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  • NY Film Critics Online Pick Steve McQueen’s 12 YEARS A SLAVE as Best Film of 2013

    Steve McQueen’s 12 YEARS A SLAVESteve McQueen’s 12 YEARS A SLAVE

    The New York Film Critics Online picked Steve McQueen’s 12 YEARS A SLAVE as Best Film of 2013. In other nods to the film, Chiwetel Ejiofor was named Best Actor, and Lupita Nyong’o was named Best Supporting Actress. THE ACT OF KILLING directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, Christine Cynn, and an anonymous co-director was picked as Best Documentary and BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR was named Best Foreign Language Film.

    The complete list of New York Film Critics Online winners

    Film
    12 YEARS A SLAVE

    Director
    Alfonso Cuarón (GRAVITY)

    Actor
    Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 YEARS A SLAVE)

    Actress
    Cate Blanchett (BLUE JASMINE)

    Screenplay
    HER (Spike Jonze)

    Cinematography
    GRAVITY (Emmanuel Lubezki)

    Supporting Actor
    Jared Leto (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB)

    Supporting Actress
    Lupita Nyong’o (12 YEARS A SLAVE)

    Ensemble Cast
    AMERICAN HUSTLE

    Foreign Language
    BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR

    Documentary
    THE ACT OF KILLING

    Animated Feature
    THE WIND RISES

    Debut as Director
    Ryan Coogler (FRUITVALE STATION)

    Use of Music
    INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS (T-Bone Burnett)

    Breakthrough Performance
    Adèle Exarchopoulos (BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR)

    Top Eleven Pictures
    12 YEARS A SLAVE
    BEFORE MIDNIGHT
    BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR
    DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
    GRAVITY
    HER
    INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
    NEBRASKA
    PHILOMENA
    PRISONERS
    THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

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  • METRO MANILA is Big Winner at British Independent Film Awards

     METRO MANILA METRO MANILA

    METRO MANILA was the big winner at the 16th Moët British Independent Film Awards, picking up three trophies, including Best British Independent Film and Best Director for the film’s director Sean Ellis.  Lindsay Duncan won Best Actress for LE WEEK-END and James McAvoy won Best Actor for FILTH. Imogen Poots collected her BIFA for Best Supporting Actress for THE LOOK OF LOVE and Ben Mendelsohn took home Best Supporting Actor for STARRED UP. 

    Julie Walters was awarded the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution by an actor to British film, and Paul Greengrass the Variety Award, which recognizes an actor, director, writer or producer who has helped to shine the international spotlight on the UK.

    Best British Independent Film
    METRO MANILA

    Best Director
    Sean Ellis, METRO MANILA

    The Douglas Hickox Award [Best Debut Director]
    Paul Wright, FOR THOSE IN PERIL

    Best Screenplay
    Steven Knight, LOCKE

    Best Actress
    Lindsay Duncan, LE WEEK-END

    Best Actor
    James McAvoy, FILTH

    Best Supporting Actress
    Imogen Poots, THE LOOK OF LOVE

    Best Supporting Actor
    Ben Mendelsohn, STARRED UP

    Best Documentary
    PUSSY RIOT – A PUNK PRAYER

    Best Achievement in Production
    METRO MANILA

    Best Technical Achievement
    Amy Hubbard – Casting -THE SELFISH GIANT

    Best British Short
    Z1

    Most Promising Newcomer
    Chloe Pirrie – SHELL

    Best International Independent Film
    BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR

    The Raindance Award
    THE MACHINE

    The Richard Harris Award (for outstanding contribution by an actor to British Film) 
    Julie Walters 

    The Variety Award 
    Paul Greengrass 

    Special Jury Prize
    SIXTEEN FILMS & FRIENDS (aka Team Loach)

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  • GRAVITY and HER Tie For Best Film of 2013 by LA Film Critics

    HERHER

    It’s a tie. “GRAVITY” and “HER” were selected by the Los Angeles Film Critics as Best Picture of 2013.  Alfonso Cuarón went on to win Best Director for GRAVITY, with Spike Jonze receiving runner-up honors for HER.  Other notable awards include “STORIES WE TELL” directed by Sarah Polley winning Best Documentary/Non-Fiction Film, and “BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR” directed by Abdellatif Kechiche winning Best Foreign-Language Film.

    Best Picture
    GRAVITY and HER (Tie)

    Best Director
    Alfonso Cuarón, GRAVITY
    Runner-Up: Spike Jonze, HER

    Best Actor
    Bruce Dern, NEBRASKA
    Runner-Up: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 YEARS A SLAVE

    Best Actress
    Cate Blanchett, BLUE JASMINE and Adèle Exarchopoulos, BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR (tie)

    Best Supporting Actor
    Lupita Nyong’o, 12 YEARS A SLAVE
    Runner-Up: June Squibb, NEBRASKA

    Best Screenplay
    Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, BEFORE MIDNIGHT
    Runner-Up: Spike Jonze HER

    Best Cinematography
    Emmanuel Lubezki, GRAVITY
    Runner-Up: Bruno Delbonnel INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

    Best Production Design
    Winner: K.K. Barrett, HER
    Runner-Up: Jess Gonchor, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS 

    Best Editing
    Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger, GRAVITY
    Runner-Up: Shane Carruth and David Lowery, UPSTREAM COLOR

    Best Music Score
    T Bone Burnett, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
    Runner-Up: Arcade Fire and Owen Pallett, HER

    Best Foreign-Language Film
    BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR directed by Abdellatif Kechiche
    Runner-Up: THE GREAT BEAUTY directed by Paolo Sorrentino 

    Best Documentary/Non-Fiction Film
    STORIES WE TELL, directed by Sarah Polley
    Runner-Up: THE ACT OF KILLING by Joshua Oppenheimer, Anonymous, Christine Cynn

    Best Animation
    ERNEST & CELESTINE directed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, Benjamin Renner 
    Runner-Up: THE WIND RISES directed by Hayao Miyazaki

    New Generation
    Megan Ellison 

    Legacy of Cinema
    Criterion Collection

    The Douglas Edwards Experimental/Independent Film/Video Award
    CABINETS OF WONDER: FILMS AND A PERFORMANCE by Charlotte Pryce

     

    Special Citation
    The creative team of 12 YEARS A SLAVE

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  • THE SQUARE Wins Top Award at 2013 IDA Documentary Awards

    THE SQUARETHE SQUARE

    Jehane Noujaim’s THE SQUARE won top honors with the Best Feature Award at 2013 (International Documentary Association) IDA Documentary Awards. The Square follows a group of Egyptian activists as they battle leaders and regimes, and risk their lives to build a new society of conscience.  The Best Short Award,went to Josh Izenberg’s SLOMO, an inspirational portrait of neurologist turned rollerblader, Dr. John Kitchin.  IDA’s Career Achievement Award was presented to Academy Award– and Emmy Award-winning director, producer and writer Alex Gibney whose latest films include We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks and The Armstrong Lie. 

    2013 IDA Documentary Awards Winners

    BEST FEATURE AWARD
    THE SQUARE (WINNER)
    Director: Jehane Noujaim
    Producer: Karim Amer
    Executive Producers: Geralyn Dreyfous, Mike Lerner, Sarah Johnson, Jodie Evans, Lekha Singh, Gavin Dougan, Dan Catullo III, Lisa Nishimura, Adam Del Deo,
    Khalil Noujaim, Alexandra Johnes, Jeff Skoll
    Noujaim Films, Netflix Originals 

    BEST SHORT AWARD
    SLOMO (WINNER) 
    Director: Josh Izenberg
    Producer: Amanda Micheli
    Executive Producer: Neil Izenberg
    Big Young Films, Runaway Films

    BEST LIMITED SERIES AWARD
    INSIDE MAN (WINNER)
    Producers: Kristen Vaurio, Lisa Kalikow, Shannon Gibson, Suzanne Hillinger, Lara Benario
    Writers: Jeremy Chilnick, Morgan Spurlock
    Executive Producers: Jeremy Chilnick, Matthew Galkin, Morgan Spurlock
    CNN

    BEST CONTINUING SERIES AWARD
    INDEPENDENT LENS (WINNER)
    Producer: Lois Vossen
    Executive Producers: Sally Jo Fifer
    Independent Television Service (ITVS) in association with PBS

    DAVID L. WOLPER STUDENT DOCUMENTARY AWARD
    MY SISTER SARAH (WINNER)
    Director/Producer: Elizabeth Chatelain
    University of Texas at Austin

    HUMANITAS DOCUMENTARY AWARD
    BLOOD BROTHER(WINNER)
    Director: Steve Hoover
    Producer: Danny Yourd
    Writers: Steve Hoover, Phinehas Hodges, Tyson VanSkiver
    Executive Producers: Steve Hoover, Michael Killen, Kathy Dziubek, Jim Kreitzburg, Leigh Blake, John Carlin
    Independent Television Service (ITVS)

    PARE LORENTZ AWARD
    A PLACE AT THE TABLE (WINNER)
    Directors/Producers: Lori Silverbush and Kristi Jacobson
    Producers: Julie Goldman, Ryan Harrington
    Magnolia Pictures

    The Pare Lorentz Committee acknowledges A RIVER CHANGES COURSE (director Kalyanee Mam) with a Special Mention.

    ABCNEWS VIDEOSOURCE AWARD
    THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI (WINNER)
    Director: Bill Siegel
    Producers: Bill Siegel, Rachel Pikelny
    Executive Producers: Justine Nagan, Gordon Quinn, Leon Gast, Kat White; Sally Jo Fifer (for ITVS)
    Independent Television Service (ITVS), Kartemquin Films, Kino Lorber

    Creative Recognition Award Winners

    BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
    PABLO’S WINTER
    Cinematographer: Julian Schwanitz
    Director: Chico Pereira

    BEST EDITING
    LET THE FIRE BURN
    Editor: Nels Bangerter
    Director: Jason Osder

    BEST MUSIC
    NARCO CULTURA
    Original Music By: Jeremy Turner
    Director: Shaul Schwartz

    BEST WRITING
    HOW TO MAKE MONEY SELLING DRUGS
    Writer/Director: Matthew Cooke

    CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
    Alex Gibney

    IDA AMICUS AWARD
    Geralyn Dreyfous

    COURAGE UNDER FIRE AWARD
    Laura Poitras

     

    JACQUELINE DONNET EMERGING DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER AWARD
    Zachary Heinzerling 

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  • RIP: Nelson Mandela Dead at 95; Idris Elba, Harvey Weinstein Reactions

    nelson mandela 

    Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, anti-apartheid crusader who led the emancipation of South Africa from white minority rule, and who after spending 27 years in a South African prison went on to serve as the country’s first black President, died at his home in South Africa on Thursday, December 5, 2013. He was 95.

    The Weinstein Company (TWC) just recently released the biopic MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM, starring Idris Elba and Naomie Harris, and which also features a new song, “Ordinary Love” written especially for the film by U2.

    TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein on Nelson Mandela’s passing:

    “One of the privileges of making movies is having the opportunity to immortalize those who have made a profound impact on humanity. We count ourselves unspeakably fortunate to have been immersed in Nelson Mandela’s story and legacy. It’s been an honor to have been granted such proximity to a man who will go down as one of history’s greatest freedom fighters and advocates for justice. I have had the privilege of spending time with President Mandela and I can say his sense of humor was as great as his optimism. We are deeply saddened by his loss; our hearts go out to his family and the entire South African nation.”

    Actor Idris Elba on Nelson Mandela’s passing:

    “What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” 

    U2’s Bono remembers Nelson Mandela:
    “It was as if he was born to teach the age a lesson in humility, in humour and above all else in patience. In the end, Nelson Mandela showed us how to love rather than hate, not because he had never surrendered to rage or violence, but because he learnt that love would do a better job.  Mandela played with the highest stakes.  He put his family, his country, his time, his life on the line, and he won most of these contests. Stubborn til the end for all the right reasons, it felt like he very nearly outstared his maker. Today, finally, he blinked. And some of us cry, knowing our eyes were opened to so much because of him.”

    Anant Singh, producer of MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM, on Nelson Mandela’s passing:

    “We have lost our father, an exceptional human being, a hero to the world. There has never been anyone quite like him and there will never be. We should be inspired by his life and celebrate him with our love. We will all miss him dearly. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with Mama Winnie, Mrs Machel, Zenani, Zindzi, Maki and the entire Mandela Family during this difficult time.”

    Read more


  • 10 Films Remain in Visual Effects Oscar Race

    GravityGravity

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the 10 films remaining in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 86th Oscars.

    The films are listed below in alphabetical order:

             “Elysium”
             “Gravity”
             “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”
             “Iron Man 3”
             “The Lone Ranger”
             “Oblivion”
             “Star Trek Into Darkness”
             “Thor: The Dark World”
             “Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Pacific Rim”
             “World War Z”

    The Academy’s Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee determined the shortlist.  All members of the Visual Effects Branch will now be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the shortlisted films on Thursday, January 9, 2014.  Following the screenings, the members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.

    Oscars nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

    Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live on the ABC Television Network.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide. 

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  • Film Review: LENNY COOKE

    lenny cooke documentary review

    Arguably the most disappointing story I can relate to basketball wise, that of Lenny Cooke, is one marred by bad decision, misguidance, and maybe what I would call serendipity.  The fortunate mistake in it all is the example that his experience has and can be for generations to come. A legendary NYC hardcourt story, at one time Lenny Cooke was defined by his talent level and beyond anything else the potential of what he could do for others.  Knowing him personally, I can remember the attention he garnered walking into the room let alone putting the ball in the basket.  Such a charismatic individual, admittedly so his goal was to appease never to self-reflect.

    The LENNY COOKE documentary highlights it all from when the goings were good to the reality that has become the life of a person whose objectives never materialized.  The Best Player In America, now honest working man doing his best provide for his family.  The friendships or so they would seem at the time have not lasted, and if they have they are now only a shell of what they once were. The young man who had everything handed to him no longer exists, the lights are no longer shining bright and at a moment notice his face forgotten.  Lenny Cooke is and forever will be a legend, in the minds and hearts of those who know, as well as those who always understood.

    ‘Lenny Cooke’ takes us down the journey to demise, pointing out the fork in the road marking good and bad choices, most notably entering the draft at the behest of fake supporters, with the most enabling ways. Captured through it all, what he took for granted. Watch as a pivotal match up between he and Lebron James, the outcome forever changing the opinions of so many as to how good Lenny Cooke really was.  His attempt to rebound, his stints in every league you can think of and ultimate submission to the reality that the dream has deferred. If you have never heard the story, let it become real, inspirational.

    From high school to high school, comfort zone to comfort zone, complacent with never having developed a work ethic until it was too late, for basketball that is. June 26th 2002 his highest high became his greatest low.

    In the purest sense, ‘Lenny Cooke’ is a mirror: for us the audience, and the one he has become for himself candidly denouncing his foul ways and negligence; his disrespect for an opportunity that millions desire. ‘Lenny Cooke’  is the definition of a maturation process that over the 12 years of which this film has been shot only begins to chip at,  the story of Lenny Cooke.

    http://youtu.be/XHRqKQ3hj-M

     

    A Documentary by Josh and Benny Safdie
    Executive Produced by Chicago Bull Joakim Noah

     

    OFFICIAL SELECTION, 2013 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
    OFFICIAL SELECTION, 2013 VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

    Opening theatrically on December 6th, 2013 in New York, roll out to follow

     

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  • Spike Jonze’s HER Named Best Film of 2013 by National Board of Review

    HER, directed by Spike JonzeHER, directed by Spike Jonze

    The National Board of Review has named HER the 2013 Best Film of the Year.  “Spike Jonze is one of the most talented and visionary filmmakers working today,” said Annie Schulhof, NBR President. “In HER, he explores the age-old themes of love and human connection in a completely fresh and innovative way. It is an outstanding achievement that is sure to become a new classic.”  

    The National Board of Review honors diverse members of the film community at their annual Awards Gala, which also acts as a fundraiser for student grant philanthropy.  Hosted by Lara Spencer, this year’s gala will take place on January 7, 2014 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

    Below is a full list of the awards given by the National Board of Review:

    Best Film:  HER

    Best Director: Spike Jonze, HER

    Best Actor: Bruce Dern, NEBRASKA

    Best Actress: Emma Thompson, SAVING MR. BANKS

    Best Supporting Actor: Will Forte, NEBRASKA

    Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, FRUITVALE STATION

    Best Original Screenplay: Joel and Ethan Coen, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

    Best Adapted Screenplay: Terence Winter, THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

    Best Animated Feature: THE WIND RISES

    Breakthrough Performance: Michael B. Jordan, FRUITVALE STATION
    Breakthrough Performance: Adèle Exarchopoulos, BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR

    Best Directorial Debut: Ryan Coogler, FRUITVALE STATION

    Best Foreign Language Film:  THE PAST

    Best Documentary: STORIES WE TELL

    William K. Everson Film History Award: George Stevens, Jr.

    Best Ensemble:  PRISONERS

    Spotlight Award: Career Collaboration of Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio

    NBR Freedom of Expression Award: WADJDA

    Creative Innovation in Filmmaking Award: GRAVITY

    Top Films

    (in alphabetical order)
    12 YEARS A SLAVE
    FRUITVALE STATION
    GRAVITY
    INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
    LONE SURVIVOR
    NEBRASKA
    PRISONERS
    SAVING MR. BANKS
    THE SECRET LIFE OF MITTY
    THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

    Top 5 Foreign Language Films

    (In Alphabetical Order)
    BEYOND THE HILLS
    GLORIA
    THE GRANDMASTER
    A HIJACKING
    THE HUNT

    Top 5 Documentaries

    (In Alphabetical Order)
    20 FEET FROM STARDOM
    THE ACT OF KILLING
    AFTER TILLER
    CASTING BY
    THE SQUARE

    Top 10 Independent Films

    (In Alphabetical Order)

    AIN’T THEM BODIES SAINTS
    DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
    IN A WORLD . . .
    MOTHER OF GEORGE
    MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
    MUD
    THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
    SHORT TERM 12
    SIGHTSEERS
    THE SPECTACULAR NOW

    Read more


  • New York Film Critics Circle 2013 Awards; AMERICAN HUSTLE Voted Best Film

     AMERICAN HUSTLE AMERICAN HUSTLE

    The New York Film Critics Circle voted AMERICAN HUSTLE directed by David O. Russell as the Best Feature Film of 2013. AMERICAN HUSTLE also won the awards for Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Lawrence. Steve McQueen snagged Best Director for 12 YEARS A SLAVE, and Ryan Coogler’s FRUITVALE STATION won the award for Best First Film.

    Best Film
    AMERICAN HUSTLE

    Best Actor
    Robert Redford, ALL IS LOST

    Best Actress
    Cate Blanchett, BLUE JASMINE

    Best Director
    Steve McQueen, 12 YEARS A SLAVE

    Best Supporting Actress
    Jennifer Lawrence, AMERICAN HUSTLE

    Best Foreign Language Film
    BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR

    Best Supporting Actor
    Jared Leto, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

    Best Animated Film
    THE WIND RISES

    Best Screenplay
    AMERICAN HUSTLE

    Special Award
    Frederick Wiseman

    Best Cinematography
    Bruno Delbonnel, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

    Best First Film
    FRUITVALE STATION

    Best Non-fiction Film (Documentary)
    STORIES WE TELL

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  • 15 Documentary Features Advance in 2013 Oscar Race

    FIRST COUSIN ONCE REMOVEDFIRST COUSIN ONCE REMOVED 

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the 15 films in the Documentary Feature category will advance in the voting process for the 86th Oscars . One hundred forty-seven films had originally qualified in the category.

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

       “THE ACT OF KILLING,” Final Cut for Real
       “THE ARMSTRONG LIE,” The Kennedy/Marshall Company
       “BLACKFISH,” Our Turn Productions
       “THE CRASH REEL,” KP Rides Again
       “CUTIE AND THE BOXER,” Ex Lion Tamer and Cine Mosaic 
       “DIRTY WARS,” Civic Bakery
       “FIRST COUSIN ONCE REMOVED,” Experiments in Time, Light & Motion
       “GOD LOVES UGANDA,” Full Credit Productions
       “LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM,” Fine Films
       “PUSSY RIOT: A PUNK PRAYER,” Roast Beef Productions
       “THE SQUARE,” Noujaim Films and Maktube Productions
       “STORIES WE TELL,” National Film Board of Canada
       “TIM’S VERMEER,” High Delft Pictures
       “20 FEET FROM STARDOM,” Gil Friesen Productions and Tremolo Productions 
       “WHICH WAY IS THE FRONT LINE FROM HERE? THE LIFE AND TIME OF TIM HETHERINGTON,” Tripoli Street

    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 Oscars nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

    Academy Awards® for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live on the ABC Television Network.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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  • INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, THE ACT OF KILLING, FRUITVALE STATION Among 2013 Gotham Independent Award Winners

    INSIDE LLEWYN DAVISINSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

    Joel & Ethan Coen’s INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS won the award for Best Feature Film at the 23rd Gotham Independent Film Award held in New York City.  Joshua Oppenheimer’s THE ACT OF KILLING won the award for Best Documentary.  FRUITVALE STATION also snagged two awards, Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award for director Ryan Coogler and Breakthrough Actor for Michael B. Jordan.  In addition to the competitive awards, Gotham Award Tributes were given to actor Forest Whitaker, NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment’s Katherine Oliver, director Richard Linklater and the late actor James Gandolfini.

    Complete list of winners of 2013 Gotham Independent Film Award winners

    Best Feature: INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

    Best Documentary: THE ACT OF KILLING

    Bingham Ray Breakthrough Director Award: Ryan Coogler, FRUITVALE STATION

    Best Actor: Matthew McConaughey, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

    Best Actress: Brie Larson, SHORT TERM 12

    Breakthrough Actor: Michael B. Jordan, FRUITVALE STATION

    Film Audience Award: JAKE SHIMABUKURO: LIFE ON FOUR STRINGS, Tadashi Nakamura

    Spotlight on Women Filmmakers ‘Live the Dream’ Grant: Gita Pullapilly, director, BENEATH THE HARVEST SKY

    Read more


  • Monsters University and Frozen Lead Nominations for 41st Annie Awards

     A Letter to Momo A Letter to Momo

    Monsters University (Pixar Animation Studios) and Frozen (Walt Disney Animation Studios) lead the nominations for the 41st Annual Annie Awards, each with 10 nods, including Best Animated Feature.  The slate of nominations for Best Animated Features also include: A Letter to Momo (GKIDS), Despicable Me 2 (Universal Pictures), Ernest & Celestine (GKIDS), The Croods (DreamWorks Animations), The Wind Rises (Studio Ghibli and The Walt Disney Studios).

    Three Winsor McCay recipients have been selected by the ASIFA-Hollywood Board of Directors – Katsuhiro Otomo, Steven Spielberg and Phil Tippett for their career contributions to the art of animation; June Foray Award – Alice Davis for her significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation; and Certificate of Merit – “I Know That Voice” (Documentary).

    Winners will be announced at the 41st Annual Annie Awards ceremony on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, in Los Angeles, CA.  

    2013 ANNIE AWARD NOMINATIONS

    PRODUCTION CATEGORIES

    1 – Best Animated Feature
    A Letter to Momo – 
GKIDS
    Despicable Me 2 – 
Universal Pictures
    Ernest & Celestine
 – GKIDS
    Frozen – 
Walt Disney Animation Studios
    Monsters University – 
Pixar Animation Studios
    The Croods
 – DreamWorks Animation
    The Wind Rises
 – The Walt Disney Studios

    2 – Annie Award for Best Animated Special Production
    Chipotle Scarecrow
 – Moonbot Studios
    Listening Is an Act of Love
 – StoryCorps
    Room on the Broom – 
Magic Light Pictures
    Toy Story OF TERROR!
- Pixar Animation Studios

    3 – Best Animated Short Subject
    Despicable Me 2 – Puppy
 – Universal Pictures
    Get A Horse!
 – Walt Disney Animation Studios
    Gloria Victoria
 – National Film Board of Canada
    My Mom is an Airplane
 – Acme Filmworks
    The Numberlys – 
Moonbot Studios

    4 – Best Animated TV/Broadcast Commercial
    Despicable Me 2 – Cinemark
 – Universal Pictures
    Sound of the Woods – Acme Filmworks
    The Polar Bears Movie
 – CAA Marketing

    5 – Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production For Preschool Children
    Bubble Guppies
 – Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Disney Sofia the First
 – Disney Television Animation
    Doc McStuffins
 – Disney Television Animation
    Justin Time
 – Guru Studio
    Peter Rabbit – Nickelodeon Animation Studio

    6 – Best Animated TV/Broadcast Production For Children’s Audience
    Adventure Time – 
Cartoon Network Studios
    Beware the Batman
 – Warner Bros. Animation
    Disney Gravity Falls
 – Disney Television Animation
    Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness – 
Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Regular Show – 
Cartoon Network Studios
    Scaredy Squirrel – 
Nelvana Ltd.
    Teen Titans Go!
 – Warner Bros. Animation
    The Legend of Korra
 – Nickelodeon Animation Studio

    7 – Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production
    Archer
 – FX Networks
    Bob’s Burgers – 
Bento Box Entertainment
    Disney Tron Uprising
 – Disney Television Animation
    Futurama
 – 20th Century Fox Television
    Motorcity
 – Titmouse Inc.

    8 – Best Animated Video Game
    Diggs Nightcrawler
 – Moonbot Studios
    Tiny Thief
 – 5 ANTS
    The Last of Us – 
Naughty Dog

    9 – Best Student Film
    Chicken or the Egg
 – Ringling College of Art and Design
    Kellerkind – Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg
    Miss Todd
 – Kristina Yee
    Move Mountain
 – Kirsten Lepore
    SEMÕFORO – 
University of Southern California
    The Final Straw
 – Ringling College of Art and Design
    Trusts & Estates
 – CalArts
    Wedding Cake – 
Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg

    INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES

    10 – Animated Effects in an Animated Production
    Alen Lai, David Quirus, Diego Garzon Sanchez, Ilan Gabai – Epic
 – Blue Sky Studios
    David Jones – Dragons: Defenders of Berk
 – DreamWorks Animation
    Joshua Jenny, Jason Johnston, Matthew Wong, Eric Froemling, Enrique Vila – Monsters University
 – Pixar Animation Studios
    Jeff Budsberg, Andre Le Blanc, Louis Flores, Jason Mayer – The Croods – 
DreamWorks Animation
    Greg Gladstone, Nikita Pavlov, Allen Ruilova, Matt Titus, Can Yuksel – Turbo
 – DreamWorks Animation

    11 – Animated Effects in a Live Action Production
    Jonathan Paquin, Brian Goodwin, Gray Horsfield, Mathieu Chardonnet, Adrien Toupet – Man Of Steel – 
Weta Digital
    Ben O’Brien, Karin Cooper, Lee Uren, Chris Root – Star Trek: Into Darkness – Industrial Light & Magic
    Dan Pearson, Jay Cooper, Jeff Grebe, Amelia Chenoweth – Star Trek: Into Darkness – 
Industrial Light & Magic
    Michael Balog, Ryan Hopkins, Patrick Conran, Florian Witzel – Pacific Rim
 – Industrial Light & Magic

    12 – Character Animation in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production
    Brad Schaffer – Friendship All-Stars of Friendship: Wrong Number
 – Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
    Eric Urban – Ubermansion
 – Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
    JC Tran Quang Thieu – Toy Story OF TERROR! – Pixar Animation Studios
    David DeVan – Toy Story OF TERROR! – Pixar Animation Studios Character
    Kureha Yokoo – Toy Story OF TERROR! – Pixar Animation Studios Character
    Keith Kellogg – Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Lucasfilm Animation

    13 – Character Animation in an Animated Feature Production
    Thom Roberts – Epic
 – Blue Sky Studios
    Jonathan Del Val – Despicable Me 2
 – Universal Pictures
    Jakob Jensen – The Croods – 
DreamWorks Animation
    John Chun Chiu Lee – Monsters University
 – Pixar Animation Studios
    Kitaro Kosaka – The Wind Rises – 
The Walt Disney Studios
    Tony Smeed – Frozen
 – Walt Disney Animation Studios
    Patrick Imbert – Ernest & Celestine
 – GKIDS

    14 – Character Animation in a Live Action Production
    Jeff Capogreco, Jedrzej Wojtowicz, Kevin Estey, Alessandro Bonora, Gino Acevedo – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Gollum
 – Weta Digital
    Dave Clayton, Simeon Duncombe, Jung Min Chan, Matthew Cioffi, Guillame Francois – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Goblin King
 – Weta Digital
    Hal Hickel, Chris Lentz, Derrick Carlin, Steve Rawlins, Kyle Winkelman – Pacific Rim
 – Industrial Light & Magic

    15 – Character Design in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
    Craig McCracken – Disney Wander Over Yonder
 – Disney Television Animation
    Paul Rudish – Disney Mickey Mouse
 – Disney Television Animation
    Andy Bialk – The Awesomes
 – Bento Box Entertainment
    Ben Adams – Regular Show – Cartoon Network Studios
    Danny Hynes, Howard Colin – Steven Universe
 – Cartoon Network Studios

    16 – Character Design in an Animated Feature Production
    Carter Goodrich, Takao Noguchi, Shane Prigmore – The Croods
 – DreamWorks Animation
    Sylvain Deboissy, Shannon Tindle – Turbo – DreamWorks Animation
    Craig Kellman – Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 – 
Sony Pictures Animation
    Chris Sasaki – Monsters University – 
Pixar Animation Studios
    Christophe Lourdelet – A Monster in Paris
 – Shout! Factory
    Eric Guillon – Despicable Me 2 – 
Universal Pictures
    Bill Schwab – Frozen
 – Walt Disney Animation Studios

    17 – Directing in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
    Colin Heck – The Legend of Korra
 – Nickelodeon Animation
    Elaine Bogan – Dragons: Defenders of Berk
 – DreamWorks Animation
    Stephan Franck – The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow
 – Sony Pictures Animation
    John Aoshima – Disney Gravity Falls
 – Disney Television Animation
    Aaron Springer – Disney Mickey Mouse – 
Disney Television Animation
    Angus MacLane – Toy Story OF TERROR!
 – Pixar Animation Studios
    Harold Harris – Justin Time – Guru Studio

    18 – Directing in an Animated Feature Production
    Chris Sanders, Kirk DeMicco – The Croods
 – DreamWorks Animation
    David Soren – Turbo – 
DreamWorks Animation
    Chris Wedge – Epic
 – Blue Sky Studios
    Benjamin Renner, Vincent Patar, Stéphane Aubier – Ernest & Celestine
 – GKIDS
    Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee – Frozen
 – Walt Disney Animation Studios

    19 – Music in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
    Alan Williams – Estefan – Silverscreen Music
    Guy Moon – T.U.F.F. Puppy – 
Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Peter Luyre, Stuart Kollmorgen, Peter Zizzo – Peter Rabbit
 – Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Kevin Kliesch, Craig Gerber, John Kavanaugh – Disney Sofia the First
 – Disney Television Animation
    Christopher Willis – Disney Mickey Mouse
 – Disney Television Animation
    Andy Bean – Disney Wander Over Yonder
 – Disney Television Animation

    20 – Music in an Animated Feature Production
    Alan Silvestri – The Croods – 
DreamWorks Animation
    Henry Jackman – Turbo
 – DreamWorks Animation
    Mark Mothersbaugh – Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2
 – Sony Pictures Animation
    Heitor Pereira, Pharrell Williams – Despicable Me 2
 – Universal Pictures
    Danny Elfman – Epic – Blue Sky Studios
    Randy Newman – Monsters University
 – Pixar Animation Studios
    Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Christophe Beck – Frozen
 – Walt Disney Animation Studios
    Dominic Lewis – Free Birds – 
Reel FX

    21 – Production Design in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
    Angela Sung, William Niu, Christine Bian, Emily Tetri, Frederic Stewart – The Legend of Korra
 – Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Liz Artinian, Ray Feldman, Chris Fisher, George Fort – The Venture Bros.
“What Color is Your Cleansuit?” – Titmouse Inc.
    Steven Sugar, Emily Walus, Sam Bosma, Elle Michalka, Amanda Winterstein – Steven Universe
”Gem Glow” – Cartoon Network Studios
    Lynna Blankenship, Dima Malanitchev, Debbie Peterson, Charles Ragins, Jefferson R. Weekley – The Simpsons “Treehouse of Horror XXIV” Gracie Films in Association with 20th Century Fox TV
    Christophe Vacher – Transformers Prime ‘Beast Hunters’
- Hasbro Studios
    Nick Jenings, Sandra Calleros, Teri Shikasho, Ron Russell – Adventure Time – Cartoon Network Studios

    22 – Production Design in an Animated Feature Production
    Christophe Lautrette, Paul Duncan, Dominique R. Louis – The Croods
 – DreamWorks Animation
    Yarrow Cheney, Eric Guillon – Despicable Me 2
 – Universal Pictures
    Michael Knapp, Greg Couch, William Joyce – Epic
 – Blue Sky Studios
    Zaza, Zyk – Ernest & Celestine – GKIDS
    Ricky Nierva, Robert Kondo, Daisuke “Dice” Tsutsumi – Monsters University
 – Pixar Animation Studios
    Michael Giaimo, Lisa Keene, David Womersley – Frozen
 – Walt Disney Animation Studios

    23 – Storyboarding in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
    Piero Piluso – Monsters vs. Aliens
 – Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Douglas Lovelace – Dragons: Riders of Berk
 – DreamWorks Animation
    Adam Ford, Deke Wightman, Kevin Mellon, Justin Wagner, Benji Williams – Archer
 – FX Networks
    Alonso Ramos-Ramirez – Disney Mickey Mouse
 – Disney Television Animation
    Daniel Chong – Toy Story of TERROR! – Pixar Animation Studios
    Alonso Ramos-Ramirez – Gravity Falls – 
Disney Television Animation
    Guillermo Del Toro, Guy Davis, Ralph Sosa – The Simpsons — “Treehouse of Horror XXIV” — Gracie Films in Association with 20th Century Fox TV
    Paul Watling – Justin Time – 
Guru Studio

    24 – Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production
    Steven MacLeod – The Croods
 – DreamWorks Animation
    Eric Favela – Despicable Me 2 – 
Universal Pictures
    Dean Kelly – Monsters University
 – Pixar Animation Studios
    Jason Hand – Planes
- Disneytoon Studios
    John Ripa – Frozen
 – Walt Disney Animation Studios

    25 – Voice Acting in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
    Eric Bauza as the voice of Foop – Fairly Odd Parents
 – Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Bill Farmer as the voice of Goofy – Disney Mickey Mouse – 
Disney Television Animation
    Chris Diamantopoulos as the voice of Mickey Mouse – Disney Mickey Mouse – 
Disney Television Animation
    Mark Hamill as the voice of Skips and Walks – Regular Show
 – Cartoon Network Studios
    Tom Kenny as the voice of Ice King – Adventure Time – 
Cartoon Network Studios

    26 – Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production
    Paul Giamatti as the voice of Chet – Turbo
 – DreamWorks Animation
    Terry Crews as the voice of Earl – Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2
 – Sony Pictures Animation
    Kristen Wiig as the voice of Lucy – Despicable Me 2
 – Universal Pictures
    Steve Carell as the voice of Gru – Despicable Me 2 – Universal Pictures
    Pierre Coffin as the voice of Minions – Despicable Me 2
 – Universal Pictures
    Billy Crystal as the voice of Mike – Monsters University – Pixar Animation Studios
    Josh Gad as the voice of Olaf – Frozen
 – Walt Disney Animation Studios

    27 – Writing in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
    Katie Matila – Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness
 – Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Ian Maxtone-Graham, Billy Kimball – The Simpsons
- Trocadero Holdings
    Lewis Morton – Futurama
 – 20th Century Fox Television
    Matt Price, John Infantino, Mike Roth, Michele Cavin, Sean Szeles – Regular Show – 
Cartoon Network Studios
    Michael Price – The Simpsons
- The Simpsons

    28 – Writing in an Animated Feature Production
    Daniel Pennac – Ernest & Celestine
 – GKIDS
    Daniel Gerson, Robert L. Baird, Dan Scanlon – Monsters University – 
Pixar Animation Studios
    Miyazaki Hayao – The Wind Rises
- The Walt Disney Studios
    Jennifer Lee – Frozen
 – Walt Disney Animation Studios

    29 – Editorial in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
    Adam Arnold, Hugo Morales, Davrick Waltjen – Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness – 
Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Myra Lopez, Ana Adams, Justin Baker – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – 
Nickelodeon Animation Studio
    Lynn Hobson – Dragons: Defenders of Berk – 
DreamWorks Animation
    Illya Owens – Disney Mickey Mouse – 
Disney Television Animation
    Axel Geddes, Kathy Graves, Chloe Kloezeman – Toy Story OF TERROR!
 – Pixar Animation Studios
    Paul D. Calder – Futurama
 – 20th Century Fox Television
    Paul Douglas – Adventure Time
 – Cartoon Network Studios
    Jason W.A. Tucker – Star Wars: The Clone Wars – 
Lucasfilm Animation

    30 – Editorial in an Animated Feature Production
    Darren Holmes – The Croods
 – DreamWorks Animation
    James Ryan – Turbo
 – DreamWorks Animation
    Fabienne Alvarez-Giro – Ernest & Celestine – 
GKIDS
    Greg Snyder, Gregory Amundson, Steve Bloom – Monsters University
 – Pixar Animation Studios
    Jeff Draheim – Frozen – 
Walt Disney Animation Studios

    JURIED AWARDS

    Winsor McCay Award – Katsuhiro Otomo, Steven Spielberg &
    Phil Tippett
    June Foray – Alice Davis
    Certificate of Merit – “I Know That Voice” (Documentary)

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