124 DOCUMENTARY FEATURES SUBMITTED FOR 2015 OSCAR® RACE
One hundred twenty-four features have been submitted for consideration in the Documentary Feature category for the 88th Academy Awards®.
The submitted features, listed in alphabetical order, are:
“Above and Beyond”
“All Things Must Pass”
“Amy”
“The Armor of Light”
“Ballet 422”
“Batkid Begins”
“Becoming Bulletproof”
“Being Evel”
“Beltracchi – The Art of Forgery”
“Best of Enemies”
“The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution”
“Bolshoi Babylon”
“Brand: A Second Coming”
“A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story”
“Call Me Lucky”
“Cartel Land”
“Censored Voices”
“Champs”
“CodeGirl”
“Coming Home”
“Dark Horse”
“Deli Man”
“Dior and I”
“The Diplomat”
“(Dis)Honesty – The Truth about Lies”
“Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten: Cambodia’s Lost Rock and Roll”
“Dreamcatcher”
“dream/killer”
“Drunk, Stoned, Brilliant, Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon”
“Eating Happiness”
“Every Last Child”
“Evidence of Harm”
“Farewell to Hollywood”
“Finders Keepers”
“The Forecaster”
“Frame by Frame”
“Gardeners of Eden”
“A Gay Girl in Damascus: The Amina Profile”
“Godspeed: The Story of Page Jones”
“Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief”
“He Named Me Malala”
“Heart of a Dog”
“Hitchcock/Truffaut”
“How to Change the World”
“Human”
“The Hunting Ground”
“I Am Chris Farley”
“In Jackson Heights”
“In My Father’s House”
“India’s Daughter”
“Ingrid Bergman – In Her Own Words”
“Iraqi Odyssey”
“Iris”
“Janis: Little Girl Blue”
“Karski & the Lords of Humanity”
“Killing Them Safely”
“Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck”
“Lambert & Stamp”
“A Lego Brickumentary”
“Listen to Me Marlon”
“Live from New York!”
“The Look of Silence”
“Meet the Patels”
“Meru”
“The Mind of Mark DeFriest”
“Misery Loves Comedy”
“Monkey Kingdom”
“A Murder in the Park”
“My Italian Secret”
“My Voice, My Life”
“1971”
“Of Men and War”
“One Cut, One Life”
“Only the Dead See the End of War”
“The Outrageous Sophie Tucker”
“Peace Officer”
“The Pearl Button”
“Pink & Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer”
“Poached”
“Polyfaces”
“The Prime Ministers: Soldiers and Peacemakers”
“Prophet’s Prey”
“Racing Extinction”
“The Resurrection of Jake the Snake”
“Ride the Thunder – A Vietnam War Story of Victory & Betrayal”
“Rosenwald”
“The Russian Woodpecker”
“Searching for Home: Coming Back from War”
“Seeds of Time”
“Sembene!”
“The Seven Five”
“Seymour: An Introduction”
“Sherpa”
“A Sinner in Mecca”
“Something Better to Come”
“Song from the Forest”
“Song of Lahore”
“Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine”
“Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans”
“Stray Dog”
“Sunshine Superman”
“Sweet Micky for President”
“Tab Hunter Confidential”
“The Tainted Veil”
“Tap World”
“(T)error”
“Thao’s Library”
“Those Who Feel the Fire Burning”
“3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets”
“The Touch of an Angel”
“TransFatty Lives”
“The True Cost”
“Twinsters”
“Very Semi-Serious: A Partially Thorough Portrait of New Yorker Cartoonists”
“The Wanted 18”
“We Are Many”
“We Come as Friends”
“We Were Not Just…Bicycle Thieves. Neorealism”
“Welcome to Leith”
“What Happened, Miss Simone?”
“What Our Fathers Did: A Nazi Legacy”
“Where to Invade Next”
“Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom”
“The Wolfpack”
Several of the films have not yet had their required Los Angeles and New York qualifying releases. Submitted features must fulfill the theatrical release requirements and comply with all of the category’s other qualifying rules in order to advance in the voting process. A shortlist of 15 films will be announced in December.
Films submitted in the Documentary Feature category may also qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including Best Picture, provided they meet the requirements for those categories.
The 88th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at 5:30 a.m. PT at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
The 88th Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Friday, October 23, 2015
Review: "Ex Machina" More Proof of Alex Garland's Talents
[A version of this review first appeared on Patreon.]
Ex Machina (2015)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: UK
Running time:108 minutes (1 hour, 48 minutes]
MPAA – R for graphic nudity, language, sexual references and some violence
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Alex Garland
PRODUCERS: Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich, and Ben Salisbury
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Rob Hardy
EDITOR: Mark Day
COMPOSER: Geoff Barrow
SCI-FI/DRAMA with elements of a thriller
Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Sonoya Mizuno, and Oscar Isaac
Ex Machina is a 2015 science film from writer-director Alex Garland. The film focuses on a young programmer chosen to evaluate a female A.I. on her human qualities. Oscar-winning producer Scott Rudin is one of this film's executive producers.
Ex Machina introduces Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a programmer working for Bluebook, the world's most popular search engine. Caleb wins a company-wide contest to visit the company's CEO, Nathan (Oscar Isaac), at his secluded home and research facility.
Shortly after he arrives, Caleb learns that Nathan has built a humanoid robot (or android) named Ava (Alicia Vikander) that possesses artificial intelligence (A.I.) Nathan wants Caleb to administer “the Turing test” to Ava. This test is designed to measure an A.I.'s ability to persuade the tester that it is human. Ava is breath-taking in appearance, and Nathan discovers that he can relate to her despite knowing that she is artificial. Ava may be an android, but her feminine wiles prove to be more formidable than Caleb could ever imagine.
Alex Garland has proved to be a talented novelist and filmmaker. His wrote the screenplay for the film, Dredd, one of the best film adaptations of a comic book to be released this decade. In Ex Machina, he makes use of special effects in subtle ways, and that serves to make this film seem both plausible and tangible. Like Spike Jonze's Her, Ex Machina seems to be set in some near-future, a decade or so from now. The manner in which Garland presents Ava makes it seem as if a sentient android A.I. is just a few years from appearing. In fact, this movie makes me believe that somewhere in our world, in a hideaway compound, nestled in the mountains, a billionaire tech genius is probably halfway to making his own Ava.
Ex Machina is stylish, but substantive, but where it is spare, beauty comes through. It is as if Garland uses an eye-candy aesthetic to spin his ideas and theories. He shrewdly intertwines romance, character melodrama, dramatic conflict, and pulp thrills while composer Geoff Barrow's score enhances everything to great affect. In fact, Barrow has invented a “soundscape” that makes Ex Machina less ethereal and speculative, but more vivid and life-like.
This shrewd, speculative science fiction film could not work without high-quality performances from its actors. It should be no surprise that Oscar Isaac delivers a complex man who is maddeningly fascinating and repulsive in Nathan. Isaac's presence is so strong that it is hard to believe that Nathan is apparently a “supporting character.” Isaac is about to blast off into wider fame in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and so is his costar, Domhnall Gleeson, who is also appearing in the seventh installment of the Star Wars film franchise.
Gleeson delivers a complicated character in Caleb. Other than realizing that he is smitten with Ava, the viewer might find Caleb hard to figure out. The character is well written, and Gleeson translates that into a character that, like a real person, hides so much behind the facade of his face.
Alicia Vikander also seems to be close to being a breakout actress, but perhaps she will prove to be a fine dramatic actress instead of merely being a pretty face who is cast in splashy Hollywood flicks for a few years. Her layered, textured performance makes Ava seem spare, aloof, mysterious, and even cold. However, Vikander makes you believe that there is so much more to Ava, more than anyone, even her creator, can ever know.
With its themes that recall Frankenstein, Ex Machina is a sleek film with both Gothic and futuristic sensibilities. As much as I like it, I find the last 10 minutes of the film to be flimsy because the ending seems tacked on more than it seems predictable (which it is). Despite that, I still think that Ex Machina is an exceptional science fiction film that is worth watching. Consider it a cautionary tale about our future or perhaps, consider it a sign post along the road to the Twilight Zone.
8 of 10
A
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Erykah Badu to Host 2015 Soul Train Awards
Erykah Badu Announced as Host of the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds to Receive the Legend Award while Jill Scott to be Honored with First-Ever Lady of Soul Award at Soul Music’s Annual Event
Soul Train Awards to Air on Centric and BET, November 29th at 8PM ET
#SoulTrainAwards
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CENTRIC today announced that the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015 will be hosted by the incomparable singer-songwriter Erykah Badu. The hippest trip led by the illest chick will celebrate soul music’s R&B legends alongside the next wave of talented artists. Filmed November 6, 2015 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS will air on CENTRIC and BET on November 29th, 2015 at 8PM ET.
Musical luminaries being honored at the show include Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, who will receive the Legend Award and Jill Scott who will accept the first-ever Lady of Soul Award. These icons are being recognized for their longstanding presence in the industry and influence on the world of music past and present. R&B legend and record producer Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds has won 11 Grammy Awards and written and produced 26 No. 1 R&B hits. His new album, Return of the Tender Lover, will be released December 4th. A torchbearer of R&B music, Jill is a 3x Grammy Award-winner who has also established herself as a critically acclaimed actress as well as a New York Times bestselling poet.
The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS will feature an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances and viewers can expect special appearances by some of the brightest stars in entertainment. The event annually showcases Soul Train’s influence on the history of music and dance from the 70s to today.
Another fun addition for visitors to look forward to is the full SOUL TRAIN WEEKEND November 5-7. Packages are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com, starting at $800. Individual tickets can be purchased for the Centric Presents Soul Train Awards at Orleans Arena (orleansarena.com) and the Soul Train Weekend Concert featuring R. Kelly with special guest Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds (Ticketmaster.com). General admission tickets to the Soul Train Weekend Late Night Party at LIGHT nightclub will be available at a later date to be announced. Additional information and ticketing can be found at SoulTrainWeekend.com.
The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015 is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment. Executive Producers of the network telecast are as follows: Debra Lee, Stephen Hill, Connie Orlando and Lynne Harris Taylor from BET; and Jesse Collins from Jesse Collins Entertainment. Erykah Badu is an Associate Producer.
For show information, please visit BET.com/SoulTrain, the official site for SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015. To apply for media credentials to cover the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015 red carpet, please visit: www.betpressroom.com
About CENTRIC
Centric is the only multi-platform lifestyle brand designed to boldly celebrate the diverse and beautiful world of Black women. A 24-hour music and entertainment channel, Centric has its finger on the pulse of an ever-changing beat and delivers compelling content that reflects, inspires and addresses the unique perspectives of Black women.
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), 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.
About Soul Train Holdings
SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS, LLC was formed in May 2008 and is owned by InterMedia Partners and a partnership between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Ron Burkle's investment firm, The Yucaipa Companies. The iconic franchise and catalog consists of more than 1,100 episodes and 40 specials from Don Cornelius Productions, Inc. Soul Train is the longest running, first-run, nationally syndicated music program in television history. During its 35-year run, the show featured lasting innovations such as the Soul Train line and the legendary sign off “Love, Peace and Soul.” At the heart of the show was Don Cornelius, the dancers and influential artists such as James Brown, Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner, Hall & Oates, Donna Summer, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Prince, Run D.M.C. and Destiny’s Child.
About the Orleans Arena
The Orleans Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility located just west of the Las Vegas Strip, is one of the nation’s leading multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities and the 2014 recipient of the Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers. In addition, the Orleans Arena is one of only a handful of arenas in the United States to achieve LEED Gold Certification and is part of the largest company in Nevada to achieve SHARP Certification for commitments to safe venue operations. According to Venues Today magazine, the Orleans Arena, which hosts more than 200 events each year, consistently ranks in the Top 10 for ticket sales in the United States and internationally among venues of similar size. These events include nationally touring concerts, NCAA basketball conference tournaments, family shows, motorsports and other unique events. For more information, call 702-365-7469 or visit www.OrleansArena.com. Stay connected to the Orleans Arena on Facebook (www.facebook.com/orleansarena) and on Twitter (@orleansarena).
-------------------
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds to Receive the Legend Award while Jill Scott to be Honored with First-Ever Lady of Soul Award at Soul Music’s Annual Event
Soul Train Awards to Air on Centric and BET, November 29th at 8PM ET
#SoulTrainAwards
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CENTRIC today announced that the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015 will be hosted by the incomparable singer-songwriter Erykah Badu. The hippest trip led by the illest chick will celebrate soul music’s R&B legends alongside the next wave of talented artists. Filmed November 6, 2015 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS will air on CENTRIC and BET on November 29th, 2015 at 8PM ET.
Musical luminaries being honored at the show include Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, who will receive the Legend Award and Jill Scott who will accept the first-ever Lady of Soul Award. These icons are being recognized for their longstanding presence in the industry and influence on the world of music past and present. R&B legend and record producer Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds has won 11 Grammy Awards and written and produced 26 No. 1 R&B hits. His new album, Return of the Tender Lover, will be released December 4th. A torchbearer of R&B music, Jill is a 3x Grammy Award-winner who has also established herself as a critically acclaimed actress as well as a New York Times bestselling poet.
The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS will feature an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances and viewers can expect special appearances by some of the brightest stars in entertainment. The event annually showcases Soul Train’s influence on the history of music and dance from the 70s to today.
Another fun addition for visitors to look forward to is the full SOUL TRAIN WEEKEND November 5-7. Packages are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com, starting at $800. Individual tickets can be purchased for the Centric Presents Soul Train Awards at Orleans Arena (orleansarena.com) and the Soul Train Weekend Concert featuring R. Kelly with special guest Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds (Ticketmaster.com). General admission tickets to the Soul Train Weekend Late Night Party at LIGHT nightclub will be available at a later date to be announced. Additional information and ticketing can be found at SoulTrainWeekend.com.
The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015 is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment. Executive Producers of the network telecast are as follows: Debra Lee, Stephen Hill, Connie Orlando and Lynne Harris Taylor from BET; and Jesse Collins from Jesse Collins Entertainment. Erykah Badu is an Associate Producer.
For show information, please visit BET.com/SoulTrain, the official site for SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015. To apply for media credentials to cover the SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2015 red carpet, please visit: www.betpressroom.com
About CENTRIC
Centric is the only multi-platform lifestyle brand designed to boldly celebrate the diverse and beautiful world of Black women. A 24-hour music and entertainment channel, Centric has its finger on the pulse of an ever-changing beat and delivers compelling content that reflects, inspires and addresses the unique perspectives of Black women.
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), 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.
About Soul Train Holdings
SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS, LLC was formed in May 2008 and is owned by InterMedia Partners and a partnership between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Ron Burkle's investment firm, The Yucaipa Companies. The iconic franchise and catalog consists of more than 1,100 episodes and 40 specials from Don Cornelius Productions, Inc. Soul Train is the longest running, first-run, nationally syndicated music program in television history. During its 35-year run, the show featured lasting innovations such as the Soul Train line and the legendary sign off “Love, Peace and Soul.” At the heart of the show was Don Cornelius, the dancers and influential artists such as James Brown, Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner, Hall & Oates, Donna Summer, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Prince, Run D.M.C. and Destiny’s Child.
About the Orleans Arena
The Orleans Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility located just west of the Las Vegas Strip, is one of the nation’s leading multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities and the 2014 recipient of the Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers. In addition, the Orleans Arena is one of only a handful of arenas in the United States to achieve LEED Gold Certification and is part of the largest company in Nevada to achieve SHARP Certification for commitments to safe venue operations. According to Venues Today magazine, the Orleans Arena, which hosts more than 200 events each year, consistently ranks in the Top 10 for ticket sales in the United States and internationally among venues of similar size. These events include nationally touring concerts, NCAA basketball conference tournaments, family shows, motorsports and other unique events. For more information, call 702-365-7469 or visit www.OrleansArena.com. Stay connected to the Orleans Arena on Facebook (www.facebook.com/orleansarena) and on Twitter (@orleansarena).
-------------------
Chris Rock to Host 88th Academy Awards Ceremony in Feb. 2016
Chris Rock Returns To Host The Oscars®
Multi-hyphenate artist and filmmaker Chris Rock will return to host the Oscars® for a second time, producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today. The 88th Academy Awards® will be broadcast live on Oscar® Sunday, February 28, 2016, on the ABC Television Network. Rock previously hosted the 77th Oscars telecast in 2005.
“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” said Hill and Hudlin. “Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian – he’s done it all. He’s going to be a phenomenal Oscar host!”
“I'm so glad to be hosting the Oscars,” said Rock. “It's great to be back.”
“We share David and Reggie’s excitement in welcoming Chris, whose comedic voice has really defined a generation,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “He is certain to bring his amazing array of talents to this year’s show.”
“Chris may be best known as a stand-up comic, but we think of him as a creative innovator in many other ways. He is unafraid in his artistry,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to the Oscars.”
"Chris Rock is a comedic powerhouse who will bring tremendous energy to the event, and we’re honored to have him,” said Paul Lee, President ABC Entertainment Group.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock most recently directed the comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo,” which premiered this month on HBO. In 2014 he wrote, directed and starred in the critically acclaimed feature “Top Five,” and in 2009 ventured into the documentary world as a writer, producer and star of “Good Hair.”
Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. His feature acting credits include “I Think I Love My Wife,” which he also wrote and directed, “Head of State” (writer, producer and director), “Death at a Funeral” (also producer), and the first three films in the blockbuster “Madagascar” series, as the voice of Marty. His other acting credits include “The Longest Yard,” “Nurse Betty,” “2 Days in New York” and “Lethal Weapon 4.” In 2011 Rock made his Broadway debut starring in “The Motherfucker with the Hat,” which was nominated for six Tony Awards®, including Best Play. In television, Rock created, executive produced and narrated the series “Everybody Hates Chris,” which ran from 2005 to 2009 and was inspired by Rock’s childhood. He was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1990 to 1993.
Known internationally for his groundbreaking stand-up comedy, Rock has won four Emmy® Awards for his comedy series and specials, including “Chris Rock – Kill the Messenger,” “The Chris Rock Show” and “Chris Rock: Bring the Pain,” and has achieved record audience numbers around the world. He also has earned three Grammy® Awards for his comedy albums Never Scared, Bigger and Blacker and Roll with the New.
The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
---------------------
Multi-hyphenate artist and filmmaker Chris Rock will return to host the Oscars® for a second time, producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today. The 88th Academy Awards® will be broadcast live on Oscar® Sunday, February 28, 2016, on the ABC Television Network. Rock previously hosted the 77th Oscars telecast in 2005.
“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” said Hill and Hudlin. “Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian – he’s done it all. He’s going to be a phenomenal Oscar host!”
“I'm so glad to be hosting the Oscars,” said Rock. “It's great to be back.”
“We share David and Reggie’s excitement in welcoming Chris, whose comedic voice has really defined a generation,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “He is certain to bring his amazing array of talents to this year’s show.”
“Chris may be best known as a stand-up comic, but we think of him as a creative innovator in many other ways. He is unafraid in his artistry,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to the Oscars.”
"Chris Rock is a comedic powerhouse who will bring tremendous energy to the event, and we’re honored to have him,” said Paul Lee, President ABC Entertainment Group.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock most recently directed the comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo,” which premiered this month on HBO. In 2014 he wrote, directed and starred in the critically acclaimed feature “Top Five,” and in 2009 ventured into the documentary world as a writer, producer and star of “Good Hair.”
Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. His feature acting credits include “I Think I Love My Wife,” which he also wrote and directed, “Head of State” (writer, producer and director), “Death at a Funeral” (also producer), and the first three films in the blockbuster “Madagascar” series, as the voice of Marty. His other acting credits include “The Longest Yard,” “Nurse Betty,” “2 Days in New York” and “Lethal Weapon 4.” In 2011 Rock made his Broadway debut starring in “The Motherfucker with the Hat,” which was nominated for six Tony Awards®, including Best Play. In television, Rock created, executive produced and narrated the series “Everybody Hates Chris,” which ran from 2005 to 2009 and was inspired by Rock’s childhood. He was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1990 to 1993.
Known internationally for his groundbreaking stand-up comedy, Rock has won four Emmy® Awards for his comedy series and specials, including “Chris Rock – Kill the Messenger,” “The Chris Rock Show” and “Chris Rock: Bring the Pain,” and has achieved record audience numbers around the world. He also has earned three Grammy® Awards for his comedy albums Never Scared, Bigger and Blacker and Roll with the New.
The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2015
November 2015 Opens with Two New Naruto Related Books
NARUTO Manga Creator Masashi Kishimoto’s Artwork Depicted In Vivid New Oversized Book And In NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY, The First Book In New Series Of Novels
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, gives NARUTO fans the opportunity to expand their personal collections with the release in November of UZUMAKI NARUTO: ILLUSTRATIONS, a new, full-color art book featuring works from the NARUTO series by its acclaimed creator, Masashi Kishimoto. Original NARUTO ninja adventures in fiction form are also set for release in early November as VIZ Media announces NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY, the first of a new series of NARUTO prose novels focusing on key characters from the series and complemented by original cover art by Masashi Kishimoto.
Masashi Kishimoto made his first-ever international professional appearance as an exclusive Guest of Honor at New York Comic Con 2015 this past month. The NARUTO manga series finale, Volume 72, was released in print and also digitally on October 6th, 2015, bringing the long-running ninja action adventure to its thrilling conclusion.
UZUMAKI NARUTO: ILLUSTRATIONS MSRP: $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN · Available November 3rd!
The third full-color art book from the hit manga series NARUTO! Experience Masashi Kishimoto's artwork in all of its colorful glory in this collection of images from the finale of the best-selling Naruto manga! Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi and all your favorite characters appear in nearly a hundred pages of gorgeous full-color images. The book also features commentary from Masashi Kishimoto, a beautiful double-sided poster and a sticker sheet!
NARUTO: KAKASHI’s story MSRP: $10.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Available November 3rd!
In the first in a new series of prose novels straight from the worldwide smash hit franchise, Naruto’s allies and enemies take center stage in these fast-paced adventures, with each volume focusing on a particular series character.
In NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY, a year has passed since the Fourth Great Ninja War, and Kakashi’s appointment to Hokage looms. But first he heads to the Land of Waves for a dangerous mission rescuing hostages from a top secret airship. There he confronts a ninja whose heart is frozen by tragedy. Having lost both his friend’s eye and his greatest abilities, can Kakashi really protect anyone? What is the true meaning of the will of fire gained in the distant heavens? Kakashi finds these answers and more as he opens the door to a new ninja era.
Manga author/artist Masashi Kishimoto was born in 1974 in rural Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Like many kids, he was first inspired to become a manga artist in elementary school when he read Dragon Ball. After spending time in art school, he won the Hop Step Award for new manga artists with his story, Karakuri. After considering various genres for his next project, Kishimoto decided on a story steeped in traditional Japanese culture. His first version of NARUTO, drawn in 1997, was a one-shot story about fox spirits; his final version, which debuted in Japan in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, quickly became the most popular ninja manga in the world. The series would also spawn multiple anime series, movies, novels, video games and more. Having concluded the series in late 2014, Masashi Kishimoto has kept himself busy this year with the side story, Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring, and writing the story for the latest NARUTO movie, Boruto: Naruto the Movie, both of which focus on the title character's son, Boruto.
VIZ Media is the North American master licensor for NARUTO and publishes the bestselling NARUTO manga series in print and digitally and also distributes the NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series and feature films. Additional information on NARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2015
"Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" Begins Principal Photography
PARAMOUNT PICTURES AND SKYDANCE MEDIA ANNOUNCE START OF PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON "JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK"
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media today announced that principal photography has commenced on "JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK," starring Tom Cruise (the "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE" franchise, "EDGE OF TOMORROW") and directed by Edward Zwick ("THE LAST SAMURAI," "BLOOD DIAMOND").
Production will take place in New Orleans. The film is set for release on October 21, 2016.
The new film, a sequel to 2012’s "JACK REACHER," is based on author Lee Child’s 18th book in the bestselling Jack Reacher series, Never Go Back. The film is written by Richard Wenk ("THE EXPENDABLES 2," "THE EQUALIZER"), Marshall Herskovitz ("LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS," "THE LAST SAMURAI") & Zwick.
Cruise is producing alongside Don Granger ("MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION," "JACK REACHER"), Skydance Media’s David Ellison and Dana Goldberg ("MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION," “ EOSTORM"), and Christopher McQuarrie ("MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION," “ ALKYRIE"). The executive producers are Paula Wagner ("WAR OF THE WORLDS,” "THE OTHERS") and Herb Gains ("THE JUDGE," "NON-STOP").
"JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK" also stars Cobie Smulders ("How I Met Your Mother," "AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON"), Danika Yarosh ("Heroes Reborn," “ hameless"), Austin Hebert ("Bonnie and Clyde"), Patrick Heusinger ("QUANTUM BREAK," "GIRLFRIEND’S GUIDE TO DIVORCE"), Aldis Hodge ("STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON," "A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD"), and Holt McCallany ("Blue Bloods," "GANGSTER SQUAD").
Tom Cruise is a global cultural icon who has made an immeasurable impact on cinema by creating some of the most memorable characters of all time in legendary films such as "TOP GUN," "JERRY MAGUIRE," "RISKY BUSINESS," "MINORITY REPORT," "INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE," "A FEW GOOD MEN," "THE FIRM," "RAIN MAN," “ OLLATERAL," "THE LAST SAMURAI," "EDGE OF TOMORROW," "THE COLOR OF MONEY," and the "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE" franchise among many others.
A consummate filmmaker involved in all aspects of film production, Cruise has achieved extraordinary success as an actor, producer, and philanthropist in a career spanning over three decades. A three-time Academy Award® nominee and three-time Golden Globe Award winner his films have earned over eight billion dollars in worldwide box office alone— an incomparable accomplishment.
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 Skydance Media
Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create elevated, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across platforms, including feature film, television, gaming and digital. Among Skydance Media’s commercially and critically successful feature films are Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Terminator Genisys, World War Z, Jack Reacher, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Star Trek Into Darkness and True Grit. Its 2015 feature films, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and Terminator Genisys, together grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Skydance’s future feature film slate includes Star Trek Beyond, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back and Geostorm. The Company’s current television series are the Emmy-nominated Grace and Frankie on Netflix and the Emmy-winning Manhattan on WGN America.
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HOLLYWOOD, CA – Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media today announced that principal photography has commenced on "JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK," starring Tom Cruise (the "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE" franchise, "EDGE OF TOMORROW") and directed by Edward Zwick ("THE LAST SAMURAI," "BLOOD DIAMOND").
Production will take place in New Orleans. The film is set for release on October 21, 2016.
The new film, a sequel to 2012’s "JACK REACHER," is based on author Lee Child’s 18th book in the bestselling Jack Reacher series, Never Go Back. The film is written by Richard Wenk ("THE EXPENDABLES 2," "THE EQUALIZER"), Marshall Herskovitz ("LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS," "THE LAST SAMURAI") & Zwick.
Cruise is producing alongside Don Granger ("MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION," "JACK REACHER"), Skydance Media’s David Ellison and Dana Goldberg ("MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION," “ EOSTORM"), and Christopher McQuarrie ("MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION," “ ALKYRIE"). The executive producers are Paula Wagner ("WAR OF THE WORLDS,” "THE OTHERS") and Herb Gains ("THE JUDGE," "NON-STOP").
"JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK" also stars Cobie Smulders ("How I Met Your Mother," "AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON"), Danika Yarosh ("Heroes Reborn," “ hameless"), Austin Hebert ("Bonnie and Clyde"), Patrick Heusinger ("QUANTUM BREAK," "GIRLFRIEND’S GUIDE TO DIVORCE"), Aldis Hodge ("STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON," "A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD"), and Holt McCallany ("Blue Bloods," "GANGSTER SQUAD").
Tom Cruise is a global cultural icon who has made an immeasurable impact on cinema by creating some of the most memorable characters of all time in legendary films such as "TOP GUN," "JERRY MAGUIRE," "RISKY BUSINESS," "MINORITY REPORT," "INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE," "A FEW GOOD MEN," "THE FIRM," "RAIN MAN," “ OLLATERAL," "THE LAST SAMURAI," "EDGE OF TOMORROW," "THE COLOR OF MONEY," and the "MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE" franchise among many others.
A consummate filmmaker involved in all aspects of film production, Cruise has achieved extraordinary success as an actor, producer, and philanthropist in a career spanning over three decades. A three-time Academy Award® nominee and three-time Golden Globe Award winner his films have earned over eight billion dollars in worldwide box office alone— an incomparable accomplishment.
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 Skydance Media
Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create elevated, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across platforms, including feature film, television, gaming and digital. Among Skydance Media’s commercially and critically successful feature films are Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Terminator Genisys, World War Z, Jack Reacher, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Star Trek Into Darkness and True Grit. Its 2015 feature films, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and Terminator Genisys, together grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Skydance’s future feature film slate includes Star Trek Beyond, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back and Geostorm. The Company’s current television series are the Emmy-nominated Grace and Frankie on Netflix and the Emmy-winning Manhattan on WGN America.
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Monday, October 19, 2015
"The Big Short" Teaser Poster Debuts
THE BIG SHORT
In Theaters December 11, 2015
The film will premier at the AFI Festival on November 12, 2015
PARAMOUNT PICTURES and REGENCY ENTERPRISES Present
A PLAN B ENTERTAINMENT Production of
AN ADAM MCKAY Film
“THE BIG SHORT”
Executive Producers Louise Rosner-Meyer Kevin Messick
Produced By Brad Pitt Dede Gardner Jeremy Kleiner Arnon Milchan
Based Upon the book by Michael Lewis
Screenplay By Charles Randolph and Adam McKay
Directed By Adam McKay
When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea: The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything. Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis (The Blind Side, Moneyball), and directed by Adam Mckay (Anchorman, Step Brothers) The Big Short stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt.
http//thebigshortmovie.com
SOCIAL
https://www.facebook.com/TheBigShortMovie
https://twitter.com/TheBigShort
https://instagram.com/TheBigShortMovie
https://www.youtube.com/user/Paramount
#TheBigShort
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