brie larson
#OSCARS: “SPOTLIGHT”, LEONARDO DICAPRIO, BRIE LARSON TOP WINNERS AT 2016 OSCARS
SPOTLIGHT, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brie Larson and Alejandro González Iñárritu emerge as the big winners of the 88th Academy Awards, marking a finale to Awards Season in Hollywood.
Despite pundit predictions pointing to The Big Short winning Best Picture based on its Producers Guild Awards win, it would be Toronto-filmed SPOTLIGHT to take the coveted golden statue. The Catholic molestation scandal Drama also won for Best Original Screenplay.
With the acting categories being less open to discussion, we would witness Leonardo DiCaprio’s long overdue Best Actor win in a celebrated career with several close calls. He in addition, THE REVENANT Director Alejandro González Iñárritu would get recognized for the Film, which was seen also as a legitimate contender to take Best Picture. Filming for the Movie took place in Alberta.
Brie Larson after building Oscar buzz during the festival circuit for ROOM, became a clear frontrunner in an Awards Season trail which saw her win virtually every Lead Actress award including the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, SAGs, Critics’ Choice Awards and many more. The Actress who filmed her Oscar-winning role in Toronto, next can be seen in Skull Island, the latest in the King Kong franchise.
Swedish star Alicia Vikander quickly has risen in Hollywood after multiple plum roles of late including Ex_Machina (winner for Visual Effects), wins Supporting Actress for The Danish Girl. After seeing her Friday night in Hollywood, we whispered to her “You’re so winning on Sunday”, to which she replied back “You’re so sweet! Thank you!”.
Mark Rylance would win Supporting Actor shining brightest in Steven Spielberg’s Cold War Drama BRIDGE OF SPIES.
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD dominated the technical categories, winning Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Costume Design, Hair & Makeup, Production Design and Editing.
Chris Rock had many debating just how controversial he would go on #OSCARSSOWHITE and he would not disappoint as host with a biting opening which snapped at Hollywood, which he says flat-out is “racist” and also those who would boycott the Oscars this year due to a lack of diversity. He jokes about Jada Pinkett-Smith‘s refusal to attend this year comparing it to Rihanna‘s panties, “Neither of us were invited!”. He also makes valid points about dividing actors by sex having categories for Actor and Actress stating there shouldn’t be a separation. He also points to progress, calling Michael B. Jordan‘s success in Creed, or as he says “Black Rocky“, and the fact that the race of nominees at Awards shows being a hot topic also is indicative of positive change as black people were dealing with more important concerns like social rights issues in the decades leading to this.
In addition to playing a pivotal role in the filming of SPOTLIGHT and ROOM, Canada would win for Short Documentary with THE GIRL IN THE RIVER by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. AMY, a detailed recounting of fallen singer Amy Winehouse, would win for Documentary.
Fashion always is at the forefront at the Oscars and Rooney Mara in Givenchy, Charlize Theron in Dior, Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé, Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein, Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton and Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, would win on the Red Carpet.
Complete list of Winners here.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
#FIRSTLOOK: 2016 VANITY FAIR HOLLYWOOD ISSUE PORTRAITS BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ
Vanity Fair‘s annual Hollywood Issue is something we look forward. Once again Photographer Annie Leibovitz doesn’t disappointing, bringing together for a group portrait 13 of Hollywood’s most influencial women right now. We get also individual portraits which refreshingly aren’t overly-touched-up and we see women like Helen Mirren, Jane Fonda, Cate Blanchett, Charlotte Rampling, Alicia Vikander, Brie Larson, Jennifer Lawrence and Viola Davis as they really are. Missing interestingly is Amy Schumer? And where is Rooney Mara?
Click here to see the portraits.
(Photo credit: Annie Leibovitz/Vanity Fair)
#CDNSCREEN16: “ROOM” AND “SCHITT’S CREEK” LEAD NOMINEES AT 2016 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS
It’s that time of the year again! Awards Season wouldn’t be complete without the Canadian Screen Awards, set to take place Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts for a fourth year. The Gala to be hosted by comedian Norm MacDonald, recognizes the finest accomplishments in Canadian Film, Digital Media and Television, revealing its nominees this morning at TIFF Bell Lightbox with the help of Actors Aislinn Paul (Degrassi, Heroes Reborn) and Lyriq Bent (The Book of Negroes). The Duo were revealed as nominees too.
Leading the Film nominees this year is Academy Award Best Picture-nominated ROOM with eleven nods including Best Motion Picture, Achievement in Art Direction, Cinematography, Direction, Editing, Makeup, Music, Original Score, Adapted Screenplay, Actor in a Leading Role (Jacob Tremblay), Actress in a Leading Role (Brie Larson) and Actress in a Supporting Role (Joan Allen). Both Larson and nine-year-old Tremblay are fresh off Critics’ Choice Awards this past weekend for their work in the Toronto-made Film.
Following closely behind were HYENA ROAD, which despite a whopping eight nominations didn’t receive a Best Motion Picture nomination, and French-language Film OUR LOVED ONES with seven nominations.
SCHITT’S CREEK leads Television category nominees with 14 nominations, plus one in the Digital Media division, including Best Comedy Series, Best Direction in a Comedy Series (twice), Best Photography in a Comedy Series, Best Editing in a Comedy Series, Best Writing in a Comedy Series (twice), Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Eugene Levy, Daniel Levy), Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Chris Elliott) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Annie Murphy, Catherine O’Hara). Interestingly, father-son duo Eugene and Daniel Levy are going head-to-head in this category.
CSAs favourite Orphan Black follows closely behind in second with 13 nominations. Tied with 12 nominations apiece were Mr. D and 19-2.
A star-studded list of nominees were announced with the likes of Rossif Sutherland, Christopher Plummer, Jared Keeso, Tatiana Maslany, Missy Peregrym, Megan Follows and several more. We wait to see the list of talent to grace the Red Carpet in March!
Earlier at the Press Conference, the new Discovery Award was presented to Director Yosef Baraki and Producers Andrew Korogyi and Asef Baraki for their Afghanistan-filmed Feature, MINA WALKING. The Award is for emerging Filmmakers working with a budget of under $250k.
Once again this year, Fans will get a chance to connect with their favourite Canadian stars Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Eaton Centre in the Canadian Screen Awards Fanzone. Fans also will be given a chance to win a spot in the Red Carpet section at the Sony Centre on the day of the Awards and even have a chance to vote for their favourite Canadian star in the Fan’s Choice Award voting. Details can be found here.
The 2016 Canadian Screen Awards air 8 PM on CBC Sunday, March 13, 2016. See the full list of Nominees here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#GOLDENGLOBES: “THE REVENANT” WINS TOP HONOURS AT 2016 GOLDEN GLOBES
The 73rd annual GOLDEN GLOBE Awards took place tonight at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. After a strong performance at the Box Office this weekend in North America, partly Canadian-made (Calgary, British Columbia) THE REVENANT would dominate the Awards, winning Motion Picture Drama. It also received recognition with victories for Director, Motion Picture by Alejandro González Iñárritu and also its star Leonardo DiCaprio taking Actor, Motion Picture Drama.
THE MARTIAN, which had a Premiere at TIFF ’15 this past September in Toronto, also was a big winner tonight. In addition to a win for Motion Picture Comedy (which had many baffled about its categorization), also saw its star Matt Damon win for Actor, Motion Picture Comedy. The Star soon will be in Toronto to film Downsizing this spring.
MR. ROBOT was awarded two Golden Globes tonight for TV Series Drama and Supporting Actor – TV Series, a well-deserved win for veteran Christian Slater.
MOZART IN THE JUNGLE likewise would win TV Series Comedy and Star Gael Garcia Bernal, Actor – TV Series Comedy.
Jennifer Lawrence won her third (in the past four years) Golden Globe tonight for Actress, Motion Picture Comedy, for her portrayal of Miracle Mop creator Joy Mangano in JOY. In the Drama category, Brie Larson would win Actress, Motion Picture Drama for her work in Toronto-made ROOM.
Kate Winslet won her fourth Golden Globe tonight in the Supporting Actress, Motion Picture category for her work in STEVE JOBS. Film industry icon Sylvester Stallone also would receive a long-overdue Golden Globe for his work in CREED, the latest in the storied Rocky franchise. The star-studded audience would give him a standing ovation after a career which has spanned over 45 years.
Lady Gaga gave a big shock winning Best Actress in a Limited TV Series or Movie for AMERICAN HORROR STORY: HOTEL. “I wanted to be an actress before a singer, but music came to me first”, she told the audience, comparing the feeling of winning to being Cher in Moonstruck.
Taraji P. Henson caused quite a stir after winning Actress in a TV Series Drama, EMPIRE. Her outspoken character Cookie Lyons came out a bit as she was rushed along to finish her acceptance speech quickly. “I’ve waited 20 years for this – you gonna have to wait”, she replied. After arriving on-stage, she also told someone to step off the train on her dress.
Receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award was Denzel Washington, who appeared on-stage with his family and despite needing his reading glasses, refused them.
Classic Hollywood looks would prevail on the Red Carpet tonight, with Actresses opting for elegance. Favourite looks included a custom gold Calvin Klein dress on Brie Larson, Jennifer Lawrence in a hip and back-revealing red Dior piece, Amy Adams in a blood-orange Versace number and Lady Gaga channeling Marilyn Monroe in a black Versace dress also. Cate Blanchett and Co-Star Rooney Mara delivered a bit more edge with tassels and lace in Givenchy and Alexander McQueen respectively.
As for the gents, Ryan Gosling would reign king in a sharp white Ralph Lauren tuxedo outshining his ultra-famous The Big Short Co-Star Brad Pitt. Rami Malek, star of Mr. Robot also looked perfect in a Dior suit.
Click here to see the complete list of Winners!
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
#REVIEW: “ROOM”
Fans of Emma Donoghue‘s novel Room have much to look forward to in this Film adaptation by Irish Filmmaker Lenny Abrahamson, premiering at TIFF ’15 last month.Proving to be the sleeper hit of the festival, going on to win the People’s Choice Award, now is your chance to enjoy the Film that is winning hearts throughout the festival circuit, while at the forefront in the Awards Season race.
Centering on Ma (Brie Larson) and her five-year-old son Jack (Jacob Tremblay), we quickly realize something is unusual within the confines of their cramped living space, lit by only a skylight. Little by little, pieces of the puzzle are unveiled and we realize they are being held captive in a small gardening shed, accessibly only by Old Nick (Sean Bridgers). Determined for her and her son to escape, Ma is eager to plot a way out, but is being free in the real world necessarily the end of their worries?
Many will be surprised by how heartfelt a story Room is and it is unafraid to go to dark places in exploring more the aftermath of a young woman abducted from an otherwise normal life and even more, the difficulty of re-integrating back to society again. We take for granted some things which are second nature to us and Jack‘s immersion into the real world as a child is even more fascinating a journey.
Larson and Tremblay both are a real revelation in ROOM – deserving completely of all the buzz – and many will come away genuinely affected by their outstanding performances, not to mention a wonderful Joan Allen as Ma‘s Mother. The mother-son chemistry between Larson and Tremblay is both complex and heartbreakingly-beautiful.
Elevation Pictures release ROOM, out now in Toronto and everywhere Friday, November 6, 2015.
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “ROOM”
Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will are thrilled to take Readers across Canada to see TIFF ’15 People’s Choice Award winner, ROOM.
We saw it and we were enthralled. We can’t wait for you to discover it and tell all your friends about it.
The Screenings take place either Wednesday, October 21, 2015 or Thursday, October 22, 2015 in Toronto and Wednesday, October 28, 2015 in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Halifax and Victoria.
Synopsis:
Jack (Jacob Tremblay), five, was born in captivity. The shed in which he and his Ma (Brie Larson) are confined is all he knows. His Ma was abducted when she was 17 and their only visitor is his father and her kidnapper, Old Nick (Sean Bridgers).
When Jack and his Ma finally escape, he is both awestruck and terrified by the outside world. His Ma, on the other hand, must face the long and difficult process of recovery after being imprisoned for so long.
ROOM stars Brie Larson, Joan Allen, William H. Macy and introducing Jacob Tremblay! Lenny Abrahamson directs, with a script written by Emma Donoghue, who also wrote the novel on which the Film is based.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win simply click “like” on this post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your city. Click share from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/room @mrwillw wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #ROOMTheMovie!
G’luck Willionaire$!
Elevation Pictures release ROOM in Toronto on Friday, October 23, 2015 and across Canada on Friday, October 30, 2015.
Mr. Will + The Cast of ROOM
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Elevation Pictures)
#TIFF15: DAY 6 SPOTTINGS – BRIE LARSON, SHIA LABEOUF, JOAN ALLEN, DAVID THEWLIS, TOM NOONAN + JACOB TREMBLAY
TIFF ’15 is starting to wind its way down and although the star power might not be where it was this past weekend, there still is plenty to be excited about. Today we caught-up with the casts of Man Down, Room and Anomalisa.
David Thewlis. The English actor gained much popularity with a younger generation for his work on the Harry Potter franchise as Remus Lupin. He is at TIFF ’15 with Anomalisa, a stop-motion animated feature directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson. The Film won a Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival recently.
Tom Noonan. The tall American actor also is here for Anomalisa, known best for his work in Manhunter and Heat.
With #TomNoonan, at #TIFF15 with #Anomalisa. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Shia LaBeouf. The controversial actor was a big hit with fans at TIFF ’15, generously stopping to greet fans at the Red Carpet of his Film Man Down, at Roy Thomson Hall.
Jacob Tremblay. This young Canadian talent is mesmerizing in Room, which debuted to phenomenal response this evening at Princess of Wales Theatre.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Joan Allen. The TONY-winning, Oscar-nominated actress is here also for Room, gracious enough to stop for fans at the Red Carpet.
Brie Larson. This talented young actress this past weekend at TIFF ’15 was honoured with the IMDB Star Meter Award, normally given to an actor who shows a lot of promise and buzz. She is garnering tons of acclaim for her breakout role in Room. We loved her Red Carpet look tonight and are even thrilled after many tries, finally getting that Selfie moment with her!
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “TRAINWRECK”!
The World is in love with Funnywoman Amy Schumer right now. Here’s your chance to see her first in the hilarious new Rom-Com, TRAINWRECK! Passes are available in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Edmonton! Screenings take place Wednesday, July 15, 2015.
Synopsis:
Since she was a little girl, it’s been drilled into Amy’s (Amy Schumer) head by her rascal of a dad (Colin Quinn) that monogamy isn’t realistic. Now a magazine writer, Amy lives by that credo—enjoying what she feels is an uninhibited life free from stifling, boring romantic commitment—but in actuality, she’s kind of in a rut. When she finds herself starting to fall for the subject of the new article she’s writing, a charming and successful sports doctor named Aaron Conners (Bill Hader), Amy starts to wonder if other grown-ups, including this guy who really seems to like her, might be on to something.
TRAINWRECK stars Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Colin Quinn, Vanessa Bayer, Brie Larson, John Cena, Tilda Swinton and LeBron James; Judd Apatow directs.
See the Canadian Trailer for mature audiences:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. In the comments indicate your City and also tell me, after a great first date, are you the one to call or are you the one who waits for the call? Click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/trainwreck @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #AmySchumer in #TRAINWRECK! Out Friday, July 17, 2015.
Universal Pictures Canada release TRAINWRECK Friday, July 17, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “TRAINWRECK” STARRING AMY SCHUMER
Judd Apatow never disappoints us. To be honest, we aren’t v. familiar with the work of Comedienne Amy Schumer, but once glance at this and we’re already a Fan! A brand new Trailer for what could be the Rom-Com of Summer ’15 – TRAINWRECK – has just surfaced. Apatow helms and we are happy to see SNL Alumni Bill Hader getting that Leading Man status he deserves.
Synopsis:
A magazine writer (Amy Schumer) who was raised to believe that monogamy isn’t realistic finds herself falling for the subject of the article she’s writing, a successful sports doctor (Bill Hader).
See the Trailer:
Universal Pictures Canada release TRAINWRECK on Friday, July 17, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN PASSES IN TORONTO + MONTREAL TO SEE “THE GAMBLER”
Paramount Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto and Montreal first to see THE GAMBLER starring Mark Wahlberg! Already drumming-up some buzz as we enter Awards Season, many are calling this perhaps his best performance yet. The Screening in Toronto takes place Wednesday, December 17, 2014 and Monday, December 22, 2014 in Montreal.
Official Synopsis:
English professor Jim Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) is a high stakes gambler who routinely loses hundreds of thousands of dollars at blackjack and roulette tables. A risk taker, he’s already in debt for $240,000 when he borrows $50,000 from a brutal gangster named Neville (Michael Kenneth Williams), putting up his own life as collateral.
Bennett blows the $300,000 his mother (Jessica Lange) gives him to bail him out during a single trip to a Palm Springs Casino and immerses himself in an illicit, underground world while garnering the attention of loan shark Frank (John Goodman). It isn’t until Bennett develops a relationship with student Amy Phillips (Brie Larson) and she’s threatened, that he finds himself taking the ultimate risk to get a second chance.
See the Trailer:
See the Poster:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. For an extra chance, you may Re-Tweet the below or share with your friends via the “share” button.
http://www.mrwillwong.com/thegambler @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #THEGAMBLER in #Toronto + #Montreal!
Good luck, Willionaire$!
Paramount Pictures release THE GAMBLER Christmas Day.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)
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