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Exclusive: Kennedy Center Honors Sets Date and Place, About to Announce Inductees: Mel Gibson, Liza Minnelli, Country Stars Possible Choices

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Kennedy Center Honors Sets Date and Place, About to Announce Inductees: Mel Gibson, Liza Minnelli, Country Stars Possible Choices

There’s no Kennedy Center, but there’s going to be a Kennedy Center Honors.

I’ve confirmed the show is happening on December 7th at the Capital One Arena in Washington.

This is a big change since the Arena can hold 20,000 people. The Kennedy Center’s Opera House and Concert Hall each accommodate about 2,200 guests.

Sources say the production will not make use of the entire arena, just the front part of the floor seats.

A source said: “You can make these places intimate. Look what Taylor Swift did for her wedding at Madison Square Garden.” The singer by all accounts had 1,000 guests.

This year’s producer, a firm aptly called Den of Thieves, has never worked on the Kennedy Center show but they have plenty of experience with events like the MTV Awards.

What remains a question is who will be the honorees? Earlier this year, Liza Minnelli told me she would accept the award even with Donald Trump in office. Since she just turned 80, waiting two or three more years until Trump is gone might seem dicey. Will she be chosen?

Other choices include Mel Gibson or Jon Voight. Last year, Sylvester Stallone took the honor. Trump had named the three of them his ambassadors to Hollywood. Gibson might want to wait til next year when his “Passion of the Christ” sequel is released. Voight is always ready.

Musical acts would definitely be a country artist. Alan Jackson is a possibility. So is Vince Gill.

One problem for Trump would be getting a person of color to accept. But someone non-white will persuaded to participate in this folly.

Stay tuned…

Gotham Awards Go Eclectic Nominating Actors But Not Their Movies, Snubbing “Musk,” Rewarding “You Can See Everything”

Roger Friedman
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Gotham Awards Go Eclectic Nominating Actors But Not Their Movies, Snubbing “Musk,” Rewarding “You Can See Everything”

I really like the Gotham Awards but I have no idea how they arrive at decisions.

This year the nominees are very eclectic, giving nods to actors but not their movies. Or movies, and not their actors. 

Also, they snubbed a real documentary, “Musk,” but nommed “You Can See Everything” instead. Go figure. They also didn’t really like “La Bola Negra,” omitting it from Best Feature and Best Foreign Feature. Instead, they’re giving it the Vanguard Tribute.

The acting nominees are gender free, which cuts down on opportunities. How is it possible to choose among Julianne Moore, John Malkovich, and Andrew Scott? And how did “Michael” make it onto the audience list?

I guess we’ll find out on November 30th and see how things go from there. it’s all good!

Honorary accolades: the Gotham Legacy Tribute in honor of Ian Charleson (Elsinore), the Gotham Musical Tribute (Michael), the Gotham Anniversary Tribute (Laika), the Gotham Director Tribute (Danny Boyle, Ink) and the Gotham Vanguard Tribute (La Bola Negra).

Best Feature
Clarissa
Club Kid
The Debut
Dreams in Nightmares
The Invite
Josephine
Mouse
Paper Tiger
Primetime
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother

Best International Feature
All of a Sudden
Ben’Imana
Blue Heron
Everytime
Fatherland
Filipiñana
La Gradiva
Minotaur
Possible Love
Tender Loving Care

Best Documentary Feature
Closure
A Fox Under a Pink Moon
Naza
Once Upon a Time in Harlem
You Can See Everything

Best Director
Ryusuke Hamaguchi, All of a Sudden
Sandra Wollner, Everytime
Andrey Zvyagintsev, Minotaur
Jane Schoenbrun, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
Mike Leigh, Tender Loving Care

Breakthrough Director
Sophy Romvari, Blue Heron
Jordan Firstman, Club Kid
Aleshea Harris, Is God Is
Marine Atlan, La Gradiva
Joel Alfonso Vargas, Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo)
John Early, Maddie’s Secret

Best Original Screenplay
Everytime, Sandra Wollner
La Gradiva, Marine Atlan, Anne Brouillet
Possible Love, Lee Chang-dong, Oh Jung-mi
Tender Loving Care, Mike Leigh
Wild Horse Nine, Martin McDonagh

Best Adapted Screenplay
All of a Sudden, Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Clarissa, Chuko Esiri
The Invite, Rashida Jones, Will McCormack
Minotaur, Simon Lyashenko, Andrey Zvyagintsev
Primetime, Ajon Singh

Outstanding Lead Performance
Mahershala Ali, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother
Gillian Anderson, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
Jeon Do-yeon, Possible Love
John Early, Maddie’s Secret
John Malkovich, Wild Horse Nine
Ian McKellen, The Christophers
Julianne Moore, The Debut
Sophie Okonedo, Clarissa
Andrew Scott, Elsinore
John Turturro, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York

Outstanding Supporting Performance
Tom Courtenay, Queen at Sea
Esmé Creed-Miles, Sense and Sensibility
Penélope Cruz, The Invite
Adam Driver, Paper Tiger
Andrew Garfield, Artificial
Skyler Gisondo, Primetime
Sandra Hüller, Fatherland
Kate O’Flynn, Tender Loving Care
Tao Okamoto, All of a Sudden
Channing Tatum, Josephine

Breakthrough Performer
Adia, Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother
India Amarteifio, Clarissa
Guitarricadelafuente, La Bola Negra
Colas Quignard, La Gradiva
Mason Reeves, Josephine

Gotham Audience Award
Backrooms
La Bola Negra
The Drama
The Invite
Michael
Obsession
Project Hail Mary
You Can See Everything Nathan Fielder

HBO’s “Gilded Age” Premiere at the Plaza Welcomed Dozens of Guests Mrs. Astor Would Never Have Invited: Social Media Influencers

Roger Friedman
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HBO’s “Gilded Age” Premiere at the Plaza Welcomed Dozens of Guests Mrs. Astor Would Never Have Invited: Social Media Influencers

The cast of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” was outnumbered last night on the red carpet.

And that says a lot considering the number of actors who work on that show.

Indeed, creator Julian Fellowes must have wondered who all the people were on the carpet, stopping to get their pictures taken by WireImage.

I can tell you they were the type of people Mrs. Astor — forget about Mrs. Russell or Mrs. van Rijn — would never allow in their homes.

They were influencers. And they were plentiful. And HBO spent a bundle on them taking over The Plaza Hotel. This is what the TV and movie studios want now, which wouldn’t surprise the modern thinking new Mrs. Enid van Rijn, who married rich after being a ladies’ maid.

We may have found out why the actual Gilded Age ended.

Let’s start with Mary Reile, described online as “a social media creator and pilot who gained viral attention and recently attended public events.”

How about Jessica Spoll (also known as Jess Spoll)? She is “a New York City–based creative professional who works as a documentary wedding photographer and a digital content creator specializing in film and television.”

Julia Leahy “runs the popular TikTok and Instagram accounts @morepestoplease, accumulating over 1.4 million followers and millions of likes through personal storytelling and comedy.” She also hosts The Pesto Pod, which I’m sorry I didn’t know.

Melissa Becraft “Built a multi-million follower social media presence across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube sharing themed dance choreography and lifestyle content.”

Jasmine Perillo is listed as a New York City-based freelance digital content producer, creator, and host of @dtfshow.

Taylor Graysen (Taylor Owen) and James Mitchell Neal are “a viral comedic internet duo, actors, and content creators.”

The only non-influencer celebs photographed not in the cast — or related to them — were Real Housewife Dorinda Medley, and sometime New Yorker reporter Ronan Farrow.

The one main cast member not in attendance: Christine Baranski, whose deliciously character, Aunt Agnes, would not have approved of this at all!

Billy Crystal One Man Broadway Show “860” So Popular Run Extended Six Weeks Through February 14th, Last Performance Before Super Bowl

Roger Friedman
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Billy Crystal One Man Broadway Show “860” So Popular Run Extended Six Weeks Through February 14th, Last Performance Before Super Bowl

Billy Crystal’s one man Broadway show is a smash.

The play, called “860,” is so popular the run at the Imperial Theater has been extended six weeks.

The show will now end on February 14th aka Valentine’s Day. The final performance will give Billy enough time to watch the Super Bowl.

As I told you last week, “860” is pure magic. Crystal weaves together stories about his famed career with the saga of losing his home, after more than 40 years, in the Palisades fires. He also addresses the loss of his best friend, Roh Reiner, and their long relationship.

I’m sure people will go back to see it a second time, I know I will. It’s that good. Crystal is 78 and at the top of a long game. Mazel tov!

PS Special Tony Award? Definitely.

Refresh this afternoon for the box office numbers…two weeks ago the show brought in $1.2 million! this week is bound to be higher!

Watch: Jon Stewart Expresses Skepticism in Frustrating Interview with Kushner Expose Book Author Over Trump Son-in-Law’s Mideast Dealings

Roger Friedman
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Watch: Jon Stewart Expresses Skepticism in Frustrating Interview with Kushner Expose Book Author Over Trump Son-in-Law’s Mideast Dealings

Today is the official launch of Matthew Cole’s book, “Princes and Thieves,” about alleged ways in which Jared Kushner has profited from dealings in the Middle East.

The book is excerpted in Vanity Fair, and was released on Sunday as a pre-emptive strike.

Kushner vehemently denies everything in the book and his lawyers have suggested that they may sue Cole and his publishers.

Last night, Cole appeared on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart, who expressed skepticism about the book.

It was an unusual place to launch a publicity drive. Even though Stewart is quite adept at handling serious subjects, he is still a humorist, and the network is called Comedy Central. Also, Comedy Central is owned by Skydance, which as we all know is tipped in favor of Donald Trump, Kushner’s father-in–law. Also Vanity Fair is primarily a celebrity publication, and not the New York Times or even Time Magazine.

You can watch below this uncomfortable meeting between Stewart and Cole. Long ago I was a book publicist, and I can tell you this exchange would concern me. The book review in the New York Times this morning is far more enlightening, also their reviewer suggests the book is “incomplete.”

The interview begins awkwardly, with Cole insisting on reading Kushner’s denials. A surprised Stewart — who’s certainly read the book — thinks this a comedy ‘bit,’ at first. From then on, Cole is in choppy waters.

More to come…

He’s Not Just Ken: Ryan Gosling Releases a Single Called “Lost in the Night” Under Name Dead Man’s Bones — First New Music Since 2009

Roger Friedman
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He’s Not Just Ken: Ryan Gosling Releases a Single Called “Lost in the Night” Under Name Dead Man’s Bones — First New Music Since 2009

Ryan Gosling — you know him from “La La Land” and “Project Hail Mary,” and “Barbie” among other hits.

Almost 20 years ago, Ryan had a band with his friend, screenwriter Zach Shields.
(You can hear their one album below.)

Now they’ve reunited under their old name, Dead Man’s Bones, and released a single and video called “Lost in the Night.”

The moody song is called “Lost in the Night.” The Halloween flavored black and white video stars Noah Jupe and Rain Spencer.

You didn’t know Ryan was musical? Then you didn’t see him perform “I’m Just Ken” on the Oscars a couple of years ago. He started out as a singing, dancing Disney kid.

Is there an album coming? Probably. It’s all on independent Anti Records. Maybe we’ll see them on “SNL” soon, or someplace cool.


Surprise! (Not!) Jay Z Is Officially Playing the Super Bowl Half-time Show, as Telegraphed Everywhere for More than a Week — And Beyonce?

Roger Friedman
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Surprise! (Not!) Jay Z Is Officially Playing the Super Bowl Half-time Show, as Telegraphed Everywhere for More than a Week — And Beyonce?

It’s not a surprise, by any means.

Jay Z is the entertainment for the Super Bowl half time show in February.

Everyone’s known it for at least 10 days or more.

Jay just played two warm up shows at SoFi Stadium, where the Super Bowl will be played.

The only surprises will his guests: daughter Blue Ivy again on keyboards? Beyonce for a big finale? Usher? Mary J Blige? John Legend? Alicia Keys?

Could be all of them. It’s a 12 minute segment. You need a lot of entertainment.

And what of his friends like U2? Or Justin Timberlake?

But mostly Jay Z will turn the week into a tedious private party extravaganza all over Hollywood.

This past year, Trump was so angry about Bad Bunny singing in Spanish. Can’t wait to hear his take on Shawn Carter and friends.

George Clooney Is Leading $5,000 Ticket Broadway Play Reading for Salary Heavy PAC This Sunday With No Notice or Known Location

Roger Friedman
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George Clooney Is Leading $5,000 Ticket Broadway Play Reading for Salary Heavy PAC This Sunday With No Notice or Known Location

George Clooney is leading a $5,000 per ticket play reading this Sunday on Broadway.

The first time ever play is written by actor Clark Gregg, who is currently filming a movie with Clooney. “Smear,” is described as “a razor-sharp political comedy that follows a pair of jaded campaign operatives (and former lovers) locked in a vicious battle over a North Carolina congressional seat that may hold the key to a hotly contested midterm election.” 

The Broadway theater location is not known, they say, for security reasons. The rest of the cast includes Betty Gilpin, Laverne Cox, Adam Scott, Glenn Fleshler and Shane Paul McGhie. They’ll tell you where the reading is five minutes before showtime if you stand in Shubert Alley with a knowing grin on your face.

The idea here is raise to money for the midterm elections, even though they’re just two days later. The funds are being raised for something called Future Now, a 501c3 that has $10.5 million in assets, and a salary list of $4.7 million in 2024-25, up by $600K from the previous tax filing.

The $5,000 ticket is for VIP seating and an afterparty with the cast and wealthy patrons. A $1,000 ticket is also available, but you have to go to Junior’s for matzoh ball soup on your own.

I’m very skeptical about these things until you realize Trump has dinners for $10 mil a plate at Mar-a-Lago, where his own restaurant is charging the PAC involved and Trump is pocketing the valet tips. So this Clooney thing is small potatoes.

Why didn’t they do this a month ago when it would have helped Democratic candidates? I don’t know.

As they say in the trades, Good night, and good luck.

PS The next night, November 2nd, you can see The 24 Hour Plays, which I always recommend. The top VIP ticket is $535, they range down to $161, and you get a lot of great theater people honoring “Hamilton” director Thomas Kail. (PS You also know Lin Manuel Miranda and Michelle Williams will be in the audience.)

“Musk” Documentary Gets Emergency Release to Streaming on All Platforms November 6th, Must-See Will Play Even Better This Way

Roger Friedman
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“Musk” Documentary Gets Emergency Release to Streaming on All Platforms November 6th, Must-See Will Play Even Better This Way

“Musk,” Alex Gibney’s ferocious documentary, is coming to streaming.

The three hour film will hit all streaming platforms on November 6th.

That’s just two days before it should pick up a Critics Choice Documentary award.

It’s also destined for several more awards including I hope the Academy Award nomination.

The film’s length proved daunting to theater audiences. But trust me, you can watch it at home in two segments and it’s incredibly satisfying.

Gibney has done an excellent job of showing Elon Musk to completely nuts and dangerous. From the 14 children to his whole take on the space program, and what he did with the Trump government – aka DOGE — everyone should see this film.

It was smart of Gibney and Bleecker Street to make this quick pivot.

Also, this is an actual ‘documentary’, as opposed to another long film that’s fun, but fact free.

HBO’s “The Gilded Age” Returns for Fourth Season This Sunday with References to Some More Modern Aspects: Renewal or Finale?

Roger Friedman
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HBO’s “The Gilded Age” Returns for Fourth Season This Sunday with References to Some More Modern Aspects: Renewal or Finale?

HBO’s “The Gilded Age” returns this Sunday for a fourth — and possibly final — season.

The cable studio hasn’t yet revealed whether these 8 episodes are the big wrap they seem to be, or if there will be more in store for the Russell and van Rijn families of 1886 New York.

All of us who’ve seen the 8 episodes are under threat of extermination if we give away anything that happens this season — and there is plenty.

Interestingly there is a plot point that echoes something in New York’s recent past. It’s what we might call a nod. But I can’t say anything more, you’ll just have to wait.

Also, some of the characters go somewhere in Episode 1 in old New York that gave me an inside bit of fun. I’ll mention it on Sunday when reviews are permitted.

Most of the cast from previous seasons returns, with the notable exception of Nathan Lane, who was too busy playing to sold out audiences on Broadway in “Death of a Salesman.” One actor to look out for this season is Tony winner Adrienne Warren, who sings her heart out. (Her Tony is for playing Tina Turner.)

Today most of the cast was in person for a press conference at The Plaza Hotel where later tonight there will be a premiere party as exclusive as one at Mrs. Astor’s — which means we’re not attending.

I watched the press conference online, and the big reveal was that many of the actors have different accents in real life than in character. Blake Ritson, the actor who plays Oscar is British. Harry Richardson (Larry) is Australian. Ben Ahlers, who plays Jack the alarm clock inventor, has a strong New Yawk accent on the show, but he’s from Iowa.

Will the series come back for a fifth spin? And if so, will all the Tony Award singers in the cast — like Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Donna Murphy, Kelli O’Hara — get a musical episode?

Stay tuned…

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