Ileen Maisel, who served as a studio executive at Paramount, Lorimar and New Line Cinema and as a producer on films including Onegin, Ripley’s Game and The Golden Compass, has died. She was 68.
Maisel died Feb. 16 of cancer in London, her home for the past 34 years, her sister, Hollywood publicist Cheryl Maisel, announced.
Maisel received a BAFTA nomination for best British film for producing Samuel Goldwyn’s Onegin (1999), starring Ralph Fiennes, and was said to be most proud of her work on the Fine Line Features thriller Ripley’s Game (2002), starring John Malkovich.
In addition to the New Line fantasy The Golden Compass (2007), which starred Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig and grossed $372.2 million at the global box office, her other producing credits included Twelfth Night (1996), Inkheart (2008), and Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism (2015).
Born in Los Angeles on April 6, 1955, Ileen Marla Maisel began working for entertainment journalist Rona Barrett...
Maisel died Feb. 16 of cancer in London, her home for the past 34 years, her sister, Hollywood publicist Cheryl Maisel, announced.
Maisel received a BAFTA nomination for best British film for producing Samuel Goldwyn’s Onegin (1999), starring Ralph Fiennes, and was said to be most proud of her work on the Fine Line Features thriller Ripley’s Game (2002), starring John Malkovich.
In addition to the New Line fantasy The Golden Compass (2007), which starred Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig and grossed $372.2 million at the global box office, her other producing credits included Twelfth Night (1996), Inkheart (2008), and Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism (2015).
Born in Los Angeles on April 6, 1955, Ileen Marla Maisel began working for entertainment journalist Rona Barrett...
- 3/26/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BAFTA has announced the five nominees for this year’s prestigious Ee Rising Star Award, now in its 19th year and created in honour of the late Mary Selway.
The press conference was introduced by BAFTA CEO, Jane Millichip and hosted by Film Critic and radio Host, Ali Plumb and Actor & Producer, Stephen Graham, who revealed the highly anticipated 2024 nominee shortlist. The nominees consist of five actors who have each demonstrated their remarkable talent in film over the past year, having captured the imagination of both the public and film industry alike.
The Ee Rising Star Award nominees for 2024 are:
Phoebe Dynevor – currently starring in the critically acclaimed finance thriller, ‘Fair Play.’ Phoebe is arguably best known for her role as Daphne Bridgerton in Shonda Rhimes’ global phenomenon, ‘Bridgerton.’ Dynevor is also set to star opposite Diane Lane and Zoey Deutch in thriller, ‘Anniversary.’ The film follows a very...
The press conference was introduced by BAFTA CEO, Jane Millichip and hosted by Film Critic and radio Host, Ali Plumb and Actor & Producer, Stephen Graham, who revealed the highly anticipated 2024 nominee shortlist. The nominees consist of five actors who have each demonstrated their remarkable talent in film over the past year, having captured the imagination of both the public and film industry alike.
The Ee Rising Star Award nominees for 2024 are:
Phoebe Dynevor – currently starring in the critically acclaimed finance thriller, ‘Fair Play.’ Phoebe is arguably best known for her role as Daphne Bridgerton in Shonda Rhimes’ global phenomenon, ‘Bridgerton.’ Dynevor is also set to star opposite Diane Lane and Zoey Deutch in thriller, ‘Anniversary.’ The film follows a very...
- 1/10/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The last leg of the biggest awards for the night at the BAFTA Awards – Best Actor, Best Actress were conferred upon Austin Butler for his work in biographical film “Elvis” and Cate Blanchett for “Tar”.
Austin defeated his contenders like Colin Farrell, Brendan Fraser, Daryl Mccormack, Paul Mescal and Bill Nighy while Cate defeated Viola Davis, Danielle Deadwyler, Ana De Armas, Emma Thompson and Michelle Yeoh.
Earlier, “Elvis” took home the honours for Best Make Up & Hair, Best Costume Design, Best Casting. “Tar”, which was nominated in five categories of Best Film, Best Direction, Best Sound, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress, could only manage to win one trophy in the Best Actress category.
In addition, the Ee Rising Star Award, which is voted for by the public, was awarded to the French-British actress Emma Mackey. The award was started in 2005 in the memory of casting director Mary Selway, who...
Austin defeated his contenders like Colin Farrell, Brendan Fraser, Daryl Mccormack, Paul Mescal and Bill Nighy while Cate defeated Viola Davis, Danielle Deadwyler, Ana De Armas, Emma Thompson and Michelle Yeoh.
Earlier, “Elvis” took home the honours for Best Make Up & Hair, Best Costume Design, Best Casting. “Tar”, which was nominated in five categories of Best Film, Best Direction, Best Sound, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress, could only manage to win one trophy in the Best Actress category.
In addition, the Ee Rising Star Award, which is voted for by the public, was awarded to the French-British actress Emma Mackey. The award was started in 2005 in the memory of casting director Mary Selway, who...
- 2/19/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Actors Naomie Ackie, Sheila Atim, Emma Mackey, Darryl McCormack and Aimee Lou Wood are the 2023 nominees for the BAFTA Ee Rising Star Award.
The five actors, who are all British, have been selected for demonstrating “exceptional talent in film over the past year” and capturing “the imagination of the British public.” Previous winners include James McAvoy, Eva Green, Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart, Tom Holland, Letitia Wright, Micheal Ward, Bukky Bakray and last year’s winner Lashana Lynch.
The nominees were announced by broadcaster Edith Bowman on Tuesday at London’s The Savoy Hotel. Ackie, Atim and McCormack were present at the event and discussed their career paths with Bowman.
Ackie, whose credits include “The End of the F***ing World,” “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” and “Small Axe,” is currently riding high on the U.K. box office charts with “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody,...
The five actors, who are all British, have been selected for demonstrating “exceptional talent in film over the past year” and capturing “the imagination of the British public.” Previous winners include James McAvoy, Eva Green, Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart, Tom Holland, Letitia Wright, Micheal Ward, Bukky Bakray and last year’s winner Lashana Lynch.
The nominees were announced by broadcaster Edith Bowman on Tuesday at London’s The Savoy Hotel. Ackie, Atim and McCormack were present at the event and discussed their career paths with Bowman.
Ackie, whose credits include “The End of the F***ing World,” “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” and “Small Axe,” is currently riding high on the U.K. box office charts with “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody,...
- 1/17/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
For the first ten years of his career, Bill Nighy trod the boards in the U.K. He never saw a camera. He figured he’d be a theater actor for the rest of his life. In that time, just a few British stars were in the movies: Albert Finney, Michael Caine, Tom Courtenay, Peter O’Toole. “I was perfectly content,” he told me on Zoom. “I didn’t imagine I’d ever be on television particularly, or certainly not in a film. It was different times. My expectations were low, because I never expected to be an actor. And I never expected to be paid money for doing plays.”
Nighy’s world shifted when the late great casting director Mary Selway snuck him into a reading for Richard Curtis’ Christmas comedy “Love, Actually.” He got a couple of laughs. And landed the role of aging pop star Billy Mack, who...
Nighy’s world shifted when the late great casting director Mary Selway snuck him into a reading for Richard Curtis’ Christmas comedy “Love, Actually.” He got a couple of laughs. And landed the role of aging pop star Billy Mack, who...
- 12/27/2022
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
At first glance, it may seem a bit surprising that Ralph Fiennes, an esteemed actor known for his roles in deadly serious movies like "Schindler's List" and "The English Patient," was cast to play Lord Voldemort starting in the fourth film of the "Harry Potter" series. But that surprise dissipates if you look at who'd already been cast in the movies.
The "Harry Potter" films are not only a massively successful franchise but a who's who of great British acting talent. With such stars as Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, and Alan Rickman, who stayed on with the franchise for the full eight films despite hating a good bit of his time doing it, it was a veritable all-star cast. The movies not only featured these prestigious veterans of the craft but successfully launched the careers of its young stars, such as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. To add a performer...
The "Harry Potter" films are not only a massively successful franchise but a who's who of great British acting talent. With such stars as Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, and Alan Rickman, who stayed on with the franchise for the full eight films despite hating a good bit of his time doing it, it was a veritable all-star cast. The movies not only featured these prestigious veterans of the craft but successfully launched the careers of its young stars, such as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. To add a performer...
- 11/18/2022
- by Matt Rainis
- Slash Film
The tonal diversity within the science fiction genre is what has allowed it to stand the test of time. The term "sci-fi" is a broad one. You may first think of space adventures like the "Star Wars," "Star Trek," "Alien," or "Battlestar Galactica" franchises. However, there's also a subsection of sci-fi movies that are slower and more romantic such as "Her," "About Time," and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." You can find sci-fi fantasy films, sci-fi Westerns, sci-fi comedies, and even sci-fi musicals.
The genre itself encourages experimentation, particularly from actors who choose to add their own perspectives to a film. Not every sci-fi film has to be as grim and emotional as "Interstellar" or "2001: A Space Odyssey." It's always admirable when an actor in a science fiction film truly commits to the absurdity of the material.
Even if they're afraid that they might look silly, these actors...
The genre itself encourages experimentation, particularly from actors who choose to add their own perspectives to a film. Not every sci-fi film has to be as grim and emotional as "Interstellar" or "2001: A Space Odyssey." It's always admirable when an actor in a science fiction film truly commits to the absurdity of the material.
Even if they're afraid that they might look silly, these actors...
- 9/15/2022
- by Liam Gaughan
- Slash Film
Over the course of her legendary career, Alice Lee “Boaty” Boatwright has cast iconic movies, served as a studio exec and repped starry talent including Joan Didion, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Reflecting on it today, she says her career really took off after a pivotal encounter at Sardi’s restaurant more than 60 years ago. Sitting with her friend Sue Mengers, not yet the legendary agent she would become, Boatwright jumped out of her seat and grabbed Alan Pakula, whom she had never met.
“I have to find you Scout,” Boatwright, then a young publicist at Universal, informed Pakula. She knew that he and Robert Mulligan had recently secured the film rights to Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” for the studio.
The following day, after a conversation with her boss, Boatwright had lunch with Pakula and Mulligan. Her Southern background and charm won the producing-directing duo over, and...
“I have to find you Scout,” Boatwright, then a young publicist at Universal, informed Pakula. She knew that he and Robert Mulligan had recently secured the film rights to Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” for the studio.
The following day, after a conversation with her boss, Boatwright had lunch with Pakula and Mulligan. Her Southern background and charm won the producing-directing duo over, and...
- 5/5/2021
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Actor and filmmaker to receive honour at the 2020 Baftas.
Actor and filmmaker Andy Serkis is to receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2020 Bafta film awards.
Serkis is best known for his pioneering performance capture work, portraying Gollum in The Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit films as well as the lead role of Caesar in the Planet of the Apes franchise.
But he has more recently moved into directing with Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle and Breathe. He is currently directing Venom 2, starring Tom Hardy.
In 2011, Serkis founded performance capture company The Imaginarium, with producer Jonathan Cavendish,...
Actor and filmmaker Andy Serkis is to receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2020 Bafta film awards.
Serkis is best known for his pioneering performance capture work, portraying Gollum in The Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit films as well as the lead role of Caesar in the Planet of the Apes franchise.
But he has more recently moved into directing with Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle and Breathe. He is currently directing Venom 2, starring Tom Hardy.
In 2011, Serkis founded performance capture company The Imaginarium, with producer Jonathan Cavendish,...
- 1/23/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
The producers of Carol and Colette will receive the honour at the 2019 Bafta film awards.
Producers Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, co-founders of Number 9 Films, will receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2019 Bafta film awards (February 10).
The husband-and-wife producing duo founded independent powerhouse Number 9 in 2002. Known as makers of taste-driven, quality UK cinema, Karlsen and Woolley’s films include Todd Haynes’ Carol, which was nominated for six Oscars in 2016, On Chesil Beach, Their Finest, Made In Dagenham and Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth (as co-producers).
Upcoming Number 9 projects include So Much Love starring Gemma Arterton as Dusty Springfield,...
Producers Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, co-founders of Number 9 Films, will receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2019 Bafta film awards (February 10).
The husband-and-wife producing duo founded independent powerhouse Number 9 in 2002. Known as makers of taste-driven, quality UK cinema, Karlsen and Woolley’s films include Todd Haynes’ Carol, which was nominated for six Oscars in 2016, On Chesil Beach, Their Finest, Made In Dagenham and Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth (as co-producers).
Upcoming Number 9 projects include So Much Love starring Gemma Arterton as Dusty Springfield,...
- 12/17/2018
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, the powerhouse production duo behind Number 9 Films, are set to receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the BAFTA awards ceremony on 10 February.
Previous recipients of the award – presented annual in honor of British producer Michael Balcon – include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt, Peter Greenaway, Tessa Ross, BBC Films, Angels Costumes and Curzon. The National Film and Television School was the recipient at 2018’s Film Awards.
Woolley began ...
Previous recipients of the award – presented annual in honor of British producer Michael Balcon – include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt, Peter Greenaway, Tessa Ross, BBC Films, Angels Costumes and Curzon. The National Film and Television School was the recipient at 2018’s Film Awards.
Woolley began ...
- 12/16/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, the powerhouse production duo behind Number 9 Films, are set to receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the BAFTA awards ceremony on 10 February.
Previous recipients of the award – presented annual in honor of British producer Michael Balcon – include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt, Peter Greenaway, Tessa Ross, BBC Films, Angels Costumes and Curzon. The National Film and Television School was the recipient at 2018’s Film Awards.
Woolley began ...
Previous recipients of the award – presented annual in honor of British producer Michael Balcon – include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt, Peter Greenaway, Tessa Ross, BBC Films, Angels Costumes and Curzon. The National Film and Television School was the recipient at 2018’s Film Awards.
Woolley began ...
- 12/16/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Cinema chain and distribution label to be recognised at this year’s Bafta ceremony.
Arthouse cinema group Curzon will receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2017 Bafta film awards (held on 12 February).
Curzon operates a network of 15 independent cinemas, as well as distribution label Curzon Artificial eye and video-on-demand platform Curzon Home Cinema.
The innovative cinema brand opened in 1934 with the Curzon Mayfair and now has venues in Soho, Canterbury and Sheffield.
Distribution label Curzon Artificial Eye, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, champions new and classic cinema from Britain, Europe and around the world.
Its catalogue includes works by Andrei Tarkovsky, Satyajit Ray, Claire Denis, Charlie Chaplin, Lynne Ramsay, Michael Haneke and Mia Hansen-Løve.
Philip Knatchbull, CEO of Curzon, said: “I’m delighted that Curzon’s contribution to film has been recognised by Bafta. Curzon has a long and proud history in the British film industry and many talented and passionate people...
Arthouse cinema group Curzon will receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2017 Bafta film awards (held on 12 February).
Curzon operates a network of 15 independent cinemas, as well as distribution label Curzon Artificial eye and video-on-demand platform Curzon Home Cinema.
The innovative cinema brand opened in 1934 with the Curzon Mayfair and now has venues in Soho, Canterbury and Sheffield.
Distribution label Curzon Artificial Eye, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, champions new and classic cinema from Britain, Europe and around the world.
Its catalogue includes works by Andrei Tarkovsky, Satyajit Ray, Claire Denis, Charlie Chaplin, Lynne Ramsay, Michael Haneke and Mia Hansen-Løve.
Philip Knatchbull, CEO of Curzon, said: “I’m delighted that Curzon’s contribution to film has been recognised by Bafta. Curzon has a long and proud history in the British film industry and many talented and passionate people...
- 1/17/2017
- ScreenDaily
Cinema chain and distribution label to be recognised at this year’s Bafta ceremony.
Arthouse cinema group Curzon will receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2017 Bafta film awards (held on 12 February).
Curzon operates a network of 15 independent cinemas, as well as distribution label Curzon Artificial eye and video-on-demand platform Curzon Home Cinema.
The innovative cinema brand opened in 1934 with the Curzon Mayfair and now has venues in Soho, Canterbury and Sheffield.
Distribution label Curzon Artificial Eye, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, champions new and classic cinema from Britain, Europe and around the world.
Its catalogue includes works by Andrei Tarkovsky, Satyajit Ray, Claire Denis, Charlie Chaplin, Lynne Ramsay, Michael Haneke and Mia Hansen-Løve.
Philip Knatchbull, CEO of Curzon, said: “I’m delighted that Curzon’s contribution to film has been recognised by Bafta. Curzon has a long and proud history in the British film industry and many talented and passionate people...
Arthouse cinema group Curzon will receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2017 Bafta film awards (held on 12 February).
Curzon operates a network of 15 independent cinemas, as well as distribution label Curzon Artificial eye and video-on-demand platform Curzon Home Cinema.
The innovative cinema brand opened in 1934 with the Curzon Mayfair and now has venues in Soho, Canterbury and Sheffield.
Distribution label Curzon Artificial Eye, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, champions new and classic cinema from Britain, Europe and around the world.
Its catalogue includes works by Andrei Tarkovsky, Satyajit Ray, Claire Denis, Charlie Chaplin, Lynne Ramsay, Michael Haneke and Mia Hansen-Løve.
Philip Knatchbull, CEO of Curzon, said: “I’m delighted that Curzon’s contribution to film has been recognised by Bafta. Curzon has a long and proud history in the British film industry and many talented and passionate people...
- 1/17/2017
- ScreenDaily
Costume house that has serviced films from Hitchcock to Hammer and Harry Potter to receive honourary BAFTA.
Angels Costumes is to receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the Ee British Academy Film Awards ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House on Feb 14.
Now in its 175th year, Angels Costumes is the world’s longest-established and largest professional costume house, and has worked with film luminaries including Alfred Hitchcock, Powell and Pressburger, David Lean, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg on features from the Ealing Comedies, films produced by Gainsborough Studios and Hammer, to the Carry On films, Bond, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Harry Potter.
The Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award is presented annually in honour of film producer Michael Balcon and previous recipients include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt, [link...
Angels Costumes is to receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the Ee British Academy Film Awards ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House on Feb 14.
Now in its 175th year, Angels Costumes is the world’s longest-established and largest professional costume house, and has worked with film luminaries including Alfred Hitchcock, Powell and Pressburger, David Lean, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg on features from the Ealing Comedies, films produced by Gainsborough Studios and Hammer, to the Carry On films, Bond, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Harry Potter.
The Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award is presented annually in honour of film producer Michael Balcon and previous recipients include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt, [link...
- 1/18/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Other nominees include Dakota Johnson, Taron Egerton and Bel Powley.
Bafta has named the five actors in the running for this year’s Ee Rising Star Award: John Boyega, Taron Egerton, Dakota Johnson, Brie Larson and Bel Powley.
London-born Boyega most recently played the lead role of Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens while Larson starred in drama Room, a performance that has positioned her as a frontrunner for the best actress Oscar.
Johnson’s breakthrough role came early in 2015 playing the female lead in Fifty Shades Of Grey while Egerton took on his most high-profile role last year opposite Colin Firth in Kingsman: The Secret Service.
London-born Bel Powley, who started out in TV series Mi High and Benidorm, moved into film last year with critically acclaimed drama The Diary Of A Teenage Girl and A Royal Night Out.
Egerton, Boyega and Powley are all Screen International Stars of Tomorrow, in 2014, 2011 and...
Bafta has named the five actors in the running for this year’s Ee Rising Star Award: John Boyega, Taron Egerton, Dakota Johnson, Brie Larson and Bel Powley.
London-born Boyega most recently played the lead role of Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens while Larson starred in drama Room, a performance that has positioned her as a frontrunner for the best actress Oscar.
Johnson’s breakthrough role came early in 2015 playing the female lead in Fifty Shades Of Grey while Egerton took on his most high-profile role last year opposite Colin Firth in Kingsman: The Secret Service.
London-born Bel Powley, who started out in TV series Mi High and Benidorm, moved into film last year with critically acclaimed drama The Diary Of A Teenage Girl and A Royal Night Out.
Egerton, Boyega and Powley are all Screen International Stars of Tomorrow, in 2014, 2011 and...
- 1/5/2016
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
BBC Films to receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the BAFTA Awards next week.
BBC Films is to receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the BAFTA Awards at London’s Royal Opera House on Feb 8.
The prize is presented annually in honour of Michael Balcon, with previous recipients including Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt and Tessa Ross.
Last year’s recipient was British writer-director Peter Greenaway.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, BBC Films has a strong track record in developing and co-producing award-winning films, most recently Pride and Philomena.
Christine Langan, head of BBC Films, said: “For the past 25 years, great effort has gone into establishing BBC Films as a nurturing and collaborative home for filmmakers - one which showcases British talent to the world and deepens the impression of the...
BBC Films is to receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the BAFTA Awards at London’s Royal Opera House on Feb 8.
The prize is presented annually in honour of Michael Balcon, with previous recipients including Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt and Tessa Ross.
Last year’s recipient was British writer-director Peter Greenaway.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, BBC Films has a strong track record in developing and co-producing award-winning films, most recently Pride and Philomena.
Christine Langan, head of BBC Films, said: “For the past 25 years, great effort has gone into establishing BBC Films as a nurturing and collaborative home for filmmakers - one which showcases British talent to the world and deepens the impression of the...
- 1/28/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
BAFTA has revealed that award-winning writer-director Peter Greenaway will receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the upcoming British Academy Film Awards on February 16.Greenaway (“The Pillow Book,” “Drowning By Numbers,” "The Draughtsman's Contract"), who originally trained as a painter, is known for his exploration in film of eroticism and death, and for his ability to integrate Renaissance art into his work. His latest film, “Eisenstein in Guanajuato,” is slated for release later this year.Previous recipients of the award include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, John Hurt and the "Harry Potter" franchise. Meanwhile, Helen Mirren will be the recipient of the Fellowship at the February 16 ceremony.
- 2/13/2014
- by Beth Hanna
- Thompson on Hollywood
British director to receive BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution To Cinema.
BAFTA is to honour director Peter Greenaway, best known for 1989’s The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, with the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the Ee British Academy Film Awards ceremony in London on Sunday (Feb 16).
The award-winning British writer and director originally trained as a painter and worked at the Central Office of Information (Coi) for 15 years, during which time he directed and edited a series of short films, the first of which was Death of Sentiment.
Greenaway made his first feature film in 1980, entitled The Falls, and was the first of many collaborations with composer Michael Nyman. His critical breakthrough came in 1982 with 17th century drama The Draughtsman’s Contract and he went on to make the seminal The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover in 1989.
Over the course of his career, Greenaway has been...
BAFTA is to honour director Peter Greenaway, best known for 1989’s The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, with the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the Ee British Academy Film Awards ceremony in London on Sunday (Feb 16).
The award-winning British writer and director originally trained as a painter and worked at the Central Office of Information (Coi) for 15 years, during which time he directed and edited a series of short films, the first of which was Death of Sentiment.
Greenaway made his first feature film in 1980, entitled The Falls, and was the first of many collaborations with composer Michael Nyman. His critical breakthrough came in 1982 with 17th century drama The Draughtsman’s Contract and he went on to make the seminal The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover in 1989.
Over the course of his career, Greenaway has been...
- 2/13/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Previous winners have included James McAvoy, Tom Hardy and Juno Temple; Chiwitel Ejiofor, Emma Stone and Tom Hiddleston have all been nominated; and the 2014 BAFTA Rising Star nominees, announced today at their Piccadilly HQ, are Dane DeHaan, George MacKay, Lupita Nyong'o, Will Poulter and Lea Seydoux. BAFTA created the Rising Star accolade in 2006 to honour Mary Selway, who discovered a heap of exciting young talent during her 25-year casting director career before she died in 2004, but also as part of a concerted mission to make themselves a more glam, sexier proposition on the annual awards-season treadmill. McAvoy was BAFTA's inaugural Rising Star, followed in succession by Eva Green, Shia Labeouf, Noel Clarke, Kristen Stewart, Hardy, Adam Deacon and Temple. The nominees are selected by a jury which this year included BAFTA Deputy Chair Pippa Harris, actress Gemma Arterton and several UK entertainment journalists. The candidates, therefore, are generally well chosen,...
- 1/6/2014
- by Matt Mueller
- Thompson on Hollywood
Tessa Ross will receive an Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema BAFTA at this year's Ee British Academy Film Awards ceremony at London's Royal Opera House on Sunday, February 10. The head of Film4 follows in the footsteps of last year's winner John Hurt. Other past recipients include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, and the Harry Potter series of films. "It's a surprise and a great honour to have been given this award by BAFTA," Ross said. "I owe it of course to the wonderful filmmakers I've had the privilege of working with - and to my team at Film4, with whom I share it." She added: "We're very lucky to be so supported by Channel 4 and by David Abraham who continues to champion our work. "There are incredibly talented (more)...
- 1/29/2013
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
It’s a new year and the movie awards season is getting started with BAFTA using the first day of the first full working week to reveal the nominees for the 2013 BAFTA Awards ceremony. This is the first year that Ee are sponsors which no doubt means we can expect some changes in colour schemes!
This year’s judging panel included jury chair Pippa Harris, Deputy Chairman of BAFTA’s Film Committee and producing partner of Sam Mendes (Revolutionary Road, Jarhead), British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, Scottish director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, Touching the Void, Marley), film critic Mark Kermode, casting director Nina Gold (The King’s Speech, The Iron Lady, Prometheus) and film publicist Kate Lee, as well as leading film and entertainment journalists.
The Ee Rising Star Award honours a young actor or actress who has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition and has begun to capture...
This year’s judging panel included jury chair Pippa Harris, Deputy Chairman of BAFTA’s Film Committee and producing partner of Sam Mendes (Revolutionary Road, Jarhead), British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, Scottish director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, Touching the Void, Marley), film critic Mark Kermode, casting director Nina Gold (The King’s Speech, The Iron Lady, Prometheus) and film publicist Kate Lee, as well as leading film and entertainment journalists.
The Ee Rising Star Award honours a young actor or actress who has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition and has begun to capture...
- 1/7/2013
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The BAFTA Awards have most of the trimmings of the Academy Awards, but with one big exception: the Orange Rising Star Award, which is voted on by the public.
While previous Rising Star noms and winners have included a mix of male and female actors like Emma Stone, Kristen Stewart, Eva Green and Emily Blunt, this year's final five was a sausage fest.
One would-be nominee, "Captain America: The First Avenger" star Hayley Atwell," isn't just sittin' pretty about it.
The first round of voting — by the public — booted off Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain. The final list of nominees for the Rising Star were Chris O'Dowd from "Bridesmaids," "Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston from "Thor," Eddie Redmayne from "My Week with Marilyn" and winner Adam Deacon.
Industry-watchers weren't the only ones giving the lady-free list a side eye or two. Atwell, who lead as Peggy Carter in the summer blockbuster,...
While previous Rising Star noms and winners have included a mix of male and female actors like Emma Stone, Kristen Stewart, Eva Green and Emily Blunt, this year's final five was a sausage fest.
One would-be nominee, "Captain America: The First Avenger" star Hayley Atwell," isn't just sittin' pretty about it.
The first round of voting — by the public — booted off Felicity Jones, Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain. The final list of nominees for the Rising Star were Chris O'Dowd from "Bridesmaids," "Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston from "Thor," Eddie Redmayne from "My Week with Marilyn" and winner Adam Deacon.
Industry-watchers weren't the only ones giving the lady-free list a side eye or two. Atwell, who lead as Peggy Carter in the summer blockbuster,...
- 2/13/2012
- by Jenni Miller
- NextMovie
The Artist wins seven BAFTAs including Best Film, Leading Actor for Jean Dujardin and Director and Original Screenplay for Michel Hazanavicius
Meryl Streep wins Leading Actress
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Hugo, The Iron Lady and Senna win two BAFTAs each
The Artist was named Best Film at tonight.s Orange British Academy Film Awards hosted by Stephen Fry, held at London.s Royal Opera House. The film also won six other awards: Director, Original Screenplay, Original Music, Cinematography, Costume Design as well as a performance award for Jean Dujardin who won the Leading Actor BAFTA.
Meryl Streep was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady; the film was also honoured in the Make-Up & Hair category.
The Help.s Octavia Spencer won the Supporting Actress category and Christopher Plummer won Supporting Actor for his performance in Beginners.
Outstanding British Film and...
Meryl Streep wins Leading Actress
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Hugo, The Iron Lady and Senna win two BAFTAs each
The Artist was named Best Film at tonight.s Orange British Academy Film Awards hosted by Stephen Fry, held at London.s Royal Opera House. The film also won six other awards: Director, Original Screenplay, Original Music, Cinematography, Costume Design as well as a performance award for Jean Dujardin who won the Leading Actor BAFTA.
Meryl Streep was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady; the film was also honoured in the Make-Up & Hair category.
The Help.s Octavia Spencer won the Supporting Actress category and Christopher Plummer won Supporting Actor for his performance in Beginners.
Outstanding British Film and...
- 2/12/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
HollywoodNews.com: British Academy Film Awards… and the winners are…
“The Artist” was named the year’s best film at the Orange British Academy Film Awards, as it is expected to win again at the Academy Awards in two weeks.
Winners Announced
The Artist wins seven BAFTAs including Best Film, Leading Actor for Jean Dujardin and Director and Original Screenplay for Michel Hazanavicius
Meryl Streep wins Leading Actress
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Hugo, The Iron Lady and Senna win two BAFTAs each
The Artist was named Best Film at tonight?s Orange British Academy Film Awards hosted by Stephen Fry, held at London?s Royal Opera House. The film also won six other awards: Director, Original Screenplay, Original Music, Cinematography, Costume Design as well as a performance award for Jean Dujardin who won the Leading Actor BAFTA.
Meryl Streep was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as...
“The Artist” was named the year’s best film at the Orange British Academy Film Awards, as it is expected to win again at the Academy Awards in two weeks.
Winners Announced
The Artist wins seven BAFTAs including Best Film, Leading Actor for Jean Dujardin and Director and Original Screenplay for Michel Hazanavicius
Meryl Streep wins Leading Actress
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Hugo, The Iron Lady and Senna win two BAFTAs each
The Artist was named Best Film at tonight?s Orange British Academy Film Awards hosted by Stephen Fry, held at London?s Royal Opera House. The film also won six other awards: Director, Original Screenplay, Original Music, Cinematography, Costume Design as well as a performance award for Jean Dujardin who won the Leading Actor BAFTA.
Meryl Streep was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as...
- 2/12/2012
- by Josh Abraham
- Hollywoodnews.com
Before any BAFTAs -- the UK equivalent of the Oscars -- were handed out on Sun., Feb. 12, one actress was already upset with the academy. "Captain America: The First Avenger" star Hayley Atwell deemed the industry sexist for failing to include any female nominees for Rising Star award, The Telegraph reported. "There were girls on the longlist and I think it's really odd that girls haven't made it where guys have," 29-year-old Atwell told the British paper. "We'd hope that gender doesn't really come into it and it's about the body of work that they produce that year, but it seems that hasn't been the case." The Rising Star award was introduced in memory of Mary Selway, a successful casting director who helped new actors and actresses get their big breaks, and is voted on by fans. In its six years, two actresses (Eva Green and Kristen Stewart) have earned the honor.
- 2/12/2012
- by Jaimie Etkin
- Moviefone
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is delighted to announce that John Hurt will receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the Orange British Academy Film Awards ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House on Sunday 12 February. Universally acclaimed for his acting talent, Hurt’s vast range of distinguished performances has shaped an impressive career spanning six decades.
The Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award, introduced in 1978, is presented annually in honour of Michael Balcon. Previous recipients include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films and Lewis Gilbert. Last year’s recipient was the Harry Potter series of films.
Hurt has starred in a variety of remarkable film roles working alongside some of the most important figures in the industry including Orson Welles, Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton and Steven Spielberg. The legendary characters he has portrayed include Winston Smith in Nineteen Eighty-Four,...
The Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award, introduced in 1978, is presented annually in honour of Michael Balcon. Previous recipients include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films and Lewis Gilbert. Last year’s recipient was the Harry Potter series of films.
Hurt has starred in a variety of remarkable film roles working alongside some of the most important figures in the industry including Orson Welles, Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton and Steven Spielberg. The legendary characters he has portrayed include Winston Smith in Nineteen Eighty-Four,...
- 1/27/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
This year’s British Academy Film Awards will honour acclaimed actor John Hurt with the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award.
Hurt, whose career has spanned six decades, will receive the award in recognition of his various remarkable film roles alongside some of the most influential figures in film including Orson Welles, Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton and Steven Spielberg.
Tim Corrie, Chairman of BAFTA, said: “John Hurt is an actor it is both exciting and fascinating to watch. He has extraordinary screen presence and brings utter conviction to every role he undertakes. He is one of a kind, an iconic figure, and BAFTA is delighted to take this opportunity to honour his outstanding contribution to cinema.”
Speaking on the accolade Hurt added, "I know that film means a great deal to me but I had no idea that I meant so much to film. I feel very honoured".
Previous awardees include Mike Leigh,...
Hurt, whose career has spanned six decades, will receive the award in recognition of his various remarkable film roles alongside some of the most influential figures in film including Orson Welles, Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton and Steven Spielberg.
Tim Corrie, Chairman of BAFTA, said: “John Hurt is an actor it is both exciting and fascinating to watch. He has extraordinary screen presence and brings utter conviction to every role he undertakes. He is one of a kind, an iconic figure, and BAFTA is delighted to take this opportunity to honour his outstanding contribution to cinema.”
Speaking on the accolade Hurt added, "I know that film means a great deal to me but I had no idea that I meant so much to film. I feel very honoured".
Previous awardees include Mike Leigh,...
- 1/27/2012
- by zayyaf.saleem@lovefilm.com (Zayyaf Saleem)
- LOVEFiLM
BAFTA have just sent over a press release alerting us to the fact that the legendary veteran actor, John Hurt is to be he recipient of the 2012 BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema. Hurt has been acting since 1962 when he appeared in TV series Z Cars. More recently he has appeared in the likes of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and the Harry Potter franchise where he appeared as Ollivander, the wand expert.
I’ve placed the press release below but this award is so deserved and massive congrats John Hurt!
Ohn Hurt To Receive BAFTA Award For Outstanding British Contribution To Cinema
London, 27 January 2012: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is delighted to announce that John Hurt will receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the Orange British Academy Film Awards ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House on Sunday 12 February. Universally acclaimed for his acting talent,...
I’ve placed the press release below but this award is so deserved and massive congrats John Hurt!
Ohn Hurt To Receive BAFTA Award For Outstanding British Contribution To Cinema
London, 27 January 2012: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is delighted to announce that John Hurt will receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the Orange British Academy Film Awards ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House on Sunday 12 February. Universally acclaimed for his acting talent,...
- 1/27/2012
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Women were nominated as Bafta newcomers, but were snubbed at a public vote. Why?
Where did all the women go? Specifically, the women nominated for a Bafta Rising Star newcomer award. Following the first stage of public voting by Orange mobile phone customers, Bafta's longlist of three women and five men has become a shortlist of … five men. Now the rest of us can join in and vote for our favourite young actor. As long as he's a man.
The award was created in honour of a woman: casting director Mary Selway, who died in 2004. Selway worked on more than 90 films, including the kind of Hollywood-rivalling British successes that David Cameron is so keen to encourage: from Gosford Park to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. To commemorate the many careers that Selway helped to kickstart, the Rising Star award is presented to someone who "has already begun to...
Where did all the women go? Specifically, the women nominated for a Bafta Rising Star newcomer award. Following the first stage of public voting by Orange mobile phone customers, Bafta's longlist of three women and five men has become a shortlist of … five men. Now the rest of us can join in and vote for our favourite young actor. As long as he's a man.
The award was created in honour of a woman: casting director Mary Selway, who died in 2004. Selway worked on more than 90 films, including the kind of Hollywood-rivalling British successes that David Cameron is so keen to encourage: from Gosford Park to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. To commemorate the many careers that Selway helped to kickstart, the Rising Star award is presented to someone who "has already begun to...
- 1/13/2012
- by Pamela Hutchinson
- The Guardian - Film News
Earlier today, at BAFTA headquarters, the shortlist of the five actors up for the 2012 Orange BAFTA Rising Star Award were announced, including Adam Deacon, Chris Hemsworth, Felicity Jones, Tom Hiddleston, Jennifer Lawrence, Chris O’Dowd, Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne. And the final five, who are now subject to a public vote, are: Adam Deacon, Chris Hemsworth, Chris O’Dowd, Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston.
You can now vote for your favourite here and the winner will be announced at the Orange British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 13th February 2012. The press release in full:
Nominees Are Unveiled For The Orange Wednesdays Rising Star Award In 2012
The Orange Wednesdays Rising Star Award is the only award at the Orange British Academy Film Awards to be voted for by the British public Orange Wednesdays customers have selected the shortlist of five from a long list of eight determined by the award...
You can now vote for your favourite here and the winner will be announced at the Orange British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 13th February 2012. The press release in full:
Nominees Are Unveiled For The Orange Wednesdays Rising Star Award In 2012
The Orange Wednesdays Rising Star Award is the only award at the Orange British Academy Film Awards to be voted for by the British public Orange Wednesdays customers have selected the shortlist of five from a long list of eight determined by the award...
- 1/11/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
This morning, BAFTA HQ was the place to be as the final five were announced for the 2012 Orange BAFTA Rising Star Award. A panel of 13 people including Simon Pegg, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter Director David Yates scoured the globe for those rising stars and came up with list of 8 including Adam Deacon, Chris Hemsworth, Felicity Jones, Tom Hiddleston, Jennifer Lawrence, Chris O’Dowd, Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne. It was your turn to whittle that list down even further and below are you final 5. The next job you have is to get that list down to the main winner and you can do that by voting here.
The final five are:
Adam Deacon, Chris Hemsworth, Chris O’Dowd, Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston!
Let us know what you think of that list in the comments section below. Strikes me that no women made the final five and I’m...
The final five are:
Adam Deacon, Chris Hemsworth, Chris O’Dowd, Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston!
Let us know what you think of that list in the comments section below. Strikes me that no women made the final five and I’m...
- 1/11/2012
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
I rather like this news, so much so that I decided to do a post on it. We’re big fans of all things Simon Pegg here at HeyUGuys and we just got the news through that the man himself will be joining Sienna Miller as jurors on the 2012 BAFTA Awards to judge the Orange Wednesdays Rising Star Award. Previous winners include James McAvoy, Kristen Stewart and Noel Clarke. Last year, the nominees included Gemma Arterton, Andrew Garfield, Aaron Johnson and Emma Stone with the winner being Tom Hardy who still seems to be going from strength to strength in everything he does.
The jury will be chaired by Pippa Harris, and she’ll also be joined by a man who knows a thing or two about directing big movies, David Yates who directed four of the Harry Potter movies, producer Allon Reich, casting director Nina Gold and film publicist Kate Lee.
The jury will be chaired by Pippa Harris, and she’ll also be joined by a man who knows a thing or two about directing big movies, David Yates who directed four of the Harry Potter movies, producer Allon Reich, casting director Nina Gold and film publicist Kate Lee.
- 11/1/2011
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The King’s Speech was named Best Film at last night’s Orange British Academy Film Awards, held at London’s Royal Opera House. The film also won six other awards: Outstanding British Film, Original Screenplay and Original Music, as well as a trio of performance awards for Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter and Colin Firth, who wins the Leading Actor BAFTA for the second year running. Sadly FilmShaft were not in attendance, having been overlooked yet again however London was abuzz with celebrity and celebrity-spotters at the event.
Natalie Portman was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as Nina Sayers in Black Swan. David Fincher won the Director award for The Social Network and Aaron Sorkin took home the BAFTA for Adapted Screenplay. The film also won the Editing award.
Inception won the Production Design, Sound and Special Visual Effects BAFTAs.
Director Chris Morris received the...
Natalie Portman was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as Nina Sayers in Black Swan. David Fincher won the Director award for The Social Network and Aaron Sorkin took home the BAFTA for Adapted Screenplay. The film also won the Editing award.
Inception won the Production Design, Sound and Special Visual Effects BAFTAs.
Director Chris Morris received the...
- 2/14/2011
- by Craig Sharp
- FilmShaft.com
We’ve just received word from the powers that be that the jury for the 2011 Orange Wednesday Rising Star Award at this years BAFTA Awards has been chosen and there’s quite a few familiar faces.
This year the jury will include fashion guru turned director, Tom Ford, Actor Peter Sarsgaard, Actress Natascha McElhone, casting director, Lucy Bevan who worked with Peter on An Education, director Mike Newell (Donnie Brasco, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Prince of Persia and the Sands of Time), Jamie Graham, deputy editor from Total Film and Robbie Collin, Film Editor for The News of the World, many of whom will be familiar with him on Twitter. Ben Drew aka Plan B will act as Jury Spokesperson while all the above will be overseen by the Jury Chair, Finola Dwyer (producer – An Education, Me Without You, Backbeat and chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee...
This year the jury will include fashion guru turned director, Tom Ford, Actor Peter Sarsgaard, Actress Natascha McElhone, casting director, Lucy Bevan who worked with Peter on An Education, director Mike Newell (Donnie Brasco, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Prince of Persia and the Sands of Time), Jamie Graham, deputy editor from Total Film and Robbie Collin, Film Editor for The News of the World, many of whom will be familiar with him on Twitter. Ben Drew aka Plan B will act as Jury Spokesperson while all the above will be overseen by the Jury Chair, Finola Dwyer (producer – An Education, Me Without You, Backbeat and chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee...
- 11/2/2010
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Fern Champion on Cameron DiazWe were working at New Line, casting 1994's "The Mask." The story that everybody knows now is that Anna Nicole Smith was the first choice because the men at New Line thought she was stunning. Didn't say she could walk and talk, but she was stunning. We needed someone to talk. The good news is Anna Nicole opted to do "Naked Gun 33 1/3." Oh, too bad. So Fern's back to the drawing board. I'm at my wit's end, because we had gone through all the top models and all the top actors, and nobody was pleasing New Line co-ceo Bob Shaye, executive producer Mike De Luca, and director and executive producer Chuck Russell.I called my girlfriend at the talent agency upstairs at the New Line building, and I said, "Is there anybody we haven't seen?" She said, "I have to tell you something: There's one gal; she hasn't done any acting.
- 7/7/2010
- backstage.com
The Hurt Locker was named Best Film at the British Academy Film Awards, held at London’s Royal Opera House. The film also won five other awards: Director for Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to win the award, Original Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing and Sound.
Avatar won the BAFTAs for Production Design and Special Visual Effects. Up took home the awards for Animated Film and Music. The Young Victoria won the Costume Design and Make Up & Hair awards.
Carey Mulligan was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for An Education. The Supporting Actress BAFTA went to Mo’Nique for her role in Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire. Colin Firth won the Leading Actor award for A Single Man and the Supporting Actor award was presented to Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds. All four were first-time winners.
Up in the Air won the BAFTA for Adapted Screenplay. A Prophet...
Avatar won the BAFTAs for Production Design and Special Visual Effects. Up took home the awards for Animated Film and Music. The Young Victoria won the Costume Design and Make Up & Hair awards.
Carey Mulligan was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for An Education. The Supporting Actress BAFTA went to Mo’Nique for her role in Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire. Colin Firth won the Leading Actor award for A Single Man and the Supporting Actor award was presented to Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds. All four were first-time winners.
Up in the Air won the BAFTA for Adapted Screenplay. A Prophet...
- 2/22/2010
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
He went from pre-teen "shrimp" in About a Boy to the sexy face of Skins. Now, Nicholas Hoult is set to crack Hollywood. His only problem is working out how he feels about it all
"Oh no. Interview, uh oh. I always panic about these things." Nicholas Hoult does look genuinely apprehensive, which is annoying because he's been perfectly at ease until now. He arrived promptly at the west London studio where he's to be photographed at 9am on this December Monday morning, introducing himself very politely to everyone. He swapped jeans and hooded top for a dapper suit by Tom Ford, the fashion designer whose directorial debut, A Single Man, stars Hoult alongside Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, then chatted away with the make-up artist about his newly shorn head, a crop to cut out hair extensions for his role in upcoming CGI blockbuster Clash of the Titans. But...
"Oh no. Interview, uh oh. I always panic about these things." Nicholas Hoult does look genuinely apprehensive, which is annoying because he's been perfectly at ease until now. He arrived promptly at the west London studio where he's to be photographed at 9am on this December Monday morning, introducing himself very politely to everyone. He swapped jeans and hooded top for a dapper suit by Tom Ford, the fashion designer whose directorial debut, A Single Man, stars Hoult alongside Colin Firth and Julianne Moore, then chatted away with the make-up artist about his newly shorn head, a crop to cut out hair extensions for his role in upcoming CGI blockbuster Clash of the Titans. But...
- 1/31/2010
- by Alice Fisher
- The Guardian - Film News
Exciting news this morning from the British Academy Of Film And Television Arts! Kristen Stewart has been nominated for the 2010 Orange Rising Star Award for her work including New Moon. She needs your vote! Check out more belowThe Orange Rising Star Award recognises five international actors and actresses who have demonstrated exceptional talent and have begun to capture the imagination of the public as a star in the making.The Orange Rising Star Award was established in 2006 in honour of Mary Selway the highlyrespected BAFTAwinning British casting director who died in 2004. Now in its fifth year the Award has set a standard for identifying upandcoming acting talent in the film industry. The accolade remains unique as the only award at the Orange British Academy Film Awards to be voted for by the public.Vote for Kristen here! You can check out a great video on Kristen here and check out all the nominees here.
- 1/12/2010
- twilightersanonymous.com
London -- Michael Cera, Noel Clarke, Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Hall and Toby Kebbell will put themselves at the mercy of a public poll to secure this year's Orange Rising Star Award, dished out during the upcoming Orange British Academy Film Awards.
Created in honor of casting director Mary Selway after her death in 2004, the award is the only award during the Orange BAFAs to be voted on by the public.
A jury including actors James McAvoy and Kelly Macdonald and chaired by BAFTA chairman David Parfitt chose five nominees from a long list of recommendations put forward by the film industry and BAFTA membership.
Previous winners include McAvoy, Eva Green and last year's winner Shia Labeouf.
Created in honor of casting director Mary Selway after her death in 2004, the award is the only award during the Orange BAFAs to be voted on by the public.
A jury including actors James McAvoy and Kelly Macdonald and chaired by BAFTA chairman David Parfitt chose five nominees from a long list of recommendations put forward by the film industry and BAFTA membership.
Previous winners include McAvoy, Eva Green and last year's winner Shia Labeouf.
- 1/8/2009
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
First ever winner of the Orange Rising Star Award, James McAvoy has flipped to the other side of the coin by judging this year's nominees. Following his win in 2006, his Hollywood career has gone from strength to strength, seeing him take the lead in Atonement and Wanted. Now in its fourth year, the award went to Eva Green in 2007 and last time to Shia Labeouf. It was set up in memory of BAFTA-winning casting director Mary Selway, who launched many careers during her long and distinguished career, working on films such as Gosford Park, Master And Commander and Withnail & I. This award is the only BAFTA voted for by the public, but today the panel, including McAvoy and Empire's very own Editor At Large Nev Pierce, cast their votes to select the shortlist. Pick your favourite of the final five from January 8 at: www.orange.co.uk/bafta.
- 11/17/2008
- EmpireOnline
Shia LaBeouf, Sienna Miller and Ellen Page have all been nominated for the Orange Rising Star award at the British Academy Film And Television Awards (BAFTAs) this year. The actors will compete against Sam Riley, star of Joy Division biopic Control and Lust Caution's Wei Tang for the prize, which seeks to recognize up-and-coming performers demonstrating "exceptional talent." The category was established in honor of late casting director Mary Selway, who died in 2004, with the inaugural honor going to Scottish actor James McAvoy. Casino Royale star Eva Green, who won the award last year, announced the nominees on Tuesday, saying, "This year's five nominees are all actors who have really stood out in their work and I'm sure we'll see a lot more of them throughout 2008." The honor is the only one of the BAFTAs voted for the public. The winner will be announced at the official ceremony on February 10.
- 1/9/2008
- WENN
nm0479471 autoShia LaBeouf[/link], nm1092227 autoSienna Miller[/link] and nm0680983 autoEllen Page[/link] have all been nominated for the Orange Rising Star award at the British Academy Film And Television Awards (BAFTAs) this year.
The actors will compete against nm0727164 autoSam Riley[/link], star of nm0393599 autoJoy Division[/link] biopic Control and Lust, Caution's Tang Wei for the prize, which seeks to recognise up-and-coming performers demonstrating "exceptional talent".
The category was established in honour of late casting director nm0783620 autoMary Selway[/link], who died in 2004, with the inaugural gong going to Scottish actor nm0564215 autoJames McAvoy[/link].
Casino Royale star nm1200692 autoEva Green[/link], who won the award last year, announced the nominees on Tuesday, saying, "This year's five nominees are all actors who have really stood out in their work and I'm sure we'll see a lot more of them throughout 2008."
The honour is the only one of the BAFTAs voted for the public. The winner will be announced at the official ceremony on 10 February.
The actors will compete against nm0727164 autoSam Riley[/link], star of nm0393599 autoJoy Division[/link] biopic Control and Lust, Caution's Tang Wei for the prize, which seeks to recognise up-and-coming performers demonstrating "exceptional talent".
The category was established in honour of late casting director nm0783620 autoMary Selway[/link], who died in 2004, with the inaugural gong going to Scottish actor nm0564215 autoJames McAvoy[/link].
Casino Royale star nm1200692 autoEva Green[/link], who won the award last year, announced the nominees on Tuesday, saying, "This year's five nominees are all actors who have really stood out in their work and I'm sure we'll see a lot more of them throughout 2008."
The honour is the only one of the BAFTAs voted for the public. The winner will be announced at the official ceremony on 10 February.
- 1/8/2008
- WENN
LONDON -- Ben Whishaw, Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Eva Green and Naomie Harris will battle it out for the British public's affection as they vie for this year's Orange Rising Star emerging talent award.
The nod, to be presented Feb. 11 at the 2007 British Academy Film Awards ceremony, is voted for by the public and sponsored by cellular operator Orange.
The award is designed to honor a young actor or actress of any nationality who has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition and begun to capture the imagination of the British public as a film star in the making.
Nominees must have appeared in a pic that qualified for this year's BAFAs, dished out by BAFTA.
The shortlist was drawn up by a jury of industry professionals including Anthony Minghella and last year's inaugural winner, James McAvoy, from a long list of recommendations submitted by BAFTA members and industry players.
The award was created in honor of the late Mary Selway, the BAFTA-winning British casting director.
The nod, to be presented Feb. 11 at the 2007 British Academy Film Awards ceremony, is voted for by the public and sponsored by cellular operator Orange.
The award is designed to honor a young actor or actress of any nationality who has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition and begun to capture the imagination of the British public as a film star in the making.
Nominees must have appeared in a pic that qualified for this year's BAFAs, dished out by BAFTA.
The shortlist was drawn up by a jury of industry professionals including Anthony Minghella and last year's inaugural winner, James McAvoy, from a long list of recommendations submitted by BAFTA members and industry players.
The award was created in honor of the late Mary Selway, the BAFTA-winning British casting director.
Having created an indelible rogue's gallery of lovable freaks and nonconformists, Johnny Depp ventures into the realm of the monstrous in the demanding film "The Libertine".
He delivers a haunting portrait of the 17th-century poet, provocateur and debauchee John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester, who achieved literary acclaim only after his lingering death at 33, ravaged by syphilis and alcohol. One of the achievements of director Laurence Dunmore's insistently gritty first feature is that his protagonist, a repellent creature of rapacious sensual appetites, grows more recognizable the more physically grotesque he becomes. A dark cousin to such screen rapscallions as Raoul Duke, Jack Sparrow and, yes, Willy Wonka, Depp's dissolute earl possesses a staggering allure beneath the blood-chilling sneer.
Originally scheduled for September release in the midst of Miramax's crowded housecleaning slate, the unrated Weinstein Co. release world-premiered Friday at AFI Fest. (Not an MPAA signatory, the new shingle de-clined the organization's NC-17.) It bows Nov. 25 in Los Angeles and New York, where it should perform lustily. Wide release in January will be more of a challenge, even with Depp starring.
Like its protagonist, the self-proclaimed cynic of a golden age, "Libertine" makes no concessions to expectation. Shot as if through layers of grime, it takes an ad-mirably different approach to costume fare than high-sheen features like "Shakespeare in Love", which put the Weinsteins' Miramax on the Oscar map.
There's a stark power to Alexander Melman's grainy, candlelit cinematography (Dunmore himself operated the mostly handheld camera) that is in keeping with the unapologetic subject matter. But the drained-of-red palette and fetid green light, artifices in their own right, are at times more tiring than expressive. Audiences used to being spoon-fed dazzling period regalia might feel mired in the sludge. For those who can stick with it, the rewards are considerable.
"You will not like me", Rochester promises from the shadows in his to-the-camera prologue. Stephen Jeffreys' screenplay, based on his play, doesn't explain or excuse the behavior of a man devoted to pleasure and yet numb to it. A favorite in the king's court, though no worshipper of the throne, Rochester accepts a commission to write a major work of literature for Charles II (John Malkovich, who shepherded the project over its nine-year development after playing the title role in the U.S. premiere of the play). Rather than get to work, Rochester pursues his commitment to drink and sex, between escapades trading pornographic ripostes with writers George Etherege (Tom Hollander) and Charles Sackville (Johnny Vegas).
Rochester is shaken from licentious routine when he sees struggling actress Lizzie Barry (Samantha Morton) booed offstage. She's one of the first generation of female actors -- following the trail blazed by women like Claire Danes' character in "Stage Beauty" -- and Rochester determines to make her the leading light of the London theater. He succeeds. Known for his brutal honesty, he demands truth from Lizzie's performances, and the fiercely independent actress, overcoming her wariness, flourishes under his tutelage. She also becomes his lover, igniting a passion that Rochester recognizes too late.
Although capable of listening respectfully to the advice of a favorite whore (Kelly Reilly), the earl shows his pious mother (Francesca Annis) only disdain. Matters are more complex with his wife, Elizabeth (Rosamund Pike), who has her eyes wide open to his philandering. Pike is extraordinarily affecting as the woman who began her relationship with Rochester as his teenage kidnap victim and ended it as his devoted caretaker. Morton, though underused, conveys Lizzie's ardor and formidable ambition.
Almost unrecognizable in fake nose and massive wig, Malkovich has a contained intensity as the free-thinking sovereign who embraces the wonders of scientific and intellectual progress and who, beneath the official ire, seems to enjoy the raunchy irreverence of Rochester's literary output. Bawdiness notwithstanding, there's a touch of the conventional in the dialogue's self-consciously literary profusion of language. And however flavorful all the supporting turns, the piece is clearly a vehicle for its star.
Contributions by production designer Ben Van Os, costume designer Dien Van Straalen and especially hair and make-up designer Peter Owen ("The Lord of the Rings") are key to the sense of Restoration-era England in the throes of a hangover from post-Puritan excess. The film is dedicated to casting director Mary Selway, Marlon Brando and Hunter S. Thompson.
THE LIBERTINE
The Weinstein Co.
The Weinstein Co. and Odyssey Entertainment in association with Isle of Man Film present a Mr. Mudd production
Credits:
Director: Laurence Dunmore
Screenwriter: Stephen Jeffreys
Based on the play by: Stephen Jeffreys
Producers: Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich, Russell Smith
Executive producers: Chase Bailey, Steve Christian, Marc Samuelson, Peter Samuelson, Ralph Kamp, Louise Goodsill
Director of photography: Alexander Melman
Production designer: Ben Van Os
Music: Michael Nyman
Costume designer: Dien Van Straalen
Editor: Jill Bilcock. Cast: Rochester: Johnny Depp
Elizabeth Barry: Samantha Morton
Charles II: John Malkovich
Elizabeth Malet: Rosamund Pike
Etherege: Tom Hollander
Sackville: Johnny Vegas
Jane
Kelly Reilly
Harris: Jack Davenport
Alcock: Richard Coyle
Countess: Francesca Annis
Downs: Rupert Friend
No MPAA rating -- running time 115 minutes...
He delivers a haunting portrait of the 17th-century poet, provocateur and debauchee John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester, who achieved literary acclaim only after his lingering death at 33, ravaged by syphilis and alcohol. One of the achievements of director Laurence Dunmore's insistently gritty first feature is that his protagonist, a repellent creature of rapacious sensual appetites, grows more recognizable the more physically grotesque he becomes. A dark cousin to such screen rapscallions as Raoul Duke, Jack Sparrow and, yes, Willy Wonka, Depp's dissolute earl possesses a staggering allure beneath the blood-chilling sneer.
Originally scheduled for September release in the midst of Miramax's crowded housecleaning slate, the unrated Weinstein Co. release world-premiered Friday at AFI Fest. (Not an MPAA signatory, the new shingle de-clined the organization's NC-17.) It bows Nov. 25 in Los Angeles and New York, where it should perform lustily. Wide release in January will be more of a challenge, even with Depp starring.
Like its protagonist, the self-proclaimed cynic of a golden age, "Libertine" makes no concessions to expectation. Shot as if through layers of grime, it takes an ad-mirably different approach to costume fare than high-sheen features like "Shakespeare in Love", which put the Weinsteins' Miramax on the Oscar map.
There's a stark power to Alexander Melman's grainy, candlelit cinematography (Dunmore himself operated the mostly handheld camera) that is in keeping with the unapologetic subject matter. But the drained-of-red palette and fetid green light, artifices in their own right, are at times more tiring than expressive. Audiences used to being spoon-fed dazzling period regalia might feel mired in the sludge. For those who can stick with it, the rewards are considerable.
"You will not like me", Rochester promises from the shadows in his to-the-camera prologue. Stephen Jeffreys' screenplay, based on his play, doesn't explain or excuse the behavior of a man devoted to pleasure and yet numb to it. A favorite in the king's court, though no worshipper of the throne, Rochester accepts a commission to write a major work of literature for Charles II (John Malkovich, who shepherded the project over its nine-year development after playing the title role in the U.S. premiere of the play). Rather than get to work, Rochester pursues his commitment to drink and sex, between escapades trading pornographic ripostes with writers George Etherege (Tom Hollander) and Charles Sackville (Johnny Vegas).
Rochester is shaken from licentious routine when he sees struggling actress Lizzie Barry (Samantha Morton) booed offstage. She's one of the first generation of female actors -- following the trail blazed by women like Claire Danes' character in "Stage Beauty" -- and Rochester determines to make her the leading light of the London theater. He succeeds. Known for his brutal honesty, he demands truth from Lizzie's performances, and the fiercely independent actress, overcoming her wariness, flourishes under his tutelage. She also becomes his lover, igniting a passion that Rochester recognizes too late.
Although capable of listening respectfully to the advice of a favorite whore (Kelly Reilly), the earl shows his pious mother (Francesca Annis) only disdain. Matters are more complex with his wife, Elizabeth (Rosamund Pike), who has her eyes wide open to his philandering. Pike is extraordinarily affecting as the woman who began her relationship with Rochester as his teenage kidnap victim and ended it as his devoted caretaker. Morton, though underused, conveys Lizzie's ardor and formidable ambition.
Almost unrecognizable in fake nose and massive wig, Malkovich has a contained intensity as the free-thinking sovereign who embraces the wonders of scientific and intellectual progress and who, beneath the official ire, seems to enjoy the raunchy irreverence of Rochester's literary output. Bawdiness notwithstanding, there's a touch of the conventional in the dialogue's self-consciously literary profusion of language. And however flavorful all the supporting turns, the piece is clearly a vehicle for its star.
Contributions by production designer Ben Van Os, costume designer Dien Van Straalen and especially hair and make-up designer Peter Owen ("The Lord of the Rings") are key to the sense of Restoration-era England in the throes of a hangover from post-Puritan excess. The film is dedicated to casting director Mary Selway, Marlon Brando and Hunter S. Thompson.
THE LIBERTINE
The Weinstein Co.
The Weinstein Co. and Odyssey Entertainment in association with Isle of Man Film present a Mr. Mudd production
Credits:
Director: Laurence Dunmore
Screenwriter: Stephen Jeffreys
Based on the play by: Stephen Jeffreys
Producers: Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich, Russell Smith
Executive producers: Chase Bailey, Steve Christian, Marc Samuelson, Peter Samuelson, Ralph Kamp, Louise Goodsill
Director of photography: Alexander Melman
Production designer: Ben Van Os
Music: Michael Nyman
Costume designer: Dien Van Straalen
Editor: Jill Bilcock. Cast: Rochester: Johnny Depp
Elizabeth Barry: Samantha Morton
Charles II: John Malkovich
Elizabeth Malet: Rosamund Pike
Etherege: Tom Hollander
Sackville: Johnny Vegas
Jane
Kelly Reilly
Harris: Jack Davenport
Alcock: Richard Coyle
Countess: Francesca Annis
Downs: Rupert Friend
No MPAA rating -- running time 115 minutes...
- 12/20/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Having created an indelible rogue's gallery of lovable freaks and nonconformists, Johnny Depp ventures into the realm of the monstrous in the demanding film "The Libertine".
He delivers a haunting portrait of the 17th-century poet, provocateur and debauchee John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester, who achieved literary acclaim only after his lingering death at 33, ravaged by syphilis and alcohol. One of the achievements of director Laurence Dunmore's insistently gritty first feature is that his protagonist, a repellent creature of rapacious sensual appetites, grows more recognizable the more physically grotesque he becomes. A dark cousin to such screen rapscallions as Raoul Duke, Jack Sparrow and, yes, Willy Wonka, Depp's dissolute earl possesses a staggering allure beneath the blood-chilling sneer.
Originally scheduled for September release in the midst of Miramax's crowded housecleaning slate, the unrated Weinstein Co. release world-premiered Friday at AFI Fest. (Not an MPAA signatory, the new shingle de-clined the organization's NC-17.) It bows Nov. 25 in Los Angeles and New York, where it should perform lustily. Wide release in January will be more of a challenge, even with Depp starring.
Like its protagonist, the self-proclaimed cynic of a golden age, "Libertine" makes no concessions to expectation. Shot as if through layers of grime, it takes an ad-mirably different approach to costume fare than high-sheen features like "Shakespeare in Love", which put the Weinsteins' Miramax on the Oscar map.
There's a stark power to Alexander Melman's grainy, candlelit cinematography (Dunmore himself operated the mostly handheld camera) that is in keeping with the unapologetic subject matter. But the drained-of-red palette and fetid green light, artifices in their own right, are at times more tiring than expressive. Audiences used to being spoon-fed dazzling period regalia might feel mired in the sludge. For those who can stick with it, the rewards are considerable.
"You will not like me", Rochester promises from the shadows in his to-the-camera prologue. Stephen Jeffreys' screenplay, based on his play, doesn't explain or excuse the behavior of a man devoted to pleasure and yet numb to it. A favorite in the king's court, though no worshipper of the throne, Rochester accepts a commission to write a major work of literature for Charles II (John Malkovich, who shepherded the project over its nine-year development after playing the title role in the U.S. premiere of the play). Rather than get to work, Rochester pursues his commitment to drink and sex, between escapades trading pornographic ripostes with writers George Etherege (Tom Hollander) and Charles Sackville (Johnny Vegas).
Rochester is shaken from licentious routine when he sees struggling actress Lizzie Barry (Samantha Morton) booed offstage. She's one of the first generation of female actors -- following the trail blazed by women like Claire Danes' character in "Stage Beauty" -- and Rochester determines to make her the leading light of the London theater. He succeeds. Known for his brutal honesty, he demands truth from Lizzie's performances, and the fiercely independent actress, overcoming her wariness, flourishes under his tutelage. She also becomes his lover, igniting a passion that Rochester recognizes too late.
Although capable of listening respectfully to the advice of a favorite whore (Kelly Reilly), the earl shows his pious mother (Francesca Annis) only disdain. Matters are more complex with his wife, Elizabeth (Rosamund Pike), who has her eyes wide open to his philandering. Pike is extraordinarily affecting as the woman who began her relationship with Rochester as his teenage kidnap victim and ended it as his devoted caretaker. Morton, though underused, conveys Lizzie's ardor and formidable ambition.
Almost unrecognizable in fake nose and massive wig, Malkovich has a contained intensity as the free-thinking sovereign who embraces the wonders of scientific and intellectual progress and who, beneath the official ire, seems to enjoy the raunchy irreverence of Rochester's literary output. Bawdiness notwithstanding, there's a touch of the conventional in the dialogue's self-consciously literary profusion of language. And however flavorful all the supporting turns, the piece is clearly a vehicle for its star.
Contributions by production designer Ben Van Os, costume designer Dien Van Straalen and especially hair and make-up designer Peter Owen ("The Lord of the Rings") are key to the sense of Restoration-era England in the throes of a hangover from post-Puritan excess. The film is dedicated to casting director Mary Selway, Marlon Brando and Hunter S. Thompson.
THE LIBERTINE
The Weinstein Co.
The Weinstein Co. and Odyssey Entertainment in association with Isle of Man Film present a Mr. Mudd production
Credits:
Director: Laurence Dunmore
Screenwriter: Stephen Jeffreys
Based on the play by: Stephen Jeffreys
Producers: Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich, Russell Smith
Executive producers: Chase Bailey, Steve Christian, Marc Samuelson, Peter Samuelson, Ralph Kamp, Louise Goodsill
Director of photography: Alexander Melman
Production designer: Ben Van Os
Music: Michael Nyman
Costume designer: Dien Van Straalen
Editor: Jill Bilcock. Cast: Rochester: Johnny Depp
Elizabeth Barry: Samantha Morton
Charles II: John Malkovich
Elizabeth Malet: Rosamund Pike
Etherege: Tom Hollander
Sackville: Johnny Vegas
Jane
Kelly Reilly
Harris: Jack Davenport
Alcock: Richard Coyle
Countess: Francesca Annis
Downs: Rupert Friend
No MPAA rating -- running time 115 minutes...
He delivers a haunting portrait of the 17th-century poet, provocateur and debauchee John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester, who achieved literary acclaim only after his lingering death at 33, ravaged by syphilis and alcohol. One of the achievements of director Laurence Dunmore's insistently gritty first feature is that his protagonist, a repellent creature of rapacious sensual appetites, grows more recognizable the more physically grotesque he becomes. A dark cousin to such screen rapscallions as Raoul Duke, Jack Sparrow and, yes, Willy Wonka, Depp's dissolute earl possesses a staggering allure beneath the blood-chilling sneer.
Originally scheduled for September release in the midst of Miramax's crowded housecleaning slate, the unrated Weinstein Co. release world-premiered Friday at AFI Fest. (Not an MPAA signatory, the new shingle de-clined the organization's NC-17.) It bows Nov. 25 in Los Angeles and New York, where it should perform lustily. Wide release in January will be more of a challenge, even with Depp starring.
Like its protagonist, the self-proclaimed cynic of a golden age, "Libertine" makes no concessions to expectation. Shot as if through layers of grime, it takes an ad-mirably different approach to costume fare than high-sheen features like "Shakespeare in Love", which put the Weinsteins' Miramax on the Oscar map.
There's a stark power to Alexander Melman's grainy, candlelit cinematography (Dunmore himself operated the mostly handheld camera) that is in keeping with the unapologetic subject matter. But the drained-of-red palette and fetid green light, artifices in their own right, are at times more tiring than expressive. Audiences used to being spoon-fed dazzling period regalia might feel mired in the sludge. For those who can stick with it, the rewards are considerable.
"You will not like me", Rochester promises from the shadows in his to-the-camera prologue. Stephen Jeffreys' screenplay, based on his play, doesn't explain or excuse the behavior of a man devoted to pleasure and yet numb to it. A favorite in the king's court, though no worshipper of the throne, Rochester accepts a commission to write a major work of literature for Charles II (John Malkovich, who shepherded the project over its nine-year development after playing the title role in the U.S. premiere of the play). Rather than get to work, Rochester pursues his commitment to drink and sex, between escapades trading pornographic ripostes with writers George Etherege (Tom Hollander) and Charles Sackville (Johnny Vegas).
Rochester is shaken from licentious routine when he sees struggling actress Lizzie Barry (Samantha Morton) booed offstage. She's one of the first generation of female actors -- following the trail blazed by women like Claire Danes' character in "Stage Beauty" -- and Rochester determines to make her the leading light of the London theater. He succeeds. Known for his brutal honesty, he demands truth from Lizzie's performances, and the fiercely independent actress, overcoming her wariness, flourishes under his tutelage. She also becomes his lover, igniting a passion that Rochester recognizes too late.
Although capable of listening respectfully to the advice of a favorite whore (Kelly Reilly), the earl shows his pious mother (Francesca Annis) only disdain. Matters are more complex with his wife, Elizabeth (Rosamund Pike), who has her eyes wide open to his philandering. Pike is extraordinarily affecting as the woman who began her relationship with Rochester as his teenage kidnap victim and ended it as his devoted caretaker. Morton, though underused, conveys Lizzie's ardor and formidable ambition.
Almost unrecognizable in fake nose and massive wig, Malkovich has a contained intensity as the free-thinking sovereign who embraces the wonders of scientific and intellectual progress and who, beneath the official ire, seems to enjoy the raunchy irreverence of Rochester's literary output. Bawdiness notwithstanding, there's a touch of the conventional in the dialogue's self-consciously literary profusion of language. And however flavorful all the supporting turns, the piece is clearly a vehicle for its star.
Contributions by production designer Ben Van Os, costume designer Dien Van Straalen and especially hair and make-up designer Peter Owen ("The Lord of the Rings") are key to the sense of Restoration-era England in the throes of a hangover from post-Puritan excess. The film is dedicated to casting director Mary Selway, Marlon Brando and Hunter S. Thompson.
THE LIBERTINE
The Weinstein Co.
The Weinstein Co. and Odyssey Entertainment in association with Isle of Man Film present a Mr. Mudd production
Credits:
Director: Laurence Dunmore
Screenwriter: Stephen Jeffreys
Based on the play by: Stephen Jeffreys
Producers: Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich, Russell Smith
Executive producers: Chase Bailey, Steve Christian, Marc Samuelson, Peter Samuelson, Ralph Kamp, Louise Goodsill
Director of photography: Alexander Melman
Production designer: Ben Van Os
Music: Michael Nyman
Costume designer: Dien Van Straalen
Editor: Jill Bilcock. Cast: Rochester: Johnny Depp
Elizabeth Barry: Samantha Morton
Charles II: John Malkovich
Elizabeth Malet: Rosamund Pike
Etherege: Tom Hollander
Sackville: Johnny Vegas
Jane
Kelly Reilly
Harris: Jack Davenport
Alcock: Richard Coyle
Countess: Francesca Annis
Downs: Rupert Friend
No MPAA rating -- running time 115 minutes...
- 11/14/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- The next Orange British Academy Film Awards will have a new award added to its roster with the creation of the Orange Rising Star nod, organizers said Wednesday. Created in honor of casting director Mary Selway, whose credits before her death in April last year included "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and Enduring Love, the new award will honor a young actor or actress of any nationality who "has demonstrated exceptional talent and ambition." A jury that includes actors Cate Blanchett and Ewan McGregor and director Alan Parker will select five nominees from a long list of recommendations put forward by the film industry and BAFTA members. The winner will be chosen by a public vote.
- 10/19/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Subtitled "a study for a portrait of Francis Bacon," writer-director John Maybury's tedious composition about diabolical artists and the models and lovers they abuse premiered at Cannes, with stateside distributor Strand Releasing looking at a minor attraction on the art house circuit.
Starring Derek Jacobi as Bacon, "Love Is the Devil" is heavy on atmosphere, and its distorted visuals approximate the bleak imagery of Bacon (1909-92), one of the better-known British painters of the century. While it concentrates on just a few years in Bacon's life, Maybury's film is still overly ambitious and busy, essentially going through a laundry list of woes and mean little activities but not pursuing the often nasty subject matter to its most unnerving revelations.
Alas, one is more shocked by the conventional storytelling and hokey approach to what could potentially have been a searing experience. Chronicling Bacon's intense relationship with George Dyer (Daniel Craig), a thief who breaks into his residence and stays when the artist invites him to bed, "Love Is the Devil" has several striking sequences, but its grand and grim vision is disappointingly slim and unengaging.
While Bacon uses him as a model, Dyer slowly unwinds and goes bonkers, having abattoir dreams with bloody apparitions. Hanging with the exceedingly corrosive artist and his rotting pals, Dyer develops a taste for boozing and brooding and nearly commits suicide. Misanthropic and sociopathic, needy-in-his-own-way Bacon keeps Dyer around because the younger man is handy in the bedroom.
Typical of this sketchy film, one scene is set aside to show that Dyer is adept at inflicting pain with cigarettes and belts. Showing Bacon the sexual masochist is so easy, the cocky filmmakers overstate the opposite truth -- in social and personal relationships he's a sadistic SOB. In case we're having trouble getting the message, there's helpful narration and voice-overs, with Bacon's "optimistic about nothing" attitude carried to an irredeemable extreme in his ignoring Dyer's pleas for help.
Tilda Swinton, Anne Lambton and Karl Johnson fairly ooze across the screen as horrid pub pals of Bacon. But this grotesque chorus of upper-crust ghouls becomes tiresome, and so do the predictable class conflicts between Bacon and Dyer.
Through it all, Jacobi and Craig give passionate performances that almost redeem the film.
LOVE IS THE DEVIL
Strand Releasing
BBC Films, Premiere Heure, Uplink
A BFI production
In association with Partners in Crime
Writer-director: John Maybury
Producer: Chiara Menage
Executive producers: Ben Gibson, Frances-Anne Solomon, Patrice Haddad, Asai Takashi
Director of photography: John Mathieson
Production designer: Alan Macdonald
Editor: Daniel Goddard
Costume designer: Annie Symons
Music: Ryuichi Sakamoto
Casting: Mary Selway
Color/stereo
Cast:
Francis Bacon: Derek Jacobi
George Dyer: Daniel Craig
Muriel Belcher: Tilda Swinton
Isabel: Anne Lambton
Daniel: Adrian Scarborough
Deakin: Karl Johnson
Running time -- 90 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Starring Derek Jacobi as Bacon, "Love Is the Devil" is heavy on atmosphere, and its distorted visuals approximate the bleak imagery of Bacon (1909-92), one of the better-known British painters of the century. While it concentrates on just a few years in Bacon's life, Maybury's film is still overly ambitious and busy, essentially going through a laundry list of woes and mean little activities but not pursuing the often nasty subject matter to its most unnerving revelations.
Alas, one is more shocked by the conventional storytelling and hokey approach to what could potentially have been a searing experience. Chronicling Bacon's intense relationship with George Dyer (Daniel Craig), a thief who breaks into his residence and stays when the artist invites him to bed, "Love Is the Devil" has several striking sequences, but its grand and grim vision is disappointingly slim and unengaging.
While Bacon uses him as a model, Dyer slowly unwinds and goes bonkers, having abattoir dreams with bloody apparitions. Hanging with the exceedingly corrosive artist and his rotting pals, Dyer develops a taste for boozing and brooding and nearly commits suicide. Misanthropic and sociopathic, needy-in-his-own-way Bacon keeps Dyer around because the younger man is handy in the bedroom.
Typical of this sketchy film, one scene is set aside to show that Dyer is adept at inflicting pain with cigarettes and belts. Showing Bacon the sexual masochist is so easy, the cocky filmmakers overstate the opposite truth -- in social and personal relationships he's a sadistic SOB. In case we're having trouble getting the message, there's helpful narration and voice-overs, with Bacon's "optimistic about nothing" attitude carried to an irredeemable extreme in his ignoring Dyer's pleas for help.
Tilda Swinton, Anne Lambton and Karl Johnson fairly ooze across the screen as horrid pub pals of Bacon. But this grotesque chorus of upper-crust ghouls becomes tiresome, and so do the predictable class conflicts between Bacon and Dyer.
Through it all, Jacobi and Craig give passionate performances that almost redeem the film.
LOVE IS THE DEVIL
Strand Releasing
BBC Films, Premiere Heure, Uplink
A BFI production
In association with Partners in Crime
Writer-director: John Maybury
Producer: Chiara Menage
Executive producers: Ben Gibson, Frances-Anne Solomon, Patrice Haddad, Asai Takashi
Director of photography: John Mathieson
Production designer: Alan Macdonald
Editor: Daniel Goddard
Costume designer: Annie Symons
Music: Ryuichi Sakamoto
Casting: Mary Selway
Color/stereo
Cast:
Francis Bacon: Derek Jacobi
George Dyer: Daniel Craig
Muriel Belcher: Tilda Swinton
Isabel: Anne Lambton
Daniel: Adrian Scarborough
Deakin: Karl Johnson
Running time -- 90 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 10/7/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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