Tag: movies

  • 29th Annual Art Directors Guild Awards: Red Carpet Interviews, Winners List and more!

    Photo Cred: Warner Bros.

    29th Annual Art Directors Guild Awards

    The 29th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards ceremony was held on February 15, 2025, in Los Angeles, California at the InterContinental Hotel. The venue was filled with brilliance and some of the best behind-the-scenes experts in cinema. Latasha M. Ford, of course graced the red carpet to chat with nominees, honorees and many more. The energy on the carpet was electric, to say the least.

    Check out some of the red-carpet interviews below:

    Jason Ritter ‘Matlock’ Interview

    Rachael Harris ‘American Actress’ and Host

    Ron Funches ‘Inside Out 2’ Interview

    Choi Ho Man ‘Slow Horses’ Interview

    Ann Seibel ‘Emily in Paris’ Interview

    Cabot McMullen ‘Shrinking’ and 2x nominee

    Vella Lovell ‘Animal Control’ and Presenter

    Kurtwood Smith ‘American Actor’ and Presenter

    Ritchie Sacilioc and Raymond Zibach ‘The Wild Robot’

    Actress and Comedian, Rachael Harris hosted last night’s ceremony, with presenters including Garret Dillahunt, Peter Facinelli, Ron Funches, Eve Harlow, Samantha Hanratty, Vella Lovell, Al Madrigal, Joe Manganiello, Skye P. Marshall, Lamorne Morris, Jason Ritter, Devon Sawa, Kurtwood Smith, Michael Urie and Jessica Williams. A portion of the proceeds from the awards will be donated to disaster relief efforts benefiting behind-the-camera workers in the entertainment industry whom were impacted by the recent wildfires. The Art Directors Guild Awards was proud to be sponsored by Presenting Level: Sweetwater / NEP Live Events; Premier Level: Astek Wallcoverings, CushLight, Dazian; Diamond Level: Goodnight & Co.; Platinum Level: Interior Design Solutions (Belbien), Worldwide Production Agency (WPA); Gold Level: Epic Games | Unreal Engine.

    Photo Cred: Focus Features

    The Full Winners List

    Wicked won for Fantasy Feature Film, Nosferatu won for Period Feature Film, Conclave won for Contemporary Feature Film and The Wild Robot won for Animated Feature Film and TV winners included Shōgun, The Penguin, Fallout, Squid Game, SNL, Frasier and What We Do in the Shadows. Below is the complete list of winners:

    FANTASY FEATURE FILM

    Wicked
    Production Designer: Nathan Crowley

    ONE-HOUR FANTASY SINGLE-CAMERA TV SERIES
    Fallout: “The End”
    Production Designer: Howard Cummings

    TV LIMITED SERIES
    The Penguin
    Production Designer: Kalina Ivanov

    PERIOD FEATURE FILM
    Nosferatu
    Production Designer: Craig Lathrop

    ONE-HOUR PERIOD SINGLE-CAMERA TV SERIES
    Shōgun: “Anjin”
    Production Designer: Helen Jarvis

    VARIETY SPECIAL
    Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic
    Production Designers: James Yarnell, Steve Morden

    VARIETY OR REALITY TV SERIES
    Saturday Night Live: “Host: Ariana Grande, Musical Guest: Stevie Nicks”
    Production Designers: Akira Yoshimura, Keith Ian Raywood, N. Joseph De Tullio

    HALF HOUR SINGLE-CAMERA TV SERIES
    What We Do in the Shadows: “Headhunting”
    Production Designer: Shayne Fox

    MULTI-CAMERA TV SERIES
    Frasier: “All About Eve”
    Production Designer: Glenda Rovello

    TELEVISION MOVIE
    Unfrosted
    Production Designer: Clayton Hartley

    ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
    The Wild Robot
    Production Designer: Raymond Zibach

    COMMERCIALS
    Apple Pay: “Plates”
    Production Designer: François Audouy

    MUSIC VIDEOS
    Kendrick Lamar: “Not Like Us”
    Production Designer: Freyja Bardell

    CONTEMPORARY FEATURE FILM
    Conclave
    Production Designer: Suzie Davies

    ONE-HOUR CONTEMPORARY SINGLE-CAMERA TV SERIES
    Squid Game: “Six Legs,” “O X”
    Production Designer: Chae Kyoung-sun

    Photo Cred: Getty Images

    2025 ‘Lifetime of Achievement’ and Cinematic Imagery Award Recipients

    The Art Directors Guild acknowledged the astounding work of four art department icons: J. Dennis Washington, Production Designer; Dan Sweetman, Storyboard Artist; Barbara Mesney, Set Designer; Lisa Frazza, Scenic Artist. The industry veterans received Lifetime of Achievement Awards, and the Oscar award-winning Carl Jules Weyl was inducted into the Art Directors Guild Hall of Fame. Jason Reitman ‘Saturday Night’ director was honored with the 2025 Cinematic Imagery Award at the 29th Annual awards ceremony.

    “Between script and screen, a director must navigate twenty crafts and art forms. My movies stand on the shoulders of brilliant artists including the production designers Jess Gonchor, Francois Audouy, Kevin Thompson, and Steve Saklad,” says Reitman. “Without these designers, art directors, set decorators and teams of craftspeople who work endless hours, my dreams would never be realized. I’m beyond honored to receive this award from the ADG, and I am eternally grateful to its members.” 

    In Memoriam Segment

    This year’s In Memoriam segment paid great tribute to the Alber Obieson, Stella “Elle” Boyd, Hubert “Hub” Braden, Raymond Chan, Aric J. Lasher, Dahl Delu, Michael Epstein, Nicholas Murphy, Coulter McAuslanfd, Richard Owen and William “Bill” Waxler.

  • Yes, it’s true! ‘Severance’ Star Tramell Tillman Set For Honor From The Pan African Film Festival

    The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF)

    The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is set to cap off its 33rd annual celebration of Black storytelling with its Filmmaker Awards Brunch, presented by Apple TV+, honoring Tramell Tillman ‘Severance’ with the coveted ‘Star on the Rise’ Award. The award will be presented on President’s Day, Monday, February 17, at 11am PT at The Palm Sophia in Culver City.

    The PAFF Filmmaker Awards Brunch serves as the grand finale to the festival, celebrating the best in global Black cinema. The event will unveil the winners of PAFF’s jury and audience-selected films, alongside the festival’s Executive Awards, recognizing industry pioneers and emerging voices who are shaping the future of film.

    Tramell Tillman is set to be honored at The Pan African Film Festival’s (PAFF) upcoming Filmmaker Awards Brunch. Tillman will be awarded the Star on the Rise Award.

    About Tramell Tillman
    Tramell Tillman has gained widespread recognition for his compelling performance in Apple TV+’s hit series “Severance,” now airing its second season with new episodes premiering every Friday. Tillman has captivated audiences with his layered and haunting portrayal of Milchick. As a rising star in Hollywood, Tillman’s talent and dedication to his craft make him a natural choice for this year’s “Star on the Rise” honor.

    “We are thrilled to celebrate Tramell Tillman, whose performance in Apple’s Severance has made him one of the most exciting talents to watch,” said Oduduwa Olatunji, PAFF Executive Director. “As PAFF continues its mission to uplift and amplify Black creatives, we are proud to recognize artists like Tramell, who are redefining the industry.”

    The PAFF Filmmaker Awards Brunch is an invite-only event attended by industry insiders, filmmakers, and festival participants. The brunch is the festival’s culminating moment, spotlighting cinematic excellence and the next wave of Black talent.

    About Pan African Film & Arts Festival

    The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is one of the longest-running and most respected cultural events dedicated to showcasing the artistic achievements of the Black and African diaspora. Since its inception, PAFF has provided a dynamic platform for filmmakers, artists, and performers to share their stories, celebrate their heritage, and inspire audiences through powerful and thought-provoking works. More at paff.org.

    About Apple TV+

    Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognition faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 537 wins and 2,530 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

  • ‘The Penguin Lessons’ and just a few key details

    ‘The Penguin Lessons’ and everything you need to know!’

    Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, this poignant dramedy from director Peter Cattaneo follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine history.

    Photo Cred: Sony

    ‘The Penguin Lessons’ is inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down. The 1 hr 50 min adaptation will be in theatres March 28, 2025.

    Official Trailer

    Check out the official trailer for Hulu’s upcoming half-hour comedy series, “Deli Boys” here: TRAILER

    About Sony Pictures:

    Sony Pictures Entertainment Incorporated is certainly an American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment studio conglomerate that produces, acquires, and distributes filmed entertainment through multiple platforms.

    For More:

    *stay tuned for more Sony Pictures related coverage*

  • HULU’s Original Comedy ‘DELI BOYS’ and everything you need to know

    Hulu’s Original Comedy “Deli Boys”

    What is ‘Deli Boys’ bringing to the big screen in March? Well, after their deli-tycoon father suddenly dies, Raj and Mir Dar, a pair of spoiled Pakistani American brothers, lose everything and find out that their Baba was more drug lord than corporate magnate. The freaked-out boys are ushered kicking and screaming (literally) into the underworld by their Lucky Auntie and her nemesis Ahmad Uncle. As Raj and Mir fumble from one ridiculous catastrophe to the next, every move they make is life or death. Because when your trust fund is gone, so is the luxury of screwing up.

    All episodes will stream exclusively on Thursday, March 6 on Hulu. 

    Official Trailer

    Check out the official trailer for Hulu’s upcoming half-hour comedy series, “Deli Boys” here:  TRAILER

    Cast, Showrunner, Producers and more!

    As for the casts line-up Asif Ali as “Mir”, Saagar Shaikh as “Raj”, Poorna Jagannathan as “Lucky”, Alfie Fuller as “Prairie”, Brian George as “Ahmad” will bring the action in each of the half-hour episodes.The 10-episode series was created by Abdullah Saeed and developed by Jenni Konner and Nora Silver under Jenni Konner Productions. Michelle Nader, who also serves as showrunner, is an executive producer alongside Saeed, Konner and Silver. Nisha Ganatra is executive producer and director on the pilot, with Vali Chandrasekaran as a non-writing executive producer on the pilot. The series hails from Onyx Collective and is produced by 20th Television.

    About Onyx Collective

    Onyx Collective is a premium content brand under Disney Entertainment Television, with programming exclusively available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally. Onyx Collective curates globally entertaining stories by creators of color and underrepresented voices, all with a culturally specific point of view.

    For More:

    *stay tuned for more Hulu and ONYX Collective related coverage*

  • Apple TV+’s French-language drama ‘Carême’ to premiere globally on April 30

    Photo Cred: Apple TV+

    ‘Carême’ and all you need to know!

    ‘Carême’ follows the thrilling story of the world’s first celebrity chef, Antonin Carême (Voisin), who rose from humble beginnings in Paris to the height of culinary stardom in Napoleon’s Europe. While he dreams only of becoming the most famous chef in the world, his talent and ambitions attract the attention of renowned and powerful politicians who use him as a spy for France. Determined to escape poverty and fulfill his dream, Carême can choose revenge, or he can have it all — women, wealth, fame — but at what cost? His love? His soul? His life?

    ‘Carême’ will make its global debut on Apple TV+ on April 30, 2025 with the first two episodes, followed by one episode weekly every Wednesday through June 11, 2025.

    Photo Cred: Apple TV+

    Who and what to expect?

    The French-language drama inspired by the book “Cooking for Kings: The Life of Antonin Carême, the First Celebrity Chef” by multi-award-winning historian and actor Ian Kelly (“The King’s Man”), “Carême” is created by Kelly and Davide Serino (“The Bad Guy,” “M. Son of the Century,” “Esterno notte”).

    ‘Carême’ is executive produced by Vanessa van Zuylen with VVZ Production and Dominique Farrugia with Banijay’s Shine Fiction will star César Award winner Benjamin Voisin (“Lost Illusions,” “Summer of 85”), César Award nominee Jérémie Renier (“My Way,” “Saint Laurent”), César Award winner Lyna Khoudri (“Papicha,” “November”) and Alice Da Luz (“Hanami,” “And the Party Goes On”). The series is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Martin Bourboulon (“Les Trois Mousquetaires: D’Artagnan,” “Eiffel”).

    The series is the latest in French programming from Apple TV+. Other titles include “La Maison,” where high fashion meets high drama in a behind-the-curtain look at an iconic French haute couture house, starring Lambert Wilson and Carole Bouquet; “Liaison,” a high-stakes, contemporary thriller exploring how the mistakes of our past have the potential to destroy our future, starring Vincent Cassel and Eva Green; the recently renewed multilingual French-Japanese drama “Drops of God,” inspired by the bestselling manga from award winners Tadashi Agi and Shu Okimoto, starring Fleur Geffrier and Tomohisa Yamashita; and newly announced thriller “A l’ombre des forêts,” starring Benoît Magimel and Mélanie Laurent.

    Photo Cred: Apple TV+

    About Apple TV+

    Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 538 wins and 2,553 nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

    Photo Cred: Apple TV+

    About Apple TV+

    *stay tuned for more Apple TV+ related coverage and more*

  • Exclusive Interview!

    Emily Brundige, creator of Apple TV+’s animated series ‘GOLDIE’

    I had the pleasure of speaking with Emily Brundige, creator of ‘Goldie’ the series during an exclusive interview. Watch the full interview above!

    About Emily Brundige

    Emily is a writer/creator/showrunner for animation with more than a decade of experience. Shut Up! cartoons series Pubertina on YouTube marked the start of Emily’s career and since her portfolio has continued to vastly expand. Emily Brundige has developed and written shows for Disney, Fox ADHD, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Silvergate Media, Nickelodeon, and developed Harvey Girls Forever!  for Dreamworks TV/Netflix. She also voiced the character of Sara in the Emmy award-winning Cartoon Network mini-series Over the Garden Wall, winning her a BTVA People’s Choice Voice Acting Award along with the rest of the cast. Additionally, Emily served as Story Editor on S3 of the Annie and Emmy-award-winning series Hilda for Silvergate/Netlix, created by Luke Pearson, and has also recently served as Head Writer on Big Nate, a Nickelodeon/Paramount+ animated series based on the books of Lincoln Peirce.

    ‘Goldie’ the 13-episode animated series premieres on Apple TV+ on February 14. This multi-layered series unveils many relatable storylines, experiences and friendship dynamics in such profound positive ways. While ‘Goldie’ is an animated series for children, parents can also join in and enjoy.

    Photo Cred: Apple TV+

    About ‘Goldie’

    During the interview Emily shares her passion for animation and strong love for children – making mention of her beautiful 6-year-old daughter (who would say she’s 6-and a half) given the opportunity. Ha, ha! Emily shared her inspiration behind the series and the fact she always had great intentions of pitching the show. ‘Goldie’ is not only a multilayered adaptation, but also a series filled with much diversity. When asked “Did your 2019 award-win for Goldie’ the short have any correlation behind creating a series versus of ‘Goldie’ story”? Emily answered, “Yes.” In addition to how grateful she was to have worked with Apple TV+ on this special project. Emily also delved into what she’d like for not only children but also parents to peel away from the series and let’s just say encouragement and uplifting were just to name a few. In addition to the impressive guest star line-up that was discussed. Emily was transparent in sharing, some of her guest stars took her by surprise as she didn’t believe she would be able to work with them on this project. One guest star being Henry Wrinkler, who Emily shared is one of the kindest humans on earth and so easy to work with.

    Emily has a forthcoming e-book entitled ‘A Guide to Developing Animated Shows’ so stay tuned for more and check out the exclusive chat above!

    Photo Cred: Apple TV+

    About Apple TV+

    Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognition faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 537 wins and 2,530 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

  • 11TH ANNUAL SERIESFEST TELEVISION FESTIVAL

    Amy Schumer has received the key to open the festival with an exclusive stand-up special event

    Photo Cred: John Russo

    SeriesFest: All You Need To Know

    SeriesFest, the annual international TV festival that celebrates emerging talent, breakout series, and fresh voices in the television industry, will kick off its 11th season with a one-night-only performance by comedian Amy Schumer at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The stand-up special event on Tuesday, April 29 will also feature additional performers to be announced at a later date, and launch the six-day gathering of artists, storytellers, and industry professionals in Denver, Colorado.

    About SeriesFest

    SeriesFest is a non-profit organization that champions and empowers artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling by providing year-round opportunities for creators and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and share stories, which inspire and impact global audiences.

    Each spring, SeriesFest culminates in a highly curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival includes in-competition independent pilot screenings, panels, workshops, live reads, parties, network television premieres, an additional wide array of programs including scripted, unscripted and late-night pilot competitions, exclusive screenings and galas, such as the SeriesFest Soiree.

    About Amy Schumer

    Amy Schumer is a Golden Globe, Tony and Grammy nominated standup comedian, actress, writer, producer, activist, and director. Her most recent projects include critically acclaimed series from Hulu’s Life & Beth Season 2 which Schumer stars in, created, wrote, and directed and the Golden Globe nominated Netflix comedy special, AMY SCHUMER: EMERGENCY CONTACT.

    Among her many projects, Schumer is also the creator, star, writer and executive producer of the award-winning INSIDE AMY SCHUMER the popular Comedy Central television series, which premiered in April 2013 to the network’s highest season premiere ratings of that year. INSIDE AMY SCHUMER won the 2015 Writers Guild Award for Best Comedy/Variety Sketch series.  In 2015, the show was honored with the first-ever Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sketch Variety Series.  Schumer was also nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. Schumer received honors for Individual Achievement in Comedy and Outstanding Achievement in Comedy from the Television Critics Association in 2015.  Additionally, she was awarded the 2015 Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series.  Among the show’s many accolades, it also received the prestigious Peabody Award in 2014.

    What’s the latest with Amy Schumer?

    Schumer will be starring in the Netflix Comedy ‘Kinda Pregnant’ alongside Will Forte and Jillian Bell with more in the works.

    Photo Cred: Netflix

    SeriesFest Sponsors and Support

    Canva, Once Upon A Time Productions, Liberty Global, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Denver Film, Caz Matthews, Xfinity, and United Airlines, along with generous support from the SCFD.