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  • 15 Documentary Features Advance In 2014 Oscar Race

    Finding Vivian MaierFinding Vivian Maier

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that 15 films in the Documentary Feature category will advance in the voting process for the 87th Oscars®.  One hundred thirty-four films were originally submitted in the category.

    The 15 films are listed below in alphabetical order by title, with their production companies:

    “Art and Craft,” Purple Parrot Films
    “The Case against 8,” Day in Court
    “Citizen Koch,” Elsewhere Films
    “CitizenFour,” Praxis Films
    “Finding Vivian Maier,” Ravine Pictures
    “The Internet’s Own Boy,” Luminant Media
    “Jodorowsky’s Dune,” City Film
    “Keep On Keepin’ On,” Absolute Clay Productions
    “The Kill Team,” f/8 filmworks
    “Last Days in Vietnam,” Moxie Firecracker Films
    “Life Itself,” Kartemquin Films and Film Rites
    “The Overnighters,” Mile End Films West
    “The Salt of the Earth,” Decia Films
    “Tales of the Grim Sleeper,” Lafayette Film
    “Virunga,” Grain Media

    The Academy’s Documentary Branch determined the shortlist in a preliminary round of voting.  Documentary Branch members will now select the five nominees from among the 15 titles.

    The 87th Academy Awards® nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 15, 2015, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

    The Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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  • BOYHOOD Wins Top Awards from New York Film Critics Circle

    BOYHOODBOYHOOD

    The New York Film Critics Circle announced their 2014 award winners earlier today and BOYHOOD snagged the top awards including Best Picture, Best Director for Richard Linklater and Best Supporting Actress for Patricia Arquette. CITIZENFOUR, the Edward Snowden documentary, won the award for Best Non-Fiction Film (Documentary) and Best Foreign Film went to the black and white gem IDA.  Best First Film award went to Jennifer Kent for THE BABADOOK.

    The complete list of 2014 New York Film Critics Circle winners

    2014 Awards

    Best Picture
    BOYHOOD

    Best Director
    Richard Linklater
    BOYHOOD

    Best Screenplay
    THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

     Best Actress
    Marion Cotillard
    THE IMMIGRANT, TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT

    Best Actor
    Timothy Spall
    MR. TURNER

    Best Supporting Actress
    Patricia Arquette
    BOYHOOD

    Best Supporting Actor
    J.K. Simmons
    WHIPLASH

    Best Cinematographer
    Darius Khondji
    THE IMMIGRANT

    Best Animated Film
    The LEGO Movie

    Best Non-Fiction Film (Documentary)
    CITIZENFOUR

     Best Foreign Film
    IDA

    Best First Film
    Jennifer Kent
    THE BABADOOK

    Special Award
    Adrienne Mancia

    Read more


  • Nominations Announced for 42nd Annie Awards

    The Tale of The Princess KaguyaThe Tale of The Princess Kaguya

    The International Animated Film Society, ASIFA-Hollywood, announced nominations for its 42nd Annual Annie Awards recognizing the year’s best in the field of animation. The nominees for the top award, Best Animated Feature, include: Big Hero 6 (Walt Disney Animation Studios), Cheatin’ (Plymptoons Studio), How to Train Your Dragon 2 (DreamWorks Animation SKG), Song of the Sea (Cartoon Saloon/GKIDS), The Book of Life (Reel FX), The Boxtrolls (Laika/Focus Features), The LEGO Movie (Warner Bros. Pictures), and The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (Studio Ghibli/GKIDS).  The winners will be announced on Saturday, January 31st, 2015.

    The complete list of nominations for 42nd Annual Annie Awards:

    Best Animated Feature

    Big Hero 6 Walt Disney Animation Studios
    Cheatin’ Plymptoons Studio
    How to Train Your Dragon 2 DreamWorks Animation
    Song of the Sea GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon
    The Book of Life Reel FX
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika
    The LEGO Movie Warner Bros. Pictures
    The Tale of The Princess Kaguya GKIDS/Studio Ghibli

    Best Animated Special Production

    Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey Voyager Pictures LLC
    Dawn of the Dragon Racers DreamWorks Animation
    How Murray Saved Christm Universal Television
    Polariffic Bent Image Lab
    Toy Story That Time Forgot Pixar Animation Studios

    Best Animated Short Subject

    Coda 62 George Street
    Duet Glen Keane Productions
    Feast Walt Disney Animation Studios
    Inside Homer – The Simpsons Couch Gag (Episode #549) Acme Filmworks 
    Me and My Moulton National Film Board of Canada
    Silent Moonbot/Dolby (Creative Artists Agency)
    The Dam Keeper Tonko House LLC
    The Raven Moonbot Studios

    Best Animated Television/Broadcast Commercial

    Citizen M: “Swan Song” Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
    Flight of the Stories Aardman Animations
    LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham Plastic Wax

    Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production For Preschool Children

    Doc McStuffins Disney Channel / Disney XD
    Peter Rabbit Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Tumble Leaf Amazon Studios
    Wallykazam! Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Zack & Quack Zodiak Kids

    Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production For a Children’s Audience

    Adventure Time Cartoon Network
    Gravity Falls Disney Television Animation
    Legend of Korra Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Over The Garden Wall Cartoon Network
    Wander Over Yonder Disney Television Animation

    Best General Audience Animated Television/Broadcast Production

    Archer FX Networks
    Back To Backspace Cartoon Network Studios
    Bob’s Burgers Bento Box Entertainment
    Rick and Morty Starburns Industries, Inc.
    Mike Tyson Mysteries Warner Bros. Animation
    Regular Show Cartoon Network Studios
    The Simpsons The Simpsons

    Best Video Game

    Forza Horizon 2 Microsoft – Turn 10 Studios
    Valiant Hearts: The Great War Ubisoft
    Child of Light Ubisoft

    Best Student Film

    After School Junyi Xiao
    Dead Over Heels Jose Matheu
    El Coyote Javier Barboza
    Frog’s Legs Katie Tamboer
    My Big Brother Jason Rayner
    Tiny Nomad Toniko Pantoja

    Achievement Categories

    Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Production

    Big Hero 6 Walt Disney Animation Studios, Michael Kaschalk, Peter DeMund, David Hutchins, Henrik Falt, John Kosnik
    How to Train Your Dragon 2 DreamWorks Animation, James Jackson, Lucas Janin, Tobin Jones, Baptiste Van Opstal, Jason Mayer
    Mr. Peabody & Sherman DreamWorks Animation, Fangwei Lee, Krzysztof Rost, Jihyun Yoon, Robert Chen
    Penguins of Madagascar DreamWorks Animation, Mitul Patel, Nicolas Delbecq, Santosh Khedkar, Yash Argawal
    The Book of Life Reel FX, Augusto Schillaci, Erich Turner, Bill Konersman, Chris Rasch, Joseph Burnette
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika, Rick Sevy, Peter Vickery, Kent Estep, Peter Stuart, Ralph Procida
    The LEGO Movie Warner Bros. Pictures, Jayandera Danappal, Matt Ebb, Christian Epunan Hernandez, Danielle Brooks, Raphael Gadot

    Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in a Live Action Production

    Edge of Tomorrow Sony Pictures Imageworks, Steve Avoujageli, Atsushi Ikarashi, Pawel Grochola, Paul Waggoner, Viktor Lundqvist
    Noah Industrial Light & Magic, Raul Essig, Karin Cooper, Rick Hankins, Owen Calouro
    The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Sony Pictures Imageworks, Charles-Felix Chabert, Daniel La Chapelle, Spencer Lueders, Klaus Seitschek, Chris Messineo
    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Weta Digital, Areito Echevarria, Andreas Soderstrom, Ronnie Menahem, Christoph Sprenger, Kevin Romond
    Transformers: Age of Extinction Industrial Light & Magic , Michael Balog, Jim Van Allen, Rick Hankins, John Hansen
    X-Men: Days of Future Past Digital Domain, Jeremy Hampton, Daniel Stern, Edmond Smith III, Hiroshi Tsubokawa, Daniel Jenkins

    Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

    Toy Story That Time Forgot Pixar Animation Studios, Don Crum
    Toy Story That Time Forgot Pixar Animation Studios, Carlo Vogele
    Toy Story That Time Forgot  Pixar Animation Studios, Ken Kim
    Tumble Leaf Amazon Studios, Michael Granberry
    Tumble Leaf Amazon Studios, Teresa Drilling
    Wander Over Yonder Disney Television Animation, Justin Nichols

    Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in an Animated Feature Production

    How to Train Your Dragon 2 DreamWorks Animation, Fabio Lignini
    How to Train Your Dragon 2 DreamWorks Animation, Steven “Shaggy” Hornby
    How to Train Your Dragon 2 DreamWorks Animation, Thomas Grummt
    Penguins of Madagascar DreamWorks Animation, Ravi Kamble
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika, Travis Knight
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika, Malcolm Lamont
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features, Jason Stalman

    Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Live Action Production

    Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Weta Digital, Daniel Barrett, Paul Story, Eteuati Tema, Alessandro Bonora, Dejan Momcilovic
    Guardians of the Galaxy Framestore, Kevin Spruce, Dale Newton, Sidney Kombo, Chris Mullins, Brad Silby
    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Weta Digital , Eric Reynolds, David Clayton, Andreja Vuckovic, Guillaume Francois, Gios Johnston

    Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Video Game

    Assassin’s Creed Unity Ubisoft, Mike Mennillo
    Don’t Starve: Console Edition Klei Entertainment Inc.
    Child Of Light Ubisoft, Alex Drouin

    Outstanding Achievement for Character Design in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

    Disney Mickey Mouse Disney Television Animation, Andy Suriano
    Wander Over Yonder Disney Television Animation, Benjamin Balistreri
    Welcome to the Wayne Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Zac Gorman

    Outstanding Achievement for Character Design in an Animated Feature Production

    Big Hero 6 Walt Disney Animation Studios, Shiyoon Kim, Jin Kim
    Mr. Peabody & Sherman DreamWorks Animation, Timothy Lamb, Joe Moshier
    Penguins of Madagascar DreamWorks Animation, Craig Kellman, Joe Moshier, Stevie Lewis, Todd Kurosawa
    Rio 2 Blue Sky Studios, Sang Jun Lee, Jason Sadler, José Manuel Fernandez Oli
    Song of the Sea GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon, Tomm Moore, Marie Thorhauge, Sandra Anderson, Rosa Ballester Cabo
    The Book of Life Reel FX, Paul Sullivan, Sandra Equihua, Jorge R. Gutierrez 
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika, Mike Smith

    Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

    Adventure Time Cartoon Network, Yuasa Masaaki, Eunyoung Choi
    Archer FX Networks, Bryan Fordney
    Bob’s Burgers Bento Box Entertainment, Jennifer Coyle & Bernard Derriman
    Disney Mickey Mouse Disney Television Animation, Aaron Springer
    Gravity Falls Disney Television Animation, Rob Renzetti
    Over The Garden Wall Cartoon Network, Robert Alvarez, Ken Bruce, Larry Leichliter
    The Simpsons The Simpsons, Matthew Nastuk
    Wander Over Yonder Disney Television Animation, David Thomas

    Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Feature Production

    Big Hero 6 Walt Disney Animation Studios, Don Hall & Chris Williams
    Cheatin’ Plymptoons Studio, Bill Plympton
    How to Train Your Dragon 2 DreamWorks Animation, Dean DeBlois
    Song of the Sea GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon, Tomm Moore
    The Book of Life Reel FX, Jorge R. Gutierrez
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika, Anthony Stacchi & Graham Annable
    The LEGO Movie Warner Bros. Pictures, Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, Directors; Chris McKay, Co-Director
    The Tale of The Princess Kaguya GKIDS/Studio Ghibli, Isao Takahata

    Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

    Disney Mickey Mouse Disney Television Animation Christopher Willis
    Dora and Friends: Into the City! Nickelodeon Animation Studio Peter Lurye, George Gabriel, Chris Gifford
    Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu Jam Jay Vincent, Michael Kramer, Jeppe Riddervold, Erin Chapman
    Marvel’s Avengers Assemble Dynamic Music Partners Lolita Ritmanis, Kristopher Carter & Michael McCuistion
    Tumble Leaf Amazon Studios  Nathan Barr & Lisbeth Scott

    Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Feature Production

    Cheatin’ Plymptoons Studio Nicole Renaud, Composer
    How to Train Your Dragon 2 DreamWorks Animation John Powell, Jónsi
    Mr. Peabody & Sherman DreamWorks Animation  Danny Elfman
    Song of the Sea GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon Bruno Coulais & Kila
    The Tale of The Princess Kaguya GKIDS/Studio Ghibli Joe Hisaishi

    Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

    Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey Voyager Pictures LLC Kara Vallow, Brent Woods, Lucas Gray & Andrew Brandou
    Disney Mickey Mouse Disney Television Animation   Joseph Holt
    Mickey Shorts Disney Narina Sokolova
    The Powerpuff Girls Cartoon Network Kevin Dart, Chris Turnham, Jasmin Lai & Elle Michalka
    Turbo FAST DreamWorks Animation Antonio Canobbio, Khang Le, Mark Taihei, Howard Chen & Brandon Cuellar
    Wander Over Yonder Disney Television Animation Alex Kirwan, Chris Tsirigotis, Alexander Duckworth, Janice Kubo & Francis Giglio
    Zack & Quack Zodiak Kids Erez Gavish

    Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Feature Production

    Mr. Peabody & Sherman DreamWorks Animation David James, Ruben Perez, Priscilla Wong, Timothy Lamb & Alexandre Puvilland 
    Song of the Sea GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon Adrien Merigeau
    The Book of Life Reel FX  Simon Varela & Paul Sullivan
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika Paul Lasaine, Tom McClure & August Hall
    The LEGO Movie Warner Bros. Pictures  Grant Freckelton

    Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

    Disney Mickey Mouse Disney Television Animation Heiko Drengenberg
    Gravity Falls Disney Television Animation Luke Weber, Alonso Ramirez Ramos, Neil Graf & Steve Heneveld
    Legend of Korra Nickelodeon Animation Studio Joaquim Dos Santos
    Star Wars Rebels Disney Channel / Disney XD Nathaniel Villanueva & Douglas Lovelace
    The Simpsons Film Roman Brad Ableson, Matthew Faughnan & Stephen Reis
    Toy Story That Time Forgot Pixar Animation Studios Louise Smythe
    Wander Over Yonder Disney Television Animation  Mark Ackland

    Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production

    Big Hero 6 Walt Disney Animation Studios  Marc E. Smith
    How to Train Your Dragon 2 DreamWorks Animation Truong “Tron” Son Mai
    Planes: Fire & Rescue Disneytoon Studios Piero Peluso
    Rio 2 Blue Sky Studios  John Hurst
    Rio 2 Blue Sky Studios Rodrigo Castro
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features  Julian Nariño
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika Emanuela Cozzi

    Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

    Disney Mickey Mouse Disney Television Animation Bill Farmer as the voices of Goofy and Grandma
    Fairly Oddparents Nickelodeon Animation Studio Carlos Alazaraqui as the voice of Crocker
    Robot Chicken Stoopid Buddy Stoodios Seth Green as the voice of Robot Chicken Nerd

    Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production

    Henry & Me Reveal Animation Studios Cyndi Lauper as the voice of Nurse Cyndi
    Rio 2 Blue Sky Studios Andy Garcia as the voice of Eduardo
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika Sir Ben Kingsley as the voice of Archibald Snatcher
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika Dee Bradley Baker as the voice of Fish

    Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

    Disney Mickey Mouse Disney Television Animation Darrick Bachman
    The Powerpuff Girls Cartoon Network Dave Tennant, David P. Smith, Chris Mitchell & Will Mata
    The Simpsons 20th Century Fox Rob LaZebnik
    The Simpsons 20th Century Fox Tim Long
    Toy Story That Time Forgot Pixar Animation Studios Steve Purcell

    Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Feature Production

    Big Hero 6 Walt Disney Animation Studios Robert L. Baird, Daniel Gerson & Jordan Roberts
    How to Train Your Dragon 2 DreamWorks Animation Dean DeBlois
    Song of the Sea GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon Will Collins
    The Boxtrolls Focus Features/Laika Irena Brignull & Adam Pava
    The Lego Movie Warner Bros. Pictures Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

    Outstanding Achievement for Editorial in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production

    Disney Mickey Mouse Disney Television Animation Illya Owens
    Dragons: Defenders of Berk DreamWorks Animation Television Ernesto Matamoros
    Family Guy Super 78 Mike Elias
    Toy Story That Time Forgot Pixar Animation Studios David Suther, Bradley Furnish & David Condolora
    Turbo FAST DreamWorks Animation Todd Raleigh & Doug Vito

    Outstanding Achievement for Editorial in an Animated Feature Production

    Big Hero 6 Walt Disney Animation Studios Tim Mertens
    How to Train Your Dragon 2 DreamWorks Animation John K. Carr
    Planes: Fire & Rescue Disneytoon Studios Dan Molina, Mark Keefer & Karen Hathaway
    Song of the Sea GKIDS/Cartoon Saloon  Darragh Byrne
    The LEGO Movie Warner Bros. Pictures David Burrows, Todd Hansen, Doug Nicholas, Jonathan Tappin & Courtney O’Brien-Brown

    Juried Awards

    The Winsor McCay Award – For Lifetime Achievement Didier Brunner, Don Lusk and Lee Mendelson

    The June Foray Award – for significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation Charles Solomon

    The Ub Iwerks Award – for technical advancement that has made a significant impact on the art or industry of animation DreamWorks Animation’s Apollo Software 

    Special Achievement Award – recognizing the unique and significant impact on the art and industry of animation. The Walt Disney Family Museum

     via IndieWire

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  • Producers Guild of America Announce Nominees for Documentary, TV and Digital Series

     The Green Prince The Green Prince

    The Producers Guild of America (PGA) announced their nominees for the 26th annual awards in the categories of documentary, TV series/specials and digital series. Nominees for the Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures include The Green Prince (Music Box Films), Life Itself (Magnolia Pictures), Merchants of Doubt (Sony Pictures Classics), Particle Fever (Abramorama/BOND 360) and Virunga (Netflix).

    The Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures:

    The Green Prince (Music Box Films)
    Life Itself (Magnolia Pictures)
    Merchants of Doubt (Sony Pictures Classics)
    Particle Fever (Abramorama/BOND 360)
    Virunga (Netflix) 

    The Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Drama:

    Breaking Bad (AMC): Producers: Melissa Bernstein, Sam Catlin, Bryan Cranston, Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould, Mark Johnson, Stewart Lyons, Michelle MacLaren, George Mastras, Diane Mercer, Thomas Schnauz, Moira Walley-Beckett
    Downton Abbey (PBS): Producers: Julian Fellowes, Nigel Marchant, Gareth Neame, Liz Trubridge
    Game Of Thrones(HBO): Producers: David Benioff, Bernadette Caulfield, Frank Doelger, Chris Newman, Greg Spence, Carolyn Strauss, D.B. Weiss
    House Of Cards (Netflix): Producers: Dana Brunetti, Joshua Donen, David Fincher, David Manson, Iain Paterson, Eric Roth, Kevin Spacey, Beau Willimon
    True Detective (HBO): Producers: Richard Brown, Carol Cuddy, Steve Golin, Woody Harrelson, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Matthew McConaughey, Nic Pizzolatto, Scott Stephens

    The Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Comedy:

    The Big Bang Theory (CBS):Producers: Faye Oshima Belyeu, Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro, Bill Prady
    Louie (FX): Producers: Pamela Adlon, Dave Becky, M. Blair Breard, Louis C.K., Vernon Chatman, Adam Escott, Steven Wright
    Modern Family(ABC): Producers: Paul Corrigan, Megan Ganz, Abraham Higginbotham, Ben Karlin, Elaine Ko, Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd, Jeff Morton, Dan O’Shannon, Jeffrey Richman, Chris Smirnoff, Brad Walsh, Bill Wrubel, Sally Young, Danny Zuker
    Orange Is The New Black (Netflix):Producers: Mark A. Burley, Sara Hess, Jenji Kohan, Gary Lennon, Neri Tannenbaum, Michael Trim, Lisa I. Vinnecour
    Veep (HBO): Producers: Chris Addison, Simon Blackwell, Christopher Godsick, Armando Iannucci, Stephanie Laing, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Frank Rich, Tony Roche

    The Award for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television:

    30 For 30 (ESPN):Producers: Andy Billman, John Dahl, Erin Leyden, Connor Schell, Bill Simmons
    American Masters (PBS): Producers: Susan Lacy, Julie Sacks, Junko Tsunashima
    Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (CNN): Producers:  Anthony Bourdain, Christopher Collins, Lydia Tenaglia, Sandra Zweig
    COSMOS: A SpaceTime Odyssey (FOX/NatGeo): Producers: Brannon Braga, Mitchell Cannold, Jason Clark, Ann Druyan, Livia Hanich, Steve Holtzman, Seth MacFarlane
    Shark Tank (ABC): Producers: Becky Blitz, Mark Burnett, Bill Gaudsmith, Phil Gurin, Yun Lingner, Clay Newbill, Jim Roush, Laura Roush, Max Swedlow

    The Award for Outstanding Producer of Competition Television:

    The Amazing Race (CBS): Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Elise Doganieri, Jonathan Littman, Bertram van Munster, Mark Vertullo
    Dancing With The Stars (ABC): Producers: Ashley Edens Shaffer, Conrad Green, Joe Sungkur
    Project Runway (Lifetime): Producers: Jane Cha Cutler, Desiree Gruber, Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, Jonathan Murray, Sara Rea, Teri Weideman
    Top Chef (Bravo): Producers: Daniel Cutforth, Casey Kriley, Jane Lipsitz, Dan Murphy, Hillary Olsen
    The Voice (NBC): Producers: Stijn Bakkers, Mark Burnett, John De Mol, Chad Hines, Lee Metzger, Audrey Morrissey, Jim Roush, Kyra Thompson, Mike Yurchuk, Amanda Zucker

    The Award for Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment & Talk Television:

    The Colbert Report (Comedy Central): Producers: Meredith Bennett, Tanya Michnevich Bracco, Stephen Colbert, Richard Dahm, Paul Dinello, Barry Julien, Matt Lappin, Emily Lazar, Tom Purcell, Jon Stewart
    Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC): Producers: David Craig, Ken Crosby, Doug DeLuca, Gary Greenberg, Erin Irwin, Jimmy Kimmel, Jill Leiderman, Molly McNearney, Tony Romero, Jason Schrift, Jennifer Sharron, Seth Weidner, Josh Weintraub
    Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO): Producers: TO BE DETERMINED
    Real Time With Bill Maher (HBO): Producers: Scott Carter, Sheila Griffiths, Marc Gurvitz, Dean Johnsen, Bill Maher, Billy Martin, Matt Wood
    The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC): Producers: Rob Crabbe, Jamie Granet Bederman, Katie Hockmeyer, Jim Juvonen, Josh Lieb, Brian McDonald, Lorne Michaels, Gavin Purcell

    The following programs were not vetted for producer eligibility this year, but winners in these categories will be announced at the official ceremony on January 24:

     The Award for Outstanding Sports Program:

     24/7 (HBO)
    Hard Knocks: Training Camp With The Atlanta Falcons (HBO)
    Hard Knocks: Training Camp With The Cincinnati Bengals(HBO)
    Inside: U.S. Soccer’s March To Brazil (ESPN)
    Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel (HBO)

    The Award for Outstanding Children’s Program:

    Dora The Explorer (Nickelodeon)
    Sesame Street (Sprout)
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon)
    Toy Story OF TERROR! (ABC)
    Wynton Marsalis: A YoungArts Masterclass (HBO)

    The Award for Outstanding Digital Series:

    30 For 30 Shorts (http://espn.go.com/30for30/shorts)
    Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee(http://www.crackle.com/c/comedians-in-cars-getting-coffee)
    COSMOS: A National Geographic Deeper Dive(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkiFfAEB5M8)
    Epic Rap Battles Of History (http://youtube.com/erb)
    Video Game High School Season 3(https://www.youtube.com/user/freddiew)

     via Deadline

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  • 19th Annual Satellite Awards Nomination, BIRDMAN on Top Again with 9 Nods

    BIRDMANBIRDMAN

    The International Press Academy (IPA) announced its nominations for the 19th Annual Satellite Awards in the Motion Pictures and Television categories. BIRDMAN dominated the list with 10 nominations including Best Film and Best Director for Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. Other films nominated for Best Film include BOYHOOD, GONE GIRL, LOVE IS STRANGE, MR. TURNER, SELMA, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, THE IMITATION GAME, THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, and WHIPLASH. The winners of the 19th Annual Satellite™ Awards will be announced in a ceremony held on February 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.

    2014 Nominations
    19th ANNUAL SATELLITE™ AWARDS

    MOTION PICTURES

    Actress in a Motion Picture

    Anne Dorval
    MOMMY
    Roadside Attractions

    Felicity Jones
    THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING 
    Focus Features

    Gugu Mbatha-Raw
    BELLE 
    Fox Searchlight

    Julianne Moore
    STILL ALICE 
    Sony Pictures Classics

    Marion Cotillard
    TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT
    IFC Films

    Reese Witherspoon
    WILD 
    Fox Searchlight

    Rosamund Pike
    GONE GIRL
    Fox

    Actress in a Supporting Role

    Emma Stone
    BIRDMAN 
    Fox Searchlight

    Katherine Waterston
    INHERENT VICE
    Warner Bros.

    Keira Knightley
    THE IMITATION GAME
    The Weinstein Company

    Laura Dern
    WILD
    Fox Searchlight

    Patricia Arquette
    BOYHOOD
    IFC Films

    Tilda Swinton
    SNOWPIERCER 
    The Weinstein Company

    Actor in a Motion Picture

    Benedict Cumberbatch
    THE IMITATION GAME
    The Weinstein Company

    David Oyelowo
    SELMA
    Paramount

    Eddie Redmayne
    THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
    Focus Features

    Jake Gyllenhaal
    NIGHTCRAWLER 
    Open Road

    Michael Keaton
    BIRDMAN
    Fox Searchlight

    Miles Teller
    WHIPLASH
    Sony Pictures Classics

    Steve Carell
    FOXCATCHER
    Sony Pictures Classics

    Actor in a Supporting Role

    Andy Serkis
    DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES 
    Fox

    Edward Norton
    BIRDMAN
    Fox Searchlight

    Ethan Hawke
    BOYHOOD
    IFC Films

    J.K. Simmons
    WHIPLASH 
    Sony Pictures Classics

    Mark Ruffalo
    FOXCATCHER
    Sony Pictures Classics

    Robert Duvall
    THE JUDGE
    Warner Bros.

    Motion Picture

    BIRDMAN
    Fox Searchlight

    BOYHOOD
    IFC Films

    GONE GIRL
    Fox

    LOVE IS STRANGE
    Sony Pictures Classics

    MR. TURNER
    Sony Pictures Classics

    SELMA
    Paramount

    THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
    Fox Searchlight

    THE IMITATION GAME
    The Weinstein Company

    THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
    Focus Features

    WHIPLASH
    Sony Pictures Classics

    Motion Picture, Animated or Mixed Media

    BIG HERO 6
    Disney

    HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2
    Fox

    SONG OF THE SEA
    GKids

    THE BOOK OF LIFE
    Fox

    THE BOXTROLLS
    Focus Features

    THE LEGO MOVIE
    Warner Bros.

    WRINKLES
    GKids

    Motion Picture, Documentary

    AFTERNOON OF A FAUN: TANAQUIL LE CLERCQ
    Kino Lorber / Koch Lorber Films

    ART AND CRAFT
    Oscilloscope Pictures

    CITIZENFOUR
    RADiUS-TWC

    FINDING VIVIAN MAIER
    IFC Films

    GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME
    Area23a

    JODOROWSKY’S DUNE
    Sony Pictures Classics

    KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON
    RADiUS-TWC

    MAGICIAN: THE ASTONISHING LIFE AND WORK OF ORSON WELLES
    Cohen Media Group

    RED ARMY
    Sony Pictures Classics

    VIRUNGA
    Netflix

    Motion Picture, International Film

    FORCE MAJEURE
    Sweden

    GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM 
    Israel

    IDA
    Poland

    LEVIATHAN
    Russia

    LITTLE ENGLAND
    Greece

    MOMMY
    Canada

    TANGERINES
    Estonia

    TIMBUKTU
    Mauritania

    TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT
    Belgium

    WILD TALES
    Argentina

    Screenplay, Original

    BOYHOOD
    Richard Linklater
    IFC Films

    BIRDMAN
    Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Armando Bo, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolas Giabone
    Fox Searchlight

    LOVE IS STRANGE
    Ira Sachs, Mauricio Zacharias
    Sony Pictures Classics

    NIGHTCRAWLER
    Dan Gilroy
    Open Road

    SELMA
    Paul Webb
    Paramount

    THE LEGO MOVIE
    Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
    Warner Bros.

    Screenplay, Adapted

    AMERICAN SNIPER
    Jason Hall
    Warner Bros.

    GONE GIRL
    Gillian Flynn
    Fox

    INHERENT VICE
    Paul Thomas Anderson
    Warner Bros.

    THE IMITATION GAME
    Graham Moore
    The Weinstein Company

    THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
    Anthony McCarten
    Focus Features

    WILD
    Nick Hornby
    Fox Searchlight

    Director

    Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
    BIRDMAN
    Fox Searchlight

    Ava DuVernay
    SELMA
    Paramount

    Damien Chazelle
    WHIPLASH
    Sony Pictures Classics

    David Fincher
    GONE GIRL
    Fox

    Morten Tyldum
    THE IMITATION GAME
    The Weinstein Company

    Richard Linklater
    BOYHOOD
    IFC Films

    Original Score

    BIRDMAN
    Antonio Sanchez
    Fox Searchlight

    FURY
    Steven Price
    Sony

    GONE GIRL
    Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
    Fox

    INTERSTELLAR
    Hans Zimmer
    Paramount

    THE IMITATION GAME
    Alexandre Desplat
    The Weinstein Company

    THE JUDGE
    Thomas Newman
    Warner Bros.

    Original Song

    Everything is Awesome
    THE LEGO MOVIE
    Warner Bros.

    I’ll Get What You Want
    MUPPETS MOST WANTED
    Disney

    I’m Not Gonna Miss You
    GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME
    Area23a

    Split the Difference
    BOYHOOD
    IFC Films

    We Will Not Go
    VIRUNGA
    Netflix

    What Is Love
    RIO 2
    Fox

    Visual Effects

    DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
    Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Matt Kutcher
    Fox

    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
    Stephane Ceretti
    Disney

    INTERSTELLAR
    Paul Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Ian Hunter, Scott Fisher
    Paramount

    INTO THE WOODS

    Matt Johnson, Stefano Pepin, Christian Irles
    Disney

    NOAH
    Ben Snow, Dan Schrecker, Marc Chu, Burt Dalton
    Paramount

    TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION

    Scott Farrar, A.S.C., John Frazier, Scott Benza, Patrick Tubach
    Paramount

    Cinematography

    BIRDMAN
    Emmanuel Lubezki, ASC, AMC
    Fox Searchlight

    GONE GIRL
    Jeff Cronenweth, ASC
    Fox

    INHERENT VICE
    Robert Elswit
    Warner Bros.

    INTERSTELLAR
    Hoyte Van Hoytema, F.S.F., N.S.C.
    Paramount

    MR. TURNER
    Dick Pope, BSC
    Sony Pictures Classics

    THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
    Benoit Delhomme
    Focus Features

    Film Editing

    AMERICAN SNIPER
    Joel Cox, Gary Roach
    Warner Bros.

    BIRDMAN
    Douglas Crise, Stephen Mirrione, ACE
    Fox Searchlight

    BOYHOOD
    Sandra Adair
    IFC Films

    DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
    William Hoy, ACE, Stan Salfas, ACE
    Fox

    FURY
    Dody Dorn, ACE, Jay Cassidy, ACE
    Sony

    THE IMITATION GAME
    William Goldenberg
    The Weinstein Company

    Sound (Editing and Mixing)

    GONE GIRL
    Ren Klyce, Steve Cantamessa
    Fox

    INTO THE WOODS
    Michael Prestwoood Smith, Michael, Keller, John Casali, Renee Tondelli, Blake Leyh
    Disney

    NOAH
    Craig Henighan, Ken Ishii, C.A.S., Skip Lievsay 
    Paramount

    SNOWPIERCER
    Taeyoung Choi, Anna Behlmer, Terry Porter, Mark Holding
    The Weinstein Company

    TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION
    Ethan Van Der Ryn, Erik Aadahl, Peter J. Devlin, C.A.S.
    Paramount

    WHIPLASH
    Thomas Curley, Ben Wilkins, Craig Mann
    Sony Pictures Classics

    Costume Design

    BELLE
    Anushia Nieradzik
    Fox Searchlight

    INTO THE WOODS
    Colleen Atwood
    Disney

    MALEFICENT
    Anna B. Sheppard
    Disney

    NOAH
    Michael Wilkinson
    Paramount

    SAINT LAURENT
    Anais Romand
    Sony Picture Classics

    THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
    Milena Canonero
    Fox Searchlight

    Art Direction & Production Design

    BIRDMAN
    Kevin Thompson, Stephen H. Carter, George DeTitta Jr.
    Fox Searchlight

    FURY
    Andrew Menzies, Peter Russell
    Sony

    MALEFICENT
    Dylan Cole, Gary Freeman, Frank Walsh
    Disney

    NOAH
    Mark Friedberg, Debra Schutt
    Paramount

    THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
    Adam Stockhausen, Stephan Gessler, Anna Pinnock
    Fox Searchlight

    THE IMITATION GAME
    Maria Djurkovic, Nick Dent
    The Weinstein Company

    Best Movie Ensemble

    INTO THE WOODS
    Disney

    TELEVISION

    Miniseries Made for Television

    24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY
    Fox

    ENDEAVOUR
    ITV

    FLEMING: THE MAN WHO WOULD BE BOND
    BBC America

    HAPPY VALLEY
    Netflix, BBC One

    THE HONOURABLE WOMAN
    BBC, Sundance Channel

    THE SPOILS OF BABYLON
    IFC

    OLIVE KITTERIDGE
    HBO

    SHERLOCK
    PBS, BBC One

    THE ROOSEVELTS: AN INTIMATE HISTORY
    PBS

    Motion Picture Made for Television

    RETURN TO ZERO
    Lifetime

    THE GABBY DOUGLAS STORY
    Lifetime

    THE NORMAL HEART
    HBO

    THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL
    Lifetime

    TURKS & CAICOS
    BBC, PBS

    Actress in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television

    Cicely Tyson
    THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL
    Lifetime

    Frances McDormand
    OLIVE KITTERIDGE
    HBO

    Kristen Wiig
    THE SPOILS OF BABYLON 
    IFC

    Maggie Gyllenhaal
    THE HONOURABLE WOMAN 
    BBC, Sundance Channel

    Minnie Driver
    RETURN TO ZERO 
    Lifetime

    Sarah Lancashire
    HAPPY VALLEY
    Netflix, BBC One

    Actor in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television

    David Suchet
    AGATHA CHRISTIE: POIROT
    PBS

    Dominic Cooper
    FLEMING: THE MAN WHO WOULD BE BOND 
    BBC America

    Kiefer Sutherland
    24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY
    Fox

    Mark Ruffalo
    THE NORMAL HEART
    HBO

    Richard Jenkins
    OLIVE KITTERIDGE
    HBO

    Stephen Rea
    THE HONOURABLE WOMAN
    BBC, Sundance Channel

    Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television

    Allison Tolman
    FARGO 
    FX

    Ann Dowd
    THE LEFTOVERS 
    HBO

    Michelle Monaghan
    TRUE DETECTIVE
    HBO

    Nicola Walker
    LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX 
    BBC, PBS

    Sarah Paulson
    AMERICAN HORROR STORY
    FX

    Zoe Kazan
    OLIVE KITTERIDGE
    HBO

    Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television

    Andre Holland
    THE KNICK 
    Cinemax

    Christopher Eccleston
    THE LEFTOVERS
    HBO

    Jimmy Smits
    SONS OF ANARCHY
    FX

    Matt Bomer
    THE NORMAL HEART 
    HBO

    Peter Dinklage
    GAME OF THRONES 
    HBO

    Rory Kinnear
    PENNY DREADFUL 
    Showtime

    Television Series, Drama

    THE AFFAIR
    Showtime

    FARGO
    FX

    HALT AND CATCH FIRE
    AMC

    HANNIBAL
    NBC

    HOUSE OF CARDS
    Netflix

    THE FALL
    BBC, Netflix

    THE KNICK
    Cinemax

    TRUE DETECTIVE
    HBO

    Television Series, Genre

    AMERICAN HORROR STORY
    FX

    GAME OF THRONES
    HBO

    GRIMM
    NBC

    PENNY DREADFUL
    Showtime

    SLEEPY HOLLOW
    Fox

    THE LEFTOVERS
    HBO

    THE STRAIN
    FX

    THE WALKING DEAD
    AMC

    Actress in a Series, Drama

    Eva Green
    PENNY DREADFUL 
    Showtime

    Gillian Anderson
    THE FALL 
    BBC, Netflix

    Julianna Margulies
    THE GOOD WIFE 
    CBS

    Kerri Russell
    THE AMERICANS
    FX

    Lizzy Caplan
    MASTERS OF SEX 
    Showtime

    Robin Wright
    HOUSE OF CARDS 
    Netflix

    Ruth Wilson
    THE AFFAIR
    Showtime

    Tatiana Maslany
    ORPHAN BLACK 
    BBC America

    Actor in a Series, Drama

    Billy Bob Thornton
    FARGO 
    FX

    Charlie Hunnam
    SONS OF ANARCHY
    FX

    Clive Owen
    THE KNICK 
    Cinemax

    Lee Pace
    HALT AND CATCH FIRE 
    AMC

    Martin Freeman
    FARGO 
    FX

    Mads Mikkelsen
    HANNIBAL
    NBC

    Michael Sheen
    MASTERS OF SEX 
    Showtime

    Woody Harrelson
    TRUE DETECTIVE 
    HBO

    Television Series, Comedy or Musical

    ALPHA HOUSE
    Amazon

    LOUIE
    FX

    ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK
    Netflix

    SILICON VALLEY
    HBO

    THE BIG BANG THEORY
    CBS

    TRANSPARENT
    Amazon

    VEEP
    HBO

    BROOKLYN NINE-NINE
    Fox

    Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical

    Edie Falco
    NURSE JACKIE 
    Showtime

    Emmy Rossum
    SHAMELESS
    Showtime

    Julia Louis-Dreyfus
    VEEP
    HBO

    Mindy Kaling
    THE MINDY PROJECT 
    Fox

    Taylor Schilling
    ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK 
    Netflix

    Zooey Deschanel
    NEW GIRL 
    Fox

    Actor in a Series, Comedy or Musical

    Jeffrey Tambor
    TRANSPARENT 
    Amazon

    Jim Parsons
    THE BIG BANG THEORY 
    CBS

    John Goodman
    ALPHA HOUSE 
    Amazon

    Louis C.K.
    LOUIE 
    FX

    Thomas Middleditch
    SILICON VALLEY 
    HBO

    William H. Macy
    SHAMELESS
    Showtime

    Best TV Ensemble
    THE KNICK

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  • Award-winning film Israeli Film ZERO MOTIVATION Sets US Release Dates | Watch TRAILER + See Images

     zeromotivation 06

    ZERO MOTIVATION, directed by Talya Lavie and winner of six Israeli “Oscars” plus the Best Narrative Feature Award at the Tribeca Film Festival, will open at Film Forum in NYC on December 3rd and the Nuart Theater in Los Angeles on January 16 , 2015.  A national release will follow.

    http://youtu.be/SV4ptfyaQFA

    ZERO MOTIVATION, the biggest hit of the year in Israel, earning more at the box office than any other film (including Hollywood releases), is described as a unique, sharply observed, sometimes dark and often hilarious portrait of everyday life for a unit of young, female soldiers in a remote Israeli desert outpost. Playing out like M*A*S*H meets Orange is the New Black, Talya Lavie’s brilliant debut details the power struggles of three women with different agendas and very little to do. 

    Pencil-pushers in the Human Resources Office, best friends Zohar (Dana Ivgy) and Daffi (Nelly Tagar) spend their time playing video games, singing pop songs, jousting with stationery and dreaming of Tel Aviv. The indolent twosome are watched over by their aspiring senior officer, Rama (Shani Klein), who dreams of a higher position and a significant military career, but with a platoon of unskilled, idle, female soldiers without any drive under her charge, her ambitions for promotion are constantly thwarted. With shifts of tone that go from slapstick to satiric to horrifying with fluid ease, and with a superb supporting cast of characters, ZERO MOTIVATION is destined to be one of the most talked about films of the year.

    Nelly Tagar as Daffi in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.Nelly Tagar as Daffi in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    Dana Ivgy as Zohar in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.Dana Ivgy as Zohar in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    Dana Ivgy as Zohar in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.Dana Ivgy as Zohar in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    Dana Ivgy as Zohar (left) and Nelly Tagar as Daffi in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.Dana Ivgy as Zohar (left) and Nelly Tagar as Daffi in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    Dana Ivgy as Zohar in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.Dana Ivgy as Zohar in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    Nelly Tagar as Daffi (left) and Dana Ivgy as Zohar in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.Nelly Tagar as Daffi (left) and Dana Ivgy as Zohar in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    A scene from ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.A scene from ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    Shani Klein as Rama in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.Shani Klein as Rama in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    Nelly Tagar as Daffi in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.Nelly Tagar as Daffi in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    Shani Klein as Rama (left) and Nelly Tagar as Daffi in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.Shani Klein as Rama (left) and Nelly Tagar as Daffi in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    Shani Klein as Rama leads the recruits in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.Shani Klein as Rama leads the recruits in ZERO MOTIVATION. A film by Talya Lavie. A Zeitgeist Films release.

    Talya Lavie directing ZERO MOTIVATION. A Zeitgeist Films release. Photo: Eran CohenTalya Lavie directing ZERO MOTIVATION. A Zeitgeist Films release. Photo: Eran Cohen

    Zero Motivation director Talya Lavie Photo: Rubi CastroZero Motivation director Talya Lavie Photo: Rubi Castro

    Official Poster for ZERO MOTIVATION Official Poster for ZERO MOTIVATION

     

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  • “Birdman” Leads Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominations with 6 Nods

    Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

    The nominations were announced this morning for the 2015 Spirit Awards, and Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) lead the list with 6 nods including Best Feature, and Best Director for Alejandro G. Iñárritu.  Other nominees for Best Feature included Boyhood,Love is StrangeSelma and Whiplash.  Inherent Vice was selected to receive the Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.  Film Independent also awarded a Special Distinction Award to Bennett Miller’s Foxcatcher for its uniqueness of vision, honesty of direction and screenwriting, superb acting and achievement on every level of filmmaking. 

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  • American Promise, Blackfish, Granito, The House I Live In and No Fire Zone win 2014 BRITDOC Impact Award

    THE HOUSE I LIVE INTHE HOUSE I LIVE IN

    The documentary films AMERICAN PROMISE, directed by Michèle Stephenson and Joe Brewster, BLACKFISH, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, GRANITO: HOW TO NAIL A DICTATOR, directed by Pamela Yates, THE HOUSE I LIVE IN, directed by Eugene Jarecki and NO FIRE ZONE, directed by Callum Macrae have been selected as the winners of the 4th BRITDOC Impact Award.  The BRITDOC Impact Award celebrates the documentary films that have made the greatest impact on society. Each film receives $15,000 to reward their extraordinary commitment, passion and achievements in using storytelling to provoke change.

    The winning films and their champions:

    AMERICAN PROMISE, Dir. Michèle Stephenson and Joe Brewster (@PromiseFilm)
    The journey of two African American families pursuing the promise of opportunity through the education of their sons. A vital contribution in bridging the educational achievement gap in America.

    “These filmmakers gave 13 years, and their childrens school years to this film. And it pays off. American Promise has made an invaluable contribution to closing the racial achievement gap” – Russell Simmons, co-founder Def Jam Records

    BLACKFISH, Dir. Gabriela Cowperthwaite (@blackfishmovie)
    Blackfish is an expose of the controversial captivity of orcas, and its dangers for both humans and whales. From protests to petitions, the film provoked a huge backlash against SeaWorld known as the ‘Blackfish Effect’.

    “Seeing the work that Blackfish has done by shining a light on the treatment of orcas in captivity gives me incredible faith for the part that documentaries can play in addressing social and environmental injustice in the future.” – Susan Sarandon, actor and activist

    GRANITO: HOW TO NAIL A DICTATOR, Dir. Pamela Yates (@skylightpix)
    Telling the extraordinary story of how a film, aiding a new generation of human rights activists, helped tip the scales of justice in Guatemala. In the conviction of a dictator, Granito is a testament to the power of documentary film

    “Granito serves as a vital reminder that courageous documentary filmmakers can profoundly impact the cause of justice in the world. This film helped the Maya people of Guatemala hold the perpetrators of their genocide accountable. It poignantly portrays their suffering, their resistance and their hope for the future.” – Amy Goodman, Host & Executive Producer, Democracy Now!

    THE HOUSE I LIVE IN, Dir. Eugene Jarecki (@drugwarmovie)
    Exploring the human rights implications of the War on Drugs – the longest conflict in US history, and the least winnable. Could this be the beginning of the end for the ‘war on drugs’?

    “The team continues to seek ways the film can help more fundamentally shift the national conversation away from seeing drug control as a criminal justice issue to seeing it as a matter of public health” – Danny Glover, actor and activist

    NO FIRE ZONE, Dir. Callum Macrae (@nofirezonemovie)
    The shocking proof of secret war crimes committed during the final bloody months of the Sri Lankan Civil War. Holding the Sri Lankan government accountable for human rights violations on an epic scale.

    “This film is the only film that gives me faith in journalism. It’s not only the most important account of what happened to the Tamils, it’s actually become part of the fabric of their history” – M.I.A, musician and artist

    This year sees the introduction of the #NetflixHi5 Award; recognising the winning film that receives the highest number of support tweets in the days following the announcement.

    Twitter followers of #britdocimpact are invited to participate in deciding which of the five winners receive an additional $5,000 prize. It will be awarded to the film team that gets the most support tweets in the days following the announcement. Tweets with #NetflixHi5 and the films twitter handle will be counted up until Midnight PST on Monday 24th November.

    The #NetflixHi5 will be announced on on Tuesday 25th November.

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  • 10 Live Action Shorts Advance in 2014 Oscar® Race

    Boogaloo and GrahamBoogaloo and Graham

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that 10 live action short films will advance in the voting process for the 87th Academy Awards®.  One hundred forty-one pictures had originally qualified in the category.

    The 10 films are listed below in alphabetical order by title, with their production companies:

    “Aya,” Oded Binnun and Mihal Brezis, directors (Chasis Films)

    “Baghdad Messi,” Sahim Omar Kalifa, director, and Kobe Van Steenberghe, producer (a team productions)

    “Boogaloo and Graham,” Michael Lennox, director, and Ronan Blaney, writer (Out of Orbit)

    “Butter Lamp (La Lampe Au Beurre De Yak),” Hu Wei, director, and Julien Féret, producer (AMA Productions)

    “Carry On,” Yatao Li, director (Rochester Institute of Technology)

    “My Father’s Truck,” Maurício Osaki, director (Lupi Filmes)

    “Parvaneh,” Talkhon Hamzavi, director, and Stefan Eichenberger, producer (Zurich University of Arts)

    “The Phone Call,” Mat Kirkby, director, and James Lucas, writer (RSA Films)

    “SLR,” Stephen Fingleton, director, and Matthew James Wilkinson, producer (Stigma Films)

    “Summer Vacation (Chofesh Gadol),” Tal Granit and Sharon Maymon, directors (GREENproductions)

    The Academy’s Short Films and Feature Animation Branch Reviewing Committee viewed all the eligible entries for the preliminary round of voting at screenings held in Los Angeles.

    Short Films and Feature Animation Branch members will now select three to five nominees from among the 10 titles on the shortlist.  Branch screenings will be held in Los Angeles, London, New York and San Francisco in December.

    The 87th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 15, 2015, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

    The Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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  • Official Poster + Trailer for Carmen Electra’s LAP DANCE

    LAP DANCE, directed by Greg Carter and starring Carmen Electra

    Here is the the official poster and trailer for LAP DANCE, directed by Greg Carter and starring Carmen Electra, Mariel Hemingway, James Remar and Stacey Dash.   The film is based on the true story of director Greg Carter and his girlfriend, actress Junie Hoang  prior to their move to Los Angeles in 2005.  Struggling to pay her bills, Monica takes a job as an exotic dancer and is instantly captivated by the provocative world of sex, drugs and money.  But once she gets a taste of the enchanting lifestyle, she has no desire to turn back.  Suddenly, Monica’s life quickly spirals out of control as betrayals and power struggles emerge.  This once seductive reality now threatens everything Monica cares about. LAP DANCE will be in theaters in NY, LA and Houston on December 5, 2014 and VOD December 9, 2014

    Kevin, a promising screenwriter and Monica, an aspiring actress are recent college graduates driving across country to Los Angeles where they plan to make a home and follow their Hollywood dreams together. The newly engaged couple’s plan is derailed when a pit stop in Houston reveals that Monica’s father has cancer. Taking on the financial burden of her father’s medical bills, their savings are soon depleted. Strapped for cash, the couple make a pact so Monica can take a high paying job as an exotic dancer in order to pay her cancer stricken father’s expenses.  But can any relationship withstand the club’s seduction and temptations? Once the pact is broken, their lives are changed forever. 

    http://youtu.be/QQrA3vyJzDk

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  • Documentary “SEX AND BROADCASTING” Tells History of WFMU

    sex and broadcasting

    Despite pop culture relentlessly promoting the idea of individuality, there is little in our current culture that actually is independent and free. Even “indie” music and film aren’t what they used to be as major corporations commandeer what once was independent and use “indie” as a marketing buzzword. In that sense, the Jersey City radio station WFMU should not exist in the 21st century – it is a commercial-free, all-volunteer, 100% listener-supported radio station sitting on the edge of the largest media market in the United States.

    SEX AND BROADCASTING tells the history of WFMU since the mid-1980s and particularly focuses on both the longtime station manager Ken Freedman and Freedman’s response to WFMU’s funding crisis in the wake of the 2008 recession. Despite the station gaining scores of new fans because of internet streaming, during the recession WFMU faced a multitude of problems, including a reduced signal, a crumbling headquarters, record companies being less willing to provide music for free airplay, and general financial issues brought on by the recession. On top of that, despite immense costs Freedman sees his long term goal of building a signal booster in Midtown Manhattan within the station’s grasp.

    A generation of people who can access any music they want via the internet may not understand the importance of a station like WFMU, and SEX AND BROADCASTING will reveal to the uninitiated just how much of an impact a fiercely independent renegade radio station can have. As Freedman says early in the documentary, “WFMU is radio for the people who were picked last for the basketball team.” WFMU has no set format and disc jockeys can host any type of show they would like. WFMU fills its airwaves with offbeat humor, avant-garde musicians, and counts celebrity fans such as Matt Groening, Sonic Youth guitarist Lee Ranaldo, Patton Oswalt, and Beastie Boy Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz (whom all appear in this documentary). More importantly, many of the volunteers who see WFMU as “home” see the station as the only place they fit in.

    Nonetheless, despite the increased profile the internet has given WFMU it remains a fringe media outlet, something that is obvious from the station’s troubled fundraising efforts. Also, while Freedman arguably singlehandedly kept the station alive for nearly three decades, in other ways he can be viewed as a heavy-handed visionary. Both of those issues breed a level of frustration and resentment throughout the station’s operations, including with comedian Tom Scharpling, who hosted the most popular show on the station. There is an extremely telling sequence in which an annoyed Scharpling suffers through a bevy of awful listener calls that just sums up the frustration that WMFU and its staff faces on a daily basis in trying to remain a fringe media outlet.

    First time director Tim K. Smith has hit pay dirt by finding one of those unique subjects that is ripe for a documentary. Perhaps the biggest flaw is that at only 76 minutes it feels like we’re only glimpsing the beautiful chaos that is WFMU with SEX AND BROADCASTING. Only the surface is being scratched here, so you won’t be alone if you are left feeling like much more could be said about one of the most influential radio stations of the last three decades. That marks SEX AND BROADCASTING as an excellent exploration of its subject, albeit one that feels incomplete.

    Still, anybody who has any interest in broadcasting, indie music, or just the idea of surviving as an independent entity in an increasingly corporate-driven world will discover an immediate connection with SEX AND BROADCASTING. More importantly, they may also discover their new favorite radio station.

    Review Rating: 4 out of 5 : See it …… It’s Very Good

    SEX AND BROADCASTING made its world premiere at the DOC NYC Film Festival. The final festival screening will be on Monday, November 17 at 3:15 at the IFC Center.

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  • Watch EXCLUSIVE Clip from “Delusions of Guinevere”

    delusions of guinevere

    Here is an an exclusive clip from the upcoming film Delusions of Guinevere, directed by Joanna Bowzer (producer, co-writer), and starring Ariana Bernstein (producer, co-writer). In the clip, former child star, Guinevere James, who now at 29, is washed up, overweight, attempting numerous times to make a YouTube video for her “fans.” Delusions of Guinevere opens theatrically in Los Angeles on November 14th at the Arena Cinemas and in New York on December 5th at the Cinema Village.

    http://youtu.be/BPrqc6bca1s

    Former child star, Guinevere James, is 29, overweight and washed up. She spends night after lonely night on social media sites like Facebook, in a vain attempt to make her life bigger than it seems. She also spends time “FaceStalking” her former co-star, Cadence Stone, who has blossomed into a modelesque A-lister at the top of the game.

    When Guinevere receives an invitation to a 20th-anniversary special for her signature Gelee commercials, she heads to the event ready for her big comeback only to have her hopes dashed when no one shows up. Guinevere doesn’t stick around to the end of the event but when she gets home she learns that Suzy Hazelwood, another former co-star turned drug addict has died from an overdose, prompting Guinevere to question ‘What if I don’t get to do what I set out to do.”

    With that, Guinevere chooses to take any means necessary to get back on top. Finally, after uploading a series of Youtube videos in an attempt to gain new fans, Guinevere becomes a social media darling when one of her videos goes viral and starts an Internet sensation nicknamed by Bloggers: Breakfast at Guinevere’s.

    However, when her new celebrity reaches a new ceiling she begins to push the limits of her desire for fame, consequently destroying her familial relationships and friendships in her quest to regain the success she thinks she deserves.

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