3PM: DISNEY has stood down and ended its ban against the LA Times critics. The studio was outnumbered by critics groups. journalists, and even one of their own filmmakers– Ava DuVernay. What a mess. Even the Toronto Film Festival came out against Disney.

EARLIER Disney has over played its hand. I told you they banned LA Times critics from screenings after the paper ran an article critical of Disney’s business dealings in Anaheim, California, home of Disneyland.

Now four major critics groups have joined together to denounce Disney. They’ve voted to disqualify Disney films from end of the year awards until the ban is lifted.

This is a watershed moment. It’s about time this happened. Bravo!

Disney, of course, isn’t a big awards getter anyway. But in animation they were pushing for “Beauty and the Beast” in several categories, and they will want something for the new “Star Wars” films. This will resonate with Disney filmmakers, actors, etc who are now affected by the Maus Haus’s short sighted and vindictive treatment of the LA Times.

It’s also not a good look for Bob Iger, soon to retire from Disney and apparently thinking of a political career. This also comes at an inopportune moment as Disney is said to have been having conversations about acquiring 20th Century Fox from the Murdochs.

Here’s the statement that was issued at 6am this morning:

The members of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the New York Film Critics Circle, the Boston Society of Film Critics and the National Society of Film Critics jointly denounce the Walt Disney Company’s media blackout of the Los Angeles Times. Furthermore, all four critics’ organizations have voted to disqualify Disney’s films from year-end awards consideration until said blackout is publicly rescinded.

On Nov. 3, The Times published a statement that its writers and editors had been blocked from attending advance screenings of Disney films, in response to The Times’ news coverage of Disney’s business arrangements with the City of Anaheim. Disney’s actions, which include an indefinite ban on any interaction with The Times, are antithetical to the principles of a free press and set a dangerous precedent in a time of already heightened hostility toward journalists.

It is admittedly extraordinary for a critics’ group, let alone four critics’ groups, to take any action that might penalize film artists for decisions beyond their control. But Disney brought forth this action when it chose to punish The Times’ journalists rather than express its disagreement with a business story via ongoing public discussion. Disney’s response should gravely concern all who believe in the importance of a free press, artists included.

The New York Film Critics Circle will vote on its annual awards Thursday, Nov. 30; the Los Angeles Film Critics Association will vote Sunday, Dec. 3; the Boston Society of Film Critics will vote Sunday, Dec. 10; and the National Society of Film Critics will vote Saturday, Jan. 6.

The sexual harassment sagas that have been enveloping Hollywood did not seep into The Hollywood Film Awards held Sunday night at the Beverly Hilton.  The brainchild of Carlos de Abreu and his wife Janice Pennington, this was their  21st annual show (now produced by Dick Clark Productions).

Sunday night was star studded and a pre-cursor to what will happen throughout the season.  Host James Corden emceed for a third year in a row.  He was more low key than usual perhaps because his last stint, hosting an Amfar event where he joked about the Harvey Weinstein scandal, drew harsh criticism.  So he was playing it safe, albeit a bit off.  He opened the night with:  “Tonight you are all winners.  There is no reason to be here if you haven’t won one.  If you are here and haven’t won an award fire your publicist.” 

Noting that some of the work honored most of the crowd hasn’t seen he quipped, “Tonight makes the election look fair and decent.”  But the crowd clearly didn’t agree with his barbs everyone seemed glad to be there. Certain speeches stood out. Hollywood Actor winner Jake Gyllenhaal said that portraying real life Boston bombing survivor Jeff Bauman in “Stronger,” “opened my heart, made me better and less full of shit. If we can find in ourselves the strength that Jeff found we might not need heroes.” 

Breakthrough director Taylor Sheridan for “Wind River,” noted, “silence is the enemy and cannot be tolerated any more.” Joe Wright garnered the Hollywood Director award for his “Darkest Hour” and noted, “I am amazed by the level of resistance.  This is a movie about resistance.  Here’s to resistance.”  Playful moments were also present. Sam Rockwell who got the Hollywood Supporting Actor Award said, “it’s my birthday today.  It was either this or Benihana’s.” Kate Winslet exposed her secret love for Allison Janney (who later received the Supporting Actress award for “I Tonya,”) by declaring, “I just want to be you.  I do, or just stroke you or something.  I mean, we could always kiss, maybe?” This prompted a game Allison to bolt from her seat to the stage and plant one on Kate’s mouth. 

Kumail Nanjiani accepted the award for the Comedy Ensemble on behalf of his “The Big Sick,” and noted, “this is for all of us except Ray Romano.  He ditched us for a better table so he could sit with Kate Winslet.”   Adam Sandler got the Hollywood Comedy Award which Dustin Hoffman gave him.  Adam told the crowd that, “Dustin has the biggest heart, the greatest family man.” 

Adam went on to say about his career in comedy. “I lucked out being in this business. My brother Scott told me in Boston to go to an open mic night.  ‘I hope you’re good at this because you’re no good at anything else you fucking moron. ‘ he said.  So when I got Noah Baumbach’s script, I just didn’t want to screw up.”  

A major highlight was Andra Day and Common singing “ Stand Up For Something,” written by Diane Warren and Common, sure to be ahead of the pack come Oscar time. The evening was quick paced; speeches were lovely and the energy of the room supportive and positive.

“Hollywood Career Achievement Award”
Gary Oldman
“Hollywood Actor Award”
Jake Gyllenhaal for Stronger
“Hollywood Supporting Actor Award”
Sam Rockwell for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Montana
“Hollywood Actress Award”
Kate Winslet for Wonder Wheel
“Hollywood Supporting Actress Award”
Allison Janney for I, Tonya
“Hollywood Comedy Award”
Adam Sandler for The Meyerowitz Stories
“Hollywood Breakout Performance Actress Award”
Mary J. Blige for Mudbound
“Hollywood Breakout Performance Actor Award”
Timothée Chalamet for Call Me By Your Name
“New Hollywood Award”
Jamie Bell for Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool
“Hollywood Documentary Award”
Sean Combs for Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: Bad Boy Story
“Hollywood Ensemble Award”
I, Tonya cast including Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, Sebastian Stan, Julianne Nicholson, Mckenna Grace, and Caitlin Carver
“Hollywood Comedy Ensemble Award”
The Big Sick cast including Kumail Nanjiani, Holly Hunter, Zoe Kazan, and Ray Romano
“Hollywood Breakout Ensemble Award”
Mudbound cast including Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, Mary J. Blige, Jason Mitchell, Jason Clarke, Rob Morgan, and Jonathan Banks
“Hollywood Song Award”
Common, Andra Day, and Diane Warren for “STAND UP FOR SOMETHING”  from Marshall
“Hollywood Foreign Language Film Award”
Angelina Jolie and Loung Ung for First They Killed My Father
“Hollywood Director Award”
Joe Wright for Darkest Hour
“Hollywood Breakthrough Director Award”
Taylor Sheridan for Wind River
“Hollywood Producer Award”
Broderick Johnson, Andrew Kosove, and Cynthia Yorkin for Blade Runner 2049
“Hollywood Screenwriter Award”
Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber for The Disaster Artist
“Hollywood Animation Award”
Coco
“Hollywood Cinematography Award”
Roger Deakins for Blade Runner 2049
“Hollywood Film Composer Award”
Thomas Newman for Victoria & Abdul
“Hollywood Editor Award”
Sidney Wolinsky for The Shape of Water
“Hollywood Visual Effects Award”
Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Dan Barrett and Erik Winquist for War for the Planet of the Apes
“Hollywood Sound Award”
Addison Teague & Dave Acord for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
“Hollywood Costume Design Award”
Jacqueline Durran for Darkest Hour and Beauty and the Beast
“Hollywood Make Up & Hair Styling Award”
Jenny Shircore for Beauty and the Beast
“Hollywood Production Design Award”
Dennis Gassner for Blade Runner 2049

Great news: Annette Bening is this year’s honoree from the Museum of the Moving Image on December 13th. Bening is in the Oscar race once again, this time for playing Gloria Grahame in “Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool” directed by Paul McGuigan. Bening is in a tight race with Saorise Ronan, Judi Dench, Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone all in the mix.

Bening is getting her MMI Award one year after her husband, Warren Beatty, received the same honor. That’s a first, I think, for any Hollywood couple and an award. They each deserve it, certainly.

Bening does not have an Oscar, which is ridiculous. She’s come close with American Beauty, The Grifters, Being Julia, last year’s 20th Century Women and many other knockout performances. Her other films include Valmont, The American President, The Kids Are Alright, and Bugsy — to name a few. (Come to think of it, she could have won Oscars for any of those, too.) She’s also a theater rat and a big fan, having made her theatrical debut with a Tony nomination in “Coastal Disturbances.”

MMI sells tickets to this dinner (Event Associates at 212 245 6570). It’s one of the top events of the season. Get out to Astoria and see this museum– and see “Film Stars.” Gloria Grahame is smiling in heaven with Annette’s glorious performance!

It’s not fun to report that Paramount Pictures is crumbling before our eyes. Under the late Brad Grey they were steady and fun to work with. There were plenty of hits and lots of good will. It was a Renaissance for the studio.

But now my old pal Megan Colligan, who’d risen to be worldwide president of marketing and distribution, is exiting after 11 years with the company. Literally loved by everyone who deals with her, Megan put together a crack PR team on both coasts and did a superlative job.

With her exit she’s claiming gender discrimination. Her lawyer told Deadline.com: “Megan had no choice but to leave after enduring a pattern of gender bias and discrimination. The disparate treatment of women by Paramount is evidenced when you unfold the truth of the exodus of high-level women in recent months. At least four other women have left and we believe that there are more to follow.”

Since Grey was forced out and died almost simultaneously (something that still boggles the mind), Paramount has gone into free fall. They blew it with Darren Aronofsky’s “Mother!” They are currently grasping for a lifeboat on “Suburbicon.” And coming next is Alexander Payne’s “Downsizing.” Three strikes and you’re out.

On top of that trio, we have “Daddy’s Home, Part 2” or whatever it is, coming fast with Mel Gibson. This is designed to normalize Mel Gibson. This is not happening. Mel Gibson is anti Semite and a racist. His team can try it, but Gibson is not waltzing back into Hollywood. No way.

What a shame that Paramount has taken this turn. I thought new president Jim Gianopolous would set the ship straight, so to speak. According to Deadline, Colligan sent this memo to her troops today:

To my incredible team,

Thank you for everything and I look forward to what’s next.

Awards season has started and two women that we will definitely be seeing is the Director Dee Rees and Singer/Actress Mary J. Blige for the simply wonderful, searing “Mudbound.” The film is an epic story of two families, one white, and one black, pitted against each other in the Mississippi Delta. Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke, Jason Mitchell and Garrett Hedlund round out this truly impressive cast. Taking place in post World War 2, the racial tension and despair, along with humanity and loyalty, make “Mudbound,” one of the year’s best films. Kudos also to cinematography Rachel Morrison for her unique visual take, actually making the rain and mud characters in the film. Simply brilliant.

I spoke with Mary J. Blige last night at a preview and reception for the film in Beverly Hills. I asked her why this film and why now? She answered, “I’ve had a lot going on. Dee called me, offered me the role and trusted me to deliver the work I did. I thank her all the time for offering me this role when she did. I had a place to put what I was going through. I used it as therapy. Every day was amazing for me because it was such a tough time for me. If she didn’t call me when she did, I don’t know where I’d be right now. She gave me something to take my mind off what was going on.”

Mary continued: “I’m proud of the film of the cast of Dee and most of all the message. I’m so truly grateful that I’m even a part of it. “ I then switched gears and asked her about the news of sexual harassment in Hollywood. She replied, “I’m just happy to see that women are standing up. We have to stand up. From the very beginning we have to fight for what we believe in. I champion every last one of these women for telling their story because who knows what they had to deal with for so many years with this secret. I’m sure it’s everywhere. I’ve never had a problem in the music business. But I’m behind every woman that comes forward.”

Mary’s longtime friend, the multi talented Sheryl Lee Ralph, her date was her handsome filmmaker son Etienne Maurice, just finished a stint on Broadway in “Wicked,” told me she’s as busy as ever.

“I have a new Hallmark holiday movie, “Christmas at Holly Lodge,” that is going to be shown every day for a month before Christmas. I’m on the Amazon show “One Mississippi” and always busy with my work with “Project Angel Food.” The films noted Producer Cassian Elwes and Tim Zajaros came out to support this film, (Netflix’s Ted Sarandos is also a Producer,) that surely will garner awards. “MudBound,” is a classic. Congrats to all involved. Well deserved.

So: no one in Los Angeles cared that Disney banned the L.A. Times from critics screenings of “Thor: Ragnarok.”

With a 90+ on Rotten Tomatoes, “Thor” snared $46 million on Friday night in its national debut. Estimates are for a $110 million opening weekend. Yippee!

So what happened with the LA Times? It’s serious, actually, in a time of fake news vs. real news and censorship. The L.A. Times ran a substantial piece on the effect Disneyland is having on Anaheim, California by Daniel Miller back on September 24th. The piece was called “Is Disney Paying Its Share in Anaheim?”

Apparently, Disney– sometimes known as Mauschwitz– didn’t like the conclusions Miller drew. So when it came time for a big new Marvel movie from the studio they decided to punish the LA Times. They wouldn’t allow their critics into screenings or reporters into the premieres.

The Times explained this to their readers. Disney responded by attacking the Times over journalistic standards:

“We regularly work with news organizations around the world that we don’t always agree with, but in this instance the L.A. Times showed a complete disregard for basic journalistic standards,” Disney said in a statement in response to The Times’ allegations. “Despite our sharing numerous indisputable facts with the reporter, several editors, and the publisher over many months, the Times moved forward with a biased and inaccurate series, wholly driven by a political agenda–so much so that the Orange County Register referred to the report as ‘a hit piece’ with a ‘seemingly predetermined narrative.’ We’ve had a long relationship with the L.A. Times, and we hope they will adhere to balanced reporting in the future.”

Who will stand up for the LA Times journalists? Miller came to the Times from the Hollywood Reporter, a trade publication that won’t cross the studio lest they lose not only access but their big ad budget for Christmas and the awards season. So THR simply reported that this all happened without taking a stand. I don’t see anyone at Variety backing Miller up either.

So Miller hangs out there on his own. But good for him. In time, Disney will have to crawl back to the LA Times– they’re the only newspaper in that town. Meanwhile, reviews aren’t really necessary for Marvel movies. Thor’s fans would have come even if he cooked Loki in a Cuisinart.