Ricky Gervais created “The Office” with partner Stephen Merchant. He also made a couple of cameos during Steve Carell’s final season two years ago. But Ricky told me last night that he won’t be making any more appearances– even though “The Office” will end its run this winter after nine seasons. Ricky told me: “I did it, there’s no need for more.” Ricky also won’t be hosting the Golden Globes this year. “I did it three times, which was two times too many,” he said. Ricky will be succeeded by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, who come from NBC shows–the same network that hosts the Globes. Hopefully that won’t curtail their natural irreverence. Meantime, Gervais made a lasting impression last night at “Stand up for Heroes,” doing a bit on How Not to Get AIDS. You can see it on YouTube and on www.standupforheroes.com
Carrie Fisher Has a Yoda Recast in Mind (See Video)
The once and always Princess Leia has posted a typically funny video to her Facebook page hot on the heels of news that she, Mark Hamill, and Harrison Ford may be re-activated for the “Star Wars” sequels. Carrie spoofs Princess Leia in her traveling show, “Wishful Drinking.” But everyone in the cosmos wants to see her and the original gang.
Liza Minnelli Is A Living, Ebullient New York Landmark
Liza Minnelli is now a Living Landmark thanks to the Landmarks Conservancy. At last night’s ritzy black tie dinner in the Plaza Hotel ballroom, Liza was an enthusiastic honoree, taking the stage with gusto if not exactly balance. She may have been wetter than a granite landmark during the hurricane or simply “overtired” from listening to many excellent speeches and the wittiest emceeing of the year by our pal and favorite gal, Liz Smith.
I don’t know how Liz does it. She took over the Living Landmarks in 1996, and continues to guide this incredibly important event with such humor and grace, and a twinkle in her eye. She’s perched on a stool on stage with Peter Duchin and his famed band behind her, slyly talking these well heeled types into more and more donations that protect New York’s iconic buildings from being ripped down. (The inspiration for landmarks–the demolition in the early 60s of the real Penn Station, and in the late 70s of the Bonwit Teller building that become Trump Tower.)
Besides Liza, the other landmarks included both Jimmy Nederlander Sr. and Jr., who keep Broadway going and are the first ever father and son to receive the honor; financiers and philanthropists Peter Malkin and E. John Rosenwald, Jr., famed chef Daniel Boulud, and the great author (“The Power Broker”) Robert Caro. Each gave fun, personal thank yous. Boulud even popped open a bottle of vintage Champagne on stage to toast the evening.
What a gang Liz has rounded up for this affair, just as she does with Literacy Partners. It’s every banker and billionaire who loves New York and wants to prevent it from being further ripped down or detonated into a glass box. The audiene ranged from Pete Petersen of Blackstone Partners to legendary archeologist and connoisseur Iris Love, who kept me amused through dinner. (Did you know Iris has Brooke Astor’s dachshunds at her country house? Brooke’s famously awful son and daughter in law wanted to put them to sleep!)
And Liza? She’s still here. She has a lot of energy, and she’s a dear. But maybe put her on at the beginning of the night next time. She did say, “I came to New York when I was 14, and I wanted to be on Broadway immediately.” It took her a while she said, “But I did it all myself.” And then broke into song. She still puts on quite a show, kids. Damon Runyon, whose name was invoked at least once last night, woulda loved her.
Denmark’s “Royal Affair” Amps Up Foreign Film Category
Review by LEAH SYDNEY:
“A Royal Affair” — Denmark’s period drama for the upcoming foreign film category– won the AFI Audience Award last night in L.A. This grand epic is romantic, heartbreaking and beyond absorbing. Suffice to say it’s catching Hollywood by powerful surprise. This gripping film, expertly directed by Nikolaj Arcel, adroitly blends actual historical events in 18th century Denmark, which include the real life affair between Princess Caroline Matilda who was married off at age 15 to eccentric King Christian VII of Denmark.
Caroline–the sister of mad King George lll of Great Britain–played with heartfelt yearning by Alicia Vikander. King Christian is portrayed with maddening madness by Mikkel Folsgaard).
In history, Caroline began an affair with her husband’s full time physician turned chief minister, the stoic at first then love-struck Johann Struensee (Mads Mikkelson.) Caroline and Struensee share an overwhelming passion for each other. She is also captivated by his forward thinking, and intellectual investment in the Enlightment. Struensee’s rise to power and the implementation of these very ideas ultimately sealed their sad fate.
Superb acting, smart directing, perfectly polished dialogue, combined with luscious sets and lavish photography, this film is truly sublime, intoxicating and fascinating on every level. Add this to a group of foreign films including “The Intouchables,” “Amour,” and “Kon Tiki” that will make this category hotter than it’s been in years this Oscar season.
A Royal Affair opens today in New York and Los Angeles, and rolls out to the art theater market shortly.
Bruce Springsteen Auctions Guitar, Concert Tix for $110,000 at Annual Show for Soldiers
Bruce Springsteen auctioned off a signed guitar, plus six tickets to one of his shows and a backstage tour for $110,000 last night. It does seem that Springsteen may have run out of motorcycles–that’s what he’s sold off at previous annual “Stand Up for Heroes” shows put on ABC News’ Bob Woodruff and his wife Lee in conjunction with Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox of Caroline’s Comedy Club.
Even in the freezing cold the Beacon Theater was sold out last night to see Bruce and wife Patti Scialfa, plus Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais, John Mayer and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. The night is for returned soldiers who’ve survived terrifying impairments. “Stand Up for Heroes” is about laughing and music and showing these guys a good time. The people you meet on the red carpet are real celebrities–missing limbs, whole bodie reconstructed or confined to a wheelchair, disfiguring accidents.
And even with stars aplenty, it’s the most mellow red carpet of the year, run by Frank PR like a class reunion.
Every year Springsteen comes, and plays, and tells a couple of dirty jokes. This year was no exception. And after he got off two such jokes, he and Patti sang “Land of Hope and Dreams” and “Working on A Highway.”
You may be able to see some of the performances at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIAMfh8TfqU
John Mayer, recovering from throat surgery, jumped from his chauffeur driven SUV to the carpet to the theater. He’s not allowed to speak. On stage he played guitar, an instrumental version of “The Long and Winding Road.” He didn’t look happy, but he’s having a tough time.
Roger Waters of Pink Floyd is featuring his segment on www.pinkfloyd.com. It’s Roger playing with a band of vets from Walter Reed Army Hospital. It’s a fearless, moving segment.
The comedy bits came from Robin Williams, Jon Stewart, Ricky Gervais, and finally, Patton Oswalt. Much of it was off color, too hard to reprint. you had to be there. All of it was outrageous fun.
The Woodruffs, Hirsch, and Fox have turned “Stand Up For Heroes” into an annual event, coming from Bob’s near-fatal accident in Iraq in 2006. It’s turned their life into a mission. Hirsch and Fox literally go to the mats to put on a five star spectacle for the soldiers–it’s the most patriotic night in New York.
photo copyright c2012 Showbiz411
Daniel Day Lewis Spoofs Clint Eastwood and His Chair
Two time Oscar winner Daniel Day Lewis, star of “Lincoln,” had a lot of fun with Clint Eastwood and with Rupert Murdoch last night at BAFTA/LA’s Britannia Awards. Here’s how LEAH SYDNEY took it down for us. Video Link at the bottom:
Daniel-“Please excuse me if I’m a little bit groggy. I was up till probably 2 am in the morning last night watching CNN. I have to say that I’m so extremely grateful and glad that taking time out of his very busy schedule, the recently re-elected President of the country has made it here. “
He then pointed to the empty chair on the stage.
“I know as an Englishman it’s absolutely none of my business, but I’m just so very grateful it was you. I love Clint Eastwood. This is no satirical comment on his politics or anything else. But I have to say, when I saw him talking to a chair in front of a room rull of strangers, I thought I’ve got to try that. That’s a challenge. I didn’t pull it off quite as well as him, but anyhow, I’ve got some way to go.”
Daniel then added, “I might be the only who’s phone hasn’t been hacked. I don’t know where Rupert’s boys where when I staggered out of the S and M bar on Kent street with a military explosive on my back dressed in a Mussolini costume. “
“I feel if I go down in flames having desecrated the beloved memory of Lincoln, I’ll probably never rise again. I’ve been blessed by immeasurable good fortune. I’ve never publicly acknowledged the debt I owe my mother. Without any evidence to base it on she had faith in me, even when I didn’t’. All I ever wanted to do was just to work as an actor, I’m quietly amazed by this whole thing.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vo2EeipXCo&feature=player_embedded
Oscars Are Turning Into One Big Musical Event: Rob Ashford Added
The Oscars are turning into one big freaking musical, that’s for sure. First “Chicago” producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron were hired to produce the show. Now Rob Ashford’s coming on as choreographer. Add to that the idea that “Les Miserables” is going to be nominated in, like, every category from Best Picture and Director (Tom Hooper) to all kinds of things for Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway and others in the cast. Then, consider that the Academy has restored the five nominees rule for Best Song. And that Adele — if we’re lucky– will sing “Skyfall” (it had better be nominated for Best Song). Are you following this? The 2013 Academy Awards are going to be like a show stopping Busby Berkeley musical. Who knows? Maybe host Seth MacFarlane can sing, too!
“Skyfall” Director Sam Mendes “Considering” Directing New Two James Bond Films
Exclusive: Sam Mendes, director of the new James Bond movie “Skyfall,” says he’s “considering” directing the next two Bond movies. John Logan is writing a two parter for Bonds 24 and 25. No director has been announced yet but since Mendes and Logan made such a good team it would seem like the director would repeat as well. At last night’s Britannia Awards in Hollywood, our LEAH SYDNEY spoke to Mendes. He told her when she asked about 24 and 25: “I’m considering it. I still need to rest, but I am considering it.” Mendes also said he was “thrilled” that everyone loves “Skyfall” so much, but reiterated: “I loved doing it, but it took two years really. I need a rest now.”
So someone get this man a couch quickly, and some slippers!
The British Academy Of Film And Television Arts ‘Britannia Awards,’ took place at the Beverly Hilton. Hosted by the game and witty Alan Cumming, the awards will be broadcast on BBC America on November 11th.
Winners included Daniel Craig, Daniel Day Lewis, and Trey Parker and Matt Stone of “South Park” and “Book of Mormon” fame.
Power tables abounded. At one table, Harvey Weinstein was sitting in between Quentin Tarantino and Kerry Washington. Amy Pascal coming over to say hit to both. Next table over was Daniel Day Lewis, sitting with his wife Rebecca Miller and Sally Field and Steven Spielberg.
At the table next to them, Daniel Craig with Rachel Weisz, Sam Mendes. Right before the show, Daniel Craig made a beeline to bear hug Daniel Day Lewis, to which Steven then joined. Steven whispered something in Daniel Craig’s ear that cracked up the usually stern faced 007. (Maybe it was: “You can play Andrew Jackson in my next film.”)
When Daniel Craig came back from bathroom he kind of leaped down the stairs, he looked just like James Bond in his natty tux.
Josh Gad presented Trey Parker and Matt Stone with the Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy. Before the show Josh told us that he really was ordained as a rabbi for Anne Hathaway’s recent wedding to Adam Schulman. “I had to be to marry Anne and Adam.”
On stage the star of “1600 Penn” on TV and formerly the “Book of Mormom” said that, “Matt and Trey are afraid of nothing and capable of anything. Many love them, some hate them, but no one can deny they are a force of nature and a voice of their generation.”
Trey Parker said, “Coming from the Brits is especially cool because without Monty Python we wouldn’t be here. When we were 8 we thought you guys faked that accent to be funny. It wasn’t till we were 24 and went to London that we realized it was a country. We wouldn’t be here if you were French.”
Roger Corman then gave Quentin his John Schlesinger Britannia Award for Excellence in Directing. Roger said of Quentin, “He is unbelievably imaginative, relentless and innovative. I remember being blown away by Reservoir Dogs. I’d like to think of Quentin as my rebel in arms. He has guts, he understands cinema and no on loves motion pictures as much as Quentin.”
Quentin Tarantino said- “Getting this award handed to me by Roger Corman, well it’s iconic to say the least.” Tarantino went on to explain his love for the Brits. “This is my 20th year officially in the business. The Brits consider me one of their own since Reservoir Dogs was a big hit over there first. I thank Sally Menke who is no longer with us, and of course Harvey.”
Harrison Ford presented Daniel Craig with the Britannia Award for British Artist of the Year.
Ford: “Daniel Craig is redefining Bond for the 21st century. He’s a complete professional, he brings his good taste and he is a viscerally emotional actor. It’s a rare set of skills to take on an icon like Bond, he makes it his own. “
Judi Dench appeared in a video as Bond’s boss M. She said: “007, I send you my very best wishes with an enormous kiss on the mouth. And tongue.”
Daniel then went up, looked at Harrison and said, “You won’t remember this, you were very drunk, but years ago I told you the reason I wanted to be an actor was to be in a movie with you. ”
Steven Spielberg then introduced Daniel Day Lewis to present him with the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film. Spielberg said: “He is included in our pantheon of great actors. He is part our time. Every performance is a command one. Every one of his characters results in incredulous introspection, which is still a mystery to me. He made our 16th President so real to me, that when the experience was over, I felt a terrible loss.”
Godfather of Soul James Brown Will Be Played in Film by Unknown
James Brown, Godfather of Soul, is coming to the movies courtesy of “The Help” director Tate Taylor. But Taylor told our intrepid LEAH SYDNEY that “Mr. Brown”– which is what they should call the movie since that what James liked to be called– some inside scoop that contradicts previous reports. Mr. Brown will be played by an unknown.
Taylor said: “Right now the project is in development. We’re getting the script back from the Butterworth brothers (Jez and John-Henry who recently wrote ‘Fair Game’) and we’re going to hopefully do it next summer.”
Does he have an actor in mind?
Taylor: “That’s my job. Script first. But it will probably be an unknown. It could be anybody. With an iconic role like this, an unknown will probably be the best route. Someone who can become somebody.”
Taylor was at the Samsung Mobile launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note ll at famed designer’s Kelly Wearstler’s Beverly Hills home. Joining him to check out all the cool technology that the phone has to offer were his “Help” Academy Award winning pal Octavia Spencer, Liam Hemsworth, Christina Aguilera, Vanessa Hudgens, Julianne Hough, Luke Wilson, Eliza Dushku, Jaime-Lynn Sigler and Allison Janney.
Lately there’s a Samsung event every few days somewhere, which is why, I guess, the Galaxy SIII has overtaken the iPhone 5.
Brian Grazer and Mick Jagger are producing the James Brown film, by the way, which makes sense. According to Keith Richards, he and Mick learned all their moves from Mr. Brown when Ronnie Spector took them to see him at the Apollo Theater in the early 60s. Brown, who died in 2006, rose from a childhood of poverty and violence to becoming one of the most important and vital black artists in history over his six decade career. Brown himself was involved with Grazer in the earlier development of the project.
Mick Jagger Remembers A Lot More Than We Thought in “Crossfire Hurricane”
I can’t wait to see Bret Morgen’s “Crossfire Hurricane” on a big screen next week. But watching at home on a TV is what most people will do when it airs on HBO on November 15th. And that’s where it probably works best, because “Crossfire Hurricane” is an intimate look at the Rolling Stones on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. Alas, it’s only two hours long, so the film– which seamlessly reviews a lot of archival film, unseen clips and long forgotten home movies with voice overs from the Stones now–stops short in the 1980s.
That’s right, there needs to be a part 2. Much of “Crossfire Hurricane” concentrates on the Stones early days through around 1980, with much emphasis on the band’s rise from R&B roots to rock superstardom to the death of Brian Jones, the tragedy at Altamont and the second burst of success from “Brown Sugar” through “Exile on Main Street.” Morgen barely gets through the exit of Mick Taylor and arrival of Ronnie Wood, and never gets to much about Bill Wyman, his departure, or what came next as the Stones determined to make the twenty year marathon from “Steel Wheels” to today. Whew! “Crossfire” really could be volume 1 of a trilogy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iecBKNWn6hc
What do we learn? A lot. For one thing, Mick Jagger, who’s always said he remembers nothing, has a very good memory. Because Keith’s book proved him an excellent chronicler, we’re not surprised about his recollections. Jagger, who produced the film with his partner Victoria Pearman, comes off as quite lucid, cogent, and spot on. In early clip an interviewer observes that all of the Stones were well educated but pretend not to be interviews. But Jagger, who famously went to the London School of Economics, found himself at a young age on a chat show discussing the rage and desires of the Stones rabid fans. And to say he “got” it is an understatement. The whipping of crowds into a frenzy was not an accident.
“Crossfire” is full of rarities, forgotten bits, and discoveries. It’s completely absorbing. Particularly interesting, at least to me, was the decline of Brian Jones, his firing and death, how it was handled. Also Mick Taylor admitting he left the band, the biggest rock and roll band in the world, to protect himself and his family from Keith Richards’ drug problems.
And there are also great ‘home movies’ of Jagger and Richards writing their first songs together. Unlike John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, they were not composing as teenagers. They were already past their first album of covering blues songs when manager Andrew Loog Oldham told them they had to come up with material. It starts pouring out of the pair organically. While Richards is always thought to be the genius song builder, you see Jagger’s brilliance in the collaboration.
Believe it or not, there’s no gossip in “Crossfire”– drugs, yes, but no kiss and tell, no wives or kids, girlfriends, hookups, etc. Anita Pallenberg and Marianne Faithfull are footnotes. There’s no time for it because “Crossfire” sticks close to performance, composition and how they’re shaped. It makes you think that after all this time, the difference between the Beatles and the Stones is like film vs. theater. The Stones were and are made for the stage–a theater, stadium or the world. While George Martin directed the Fab Four in little masterpiece recordings, the Stones were more concerned with their live interaction. It’s the reason why 50 years later fans are spending thousands of dollars to see them one more time this winter.