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Apocalypse Confirmed: American Music Awards Extended Through 2023

Roger Friedman
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No one ever expected these things to do on forever. Did we? I mean, seriously? I just got a press release that the American Music Awards and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve are going to be on ABC for another decade. A decade. Through 2023-2024.  Really? Can you imagine who the second tier music stars will be by then? And the whole ball drop thing from Times Square? Ryan Seacrest in 2023?

This is what we have to look forward to, for better or worse. Won’t all these things be gone on Google Glass, in hologram form? One thing’s for sure, I will be on another planet by then. Or teaching Scientology on the moon. But that’s the news. Yikes.

Oh PS the music stars: look around at all the available six year-olds now, and imagine them in 10 years. All the Jolie – Pitt children will be involved, Suri Cruise will be a pop star, Jaden and Willow Smith will get the Lifetime Achievement Award, Paris Jackson will host.

Justin Bieber Egging Case Could Be a Felony, Manager Posts More Aphorisms

Roger Friedman
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Justin Bieber Egging Case Could Be a Felony, Manager Posts More Aphorisms

Justin Bieber’s egg case has been presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney in Van Nuys, California. The possibilities are a felony or misdemeanor count, or nothing. for consideration for criminal filing. Their office says: “The District Attorney’s Office will review the case and will decide whether to file the case as a felony or misdemeanor, or to reject the case.”

Of course, a felony charge would cause a sensation. Bieber could well be deported back to Canada. His career hangs in the balance here and in two other situations where charges have yet to be filed.

Meantime, his manager, Scooter Braun, continues to Tweet aphorisms galore. He’s like a living Hallmark greeting card.

 

and never lose sight of the important stuff:

Philip Seymour Hoffman: Who Made the Cut for the Private Wake and Funeral

Roger Friedman
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Philip Seymour Hoffman: Who Made the Cut for the Private Wake and Funeral

UPDATE: The funeral guests included Meryl Streep and most of those mentioned below. The tragedy of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death cannot be overstated.  If you ranked every actor working now, he’d come up in the top 5. He might have been number 1. That loss is secondary to what his family is experiencing. He will never be forgotten.

Earlier: The wake for Philip Seymour Hoffman was star studded. But of course it resembled a Hollywood event in many ways. A source tells me certain guests were assigned the wake Thursday night and the funeral Friday morning. Some people didn’t make the cut. They’ve been assigned to a memorial service sometime in March.

Only when Hollywood publicists come to town, kids, does a funeral turn into an event you can be blocked from. All they were missing at Frank E. Campbell was a velvet rope. It was quite different from, say, Marvin Hamlisch’s open viewing  there in 2012.

Among the familiar faces were the most grieving, I think: Cate Blanchett and husband Andrew Upton. They brought Hoffman to Australia a couple of years ago to direct a production of “True West.” Hoffman stayed with them and their families were close. Also Paul Thomas Anderson, who directed Hoffman in “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “Punch Drunk Love,” and “The Master.” For a while, Hoffman used to boast, you couldn’t watch a PTA movie without him it.

Hoffman’s co-stars from “The Master,” Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams also attended, as well as Ben Stiller, Josh Hamilton, and Phil’s “Almost Famous” co-star Billy Crudup. A devastated Mike Nichols — who directed Hoffman in “A Death of a Salesman” on Broadway– came with wife Diane Sawyer. Nichols looks like he’s aged from the news of Hoffman’s death.

I guess there will be stake outs in the morning at St. Ignatius of Loyola for more sightings. And maybe a Hollywood publicist with a head set. I always say, I wish Robert Altman could come back and film all of this.

U2 Will Collaborate with “Once” Director For New Film Set in Dublin

Roger Friedman
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U2 Will Collaborate with “Once” Director For New Film Set in Dublin

Great news: U2 is set to collaborate with “Once” director John Carney on a new film set in Dublin. “Sing Street” will shoot this summer in Dublin. Carney not only wrote and directed “Once,” which became a hit Broadway musical. He has a new wonderful film coming from The Weinstein Company maybe this summer. “Can a Song Save Your Life?” is a New York-set version of “Once” with terrific music from Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois from New Radicals.

The new film is described as  “semi-autobiographical, inspired by John’s life and love for music, tells the story of 14-year-old “Cosmo”, a kid growing up in 80’s Dublin. Cosmo must break free of a home strained by his parents’ relationship and money troubles, deal with his drop-out older brother’s antics, and survive a new public school where the kids are rough and the brothers are tougher. So he writes a song, forms a scrappy band with some school mates, writes more songs, and shoots some wicked music videos.  How to shoot pop videos in a recession ridden country? Beg, borrow and steal. And steal. But when he realizes he can’t save his family, he must make a family of his own. What better way than to start than to run away with 15-year-old wannabe model girlfriend across the sea to London, the Emerald city, where their shared dreams might, or might not come true.”

It’s unclear whether U2 will supply new songs or old ones, or songs from their latest album which is due this spring.

George Clooney: He’s Made Up with “American Hustle” Director David O. Russell

Roger Friedman
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George Clooney: He’s Made Up with “American Hustle” Director David O. Russell

“American Hustle” director David O. Russell once had a string of bad relationships in the film business. Chief among them was George Clooney, who starred in Russell’s excellent (look at it now and see how good it is) “Three Kings.” The pair left the movie more bloodied and bruised than the characters who fought the Gulf War. (There was a reported physical altercation.)

On Tuesday night at the premiere of “Monuments Men” I asked Clooney what he thought of Russell’s recent triple successes– “The Fighter,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” and “American Hustle.” It’s been quite a happy turnaround since those dark, early days.

Clooney didn’t hesitate to praise Russell. “Look,” he said, “there came a time when I just said to him, Is this going to go on forever? We’ve got to shake hands and let it go.” Clooney, an unofficial world peace ambassador, knows how to be a good diplomat. “We put it behind us,” Clooney said. “And that’s great.”

Whether the pair will ever make a movie again together is unclear, and unnecessary. They made their masterpiece. “Three Kings” really holds up.

Woody Allen’s Son, Moses Farrow, Stands Up for His Father

Roger Friedman
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Woody Allen’s Son, Moses Farrow, Stands Up for His Father

“My mother drummed it into me to hate my father for tearing apart the family and sexually molesting my sister. And I hated him for her for years. I see now that this was a vengeful way to pay him back for falling in love with Soon-Yi.”

With those words in People magazine, Moses Farrow may have finally clarified the twenty two year Woody-Mia tug of war. Moses was one of the two children adopted by Woody Allen and Mia Farrow. Dylan was the other one. Ronan– known first as Satchel, then Seamus– was their biological child.

Moses is now 36 years old. He’s a talented landscape photographer and has a social work degree. He tells People that Woody never molested Dylan, and that Mia Farrow is basically behind all the brouhaha that’s gone since the fall. The Frank Sinatra stuff, the nasty Tweets, the baseless accusations– all Mia’s doing.

Of course Woody did not molest my sister,” says Moses. “She loved him and looked forward to seeing him when he would visit. She never hid from him until our mother succeeded in creating the atmosphere of fear and hate towards him. The day in question, there were six or seven of us in the house. We were all in public rooms and no one, not my father or sister, was off in any private spaces. My mother was conveniently out shopping. I don’t know if my sister really believes she was molested or is trying to please her mother. Pleasing my mother was very powerful motivation because to be on her wrong side was horrible.”

“Our mother has misled the public into believing it was a happy household of both biological and adopted children,” he says. “From an early age, my mother demanded obedience and I was often hit as a child. She went into unbridled rages if we angered her, which was intimidating at the very least and often horrifying, leaving us not knowing what she would do.”

Here’s the most interesting part of the People story. The magazine says this comes from Dylan but it sounds like Mia. Dylan writes, “My brother is dead to me.” Wow. That’s powerful and so filled with anger. She doesn’t say, I’m sorry Moses feels this way. I wish we could talk. How Mia Farrow has divided her family in order to get revenge on Woody Allen, that’s the saddest part of the story.

And still I ask– where is Mia’s public sympathy and support for the young boys her own adult brother, John Farrow, molested? He’s in jail after an actual conviction.

 

Oscars? Remember Them? Ballots Go Out on February 14th

Roger Friedman
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Oscars? Remember Them? Ballots Go Out on February 14th

You may wonder what happened to the Oscars? It seemed like we were talking about them endlessly. Then, nothing. Nada. Silence.

Well, this year the Oscars are on March 2nd– a little later than usual. Ballots aren’t mailed out to voters until February 14th. They must be back by February 25th.

Because of Academy rules, once the nominations are announced, the wining and dining ends. During this final period, there is no campaigning. Voters are supposed to watch the movies and make some heavy decisions.

This is a highly contentious year. Three movies– “American Hustle,” “12 Years a Slave,” and “Gravity”–are considered the leading candidates for Best Picture. None really has an edge. Of the three directors involved, Alfonso Cuaron is the odds on favorite for the Oscar for “Gravity.” He’s won the Directors Guild and a bunch of other awards.

But David O. Russell (“Hustle”) and Steve McQueen (“12 Years”) are not shabby choices. They’re just as good as Cuaron. In fact, it could be argued that they actually directed more actors. Cuaron just had Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. But he created a whole new 3D process and gave “Gravity” its astonishing look.

Matthew McConaughey won the Golden Globe and SAG Awards for Best Actor. Does this mean he’s in? Not necessarily. Bruce Dern’s performance in “Nebraska” is sensational and caps a long career. Hollywood loves him. I’d like to see him win. Leonardo DiCaprio has never won, but has been nominated many times. Shouldn’t he get a shot?

Jared Leto, I think, does have Best Supporting Actor sewn up. Jonah Hill will have to wait. Barkhad Abdi is just that lovely nod to Hollywood’s famed strike of lightning. Bradley Cooper was solid, but he’s going to get a lead award one day. Michael Fassbender, ditto.

Cate Blanchett is unshakeable as Best Actress. This is a hot category, too. Please. Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Judi Dench– all at the top of their games. Sandra Bullock– give her an award this year for most gracious, endearing, best dressed, in best humor. Do I love this woman? I do. She made Oscar season easy.

Lupita N’yongo may indeed win Best Supporting Actress. “12 Years is a Slave” is her first movie, her first anything since she graduated from Yale Drama School. Jennifer Lawrence has won a few awards for “Hustle,” but she just won Best Actress last year. She’s 23. Take a breath. She’ll be around a long time.

I did think Oprah Winfrey would win this category, but she was egregiously overlooked. Octavia Spencer, too. That leaves Cate’s “Blue Jasmine” partner Sally Hawkins, who is destined for big things.  And June Squibb, who gave “Nebraska” its heart and soul. And Julia Roberts, who might surprise everyone. But she has an Oscar, and is probably happy just to be back for the first time since her win in 2001 for “Erin Brokovich.”

Meanwhile, the latest news is that newly minted Grammy winner Pharrell Williams will be performing at the show on March 2. I’ve no doubt U2 will perform their nominated song from “Mandela.” As we get closer, expect big announcements from producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan.

Exclusive: Bob Dylan Got $5 Million for that Chrysler Commercial

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Bob Dylan Got $5 Million for that Chrysler Commercial

Stand back, kids. Bob Dylan, I am told, got in the neighborhood for that Chrysler commercial that ran during the Super Bowl. That’s separate for the money that was charged to Chobani yogurt for use of his classic song “I Want You” in another commercial that aired earlier during the game.

Dylan’s pay day on Sunday was pretty good, no matter how you slice it.

That $5 million was split by him and his music publisher. I’m told it was put together by Sony/ATV Music’s Marty Bandier. But the tight lipped CEO of the company co-owned by Sony and Michael Jackson’s estate, refused to comment when I asked him about it.

Bandier is having a banner week. The money coming in from The Beatles this week should be impressive as well. CBS has their Sunday night special. Radio stations are playing the Beatles catalog. David Letterman is having a Beatles week. And that box set of US releases in selling very well.

Plus, he’s got Carole King’s “Beautiful” musical on Broadway.

But the Dylan commercials shocked everyone on Sunday. Dylan’s music has been in Super Bowl commercials before. But this business of appearing in one, and hosting it, was something new. He narrated and acted in the Chrysler commercial, and they used his song “Things Have Changed.”

They sure have. Now I guess you could say he’s Tangled Up in Dough.

PS The Chobani commercial was narrated by none other than Mandy Patinkin. It may the most expensive Yogurt commercial ever!

 

George Clooney, A List Pals Celebrate Monuments Men at Gala Premiere

Roger Friedman
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George Clooney, A List Pals Celebrate Monuments Men at Gala Premiere

Just before another storm hit New York, it was time for an A list movie premiere. George Clooney hit town last night at the Ziegfeld with “Monuments Men,” followed by Columbia Pictures’ swanky party at the Metropolitan Club. The whole cast did the night, although Cate Blanchett skipped the soiree lest some new wanker blame her for Woody Allen’s family problems. The poor woman!

Anyway, Clooney was in good company with Matt Damon, John Goodman, Bob Balaban, Bill Murray, Hugh Bonneville (that’s Lord Grantham to you, from “Downton Abbey”) and producer Grant Heslov. And they were in good company with the likes of Joel Coen showing up, as well as Regis and Joy Philbin, Vanity Fair’s Graydon Carter, Vogue’s Anna Wintour, actor Richard Kind, art dealer Larry Gagosian, and “Gravity” director Alfonso Cuaron among the guests.

Clooney was accompanied by his parents, the affable Nick and Nina, not to mention his singer god-daughter Nora Sagal, niece of Katy Sagal. Nora entertained with her band in one of the rooms at the Metropolitan Club. She also has a featured singing spot in the movie.

I also ran into an old friend– the delightful actor and writer Malachy McCourt (his brother was Frank McCourt, author of “Angela’s Ashes”). McCourt’s wife’s cousin is the widow of one of the real Monuments Men, who saved all the European art from the Nazis.

Bill Murray posed with some West Point cadets who came down for the screening. Women flocked to George as if he were wearing catnip. Jean DuJardin, Best Actor two years ago for “The Artist,” proved he can speak in English and also dazzle the ladies. Clooney had some long chats with Cuaron (remember, George is in “Gravity”). The Metropolitan Club was bursting and bubbling.

Best story of the night happened in the theater. Regis, in form, walked right down the aisle at the Ziegfeld and plopped down in the wrong seats. They belonged to Graydon Carter and his wife Anna. “I don’t know, someone put me here,” said Reege, as if gathering material for the next morning’s show. Joy looked exasperated. Finally, ushers were deployed to figure it all out.

Quipped Graydon with perfect comic timing: “I often come into my office in the morning, and there he is, sitting there.”

photo c2014 Showbiz411

Melissa Leo to Join James Franco in “The Fixer,” plus Steve Carell Is One of the “Lunatics”

Roger Friedman
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Melissa Leo to Join James Franco in “The Fixer,” plus Steve Carell Is One of the “Lunatics”

EXCLUSIVES: It’s going to be a hot summer for Melissa Leo. She’s joining James Franco in “The Fixer,” a movie not based on the famous novel by Bernard Malamud. Ian Olds is directing this screenplay about a war journalist (Franco) who’s been in Afghanistan but suddenly finds himself doing crime reporting in Northern California. That’s where they’ll shoot this film, as well as in Morocco, this summer. Let’s hope they have lots of SPF. Paul Felton co-wrote the script with Olds.

This seems in some way derived from a 2009 documentary directed by Olds called “Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi.” Olds previously edited Franco’s interesting take on “As I Lay Dying” and his “Kink” documentary. He also directed Franco’s vanity doc “Francophenia” and his unseen “Saturday Night Live” documentary…

…More concretely, Steve Carell, I hear, is attached to “Lunatics.” Universal has the rights to the very funny novel by “SNL” legend Alan Zweibel and humorist Dave Barry. Two lunatics are needed, and I also hear that Jack Black is being talked about. It’s a very “Odd Couple” story about two suburban dads, one of whom runs a pet store called The Wine Shop. Let’s cross our fingers that the script– written by Zweibel and Barry– is as funny as the novel, and that they get a good director…

 

 

 

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