African-American Businesses Lead the March to "SELMA" in New York City Theaters

NEW YORK BUSINESS LEADERS TO BRING PARAMOUNT PICTURES’ “SELMA” TO 27,000 7th, 8th and 9th GRADE STUDENTS IN NEW YORK CITY WHEN IT OPENS JANUARY 9th

THE 27 AFRICAN-AMERICAN LEADERS CREATED A FUND FOR 27,000 STUDENTS TO SEE THE FILM FOR FREE AT PARTICIPATING NEW YORK THEATERS

Paramount Pictures announced today that it will partner with African-American business leaders in New York City to offer free admission to the Golden Globe-nominated film “SELMA,” from director Ava DuVernay, to 7th, 8th and 9th grade students in New York City.

Inspired by the film’s message of resilience and hope and its historical significance, 27 African-American leaders in the New York business community have come together to create a fund that will allow the city’s 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to see “SELMA” for free at participating theaters. The students will provide a student ID or report card at any of the New York City locations for free admittance. The effort will begin at 7:00 p.m. on January 8th and run through January 19th (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) or while tickets last.

Those contributing to the fund are:

Amsale Aberra and Neil Brown, Owners of The Amsale Group

Gerald Adolph, Senior Partner, Booz & Company and Gwen Adolph

Ursula Burns, Chairman and CEO, Xerox and Lloyd Bean

Valentino D. Carlotti, Partner, Goldman Sachs Group

Ken Chenault, Chairman and CEO, American Express and Kathryn Chenault

Tony Coles, former CEO, Onyx Pharmaceuticals and Robyn Coles

Edith Cooper, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Human Capital Management, Goldman Sachs Group and Roger Taylor

Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., President and CEO, TIAA-CREF and Annette L. Nazareth

Bruce Gordon, Chairman, ADT, former CEO NAACP and Tawana Tibbs

Charles J. Hamilton, Jr., Senior Counsel, Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf LLP and Pamela G. Carlton, President, Springboard

Vernon Jordan, Senior Managing Director at Lazard and Ann Dibble Jordan

Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks

Bill Lewis, Co-Chairman of Investment Banking, Lazard and Carol Sutton Lewis

Ed Lewis, founder of Essence Magazine and Carolyn Lewis

Tracy Maitland, CEO and Founder, Advent Capital Management and Kimberly Hatchett

Ray McGuire, Head of Global Banking, Citigroup and Crystal McCrary

Scott Mills, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Administration, Viacom and Iva Mills

Adebayo Ogunlesi, CEO, Global Infrastructure Partners, Lead Director, Goldman Sachs and Dr. Amelia Quist-Ogunlesi

Richard Parsons, Senior Advisor, Providence Equity Partners and Laura Parsons

Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor, Viacom Director and Karen Phillips

Jonelle Procope, President, Apollo Theater and Fred Terrell, Vice Chairman of Investment Banking, Credit Suisse

Tamara Harris Robinson, CEO, Haramat Advisory Services

Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President, Global Inclusion Strategy, Viacom

Frank Thomas, The Study Group

John Utendahl, Vice Chairman, Deustche Bank Americas

Reginald Van Lee, Executive Vice President, Booz Allen

Ted Wells, Partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and Nina Wells

“Martin Luther King, Jr.’s momentous journey in Alabama is an important piece of American history,” said Bill Lewis, Co-Chairman of Investment Banking, Lazard. “We are passionate about bringing this story to New York City’s students and we encourage business leaders in other cities to organize similar programs so that more students around the country have the chance to see this powerful film about an epic chapter in American history.”

“Paramount is honored to partner with New York City’s deeply esteemed business men and women to give students in New York the opportunity to experience Ava DuVernay’s beautiful and moving masterpiece,” said Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.

Commented Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the organization that litigated to obtain the right to march in Selma, “We are thankful for the generous support and leadership of the New York business community and Paramount Pictures in helping deliver ‘SELMA’ and Dr. King’s message to our future leaders.”

Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation stated “This coordinated effort from the New York business community demonstrates a commitment to education and the children of New York City. ‘SELMA’ is the right catalyst for this prominent group and it’s a model worth building on.”

A growing list of leading New York City institutions are supporting this project by communicating this plan and hosting screenings and discussions, including Harlem Children’s Zone, Abyssinian Baptist Church, Carver Bank, the Apollo Theater, KIPP Schools, Harlem School of the Arts and The New York Public Library.

“We thank the great organizations that quickly agreed to join this effort,” said Charles Phillips, CEO, Infor and Viacom Director. “‘SELMA’ is timely, thought-provoking art about a transformative period in our country and a story that speaks to generations.”

The participating New York City theaters are:

UA Kaufman Astoria Cinemas 14
Astoria

AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13
Bronx

Concourse Plaza Multiplex 10
Bronx

Alpine Cinemas 8
Brooklyn

Bam Harvey Theater
Brooklyn

Cobble Hill Cinemas 5
Brooklyn

Linden Boulevard Multiplex Cinemas 14
Brooklyn

The Pavilion Theater
Brooklyn

UA Court Street 12
Brooklyn

UA Sheepshead Bay Stadium 14
Brooklyn

Williamsburg Cinemas 7
Brooklyn

Movieworld Cinemas 7
Douglaston

AMC Fresh Meadows 7
Fresh Meadows

UA Midway Stadium 9
Forest Hills

Regal Atlas Park Stadium 8
Glendale

Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas 15
Jamaica

AMC Loews 34th Street 14
New York

AMC Loews Kips Bay 15
New York

AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13
New York

AMC Empire 25
New York

AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9
New York

Bow Tie Chelsea Cinemas 9
New York

City Cinemas East 86th Street Cinema
New York

Regal Battery Park Stadium 11
New York

Regal Union Square Stadium 14
New York

UA Staten Island Stadium 16
Staten Island

College Point Multiplex Cinemas 12
Whitestone

To reserve 25 or more student tickets during this program, please visit www.SelmaMovie.com/nycwhile tickets last.

Directed by DuVernay and starring David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr., “SELMA” has been nominated for four Golden Globes: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Song (“Glory” by Common and John Legend).

The film also stars Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Common, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, with Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.”

Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films present “SELMA.” Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey, the film is executive produced by Brad Pitt, Cameron McCracken, Diarmuid McKeown, Nik Bower, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes and Nan Morales. The film is written by Paul Webb. “SELMA” is directed by Ava DuVernay.

“SELMA” is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “SELMA” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.

Currently open in select cities, “SELMA” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, January 9th, 2015. To learn more about the film, go to www.selmamovie.com

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of January 4th to 10th, 2015 - Updated #17

NEWS:

From YahooTV:  ESPN teams with Marvel Entertainment, Spike Lee, and Eva Longoria for new film series.

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From ShadowandAct:  Jordan Peele of the comedy team, "Key & Peele" is working on a horror movie with an interesting premise:  the "horror" of being a black man in today's America.

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From Variety:  For the third weekend in a row, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the #1 film.  For the weekend of Jan. 2nd to 4th, 2015, the final film in The Hobbit trilogy won the weekend box office with an estimated take $21.9 million.


COMIC BOOKS:

From NerdReactor:  "Batman Vs. Superman" could be divided into 2 films, with the first debuting October 2015 and the second retaining the March 2016 release date.

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From NerdReactor:  DC Comics has a new Power Girl, and she is a young Black woman.

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From YahooTV:  Edward James Olmos joins "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

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From IBTimes:  Crazy "Iron Man 4" rumors.

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From HitFix:  "Daredevil" will hit Netflix on Friday, April 10th, 2015.

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From HitFix:  "Ant-Man" trailer.

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From Newsarama:  Scarlett Johannsen signs to play the lead in the adaptation of the manga/anime, Ghost in the Shell.


STAR WARS:

From YahooMovies:  Liam Neeson wouldn't mind a return to Star Wars.  I wouldn't mind his return either.

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From FlickeringMyth:  The latest news about the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" toys suggest that Darth Vader will return in some form.


REVIEWS:

From Indiewire:  What Clint Eastwood's American Sniper says about America.

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From TheIntercept: Another penetrating gaze at American Sniper


OBIT:

From Variety:  Samuel Goldwyn Jr., the son of legendary Hollywood mogul, Samuel Goldwyn, died at the age of 88 on Friday, January 9, 2015.  He won a Primetime Emmy for producing the 1988 Oscar ceremony.  He was nominated for a best picture Oscar as one of the producers of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.

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From TheWrap:  The actor, Rod Taylor, died at the age of 84 on Wednesday, January 7, 2015.  He was best known for his roles in Alfred Hitchock's The Birds and in the 1960 film version of The Time Machine."

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From YahooMovies:  Khan Bonfils, the actor who played Jedi master "Saesee Tiin" Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, died in London on Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

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From YahooCelebrity:  I am a huge fan of the Los Angeles Lakers.  Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak is suffering a personal loss.  His 15-year-old daughter, Alina, died Monday, January 5, 2014.

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From People: ESPN personality and longtime SportsCenter anchor, Stuart Scott, died at the age of 49, today, Sunday, January 4th, 2015.  He had been battling cancer since 2007.  Negromancer sends condolences to Stuart's family and friends.  I am kind of at a loss for words right now.

Chris Pine, J.J. Abrams Join 2015 Oscar Nominations News Conference

NOMINATIONS TO BE DELIVERED IN NEW TWO-PART PRESENTATION

CHRIS PINE AND ACADEMY PRESIDENT CHERYL BOONE ISAACS TO PRESENT NOMINATIONS IN 13 CATEGORIES INCLUDING BEST PICTURE

ALFONSO CUARÓN AND J.J. ABRAMS TO PRESENT SPECIAL EARLY ANNOUNCEMENT OF 11 CATEGORIES

GLOBAL LIVE STREAM AVAILABLE AT OSCARS.ORG/LIVE

Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced that actor Chris Pine, Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, and directors Alfonso Cuarón and J.J. Abrams, on Thursday, January 15, 2015 will announce the nominations in all 24 Oscar categories at a special two-part live news conference at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. 

“Each of the three years we’ve produced the show, we have attempted to refresh elements of the process and the telecast,” said Zadan and Meron. “This year, we’re honored to start a new tradition that celebrates the contributions of all the nominees by announcing all 24 categories. We’re thrilled that a distinguished actor and two world-class film directors are part of the initial launch.”

At 5:30 a.m. PT, Cuarón and Abrams will announce the nominees in the following categories: Animated Feature Film, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Film Editing, Original Song, Production Design, Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Visual Effects. 

At 5:38 a.m. PT, Pine and Boone Isaacs will take the stage to unveil the nominations for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing, Foreign Language Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Score, Adapted Screenplay, Original Screenplay and Best Picture. 

“We’re delighted to have Chris, Alfonso and J.J. participate in the excitement of Nominations morning, which, for the first time, will highlight nominees in all categories,” said Boone Isaacs.  “This new approach enables the Academy to further recognize excellence across our entire industry and underscore the full spectrum of the arts and sciences of motion pictures.”

“We’re thrilled to have such exceptional talents present the nominations in a completely new format that furthers our mission and honors all of the artists who make movies,” said Dawn Hudson, Academy CEO.

The Nominations Announcement is a live news conference where more than 400 media representatives from around the world will be gathered.  The event will be broadcasted and streamed live on www.oscars.org/live.

Nominations information for all categories will be distributed simultaneously to news media in attendance and via the official Oscars website, www.oscar.com.

Pine’s starring role as Kirk in the 2009 feature “Star Trek” propelled him to worldwide prominence.  He reprised the character in the sequel “Star Trek Into Darkness.”  Pine’s other feature credits include “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” “Horrible Bosses 2” and “Into the Woods.”  Pine will next be seen in “Z for Zachariah,” due out later this year, and “The Finest Hours,” due out in 2016.

Cuarón is an Academy Award®-winning filmmaker best known for his features “A Little Princess,” “Y Tu Mamá También,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” “Children of Men” and “Gravity.”  He most recently won Oscars® for directing and editing “Gravity” and received a Best Picture nomination as a producer on the film.  Cuarón also has earned an Original Screenplay nomination for “Y Tu Mamá También,” and Film Editing and Adapted Screenplay nominations for “Children of Men.”

Abrams is a director, screenwriter and producer whose credits include such feature films as “Mission: Impossible III,” “Star Trek,” “Super 8” and “Star Trek Into Darkness,” as well as such television series as “Lost,” “Fringe” and “Person of Interest.”  He won two Emmy® Awards in 2005 for directing and executive producing “Lost.”  Abrams is currently directing “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” producing “Mission: Impossible 5,” and executive producing the series “Roadies” for Showtime and “Westworld” for HBO.

Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2014 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The Oscars, produced by Zadan and Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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2015 BAFTA Nominations Announced - Complete List

The British Academy Film Awards (also known as the BAFTAs) are presented in an annual award show hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). They are the British counterpart of the Oscars.

Previously known as the Orange British Academy Film Awards, they are now known as the EE British Academy Film Awards. The British telecommunications company, EE, replaces Orange as the title sponsor of the awards.

The 68th EE British Academy Film Awards take place on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London. The ceremony will be hosted by Stephen Fry and will be broadcast exclusively on BBC One and BBC One HD, preceded by a red carpet show on BBC Three. The ceremony is also broadcast in all major territories around the world

2015 / 68th BAFTA Film Award nominations (for the year in film 2014):

Best Film

"Birdman"

"Boyhood"

"Grand Budapest Hotel"

"Imitation Game"

"Theory Of Everything"

Best Director

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - "Birdman"

Richard Linklater - "Boyhood"

Wes Anderson - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

James Marsh - "The Theory Of Everything"

Damien Chazelle - "Whiplash"

Best Actor In A Leading Role

Benedict Cumberbatch - "The Imitation Game"

Ralph Fiennes - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Jake Gyllenhaal - "Nightcrawler"

Michael Keaton - "Birdman"

Eddie Redmayne - "The Theory Of Everything"

Best Actress In A Leading Role

Amy Adams - "Big Eyes"

Felicity Jones - "The Theory Of Everything"

Julianne Moore - "Still Alice"

Rosamund Pike - "Gone Girl"

Reese Witherspoon - "Wild"

Best Actor In A Supporting Role

Steve Carell - "Foxcatcher"

Ethan Hawke - "Boyhood"

Edward Norton - "Birdman"

Mark Ruffalo - "Foxcatcher"

J.K. Simmons - "Whiplash"

Best Actress In A Supporting Role

Patricia Arquette - "Boyhood"

Keira Knightley - "The Imitation Game"

Rene Russo - "Nightcrawler"

Imelda Staunton - "Pride"

Emma Stone - "Birdman"

Best Original Screenplay

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu & co - "Birdman"

Richard Linklater - "Boyhood"

Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Dan Gilroy - "Nightcrawler"

Damien Chazelle - "Whiplash"

Best Adapted Screenplay

Jason Hall - "American Sniper"

Gillian Flynn - "Gone Girl"

Graham Moore - "The Imitation Game"

Paul King - "Paddington"

Anthony McCarten - "The Theory Of Everything"

Outstanding British Film

"'71"

"The Imitation Game"

"Paddington"

"Pride"

"Theory Of Everything"

"Under The Skin"

Best Documentary

"20 Feet From Stardom"

"20,000 Days On Earth"

"Citizenfour"

"Finding Vivian Maier"

"Virunga"

Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer

Elaine Constantine - "Northern Soul"

Gregory Burke, Yann DeMange - "'71"

Hong Khaou - "Lilting"

Paul Katis, Andrew De Lotbiniere - "Kajaki: The True Story"

Stephen Beresford, David Livingstone - "Pride"

Best Film Not In The English Language

"Ida"

"Leviathan"

"The Lunchbox"

"Trash"

"Two Days, One Night"

Best Animated Film

"Big Hero 6"

"The Boxtrolls"

"The Lego Movie"

Best Original Music

Antonio Sanchez - "Birdman"

Alexandre Desplat - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Hans Zimmer - "Interstellar"

Johann Johannsson - 'The Theory Of Everything"

Mica Levi - "Under The Skin"

Best Cinematography

Emmanuel Lubezki - "Birdman"

Robert Yeoman - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Lukasz Zal, Ryzsard Lenczewski - "Ida"

Hoyte van Hoytema - "Interstellar"

Dick Pope - "Mr. Turner"

Best Editing

Douglas Crise, Stephen Mirrione - "Birdman"

Barney Pilling - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

William Goldenberg - "The Imitation Game"

John Gilroy - "Nightcrawler"

Jinx Godfrey - "The Theory Of Everything"

Tom Cross - "Whiplash"

Best Production Design

Rick Heinrichs, Shane Vieau - "Big Eyes"

Adam Stockhausen, Anna Pinnock - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Maria Djurkovic, Tatiana McDonald - "The Imitation Game"

Nathan Crowley, Gary Fettis - "Interstellar"

Suzie Davies, Charlotte Watts - "Mr. Turner"

Best Costume Design

Milena Canonero - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Sammy Sheldon Differ - "The Imitation Game"

Colleen Atwood - "Into The Woods"

Jacqueline Durran - "Mr. Turner"

Steven Noble - "The Theory Of Everything"

Best Makeup and Hair

"The Grand Budapest Hotel"

"Guardians Of The Galaxy"

"Into the Woods"

"Mr. Turner"

"The Theory Of Everything"

Best Sound

"American Sniper"

"Birdman"

"The Grand Budapest Hotel"

"The Imitation Game"

"Whiplash"

Best Special Visual Effects

"Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes"

"Guardians Of The Galaxy"

"The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies"

"Interstellar"

"X-Men: Days Of Future Past"

Best Short Film

"Boogaloo And Graham"

"Emotional Fusebox"

"The Karman Line"

"Slap"

"Three Brothers"

Best Short Animation

"The Bigger Picture"

"Monkey Love Experiments"

"My Dad"

EE Rising Star Award

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Jack O'Connell

Margot Robbie

Miles Teller

Shailene Woodley

The nominees for the EE Rising Star Award (announced earlier this week). This audience award is voted for by the British public and presented to an actor or actress who has demonstrated exceptional talent and promise.

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USC Libraries Announce Finalists for 27th-Annual "Scripter Award"

USC LIBRARIES NAME FINALISTS FOR 27TH-ANNUAL SCRIPTER AWARD

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The USC Libraries have named the authors and screenwriters of Gone Girl, The Imitation Game, Inherent Vice, The Theory of Everything, and Wild as finalists for the 27th-annual USC Libraries Scripter Award. Scripter honors the screenwriter or screenwriters of the year’s most accomplished cinematic adaptation as well as the author or authors of the written work upon which the screenplay is based.


The finalists are, in alphabetical order by film title:

--Gillian Flynn, author and screenwriter of Gone Girl

--For The Imitation Game, author Andrew Hodges, who wrote the book Alan Turing: The Enigma, and screenwriter Graham Moore

--Novelist Thomas Pynchon and screenwriter Paul Thomas Anderson for Inherent Vice

--Jane Hawking, author of Travelling To Infinity: My Life With Stephen, and screenwriter Anthony McCarten for The Theory of Everything

--Screenwriter Nick Hornby for Wild, adapted from Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail


The Friends of the USC Libraries established Scripter in 1988. Previous Scripter winners include the screenwriters and authors of 12 Years a Slave, The Social Network, A Beautiful Mind, and The English Patient.

Chaired by USC professor and vice president of the Writers Guild of America, West, Howard Rodman, the 2015 Scripter selection committee selected the five finalists from a field of 97 eligible adaptations.

Serving on the selection committee, among many others, are film critics Leonard Maltin, Anne Thompson and Kenneth Turan; authors Michael Chabon, Michael Ondaatje and Mona Simpson; screenwriters John Ridley, Erin Cressida Wilson and Steve Zaillian; and USC deans Elizabeth Daley of the School of Cinematic Arts, Madeline Puzo of the School of Dramatic Arts and Catherine Quinlan of the USC Libraries.

The studios distributing the finalist films and the publishers of the original stories are:

    Gone Girl—Twentieth Century Fox and Crown Publishers
    The Imitation Game—Weinstein Company and Princeton Univ. Press (film tie-in edition)
    Inherent Vice—Warner Bros. and Penguin Books
    The Theory of Everything—Focus Features and Alma Books
    Wild—Fox Searchlight and Vintage Books (film tie-in edition)

The USC Libraries will announce the winning authors and screenwriters at a black-tie ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 in the historic Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library on the University Park campus of the University of Southern California. Academy Award winners Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford will serve as honorary dinner chairs.

Celebrated mystery and crime writer Walter Mosley—the author of more than 40 books, including the Easy Rawlins series—will receive the USC Libraries Literary Achievement Award. Mosley is currently working on a Broadway version of his novel Devil in a Blue Dress, a film adaptation of which appeared in 1995, starring Denzel Washington.

Current silent auction donors and other event sponsors include Academy of Magical Arts and Ted Ushirogata, Alexander Denk, Allison Samon, American Eye Institute, Anchor Distilling Company, AOC, At Your Side Private Exercise, Bacara Resort & Spa, Badgley Mischka, Benjamin Salon, Bennett Farms, Bonny Doon Vineyard, Bouchon Bistro, Burton Morris, Carol Muske Dukes, Christine Ofiesh, Cynthia Baseman, Daryle Ann and Mark Giardino, David Lebovitz, David St. John, Faith and Flower, Flathead Lake Lodge, Fred Kayne and Terravant Wine Company, Gearys Beverly Hills, Geffen Playhouse, Glenn Sonnenberg, Gloria Kaplan, Hang Zhang, Hayley Kaplan, Hotel Del Coronado, Hotel Indigo, San Diego Del Mar, Hotel Kabuki, Howard Rodman, Jack Lindquist, Jar, Joel Prell, Jon Summers, KFK Jewelers, Kimber Modern, LACMA, Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, Laura Kasner, Left Brain Travel, Lisa Barkett, Lisa Dixon, Loews Regency Hotel, Los Angeles Dodgers, M. Kantor & Associates, Mark Danielewski, Mark Goldstein and Actuant Corporation, Mark Koenig, Matthew Kenney Cuisine, Maureen Furniss, Montage Hotels, Motif Seattle, Oheka Castle Hotel and Estate, New York, Oliverio at Avalon Hotel, One of A Kind Glass Designs and Patsy Dewey, Orin Swift Cellars, Osteria Mozza, Piel Skin Care, Porto Via, Pro Sup Shop, Sandra Tsing Loh, Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO) San Diego, Seattle Seahawks, Shelley Berman, Silver King, South Beverly Grill, Stephen's Hay and Grain, Steven Travers, T.C. Boyle, Tank Town USA, The Belvedere at the Peninsula Hotel, The Kitchen For Exploring Foods, The LA Chamber Orchestra, The LA Opera, The LA Phil, The Rosenzweig Company, The St. Regis San Francisco Hotel, 20th Century Fox, The Voice, Toni Solorzano, U.S. Senator Dean Heller, USC Athletics, Vindy Lee, and Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information about Scripter—including ticket availability, additional sponsorship opportunities, and an up-to-date list of sponsors—please email scripter@usc.edu or visit scripter.usc.edu.

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"2015 Grammy Nominnes" Album Due January 20th

2015 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Features 21 Hits from a Diverse Array of Artists and Songwriters

Album Hits Stores and Digital Retailers on Jan. 20, Gives Fans Two Chances to Win Trips to Attend Music's Biggest Night®

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RCA Records and The Recording Academy®'s GRAMMY Recordings® will release the 2015 GRAMMY® Nominees album on January 20, 2015, in stores and via digital retailers. The 21st installment of the best-selling series features 21 top-charting hits from a diverse array of this year's GRAMMY-nominated artists and songwriters. In conjunction with the album's release, music fans will have the opportunity to win trips to the 57th or 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards®.

    “We are thrilled to work with The Academy on the 2015 GRAMMY® Nominees album”

The 2015 GRAMMY® Nominees album includes many of the year's prominent recordings and performers, highlighted by all of the nominated artists and songs in the high-profile Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Country Duo Or Group Performance categories. Rotating labels from year to year, the collection is made possible by a special arrangement with all of the major music distribution companies. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the album benefits the year-round efforts of the GRAMMY Foundation® and MusiCares Foundation® — two charitable organizations of The Recording Academy.

"The exceptional mix of recordings featured on this year's compilation not only represent a roster of incredibly talented artists but also provides a unique playlist showcasing some of this year's outstanding GRAMMY nominees," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "It is fitting that our 21st installment album contains 21 exciting selections which music fans are sure to enjoy. We are proud and excited to collaborate with RCA Records on this project and once again look forward to another successful GRAMMY nominees album."

"We are thrilled to work with The Academy on the 2015 GRAMMY® Nominees album," said Tom Corson, President & COO, RCA Records. "This 21st installment highlights the amazing talent and hard work of this year's nominees and will delight music fans around the world. It's a true celebration of Music's Biggest Night."

RCA Records and The Recording Academy will offer fans two opportunities to attend Music's Biggest Night®. First, when pre-ordering the 2015 GRAMMY Nominees album at GRAMMY.com/2015GRAMMYAlbum by Jan. 19, music fans can enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 8, 2015.* In addition, each 2015 GRAMMY Nominees album purchased in stores will include a special game piece featuring a unique code for a chance to play the GRAMMY Ticket Game. To participate, the code must be used at GRAMMY.com/2015GRAMMYAlbum for the opportunity to win a trip for two to the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2016 or a second-place prize, of an official GRAMMY Awards T-shirt.*

The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

2015 GRAMMY Nominees Album Track List:

1
TAYLOR SWIFT
"Shake It Off"
Record Of The Year
Song Of The Year
Best Pop Solo Performance

2.
IGGY AZALEA FEAT. CHARLI XCX
"Fancy"
Record Of The Year

3.
ED SHEERAN
"Sing"
Album Of The Year
Best Pop Vocal Album

4.            
ARIANA GRANDE FEAT. IGGY AZALEA
"Problem"
Best Pop Vocal Album

5.
MEGHAN TRAINOR
"All About That Bass"
Record Of The Year
Song Of The Year

6.
KATY PERRY FEAT. JUICY J
"Dark Horse"
Best Pop Vocal Album

7.            
COLDPLAY
"A Sky Full Of Stars"
Best Pop Vocal Album

8
MILEY CYRUS
"Wrecking Ball"
Best Pop Vocal Album
           
9.
SIA
"Chandelier"
Record Of The Year
Song Of The Year
Best Pop Solo Performance

10.
JOHN LEGEND
"All Of Me" (Live)
Best Pop Solo Performance

11.
HOZIER
"Take Me To Church"
 Song Of The Year

12.
BEYONCÉ FEAT. JAY Z
"Drunk In Love"
Album Of The Year

13.            
PHARRELL WILLIAMS
"Come Get It Bae"
Album Of The Year

14.            
SAM SMITH
"Stay With Me" (Darkchild Version)
Record Of The Year
Album Of The Year
Song Of The Year
Best Pop Solo Performance
Best Pop Vocal Album
           
15.
BECK
"Blue Moon"
Album Of The Year

16.
KEITH URBAN FEAT. ERIC CHURCH
"Raise 'Em Up"
Best Country Duo Or Group Performance

17.
THE BAND PERRY
"Gentle On My Mind"
Best Country Duo Or Group Performance

18.
TIM McGRAW FEAT. FAITH HILL
"Meanwhile Back At Mama's"
Best Country Duo Or Group Performance

19.
MIRANDA LAMBERT WITH CARRIE UNDERWOOD
"Somethin' Bad" (Duet with Carrie Underwood)
 Best Country Duo Or Group Performance

20.
LITTLE BIG TOWN
"Day Drinking"
Best Country Duo Or Group Performance

21.
PHARRELL WILLIAMS
"Happy" (Live)
Best Pop Solo Performance


About The Recording Academy:
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Google +, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

*No purchase necessary to enter or win. See official rules at GRAMMY.com/2015GRAMMYAlbum for details, including start and end dates.

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BET Announces Return of "The Game" and Debut of "It's a Mann's World"

BET Networks Tackles Wednesday Nights with the Return of Hit Series “THE GAME” and Premiere of New Docu-Series “IT’S A MANN’S WORLD”

“IT’S A MANN’S WORLD” Starring Tamela and David Mann Premieres Wednesday, January 14 at 9 P.M. ET/PT

“THE GAME” Season 8 Premieres Directly Following at 10 P.M. ET/PT with a Special One-Hour Premiere Episode

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BET Networks announces the return of hit original dramedy “THE GAME” and the premiere of the brand new docu-series “IT’S A MANN’S WORLD” starring David and Tamela Mann. Both series premiere on a new night, Wednesday, January 14, 2015, beginning at 9 P.M. ET/PT.

Season 8 of “THE GAME” continues to explore the world of The San Diego Sabers through the eyes of its beloved characters, while bringing back some fan favorites to stir up the drama. After the Season 7 cliffhanger, the new season kicks off with Jason (Coby Bell) apologizing for refusing Chardonnay (Brandy Norwood) at the altar, as he tries to reconcile with his ex-wife Kelly (Brittany Daniel). Jason also faces new pressures, as he assumes the role of interim coach of the Sabers. Meanwhile, Tasha Mack (Wendy Raquel Robinson) re-enters life as a single mother, while Malik (Hosea Chanchez) struggles for visibility from the bottom tier of the team. The newbies, Keira (Lauren London) and Blue (Jay Ellis), continue to make rookie mistakes on and off the field.

“THE GAME” is a half hour dramedy that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the “dysfunctional” football family of the San Diego Sabers, as they navigate fame, relationships and the pressures of professional football. “THE GAME” is executive produced by Mara Brock Akil, Salim Akil, Kenny Smith, Hale Rothstein, Jenifer Rice-Genzuk and Kelsey Grammer. “The Game” season 8 will consist of eight episodes airing consecutively each Wednesday.

Known for their starring roles on stage and screen, Tamela and David Mann have become household names for their #1 comedy, “Meet the Browns.” Their new show, “IT’S A MANN’S WORLD” will take a peek behind their celebrity on-screen personas, exclusive events, famous friends and the at-home lives of David and Tamela Mann. Over the course of eight one-hour episodes, viewers will get a taste of how David and Tamela balance being celebrities, entrepreneurs, and parents to four adult children – all while maintaining their 26-year old marriage. Viewers may have met the Browns, but this show introduces them to the Mann’s world like you’ve never seen them before.

The series is executive produced by David and Tamela Mann in partnership with eOne along with Tara Long, Howie Miller, Kim McKoy, Roger Bobb, Eric Hoberman and John Morayniss.

For video sneak peeks and first looks of the new season of “THE GAME” and “IT’S A MANN’S WORLD,” visit the official page at BET.com/TheGame and BET.com/MannsWorld. Viewers can also find series updates on Facebook by liking the fan page at Facebook.com/BETTheGame and Facebook.com/BETGospel. Also, join the conversation about the show on Twitter by using hashtag: #TheGameBET and #MannsWorld; follow the show for all updates & special surprises @TheGameBET and @BETGospel. For more information about both series visit www.BET.com.

*All times are ET/PT.

About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

Follow BET on Twitter: @BET_PR