Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Jack Black to Make Special Appearance at the 87th Oscars

Jack Black To Perform At The Oscars®
The versatile actor, singer and comedian Jack Black will make a special appearance at the 87th Oscars, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. The Oscars, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will air on Sunday, February 22, 2015 live on ABC.

"Jack Black is a complete original comic voice and we're beyond thrilled that he has agreed to join the Oscars show in a very special sequence" says Zadan and Meron.

Black has starred in such films as “High Fidelity,” “Shallow Hal,” “School of Rock,” “King Kong,” and “Tropic Thunder,” and is voicing the title character in “Kung Fu Panda 3,” his third turn in the animated feature series. He also is the lead singer and guitarist of the comedy rock duo Tenacious D, which he formed in 1994 with Kyle Gass.  Black has made three previous appearances on the Oscars, most recently as a presenter at the 81st Academy Awards.

The 87th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be 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.

There Will Be a New Spider-Man; He Will First Appear in a Marvel Studios Film

SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS MARVEL STUDIOS INTO THE AMAZING WORLD OF SPIDER-MAN

New Spider-Man Will Appear First in an Upcoming Marvel Film Within Marvel’s Cinematic Universe

Marvel's Kevin Feige to Produce Next Installment of the Spider-Man Franchise with Amy Pascal

(Culver City, California, and Burbank, California)- Sony Pictures Entertainment and Marvel Studios announced that Sony is bringing Marvel into the amazing world of Spider-Man.

Under the deal, the new Spider-Man will first appear in a Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sony Pictures will thereafter release the next installment of its $4 billion Spider-Man franchise, on July 28, 2017, in a film that will be co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. Together, they will collaborate on a new creative direction for the web slinger. Sony Pictures will continue to finance, distribute, own and have final creative control of the Spider-Man films.

Marvel and Sony Pictures are also exploring opportunities to integrate characters from the MCU into future Spider-Man films.

The new relationship follows a decade of speculation among fans about whether Spider-Man – who has always been an integral and important part of the larger Marvel Universe in the comic books – could become part of the Marvel Universe on the big screen. Spider-Man has more than 50 years of history in Marvel’s world, and with this deal, fans will be able to experience Spider-Man taking his rightful place among other Super Heroes in the MCU.

Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company said: "Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s great characters, beloved around the world. We’re thrilled to work with Sony Pictures to bring the iconic web-slinger into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which opens up fantastic new opportunities for storytelling and franchise building."

"We always want to collaborate with the best and most successful filmmakers to grow our franchises and develop our characters. Marvel, Kevin Feige and Amy, who helped orchestrate this deal, are the perfect team to help produce the next chapter of Spider-Man," said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. "This is the right decision for the franchise, for our business, for Marvel, and for the fans."

"Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios share a love for the characters in the Spider-Man universe and have a long, successful history of working together. This new level of collaboration is the perfect way to take Peter Parker’s story into the future," added Doug Belgrad, president, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group.

"I am thrilled to team with my friends at Sony Pictures along with Amy Pascal to produce the next Spider-Man movie," said Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. "Amy has been deeply involved in the realization on film of one of the world’s most beloved characters. Marvel’s involvement will hopefully deliver the creative continuity and authenticity that fans demand from the MCU. I am equally excited for the opportunity to have Spider-Man appear in the MCU, something which both we at Marvel, and fans alike, have been looking forward to for years."

Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.

ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com ©2015 MARVEL.

-------------------


Monday, February 9, 2015

Review: "The Wind Rises" and Lifts Miyazaki's Ode to Artists

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 9 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Wind Rises (2013)
Kaze tachinu – original Japanese title
Running time:  126 minutes (2 hours, 6 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for some disturbing images and smoking
DIRECTOR:  Hayao Miyazaki
WRITER:  Hayao Miyazaki (based upon the manga by Hayao Miyazaki); English screenplay adaptation by Mike Jones
PRODUCERS:  Toshio Suzuki and Geoffrey Wexler (English version)
COMPOSER:  Joe Hisaishi
Academy Award nominee

ANIMATION/BIOPIC/DRAMA

Starring:  (English voices) Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Martin Short, Stanley Tucci, Mandy Patinkin, Mae Whitman, Werner Herzog, Jennifer Grey, William H. Macy, Elijah Wood, and Ronan Farrow; (Japanese voices) Hideaki Anno, Jirô Horikoshi, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Miori Takimoto, Masahiko Nishimura, Mansai Nomura, Jun Kunimura, Mirai Shida, Shinobu Ôtake, Morio Kazama, and Keiko Takeshita

The Wind Rises is a 2013 Japanese animated film (anime) biopic and drama from director Hayao Miyazaki.  The film's original title is Kaze tachinu, and it is adapted from Miyazaki's manga (comics), Kaze tachinu, which was published in Model Graphix magazine from 2009 to 2010.  The manga in turn is loosely based on the novel, The Wind Has Risen (1936-37), by author Tatsuo Hori.

The Wind Rises is a fictionalized account of the life of Jiro Horikoshi (1903–1982).  Hirokoshi was a designer of fighter aircraft for Japan, in particular the Mitsubishi A6M Zero (or simple, the Zero), which was used by the Empire of Japan during World War II.

Walt Disney Studios released the film in English back in February 2014 through its Touchstone Pictures division.  Frank Marshall acted as the English version's executive producer.  The Wind Rises was the final film directed by Miyazaki before his retirement in September 2013.

The Wind Rises opens in Japan in 1916.  Young Jiro Horikoshi longs to become a pilot, but cannot because of his poor eyesight.  Jiro even dreams of meeting famous Italian aircraft designer, Giovanni Battista Caproni (Stanley Tucci), a figure that will often haunt Jiro's dreams over the years.  Seven years later, two important things happen.  Jiro begins studying aeronautical engineering, and he also meets a girl, Nahoko Satomi.

After he graduates, adult Jiro (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) starts working for an aircraft manufacturer (Mitsubishi).  Jiro begins a quest to built a fighter aircraft for Japan that will match the best that any other country has to offer, especially that of Japan's ally, Germany.  Jiro reunites with the adult Nahoko (Emily Blunt) and begins a romance with her.  However, Nahoko's illness and his professional setbacks threaten Jiro's dreams.

The Wind Rises was somewhat controversial in Japan because of Jiro Horikoshi's aircraft inventions and how they were used by imperial Japan during the second World War.  However, The Wind Rises is not a biographical drama in the conventional sense, which is why I call it a “biopic.”  It is a movie with both biographical elements and fictional attachments.  For instance, the Jiro-Nahoko Satomi romance is fictional, and Nahoko is a character from Tatsuo Hori's novel, The Wind Has Risen.

The Wind Rises not only takes a look at the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II, but it is mainly inspired by his quest to create fighter aircraft for Japan that would match the best aircraft created in Europe and the United States.

The Wind Rises is an impressionistic spectacle.  Miyazaki deliberately deviates from fact in order to examine the artistic process, revealing Jiro Horikoshi as an artist in full bloom.  The “wind” in this film is a metaphor for the imagination that soars.  The wind is also a vehicle by which the artist travels to meet the man who inspired him,  Giovanni Caproni, in the realm of daydream and imagination – first as a pupil and then, as an equal.  In this film, Miyazaki does not make “wind” ethereal; rather, it is beauty that is fragile and even corruptible.

The Wind Rises is a bittersweet goodbye from Miyazaki to his admirers and fans.  This retirement had to happen eventually, but our sadness need no be overwhelming.  The wind still rises, and the beauty of Hayao Miyazaki's art will live on.

8 of 10
A

Friday, January 2, 2014


NOTES:
2014 Academy Awards, USA:  1 nomination: “Best Animated Feature Film of the Year” (Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki)

2014 Golden Globes, USA:  1 nomination: “Best Foreign Language Film” (Japan)

The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.


Brad Pitt and Robert Zemeckis Team-up for Untitled Romantic Thriller


BRAD PITT TO STAR AND ROBERT ZEMECKIS TO DIRECT A SWEEPING ROMANTIC THRILLER FROM WRITER STEVE KNIGHT, TO BE PRODUCED BY GRAHAM KING FOR PARAMOUNT PICTURES, GK FILMS AND NEW REGENCY

Paramount Pictures, GK Films and New Regency today announced that Brad Pitt will star, and Robert Zemeckis (“FLIGHT,” “FORREST GUMP”) will direct, an original story by Steve Knight (“THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY,” “DIRTY PRETTY THINGS”) to be produced by Graham King (“RANGO,” “THE DEPARTED”), who developed the project, alongside Zemeckis and Steve Starkey (“FLIGHT,” “REAL STEEL”).

The epic story will be produced through King’s GK Films banner with Jack Rapke (“FLIGHT,” “REAL STEEL”), Knight, Patrick McCormick (“BLACK MASS”) and Denis O’Sullivan (“THE 5thWAVE,” THE YOUNG VICTORIA”) serving as executive producers.

Zemeckis’ credits at Paramount Pictures include the 1994 blockbuster “FORREST GUMP,” for which he won the Academy Award® for Best Director. The groundbreaking film grossed $677 million worldwide and won six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for star Tom Hanks. In 2012, the studio and Zemeckis partnered on the critically-lauded, live-action thriller “FLIGHT,” which starred Denzel Washington and received two Academy Award nominations. Presently, Zemeckis is in post-production on “THE WALK,” starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, slated for an October 2015 release.

King and Knight are also partnered on the action-thriller “THE RED CIRCLE,” a remake of the classic French film “LE CERCLE ROUGE” reset in Hong Kong. Knight wrote the script and King is producing under GK Films.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About GK Films
GK Films is one of the most foremost creative forces in both major motion pictures and independent features.  Helmed by Academy Award-winning producer, Graham King, the company has produced or executive produced more than 45 films, grossing $1.4 billion at the domestic box office, and over $3.3 billion worldwide.  Also heralded by critics and film groups, GK Films’ projects have been nominated for 61 Academy Awards, 38 Golden Globe Awards, and 52 British Academy Film Awards. Forthcoming projects include the film adaptation of the hit YA novel THE 5TH WAVE starring Chloe Grace Moretz, the UNTITLED FREDDIE MERCURY STORY, a remake of the classic French film THE RED CIRCLE and the highly anticipated franchise reboot of TOMB RAIDER. Recent GK Films’ projects include WORLD WAR Z, ARGO, HUGO, RANGO, IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY and THE TOWN.  King won a Best Picture Oscar as a producer on Martin Scorsese’s 2006 crime drama, THE DEPARTED.

About New Regency
Founded in 1991 by renowned producer Arnon Milchan, New Regency is actively engaged in entertaining the world.  The company has produced some of the most successful and critically-acclaimed films of all time with over 125 films and more than 50 television series in the company’s vast library, including 2014 Academy Award®-winning Best Picture, “12 Years A Slave.” New Regency is also dedicated to continuing to foster its unparalleled filmmaker relationships and today boasts partnerships with most acclaimed and sought-after creative forces in the industry.

---------------------

BAFTAs Name "Boyhood" Best Film of 2014 - Complete List of Winners

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 took place on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.  The ceremony was hosted by Stephen Fry and was broadcast exclusively on BBC One and BBC One HD, preceded by a red carpet show on BBC Three.  The ceremony was also broadcast in all major territories around the world.

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

Best Film
Richard Linklater and Cathleen Sutherland - "Boyhood"

Best Director
Richard Linklater - "Boyhood"

Best Actor In A Leading Role
Eddie Redmayne - "The Theory Of Everything"

Best Actress In A Leading Role
Julianne Moore - "Still Alice"

Best Actor In A Supporting Role
J.K. Simmons - "Whiplash"

Best Actress In A Supporting Role
Patricia Arquette - "Boyhood"

Best Original Screenplay
Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Best Adapted Screenplay
Anthony McCarten - "The Theory Of Everything"

Outstanding British Film
James Marsh, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce, Anthony McCarten - "Theory Of Everything"

Best Documentary
Laura Poitras - "Citizenfour"

Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer
Stephen Beresford, David Livingstone - "Pride"

Best Film Not In The English Language
Pawel Pawlikowski, Eric Abraham, Piotr Dzieciol, Ewa Puszczynska - "Ida"

Best Animated Film
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller - "The Lego Movie"

Best Original Music
Alexandre Desplat - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Best Cinematography
Emmanuel Lubezki - "Birdman"

Best Editing
Tom Cross - "Whiplash"

Best Production Design
Adam Stockhausen, Anna Pinnock - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Best Costume Design
Milena Canonero - "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Best Makeup and Hair
Frances Hannon - "The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best Sound
Thomas Curley, Ben Wilkins, Craig Mann - "Whiplash"

Best Special Visual Effects
Paul Franklin, Scott Fisher, Andrew Lockley, Ian Hunter - "Interstellar"

Best Short Film
Chris Hees, Daisy Jacobs, Jennifer Majka - "Boogaloo And Graham"

Best Short Animation
Brian J. Falconer, Michael Lennox, Ronan Blaney - "The Bigger Picture"

*EE Rising Star Award:
Jack O'Connell

*The EE Rising Star Award is an audience award voted for by the British public and presented to an actor or actress who has demonstrated exceptional talent and promise.

-----------------------


Sunday, February 8, 2015

"Birdman" and Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu Top 2015 Directors Guild Awards

The Directors Guild of America (DGA) is the entertainment labor union that represents film and television directors.  The DGA gives out the Directors Guild of America Award each year to honor outstanding achievement.

The DGA Award winners were announced at the 67th Annual DGA Awards Dinner on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

2015 / 67th DGA Award Winners for the year 2014:

FEATURE FILM:

ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
(Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Mr. Iñárritu’s Directorial Team:
Unit Production Managers: James W. Skotchdopole, Robert Graf
First Assistant Director: Peter Kohn
Second Assistant Director: Amy Lauritsen
Second Second Assistant Director: Catherine Feeny
Location Manager: Joaquin Prange

This is Mr. Iñárritu’s third DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this category for Babel in 2006. He won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials for “Best Job” (Proctor and Gamble) in 2012.

DRAMATIC TELEVISION SERIES

LESLI LINKA GLATTER
Homeland, “From A to B and Back Again”
(Showtime)

Ms. Glatter’s Directorial Team:
• Unit Production Managers: Angela Phillips, Michael Klick
• First Assistant Director: Nick Heckstall Smith
• Second Assistant Director: Wendy Bledsoe

This is Ms. Glatter’s fifth DGA Award nomination. She previously won in this category in 2009 for Mad Men, “Guy Walks into an Advertising Agency.” She was also nominated in 2013 and 2012 for Homeland episodes “The Star” and “Q & A,” as well as in 1990 for Twin Peaks, “Episode 32006.”

COMEDY TELEVISION SERIES

JILL SOLOWAY
Transparent, “Best New Girl”
(Amazon Prime)

Ms. Soloway’s Directorial Team:
• Unit Production Manager: Victor Hsu
• First Assistant Director: Bill Purple
• Second Assistant Director: Allan Monteiro Fortes

This is Ms. Soloway’s first DGA Award nomination.

MOVIES FOR TELEVISION AND MINI SERIES

LISA CHOLODENKO

Olive Kitteridge
(HBO)

Ms. Cholodenko’s Directorial Team:
• Unit Production Manager: David Coatsworth
• First Assistant Director: Jesse Nye
• Second Assistant Director: Mark Constance
• Second Second Assistant Director: Elizabeth MacSwan

This is Ms. Cholodenko’s first DGA Award nomination.

DOCUMENTARY

LAURA POITRAS

Citizenfour
RADiUS
Praxis Films
Participant Media
HBO Documentary Films
Bertha Foundation | BRITDOC Circle | Channel 4
Norddeutscher Rundfunk NDR
Bayerischer Rundfunk BR
Deutscher Filmförderfonds

This is Ms. Poitras’s first DGA Award nomination.

VARIETY/TALK/NEWS/SPORTS – SPECIALS

GLENN WEISS

The 68th Annual Tony Awards
(CBS)

Mr. Weiss’s Directorial Team:
• Associate Directors: Ken Diego, Robin Abrams, Stefani Cohen, Ricky Kirshner
• Stage Managers: Garry Hood, Phyllis Digilio-Kent, Peter Epstein, Andrew Feigin, Lynn Finkel, Doug Fogel, Jeffry Gitter, Arthur Lewis, Jeffrey M. Markowitz, Joey Meade, Seth Mellman, Cyndi Owgang, Jeff Pearl, Annette Powlis, Elise Reaves, Lauren Class Schneider

This is Mr. Weiss’s twelfth DGA Award nomination. He is also nominated this year for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series, together with Rob Ashford, for Peter Pan Live! He previously won the DGA Award in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 for the 61st, 64th, 65th, 66th and 67th Annual Tony Awards. He was also nominated in 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2008 for the 55th, 56th, 59th, 60th, and 62nd Annual Tony Awards.

VARIETY/TALK/NEWS/SPORTS – REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING

DAVE DIOMEDI

The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, “Episode #1″
(NBC)

Mr. Diomedi’s Directorial Team:
• Associate Director: Maureen Smith
• Stage Managers: Nicka Tolmasoff, Mike Kilkenny

This is Mr. Diomedi’s second DGA Award nomination. He was nominated in this category last year for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, “#799.”

REALITY PROGRAMS

ANTHONY B. SACCO

The Chair, “The Test”
(Starz)

This is Mr. Sacco’s third DGA Award nomination. He previously won in this category in 2006 for Treasure Hunters, “Episode #101” and was nominated in 2007 for Project Runway, “Fashion Giant #403.”

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

JONATHAN JUDGE

100 Things To Do Before High School, “Pilot”
(Nickelodeon)

Mr. Judge’s Directorial Team:
• Unit Production Manager: Debra Spidell
• First Assistant Director: Julian Petrillo
• Second Assistant Director: Katey Wheelhouse
• Second Second Assistant Director: Ceci Mak

This is Mr. Judge’s third DGA Award nomination. He was previously nominated in this category in 2013 for Swindle and in 2012 for Camp Fred.

COMMERCIALS

NICOLAI FUGLSIG
(MJZ)

Sapeurs, Guinness AMV BBDO
• First Assistant Director: Bob Wilkins

Waiting, FEMA Deutsch NY
• First Assistant Director: Bob Wagner
• Second Assistant Director: Rafa Sanz

This is Mr. Fuglsig’s second DGA Award nomination. He previously won in this category in 2007 for Tipping Point (Guinness), It’s Magic (JC Penney), and TJourney (Motorola)

--------------------------


The Grammys Announces All-Star Line-up of Presenters for 57th Annual Grammy Awards

The Biggest Stars Join Music's Biggest Night® as Presenters Line up for the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Dierks Bentley, James Corden, Miley Cyrus, Josh Duhamel, Jamie Foxx, Barry Gibb, Dave Grohl, Jennifer Hudson, Enrique Iglesias, Nick Jonas, Anna Kendrick, Shia LaBeouf, Katharine McPhee, Nicki Minaj, Gwyneth Paltrow, Pentatonix, Smokey Robinson, Nile Rodgers, Gina Rodriguez, Ryan Seacrest, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Keith Urban, The Weeknd, And Stevie Wonder Are Set To Present On The 57th GRAMMY Awards

LL COOL J Returns To Host Music's Biggest Night® Airing Live On CBS, Feb. 8, 2015


SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A diverse, all-star lineup of celebrities will take the stage as presenters for the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards®. This year's presenters – which include GRAMMY® nominees, previous winners and stars from film and TV – are: GRAMMY nominee Dierks Bentley; actor and late night TV host James Corden; current nominee Miley Cyrus; actor Josh Duhamel; Academy Award® and GRAMMY winner Jamie Foxx; nine-time GRAMMY winner Barry Gibb; 15-time GRAMMY winner Dave Grohl; Academy Award and GRAMMY winner and current nominee Jennifer Hudson; four-time Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY winner Enrique Iglesias; singer Nick Jonas; actress Anna Kendrick; actor Shia LaBeouf; actress Katharine McPhee; current nominee Nicki Minaj; Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow; current nominees Pentatonix; GRAMMY winner Smokey Robinson; three-time GRAMMY winner Nile Rodgers; Golden Globe® winner Gina Rodriguez; Emmy®-winning TV/radio host and producer Ryan Seacrest; seven-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Taylor Swift; current nominee Meghan Trainor; four-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Keith Urban; GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and 25-time GRAMMY winner Stevie Wonder; and singer The Weeknd. Entertainment icon and two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J returns as host. Taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Music's Biggest Night® will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Previously announced performers are GRAMMY-winning band AC/DC; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Beck; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Tony Bennett; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Mary J. Blige; nominee Eric Church; nominee Brandy Clark; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Common; nominee Ariana Grande; GRAMMY winner Herbie Hancock; nominee Hozier; nominee Jessie J; GRAMMY winner Tom Jones; 20-time Latin GRAMMY winner and current nominee Juanes; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Lady Gaga; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Miranda Lambert; internationally acclaimed pianist and GRAMMY Cultural Ambassador To China Lang Lang; GRAMMY winner and current nominee John Legend; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Annie Lennox; GRAMMY winner Adam Levine; the legendary Jeff Lynne's ELO; GRAMMY winner Madonna; GRAMMY winner Paul McCartney; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Chris Martin; GRAMMY winner John Mayer; nominee Katy Perry; GRAMMY winner Questlove; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Rihanna; nominee Ed Sheeran; nominee Sia; nominee Sam Smith; GRAMMY winner Gwen Stefani; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Usher; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Kanye West; GRAMMY winner and current nominee Pharrell Williams; and GRAMMY winner Dwight Yoakam.

The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

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 Google+, Instagram, Tumblr and YouTube.

-------------------