“Roma” Wins Big At Critics’ Choice Awards

By Creative Media Times

Netflix

The Broadcast Film Critics Association and Broadcast Television Journalists Association revealed their best of over the past year, and black-and-white drama “Roma” took the main prize. Could the Oscars possibly be next?

The film’s director Alfonso Cuarón also won best director, a follow up to his big win at the Golden Globes just last weekend.

Also building strong momentum is Christian Bale, who won for his Dick Cheney portrayal in McKay’s biographical satire “Vice.” Glenn Close and Lady Gaga meanwhile shares a trophy in a surprising tie for Best Actress.

Here’s the full list of winners at Sunday’s 24th annual Critics’ Choice Awards:

FILM NOMINEES

BEST PICTURE
Roma

BEST ACTOR
WINNER: Christian Bale — Vice

BEST ACTRESS
WINNER (TIE): Glenn Close — The Wife
WINNER (TIE): Lady Gaga — A Star Is Born

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Mahershala Ali — Green Book

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Regina King – If Beale Street Could Talk

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Elsie Fisher — Eighth Grade

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
The Favourite

BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón – Roma

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“Shoplifters” Wins Palm Springs’ Best Foreign Language

By Creative Media Times

Aoi Pro, Inc.

“Shoplifters,” Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda was named Best Foreign Language Film of the Year at Palm Springs International Film Festival. The jury award winners were announced today at the Riviera Palm Springs, California.

The film premiered at Cannes last year and won the top prize Palme d’Or, highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival. It is also on the Academy Awards’ shortlist for a Best Foreign Language category.

The family drama, which was also scripted and edited by Kore-eda, tells the story of an impoverished Japanese family who reply on shoplifting to cope with their life.

Other announced winners include Marcello Fonte, star of Italy’s Dogman and Joanna Kulig, of Poland’s Cold War, took top honors in the foreign language acting categories.

The Audience Awards for is set to be announced tomorrow, which includes Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature.

The 30th Annual Palm Springs Film Festival screened 226 films from 78 countries. The festival is held from January 3-14, 2019.

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A Reboot Of “Final Destination” In The Works

By Creative Media Times

Even Death Gets A Reboot. After a seven year absence, the Final Destination franchise is coming back in the form of a reboot with “Saw” writers penning the script, according to Hollywood Reporter.

The upcoming “re-imagining” is said to enlist writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan to work on the script. Apart from writing Saw film, the two also collaborated in the home invasion horror thriller “The Collector” which Dunstan directed.

There are currently five films in the horror film franchise. The original was released in March 2000. Although that was met with mixed reviews, the film was a surprise hit for New Line Cinema and gained a cult following.

The fifth and final film in the series however was better received. Released in 2011, the film grossed $156 million at the global boxoffice.

With the resurgent of the horror genre lately, it is somewhat not a surprise that Final Destination wants a piece of the action. In total, the series has grossed $665 million worldwide.

The film franchise separates itself from other horror films in that the killer, Death (or The Grim Reaper) is supernatural in nature and is not seen, but rather makes its presence felt in the supposed accidents and situations wherein characters meet their demise.

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Madsonik Releases Music Video For “Escape Room (Madsonik and Kill the Noise Remix)”

SONY Pictures

Madsonik, the DJ Moniker of famed film composer Brian Tyler, has released the official music video for “Escape Room (Madsonik and Kill the Noise Remix)” today.

The track is the main title theme of the SONY Pictures January 2019 movie Escape Room, which was released in theatres last week.Utilizing a huge beat, analog synths, metal guitars, grand piano and mechanical noises such as gears, ticking clocks, pistons, and alarms all being manipulated and time stretched both backwards and forwards, this song is just as intense as its accompanying music video.

Directed by Aris Stoulil, the video features a protagonist attempting to escape from an ominous force in a highly stylized world of continually shifting landscapes.

On the video, Tyler shares “The concept of the video is all about escape. One protagonist that is trapped in an endless cycle; continually attempting escape, traveling from room to room and location to location in conflict with physics and logic as we know it.

And all the while time is running out of a metaphorical hourglass, the sand of which is burying our protagonist alive. Aris Stoulil shot an incredible video representing the idea of impossible escape on location with incredible skill and visual style. His direction captures the feeling of the music perfectly.”
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Margot Robbie To Play Barbie In New Warner Bros. Live-Action Film

By Creative Media Times

Harley Quinn is about to live in a Barbie world. The “Suicide Squad” actress is set to play the iconic fashion doll from toy company Mattel, Inc., Variety is reporting.

Warner Bros. is said to be partnering with the fashion doll’s toy manufacturer Mattel to bring the film to the big screen, and the first movie from the company’s film division Mattel Films, and their first collaboration with Warner Bros.

“Playing with Barbie promotes confidence, curiosity and communication throughout a child’s journey to self-discovery. Over the brand’s almost 60 years, Barbie has empowered kids to imagine themselves in aspirational roles from a princess to president,” Robbie said.

“I’m so honored to take on this role and produce a film that I believe will have a tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide. I can’t imagine better partners than Warner Bros and Mattel to bring this film to the big screen.”

Robbie recently earned an academy award nomination for best actress for her portrayal of Tonya Hardin in the biographical film I, Tonya which she also produced. Currently, she can be seen in theaters as Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots, alongside Saoirse Ronan.

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“The Favorite”, “A Star Is Born” Lead BAFTA Nominations

By Creative Media Times

Warner Bros. Pictures

True to its appellation, “The Favorite” is the BAFTA’s favorite film of the year, leading the list of nominees for 2019 BAFTA Film Awards, announced today. The film received nods for best film, outstanding British film and lead actress for Olivia Colman.

Bradley Cooper might have walked away empty-handed empty handed at last Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards, but he’s making history over at the BAFTAs, where he earned five nominations across multiple disciplines, a record in the organization’s 72-year history.

Cooper earned nominations in best film, actor, director, adapted screenplay and original music categories for his film “A Star Is Born.” In total, the musical drama earned seven nominations.

Giving Cooper a run for his money is director Alfonso Cuaron, who also earned five nominations for best film, director, original screenplay, editing and cinematography for his black and white Netflix drama “Roma.” The film earned seven nods, including best foreign-language film.

BAFTA Awards show is set to take place at the Royal Albert Hall on Feb. 10, with actress Joanna Lumley returning as host.

Here is the complete list of nominations:

Best Film
BlackkKlansman
The Favourite
Green Book
ROMA
A Star Is Born

Outstanding British Film
Beast
Bohemian Rhapsody
The Favourite
McQueen
Stan & Ollie
You Were Never Really Here

Leading Actor
Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born
Christian Bale, Vice
Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody
Steve Coogan, Stan & Ollie
Viggo Mortensen, Green Book

Leading Actress
Glenn Close, The Wife
Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born
Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Olivia Colman, The Favourite
Viola Davis, Widows
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Stan Lee Tribute To Be Held January 30

By Creative Media Times

Filmmaker Kevin Smith and many others is set to pay tribute to legendary storyteller, comic book writer and publisher Stan Lee.

Titled “Excelsior! A Celebration of the Amazing, Fantastic, Incredible & Uncanny Life of Stan Lee,” the event is set to take place on January 30 at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre.

The event was announced today by Kevin Smith, Legion M and Agents of Mayhem in partnership with Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment” and will benefit The Hero Initiative which is one of Lee’s favorite charities.

Fans who wants to attend the event can get tickets today at legionm.com/stantribute. Tickets are limited and goes on sale starting today, Wednesday, January 9, at 5 p.m. PST / 8 p.m. EST.

Scott D. Williams, CEO of Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment said, “We are honored for this chance for Stan’s fans and friends to come together in a celebration of his remarkable life. Despite his passing, Stan’s name, work and legacy will continue to flourish and be revealed to the world. We are committed to honor Stan’s extraordinary life and work.”

Gill Champion, Stan Lee’s partner and confidante for over 18 years, said, “Stan was a unique and unforgettable human being, truly adored worldwide. He loved coming to work and creating endless new ideas and stories and in spite of his genius he was a relatable and kind man that his admirers could relate to with ease. He will be dearly missed and his legacy will live on now and for many more generations to come.”

Producer of the event David Baxter, VP Development at Legion M, writes, “Stan Lee played a major cameo in all the lives of the fans he loved, be it through his writing, his acting or his personal interactions. We feel this tribute is a perfect opportunity for Stan’s beloved fans to unite with celebrities and friends of Stan to give the man the grand sendoff he deserves.”

Agents of Mayhem founder Darren Passarello, who got his start in entertainment from Stan and is also co-producing the event added, “Stan saw the good and the potential in everyone he met, and he never hesitated to help them if he could. It is not only an esteemed privilege but a personal honor to be a part of this tribute.”

The head of The Hero Initiative Jim McLauchlin knew Stan for decades and said, “Stan believed in the ‘golden rule,’ and always went out of his way to make time for others and make their day just a little bit better. I think this tribute is absolutely in that spirit, and a great chance for fans to get together, share their love for Stan, and find strength in that.”

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“Venom”Sequel In The Works

By Creative Media Times

Columbia Pictures – Sony Pictures Releasing

After Venom’s surprising performance at the boxoffice, it’s really no surprise that a sequel will be moving forward. It is only a matter time. But now its official, per Variety.

Sony Pictures is said to have enlisted the original’s screenwriter Kelly Marcel to pen the script. Tom Hardy is also said to be returning as the film’s titular character.

The actor is already signed up for two move Venom movies while Michelle Williams’ character Anne Weying is also said to be returning. Super-villain Carnage is slated to be played by Woody Harrelson in the upcoming sequel.

Venom’s character is a sentient alien symbiote which needs a human host to survive, eventually giving the host enhanced powers. Eddie Brock is the investigative journalist who comes in contact and bonded with the alien and become Venom, who is both vengeful and a hero to those he deems innocent.

Directed by Ruben Fleischer, “Venom” is one of 2018’s biggest success stories. After opening on October 5, 2018, the film went on to gross $855 million worldwide.

Though its logical for the film to be directed by the man who made is so highly successful, it has not been announced whether Fleischer will be returning to helm. He is said to being production on a Zombieland sequel, which ironically also stars Harrelson.

The release date to the sequel has not yet been announced.

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ASC Announces Nominees For Best In Cinematography Of 2018

By Creative Media Times

Universal

“Roma”, “Cold War” and “A Star Is Born” are the among the nominees in American Society of Cinematographers’ best in 2018.

Alfonso Cuarón is particularly impressive given that he is also the film’s director, as well as co-edited the film with Adam Gough. This gives the Mexican director and his film a strong momentum in the weeks heading towards the Oscars.

Also getting mentioned in the theatrical release categories are historical period comedy-drama “The Favorite” and biographical drama “First Man”.

Here is the full list of nominees:

Theatrical Release

Alfonso Cuarón for “Roma”
Matthew Libatique, ASC for “A Star is Born”
Robbie Ryan, BSC, ISC for “The Favourite”
Linus Sandgren, ASC, FSF for “First Man”
Lukasz Zal, PSC for “Cold War”

Spotlight Award
Joshua James Richards for “The Rider”
Giorgi Shvelidze for “Namme”
Frank van den Eeden, NSC, SBC for “Girl”

Episode of a Series for Non-Commercial Television
Gonzalo Amat for “The Man in the High Castle”: “Jahr Null”
Adriano Goldman, ASC, ABC for “The Crown”: “Beryl”
David Klein, ASC for “Homeland”: “Paean to the People”
Colin Watkinson, ASC for “The Handmaid’s Tale”: “The Word”
Cathal Watters, ISC for “Peaky Blinders”: “The Company”
Zoe White, ACS for “The Handmaid’s Tale”: “Holly”

Episode of a Series for Commercial Television
Nathaniel Goodman, ASC for “Timeless”: “The King of the Delta Blues”
Jon Joffin, ASC for “Beyond”: “Two Zero One”
Ben Richardson for “Yellowstone”: “Daybreak”
David Stockton, ASC for “Gotham”: “A Dark Knight: Queen Takes Knight”
Thomas Yatsko, ASC for “Damnation”: “A Different Species”

Motion Picture, Miniseries, or Pilot Made for Television
James Friend, BSC for “Patrick Melrose”: “Bad News”
Mathias Herndl, AAC for “Genius: Picasso”: “Chapter 1”
Florian Hoffmeister, BSC for “The Terror”: “Go for Broke”
M. David Mullen, ASC for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (pilot)
Brendan Steacy, CSC for “Alias Grace”: “Part 1”

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DGA Announces 2019 Feature Film Nominees

By Creative Media Times

Netflix

Directors Guild of America has announced its nominees for 2019 DGA Awards’ Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film. Among those in the running are Bradley Cooper (“A Star Is Born”), Alfonso Cuarón (“Roma”), Spike Lee (“BlacKkKlansman”), Adam McKay (“Vice”) and Peter Farrelly (“Green Book”)

“To be chosen by one’s peers in a year full of such extraordinary films is the true mark of outstanding directorial achievement,” said DGA president Thomas Schlamme. “In bringing all elements of the filmmaking process together, each of these directors has demonstrated an exceptional command of the medium, creating excellence for the screen. Congratulations to all of the nominees.”

The list reinforces the fact that the leading contenders continue to be narrowed down, in fact the list is identical with that of the Golden Globes. That best director trophy sent to Alfonso Cuarón.

Cuarón previously won the DGA for “Gravity” five years ago, while McKay was nominated for “The Big Short” three years ago. Its the first for Lee, Farrelly and Cooper who was also nominated for First-Time Feature Film category for his debut directorial effort on “A Star Is Born.”

Also announced were nominees for categories in TV series, commercials and documentaries.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, Feb 2, at the Hollywood & Highland Center’s Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood.

See the list of nominees below:

Best Feature Film Director
Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born
Alfonso Cuarón, Roma
Peter Farrelly, Green Book
Spike Lee, BlackKklansman
Adam McKay, Vice

Best First-Time Feature Film Director
Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade
Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born
Carlos Lopez Estrada, Blindspotting
Matthew Heineman, A Private War
Boots Riley, Sorry to Bother You

Best Directing For A Dramatic Series
Jason Bateman, Ozark, “Reparations”
Lesli Linka Glatter, Homeland, “Paean To The People”
Chris Long, The Americans, “START”
Adam McKay, Succession, “Celebration”
Daina Reid, The Handmaid’s Tale, “Holly”

Best Directing For A Comedy Series
Donald Glover, Atlanta, “FUBU”
Bill Hader, Barry, “Chapter One”
Hiro Murai, Atlanta, “Teddy Perkins”
Daniel Palladino, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, “We’re Going To The Catskills!”
Amy Sherman-Palladino, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, “All Alone”

Best Directing For TV Movies And Miniseries
Cary Fukunaga, Maniac
David Leveau and Alex Rudzinski, Jesus Christ Superstar
Barry Levinson, Paterno
Ben Stiller, Escape At Dannemora
Jean-Marc Vallée, Sharp Objects

Best Documentary Directing
Morgan Neville, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Ramell Ross, Hale County This Morning, This Evening
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, Free Solo
Tim Wardle, Three Identical Strangers
Betsy West and Julie Choen, RBG

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