Norman Spencer, the British producer, production manager and screenwriter who worked alongside famed director David Lean on films including Blithe Spirit, Great Expectations, The Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia, has died. He was 110.
Spencer died Aug. 16 in Wimbledon three days after his birthday, the European Supercentenarian Organisation announced.
Apart from Lean, Spencer produced Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s Suddenly, Last Summer (1959), starring Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift and Katharine Hepburn; Richard C. Sarafian’s Vanishing Point (1971), the car chase movie that starred Barry Newman; and Richard Attenborough’s Cry Freedom (1987), starring Denzel Washington.
Spencer was Lean’s unit manager on the ghost comedy Blithe Spirit (1945), based on the Noël Coward play, and served as his production manager on his adaptations of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations (1946) and Oliver Twist (1948).
He produced Lean’s The Passionate Friends (1949) and the Hepburn-starring, Venice-set Summertime (1955); worked on a rewrite of the script for...
Spencer died Aug. 16 in Wimbledon three days after his birthday, the European Supercentenarian Organisation announced.
Apart from Lean, Spencer produced Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s Suddenly, Last Summer (1959), starring Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift and Katharine Hepburn; Richard C. Sarafian’s Vanishing Point (1971), the car chase movie that starred Barry Newman; and Richard Attenborough’s Cry Freedom (1987), starring Denzel Washington.
Spencer was Lean’s unit manager on the ghost comedy Blithe Spirit (1945), based on the Noël Coward play, and served as his production manager on his adaptations of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations (1946) and Oliver Twist (1948).
He produced Lean’s The Passionate Friends (1949) and the Hepburn-starring, Venice-set Summertime (1955); worked on a rewrite of the script for...
- 9/5/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Denzel Washington has consistently delivered standout performances — including as a director in recent years! — across his decades-long career. He already has two Oscars to his name and could be on his way to a third Academy Award with his role in Ridley Scott‘s “Gladiator II.”
This follow-up to the 2000 Best Picture champ stars Lucius (Paul Mescal) as Lucius, the grandson of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Lucius is forced into slavery but resolves to fight as a gladiator under the leadership of power broker Macrinus. And that’s where Washington comes in. The titanic Washington plays Macrinus, who is the mentor figure to Lucius and also opposes the rule of emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn).
We are predicting that Washington will be nominated for Best Supporting Actor alongside Samuel L. Jackson (“The Piano Lesson”), Clarence Maclin (“Sing Sing”), Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”), and Stanley Tucci (“Conclave...
This follow-up to the 2000 Best Picture champ stars Lucius (Paul Mescal) as Lucius, the grandson of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Lucius is forced into slavery but resolves to fight as a gladiator under the leadership of power broker Macrinus. And that’s where Washington comes in. The titanic Washington plays Macrinus, who is the mentor figure to Lucius and also opposes the rule of emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn).
We are predicting that Washington will be nominated for Best Supporting Actor alongside Samuel L. Jackson (“The Piano Lesson”), Clarence Maclin (“Sing Sing”), Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”), and Stanley Tucci (“Conclave...
- 8/26/2024
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in partnership with Universal Music Group, has announced the renewal of the the Jonas Gwangwa Music Composition Initiative, a development program for Black musicians interested in composing music for film.
The initiative is in honor of South African musician, composer and Oscar nominee Jonas Gwangwa, who died in 2021. He received Oscar nominations for original score and original song for his work, with George Fenton, on “Cry Freedom.” The program, which was launched back in 2022, aims to provide mentorship and networking opportunities for aspiring Black composers to foster broader representation in film music composition.
In its second year, the initiative comes together in partnership with Umg’s Task Force for Meaningful Change (Tfmc), along with Mercury Studios, Universal Music Publishing Group Classics and Screen, Decca Records and Umg’s Globe.
“The life and legacy of Jonas Gwangwa’s commitment as an artist-activist who...
The initiative is in honor of South African musician, composer and Oscar nominee Jonas Gwangwa, who died in 2021. He received Oscar nominations for original score and original song for his work, with George Fenton, on “Cry Freedom.” The program, which was launched back in 2022, aims to provide mentorship and networking opportunities for aspiring Black composers to foster broader representation in film music composition.
In its second year, the initiative comes together in partnership with Umg’s Task Force for Meaningful Change (Tfmc), along with Mercury Studios, Universal Music Publishing Group Classics and Screen, Decca Records and Umg’s Globe.
“The life and legacy of Jonas Gwangwa’s commitment as an artist-activist who...
- 7/10/2024
- by Thania Garcia
- Variety Film + TV
Denzel Washington’s legendary career began with his feature film role in Carbon Copy in 1981. However, his breakout role came in six seasons of the medical drama series, St. Elsewhere. He got some interesting roles following his series role. He once revealed that he rejected a comedy film, which could’ve altered the course of his career.
Denzel Washington in a still from St. Elsewhere | NBC
Washington went on to film critically acclaimed roles in Cry Freedom and Glory, which would land him Oscar nominations and an Oscar win for the latter. The Equalizer actor’s latest project in development is the sequel to Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning film, Gladiator.
Denzel Washington Rejected A Comedy Film Which Could’ve Changed His Career Path Denzel Washington in a still from Cry Freedom | Universal Pictures
Denzel Washington was determined not to get hung up on television roles before St. Elsewhere came his way.
Denzel Washington in a still from St. Elsewhere | NBC
Washington went on to film critically acclaimed roles in Cry Freedom and Glory, which would land him Oscar nominations and an Oscar win for the latter. The Equalizer actor’s latest project in development is the sequel to Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning film, Gladiator.
Denzel Washington Rejected A Comedy Film Which Could’ve Changed His Career Path Denzel Washington in a still from Cry Freedom | Universal Pictures
Denzel Washington was determined not to get hung up on television roles before St. Elsewhere came his way.
- 7/4/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Actor Denzel Washington became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. But he didn’t see himself achieving this A-list status in his younger years. Back then, his plan didn’t go beyond just making a living as an actor.
How Denzel Washington became an actor Denzel Washington | Tibrina Hobson/WireImage
Washington didn’t start out wanting to be an actor. He explored a few potential occupations before realizing that acting was something that he wanted to do. In college, he was a pre-med major before focusing on becoming a lawyer. In the end, he earned a degree in Journalism from Fordham University in 1977.
He revealed that it wasn’t until his stint at a summer camp that he considered a career in acting. But even then, he didn’t see himself becoming the movie star that he turned out to be.
“I worked as a creative arts director at an overnight Ymca summer camp.
How Denzel Washington became an actor Denzel Washington | Tibrina Hobson/WireImage
Washington didn’t start out wanting to be an actor. He explored a few potential occupations before realizing that acting was something that he wanted to do. In college, he was a pre-med major before focusing on becoming a lawyer. In the end, he earned a degree in Journalism from Fordham University in 1977.
He revealed that it wasn’t until his stint at a summer camp that he considered a career in acting. But even then, he didn’t see himself becoming the movie star that he turned out to be.
“I worked as a creative arts director at an overnight Ymca summer camp.
- 7/4/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
This first Hollywood studio feature with a black female director is a compelling account of a South African who turns against the ruling caste
In the late 80s, there were a number of films about apartheid South Africa that somehow made the black experience dramatically subordinate to white liberal activism. Chris Menges’s A World Apart from 1988 had Barbara Hershey as the white campaigner based on anti-apartheid activist Ruth First; the year before that, Richard Attenborough’s excruciatingly well-intentioned Cry Freedom was supposedly about the friendship between white journalist Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) and Steve Biko (Denzel Washington), but contrived to put Woods at the centre of the action, all but forgetting about Biko. Euzhan Palcy’s A Dry White Season from 1989, now released on Blu-ray, looks on the face of it to be the same sort of thing. And yet this movie is much tougher and shrewder on what...
In the late 80s, there were a number of films about apartheid South Africa that somehow made the black experience dramatically subordinate to white liberal activism. Chris Menges’s A World Apart from 1988 had Barbara Hershey as the white campaigner based on anti-apartheid activist Ruth First; the year before that, Richard Attenborough’s excruciatingly well-intentioned Cry Freedom was supposedly about the friendship between white journalist Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) and Steve Biko (Denzel Washington), but contrived to put Woods at the centre of the action, all but forgetting about Biko. Euzhan Palcy’s A Dry White Season from 1989, now released on Blu-ray, looks on the face of it to be the same sort of thing. And yet this movie is much tougher and shrewder on what...
- 6/19/2024
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Oi there, listen up! Amazon Prime Video’s list of new releases for June 2024 includes another season of its biggest, bloodiest hit.
The Boys season 4 premieres its first three episodes on Thursday, June 13. Based on the trailers, The Boys is really leaning into the political side of its social satire with a presidential election underway and Homelander on trial for the small matter of killing a guy last season. The season will continue to air on Thursdays, culminating with the finale on July 18.
Amazon is really leaning into its sports offerings this month as well. Fans will get to watch the New York Yankees, the WNBA, and the Nwsl several times throughout June. That’s in addition to a couple of sports docs: Power of the Dream on June 18 and Federer: Twelve Final Days on June 20.
But if you’re looking for something even more explosive than Homelander and Roger Federer,...
The Boys season 4 premieres its first three episodes on Thursday, June 13. Based on the trailers, The Boys is really leaning into the political side of its social satire with a presidential election underway and Homelander on trial for the small matter of killing a guy last season. The season will continue to air on Thursdays, culminating with the finale on July 18.
Amazon is really leaning into its sports offerings this month as well. Fans will get to watch the New York Yankees, the WNBA, and the Nwsl several times throughout June. That’s in addition to a couple of sports docs: Power of the Dream on June 18 and Federer: Twelve Final Days on June 20.
But if you’re looking for something even more explosive than Homelander and Roger Federer,...
- 6/1/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Coming up in June, Amazon’s collective streaming services Prime Video and Freevee are delivering series, films, and documentaries about all sorts of heroes. From the evil, increasingly fascist superheroes of “The Boys” to the record-setting tennis icon Roger Federer to the journey back to the spotlight for one of the greatest performers of all time, Celine Dion, there are a multitude of inspiring and entertaining stories arriving on the platforms in June.
In addition to Season 3 of “The Boys” premiering with three episodes on June 13, Prime Video has a host of documentaries that shine a new light on some of our most beloved performers and athletes. On June 18, “Power of the Dream” debuts and highlights the struggles of WNBA team the Atlanta Dream who were fighting off-court battles on two fronts in 2020. Then, “Federer: Twelve Final Days” premieres on June 20 looking at the tennis legend as he ended his...
In addition to Season 3 of “The Boys” premiering with three episodes on June 13, Prime Video has a host of documentaries that shine a new light on some of our most beloved performers and athletes. On June 18, “Power of the Dream” debuts and highlights the struggles of WNBA team the Atlanta Dream who were fighting off-court battles on two fronts in 2020. Then, “Federer: Twelve Final Days” premieres on June 20 looking at the tennis legend as he ended his...
- 5/31/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Ethan Hawke, with a career peppered with critical acclaim and Academy Award nominations, once experienced the bittersweet melody of Oscar near-misses. Nominated for his role in Richard Linklater’s groundbreaking drama Boyhood (2014), Hawke, 53, faced stiff competition in the Academy Awards race. The actor felt his chances would slip away after he beheld J.K. Simmons’ incredible performance in Whiplash.
Ethan Hawke in Boyhood | IFC Productions
Make note that Hawke was nominated for his first Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category for Antoine Fuqua’s Training Day; however, Jim Broadbent won the honor for his role in Iris.
As nobody enjoys losing, Hawke may have needed some guidance, which he eventually received from Denzel Washington, who gave him some encouraging words after this Oscar loss. The former has also received Oscar nominations for a couple of other films, including Before Sunset and Before Midnight.
How Did J.K. Simmons’ Win...
Ethan Hawke in Boyhood | IFC Productions
Make note that Hawke was nominated for his first Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category for Antoine Fuqua’s Training Day; however, Jim Broadbent won the honor for his role in Iris.
As nobody enjoys losing, Hawke may have needed some guidance, which he eventually received from Denzel Washington, who gave him some encouraging words after this Oscar loss. The former has also received Oscar nominations for a couple of other films, including Before Sunset and Before Midnight.
How Did J.K. Simmons’ Win...
- 5/30/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Denzel Washington is easily one of the most admired and respected influences in the entertainment industry, with a presence that never ceases to catch the attention of the entire room he walks in. And yet, he was very well humbled when he came in the presence of the late legendary actor best known for playing James Bond: Sean Connery.
Denzel Washington in 2 Guns. | Credit: Universal Pictures.
Interestingly enough, this happened at the Oscars, and the way Washington realized — even before the announcement of the results — that he had truly been defeated by the now-deceased actor on the biggest stage in Hollywood was through one simple act that was, perhaps, common for an actor as tremendously acclaimed as Connery: A 3-minute standing ovation!
Denzel Washington Recalls the Time He Got Humbled by Sean Connery
Although he started acting back in 1977, the movie that is regarded as the one that...
Denzel Washington in 2 Guns. | Credit: Universal Pictures.
Interestingly enough, this happened at the Oscars, and the way Washington realized — even before the announcement of the results — that he had truly been defeated by the now-deceased actor on the biggest stage in Hollywood was through one simple act that was, perhaps, common for an actor as tremendously acclaimed as Connery: A 3-minute standing ovation!
Denzel Washington Recalls the Time He Got Humbled by Sean Connery
Although he started acting back in 1977, the movie that is regarded as the one that...
- 5/27/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Looking over "Star Wars," it's kind of astonishing how well-equipped the Rebels are. Keep in mind, they're called the Rebels; they don't sport a name that indicates what kind of government they represent should their rebellion be successful, nor do they have a provisional government set up anywhere (at least that's not seen in the original 1977 film). I know there's expanded universe lore, sequels, prequels, novels, etc., that explain everything in the "Star Wars" universe from a government perspective, but in the 1977 original, the details are left intentionally vague.
They even have their own symbols emblazoned on their uniforms and helmets. It makes sense for the Empire to have such symbols -- they definitely have the size and the industrial resources to manufacture their own equipment -- but the Rebels? One might think their symbol is merely something scrawled on the walls of Empire buildings and a symbol of defiance.
They even have their own symbols emblazoned on their uniforms and helmets. It makes sense for the Empire to have such symbols -- they definitely have the size and the industrial resources to manufacture their own equipment -- but the Rebels? One might think their symbol is merely something scrawled on the walls of Empire buildings and a symbol of defiance.
- 5/19/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Denzel Washington was recently spotted filming a highly anticipated Spike Lee film. The beloved actor‘s appearance alongside his co-star in Brooklyn reminded us that he is looking mighty fine at nearly 70 years old! Washington will turn the big 7-0 later in 2024. In the meantime, he’s barely slowed his acting career. See pics of the Oscar winner and get more details about High and Low here:
Denzel Washington and Ilfenesh Hadera on the set of ‘High and Low’ on April 19, 2024 | Metropolis/Bauer-Griffin/Gc Images
On April 19, cameras spotted Denzel Washington and Ilfenesh Hadera filming a scene for High and Low in the Dumbo area of Brooklyn. Wearing a black pinstriped suit, white pocket square, and corresponding white tie, Washington strolled an NYC street alongside Hadera. A regular collaborator with Spike Lee, Hadera has appeared in The Punisher, Da Brick, The Blacklist, and Chicago Fire, among others.
Denzel Washington films...
Denzel Washington and Ilfenesh Hadera on the set of ‘High and Low’ on April 19, 2024 | Metropolis/Bauer-Griffin/Gc Images
On April 19, cameras spotted Denzel Washington and Ilfenesh Hadera filming a scene for High and Low in the Dumbo area of Brooklyn. Wearing a black pinstriped suit, white pocket square, and corresponding white tie, Washington strolled an NYC street alongside Hadera. A regular collaborator with Spike Lee, Hadera has appeared in The Punisher, Da Brick, The Blacklist, and Chicago Fire, among others.
Denzel Washington films...
- 4/23/2024
- by Ali Hicks
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Denzel Washington is one of the most prolific actors who changed the way African American characters were portrayed in mainstream cinema. The actor has starred in landmark films such as Training Day, Glory, Philadelphia, Malcolm X, and Cry Freedom. He has also been nominated for the Oscars multiple times and has won the award twice.
Washington was reportedly always interested in playing Black Panther in a film adaptation. While the actor became too old to play the iconic superhero by the time the character made his cinematic debut with Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal, Washington reportedly had his eyes on another superhero. Denzel Washington once mentioned how he wanted to play Green Lantern.
Denzel Washington Wanted to Play Black Panther and Green Lantern Denzel Washington in Training Day
A Black Panther film was in the making since the ‘90s, with Blade star Wesley Snipes interested in developing a film based on the iconic superhero.
Washington was reportedly always interested in playing Black Panther in a film adaptation. While the actor became too old to play the iconic superhero by the time the character made his cinematic debut with Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal, Washington reportedly had his eyes on another superhero. Denzel Washington once mentioned how he wanted to play Green Lantern.
Denzel Washington Wanted to Play Black Panther and Green Lantern Denzel Washington in Training Day
A Black Panther film was in the making since the ‘90s, with Blade star Wesley Snipes interested in developing a film based on the iconic superhero.
- 3/3/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
New year, new month, new titles to watch at Prime Video! The streamer has kicked off January 2024 in fashion with plenty of classic titles that were released on the first of the month, including 2007’s “No Country for Old Men” and Quentin Tarantino’s hit “Pulp Fiction,” but the best is still yet to come this month, including Lula Wang’s highly anticipated miniseries “Expats,” the A24-produced adult animated musical comedy series “Hazbin Hotel,” and much more.
Check out The Streamable’s picks for the best of January, and continue below for everything coming to the streamer this month!
30-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month amazon.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to Prime Video in January 2024? “Role Play” | Friday, Jan. 12
The new action-thriller comedy stars Kaley Cuoco as Emma, a suburban New Jersey woman with a wonderful husband, two kids, and a secret life as an assassin for hire.
Check out The Streamable’s picks for the best of January, and continue below for everything coming to the streamer this month!
30-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month amazon.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to Prime Video in January 2024? “Role Play” | Friday, Jan. 12
The new action-thriller comedy stars Kaley Cuoco as Emma, a suburban New Jersey woman with a wonderful husband, two kids, and a secret life as an assassin for hire.
- 1/3/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Zorro and Expats are the big shows coming to Prime Video in January. The former is what Amazon are calling a “bold reinterpretation” of the classic hero El Zorro for 2024. Starring Miguel Bernardeau as Diego de la Vega and Renata Notni as Lolita Marquez, it’s definitely an intriguing-sounding action-adventure series, with a ten-episode first season based on the iconic character originally created by Johnston McCulley all the way back in 1919.
Meanwhile, upcoming drama series Expats is based on the bestselling 2016 novel The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee, and follows “the vibrant lives of a close-knit expatriate community” in Hong Kong. Nicole Kidman has been known for picking the right kind of shows to lead in the past, so let’s hope this is another banger for the actress, who is also on board as an executive producer here.
Here’s everything coming to Amazon Prime Video and Freevee this month.
Meanwhile, upcoming drama series Expats is based on the bestselling 2016 novel The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee, and follows “the vibrant lives of a close-knit expatriate community” in Hong Kong. Nicole Kidman has been known for picking the right kind of shows to lead in the past, so let’s hope this is another banger for the actress, who is also on board as an executive producer here.
Here’s everything coming to Amazon Prime Video and Freevee this month.
- 1/1/2024
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Actor Denzel Washington, considered a leading man, normally doesn’t have to audition for film projects. And it’s a privilege the actor appreciates, seeing as he really doesn’t like fighting other stars for movies.
Denzel Washington doesn’t like having to fight for film roles Denzel Washington | Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Washington, like most A-list stars, has built up enough good will that he no longer has to audition for film roles. According to the actor’s own memory, he hasn’t auditioned since the 80s.
“The last time I auditioned for a role was the 1980s,” Washington once said according to The Grio. “I did a little screen test for Cry Freedom in 1986, that’s the last time I remember.”
Ironically, he tested for the role after rejecting a project that was ready-made for him. Washington has told the story about the movie where he was supposed...
Denzel Washington doesn’t like having to fight for film roles Denzel Washington | Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Washington, like most A-list stars, has built up enough good will that he no longer has to audition for film roles. According to the actor’s own memory, he hasn’t auditioned since the 80s.
“The last time I auditioned for a role was the 1980s,” Washington once said according to The Grio. “I did a little screen test for Cry Freedom in 1986, that’s the last time I remember.”
Ironically, he tested for the role after rejecting a project that was ready-made for him. Washington has told the story about the movie where he was supposed...
- 11/9/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
"The Equalizer" has been a sturdy franchise for Sony over the last decade. Based on the 1980s CBS series starring Edward Woodward, the films are a model of narrative simplicity: Denzel Washington plays Robert McCall, a world-weary yet principled ex-CIA operative who bounces around the globe to help powerless people overcome viciously corrupt criminals. They're self-contained vigilante yarns powered exclusively by one of Hollywood's most magnetic stars in full-on badass mode. Aside from their extrajudicial nature, they're basically Charles Bronson's "Death Wish" movies absent the racism and wretched treatment of women.
As such, they're utterly critic-proof, and Washington, a two-time Oscar winner who's widely considered to be one of our finest actors, shows no compunction about playing to the cheap seats. He knows audiences dig him in this kind of badass role, and, thus far, he's been proven right at the box office. The first two films (barely...
As such, they're utterly critic-proof, and Washington, a two-time Oscar winner who's widely considered to be one of our finest actors, shows no compunction about playing to the cheap seats. He knows audiences dig him in this kind of badass role, and, thus far, he's been proven right at the box office. The first two films (barely...
- 9/1/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Denzel Washington made his feature film debut 40 years ago in 1981’s “Carbon Copy” and in the decades since has played everyone from real-life public figures such as civil rights activist Malcolm X and wrongly imprisoned boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter to crooked cops like Alonzo in “Training Day” and Joe Deacon in “The Little Things” to even William Shakespeare‘s most famed villain, Macbeth, in “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”
For his prolific nature and exemplary work, Washington has received numerous awards: he snagged his first Oscar nomination for 1987’s “Cry Freedom” and won his first Oscar two years later for 1989’s “Glory.” Twelve years after that, Washington made history when “Training Day” made him the first Black actor since Sidney Poitier (“Lilies of the Field” in 1963) to win in the Best Actor category. How much longer will he have to wait to add a third trophy to his shelf?
With 10 total...
For his prolific nature and exemplary work, Washington has received numerous awards: he snagged his first Oscar nomination for 1987’s “Cry Freedom” and won his first Oscar two years later for 1989’s “Glory.” Twelve years after that, Washington made history when “Training Day” made him the first Black actor since Sidney Poitier (“Lilies of the Field” in 1963) to win in the Best Actor category. How much longer will he have to wait to add a third trophy to his shelf?
With 10 total...
- 8/30/2023
- by Christopher Rosen, Chris Beachum, Zach Laws and Tom O'Brien
- Gold Derby
Amazon originals like season two of The Summer I Turned Pretty and Good Omens, as well as The Horror of Dolores Roach, are just some of the titles hitting Prime Video this July.
Blockbusters like Fast X, 80 for Brady, Till, Knock at the Cabin, Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, Men in Black 1-3, Saving Private Ryan, Scarface and more will also be coming to the streamer this month.
The fourth and final season of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan sees the titular character, played by John Krasinski, on his most dangerous mission yet, against a foreign and domestic enemy. Two new episodes of the thriller drop on the streamer every Friday until July 14.
Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty returns with its second season on July 14 and picks up where season one left off at Cousins Beach. When an unexpected visitor threatens the future...
Blockbusters like Fast X, 80 for Brady, Till, Knock at the Cabin, Legally Blonde and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, Men in Black 1-3, Saving Private Ryan, Scarface and more will also be coming to the streamer this month.
The fourth and final season of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan sees the titular character, played by John Krasinski, on his most dangerous mission yet, against a foreign and domestic enemy. Two new episodes of the thriller drop on the streamer every Friday until July 14.
Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty returns with its second season on July 14 and picks up where season one left off at Cousins Beach. When an unexpected visitor threatens the future...
- 6/30/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor Ethan Hawke collaborated with filmmaker Antoine Fuqua for the first time for the hit film Training Day. Fuqua had faith in Hawke, but was only completely sold on the star after seeing him stand toe to toe with Washington.
Antoine Fuqua once shared Ethan Hawke was the only actor who could hang with Denzel Washington’s performance Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke | Warner Brothers/Getty Images
It may seem difficult to think about now, but Hawke wasn’t the first actor considered to star opposite Washington in Training Day. Fuqua had screened quite a few actors for the role. But ultimately, playing the morally strong police officer took some work on the director’s part.
“It was hard finding someone to play Jake because I needed a real actor, I needed someone with some depth that could really act,” Fuqua once told Ain’t It Cool News. “I test screened about 15 people.
Antoine Fuqua once shared Ethan Hawke was the only actor who could hang with Denzel Washington’s performance Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke | Warner Brothers/Getty Images
It may seem difficult to think about now, but Hawke wasn’t the first actor considered to star opposite Washington in Training Day. Fuqua had screened quite a few actors for the role. But ultimately, playing the morally strong police officer took some work on the director’s part.
“It was hard finding someone to play Jake because I needed a real actor, I needed someone with some depth that could really act,” Fuqua once told Ain’t It Cool News. “I test screened about 15 people.
- 6/16/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If you’re wondering what’s new on Amazon Prime Video in June, the answer is a lot. The streamer has a solid slate of movies heading into summer 2023. From the first two “Creed” films to “Love, Rosie,” “Yours, Mine & Ours” and other clever romantic comedies, the streamer has a range of options for viewers with different tastes. Newer theatrical releases arriving on the streamer in June include “TÁR,” “Armageddon Time,” and “M3GAN.”
TV premieres to look forward to include Boots Riley’s “I’m A Virgo” and the fourth and final season of John Krasinski’s “Jack Ryan.” “Crazy Rich Asians” arrives early in June, followed by “Interstellar” for all Christopher Nolan and Matthew McConaughey lovers. Even though “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” doesn’t release in theaters until November, all four “Hunger Games” films land on Prime Video this June. Perfect timing — maybe even with a reread...
TV premieres to look forward to include Boots Riley’s “I’m A Virgo” and the fourth and final season of John Krasinski’s “Jack Ryan.” “Crazy Rich Asians” arrives early in June, followed by “Interstellar” for all Christopher Nolan and Matthew McConaughey lovers. Even though “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” doesn’t release in theaters until November, all four “Hunger Games” films land on Prime Video this June. Perfect timing — maybe even with a reread...
- 6/1/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
With its list of new releases for June 2023, Prime is bringing a handful of Amazon Originals and many recent movie hits to the fold.
It’s actually quite a busy month for non-American programming in Amazon Originals department. Shows and movies like Deadloch, My Fault, and Medellín all originate from outside the U.S. and U.K. For the American and British crowd, however, the streamer is debuting two big tentpoles.
The first is I’m a Virgo on June 23. Acclaimed director Boots Riley’s TV followup to Sorry to Bother You will tale the surreal and satirical tale of a giant in Oakland. That will be followed by the more conventional (assumedly) fourth season of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan on June 30.
The real fireworks this month come from a ludicrously deep bench of library TV and movie titles. Give them a look for yourself below but if we were to highlight just a few,...
It’s actually quite a busy month for non-American programming in Amazon Originals department. Shows and movies like Deadloch, My Fault, and Medellín all originate from outside the U.S. and U.K. For the American and British crowd, however, the streamer is debuting two big tentpoles.
The first is I’m a Virgo on June 23. Acclaimed director Boots Riley’s TV followup to Sorry to Bother You will tale the surreal and satirical tale of a giant in Oakland. That will be followed by the more conventional (assumedly) fourth season of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan on June 30.
The real fireworks this month come from a ludicrously deep bench of library TV and movie titles. Give them a look for yourself below but if we were to highlight just a few,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The fourth and final season of “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” arrives on Prime Video on June 30. It finds Ryan — now the new acting CIA director — unearthing internal corruption and suspicious black ops that leaves the United States vulnerable to attack. John Krasinski stars as the tough-as-nails Ryan.
Watch the “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” trailer:
“Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” is a new docuseries that reveals the truth behind the myth of the wholesome religious family and their involvement with the predatory Bill Gothard and The Institute in Basic Life Principles. The organization’s abusive practices — and the insidious long political game it plays — is revealed on June 2. The Duggars and their 19 “happy” kids are exposed as frauds, while also being manipulated by Gothard and enduring the scandal of Josh, their sexually abusive son.
Check out the “Shiny Happy People” trailer:
When a body is found on the beach in the Tasmanian town of Deadloch,...
Watch the “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” trailer:
“Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” is a new docuseries that reveals the truth behind the myth of the wholesome religious family and their involvement with the predatory Bill Gothard and The Institute in Basic Life Principles. The organization’s abusive practices — and the insidious long political game it plays — is revealed on June 2. The Duggars and their 19 “happy” kids are exposed as frauds, while also being manipulated by Gothard and enduring the scandal of Josh, their sexually abusive son.
Check out the “Shiny Happy People” trailer:
When a body is found on the beach in the Tasmanian town of Deadloch,...
- 5/25/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
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In 1996, “The Wonderful World of Disney” premiered the made-for-tv movie “Ruby Bridges,” a true-life story about the 6-year-old girl who helped desegregate a Louisiana elementary school in 1960. Critics lauded the film for its exploration of racism, and it went on to become a prominent part of school curriculums on American segregation.
Now the film has come under attack, with a Florida school considering a ban after a parent complained. The backlash against “Ruby Bridges” doesn’t surprise its creators, who exclusively spoke to TheWrap about the difficult process of getting the movie made in the first place and their thoughts on the attempt to suppress it today. Their story highlights how much is at stake as politicians seek to reshape the teaching of history, and how authors and filmmakers are getting caught in the middle.
In 1996, “The Wonderful World of Disney” premiered the made-for-tv movie “Ruby Bridges,” a true-life story about the 6-year-old girl who helped desegregate a Louisiana elementary school in 1960. Critics lauded the film for its exploration of racism, and it went on to become a prominent part of school curriculums on American segregation.
Now the film has come under attack, with a Florida school considering a ban after a parent complained. The backlash against “Ruby Bridges” doesn’t surprise its creators, who exclusively spoke to TheWrap about the difficult process of getting the movie made in the first place and their thoughts on the attempt to suppress it today. Their story highlights how much is at stake as politicians seek to reshape the teaching of history, and how authors and filmmakers are getting caught in the middle.
- 4/3/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
(Welcome to Best Actor Ever, an ongoing series where we explore the careers and performances of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen.)
If the young Denzel Washington had his way, the now 68-year-old Mount Vernon native would have a bust in Canton's Pro Football Hall of Fame. The man who would be Malcolm X, Rubin Carter, and Alonzo Harris initially had his sights trained on the gridiron before he enrolled at Fordham University in 1977, where he was a skilled enough athlete to play under Coach P.J. Carlesimo for the school's junior varsity team. "He would run us all day, and make us work," Washington told the New York Times in 1998. "But you know what? We were always prepared for the fourth quarter, and we hardly ever lost. Some of the things I learned from him, I still apply myself."
Washington knew by this point that a pro sports...
If the young Denzel Washington had his way, the now 68-year-old Mount Vernon native would have a bust in Canton's Pro Football Hall of Fame. The man who would be Malcolm X, Rubin Carter, and Alonzo Harris initially had his sights trained on the gridiron before he enrolled at Fordham University in 1977, where he was a skilled enough athlete to play under Coach P.J. Carlesimo for the school's junior varsity team. "He would run us all day, and make us work," Washington told the New York Times in 1998. "But you know what? We were always prepared for the fourth quarter, and we hardly ever lost. Some of the things I learned from him, I still apply myself."
Washington knew by this point that a pro sports...
- 1/27/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, is delighted to announce that Nile Rodgers and Chic will now headline its annual fundraising Christmas Carol Service at St Luke’s Church, Chelsea on Tuesday 13th December, with support from fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Richie Sambora.
Sadly, The Who will no longer be performing due to unforeseen circumstances. They have been incredible supporters and champions of Nordoff Robbins for almost 50 years and the charity looks forward to doing something special with them next year.
Nile Rodgers joins the line-up fresh from receiving the Lifetime Achievement award at last week’s Mobo Awards. The legendary songwriter, producer, arranger and guitarist has been making waves in music since co-founding Chic in the 1970s and his music has been an inspiration to generations that have followed. Over more than 50 years in the music industry,...
Sadly, The Who will no longer be performing due to unforeseen circumstances. They have been incredible supporters and champions of Nordoff Robbins for almost 50 years and the charity looks forward to doing something special with them next year.
Nile Rodgers joins the line-up fresh from receiving the Lifetime Achievement award at last week’s Mobo Awards. The legendary songwriter, producer, arranger and guitarist has been making waves in music since co-founding Chic in the 1970s and his music has been an inspiration to generations that have followed. Over more than 50 years in the music industry,...
- 12/7/2022
- Look to the Stars
The character of Otto West in "A Fish Called Wanda" is a marvelous comedic creation. He is, in no particular order, a demolitions expert, a narcissist, a pervert, a psychopath and a moron. Otto does not, of course, believe he is a moron, and his deep conceitedness shields him from this truth -- even though he has been called "stupid" enough times to specifically insist that people must not fling this epithet at his person.
There is a broad theatricality to Otto's idiocy, but he must be desirable enough to convince us that a wily con artist like Wanda Gershwitz (Jamie Lee Curtis) would go to bed with him repeatedly. There were dozens of character actors thriving in 1988 who could've met both prerequisites, but the role screamed for a movie star willing to make a spectacular ass out of himself. So thank god for Kevin Kline, even if he never...
There is a broad theatricality to Otto's idiocy, but he must be desirable enough to convince us that a wily con artist like Wanda Gershwitz (Jamie Lee Curtis) would go to bed with him repeatedly. There were dozens of character actors thriving in 1988 who could've met both prerequisites, but the role screamed for a movie star willing to make a spectacular ass out of himself. So thank god for Kevin Kline, even if he never...
- 9/15/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Denzel Washington has a reputation as one of the best American actors of all time, and it's easy to understand why. First, there's the nine Oscar nominations for acting including two wins, but even if he hadn't been lauded so, his career speaks for itself. It began in earnest in the mid-1980s, when he started to make the transition from television drama "St. Elsewhere" to movies. Theater has also always been a presence for Washington, a Tony Award winner, especially the work of August Wilson.
Washington has certain directors who he has collaborated with many times, most famously Spike Lee. There's also Tony Scott, Antoine Fuqua, Edward Zwick, Jonathan Demme, and Carl Franklin. Since 2000, he has mainly made thrillers and played heroic characters, but ironically he won the Best Actor Oscar for one of his rare villainous roles. Washington always brings a magnetic charisma to whatever part he is playing,...
Washington has certain directors who he has collaborated with many times, most famously Spike Lee. There's also Tony Scott, Antoine Fuqua, Edward Zwick, Jonathan Demme, and Carl Franklin. Since 2000, he has mainly made thrillers and played heroic characters, but ironically he won the Best Actor Oscar for one of his rare villainous roles. Washington always brings a magnetic charisma to whatever part he is playing,...
- 8/26/2022
- by Fiona Underhill
- Slash Film
Culturally speaking, Edward Zwick's Civil War drama "Glory" did not hit theaters at the most opportune moment. An ambitious account of the then little-known 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the Union Army's second African-American regiment, critics approached it with dread. Here, in the wake of Richard Attenborough's "Cry Freedom" and Alan Parker's "Mississippi Burning," was yet another vital chapter of Black history being told not only by a white filmmaker and a white screenwriter (Kevin Jarre), but from the perspective of a white character. Arriving six months after the release of Spike Lee's incendiary "Do...
The post Glory Didn't Cut Any Corners When It Came to Authenticity appeared first on /Film.
The post Glory Didn't Cut Any Corners When It Came to Authenticity appeared first on /Film.
- 6/2/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Update: The livestream has now ended, and the video is unavailable. But Washington addressed the Will Smith Oscars slap, which you can read about here.
Denzel Washington sat down to discuss his career and his faith at author and pastor T.D. Jakes’s annual International Leadership Summit on Saturday, and TheWrap had the exclusive livestream of the event.
During the panel, the Oscar-winning actor talked about his life and career, as well as his Christian faith. Washington is took the stage at 9:05am Et/6:05am Pt on April 2 and was in conversation with Jakes himself.
Washington recently earned his ninth Oscar nomination for his leading turn in “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” In 2002, Washington became only the second Black man to win the Best Actor Oscar for his role in “Training Day.” He previously won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1990 for his turn in “Glory,” and was Oscar-nominated...
Denzel Washington sat down to discuss his career and his faith at author and pastor T.D. Jakes’s annual International Leadership Summit on Saturday, and TheWrap had the exclusive livestream of the event.
During the panel, the Oscar-winning actor talked about his life and career, as well as his Christian faith. Washington is took the stage at 9:05am Et/6:05am Pt on April 2 and was in conversation with Jakes himself.
Washington recently earned his ninth Oscar nomination for his leading turn in “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” In 2002, Washington became only the second Black man to win the Best Actor Oscar for his role in “Training Day.” He previously won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1990 for his turn in “Glory,” and was Oscar-nominated...
- 4/2/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
The 2022 Oscar nominees for Best Actor are Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Power of the Dog”), Andrew Garfield, Will Smith (“King Richard”), and Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”). Smith (16/5) is favored to win by our odds, followed in order by Cumberbatch (19/5), Garfield (4/1), Washington (9/2), and Bardem (9/2).
All five of these men have contended here at least once before, making theirs the first Best Actor lineup since 1981 to include no first-time acting nominees. Furthermore, it is the very first to consist only of previous lead nominees. The last time this came close to happening was in 2003, when newcomer and eventual victor Adrien Brody (“The Pianist”) competed against category veterans Nicolas Cage (“Adaptation”), Michael Caine (“The Quiet American”), Daniel Day-Lewis (“Gangs of New York”), and Jack Nicholson (“About Schmidt”).
Washington’s seven lead nominations make him one of the nine most-recognized performers in the category’s history. The record...
All five of these men have contended here at least once before, making theirs the first Best Actor lineup since 1981 to include no first-time acting nominees. Furthermore, it is the very first to consist only of previous lead nominees. The last time this came close to happening was in 2003, when newcomer and eventual victor Adrien Brody (“The Pianist”) competed against category veterans Nicolas Cage (“Adaptation”), Michael Caine (“The Quiet American”), Daniel Day-Lewis (“Gangs of New York”), and Jack Nicholson (“About Schmidt”).
Washington’s seven lead nominations make him one of the nine most-recognized performers in the category’s history. The record...
- 3/26/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Denzel Washington’s storied career has led to a number of impressive feats at the Academy Awards. With his ninth acting nomination this year for Joel Coen’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Washington is the most nominated Black actor in the history of the awards. He is also one of only 37 performers to win two acting Oscars, with his victories for “Glory” (1989) and “Training Day” (2001). Voters have had a number of chances to award Washington a third win, though, a feat only six actors have accomplished. He currently ranks fourth in our current combined odds to take home that historic third win this year for “Macbeth,” and if he does not win, he will have lost seven acting races. Which of those performances should have netted the actor a third trophy? Below, read about all of Denzel Washington’s Oscar losses and then take our poll.
Washington earned his first...
Washington earned his first...
- 3/21/2022
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
In the 34 years since Denzel Washington first caught the attention of Oscar voters with his work in “Cry Freedom,” he has amassed a whopping total of nine acting nominations. This makes him one of the six most-recognized male performers in academy history alongside Paul Newman, Al Pacino, and Spencer Tracy and behind Jack Nicholson (12) and Laurence Olivier (10). With his 2022 Best Actor bid for “The Tragedy of Macbeth” factored in, his nine nominated performances add up to 11 hours, 26 minutes, and 45 seconds of screen time, which is the second highest male total behind Nicholson’s.
Having triumphed for his featured turn in “Glory” (1990) and his starring role in “Training Day” (2002), Washington is one of only six men who have conquered both male acting categories. He was preceded by Jack Lemmon, Robert De Niro, Nicholson, Gene Hackman, and Kevin Spacey. Nicholson later won a second Best Actor award for “As Good As It Gets...
Having triumphed for his featured turn in “Glory” (1990) and his starring role in “Training Day” (2002), Washington is one of only six men who have conquered both male acting categories. He was preceded by Jack Lemmon, Robert De Niro, Nicholson, Gene Hackman, and Kevin Spacey. Nicholson later won a second Best Actor award for “As Good As It Gets...
- 3/14/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Since Denzel Washington first caught the attention of academy voters with his work in “Cry Freedom,” he has racked up nine Oscar nominations for acting. That ties him with Paul Newman, Al Pacino, and Spencer Tracy among actors. Only Jack Nicholson (12) and Laurence Olivier (10) have more bids.
Denzel Washington has been nominated seven times for Best Actor and twice for Best Supporting Actor. In terms of screen time, his lead performances average out to one hour, 29 minutes, and six seconds (or 63.12% of the respective films). The average for his pair of featured turns is 31 minutes and 31 seconds (or 23.07%). Check out our gallery and screen time analysis of Washington’s nine Oscar-nominated performances...
Denzel Washington has been nominated seven times for Best Actor and twice for Best Supporting Actor. In terms of screen time, his lead performances average out to one hour, 29 minutes, and six seconds (or 63.12% of the respective films). The average for his pair of featured turns is 31 minutes and 31 seconds (or 23.07%). Check out our gallery and screen time analysis of Washington’s nine Oscar-nominated performances...
- 3/14/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Not Even Performing Shakespeare Can Bring Denzel Washington to BAFTA as the Actor Is Snubbed (Again)
After 49 films, eight Oscar nominations, with two wins for “Glory” (1989) and “Training Day” (2001), Denzel Washington seems to still not be good enough for the Brits, getting snubbed in leading actor by the BAFTA Awards for his work in “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”
Despite over 270 accolades across his 45-year career in film, Washington has never received a BAFTA nomination, one of the more obvious omissions in BAFTA’s 75-year history. While many of his slights are either head-scratching or poorly-timed with late U.K. releases, some of his snubs have been blatant oversights by the British voting body.
Washington is the most nominated Black actor in Academy Awards history, with eight acting nominations, expecting to extend to a ninth for his work as the Scottish noble Lord Macbeth in writer and director Joel Coen’s black-and-white adaptation of the William Shakespeare play. His nominations have included two for best supporting actor...
Despite over 270 accolades across his 45-year career in film, Washington has never received a BAFTA nomination, one of the more obvious omissions in BAFTA’s 75-year history. While many of his slights are either head-scratching or poorly-timed with late U.K. releases, some of his snubs have been blatant oversights by the British voting body.
Washington is the most nominated Black actor in Academy Awards history, with eight acting nominations, expecting to extend to a ninth for his work as the Scottish noble Lord Macbeth in writer and director Joel Coen’s black-and-white adaptation of the William Shakespeare play. His nominations have included two for best supporting actor...
- 2/3/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
In 2013, four years before he announced his retirement from acting, Daniel Day-Lewis set a record with his Oscar victory for “Lincoln” by becoming the first three-time Best Actor champion. The last quartet of contenders he beat consisted of previous winner Denzel Washington (“Flight”), past nominee Joaquin Phoenix (“The Master”), and newcomers Bradley Cooper (“Silver Linings Playbook”) and Hugh Jackman (“Les Misérables”). With Day-Lewis now out of the picture, all but Jackman have emerged as hopefuls in the current Best Actor contest, creating the possibility of another three-way showdown.
According to our racetrack odds, the actor from this trio with the best shot at landing in this year’s lead lineup is Washington, who stars in Joel Coen’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and places fourth in our ranking. This would be his ninth acting nomination following supporting bids for “Cry Freedom” (1988) and “Glory” (1990) and lead ones for “Malcolm X” (1993), “The Hurricane” (2000), “Training Day” (2002), “Flight,...
According to our racetrack odds, the actor from this trio with the best shot at landing in this year’s lead lineup is Washington, who stars in Joel Coen’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and places fourth in our ranking. This would be his ninth acting nomination following supporting bids for “Cry Freedom” (1988) and “Glory” (1990) and lead ones for “Malcolm X” (1993), “The Hurricane” (2000), “Training Day” (2002), “Flight,...
- 1/22/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Denzel Washington has two Oscars, a SAG award and over 270 other accolades. One honor he doesn’t have yet over his 40-year career is a single nomination from the BAFTA Awards. With somewhat of a home-field advantage for taking on the words of the Brits’ greatest dramatist William Shakespeare, could Washington finally receive his first nom for “The Tragedy of Macbeth”?
BAFTA is continuing to make a conscious effort to widen their net for diversity, both within its own membership and the films it honors. However, with a new voting method introduced last year following the results of their diversity review, the group threw the awards season for a loop with surprise selections. Instituting a jury into the voting process, performances such as Radha Blank (“The Forty-Year-Old Version”) and Adarsh Gourav (“The White Tiger”) managed to make the cut in favor of “safer” picks like eventual Oscar nominees Carey Mulligan...
BAFTA is continuing to make a conscious effort to widen their net for diversity, both within its own membership and the films it honors. However, with a new voting method introduced last year following the results of their diversity review, the group threw the awards season for a loop with surprise selections. Instituting a jury into the voting process, performances such as Radha Blank (“The Forty-Year-Old Version”) and Adarsh Gourav (“The White Tiger”) managed to make the cut in favor of “safer” picks like eventual Oscar nominees Carey Mulligan...
- 1/3/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Denzel Washington made his feature film debut 40 years ago in 1981’s “Carbon Copy” and in the decades since has played everyone from real-life public figures such as civil rights activist Malcolm X and wrongly imprisoned boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter to crooked cops like Alonzo in “Training Day” and Joe Deacon in “The Little Things” to even William Shakespeare‘s most famed villain, Macbeth, in “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”
SEEForum Debate: Oscar ambush by Denzel Washington (‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’)?
For his prolific nature and exemplary work, Washington has received numerous awards: he snagged his first Oscar nomination for 1987’s “Cry Freedom” and won his first Oscar two years later for 1989’s “Glory.” Twelve years after that, Washington made history when “Training Day” made him the first Black actor since Sidney Poitier (“Lilies of the Field” in 1963) to win in the Best Actor category. How much longer will he have to...
SEEForum Debate: Oscar ambush by Denzel Washington (‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’)?
For his prolific nature and exemplary work, Washington has received numerous awards: he snagged his first Oscar nomination for 1987’s “Cry Freedom” and won his first Oscar two years later for 1989’s “Glory.” Twelve years after that, Washington made history when “Training Day” made him the first Black actor since Sidney Poitier (“Lilies of the Field” in 1963) to win in the Best Actor category. How much longer will he have to...
- 12/26/2021
- by Christopher Rosen and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Apple has ordered a thriller series that hails from Alfonso Cuarón with Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline set to star, Variety has learned.
The show is titled “Disclaimer” and is based on the novel of the same name by Renee Knight. Blanchett stars as Catherine Ravenscroft, a successful and respected television documentary journalist whose work has been built on revealing the concealed transgressions of long-respected institutions. When an intriguing novel written by a widower (Kline) appears on her bedside table, she is horrified to realize she is a key character in a story that she had hoped was long buried in the past.
Cuarón is writing the adaptation and will also direct and executive produce under his Esperanto Filmoj banner along with Gabriela Rodriguez. Blanchett will executive produce in addition to starring. Anonymous Content’s David Levine, Dawn Olmstead and Steve Golin also executive produce. Academy Award-winner Emmanuel Lubezki will...
The show is titled “Disclaimer” and is based on the novel of the same name by Renee Knight. Blanchett stars as Catherine Ravenscroft, a successful and respected television documentary journalist whose work has been built on revealing the concealed transgressions of long-respected institutions. When an intriguing novel written by a widower (Kline) appears on her bedside table, she is horrified to realize she is a key character in a story that she had hoped was long buried in the past.
Cuarón is writing the adaptation and will also direct and executive produce under his Esperanto Filmoj banner along with Gabriela Rodriguez. Blanchett will executive produce in addition to starring. Anonymous Content’s David Levine, Dawn Olmstead and Steve Golin also executive produce. Academy Award-winner Emmanuel Lubezki will...
- 12/1/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Denzel Washington could further cement his place in the history books at the Academy Awards in March. Already a two-time acting winner for his supporting turn in the 1989 Civil War drama “Glory” and as a leading man in Antoine Fuqua’s crime thriller “Training Day” (2001), Washington is poised to nab yet another Oscar nomination this season, this time for his performance in the title role in Joel Coen’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” If Washington is successful, he will become just the sixth man to receive at least nine acting nominations. He would also be the first Black man to do so.
Washington’s first Oscar nomination came in 1988 for his supporting performance in “Cry Freedom” (1987). His only other nomination in the category was for “Glory,” as his six other acting bids have all come in the Best Actor category, beginning with his turn in the Spike Lee-directed biographical...
Washington’s first Oscar nomination came in 1988 for his supporting performance in “Cry Freedom” (1987). His only other nomination in the category was for “Glory,” as his six other acting bids have all come in the Best Actor category, beginning with his turn in the Spike Lee-directed biographical...
- 10/4/2021
- by Kaitlin Thomas
- Gold Derby
There’s a two-in-five chance that an African American will walk away with the Academy Award for original score on April 25, and if so, it will be only the second time a Black composer has won in that category.
That’s because two films with Black composers were nominated this year: Terence Blanchard for “Da 5 Bloods,” and Jon Batiste, one of three composers nominated for “Soul” (along with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross). That in itself is a first: before this year, only six films featuring Black composers were even nominated.
Herbie Hancock is the only African-American composer to win in the original score category, for 1986’s “Round Midnight.” Quincy Jones has seven Oscar nominations (six of them for music) without a win, although he was honored with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995.
No one will argue that the Oscar odds have been against African Americans from the beginning,...
That’s because two films with Black composers were nominated this year: Terence Blanchard for “Da 5 Bloods,” and Jon Batiste, one of three composers nominated for “Soul” (along with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross). That in itself is a first: before this year, only six films featuring Black composers were even nominated.
Herbie Hancock is the only African-American composer to win in the original score category, for 1986’s “Round Midnight.” Quincy Jones has seven Oscar nominations (six of them for music) without a win, although he was honored with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995.
No one will argue that the Oscar odds have been against African Americans from the beginning,...
- 4/9/2021
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Three of this year’s Oscar nominated tunes were penned by Black songwriters: Celeste reaped a bid (along with Daniel Pemberton) for “Hear My Voice” from “The Trial of the Chicago”; D’Mile, recent Grammy champ H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas collaborated on “Fight for You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah”; and supporting actor nominee Leslie Odom Jr. was cited with Nashville based singer/songwriter Sam Ashworth for “Speak Now” from “One Night in Miami.”
The first Black tunesmith to contend for Best Original Song at the Oscars was Quincy Jones who was nominated in 1967 (alongside lyricist Bob Russell) for “The Eyes of Love” from the long-forgotten “Banning.” (Jones earned the first of his four score Oscar nominations that same year for “In Cold Blood.”) He and Russell reaped another bid the following year for the title tune from “For Love of Ivy.” His last nomination to date was in 1985 for...
The first Black tunesmith to contend for Best Original Song at the Oscars was Quincy Jones who was nominated in 1967 (alongside lyricist Bob Russell) for “The Eyes of Love” from the long-forgotten “Banning.” (Jones earned the first of his four score Oscar nominations that same year for “In Cold Blood.”) He and Russell reaped another bid the following year for the title tune from “For Love of Ivy.” His last nomination to date was in 1985 for...
- 3/22/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
The Duke was top! The legendary jazz composer/musician/orchestra leader Duke Ellington made Oscar history 49 years ago when he became the first Black nominee for composing. He contended for Best Score (Musical) for the 1961 romantic drama, “Paris Blues.” It was just Ellington’s second scoring gig. Two years before, producer/director Otto Preminger hired him to do the music for his controversial courtroom drama “Anatomy of a Murder.” The Duke also did a cameo in that picture.
The newest addition to the roster of Black composers who reaped Oscar bids is Jon Batiste, who shares his nomination for “Soul” with Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross. Also cited this year is Terence Blanchard (“Da 5 Bloods”). He was nominated two years ago for his work on another Spike Lee film, “BlacKKKlansman.”
These nominees owe a tip of the hat to Ellington and several other trailblazers: Calvin Jackson, who contended as part...
The newest addition to the roster of Black composers who reaped Oscar bids is Jon Batiste, who shares his nomination for “Soul” with Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross. Also cited this year is Terence Blanchard (“Da 5 Bloods”). He was nominated two years ago for his work on another Spike Lee film, “BlacKKKlansman.”
These nominees owe a tip of the hat to Ellington and several other trailblazers: Calvin Jackson, who contended as part...
- 3/20/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
The Academy music branch made Oscar history yesterday by nominating two films with Black composers for best original score: “Soul” and “Da 5 Bloods.”
Previously, only six films featuring Black composers were even nominated in the entire 86-year history of the category: “In Cold Blood,” “Shaft,” “The Color Purple,” “Round Midnight,” “Cry Freedom” and “BlacKkKlansman.”
Herbie Hancock remains the only African-American composer to win in this category, for his jazz-filled “Round Midnight” score in 1986. Terence Blanchard (pictured at left), composer of “Da 5 Bloods,” becomes only the second Black composer to be nominated twice.
The late soul genius Isaac Hayes was the first to be nominated, for his groundbreaking “Shaft” score in 1971; he lost the score award that year but won song honors for his now-iconic title theme. South African jazz musician Jonas Gwangwa was nominated (along with composer George Fenton) for the anti-apartheid drama “Cry Freedom” in 1987.
Three composers...
Previously, only six films featuring Black composers were even nominated in the entire 86-year history of the category: “In Cold Blood,” “Shaft,” “The Color Purple,” “Round Midnight,” “Cry Freedom” and “BlacKkKlansman.”
Herbie Hancock remains the only African-American composer to win in this category, for his jazz-filled “Round Midnight” score in 1986. Terence Blanchard (pictured at left), composer of “Da 5 Bloods,” becomes only the second Black composer to be nominated twice.
The late soul genius Isaac Hayes was the first to be nominated, for his groundbreaking “Shaft” score in 1971; he lost the score award that year but won song honors for his now-iconic title theme. South African jazz musician Jonas Gwangwa was nominated (along with composer George Fenton) for the anti-apartheid drama “Cry Freedom” in 1987.
Three composers...
- 3/16/2021
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
To mark the release of Couples Retreat, Constant Gardener, Buddy Holly Story on 22nd February and Cry Freedom on 15th March, we’ve been given a DVD bundle to give away.
Couples Retreat
After being enticed on a cheap luxury holiday to a tropical island paradise, four couples suddenly find themselves thrust into intensive couples therapy as part of the package! The couples all embark on some serious soul searching that they are really not prepared for. They endure the resort owner Marcel’s odd counselling methods, including swimming with sharks and intimate yoga sessions with an over amorous instructor. Soon they are making a hilarious last ditch attempt to save their marriages on what should have been the holiday of a lifetime!
Constant Gardener
A diplomat on the hunt for his wife’s murderer uncovers a trail of corruption involving a multinational pharmaceutical company’s unethical drug trials upon African people.
Couples Retreat
After being enticed on a cheap luxury holiday to a tropical island paradise, four couples suddenly find themselves thrust into intensive couples therapy as part of the package! The couples all embark on some serious soul searching that they are really not prepared for. They endure the resort owner Marcel’s odd counselling methods, including swimming with sharks and intimate yoga sessions with an over amorous instructor. Soon they are making a hilarious last ditch attempt to save their marriages on what should have been the holiday of a lifetime!
Constant Gardener
A diplomat on the hunt for his wife’s murderer uncovers a trail of corruption involving a multinational pharmaceutical company’s unethical drug trials upon African people.
- 2/19/2021
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Award-winning screenwriter who worked with Richard Attenborough on Gandhi and Cry Freedom
When John Briley, who has died aged 94 of a blood disorder, was first approached by Richard Attenborough with the idea of turning the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi into a film, the screenwriter was sceptical about its appeal. “I was certain that no one in the Detroit of my boyhood or my adopted town in semi-rural England would want to pay to see a film about an old man who sat on a rug in a loincloth and spouted words about peace and passive resistance,” he said. There were his own career prospects to consider: “I had had one or two disasters and really didn’t want another, even a grand one.” But the mystery of the subject, and of Attenborough’s long-held enthusiasm, was unlocked for Briley once he began reading Gandhi’s letters and articles. “Gradually the personality of this open,...
When John Briley, who has died aged 94 of a blood disorder, was first approached by Richard Attenborough with the idea of turning the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi into a film, the screenwriter was sceptical about its appeal. “I was certain that no one in the Detroit of my boyhood or my adopted town in semi-rural England would want to pay to see a film about an old man who sat on a rug in a loincloth and spouted words about peace and passive resistance,” he said. There were his own career prospects to consider: “I had had one or two disasters and really didn’t want another, even a grand one.” But the mystery of the subject, and of Attenborough’s long-held enthusiasm, was unlocked for Briley once he began reading Gandhi’s letters and articles. “Gradually the personality of this open,...
- 12/20/2019
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Actor-director played parts in The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Absolute Beginners, EastEnders.
Graham Fletcher-Cook, the brother of Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher who had a small role in that film and acted in Eddie The Eagle and Sid And Nancy, has died. He was 55.
A spokesperson for the family confirmed Fletcher-Cook died of cancer on an undisclosed date a while ago. The London-born actor and director got his first taste of acting on a visit to the set of Bugsy Malone in 1976 arranged through The Anna Scher Theatre drama school.
After that he found work on a multitude of films such...
Graham Fletcher-Cook, the brother of Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher who had a small role in that film and acted in Eddie The Eagle and Sid And Nancy, has died. He was 55.
A spokesperson for the family confirmed Fletcher-Cook died of cancer on an undisclosed date a while ago. The London-born actor and director got his first taste of acting on a visit to the set of Bugsy Malone in 1976 arranged through The Anna Scher Theatre drama school.
After that he found work on a multitude of films such...
- 7/2/2019
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Last summer, we offered a special photo gallery of the 50 greatest entertainers still waiting to be selected for the Kennedy Center Honors. Among that group were country music superstar Reba McEntire plus pop star and Oscar-winning actress Cher. Both of them were in the honorees in December, along with composer Philip Glass and jazz musician Wayne Shorter, plus a unique section devoted to “Hamilton!.”
And now we provide our latest list of Kennedy Center Honors top 50 recommendations for 2019. Of course, only five of them can be chosen but certainly all are worthy. Tour our photo gallery above ranked from #1 to #50. Each year, the selection committee chooses five entertainment veterans from a variety of fields – film, television, popular music, theatre, and the fine arts. Selected artists are almost always over 50 and generally are 60 and beyond.
See Kennedy Center Honors: 20 Greatest Performances of All Time
This year’s recipients will be announced...
And now we provide our latest list of Kennedy Center Honors top 50 recommendations for 2019. Of course, only five of them can be chosen but certainly all are worthy. Tour our photo gallery above ranked from #1 to #50. Each year, the selection committee chooses five entertainment veterans from a variety of fields – film, television, popular music, theatre, and the fine arts. Selected artists are almost always over 50 and generally are 60 and beyond.
See Kennedy Center Honors: 20 Greatest Performances of All Time
This year’s recipients will be announced...
- 6/23/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Recent Oscar champ Spike Lee has worked frequently with Denzel Washington. Tonight they reunite on TNT as Lee presents Washington with the 47th annual American Film Institute life achievement award. Other presenters and performers on the 2019 AFI ceremony, recorded on June 6 in Hollywood, are Mahershala Ali, Beyonce, Chadwick Boseman, Jodie Foster, Antoine Fuqua, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Hudson, Michael B. Jordan, Issa Rae, Julia Roberts and Cicely Tyson.
Washington is a two-time Academy Award winner for “Glory” (1989) and “Training Day” (2001). His other seven Oscar nominations were for “Cry Freedom” (1987), “Malcolm X” (1992), “The Hurricane” (1999), “Flight” (2012), “Fences” and “Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017).
SEEAmerican Film Institute (AFI) Life Achievement 47 Years of Recipients [Photos]
Actor and director George Clooney was selected in 2018 as the 46th honoree. Before him it was actress Diane Keaton in 2017 and composer John Williams in 2016. Prior to picking Williams, the AFI had only chosen actors, actresses and directors starting way...
Washington is a two-time Academy Award winner for “Glory” (1989) and “Training Day” (2001). His other seven Oscar nominations were for “Cry Freedom” (1987), “Malcolm X” (1992), “The Hurricane” (1999), “Flight” (2012), “Fences” and “Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017).
SEEAmerican Film Institute (AFI) Life Achievement 47 Years of Recipients [Photos]
Actor and director George Clooney was selected in 2018 as the 46th honoree. Before him it was actress Diane Keaton in 2017 and composer John Williams in 2016. Prior to picking Williams, the AFI had only chosen actors, actresses and directors starting way...
- 6/20/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
It was a night of surprises, as the AFI tribute to Denzel Washington started out with Beyoncé, who had not been announced, bounding out onto the stage — gasp — to present the night’s other prize, the Franklin J. Schaffner Award, to her video director Melina Matsoukas, who went on to direct Issa Rae’s “Insecure” and the upcoming movie “Queen & Slim,” collaborating with Lena Waithe. “Beyoncé taught me how to work, how to dream, and how to achieve,” she said. “And how to take control of your own narrative.”
Jennifer Hudson delivered a soaring rendition of “A Change is Gonna Come,” rousing the black-tie crowd to one of the night’s many standing ovations.
Kathleen Kennedy was revealed as the new chair of the AFI Board of Trustees, replacing Sir Howard Stringer after 19 years, who sent a farewell video. Robert A. Daly remains Chair of the AFI Board of Directors,...
Jennifer Hudson delivered a soaring rendition of “A Change is Gonna Come,” rousing the black-tie crowd to one of the night’s many standing ovations.
Kathleen Kennedy was revealed as the new chair of the AFI Board of Trustees, replacing Sir Howard Stringer after 19 years, who sent a farewell video. Robert A. Daly remains Chair of the AFI Board of Directors,...
- 6/7/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
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