Chicago – Jon Lennon Espino of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on the Pride film “Gun Hill Road” (2011), currently on Tubi for free, about the culture of Latino machismo when confronted with a transgender son. Happy Pride Week!
Rating: 4.5/5.0
The film centers around a Bronx borough family in New York City, whose patriarch (Esai Morales) has come home after a three year prison sentence. This is a family in flux, trying to reconcile who they are with who they want to be. For example, son Danny (Harmony Santana) is in transition to his true female self, and is forced to start this transition with back alley hormone shots and attempts at homemade plastic surgery. When Danny’s ex-con father finds out his son is leading a queer lifestyle, he tries anything … including forcing Danny to be with a prostitute … all in a failed attempt to prove their “manhood.”
“Gun Hill Road...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
The film centers around a Bronx borough family in New York City, whose patriarch (Esai Morales) has come home after a three year prison sentence. This is a family in flux, trying to reconcile who they are with who they want to be. For example, son Danny (Harmony Santana) is in transition to his true female self, and is forced to start this transition with back alley hormone shots and attempts at homemade plastic surgery. When Danny’s ex-con father finds out his son is leading a queer lifestyle, he tries anything … including forcing Danny to be with a prostitute … all in a failed attempt to prove their “manhood.”
“Gun Hill Road...
- 6/25/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
“Premature” is the provocative sophomore feature from Rashaad Ernesto Green (“Gun Hill Road”), headlined by a breakthrough performance by Zora Howard, who co-wrote the screenplay with Green. Adapted from their award-winning 2008 short of the same name, the coming-of-age drama serves as both an ode to a vanishing piece of New York City and a universal story of love among black youth.
“We asked ourselves what we felt was missing in present-day black cinema, and we felt there was an overabundance of black films with narratives driven by themes of black victimization, black fear, and black pain,” Green said. “Although we understood the impulse to explore these narratives, we decided instead to explore black life and black love. In the current cinematic climate, we viewed simply telling a young black love story as a radical act.”
They trusted their instincts and culled from their own life experiences as black Harlemites who...
“We asked ourselves what we felt was missing in present-day black cinema, and we felt there was an overabundance of black films with narratives driven by themes of black victimization, black fear, and black pain,” Green said. “Although we understood the impulse to explore these narratives, we decided instead to explore black life and black love. In the current cinematic climate, we viewed simply telling a young black love story as a radical act.”
They trusted their instincts and culled from their own life experiences as black Harlemites who...
- 2/21/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
So far, the big breakthroughs have all been on the younger end of the spectrum: the first transgender winner of an Indie Spirit award for acting arrived in 2015, the first transgender person to be nominated for an acting-centric Primetime Emmy dates back to 2014, and there’s still never been a transgender actor nominated for an Oscars. For many of them, getting any kind of role in Hollywood is worth celebrating, but it’s rarer still for them to lock down a seemingly obvious next step: getting cast as a transgender person.
Few trans-centric stories have made it to the screen over the years, and the vast majority of them have seen pivotal roles go to cisgender actors, from Elle Fanning to Matt Bomer, Eddie Redmayne to Hilary Swank. The tide, however, is starting to turn. Here are a dozen talented transgender actors who have also played transgender roles on the screen,...
Few trans-centric stories have made it to the screen over the years, and the vast majority of them have seen pivotal roles go to cisgender actors, from Elle Fanning to Matt Bomer, Eddie Redmayne to Hilary Swank. The tide, however, is starting to turn. Here are a dozen talented transgender actors who have also played transgender roles on the screen,...
- 1/31/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
"Why is everyone on this fucking island addicted to drama?" the all-knowing Mama (a superb Luis Alberto Garcia) moans.
Mama is the owner of a Havana gay bar featuring chintzy drag performers who gesticulate to emotional diva tunes and who, when the show's over, whore a little on the side. That's part of the setting for Viva, Ireland's Spanish-language submission for this year's Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
Having strutted its way onto a list of nine finalists -- which will eventually be whittled down to a mere five -- Viva showcases nothing a bit Irish onscreen, not even a high kick filched from Michael Flatley. And although some of the shooting was done on the Emerald shores, possibly interior shots, all the Erin-Go-Bragh action is off screen: Paddy Breathnach, director; Mark O'Halloran, screenwriter, and so forth and so on. (There's also a dash of Mexican for added excitement:...
Mama is the owner of a Havana gay bar featuring chintzy drag performers who gesticulate to emotional diva tunes and who, when the show's over, whore a little on the side. That's part of the setting for Viva, Ireland's Spanish-language submission for this year's Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
Having strutted its way onto a list of nine finalists -- which will eventually be whittled down to a mere five -- Viva showcases nothing a bit Irish onscreen, not even a high kick filched from Michael Flatley. And although some of the shooting was done on the Emerald shores, possibly interior shots, all the Erin-Go-Bragh action is off screen: Paddy Breathnach, director; Mark O'Halloran, screenwriter, and so forth and so on. (There's also a dash of Mexican for added excitement:...
- 1/13/2016
- by Brandon Judell
- www.culturecatch.com
Tangerine
Directed by Sean Baker
Written by Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch
USA, 2015
Director Sean Baker (Starlet, Prince of Broadway, Take Out) was reportedly inspired to make Tangerine, after observing the customers of a donut shop in Hollywood’s red-light district. Tangerine’s stars are a pair of first-time actresses, Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor. They play two trans sex workers – Sin-Dee, who’s just been released from a 28-day stint in prison for drug possession – and her best friend Alexandra who prepares for a gig singing at a local nightclub. The film follows the duo over the course of a day – opening on a donut shop which serves as one of the key locations the two transitioning male-to-female call girls hang out. It’s the morning of Christmas Eve at the sketchy intersection of Santa Monica and Highland in Los Angeles and Alexandra and Sin-Dee are sharing a red-and-green sprinkled donut.
Directed by Sean Baker
Written by Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch
USA, 2015
Director Sean Baker (Starlet, Prince of Broadway, Take Out) was reportedly inspired to make Tangerine, after observing the customers of a donut shop in Hollywood’s red-light district. Tangerine’s stars are a pair of first-time actresses, Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor. They play two trans sex workers – Sin-Dee, who’s just been released from a 28-day stint in prison for drug possession – and her best friend Alexandra who prepares for a gig singing at a local nightclub. The film follows the duo over the course of a day – opening on a donut shop which serves as one of the key locations the two transitioning male-to-female call girls hang out. It’s the morning of Christmas Eve at the sketchy intersection of Santa Monica and Highland in Los Angeles and Alexandra and Sin-Dee are sharing a red-and-green sprinkled donut.
- 7/16/2015
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Starring Harmony Santana ("Gun Hill Road") and Laura Patalano, "You're Dead to Me" centers on a Chicana mother's eerie experience with love and loss as she prepares for her Dia de los Muertos celebration. From the film's website: As she prepares to receive family members on an important anniversary a mother cooks, cleans, and fights with her daughter over the way she dresses, often too "boyish." The argument reveals some rifts in their relationship and resolves itself in an unexpected and touching climax. Written by Adelina Anthony, directed by Wu Tsang and produced by Melissa Haizlip, the short film was produced in Film Independent's Project Involve and has been touring film...
- 6/18/2014
- by Shadow And Act
- ShadowAndAct
I was going to start this article by saying that I don't want to take anything away from Jared Leto's performance in "Dallas Buyers Club". But in a sense, I do. The performance certainly holds up as a piece of art, but as a part of our culture, I believe it needs contextualizing.
I am not the first person to suggest this. Chelsea Hawkins wrote in PolicyMic that "Dallas Buyers Club" fails trans actors while Paris Lees in the Independent was perhaps more equivocal but still asked "Why can't we cast trans people in trans roles?". Of course, nobody wants to limit trans actors to trans roles, but in the context of the status quo and general acceptability of handing the role to an actor such as Leto, it would be an undeniably liberating move.
But wait, you say - Leto was playing a pre-op trans woman. Surely it would be appropriate for the character to be played by a biological male? This doesn't strike me as exquisite logic. Laverne Cox famously spoke out against the objectifying focus on the status of trans people's genitalia, while Janet Mock talks about the obsession with "passing", pointing out that in her mind she is not passing as anything, but simply being herself.
The concept of "passing" betrays a corrosive misunderstanding that being transgender is in some sense a performance as opposed to a reality. By casting a well-known cis actor in a trans role, it makes it all about the performance. Anyone who has watched "Orange is the New Black" will know that watching a real trans actor in a trans role has an entirely different, utterly compelling and humanizing effect.
With that in mind, I thought it worth highlighting ten actors who could have played the role of Rayon. This is not because they meet the specifics that Leto brought to the character. The role was a fictional one, not based on a real-life person like Matthew McConaughey's Ron Woodroof, a fact which would seem to afford a great deal of freedom and possibility. In this case, the filmmakers chose not to pursue that route. But that doesn't stop us from imagining.
1. Harmony Santana
Santana's role in "Gun Hill Road" led to a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards, the first trans actor nominated for a major acting award and a hugely significant milestone.
2. Laverne Cox
Breakout star of "Orange is the New Black", passionate trans advocate and exceedingly eloquent educator of Katie Couric, Laverne Cox's star is rising fast and is a delight to witness.
3. Jamie Clayton
Clayton hosted VH1's TRANSform Me alongside Laverne Cox, but she is also an actress of note, with perhaps her most high profile gig to date being her appearance in two episodes of HBO's "Hung".
4. Stephanie Michelini
Fellow Francophone director Sebastian Lifshitz showed "Dallas Buyers Club" director John-Paul Vallee how it's done by casting a trans actor in his feature film "Wild Side". The film won the Teddy at the Berlinale and a clutch of other festival awards, including a Best Actress trophy for Michelini.
5. Alexandra Billings
With roles on "E.R." and "Grey's Anatomy" among her credits, Billings made history as the first trans actor to appear in a transgender role on American television.
6. Elizabeth Coffey
Ok, so she hasn't done any screen acting for a while, but let's pay our dues regardless. Known as a "Dreamlander" as one of John Waters' regular cast of actors, Coffey played a transgender role in the iconic "Pink Flamingoes". Two years later, she returned to play a non-trans role for Waters in 1974's "Female Trouble".
7. Calpernia Addams
Addams first made the news for tragic reasons when her soldier boyfriend was murdered by his colleagues on discovery of their relationship. A subsequent fiction film of events led to her meeting Jane Fonda at Sundance and conceiving the idea for an all-transgender production of "The Vagina Monologues". Addams was later invited to perform in the 10th anniversary edition of the play alongside Fonda, Glenn Close and Salma Hayek.
7. Eva Robin's
Robin's considers herself androgynous rather than transgender, having been born male and then developed feminine features naturally. Her most famous role was in Dario Argento's horror film "Tenebrae". While the film's politics are certainly thorny, a non-cisgendered actor playing a female role for a celebrated director is a shamefully uncommon occurrence.
9. Bibi Andersen
Competition for a place in Almodovar's stable of actresses is fierce, but Bibi Andersen clocked up no less than four credits in Almodovar feature films in the late eighties and early nineties. It is also rumoured that it was Almodovar's desire to attend the 1988 Oscars with Andersen as opposed to his leading lady Carmen Maura that caused the 18-year professional rift between Maura and the director.
10. Candis Cayne
Following a role on "Nip / Tuck", Cayne went one further by becoming the first ever transgender actress to play a recurring transgender role on primetime as Carmelita in ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money".
Want more /bent? Follow us on Twitter.
I am not the first person to suggest this. Chelsea Hawkins wrote in PolicyMic that "Dallas Buyers Club" fails trans actors while Paris Lees in the Independent was perhaps more equivocal but still asked "Why can't we cast trans people in trans roles?". Of course, nobody wants to limit trans actors to trans roles, but in the context of the status quo and general acceptability of handing the role to an actor such as Leto, it would be an undeniably liberating move.
But wait, you say - Leto was playing a pre-op trans woman. Surely it would be appropriate for the character to be played by a biological male? This doesn't strike me as exquisite logic. Laverne Cox famously spoke out against the objectifying focus on the status of trans people's genitalia, while Janet Mock talks about the obsession with "passing", pointing out that in her mind she is not passing as anything, but simply being herself.
The concept of "passing" betrays a corrosive misunderstanding that being transgender is in some sense a performance as opposed to a reality. By casting a well-known cis actor in a trans role, it makes it all about the performance. Anyone who has watched "Orange is the New Black" will know that watching a real trans actor in a trans role has an entirely different, utterly compelling and humanizing effect.
With that in mind, I thought it worth highlighting ten actors who could have played the role of Rayon. This is not because they meet the specifics that Leto brought to the character. The role was a fictional one, not based on a real-life person like Matthew McConaughey's Ron Woodroof, a fact which would seem to afford a great deal of freedom and possibility. In this case, the filmmakers chose not to pursue that route. But that doesn't stop us from imagining.
1. Harmony Santana
Santana's role in "Gun Hill Road" led to a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards, the first trans actor nominated for a major acting award and a hugely significant milestone.
2. Laverne Cox
Breakout star of "Orange is the New Black", passionate trans advocate and exceedingly eloquent educator of Katie Couric, Laverne Cox's star is rising fast and is a delight to witness.
3. Jamie Clayton
Clayton hosted VH1's TRANSform Me alongside Laverne Cox, but she is also an actress of note, with perhaps her most high profile gig to date being her appearance in two episodes of HBO's "Hung".
4. Stephanie Michelini
Fellow Francophone director Sebastian Lifshitz showed "Dallas Buyers Club" director John-Paul Vallee how it's done by casting a trans actor in his feature film "Wild Side". The film won the Teddy at the Berlinale and a clutch of other festival awards, including a Best Actress trophy for Michelini.
5. Alexandra Billings
With roles on "E.R." and "Grey's Anatomy" among her credits, Billings made history as the first trans actor to appear in a transgender role on American television.
6. Elizabeth Coffey
Ok, so she hasn't done any screen acting for a while, but let's pay our dues regardless. Known as a "Dreamlander" as one of John Waters' regular cast of actors, Coffey played a transgender role in the iconic "Pink Flamingoes". Two years later, she returned to play a non-trans role for Waters in 1974's "Female Trouble".
7. Calpernia Addams
Addams first made the news for tragic reasons when her soldier boyfriend was murdered by his colleagues on discovery of their relationship. A subsequent fiction film of events led to her meeting Jane Fonda at Sundance and conceiving the idea for an all-transgender production of "The Vagina Monologues". Addams was later invited to perform in the 10th anniversary edition of the play alongside Fonda, Glenn Close and Salma Hayek.
7. Eva Robin's
Robin's considers herself androgynous rather than transgender, having been born male and then developed feminine features naturally. Her most famous role was in Dario Argento's horror film "Tenebrae". While the film's politics are certainly thorny, a non-cisgendered actor playing a female role for a celebrated director is a shamefully uncommon occurrence.
9. Bibi Andersen
Competition for a place in Almodovar's stable of actresses is fierce, but Bibi Andersen clocked up no less than four credits in Almodovar feature films in the late eighties and early nineties. It is also rumoured that it was Almodovar's desire to attend the 1988 Oscars with Andersen as opposed to his leading lady Carmen Maura that caused the 18-year professional rift between Maura and the director.
10. Candis Cayne
Following a role on "Nip / Tuck", Cayne went one further by becoming the first ever transgender actress to play a recurring transgender role on primetime as Carmelita in ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money".
Want more /bent? Follow us on Twitter.
- 2/20/2014
- by Matthew Hammett Knott
- Sydney's Buzz
Outfest, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization committed to creating and promoting Lgbt media around the world, has announced its official lineup for its 2014 Outfest Fusion Lgbt People of Color Film Festival. The festival, presented by HBO and now in its 11th year, will be held from March 14-16 at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood.Outfest Fusion, which prides itself on being the only multicultural film festival in the Lgbt community, will be featuring many highlights this year, including 2012 Fusion Achievement honoree Patrik-Ian Polk’s latest film "Blackbird," starring Academy Award–winner Mo’Nique and Isaiah Washington, and the world premieres of "Secrets & Toys" directed by Quentin Lee and "You Are Dead to Me" starring Harmony Santana. “The films this year are about our sense of humor, our courage and vitality, our faith and resilience, whether we’re gay dads, women in Morocco or teens in our own backyard. Fusion means great films and diversity.
- 2/14/2014
- by Ziyad Saadi
- Indiewire
Jared Leto was heckled by an audience member during a film festival Q&A, who accused him of 'trans-misogyny' for his portrayal of a transgender character in Dallas Buyers Club
• Jared Leto interview: 'I road-tested my character to get a little judgment, some meanness, a little condemnation'
Jared Leto was heckled by an audience member during a Q&A at the Santa Barbara film festival, who accused him of 'trans-misogyny' for his portrayal of a transgender person with Aids in the Oscar-tipped drama Dallas Buyers Club.
"You don't deserve an award for portraying a trans-woman, because you're a man," the woman continued, to which Leto replied: "Because I'm a man, I don't deserve to play that part? So you would hold a role against someone who happened to be gay or lesbian – they can't play a straight part?"
The woman complained that only straight actors ever play transgender characters, and...
• Jared Leto interview: 'I road-tested my character to get a little judgment, some meanness, a little condemnation'
Jared Leto was heckled by an audience member during a Q&A at the Santa Barbara film festival, who accused him of 'trans-misogyny' for his portrayal of a transgender person with Aids in the Oscar-tipped drama Dallas Buyers Club.
"You don't deserve an award for portraying a trans-woman, because you're a man," the woman continued, to which Leto replied: "Because I'm a man, I don't deserve to play that part? So you would hold a role against someone who happened to be gay or lesbian – they can't play a straight part?"
The woman complained that only straight actors ever play transgender characters, and...
- 2/5/2014
- by Ben Beaumont-Thomas
- The Guardian - Film News
In the past few years, the indie community has seen the effects of distributors going under. Most notably, there was Regent Releasing, whose library of more than 100 films recently became tied up in courts owing to the company going out of business. Some of Regent's films were older titles whose home video distribution was up in the air; others, like Xavier Dolan's "I Killed My Mother" had not even done a theatrical run before the case came up. (This month, Dolan's film, which was recently acquired by Kino Lorber, will do a week long run at the MoMA.) After Indomina announced that it would stop distributing films, the future of Sundance film "Filly Brown" is uncertain. This week, though, another film whose distributor filed for bankruptcy, will be released on DVD and VOD for the first time to U.S. audiences. Rashaad Ernesto Green's "Gun Hill Road" tells...
- 3/7/2013
- by Bryce J. Renninger
- Indiewire
Rashaad Ernesto Green's feature film debut Gun Hill Road - an S&A critical fave - has finally hit the home video market. Released in theaters in the summer of 2011, the contemplative, compelling drama with all-around wonderful performances, and an auspicious debut for Rashaad, can now both be rented and purchased in digital and DVD format. Look for it on iTunes, as well as on DVD at your local online or brick and mortar store. In Gun Hill Road, an ex-con (played by Esai Morales) returns home to the Bronx after three years in prison to discover his wife (Judy Reyes) estranged, and his teenage son (Harmony Santana) exploring a sexual transformation that challenges the already...
- 3/5/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
It was announced today that Grindstone Entertainment has acquired North American rights in all media to the gritty thriller Once Upon A Time In Brooklyn (formally titled Goat) and will be released by Lionsgate Home Entertainment. In a separate deal, International rights have been acquired by Los Angeles-basedsales company, Recreation, helmed by founder and president Ariel Veneziano.
Produced by William DeMeo, Paul Borghese and newcomer Robyn K Bennett, written by DeMeo and Borghese who also directs the movie, Once Upon A Time In Brooklyn stars Golden Globe nominated and Emmy Award winning actor Armand Assante (American Gangster, HBO’s Gotti), Ice-t (New Jack City), Vincent Pastore (Goodfellas), Ja Rule (The Fast And The Furious), William DeMeo (The Sopranos), Cathy Moriaty (Raging Bull) and Paul Borghese (Transamerica).
The film tells the story of Bobby Baldano, who after serving several prison sentences, is finally out. Although desperate to honor his family who...
Produced by William DeMeo, Paul Borghese and newcomer Robyn K Bennett, written by DeMeo and Borghese who also directs the movie, Once Upon A Time In Brooklyn stars Golden Globe nominated and Emmy Award winning actor Armand Assante (American Gangster, HBO’s Gotti), Ice-t (New Jack City), Vincent Pastore (Goodfellas), Ja Rule (The Fast And The Furious), William DeMeo (The Sopranos), Cathy Moriaty (Raging Bull) and Paul Borghese (Transamerica).
The film tells the story of Bobby Baldano, who after serving several prison sentences, is finally out. Although desperate to honor his family who...
- 2/6/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The media-driven stereotype of the Lgbt community is largely of an affluent white community. The well turned out men of Queer Eye putting you in fancy clothes, decor and food. Will rooming with Grace in a Manhattan apartment. A trendy liberal in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco. To the degree that society wants to think about homosexuals, they want gay to mean happy and fabulous. This isn’t the reality for many, especially Lgbt youth from poor urban communities. It’s a sad fact that Black Protestant and Hispanic Catholic parents are often less accepting of homosexuality, leaving these kids in a bind. A few recent films have attempted to shine a light on this reality, though as one director noted, often reduced by distributors to “urban niche” (urban meaning Black and niche meaning Lgbt) and not likely to have broad appeal.
Leave It On The Floor is a...
Leave It On The Floor is a...
- 4/2/2012
- by Erik Bondurant
- SoundOnSight
Seth Rogen hosted the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday evening and the winners are:
Best Feature: The Artist. Also nominated: 50/50, Beginners, Drive, Take Shelter and The Descendants.
Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist). Nominated: Mike Mills (Beginners), Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive), Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter), and Alexander Payne (The Descendants).
Best First Feature: Margin Call. Nominated: Another Earth, In The Family, , Martha Marcy May Marlene and Natural Selection.
Best Male Lead Performance: Jean Dujardin (The Artist). Nominated: Demián Bichir (A Better Life), , Ryan Gosling (Drive), Woody Harrelson (Rampart) and Michael Shannon (Take Shelter).
Best Female Lead Performance: Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn). Nominated: Lauren Ambrose (Think of Me), Rachel Harris (Natural Selection), Adepero Oduye (Pariah) and Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene).
Best Supporting Male Performance: Christopher Plummer (Beginners). Nominated: Albert Brooks (Drive), John Hawkes (Martha Marcy May Marlene), John C Reilly (Cedar Rapids) and Corey Stoll (Midnight in Paris...
Best Feature: The Artist. Also nominated: 50/50, Beginners, Drive, Take Shelter and The Descendants.
Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist). Nominated: Mike Mills (Beginners), Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive), Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter), and Alexander Payne (The Descendants).
Best First Feature: Margin Call. Nominated: Another Earth, In The Family, , Martha Marcy May Marlene and Natural Selection.
Best Male Lead Performance: Jean Dujardin (The Artist). Nominated: Demián Bichir (A Better Life), , Ryan Gosling (Drive), Woody Harrelson (Rampart) and Michael Shannon (Take Shelter).
Best Female Lead Performance: Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn). Nominated: Lauren Ambrose (Think of Me), Rachel Harris (Natural Selection), Adepero Oduye (Pariah) and Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene).
Best Supporting Male Performance: Christopher Plummer (Beginners). Nominated: Albert Brooks (Drive), John Hawkes (Martha Marcy May Marlene), John C Reilly (Cedar Rapids) and Corey Stoll (Midnight in Paris...
- 2/27/2012
- MUBI
As I predicted, The Artist was the big winner at last night Spirit Awards ceremony, taking home 4 out of 5 honors. It’s only loss came in the Best Screenplay category, where it was the dark horse–being without dialogue and all. Yet it managed the mean feat of scoring Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Actor and Best Feature. Last year Black Swan made a similar sweep at the Spirits (except Best Female Lead instead of Best Male), but only Natalie Portman garnered an Oscar the following night. However, it’s likely The Artist’s luck will carry through the Academy Awards. Aside from nods in its Spirit-nominated categories, the silent stunner is also up for five others, including Best Supporting Actress for Bérénice Bejo. Basically, it’s seems impossible tonight will be a one-win event for The Artist.
A shock to some, Take Shelter, which had also been nominated for five Spirit awards,...
A shock to some, Take Shelter, which had also been nominated for five Spirit awards,...
- 2/26/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
For the past twelve years, the Independent Spirit Awards have been held the night before the Oscars, and although the two sets of nominees sometimes overlap, traditionally the Spirit Awards end up honouring most of the films that the Academy ignores. This year things might be a little bit different, however, as Michel Hazanavicius' The Artist ended up taking home a handful of the major Spirit Awards including Best Feature, Best Director and Best Male Lead. As far as I know, the Spirit Awards and the Academy Awards have only picked the same Best Picture once before: Oliver Stone's Platoon in 1986. Christopher Plummer also won for Best Supporting Male, while Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn) won for Best Female Lead. Is this all a sign of what's to come tomorrow night? There are at least a few Spirit Award winners who won't be repeating at the Academy...
- 2/26/2012
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, handed out top honors to The Artist, The Descendants and Margin Call at this afternoon’s 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards. My Week With Marilyn, Beginners, 50/50, A Separation and The Interrupters also received awards at the ceremony, held in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica.
Tune in to IFC tonight at 10:00 pm Et/Pt to catch all the action at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards, with actor, writer and producer Seth Rogen hosting. Highlights include: John Waters as the Voice of God, musical performances by My Morning Jacket and K’Naan.
The Spirit Awards was the first event to exclusively honor independent film, and over the past 27 years, has become the premier awards show for the independent film community, celebrating films made by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. Artists...
Tune in to IFC tonight at 10:00 pm Et/Pt to catch all the action at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards, with actor, writer and producer Seth Rogen hosting. Highlights include: John Waters as the Voice of God, musical performances by My Morning Jacket and K’Naan.
The Spirit Awards was the first event to exclusively honor independent film, and over the past 27 years, has become the premier awards show for the independent film community, celebrating films made by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. Artists...
- 2/26/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Michel Hazanavicius' "The Artist" was the big winner at the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards. The black-and-white silent film took home Best Feature, Director for Hazanavicius, Best Male Lead for Jean Dujardin, and Best Cinematography for Guillaume Schiffman.
In the performance categories, Michelle Williams took home the Best Female Lead award for her Marilyn Monroe portrayal in "My Week with Marilyn." Shailene Woodley, snubbed by the Academy for her memorable performance as George Clooney's daughter in "The Descendants," won Best Supporting Actress while Oscar frontrunner, Christopher Plummer, received the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in "Beginners."
Held on Santa Monica Beach and hosted by Seth Rogen, the 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards will be broadcast by IFC at 10 p.m. Pst/Est.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature
50/50 - Producers: Evan Goldberg, Ben Karlin, Seth Rogen...
In the performance categories, Michelle Williams took home the Best Female Lead award for her Marilyn Monroe portrayal in "My Week with Marilyn." Shailene Woodley, snubbed by the Academy for her memorable performance as George Clooney's daughter in "The Descendants," won Best Supporting Actress while Oscar frontrunner, Christopher Plummer, received the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in "Beginners."
Held on Santa Monica Beach and hosted by Seth Rogen, the 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards will be broadcast by IFC at 10 p.m. Pst/Est.
Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature
50/50 - Producers: Evan Goldberg, Ben Karlin, Seth Rogen...
- 2/26/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, The Artist The Artist, Jean Dujardin, Michelle Williams: Spirit Award Winners Best Feature (Award given to the producer) 50/50 Producers: Evan Goldberg, Ben Karlin, Seth Rogen Beginners Producers: Miranda de Pencier, Lars Knudsen, Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech, Jay Van Hoy Drive Producers: Michel Litvak, John Palermo, Marc Platt, Gigi Pritzker, Adam Siegel Take Shelter Producers: Tyler Davidson, Sophia Lin * The Artist Producer: Thomas Langmann The Descendants Producers: Jim Burke, Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor Best Director * Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist Mike Mills – Beginners Jeff Nichols – Take Shelter Alexander Payne – The Descendants Nicolas Winding Refn – Drive Best Screenplay Joseph Cedar – Footnote Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist Tom McCarthy – Win Win Mike Mills – Beginners * Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon & Jim Rash – The Descendants Best International Film (Award given to the director) * A Separation (Iran) Director: Asghar Farhadi Melancholia (Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany) Director: Lars von Trier Shame (UK) Director: Steve McQueen...
- 2/25/2012
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
Hardly a surprise to anyone, The Artist dominated the 2012 Independent Spirit Awards, winning for Best Feature, Director (Michel Hazanavicius), Actor (Jean Dujardin) and Cinematography (Guillaume Schiffman). There were some complaints in the Twitter-verse as Penelope Anne Miller accepted the awards for The Artist up until Hazanavicius and the rest of The Artist team arrived five minutes before Hazanavicious was named Best Director. The reason? They'd just landed at Lax after flying in from France where The Artist won six awards at the Cesar Awards, France's equivalent of the Oscars, last night. A police escort managed to get them to the Spirits just in time for their third win of the night... also in time to take the stage to accept Best Feature Film. The Artist went into the Spirits with Take Shelter as the leading nominees with both receiving five nominations each. Take Shelter, however, only ended up going home...
- 2/25/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Chicago – Welcome to the HollywoodChicago.com coverage of the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards. These awards honor the best in independent film for 2011. Seth Rogen is hosting the Awards which will be shown at 9 p.m. Cst on IFC.
Below you will find a list of all the nominees for each category. As winners are announced, the list will be updated with winners appearing with a Spirit Awards icon next to them. All of the winners will have been announced before the show tonight, so if you don’t want to be Spoiled before watching the awards, don’t read any further.
Film Independent Spirit Awards
Photo credit: Film Independent
Best Feature
The Artist
Beginners
The Descendants
Drive
50/50
Take Shelter
Best Female Lead
Lauren Ambrose, “Think of Me”
Rachael Harris, “Natural Selection”
Adepero Oduye, “Pariah”
Elizabeth Olsen, “Martha Marcy May Marlene”
Michelle Williams, “My Week With Marilyn”
Best Male Lead
Demián Bichir,...
Below you will find a list of all the nominees for each category. As winners are announced, the list will be updated with winners appearing with a Spirit Awards icon next to them. All of the winners will have been announced before the show tonight, so if you don’t want to be Spoiled before watching the awards, don’t read any further.
Film Independent Spirit Awards
Photo credit: Film Independent
Best Feature
The Artist
Beginners
The Descendants
Drive
50/50
Take Shelter
Best Female Lead
Lauren Ambrose, “Think of Me”
Rachael Harris, “Natural Selection”
Adepero Oduye, “Pariah”
Elizabeth Olsen, “Martha Marcy May Marlene”
Michelle Williams, “My Week With Marilyn”
Best Male Lead
Demián Bichir,...
- 2/25/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
'The Artist' dominates, winning best feature, director, male lead (Jean Dujardin) and cinematography.
By Mary J. Dimeglio
Director for "The Artist," Michel Hazanavicius
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
"The Artist" dominated the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday afternoon, snagging trophies for best feature, director, male lead (Jean Dujardin) and cinematography.
Michelle Williams was awarded Best Female Lead for her role in "My Week With Marilyn," while Best Supporting honors went to Christopher Plummer ("Beginners") and Shailene Woodley ("The Descendants").
The ceremony, hosted by Seth Rogan, will air at 10 p.m. Et/Pt Saturday (February 25) on IFC.
Best Feature
"50/50"
"Beginners"
"Drive"
"Take Shelter"
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Mike Mills - "Beginners"
Jeff Nichols - "Take Shelter"
Alexander Payne - "The Descendants"
Nicolas Winding Refn - "Drive"
Best Screenplay
Joseph Cedar - "Footnote"
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Tom McCarthy - "Win Win...
By Mary J. Dimeglio
Director for "The Artist," Michel Hazanavicius
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
"The Artist" dominated the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday afternoon, snagging trophies for best feature, director, male lead (Jean Dujardin) and cinematography.
Michelle Williams was awarded Best Female Lead for her role in "My Week With Marilyn," while Best Supporting honors went to Christopher Plummer ("Beginners") and Shailene Woodley ("The Descendants").
The ceremony, hosted by Seth Rogan, will air at 10 p.m. Et/Pt Saturday (February 25) on IFC.
Best Feature
"50/50"
"Beginners"
"Drive"
"Take Shelter"
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Mike Mills - "Beginners"
Jeff Nichols - "Take Shelter"
Alexander Payne - "The Descendants"
Nicolas Winding Refn - "Drive"
Best Screenplay
Joseph Cedar - "Footnote"
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Tom McCarthy - "Win Win...
- 2/25/2012
- MTV Music News
'The Artist' dominates, winning best feature, director, male lead (Jean Dujardin) and cinematography.
By Mary J. Dimeglio
Director for "The Artist," Michel Hazanavicius
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
"The Artist" dominated the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday afternoon, snagging trophies for best feature, director, male lead (Jean Dujardin) and cinematography.
Michelle Williams was awarded Best Female Lead for her role in "My Week With Marilyn," while Best Supporting honors went to Christopher Plummer ("Beginners") and Shailene Woodley ("The Descendants").
The ceremony, hosted by Seth Rogan, will air at 10 p.m. Et/Pt Saturday (February 25) on IFC.
Best Feature
"50/50"
"Beginners"
"Drive"
"Take Shelter"
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Mike Mills - "Beginners"
Jeff Nichols - "Take Shelter"
Alexander Payne - "The Descendants"
Nicolas Winding Refn - "Drive"
Best Screenplay
Joseph Cedar - "Footnote"
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Tom McCarthy - "Win Win...
By Mary J. Dimeglio
Director for "The Artist," Michel Hazanavicius
Photo: Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images
"The Artist" dominated the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday afternoon, snagging trophies for best feature, director, male lead (Jean Dujardin) and cinematography.
Michelle Williams was awarded Best Female Lead for her role in "My Week With Marilyn," while Best Supporting honors went to Christopher Plummer ("Beginners") and Shailene Woodley ("The Descendants").
The ceremony, hosted by Seth Rogan, will air at 10 p.m. Et/Pt Saturday (February 25) on IFC.
Best Feature
"50/50"
"Beginners"
"Drive"
"Take Shelter"
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Mike Mills - "Beginners"
Jeff Nichols - "Take Shelter"
Alexander Payne - "The Descendants"
Nicolas Winding Refn - "Drive"
Best Screenplay
Joseph Cedar - "Footnote"
Michel Hazanavicius - "The Artist"
Tom McCarthy - "Win Win...
- 2/25/2012
- MTV Movie News
This weekend isn't just about the Oscars, for the record. Saturday night, as is traditional, sees the warm-up for the big show with the 2012 Spirit Awards, Film Independent's antidote to the Academy Awards, intended to honor the best of independent cinema. With recent winners of the top prize including "Juno," "The Wrestler," "Precious" and "Black Swan," they've provided the opportunity for films that are perhaps a little too dark, small or offbeat to win Best Picture from the Academy the chance to grab some gold.
This year, things may be a little different, with oscar front-runner "The Artist" nominated in multiple categories, so we could end up seeing the two ceremonies mirroring each other more closely than ever. But will that actually be the case? True to their name, the Independent Spirits have been known to go their own way. We've run down our predictions below, and stay tuned for...
This year, things may be a little different, with oscar front-runner "The Artist" nominated in multiple categories, so we could end up seeing the two ceremonies mirroring each other more closely than ever. But will that actually be the case? True to their name, the Independent Spirits have been known to go their own way. We've run down our predictions below, and stay tuned for...
- 2/24/2012
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
This is it! The final week of Voting Spirit 2012. Last week I completed my journey to see all 38 nominated features, and then I–along with scores of other Ifp and Film Independent members– cast my ballot. And now I’ll break down for you my final thoughts on the nominees, as well as who will win and who should.
Tyrannosaur, The Kid With A Bike, Shame, A Separation, Melancholia
A curious trend in this year’s International nominees is a tendency toward truly dark drama. The Dardenne Bros. Kid With a Bike contains a lot of violence for a film about a young boy. Steve McQueen’s Shame dives headfirst into the depths of sexual depravity; while Paddy Considine’s deeply bleak Tyrannosaur paints a portrait so revolting that it dares you not to look away. Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation explores the troubling realm of what happens when good people make awful choices,...
Tyrannosaur, The Kid With A Bike, Shame, A Separation, Melancholia
A curious trend in this year’s International nominees is a tendency toward truly dark drama. The Dardenne Bros. Kid With a Bike contains a lot of violence for a film about a young boy. Steve McQueen’s Shame dives headfirst into the depths of sexual depravity; while Paddy Considine’s deeply bleak Tyrannosaur paints a portrait so revolting that it dares you not to look away. Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation explores the troubling realm of what happens when good people make awful choices,...
- 2/21/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Each week within this column Spirit Award voter & film critic Kristy Puchko will offer a keen insight on a new selection of nominees for the 2012 Spirit Awards, along with any garnered behind-the-scenes exclusives. The Spirit Awards will air February 25th @10Pm on IFC.
Last week we discussed the Spirit’s frontrunners and this week we’ll explore some seriously stellar debuts and stunning sophomore efforts, many of which take place amidst the various backdrops of my own stomping grounds: New York City.
Martha Marcy May Marlene ~ Directed by Sean Durkin
Nominations: Best First Feature, Best Female Lead: Elizabeth Olsen, Best Supporting Male: John Hawkes
Winner: Piaget Producers Award: Josh Mond
Let’s begin with Sean Durkin’s directorial debut, an enigmatic portrait of the trauma of an abusive relationship, that earned a spot on my Top 10 of 2011. Newcomer Elizabeth Olsen made a much buzzed about Sundance breakthrough with her harrowing...
Last week we discussed the Spirit’s frontrunners and this week we’ll explore some seriously stellar debuts and stunning sophomore efforts, many of which take place amidst the various backdrops of my own stomping grounds: New York City.
Martha Marcy May Marlene ~ Directed by Sean Durkin
Nominations: Best First Feature, Best Female Lead: Elizabeth Olsen, Best Supporting Male: John Hawkes
Winner: Piaget Producers Award: Josh Mond
Let’s begin with Sean Durkin’s directorial debut, an enigmatic portrait of the trauma of an abusive relationship, that earned a spot on my Top 10 of 2011. Newcomer Elizabeth Olsen made a much buzzed about Sundance breakthrough with her harrowing...
- 1/17/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
I started off 2011 by attending the Sundance Film Festival for the first time. I was only there for a few days but got to see the films Becoming Chaz and Gun Hill Road. I left the film festival feeling infinitely inspired as an actress, artist, and trans woman. I was certain that the game would be forever changed for trans folks in the media because of these two films. Chaz Bono, the subject of Becoming Chaz, of course, went on to have a groundbreaking year for transgender visibility. Harmony Santana, the transgender actress who plays Michael/Vanessa in Gun Hill Road, has won critical raves and public adulation for her moving performance as a teen struggling for paternal acceptance as she begins her gender transition. She was recently nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for her role. She is the first trans woman to be so honored.
2011 has been a...
2011 has been a...
- 12/23/2011
- by Laverne Cox
- Aol TV.
As we walk down towards the Super Bowl of the movie awards season aka the Academy Awards aka the Oscars, all the various critics associations and guilds release their own kudofest. It can get confusing and beguiling, so I created a nifty package for you -- I compiled all the nominees, winners of various award-giving bodies so you can make informed decision when it comes to predicting the Oscars.
Come and take the Awards Avenue with me!
And here we go (click on each link):
AFI Awards
Boston Society of Film Critics Awards
British Independent Film Awards
Cinema Eye Honors
Critics' Choice (Broadcast Film Critics Association)
Detroit Film Critics
European Film Awards
Gotham Awards
Houston Film Critics Awards
Ida Awards
Independent Spirit Award Nominations
Indiana Film Critics
Las Vegas Film Critics
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards
National Board of Review
New York Film Critics Circle Awards
New York...
Come and take the Awards Avenue with me!
And here we go (click on each link):
AFI Awards
Boston Society of Film Critics Awards
British Independent Film Awards
Cinema Eye Honors
Critics' Choice (Broadcast Film Critics Association)
Detroit Film Critics
European Film Awards
Gotham Awards
Houston Film Critics Awards
Ida Awards
Independent Spirit Award Nominations
Indiana Film Critics
Las Vegas Film Critics
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards
National Board of Review
New York Film Critics Circle Awards
New York...
- 12/12/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
And with that, the Oscar race is on!
Tuesday (Nov 29) morning was a busy one for the films hoping to vie for Academy Awards in February. The New York Film Critics Circle listed its winners and the Film Independent Spirits announced its nominations simultaneously in a couple hours of dizzying Oscar buzz.
Both awards are usually the earliest indication of which films could lead the pack when it comes time to announce the Academy Award nominees in January. The Nyfcc were so early this year, in fact, that they had to delay their awards until after screening David Fincher's "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," to which they awarded nothing.
Perhaps the biggest story coming out of both announcements was the emergence of Michael Hazanavicius's ode to golden-era silent film, "The Artist," as perhaps an early front-runner for Best Picture. The film had earned raves during the festival circuit a few months ago,...
Tuesday (Nov 29) morning was a busy one for the films hoping to vie for Academy Awards in February. The New York Film Critics Circle listed its winners and the Film Independent Spirits announced its nominations simultaneously in a couple hours of dizzying Oscar buzz.
Both awards are usually the earliest indication of which films could lead the pack when it comes time to announce the Academy Award nominees in January. The Nyfcc were so early this year, in fact, that they had to delay their awards until after screening David Fincher's "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," to which they awarded nothing.
Perhaps the biggest story coming out of both announcements was the emergence of Michael Hazanavicius's ode to golden-era silent film, "The Artist," as perhaps an early front-runner for Best Picture. The film had earned raves during the festival circuit a few months ago,...
- 11/30/2011
- by Kevin P. Sullivan
- MTV Movies Blog
Nominations for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards were announced at 8 am this morning, Hollywood Time:
Best Feature: 50/50, Beginners, Drive, Take Shelter, The Artist and The Descendants.
Best Director: Mike Mills (Beginners), Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive), Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter), Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist) and Alexander Payne (The Descendants).
Best First Feature: Another Earth, In The Family, Margin Call, Martha Marcy May Marlene and Natural Selection.
Best Male Lead Performance: Demián Bichir (A Better Life), Jean Dujardin (The Artist), Ryan Gosling (Drive), Woody Harrelson (Rampart) and Michael Shannon (Take Shelter).
Best Female Lead Performance: Lauren Ambrose (Think of Me), Rachel Harris (Natural Selection), Adepero Oduye (Pariah), Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene) and Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn).
Best Supporting Male Performance: Albert Brooks (Drive), John Hawkes (Martha Marcy May Marlene), Christopher Plummer (Beginners), John C Reilly (Cedar Rapids) and Corey Stoll (Midnight in Paris).
Best Supporting Female Performance: Jessica Chastain...
Best Feature: 50/50, Beginners, Drive, Take Shelter, The Artist and The Descendants.
Best Director: Mike Mills (Beginners), Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive), Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter), Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist) and Alexander Payne (The Descendants).
Best First Feature: Another Earth, In The Family, Margin Call, Martha Marcy May Marlene and Natural Selection.
Best Male Lead Performance: Demián Bichir (A Better Life), Jean Dujardin (The Artist), Ryan Gosling (Drive), Woody Harrelson (Rampart) and Michael Shannon (Take Shelter).
Best Female Lead Performance: Lauren Ambrose (Think of Me), Rachel Harris (Natural Selection), Adepero Oduye (Pariah), Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene) and Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn).
Best Supporting Male Performance: Albert Brooks (Drive), John Hawkes (Martha Marcy May Marlene), Christopher Plummer (Beginners), John C Reilly (Cedar Rapids) and Corey Stoll (Midnight in Paris).
Best Supporting Female Performance: Jessica Chastain...
- 11/30/2011
- MUBI
We already got the results from the voting by the Gotham Independent Film Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle, with "The Artist," "Beginners" and "The Tree of Life" becoming the big winners. And now, we have the nominees for the Independent Spirit Awards, which gives awards to films made for under $20 million. The Best Picture nominees are "50/50," "Beginners," "Drive," "Take Shelter," "The Artist" and "The Descendants." There aren't any big surprises, but just like with many other awards George Clooney's "The Descendants" is the favorite to win. Check out the full list of nominees below. The winners will be announced on February 25th. Best Feature: * 50/50 * Beginners * Drive * Take Shelter * The Artist * The Descendants Best Director: * Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist) * Mike Mills (Beginners) * Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) * Alexander Payne (The Descendants) * Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive) Best Screenplay: * Joseph Cedar (Footnote) * Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist) * Tom McCarthy (Win Win) * Mike Mills (Beginners) * Alexander Payne,...
- 11/30/2011
- WorstPreviews.com
At a ceremony in Los Angeles this morning, Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale announced the nominees for the 2012 Spirit Awards, which will be handed out on IFC on Saturday, February 25. And one night after it scored Best Film and Best Ensemble at the Gotham Awards, "Beginners" built more awards season momentum by landing four Spirit Award nominations: Best Feature, Best Director (Mike Mills), Best Screenplay (Mike Mills), and Best Supporting Male (Christopher Plummer). That put it one nomination behind the two biggest winners of the morning, "The Artist" and "Take Shelter," which each received five nominations. "Drive," "The Descendants," and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" also received four nominations a piece.
Picking the winners is not going to be easy for the members fo Film Independent this year; there are a lot of very deserving films and filmmakers and some very competitive categories. Take Best International Film. The nominees are "A Separation,...
Picking the winners is not going to be easy for the members fo Film Independent this year; there are a lot of very deserving films and filmmakers and some very competitive categories. Take Best International Film. The nominees are "A Separation,...
- 11/29/2011
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced nominations for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards this morning. Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale served as presenters. Nominees for Best Feature include 50/50, Beginners, Drive, Take Shelter, The Artist and The Descendants.
Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.
“The Film Independent Spirit Awards recognize the finest artistic achievements across the broad spectrum of independent filmmaking.from emerging talent working on a shoestring budget to established auteurs,” said Film Independent Senior Director Sean Mc Manus. “The 2012 nominees tell their stories in such an authentic way and reflect the inclusive nature of the independent filmmaking community. We are delighted to support them and expand the audience for their work.”
2012 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer,...
Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.
“The Film Independent Spirit Awards recognize the finest artistic achievements across the broad spectrum of independent filmmaking.from emerging talent working on a shoestring budget to established auteurs,” said Film Independent Senior Director Sean Mc Manus. “The 2012 nominees tell their stories in such an authentic way and reflect the inclusive nature of the independent filmmaking community. We are delighted to support them and expand the audience for their work.”
2012 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer,...
- 11/29/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Chicago – Award season is definitely in full swing and nominations for ceremonies are just starting to be released. For the fan of the indie film, today is a very significant date: the release of the nominations for the 27th Film Independent Spirit Awards.
The Spirit Awards, which were created to provide praise and notoriety to the best in the year of independent film, announced their nominations when Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale read off the nominations at a presentation this morning. Leading the nominations were the films “The Artist” and “Take Shelter,” which both received five nominations.
Take Shelter
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Clssics
The Spirit Awards are known for being a ceremony that can boost independent films in the Oscar race, as well as providing a larger audience and interest in some lesser known films. Out of the past eight winners of the Best Feature Award at the Spirit Awards,...
The Spirit Awards, which were created to provide praise and notoriety to the best in the year of independent film, announced their nominations when Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale read off the nominations at a presentation this morning. Leading the nominations were the films “The Artist” and “Take Shelter,” which both received five nominations.
Take Shelter
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Clssics
The Spirit Awards are known for being a ceremony that can boost independent films in the Oscar race, as well as providing a larger audience and interest in some lesser known films. Out of the past eight winners of the Best Feature Award at the Spirit Awards,...
- 11/29/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The Artist, Take Shelter, and the other nominations for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced. The 27th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards “are awards dedicated to independent filmmakers. Winners were typically presented with acrylic glass pyramids containing suspended shoestrings representing the paltry budgets of independent films…The Independent Spirit Awards are presented by Film Independent, a non-profit organization dedicated to independent film and independent filmmakers…The Spirit Awards Nominating Committees selected nominees from 277 submissions this year and applied the following guidelines in determining the nominations: uniqueness of vision, original and provocative subject matter, economy of means (with particular attention paid to total production cost & individual compensation), and percentage of financing from independent sources.”
This year’s award ceremony will be held on February 25, 2012 “at the beach in Santa Monica and broadcast by IFC.”
The full listing of the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations is below.
Best Feature (Award...
This year’s award ceremony will be held on February 25, 2012 “at the beach in Santa Monica and broadcast by IFC.”
The full listing of the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards nominations is below.
Best Feature (Award...
- 11/29/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
It’s that time of year for various organizations to recognize some of the best films of 2011. Some of these awards are lesser known, but the Film Independent Spirit Awards, is not one of them. Film Independent which also helps produce the Los Angeles Film Festival has announced the 2012 Spirit Award Nominees.
Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.
Having seen Win Win the other day, I really hope that Tom McCarthy wins the award for Best Screenplay, but it will be hard to take the win, especially with the momentum that The Descendants and The Artist are having. As for other films, its no surprise to see 50/50, Drive, Beginners, and the aforementioned The Artist and The Descendants as the nominees for Best Feature. The Spirit Award nominees is just one of the...
Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.
Having seen Win Win the other day, I really hope that Tom McCarthy wins the award for Best Screenplay, but it will be hard to take the win, especially with the momentum that The Descendants and The Artist are having. As for other films, its no surprise to see 50/50, Drive, Beginners, and the aforementioned The Artist and The Descendants as the nominees for Best Feature. The Spirit Award nominees is just one of the...
- 11/29/2011
- by Mike Lee
- FusedFilm
The Oscars for movies made for under $20 million, the Independent Spirit Awards, announced their 2012 nominees Tuesday morning. Leading the pack with the most nominations were Jeff Nichols' Michael Shannon-centric Take Shelter and Michel Hazanavicius' black and white silent film The Artist. Those two will compete for the big award, Best Feature Film, with 50/50, The Descendants, Drive and Beginners. Read the rest of the nominees after the jump. Here is the full list of nominees for the 2012 Independent Spirit Awards. The winners will be announced February 25. Best Feature Film: Take Shelter, The Artist, 50/50, The Descendants, Drive, Beginners Best First Feature: Another Earth, In The Family, Margin Call, Martha Marcy May Marlene, Natural Selection Best Male Lead: Demian Bichir (A Better Life), Jean Dujardin (The Artist), Ryan Gosling (Drive), Woody Harrelson (Rampart), Michael Shannon (Take Shelter) Best Female Lead: Lauren Ambrose (Think of Me), Rachael Harris (Natural Selection), Adepero Oduye...
- 11/29/2011
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
"Extra" caught up with stunning actress Kate Beckinsale as she announced the 2012 Independent Spirit Award nominations, asking her about her favorite indie films this year so far - and about starring in the remake of "Total Recall."
Check out the interview!
video platform
Here are the Independent Spirit Award nominations:
Best Feature
"50/50"
"Beginners"
"Drive"
"Take Shelter"
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Mike Mills, "Beginners"
Jeff Nichols, "Take Shelter"
Alexander Payne,...
Check out the interview!
video platform
Here are the Independent Spirit Award nominations:
Best Feature
"50/50"
"Beginners"
"Drive"
"Take Shelter"
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Mike Mills, "Beginners"
Jeff Nichols, "Take Shelter"
Alexander Payne,...
- 11/29/2011
- Extra
It’s that time of the year again. Our site will be flooded with top 10 lists, award nominees and previews of Oscar season. But first, the nominations for the 27th Film Independent’s Spirit Awards (my personal favourite award show), were unveiled by Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale this morning. It’s a bit of a surprise that 50/50 has a Best Feature nomination, but apart from that, I can’t really argue with the rest of the names on the list. Check back later in the month for our top 10 lists ranging from favourite scores, soundtracks, first features, trailers and so much more. In the meantime, here is the full list of nominees for the 27th Film Independent’s Spirit Awards.
via The Playlist
Best Feature
“50/50″
“Beginners”
“Drive”
“Take Shelter”
“The Artist”
“The Descendants”
Best Director
Mike Mills – “Beginners”
Nicolas Winding Refn – “Drive”
Jeff Nichols – “Take Shelter”
Michel Hazanavicius – “The Artist...
via The Playlist
Best Feature
“50/50″
“Beginners”
“Drive”
“Take Shelter”
“The Artist”
“The Descendants”
Best Director
Mike Mills – “Beginners”
Nicolas Winding Refn – “Drive”
Jeff Nichols – “Take Shelter”
Michel Hazanavicius – “The Artist...
- 11/29/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
It's official: Awards season is on, and it's about to be kicked into high gear.
Hot on the heels of yesterday's Gotham Awards, which surprised crowds when the Best Feature honor was bestowed on two movies, "Beginners" and "The Tree of Life," comes the announcement of nominees for the Independent Spirit Awards, which recognizes feature films that are made using "uniqueness of vision" and an "economy of means."
This year's nominations recognized a number of movies and individual performances that have been gaining Oscar buzz, including Elizabeth Olsen's role as a former cult member in "Martha Marcy May Marlene" and Alexander Payne's directorial work on George Clooney vehicle "The Descendents."
The films that made the greatest splash were "Beginners," "Take Shelter" and "Drive," which each scored four nominations. Cancer comedy "50/50" earned an impressive three nominations for Best Feature, Best First Screenplay, and for Anjelica Huston in the Best Supporting Female category.
Hot on the heels of yesterday's Gotham Awards, which surprised crowds when the Best Feature honor was bestowed on two movies, "Beginners" and "The Tree of Life," comes the announcement of nominees for the Independent Spirit Awards, which recognizes feature films that are made using "uniqueness of vision" and an "economy of means."
This year's nominations recognized a number of movies and individual performances that have been gaining Oscar buzz, including Elizabeth Olsen's role as a former cult member in "Martha Marcy May Marlene" and Alexander Payne's directorial work on George Clooney vehicle "The Descendents."
The films that made the greatest splash were "Beginners," "Take Shelter" and "Drive," which each scored four nominations. Cancer comedy "50/50" earned an impressive three nominations for Best Feature, Best First Screenplay, and for Anjelica Huston in the Best Supporting Female category.
- 11/29/2011
- by Sarah Crow
- NextMovie
Hold on to your hats because awards season is officially underway. "Take Shelter" and "The Artist" lead the field, according to The Wrap, with 5 nominations each. Though "Beginners," "Drive," "The Descendents" and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" all followed closely behind with four nominations apiece.
On Tuesday (Nov. 29), nominations were announced by actors Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale. In contention for best feature: "50/50," "The Descendants," "Beginners," "Drive," "Take Shelter" and "The Artist." At least two of the movies -- "The Descendents" and "The Artist" -- are considered likely Oscar contenders, too.
Actors scoring noms for lead roles include Michelle Williams ("My Week with Marilyn," Elizabeth Olsen ("Martha Marcy May Marlene"), Ryan Gosling ("Drive") and Woody Harrelson ("Rampart"). Supporting nods went to Albert Brooks ("Drive"), Christopher Plummer ("Beginners"), Jessica Chastain ("Take Shelter") and Anjelica Huston ("50/50").
A full list of nominees follows below:
Best Feature
"50/50"
"Beginners"
"Drive"
"Take Shelter"
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
Best Director
Mike Mills,...
On Tuesday (Nov. 29), nominations were announced by actors Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale. In contention for best feature: "50/50," "The Descendants," "Beginners," "Drive," "Take Shelter" and "The Artist." At least two of the movies -- "The Descendents" and "The Artist" -- are considered likely Oscar contenders, too.
Actors scoring noms for lead roles include Michelle Williams ("My Week with Marilyn," Elizabeth Olsen ("Martha Marcy May Marlene"), Ryan Gosling ("Drive") and Woody Harrelson ("Rampart"). Supporting nods went to Albert Brooks ("Drive"), Christopher Plummer ("Beginners"), Jessica Chastain ("Take Shelter") and Anjelica Huston ("50/50").
A full list of nominees follows below:
Best Feature
"50/50"
"Beginners"
"Drive"
"Take Shelter"
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
Best Director
Mike Mills,...
- 11/29/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
The Artist and Take Shelter lead the nominations for the Spirit Awards, which honor films made outside of the Hollywood studio system. Close behind with four nominations each are Beginners, The Descendants, Drive, and Martha Marcy May Marlene. Conspicuously absent from the list of nominees are several top Oscar contenders: Midnight in Paris for Best Feature, Woody Allen for Best Director or Best Screenplay, Albert Nobbs star Glenn Close for Best Female Lead, and The Descendants’ George Clooney for Best Male Lead. That the Spirit Award nominees are decided on by a relatively small group of independent film professionals means that Allen,...
- 11/29/2011
- by Dave Karger
- EW - Inside Movies
December is almost here and awards seasons is finally getting underway with a number of groups announcing their nominees today including the Gotham Independent Film Awards, New York Film Critics Circle, and the Independent Spirit Awards. Of these, the Spirit Awards are probably the most significant in that they can have a small influence on the Oscars, although they usually just end up honouring a lot of the stuff that the Academy ignores. This year, however, there are quite a few well-known nominees including at least three that received a wide theatrical release (50/50, Drive and Midnight in Paris). The movies that seem to be getting the most recognition, however, are Michel Hazanavicius' The Artist and Jeff Nichols' Take Shelter. Both received five nominations, while Drive and Martha Marcy May Marlene were also recognized with four nominations each. I'm a bit surprised that Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris...
- 11/29/2011
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
It’s that time of year when bows of holly are hung, children scribble wish lists for Santa, and films worldwide jockey for notice as award season kicks off! Just a day after the Gotham Awards announced their winners, the 27th Film Independent’s Spirit Awards has announced their nominees.
The Spirit Awards has long aimed to pay tribute to the little films that often unfairly fail to grab Oscar notice. (It’s no coincidence that the Spirit Awards telecast is traditionally held the day before the Oscars ceremony each year.) Of course, with the Academy’s expansion to 10 Best Picture nominees, the past few years have shown an increase in the amount of crossover between the two award shows. Last year both the Academy Awards and the Spirit Awards bestowed nominations (if not awards) to Black Swan, Winter’s Bone, 127 Hours, The King’s Speech, The Kids Are All Right,...
The Spirit Awards has long aimed to pay tribute to the little films that often unfairly fail to grab Oscar notice. (It’s no coincidence that the Spirit Awards telecast is traditionally held the day before the Oscars ceremony each year.) Of course, with the Academy’s expansion to 10 Best Picture nominees, the past few years have shown an increase in the amount of crossover between the two award shows. Last year both the Academy Awards and the Spirit Awards bestowed nominations (if not awards) to Black Swan, Winter’s Bone, 127 Hours, The King’s Speech, The Kids Are All Right,...
- 11/29/2011
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
"The Artist" and "Take Shelter" scored the most nominations for the Film Independent's Spirit Awards announced today. Each film received five nods while "Beginners," "Drive," "The Descendants," and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" each received four nominations.
The Spirit Award prides itself in honoring American-made films that are budgeted at under $20 million. Read the nominations below. The winners will be announced at the 27th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony on Feb. 25th. You can see the festivities on IFC.
And here are the nominees for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer)
50/50 - Ben Karlin, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Beginners - Miranda de Pencier, Lars Knudsen, Jan Van Hoy, Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech
Drive - Michel Litvak, John Palermo, Marc Platt, Gigi Pritzker, Adam Siegel
Take Shelter - Tyler Davidson, Sophia Lin
The Artist - Thomas Langmann, Emmanuel Montamat
The Descendants - Jim Burke, Alexander Payne,...
The Spirit Award prides itself in honoring American-made films that are budgeted at under $20 million. Read the nominations below. The winners will be announced at the 27th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony on Feb. 25th. You can see the festivities on IFC.
And here are the nominees for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature (Award given to the Producer)
50/50 - Ben Karlin, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen
Beginners - Miranda de Pencier, Lars Knudsen, Jan Van Hoy, Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech
Drive - Michel Litvak, John Palermo, Marc Platt, Gigi Pritzker, Adam Siegel
Take Shelter - Tyler Davidson, Sophia Lin
The Artist - Thomas Langmann, Emmanuel Montamat
The Descendants - Jim Burke, Alexander Payne,...
- 11/29/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
By Sean O’Connell
hollywoodnews.com: Mornings won’t get much busier than this at Awards Alley. Even when Oscar reveals his annual nominations, he has the decency of being the only game in town. Tuesday, as the New York Film Critics’ Circle (slowly) revealed their selections for the Best of 2011, the Independent Spirit Awards also took over West Hollywood to pull the curtain back on their full slate of nominees. We have them below.
Just this morning, I was writing about how Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” was collecting a series of small victories that could add up to big wins at the Academy Awards. Malick’s thoughtful drama split Best Feature with “Beginners” at the Gotham Independent Film Awards. And Sight & Sound named it the Best Film of 2011 in its annual poll.
“Tree” co-star Jessica Chastain then won Best Supporting Actress for her “Tree” role (in...
hollywoodnews.com: Mornings won’t get much busier than this at Awards Alley. Even when Oscar reveals his annual nominations, he has the decency of being the only game in town. Tuesday, as the New York Film Critics’ Circle (slowly) revealed their selections for the Best of 2011, the Independent Spirit Awards also took over West Hollywood to pull the curtain back on their full slate of nominees. We have them below.
Just this morning, I was writing about how Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” was collecting a series of small victories that could add up to big wins at the Academy Awards. Malick’s thoughtful drama split Best Feature with “Beginners” at the Gotham Independent Film Awards. And Sight & Sound named it the Best Film of 2011 in its annual poll.
“Tree” co-star Jessica Chastain then won Best Supporting Actress for her “Tree” role (in...
- 11/29/2011
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
It's an award-based morning as not only were the Gotham Awards handed out last night, the New York Film Critics are in the middle of handing out their awards right now (that list is coming shortly) and now the nominations for Film Independent's 2012 Independent Spirit Awards were announced as Michael Hazanavicius' The Artist and Jeff Nichols' Take Shelter led the pack with five nominations each. The two leaders, however, were followed closely by Beginners, The Descendants, Martha Marcy May Marlene and Drive with four. Of those six, only Martha Marcy May Marlene wasn't nominated for Best Feature as it was replaced by 50/50, which ended up with three nominations. Of the films nominated for Best Feature, my gut tells me it's a battle between The Artist and The Descendants and this just may end up being the first sign as to which of those two may end up being the Oscar favorite.
- 11/29/2011
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
"The Tree of Life" and "Beginners" emerged as the big winners for the 21st Gotham Independent Film Awards. "The Descendants" and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" led the pack with three nominations each but in the end, Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life" and Mike Mills' "Beginners" ruled the night.
Related Posts:
Ewan McGregor interview for "Beginners" right here
Mike Mills interview for "Beginners right here
The Gotham Independent Film Awards officially kicks off the 2011-12 award season which of course, leads to the granddaddy of the awards season, the Academy Awards!
Hosted by Edie Falco and Oliver Platt, the Gotham Awards also gave career tributes to Charlize Theron, Gary Oldman, David Cronenberg and Tom Rothman.
"Beginners" also took home the Best Ensemble Performance Award, "Better This World" won Best Documentary, Dee Rees who gave us the wonderful "Pariah" won Breakthrough Director, Felicity Jones for "Like Crazy" won Breakthrough Actor,...
Related Posts:
Ewan McGregor interview for "Beginners" right here
Mike Mills interview for "Beginners right here
The Gotham Independent Film Awards officially kicks off the 2011-12 award season which of course, leads to the granddaddy of the awards season, the Academy Awards!
Hosted by Edie Falco and Oliver Platt, the Gotham Awards also gave career tributes to Charlize Theron, Gary Oldman, David Cronenberg and Tom Rothman.
"Beginners" also took home the Best Ensemble Performance Award, "Better This World" won Best Documentary, Dee Rees who gave us the wonderful "Pariah" won Breakthrough Director, Felicity Jones for "Like Crazy" won Breakthrough Actor,...
- 11/29/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
We're proud to see some of our stand-out Tfi supported films and Tff alumni recognized in this year's Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominations! Best Supporting Female: Harmony Santana in Gun Hill Road (2009 Tribeca All Access) Best Documentary: The Redemption of General Butt Naked (Directed and Produced by Eric Strauss and Daniele Anastasion, 2010 Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund) John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for under $500,000; award given to the writer, director, and producer): Circumstance (Written/Directed by Maryam Keshavarz and Produced by Karen Chein, Maryam Kesahavarz, and Melissa Lee, 2006 Tribeca All Access grantees) Pariah (Written/Directed by Dee Rees and Produced by Nekisa Cooper, 2007 Tribeca All Access grantees for their documentary project, Eventual Salvation) Truer Than Fiction Award: Bombay Beach (Directed by Alma Har'el and Produced by Alma Har'el and Boaz Yakin, Winner of the Tff 2011 Best Documentary Feature Award) Best of luck to all the nominees!
- 11/29/2011
- TribecaFilm.com
What an odd way to open this year's awards season: Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life and Mike Mills's Beginners have tied for Best Feature at Monday night's Gotham Independent Film Awards, though I suppose one could say that Beginners came out of the evening with a slight edge in that it's also taken the Best Ensemble prize. The other films nominated for Best Feature were Jeff Nichols's Take Shelter, Alexander Payne's The Descendants and Kelly Reichardt's Meek's Cutoff.
Best Ensemble Performance: Beginners (Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Mélanie Laurent, Goran Visnjic, Kai Lennox, Mary Page Keller, Keegan Boos). Also nominated: The Descendants (George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Beau Bridges, Robert Forster, Judy Greer, Matthew Lillard, Nick Krause, Amara Miller, Mary Birdsong, Rob Huebel), Margin Call (Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Aasif Mandvi), Martha Marcy May Marlene (Elizabeth Olsen,...
Best Ensemble Performance: Beginners (Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Mélanie Laurent, Goran Visnjic, Kai Lennox, Mary Page Keller, Keegan Boos). Also nominated: The Descendants (George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Beau Bridges, Robert Forster, Judy Greer, Matthew Lillard, Nick Krause, Amara Miller, Mary Birdsong, Rob Huebel), Margin Call (Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Mary McDonnell, Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Aasif Mandvi), Martha Marcy May Marlene (Elizabeth Olsen,...
- 11/29/2011
- MUBI
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