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The Oscars Are Officially Happening March 27th, at the Dolby Theater, with A HOST, and Glenn Weiss Directing

Roger Friedman
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The Oscars Are Officially Happening March 27th, at the Dolby Theater, with A HOST, and Glenn Weiss Directing

The Oscars are happening, officially. And there will be a host, as announced this morning by ABC.

Award winning director Glenn Weiss will be at the helm on March 27th. The show returns to the Dolby Theater at Hollywood and Highland.

Omicron be damned! Full speed ahead. I don’t care if we have to wear hazmat suits! Of course everyone will have to be vaxxed and masked.

Will Packer is producer. Now who is the host? Please, Academy, get a host. Get Jimmy Kimmel. Include all the songs. Do a tribute to Marvel and have all the super heroes on stage. Have all three Spider Men appear throughout the show. Don’t have the evening end with “Drive My Car” getting Best Picture.

Anyway, we’re back!

Sunday Ratings: “Dexter” Finale Kills “Euphoria” Debut In Rare Showtime Victory Over HBO

Roger Friedman
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Sunday Ratings: “Dexter” Finale Kills “Euphoria” Debut In Rare Showtime Victory Over HBO

It’s rare that Showtime outdraws HBO in head to head competition. In fact, it may never have happened before.

But Sunday night the Showtime series finale of “Dexter: New Blood” was an actual hit. The Michael C. Hall bloodbath brought in 814K viewers in its first viewing. The Showtime people must have opened bottles of something. The show was was a killer, as Dexter might say. Unfortunately, he will not be returning, except maybe as a ghost. (Maybe he can join CBS’s “Ghosts.” Now, THAT I would watch!)

Over on HBO Prime, the Season 2 premiere of “Euphoria” was murdered by “Dexter.” Just 254,000 fans returned for the new season on HBO Prime at 9pm. But HBO says the total is 2.4 million including HBO Max and all platforms. They say it set a record on HBO Max.

As for the HBO Prime number, the only one that’s verified: Euphoria” star  Zendaya is in the record-breaking “Spider Man” movie playing right now and is poised to be a Big Star. But the teen hedonism of “Euphoria” may not play as well during the pandemic. We’ll see.

HBO needn’t worry. They just swamped the Golden Globes with wins for “Mare of Easttown,” “Succession” and “Hacks.” And “The Gilded Age” is coming, which is going to be an enormous hit.

Round Up: Spider Man Eyes $700 Mil, RIP Maria Ewing, Seinfeld Gets A-Rod for a Neighbor, Publicists Get Applause

Roger Friedman
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Round Up: Spider Man Eyes $700 Mil, RIP Maria Ewing, Seinfeld Gets A-Rod for a Neighbor, Publicists Get Applause

Here are a few things rambling around today:

BOFFO “Spider Man: No Way Home” will finish in 4th place on the all time box office list. The Marvel-Sony movie is at $670 million, and will chip away to the $700 million mark over the next ten days. That’s as far as it will get on the all time list, but hey, not bad…

CONDOLENCES to actress and “Passing” director Rebecca Hall. Her mom, famed opera singer Maria Ewing, died yesterday in Detroit at age 71. Ewing performed in 90 operas at the Met and was known all over the world. She was married to Rebecca’s legendary director dad, Peter Hall, in the 1980s. Ewing was a beautiful woman and also half African American, a story that had been told many times but was featured on Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s latest episode of “Finding Your Roots.” Ewing’s story prompted Rebecca to direct “Passing,” based on a 1939 book. No cause of death has been given…

JERRY SEINFELD is a notorious Mets fan (he comes from Long Island).  So it’s unclear how he’ll feel when former New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez comes looking for a cup of sugar. But A Rod is Seinfeld’s new neighbor in the very very upscale swanky Beresford Apartments on Central Park West. According to reports, A Rod paid $9.9 million for his spread (so it must be small) and “begged” the co-op board to let him in. A Rod cheated at baseball, doped, had a year’s suspension, and was very unpopular on the Yankees. But he’s proven crime pays, which is the American way, after all.

CONGRATS to all the nominees for the ICG Publicists Award. The awards are given out on March 25th in Los Angeles at a luncheon at the Beverly Hilton, God willing. All these people worked hard on movie and TV campaigns and deserve a round of applause. They are:

LES MASON AWARD FOR CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN PUBLICITY
Jackie Bazan – Agency, BazanPR
Kira Feola – Awards Publicist, Walt Disney Studios
Gabriela Gutentag – Unit Publicist
Sheryl Main – Unit Publicist
Leonard Morpurgo – Independent Publicist
David Waldman – EVP Domestic Publicist, Paramount Pictures

PUBLICIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

Michelle Alt – Studio Domestic Publicist, Paramount Pictures
Hayley Morrow – Studio International Publicist, Paramount Pictures
Annalee Paulo-Hensley – Agency Publicist, 42West
John Pisani – Unit Publicist
Claire Raskind – Unit Publicist
Marshall Weinbaum – Studio Global Publicist, Walt Disney Studios

EXCELLENCE IN UNIT STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD – MOTION PICTURES
Chiabella James 
Matthew Kennedy
David Lee
Daniel McFadden
Hopper Stone

EXCELLENCE IN UNIT STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD – TELEVISION
Justin Lubin
Atsushi Nishijima 
JoJo Whilden
Nicole Wilder
Chuck Zlotnick

PRESS AWARD

Kyle Buchanan – The New York Times
Tim Leong – Entertainment Weekly
Nekesa Mumbi Moody – The Hollywood Reporter
Andy Reyes – Entertainment Tonight
Adam Weissler – Extra TV

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA AWARD
Vera Anderson – Cine Premiere (Mexico)
Yong Chavez – ABS-CBN News (Philippines)
Helen Hoehne – ProSieben/RTL/TV Movie (Germany)
Dean McCarthy – Hit.com.au (Australia)
Raquel Laguna Pardo – Europa Press (Spain)

CNN Announces Paul Newman Doc Directed by Ethan Hawke, Scooped Here Back on December 1st

Roger Friedman
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CNN Announces Paul Newman Doc Directed by Ethan Hawke, Scooped Here Back on December 1st

I told you exclusively about Ethan Hawke directing a documentary series about Paul Newman BACK ON DECEMBER 1st.

Now CNN has formally announced “The Last Movie Stars,” with Martin Scorsese executive producing., As I told you, it’s a six part series. CNN gives no date for the launch, but it will be timed to coincide with the publication of Newman’s memoir that Newman commissioned from friend and screenwriter Stewart Stern.

This part that follows comes from a press release which, oddly, doesn’t really mention the book, to be published by Knopf in the fall, or Robert Redford. Or Newman’s late business partner, the writer A. E. Hotchner. Very curious. Anyway, I think Ethan will do a great job with this.

from the press release:

At Newman’s request, Stern interviewed Elia Kazan, Sidney Lumet, Karl Malden, Sidney Pollack, Gore Vidal, Jacqueline Witte, Joanne Woodward, and others for a planned memoir.  Newman was also interviewed by Stern.  They discussed his youth, his first marriage, his romance and life with Woodward, his personal demons, and the gut-wrenching loss of his son, Scott.

In addition to archival interviews with Woodward and Newman, Hawke enlisted actors Karen Allen, George Clooney, Oscar Isaac, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Zoe Kazan, Laura Linney, Sam Rockwell, and others to voice segments of the original transcribed interviews for The Last Movie Stars.  Hawke also interviewed several of Newman’s daughters for insights into their parents.  In Hawke’s contemporary interviews with Sally Field, Melanie Griffith, and Martin Scorsese, they discuss what made Woodward’s and Newman’s singular careers, and relationship, so inspiring.  The result, delivered in six chapters of varied lengths, is a thoughtful, revealing film of lives well and fully lived.

 

Review: Academy Members Must See “CODA.” One of the Top Ten Movies of 2022

Leah Sydney
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Review: Academy Members Must See “CODA.” One of the Top Ten Movies of 2022

“CODA!” If you haven’t yet watched ApplePlus ‘s “CODA” is a must see film especially for Academy voters.

“CODA,” skillfully executed by writer-director Sian Heder, is one of the best films of the year. It’s simply exquisite, a powerhouse of a movie.  No matter whom you speak to in Hollywood; whatever guild, Academy Member, Critics Choice or whomever, everyone loves it. Because it’s that good, overflowing with feisty quirky charm and bursting with family warmth and love.

British actress Emilia Jones  (casting director powerhouse Deborah Aquila went over the pond to find her) plays high school senior Ruby, the hearing child of deaf adults, played perfectly by Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur.  Conflicted Ruby is trying to find her voice, literally and figuratively in a deaf household, which includes her brother, wonderfully played by Daniel Durant.

The family run a small fishing business in the working town community of Gloucester, Mass. Ruby finds herself as the only translator and is torn between being their only conduit to the hearing world and her immense love for them vs. her own independence with includes her love of singing. And wow, can she sing! Eugenio Derbez is just terrific as her music teacher who never loses faith in mega talented Ruby and is her cheerleader for a potential music scholarship in Boston. That proves difficult for the loyal Ruby as she is torn between two worlds.

It’s a coming-of-age story for Ruby, but also the most accurate deaf portrayal of a family I’ve ever seen, because on a personal note, I grew up with a deaf aunt and uncle. The dynamics are all true to life, and it’s not always easy or comfortable. Heder, to her credit, doesn’t shy away from the tough spots.

Kudos to the lovely song in the film “Beyond The Shore” written by Nicholai Baxter, Matt Dahan, Marius de Vries and Sian Heder. The song, sung beautifully by Jones, just deservedly made the Oscar shortlist and is on its way to a nomination. That will be only one of the many nominations this unique, brilliant film will garner.

Heder based “CODA”on the 2014 French film, “La Famille Belier.” Much of the dialogue is delivered in American Sign Language, subtitled with such ease that you don’t even realize it’s happening. Hold on to your heart, because the irresistible “CODA” will steal it. Try not to cry poignant happy tears, I dare you!

Bob Saget: John Stamos, Jodie Sweetin Post Remembrances: “We grieve as a family. Bob made us laugh until we cried”

Roger Friedman
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Bob Saget: John Stamos, Jodie Sweetin Post Remembrances: “We grieve as a family. Bob made us laugh until we cried”

Two of Bob Saget’s friends and castmates, John Stamos and Jodie Sweetin, have posted new remembrances to Instagram. The whole thing is heartbreaking.

Surprise! (Not!) Ellen Pompeo Made Her Deal, “Grey’s Anatomy” Renewed for 19th Season

Roger Friedman
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Surprise! (Not!) Ellen Pompeo Made Her Deal, “Grey’s Anatomy” Renewed for 19th Season

No shock here.

ABC has announced “Grey’s Anatomy” will return next fall for its 19th season. Ellen Pompeo’s public negotiating for more money worked, I guess. She spent December running around saying the show should end, she was done, yada yada yada.

Anyway, Krista Vernoff remains in charge, Pompeo’s Meredith Grey will return, and next December she’ll start in again about “how can I go on?” back of palm to forehead, until they give her platinum encased Maybach or something.

In a press release everyone involved is thrilled to continue having jobs and relieved that Pompeo didn’t destroy their livelihoods. Who will be killed off this May to make room for Pompeo’s salary is anyone’s guess, but if I were a high earner there I’d be nervous– and calling my business manager.

Oscar Winning Director of “The Artist” Pulls New Film, “Final Cut,” from Sundance Over Virtual Screenings

Roger Friedman
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Oscar Winning Director of “The Artist” Pulls New Film, “Final Cut,” from Sundance Over Virtual Screenings

The Sundance Film Festival has switched from in person to virtual thanks to COVID. So far all the filmmakers who were invited have gone alonjg with the new plan. Except one.

Michel Hazanavicius, who won an Oscar for directing “The Artist,” a Best Picture as well, has pulled out. He was supposed to debut his new film, a Zombie comedy called “Final Cut.” But when Sundance press tickets were made available this morning, “Final Cut” wasn’t in the mix.

The festival says it’s because of the change. Hazanavicius only wants his film shown on big screens in theaters. The weird part of this is, “Final Cut” was included in the festival’s original virtual program. The press had already signed up for it. It’s unclear if he knew that.

I like Michel, and I even learned how to spell and type his last name. But he hasn’t had a follow up of any note to “The Artist” in 12 years. He’s made four films no one has seen and weren’t very good. “The Artist” was a singular work of genius and imagination. But it would be nice for him to get another hit.

So no Hazanavicius. Quel dommage!

Sundance statement below:

Last Night’s Golden Globes: Did They Predict the Oscars or Send the Academy in a Different Direction?

Roger Friedman
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Last Night’s Golden Globes: Did They Predict the Oscars or Send the Academy in a Different Direction?

Last night’s Golden Globes were…a mess. The awards were Tweeted out, and badly, from the Beverly Hilton ballroom. There was no video. Or stars. Except for Jamie Lee Curtis, who has a lot of explaining to do. (She’ll be getting a Globe next year for that performance.)

The winners were “The Power of the Dog” in drama, and “West Side Story” in musical/comedy. Will the Academy rubber stamp those choices? I doubt it. I really think there’s a case now for “Belfast” to sweep into the Oscars as Best Picture. “Power of the Dog” had a big Netflix push, and director Jane Campion could still pull off Best Director. But the movie? That dog won’t hunt.

“West Side Story” was my choice for Best Picture early on. It’s big and bold, comes from a big studio. has all the elements that make it the opposite of last year’s winner. “Nomadland.” But Disney has not sent out screeners. The movie has been a box office disappointment.  Disney seems to have no consciousness about how to market it or make it seem like something entertaining and important.

Best actor in a drama at the Globes went to Will Smith for “King Richard.” That may have been Will’s peak. Andrew Garfield has the momentum from “Tick Tick Boom” plus he’s finally embraced his “Spider Man” history. If the Oscars can get him to do a film bit playing the piano like Jonathan Larson in his “Spider Man”  suit, he’s in.

Best actress in a drama went to Nicole Kidman for “Being the Ricardos.” The movie is solid, Kidman is beloved and did a great job. She has the momentum for the Oscars. Rachel Zegler won Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy. Her  lovely debut in “West Side Story” is hampered, I  think, by the movie’s current standing.

What about Lady Gaga? “House of Gucci,” like all the other MGM/UAR movies, is a marketing, PR fiasco. The whole thing rests on Gaga, and she’s exhausted all avenues. She carries the movie, but this is no “Star is Born” scenario. Penelope Cruz, if she had a campaign, has momentum from the National Society of Film Critics. Kristen Stewart, I’m afraid, may be done. Jessica Chastain hangs in there on good will.

Director? The Globes went for Jane Campion. Unless there’s some major turnaround, she’ll win the Oscar. This is her year. That’s the one major accomplishment from Netflix. The only upset could be a big wave of enthusiasm for Kenneth Branagh, and “Belfast” making a quick break to the finish line. It was my favorite movie of the year. Jamie Dornan and Ciaran Hinds seem to cancel each other out for Best Supporting Actor, although one of them should win. Unless someone stands up and wants it, Best Supporting Actress will go to Ariana Debose. She’s excellent in the film, and she wants it.

So that’s where we are on January 10th. Of course, the Critics Choice Awards will have some bearing but not much if they occur after Academy voting is over.

 

Exclusive: Bob Saget Was Secretly Married to Wife Kelly a Few Weeks Before Beach Wedding

Roger Friedman
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Exclusive: Bob Saget Was Secretly Married to Wife Kelly a Few Weeks Before Beach Wedding

Everyone is mourning the untimely loss of actor and comedian Bob Saget today. It’s really wonderful how consistent all the tributes are to him, from his “Full House” castmates and pals to dozens of friends and innumerable fans. Despite his hilarious raunchy side, Saget was a great, sweet guy— which is why when he told “The Aristocrats” joke no could believe it.

Flashback to the fall of 2018, I ran into Bob at an Emmy party. This was the weekend of September 18th. From photos I think it might have been the Netflix party, but I’m not sure. We knew each other a long time and greeted each other enthusiastically. He had a beautiful blonde with him.

“I heard you were getting married,” I said.

“I am married!” he replied. I was confused. “I got married last weekend,” he blurted out with a big smile, then added, “Wait. No one knows that.” Whoops! He instantly knew he shouldn’t have said it.

I was floored. I asked him what was going on?

Bob said, “We actually just got married, but no one knows it. We’re keeping it a surprise until our actual wedding ceremony next month. Please don’t write it, and don’t tell anyone.”

And I didn’t. He was so sweet about it, and so pleading, but it was unnecessary. “We haven’t told my family, her family, my kids, anyone!” So I agreed on the spot, naturally, to keep his secret. We shook hands, and that’s the last I thought about it.

A few weeks later, I read about Bob and Kelly Rizzo’s wedding at the beautiful Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. Bob wrote on Instagram: “Okay, so we went and did it. And damn are we happy.” I’m assuming they told everyone what happened with the secret wedding, but I never got the chance to find out.  From all accounts, and his recent Instagram post recapping the last year, it seems Bob and Kelly had a terrific three years together. It’s cruel that there wasn’t more time.

Bob was a mensch, everyone can see that. Here is the memorial he posted for Betty White just ten days ago:

 

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