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Oscar Wrap Up: National Board of Review Had No Effect on Academy Awards, Ignored “CODA”

Roger Friedman
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Oscar Wrap Up: National Board of Review Had No Effect on Academy Awards, Ignored “CODA”

Here’s how the ridiculous National Board of Review stacked up to the eventual Academy Awards. They bore little resemblance to the real awards as they were based on the subjective considerations of the group’s chairman, and the fact that one of their board members works for A24.

So why do the studios pander to this group? In the end, the NBR got them nowhere. The whole thing is a big waste of time.

Best Film: Licorice Pizza — the Oscar went to “CODA”

Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson — Licorice Pizza — the Oscar went to Jane Campion

Best Actor: Will Smith — King Richard — this was their only correct choice in acting

Best Actress: Rachel Zegler — West Side Story — Zegler wasn’t nominated. Jessica Chastain won for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Best Supporting Actor: Ciarán Hinds — Belfast — the Oscar went to Troy Kotsur, for “CODA”

Best Supporting Actress: Aunjanue Ellis — King Richard — the Oscar went to Ariana DeBose for “West Side Story”

Best Original Screenplay: Asghar Farhadi — A Hero — the Oscar went to “Belfast”

Best Adapted Screenplay: Joel Coen — The Tragedy of Macbeth — the Oscar went to “CODA”

Best Animated Feature: Encanto — this was the group’s choice

Best Foreign Language Film: A Hero — the Oscar went to “Drive My Car”

Best Documentary: Summer of Soul — this was the group’s choice

Best Ensemble: The Harder They Fall — SAG Best Ensemble went to “Belfast”

Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography: Bruno Delbonnel — The Tragedy of Macbeth — the Oscar went to “Dune

Watch Julian Lennon Perform “Imagine” for the First Time Ever to Support Ukrainian Refugees

Roger Friedman
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Watch Julian Lennon Perform “Imagine” for the First Time Ever to Support Ukrainian Refugees

Julian has a new single out this weekend of his own.

But he’s also recorded his first ever version of dad John Lennon’s “Imagine.” He says in the message below he would only sing “Imagine” “if it was the end of the world.” He’s never traded on his father’s name. he changed his mind and made this effort is to support Ukrainian refugees. It’s a beautiful version.

Not for comparison, but the new single is below. Called “Every Little Moment.” It’s really great. It’s been far too long since Julian has released new music. A new album is coming on May 20th. His new stuff is on BMG which likes to keep their releases a secret until they’re completely dead. Let’s try and overcome that this time around.

Imagine 2022

Every Little Moment

PS The Imagine track was instigated by some Global Citizen event today. Do not give them money. Give money to the Red Cross or other sanctioned humanitarian relief groups. Global Citizen spends its money on rock concerts and salaries.

Ronald Reagan’s Would Be Assassin John Hinckley, Jr. Plans Concert in Brooklyn (See Video)

Roger Friedman
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Ronald Reagan’s Would Be Assassin John Hinckley, Jr. Plans Concert in Brooklyn (See Video)

In March 1981, John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. He was convicted and went to prison. He successfully ruined the life of James Brady, who was critically wounded in the attack. Hinckley also wounded police officer Thomas Delahanty, and Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy.

Now Hinckley, recently released from prison, will perform a concert in Brooklyn at the Market Hotel on July 8th. Tickets are $20. The show is billed as “and special guests.” One of them will not be actress Jodie Foster, with whom Hinckley said he was obsessed.

It’s not funny at all even if you want to make jokes. Brady’s life was basically ruined, even though he and his wife, Sarah, became gun control standard bearers and he was admired greatly for his courage. Brady died in 2014. His death was ruled a homicide, but because Hinckley had gotten off on the insanity plea he couldn’t be prosecuted.

Unbelievably, Hinckley indicated on Twitter that this may be the beginning of a tour, he’s taking other bookings. We are really living in the Upside Down World.

Hinckley has also been posting videos to YouTube of himself singing and playing the guitar.

To recap: Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent the next 30 plus years in psychiatric care until his release in 2016. In 2020, it was ruled that he could release music and artwork under his own name.

Rehabilitation of prisoners is one thing. But this is macabre, distasteful, and highly inappropriate. I’m sure it will sell out in minutes.

keep refreshing for more info…

Someone Call 911: Box Office Champ Director Michael Bay Faces Lowest Opening Ever with “Ambulance”

Roger Friedman
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Someone Call 911: Box Office Champ Director Michael Bay Faces Lowest Opening Ever with “Ambulance”

Sirens are wailing all over Hollywood this morning.

Michael Bay, producer and director of blockbusters, is facing his worst opening weekend ever with “Ambulance.”

The Jake Gyllenhaal starring feature made just $2.5 million on Friday. Added to previews, “Ambulance” made $3.2 million for its opening “night.” Another five or six million for Saturday and Sunday means the Ambulance needs to call 911 itself and report a catastrophe.

Bay is known for producing or directing blockbusters, not critically acclaimed films. The biggest numbers in his portfolio are for “Transformers” movies. The last movie he directed, “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” opened to just $16.9 million, a persona low. “Ambulance” will now take its place  on his all time low list.

Granted, the budget for “Ambulance” was about $200 million less than his usual extravaganzas. “Ambulance” probably cost around $50 mil. It was also less poorly reviewed than most of his films, with critics saying basically, it wasn’t as bad as the others. The Rotten Tomatoes score is 69%, which for Bay is the equivalent of an A.

Meanwhile, you’ll be happy to know that “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” made $26 million for Paramount over Thurs-Fri. Hedgehogs never go out of style, especially the sonic kind!

Norah O’Donnell Triumphs Over Naysayers and Tabloids, Signs New Deal to Stay at CBS News

Roger Friedman
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Norah O’Donnell Triumphs Over Naysayers and Tabloids, Signs New Deal to Stay at CBS News

If I were the New York Post, I’d get a new media business reporter.

Three times since last October the Post’s Alexandra Steigrad produced features promising that CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell was on her way out. No one liked her, she had a bad attitude, she spent lots of money, and so on. And her ratings were terrible.

So guess what? O’Donnell — who I think is terrific — has just signed a new deal to keep anchoring the CBS Evening News through the 2024 elections. She’ll host most of CBS News’s other important specials as well. And she’ll keep doing it from Washington, DC, where she moved the show because that’s where she lives, as well.

The Post surmised that O’Donnell would be replaced by CBS Mornings co-host Tony Doukoupil, and that Gayle King would exit “CBS Mornings,” too and go…somewhere else. King signed her new deal to stay in place back in January.

It must be exhausting to be so knowledgeable!

“CBS Evening News” plays on CBS radio every night, and because of that, it’s usually tbe best written of the three nightly network newscasts. It’s my first choice followed by Lester Holt on NBC.

Ratings for all three shows including “ABC World News” with David Muir are less than they were during the tempestuous days of the Biden-Trump election and the early pandemic. But they’re still the go-to half hours when the world is in turmoil, as it is now, and for breaking news. Their demise is greatly exaggerated.

Will Smith’s Severe Punishment Shocks “Civilians,” But What He Did After Slap Was Almost Worse

Roger Friedman
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Will Smith’s Severe Punishment Shocks “Civilians,” But What He Did After Slap Was Almost Worse

The internet is buzzing with shock over the severity of Will Smith’s punishment by the Academy. Ten years suspension, no attending the Oscars for a decade. No participation in Academy activities.

Is it too much? It feels like it. I would have rather seen three years and a joint investigation into what happened, what caused a normally composed person to lose his mind on live TV, a discussion about anger, etc. But right now no one wants to hear that. They just want a pound of flesh.

There’s another element to the whole slap-Oscar ban. What Smith did after the Oscars was almost worse than his act of violence. Having won his Academy Award, Smith skipped the Governor’s Ball completely. That was the first thumbing of his nose. And then he went to Vanity Fair’s celebrity orgy and danced the night away, rapping his greatest hits and really sticking it to the Academy and to Chris Rock.

This part of the evening will haunt him forever, and it should also haunt Vanity Fair. Yes, the Vanity Fair philosophy is that they welcome whoever will get them publicity. It really doesn’t matter what you’ve done.

But by welcoming Smith after this live TV debacle, they affixed their stamp of approval. Smith felt at home in their big drafty tent to do whatever he wanted. They loved it because they were using him. Vanity Fair’s so called leadership has ruined their magazine by having no point of view. This point of view diminishes them in circulation and certainly now editorially.  It’s hard for the magazine to do much more harm to itself, but maybe the remaining readers should consider that Vanity Fair contributed as much to Will Smith’s downfall as he did.

Will Smith Gets 10 Year Suspension from Motion Picture Academy After Infamous Oscar “Slap,” Banned from Show

Roger Friedman
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Will Smith Gets 10 Year Suspension from Motion Picture Academy After Infamous Oscar “Slap,” Banned from Show

Will Smith has received his punishment from the Motion Picture Academy: 10 years suspension. He can’t vote or attend events or get swag.

He will not have to return his new Oscar, however. And he can still be nominated for one, although it’s unlikely. He’s banned from attending the Oscar ceremony for 10 years, too.

As I reported last week, Smith has been hanging out in Dubai with the crowned prince and not dealing with the consequences of his infamous Oscar “slap.”

His projects, however, are in limbo. And his business deals with his new financial partners are sketchy.

But Smith is wealthy beyond belief. He could take off two years and not notice it. Or more, really.

Here’s the Academy’s statement:


The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.

During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented.

Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.

We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast.

This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.

Will Smith Exclusive: Fresh Prince Rescued By Crown Prince of Dubai Days After Oscar Slap Flap

RIP Kathryn Hays, Great Star of “As the World Turns,” Famous for “Star Trek” Episode, Dies at 87

Roger Friedman
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RIP Kathryn Hays, Great Star of “As the World Turns,” Famous for “Star Trek” Episode, Dies at 87

Very sad news: Kathryn Hays, who played Kim Hughes on “As the World Turns” from 1972 til the show’s last episode in 2010, has died at age 87. She was immensely popular first as a heroine and then as a matriarch. Hays played the character with wit and humor, and was legendary for calling her favorite people on the show “Toots” on screen.

When Hays came to “As the World Turns” she already had a long resume and was famous to “Star Trek” fans for an  episode called “The Empath.” Other credits included “Hawaiian Eye,” “Dr. Kildare,” “Route 66,” “Bonanza,”and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” Hays also appeared in three Broadway productions. She came to the soap opera in 1972 after famous Hollywood marriage, to movie star Glenn Ford, from 1966 to 1969. (Sadly, he suffered from alcoholism and depression.)

In a statement, ATWT co-star Don Hastings, who played her husband, Bob Hughes, from 1985 to 2010, said, “Our relationship as Bob and Kim was as close as Kathryn and my relationship, except we were not married. We were more like brother and sister and we were great friends. Our biggest squabble was that she always wanted to rehearse and I wanted to take a nap. This is a huge loss to all who knew her.”

In the 1980s, Meg Ryan played Hays’s stepdaughter and Julianne Moore played her daughter on the long running soap.

Hays had been living near her daughter and her family in Illinois during the pandemic, but died where she’d lived for decades in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Hays, Hastings, and Eileen Fulton and all the stars of the Procter & Gamble New York based soaps live on, on YouTube. Hays will always be remembered fondly.

Star Trek:

Kid Rock’s Bid for Right Wing, Redneck Fans Falls Flat as His “Bad Reputation” Album Flops

Roger Friedman
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Kid Rock’s Bid for Right Wing, Redneck Fans Falls Flat as His “Bad Reputation” Album Flops

Kid Rock claimed he had a bad reputation. But no one cared.

Bob Ritchie released his “Bad Reputation” album a month ago, hoping to cash in one beer swilling, truck driving right wing rednecks.

But Ritchie is a Richie Rich, a private school kid from a wealthy Detroit suburb who grew up in mansion. The whole thing is a fraud, as I and others pointed out. And for the fans he wanted who could read, that scotched the deal.

“Bad Reputation” has been a sales bust — just 25,000 copies including CDs, downloads, and streaming. And you can see the failure on You Tube. The Kid Rock You Tube channel has 1.78 million subscribers. But the title track’s video has had only 213K plays. Ouch!

 

ABC Kicking “Dancing with the Stars” to Disney Plus in Favor of NFL Football Games of All Kinds

Roger Friedman
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ABC Kicking “Dancing with the Stars” to Disney Plus in Favor of NFL Football Games of All Kinds

Say goodbye to “Dancing with the Stars.”

ABC is sending the long running series to Disney Plus for two seasons beginning this fall. The older viewers who watch it will never be able to find it, and we’ll never know if they do.

In its place comes football, football, football. ABC will show more NFL football games, especially from ESPN, and they have a plan for some kind of NFL Football competition game. Maybe the players will dance in the off season!

The jettisoning of “Dancing with the Stars” shouldn’t come as a surprise. The network dumped popular host Tom Bergeron a couple of years ago. They replaced him with Tyra Banks. And the whole enterprise collapsed. Without Bergeron and Erin Andrews, “DWTS” lost its sense of community to its niche followers.

Good luck to these streaming shows. Older viewers simply don’t engage with Roku or Apple TV or Amazon Prime the way they do regular TV. For most it’s another remote control to think about. And there are no ratings reported for streaming. So now all of these things depend on subscriptions. Just ask Judge Judy. Her IMDB Channel show is a mystery to her syndication fans who are still watching 10 and 20 year old reruns rather than figure out Smart TV.

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