Directed by Eric Appel and Josh Ruben, Die Hart 3: Hart to Kill makes us privy to the life of the actor Kevin Hart, who plays a fictionalized version of himself, and walks us through the kinds of trouble he finds himself in, and the challenges he has to face in his career. This time around, Kevin was on a quest to become a serious actor, but the problem was that nobody was offering him any such roles. So, Kevin decided to go and meet Jackson Pepper, who was known for his award-winning films, and requested that he make films with him. So, let’s find out what happened during that meeting and how Kevin ended up on the FBI’s most wanted list.
Spoiler Alert
Why did Kevin go to meet Jackson Pepper?
Kevin had amassed a lot of fame as a comedian and action star, but he was...
Spoiler Alert
Why did Kevin go to meet Jackson Pepper?
Kevin had amassed a lot of fame as a comedian and action star, but he was...
- 12/17/2024
- by Sushrut Gopesh
- DMT
Die Hart 2: Die Harter, directed by Eric Appel, once again takes us back to the familial world, where Kevin lands himself in all kinds of trouble. This time, he wanted to change the perception people had of him. He wanted to do an action flick. He was just bored with the same old stuff. But Kevin had no clue that there were people who just wanted to take revenge on him, and they were ready to go to any extent to do that. So, let’s find out what happened in the film and if Kevin was able to get the better of his adversaries.
Spoiler Alert
What happened when Kevin met Debra Simon?
Kevin was desperate to do a good action film, but the problem was that nobody was offering him to do one. He was associated with a certain genre, and the producers had stereotyped him because...
Spoiler Alert
What happened when Kevin met Debra Simon?
Kevin was desperate to do a good action film, but the problem was that nobody was offering him to do one. He was associated with a certain genre, and the producers had stereotyped him because...
- 6/2/2024
- by Sushrut Gopesh
- DMT
Daniel Radcliffe joins Weird Al Yankovic while arriving at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday (January 15) at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The 34-year-old actor portrayed the parody musician in the comedy movie Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, and they were both nominated for their work!
Daniel was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his portrayal of the musician, while Weird Al was nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie with his co-writer Eric Appel, who also joined them on the carpet, and Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for his song “Now You Know.”
While they didn’t win at the Primetime Emmys, the parody movie did pick up two wins at the Creative Arts Emmys the week before – Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie!
Also...
The 34-year-old actor portrayed the parody musician in the comedy movie Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, and they were both nominated for their work!
Daniel was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his portrayal of the musician, while Weird Al was nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie with his co-writer Eric Appel, who also joined them on the carpet, and Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for his song “Now You Know.”
While they didn’t win at the Primetime Emmys, the parody movie did pick up two wins at the Creative Arts Emmys the week before – Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie!
Also...
- 1/16/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story won the award for outstanding television movie at the 2023 Creative Arts Emmys.
The other nominees were Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas, Fire Island, Hocus Pocus 2, and Prey.
This is one of eight Emmy Awards that Weird: The Al Yankovic Story was nominated for. The film is co-written and produced by Yankovic himself, telling the story of his ascent to parody artist superstardom. It also marks the first Emmy win for Yankovic, who is no stranger to awards attention, having five Grammy wins to his name among several other notable accolades.
Weird sees Daniel Radcliffe stepping into the title role, for which he’s nominated for a Primetime Emmy for lead actor in a television movie or limited series. The movie is also nominated for its casting, music composition (for which it has already won), original music and lyrics, sound mixing, picture editing, and writing.
The other nominees were Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas, Fire Island, Hocus Pocus 2, and Prey.
This is one of eight Emmy Awards that Weird: The Al Yankovic Story was nominated for. The film is co-written and produced by Yankovic himself, telling the story of his ascent to parody artist superstardom. It also marks the first Emmy win for Yankovic, who is no stranger to awards attention, having five Grammy wins to his name among several other notable accolades.
Weird sees Daniel Radcliffe stepping into the title role, for which he’s nominated for a Primetime Emmy for lead actor in a television movie or limited series. The movie is also nominated for its casting, music composition (for which it has already won), original music and lyrics, sound mixing, picture editing, and writing.
- 1/7/2024
- by Hilton Dresden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This year’s limited program writing Emmy contest is unique in that it is the first in five years to include any TV movies at all and the first in 13 years to involve three of them. The one-off narrative specials in the running for this honor are “Fire Island,” “Prey,” and “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” all of which are also nominated for Best TV Movie, and the middle of which has achieved the rare feat of concurrently being recognized for its directing.
While all three of these telefilms stand as relatively strong contenders, this writing race is being very comfortably led by “Beef,” which is the only program that can possibly win all seven of this year’s major limited series Emmys. Putting up fights of their own are the miniseries “Fleishman is in Trouble” and “Swarm,” which both also face “Beef” in the corresponding lead actress and contemporary costumes categories.
While all three of these telefilms stand as relatively strong contenders, this writing race is being very comfortably led by “Beef,” which is the only program that can possibly win all seven of this year’s major limited series Emmys. Putting up fights of their own are the miniseries “Fleishman is in Trouble” and “Swarm,” which both also face “Beef” in the corresponding lead actress and contemporary costumes categories.
- 8/31/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Director Eric Appel got weird last year with his “Weird Al” Yankovic biopic and now may be looking to go on a big adventure, as he has expressed interest in helming a biopic of the late Paul Reubens aka Pee-wee Herman.
Speaking with ComicBook.com, Appel said, “You know, I feel like a Paul Reubens — an actual Paul Reubens biopic…I feel like that’s a story that people would really love.” That’s appropriate enough considering Pee-wee Herman actually popped up in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. Even more fitting, Appel said he would love to recast Jorma Taccone in the role. Taccone briefly appeared in the pool party sequence alongside the likes of Andy Warhol, Divine and Gallagher.
While a Paul Reubens biopic remains just a dream for now, certainly the actor is deserving of one, although Apple did say that it wouldn’t be as playful — or darkly...
Speaking with ComicBook.com, Appel said, “You know, I feel like a Paul Reubens — an actual Paul Reubens biopic…I feel like that’s a story that people would really love.” That’s appropriate enough considering Pee-wee Herman actually popped up in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. Even more fitting, Appel said he would love to recast Jorma Taccone in the role. Taccone briefly appeared in the pool party sequence alongside the likes of Andy Warhol, Divine and Gallagher.
While a Paul Reubens biopic remains just a dream for now, certainly the actor is deserving of one, although Apple did say that it wouldn’t be as playful — or darkly...
- 8/30/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Fewer and fewer films are receiving physical media releases nowadays, so there's always cause for celebration when a media company deigns to do what media companies used to do as a rule and release one of their movies to Blu-ray.
The latest recipient of this all-too-rare honor is "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story." This is somewhat surprising given that The Roku Channel skipped a theatrical release and sent the film straight to its streaming platform. Yankovic had requested a limited, Oscar-qualifying theatrical run, but Roku preferred to focus on the Primetime Emmys, which paid off with nominations for Daniel Radcliffe (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie) and Yankovic himself. While I would've loved to see Yankovic vie for a Best Original Song Oscar, Roku probably made the right call here.
But thanks to Shout! Studios, fans will at the very least own their own physical...
The latest recipient of this all-too-rare honor is "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story." This is somewhat surprising given that The Roku Channel skipped a theatrical release and sent the film straight to its streaming platform. Yankovic had requested a limited, Oscar-qualifying theatrical run, but Roku preferred to focus on the Primetime Emmys, which paid off with nominations for Daniel Radcliffe (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie) and Yankovic himself. While I would've loved to see Yankovic vie for a Best Original Song Oscar, Roku probably made the right call here.
But thanks to Shout! Studios, fans will at the very least own their own physical...
- 8/25/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
When “Harry Potter” actor Daniel Radcliffe made his stage debut in 2007, he shocked Hollywood. At 17 years old, Radcliffe was cast as the lead in “Equus,” a Peter Shaffer play in which he would simulate sex with a horse.
Sixteen years later, a similar announcement would barely turn heads.
Now 33, Radcliffe has spent more time working as a professional actor outside of the franchise that skyrocketed him to fame than in it — and creating a singular body of work that exemplifies his artistic sensibilities and talent. Just four years after “Equus” and in the same summer as the final “Potter” premiere, he took a crash course in singing and dancing to lead the Broadway revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (cast recording). This was followed by tackling horror in “The Woman in Black,” playing Allen Ginsberg in “Kill Your Darlings,” and running head-first into the dark fantasy “Horns.
Sixteen years later, a similar announcement would barely turn heads.
Now 33, Radcliffe has spent more time working as a professional actor outside of the franchise that skyrocketed him to fame than in it — and creating a singular body of work that exemplifies his artistic sensibilities and talent. Just four years after “Equus” and in the same summer as the final “Potter” premiere, he took a crash course in singing and dancing to lead the Broadway revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (cast recording). This was followed by tackling horror in “The Woman in Black,” playing Allen Ginsberg in “Kill Your Darlings,” and running head-first into the dark fantasy “Horns.
- 8/16/2023
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Before she was editing “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” Jamie Kennedy was already a massive fan of “Weird” Al Yankovic. “My partner and I are both huge fans of “Weird” Al. We’ve been to four of his concerts out here in L.A. since living out here. He is just our favorite artist,” she tells Gold Derby during our recent webchat (watch the exclusive video interview above). She was able to land the gig of editing the film because of her work editing “Die Hart” for Eric Appel, who co-wrote and directed the film. Appel was still trying to get the project off the ground at the time. “I was like, please, please give me a call if that ever comes to fruition and he is like, I definitely will and then he definitely did and it was such an honor.”
SEELeo Birenberg and Zach Robinson interview: ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story...
SEELeo Birenberg and Zach Robinson interview: ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story...
- 8/15/2023
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Television Movie
Weekly Commentary: It’s a “weird” season, but there have been pleasant surprises.
“Prey,” the Predator prequel, which was filmed in the Stoney Nakoda First Nation west of Calgary nabbed six inspired nominations including outstanding television movie, directing and writing. And while Indigenous Peoples...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Television Movie
Weekly Commentary: It’s a “weird” season, but there have been pleasant surprises.
“Prey,” the Predator prequel, which was filmed in the Stoney Nakoda First Nation west of Calgary nabbed six inspired nominations including outstanding television movie, directing and writing. And while Indigenous Peoples...
- 8/3/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin from “Succession” (HBO)
Weekly Commentary: Official commentary coming soon.
The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. Pt and close on Aug. 28 at 10 p.m. Pst.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin from “Succession” (HBO)
Weekly Commentary: Official commentary coming soon.
The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. Pt and close on Aug. 28 at 10 p.m. Pst.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit...
- 8/3/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Burgeoning network The Roku Channel had a breakthrough year at the Emmys thanks to its original telefilm “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.” In all, the Weird Al Yankovic biopic parody received eight nominations including three for the infamous music superstar himself for producing, writing and music & lyrics. In addition, former “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe earned his first major career bid for taking on the role of Weird Al. Read on for a closer look at “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’s” eight nominations.
In the top category of Best TV Movie, “Weird” by far received the most noms of any of its rivals this year. The others, in descending order, are Hulu’s “Prey” with six, Disney+’s “Hocus Pocus 2” with three, and NBC’s “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas” and Hulu’s “Fire Island” both with two. Earlier this awards season, “Weird” claimed two Critics Choice Awards for movie and actor,...
In the top category of Best TV Movie, “Weird” by far received the most noms of any of its rivals this year. The others, in descending order, are Hulu’s “Prey” with six, Disney+’s “Hocus Pocus 2” with three, and NBC’s “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas” and Hulu’s “Fire Island” both with two. Earlier this awards season, “Weird” claimed two Critics Choice Awards for movie and actor,...
- 7/14/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
“Succession” led all programs when the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Award nominations were announced on Wednesday, July 12. It received 27 nominations including Best Drama Series. But that’s not the only noteworthy program achievement from the list of nominations.
SEE2023 Emmy nominations: Complete list of nominees “Ted Lasso” and “Succession” do better than ever in their farewell (?) seasons
That question mark is because “Ted Lasso” has been coy about whether its third season actually was its farewell, but assuming it was, that was one big goodbye hug the show got from Emmy voters. After 20 nominations in season one and 20 nominations in season two, the show managed to do even better in season three with 21 bids including Best Comedy Series. Less surprisingly, “Succession” outdid itself too. Its swan song earned it 27 nominations, two better than it received last year. These are looking like your front-runners for Best Comedy and Best Drama.
“Succession...
SEE2023 Emmy nominations: Complete list of nominees “Ted Lasso” and “Succession” do better than ever in their farewell (?) seasons
That question mark is because “Ted Lasso” has been coy about whether its third season actually was its farewell, but assuming it was, that was one big goodbye hug the show got from Emmy voters. After 20 nominations in season one and 20 nominations in season two, the show managed to do even better in season three with 21 bids including Best Comedy Series. Less surprisingly, “Succession” outdid itself too. Its swan song earned it 27 nominations, two better than it received last year. These are looking like your front-runners for Best Comedy and Best Drama.
“Succession...
- 7/12/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
It’s a good thing that the Television Academy never scrapped the Television Movie Emmy category because original streaming movies stepped up in a major way this morning in the Primetime noms.
Streaming movies notched four of the five Outstanding Movie Primetime Emmy nomination slots including Disney+’s most watched movie ever Hocus Pocus 2, Disney’s Hulu movies Prey and Fire Island, as well as Roku’s Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. In recent years, there’s been chatter that the Television Academy was pondering a nix of the movie category, but they’ve held on to it, and obviously streamers are delivering product to it.
Even more amazing, streaming movies grabbed three out of the six writing noms in the limited-anthology series/movie slot: Prey, Fire Island (Joel Kim Booster) and Weird: Al the Yankovic Story (Weird Al and Eric Appel).
Related:...
Streaming movies notched four of the five Outstanding Movie Primetime Emmy nomination slots including Disney+’s most watched movie ever Hocus Pocus 2, Disney’s Hulu movies Prey and Fire Island, as well as Roku’s Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. In recent years, there’s been chatter that the Television Academy was pondering a nix of the movie category, but they’ve held on to it, and obviously streamers are delivering product to it.
Even more amazing, streaming movies grabbed three out of the six writing noms in the limited-anthology series/movie slot: Prey, Fire Island (Joel Kim Booster) and Weird: Al the Yankovic Story (Weird Al and Eric Appel).
Related:...
- 7/12/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
During a recent Gold Derby video interview, senior editor Rob Licuria spoke in-depth with Daniel Radcliffe (“Weird: The Al Yankovic Story”) about his made-for-tv-movie on The Roku Channel, which is eligible at the 2023 Emmys. Watch the full video above and read the complete interview transcript below.
The actor stars as a fictionalized version of music superstar Weird Al Yankovic, who co-wrote the “Weird” screenplay with director Eric Appel. The comedy is loosely based on Yankovic’s life, parodying the biopic formula with tongue firmly planted in cheek, much like the musical parodies that Yankovic is famous for.
Radcliffe opened up in our webchat about how he doesn’t particularly like seeing himself on screen. “I get really, really nervous watching myself,” he revealed, “so I didn’t watch the first few screenings of it when it was at festivals, but eventually I did.” “Weird” debuted on the big screen at...
The actor stars as a fictionalized version of music superstar Weird Al Yankovic, who co-wrote the “Weird” screenplay with director Eric Appel. The comedy is loosely based on Yankovic’s life, parodying the biopic formula with tongue firmly planted in cheek, much like the musical parodies that Yankovic is famous for.
Radcliffe opened up in our webchat about how he doesn’t particularly like seeing himself on screen. “I get really, really nervous watching myself,” he revealed, “so I didn’t watch the first few screenings of it when it was at festivals, but eventually I did.” “Weird” debuted on the big screen at...
- 7/6/2023
- by Latasha Ford and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The Best Limited Series/TV Movie Writing category has 111 submissions on the 2023 Emmys ballot, giving us six nominees this year. With the same number of nominees last year, they were “Dopesick” (“The People vs. Purdue Pharma” by Danny Strong), “The Dropout” (“I’m in a Hurry” by Elizabeth Meriwether), “Maid” (“Snaps” by Molly Smith Metzler), “Station Eleven” (“Unbroken Circle” by Patrick Somerville), “Impeachment: American Crime Story” (“Man Handled” by Sarah Burgess), and the winner “The White Lotus” (Mike White).
What makes last year interesting is that half of the shows in the category were not nominated for Best Limited Series, something that perhaps could repeat itself to a degree with this year’s potential nominees. Another thing of note is that almost all of the top contenders this year that had the option to submit multiple episodes only went with one, preventing any possibility of vote-splitting.
Take “Beef” for example,...
What makes last year interesting is that half of the shows in the category were not nominated for Best Limited Series, something that perhaps could repeat itself to a degree with this year’s potential nominees. Another thing of note is that almost all of the top contenders this year that had the option to submit multiple episodes only went with one, preventing any possibility of vote-splitting.
Take “Beef” for example,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Christopher Tsang
- Gold Derby
Welcome to My Favorite Scene! In this series, IndieWire speaks to actors behind a few of our favorite television performances about their personal-best onscreen moment and how it came together.
Daniel Radcliffe is no stranger to stunt work.
The “Harry Potter” star has racked up a fascinating filmography since graduating from the Wizarding World in 2011, from multiple Broadway musicals to TBS’s “Miracle Workers” to the Daniels’ infamous “Swiss Army Man” — all of which demand comedic versatility but have only sporadically called upon his extensive experience in blockbuster franchise action. The same was true of Eric Appel’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” — until one major fight scene filmed in just over four hours.
“If we were on ‘Potter,’ we might have spent a week doing that scene,” the actor told IndieWire via Zoom — to immediate laughter from Appel.
“I wish I had a week!” the director chimed in. “I...
Daniel Radcliffe is no stranger to stunt work.
The “Harry Potter” star has racked up a fascinating filmography since graduating from the Wizarding World in 2011, from multiple Broadway musicals to TBS’s “Miracle Workers” to the Daniels’ infamous “Swiss Army Man” — all of which demand comedic versatility but have only sporadically called upon his extensive experience in blockbuster franchise action. The same was true of Eric Appel’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” — until one major fight scene filmed in just over four hours.
“If we were on ‘Potter,’ we might have spent a week doing that scene,” the actor told IndieWire via Zoom — to immediate laughter from Appel.
“I wish I had a week!” the director chimed in. “I...
- 6/22/2023
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
When “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” debuted on The Roku Channel in November, viewers quickly learned that this wasn’t your grandmother’s biopic. The life of Weird Al Yankovic (as played by Daniel Radcliffe) is exaggerated in satiric fashion, just as you’d expect from the man who rose to fame writing and performing parody songs. To celebrate the hilarious telefilm, check out our special 40-minute “Making of” roundtable discussion with co-composers Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson, production designer Dan Butts, film editor Jamie Kennedy, supervising sound editor Anthony Vanchure and sound designer Mike James Gallagher. Watch our exclusive video panel interview above.
Yankovic co-wrote and co-produced the movie with Eric Appel, who also directed it. What was it like working with such a music superstar on the official “story” of his life? “Honestly, huge dream come true,” declares Kennedy. “I’ve said before to people that if no...
Yankovic co-wrote and co-produced the movie with Eric Appel, who also directed it. What was it like working with such a music superstar on the official “story” of his life? “Honestly, huge dream come true,” declares Kennedy. “I’ve said before to people that if no...
- 6/15/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
This story about the costume design of “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” first appeared in the Limited Series/Movies issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
Roku’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” is far from a true story—yet even within a zany universe in which Madonna is captured by Pablo Escobar, you still have to be true to the time period. And if your subject, one of the most beloved parodists of all time, is also a writer and producer on the project, you’ve got to nail the details. “Al wanted it to feel really normal and natural and not too pumped up,” “Weird” costume designer Wendy Benbrook said. “He didn’t want it to be over-the-top. The actors could do that on their own.”
But on a fairly modest budget, how do you create the looks of dozens of actors, like Jack Black as Wolfman Jack, Quinta Brunson as Oprah Winfrey,...
Roku’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” is far from a true story—yet even within a zany universe in which Madonna is captured by Pablo Escobar, you still have to be true to the time period. And if your subject, one of the most beloved parodists of all time, is also a writer and producer on the project, you’ve got to nail the details. “Al wanted it to feel really normal and natural and not too pumped up,” “Weird” costume designer Wendy Benbrook said. “He didn’t want it to be over-the-top. The actors could do that on their own.”
But on a fairly modest budget, how do you create the looks of dozens of actors, like Jack Black as Wolfman Jack, Quinta Brunson as Oprah Winfrey,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
This story about “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” first appeared in the Limited Series/Movies issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
Opening night of last year’s Toronto International Film Festival culminated with one of the wackiest and, yes, weirdest screenings imaginable. Premiering at midnight, Roku’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” left a capacity TIFF audience in stitches at the almost wholly fictional saga of young Al’s rise from a kid whose passion for accordions and Hawaiian shirts shamed his parents to a global superstar who found time to romance Madonna and take down a Colombian drug cartel.
The film was inspired by a Funny or Die video that director Eric Appel made in 2009, parodying rock biopics in the same way that Yankovic’s songs gleefully distort rock hits. Expanded from a three-minute trailer that starred Aaron Paul as the Weird one into a 108-minute romp with Daniel Radcliffe in the title role,...
Opening night of last year’s Toronto International Film Festival culminated with one of the wackiest and, yes, weirdest screenings imaginable. Premiering at midnight, Roku’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” left a capacity TIFF audience in stitches at the almost wholly fictional saga of young Al’s rise from a kid whose passion for accordions and Hawaiian shirts shamed his parents to a global superstar who found time to romance Madonna and take down a Colombian drug cartel.
The film was inspired by a Funny or Die video that director Eric Appel made in 2009, parodying rock biopics in the same way that Yankovic’s songs gleefully distort rock hits. Expanded from a three-minute trailer that starred Aaron Paul as the Weird one into a 108-minute romp with Daniel Radcliffe in the title role,...
- 6/5/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Best TV Movie
Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas (NBC)
Earlier critic-proof Dolly Christmas specials were nominated in 2017, 2020 and 2021 (2021’s won). Given her popularity (there’s a reason her name is in the title), this one, shot at Dollywood with Willie Nelson among the guests, should wind up with a nom, too.
Prey (Hulu)
The fifth installment of the Predator franchise, a $65 million prequel, debuted at Comic-Con, registered at 93 percent on Rt and attracted more views in its first three days than any other Hulu offering ever en route to best TV movie Critics Choice and Producers Guild noms.
Reno 911!: It’s a Wonderful Heist (Comedy Central)
The same gang from the series that ended in 2009 is hoping their third spinoff film will be their second to land a nom (after 2022’s Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon). It’s a Christmastime parody of It’s a Wonderful Life, with Lt.
Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas (NBC)
Earlier critic-proof Dolly Christmas specials were nominated in 2017, 2020 and 2021 (2021’s won). Given her popularity (there’s a reason her name is in the title), this one, shot at Dollywood with Willie Nelson among the guests, should wind up with a nom, too.
Prey (Hulu)
The fifth installment of the Predator franchise, a $65 million prequel, debuted at Comic-Con, registered at 93 percent on Rt and attracted more views in its first three days than any other Hulu offering ever en route to best TV movie Critics Choice and Producers Guild noms.
Reno 911!: It’s a Wonderful Heist (Comedy Central)
The same gang from the series that ended in 2009 is hoping their third spinoff film will be their second to land a nom (after 2022’s Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon). It’s a Christmastime parody of It’s a Wonderful Life, with Lt.
- 6/4/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Let’s travel back to the summer of 1989. I’m 15 years old and have just put two large movie posters on my wall: One for Tim Burton’s game-changing take on “Batman,” starring Michael Keaton, and the other for “Uhf,” the theatrical comedy debut for the one and only “Weird Al” Yankovic.
It’s now 2023. Keaton is back as Batman in next month’s “The Flash.” And Weird Al is the front-runner for this year’s TV movie Emmy, thanks to the Roku Channel parody biopic “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.”
“1989 is back again! It’s all cyclical,” Yankovic says in his signature cheery, upbeat tone. Tell my 15-year-old self that one day he’ll be recording a podcast with Weird Al, and first he’d say, “what’s a podcast?” But after explaining that it’s essentially a radio show, my 15-year-old self would lose his mind. And ask about 2023’s flying cars.
It’s now 2023. Keaton is back as Batman in next month’s “The Flash.” And Weird Al is the front-runner for this year’s TV movie Emmy, thanks to the Roku Channel parody biopic “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.”
“1989 is back again! It’s all cyclical,” Yankovic says in his signature cheery, upbeat tone. Tell my 15-year-old self that one day he’ll be recording a podcast with Weird Al, and first he’d say, “what’s a podcast?” But after explaining that it’s essentially a radio show, my 15-year-old self would lose his mind. And ask about 2023’s flying cars.
- 5/25/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
“It’s always so rewarding when you make something and you love it,” declares Daniel Radcliffe about portraying the larger-than-life satirist Weird Al Yankovic. For our recent webchat he adds, “The whole experience of shooting this movie was so special and fun, and then to put that out into the world and for it to inspire the same feeling in the people who watch it; you can’t really ask for anything more than that as an actor or a performer. So yeah, the reactions that the film’s gotten have been amazing.” Watch our exclusive video interview above.
Radcliffe stars in “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” as a fictionalized version of the singer and accordionist, who co-wrote the screenplay with director Eric Appel. The comedy is loosely based on Yankovic’s life, parodying the biopic formula with tongue firmly planted in cheek, much like the musical parodies that Yankovic is famous for.
Radcliffe stars in “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” as a fictionalized version of the singer and accordionist, who co-wrote the screenplay with director Eric Appel. The comedy is loosely based on Yankovic’s life, parodying the biopic formula with tongue firmly planted in cheek, much like the musical parodies that Yankovic is famous for.
- 5/16/2023
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
“Twenty-seven percent of the movie is actually true,” confirmed “Weird Al” Yankovic when discussing his Roku Channel biopic satire “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” during a television academy-sponsored FYC screening and panel on Sunday at The London West Hollywood hotel. “The idea was to have the first third or so of the movie leave people thinking, ‘Hmm, maybe it’s true.’ But then from there, it goes totally off the rails.” Watch the Q&a with Yankovic and his co-writer and director Eric Appel (moderated by TV critic and blogger Amy Nicholson) above.
Indeed, Yankovic – the musical satirist who has a supporting role in the movie himself as real-life record executive Tony Scotti – explained during his panel with Appel that the “big meta concept that Eric had” for the film was to do a parody movie about the guy who does song parodies. “We totally wanted this to feel dramatic like a real biopic.
Indeed, Yankovic – the musical satirist who has a supporting role in the movie himself as real-life record executive Tony Scotti – explained during his panel with Appel that the “big meta concept that Eric had” for the film was to do a parody movie about the guy who does song parodies. “We totally wanted this to feel dramatic like a real biopic.
- 4/17/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
“As soon as I saw Harry Potter, I thought “Hey, someday … my doppelganger!” joked “Weird Al” Yankovic about the inspiration to cast Daniel Radcliffe as his on-screen alter ego in Roku’s biopic parody Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
More seriously, though, the musical satirist and director Eric Appel agreed it was the actor’s near-instant commitment to the role that made Radcliffe their Weird Al, the pair revealed Sunday at the telepic’s Deadline’s Contenders TV panel.
Related: Deadline Studio At Contenders Television 2023 – Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Dominique Fishback, Riley Keough, Natasha Lyonne & More
“He took it very seriously,” explained Appel. “And in our first meeting with him when he signed on to do it, which was about two years before it got made, he asked the question at the end of our Zoom call: ‘What kind of accordion should I buy? I’m planning on learning how to play the accordion.
More seriously, though, the musical satirist and director Eric Appel agreed it was the actor’s near-instant commitment to the role that made Radcliffe their Weird Al, the pair revealed Sunday at the telepic’s Deadline’s Contenders TV panel.
Related: Deadline Studio At Contenders Television 2023 – Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Dominique Fishback, Riley Keough, Natasha Lyonne & More
“He took it very seriously,” explained Appel. “And in our first meeting with him when he signed on to do it, which was about two years before it got made, he asked the question at the end of our Zoom call: ‘What kind of accordion should I buy? I’m planning on learning how to play the accordion.
- 4/16/2023
- by Scott Huver
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline’s Contenders Television, where the top networks and streamers are showing off their wares and Emmy hopefuls, continues Sunday with 20 more panels after a chock-full Saturday featuring some of the best and brightest series this awards season.
Click here to register for and watch the livestream.
After the likes of Riley Keogh, Patrick Stewart, Steven Yeun, Natasha Lyonne, Marc Maron, Wanda Sykes, Kathryn Hahn and Joel McHale took the DGA Theater stage in Los Angeles, Sunday’s lineup is slated to feature appearances by Helen Mirren, Adam Scott, Quinta Brunson, Maya Rudolph, Taron Egerton, Jason Segel, Bryan Cranston, Weird Al Yankovic, Kerry Washington, Elle Fanning, Paddy Considine and many more.
The studios and streamers participating this weekend at our panel extravaganza: Peacock, Prime Video, National Geographic, Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, CBS Studios, Showtime, Fox Entertainment, Paramount+, AMC/AMC+, HBO Max, Starz, Sony Pictures Television, ABC, Roku, Onyx Collective and Disney+.
Click here to register for and watch the livestream.
After the likes of Riley Keogh, Patrick Stewart, Steven Yeun, Natasha Lyonne, Marc Maron, Wanda Sykes, Kathryn Hahn and Joel McHale took the DGA Theater stage in Los Angeles, Sunday’s lineup is slated to feature appearances by Helen Mirren, Adam Scott, Quinta Brunson, Maya Rudolph, Taron Egerton, Jason Segel, Bryan Cranston, Weird Al Yankovic, Kerry Washington, Elle Fanning, Paddy Considine and many more.
The studios and streamers participating this weekend at our panel extravaganza: Peacock, Prime Video, National Geographic, Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, CBS Studios, Showtime, Fox Entertainment, Paramount+, AMC/AMC+, HBO Max, Starz, Sony Pictures Television, ABC, Roku, Onyx Collective and Disney+.
- 4/16/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Die Hart saw Kevin Hart living his dream of being an action hero in the hit comedy series that started as a launch title for the failed Quibi streaming service. The show found a new home at The Roku Channel, and much like Cobra Kai, it found new life as a success on a wider streaming platform. The show was renewed with a sequel season titled Die Hart 2: Die Harter. That season became a hit when it premiered on Roku, so prepare for season 3 which could very well follow with the title Die Hart with a Vengeance.
Deadline reports that Die Hart 2: Die Harter premiered to record numbers on The Roku Channel, which has led to a season 3 renewal. Season 2 became the No. 1 Roku Original TV series weekend premiere of all time by both unique views and streaming hour engagement. Hart released a statement that said, “Die Hart...
Deadline reports that Die Hart 2: Die Harter premiered to record numbers on The Roku Channel, which has led to a season 3 renewal. Season 2 became the No. 1 Roku Original TV series weekend premiere of all time by both unique views and streaming hour engagement. Hart released a statement that said, “Die Hart...
- 4/13/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Kevin Hart‘s comedy series Die Hart has been renewed for a third season at Roku on the heels of a record-breaking premiere weekend for Season 2.
Die Hart 2: Die Harter debuted on March 31, nearly doubling the first season’s opening weekend audience. It became the No. 1 Roku Original TV series weekend premiere of all time by both unique views and streaming hour engagement, according to the streamer.
“Die Hart is one of my favorite projects to act in and produce. I am so excited to get back to set to shoot season three,” Hart said in a statement Thursday. “My fans are the best and their reaction to season two fuels Hartbeat to keep raising the bar on this show. Watch out for what comes next, we are going bigger and better!!”
In Die Hart 2: Die Harter, Kevin now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time,...
Die Hart 2: Die Harter debuted on March 31, nearly doubling the first season’s opening weekend audience. It became the No. 1 Roku Original TV series weekend premiere of all time by both unique views and streaming hour engagement, according to the streamer.
“Die Hart is one of my favorite projects to act in and produce. I am so excited to get back to set to shoot season three,” Hart said in a statement Thursday. “My fans are the best and their reaction to season two fuels Hartbeat to keep raising the bar on this show. Watch out for what comes next, we are going bigger and better!!”
In Die Hart 2: Die Harter, Kevin now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Season Two of the "Die Hard" parody TV series "Die Hart 2: Die Harter", directed by Eric Appel, stars Kevin Hart and Nathalie Emmanuel, now streaming free on The Roku Channel:
"...in “Die Hart” Season One, Hart played a fictionalized version of himself who ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a bona-fide action hero.
"In Season Two, Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next.
"But Kevin’s vision comes with a blind spot, and he soon finds himself the victim of an evil revenge plot, orchestrated by someone from his past.
"To survive, Hart must enlist the help of his favorite co-star, 'Jordan King', his overeager assistant 'Andre', Andre’s mom '...
"...in “Die Hart” Season One, Hart played a fictionalized version of himself who ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a bona-fide action hero.
"In Season Two, Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next.
"But Kevin’s vision comes with a blind spot, and he soon finds himself the victim of an evil revenge plot, orchestrated by someone from his past.
"To survive, Hart must enlist the help of his favorite co-star, 'Jordan King', his overeager assistant 'Andre', Andre’s mom '...
- 4/1/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
“Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” could end up being a strong contender at this year’s Emmy Awards. It may sound, dare we say, weird, but The Roku Channel’s satirical biopic has been a consistent presence at the recent guild awards we saw handed out in the lead-up to the Oscars. Most of those guild awards were also recognizing work on television alongside features, and “Weird” not only managed to get in those categories but it also won several.
Most notably, “Weird” was able to pull out a victory at the Producer’s Guild of America Award for Best Streamed or Televised Movie. Notably, several films that were nominated in this category over the past couple of years would later get into the Best TV Movie category at the Emmys, including “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia,” “Oslo,” “Bad Education” and “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.” The latter two took...
Most notably, “Weird” was able to pull out a victory at the Producer’s Guild of America Award for Best Streamed or Televised Movie. Notably, several films that were nominated in this category over the past couple of years would later get into the Best TV Movie category at the Emmys, including “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia,” “Oslo,” “Bad Education” and “Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.” The latter two took...
- 3/30/2023
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Season Two of the "Die Hard" parody TV series "Die Hart 2: Die Harter", directed by Eric Appel, stars Kevin Hart and Nathalie Emmanuel, streaming free March 31, 2023 on the Roku Channel:
"...in “Die Hart” Season One, Hart played a fictionalized version of himself who ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a bona-fide action hero.
"In Season Two, Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next.
"But Kevin’s vision comes with a blind spot, and he soon finds himself the victim of an evil revenge plot, orchestrated by someone from his past. To survive, Hart must enlist the help of his favorite co-star, 'Jordan King', his overeager assistant 'Andre', Andre’s mom 'Cynthia...
"...in “Die Hart” Season One, Hart played a fictionalized version of himself who ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a bona-fide action hero.
"In Season Two, Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next.
"But Kevin’s vision comes with a blind spot, and he soon finds himself the victim of an evil revenge plot, orchestrated by someone from his past. To survive, Hart must enlist the help of his favorite co-star, 'Jordan King', his overeager assistant 'Andre', Andre’s mom 'Cynthia...
- 3/21/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Since leaving the role of boy-wizard extraordinaire Harry Potter, a character that made him a household name, Daniel Radcliffe has played it anything but safe. Rather than going for a quick payday by attaching himself to another lucrative franchise, Radcliffe instead has sought out independent filmmakers, many making their feature debut, for the opportunity to play a wide variety of characters that would expand his range as an actor. And expand it they did, with Radcliffe in his post-“Potter” period portraying characters who range from a video game nerd to a literary giant, an evil billionaire, a South African hero and even a corpse. Try that, Meryl.
Radcliffe didn’t limit himself to films either, as he brought his fearlessness to Manhattan, triumphing in Broadway productions of Peter Shaffer’s “Equus,” Martin McDonagh’s “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” and the legendary musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,...
Radcliffe didn’t limit himself to films either, as he brought his fearlessness to Manhattan, triumphing in Broadway productions of Peter Shaffer’s “Equus,” Martin McDonagh’s “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” and the legendary musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,...
- 3/20/2023
- by Tom O'Brien
- Gold Derby
Season Two of the "Die Hard" parody TV series "Die Hart 2: Die Harter", directed by Eric Appel, stars Kevin Hart and Nathalie Emmanuel, streaming free March 31, 2023 on the Roku Channel:
"...in “Die Hart” Season One, Hart played a fictionalized version of himself who ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a bona-fide action hero.
"In Season Two, Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next.
"But Kevin’s vision comes with a blind spot, and he soon finds himself the victim of an evil revenge plot, orchestrated by someone from his past. To survive, Hart must enlist the help of his favorite co-star, 'Jordan King', his overeager assistant 'Andre', Andre’s mom 'Cynthia' and legendary Hollywood stuntman 'Mr.
"...in “Die Hart” Season One, Hart played a fictionalized version of himself who ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a bona-fide action hero.
"In Season Two, Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next.
"But Kevin’s vision comes with a blind spot, and he soon finds himself the victim of an evil revenge plot, orchestrated by someone from his past. To survive, Hart must enlist the help of his favorite co-star, 'Jordan King', his overeager assistant 'Andre', Andre’s mom 'Cynthia' and legendary Hollywood stuntman 'Mr.
- 3/4/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Season Two of the "Die Hard" parody TV series "Die Hart 2: Die Harter", directed by Eric Appel, stars Kevin Hart and Nathalie Emmanuel, streaming free March 31, 2023 on the Roku Channel:
"...in “Die Hart” Season One, Hart played a fictionalized version of himself who ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a bona-fide action hero.
"In Season Two, Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next.
"But Kevin’s vision comes with a blind spot, and he soon finds himself the victim of an evil revenge plot, orchestrated by someone from his past. To survive, Hart must enlist the help of his favorite co-star, 'Jordan King', his overeager assistant 'Andre', Andre’s mom 'Cynthia' and legendary Hollywood stuntman 'Mr.
"...in “Die Hart” Season One, Hart played a fictionalized version of himself who ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a bona-fide action hero.
"In Season Two, Hart now wants to cement his legacy as the greatest action star of all time. He’s developed a concept for a revolutionary movie where the action is so unscripted and unexpected that even Kevin won’t know what’s coming next.
"But Kevin’s vision comes with a blind spot, and he soon finds himself the victim of an evil revenge plot, orchestrated by someone from his past. To survive, Hart must enlist the help of his favorite co-star, 'Jordan King', his overeager assistant 'Andre', Andre’s mom 'Cynthia' and legendary Hollywood stuntman 'Mr.
- 2/28/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Die Hart: The Movie is a comedy movie directed by Eric Appel
Kevin Hart pokes fun at his supporting role in action movies and signs up for an action actor’s school with John Travolta as his instructor.
Funny… but only just
And if we were worse people we’d say it’s almost close to a B-movie that doesn’t deserve its stars.
With John Travolta, Nathalie Emmanuel, Josh Hartnett and Jean Reno.
Movie Review
A film that looks promising but disappoints you very quickly.
It barely holds up for the first ten or fifteen minutes, when Hart is interviewed. Then, it becomes not much or even just nothing at all, an anecdotal film, video-club fodder in bygone times, one of those movies that no one had heard of and that were rented without thinking too much about it and from which little was expected anyway.
Other than someone learning what Chrome Keying is…...
Kevin Hart pokes fun at his supporting role in action movies and signs up for an action actor’s school with John Travolta as his instructor.
Funny… but only just
And if we were worse people we’d say it’s almost close to a B-movie that doesn’t deserve its stars.
With John Travolta, Nathalie Emmanuel, Josh Hartnett and Jean Reno.
Movie Review
A film that looks promising but disappoints you very quickly.
It barely holds up for the first ten or fifteen minutes, when Hart is interviewed. Then, it becomes not much or even just nothing at all, an anecdotal film, video-club fodder in bygone times, one of those movies that no one had heard of and that were rented without thinking too much about it and from which little was expected anyway.
Other than someone learning what Chrome Keying is…...
- 2/25/2023
- by Martin Cid
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
In 2019, the Best TV Movie and Best Limited Series PGA Awards categories were introduced as replacements for a consolidated one that had existed since 1995. Prior to the split, the organization honored 12 telefilms, almost all of which are based on true stories. Of the few proper biopics in that group, only 2013’s “Behind the Candelabra” – which stars Michael Douglas as Liberace – focuses on the life of a musician. Now, after nearly a decade, the HBO movie is expected to gain some company in that distinction since The Roku Channel’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” is the odds-on favorite to take this year’s made-for-tv movie prize.
Naturally, “Weird” differs significantly from a typical biopic in that it parodies the genre’s traditional formula at every turn. Al Yankovic, who co-wrote the script with director Eric Appel, gets across the main beats of the story of his career beginnings while taking increasingly outlandish liberties,...
Naturally, “Weird” differs significantly from a typical biopic in that it parodies the genre’s traditional formula at every turn. Al Yankovic, who co-wrote the script with director Eric Appel, gets across the main beats of the story of his career beginnings while taking increasingly outlandish liberties,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The WGA will hold the last of its four scheduled membership meetings about its upcoming contract negotiations Thursday: one at the Sheraton Universal in Universal City, CA and at the other at the School of Visual Arts Theatre in New York City.
Describing the two previous meetings that were held earlier this month in Los Angeles, the guild said that “inspiration and unity are in the air.” The WGA’s current contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers expires May 1, although no date has been set for the start of negotiations.
Related Story DGA Says “Studios Are Not Yet Prepared To Address Our Key Issues” & Won’t Be First Guild To The Bargaining Table This Year Related Story 800 WGA West Members Attend Second Membership Meeting About Upcoming Contract Talks Related Story Janelle James To Host Writers Guild Awards In L.A.
“Embracing a spirit of unity and solidarity throughout the guild,...
Describing the two previous meetings that were held earlier this month in Los Angeles, the guild said that “inspiration and unity are in the air.” The WGA’s current contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers expires May 1, although no date has been set for the start of negotiations.
Related Story DGA Says “Studios Are Not Yet Prepared To Address Our Key Issues” & Won’t Be First Guild To The Bargaining Table This Year Related Story 800 WGA West Members Attend Second Membership Meeting About Upcoming Contract Talks Related Story Janelle James To Host Writers Guild Awards In L.A.
“Embracing a spirit of unity and solidarity throughout the guild,...
- 2/21/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) were the big winners at last night's Directors Guild of America's DGA Awards. The filmmaking duo took home the top prize, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film, for "Everything Everywhere All At Once" — beating out directing legend Steven Spielberg ("The Fabelmans"), as well as Joseph Kosinski's massive aerial action film "Maverick," Todd Field's critical darling "Tár," and Martin McDonagh's black comedy "The Banshees of Inisherin."
These days, the Daniels seem to embody their hit film, being everything, everywhere, all at once. The Michelle Yeoh-led maximalist action-comedy has something for everyone, and is deeply, satisfyingly, weird. It topped many best-of lists (it was my #1 pick for Best Films of 2022) and is a favorite to take home the Academy Award for Best Picture. Now with a DGA Award under their belts, the odds of that happening are better than ever.
These days, the Daniels seem to embody their hit film, being everything, everywhere, all at once. The Michelle Yeoh-led maximalist action-comedy has something for everyone, and is deeply, satisfyingly, weird. It topped many best-of lists (it was my #1 pick for Best Films of 2022) and is a favorite to take home the Academy Award for Best Picture. Now with a DGA Award under their belts, the odds of that happening are better than ever.
- 2/19/2023
- by Sarah Milner
- Slash Film
With 17 of the last 20 DGA Award winners going on to secure the Oscar for Best Director, the Director’s Guild of America plays a pivotal role in who wins an Academy Award. Momentum is key for film’s grueling winter awards circuit, and now we’ll wait and see if Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert have enough to make it 18 of the last 21.
In TV, there is no waiting — not this year. While the DGA Awards can certainly play their part in the Emmy race — having boosted future darlings like “Succession,” “Watchmen,” and “The Queen’s Gambit” — the 2023 winners already had their shot at Emmy glory. Nominations may still prove valuable to freshman series like “Wednesday” and “The Bear” (not to mention “Better Call Saul’s” last chance to win its first Emmy), but Saturday night’s ceremony will have little to no effect on what’s next.
Instead, refreshingly enough,...
In TV, there is no waiting — not this year. While the DGA Awards can certainly play their part in the Emmy race — having boosted future darlings like “Succession,” “Watchmen,” and “The Queen’s Gambit” — the 2023 winners already had their shot at Emmy glory. Nominations may still prove valuable to freshman series like “Wednesday” and “The Bear” (not to mention “Better Call Saul’s” last chance to win its first Emmy), but Saturday night’s ceremony will have little to no effect on what’s next.
Instead, refreshingly enough,...
- 2/19/2023
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
With less than a month to go before the Oscars, every award show counts. The next few weeks will see all of the major Hollywood guilds give out their annual awards, ensuring that each department gets its moment in the spotlight. Tonight, directors took center stage as Hollywood convened at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the Directors Guild of America Awards.
The ceremony honored outstanding achievement in both film and television directing, and the former category is often seen as predicting the Best Director winner at the Academy Awards. Four of the five Best Director nominees competed in the Feature Film category tonight: Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”), Martin McDonagh (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), Todd Field (“TÁR”), and Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”). “Triangle of Sadness” director Ruben Östlund is not nominated, with “Top Gun: Maverick” helmer Joseph Kosinski taking his place.
Ultimately, “Everything Everywhere All at Once...
The ceremony honored outstanding achievement in both film and television directing, and the former category is often seen as predicting the Best Director winner at the Academy Awards. Four of the five Best Director nominees competed in the Feature Film category tonight: Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”), Martin McDonagh (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), Todd Field (“TÁR”), and Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”). “Triangle of Sadness” director Ruben Östlund is not nominated, with “Top Gun: Maverick” helmer Joseph Kosinski taking his place.
Ultimately, “Everything Everywhere All at Once...
- 2/19/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
The need for greater residuals and more diversity were some of the vital issues expressed by filmmakers tonight at the DGA Awards ahead of the guild’s talks with the AMPTP.
The DGA’s contract expires on June 30, the same day as SAG-AFTRA’s and two months after the May 1 expiration of the WGA’s contract.
Eric Appel — a first time nominee for the Roku movie Weird: The Al Yankovic Story — noted, on a personal level, that while he’s directed his fair share of television over the years and remembers “a time” when he was able to collect “a lot of residuals” for that work, revenue of the sort “does not really exist” when it comes to projects he’s taken on of late in the brave new world of streaming. “I definitely want [the industry] to just rethink how those residuals work, so it’s not one-and-done when you make your project,...
The DGA’s contract expires on June 30, the same day as SAG-AFTRA’s and two months after the May 1 expiration of the WGA’s contract.
Eric Appel — a first time nominee for the Roku movie Weird: The Al Yankovic Story — noted, on a personal level, that while he’s directed his fair share of television over the years and remembers “a time” when he was able to collect “a lot of residuals” for that work, revenue of the sort “does not really exist” when it comes to projects he’s taken on of late in the brave new world of streaming. “I definitely want [the industry] to just rethink how those residuals work, so it’s not one-and-done when you make your project,...
- 2/19/2023
- by Matt Grobar and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert have been named the best theatrical-film directors of 2022 for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” by the Directors Guild of America, which presented its 75th annual DGA Awards on Saturday night in Beverly Hills.
The two directors, who go by the name The Daniels, won for the freewheeling film, topping Steven Spielberg for “The Fabelmans,” Martin McDonagh for “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Todd Field for “Tar” and Joseph Kosinski for “Top Gun: Maverick.” They are only the third directing team to win the DGA Award, after the Coen brothers for “No Country for Old Men” and Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins for “West Side Story.”
Spielberg, who is both the most-nominated and winningest film director in DGA history with 13 nominations and three wins, was the sentimental favorite going into the show, but “Everything Everywhere” has proven to be a surprisingly potent awards contender. The DGA win...
The two directors, who go by the name The Daniels, won for the freewheeling film, topping Steven Spielberg for “The Fabelmans,” Martin McDonagh for “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Todd Field for “Tar” and Joseph Kosinski for “Top Gun: Maverick.” They are only the third directing team to win the DGA Award, after the Coen brothers for “No Country for Old Men” and Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins for “West Side Story.”
Spielberg, who is both the most-nominated and winningest film director in DGA history with 13 nominations and three wins, was the sentimental favorite going into the show, but “Everything Everywhere” has proven to be a surprisingly potent awards contender. The DGA win...
- 2/19/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Directors Guild President Lesli Linka Glatter, speaking tonight at the 75th Annual DGA Awards, vowed that the guild will “fight like hell” later this spring to win a fair film and TV contract – and not just for current members, but for generations to come.
Related Story DGA Says “Studios Are Not Yet Prepared To Address Our Key Issues” & Won’t Be First Guild To The Bargaining Table This Year Related Story DGA: Joseph Kosinski, Judd Apatow, Sara Dosa, Eric Appel & Others On Need To Address Residuals, "Systemic Inequities" In Upcoming Contract Talks Related Story DGA Awards Winners List – Updating Live
“These negotiations are about more than just bargaining a strong contract for the next three years – they are about setting the course for the future of our industry,” she told the members, nominees and guests gathered in the main ballroom at the Beverly Hilton. “The DGA is prepared and ready...
Related Story DGA Says “Studios Are Not Yet Prepared To Address Our Key Issues” & Won’t Be First Guild To The Bargaining Table This Year Related Story DGA: Joseph Kosinski, Judd Apatow, Sara Dosa, Eric Appel & Others On Need To Address Residuals, "Systemic Inequities" In Upcoming Contract Talks Related Story DGA Awards Winners List – Updating Live
“These negotiations are about more than just bargaining a strong contract for the next three years – they are about setting the course for the future of our industry,” she told the members, nominees and guests gathered in the main ballroom at the Beverly Hilton. “The DGA is prepared and ready...
- 2/19/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Gold Derby is backstage at the 75th Directors Guild of America Awards on Saturday, February 18 in order to bring you all the up-to-date details on the presenters, nominees and winners. (See the complete winners list.) Managing editor Chris Beachum and social media manager Jaclyn Ben-Porat are in the press room and will let us all know every time something newsworthy happens. Read on for our 2023 DGA Awards live blog.
As a reminder, these kudos are non-televised. However, for the first time ever, Gold Derby is airing a live streaming show announcing winners as they happen with several of our editors and freelancers — watch it right here.
The DGA Awards honor the best helmers of the year in movies and television, as voted on by more than 18,000 members of the directing guild. The most talked-about category is always saved for last: Best Film Director. This year’s nominees are Todd Field...
As a reminder, these kudos are non-televised. However, for the first time ever, Gold Derby is airing a live streaming show announcing winners as they happen with several of our editors and freelancers — watch it right here.
The DGA Awards honor the best helmers of the year in movies and television, as voted on by more than 18,000 members of the directing guild. The most talked-about category is always saved for last: Best Film Director. This year’s nominees are Todd Field...
- 2/19/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The 75th Directors Guild of America Awards took place on Saturday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m. Pt with Judd Apatow hosting the in-person, non-televised ceremony. These kudos honor the best helmers of the year in movies and television, as voted on by more than 18,000 members of the directing guild. Scroll down for the 2023 DGA Awards winners list (plus the complete running order) in three film and eight TV categories.
The all-important feature film category is one of the most telling bellwethers for the Best Director Oscar. The guild and the academy have only disagreed eight times over the past seven decades, with last year’s champ Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”) claiming both prizes. This year, four of the guild’s nominees also reaped Oscar bids: Todd Field (“Tár”), Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Martin McDonagh (“The Banshees of Inisherin”) and Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”). The fifth DGA nominee,...
The all-important feature film category is one of the most telling bellwethers for the Best Director Oscar. The guild and the academy have only disagreed eight times over the past seven decades, with last year’s champ Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”) claiming both prizes. This year, four of the guild’s nominees also reaped Oscar bids: Todd Field (“Tár”), Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Martin McDonagh (“The Banshees of Inisherin”) and Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”). The fifth DGA nominee,...
- 2/18/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The Directors Guild of America announced its slate of 2023 nominees in film and television on January 11. Historically, the DGA Awards are seen as one of the strongest bellwethers to predict the Best Director Oscar category since there is so much overlap in voting memberships between the guild and the academy. Who will win at the Directors Guild this year? Read on to see Gold Derby’s 2023 DGA Awards predictions in three movie categories and four TV races.
Our DGA racetrack odds are based on the combined forecasts of more than 1,800 readers, including Experts we’ve polled from major media outlets, Editors who cover awards year-round for this website, Top 24 Users who did the best predicting the winners last time, All-Star Users who had the best prediction scores over the last two years, and the mass of Users who make up our biggest predictions bloc.
SEEOscar Best Director Gallery: Every Winner...
Our DGA racetrack odds are based on the combined forecasts of more than 1,800 readers, including Experts we’ve polled from major media outlets, Editors who cover awards year-round for this website, Top 24 Users who did the best predicting the winners last time, All-Star Users who had the best prediction scores over the last two years, and the mass of Users who make up our biggest predictions bloc.
SEEOscar Best Director Gallery: Every Winner...
- 2/15/2023
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
“I had been with ‘The Staircase’ on my own going crazy for a very long time. And so it was great to watch other people become obsessed with it, and sort of like poison everybody else in the room and become the thing they can’t stop thinking about. So I really enjoyed that space,” says Antonio Campos about what it’s like to collaborate with other writers compared to writing solo. We talked to Campos along with Sharon Horgan (“Bad Sisters”), Jen Statsky (“Hacks”), Dan Erickson (“Severance”) and Al Yankovic (“Weird: The Al Yankovic Story”) as part of our “Meet the Experts” Writers Guild Award nominees panel. Watch our roundtable discussion above. Click each person’s name to watch an individual solo chat.
Erickson had a similar experience, starting “Severance” on his own before a writers room was assembled. But teaming up with others takes time to adapt to.
Erickson had a similar experience, starting “Severance” on his own before a writers room was assembled. But teaming up with others takes time to adapt to.
- 2/10/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
“We didn’t want it to feel like we’re just expanding out this one joke to an hour and a half,” explains “Weird” Al Yankovic about writing Roku’s “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” a not-exactly-autobiographical parody of music biopics. “That was a real challenge to make sure that it felt like … a real character-driven movie and giving it moments that people would care about.” We talked to Yankovic as part of our “Meet the Experts” Writers Guild Awards nominees panel. Watch our exclusive video interview above.
Seepga Awards nominees roundtable: ‘All That Breathes,’ ‘Hacks,’ ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ [Exclusive Video Interview]
“Weird” started in 2010 as a three-minute parody trailer for a biopic about Yankovic. He and co-writer/director Eric Appel didn’t set about making it into an honest-to-goodness feature film until years later. But despite it being a parody, “there are nuggets of truth throughout.” He “wanted to take...
Seepga Awards nominees roundtable: ‘All That Breathes,’ ‘Hacks,’ ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ [Exclusive Video Interview]
“Weird” started in 2010 as a three-minute parody trailer for a biopic about Yankovic. He and co-writer/director Eric Appel didn’t set about making it into an honest-to-goodness feature film until years later. But despite it being a parody, “there are nuggets of truth throughout.” He “wanted to take...
- 2/10/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Prime Video has released the official full-length trailer for the movie ‘Die Hart,’ premiering exclusively on Prime Video on 24 February.
The satirical action comedy follows Kevin Hart in his pursuit of a life-changing role.
Kevin Hart plays a fictionalised version of himself, as he sets out to pivot from being pigeonholed as a comedy wingman to being taken seriously as an action movie star. Hart attends “action hero school” run by Ron Wilcox, played by John Travolta, where he attempts to learn the ropes on how to become one of the industry’s most coveted action stars.
Kevin Hart and John Travolta are joined by Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones, the Fast & Furious franchise), Josh Hartnett (Wrath of Man, Paradise Lost), and Jean Reno (Call My Agent!, 22 Bullets). The movie is directed by Eric Appel (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and written by Derek Kolstad.
Also in trailers – “Everything is not alright…...
The satirical action comedy follows Kevin Hart in his pursuit of a life-changing role.
Kevin Hart plays a fictionalised version of himself, as he sets out to pivot from being pigeonholed as a comedy wingman to being taken seriously as an action movie star. Hart attends “action hero school” run by Ron Wilcox, played by John Travolta, where he attempts to learn the ropes on how to become one of the industry’s most coveted action stars.
Kevin Hart and John Travolta are joined by Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones, the Fast & Furious franchise), Josh Hartnett (Wrath of Man, Paradise Lost), and Jean Reno (Call My Agent!, 22 Bullets). The movie is directed by Eric Appel (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and written by Derek Kolstad.
Also in trailers – “Everything is not alright…...
- 2/9/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The first-look trailer for “Die Hart the Movie” is here.
Prime Video dropped the new clip on Tuesday ahead of the flick’s release on Feb. 24.
The satirical action comedy film, which follows the release of the 2020 series, sees Hart playing a version of himself as he heads out on his “death-defying quest to become an action star.”
“Die Hart the Movie”. — Prime Video
Read More: Kevin Hart Says Will Smith Slap ‘Is No Longer The World’s Problem’
Hart stars in the film alongside stars including John Travolta, Nathalie Emmanuel and Josh Hartnett.
“My whole life I’ve dreamed of becoming an action hero,” Hart announces at the start of the trailer.
“Die Hart the Movie”. Credit: Prime Video “Die Hart the Movie”. Credit: Prime Video “Die Hart the Movie”. Credit: Prime Video
Read More: Kevin Hart Names The ‘Worst’ Dwayne Johnson Movie
A synopsis states the flick “follows...
Prime Video dropped the new clip on Tuesday ahead of the flick’s release on Feb. 24.
The satirical action comedy film, which follows the release of the 2020 series, sees Hart playing a version of himself as he heads out on his “death-defying quest to become an action star.”
“Die Hart the Movie”. — Prime Video
Read More: Kevin Hart Says Will Smith Slap ‘Is No Longer The World’s Problem’
Hart stars in the film alongside stars including John Travolta, Nathalie Emmanuel and Josh Hartnett.
“My whole life I’ve dreamed of becoming an action hero,” Hart announces at the start of the trailer.
“Die Hart the Movie”. Credit: Prime Video “Die Hart the Movie”. Credit: Prime Video “Die Hart the Movie”. Credit: Prime Video
Read More: Kevin Hart Names The ‘Worst’ Dwayne Johnson Movie
A synopsis states the flick “follows...
- 2/7/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
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