Opportunities have to come before recognition. A more diverse, inclusive group of young filmmakers, actors and writers need to have an equal chance to hone their craft — from education to entry-level jobs, financial backing and colorblind casting. Then we’ll really have an Oscars worth celebrating.
Some high-profile celebrities are actually paid to wear certain gowns and jewels. Two years ago, there was a bidding war between two labels for Jennifer Lawrence’s dress. Gwyneth Paltrow allegedly earned $1 million for wearing a diamond cuff by Anna Hu. And, in 2011, when Anne Hathaway co-hosted the Oscars, she reportedly received $750,000 to wear jewelry from Tiffany & Co. (Someone should really let Tiffany’s know that I’d wear them for free.)
The lives dramatized in these films aren’t always easy to look at but we will all recognize parts of ourselves in them and be glad that these talented actresses and filmmakers have the courage to look honestly at these women. Quirky, ambiguous, contradictory, idiosyncratic, independent films are like real women themselves, always surprising, and in a class by themselves.
When the Academy Award nominations are announced, we bemoan the lack of women recognized by the industry itself, not to mention, the virtual absence of any diversity this year. However, there are two categories that by their very nature cannot exclude women. This silver screen velvet ghetto includes Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. And this year, there are many fine contenders in each.
There is an incredible feminist story to be told about Margaret Thatcher, but you won’t find it in this movie.
Yesterday morning I tuned in to the announcement of the nominees for the Academy Awards. Many of the best guesses I had made were confirmed, but there were several surprises.
When it comes to Academy nominations, my guess is that you make it a point to either stay up or wake up. Here's a list of major awards, and our best guess about who will be nominated next week.
As someone who is, at the age of 49, a junior-year undergraduate at UC Berkeley, I will explain the steps I took and fill you in on some tips that can make it all easier.
When they appointed Billy Crystal as host for the 2012 Oscars, the Hollywood Reporter found that women and viewers over 45 were immediately happy.