Jafar Panahi Honored With Precious Gem Award From Miami Film Festival GEMS – Film News in Brief

The ninth annual Miami Film Festival GEMS will present Iranian filimmaker Jafar Panahi with the Precious Gem Award. The award will be presented virtually before Friday’s screening of “No Bears.”

The festival, sponsored by Miami Dade College, runs Nov. 3-10 at MDC’s Tower Theater.

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“I thank all the people involved in the Miami Film Festival, who considered me worthy of receiving this award.” Panahi stated in an audio message relayed from prison. ”But… I have dreams that go beyond all the awards in the world. I dream and have always dreamed that in the current situation my country is facing, I could be with my people and portray their struggle for freedom. I also wish that I could make films instead of receiving awards, because a filmmaker lives to make films. Anyway, I hope a day will come when I can make a film, and attend your festival with it. And I’m hoping for the realization of all of my people’s wishes.”

Miami Film Festival’s Lauren Cohen said: “Jafar Panahi is not only one of the greatest filmmakers working today, but one of the loudest voices in the rallying cry for freedom of expression. No Bears is one of his strongest works yet — the embodiment of art as a form of political resistance. We’re so proud to be presenting him with our top honor, and look forward to the day when he is free to create again.”

In “No Bears,” the filmmaker plays a fictionalized version of himself who has relocated to a rural border town in Iran to remotely direct a film in Turkey. It opens Dec. 23 in New York.

Watch his message below:

Jury Announced for Sony Future Filmmaker Awards

The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards has announced this year’s jury, including Nicole Brown, President of TriStar Pictures; Jeremy Barber, Partner, Motion Picture Literary and Talent, United Talent Agency; and cinematographer Roger A. Deakins. The short films gateway provides a gateway for the development of creative excellence is free to enter. Director Justin Chadwick is jury chair.

Sony to Release PG-13 Cut of ‘Father Stu’

Sony has announced release schedule updates for its domestic calendar, including a new PG-13 cut of Mark Wahlberg’s “Father Stu,” which released earlier this year. The film was written and directed by Rosalind Ross. The new version, retitled as “Father Stu: Reborn” coming from Columbia Pictures, is slated for release in theaters on December 9.

Additionally, romantic comedy “It’s All Coming Back to Me” has been retitled to “Love Again” and its theatrical release date has been pushed back from February to May 12. The film, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Heugan and Celine Dion, is written and directed by Jim Strouse. Chopra is a widow who sends texts to her late fiancé not knowing that the number has been reassigned to Heugan’s character, a journalist working on a profile of Dion, who plays herself in her first film role.

Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Honors Steve La Porte and Josée Normand With Lifetime Achievement Awards

Steve La Porte and Josée Normand will be honored with lifetime achievement awards at the 10th Annual Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards, (MUAHS, IATSE Local 706).

La Porte and Normand will be celebrated at the awards gala on Feb. 11, 2023, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The MUAHS Lifetime Achievement Awards honor an artist with an extraordinary spectrum of acclaimed work, exceptional contributions to the motion picture arts and sciences, and outstanding service to their union or the entertainment industry.

“We are so excited to honor Josée and Steve, two extraordinary artists, for their incredible contributions to film and television. They are responsible for creating a legacy of some of the most entertaining, memorable, and thrilling characters of our time. We look forward to celebrating them at this year’s 10th Anniversary MUAHS Awards,” said Julie Socash, President of the Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild.

Additional awards will honor a Distinguished Artisan, Vanguard Award honorees and nominees for outstanding achievements in motion pictures, television, commercials, and live theater in 23 categories.

Submissions are now open and the deadline for entries is Nov. 30. Nominations for MUAHS Awards will be announced on Jan. 11, 2023. The winners will be announced at the MUAHS Awards gala on Saturday, February 11th.

Austin Butler, Ke Huy Quan and More Among Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuosos Award Honorees

Austin Butler (“Elvis”), Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”), Nina Hoss (“Tár”), Stephanie Hsu (“Everything Everywhere All At Once”), Jeremy Pope (“The Inspection”), Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All At Once”) and Jeremy Strong (“Armageddon Time”) are among the recipients of Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Virtuosos Award.

The award recognizes a select group of talent whose noteworthy performances in films which have elevated them into the national cinematic dialogue. Each will discuss their work and receive their awards in-person on Feb. 15 during the 38th SBIFF. The evening will be moderated for the 13th year by Dave Karger, Turner Classic Movies host and Entertainment Weekly awards correspondent.

In the past three years, Virtuosos honorees have included Caitriona Balfe, Ariana DeBose, Jamie Dornan, Alana Haim, Ciarán Hinds, Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Simon Rex, Saniyya Sidney, Riz Ahmed, Maria Bakalova, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Andra Day, Sidney Flanigan, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Zendaya, Awkwafina, Taron Egerton, Cynthia Erivo, Beanie Feldstein, Aldis Hodge, George MacKay, Florence Pugh and Taylor Russell.

The 38th Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place Feb. 8-18.

Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival Announces 2022 Award Winners

The Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, which took place from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, has announced its 11th edition award winners. This year’s winners include Ruben Östlund’s “Triangle of Sadness” for best international feature film.

Below is the full winners list of the 11th Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival:

Feature Films

Made in Baleares Best Feature Film: “Bulldog” – André Szardenings

Best Debut Feature Film: “Charly” – Alisa Kolosova

Special Mention: “Magdalena” – Filip Gieldon

Best International Feature Film: “Triangle of Sadness” – Ruben Östlund

Best Director International Feature Film: “La Maternal” – Pilar Palomero

Best Actress International Feature Film: “La Maternal” – Carla Quilez

Best Actor International Feature Film: “Bulldog” – Julius Nitschkoff

Best Cinematography International Feature Film: “La Maternal” – Julián Elizalde.

Documentary

Best Documentary Short, International and Made in Baleares: “Soul Lines” – Rafa Arroyo

Documentary Feature International: “With This Breath I Fly” – Sam French, Clementine Malpas

Best Documentary Feature Film Made In Baleares: “Petricor” – Victoria Morell

Special Mention: “Estimada Sara (Oh Dear Sara)” – Patricia Franquesa

Screenplay

Best Feature Film Screenplay: “Remember Me” – Marta Jimenez

Best Short Film Screenplay: “The Bag” – Ayad Mohammed Ameen Younus

Best Evolution Island Screenplay: “The Sponsor” – Sophie von Rheden

Short Films

Best International Short Film: “Censor of Dreams” – Leo Berne, Raphaël Rodriguez

Best Cinematography short film: “Mountain”

Best Short Made in Baleares: “Sacrifici” – Sofía Martell, Lluís Prieto

Special Mention: “Un diumenge qualsevol” – Eugenia Sampedro

Best Cinematography short Made in Baleares: “I Just want to Disappear” – Simon Gullström

Best Spanish Short Film by TV Cortos: “Huella” – Gabriela Ortega

Honorary Awards

Evolution Vision Award: Lone Scherfig

Evolutionary New Talent Award: Laia Costa

Evolution Cinematographer ICON Award: Edward Lachman

Music and Experimental

Best Music Video: “Johnny B Zero” – Javier Polo

Special Mention: “Bones” – Jill Sachs, Angeline Armstrong

Best Experimental: “Short Homebird” – Ewa Smyk

UK and US Writers Announced for Creative Corridor, a Sony Pictures Television-supported Transatlantic Writers’ Initiative

Fourteen writers have been selected to take part in the Sony Pictures Television-backed transatlantic writers’ initiative called Creative Corridor. The initiative was established by British producers Tolu Stedford and Charlotte Knowles, with the support of US consultant Stacey Carr.

The seven US writers are Adrian Burks, La’Chris Robinson Jordan, Moni Oyedepo, Aden Suchak, Meemee Taylor, Derege Harding and David Carmon. The seven UK writers are Cristina Sebastian, Afshan D’Souza-Lodhi, Vincent Gwyn, Sylvia-Anne Parker, Rory Bentley, Babatunde Apalowo and Mariem Omari. They will undertake in-depth creative development before they pitch to executives on both sides of the Atlantic in January.

There will be a celebratory event held at Sony Pictures Studio this month to honor the new Creative Corridor writers. Last year’s inaugural iteration of Creative Corridor was considered successful, with 90% of projects considered for further development by major US and UK broadcasters and production companies. Four writers gained representation by the leading talent agencies in both regions by the end of the program.

Critics Choice Association Announces Honorees for 5th Celebration of Black Cinema and Television

The Critics Choice Association announced honorees for the 5th annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television. Hosted by actor, stand-up comedian, and hip-hop icon Bill Bellamy, the event will take place on Monday, December 5 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Motown founder Berry Gordy will receive the Icon Award for his contribution to music, film and popular culture, while actress Angela Bassett will receive the Career Achievement Award for her career and her recent role as Queen Ramonda in the Marvel Studios film, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Actor, producer and director Michael B. Jordan will receive the Melvin Van Peebles Trailblazer Award for his overall contribution to the industry and in celebration of his directorial debut with the United Artists Releasing film, “Creed III.” Musician and actor Scott ‘Kid Cudi’ Mescudi will be honored with the Groundbreaker Award for his starring role as Jabari in the Netflix television event, “Entergalactic,” which he also created.

The following will also be honored at the event:

• Actor Nicco Annan will receive the Actor Award for Television for his role as Uncle Clifford on the STARZ hit series “P-Valley.”

• Writer and director Elegance Bratton will accept the Social Justice Award for his work on the A24 film “The Inspection.”

• Emmy award-winning writer, producer and actress, Quinta Brunson will be presented with the Actress Award for Television for her role as Janine Teagues on ABC’s hit series “Abbott Elementary,” which she created and also executive produces.

• Actress Danielle Deadwyler will be honored with the Actress Award for Film for her role as Mamie Till-Mobley in the Orion Pictures and United Artists Releasing film “Till.”

• Actress and comedian Ayo Edebiri will receive the Rising Star Award presented by IMDbPro for her role as Sydney Adamu on the FX series “The Bear.”

• Actor Brian Tyree Henry will be awarded with the Supporting Actor Award for his performance as James Aucoin in Apple Original Films and A24’s “Causeway.”

• Actor Quincy Isaiah will also accept the Rising Star Award presented by IMDbPro for his role as Magic Johnson on the HBO Original series “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.”

• Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award-nominated Jonathan Majors will be presented with the Actor Award for Film for his role as Jesse Brown in Columbia Pictures and Black Label Media aerial war epic “Devotion.”

• The Director Award for Film will be awarded to director Gina Prince-Bythewood for her work on TriStar Pictures and Entertainment One’s “The Woman King.”

• Writer/Director Nikyatu Jusu will accept the Breakthrough Film Award for the Amazon Studios and Blumhouse film “Nanny.”

• The Ensemble Award will be presented to the cast of ABC’s sitcom, “The Wonder Years,” Elisha “EJ” Williams, Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh, Laura Kariuki, Julian Lerner, Amari O’Neil and Milan Ray.

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Filmmakers Among Honorees at the Asia Society Southern California 2022 Entertainment Summit

The filmmakers behind ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ were distinguished as “Entertainment Game Changers” at the Asia Society Southern California’s 2022 Entertainment Summit, representative of the genre-bending film’s success at transcending international borders through culturally rich storytelling. Producer Jonathan Wang and directing duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert accepted the award, which was presented by “Everything Everywhere All at Once” co-star Ke Huy Quan.

The annual gala was held at the Skirball Cultural Center on Oct. 30, and served to similarly recognize content creators in Asian and American entertainment in fields ranging from stand-up comedy to record producing. Other “Entertainment Game Changers” of the evening included Emmy nominee Bowen Yang, who became the first Chinese American cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” “Turning Red” voice actor Sherry Cola, “Ms. Marvel” creator Sanat Amanat and the members of Asian-American record label 88rising. Janet Yang, who recently became president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, was also honored with the Career Achievement Award.

Jerry Bruckheimer to Receive Motion Picture Sound Editors’ Filmmaker Award at 70th Golden Reel Awards

The Motion Picture Sound Editors will honor “Top Gun: Maverick” producer Jerry Bruckheimer with its annual Filmmaker Award. He will receive the award at the 70th Annual Golden Reel Awards on Feb. 26 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.

Bruckheimer is best known for producing such franchises as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “National Treasure,” “Bad Boys” and “Beverly Hills Cop,” along with “Black Hawk Down,” “Pearl Harbor,” “Remember the Titans,” “Armageddon,” “The Rock,” “Crimson Tide,” “Top Gun” and “Flashdance.” Currently, he is in production of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley.”

Paul Cameron, Paul Debevec, Tom Duffield and Marlon West Accept Invitations to Science and Technology Council of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

In the latest effort to further the development of the Academy’s Science and Technology Council, which was first established in 2003, invitations were doled out to Hollywood giants like Paul Cameron, Paul Debevec, Tom Duffield and Marlon West — all of whom come from differing backgrounds in the industry.

Cameron’s accolades are largely centered in the cinematography field, with notable director of photography credits on films like ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,’ 2004’s ‘Collateral,’ and his most recent feature, ‘Reminiscence.’ The Canadian-born cinematographer has been a member of the Academy since 2006, and is functioning as a Cinematographers Branch governor simultaneous to holding a seat on the Science and Technology Council.

Debevec is returning to the Council as a co-chair alongside Lois Burwell after a brief hiatus following his service from 2012-201, but his membership at the Academy has not waivered since he joined in 2010. Debevec is also currently the director of research, creative algorithms and technology at Netflix and is the Visual Effects Branch governor of the Academy.

Duffield wields production design credits on features like “Hell or High Water” and “Patriots Day” as well as art director credits on earlier works like 1997’s “Men in Black,” bringing to the Council a seasoned perspective of set construction. He has been an Academy member since 2010 and is also a Visual Effects Branch governor.

West, who has worked on beloved Disney features ranging from “Encanto” to “Tarzan” in lead animation and VFX supervising roles, took his rightful seat on the Council following seven years of prior membership with the Academy. He is currently a Short Films and Feature Animation Branch governor with the Academy and is mid-production as a VFX supervisor for the upcoming Disney+ film “Iwájú.”

Fancy House of VFX Appoints Janine Conway and Chris Green to Senior Team

Fancy House of Visual Effects has appointed VFX veterans Janine Conway and Chris Green to its senior team. Conway joins the studio as senior producer, where she will oversee production and business development. Green has been named compositing supervisor, focusing on visual effects for features and television.

Conway previously worked as a producer for several visual effects and design houses such as Buck and Method Studios. She also collaborated with Fancy VFX on ad campaigns for FedEx and Service Now. Her other credits as a VFX producer include Google, Microsoft, Mastercard, Comcast and Budweiser.

Prior to Fancy VFX, Green worked as senior nuke compositor at Crafty Apes VFX. His recent credits include “Dexter: New Blood,” “Severance” and “Star Trek: Discovery.”

Critics Choice Awards Updates Timeline for Voting and Noms

The Critics Choice Association revealed an update to the timeline for the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards.

The full timeline is listed below. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 15, 2023, from the Fairmount Century Plaza in Los Angeles with host Chelsea Handler.

28th annual Critics Choice Awards Timeline

Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 – TV Submissions close
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022 – NomComs begin deliberation (TV)
Friday, Dec.2, 2022 – NomComs render recommendations (TV)
Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 – Nominating ballots go out to FILM Branch Members
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022 – Critics Choice Awards TV nominations announced
Friday, Dec. 9, 2022 – Deadline for returning nominating ballots (Film)
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022 – Critics Choice Awards FILM nominations announced
Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 – Final ballots go out to the FILM Branch Members
Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 – Final ballots go out to the TV Branch Members
Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 – Deadline for returning final ballots (Film)
Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023 – 28th annual Critics Choice Awards

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