 6/21/2021
- by Mark London Williams
- Indiewire
This story about “Lovecraft Country” first appeared in the Comedy & Drama Series issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
Even in a television landscape that includes close to 500 scripted series, HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” might cross more genres and eras than any other. A hearty blend of science fiction, drama, horror, romance, revisionist history and even a modicum of actual biography, this phalanx of styles would prove daunting to even the most seasoned of designers. But under the mindful guidance of showrunner Misha Green, production designer Kalina Ivanov and costume designer Dayna Pink found a way to transform it into one cohesive visual universe.
“I think that was part of the draw,” Pink said. “What if you got to add your own style to something that already exists? It gave us room to be incredibly creative.” The creativity included more than 160 sets on five soundstages and a backlot, and 4,500 costumes which,...
Even in a television landscape that includes close to 500 scripted series, HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” might cross more genres and eras than any other. A hearty blend of science fiction, drama, horror, romance, revisionist history and even a modicum of actual biography, this phalanx of styles would prove daunting to even the most seasoned of designers. But under the mindful guidance of showrunner Misha Green, production designer Kalina Ivanov and costume designer Dayna Pink found a way to transform it into one cohesive visual universe.
“I think that was part of the draw,” Pink said. “What if you got to add your own style to something that already exists? It gave us room to be incredibly creative.” The creativity included more than 160 sets on five soundstages and a backlot, and 4,500 costumes which,...
- 6/21/2021
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
“I love the idea that this woman was someone who defied expectations and surprised everyone, including herself and that we are really on a journey of self-discovery with her,” says Aunjanue Ellis about her character arc as Hippolyta Freeman on “Lovecraft Country.” Watch our exclusive video interview above.
Hippolyta is a brilliant woman with a passion for astronomy, but her husband George (Courtney B. Vance) doesn’t want her to risk embarking on trips to research their Black travel guides. And after George mysteriously dies at the beginning of the season, their nephew Atticus (Jonathan Majors) keeps her in the dark about the circumstances to protect her.
But she doesn’t need their protection as much as they think. In the episode “I Am,” Hippolyta embarks on an adventure of her own — traveling through time, dancing with Josephine Baker, becoming a Dahomey Amazon warrior, and exploring distant planets as she...
Hippolyta is a brilliant woman with a passion for astronomy, but her husband George (Courtney B. Vance) doesn’t want her to risk embarking on trips to research their Black travel guides. And after George mysteriously dies at the beginning of the season, their nephew Atticus (Jonathan Majors) keeps her in the dark about the circumstances to protect her.
But she doesn’t need their protection as much as they think. In the episode “I Am,” Hippolyta embarks on an adventure of her own — traveling through time, dancing with Josephine Baker, becoming a Dahomey Amazon warrior, and exploring distant planets as she...
- 6/3/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
When traveling back in time to tell tales that are set in previous decades, or even centuries ago, scripted storytellers often take liberties in their world-building. They might use modern elements, from music to colloquialisms, to reflect how the show’s themes are still relevant to today’s audience and also give that audience something comfortable to latch onto. However, the same cannot be said for production designers.
“We want the audience to believe it and not be distracted by it,” says “Dickinson” production designer Neil Patel. “Partly because of the contemporary language and music, we are very mindful about being in period and very detailed about it, so we at least try to avoid any intentional anachronisms.”
“You are the guardian of the period, as it were,” adds “Bridgerton” production designer Will Hughes-Jones.
Both “Dickinson” and “Bridgerton” are set in the 1800s, with the former following the life and...
“We want the audience to believe it and not be distracted by it,” says “Dickinson” production designer Neil Patel. “Partly because of the contemporary language and music, we are very mindful about being in period and very detailed about it, so we at least try to avoid any intentional anachronisms.”
“You are the guardian of the period, as it were,” adds “Bridgerton” production designer Will Hughes-Jones.
Both “Dickinson” and “Bridgerton” are set in the 1800s, with the former following the life and...
- 6/2/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
“If you could do ‘Lovecraft Country,’ you could do anything,” says production designer Kalina Ivanov about the work that went into the HBO series, It tells a supernatural horror story set in 1950s America during the Jim Crow era, but over the course of its 10-episode first season it spans centuries, continents, and even planets, giving Ivanov a remarkable range of settings, styles, and eras to recreate. Watch our exclusive video interview with Ivanov above.
Designing for a show that covers so much time and space is an audacious undertaking, so it required months of work in advance. “I was asked to design them all at once, so it was like doing three movies all at once,” Ivanov explains. “At the beginning I was going between scouting in Atlanta and designing in LA to be near [showrunner Misha Green]. And I had a tiny team, and the producers, so it was quite complex.
Designing for a show that covers so much time and space is an audacious undertaking, so it required months of work in advance. “I was asked to design them all at once, so it was like doing three movies all at once,” Ivanov explains. “At the beginning I was going between scouting in Atlanta and designing in LA to be near [showrunner Misha Green]. And I had a tiny team, and the producers, so it was quite complex.
- 5/22/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
David Fincher’s “Mank,” Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods,” and Pete Docter’s “Soul” were the big film winners at the 25th annual Art Directors Guild Awards Saturday evening, taking production design honors for period, fantasy, contemporary, and animated feature, respectively. Additionally, “The Mandalorian,” “Ozark,” and “The Queen’s Gambit” were among the TV winners at the ceremony, which bodes well for “The Mandalorian” and “The Queen’s Gambit’s” Emmy prospects in the craft category.
The annual awards fete the finest production design in movies, TV, commercials, music videos, and animated features in 12 categories.
The monochromatic “Mank” is the only film that took home an Adg award that is competing for Best Picture. Pixar’s “Soul” is the favorite for Best Animated Feature. Other Adg nominees included Oscar hopefuls “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
In terms of the Oscar race,...
The annual awards fete the finest production design in movies, TV, commercials, music videos, and animated features in 12 categories.
The monochromatic “Mank” is the only film that took home an Adg award that is competing for Best Picture. Pixar’s “Soul” is the favorite for Best Animated Feature. Other Adg nominees included Oscar hopefuls “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
In terms of the Oscar race,...
- 4/11/2021
- by Bill Desowitz and Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
The 25th Annual Art Director’s Guild Awards took place tonight as a reimagined virtual show, with Mank,, Tenet and Da 5 Bloods taking home top film honors.
Hosted by Curb Your Enthusiasm’s J.B. Smoove, the event celebrates outstanding production design in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, animated features and music videos. For all the winners and nominees, see the list at the bottom of this post.
Ryan Murphy received Cinematic Imagery Award honoring his work reflecting the highest quality of production design. The award was presented by Matt Bomer, star of many of Murphy’s shows including Boys in the Band.
Other presenters included Jordi Molla (Jack Ryan); Nicco Annan (P-Valley); Tyra Banks; Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), Aasif Mandvi (Evil); Jenna Elfman (Fear the Walking Dead) and Brian Tee (Chicago Med).
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Emmy-winning production designer Stuart Wurtzel (Ad), set designer Martha Johnston (Sdmm...
Hosted by Curb Your Enthusiasm’s J.B. Smoove, the event celebrates outstanding production design in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, animated features and music videos. For all the winners and nominees, see the list at the bottom of this post.
Ryan Murphy received Cinematic Imagery Award honoring his work reflecting the highest quality of production design. The award was presented by Matt Bomer, star of many of Murphy’s shows including Boys in the Band.
Other presenters included Jordi Molla (Jack Ryan); Nicco Annan (P-Valley); Tyra Banks; Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), Aasif Mandvi (Evil); Jenna Elfman (Fear the Walking Dead) and Brian Tee (Chicago Med).
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Emmy-winning production designer Stuart Wurtzel (Ad), set designer Martha Johnston (Sdmm...
- 4/10/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
The Art Directors Guild announced the nominations for the 25th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards on Thursday, honoring the finest production design in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos, and animation features.
Among the nominees for film are Oscar hopefuls “Mank,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” with TV accolades including “The Mandalorian,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” and “What We Do in the Shadows.”
Netflix was the big winner grabbing seven Adg nominations, including three period dramas; one fantasy film (George Clooney’s “The Midnight Sky”); and three contemporary films.
Also making the cut were Christopher Nolan’s time-inversion spy thriller, “Tenet” (production designed by five-time Oscar nominee Nathan Crowley), and two surprises: Emerald Fennell’s Oscar buzzy revenge black comedy, “Promising Young Woman,” which scored a contemporary Adg nomination, and Matteo Garron’s period “Pinocchio” Gothic re-imagining, which scored for period.
Also being honored is Ryan Murphy,...
Among the nominees for film are Oscar hopefuls “Mank,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” with TV accolades including “The Mandalorian,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” and “What We Do in the Shadows.”
Netflix was the big winner grabbing seven Adg nominations, including three period dramas; one fantasy film (George Clooney’s “The Midnight Sky”); and three contemporary films.
Also making the cut were Christopher Nolan’s time-inversion spy thriller, “Tenet” (production designed by five-time Oscar nominee Nathan Crowley), and two surprises: Emerald Fennell’s Oscar buzzy revenge black comedy, “Promising Young Woman,” which scored a contemporary Adg nomination, and Matteo Garron’s period “Pinocchio” Gothic re-imagining, which scored for period.
Also being honored is Ryan Murphy,...
- 2/25/2021
- by Libby Hill and Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
The Art Directors Guild has unveiled nominations for its 25th annual Excellence in Production Design Awards, which celebrate the year’s best achievements in theatrical motion pictures, TV, commercials, music videos and animated features. Winners will be announced April 10 during a virtual ceremony.
Last year, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Avengers: Endgame and Parasite were the big film winners in the Period, Fantasy and Contemporary categories, respectively, with Hollywood going on to take the Production Design Oscar. TV winners included The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Cherrnobyl, The Big Bang Theory, Russian Doll, The Umbrella Academy and Drunk History.
As previously announced, Ryan Murphy will receive the group’s Cinematic Imagery Award. The Adg Lifetime Achievement Awards, annually presented to outstanding individuals in each of the guild’s four crafts, and will be announced shortly.
With today’s nominations out, online balloting will now be held March 11-April 7.
Here’ the list...
Last year, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Avengers: Endgame and Parasite were the big film winners in the Period, Fantasy and Contemporary categories, respectively, with Hollywood going on to take the Production Design Oscar. TV winners included The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Cherrnobyl, The Big Bang Theory, Russian Doll, The Umbrella Academy and Drunk History.
As previously announced, Ryan Murphy will receive the group’s Cinematic Imagery Award. The Adg Lifetime Achievement Awards, annually presented to outstanding individuals in each of the guild’s four crafts, and will be announced shortly.
With today’s nominations out, online balloting will now be held March 11-April 7.
Here’ the list...
- 2/25/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
“Mank,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Mulan,” “News of the World” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7” have been nominated in the Art Directors Guild Awards’ period-film category, the Adg category that most closely corresponds to the Academy Award for Best Production Design.
In the Adg’s fantasy-film category, which often supplies one or two Oscar nominees, the guild singled out “Birds of Prey,” “Pinocchio,” “Tenet,” “The Midnight Sky” and “Wonder Woman 1984.”
Nominees in the contemporary category, which last year included Oscar nominee “Parasite,” were “Da 5 Bloods,” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” “Palm Springs,” “Promising Young Woman” and “The Prom.”
In the television categories, nominees included episodes of “Lovecraft Country,” “The Crown,” “The Mandalorian,” “The Flight Attendant” and “Utopia” in the one-hour categories; “Emily in Paris,” “Space Force,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” “The Neighborhood” and “Will & Grace” in the half-hour categories; and “Fargo,” “Hollywood...
In the Adg’s fantasy-film category, which often supplies one or two Oscar nominees, the guild singled out “Birds of Prey,” “Pinocchio,” “Tenet,” “The Midnight Sky” and “Wonder Woman 1984.”
Nominees in the contemporary category, which last year included Oscar nominee “Parasite,” were “Da 5 Bloods,” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” “Palm Springs,” “Promising Young Woman” and “The Prom.”
In the television categories, nominees included episodes of “Lovecraft Country,” “The Crown,” “The Mandalorian,” “The Flight Attendant” and “Utopia” in the one-hour categories; “Emily in Paris,” “Space Force,” “What We Do in the Shadows,” “The Neighborhood” and “Will & Grace” in the half-hour categories; and “Fargo,” “Hollywood...
- 2/25/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
“Mank, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Tenet” are among the top films recognized for excellence in production design in the 25th annual Art Directors Guild nominations.
On Thursday, the Adg announced nominations for this year’s awards show, which will be held April 10 in a virtual ceremony, breaking with tradition in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Mank,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Mulan” landed nominations in the Period Feature Film category, and “Birds of Prey,” “Pinocchio” and “Wonder Woman 1984” earned recognition in Fantasy Feature Film.
Missing out were Oscar contenders “Emma,” “The Personal History of David Copperfield” and “One Night in Miami.”
As previously announced, multiple award-winning writer-director-producer Ryan Murphy, whose film and television shows have consistently reflected the highest quality of production design, will receive the esteemed Cinematic Imagery Award.
See the full list of nominations for film and TV below.
Period Feature Film
“Mank” ( Donald Graham Burt...
On Thursday, the Adg announced nominations for this year’s awards show, which will be held April 10 in a virtual ceremony, breaking with tradition in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Mank,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Mulan” landed nominations in the Period Feature Film category, and “Birds of Prey,” “Pinocchio” and “Wonder Woman 1984” earned recognition in Fantasy Feature Film.
Missing out were Oscar contenders “Emma,” “The Personal History of David Copperfield” and “One Night in Miami.”
As previously announced, multiple award-winning writer-director-producer Ryan Murphy, whose film and television shows have consistently reflected the highest quality of production design, will receive the esteemed Cinematic Imagery Award.
See the full list of nominations for film and TV below.
Period Feature Film
“Mank” ( Donald Graham Burt...
- 2/25/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Howard Cummings really got the best of both worlds. The two-time Emmy winner has been “Westworld’s” production designer since its second season and worked on the pilot of HBO’s period horror drama “Lovecraft Country,” which premiered in August.
“The cool thing about ‘Westworld’ and one of the reasons why I wanted to do it was because it has both — future and past,” Cummings tells Gold Derby during our Meet the Experts: TV Production Design panel (watch above). “To be able to do two projects that are really tonally different as well was great. … To go from ‘Westworld,’ super futuristic stuff, to 1950s Chicago was really a great adventure.”
Cummings, who was able to bring his “Westworld” set decorator Julie Ochipinti onto the “Lovecraft” pilot, worked with Kalina Ivanov, who designed the rest of “Lovecraft’s” first season. The pilot differs from the rest of the season in that...
“The cool thing about ‘Westworld’ and one of the reasons why I wanted to do it was because it has both — future and past,” Cummings tells Gold Derby during our Meet the Experts: TV Production Design panel (watch above). “To be able to do two projects that are really tonally different as well was great. … To go from ‘Westworld,’ super futuristic stuff, to 1950s Chicago was really a great adventure.”
Cummings, who was able to bring his “Westworld” set decorator Julie Ochipinti onto the “Lovecraft” pilot, worked with Kalina Ivanov, who designed the rest of “Lovecraft’s” first season. The pilot differs from the rest of the season in that...
- 12/14/2020
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
For HBO’s “Lovecraft Country,” production designer Kalina Ivanov’s work had to not only convey and reflect the 1950s Midwest and Chicago, but also tackle the supernatural, monsters, drag queens, 1921 Tulsa, outer space, 1920s Paris and the Dahomey Amazons of 19th century Africa. It was an epic task that Ivanov and her term handled with eye-popping aplomb.
Ahead of the Oct. 18 finale, Ivanov talks with Variety about her inspirations for some key elements of the show, including Montrose’s (Michael K. Williams) apartment, Ardham Lodge, the time machine and the tunnels in the museum.
What was the importance of the color palette of the show and the relation to the characters and supernatural symbolism?
I design from a very intuitive place, and often see colors when I read a script, so you can imagine the color explosion in my head while designing “Lovecraft Country.” I related to the deep humanity of the protagonists,...
Ahead of the Oct. 18 finale, Ivanov talks with Variety about her inspirations for some key elements of the show, including Montrose’s (Michael K. Williams) apartment, Ardham Lodge, the time machine and the tunnels in the museum.
What was the importance of the color palette of the show and the relation to the characters and supernatural symbolism?
I design from a very intuitive place, and often see colors when I read a script, so you can imagine the color explosion in my head while designing “Lovecraft Country.” I related to the deep humanity of the protagonists,...
- 10/18/2020
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
In HBO’s “Lovecraft Country,” Atticus Freeman, played by Jonathan Majors, is in 1950s America, in the era of Jim Crow laws, driving on a quest to find his missing father.
Cars play a vital role in the series, as production designer Kalina Ivanov points out, “Black people used cars in the ’50s as a means to survive.” And as we see in the first episode, Atticus finds himself encountering a racist sheriff played by Jamie Harris, who reminds Atticus he’s driving through a sundown town (a town that banned Black people after dark). His car becomes of utmost importance — for him to survive.
Ivanov talks to Variety about the role cars play in the series and how she collaborated with picture car coordinator Sean Ryan to build their fleet.
What was one of the first things you discussed with showrunner Misha Green about the cars?
Something we discussed...
Cars play a vital role in the series, as production designer Kalina Ivanov points out, “Black people used cars in the ’50s as a means to survive.” And as we see in the first episode, Atticus finds himself encountering a racist sheriff played by Jamie Harris, who reminds Atticus he’s driving through a sundown town (a town that banned Black people after dark). His car becomes of utmost importance — for him to survive.
Ivanov talks to Variety about the role cars play in the series and how she collaborated with picture car coordinator Sean Ryan to build their fleet.
What was one of the first things you discussed with showrunner Misha Green about the cars?
Something we discussed...
- 8/18/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Brooklyn Diner - Norman's (Richard Gere) tip to Jo Wilf (Harris Yulin): "That meeting happens here." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Richard Gere and Lior Ashkenazi give Oscar caliber performances in Joseph Cedar's Sony Pictures Classics and Tadmor Entertainment's Norman: The Moderate Rise And Tragic Fall Of A New York Fixer, with a very strong supporting cast that includes Harris Yulin, Hank Azaria, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Dan Stevens, Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi, Josh Charles, and Isaach De Bankolé.
Joseph Cedar: "Luxury in general, at least from my point of view, has to come with a certain kind of wink." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
On Sunday morning, the director of the Oscar-nominated Footnote (Hearat Shulayim) met with me at the Brooklyn Diner, one of the locations used in his latest film. We discussed his production designers Kalina Ivanov and Arad Sawat, costume designers Ann Roth and Michelle Matland, Harvey Weinstein and Otto Preminger's Exodus,...
Richard Gere and Lior Ashkenazi give Oscar caliber performances in Joseph Cedar's Sony Pictures Classics and Tadmor Entertainment's Norman: The Moderate Rise And Tragic Fall Of A New York Fixer, with a very strong supporting cast that includes Harris Yulin, Hank Azaria, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Dan Stevens, Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi, Josh Charles, and Isaach De Bankolé.
Joseph Cedar: "Luxury in general, at least from my point of view, has to come with a certain kind of wink." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
On Sunday morning, the director of the Oscar-nominated Footnote (Hearat Shulayim) met with me at the Brooklyn Diner, one of the locations used in his latest film. We discussed his production designers Kalina Ivanov and Arad Sawat, costume designers Ann Roth and Michelle Matland, Harvey Weinstein and Otto Preminger's Exodus,...
- 4/10/2017
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
© 2015 Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc.
Filming has begun locally on The Book Of Henry, director Colin Trevorrow’s (Safety Not Guaranteed) first feature as director since this year’s blockbuster Jurassic World (which has grossed nearly $1.7 billion worldwide). Focus Features is overseeing the production and holds worldwide rights, including for domestic release.
The original screenplay for The Book Of Henry is by acclaimed novelist Gregg Hurwitz.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts stars in the film alongside young actors Jacob Tremblay (of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival hit Room) and Jaden Lieberher (of St. Vincent and the upcoming Midnight Special).
The supporting cast includes Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Lee Pace (The Hobbit trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy), Emmy Award winner Sarah Silverman, Maddie Ziegler (of Sia’s music videos “Chandelier” and “Elastic Heart”), and Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live).
The Book of Henry is the story of...
Filming has begun locally on The Book Of Henry, director Colin Trevorrow’s (Safety Not Guaranteed) first feature as director since this year’s blockbuster Jurassic World (which has grossed nearly $1.7 billion worldwide). Focus Features is overseeing the production and holds worldwide rights, including for domestic release.
The original screenplay for The Book Of Henry is by acclaimed novelist Gregg Hurwitz.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts stars in the film alongside young actors Jacob Tremblay (of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival hit Room) and Jaden Lieberher (of St. Vincent and the upcoming Midnight Special).
The supporting cast includes Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Lee Pace (The Hobbit trilogy, Guardians of the Galaxy), Emmy Award winner Sarah Silverman, Maddie Ziegler (of Sia’s music videos “Chandelier” and “Elastic Heart”), and Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live).
The Book of Henry is the story of...
- 10/5/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Warner Bros. Pictures has released the first TV spot for Max, a family action adventure from writer/director Boaz Yakin (“Remember the Titans), starring Josh Wiggins, Lauren Graham and Thomas Haden Church.
Blake Shelton’s special version of “Forever Young” from the Max Movie soundtrack is now available on iTunes! Get it now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/forever-young-single/id998028981
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.
Sent stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is saved when he is adopted by Kyle’s family. But Justin has issues of his own, including living up to his father’s expectations,...
Blake Shelton’s special version of “Forever Young” from the Max Movie soundtrack is now available on iTunes! Get it now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/forever-young-single/id998028981
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.
Sent stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is saved when he is adopted by Kyle’s family. But Justin has issues of his own, including living up to his father’s expectations,...
- 6/3/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“The nose of a dog, the heart of a Marine – sounds like a Hero to me.”
Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM have released the first trailer and poster for the upcoming family drama Max.
A military working dog Max returns from service in Afghanistan after his handler’s death. He’s adopted by the man’s family to help the grieving family heal.
Have your tissues ready.
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan, alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.
Shipped stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is adopted by Kyle’s family, essentially saving his life. But Justin has issues of his own,...
Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM have released the first trailer and poster for the upcoming family drama Max.
A military working dog Max returns from service in Afghanistan after his handler’s death. He’s adopted by the man’s family to help the grieving family heal.
Have your tissues ready.
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan, alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.
Shipped stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is adopted by Kyle’s family, essentially saving his life. But Justin has issues of his own,...
- 3/18/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Sharon Stone, Christopher Walken, John Turturro and Alicia Silverstone are among the cast of producer Marc Turtletaub’s directorial debut.
The deities of Mount Olympus descend to the streets of New York City, where they wreak havoc on mortals and much worse on the audience, in Marc Turtletaub’s myth-inspired comedy, Gods Behaving Badly. Rounding up a cast of stars -- many who had their heyday two decades ago -- this outdated, unfunny satire feels like an extended SNL sketch from the early ‘90’s, and one that probably would have been tossed into the wastepaper basket. Some bankable names and a mildly clever idea should send these immortals straight to VOD, with a small courtesy release in select cities.
Based on the book by Marie Phillips, the concept is simple: The Greek gods are alive and well, and currently living in a Manhattan townhouse, where they engage in endless petty...
The deities of Mount Olympus descend to the streets of New York City, where they wreak havoc on mortals and much worse on the audience, in Marc Turtletaub’s myth-inspired comedy, Gods Behaving Badly. Rounding up a cast of stars -- many who had their heyday two decades ago -- this outdated, unfunny satire feels like an extended SNL sketch from the early ‘90’s, and one that probably would have been tossed into the wastepaper basket. Some bankable names and a mildly clever idea should send these immortals straight to VOD, with a small courtesy release in select cities.
Based on the book by Marie Phillips, the concept is simple: The Greek gods are alive and well, and currently living in a Manhattan townhouse, where they engage in endless petty...
- 11/13/2013
- by Jordan Mintzer
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: London-based producer Diana Phillips has teamed up with La’s talent agency Claire Best & Associates and Peter Lang’s Production Company Pictures In A Row to form Unlimited Pictures.
The UK and Us-based entity styles itself as a think tank and management production company that will use its combined resources to develop, package and sell projects for the world market.
The early pipeline includes the feature Wenceslas Square based on the short story by bestselling novelist Arthur Phillips with Yuli Masinovsky and Phillips attached to produce.
Among the TV projects are The Accidental Empresses created by Kalina Ivanov and Muriel Grabe with Fred Fuchs attached to produce; Hell based on Wayne Barlowe’s book God’s Demon; and the unscripted series Jimmy Buddha Unpolished.
“Too often projects languish because there has been no thought about the smartest way to set them up or because they have been burdened by the weight of producers who are not...
The UK and Us-based entity styles itself as a think tank and management production company that will use its combined resources to develop, package and sell projects for the world market.
The early pipeline includes the feature Wenceslas Square based on the short story by bestselling novelist Arthur Phillips with Yuli Masinovsky and Phillips attached to produce.
Among the TV projects are The Accidental Empresses created by Kalina Ivanov and Muriel Grabe with Fred Fuchs attached to produce; Hell based on Wayne Barlowe’s book God’s Demon; and the unscripted series Jimmy Buddha Unpolished.
“Too often projects languish because there has been no thought about the smartest way to set them up or because they have been burdened by the weight of producers who are not...
- 11/7/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Killer Film catches up with producer Brian Falk to talk about Robert Redford’s latest, starring James McAvoy and Robin Wright, The Conspirator.
Brad Reiter: The sets look very authentic, were they built on a set or were they from a pre-existing actual location?
Brian Falk: Out of our nine weeks of production in Savannah, Georgia, we spent six of them filming in real locations, both in downtown Savannah and at nearby Fort Pulaski, which doubled as the Arsenal Penitentiary. The only set pieces were the courtroom, the jail cell, and Ford’s Theater. Per the mandate of the American Film Company — to deliver as much accuracy as possible — all of those sets were built based on detailed research into the real locations, and production designer Kalina Ivanov and her crew rendered them beautifully.
Brad Reiter: Can you talk about some of the obstacles you had to overcome while shooting the film?...
Brad Reiter: The sets look very authentic, were they built on a set or were they from a pre-existing actual location?
Brian Falk: Out of our nine weeks of production in Savannah, Georgia, we spent six of them filming in real locations, both in downtown Savannah and at nearby Fort Pulaski, which doubled as the Arsenal Penitentiary. The only set pieces were the courtroom, the jail cell, and Ford’s Theater. Per the mandate of the American Film Company — to deliver as much accuracy as possible — all of those sets were built based on detailed research into the real locations, and production designer Kalina Ivanov and her crew rendered them beautifully.
Brad Reiter: Can you talk about some of the obstacles you had to overcome while shooting the film?...
- 8/31/2011
- by Brad Reiter
- Killer Films
Today's collection is a complete, eight-page look at all of the preliminary 2011 Oscar Contenders I've featured over the week in one complete post. There are a few I'll be adding, such as yesterday's Welcome to the RIleys suggestion and hopefully a few more documentaries, before the doors to the new "The Contenders" section opens up in April, but until then this is your one-stop-shop.
As we move along add any thoughts or films you think should be added in the comments below or send me an email directly if you have thoughts on additional contenders or news on any of those on this list. Your suggestions are welcomed and encouraged.
127 Hours Release Date: Release date not yet set Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures Directed By: Danny Boyle Cast: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara Quick Thoughts: Directed by Danny Boyle whose last film, Slumdog Millionaire, racked up eight Oscars including Best Picture,...
As we move along add any thoughts or films you think should be added in the comments below or send me an email directly if you have thoughts on additional contenders or news on any of those on this list. Your suggestions are welcomed and encouraged.
127 Hours Release Date: Release date not yet set Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures Directed By: Danny Boyle Cast: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara Quick Thoughts: Directed by Danny Boyle whose last film, Slumdog Millionaire, racked up eight Oscars including Best Picture,...
- 3/19/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
As of right now, I have a list of 72 individual films that could potentially go on to become 2011 Oscar nominees. If you take into consideration the additional films I currently have listed as animated and documentary contenders the list grows to 85 films. As a result I am going to break up this preliminary list of Oscar contenders into four articles and on the fifth day, this coming Friday, I will publish the list in its entirety. I felt it would be easier to digest everything this way as opposed to offering one massive list you probably wouldn't be able to look over all at once.
As for the list itself, it should be looked at as a guide to potential nominees, not a guarantee, not a lock, but simply films that could potentially go on to be remembered at the year-end Oscar race. A few of these films may not...
As for the list itself, it should be looked at as a guide to potential nominees, not a guarantee, not a lock, but simply films that could potentially go on to be remembered at the year-end Oscar race. A few of these films may not...
- 3/15/2010
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The Art Directors Guild (Adg) gathered for the 14th Annual 'Excellence in 2009 Production Design Awards' February 13, @ the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills.
Established in 1937, The Art Directors Guild (Iatse Local 800) represents 2,000 members from the Us, Canada and internationally, as Production Designers, Art Directors, Assistant Art Directors, Scenic, Title and Graphic Artists, Illustrators, Matte Artists, Set Designers and Model Makers.
Over 700 attended the event, presided by Adg Chairman Thomas A. Walsh, with comedian Paula Poundstone hosting, starting off with a short film by director Cindy Peters.
Honorary awards were presented to Production Designer Terence Marsh for 'Lifetime Achievement', to Warren Beatty for 'Outstanding Contribution to Cinematic Imagery' and to Production Designer Michael Baugh for 'Creative Leadership'.
Presenters included Kevin Alejandro ("Southland"); director Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker"); Jim Bissell (Governor, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences); Albert Brenner (Production Designer); Rick Carter (Production Designer); Richard Chamberlain ("Shogun...
Established in 1937, The Art Directors Guild (Iatse Local 800) represents 2,000 members from the Us, Canada and internationally, as Production Designers, Art Directors, Assistant Art Directors, Scenic, Title and Graphic Artists, Illustrators, Matte Artists, Set Designers and Model Makers.
Over 700 attended the event, presided by Adg Chairman Thomas A. Walsh, with comedian Paula Poundstone hosting, starting off with a short film by director Cindy Peters.
Honorary awards were presented to Production Designer Terence Marsh for 'Lifetime Achievement', to Warren Beatty for 'Outstanding Contribution to Cinematic Imagery' and to Production Designer Michael Baugh for 'Creative Leadership'.
Presenters included Kevin Alejandro ("Southland"); director Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker"); Jim Bissell (Governor, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences); Albert Brenner (Production Designer); Rick Carter (Production Designer); Richard Chamberlain ("Shogun...
- 2/14/2010
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
"Avatar," "The Hurt Locker" and "Sherlock Holmes" were the feature winner's at the Art Directors Guild's 14th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards, where they topped the categories for fantasy, contemporary and period film, respectively.
ADG Awards recognition goes to the production designer, art director and assistant art director of each nominated and winning project.
Winners "Avatar" and "Sherlock Holmes" are both nominated for Oscars in art direction. At the Academy Awards, that category is rounded out by "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," "Nine" and "The Young Victoria."
ADG winners in the television categories included "Mad Men," "Grey Gardens," "Weeds" and "Hell's Kitchen."
Held Saturday evening at the Beverly Hilton, the ADG Awards attracted an estimated 700 guests, including "Avatar" director James Cameron and "Hurt Locker" helmer Kathryn Bigelow, who was also a presenter.
Gene Wilder presented the lifetime achievement award to Terence Marsh -- who earned Oscars for "Oliver!" and "Doctor Zhivago.
ADG Awards recognition goes to the production designer, art director and assistant art director of each nominated and winning project.
Winners "Avatar" and "Sherlock Holmes" are both nominated for Oscars in art direction. At the Academy Awards, that category is rounded out by "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," "Nine" and "The Young Victoria."
ADG winners in the television categories included "Mad Men," "Grey Gardens," "Weeds" and "Hell's Kitchen."
Held Saturday evening at the Beverly Hilton, the ADG Awards attracted an estimated 700 guests, including "Avatar" director James Cameron and "Hurt Locker" helmer Kathryn Bigelow, who was also a presenter.
Gene Wilder presented the lifetime achievement award to Terence Marsh -- who earned Oscars for "Oliver!" and "Doctor Zhivago.
- 2/14/2010
- by By Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Art Directors Guild (Adg) has announced winners of its Excellence in 2009 Production Design Awards. "Sherlock Holmes," "Avatar," and "The Hurt Locker" were the big winners in the film categories.
From film, to TV, to commercials and music videos, here's the complete list of winners:
Winners For Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film In 2009
*** Period Film
Sherlock Holmes
Production Designer: Sarah Greenwood
*** Fantasy Film
Avatar
Production Designers: Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg
*** Contemporary Film
The Hurt Locker
Production Designer: Karl Juliusson
Winners For Excellence In Production Design For Television In 2009
*** Episode of a One-Hour Single Camera Television Series
Mad Men "Souvenir"
Production Designer: Dan Bishop
*** Television Movie or Mini-Series
Grey Gardens
Production Designer: Kalina Ivanov
*** Episode of a Half Hour Single-Camera Television Series
Weeds "Ducks and Tigers"
Production Designer: Joseph P. Lucky
*** Episode of a Multi-Camera Variety or Unscripted Series
Hell's Kitchen "Episode 6004"
Production Designer: John Janavs
*** Awards, Music...
From film, to TV, to commercials and music videos, here's the complete list of winners:
Winners For Excellence In Production Design For A Feature Film In 2009
*** Period Film
Sherlock Holmes
Production Designer: Sarah Greenwood
*** Fantasy Film
Avatar
Production Designers: Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg
*** Contemporary Film
The Hurt Locker
Production Designer: Karl Juliusson
Winners For Excellence In Production Design For Television In 2009
*** Episode of a One-Hour Single Camera Television Series
Mad Men "Souvenir"
Production Designer: Dan Bishop
*** Television Movie or Mini-Series
Grey Gardens
Production Designer: Kalina Ivanov
*** Episode of a Half Hour Single-Camera Television Series
Weeds "Ducks and Tigers"
Production Designer: Joseph P. Lucky
*** Episode of a Multi-Camera Variety or Unscripted Series
Hell's Kitchen "Episode 6004"
Production Designer: John Janavs
*** Awards, Music...
- 2/14/2010
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Obvious picks were Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek, And Avatar. Once again, no love for Nine, but I was pleased to see an embrace from this guild for The Lovely Bones. Now that Art Directors, Producers, Directors, and Screen Actors guilds have announced their nominees, the only other “countries” to be heard from are the Writers Guild and American Cinema Editors. We’ll hear from the WGA on Monday and the Ace on Tuesday.
From THR by way of Awards Daily, here are the nominations announced earlier on Friday by the Art Directors Guild. The Adg will hold its 14th annual Excellence in Production Design Awards on Feb. 13 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Feature Film Nominees
Period film:
“A Serious Man,” production, designer, Jess Gonchor “Inglourious Basterds,” David Wasco “Julie & Julia,” Mark Ricker “Public Enemies,” Nathan Crowley “Sherlock Holmes,” Sarah Greenwood
Fantasy film:
“Avatar,” Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg “District 9,” Philip Ivey...
From THR by way of Awards Daily, here are the nominations announced earlier on Friday by the Art Directors Guild. The Adg will hold its 14th annual Excellence in Production Design Awards on Feb. 13 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Feature Film Nominees
Period film:
“A Serious Man,” production, designer, Jess Gonchor “Inglourious Basterds,” David Wasco “Julie & Julia,” Mark Ricker “Public Enemies,” Nathan Crowley “Sherlock Holmes,” Sarah Greenwood
Fantasy film:
“Avatar,” Rick Carter, Robert Stromberg “District 9,” Philip Ivey...
- 1/8/2010
- by Michelle
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The lush and iridescent forests of "Avatar," the sooty Victorian London of "Sherlock Holmes" and even the trashed, morning-after Vegas suites of "The Hangover" all caught the collective eye of the Art Directors Guild, which announced its nominations Friday.
The Adg, which will hold its 14th annual Excellence in Production Design Awards on Feb. 13 at the Beverly Hills Hotel, unveiled noms in nine categories, covering movies, TV, commercials and music videos.
In the category of fantasy film, "Avatar" will do battle with two other sci-fi titles -- "District 9" and "Star Trek" -- as well as the book adaptations "Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince" and "Where the Wild Things Are."
The nominees for period film range from "Sherlock Holmes," set in the 19th century, to the Depression-era America of "Public Enemies" to the World War II France of "Inglourious Basterds" as well as the post-war France of "Julie & Julia" and...
The Adg, which will hold its 14th annual Excellence in Production Design Awards on Feb. 13 at the Beverly Hills Hotel, unveiled noms in nine categories, covering movies, TV, commercials and music videos.
In the category of fantasy film, "Avatar" will do battle with two other sci-fi titles -- "District 9" and "Star Trek" -- as well as the book adaptations "Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince" and "Where the Wild Things Are."
The nominees for period film range from "Sherlock Holmes," set in the 19th century, to the Depression-era America of "Public Enemies" to the World War II France of "Inglourious Basterds" as well as the post-war France of "Julie & Julia" and...
- 1/8/2010
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's a good day for funny people, especially if your name is Tina Fey or Seth MacFarlane.
Fey's series, 30 Rock, was handed 22 Emmy nominations this morning, which stands as a record for a comedy series. She and Alec Baldwin were also nominated for acting awards. Plus, for the first time some of the other actors on NBC's laffer were recognized. Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer and Tracy Morgan all picked up supporting nominations.
MacFarlane's Family Guy was also nominated for best comedy series, the first time an animated show has cracked that category since The Flintstones in 1961. Two years ago MacFarlane decided to pull his show from contention in the animated series category to have it considered for best comedy.
Mad Men, the drama about the advertising world in the sixties, picked up 16 nominations in the drama categories, including a best actor nod for Jon Hamm. Hamm is also nominated as...
Fey's series, 30 Rock, was handed 22 Emmy nominations this morning, which stands as a record for a comedy series. She and Alec Baldwin were also nominated for acting awards. Plus, for the first time some of the other actors on NBC's laffer were recognized. Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer and Tracy Morgan all picked up supporting nominations.
MacFarlane's Family Guy was also nominated for best comedy series, the first time an animated show has cracked that category since The Flintstones in 1961. Two years ago MacFarlane decided to pull his show from contention in the animated series category to have it considered for best comedy.
Mad Men, the drama about the advertising world in the sixties, picked up 16 nominations in the drama categories, including a best actor nod for Jon Hamm. Hamm is also nominated as...
- 7/16/2009
- CinemaSpy
Barack Obama is a geek just like us Test your celeb wedding fashion smarts! Jon Gosselin apologizes for "poor judgment" Which hair color looks better on Leighton Meester? Movie preview: Julie and Julia Casa interview: Grey Gardens set designer Kalina Ivanov Check out this cute wine barrel doggie bed Six meatless ways to get five grams of protein Seven steps for structuring your life after job loss The cupcake trend is still in for Spring Carla Bruni offers another cautionary tale against racy pics...
- 4/30/2009
- by PopSugar
- Popsugar.com
This review was written for the festival screening of Little Miss Sunshine.
PARK CITY -- A screwball family takes to the road and wondrously finds itself in this crowd-pleaser at Sundance. A brainy blend of farce and heart, this is one of those movies that veteran moviegoers complain they don't make anymore. Most winningly, Little Miss Sunshine should radiate warm appreciation across age and class lines.
Centering on the Hoover clan, a brood as goofy as any in this dysfunctional age, Sunshine rambles cross-country in the comic fashion of a latter-day National Lampoon's Vacation. Up front in the crowded yellow VW are Pop, a tightly wired motivational speaker; Mom, a decidedly desperate housewife; oldest child Dwayne, who refuses to speak; and tiny Olive, who dreams of winning a beauty contest. Further back are the extended, and even more addled family members: cantankerous gramps and Mom's depressed professorial sibling. As quirky as the tribe it transports, the VW not only can't start without a running push but incessantly honks.
As this aggregation sputters and rambles toward California (where else?), each member must confront a personal failure. Screenwriter Michael Arndt has brilliantly woven each family member's problems into an endearing and transforming amusement. Under the splendid modulation of co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, Sunshine careens along with a perfect combustion of character and comedy.
It's a tribute to the well-assembled cast that each character is not only antic in their own way but also identifiably human and sympathetic: Greg Kinnear shows fiber in the father's surface shallow character, while Toni Collette infuses an addled vulnerability to her role as the overstretched mom.
Alan Arkin is inspirationally whacko as a man nearing the end of his run. He is truly the court jester and, to a large extent, the off-center compass of this film's moral pinions. As the kids, Paul Dano is expressive as the non-talking Dwayne, while young Abigail Breslin is a vital blend of klutziness and grace as the ambitious grade-schooler. As the suicidal Proust scholar, Steve Carell distills an array of emotions into a credible whole.
Fueling this fun are the smart technical contributions: Credit composer Mychael Danna for the frothy sounds and Kalina Ivanov for the nutty middle-class production design.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Fox Searchlight
A Dayton/Faris Film and Big Beach/Bonafide production
Credits:
Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Screenwriter: Michael Arndt
Producers: Marc Turteltaub, David T. Friendly, Peter Saraf, Albert Berger, Ron Yerxa
Director of photography: Tim Suhrstedt
Production designer: Kalina Ivanov
Music: Mychael Danna
Costume designer: Nancy Steiner
Editor: Pamela Martin
Cast:
Olive: Abigail Breslin
Richard: Greg Kinnear
Dwayne: Paul Dano
Grandpa: Alan Arkin
Sheryl: Toni Collette
Frank: Steve Carell
MPAA rating: R
Running time -- 101 minutes...
PARK CITY -- A screwball family takes to the road and wondrously finds itself in this crowd-pleaser at Sundance. A brainy blend of farce and heart, this is one of those movies that veteran moviegoers complain they don't make anymore. Most winningly, Little Miss Sunshine should radiate warm appreciation across age and class lines.
Centering on the Hoover clan, a brood as goofy as any in this dysfunctional age, Sunshine rambles cross-country in the comic fashion of a latter-day National Lampoon's Vacation. Up front in the crowded yellow VW are Pop, a tightly wired motivational speaker; Mom, a decidedly desperate housewife; oldest child Dwayne, who refuses to speak; and tiny Olive, who dreams of winning a beauty contest. Further back are the extended, and even more addled family members: cantankerous gramps and Mom's depressed professorial sibling. As quirky as the tribe it transports, the VW not only can't start without a running push but incessantly honks.
As this aggregation sputters and rambles toward California (where else?), each member must confront a personal failure. Screenwriter Michael Arndt has brilliantly woven each family member's problems into an endearing and transforming amusement. Under the splendid modulation of co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, Sunshine careens along with a perfect combustion of character and comedy.
It's a tribute to the well-assembled cast that each character is not only antic in their own way but also identifiably human and sympathetic: Greg Kinnear shows fiber in the father's surface shallow character, while Toni Collette infuses an addled vulnerability to her role as the overstretched mom.
Alan Arkin is inspirationally whacko as a man nearing the end of his run. He is truly the court jester and, to a large extent, the off-center compass of this film's moral pinions. As the kids, Paul Dano is expressive as the non-talking Dwayne, while young Abigail Breslin is a vital blend of klutziness and grace as the ambitious grade-schooler. As the suicidal Proust scholar, Steve Carell distills an array of emotions into a credible whole.
Fueling this fun are the smart technical contributions: Credit composer Mychael Danna for the frothy sounds and Kalina Ivanov for the nutty middle-class production design.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Fox Searchlight
A Dayton/Faris Film and Big Beach/Bonafide production
Credits:
Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Screenwriter: Michael Arndt
Producers: Marc Turteltaub, David T. Friendly, Peter Saraf, Albert Berger, Ron Yerxa
Director of photography: Tim Suhrstedt
Production designer: Kalina Ivanov
Music: Mychael Danna
Costume designer: Nancy Steiner
Editor: Pamela Martin
Cast:
Olive: Abigail Breslin
Richard: Greg Kinnear
Dwayne: Paul Dano
Grandpa: Alan Arkin
Sheryl: Toni Collette
Frank: Steve Carell
MPAA rating: R
Running time -- 101 minutes...
- 1/23/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARK CITY -- A screwball family takes to the road and wondrously finds itself in this crowd-pleaser at Sundance. A brainy blend of farce and heart, this is one of those movies that veteran moviegoers complain they don't make anymore. Most winningly, "Little Miss Sunshine" should radiate warm appreciation across age and class lines.
Centering on the Hoover clan, a brood as goofy as any in this dysfunctional age, "Sunshine" rambles cross-country in the comic fashion of a latter-day "National Lampoon's Vacation". Up front in the crowded yellow VW are Pop, a tightly wired motivational speaker; Mom, a decidedly desperate housewife; oldest child Dwayne, who refuses to speak; and tiny Olive, who dreams of winning a beauty contest. Further back are the extended, and even more addled family members: cantankerous gramps and Mom's depressed professorial sibling. As quirky as the tribe it transports, the VW not only can't start without a running push but incessantly honks.
As this aggregation sputters and rambles toward California (where else?), each member must confront a personal failure. Screenwriter Michael Arndt has brilliantly woven each family member's problems into an endearing and transforming amusement. Under the splendid modulation of co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, "Sunshine" careens along with a perfect combustion of character and comedy.
It's a tribute to the well-assembled cast that each character is not only antic in their own way but also identifiably human and sympathetic: Greg Kinnear shows fiber in the father's surface shallow character, while Toni Collette infuses an addled vulnerability to her role as the overstretched mom.
Alan Arkin is inspirationally whacko as a man nearing the end of his run. He is truly the court jester and, to a large extent, the off-center compass of this film's moral pinions. As the kids, Paul Dano is expressive as the non-talking Dwayne, while young Abigail Breslin is a vital blend of klutziness and grace as the ambitious grade-schooler. As the suicidal Proust scholar, Steve Carell distills an array of emotions into a credible whole.
Fueling this fun are the smart technical contributions: Credit composer Mychael Danna for the frothy sounds and Kalina Ivanov for the nutty middle-class production design.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Fox Searchlight
A Dayton/Faris Film and Big Beach/Bonafide production
Credits:
Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Screenwriter: Michael Arndt
Producers: Marc Turteltaub, David T. Friendly, Peter Saraf, Albert Berger, Ron Yerxa
Director of photography: Tim Suhrstedt
Production designer: Kalina Ivanov
Music: Mychael Danna
Costume designer: Nancy Steiner
Editor: Pamela Martin
Cast:
Olive: Abigail Breslin
Richard: Greg Kinnear
Dwayne: Paul Dano
Grandpa: Alan Arkin
Sheryl: Toni Collette
Frank: Steve Carell
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 101 minutes...
Centering on the Hoover clan, a brood as goofy as any in this dysfunctional age, "Sunshine" rambles cross-country in the comic fashion of a latter-day "National Lampoon's Vacation". Up front in the crowded yellow VW are Pop, a tightly wired motivational speaker; Mom, a decidedly desperate housewife; oldest child Dwayne, who refuses to speak; and tiny Olive, who dreams of winning a beauty contest. Further back are the extended, and even more addled family members: cantankerous gramps and Mom's depressed professorial sibling. As quirky as the tribe it transports, the VW not only can't start without a running push but incessantly honks.
As this aggregation sputters and rambles toward California (where else?), each member must confront a personal failure. Screenwriter Michael Arndt has brilliantly woven each family member's problems into an endearing and transforming amusement. Under the splendid modulation of co-directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, "Sunshine" careens along with a perfect combustion of character and comedy.
It's a tribute to the well-assembled cast that each character is not only antic in their own way but also identifiably human and sympathetic: Greg Kinnear shows fiber in the father's surface shallow character, while Toni Collette infuses an addled vulnerability to her role as the overstretched mom.
Alan Arkin is inspirationally whacko as a man nearing the end of his run. He is truly the court jester and, to a large extent, the off-center compass of this film's moral pinions. As the kids, Paul Dano is expressive as the non-talking Dwayne, while young Abigail Breslin is a vital blend of klutziness and grace as the ambitious grade-schooler. As the suicidal Proust scholar, Steve Carell distills an array of emotions into a credible whole.
Fueling this fun are the smart technical contributions: Credit composer Mychael Danna for the frothy sounds and Kalina Ivanov for the nutty middle-class production design.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Fox Searchlight
A Dayton/Faris Film and Big Beach/Bonafide production
Credits:
Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Screenwriter: Michael Arndt
Producers: Marc Turteltaub, David T. Friendly, Peter Saraf, Albert Berger, Ron Yerxa
Director of photography: Tim Suhrstedt
Production designer: Kalina Ivanov
Music: Mychael Danna
Costume designer: Nancy Steiner
Editor: Pamela Martin
Cast:
Olive: Abigail Breslin
Richard: Greg Kinnear
Dwayne: Paul Dano
Grandpa: Alan Arkin
Sheryl: Toni Collette
Frank: Steve Carell
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 101 minutes...
- 1/22/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Opened Friday, April 22
NEW YORK -- A desperately strained comedy about a millionaire embroiled in a series of kidnappings, "King's Ransom" manages to demonstrate just how elusive funniness can be. The film, starring Anthony Anderson as the boorish victim and a sweaty Jay Mohr as one of his captors, opened Friday without being screened for the press, a tactic that has become a screaming advertisement for badness. The only thing that might have helped would have been spraying the theaters with laughing gas.
Anderson, a talented second banana moving up to comedic leading-man status, plays Malcolm King, the sort of arrogant business tycoon who, in a demonstration of how far racial equality has come, has in the past generally been played by elderly Caucasians. Desperate to save his fortune from the clutches of the rapacious wife (Kellita Smith) who he is in the process of divorcing, he decides to stage his own kidnapping. He hires the brother (Charlie Murphy) of his ditzy mistress (Regina Hall) to do the deed, but the ex-con, who clearly has had his brains rattled by prison, mistakenly snatches a parking lot employee (Donald Faison) who has been using King's name to snare women.
Meanwhile, two other kidnapping plots have been put into effect, one planned by a disgruntled ex-employee (Nicole Parker) and the other by a loser fast-food worker (Mohr) who lives with his deaf grandmother (insert your own cheap gags here). The latter is the one who actually winds up with the prize, but complications, as they say, ensue.
Devoid of anything resembling wit or even guiltily amusing tasteless gags, the film lurches from one haplessly staged sequence to another, with the performers vainly struggling to infuse humor into the proceedings. While some of the actors actually manage to be amusing (Murphy brings a real wild-eyed intensity to his role as the sexually confused ex-con), mostly they founder amid the mediocrity. This is particularly true of Mohr, who brings an ill-advised but haplessly unfunny intensity to his role as the desperately grungy kidnapper.
KING'S RANSOM
New Line Cinema
Credits:
Director: Jeff Byrd
Screenwriter: Wayne Conley
Producer: Daryl Taja
Director of Photography: Robert McLachlan
Editor: Jeff Cooper
Music: Marcus Miller
Production Designer: Kalina Ivanov.
Cast:
Malcolm King: Anthony Anderson
Corey: Jay Mohr
Renee: Kellita Smith
Angela: Nicole Parker
Peaches: Regina Hall
Miss Gladys: Loretta Devine
Andre: Donald Faison
Kim: Leila Arcieri
Brooke Mayo: Brooke D'Orsay
Herb Clarke: Charlie Murphy.
MPAA rating: PG-13
Running time: 97 minutes.
NEW YORK -- A desperately strained comedy about a millionaire embroiled in a series of kidnappings, "King's Ransom" manages to demonstrate just how elusive funniness can be. The film, starring Anthony Anderson as the boorish victim and a sweaty Jay Mohr as one of his captors, opened Friday without being screened for the press, a tactic that has become a screaming advertisement for badness. The only thing that might have helped would have been spraying the theaters with laughing gas.
Anderson, a talented second banana moving up to comedic leading-man status, plays Malcolm King, the sort of arrogant business tycoon who, in a demonstration of how far racial equality has come, has in the past generally been played by elderly Caucasians. Desperate to save his fortune from the clutches of the rapacious wife (Kellita Smith) who he is in the process of divorcing, he decides to stage his own kidnapping. He hires the brother (Charlie Murphy) of his ditzy mistress (Regina Hall) to do the deed, but the ex-con, who clearly has had his brains rattled by prison, mistakenly snatches a parking lot employee (Donald Faison) who has been using King's name to snare women.
Meanwhile, two other kidnapping plots have been put into effect, one planned by a disgruntled ex-employee (Nicole Parker) and the other by a loser fast-food worker (Mohr) who lives with his deaf grandmother (insert your own cheap gags here). The latter is the one who actually winds up with the prize, but complications, as they say, ensue.
Devoid of anything resembling wit or even guiltily amusing tasteless gags, the film lurches from one haplessly staged sequence to another, with the performers vainly struggling to infuse humor into the proceedings. While some of the actors actually manage to be amusing (Murphy brings a real wild-eyed intensity to his role as the sexually confused ex-con), mostly they founder amid the mediocrity. This is particularly true of Mohr, who brings an ill-advised but haplessly unfunny intensity to his role as the desperately grungy kidnapper.
KING'S RANSOM
New Line Cinema
Credits:
Director: Jeff Byrd
Screenwriter: Wayne Conley
Producer: Daryl Taja
Director of Photography: Robert McLachlan
Editor: Jeff Cooper
Music: Marcus Miller
Production Designer: Kalina Ivanov.
Cast:
Malcolm King: Anthony Anderson
Corey: Jay Mohr
Renee: Kellita Smith
Angela: Nicole Parker
Peaches: Regina Hall
Miss Gladys: Loretta Devine
Andre: Donald Faison
Kim: Leila Arcieri
Brooke Mayo: Brooke D'Orsay
Herb Clarke: Charlie Murphy.
MPAA rating: PG-13
Running time: 97 minutes.
- 5/19/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
According to the "Brown Sugar" production notes, screenwriter Michael Elliot ("Like Mike") always had the impression that "all the great love stories weren't ones that had black people in them."
That motivation has yielded an agreeably charming, brightly performed romantic comedy set against the backdrop of hip-hop culture.
Smoothly directed by Rick Famuyiwa, who made his feature debut with 1999's "The Wood", the picture sticks a little too closely to a tried-and-true "When Harry Met Sally ..." format but could see some sweet numbers from an appreciative black female target demo and their male dates, who'll willingly go along for the ride if they know what's good for them.
Chronicling the enduring friendship between music executive Dre (Taye Diggs) and music critic Sidney (Sanaa Lathan), who met 15 years earlier as kids who fell in love with hip-hop during a rap freestyle competition back in New York, the film picks up on their lives at a time of considerable transition.
He's about to marry the gorgeous but materialistic Reese Nicole Ari Parker), an ambitious entertainment lawyer. She's returning to New York after several years of covering the music scene for the Los Angeles Times to become editor of the East Coast hip-hop magazine XXL.
Dre goes through with the marriage even though it's clear to Sidney and much clearer to her best friend Francine (the always-welcome Queen Latifah) that he doesn't love Reese as much as he loves the idea of her.
To further complicate matters, frustrated Dre has quit his job at Millennium Records over their signing of Ren and Ten, a pair of black and white rappers who dress like Dalmatians and have recorded a politically incorrect take-off on Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's "The Girl Is Mine".
With a little financial assistance from Sidney, Dre starts up his own company and goes after Chris (Mos Def), a real-deal rapper who's weary of selling out. But while Sidney has found herself an attentive boyfriend (Boris Kodjoe), it's readily apparent that there's a bond between her and Dre that goes far beyond their shared musical tastes.
While Famuyiwa and Elliot's hip-hop-as-life metaphor is laid on a little thick in places (Elliot's passion for the music -- he's written for several hip-hop-related publications -- occasionally smothers the script in heavy rhetoric), their characters are nicely dimensional and engagingly portrayed by a talented cast.
The charismatic Diggs is required to gradually shed the slick exec exterior during the film, while Lathan, his castmate from "The Wood", brings a convincing mix of authority and vulnerability to her role. Together they share a playful chemistry that's key to the credibility of their onscreen relationship.
In the obligatory "best friend" roles, Mos Def and Queen Latifah bring considerably more to the parts than what is usually the case. While Queen Latifah isn't given enough screen time, she takes full comedic advantage of the minutes she has. Meanwhile, as the grounded, cab-driving rapper, real-life hip-hop artist Mos Def continues to impress with his acting versatility, previously on display in "Monster's Ball" and on Broadway in "Topdog/Underdog."
Visually, the production -- one of the first to shoot in New York post-9/11 -- is one smooth groove, courtesy of Enrique Chediak's ("The Good Girl") elegant, refined camerawork, production designer Kalina Ivanov's ("Swimfan") finely appointed interiors and costume designer Darryle Johnson's ("Boyz N the Hood") hip fashion sense.
Despite the title, neither D'Angelo nor The Rolling Stones turn up on the soundtrack, which instead is filled with a generous selection of old-school and contemporary hip-hop ranging from Doug. E. Fresh and Slick Rick to Mos Def and Erykah Badu.
BROWN SUGAR
Fox Searchlight
Heller Highwater/Magic Johnson Entertainment
A Rick Famuyiwa film
Credits:
Director: Rick Famuyiwa
Screenwriters: Michael Elliot, Rick Famuyiwa
Story: Michael Elliot
Producer: Peter Heller
Executive producer: Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Director of photography: Enrique Chediak
Production designer: Kalina Ivanov
Editor: Dirk Westervelt
Costume designer: Darryle Johnson
Music: Robert Hurst
Music supervisors: Barry Cole, Christopher Cover
Cast:
Dre: Taye Diggs
Sidney: Sanaa Lathan
Chris: Mos Def
Reese: Nicole Ari Parker
Kelby: Boris Kodjoe
Francine: Queen Latifah
Running time -- 109 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
That motivation has yielded an agreeably charming, brightly performed romantic comedy set against the backdrop of hip-hop culture.
Smoothly directed by Rick Famuyiwa, who made his feature debut with 1999's "The Wood", the picture sticks a little too closely to a tried-and-true "When Harry Met Sally ..." format but could see some sweet numbers from an appreciative black female target demo and their male dates, who'll willingly go along for the ride if they know what's good for them.
Chronicling the enduring friendship between music executive Dre (Taye Diggs) and music critic Sidney (Sanaa Lathan), who met 15 years earlier as kids who fell in love with hip-hop during a rap freestyle competition back in New York, the film picks up on their lives at a time of considerable transition.
He's about to marry the gorgeous but materialistic Reese Nicole Ari Parker), an ambitious entertainment lawyer. She's returning to New York after several years of covering the music scene for the Los Angeles Times to become editor of the East Coast hip-hop magazine XXL.
Dre goes through with the marriage even though it's clear to Sidney and much clearer to her best friend Francine (the always-welcome Queen Latifah) that he doesn't love Reese as much as he loves the idea of her.
To further complicate matters, frustrated Dre has quit his job at Millennium Records over their signing of Ren and Ten, a pair of black and white rappers who dress like Dalmatians and have recorded a politically incorrect take-off on Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's "The Girl Is Mine".
With a little financial assistance from Sidney, Dre starts up his own company and goes after Chris (Mos Def), a real-deal rapper who's weary of selling out. But while Sidney has found herself an attentive boyfriend (Boris Kodjoe), it's readily apparent that there's a bond between her and Dre that goes far beyond their shared musical tastes.
While Famuyiwa and Elliot's hip-hop-as-life metaphor is laid on a little thick in places (Elliot's passion for the music -- he's written for several hip-hop-related publications -- occasionally smothers the script in heavy rhetoric), their characters are nicely dimensional and engagingly portrayed by a talented cast.
The charismatic Diggs is required to gradually shed the slick exec exterior during the film, while Lathan, his castmate from "The Wood", brings a convincing mix of authority and vulnerability to her role. Together they share a playful chemistry that's key to the credibility of their onscreen relationship.
In the obligatory "best friend" roles, Mos Def and Queen Latifah bring considerably more to the parts than what is usually the case. While Queen Latifah isn't given enough screen time, she takes full comedic advantage of the minutes she has. Meanwhile, as the grounded, cab-driving rapper, real-life hip-hop artist Mos Def continues to impress with his acting versatility, previously on display in "Monster's Ball" and on Broadway in "Topdog/Underdog."
Visually, the production -- one of the first to shoot in New York post-9/11 -- is one smooth groove, courtesy of Enrique Chediak's ("The Good Girl") elegant, refined camerawork, production designer Kalina Ivanov's ("Swimfan") finely appointed interiors and costume designer Darryle Johnson's ("Boyz N the Hood") hip fashion sense.
Despite the title, neither D'Angelo nor The Rolling Stones turn up on the soundtrack, which instead is filled with a generous selection of old-school and contemporary hip-hop ranging from Doug. E. Fresh and Slick Rick to Mos Def and Erykah Badu.
BROWN SUGAR
Fox Searchlight
Heller Highwater/Magic Johnson Entertainment
A Rick Famuyiwa film
Credits:
Director: Rick Famuyiwa
Screenwriters: Michael Elliot, Rick Famuyiwa
Story: Michael Elliot
Producer: Peter Heller
Executive producer: Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Director of photography: Enrique Chediak
Production designer: Kalina Ivanov
Editor: Dirk Westervelt
Costume designer: Darryle Johnson
Music: Robert Hurst
Music supervisors: Barry Cole, Christopher Cover
Cast:
Dre: Taye Diggs
Sidney: Sanaa Lathan
Chris: Mos Def
Reese: Nicole Ari Parker
Kelby: Boris Kodjoe
Francine: Queen Latifah
Running time -- 109 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 10/7/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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