You think the Oscars selection process gets political here? Just imagine sitting in the room when Russia’s national Oscar committee grudgingly voted for Nikita Mikalhkov’s enormous critical and commercial bomb, Burnt by the Sun 2: Citadel ( Utomlyonnye solntsem 2: Predstoyanie ), to become the country’s official foreign language selection. Filmmaker and committee head Vladimir Menshov so strongly opposed the pick of the $45 million flop that he’s now lobbying publicly for the film’s director to pull out of the race.
Dancing With the Stars saw plenty of strong performances last night. Chynna Phillips and J.R. Martinez in particular stood out atop the Season 13 crowd. Ron Artest (a.k.a. Metta World Peace)? Rob Kardashian? Not so much. “It’s a new season, we’ve got a new set, but it’s the same old shimmying-about stuff,” head judge Len Goodman told the newly-named Los Angeles Laker. “Your footwork was atrocious. It was all sizzle, no sausage.” BLAM. As for Kardashian, he wasn’t quite as terrible, but Chaz Bono scored better than he did, as did sister Kim a few seasons back. Not a good sign. See the performances that left both men at the bottom of the scoreboard and likely a little nervous about their status tonight by following the jump: Ron Artest & Peta Murgatroyd – Cha-Cha (DWTS Week 1) Rob Kardashian & Cheryl Burke – Waltz (DWTS Week 1) Who do you think will win Dancing With the Stars?
Taylor Lautner has never been more excited than he is right now. These are the actor’s exact words, as expressed to our friends at Movie Fanatic, when asked about the September 23 opening of Abduction , Lautner’s first feature role since Twilight . “This movie was very different than anything I’d done before,” Taylor said. “It was challenging. I knew it would challenge me and that’s why I was attracted to do it. But it was a lot of fun. Breaking Dawn right after that was even more challenging. My character goes through so much in the first installment of the last two movies. So I’m definitely growing and I couldn’t have done it alone.” What about working with rumored girlfriend Lily Collins? Lautner says he “can’t wait for people to see” the young actress in the film. Visit Movie Fanatic now to read A LOT more from Lautner , including how and why he says he’s grown “quite a bit” and decide: Will you go see Abduction ? [Photo: WENN.com]
Variety’s Showblitz reports that youngster Liam Hemsworth , who gets his biggest break since dating Miley Cyrus in next year’s The Hunger Games , has been cast in the sprawling ensemble of The Expendables 2 . Wait, you say — isn’t he, like, four or five decades too young for this film? At 21, Hemsworth is quite a bit less wrinkly than his co-stars. Let’s start guessing now who he’ll play: Sly’s son? A flashback version of Jean-Claude Van Damme? Mickey Rourke’s bicep? [ Variety ]
“We must never forget our history,” Leonardo DiCaprio warns in the brand new trailer for J. Edgar . Conveniently, this narrative demand means that you should probably see the very biographical drama from director Clint Eastwood that this trailer advertises. Take a look at DiCaprio as FBI director J. Edgar Hoover below in the film’s first trailer.
Black Hollywood came out in full force at the 15th annual Urbanworld Film Festival . The opening film Brooklyn Boheme , which documents the rise of black artistic talent during the 90′s in Fort Greene, was the brainchild of director Diane Paragas and author Nelson George , who witnessed (and was a part of) this late 20th century urban renaissance. ”It was this amazing community that so many artists came out of, who ended up affecting the world.” Director Spike Lee, comedian Chris Rock, and actor John Boyega ( Attack The Block ) , were in attendance to show support for the film. Boyega, who was recently cast as the lead in the the highly anticipated HBO drama “Da Brick” (loosely based on Mike Tyson’s early years), had just spent most of his day undergoing a grueling workout session, in order to prepare for his role as a boxer. When asked about the media dubbing him the ‘British Denzel Washington’ Boyega replied “I still have a lot of growing to do before I can be a Denzel, but he’s very inspirational.” Spike Lee, who is directing the pilot episode of “Da Brick”, immediately cast Boyega after seeing his breakout performance in Attack The Block , called him a “great young actor.” Chris Rock, who also co-stars in Brooklyn Boheme recalled some of his favorite memories of living in Fort Greene. “I remember a lot of artists living there like Spike, Halle Berry, Wesley Snipes Mos Def, Erykah Badu—just an interesting time. It was kind of like living in Detroit during the Motown years.” The star wattage continued to shine brightly Friday night as director Mario Van Peebles , 50 Cent and Lynn Whitfield were on hand to promote their film “All Things Fall Apart.” 50 hit the red carpet with his own entourage of eye candy, posing for pics with the cast. Van Peebles originally intended to play the lead role, but after meeting 50 “a bright, affable young brother,” he opted to take up directing reins for the project instead. Reality star Tami Roman pulled double duty promoting two projects—as an actress in Noel Calloway’s Life, Love, Soul and as a producer in Jerry LaMothe’s film short, The Tombs which follows a young man’s experiences in the New York City central booking jail system. Spoken word legend Sonia Sanchez was also in attendance to promote her documentary Shake Loose Memories . At the Q&A which took place after, Sanchez gave a call of action to the youth of today, by reminding them of the sacrifices of the generation before. ”We didn’t live our lives just so you could be pretty.” The HBO dramedy, “How To Make It In America” screened their second season premiere, followed by a Q&A with author/culture critic Toure and the cast, which included Victor Rasuk and Luiz Guzman . The film festival closed out Saturday evening with the premieres of Life, Love Soul, Kinyarwanda and Yelling To The Sky. Radio host Egypt Sherrod, who makes her acting debut in Life, Love, Soul confessed she was a bundle of nerves the first day on set. Luckily her co-star Jamie Hector calmed her down her with some very simple advice, “Just breathe.” Victoria Mahoney , director of the coming-of-age feature, Yelling To The Sky was in high spirits, as her project was recently picked up for distribution by MPI Media Group. Asked how she was able to round up some of the best and brightest young talent ( Zoe Kravitz , Gabourey Sidibe , Yolonda Ross , Shareeka Epps ) Mahoney replied “with a lot of begging…and persistence!” As for her advice to up and coming female directors, Mahoney had this to say “Never take no for an answer. If they close the door on you, go through the side window.” On Sunday, the awards luncheon was hosted by model/actress Liris Crosse and Vibe Magazine’s Datwon Thomas in downtown Tribeca. There was a true sense of community amongst the directors, actors/actresses, and screenwriters, as past Urbanworld alumnae like Qasim B. ( Mooz-lum ) and Ava DuVernay ( I Will Follow ) mingling freely with this year’s new crop of talent. Jamil Walker Smith, actor and director of “Make A Movie Like Spike” (featured in this year’s festival) eloquently expressed his wish for aspiring black filmmakers: “Hopefully the more personal we make our films, the more universal our stories become.” The list of winners is as follows: Best Narrative Feature MAMITAS Written and Directed by Nicholas Ozeki; Produced by Adam Renehan, Andrew Daniel Wells Honorable Mention: Make a Movie Like Spike (Written and Directed by Jamil Walker Smith) Restless City (for Cinematography – Bradford Young; Directed by Andrew Dosunmu) Best Narrative Short WAKE Written and Directed by Bree Newsome; Produced by Valerie Champagne, Bree Newsome Honorable Mention: Counterfeit (Written and Directed by Geoff Bailey) The Man in the Glass Case (Written and Directed by Maxwell Addae) Best Documentary Feature ZERO PERCENT Written and Directed by Tom Skousen; Produced by Robert Fernandez, Tom Skousen Best Documentary Short LOVE LOCKDOWN Directed by Nadia Hallgren; Produced by Jamie-James Medina Honorable Mention: Common Ground (for cinematography – Eduard Jakaj, Stephen Dwight; Directed by Hollie Fifer) Best Screenplay AFTER THE STORM Written by Cole Wiley Honorable Mention: Blackbird (Written by David Polk) The Divide (Written by Rashmi Singh) Best Teleplay WHITEHALL Written by Dawn M. Green and Aliza Pearl Kennerly Audience Award LIFE LOVE SOUL Written and Directed by Noel Calloway; Produced by Allen J. West, Benny Pough, Dedra N. Tate Honorable Mention: Brooklyn Boheme (Directed by Diane Paragas and Nelson George)
“Atlanta Casting and Talent” has openings for various positions in the film, theater and entertainment industry. YOU MUST have a background in these fields to apply. Positions available include instructors for acting, dance, voice and music classes; also stage/set design, sound, lighting, wardrobe, public relations, booking, security and building maintenance. The job fair is today, September 19 th , from 12 noon to 4 pm. Dress to impress, and bring you resumes to 572 Edgewood Ave. Ste 116, Atlanta, Georgia 30312. Be prepared for an immediate interview. For more information call 404- 215- 7005.
If we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that Britney Spears occasionally loves wearing huge, diamond jewelery on her left ring finger. But that doesn’t mean she’s engaged people! Geez! The singer fueled the semi-annual Jason Trawick engagement rumors Friday when she stepped out in London with a HUGE ROCK! Peep it: Spears flaunts a giant ring and gets the rumor mill buzzing at BBC Radio 1. Look at that BLING! Although the two denied reports that Jason Trawick was planning to propose to the pop queen (again), you have to wonder if he will. It’s been a long, serious relationship at this stage, and if anyone’s familiar with her very complicated past and present life situation, it’s her former agent. Not yet, though. Upon closer inspection, while the ring is clearly mammoth and no doubt expensive as heck, it’s not an engagement ring. We don’t think. Look: Britney Spears wouldn’t rock a yellow engagement ring, right? [Photos: Fame Pictures]
The filming of The Hunger Games is complete, according to Lionsgate. With the announcement that the first film in the much-anticipated franchise is now in the next phase of its production, a full-length trailer can’t be far behind. In the meantime, here are five key scenes that will define this film event and have fans counting down the days until the premiere, scheduled for March 23. Be forewarned, as significant spoilers lie ahead … The Hunger Games Movie Trailer A Capitol event . According to reports, the scenes shot in the Capitol for the opening ceremonies of The Hunger Games will be nothing short of epic. Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss dons a dress made of flames, courtesy of Lenny Kravitz as her stylist, Cinna. The visuals are said to be out of this world. Katniss-on-Peeta action : As part of an ongoing saga, Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson get their mack on while in the arena. Do we need to say more? Hemsworth hunts . Peeta, schmeeta. Some of the hunting scenes featuring Gale show Liam Hemsworth at his ripped finest. Great casting, THG . Awesome Effie : Elizabeth Banks steals every scene in her pink-wigged, diva-like glory, bringing to life one of the books’ most colorful characters. RIP Rue : Katniss’s BFF, played by youngster Amandla Stenberg, does not make it out alive, leading to a poignant scene in which Kat adorns Rue’s body with flowers, then sings alongside her fallen comrade’s body. Amazing stuff. As a viewer, which scenes are you looking forward to the most? How well do you think this saga will adapt to the big screen? Tell us below, and be sure to visit The Hollywood Gossip for all the latest news and happenings regarding The Hunger Games between now and March 23.
The filming of The Hunger Games is complete, according to Lionsgate. With the announcement that the first film in the much-anticipated franchise is now in the next phase of its production, a full-length trailer can’t be far behind. In the meantime, here are five key scenes that will define this film event and have fans counting down the days until the premiere, scheduled for March 23. Be forewarned, as significant spoilers lie ahead … The Hunger Games Movie Trailer A Capitol event . According to reports, the scenes shot in the Capitol for the opening ceremonies of The Hunger Games will be nothing short of epic. Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss dons a dress made of flames, courtesy of Lenny Kravitz as her stylist, Cinna. The visuals are said to be out of this world. Katniss-on-Peeta action : As part of an ongoing saga, Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson get their mack on while in the arena. Do we need to say more? Hemsworth hunts . Peeta, schmeeta. Some of the hunting scenes featuring Gale show Liam Hemsworth at his ripped finest. Great casting, THG . Awesome Effie : Elizabeth Banks steals every scene in her pink-wigged, diva-like glory, bringing to life one of the books’ most colorful characters. RIP Rue : Katniss’s BFF, played by youngster Amandla Stenberg, does not make it out alive, leading to a poignant scene in which Kat adorns Rue’s body with flowers, then sings alongside her fallen comrade’s body. Amazing stuff. As a viewer, which scenes are you looking forward to the most? How well do you think this saga will adapt to the big screen? Tell us below, and be sure to visit The Hollywood Gossip for all the latest news and happenings regarding The Hunger Games between now and March 23.
