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L.A. Film Critics Tie “Gravity” and “Her” for Best Picture, plus Dern, Blanchett, Exarchopolous, Cuaron

Roger Friedman
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L.A. Film Critics Tie “Gravity” and “Her” for Best Picture, plus Dern, Blanchett, Exarchopolous, Cuaron

The LA Film Critics couldn’t make up their minds about much today. Or they wanted lots of winners to come to their dreary awards dinner. They had a tie for Best Picture, Actress, and Supporting Actor. Best Picture went to “Gravity” and “Her.” Each is a Warner Bros. release. So I do give a special LAFCA award to Warner Bros. and Sue Kroll. Mazel tov!

BEST ACTRESS is a tie between Cate Blanchett and Adele Exarchopolous from “Blue is the Warmest Color.” Their second tie today. People don’t even wear ties in Los Angeles. Come on.

BEST ACTOR: LA homeboy Bruce Dern wins Best Actor for “Nebraska.” Chiwetel is runner up. Screenplay award goes to “After Midnight” by Richard Linklater and Julie Delpy. How nice. Ridiculous but nice. “Her” is runner up. Sorry, Spike. So well written.

UPDATE:”Gravity” director Alfonso Cuaron gets Best Director. Why not? Spike Jonze is runner up. Steve McQueen was ineligible because they think he’s dead.

They give Best Doc to “Stories We Tell” and runner up to “The Act of Killing.” Latter will win Oscar. Now they’ve gone to lunch because that was exhausting!

The L.A. Film Critics, irrelevant to the last drop, are voting now. So far they’ve picked Lupita Nyong’o for Best Supporting Actress, and a tie for Best Supporting Actor– Jared Leto from “Dallas Buyers Club” and James Franco for “Springbreakers.” All that and $2.50 will get you on the subway.

Keep updating for more of their choices. Film editing went to “Gravity.” Production design went to “Her.” They love Alexander Payne so maybe “Nebraska” will be their choice. (They’ve given him a lot of awards.) That’s my prediction at 12 noon Pacific time.

They gave best score to “Inside Llewyn Davis,” which is mostly old songs covered by new people. Their runner is Arcade Fire’s “Her.” which is all new. Brilliant.

Last year the LA Film Critics (there are really maybe three who matter) chose “Amour” for Best Picture, Paul Thomas Anderson for Best Director “The Master,” they had a tie (they like ties) for Best Actress- Jennifer Lawrence for “Silver Linings Playbook” and Emmanuelle Riva for “Amour.”

Has anyone in their right mind ever watched “Amour” again since last year’s Oscar race? I hope not.

Best Supporting Actor went to non actor Dwight Henry for “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” Amy Adams got Best Supporting Actress for “The Master.”

Their other most recent Best Picture winners were “The Descendants” and “The Social Network.” So, good for them.

The annual ceremony is conducted at the Intercontinental Hotel in Century City with no press or much of a reception. There’s usually something more interesting go on in town while that’s happening.

Paul Walker “Unofficial” Memorial: L.A. Sheriff’s Dept Brace Themselves for Crowds

Roger Friedman
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Paul Walker “Unofficial” Memorial: L.A. Sheriff’s Dept Brace Themselves for Crowds

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Dept. is bracing itself for a big crowd today in Santa Clarita, California. According to an LASD press release, they’ve been monitoring social networks. And a lot of people are coming to Santa Clarita for an unofficial memorial for Paul Walker and Roger Rodas. It’s sort of fun to imagine Lee Baca working Facebook and Twitter for inside dope on his community.

Original Press Release

Attn. News Media Only: Media Staging Area Sunday at Unofficial Paul Walker Memorial in Santa Clarita

A large number of people have stated their intentions via social media to memorialize the deaths of actor Paul Walker and Roger Rodas on Sunday, December 8, 2013 in unofficial/unsanctioned caravans and gatherings. The area where the crash occurred is not compatible with the large number of cars or people expected Sunday. Traffic mitigation efforts to avoid gridlock are planned as indicated in the news releases below.

On 12/07/13 this was posted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on known event Facebook pages that have shared openly on social media that they intend to caravan to and/or be at the site on Sunday, December 8, 2013.

(News Release) AVOID AREA: Parking Restrictions & Heavy One Way TRAFFIC Sunday: Rye Canyon Loop, SCV. Unofficial Paul Walker Memorial
We know that many considerate people plan to go to pay their respects at the site of this tragedy. Yet, given how many people are sharing on many social media sites that they plan to go on Sunday, we are concerned that the streets can’t handle the number of cars entering the area without gridlock. Also, there is very limited public parking which will fill quickly. There are no public restrooms, and it was 30-48° F at the site today. So, if you do decide to go, please be patient and plan accordingly. Obey all traffic and parking laws so it is a safe day and there are no other tragedies. We really do not want to cite or tow any cars, but have to be ready to do so to maximize the safety of everyone. Our plan to address the traffic is in the news release below, as are social media links for updates about traffic at the sit. Please have a safe Sunday

Nelson Mandela’s Name Doesn’t Appear Once in Ronald Reagan Official 784 Page Diaries

Roger Friedman
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Nelson Mandela’s Name Doesn’t Appear Once in Ronald Reagan Official 784 Page Diaries

UPDATE: I published this back on August 17th. But because people are searching for it, I thought I’d republish now. It’s sort of amazing that Reagan, the president of the 1980s, had no thoughts or conversations about Nelson Mandela languishing in an island prison for what became 27 years. The diaries are 784 pages and weigh almost 3 pounds.

FROM AUGUST 17TH, 2013: There’s a debate raging that Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” is not fair to Ronald Reagan about apartheid. In fact, both Nancy and Ronald Reagan come off very well in “The Butler.” But as far as apartheid goes, it’s best to go to Douglas Brinkley’s officially sanctioned book, “The Reagan Diaries.”

A couple of things– the word Mandela never comes up in eight years, not once. Reagan says he “detests” apartheid, but does nothing about it. He refuses to implement sanctions against Botha and the South African government. Reagan doesn’t like Bishop Desmond Tutu. (He’s “not a fan of Desmond Tutu.” He notes that Rev. Billy Graham questions Tutu’s “stature.” Reagan says he will veto a sanctions bill, and eventually does. The congress overrode him.

Here are the pertinent diary entries, all written by Reagan himself:

March 30, 1983

Pres. Kaunda of Zambia arrived. A good meeting & lunch. I think he feels good about the trip. We made clear we detest Apartheid but believe we can do better with S. Africa by persuasion—

Monday, November 24

Met with Zulu Chief Buthelezi of S. Africa. I admire him greatly. I told him I was not a fan of Bishop Tutu.

Friday December 7, 1984

Bishop Tutu of S. Africa came in. I’m sure he is sincere in his belief that we should turn our back on S.A. & take actions such as sanctions to bring about a change in race relations. He is naïve. We’ve made considerable progress with quiet diplomacy. There are S. Africans who want an end to Apartheid & I think they understand what we are doing. American owned firms in S.A. treat their employees as they would in Am. This has meant a tremendous improvement for thousands & thousands of S.A. Blacks. There have been other improvements but there is still a long way to go. The Bishop seems unaware, even though he himself is Black, that part of the problem is tribal not racial. If apartheid ended now there still would be civil strife between the Black tribes.

December 14, 1984

Billy Graham for dinner tonight. Very interesting— his experiences in the Soviet U. & S. Africa. He questions the stature of Bishop Tutu.

 January 21, 1985

It seems like Monday but then yesterday seemed like Sunday. Geo. Bush reported on his day in Atlanta— the various programs celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’ s birthday. Bishop TUTU of S. Africa took advantage of the day to kick me & our admin. around.

Monday, February 4

Met with So. African Chief of Zulus, Gatsha Buthelezi. He’s a very impressive man— well educated & while dedicated to ending apartheid in S. Africa still is well balanced & knows it will take time. I’d quoted him in my own speeches before I ever met him.

Wednesday, June 11th

Staff briefings— this time with Sec. Shultz on hand. Some discussion of S. Africa & the legislation some in Cong. are cooking up to have us take extreme actions like taking Am. investment out of S.A.— Sanctions etc. Of course then we’d have no contact or ability to help rid them of apartheid. Besides Am. investment is only 1% of S.A. investment.

 Friday, July 26

Staff meetings here in W.H. & then an NSC meeting in the old treaty room. Subject S. Africa. We’ve quietly influenced the S.A. G. to a number of changes benefitting Blacks. Now our Congress yielding to demonstrations, etc. is debating legislation to impose sanctions on S.A. Govt. We’re opposed. It isn’t a solution to the problem of apartheid & it will hurt the very Blacks we’re trying to help. I think we’re all agreed on continuing & even stepping up our present program but resisting the other. We’re off to Camp David. From there I’ll call Margaret Thatcher at George Bushes house— sorry we can’t get together while she’s here.

September 9, 1985

Saw our Ambas. off on his return to S. Africa. Then at 10: 30 I went before the press & read a statement about the exec. order I would sign listing things we were going to do with regard to Apartheid in S. Africa. Many were things included in the Cong. bill calling for sanctions. I explained these were things I would agree to but eliminated parts of the bill I did not favor & that I would veto the bill if it came to my desk. This wouldn’t have been necessary if I had line item veto.

Congress eventually overrode Reagan’s veto of the bill to impose sanctions. After this, there’s no mention again from 1986 to Reagan’s exit in January 1989 of South Africa or apartheid:

October 2, 1986

Today’s Senate vote should not be viewed as the final chapter in America’s efforts, along with our allies, to address the plight of the people of South Africa. Instead, it underscores that America — and that means all of us — opposes apartheid, a malevolent and archaic system totally alien to our ideals. The debate, which culminated in today’s vote, was not whether or not to oppose apartheid but, instead, how best to oppose it and how best to bring freedom to that troubled country.

I deeply regret that Congress has seen fit to override my veto of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986. Punitive sanctions, I believe, are not the best course of action; they hurt the very people they are intended to help. My hope is that these punitive sanctions do not lead to more violence and more repression. Our administration will, nevertheless, implement the law. It must be recognized, however, that this will not solve the serious problems that plague that country. The United States must also move forward with positive measures to encourage peaceful change and advance the cause of democracy in South Africa.

 Now is the time for South Africa’s Government to act with courage and good sense to avert a crisis. Moderate black leaders who are committed to democracy and oppose revolutionary violence are ready to work for peaceful change. They should not be kept waiting. It would be tragic to lose this opportunity to create a truly free society which respects the rights of the majority, the minority, and the individual. There is still time for orderly change and peaceful reform. South Africans of good will, black and white, should seize the moment.

 Note: H.R. 4868, which passed over the President’s veto on October 2, was assigned Public Law No. 99 – 440.

Box Office: “Catching Fire” Crosses $673 Million Worldwide this Weekend

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: “Catching Fire” Crosses $673 Million Worldwide this Weekend

On kind of a static weekend at the box office, there’s still an arrow piercing the air. “The Hunger Games” Catching Fire” will cross the $600 million mark tomorrow worldwide. (UPDATE Worldwide total is $673 mil as of Sunday.) Jennifer Lawrence and pals made $7.7 mil last night in the US, and continue their run at numero uno.

Lawrence, who’s 23 years old, has an Oscar, presumably has millions from this franchise, and is staring at a possible Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in “American Hustle.” She just won Best Actress ten months ago for “Silver Linings Playbook.” She still seems to be acting fairly normal, but I wouldn’t blame her if she started bathing in diamonds and Fuji water.

Elsewhere, the best new movie of the week, “Inside Llewyn Davis,” is selling out its limited run. Go see this movie and “Nebraska” this weekend. More importantly, “12 Years a Slave” is waiting for you.

These films are instant classics. We’re lucky to have so many great releases this year, along with “Philomena,” and the forthcoming “Lone Survivor,” “American Hustle,” “August Osage County,” and “Mandela.”

It’s interesting to see which ‘good’ movies hit and which don’t. Ron Howard’s “Rush” was largely ignored. When you buy it or rent it soon, you’ll see what a terrific piece of filmmaking this is.

 

Grammys Snub Timberlake, Allow Pink’s Album from Last Year, Are Mostly a Fail

Roger Friedman
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Grammys Snub Timberlake, Allow Pink’s Album from Last Year, Are Mostly a Fail

The Grammy nominations are bewildering and a little more awful than usual. Announced last night, the Grammys failed to put Justin Timberlake’s “The 20/20 Experience” up for Best Album even though it was, and it was the best selling album of the year. Instead they stuck it in the Pop Album category, which is not shown on TV and is kind of a throwaway.

Neither Timberlake hit, “Suit and Tie” nor “Mirrors” is nominated for Best Song or Best Record.

But Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” a hodgepodge of other songs, and Bruno Mars’s “Locked in Heaven,” which rips off The Police, are nominated in those categories.

The contenders for Album of the Year include Daft Punk, Sara Barielles, the ubiquitous Taylor Swift, and Kendrick Lamar.

Most bizarre: several nominations for Pink’s “Just Give Me a Reason,” released in the eligibility period for the Grammys that have already passed. Pink’s album and its singles should not be eligible again, for this coming year. WTF?

No nominations for Elton John’s superior “Diving Board” or Paul McCartney’s “New.” David Bowie’s great album was stuck in Best Rock Album.

Oy gevalt.

Somehow an unreleased version of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” from their “Celebration Day” soundtrack, made it into Best Group Performance, Rock.

Alicia Keys was thrown a bone for best R&B album for “Girl on Fire.”

Maybe now we know why so many hit acts went for the American Music Awards. They knew they wouldn’t be at the Grammys.

It’s a mess, that’s for sure. What a shame.

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Just Give Me A Reason,” P!nk, Nate Ruess & Jeff Bhasker, songwriters (P!nk Featuring Nate Ruess)
“Locked Out Of Heaven,” Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence & Ari Levine, songwriters (Bruno Mars)
“Roar,” Katy Perry, Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee & Henry Walter, songwriters (Katy Perry)
“Royals,” Joel Little & Ella Yelich O’Connor, songwriters (Lorde)
“Same Love,” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis & Mary Lambert, songwriters (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Mary Lambert)

BEST DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
“Get Lucky,” Daft Punk & Pharrell Williams
“Just Give Me A Reason,” P!nk Featuring Nate Ruess
“Stay,” Rihanna Featuring Mikky Ekko
“Blurred Lines,” Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. & Pharrell Williams
“Suit & Tie,” Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Blessed Unrest,Sara Bareilles
Random Access Memories, Daft Punk
good kid m.A.A.d. city, Kendrick Lamar
The Heist, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Red, Taylor Swift

BEST NEW ARTIST
James Blake
Kendrick Lamar
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Kacey Musgraves
Ed Sheeran

RECORD OF THE YEAR
“Get Lucky,” Daft Punk & Pharrell Williams
“Radioactive,” Imagine Dragons
“Royals,” Lorde
“Locked Out Of Heaven,” Bruno Mars
“Blurred Lines,” Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. & Pharrell Williams

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE
“Brave,” Sara Bareilles
“Royals,” Lorde
“When I Was Your Man,” Bruno Mars
“Roar,” Katy Perry
“Mirrors,” Justin Timberlake
BESTPOP VOCAL ALBUM
Paradise, Lana Del Rey
Pure Heroine, Lorde
Unorthodox Jukebox, Bruno Mars
Blurred Lines, Robin Thicke
The 20/20 Experience: The Complete Experience, Justin Timberlake

BEST DANCE RECORDING
“Need U (100%),” Duke Dumonf f/A*M*E&MNEK
“Sweet Nothing,” Calvin Harrisf/Florence Welch
“Atmosphere,” Kaskade
“This Is What It Feels Like,” Armin VanBuuren f/Trevor Guthrie
“Clarity,” Zedd f/Foxes

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONICA ALBUM
Random Access Memories, Daft Punk
Settle, Disclosure
18 Months, Calvin Harris
Atmosphere, Kaskade
A Color Map of the Sun, Pretty Lights

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE
“Always Alright,” Alabama Shakes
“The Stars (Are Out Tonight)” David Bowie
“Radioactive,” Imagine Dragons
“Kashmir,” Led Zeppelin
“My God Is the Sun,” Queens of the Stone Age
“I’m Shakin’,” Jack White

BEST ROCK SONG
“Ain’t Messin’ ‘Round,” Gary Clark Jr., songwriter (Gary Clark Jr.)
“Cut Me Some Slack,” Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear, songwriters (Paul McCartney & Nirvana)
“Doom and Gloom,” Mick Jagger & Keith Richards, songwriters (The Rolling Stones)
“God Is Dead?” Tony Iommi & Ozzy Osbourne, songwriters (Black Sabbath)
“Panic Station,” Matthew Bellamy, songwriter (Muse)

BEST ROCK ALBUM
13, Black Sabbath
The Next Day, David Bowie
Mechanical Bull, Kings of Leon
Celebration Day, Led Zeppelin
…Like Clockwork, Queens of the Stone Age
Psychedelic Pill, Neil Young & Crazy Horse

BEST ALTERNATIVE ALBUM
The Worse Things Get …, Neko Case
Trouble Will Find Me, The National
Hesitation Marks, Nine Inch Nails
Lonerism, Tame Impala
Modern Vampires of the City, Vampire Weekend

BEST METAL PERFORMANCE
“T.N.T.,” Anthrax
“God Is Dead?” Black Sabbath
“The Enemy Inside,” Dream Theater
“In Due Time,” Killswitch Engage
“Room 24,” Volbeat f/King Diamond

COUNTRY

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
Night Train, Jason Aldean
Two Lanes Of Freedom, Tim McGraw
Same Trailer Different Park, Kacey Musgraves
Based On A True Story, Blake Shelton
Red, Taylor Swift

BEST COUNTRY SONG
“Begin Again,” Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)
“I Drive Your Truck,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington & Jimmy Yeary, songwriters (Lee Brice)
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)
“Merry Go ‘Round,” Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)
“Mine Would Be You,” Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington & Deric Ruttan, songwriters (Blake Shelton)

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE
“I Drive Your Truck,” Lee Brice
“I Want Crazy,” Hunter Hayes
“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert
“Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker
“Mine Would Be You,” Blake Shelton

BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
“From This Valley,” The Civil Wars
“Don’t Rush,” Kelly Clarkson Featuring Vince Gill
“Your Side Of The Bed,” Little Big Town
“Highway Don’t Care,” Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
“You Can’t Make Old Friends,” Kenny Rogers With Dolly Parton

R&B

BEST R&B ALBUM
R&B Divas, Faith Evans
Girl On Fire, Alicia Keys
Love In The Future, John Legend
Better, Chrisette Michele
Three Kings, TGT

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE
“Love and War,” Tamar Braxton
“Best of Me,” Anthony Hamilton
“Nakamarra,” Hiatus Kaiyote f/Q-Tip
“How Many Drinks?” Miguel f/Kendrick Lamar
“Something,” Snarky Puppy with Lalah Hathaway

BEST R&B SONG
“Best Of Me,” Anthony Hamilton & Jairus Mozee, songwriters (Anthony Hamilton)
“Love And War,” Tamar Braxton, Darhyl Camper, Jr., LaShawn Daniels & Makeba Riddick, songwriters (Tamar Braxton)
“Only One,” PJ Morton, songwriter (PJ Morton Featuring Stevie Wonder)
“Pusher Love Girl,” James Fauntleroy, Jerome Harmon, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (Justin Timberlake)
“Without Me,” Fantasia Barrino, Missy Elliott, Al Sherrod Lambert, Harmony Samuels & Kyle Stewart, songwriters (Fantasia Featuring Kelly Rowland & Missy Elliott)

BEST AMERICANA ALBUM
Old Yellow Moon, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
Love Has Come for You, Steve Martin & Edie Brickell
Buddy and Jim, Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale
One True Vine, Mavis Staples
Songbook, Allen Toussaint

BEST MUSICAL THEATER ALBUM
Kinky Boots
Matilda
Motown the Musical

Kirstie Alley Tells Howard Stern: “There are Tens of Millions of Scientologists in the World”

Roger Friedman
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Kirstie Alley Tells Howard Stern: “There are Tens of Millions of Scientologists in the World”

Kirstie Alley is crazy, and it’s sad. She attacked Leah Remini on the Howard Stern Show this week. “There are tens of millions of Scientologists in the world,” Alley told Stern.This is utterly ridiculous. Estimates are about 40,000. You hear Alley blow smoke through every orifice at 34:00 minute mark on the audio below.

Alley told Stern that when she told her mother she was joining Scientology, mom handed her a dictionary and said look up the word Cult. Unfortunately Kirstie didn’t know how to use the dictionary. So she saw the definition as “new culture.” She’s the most dangerous kind of celebrity.

Here’s the Webster Merriam definition of cult: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cult

: a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous : a situation in which people admire and care about something or someone very much or too much: a small group of very devoted supporters or fans

Stern asked if Alley is upset with Leah Remini. She says anyone who goes against her religion is “my enemy.” “I’ve blocked her on Twitter because she’s a bigot.”

Alley doesn’t acknowledge that Scientology is a cult, it’s not a religion. Scientology gained tax free status with the IRS, and now they call themselves a religion.

Robin Quivers: “You do you have a religion that kicks people out??”

Alley: “No.” Pause. “Well it depends.”
More from the Dictionary (Kirstie, honey, have someone read this to you):
Full Definition of CULT
1
: formal religious veneration : worship
2
: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
3
: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents
4
: a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator
5
a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad
b : the object of such devotion
c : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion

 

 

“NCIS: New Orleans” Casts for Its Main Characters (Exclusive)

Roger Friedman
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“NCIS: New Orleans” Casts for Its Main Characters (Exclusive)

Since “NCIS” is the biggest thing since the cronut, and “NCIS: LA” is a spin off hit, why not branch out? The next edition is set in New Orleans and tentatively titled “NCIS: New Orleans.” And just like “Homeland,” this TV show will have a Brody– only she’s a she and “Grace Kelly”-like. And an Agent Pride. Because. He’s proud!

Here’s today’s casting call for the second spin off to CBS’s most surprising blockbuster hit ever– “Big Easy” edition. One day there will cross overs. And we’ll find Cote de Pablo in “NCIS: Chile.”

PS There had better be plenty of authentic music, food and humidity in this show. All the agents will be sweating profusely. Powdered sugar a must!

[NCIS SPECIAL AGENT D. PRIDE] 50s, MALE, charismatic and full of life, a man who savors every
moment but can be rock-solid and strong when needed. He’s stubborn, direct, physical, determined,
no-nonsense and incredibly astute… SERIES LEAD, ANY ETHNICITY

[NCIS SPECIAL AGENT C. LASALLE] Mid 30s, MALE, handsome and sexy, born-and-bred Louisiana,
lean and muscular, a former Sheriff’s deputy who’s been through some rough times and is determined
to bounce back. Tough, clever, devilish, charming, sweet and raw… SERIES REGULAR, ANY
ETHNICITY

[NCIS SPECIAL AGENT M. BRODY] 30s, FEMALE, from the Great Lakes office, full of insights, no nonsense,
put together, a government employee façade on an Ivy League mind, Brody is Grace Kelly-like
in her class, pomp and circumstance. She’s unpredictable, passionate, dedicated, loyal, surprising,
hot, funny, fierce, generous, secretive, vulnerable and, above all, determined to be the best female
agent NCIS has ever known… SERIES REGULAR, ANY ETHNICITY

[DOCTOR L. WADE] 40s, FEMALE, outspoken and seriously on her game. She’s often intentionally full
of contradictions. She’s odd, eccentric, with a sense of humor, void of social boundaries, and loves
college football. She also doesn’t give herself enough credit for still being quite a looker… SERIES
REGULAR, ANY ETHNICITY

_____________________________________________________________________________________

SHOWBIZ411 READERS: CHECK OUT GORGEOUS XMAS GIFTS AT SUSAN LENNOX JEWELLERY WWW.SUSANLENNOXJEWELLERY.COM

Nelson Mandela Dead at 95: Reactions from Hollywood

Roger Friedman
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Nelson Mandela Dead at 95: Reactions from Hollywood

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.”

Morgan Freeman on the passing of Nelson Mandela.

Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century. Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength, and unyielding resolve—a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind. As we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we’ve come, but on how far we have to go. Madiba may no longer be with us, but his journey continues on with me and with all of us.

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 [sic] 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 out stared 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.”

Sex Shocker: Leo DiCaprio A Human Candelabra In Wild Scorsese Movie

Roger Friedman
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Sex Shocker: Leo DiCaprio A Human Candelabra In Wild Scorsese Movie

Reports coming back from Martin Scorsese‘s “Wolf of Wall Street” starring Leonardo DiCaprio  have nothing to do with the length of the movie (three hours). But there are some other lengths that people may be comparing. One of them is said to be a thick dripping red candle inserted into the “Titantic” star’s derriere by a dominatrix.

Apparently, she waxes, while he wanes.

Another is a question of whether Jonah Hill goes full “Wahlberg” or if a prosthetic is involved in another scene in which Hill has a public moment of exposure.

The DiCaprio candle scene, one spy said, reminded viewers of Madonna’s wax dripping scene from “Body of Evidence.”

“All the actors have a lot of skin in this game,” reports one spy.

All of this is based on the true life recollections of not-imprisoned-long enough Wall Street Jordan Belfort, who apparently has his own Hitchcock like scene in “Wolf.” Some other cameos are said to include curmudgeonly writer Fran Lebowitz, who was once the subject of a Scorsese documentary. A few people have pointed out that shoe tycoon Steve Madden is played by Jake Hoffman, Dustin Hoffman’s talented actor son.

But back to the sex. “Wolf” is said to be the sex equivalent of the violence from “GoodFellas.” There are said to be orgies on planes, in living rooms, just about everywhere. The only person who isn’t naked is Matthew McConaughey, who I’m told does give a sublime performance in one scene–just as I thought from the original trailer. He could wind up competing against his “Dallas Buyers Club” co-star Jared Leto in Best Supporting Actor.

So far, “Wolf” has been overlooked by the New York Film Critics Circle. But as critics groups roll out their awards, the Scorsese film– which sounds like a crowd pleaser– is undoubtedly going to turn up on many top 10 lists including the Academy Awards.

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The Real ‘Philomena’ Takes on NY Post Critic in Full Page NYTimes Ad: “I Forgive You” For Saying Movie is Anti-Catholic

Roger Friedman
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The Real ‘Philomena’ Takes on NY Post Critic in Full Page NYTimes Ad: “I Forgive You” For Saying Movie is Anti-Catholic

Thank God for Harvey Weinstein. He not only knows how to spot a PR opportunity but can make it into an issue. And that’s important in a movie biz that lacks marketing pizzazz or genius. The New York Post’s usually sensible movie critic Kyle Smith wrote a crazy review of Stephen Frears’s “Philomena.” He said the movie was anti-Catholic. Harvey must  have thought, Thank you Kyle. Now Harvey’s taken out a full page ad in the New York Times with a letter from the real Philomena Lee addressed to Smith.  It’s all great, and every entertainment writer is thankful to all these people. Meantime, everyone loves “Philomena.” Kyle Smith must have had a bad lunch that day. Dame Judi’s getting an Oscar nomination. And the film may be a Best Picture nominee.

Here’s Philomena’s letter:

 

Dear Kyle,

 

Having just had a film – and not long before that, a book – made about my life has been a surreal experience, needless to say. I worked for nearly thirty years as a nurse in a psychiatric hospital, a job that some days was emotionally grueling but in which I relished every moment of service. The rest of my time has been spent focusing on my family. All told, I’m a humble woman who has spent a quiet life in Ireland, probably as far as one can get from the chaotic lights and busy chatter of the Hollywood and media world.

 

It wouldn’t normally be in my nature to comment on a movie review like yours, not just because this is all something new and foreign to me. I consider myself a woman of devout views but also one of considerable open mindedness. However, I must tell you that your take on PHILOMENA has moved me to respond.

 

Your review of the movie paints its story as being a condemnation of Catholicism and conservative views. It states that the relationship depicted between Mr. Martin Sixsmith and myself comes across as contrived and trite, and funny for all the wrong reasons. Forgive me for saying so, Kyle, but you are incorrect.

 

What Stephen Frears did with Martin’s book is something extraordinary and quite real. Stephen’s take on the story of Martin and me searching for my long lost son, who I hadn’t spoken of to a single soul in fifty years, has overwhelmingly spoken to those who have seen it in a very positive light. For that I am intensely grateful, not just because people the world over have watched the movie with open hearts and embraced me for coming forward with the truth after all this time. The story it tells has resonated with people not because it’s some mockery of ideas or institutions that they’re in disagreement with. This is not a rally cry against the church or politics. In fact, despite some of the troubles that befell me as a young girl, I have always maintained a very strong hold on my faith.

 

Kyle, Stephen’s movie about my story is meant to be a testament to good things, not an attack. It is a testament to the undying bond that’s exists between mothers and their children, something that I’ve found time and distance have no bearing on. It is a testament to the willingness to never give up on keeping that bond alive, even if all odds are pointing you against it. It is also a testament to the fact that no matter how old we grow, there is always a chance we will meet someone, however different from us, that might impact our views on humanity and help guide us on a new, if perhaps unforeseen, path.

 

Once again, let me state that all in all, Stephen, Martin and I have been incredibly fortunate in receiving such a warm response to the movie. Not everyone has to love it, or take much away from it, but I speak on behalf of all of us in saying that what we don’t want is its message to be misinterpreted. You are entitled to an opinion of course, as we all are. Just as I forgave the church for what happened with my son, I forgive you for not taking the time to understand my story. I do hope though that the families heading to the movie theatre to see the film decide for themselves – and disagree with you.

 

Sincerely,

Philomena Lee

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