Final Slate Of 92nd Oscars® Presenters Announced

Jane Fonda, Josh Gad, Tom Hanks, Oscar Isaac, Sandra Oh, Natalie Portman, Chris Rock And Taika Waititi

Show producers Lynette Howell Taylor and Stephanie Allain today announced the final slate of presenters for the 92nd Oscars® telecast. The Oscars will air live Sunday, February 9, on ABC.

The star lineup includes Jane Fonda, Josh Gad, Tom Hanks, Oscar Isaac, Sandra Oh, Natalie Portman, Chris Rock and Taika Waititi.

Previously announced Oscars presenters include Mahershala Ali, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Zazie Beetz, Timothée Chalamet, Olivia Colman, James Corden, Penélope Cruz, Beanie Feldstein, Will Ferrell, Gal Gadot, Zack Gottsagen, Salma Hayek, Mindy Kaling, Diane Keaton, Regina King, Shia LaBeouf, Brie Larson, Spike Lee, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, George MacKay, Rami Malek, Steve Martin, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anthony Ramos, Keanu Reeves, Ray Romano, Maya Rudolph, Mark Ruffalo, Kelly Marie Tran, Sigourney Weaver, Kristen Wiig and Rebel Wilson.

The 92nd Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby® Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. “The Oscars Red Carpet Show” will air at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

92nd Oscars® Governors Ball Creative Team Announced

Academy governor Lois Burwell, event producer Cheryl Cecchetto and master chef Wolfgang Puck will team to create this year’s Governors Ball, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ official post-Oscars® celebration, which will immediately follow the 92nd Oscars ceremony on Sunday, February 9.  The Ball’s 1,500 invited guests include Oscar® winners and nominees, show presenters and other telecast participants.

Harmony and relaxation inspire the design for the 92nd Oscars Governors Ball. The color palette will be a soothing mix of copper and bronze metallics with accents of eggplant and amethyst. The ballroom will be lit by 2,000 tubes of light in a spectacular floating chandelier made from recycled materials in varying finishes and textures.

GOVERNORS BALL DÉCOR RENDERINGS

For the third time as the Academy’s Awards and Events Committee chair, Burwell will oversee the décor, menu and entertainment planning of the Ball. An acclaimed makeup artist, she won an Oscar for her work on “Braveheart” and earned a nomination for “Saving Private Ryan.” Her other feature credits include “The Princess Bride,” “War Horse,” “Lincoln” and “Ready Player One.” Burwell, a member of the Academy since 1997, is currently serving her second term as Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch Governor and holds the office of First Vice President on the Academy’s Board of Governors.

In her 31st year producing the Governors Ball, Cecchetto and her multi-talented team at Sequoia Productions will collaborate with Burwell on every aspect of the production, from concept to design, from on-site construction to day-of execution and management. In collaboration with a diverse group of designers, technicians, administrators and managers, the Sequoia team will work on-site and behind the scenes on blending décor, catering, entertainment, staffing and logistics into a fluid and flawless guest experience.

On the Menu: Cacio e Pepe Macaroni and Cheese

On the Menu: Vegetable Rice Paper Roll

For the 26th consecutive year, legendary chef Wolfgang Puck and the Wolfgang Puck Catering team will set the culinary stage for Hollywood’s biggest night. Puck, Vice President of Culinary Eric Klein and a kitchen team of 200 will bring a menu of more than 70 imaginative dishes to life with 70% of them being plant-based. One-bite hors d’oeuvres, tray-passed small-plate entrees and action stations will feature vegan dishes such as Sweet Potato Tempura with Mint Cilantro Aioli, Maitake Mushroom Salad with Eggplant Baba Ghanoush, and Housemade Campanelle Pasta with Preserved Meyer Lemon, Artichokes and English Peas, alongside additional new dishes such as Beet Macaron with Herb Goat Cheese, Cacio e Pepe Macaroni and Cheese, and Winter Spice French Toast with Pumpkin Crème Brûlée. On the sweeter side, the pastry team of Kamel Guechida, Garry Larduinat and Jason Lemmonier will create nearly three dozen show-stopping desserts. In addition to the signature 24K Gold Dusted Chocolate Oscars will be dozens of chocolate desserts created with Valrhona’s Inspiration and Guanaja vegan chocolates. Wolfgang Puck Catering CEO Carl Schuster will direct more than 900 event staff through the evening’s intricately detailed logistics to deliver a true restaurant-style hospitality experience.

On the Menu: The Golden Age

On the Menu: When You Have Passion…

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 9,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which is under construction in Los Angeles.

92nd Oscars® Producers Announces First Slate Of Presenters and Oscar Show Performers

Oscar® Winners Mahershala Ali, Olivia Colman, Regina King and Rami Malek Return to the Oscars® Stage

Cynthia Erivo, Elton John, Idina Menzel, Chrissy Metz And Randy Newman To Perform Nominated Original Songs

With Special Appearances By Eímear Noone And Questlove

Oscar® winners Mahershala Ali, Olivia Colman, Regina King and Rami Malek (Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting actress, and Best Actor in 2019) will present at the 92nd Oscars®, show producers Lynette Howell Taylor and Stephanie Allain announced today. All return to the Oscars stage after winning last year in their respective acting categories.

“We love the tradition of having the previous year’s Oscar-winning actors on stage to celebrate the achievements of their peers and are thrilled to welcome back these four great talents,” said Howell Taylor and Allain.

Oscar® winners Mahershala Ali, Olivia Colman, Regina King and Rami Malek (Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting actress, and Best Actor in 2019) Imaged provided by the Academy

Cynthia Erivo, Oscar® winner Elton John, Idina Menzel, Chrissy Metz and Oscar winner Randy Newman will perform this year’s nominated songs at the 92nd Oscars® ceremony.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Cynthia Erivo is set to perform her nominated song “Stand Up” from “Harriet” (Music and Lyric by Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Erivo) at the 92nd Oscars. credit: Benedict Evans.

“We’re excited to have an incredible group of nominees and performers who will deliver one-of-a-kind music moments you will only see on the Oscars,” said Howell Taylor and Allain.

This year’s Original Song nominees and performers are as follows (in alphabetical order by song title):

92nd Oscars(R) Production Team Welcomes New Talent And Show Veterans

Producers Lynette Howell Taylor and Stephanie Allain announced 11 key members of the production team for the 92nd Oscars®, which airs live on Sunday, February 9, on ABC.

“This team is the best of the best with a wealth of experience and ideas, and we’re excited to collaborate with them to deliver an incredible show,” said Howell Taylor and Allain.

Rob Paine has been associated with the Oscars telecast for more than 20 years and returns as supervising producer. Paine has more than 200 television events to his name and has earned seven Primetime Emmy® Award nominations, a Daytime Emmy Award nomination and a Peabody Award. His other credits include 12 Super Bowl Halftime Shows, “The Kennedy Center Honors” and the “Primetime Emmy Awards.”

Production designer Jason Sherwood joins the Oscars telecast for the first time. His creative and design credits for television include “Rent: Live,” for which he earned an Emmy Award, “The E! People’s Choice Awards,” the 2019 Grammy Awards® opening number starring Camila Cabello and Ricky Martin, and performances for artists on “Saturday Night Live,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” He has also designed world tours for Sam Smith, Spice Girls and Sara Bareilles.

Lighting designer Robert Dickinson returns for his 31st Oscars show. He has won 18 Primetime Emmy Awards, including three for Oscars telecasts. Additionally, Dickinson has been honored with two Daytime Emmy Awards. His credits include “The Kennedy Center Honors,” “Grammy Awards,” “Primetime Emmy Awards,” “Tony Awards” and “Academy of Country Music Awards”; Olympics ceremonies in Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Athens and Vancouver; the ceremonies of the European Games in Baku; and the specials “Peter Pan Live!” and “The Sound of Music Live!”

Jon Macks, head writer, returns for his 23rd Oscars telecast. He has been honored with eight Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including three for the Oscars telecast. In addition to his work on the Oscars, Macks wrote for 22 years on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and writes for Billy Crystal, Steve Martin, Chris Rock and Martin Short.

Taryn Hurd rejoins the Oscars telecast team for the seventh consecutive year as talent producer. She also has served as talent producer on the past six Governors Awards ceremonies along with numerous television variety specials and award shows.

Co-producer Raj Kapoor joins the Oscars for the fourth consecutive year, overseeing screen content and performances. His recent credits include “The 61st Annual Grammy Awards,” “The 71st Primetime Emmy Awards,” “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “The E! People’s Choice Awards” and “Stand Up to Cancer.” Kapoor has mounted numerous large-scale international tours for Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, One Republic, “American Idol,” Jason Aldean, Shania Twain, Juanes, Jewel, Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato.

Rickey Minor returns as music director for the Oscars telecast. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction in 2017 for “Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America.” He also received eight Emmy nominations for his work on “The Oscars,” “Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul,” “Stayin’ Alive: A Grammy Salute to the Music of the Bee Gees,” “Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House,” “An Evening of Stars: Tribute to Chaka Khan,” “The 51st Annual Grammy Awards,” “50th Annual Grammy Awards” and “Genius: A Night for Ray Charles.” Minor was the musical director and bandleader on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” from 2010 to 2014.

Beth Sherman returns as a writer for the Oscars telecast. She has won seven Daytime Emmy Awards for her work as a writer and producer on both “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “The Talk.” In addition, she received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for “Late Show with David Letterman.” Sherman’s writing credits also include “2019 MTV Video Music Awards,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “American Music Awards 2016” and “The Queen Latifah Show.”

Amberia Allen joins the Oscars telecast for the first time as a writer. She has been a writer for “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” and has written for numerous live awards shows and variety specials, including “The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor,” “BET Awards” and “Soul Train Awards.” In addition, Allen holds a PhD in Sociology from UCLA and has co-authored the annual UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report.

John Hoffman returns as a writer for the Oscars telecast. Hoffman earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special for the “81st Annual Academy Awards.” In addition to screenwriting, he is also a director, producer and actor. His film and television credits include “The Emoji Movie,” “Grace and Frankie,” “Looking,” “Igor,” “Good Boy!” and “Northern Lights.”

Agathe Panaretos is a first-time writer for the Oscars telecast. Her television credits include the late-night talk show “Chelsea,” “The 71st Primetime Emmy Awards” and “What Just Happened??!” with Fred Savage. She was previously a writer-at-large for The Onion.

The 92nd Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby® Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. “Oscars: Live on the Red Carpet” will air at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Aubrey Plaza Returns to Host 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards

Film Independent announced that Aubrey Plaza will return to host the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The Spirit Awards are the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round programs, which cultivate the careers of emerging filmmakers and promote diversity in the industry. Nominees were announced by Zazie Beetz (Atlanta, Joker, Deadpool 2) and Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll, Ad Astra, Orange Is the New Black) on November 21. Best Feature nominees include A Hidden Life, Clemency, The Farewell, Marriage Story and Uncut Gems. The show will be broadcast live exclusively on IFC at 2:00 pm PT / 5:00 pm ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.

2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards logo (Image provide by Film Independent)

“Like all great independent film performances, this one deserves a sequel,” said Host Aubrey Plaza. “The people have spoken. Bow down to your host!”

“At a time when the world is so bitterly divided and civil discourse is almost impossible, it’s nice we can all agree that Aubrey Plaza is the greatest host in the history of hosting,” said Josh Welsh, Film Independent President. “We are thrilled to have her back. Today is also the last day to join Film Independent as a Member to get access to the nominated films and vote on the winners. Only a fool would not watch the Spirit Awards on IFC on February 8, 2 PM PST / 5 PM EST.”

“Aubrey is back! Last year, fear of her signature take on hosting duties kept that other awards show host-less. We are excited to see what she brings to the tent this year,” said IFC Executive Director, Blake Callaway.

Now in its 35th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers whose films embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience.

Plaza will next be seen starring in Black Bear, a suspenseful meta-drama, opposite Christopher Abbott and Sarah Gadon. The film, which she also produced, will premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. She is currently in production on Lina Roessler’s Best Sellers opposite Michael Caine which is based on an original screenplay that won a 2015 Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting award. Plaza’s other feature film credits include: Ingrid Goes West (which she produced and received a 2018 Film Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature), Jeff Baena’s The Little Hours (also producer), Hal Hartley’s Ned Rifle, Colin Trevorrow’s Safety Not Guaranteed, Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and Judd Apatow’s Funny People, among others. On television, she most recently starred in Noah Hawley’s Legion on FX and is well known for her role on NBC’s Parks & Recreation.

This year marks the 35th edition of the awards show that celebrates the best of independent film. Past Spirit Awards hosts have included Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani, Fred Armisen and Kristen Bell, Patton Oswalt, Andy Samberg, Joel McHale, Sarah Silverman, Samuel L. Jackson, Eddie Izzard, Queen Latifah and John Waters, to name a few. The show, which will be held on the beach in Santa Monica, will be executive produced and directed by Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions for the sixth consecutive year. Shawn Davis returns as producer for his 18th year, Rick Austin returns as producer for his fifth year and Danielle Federico and Andrew Schaff also return as co-producers.

Winners, who are selected by Film Independent Members, will be announced at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 8, 2020. The awards ceremony will be held on the beach in Santa Monica, just north of the Santa Monica Pier.

Winners of the Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grants will be announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grant and Nominee Brunch on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood.

The Academy Spotlights Shortlisted Documentary Feature Contenders for 92nd Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Announces “Oscars(R) Spotlight: Documentaries” National Theatrical Screening Dates Of 2019 Shortlisted Documentary Feature Contenders

Following the recent announcement of the shortlists in consideration for the 92nd Academy Awards®, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced details for its upcoming“Oscars® Spotlight: Documentaries” Screening Initiative leading up to the 92nd Oscars. The program, which debuted last year, highlights the Oscar® shortlisted Documentary Feature films by holding screenings at theaters across the country and offering moviegoers a chance to see these documentaries on the big screen. The films will screen theatrically in 20 cities nationwide starting December 25, 2019. Participating theaters include AMC Theatres®, Alamo Drafthouse, Harkins, IFC Center, Landmark Theatres, Laemmle Theatres and the Smithsonian.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

“We are so happy to be able to bring the Academy’s Oscars Spotlight series back for another year,” said Rory Kennedy, Academy Documentary Branch Governor. “By working together with theaters across the country, we will bring greater visibility to these exceptional shortlisted films, reach new audiences and help further the Academy’s mission to support all forms of filmmaking.”

The full list of participating theaters and corresponding locations are below. Please check local listings for show times. Theaters and show times are subject to change:

Atlanta	Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema
Austin	Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Lakeline
Boston	AMC Boston Common 19
Chicago	AMC River East 21
Denver	Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Westminster
Los Angeles	Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Downtown Los Angeles AMC Burbank 16 AMC Sunset 5 Laemmle Monica Film Center Laemmle Playhouse 7
Miami	AMC Aventura 24
Minneapolis	Landmark’s Edina Cinema
New York	AMC Empire 25 IFC Center
Philadelphia	AMC Neshaminy 24 Landmark’s Ritz at the Bourse
Phoenix	Harkins Valley Art
Raleigh	Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh
Salt Lake City	Salt Lake City Film Society’s Broadway Centre Cinemas
Santa Barbara	SBIFF Riviera Theatre
San Francisco	AMC Bay Street 16 – Emeryville Landmark’s Opera Plaza Cinema
Seattle-Tacoma	AMC Pacific Place 11
St. Louis	Landmark’s Tivoli Theatre
Tampa-St Pete (Sarasota)	AMC Veterans Expressway 24
Virginia	AMC Tysons Corner Center 16
Washington, DC	Warner Bros. Theater at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History

Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards® will be announced on Monday, January 13, 2020.

The 92nd Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars will also be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

92nd Oscars(R) Shortlists In Nine Award Categories Announced

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced shortlists in consideration for the 92nd Academy Awards® in nine categories: Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film and Visual Effects.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences logo

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Fifteen films will advance in the Documentary Feature category for the 92nd Academy Awards®. One hundred fifty-nine films were submitted in the category. Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees. The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

• “Advocate”
• “American Factory”
• “The Apollo”
• “Apollo 11”
• “Aquarela”
• “The Biggest Little Farm”
• “The Cave”
• “The Edge of Democracy”
• “For Sama”
• “The Great Hack”
• “Honeyland”
• “Knock Down the House”
• “Maiden”
• “Midnight Family”
• “One Child Nation”

NAACP Partners With BET Networks to Broadcast the 51st NAACP Image Awards Live

2-Hour Telecast To Celebrate The Biggest Achievements In Black Culture

The NAACP and BET Networks announced a broadcast partnership to air the 51st NAACP Image Awards. The telecast will take place from Pasadena, California and will air on BET Networks for the first time ever. The announcement was made by NAACP National Board of Directors Chairman Leon W. Russell, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, President of BET Networks Scott Mills and Executive Vice-President, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy Connie Orlando. The NAACP Image Awards is the preeminent event celebrating the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature, and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. (You can read more about the NAACP’s work and its six “Game Changer” issue areas at www.naacp.org.)

“We’re proud to partner with BET Networks to showcase the incredible breadth of Black excellence in television, film, music, and literature, and to bring awareness to the social justice and economic empowerment work of the NAACP,” said Johnson. “Through its diverse platforms, BET delivers culturally enriching and entertaining content to a wide and multigenerational audience. As we head into a critical 2020 election and Census, the collaboration with BET will be critical to reaching our shared communities.”

NAACP Partners With BET Networks to Broadcast the 51st NAACP Image Awards Live on February 22, 2020 From Pasadena, CA

“The NAACP is vitally important, and BET Networks shares the organization’s commitment to our community and social impact,” added Mills. “With the NAACP’s half-century of history acknowledging the achievements of African Americans across entertainment and activism, this partnership allows BET to further our mission to entertain, engage and empower our viewers by delivering this cultural pillar to the communities we serve. We’re thrilled to welcome the NAACP Image Awards home to BET.”

Karen Boykin-Towns, NAACP National Board of Directors Vice-Chairman is the newly appointed Chairman of the NAACP Image Awards Planning Committee and will provide strategic guidance and leadership. Eris Sims, Chief of Staff will oversee all NAACP Image Awards events and activities.

“We are excited that two storied organizations, NAACP and BET, are partnering to cultivate innovative approaches to our work and to deliver a transformative experience that inspires and empowers the Black community. This is a natural partnership and one which aligns with our strategic focus,” said Boykin-Towns. “We are confident that the NAACP Image Awards will continue to grow in both impact and legacy.”

Producers Lynette Howell Taylor And Stephanie Allain To Produce The 92nd Oscars®

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President David Rubin announced this week that Oscar®-nominated producer Lynette Howell Taylor and producer Stephanie Allain will produce the 92nd Oscars®. It will be their first involvement with the Oscars.

Producers Lynette Howell Taylor And Stephanie Allain To Produce The 92nd Oscars®

Howell Taylor earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination for “A Star Is Born” (2018). She has produced more than 20 movies in the last 15 years, including “The Accountant,” “Captain Fantastic,” “Big Eyes,” “The Place beyond the Pines,” “Blue Valentine” and “Half Nelson.” Her television credits include the HBO limited series “I Know This Much Is True.” Howell Taylor is the founder of 51 Entertainment, a filmmaker-driven production company.

A champion for diverse voices in cinema, Allain is best known for launching the careers of directors John Singleton, Robert Rodriguez, Craig Brewer, Sanaa Hamri and Justin Simien. Her film and television credits include “Hustle & Flow” and “Dear White People.” Allain’s company, Homegrown Pictures, produces content by and about women and people of color. She served as director of the Los Angeles Film Festival, is a founding ambassador of ReFrame, and serves on the Board of Women in Film.

“The combined producing talents of Lynette and Stephanie will bring dynamism and excitement to the 92nd Oscars show,” said Rubin. “Their vast production experience ranges from groundbreaking independent film to global blockbuster. We look forward to collaborating with them to bring an unforgettable Oscars event to movie fans around the world.”

“We have both watched the Oscars for as long as we can remember, and to be given the opportunity to produce the show is a dream,” said Howell Taylor and Allain. “It’s an honor and a thrill to join forces to deliver an entertaining show that celebrates the artistry of this year’s best films.”

“How thrilling to have both Lynette and Stephanie leading our Oscars production team,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “I have every confidence that they will deliver a high-caliber performance.”

“We have our first win this Oscars season and it’s having Lynette Howell Taylor and Stephanie Allain produce our biggest live event of the year,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “Lynette and Stephanie have impeccable taste, are at the top of their field, and have such a distinct and wonderful way of captivating audiences with storytelling that is compelling, creative and filled with superstars. We can’t wait to see their imagination come to life on the grandest, most coveted stage in Hollywood.”

The 92nd Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby® Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

2019 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Winners Announced

Historic Hotels and Recipients Honored at the Awards Ceremony and Gala at Pinehurst Resort (1895)

Historic Hotels of America® logo

Historic Hotels of America® and Historic Hotels Worldwide® are pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence. Recipients were honored at a special ceremony and gala at Pinehurst Resort (1895) on Thursday, November 7. Awards were presented before an audience of more than 200 industry leaders, owners, senior management, and representatives of the finest historic hotels from across the United States of America and from around the world. Honors were given in multiple categories ranging from Hotelier of the Year and Hotel Historian of the Year to Best Historic Resort, Historic Hotelier of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and others.

“These 2019 winners represent more nearly 500 years of history and include the finest legendary and iconic historic hotels from across the United States of America and from around the world” —Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide.

From more than 200 nominees, the following Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide hotels and hoteliers were honored with these prestigious annual awards for 2019:

Blackburn Inn (1828) Staunton, Virginia (Photo: Business Wire)

Historic Hotels of America New Member of the Year: Blackburn Inn (1828) Staunton, Virginia

Hotel Bethlehem, Historic Hotel Bethlehem (1922) Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (Photo: Business Wire)

Best Historic Hotel (76-200 Guestrooms): Historic Hotel Bethlehem (1922) Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

The Wigwam (1929) Litchfield Park, Arizona (Photo: Business Wire)

Best Historic Hotel (201-400 Guestrooms): The Wigwam (1929) Litchfield Park, Arizona

The Hermitage Lobby, The Hermitage Hotel (1910) Nashville, Tennessee (Photo: Business Wire)

Best City Center Historic Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel (1910) Nashville, Tennessee

Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama (Photo: Business Wire)

Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guestrooms): Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama

BET Networks Announces Nominations and Co-Hosts for the BET Presents: 2019 Soul Train Awards

Tisha Campbell & Tichina Arnold Return As Hosts For The 2nd Year

Ceremony to Air Live for the First Time From the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 8 PM EST

Chris Brown Leads With 8 Nominations, Followed By Drake With 7 Nods And Beyoncé And Lizzo With 6 Each

Five-Time Grammy Award Winning Producer Duo, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Set To Receive The Legend Award

Billboard Gospel Artist Of The Last Decade, Yolanda Adams To Receive Fifth Annual Lady Of Soul Award

BET Networks has announced the hosts and nominees for the 2019 Soul Train Awards across 12 different categories. The annual celebration recognizes the best in Soul, R&B and Hip-Hop from both established industry legends and the next generation of promising artists. Taking place on November 17, 2019 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, BET Presents: 2019 Soul Train Awards will air LIVE on BET and BET HER at 8PM EST with a one-hour pre-show beginning at 7PM EST, and a post show directly after.

BET Soul Train Awards logo

Actor, singer and writer Tisha Campbell (Martin, My Wife & Kids, Last Man Standing, Outmatched) will once again join actor, singer, and writer Tichina Arnold (Martin, Everybody Hates Chris, The Neighborhood, The Last Black Man in San Francisco ) as host and co-producers of this year’s awards. The iconic best friend duo, both on the 90’s hit show Martin and in real-life, will return to the Soul Train Awards stage for the second time, bringing their dynamic comedy and infectious personalities to this year’s ceremony.

Tisha Campbell & Tichina Arnold Return As Hosts For The 2nd Year and and co-producers of this year’s awards.

Chris Brown leads the nominees for this year’s awards, receiving eight nominations including ‘Best R&B/Soul Male Artist,’ ‘Album/Mixtape of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriters Award’ for “No Guidance” and two nods in the ‘Best Dance Performance’ category. He is followed by Drake, who received seven nominations in categories including ‘Rhythm & Bars,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ and two nods in the ‘Song of the Year’ category for “No Guidance” and “Girls Need Love Too Remix.”

Beyoncé and Lizzo have both received six nominations, each receiving nods for ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ and ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award.’

Other nominees include Khalid with five nods, J. Cole who garnered four nominations, and H.E.R., Ari Lennox, and Summer Walker, each receiving three nominations.

Esteemed songwriting duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis are set to be honored with the Legend Award at this year’s show, recognized for their contributions to R&B music with a career that’s produced more than 100 gold, platinum, multi-platinum and diamond albums. The pair have more Billboard Number Ones than any other songwriting and production team in history, working with artists such as Janet Jackson, Boyz II Men, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, George Michael and Earth, Wind and Fire.

The fifth annual Lady of Soul Award will be presented to five-time Grammy Award winning artist and Billboard Magazine’s Gospel Artist of the last decade Yolanda Adams. With her pioneering blend of modern gospel that infuses touches of R&B and jazz, Adams has continued to inspire her fans and transform the musical landscape with her powerful voice across 13 powerful albums which have earned her numerous accolades, including the first American Music Award for Contemporary Gospel Artist and four Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.

BET Presents: 2019 Soul Train Awards will feature an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances including special moments and appearances by some of the brightest stars in black culture and entertainment. The annual event is committed to showcasing Soul Train’s impact on arts of music and dance from the 70s to today.

Internationally, the “BET Presents: 2019 Soul Train Awards” will simulcast on BET Africa on November 18, 2019, at 3:00AM CAT; BET UK on November 19, 2019, at 9PM GMT; and BET France and BET South Korea on November 20, 2019 at 8:45PM CET and 9:00PM KST, respectively.

Connie Orlando, Executive Vice-President, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET will serve as Executive Producer for the BET Presents: 2019 Soul Train Awards along with Jesse Collins and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay for Jesse Collins Entertainment.

For show information, please visit BET.com/SoulTrain, the official site for BET Presents: 2019 Soul Train Awards.

Ninth Annual Napa Valley Film Festival Announces Film Line-Up

Festival to open with “Just Mercy,” close with World Premiere of “Verticals”

The ninth annual Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) has announced its film line-up, including Opening and Closing Night screenings. NVFF returns this fall with its five-day festival showcasing the year’s best new independent films, November 13-17. Organizers will showcase Napa Valley’s finest food and wine at all special events, including the Festival Gala, VIP receptions and Vintner Circle dinners, and will feature a lively series of filmmaker-chef collaborative demonstrations at the Monogram Appliances Demonstration Kitchen at the Oxbow Commons in downtown Napa. The seven screening venues located throughout the Valley include the Archer Hotel Napa, the historic Cameo Cinema, the CIA at Copia, Charles Krug Winery, Lincoln Theater, Native Sons, and the Uptown Theatre.

Napa Valley Film Festival Logo

“We are excited to release another eclectic selection of highly-curated comedies and dramas from established and emerging filmmakers,” said Napa Valley Film Festival CEO Tom Tardio. “These films consist of inspiring and compelling stories that will thoroughly engage and entertain our festival-goers. At the intersections of film, food, and wine, the festival continues to deliver tremendously unique and exclusive experiences that only a world-class destination such as Napa Valley can provide and only that NVFF can deliver.”

Sneak Preview Night, Opening Night and Closing Night

NVFF will kick off with their Sneak Preview Night on Tuesday, November 12 with a special presentation of 20th Century Fox’s Ford v Ferrari. The film is inspired by the remarkable true story of visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby and the fearless British driver Ken Miles. Directed by James Mangold, the film stars Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone and Ray McKinnon.

The festival’s official Opening Night film on Wednesday, November 13 is Warner Bros.’ Just Mercy, a powerful and thought-provoking true story following young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his history-making battle for justice. The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and stars Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson and Jamie Foxx.

Closing the festival on Sunday, November 17 is SOMMTV’s world premiere of Verticals, a series that showcases Napa Valley winemakers and the human condition through a bottle of wine. This premiere is also the launch of SOMMTV, the first food and wine dedicated streaming platform. The series is directed by Jason Wise.

Award Season Contenders

• Clemency (Neon) – Years of carrying out death row executions have taken a toll on prison warden, Bernadine Williams. The emotional wedge in her marriage grows and memories of a recently botched execution plague her daily. As she prepares to end the life of another inmate, Bernadine must confront the psychological and emotional demons her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to execute. Directed by Chinonye Chukwu and starring Alfre Woodard, Aldis Hodge, Wendell Price, Richard Schiff and Danielle Brooks.
• Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Neon) – In 1760 France, Marianne is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. Marianne arrives under the guise of companionship with the reluctant bride-to-be, observing Héloïse by day and secretly painting her by firelight at night. As the two women orbit one another, intimacy and attraction grow as they share Héloïse’s first moments of freedom. Héloïse’s portrait soon becomes a collaborative act of and testament to their love. Directed by Céline Sciamma and starring Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel.
• To The Stars (Samuel Goldwyn Films) – Iris, a bespectacled and reclusive teen living in a god-fearing Oklahoma town in the 1960s, endures the booze-induced antics of her mother and daily doses of bullying from her classmates. She finds solace in Maggie, the charismatic and enigmatic new girl at school, who hones in on Iris’s untapped potential and coaxes her out of her shell. When Maggie’s mysterious past can no longer be suppressed, the small community is thrown into a state of panic, leaving Maggie to take potentially drastic measures and inciting Iris to stand up for her friend and herself. Directed by Martha Stephens and starring Kara Hayward, Liana Liberato, Malin Akerman, Tony Hale, Shea Whigham and Adelaide Clemens.
• Troop Zero (Amazon Studios) – In a tiny Georgia town in 1977, a motherless girl named Christmas Flint dreams of life beyond the confines of her trailer-park home and hopes to make contact with outer space. When Christmas learns that the winners of the annual Birdie Scout Jamboree talent contest will be included on a recording to be sent into space for posterity, she tries to join the local Scouts troop. When she is rejected by the snobbish group of girls and their uptight leader Miss Massey, Christmas rallies a group of elementary-school outliers to start their own chapter. Troop Zero is an endearing and magical tale of friendship and individuality. Directed by Bert & Bertie and starring Viola Davis, Mckenna Grace, Jim Gaffigan, Mike Epps, Charles Shotwell and Allison Janney.

Special Presentations

• Code & Response – 2018 was the worst year on record for natural disasters. Code & Response takes us into the heart of the aftermath of some of those disasters as we meet the first responders who are supported by innovative technology. Follow four coders from around the world (Japan, Puerto Rico, California, and Mexico) to learn about why they are getting involved, as well as how they are building technologies to help first responders save lives. Directed by Austin Peck.
• Elsewhere – Bruno is still mourning his wife’s passing when his in-laws evict him from the home he and wife built together. Unwilling to let his beloved home fall into disrepair, Bruno sneaks back to the house and meets the new owner of the home, Marie. Determined to be the only person to make any changes to the house he built, Bruno poses as a local handyman and Marie hires him for renovations. As the two begin work on the house, Bruno is forced to face the reality that his wife is gone, and he learns to move on from his grief. Directed by Hernán Jiménez and starring Aden Young, Parker Posey, Ken Jeong, Beau Bridges and Jacki Weaver. World Premiere
• From the Vine – Mark, a downtrodden CEO, is experiencing an ethical crisis at work. In an attempt to re-calibrate his moral compass, he travels back to his hometown in rural Italy. He finds newfound purpose by reviving his grandfather’s old vineyard, offering the small town of Acerenza a sustainable future and reconnecting with his family in the process. Combining magical realism and Italian neorealism, and set against the backdrop of Italian wine country, From the Vine is about returning to your roots and redefining your life when you’re at the bottom of the barrel. Directed by Sean Cisterna and starring Joe Pantoliano, Wendy Crewson, Marco Leonardi, Paula Brancati and Tony Cisterna.
• Gay Chorus Deep South – In response to a wave of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ laws in Southern states, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus embarks on a tour of the American Deep South. The tour brings a message of music, love, and acceptance to communities and individuals confronting intolerance. What emerges is a less divided America, where the lines that separate us in faith, politics, and sexual identity are erased through the soaring power of music, humanity, and a little drag. Directed by David Charles Rodrigues.
• I Want My MTV – A nostalgic and thrilling ride, I Want My MTV takes its audience back to the beginning, when the idea of a television channel devoted to only videos seemed destined for failure. The chronicling of this unique journey provides a peek into how a team of young executives were tasked with growing this seed of an idea, which would quickly flourish into a beloved and often controversial cultural juggernaut. Features commentary from Sting, Billy Idol, The Eurythmics, Jerry Cantrell, Pat Benatar, and more. Directed by Patrick Waldrop and Tyler Measom, and starring Sting, Billy Idol, Pat Benatar, Dee Snider, Norman Lear, The Eurythmics , Darryl McDaniel and Jerry Cantrell.
• It All Begins with a Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter – It All Begins with a Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter is a celebration of one of music’s most important yet underrated forces: the songwriter. These songwriters have penned melodies and lyrics for some of the biggest stars in the music industry, yet few know their names. Pull back the curtain to reveal the process of creating a successful song and learn more about the origins of some of the world’s most iconic hits. Directed by Anthony ‘Chusy’ Haney-Jardine.
• The Land of High Mountains – The Land of High Mountains is the inspiring true story of the only pediatric hospital in Haiti. In a country where one third of the population is under fourteen years of age and foreign NGOs consistently come and go, Saint Damien Pediatric Hospital has been providing life-saving healthcare to the most vulnerable families for over thirty years. This is a powerful account of the incredible people, both Haitian and foreign who, despite encountering every conceivable obstacle, are working together to create a brighter future for their patients and for Haiti. Directed by Will Agee and starring Liferne Forestal, Phadoul Amisial, Fr. Rick Frechette, Dr. Renee Alce, Dr. Jacqueline Gautier, Fr. Enzo Del Brocco, Veline , Gaelle , Lourdy , Pierre Nadine, Sainfleur Jean Israel, Marie Yolene, Vilaire Meralin and Christiana Liberis.
• Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound – Since the invention of sound in films, sound designers have been influencing the landscape of cinema. Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of sound design throughout cinematic history. Through interviews with legendary directors and some of the industry’s most-respected sound designers, we revisit film classics that helped shape the way we listen to and experience films today. Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound reveals the hidden impact of sound in cinema and how the auditory intake of a film holds so much power over an individual’s experience of storytelling. Directed by Midge Costin.
• Martha: A Picture Story – In the 1970s, Martha Cooper was one of a handful of photographers documenting the first vivid images of graffiti appearing on New York City’s subway carriages. 20 years later, she discovers that her book Subway Art has become one of the most stolen books of all time – inspiring the spread of graffiti around the globe and making Martha an unexpected icon of the street art world. Now, at age 75, Martha must navigate her way through the vastly changed culture of the modern world. Directed by Selina Miles.
• My Beautiful Stutter – After lifetimes of bullying, isolation, and failed fluency training, witness the incredible transformation of five kids who stutter when they enter a groundbreaking program through SAY, The Stuttering Association. Over the course of a year of events and workshops, these young people of wildly different backgrounds experience SAY’s revolutionary mantra: it’s okay to stutter. Directed by Ryan Gielen and starring Taro Alexander.
• RUTH – Justice Ginsburg in Her Own Words – How does a person with three strikes against her rise to the highest court in the land, the U.S. Supreme Court? RUTH – Justice Ginsburg in Her Own Words tells the improbable story of how Ruth Bader Ginsburg became an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. It also reveals both the public and private sides of a resilient, resourceful woman who has survived the hostility of the profoundly male universe of government and law to become a revered Justice and icon for gender equality and women’s rights. Directed by Freida Lee Mock and starring Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Justice Goodwin Liu, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, Irin Carmon, Shana Knizhnik, Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, M.E. Freeman, Lilly Ledbetter and Kathleen Peratis.
• The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky – Packed full of humour, personality, and flavour, The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky is a drinks-focussed travelogue, where three friends embark on a road trip through Scotland. From Dufftown and Islay to Elgin and Jura, they journey through breath-taking landscapes, visiting iconic distilleries and touching on Scottish culture, tourism and traditional dishes you can’t even pronounce. This is whisky for a new, global audience, from twenty-one to ninety-one. Directed by David Agrawal. World Premiere

OTHER FILM HIGHLIGHTS

Core Competitions (previously announced)

Narrative Competition

• Bring Me an Avocado, Directed by Maria Mealla and starring Bernardo Peña, Sarah Burkhalter, Molly Ratermann, Candace Roberts.
• Here Awhile, Directed by Tim True and starring Anna Camp, Steven Strait, and Joe Lo Truglio. World Premiere
• Justine, Directed by Stephanie Turner and starring Glynn Turman, Darby Stanchfield, Josh Stamberg, Daisy Prescott, and Stephanie Turner.
• Lucky Grandma, Directed by Sasie Sealy and starring Tsai Chin, Corey Ha, Michael Tow, Woody Fu, Yan Xi, Wai Ching Ho, and Clem Cheung.
• The Nomads, Directed by Brandon Eric Kamin and starring Tika Sumpter and Tate Donovan.
• Run This Town, Directed by Ricky Tollman and starring Ben Platt, Mena Massoud, Nina Dobrev, Damian Lewis, Jennifer Ehle, and Scott Speedman.
• Standing Up, Falling Down, Directed by Matt Ratner and starring Billy Crystal, Ben Schwartz, Eloise Mumford, Grace Gummer, Caitlin McGee, David Castaneda, Debra Monk, and Jill Hennessy.
• Stealing School, Directed by Li Dong and starring Celine Tsai, Jonathan Keltz, Michelle Monteith, Mpho Koaho, Darrin Baker, Jonathan Malen, Matthew Edison, and Vas Saranga. World Premiere

Documentary Competition

• I Am Human, Directed by Taryn Southern and Elena Gaby.
• Latter Day Jew, Directed by Aliza Rosen.
• Motherload, Directed by Liz Canning.
• The Pollinators, Directed by Peter Nelson.
• The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion, Directed by Lisa Cortes and Farah X.
• The Story of Plastic, Directed by Deia Schlosberg.
• This Is My Home, Directed by Karl Nickoley.
• Well Groomed, Directed by Rebecca Stern.

Verge

• Come As You Are, Directed by Richard Wong.
• Greener Grass, Directed by Dawn Luebbe and Jocelyn DeBoer.
• Hosea, Directed by Ryan Daniel Dobson. World Premiere
• Last Call, Directed by Gavin Michael Booth.
• Only, Directed by Takashi Doscher.
• Speed of Life, Directed by Liz Manashil.
• Treasure Trouble, Directed by Dan Erickson.
• The Way You Look Tonight, Directed by John Cerrito.

Culinary Cinema

• Breaking Bread, Directed by Beth Elise Hawk.
• Funke, Directed by Gab Taraboulsy.
• Nose to Tail, Directed by Jesse Zigelstein.
• Nothing Fancy: Diana Kennedy, Directed by Elizabeth Carroll.
• Stage: The Culinary Internship, Directed by Abby Ainsworth.
• A Taste of Sky, Directed by Michael Lei.

The festival will also feature Short Film Programs with:

• 17 Narrative Shorts
• 11 Documentary Shorts

The Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) is a five-day celebration that blends the art of film, food, and wine together. Discover the best new independent films of the year, savor exquisite cuisine paired with legendary wines, and create lasting memories found only in the Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Film Festival is presented by Cinema Napa Valley, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in Napa, California. Cinema Napa Valley’s mission is to celebrate the cinematic arts and enrich the community by presenting an annual world-class festival and year-round education and outreach programs. The Napa Valley Film Festival takes place November 13-17, 2019. Visit napavalleyfilmfest.org for more information on passes and festival events.

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Presenting Sponsor: Rolls-Royce

Major Sponsor: Meadowood Napa Valley

Leading Sponsors: AVMS, Charles Krug Winery, Colorzone, DoNapa, Monogram, Raymond Vineyards, Viking Cruises, Westin Verasa Napa


Supporting Sponsors: Archer Hotel Napa, Blackbird Vineyards, Blanc Creatives, Cathay Pacific, De’Longhi, Estate Events by Meadowood, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards, Peroni Italy, The Studio by Feast It Forward, Twin Dolphin Los Cabos, Whole Foods Market, Yountville Chamber of Commerce

Media Sponsors: Travel + Leisure, Variety, Wine Spectator

93 Countries In Competition For 2019 International Feature Film Oscar®

Ninety-three countries have submitted films for consideration in the International Feature Film category for the 92nd Academy Awards®. An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (more than 40 minutes) produced outside the United States with a predominantly non-English dialogue track. Ghana, Nigeria and Uzbekistan are first-time entrants.

Earlier this year, the Academy’s Board of Governors voted to rename the Foreign Language Film category to International Feature Film and expand the shortlist from nine to 10 films.

The 2019 submissions, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:

• Albania, “The Delegation,” Bujar Alimani, director;
• Algeria, “Papicha,” Mounia Meddour, director;
• Argentina, “Heroic Losers,” Sebastián Borensztein, director;
• Armenia, “Lengthy Night,” Edgar Baghdasaryan, director;
• Australia, “Buoyancy,” Rodd Rathjen, director;
• Austria, “Joy,” Sudabeh Mortezai, director;
• Bangladesh, “Alpha,” Nasiruddin Yousuff, director;
• Belarus, “Debut,” Anastasiya Miroshnichenko, director;
• Belgium, “Our Mothers,” César Díaz, director;
• Bolivia, “I Miss You,” Rodrigo Bellott, director;
• Bosnia and Herzegovina, “The Son,” Ines Tanovic, director;
• Brazil, “Invisible Life,” Karim Aïnouz, director;
• Bulgaria, “Ága,” Milko Lazarov, director;
• Cambodia, “In the Life of Music,” Caylee So, Sok Visal, directors;
• Canada, “Antigone,” Sophie Deraspe, director;
• Chile, “Spider,” Andrés Wood, director;
• China, “Ne Zha,” Yu Yang, director;
• Colombia, “Monos,” Alejandro Landes, director;
• Costa Rica, “The Awakening of the Ants,” Antonella Sudasassi Furniss, director;
• Croatia, “Mali,” Antonio Nuic, director;
• Cuba, “A Translator,” Rodrigo Barriuso, Sebastián Barriuso, directors;
• Czech Republic, “The Painted Bird,” Václav Marhoul, director;
• Denmark, “Queen of Hearts,” May el-Toukhy, director;
• Dominican Republic, “The Projectionist,” José María Cabral, director;
• Ecuador, “The Longest Night,” Gabriela Calvache, director;
• Egypt, “Poisonous Roses,” Ahmed Fawzi Saleh, director;
• Estonia, “Truth and Justice,” Tanel Toom, director;
• Ethiopia, “Running against the Wind,” Jan Philipp Weyl, director;
• Finland, “Stupid Young Heart,” Selma Vilhunen, director;
• France, “Les Misérables,” Ladj Ly, director;
• Georgia, “Shindisi,” Dimitri Tsintsadze, director;
• Germany, “System Crasher,” Nora Fingscheidt, director;
• Ghana, “Azali,” Kwabena Gyansah, director;
• Greece, “When Tomatoes Met Wagner,” Marianna Economou, director;
• Honduras, “Blood, Passion, and Coffee,” Carlos Membreño, director;
• Hong Kong, “The White Storm 2 Drug Lords,” Herman Yau, director;
• Hungary, “Those Who Remained,” Barnabás Tóth, director;
• Iceland, “A White, White Day,” Hlynur Pálmason, director;
• India, “Gully Boy,” Zoya Akhtar, director;
• Indonesia, “Memories of My Body,” Garin Nugroho, director;
• Iran, “Finding Farideh,” Azadeh Moussavi, Kourosh Ataee, directors;
• Ireland, “Gaza,” Garry Keane, Andrew McConnell, directors;
• Israel, “Incitement,” Yaron Zilberman, director;
• Italy, “The Traitor,” Marco Bellocchio, director;
• Japan, “Weathering with You,” Makoto Shinkai, director;
• Kazakhstan, “Kazakh Khanate. The Golden Throne,” Rustem Abdrashov, director;
• Kenya, “Subira,” Ravneet Singh (Sippy) Chadha, director;
• Kosovo, “Zana,” Antoneta Kastrati, director;
• Kyrgyzstan, “Aurora,” Bekzat Pirmatov, director;
• Latvia, “The Mover,” Davis Simanis, director;
• Lebanon, “1982,” Oualid Mouaness, director;
• Lithuania, “Bridges of Time,” Audrius Stonys, Kristine Briede, directors;
• Luxembourg, “Tel Aviv on Fire,” Sameh Zoabi, director;
• Malaysia, “M for Malaysia,” Dian Lee, Ineza Roussille, directors;
• Mexico, “The Chambermaid,” Lila Avilés, director;
• Mongolia, “The Steed,” Erdenebileg Ganbold, director;
• Montenegro, “Neverending Past,” Andro Martinović, director;
• Morocco, “Adam,” Maryam Touzani, director;
• Nepal, “Bulbul,” Binod Paudel, director;
• Netherlands, “Instinct,” Halina Reijn, director;
• Nigeria, “Lionheart,” Genevieve Nnaji, director;
• North Macedonia, “Honeyland,” Ljubo Stefanov, Tamara Kotevska, directors;
• Norway, “Out Stealing Horses,” Hans Petter Moland, director;
• Pakistan, “Laal Kabootar,” Kamal Khan, director;
• Palestine, “It Must Be Heaven,” Elia Suleiman, director;
• Panama, “Everybody Changes,” Arturo Montenegro, director;
• Peru, “Retablo,” Alvaro Delgado Aparicio, director;
• Philippines, “Verdict,” Raymund Ribay Gutierrez, director;
• Poland, “Corpus Christi,” Jan Komasa, director;
• Portugal, “The Domain,” Tiago Guedes, director;
• Romania, “The Whistlers,” Corneliu Porumboiu, director;
• Russia, “Beanpole,” Kantemir Balagov, director;
• Saudi Arabia, “The Perfect Candidate,” Haifaa Al Mansour, director;
• Senegal, “Atlantics,” Mati Diop, director;
• Serbia, “King Petar the First,” Petar Ristovski, director;
• Singapore, “A Land Imagined,” Yeo Siew Hua, director;
• Slovakia, “Let There Be Light,” Marko Skop, director;
• Slovenia, “History of Love,” Sonja Prosenc, director;
• South Africa, “Knuckle City,” Jahmil X.T. Qubeka, director;
• South Korea, “Parasite,” Bong Joon Ho, director;
• Spain, “Pain and Glory,” Pedro Almodóvar, director;
• Sweden, “And Then We Danced,” Levan Akin, director;
• Switzerland, “Wolkenbruch’s Wondrous Journey into the Arms of a Shiksa,” Michael Steiner, director;
• Taiwan, “Dear Ex,” Mag Hsu, Chih-Yen Hsu, directors;
• Thailand, “Krasue: Inhuman Kiss,” Sitisiri Mongkolsiri, director;
• Tunisia, “Dear Son,” Mohamed Ben Attia, director;
• Turkey, “Commitment Asli,” Semih Kaplanoglu, director;
• Ukraine, “Homeward,” Nariman Aliev, director;
• United Kingdom, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” Chiwetel Ejiofor, director;
• Uruguay, “The Moneychanger,” Federico Veiroj, director;
• Uzbekistan, “Hot Bread,” Umid Khamdamov, director;
• Venezuela, “Being Impossible,” Patricia Ortega, director;
• Vietnam, “Furie,” Le Van Kiet, director.

The shortlist of 10 films will be announced on Monday, December 16, 2019. Nominations for the 92nd Oscars® will be announced on Monday, January 13, 2020.

The 92nd Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Women’s Initiative Events In New York And London Support Emerging Female Filmmakers

Academy Partners With E! Entertainment For New York Event With Laura Dern, Greta Gerwig, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy And Amy Pascal

Swarovski Returns As Global Partner Of “Action: The Academy Women’s Initiative”

Photo Credit: Lars Niki / Getty Images / AMPAS

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in partnership with E! Entertainment and Swarovski, hosted a luncheon in New York today (October 2), beginning the second year of its global initiative to support emerging female filmmakers with the presentation of an Academy Gold Fellowship for Women.

The luncheon at the Rainbow Room brought together women from all facets of the filmmaking community, including Annabelle Attanasio, Cynthia Erivo, Julie Hagerty, Alma Har’el, Laura Karpman, Barbara Kopple, Jodi Long, Jennifer Nettles, Katherine Oliver, Laura Poitras, Andrea Riseborough, Jane Rosenthal, Meg Ryan, Mary Stuart Masterson and Constance Wu. The afternoon featured an onstage conversation with writer-director Greta Gerwig and producer Amy Pascal, moderated by actress Laura Dern. Oscar®-winning documentary filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, whose work highlights inequality and human rights abuses of women around the world, delivered the keynote presentation.

The Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, a $35,000 grant, was awarded to filmmaker Eliana Pipes. Pipes, an alumna of the inaugural class of the Academy Gold diversity internship enhancement program, is a graduate of Columbia University and has written her first feature film, a comedy entitled “Fauxricua.”

Constance Wu attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ Women’s Initiative New York luncheon, in partnership with E! Entertainment and with the support of Swarovski on October 02, 2019 in New York City. Credit: Lars Niki / Getty Images / AMPAS

The Academy Gold Fellowship for Women is a one-year fellowship designed for female filmmakers or executives. The fellowship combines direct financial support with personalized mentorship and networking opportunities, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an emerging female filmmaker or industry executive. The US recipient is selected from the alumnae of one of the Academy Foundation’s key educational initiatives: Academy Gold Talent Development and Inclusion program, Student Academy Awards and the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. The fellowship in the UK is awarded to an emerging female talent working on either their first or second feature film or short film.

(L-R) Dawn Hudson, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Greta Gerwig and Laura Dern attend the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ Women’s Initiative New York luncheon, in partnership with E! Entertainment and with the support of Swarovski on October 02, 2019 in New York City.

The Academy will also hold a similar luncheon in London on October 4. The London event will mark the third year the Academy and Swarovski have hosted a gathering of female filmmakers in the UK. As a global multi-year partner of the initiative, Swarovski’s support extends across both the New York and London events, as well as a luncheon in Paris earlier this year, and makes possible the Gold Fellowship grants presented. Northern Ireland-based filmmaker Aislinn Clarke will receive the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women. Clarke wrote and directed her first feature, a horror film entitled “The Devil’s Doorway,” last year.

The fellowship program is a global effort, part of Action: The Academy Women’s Initiative, designed to create opportunities for female filmmakers and executives to connect, share their stories and celebrate inclusion. To date five fellowships have been awarded.

Cynthia Erivo attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ Women’s Initiative New York luncheon, in partnership with E! Entertainment and with the support of Swarovski on October 02, 2019 in New York City.

Action: The Academy Women’s Initiative is intended to make Hollywood a more inclusive place by empowering women in the film community. The initiative includes the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women, Academy Directory, and global events designed to connect women across all corners of the filmmaking industry and enable them to share their stories and celebrate inclusion.

“In just two years, the Academy Women’s Initiative has granted five fellowships to aspiring female filmmakers in NY, LA, London and Paris,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “With the support of our partners E! Entertainment and Swarovski, we will continue to expand this program globally, empowering more women in film, and creating a more inclusive industry.”

“E! is proud to once again partner with the Academy for this powerful initiative that brings women together, celebrates inclusion, and supports female filmmakers,” said Jen Neal, General Manager, E! News, Live Events and Lifestyle Digital, NBCUniversal. “It is exciting to join so many creative, inspiring and courageous women at today’s event as we unite in our commitment to driving positive change.”

Swarovski has a long history of partnership with the Academy, having illuminated the Academy Awards® stage with more than 45 million crystals over the past twelve years. As part of Swarovski’s drive to promote women’s empowerment, it is proud to support the Academy in celebrating women in film and encouraging gender equality across the industry. Swarovski has played a supporting role in the entertainment industry for nearly 100 years, having collaborated with Hollywood’s finest costume and set designers, most recently for Rocketman and The Greatest Showman..

Nadja Swarovski commented: “Swarovski is delighted to partner with the Academy on the 2019 Gold Fellowship for Women as part its Action: The Academy Women’s Initiative. As a company we are committed to empowering women and to providing emerging creative talent with the support it needs to develop and thrive, so we are pleased to congratulate Eliana Pipes and Aislinn Clarke and we look forward to watching all the young Academy Gold Fellowship award winners share their work with the world.”

Swarovski creates a more sparkling world and delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and sells the world’s highest quality crystal, genuine gemstones, Swarovski Created Diamonds and zirconia, finished products such as jewelry and accessories, as well as interior design and lighting solutions. The Swarovski Crystal Business is run by the fifth generation of family members and has a global reach with approximately 3,000 stores in around 170 countries, more than 29,000 employees, and revenue of about 2.7 billion euros in 2018.

E! is the only global, multi-platform brand for all things pop culture. The network is currently available to 91 million cable and satellite subscribers in the U.S and 161 countries globally. E! programming includes popular series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” “Very Cavallari,” “Total Divas,” “Total Bellas,” “Botched,” and “Dating #NoFilter;” topical series “Nightly Pop,” and the return of the “E! True Hollywood Story.” “E! News” airs nightly on the network and is the leading multi-platform publisher delivering breaking entertainment news and pop culture coverage 24/7 across EOnline.com and all digital and social media. The brand’s robust digital programming slate includes “E! News’ The Rundown,” “Face Forward” and “What The Fashion” on Snapchat. E!’s “Live from the Red Carpet” signature events keep fans connected to their favorite stars on pop culture’s biggest nights and E! is also home to the “E! People’s Choice Awards,” the only award show for the people, by the people. E! is a network of NBCUniversal Entertainment & Lifestyle Group, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. For more corporate information, visit www.nbcuniversal.com.

Tom Hanks to be Recipient of the 2020 Cecil B. deMille Award at The 77th Golden Globes Awards

September 24, 2019– The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) announced that eight-time Golden Globe winner and 15-time nominee, Tom Hanks, will be honored with the coveted Cecil B. deMille Award at the 77^th Annual Golden Globe Awards. The highly-acclaimed star of such legendary films such as Big, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, Cast Away, and the upcoming release of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will accept the honor at Hollywood’s Party of the Year® on Sunday, January 5, 2020 airing LIVE coast-to-coast from 5-8 p.m. PT/8-11 p.m. ET on NBC.

Tom Hanks the star of Columbia Pictures’ “Captain Phillips.” Photo Credit: AUSTIN HARGRAVE

“The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is proud to bestow the 2020 Cecil B. deMille Award to Tom Hanks,” said HFPA President Lorenzo Soria. “For more than three decades, he’s captivated audiences with rich and playful characters that we’ve grown to love and admire. As compelling as he is on the silver screen, he’s equally so behind the camera as a writer, producer, and director. We’re honored to include Mr. Hanks with such luminaries as Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese, and Barbra Streisand to name a few.”

Chosen by the HFPA Board of Directors, the Cecil B. deMille Award is given annually to a talented individual who has made a lasting impact on the film industry. Honorees over the decades include Jeff Bridges, Robert De Niro, Audrey Hepburn, Harrison Ford, Jodie Foster, Sophia Loren, Sidney Poitier, Steven Spielberg, Denzel Washington, Robin Williams, and many more.

Hanks’ complex and moving performances have earned him the honor of being one of only two actors in history to win back-to-back Best Actor Academy Awards®, he won his first Oscar® in 1994 for his moving portrayal of AIDS-stricken lawyer Andrew Beckett in Jonathan Demme’s Philadelphia. The following year, he took home his second Oscar for his unforgettable performance in the title role of Robert Zemeckis’ Forrest Gump. He also won the Golden Globe Award for both films, as well as a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® for the latter.

In 2013, Hanks was seen starring in Golden Globe-nominated film Captain Phillips, for which he received Golden Globe, SAG, and BAFTA nominations as well as in AFI’s Movie of the Year Saving Mr. Banks with Emma Thompson. Hanks was most recently seen alongside Streep in Spielberg’s Golden Globe and Oscar-nominated film The Post, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe and won Best Actor with the National Board of Review. He will next be seen portraying Mr. Fred Rodgers in the upcoming biopic A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Additional upcoming projects include the WWII drama Greyhound, which he also wrote, the post-apocalyptic BIOS and Paul Greengrass’ pre-Civil War drama News of the World.

His other feature credits include the Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski film Cloud Atlas; Stephen Daldry’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close; the animated adventure The Polar Express, which he also executive produced and which reunited him with director Robert Zemeckis; the Coen brothers’ The Ladykillers; Spielberg’s The Terminal and Catch Me If You Can; Sam Mendes’ Road to Perdition; Frank Darabont’s The Green Mile; Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle; Penny Marshall’s A League of Their Own; Ron Howard’s Apollo 13; The Da Vinci Code; Angels & Demons; Splash; Hologram for a King; Inferno;Sully; and the computer-animated blockbusters Cars, Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4.

In 1996, Hanks made his successful feature film writing and directing debut with That Thing You Do!, in which he also starred. More recently, he wrote, produced, directed and starred in Larry Crowne, with Julia Roberts. Hanks and Playtone produced 2002’s smash hit romantic comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding, with his wife Rita Wilson. Other producing credits include Where the Wild Things Are, The Polar Express, The Ant Bully, Charlie Wilson’s War, Mamma Mia!, The Great Buck Howard, Starter for 10, and the HBO series Big Love, Band of Brothers, The Pacific and From the Earth to the Moon.

In 2002, Hanks received the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award.

He was later honored by the Film Society of Lincoln Center with the Chaplin Award in 2009. In 2014, Hanks received a Kennedy Center Honor.

Sterling Vineyards Celebrates The 71st Emmy Awards As The Official Wine Of The 2019 Emmy Awards Season

For the fourth consecutive year, iconic Napa Valley winery Sterling Vineyards, known for its ‘Always Polished, Never Dull‘ lifestyle, returns to television’s most anticipated night as the Official Wine of the 71st Emmy® Awards Season.

Following the live telecast of the 71^st Emmy Awards on Sunday evening, September 22, 2019, Sterling Vineyards will invite Emmy nominees, presenters and members of the Television Academy to toast with their award-winning wines at the Television Academy’s official after-party, the Governors Ball. The evening will feature a taste of the 2015 Sterling Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon, launched to retailers across the country last November. The Cabernet, among the finest from Napa Valley, is the winery’s newest expression of the depth, precision and intensity that is unique to the region, a testament to the craftsmanship of winemaker Harry Hansen and the winery’s tradition of producing outstanding, varietally focused wines. Chosen by the Television Academy Governors Ball Committee to showcase with the night’s menu from acclaimed Chef Joachim Splichal and Patina Catering, Sterling Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon will be served alongside the 2017 Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay and 2016 Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, paired with dishes including Paella Valenciana, Yellowfin Sashimi, Candy Striped Beet Poke, and Hand-Carved Grass-fed Tenderloin of Beef.

(PRNewsfoto/Sterling Vineyards)

Sterling Vineyards will also gift a special limited-edition, personalized bottle of the 2015 Sterling Vineyards Iridium Cabernet Sauvignon to each Emmy Award winner as they await their Emmy statuette in the Governors Ball Winner’s Circle. 2015 is just the second vintage of the winery’s premier luxury Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, named appropriately for one of the rarest elements on earth. Made in only the very best vintages with the finest and most intense expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Iridium is the pinnacle of winemaking perfection. Emmy winners who enter the Winner’s Circle will have the exclusive chance to enjoy a glass of this special wine, as they are invited to raise a glass while their Emmy statuettes are personalized.

“Sterling Vineyards is honored to share in the recognition of television excellence and outstanding creative talent, and we look forward to toasting this year’s Emmys winners with these exceptional wines,” shares Senior Vice President of Marketing at Treasury Wine Estates, Brett Scallan. “This year in particular, marks the end of some of television’s most esteemed series such as Game of Thrones, Empire, Veep, and The Big Bang Theory, making the evening even more special and giving us all the more reason to raise a glass in their honor.”

The 71st Emmy Awards will telecast live on FOX from the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, September 22, 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. The Governors Ball will take place at the adjacent L.A. LIVE Event Deck immediately following the telecast.

89th Oscars Production Team Announced

Over 75 Years of Combined Oscars Telecast Experience

Producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd today announced eight key members of the production team for the 89th Oscars®, which will air live on Sunday, February 26, on ABC. It was previously announced that Glenn Weiss would be returning as director for his second consecutive year.

“This team has over 75 years of combined experience working on Oscars telecasts,” said De Luca and Todd. “It’s truly a privilege to work alongside them.”

Rob Paine has been associated with the Oscar® telecast for over 20 years and returns as the Supervising Producer. Paine has more than 200 television events to his name and has earned four Emmy® nominations and a Peabody Award. His other credits include 11 Super Bowl Halftime Shows, “The Kennedy Center Honors” and the recent gala opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Production designer Derek McLane returns to the Oscars for a fifth consecutive year. He has earned four Emmy nominations for his work on the Oscar telecasts and won in 2014. His other television credits include “Hairspray Live!,” “The Wiz Live!,” “Peter Pan Live!” and “The Sound of Music Live!” McLane also has designed sets for several acclaimed Broadway productions; he received a Tony Award® for his work on the drama “33 Variations” as well as three nominations for musicals.

The Academy To Celebrate Oscar Night® In New York And London

The Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences will host live Oscar® viewing parties in New York and London for its members and invited film industry guests on Oscar Sunday, February 26. The Oscars®, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Oscar Night London, supported by Rolex, will take place at Soho’s Ham Yard Hotel to view the 89th Oscars at a two-tier screening venue. Guests will enjoy a midnight feast, complete with espresso martinis, and will watch the Oscars telecast streamed live on the big screen, from red carpet arrivals through the announcement of the Best Picture award.

The iconic Rainbow Room in New York City will be the setting for the only East Coast event hosted by the Academy on Oscar Night. From the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, surrounded by stunning panoramic views, guests will be able to watch the live Oscars telecast while enjoying an inspired menu by Executive Chef Jim Botsacos.

The 89th Oscars will be held at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood and also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

11 More Stars Set To Present At 89th Oscars

Amy Adams, Riz Ahmed, Javier Bardem, John Cho, Dwayne Johnson, Felicity Jones, Leslie Mann, Janelle Monáe, David Oyelowo, Emma Stone And Charlize Theron

Producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd announced the third slate of presenters for the 89th Oscars® telecast. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the Oscars will air live Sunday, February 26, on the ABC Television Network.

The presenters, including past Oscar® winners and nominees, are Amy Adams, Riz Ahmed, Javier Bardem, John Cho, Dwayne Johnson, Felicity Jones, Leslie Mann, Janelle Monáe, David Oyelowo, Emma Stone and Charlize Theron.

“No matter who you are or where you live, movies bring us together,” said De Luca and Todd. “Through indelible, fearless performances these extraordinary actors help make it happen. We are thrilled to welcome them to the 89th Oscars stage.”

Adams received an Oscar nomination for Actress in a Leading Role for “American Hustle” (2013). Additionally, she has earned four nominations for Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in “The Master” (2012), “The Fighter” (2010), “Doubt” (2008) and “Junebug” (2005). Her notable credits also include “Arrival” (2016), “Nocturnal Animals” (2016), “Big Eyes” (2014), “Her” (2013) and “Julie & Julia” (2009). Adams will next appear in “Justice League.”

Ahmed appeared in the Oscar-nominated films “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016) and “Nightcrawler” (2014). Additionally, his credits include “Jason Bourne” (2016), “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” (2013), “Ill Manors” (2012), “Day of the Falcon” (2011), “Centurion” (2010) and “Four Lions” (2010).

Bardem won an Oscar for Actor in a Supporting Role for “No Country for Old Men” (2007). He has been nominated for Actor in a Leading Role twice, for “Biutiful” (2010) and “Before Night Falls” (2000). Bardem starred in the Oscar-winning films “Skyfall” (2012) and “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008). Other notable credits include “The Counselor” (2013), “Eat Pray Love” (2010), “The Sea Inside” (2004) and “Mondays in the Sun” (2002). Bardem will appear next in “Escobar”, “mother!” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.”

Cho’s credits include the Oscar-winning film “Star Trek” (2009), as well as the Oscar-nominated films “Star Trek Beyond” (2016) and “Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013). Additionally, Cho’s film credits include “Identity Thief” (2013), “Total Recall” (2012), “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” (2008), “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” (2004) and “American Pie” (1999). He will next appear in “Gemini.”

Johnson appears in the Oscar-nominated film “Moana” (2016). His recent feature credits also include “Central Intelligence” (2016), “Furious Seven” (2015), “San Andreas” (2015), “Hercules” (2014), “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” (2013) and “Pain & Gain” (2013). Johnson will appear next in “Baywatch,” “The Fate of the Furious” and “Jumanji.”

Jones received an Oscar nomination for Actress in a Leading Role for “The Theory of Everything” (2014). She also appeared in the Oscar-nominated films “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016) and “The Invisible Woman” (2013). Jones’s feature credits also include “A Monster Calls” (2016), “Inferno” (2016), “Breathe In” (2014) and “Like Crazy” (2011).

Mann’s feature credits include the Oscar-nominated films “ParaNorman” (2012) and “Rio” (2011). Additionally, she has appeared in “The Comedian” (2016), “How to Be Single” (2016), “The Other Woman” (2014), “Rio 2” (2014), “This Is 40” (2012), “Funny People” (2009), “Knocked Up” (2007) and “The 40 Year-Old Virgin” (2005). Mann will next appear in “The Pact.”

Cynthia Erivo To Take The Stage At The Governors Ball On Oscar® Sunday

Award-winning singer-songwriter Cynthia Erivo is set to perform at the Governors Ball, the Academy’s official post-Oscars® celebration, on Sunday, February 26. She will entertain the Ball’s 1,500 guests, which will include Oscar® winners and nominees, show presenters and performers, and other luminaries.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Cynthia Erivo is set to perform at the Governors Ball, the Academy’s official post-Oscars® celebration, on Sunday, February 26. credit: Benedict Evans.

A U.K. native, Erivo made her Broadway debut starring as ‘Celie’ in the critically acclaimed revival of “The Color Purple,” for which she received a Tony® for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical and a Grammy® for Best Musical Theater Album. She recently performed at The 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, as well as the 2017 Grammy Awards, alongside John Legend during the show’s ‘In Memoriam’ segment. Erivo also is an accomplished songwriter, having written and performed the song “Fly Before You Fall” for the 2014 feature film “Beyond the Lights.” Her upcoming film projects include a starring role in “Harriet,” the Harriet Tubman biopic directed by Seith Mann, and co-starring opposite Viola Davis in Steve McQueen’s “Widows.”

The evening also will feature multi-platinum recording artist JoJo, five-time Emmy®-nominated music director Rickey Minor, and husband-and-wife deejays DJ M.O.S. and DJ Kiss showcasing an eclectic mix of musical genres.

The Governors Ball will be held in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at the top level of the Hollywood & Highland Center®.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Auli’i Cravalho, Sting, Justin Timberlake And John Legend To Perform This Year’s Nominated Songs At The Oscars®

Oscar® nominees Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sting, Justin Timberlake and 2014 Oscar winner John Legend will perform at the 89th Oscars® ceremony, show producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd announced. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the Oscars will air live on Sunday, February 26, on the ABC Television Network.

Auli’i Cravalho will join Miranda to perform his Oscar-nominated song, “How Far I’ll Go,” written for “Moana.” An actor, playwright and composer, Miranda is best known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals “Hamilton” and “In the Heights.” For his work, he has been recognized with a Primetime Emmy Award®, three Tony Awards®, two Grammy Awards® and the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama (“Hamilton“). This marks Miranda’s debut on the Oscars stage. Sixteen-year-old Cravalho made her film debut voicing the title character in “Moana.”

Seventeen-time Grammy winner Sting will perform “The Empty Chair” from “Jim: The James Foley Story,” the Oscar nominated song he co-wrote with three-time Oscar nominee J. Ralph. In addition to this current nomination, Sting has been nominated in this category on three previous occasions; “You Will Be My Ain True Love” from “Cold Mountain” (2003), “Until” from “Kate & Leopold” (2001) and “My Funny Friend And Me” from “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000), which he shared with David Hartley. A 2014 Kennedy Center Honoree, Sting has sold over 100 million records.

Timberlake will perform his Oscar-nominated (and Grammy-winning) song “Can’t Stop The Feeling” from the movie “Trolls.” He shares music and lyric credits with Max Martin and Karl Johan Schuster. Timberlake is a multi-platinum recording artist and actor whose numerous awards include nine Grammy Awards and four Primetime Emmy Awards. His acting credits include the Oscar-winning film “The Social Network” (2010) and Oscar-nominated “Inside Llewyn Davis” (2013).

Legend will perform both “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” and “City of Stars,” from “La La Land,” music by Justin Hurwitz; lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. A singer-songwriter, musician and actor, Legend won an Oscar for the original song “Glory” from “Selma” (2014), an honor he shared with artist Common. Legend’s many accolades also include 10 Grammy Awards and 28 nominations.

Oscar® Nominees Honored At Annual Academy Luncheon

Nominees for the 89th Oscars® were celebrated at a luncheon held at the Beverly Hilton, Monday, February 6, 2017. The 89th Oscars will air on Sunday, February 26, live on ABC.

More than 165 Oscar® nominees came together at noon when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honors this year’s Oscar contenders at its annual Nominees Luncheon.

Among the Lead Actor and Actress nominees, Casey Affleck, Ryan Gosling, Isabelle Huppert, Viggo Mortensen, Ruth Negga, Natalie Portman, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington were in attendance at the pre-Oscars® event.

Supporting Actor and Actress nominees Mahershala Ali, Jeff Bridges, Viola Davis, Naomie Harris, Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel, Octavia Spencer and Michelle Williams also joined in the celebratory lunch.

All five nominees in the Directing category – Damien Chazelle, Mel Gibson, Barry Jenkins, Kenneth Lonergan and Denis Villeneuve – attended as well.

Nominees for the 89th Oscars® were celebrated at a luncheon held at the Beverly Hilton, Monday, February 6, 2017. The 89th Oscars will air on Sunday, February 26, live on ABC. Seated: Joanna Natasegara, Burt Dalton, Dave Parker, Joi McMillon, Emma Stone, Matt Damon, Natalie Portman, Octavia Spencer, Kimberly Steward, Theodore Ushev, Mahershala Ali, Andrew Coats, Dustin O’Halloran, Justin Timberlake, Ruth Negga, Rafaela Niehausen, Joe Walker, Georgio Gregorini. First Row: Lou Hamou–Lhadj, Sélim Azzazi, Gary Summers, Juanjo Giménez, Luke Davies, Anna Pinnock, Chris Scarabosio, Giacun Cadull, Timo von Gunten, Vincent Cirelli, Arrianne Sutner, Oliver Jones, Lauren Beck, Kevin O’Connell, Alan Barillaro, Mary Zophres, Sylvain Bellemare, Max Martin, Kahane Cooperman, Stephen Elliis, Osnat Shurer, Jordan Horowitz, Carla Hacken, Nancy Haigh. Second Row: Jake Roberts, Max Karli, Kim Magnusson, Dan Levine, Marc Platt, Richard Bluff, Dan Lemmon, Julie Yorn, Christopher Nelson, Andy Wright, Robert Mackenzie, Craig Hammock, Fred Berger, Pharrell Williams, Patrick Osborne, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adele Romanski, James Laxton, Bernard Gariépy Strobl, Michael Dudok de Wit, Taylor Sheridan, Kevin J. Walsh, Steve A. Morrow, Aaron Ryder, Alan Robert Murray, Daphne Matziaraki, Karl Johan Schuster, Hannes Holm. Third Row: Julie Goldman, Bub Asman, Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Aske Bang, Brad Schiff, David Linde, Damien Chazelle, Lucas Hedges, Stephane Ceretti, Adam Valdez, Caroline Waterlow, Nicholas Britell, Jeff Bridges, Ron Clements, Justin Paul, Gianfranco Rosi, Renée Tondelli, Thomas Newman, Marc Sondheimer, Ai-Ling Lee, Stuart Wilson, Brian McLean, Byron Howard, Angie Fielder, Clark Spencer, Barry Jenkins, Mildred Introu Morgan, Hal Hickel, Andrew R. Jones, Wylie Stateman, Gene Serdena. Fourth Row: Joel Harlow, Paul Hotte, Todd Black, Raoul Peck, Marcel Mettelsiefen, Jenno Topping, Viggo Mortensen, Chris Moore, Steve Emerson, Andy Nelson, Denzel Washington, Jess Gonchor, Alessandro Bertolazzi, Orlando von Einsiedel, Cara Speller, Robert Legato, Travis Knight, Eva von Bahr, David Permut, Love Larson, Guy Hendrix Dyas, Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel, Mel Gibson, Ezra Edelman, Mike Mills, Naomie Harris, Donna Gigliotti, Jeremy Kleiner, Neil Corbould, Claude Barras, Viola Davis, Greg P. Russell, John Gilbert, Richard Alonzo. Fifth Row: Martin Zandvliet, Linus Sandgren, Nat Sanders, Iain Canning, Greig Fraser, Kenneth Lonergan, Rich Moore, Justin Hurwitz, Isabelle Huppert, Tom Cross, Spencer Averick, Maren Ade, Denis Villeneuve, John Knoll, Roger Ross Williams, Jeffrey J. Haboush, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Shawn Levy, Dan Krauss, Ryan Gosling, Benj Pasek, John Musker, Bill Mechanic, Eric Heisserer, Kristof Deak, Patrice Vermette, Allison Schroeder, J. Ralph, Theodore Melfi, Howard Barish. (Photo Credit: Image Group LA / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

 

Halle Berry, Jamie Dornan, Chris Evans, Gael García Bernal, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Dakota Johnson, Kate Mckinnon, Shirley Maclaine, Hailee Steinfeld Will Be Presenters On Oscars® Stage

Producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd today announced the second slate of presenters for the 89th Oscars® telecast. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the Oscars will air live on Sunday, February 26, on the ABC Television Network.

“These actors are why we love to go to the movies,” said De Luca and Todd. “From blockbusters to art house films, these artists deliver every time and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the 89th Oscars stage.”

The presenters, including past Oscar® winners and nominees, are Halle Berry, Jamie Dornan, Chris Evans, Gael García Bernal, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Dakota Johnson, Shirley MacLaine, Kate McKinnon and Hailee Steinfeld.

Berry won an Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role for “Monster’s Ball” (2001). Her feature credits also include “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014), “Cloud Atlas” (2012), “Frankie & Alice” (2010), “X-Men The Last Stand” (2006), “X2” (2003), “Die Another Day” (2002) and “X-Men” (2000). She will next appear in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” and “Kings.”

Dornan’s film credits include “Fifty Shades Darker” (2017), “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015) and the Oscar-winning film “Marie Antoinette” (2006). Additionally, he has appeared in “Anthropoid” (2016) and “The Siege of Jadotville” (2016). His upcoming films include “Fifty Shades Freed,” “Robin Hood” and “Untogether.”

Evans is known for “Captain America: Civil War” (2016) and the Oscar-nominated features “Captain America: The Winter Solider” (2014) and “Marvel’s The Avengers” (2012). His film credits also include “The Iceman” (2013), “Puncture” (2011), “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010) and “Fantastic Four” (2005). Evans will next appear in “Gifted,” “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Jekyll.”

García Bernal’s credits include the Oscar-winning films “Babel” (2006) and “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004) as well as the Oscar-nominated films “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001) and “Amores Perros” (2000). Additionally, he has appeared in “Neruda” (2016), “Desierto” (2016) and “Bad Education” (2004). His upcoming films include “Z” and the animated feature “Coco.”

Jackson earned an Oscar nomination for Actor in a Supporting Role for “Pulp Fiction” (1994). Notably, he also appeared in the Oscar-winning films “The Hateful Eight” (2015), “Django Unchained” (2012) and “Inglourious Basterds” (2009). Jackson will next appear in “Kong: Skull Island,” “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “The Incredibles 2” and “Inversion.”

Johansson appeared in the Oscar-winning features “Her” (2013), “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008) and “Lost in Translation” (2003) as well as the Oscar-nominated films “Iron Man 2” (2010), “Match Point” (2005) and “Girl with a Pearl Earring” (2003). Her credits also include “Captain America: Civil War” (2016) and “Lucy” (2014). Johansson will next be seen in “Ghost in the Shell,” “Rock That Body” and “Avengers: Infinity War.“

John Cho And Leslie Mann To Host Academy of Motion Picture Arts ans Sciences’ Sci-Tech Awards

Actors John Cho and Leslie Mann will host the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation on Saturday, February 11, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. They will present 18 awards to 34 individual recipients, as well as five organizations, during the evening.

Actors John Cho and Leslie Mann (pictured) will host the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation on Saturday, February 11, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. (credit: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

“We’re so excited to have John and Leslie join us as hosts for this year’s Scientific and Technical Awards,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “It’s one of our favorites, and most talked about, events each Oscar® season, and John and Leslie’s humor and refreshing take on the honorees will be a perfect addition to a night where we celebrate our colleagues’ groundbreaking scientific and technical achievements.”

Actors John Cho (pictured) and Leslie Mann will host the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation on Saturday, February 11, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills.

Cho most recently starred in the summer blockbuster “Star Trek Beyond.” His other credits include “Grandma,” “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” and “American Pie.” He also appeared in the 1999 Best Picture Oscar winner “American Beauty.”

Mann can currently be seen starring alongside Robert De Niro in Taylor Hackford’s “The Comedian.” Her feature film credits include “How to Be Single,” “The Other Woman,” “This Is 40” and “Knocked Up,” as well as the animated features “Rio 2” and the Oscar-nominated “ParaNorman.“

Portions of the Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation will be included in the Oscar telecast.

The 89th Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Oscar® Winners Leonardo Dicaprio, Brie Larson, Mark Rylance And Alicia Vikander Return To The Oscars® Stage

Academy Award® winners Leonardo DiCaprio, Brie Larson, Mark Rylance and Alicia Vikander will present at the 89th Oscars, show producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd announced. All return to the Oscars stage after winning last year in their respective acting categories. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the Oscars will air live on Sunday, February 26, on the ABC Television Network.

DiCaprio won last year for Actor in a Leading Role for “The Revenant.” He was previously nominated for his performances in “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013), for which he also received a Best Picture nomination, “Blood Diamond” (2006), “The Aviator” (2004) and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” (1993). His film credits also include “The Great Gatsby” (2013), “Django Unchained” (2012) and “J. Edgar” (2011).

Larson’s performance in “Room” earned her an Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role. She has also appeared in “Trainwreck” (2015) and “Short Term 12” (2013). Her upcoming films include “Captain Marvel,” “Kong: Skull Island,” “The Glass Castle” and “Unicorn Store.”

Rylance won for Actor in a Supporting Role for “Bridge of Spies.” His other film credits include “The BFG” (2016) and the upcoming features “Dunkirk” and “Ready Player One.” A prolific stage actor, he earned Tony Awards for his performances in “Twelfth Night,” “Jerusalem” and “Boeing-Boeing.”

Vikander won for Actress in a Supporting Role for “The Danish Girl.” Her recent film credits include “The Light between Oceans” (2016), “Jason Bourne” (2016), “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” (2015) and “Ex Machina” (2015). Her upcoming films include “Euphoria,” “Submergence” and “Tomb Raider.”

Academy Award® Winner Brad Bird Set to Receive The Cinematic Imagery Award at The Art Directors Guild Awards

ADG’s 21st Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards Celebrate “Return to Hollywood” on Saturday, February 11 at Ray Dolby Ballroom

Two–time Oscar®-winning filmmaker, director, producer, animator and writer Brad Bird, whose films have consistently reflected the highest quality of production design, will receive the prestigious Cinematic Imagery Award from the Art Directors Guild (ADG) at its 21^st Annual Art Directors Guild’s Excellence in Production Design Awards, announced by ADG Council Chair Marcia Hinds and Awards Producers Thomas Wilkins and Thomas Walsh. The Awards, celebrating “Return to Hollywood,” will be held Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland and will honor the prestigious spectrum of Bird’s extraordinary award-winning work.

Brad Bird, Courtesy of Nicole Player (WMC)

Said ADG President Nelson Coates, “The ADG is thrilled to recognize the amazing contributions Brad Bird has made to narrative design, while so adeptly creating a visual cinematic legacy for generations to come. The amazing ways Brad and his teams have elevated the production design of animation, and live action, have raised and continue to raise the bar for all visual storytellers.”

The ADG’s Cinematic Imagery Award is given to those whose body of work in the film industry has richly enhanced the visual aspects of the movie-going experience. Previous recipients include David O. Russell, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, Warren Beatty, Clint Eastwood, Norman Jewison, John Lasseter, George Lucas, Frank Oz, Steven Spielberg, among others.

Brad Bird is the director of the Academy® Award-winning films Ratatouille and The Incredibles, from Pixar Animation Studios. Both films earned Bird two Oscars and numerous additional awards. Bird was also part of Pixar’s Senior Creative Team working on such legendary animated features as Up, Wall-E, Inside Out and Toy Story 3, among others.

Bird began his first animated film at the age of 11, and finished it nearly three years later. The film brought him to the attention of Walt Disney Studios where, at age 14, he was mentored by Milt Kahl, one of a distinguished group of Disney’s legendary animators known as the “Nine Old Men.” Bird eventually worked as an animator at Disney and other studios.

Prior to joining Pixar, Bird wrote and directed the critically acclaimed 1999 animated feature, The Iron Giant, which won the International Animated Film Society‘s Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Theatrical Feature.

Bird’s credits include acting as executive consultant on The Simpsons and King of the Hill, the two longest running and most celebrated animated series on television. He also created, wrote, directed and co-produced the “Family Dog” episode of Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories, and co-wrote the screenplay for the live-action feature Batteries Not Included.

Bird also directed the live-action films Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol for Paramount Pictures which became the highest-grossing and best-reviewed film of its franchise. His next project The Incredibles 2 is set for release on June 15, 2018.

As previously announced, Gene Allen, the Oscar®-winning Production Designer behind My Fair Lady, A Star is Born and Les Girls, will be inducted into the Art Directors Guild (ADG) Hall of Fame. ADG will also present four Lifetime Achievement Awards to Emmy®-winning Production Designer René Lagler, Scenic Artist Albert Obregon, Emmy-nominated Set Designer Cate Bangs and Senior Illustrator Joseph Musso.

Producers of this year’s ADG Awards (#ADGawards) are Production Designers Tom Wilkins and Tom Walsh. Final online balloting will be held January 9 – February 9, and winners will be announced at the dinner ceremony on Saturday, February 11, 2017. ADG Awards are open only to productions, when made within the U.S., by producers signatory to the IATSE agreement. Foreign entries are acceptable without restrictions.