In Contention

Tag: Kirk Douglas

  • Sanata Barbara’s Kirk Douglas Award goes to… Michael Douglas!

    The press release, in part:

    In recognition of his contributions to the world of film, Michael Douglas will be bestowed with his father’s honor, the 2011 KIRK DOUGLAS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The 6th annual black-tie Gala dinner will take place at The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

    “The first time I saw Michael Douglas act was in a play at UC Santa Barbara, so it is fitting that a career that started here should be honored here” commented Kirk Douglas. “To tell the truth, I wanted Michael to be a lawyer. I secretly hoped he would be bad so I could tell him to forget it. He wasn’t. But as proud as I am of his achievements on screen, I am even prouder of the humanitarian work he has done for the United Nations and other organizations. I am very happy to give this award to my favorite actor/producer who also happens to be my firstborn son.”

    The tribute will stand as one of the most memorable events in SBIFF history as a film legend of one generation honors the next. Previous recipients of the award include such enduring stars as John Travolta, Ed Harris, Quentin Tarantino, and Harrison Ford.

    Also worth noting is that Michael Douglas was the Honorary Chair of the festival when it first began 27 years ago and he was also the very first Modern Master recipient. So, full circle and all that.

  • Harrison Ford to receive Santa Barbara’s Kirk Douglas Award

    The press release, in part:

    In recognition of his contributions to the world of film, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is honored to present the fifth annual KIRK DOUGLAS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM to the legendary Academy Award-nominated actor/producer Harrison Ford…

    “I’m delighted to give this award to Harrison Ford,” commented Kirk Douglas. “It’s always a pleasure to honor these young actors who do so well.”

    Ford’s impressive body of work contains 43 feature films, 12 of which have each grossed over $100 million, as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

    Ford’s upcoming film Morning Glory is slated to be released November 12, 2010. Set in the hilarious and dysfunctional world of morning television, Ford plays legendary TV anchor Mike Pomeroy, who is brought on to save a failing news show where he comes into conflict with his co-anchor Colleen Peck (Diane Keaton). Ford will also star alongside Daniel Craig in the upcoming film Cowboys and Aliens, directed by Jon Favreau.

    [Photo: Top News]

  • 1/29 Oscarweb Round-up

    Christian McKay• Krista Smith sits down with dark horse Best Supporting Actor contender Christian McKay. [Little Gold Men]

    • Pete Hammond reports on the town’s goings-on, including Jason Reitman’s program of films for the New Beverly Theater. [Notes on a Season]

    • A master list of FYC screenplays available for download. [MovieCultists]

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  • ‘Basterds’ gets dolled up for Oscar as Tarantino receives Santa Barbara’s Kirk Douglas Award

    (from left) Kirk Douglas and Quentin TarantinoThere was a moment last season where I gave up going against the grain on the notion that “The Dark Knight” would be nominated for Best Picture.  I was called a fool, I was told I wasn’t with the program, I was told certain milestones related to the film would not be overlooked, etc.  I just didn’t think it was going to happen.

    But I relented.  I used the healthy precursor trail the film blazed as reason enough to join the (perhaps fanboy-driven) chorus and say sure, the film will be nominated.  Why not?  Still didn’t feel right.  And we all know how that turned out.

    I’m getting a similar vibe from “Inglourious Basterds,” which is even being considered a sure-fire lock in some quarters.  An extra five nominees change the dynamic, of course, and most would argue that “The Dark Knight” would have made it in with 10 nominees.  But even with a wider target, I still don’t think Quentin Tarantino’s latest will make the cut.  And if I go down in flames sticking to that inclination, so be it.  But I don’t think I will.  Fool me once, as the saying goes.

    But all of this doesn’t mean there isn’t an old-school concentrated effort on the part of The Weinstein Company to appeal to the Academy membership, and things really kicked off in earnest on that front Thursday night in Montecito.

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