Calling all original song contenders

Posted by · 1:28 pm · November 1st, 2011

This year’s Best Original Song race is slowly beginning to take shape. But we need to pull together a list of contenders before things get too far along. Possibilities from Chris Cornell’s “The Keeper” to a trio of tracks from “The Muppets” could all be in play this season, but what else?

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Oscarweb Round-up: Crunch time for toons

Posted by · 7:09 am · November 1st, 2011

In today’s round-up, the Academy announces the impending deadline for animated feature film contenders, Albert Brooks continues the “Drive” press rounds and closing out Halloween with a top 50 scariest movies list.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Spielberg's 'Tintin' to close out AFI Fest

Posted by · 2:57 pm · October 31st, 2011

After already landing a nice get in Clint Eastwood’s “J. Edgar” as its opening night film, AFI Fest has secured the North American premiere of Steven Spielberg’s “The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn” for its closing night. Other galas include “Carnage,” “My Week with Marilyn” and “The Artist.”

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Santa Barbara plays host to 'Nosferatu'

Posted by · 12:44 pm · October 31st, 2011

The Santa Barbara Film Festival and the Arlington Theatre played host to F.W. Murnau’s silent classic “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” last night. The screening was accompanied by live organ and is the third installment of an annual pre-Halloween program.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Off the Carpet: Building the perfect strategy

Posted by · 11:06 am · October 31st, 2011

It takes all kinds. Finding the right strategy to navigate an awards season is a tricky thing and it varies, naturally, from film to film. Whether it’s “Young Adult” of “The Artist” or “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” there is no mold, no skeleton key, no single solution.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Oscarweb Round-up: More on 2011 as 'the year of The Beard'

Posted by · 7:03 am · October 31st, 2011

In today’s round-up, Michael Cieply catches on to “The Year of The Beard,” the original music of “Albert Nobbs” owes plenty to Skype and production of “Iron Man 3” will head to North Carolina.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Sony Classics aims for lead with Knightley in 'Method,' supporting for 'Carnage' cast

Posted by · 4:53 pm · October 29th, 2011

Sony Pictures Classics has been holding off on a definitive category choice for both the actors of “Carnage” and Keira Knightley in “A Dangerous Method.” Now it seems they’ve finally settled on a course of action.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Cinejabber: Cruisin' for a bruisin'

Posted by · 11:23 am · October 29th, 2011

Open thread. The floor is yours.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

As James Cameron previews 'Titanic' in 3D, we look back on its Oscar glory

Posted by · 12:16 pm · October 28th, 2011

James Cameron is drumming up some interest in his 3D post-conversion of “Titanic” by showing a short reel featuring the hard work he’s put into it. The film will be re-released next year, but for now, we look back at its record-tying Oscar haul and wonder: Did it deserve all of those awards?

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Action, comedy and drama hit the zeitgeist this month

Posted by · 9:04 am · October 28th, 2011

Reflecting the environment into which a film is released is always an intriguing note and the mark of deeper artistic consideration. But the zeitgeist is being tickled in unexpected ways by a trio of films this month.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

AMPAS announces film series to celebrate the work of this year's Honorary Oscar recipients

Posted by · 8:38 am · October 28th, 2011

The Academy has put a new spin on the annual Governors Awards ceremony this year: a film series celebrating the work of the Honorary Oscar recipients. “The Exorcist,” “The Great White Hope” and “The Color Purple” will screen.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Oscar Talk: Ep. 67 — 'Shame' and NC-17, documentary feature discussion and the weekend's releases

Posted by · 7:58 am · October 28th, 2011

In this weekend’s podcast, Anne and Kris discuss the NC-17 rating leveled toward Steve McQueen’s “Shame,” the documentary feature category in the wake of a pair of documentary organizations’ nominations announcements and this weekend’s releases, from “Anonymous” to “The Rum Diary.”

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Oscarweb Round-up: Get your very own Lisbeth Salander costume, just in time for Halloween

Posted by · 7:16 am · October 28th, 2011

In today’s round-up, a list of potential movie-inspired Halloween costumes, Diablo Cody’s reaction to sight-unseen Oscar predictions and the Academy celebrates the 40th anniversary of “The Last Picture Show.”

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Interview: John Orloff on writing 'Anonymous' and controversy over Shakespearean authorship

Posted by · 11:03 am · October 27th, 2011

John Orloff first sat down to write “Anonymous” nearly 20 years ago. This week, the film is finally finding its way to the screen (after premiering at the Toronto Film Festival last month). We talk about the film, the controversy surrounding it and whether that controversy was really the point Orloff was trying to make with his script.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention · Interviews

Taking questions for 10/28 Oscar Talk

Posted by · 9:27 am · October 27th, 2011

Offer up your burning queries.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Oscarweb Round-up: Huh-huh, huh, huh-huh

Posted by · 8:34 am · October 27th, 2011

In today’s round-up, Beavis and Butt-Head are back, Anton Yelchin is inspired by his participation in “Like Crazy” and Steven Spielberg talks smack about “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

David Letterman talks hosting the Oscars with Eddie Murphy

Posted by · 10:16 am · October 26th, 2011

Eddie Murphy has, of course, been fielding questions about his upcoming Oscar hosting gig on the press trail for “Tower Heist.” He recently stopped by David Letterman, who has his own experiences hosting the show.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention

Wim Wenders brings 'Pina' to three-dimensional life in the trailer for his German Oscar entry

Posted by · 9:11 am · October 26th, 2011

Wim Wenders’s “Pina” is set for a December 23 qualifying release in New York as it is the German Oscar entry this year. IFC Films has offered up the final trailer.

Continue reading »

Filed in: HitFix · In Contention