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BAFTA Brit Film Academy Favors “Sinners,” “One Battle,” Surprise Snubs “Wicked,” “Avatar,” Amy Madigan, “Marty” Score

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The British Film Academy aka BAFTA announced its nominees today.

The group favored Warner Bros releases “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners.”

The biggest surprise? The snub of Amy Madigan in Best Supporting Actress from “Weapons.” Madigan has won a lot of US awards and is a favorite for the Oscars.

BAFTA also ignored “Wicked: for Good” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” same as the Motion Picture Academy. They also left out the excellent score for “Marty Supreme” by Daniel Lopatin.

BAFTA allows six noms in each category so most everyone excluded by the Oscars made the cut. It does look like they just didn’t take “Weapons” seriously, which is too bad because it’s a terrific, inventive film and Madigan is swell.

Best Film

Hamnet
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sentimental Value
Sinners

Outstanding British Film

28 Years Later
The Ballad of Wallis Island
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Die My Love
H is for Hawk
Hamnet
I Swear
Mr. Burton
Pillion
Steve

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer

The Ceremony, Jack King (director, writer), Hollie Bryan (producer), Lucy Meer (producer)
My Father’s Shadow, Akinola Davies Jr. (director), Wale Davies (writer)
Pillion, Harry Lighton (director, writer)
A Want in Her, Myrid Carten (director)
Wasteman, Cal McMau (director), Hunter Andrews (writer), Eoin Doran (writer)

Children’s & Family Film

Arco
Boong
Lilo & Stitch
Zootopia 2

Films Not in English Language

It Was Just an Accident
The Secret Agent
Sentimental Value
Sirāt
The Voice of Hind Rajab

Documentary

2000 Meters to Andriivka
Apocalypse in the Tropics
Cover-Up
Mr. Nobody Against Putin
The Perfect Neighbor

Animated Film

Elio
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
Zootopia 2

Director

Bugonia, Yorgos Lanthimos
Hamnet, Chloé Zhao
One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson
Sentimental Value, Joachim Trier
Sinners, Ryan Coogler

Original Screenplay

I Swear, Kirk Jones
Marty Supreme, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie
The Secret Agent, Kleber Mendonça Filho
Sentimental Value, Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier
Sinners, Ryan Coogler

Adapted Screenplay

The Ballad of Wallis Island, Tom Basden, Tim Key
Bugonia, Will Tracy
Hamnet, Chloé Zhao, Maggie O’Farrell
One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson
Pillion, Harry Lighton

Leading Actress

Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another
Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
Emma Stone, Bugonia

Leading Actor

Robert Aramayo, I Swear
Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
Jesse Plemons, Bugonia

Supporting Actress

Odessa A’zion, Marty Supreme
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
Carey Mulligan, The Ballad of Wallis Island
Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another
Emily Watson, Hamnet

Supporting Actor

Benicio Del Toro, One Battle After Another
Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
Paul Mescal, Hamnet
Peter Mullan, I Swear
Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value

Casting

I Swear
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sentimental Value
Sinners

Cinematography

Frankenstein
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sinners
Train Dreams

Costume Design

Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
Sinners
Wicked: For Good

Editing

F1
A House of Dynamite
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sinners

Make Up & Hair

Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
Sinners
Wicked: For Good

Original Score

Bugonia
Frankenstein
Hamnet
One Battle After Another
Sinners

Production Design

Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
Sinners

Special Visual Effects

Avatar: Fire and Ash
F1
Frankenstein
How to Train Your Dragon
The Lost Bus

Sound

F1
Frankenstein
One Battle After Another
Sinners
Warfare

British Short Animation

“Cardboard”
“Solstice”
“Two Black Boys in Paradise”

British Short Film

“Magid / Zafar”
“Nostalgie”
“Terence”
“This Is Endometriosis”
“Welcome Home Freckles”

EE Rising Star Award (voted for by the public)

Robert Aramayo
Miles Caton
Chase Infinit
Archie Madekwe
Posy Sterling

Neil Young Gives the People of Greenland Free Streaming of All His Music for 1 Year, And Takes Away All His Music from Amazon

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You may have heard: Neil Young has removed his music from amazon.

If you want to buy it, stream it, etc, his catalog is only at NeilYoungArchives.com

More importantly, Neil is giving the people of Greenland his music for free for one year.

No kidding.

I love Neil because he’s still feisty. Rust never sleeps but he’s still pouring Coca Cola on it.

I’m trying to imagine all those great Greenlanders, whom we’ve driven crazy, blasting “You are like a hurricane” or humming “I’ve seen the needle and the damage done…”

Bravo, Neil! Comes a time when you have to take a stand!

Neil writes about amazon btw:

“Amazon is owned by Jeff Bezos, a billionaire backer of the president,” he wrote. “The president’s international policies and his support of ICE make it impossible for me to ignore his actions. If you feel as I do, I strongly recommend that you do not use Amazon. There are many ways to avoid Amazon and support individual Americans and American companies that supply the same products. I have done that with my music and people who are looking can find it in a lot of other places.”

Harry Styles’ “Aperture” Closing Fast, Electronic Music Single Bumped to Number 2 on Spotify by “Stranger Things” Star

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I had a feeling this might happen.

Even his most ardent fans are not digging Harry Styles’ new single that much.

“Aperture” — released last Thursday — has already been knocked off its perch at number 1 on Spotify and iTunes.

On the former, “Aperture” drops to number 2, replaced by Joe Keery aka Djo. The “Stranger Things” star’s “End of the Beginning” is back at number 1.

On the latter, Styles has fallen to number 3, ousted by Bruno Mars’ “I Just Might.”

Harry will have to release a second single from his new album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” before its release on March 6th. “Aperture” seemed like an odd choice for a comeback single. At best, it’s a dance record for clubs and not something you’d want to hear on the radio. Cross fingers the next one is a banger.

Trump Posts Video of Long Ago Fifth Avenue, With Only White People Evident: “A slightly different time. Never forget!”

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Donald Trump has only one memory of New York at its finest: when only white people were evident.

He’s posted a video — colorized, which is the irony — of New Yorkers promenading down Fifth Avenue during an Easter Parade. Each one is white. There’s no sign of anyone else — no one diverse, as he might say, or Black, Asian, or from any other part of society.

He writes, wistfully: “New York City in a slightly different time. Never forget!”

The men are wearing top hats. The ladies are in their bonnets. The streets are pristine as churchgoers line up for St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

It’s a New York that never existed except in the memories of the myopic. And racist.

The year? Maybe 1930 — or much earlier. When America was Great, when Fred Trump was keeping Blacks out of his apartment houses.

What’s very important to note is that the film looks restored or created by AI. It’s Trump’s fever dream. He had to seek out this video online, or have it made just for him.

Someone should make a movie in which young Trump is time traveled to the South around that time, or Harlem.

This is who 80 million people voted for.

I hope Mike Tyson sees this paradise. He was a guest at the Melania documentary premiere at the White House.

Trump Waving White Flag on Kennedy Center? Maybe Realizing He’s Destroyed It, Whining Post Suggests He Finally Gets That Everyone’s Left

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Trump, on TruthSocial, has suddenly posted this odd statement of possible retreat:

He writes, out of nowhere: “People don’t realize that The Trump Kennedy Center suffered massive deficits for many years and, like everything else, I merely came in to save it and, if possible, make it far better than ever before! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”

Trump has already waved the white flag on Greenland, backing off of armed conflict to get a country no one wants him to have.

He sent out a peace offering to Minnesota governor Tim Walz today, perhaps also having an epiphany that he will be blamed for the deaths of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and Keith Porter.

Now he may have finally understood that there’s nothing left of the Kennedy Center. He fired the board and the staff, and renamed it in his own honor. The result is the Opera Company is leaving, major and minor artists have cancelled performances, and the halls are echoing with no attendance.

He’s still whining that the Center had “massive deficits,” which is actually not true. The Kennedy Center was breaking even, which is all a not for profit arts institution must do — it’s not for profit. It’s not a booming profit center.

Trump will never admit to being wrong, or apologize. But does that post today suggest a rethinking of this unmitigated disaster? Stay tuned…

Super Rockers Stevie van Zandt, Lenny Kaye Help Legendary Singer Dion Celebrate Pre-Broadway Workshop of Musical “The Wanderer”

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The cold wind was whipping off the Hudson River Friday afternoon.

But it was pretty hot at Boulevard Carroll, just off the river on West 55th St. That’s where a rehearsal room was packed to the gills for a workshop presentation of a new Broadway show.

“The Wanderer” is the story of legendary rock and doo wop singer Dion DiMucci, leader of the group The Belmonts.

Dion and the Belmonts remain in the firmament of rock history with songs like “The Wanderer,” “Runaround Sue,” “A Teenager in Love,” “Ruby Baby,” and many more. Then Dion struck his own high note in 1968 with the moving “Abraham, Martin, and John.”

But did you know that Dion was supposed to be on the plane “The Day the Music Died” in 1959 with Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens? He won a coin to get on the plane, then decided it was too expensive — $36! — and gave his seat up to Valens.

Dion also survived a crippling heroin addiction, finally beating it in 1968.

Over the years, DiMucci — inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame early on — has become a senior statesman in the rock and pop world, releasing dozens of highly respected albums including 2015’s “New York Is My Home” featuring Paul Simon, and the excellent “Blues with My Friends” in 2020.

The workshop for “The Wanderer” was the culmination of a few years of gestation on its way to Broadway. The show is full of laughs and tears, produced by Jill Menza with Stevie and Maureen van Zandt, and writer Charles Messina.

They were all there on Friday, as well as the famed guitarist and producer Lenny Kaye of the Patti Smith Band.

Friday’s workshop showcased a bunch of Broadway regulars as well as what I called “ringers” — young stars Olivia Holt (a Disney star who’s been in “Chicago”) and Morgan Dudley (currently appearing in “Hadestown”). I was knocked out by the actor who played Dion — Mike Wartella — and Broadway vet Kingsley Leggs, who should be “discovered” liek recent Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis.

If anything, “The Wanderer” — which includes one song each from Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits — shows off Dion’s deep, unexpected song catalog. Very impressive.

And PS, Dion was right there Friday, a young 86, clearly loving the fact that his career has lasted so long. And did you know that he and his wife, Susan — the real “Runaround Sue” — have been together since the song’s popularity? Amazing.

Kanye West Takes Out Wrenching Ad Apologizing for Behavior, Says A Car Accident 25 Years Ago Caused Brain Damage (Read)

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Kanye West has taken out an ad apologizing for and explaining his reign of terror the last few years.

It’s a wrenching statement blaming a car accident 25 years for his wildly negative behavior that caused him to become vocally antisemitic and self destructive.

His statement is below. Who knows what to make of it? But no one wishes Kanye the pain he claims he’s been in.

“To Those I’ve Hurt: Twenty-five years ago, I was in a car accident that broke my jaw and caused injury to the right frontal lobe of my brain. At the time, the focus was on the visible damage—the fracture, the swelling, and the immediate physical trauma. The deeper injury, the one inside my skull, went unnoticed.

“Comprehensive scans were not done, neurological exams were limited, and the possibility of a frontal-lobe injury was never raised. It wasn’t properly diagnosed until 2023. That medical oversight caused serious damage to my mental health and led to my bipolar type-1 diagnosis. Bipolar disorder comes with its own defense system. Denial. When you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick. You think everyone else is overreacting. You feel like you’re seeing the world more clearly than ever, when in reality you’re losing your grip entirely.

“Once people label you as “crazy,” you feel as if you cannot contribute anything meaningful to the world. It’s easy for people to joke and laugh it off when in fact this is a very serious debilitating disease you can die from. According to the World Health Organization and Cambridge University, people with bipolar disorder have a life expectancy that is shortened by ten to fifteen years on average, and a 2x-3x higher all-cause mortality rate than the general population. This is on par with severe heart disease, type 1 diabetes, HIV, and cancer – all lethal and fatal if left untreated.

“The scariest thing about this disorder is how persuasive it is when it tells you: You don’t need help. It makes you blind, but convinced you have insight. You feel powerful, certain, unstoppable. I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret. Some of the people I love the most, I treated the worst. You endured fear, confusion, humiliation, and the exhaustion of trying to have someone who was, at times, unrecognizable. Looking back, I became detached from my true self. In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika, and even sold T-shirts bearing it.

“One of the difficult aspects of having bipolar type-1 are the disconnected moments – many of which I still cannot recall – that led to poor judgment and reckless behavior that oftentimes feels like an out-of-body-experience. I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.

“To the black community – which held me down through all of the highs and lows and the darkest of times. The black community is, unquestionably, the foundation of who I am. I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us.

“In early 2025, I fell into a four-month long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior that destroyed my life. As the situation became increasingly unsustainable, there were times I didn’t want to be here anymore. Having bipolar disorder is notable state of constant mental illness. When you go into a manic episode, you are ill at that point. When you are not in an episode, you are completely ‘normal’. And that’s when the wreckage from the illness hits the hardest. Hitting rock bottom a few months ago, my wife encouraged me to finally get help. I have found comfort in Reddit forums of all places. Different people speak of being in manic or depressive episodes of a similar nature. I read their stories and realized that I was not alone. It’s not just me who ruins their entire life once a year despite taking meds every day and being told by the so-called best doctors in the world that I am not bipolar, but merely experiencing “symptoms of autism.” My words as a leader in my community have global impact and influence. In my mania, I lost complete sight of that.

“As I find my new baseline and new center through an effective regime of medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living, I have newfound, much-needed clarity. I am pouring my energy into positive, meaningful art: music, clothing, design, and other new ideas to help the world. I’m not asking for sympathy, or a free pass, though I aspire to earn your forgiveness. I write today simply to ask for your patience and understanding as I find my way home.” With love, Ye”

Olivia Dean, Lana Del Rey, Brandi Carlile, Charlie Puth Among Dozens of A-Listers Set for Annual Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Blowout

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It’s Grammy Awards week and as usual, all eyes are on Clive Davis’s night before gala.

This is the 51st year of the dinner hosted and produced by legendary music mogul Davis, who’s 93 (almost 94) and more on top than ever, with the Recording Academy.

I’ve put together a list of stars who are coming and maybe even performing that run the gamut from new hot acts to legends of the music business and show business.

They include — confirmed, I’m told — Brandi Carlile, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Olivia Dean, Lana De Rey, Karol G, Charlie Puth, Cameron Crowe, Tyrese, Bill Maher, Smokey Robinson, Busta Rhymes, Jeff Ross, Mr. Brainwash, and Jennifer Hudson.

Also Gayle King, Gladys Knight, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, JC Chasez, Taylor Dayne, Billy Zane, Melissa Manchester, Valerie Simpson, Max Martin, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and new Oscar nominee Diane Warren.

From past experience, I can tell you this is the tip of the iceberg.

Actual performers for the night — which honors Republic Records’ Monte and Avery Lipman — is kept a secret right up to the last minute. But Republic is the hottest record label in the world, so there’s always a possibility of someone like Taylor Swift or Ariana Grande or even Mariah Carey turning up. When Cher hit the Beverly Hilton Ballroom a couple of years ago, it was like royalty had entered the hallowed atmosphere.

And just remember, Nancy and Paul Pelosi are two frequent flyers at this gathering. So is Joni Mitchell. So you can expect anyone and never be disappointed!

PS Guests may get a little taste of the terrific film Mark Ronson put together for Clive of all his hundreds of hits — like a triple A jukebox, called “Do You Remember?” I’m hoping everyone gets to see it soon on a streaming service!

Is Bob Dylan Publishing a Novel? Releasing an Album? Singer Posts Mysterious Excerpts from Something Called “Articles of Faith”

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What now, Bob Dylan?

The Nobel and Pulitzer prize winner has posted a mysterious and puzzling nod to something coming down the line.

Is “The Articles of Faith” a new album? A novel?

So far there’s no other listing for whatever this, anywhere on the internet.

I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

The actual Articles of Faith refer to Mormon found Joseph Smith, whose 13 statements explain the basic doctrines and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

So really, anything is possible.

PS Around 4pm today, Bob also posted a clip from the Danny Kaye movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” in which Mitty is a riverboat gambler.

Is there a connection? See below.

“Melania” Movie Spurs Republican Club Buyouts of Theaters in Red Areas: Bakersfield, California GOP Group Can’t Even Give Them Away

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You know by now that few people have bought tickets to see Melania Trump’s documentary — infomercial — when it arrives on Friday.

Sales are sparse, to say the least.

So the Republican party has been buying out showings in red areas where they think they can attract crowds.

One screening party is set for January 31st in Bakersfield, California. The local Republican Party is making a night of it for the 7:30pm show, offering free tickets to members and $10 ducats to non members.

So far they’ve managed to reserve just 14 seats. Otherwise, two of the other four shows that day are totally unsold. The 1pm show has six tickets sold.

Down in Miami, the 6:30pm show on January 30th was bought the local GOP club, which is offering $35 tickets through their website.

The Coconut Grove showing is supported by the Federated Republican Women of Miami and The Old Cutler Republican Womens Club, each of which sound ominous. They meet at the Elks Club. Their website is all about preserving conservative values. 

For some reason, this party is asking for personal information from ticket buyers, like Employer Information and Occupation. You can never be too careful.

Me, I’ll  be having my wisdom teeth removed — again!

PS If you know of more Melania premiere parties, please forward all invites to showbiz411@gmail.com

Here’s the current seat map for the Bakersfield party: