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)
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)
David O. Russell + Jennifer Lawrence + Bradley Cooper. This Trio has proven fail-proof and they are at it again in upcoming Feature, JOY which sees the combo which previously paired on Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle reunited.
Synopsis:
JOY is the wild story of a family across four generations centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love, pave the road in this intense emotional and human comedy about becoming a true boss of family and enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy’s inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces.
Jennifer Lawrence stars, with Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Edgar Ramirez, Isabella Rossellini, Diane Ladd and Virginia Madsen. Like David O. Russell’s previous films, Joy defies genre to tell a story of family, loyalty, and love.
See the Trailer:
20th Century Fox release JOY on Christmas Day.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)
You know him quite literally as the Sidekick in pretty much everything. Adrian Martinez has starred in over 80 titles, stealing scenes alongside an A-list Resume of talent including Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Christian Bale and now Will Smith in smart new Action-RomCom, FOCUS.
The personable Funnyman was in Toronto recently to promote the Blockbuster which hopes to whet the appetites of Moviegoers craving both tough punches and romance this Valentine’s Day. The Movie centers on an experienced Con Artist Nicky (Smith) and the stunning Jess (Margot Robbie), whom he takes under his wing. Passions flare after he finds himself with conflicting emotions, careful not to let her in too deep, ultimately the two are torn apart. Fast-forward a few years and the two reunite under the most unlikely circumstances. The bonds of trust are broken and the Story takes us through several unexpected twists and turns. Will Nicky and Jess be able to make it through together, or will danger separate them as the stakes (and risks) are multiplied exponentially as other powerful figures enter the picture?
Chatting with a select group of Digital Journalists, Martinez gives candid responses about the many talented Actors he has worked with, coming a far way certainly since his one-liner debut in an Unsolved Mysteries re-enactment.
Martinez in FOCUS plays the frank, forward and multi-disguised Sidekick Farhad to Smith‘s slick Nicky, one of the few people whom the latter trusts fully. He tells us that truly he connected with this Character. “I read the Script and didn’t see the ending coming. A lot of Movies are formulaic. This one took a lot of nice twists and turns and I wanted to be a part of it”, says Martinez. “Farhad is extremely faithful to Nicky and I am faithful to-the-death to my Family and Friends being a Scorpio, and that was common ground in how to build the Character.”. “He doesn’t know everything, but he knows he has to protect his Boss (Nicky).”.
On how to play a Criminal, he says “You have to be authentic when bullsh*tting. Same thing with acting. You’re using real emotions to sell imaginary situations”. “It’s similar to being a Con-Man in that regard.”.
But does Martinez consider himself a Character Actor? “I consider myself a Lead Actor in a character suit. Like Wilson in Cast Away” he jokes, “Now he has balls.”. He adds, “Character Actors represent a tradition in acting that you need in Movies.”. “We need these kind of Actors. Not everyone can look like Will Smith or Margot Robbie, so you need these Actors to counterbalance that by grounding and putting it all into perspective.”.
I ask him of the many people he has worked with, just who inspires him most. He equates Will Ferrell much like a “Banker” off-camera – not particularly funny. “The moment he yells ‘Action!’, he is right there with the humour and timing.”. Ben Stiller is commended for what Martinez calls “mind-blowing work ethic”, pulling-in easily 16 hour work days on-set and after the day has wrapped. And although most of his work was cut from American Hustle, he jokes “Thankfully the cheque cleared!”. “I do still love Jennifer Lawrence.”.
On his experience working with Will Smith, he recalls some fond memories and feeling gratitude. “There was a sense of community and party in the air. Will would start dancing at 3 am around the Superdome (a key scene involves a high stakes Football bet). He brings this relentless sense to every take of ‘I’m really gonna f*ckin’ go for it, man!'”. Martinez recalls Smith‘s gym-equipped Trailer being the size of a block. “He is in another league in terms of work ethic”, he comments on Smith‘s physical preparation for the role of Nicky. “Meanwhile I’m like, do I choose the multigrain bagel or Cheerios?”, he laughs.
Martinez also has high praise for the stunning Margot Robbie, whom he works closely with in a few scenes in FOCUS, crediting her for making “smart choices”. “She was all ‘I’m not gonna let this guy throw me!’ and it really was a Chess Match with her.”. “She’s gorgeous, intelligent and grounded. Awesome like a Jane Bond.”.
Although often we see a comedic side to Martinez on-screen, he reveals plans for something big in-the-works. “Time-Warner and I are co-creating a Project. It’s still funny, but saucy”, he tells us before stopping himself. “I’m not supposed to talk about it, but it’s gonna be good.”.
And speaking of good, word is Martinez is a huge Fan of Poutine! We hear he loved the Pasta Poutine at his Toronto Hotel very much. Honourary Canadian.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release FOCUS on Friday, February 27, 2015.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
With just under two weeks before its release, some new Clips from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 have just surfaced! In Clip 1, we see a shocked Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) learning that Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) still is alive. In the Clip 2, we meet the Crew which Katniss will be working closely with, headed by Cressida (Natalie Dormer).
Official Synopsis:
The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage.
See the Clips below.
“You’re Alive”
“Meet the Crew”
See the Final Trailer for THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 1:
eOne Films release THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGKAY, PART 1 on Friday, November 21, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
The 43rd annual Costume Institute Gala was held last night in New York City. The annual Fixture at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art pairs Fashion and Starpower together in a dazzling Red Carpet Affair with a hand-picked A-List of Invitees approved none other than by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour – the most respected and at once feared Woman in the Fashion industry. Earlier in the day, American First Lady Michelle Obama honoured her in a Ceremony at the Venue.
Bringing the focus on influencial Fashion Designer Charles James, Men for the first time ever played a more pronounced role at the Gala. Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, Jim Parsons, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Bradley Cooper – the latter serving as Chair this year, were among the many Hunks gracing the Red Carpet which shut down a portion of Fifth Avenue. A mandate was set by Wintour encouraging Coat Tails and white Bow Ties, most adhering as would best be advisable at the profile-boosting Extravaganza of the highest form.
As always, the Ladies are front and center. Sporting and among the Red Carpet Favourites last included Supermodel Cara Delevingne in a Pantsuit by Stella McCartney, Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa, Lupita Nyong’o in a sparkly green piece by Prada and Blake Lively in Gucci.
The Party didn’t end right there though as the stars came out in full force at the Afterparties around town. It is said Beyoncé and Jay-Z got swarmed by Fans, travelling separately from one Party possibly for their own safety. Sean Penn and Charlize Theron were seen happily out and about as were another new Couple in Michael Sheen and Sarah Silverman. We wonder if there were any moments of awkwardness as Toronto’s own Rachel McAdams also attended; she previously was involved with Sheen. All eyes however were on Lively and Ryan Reynolds as loud cheers were hears upon their cozy displays of affection.
Several were disappointed about Jennifer Lawrence‘s deeply-felt absence despite being scheduled to be dressed in Dior and without Madonna this year, there seemed to be that little bit less enthusiasm in the air.
Some got a bit tipsy as we witnessed Academy Award Nominee Ejiofor getting a bit of help back to his Hotel, as was 20-year-old French Acting Sensation Adèle Exarchopoulos. And was that Tomato Sauce we saw on Lily Allen‘s cheek as she made her way back to her Hotel with a big box of Pizza in-tow?
Personally, we are still giddy about meeting Australian Beauties Naomi Watts and breakout Star Margot Robbie! And did we mention that we got an ultra-rare opportunity to meet the biggest Celebrity in New York right now, Pasty Chef Dominique Ansel? The soon-to-be Author and Beard Honour-receiving Cronut Inventor has the Culinary World and New York City at the palm of his hand. It was also sublime getting to meet Celebrity Photographer of the highest calibre, Mario Testino!
Just some of the Snaps below of whom I got to meet:
Thanks again, New York City for the fun times!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The World of Cinema Elite made their way to Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles tonight for the 86th annual Academy Awards. Praised as both a strong year for Red Carpet Fashion and Film with a heated battle between American Hustle, 12 Years a Slave and Gravity, among others for Best Picture, ultimately 12 Years a Slave would prevail with top honours tonight.
The Drama based on the Memoir by Solomon Northrup, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival this past September, before going-on to sweep a litany of accolades this Awards Season including victories at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Independent Spirit Awards just yesterday. In addition, to winning coveted Best Picture, it won also for Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o) and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Alfonso Cuarón‘s Gravity, which has grossed over $700 million worldwide, also premiering at TIFF this last Fall, won the most Oscars this evening, tallying-in at seven wins, primarily in technical categories including Cinematography, Score and Visual Effects. Cuarón himself went-on to win for Directing.
AIDS Drama Dallas Buyers Club won the important Actor and Supporting Actor Categories with Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto respectively. Both brought along their Mothers to the Awards, the latter making a heartfelt tribute to his Mother who overcame great odds to provide for both him and his Brother.
As predicted by many, Cate Blanchett now is a two-time Oscar Winner, her first win coming for her work in 2004’s The Aviator. The Australian Actress won for her empathetic portrayal of a Woman coping with mental and addiction issues in Woody Allen‘s Blue Jasmine.
The Fashion on the Red Carpet tonight was a huge draw as several Fans via Social Media sounded-off on the tasteful styles of Kate Hudson in Versace, Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé, Amy Adams in Gucci, Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab and perhaps the most-talked-about was a Princess-like Lupita Nyong’o in what is now being called a “Nairobi Blue” Prada Dress with a Hairband. The light pastel blue Creation was chosen by the eventual Oscar Winner, who told Ryan Seacrest on the Red Carpet that it reminded the Kenyan Native of Nairobi.
Ellen DeGeneres once again did a bang-up job, making herself right at home with the A-List Audience, poking fun at everything from welcoming Liza Minnelli as a Female Impersonator, to some of this year’s Nominees who didn’t attend College (the Camera panned on Amy Adams nodded her head, admitting she too didn’t attend) to bringing out Pizza to some of the Evening’s famous Guests. Meryl Streep was one of the first to help herself to a slice. In addition, DeGeneres was out to set a record for the Most Re-Tweeted Selfie and helping her along were the likes of Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lawrence, Jared Leto, Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Kevin Spacey. Quickly, the Photo received over a million Re-Tweets (overtaking a previous Tweet from President Obama upon his Re-Election) and could’ve received more if it weren’t for reported technical difficulties likely due to the onslaught of traffic.
See it below:
See more Photos here.
(Photo credit: Getty Images/Ellen DeGeneres)
The 86th annual Oscars Luncheon aka took place earlier today in Beverly Hills in advance of the Academy Awards next month. Can we agree the Class of 2014 is an elegant bunch?
Is that Bradley Cooper two over from Tom Hanks? Is that Meryl at the top of the class as expected? What is Julie Delpy staring at? Doesn’t Cate Blanchett look super-thrilled? Where’s Jennifer Lawrence? 🙁 I assure you Amy Adams definitely isn’t wearing Valentino!
The 86th annual Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 2, 2014 and air on ABC.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
Taking place at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre, the Stars electrified the Red Carpet tonight at the 71st annual Golden Globe Awards. Honouring the year’s best in Film and Television, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association selected their most deserving, unveiled at the Ceremony, seen by many as a Precursor to the Oscars.
Hosted by Amy Poehler and Tina Fey a second time, the Funnywomen brought-out big laughs from the Celebrity-filled Audience including pokes at George Clooney on his habit of dating younger Women to Matt Damon jokingly being called a “Garbage Man” amidst the high caliber Talent which filled the room. An aloof Julia Louis-Dreyfus, nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy, played-up her new-found Movie Star status, donning sunglasses as the Camera panned her with Reese Witherspoon playfully trying to take a Selfie with her. Poehler after several nominations, finally won her first Golden Globe tonight for Best Lead Actress in a TV Series Comedy with Parks and Recreation.
American Hustle walked away the big Winner tonight winning three Awards, including Best Motion Picture Comedy, Best Lead Actress in Motion Picture Comedy (Amy Adams) and Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture (Jennifer Lawrence). The ’70s-set Dramedy directed by David O. Russell, who received a Nomination in the same Category last year with Silver Linings Playbook, is garnering commercial success in addition to acclaim, exceeding the $100-million mark in North America.
12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen, regarded as a Frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars next month, was awarded one single win for Best Motion Picture Drama. The Film which received the coveted People’s Choice Award at TIFF ’13 in September.
Breaking Bad, Behind the Candelabra and Brooklyn Nine-Nine in the Television Categories each took home two Golden Globes apiece, winning Best Actor with Bryan Cranston, Michael Douglas and Andy Samberg respectively. Each Series also won Best Series in each Category: Best Television Series Drama, Best Television Mini-Series or Movie and Best Television Series Comedy.
Auteur Filmmaker Woody Allen was given lifetime achievement distinction with a Cecil B. DeMille Award despite being in absentia. Accepting on his behalf was his Annie Hall Muse Diane Keaton whose heartfelt Speech was highlighted by song and laughter.
Red was a highlight on the Red Carpet tonight with some of the Evening’s best looks coming from eventual Winner Amy Adams in a two-toned red Valentino Number and Country-Pop Sensation Taylor Swift stunning in a cherry-red and black Dress by Carolina Herrera. Also, Newcomer Lupita Nyong’o of 12 Years a Slave dazzled in a red caped Piece by Ralph Lauren. Another Fresh Face, The Wolf of Wall Street Star Margot Robbie wowed in a white Gucci dress and surprisingly was overlooked for her work in the acclaimed Martin Scorcese Film.
Toronto’s Tatiana Maslany despite being nominated for Best Lead Actress in a TV Series Drama with Orphan Black, still represented our City proudly despite losing-out to a deserving Robin Wright of Netflix‘s House of Cards. Fans avidly supported Maslany online with the Hashtag #TATIANAPOCALYPSE.
Complete List of Winners below:
BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
“12 Years a Slave”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyers Club”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine”
BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
“American Hustle”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street”
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Amy Poehler, “Parks & Recreation”
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
“Frozen”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Michael Douglas, “Behind the Candelabra”
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
“The Great Beauty”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Andy Samberg, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
Spike Jonze, “Her”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Robin Wright, “House Of Cards”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Amy Adams, “American Hustle”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Jon Voight, “Ray Donovan”
BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
“Ordinary Love,” “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”
Music by: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen, Jr., Brian Burton
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
Alex Ebert, “All Is Lost”
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
“Breaking Bad”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Elisabeth Moss, “Top of the Lake”
BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
“Behind The Candelabra”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Jacqueline Bisset, “Dancing on the Edge”
BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Jennifer Lawrence “American Hustle”
Mr. Will and some of the 2014 Golden Globe Winners:
The Academy Awards air on CBS Sunday, March 2, 2014.
(Photo credit: Getty Images/Mr. Will Wong)
Eric Snowden. Kimye. Prince George of Cambridge. The Cast of Duck Dynasty. Robin Roberts. Miley Cyrus. Jennifer Lawrence. These are just some who made the cut for Barbara Walters’ Most Fascinating People of the Year of 2013. But just who gets the distinction of being the most fascinating of all? We’ll just have to wait. Rob Ford, you in ??!
Walters confirmed that this will be her final year compiling the all-important List, as she transitions into her retirement from TV Journalism next year.
The Special, now in its 21st year, airs on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 9:30 PM EST on ABC.
(Photo credit: ABC)
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