Entertainment

The 94th annual Academy Awards will air live on ABC on March 27. Here’s a rundown of which films are up for the biggest award of the night: Best Picture. For the first time in 10 years, there are a whopping 10 nominees in this category:

The leading nominee, with 12 nods in all, is Jane Campion‘s Western psychological drama, The Power of the Dog, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

The sci-fi epic Dune, starring Timothee Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa and Zendaya, has 10 nominations.

Tied with seven nominations each: Kenneth Branagh‘s semi-autobiographical dramedy Belfast, and Steven Spielberg‘s new take on the classic musical West Side Story.

King Richard, starring Will Smith as the father of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams, is up for six Oscars overall.

Drive My Car, a Japanese drama about a theater director and the woman hired to drive him around, has four nominations. So does the Netflix black comedy Don’t Look Up, which boasts a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Cate Blanchett and more.

Nightmare Alley, a dramatic thriller starring Bradley Cooper as an immoral carnival worker, also has four nominations.

At the bottom of the pack with three nominations each: Paul Thomas Anderson‘s 1970s coming-of-age film Licorice Pizza, and CODA, a heartwarming story about a musically talented teenager and her relationship with her deaf parents and deaf brother.

Which film will take home the Oscar? Tune in to ABC on March 27 to find out.

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If you’re nominated at the 94th Annual Academy Awards on March 27, perhaps consider asking Rachel Zegler to be your plus-one. 

That’s because the actress says she didn’t get a ticket of her own, despite the fact that she stars in the Steven Spielberg-directed film that was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture. 

Zegler, who played María Vasquez in the remake, broke the ‘unvitation’ news on social media, when a fan made reference to what she’ll be wearing.

“I’m not invited so sweatpants and my boyfriend’s flannel,” she replied.

Zegler’s fans immediately protested, offering her suggestions on how to undo the slight, including lobbying Spielberg. “I’m sure [he] could do something about this,” one follower stated.

Zegler replied, “…i have tried it all but it doesn’t seem to be happening :’) i will root for west side story from my couch and be proud of the work we so tirelessly did 3 years ago.”  The actress added, “i hope some last minute miracle occurs and i can celebrate our film in person but hey, that’s how it goes sometimes… [T]hanks for all the shock and outrage — i’m disappointed, too. but that’s okay. so proud of our movie.”

Officially, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tells The Hollywood Reporter that each nominee and presenter is offered a pair of tickets. Zegler wasn’t nominated, though her co-star, Ariana DeBose was, in the Best Supporting Actress category. 

That said, AMPAS notes, extra tickets are allotted to nominated studios, but it seems as of now, Zegler came up short.

On Sunday, Zegler thanked her fans for “all the support…”, and asked for respect to the folks “behind the scenes” in movies and awards shows. “[L]et’s all just respect the process and i’ll get off my phone,” she concluded.

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On Twitter, The Daily Show host Trevor Noah seemingly responded to the Grammy Awards’ decision to remove  Kanye West from its list of performers for the April 3 show. 

“I said counsel Kanye not cancel Kanye,” said the comedian, who returns as host this year.

West’s rep confirmed to People that the awards show banned the Donda rapper over his “concerning online behavior,” despite his five nominations this year. 

The defense of West from Noah is significant, not only because he’s hosting again this year, but because at least one example of Ye’s “concerning online behavior” targeted Noah. Last Wednesday, Kanye was suspended from Instagram for 24 hours for violating the platform’s policies on hate speech and bullying and harassment for posting an apparently racist dig at Noah, after he voiced concern on The Daily Show about West’s constant posts about his ex-wife Kim Kardashian and her relationship with Pete Davidson.

Noah, who grew up with an abusive father, said in part on his show,”What [Kim is] going through is terrifying to watch, and it shines a spotlight on what so many women go through when they choose to leave.”

The Daily Show host later said in an Instagram story that Kanye’s recent behavior “breaks my heart,” adding, “I don’t care if you support Trump and I don’t care if you roast Pete. I do however care when I see you on a path that’s dangerously close to peril and pain.”

Noah said West remains an “indelible” part of his life, but commented, “I’ve woken up too many times and read headlines about men who’ve killed their exes, their kids and then themselves. I never want to read that headline about you.”

Incidentally, West may have deleted all of his Instagram content: His feed showed zero posts as of Monday morning.

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Maury Povich‘s long-running daytime syndicated talk show, Maury, will end with the current season. “Maury and I decided two years ago that this season would be the farewell season for the show, and while his retirement is bittersweet, we are so happy for him to be able to spend more time on the golf course,” Tracie Wilson, EVP, NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, said in a statement obtained by Deadline. Povich, 83, says his decision to end the show came much earlier. “Six years ago when I was ready to retire, my the NBCUniversal family asked me to continue the show,” he said. “Even though I told them I was ready for assisted living, out of loyalty to NBCUniversal and my more than 100 staff and crew members, Tracie Wilson and I agreed to one more deal. The Maury Povich Show, later shortened to Maury, premiered in 1991…

A fourth season of HBO’s True Detective is in the works, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. The premium cable network has reportedly recruited Tigers Are Not Afraid writer Issa Lopez to pen the script for a new cycle to be titled True Detective: Night Country. Additionally, Barry Jenkins is attached to executive produce the anthology. Season one stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are expected to return as executive producers, as they have been on all three previous seasons. Season four is currently in development…

The Writers Guild Awards weren’t the only awards ceremony this weekend. The Producers Guild handed out awards to CODA, which took home best picture honors. Elsewhere, Succession took home the award for outstanding episodic drama, Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso added to its trophy collection by taking home the trophy for outstanding television comedy, and HBO’s Mare of Easttown won for outstanding producer of a limited series. The PGA Lifetime Achievement Award went to Lucasfilm founder George Lucas and present leader Kathleen Kennedy. Rita Moreno was awarded the Stanley Kramer prize for her trailblazing career and off-screen life advocating for social justice…

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The 2022 Writers Guild Awards announced their winners during a virtual ceremony on Sunday.

Hosted by comedian-writer-producer Ashley Nicole Black, the event, honored outstanding achievement in writing for film, television, new media, news, radio/audio, and promotional categories.

Don’t Look Up took home the award for Best Screenplay and CODA for Best Adapted Screenplay.

On the TV side, Succession won for Best Drama Series and Hacks for Best Comedy Series and Best New Series. Mare of Easttown was voted Best Original Long Form and Maid Best Short Form series. 

Humorist, author and former talk show host Dick Cavett, 85, received WGA East’s Evelyn F. Burkey Award, awarded to a person or organization whose contributions have brought honor and dignity to writers everywhere. 

Barry Jenkins received WGA West’s Paul Selvin Award for the episode “Chapter 9: Indiana Winter” of the series The Underground Railroad. The Selvin Award is given to the script that best embodies the spirit of the constitutional and civil rights and liberties that are indispensable to the survival of free writers everywhere.

Here the complete winners list:

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Don’t Look Up

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
CODA

DOCUMENTARY SCREENPLAY
Exposing Muybridge 

DRAMA SERIES
Succession 

COMEDY SERIES
Hacks 

NEW SERIES
Hacks 

ORIGINAL LONG FORM
Mare of Easttown

ADAPTED LONG FORM
Maid

ORIGINAL & ADAPTED SHORT FORM NEW MEDIA
Debunking Borat 

ANIMATION
“Planteau” (Tuca & Bertie)  

EPISODIC DRAMA
“Retired Janitors of Idaho” (Succession)

EPISODIC COMEDY
“Alone At Last” (The Great)

COMEDY/VARIETY TALK SERIES
Conan 

COMEDY/VARIETY SKETCH SERIES
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson 

COMEDY/VARIETY SPECIALS
Full Frontal Wants to Take Your Guns 

QUIZ AND AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Baking It

DAYTIME DRAMA
Days of Our Lives 

CHILDREN’S EPISODIC, LONG FORM AND SPECIALS
“The Tale of the Midnight Magic” (Are You Afraid of the Dark?) 

DOCUMENTARY SCRIPT – CURRENT EVENTS
“The Healthcare Divide” (Frontline)

DOCUMENTARY SCRIPT – OTHER THAN CURRENT EVENTS
“Citizen Hearst, Part One” (American Experience) 

NEWS SCRIPT – REGULARLY SCHEDULED, BULLETIN, OR BREAKING REPORT
“The Unequal Recession” (60 Minutes)

NEWS SCRIPT – ANALYSIS, FEATURE, OR COMMENTARY
“Handcuffed to the Truth” (60 Minutes)

DIGITAL NEWS
“‘Men’s Rights Asians’ Think This Is Their Moment,” Slate.com

RADIO/AUDIO DOCUMENTARY
“One Year: 1977 ‘The Miracle Cure,’” Slate Podcast 

RADIO/AUDIO NEWS SCRIPT – REGULARLY SCHEDULED, BULLETIN, OR BREAKING REPORT
“Surfside Condo Collapse” (CBS World News Roundup Late Edition) 

RADIO/AUDIO NEWS SCRIPT – ANALYSIS, FEATURE, OR COMMENTARY
“The Tasmanian Devil Tattoo” (Decoder Ring)

ON-AIR PROMOTION
“Celebrating Powerful Female Leads: Trailers for ‘The Equalizer’ & ‘Why Women Kill’” 

 

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The Batman topped the box office for the third straight week, delivering an estimated $38.6 million. That brings the total domestic take for the gritty superhero action-drama to $300 million. It’s now second only to Spider-Man: No Way Home in pandemic-era North American earnings.

Internationally, The Batman has taken in $298 million to date, bringing its worldwide tally to $598.1 million.

FUNimation’s Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie shocked the U.S. box office, bowing in second place with an estimated $14.8 million. It has pulled in $17.7 million stateside so far. Overseas, Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie has taken in an estimated $112.1 million, bringing the film’s combined global haul at $129.8 million.

Uncharted landed in third place, earning an estimated $8 million in its fifth weekend. Thus far, the film has collected $125.9 million domestically to go along with $211.4 million overseas. Its worldwide tally now sits at $337.3 million.

Another new release, Ti West’s indie horror film X, opened in fourth place with an estimated $4.4 million.

Rounding out the top five was Dog, which pulled in an estimated $4.1 million in its fifth week of release.

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The search for the next American Idol continued Sunday night, and it was a blast from the past with a lot of the hopefuls drawing inspiration from past contestants. 

First up, was 21-year-old Zaréh Turner, whose mother Nadia Turner made it to the Top 8 during the show’s fourth season. She surprised her mother, bringing her to the audition in a blindfold, and eventually won over the judges with a sweet performance of Jazmine Sullivan‘s “Bust the Windows,” earning a trip to Hollywood. 

Here’s a look at the rest of the night’s auditions.  

Thomas Patrick Moran, 24: After a gimmicky take on Aretha Franklin‘s “Chain of Fools,” the judges pressed him to be more serious and try again. It was his second audition, a surprisingly good rendition of Leon Bridges‘ “River,” that sent him through to Hollywood week, thanks to judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. 

Sam Moss, 25: This familiar face first auditioned in Austin, Texas and was back for her “redemption story.” She earned a standing ovation — and a trip to Hollywood — after performing an original song that the judges said was one of the best they’d heard this season. 

Fritz Hager, 21: Inspired by Phillip Phillips from season 11 of American Idol, Hager strummed his guitar as he belted out Lewis Capaldi‘s “Before You Go” and made it through to the next round.  

Kevin Gullage, 23: After sharing that he was inspired by William Hung, known for his amusing audition of Ricky Martin‘s “She Bangs”, Gullage gave a shockingly beautiful performance of Otis Redding‘s “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” effortlessly floating into Hollywood week. 

Jacob Moran, 27: Three years ago, Moran made it to Hollywood week and now he’s back for another shot. 60 pounds lighter and booming with confidence, he performed Katy’s song “Rise,” securing his second go at Hollywood week.     

Haley Slaton, 23: Five month pregnant with her son, Slaton needed a moment of redemption after her first audition of Miley Cyrus‘ “The Climb” fell short, leaving the judges unsure. A second try performing Adele‘s “One and Only” proved to be a much better suit, sending her through to the next round. 

Ellie Rowe, 19: With a sweet and innocent voice like hers, it’s no surprise Rowe made it though to Hollywood after performing Allen Stone‘s “Give You Blue.”

Dan Marshall Griffith, 24: From college football to music heartthrob? That’s the hope for Griffith who did an amazing audition of Garth Brooks‘ “The Dance.” He made it to Hollywood, but if music doesn’t work out, Katy thinks he could have a shot at movie business due to his sharp jawline. 

Douglas Mills Jr., 18: Closing out the show, Mills came though with an emotional and moving performance. He was the winner of a local ABC affiliate’s “silver ticket” contest and dedicated his performance of Nina Simone‘s “Strange Fruit” to the Black community and all they’ve had to endure. His performance left Luke Bryan speechless and had Katy declaring him a “superstar.”

Not all auditions lead to Hollywood, of course. 

Kenzie Elizabeth tried to sway the judges by performing Avril Lavigne‘s “I’m With You,” but the judges thought her voice was more suited for broadway than American Idol.

For Charvonay, the superstar personality was there, but unfortunately the voice didn’t match.

The journey to find the next American Idol continues Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC. 

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Matthew Hutchins, the widower of slain Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, took to Twitter to note the latest in his extended family’s plight in their native Ukraine.

Hutchins explained Friday that his sister-in-law, Halyna’s sister Svetlana, “made it safely from Kyiv to Romania with her 3 year old daughter and will continue onwards to Western Europe.”

He added, “Parents stayed in Kyiv to prepare for the worst.”

Hutchins also noted that his mother-in-law, Olga, is “still working as [a] nurse at the hospital where she worked for 30+ years.”

Last week, Matthew Hutchinssaid “Halyna’s family is trapped” in the war-torn country. He also voiced support for the Ukrainian people, saying in part, “Ukraine’s defender are inspiring the world with their bravery. Keep telling the truth about Putin’s invasion and atrocities.”

Hutchins lobbied people to “support refugees,” and support the locals fighting the Russian Army, “with aid and any intervention possible to protect the Ukrainian citizens and their independence.”

Haylna Hutchins, the mother of the couple’s 9-year-old son, Andros, was fatally wounded on October 21, 2021, when a pistol allegedly aimed at her by Alec Baldwin discharged on the movie’s New Mexico set. The live round that had been loaded into the pistol also struck and injured the movie’s director Joel Souza.

A criminal investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

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Star Trek reboot star Chris Pine is letting slip a bit about his upcoming adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons role playing game and, in doing so, he’s dropping some fan favorite titles to compare it to. 

The upcoming film will star Pine, as well as Fast and the Furious mainstay Michelle Rodriguez, former Bridgerton hunk Regé-Jean Page, and Sophia Lillis from the It movies.

Pine tells Collider, “The way that I’ve been describing it, it’s like Game of Thrones mixed with a little Princess Bride, just a smidge of [Monty Python and the] Holy Grail; it’s somewhere in that ballpark.”

He adds, “It’s poppy, it’s ’80s heartfelt’, there’s a bit of Goonies in there.”

While it remains to be seen if it will work — “Who f***ing knows?” he admits — Pine says, “What I will say is we had a hell of a fun time making it. There was [sic] a lot of laughs.”

He allows, “I think we got a good shot.”

As far as adapting the beloved board game, there’s a pretty low bar for success: A 2000 movie starring Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, Marlon Wayans, and American Beauty‘s Thora Birch was a critical and box office failure; let’s just say D&D fans perceived it like rolling a 1 on a D20 die.

Delayed by the pandemic, Paramount Pictures has Dungeons & Dragons slated for a March 3, 2023 release.

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Jennifer Lopez shared a behind-the-scenes look at one of the biggest moments of her current movie rom-com, Marry Me — the one when she returns to Bastian, played by Maluma, to perform their romantic ballad.

The video was shared Friday on her Facebook, which shows Jennifer walking into Madison Square Garden while the movie crew is hard at work giving the venue a movie makeover, from arranging flowing curtains to setting up the sparking backdrop.  The clip shows just how much work was put into filming the brief, but impactful scene.

Other footage shows Jennifer rehearsing with Maluma on stage so they could get the shot just right.  The “On the Floor” singer previously revealed Maluma was doing an actual concert at the venue when filming the movie and it was decided she would crash it to film Marry Me — so the audience in the movie was composed of real fans and not extras.

The scene was one of the movie’s climaxes, where Jennifer’s character, Kat, earns her first Grammy nomination and accepts the invite from her cheating ex, Bastian, to celebrate the honor at his concert in Madison Square Garden.  

Marry Me, also starring Owen Wilson, arrives on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday, March 29.  It is also streaming on Peacock premium, where it currently claims the title as the streaming service’s most-streamed day-and-date title.

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