Although it was a competitive year, there would be no stopping Alejandro González Iñárritu‘s BIRDMAN from winning coveted BEST PICTURE at the 87th Academy Awards tonight!  This latest victory caps-off a Campaign for the Dramedy beginning with a release last October.  Since then, among others, it has nabbed several important Best Picture Awards including yesterday’s Independent Spirit Awards, the Golden Globe Awards and several more. Mexican Filmmaker Iñárritu was awarded Best Director for BIRDMAN, his second nomination after getting a nod for 2007’s Babel.

Winning Best Actor, first-time Nominee at the age of 33 was English Star Eddie Redmayne, recognized for his phenomenal work as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.  He took a moment to dedicate his win to ALS awareness.

After four previous nominations, a tearful Julianne Moore at long last gets a Best Actress trophy for her turn in STILL ALICE, in which she plays a Professor suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. The Actress stunned in a unique Chanel number, never before seen on a runway. She thanked her Family and took a moment to direct attention to finding a cure for Alzheimers, and also Richard Glatzer, Director/Writer of Still Alice, whom is suffering from ALS.

As expected, J.K. Simmons as expected took Best Supporting Actor for a stirring performance as a psychotic Conductor in WHIPLASH.  Patricia Arquette likewise would go on to take Best Supporting Actress for her performance in BOYHOOD, getting cheers from the likes of Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez after making a call to the Industry for equal rights and equal pay for Women.

See it again here:

Why Meryl Streep and J.Lo. freaked out over Patricia Arquette’s Oscar speech. http://t.co/v9IxK6xt8r pic.twitter.com/QbmGr1LSeY

— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) February 23, 2015

Stars shined bright on the rainy Red Carpet tonight and turning many heads were Rising Star Margot Robbie in Van Cleef and Arpels in a sheer long-sleeve black gown with a deep plunging ‘V’. Seen widely prior as an Oscar Contender for her fantastic performance in CAKE, Jennifer Aniston donned her signature hair, stunning in a shiny Versace number, fitting her perfect. Reese Witherspoon seen for the first time in Tom Ford this Awards Season, looked stunning with an off-the-shoulder dress just days after being spotted at the Designer’s Show.  As for the Gentlemen, Performer Adam Levine and Presenter Josh Hutcherson displayed bespoke tailoring and impeccable grooming, both in Armani!

Star of Stage and Screen Neil Patrick Harris, hosted delivering the laughs with a spirited opening number where he was joined by Anna Kendrick and Jack Black, referring to Motion Pictures as “moving pictures”.  He even stripped down to his skivvies for the sake of entertainment!

See his Intro here:

Megastar Lady Gaga warmed the heart of Julie Andrews with a flawless Medley Tribute to the Sound of Music, easily one of the evening’s biggest Highlights!

And for a Canadian connection, Craig Mann, whom I am proud to say I went to High School with at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Pickering – we both took Musical Keyboarding – won Best Sound Mixing for WHIPLASH!

For a complete list of Winners, click here.

(Photo/video credit: Getty Images)

For the second week in-a-row, FIFTY SHADES OF GREY has Moviegoers in handcuffs, dominating again the Box Office with $23.2 million from 3,655 theatres for Universal Pictures! Although it is noted that this is a 75% drop from its debut last weekend, this still is strong enough for a decisive lead. Domestically, it has grossed over $130 million already and just surpassed a phenomenal $300 million worldwide!

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER lands in second, continuing what has been a strong run. It earns $16.3 million from 3,680 theatres in its third week for Paramount Pictures, surpassing $125 million thus far in North America.

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE in its second week settles for Runner-Up with $15.8 million for 20th Century Fox, playing at 3,266 theatres. In two weeks it has grossed $66 million.

McFARLAND opens in fourth with $11.3 million for Disney, from 2,755 theatres. Critics gave the Film based on a True Story starring Kevin Costner, a v. good 77% on the Tomatometer. Audiences responded with an even better A CinemaScore.

THE DUFF debuts in fifth with a solid with $11.03 million from 2,575 theatres for eOne Films/CBS Films. Critics responded well with a 62% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes and a great A- CinemaScore, which should bode well for a bit of word-of-mouth.

HOT TUB TIME MACHINE 2, just one of several debuts this weekend, opens in seventh with $5.8 million from 2,880 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Critics weren’t so kind with a rating of 14% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences were a bit more forgiving with a C- CinemaScore.

THE IMITATION GAME rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.5 million or The Weinstein Co./Elevaton Pictures, its fate at the Oscars in the Best Picture category to be determined shortly. This is its 13th week out.

With the 87th annual ACADEMY AWARDS set to take place tonight, we asked our resident Experts their opinions on which Film will win coveted BEST PICTURE. Though the Award is widely seen as a two-horse Race between BIRDMAN and BOYHOOD, each has their opinion on that potential Dark Horse that could pull the wool right over our eyes and surprise us tonight!

Come, let’s take a peek…

George Kozera (Twitter: @PartyG)
“My personal pick for Best Picture is BOYHOOD. My Dark Horse is Bradley Cooper for Best Actor. There’s a lotta love there for Sniper.”.

Justin Waldman (Twitter: @JDubs12)
“BIRDMAN! Because the Movie is absolutely astonishing in its ability to be a one take Film with no cuts or breaks.

AMERICAN SNIPER is my Dark Horse pick as there is a bit of a Republican slant in the Academy, I feel…”.

Jonathan Godfrey 
“Richard Linklater is a distinct and continuously impressive Auteur in Cinema, and if accolades are available let them wander his way.

BOYHOOD is worthy of another award on its mantle place. It drives the Audience to feel something, to connect with something transcendent. It’s charming to know it will continue to be celebrated on the World Stage.

I definitely don’t have a Dark Horse.”.

David Baldwin (Twitter: @DonFishies)
“Its going to be BIRDMAN or BOYHOOD. Both terrific Films, wide scopes and amazing performances. Leaning on the former more because I love Michael Keaton, and hope he wins too. Dark Horse is AMERICAN SNIPER — it just may steal the Show!”.

Mr. Will (Twitter: @Mrwillw)

“If this were the Mr. Will Awards, it certainly would be WHIPLASH‘s year, however in all probability we will be seeing the Team behind BOYHOOD at the podium.  What a remarkable feat in Cinema, a real tour-de-force!

Therefore, my Dark Horse pick, WHIPLASH.  Most likely Winner, BOYHOOD.  No shock if the also genius BIRDMAN won, but BOYHOOD gets the slight edge.”.

The 87th annual ACADEMY AWARDS, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, air on ABC at 7 PM EST.

E!’s Live From the Red Carpet starts 5:30 PM EST.

(Photo credit: Mongrel Media/Warner Bros.)

If like us, you’re excited about Neill Blomkamp‘s CHAPPIE, here’s some just-released Scenes to quench that thirst!

Synopsis:
In the near future, crime is patrolled by an oppressive mechanized police force. But now, the people are fighting back. When one police droid, Chappie, is stolen and given new programming, he becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself. As powerful, destructive forces start to see Chappie as a danger to mankind and order, they will stop at nothing to maintain the status quo and ensure that Chappie is the last of his kind.

For those ALIEN Fans, many of you are probably thrilled to know Blomkamp confirmed the other day with VARIETY that there indeed will be a new Movie coming in the Franchise, separate from forthcoming PROMETHEUS 2. Read more here.

“NOT MY FAULT”:

“BURN IT TO ASH”:

“REAL GANGSTER”:

Catchiest song of 2015!  ‘Who in the is Lunchmoney Lewis’, we ask?  After collaborating with Nicki Minaj on her Track Trini Dem Girls, the Singer/Rapper debuts a Video for his super-catchy Single BILLS.  It is like the Theme Song to The Jeffersons, meets Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega, meets F*ck You by Cee-Lo.  There is something completely relatable here about the Track. It’s celebratory too, which makes it a Hit for sure.  Bottom line, we all broke and working for a living – might as well dance about it, right?

See the fun new Video:

Get BILLS now on iTunes here!

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)

He wowed Audiences and Critics with a breakthrough performance in UNBROKEN and now’s your chance to see Jack O’Connell in ’71. After premiering at TIFF ’14 to a rousing response, this is your chance to see it as it continues its expansion across Canada, opening March 20, 2015 in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Victoria.

Synopsis:

’71 is about a young British soldier who is accidentally abandoned by his unit following a terrifying riot on the streets of Belfast in 1971. Unable to tell friend from foe, the raw recruit must survive the night alone and find his way to safety through a disorienting, alien and deadly landscape.

Watch the Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and state your City.

G’luck Willionaire$!

Elevation Pictures release ’71 on Friday, March 13, 2015, with additional cities to come.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

The best news ever to have happened Midtown.  My first Bachelor Pad was around Yonge x Eglinton and part of the joy of living there involved the walk through the shopping/restaurant strip extending from the intersection all the way down to St. Clair.   I remember always walking by the Art Shoppe and being fascinated by some of the forward pieces on display in the window.  By the 2000s, I’ll admit some of the looks seemed of another era and alas it has been determined that the valuable real estate there could be better optimized.

Freed and CD Capital Developments will now be developing the space into a dual Tower Combo of Condos and Lofts.  Signing-on to design the Development’s Lobby Space is none other than international Fashion Icon Karl Lagerfeld, this being his first time doing anything of the sort and this also is his first visit to Canada.  It is said Lagerfeld will be visiting Toronto potentially in April to continue the discussions as per Jordan Dermer of CD Capital Developments.  Now that’s exciting.  More on this here.

We’d always imagined that Lagerfeld would visit for some spectacular Fashion Bonanza, but this certainly is big!

(Photo credit: Karl Lagerfeld)

The Year of the Ram brings some uncertainty and mystery, but promises to be somewhat peaceful. Of course, this varies depending which Animal Sign you were born under. Let’s see together what your Year of the Ram Horoscope holds for you. If you aren’t sure, simply look-up the year you are born in to locate your Animal Sign. Although I normally rely on Singapore’s GEOMANCY HUT, this year they didn’t release a 2015 Horoscope. I did snoop around and found this Horoscope on MYSTIC SCRIPTS which is v. easy to understand, clear and straight-forward. Click here to read.  Chinese New Year is celebrated this year on Thursday, February 19, 2015.

And now to share with you some things which are amazing and Chinese, because I’m proud of my People!

CHINESE MUSIC

G.E.M. (an acronym for “Get Everybody Moving”) might be pint-sized, but this adorable 23-year-old Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist is perhaps the greatest Musical Act to come out of Asia in quite some time. Hong Kong-born Gloria Tang has become an international sensation among the Chinese Community thanks to some smart Internet-based marketing which made her a viral success. Her Vocals are phenomenal, but equally she is a magnificent Entertainer. I encourage you to check-out a couple samples of her singing below. You will be blown away and I’m extremely-proud as a Fan to see her great success. She is an absolute Standout in a Market filled with Beauty Pageant Contestants-turned-Singers, Actors-turned Singers and Children of prominent Celebs who get a recording contract by default. Literally every Song coming out of Hong Kong sounds the same right now, but G.E.M. (seen top left in collage) is different.

G.E.M. ft. Jason Mraz – LUCKY

G.E.M. – If I Were a Boy

CHINESE NEW YEAR FOODS

If you visit any Chinese Grocer (i.e. Loblaws-owned T&T) around this time of year, you will find right by the Cash, piles of Chinese New Year Candies. Growing-up, my Mom always brought home these amazing treats and I think you absolutely must try these!

Su Xin Tang (translation: Flaky Heart Candies, top-right in collage)

One-part pastry, one part-candy, these usually come in a large bag of 12 flavours including Black Sesame, Almond, Coffee, Peanut, Coconut, Mixed Nuts, Cola, etc. They are delectably sweet, firm and crispy.  Kinda like the center of a Crispy Crunch! Fave.

Li Shi Tang (translation: Lucky Candies, bottom-left in collage)

They taste of strawberry and almost a bit floral-like, which is fitting in that Cherry Blossoms often signify luck during Chinese New Year. If you’ve ever had a Peach Blossom Tea Latte at Starbucks in its limited edition run, I’d equate its flavour to being similar to these hard and chewy delights. They are packaged charmingly in shiny Red Envelopes similar to those that we receive from our married Family members – an incentive to remain single as only those married have to give them out at Chinese New Year!

Yu Tou Gao (translation: Taro Cake, second from top-left in collage)

Ube quickly is catching-on in these parts as a new “it” flavour (I’ve heard of Ube-flavoured Doughnuts at some Hipster Shops) so if you’ve tried the Purple Yam in some incarnation, you’ll sorta get what to expect with Taro as they are similar.  They often serve this at DimSum during Lunch, but for me it is synonymous with Chinese New Year.  It is savoury, glutinous and outright delicious with small cubes of the Sweet Potato cut into the mixture; best served pan-fried.

CHINESE NEW YEAR ORNAMENTS

Although Alpacas aren’t Lambs, they are friends of the latter in that Alpacas protect baby Lambs from preying Foxes.  We think these Alpaca Stuffies  (bottom-center in collage) from Japan named ALPACASSO are absolutely adorable!  Kelly Clarkson recently was in-town and I bought one for her Daughter River Rose and she was in love (read more)!  Shop online here.  Broadcast Books sells these at Pacific Mall for those of you in Toronto/Markham. Trinkets are a must to celebrate!

CHINESE FILM

From acclaimed Director Zhang Yi Mou, COMING HOME was a critical success at TIFF ’14.  Although Mongrel Media won’t be releasing the Drama till later this year in Canada, here is a Preview of the heartbreaking tale of separation among a Family during the Cultural Revolution, starring Queen of Chinese Cinema, Gong Li (seen bottom-right in collage) and Chen Dao Ming.

Is there anything more elegant than this?  Photos from the Rome SPECTRE Photo Call have just surfaced from earlier today with Monica Bellucci and Daniel Craig.  You won’t be able to keep your eyes off a stunning Bellucci – known now as the eldest Bond Girl in the history of the Films at age 50 – ridiculously beautiful in red.

Synopsis:

A cryptic message from Bond‘s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.

Still waiting on that first Still of Christoph Waltz…

  Sony Pictures release SPECTRE November 16, 2015 in IMAX.

(Photo credit: Sony Pictures)

In 24 years, British Columbia-born Actress Molly Parker has established herself somewhat of  a National Treasure.  Her work in Independent Films like Kissed and Center of the World brought her wide acclaim north and south of the Border. She would go on to garner recognition for her phenomenal work in TV Series like Deadwood, Dexter, The Firm and more recently, House of Cards.  Parker returns to Toronto for Canadian Stage‘s Production of HARPER REGAN, by Simon Stephens.

Synopsis:

One Autumn evening, after learning of her Father’s impending death, Harper Regan walks away from her home, her Husband, her Daughter, and keeps going. She tells no one where she’s going or whether she’s coming back. She’s put everything she’s ever worked for at risk. Her journey takes her to the very borderlines of the relationship between eros and thanatos, sex and death.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Parker just before she prepped for a day of rehearsal. Bluma Appel Theatre will host for the first time ever in Canada a Play by Stephens. “It’s definitely not a return to the stage for me”, says the Actress whose piercing blue eyes both are expressive and pensive.  It may have been over 18 years since she’s appeared on-stage, but she considers herself more a TV Actress now by way of a whopping 40 Indie Films made over a span of ten years.

I ask Parker what drew her most to Harper Regan.  “She’s a Woman torn between Family and herself, a Wife and a Mother”, she tells me.  “She’s left as Provider for her Family after some trauma takes place.  With her Father dying, she can’t leave her job without losing her job.  She goes anyway, even though her Father dies before she gets there.”.  “Harper meets some odd people whom affect her.  It really is about a lost weekend or a mini-Odyssean journey in some way. She’s an average, unremarkable Woman – every Woman in a way.  She does something extraordinary and it’s the extraordinary actions of ordinary people that has me interested.”.  Parker adds that although she is clear what is required to become Harper, there is something still so mysterious about her. “I really don’t know who she is.”. “The Play is funny, sweet, moving and so well-written.  It operates on a deeper level that had me thinking for days”, she comments. “Hopefully we can make a version of that.”.

On some of her more complex and unconventional career choices, she is full of gratitude for the opportunities she’s been given. “I know I’ve been really lucky to be offered really challenging roles”, admits Parker. “I’m attracted a little bit to roles that are scary to me, however, it is easy to  look back now and say ‘I understand what I was doing back then’, when at time I only knew what I liked and didn’t like.”.

The more I chat with Parker, watching her dig deep with reflective , thoughtful pauses, the more I realize why it is that her career continues to thrive – she lives and breathes pure artistry. “I don’t care about being likable and I’m not in it to be liked”, she reveals.  “I myself want to be presented with somebody who speaks to my Humanity. I want to be entertained and come away feeling ‘Oh, that is a Woman I’d be interested in talking to. That is more interesting to me.”.

I couldn’t let our Chat end without asking about the greatest Television Series currently in existence.  “I love doing House of Cards“, she tells me. “It’s like all the elements are great. The writing is terrific and challenging. We have the best Crew and  I love that Character (Jacqueline Sharp). She is this combination – she’s strong, a warrior, sexual, ambitious, ruthless, afraid and vulnerable.”. Although she is tight-lipped about any more details of upcoming Season Three, she did indicate she is drawn much to a new male Character.  “In many ways, this Show is about a marriage and this Season continues to explore it in-depth.”.

HARPER REGAN plays at the Bluma Appel Theatre from March 1 – 22, 2015.  More on Tickets here.

Our Snap:

Always a pleasure seeing the incredibly-smart, intense and talented #MollyParker. “I don’t care about being liked”, she tells me. More in my upcoming piece on #HarperRegan, playing at #BerkeleyStreetTheatre 3/5. We also talked #HouseofCards and she gave ONE tease. #Theatre

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Feb 18, 2015 at 11:37am PST

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)