Category Archives: Los Angeles Life and Style

Halloween Horror Nights Treats, Los Angeles Life and Style, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, Serves Up Terrifying Treats Inspired by this Year’s Spooky Slate of Horrifying Haunted Houses and Attractions.

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Halloween Horror Nights—Southern California’s Scariest Halloween Event—Runs Select Nights Now Through October 31, 2023.

Universal City, CA, September 26, 2023 – Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to indulge in tempting horror-inspired cuisine inspired by the event with specialty items based on “Stranger Things 4,” “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count,” “The Last of Us” and Dia de los Muertos. Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights through October 31, 2023.

Fans of “Stranger Things” can frequent several venues inspired by the hit series, including the Surfer Boy Pizza shop to enjoy such pizzas as the Try Before You Deny, plus Pineapple Buffalo Wings and a decadent Hellfire Pop dessert.

Scoops Ahoy ice cream parlor serves refreshingly sweet treats, including Eleven’s Waffle Sundae and the Upside Down World Milkshake.

The “Stranger Things 4” theming continues at the new ‘80’s themed Stellar Bar, located adjacent to “Jurassic World—The Ride,” where guests are invited to step back in time and imbibe on totally awesome cocktails such as Surfer Boy, The Upside Down and Mind Flayer, and nosh on delicious bites, including Demogorgon Pizza, Hellfire Club Pretzel and Pizza Fries, to the tune of classic ‘80’s hits.

“Chucky” takes a stab at killer treats with such eclectic “Killer BBQ” menus items as Chucky’s A Clucking Nightmare sandwich, Friends to the Burnt End sandwich, Chucky’s Mac-Assacre and Cheese, Always Comeback Corndog, Like to be Hugged Salad, Child’s Play Funnel Cake and a Knife Cooke emblazoned with Wanna Play?, along with a cotton candy lemonade called The Good Guy and the Wanna Play? cocktail.

“The Last of Us” fans can click their way through such treats as the Cordyceps Corndog, served up at Mummy Eats, adjacent to “Revenge of The Mummy—The Ride.”

            The celebration of Los Angeles’ diverse culture also comes to life during Halloween Horror Nights with a festive Dia de los Muertos food and beverage display staged within Universal Plaza. Guests can toast the living and celebrate the dead with multiple bar options, including the signature Dia de Los Muertos Bar, the Little Cocina bar and the Margarita bar, offering such Latin folklore inspired craft cocktails as Tlahuelpuchi Margarita, El Silbón Mule, La Lechuza and La Muerte served in colorful souvenir cups. Premium margaritas include Spicy Strawberry Vodka Margarita and Smokey Cauldron Margarita.

Themed Dia de los Muertos menu items include Carne Asada Nachos, Beef Birria Tacos with Red Sauce, Horchata Churro Bites, Pineapple Spears with Chamoy, Corn in a Cup and a sweet Chocolate Skull Cake.

            The new themed Peacock Halloween Horror Bar takes over Laemmle Courtyard near the entrance to the theme park, serving up such tempting cocktails as Purge Punch, Peacocktail and Charles Lee Ray, in honor of “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count.”

            The Halloween Horror Nights event menu includes vegetarian items. Guests must be 21 years or older and have a valid photo ID to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

            Over at Universal CityWalk Hollywood, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen joins in on the terrifying festivities with a specially themed Halloween Horror Nights Patio Bar. A seasonal Foundry milkshake, the Grave Awakening Milkshake, served in a Halloween Horror Nights souvenir jar is available both at the Foundry milkshake bar and in the dining room. Voodoo Doughnut features seasonal favorites such as Frankenstein, Mummy, Jack-O-Lantern, the Halloween Sprinkle Cake and annual signature HHN 2023 doughnut. Antojitos Cocina Mexicana serves up ghoulish drinks, including Pumpkin Horror-Chata, Midnight Margarita and Spicy Tamarind Bloody Mary. NBC Sports Grill & Brew raises the scare-factor with Rum Reaper Shot and The Haunted Huddle. Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville® savors the scary with a curated Late Nite Bites menu, Burrito Bowl, Tropical Inferno Burger, Melon Monster-ita and Tropical Boo-ze. VIVO Italian Kitchen dishes up Frutti de Mare Pasta and Brain Bender Shot.

This year’s Halloween Horror Nights lineup includes:

  • “The Last of Us” lets guests step into the world of Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game, as they venture alongside characters Joel and Ellie through an overgrown Pittsburgh and survive against Clickers, Hunters and more.
  • “Stranger Things 4” brings season 4 of Netflix’s original series to life, transporting guests to Hawkins, Indiana, where they will encounter the newest villain, Vecna, hell-bent on obliterating the volatile barrier between the Upside Down and the real world in an attempt to reign supreme.
  • Face an evil reawakened in “The Exorcist: Believer,” inspired by Universal Pictures’ terrifying new horror film from Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment.
  • “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” expands on the Universal Monsters legacy with horror icons The Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame coming together for the first time in a chilling new story. The haunted house features an original score from GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, SLASH.
  • “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count,” inspired by the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films, features the infamous slasher doll and his best kills throughout the series and films.
  • “Evil Dead Rise” brings guests to a new twisted tale in the Evil Dead franchise, based on New Line Cinema’s 2023 box office hit.
  • “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” includes Latin American folklore’s most terrifying ghosts and creatures.
  • “Holidayz in Hell” takes visitors on a petrifying trip through a series of psychotic seasonal celebrations.
  • “Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” puts guests on the world-renowned Universal backlot and in the middle of an insect uprising led by the devious Larry Larva whose goal is to exterminate humans from planet Earth. Horror fans will also walk along the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope where they will encounter The Tethered from Us in an epic crossover from two of director Jordan Peele’s epic blockbusters.
  • “Blumhouse: Behind the Screams” is an original concept that showcases a selection of Blumhouse horror films, including the highly anticipated films Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Exorcist: Believer, as well as fan-loving hits like M3GAN and The Black Phone. This unique experience breaks the fourth wall and invites guests to explore these films with an up-close look at authentic film props, costume displays and terrifying character encounters.
  • For the first time, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” takes the blockbuster film franchise into an entirely new environment…open waters, in an all-new live show. Located within the WaterWorld venue and featuring adrenaline-filled action sequences, stunts, spectacular lighting and laser effects, high fall fire burns and massive explosions, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” celebrates an evening of anarchy without thought of punishment or fear of retribution.

All-new scare zones taunt and torment guests as they navigate from one terrifying haunted house to the next. These include:

  • “El Terror de las Momias” is a Latin-themed scare zone and an extension of the “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” haunted house that takes guests on a desperate attempt to escape an ancient army of unearthed mummies.
  • Located on New York Street, the “Toyz” scare zonedares guests to play in the toy box of terror where a wicked toymaker uses dark magic to bring his evil toys to life.
  • A welcome wagon of “Ghostz” featuring a horde of blood-soaked, chainsaw-wielding ghosts gather at the entrance to Halloween Horror Nights to rattle nerves.

Select theme park attractions also remain open during the run of event, including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™.”

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” is also open during Halloween Horror Nights, inviting guests to experience some of their favorite attractions, including “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™.”  As part of the event, guests will encounter Death Eaters™, a group of Voldemort’s most devoted followers, roam Hogsmeade™ village in search of others willing to show loyalty to the Dark Lord’s cause.

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Night ticket options, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 P.M. Day/Night, the premium R.I.P. Tour, the new Early Access Ticket, which provides access to select haunted houses prior to the scheduled event opening (starting at 5:30 p.m., subject to change), and the popular Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass. For more information about each ticket type and Terms and Conditions, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights from now through Tuesday, October 31 at Universal Studios Hollywood and through Saturday, November 4 at Universal Orlando Resort.

Visit UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/Halloween for updates on Halloween Horror Nights content; like Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood on Facebook; follow @HorrorNights on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) and @HalloweenHorrorNights on TikTok; and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy of Motion PIctures Museum, Los Angeles Life and Style

THE ACADEMY AND ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES TO PRESENT HOWARD UNIVERSITY A REPLACEMENT OF HATTIE MCDANIEL’S BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS ACADEMY AWARD®

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Howard University to Host “Hattie’s Come Home” Ceremony  on October 1, 2023.  

Los Angeles, CA, September 26, 2023—The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures announced today the Academy will gift to the Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts a replacement of actor Hattie McDaniel’s Best Supporting Actress Academy Award®. Howard University will host a ceremony titled “Hattie’s Come Home” at its Ira Aldridge Theater in Washington, D.C., on October 1, 2023. 


The ceremony will celebrate the life and legacy of McDaniel, her historic Academy Award win, and reunite her Academy Award with Howard University as she originally intended. The event will include opening remarks by Phylicia Rashad, Dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University, the performance of a medley of songs from current students and faculty of the College, and an excerpt of “Boulevard of Bold Dreams,” a play by LaDarrion Williams.  

Representatives of the Academy and the Academy Museum will be at the ceremony, including Jacqueline Stewart, Ph.D., Director and President of the Academy Museum, and Executive Vice President of Oscars Strategy Teni Melidonian, who will present the plaque to the university. Stewart will host a moderated conversation about McDaniel’s career with Greg Carr, Ph.D., Howard University Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Chair of the Department of Afro-American Studies; Rhea Combs, Ph.D., Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery; Kevin John Goff, filmmaker, actor and Hattie McDaniel’s great-grandnephew; Khalid Long, Ph.D., Howard University Associate Professor of Theatre Arts, author, director and dramaturg; and Rashad. The plaque’s new home will be in the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.

“Hattie McDaniel was a groundbreaking artist who changed the course of cinema and impacted generations of performers who followed her. We are thrilled to present a replacement of Hattie McDaniel’s Academy Award to Howard University,” said Stewart and Academy CEO Bill Kramer. “This momentous occasion will celebrate Hattie McDaniel’s remarkable craft and historic win.” 


“When I was a student in the College of Fine Arts at Howard University, in what was then called the Department of Drama, I would often sit and gaze in wonder at the Academy Award that had been presented to Ms. Hattie McDaniel, which she had gifted to the College of Fine Arts,” said Rashad. “I am overjoyed that this Academy Award is returning to what is now the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University. This immense piece of history will be back in the College of Fine Arts for our students to draw inspiration from. Ms. Hattie is coming home!”


The Academy Museum has honored and contextualized McDaniel’s legacy in both the Academy Awards History Gallery and its temporary exhibition Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971. A performer on stage, radio and screen, McDaniel appeared in some 300 films throughout her career. In 1940, McDaniel made history as the first Black person to be nominated for and to win a competitive Academy Award for her supporting performance as “Mammy” in Gone with the Wind (1939). At the 12th Academy Awards ceremony at the segregated Cocoanut Grove at the Ambassador Hotel, McDaniel and her guest were seated separately from the film’s other nominees.


McDaniel received not a statuette but a plaque, as was customary for supporting performance winners from 1936 to 1942. Though its whereabouts today are unknown, McDaniel’s award stands out in Academy history; it would be 51 years before another Black woman would win an acting Oscar ®. McDaniel bequeathed her Academy Award to Howard University upon her death in 1952. The award was displayed at the university’s drama department until the late 1960s. 


McDaniel’s acceptance speech can currently be viewed in full in the museum’s Academy Awards History Gallery, and, notably, her win is recognized in the Oscars Gallery of statuettes, but through a vitrine that stands empty. Her acceptance speech, as recorded for newsreel cameras at the time, is noted below:


“Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science[s], fellow members of the motion picture industry and honored guests. This is one of the happiest moments of my life, and I want to thank each one of you who had a part in selecting me for one of the awards for your kindness. It has made me feel very, very humble and I shall always hold it as a beacon for anything I may be able to do in the future. I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry. My heart is too full to tell you just how I feel. And may I say thank you and God bless you.” 
 

Image Credits: Actor Hattie McDaniel c. 1940 with her original Academy Award plaque for Actress in a Supporting Role for Gone with the Wind (1939). Photo by Bettmann/Getty Images; Reproduction of the original plaque of Hattie McDaniel’s Academy Award for Actress in a Supporting Role for Gone with the Wind (1939). Gift from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to Howard University. Photo by Owen Kolasinski/© Academy Museum Foundation.


ABOUT THE ACADEMY 
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is home to a global membership of more than 10,500 of the most accomplished film industry artists and leaders. The Academy recognizes and celebrates all aspects of the arts and sciences of moviemaking through renowned awards for cinematic achievement, including the Oscars®. With the world’s largest film museum and collection, the Academy preserves our cinematic history and presents honest and powerful programs about cinema’s past, present, and future. Across all initiatives, the Academy connects global audiences – its members, the film industry, and film fans – through their shared passion for making and watching films.


ABOUT THE ACADEMY MUSEUM 
The Academy Museum is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. The museum advances the understanding, celebration, and preservation of cinema through inclusive and accessible exhibitions, screenings, programs, initiatives, and collections. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, the museum’s LEED Gold certified campus contains the restored and revitalized historic Saban Building—formerly known as the May Company building (1939)—and a soaring spherical addition. Together, these buildings contain 50,000 square feet of exhibition spaces, two state-of-the-art theaters — the David Geffen Theater and Ted Mann Theater — the Shirley Temple Education Studio, and beautiful public spaces that are free and open to the public. These include: The Walt Disney Company Piazza and the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby, which houses the Spielberg Family Gallery, Academy Museum Store, and Fanny’s restaurant and café. The Academy Museum exhibition galleries and store are open six days a week, from 10am to 6pm and are closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day.  


ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced two Schwarzman Scholars, four Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu. 

LA Auto Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles Life and Style

Los Angeles Auto Show: Coming to the LA Auto Show 2023: The Kevin Hart Kollection.

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LOS ANGELES – Kevin Hart, the megastar comedian, actor, and entrepreneur, is set to unveil his personal car collection for the very first time at the LA Auto Show. From November 17th to 26th, you’ll have the chance to witness 11 of his cherished vehicles, including American muscle cars and sleek Ferraris, all on public display.

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Los Angeles Auto Show: Coming to the LA Auto Show 2023: The Kevin Hart Kollection.

The Kollection Sneak PeakAs a hardcore car enthusiast and a devoted fan of American muscle cars, Kevin is pulling the curtain back on several cars he’s never shown to the public before. One of the stars of the show will be the 1970 Dodge Challenger Bane, making its debut in Los Angeles . This stunning piece will join Kevin’s ever-growing collection of vehicles, each uniquely themed to bring out their personalities:

1959 Chevrolet Corvette (Mint Condition)1966 Chevrolet Chevelle (Darkness)1969 Chevrolet Camaro (Bad News)1969 Pontiac GTO (Chocolate Droppa)1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible1969 Plymouth Roadrunner (Michael Myers)1970 Dodge Challenger (Bane)1970 Dodge Charger (Hellraiser)1987 Buick Grand National (Dark Knight)2022 Ferrari SF90 Spyder2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione

Los Angeles Life and Style

PaleyFest Fall TV Previews Stream Now!

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Dancing with the Stars, Lessons in Chemistry, The Amazing Race, Goosebumps, The D’Amelio Show, Quantum Leap, Love Is Blind, Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Deadlocked, Invincible, 90 Day Fiancé.

Los Angeles, Calif. – We’re thrilled to present our annual celebration of the most talked-about shows of the new season for PaleyFest Fall TV Previews, featuring exclusive conversations with the stars and creative teams that bring these stories to life on-screen.

Share the conversations with your friends and on your social networks!
Want to learn more about the best in media, sports, gaming, and entertainment? Become a Paley Member today for special Member pricing and early access to Paley events!

PaleyFest Fall TV Previews is a celebration of the most buzzworthy shows of the new fall television season. Get a sneak peek into the upcoming fall television season with exclusive conversations featuring the stars, creatives, and innovators behind a selection of the season’s most anticipated new and returning series! Get a jump start on your soon-to-be fall favorites with behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes, and more! Named for Williams S. Paley, founder of CBS and The Paley Center for Media, the festival is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in your favorite shows, discover new gems, and gain insights from the industry’s top talents.

City of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles Life and Style

City of Santa Clarita News: City’s Newly Redesigned Website Launches in Conjunction with the Start of the Fall Season. – City of Santa Clarita seeking public input on possibility of a Santa Clarita Museum and Cultural Central.

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City’s Newly Redesigned Website Launches in Conjunction with the Start of the Fall Season.

Santa Clarita, CA – Completely redesigned and built in-house by the Information Services division, the City of Santa Clarita is proud to announce a brand-new website under the domain of SantaClarita.gov. The new website will launch on Monday, September 25.

The homepage of SantaClarita.gov has gone through a complete makeover, with a modern and easy-to-navigate, dashboard-style look and feel. Throughout the process of building the website, the City asked residents what they would like to be most accessible on the homepage. Utilities such as press releases, departments, services and signing up for Seasons classes are in plain sight and simple to locate.

SantaClarita.gov was designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Since most people browse and get their news on their cell phones, the site was built to be a “mobile-first” website, so it looks and runs smoothly on mobile devices and is just as easy to navigate as it would be on a computer.

Another popular feature is the integration of Artificial Intelligence in the chatbot Ask Sammy, where the City’s mascot, Sammy Clarita, goes digital in order to help residents find what they need. Ask Sammy will be there throughout your time on the website, equipped with the capability to search the entire site, whether it is information on reporting a pothole or any other assistance you may require. Ask Sammy is also available to interact via text messaging by texting +1 (844) 90-SAMMY. Message and data rates may apply.

With a .gov domain, residents can rest assured knowing they are navigating a secure website. Only the organization itself can own their .gov domain., so content is verified as coming directly from the City.

For more information about the City’s brand-new website redesign, visit SantaClarita.gov to navigate it and experience all of its features. There is also a suggestion box at the footer of the website to submit inquiries and requests. Being a City-built and operated government website, SantaClarita.gov will grow and evolve in line with our community. This season – fall in love with SantaClarita.gov.

CITY SEEKING COMMUNITY INPUT FOR POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF A SANTA CLARITA MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER.

Santa Clarita, CA – Cultural events, local history, incredible art, engaging programs for children – what would you like to see in a possible Santa Clarita Museum and Cultural Center? The City of Santa Clarita is exploring the possibility of developing a Museum and Cultural Center to showcase our community’s rich history, cultural heritage and celebrate the diversity of our City.

To kick off the planning process, the City is asking for your input. Santa Clarita has teamed up with a museum planning consultant to develop an outlook for what sorts of services and experiences the new Museum and Cultural Center should offer and what amenities visitors would like to experience.

“The City of Santa Clarita has long celebrated arts, culture and opportunities for lifelong learning,” said Mayor Jason Gibbs. “Our community has a rich history that should be experienced and diverse cultures that should be celebrated. We look forward to hearing from our residents about what they would like to see in a Santa Clarita Museum and Cultural Center.”

The Museum would offer displays focused on regional history and art, and work in tandem with the Cultural Center to serve as a hub for cultural events, presentations and organizations. The project is currently in the preliminary planning phase and a location has yet to be selected.

Residents are encouraged to take the survey by visiting SantaClaritaArts.com. All information will remain confidential and it will be used to help determine the future Museum and Cultural Center’s focus and priorities.

Los Angeles Life and Style

ACADEMY REVEALS 2023 STUDENT ACADEMY AWARD® WINNERS.

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FILM COMPETITION CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN OCTOBER ALL WINNING FILMS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR 96TH OSCARS®

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has voted 14 students as winners of the 50th Student Academy Awards® competition.  This year, the Student Academy Awards competition received a total of 2,443 entries from 720 colleges and universities around the world.  The 2023 winners join the ranks of such past Student Academy Award® winners as Patricia Cardoso, Pete Docter, Spike Lee, Patricia Riggen and Robert Zemeckis.

The winners are (listed alphabetically by category):

Alternative/Experimental
Leo Behrens, “Skin,” American Film Institute

Animation
Gabriel Augerai, Romain Augier & Yannick Jacquin, “Boom,” École des Nouvelles Images, France
César Luton, Achille Pasquier & Clémence Bailly, “Diplomatie de l’Éclipse,” MoPA 3D Animation School, France
Lisa Kenney, “Mum’s Spaghetti,” National Film and Television School, United Kingdom

Documentary
Lyuwei Chen, “Duet,” New York University 
Jean Chapiro, “Hasta Encontrarlos (Till We Find Them),” Columbia University
Giorgio Ghiotto, “Wings of Dust,” New York University

Narrative
Mark Gerstorfer, “Invisible Border,” Filmakademie Wien, Austria
Iain Aigin Stronach Forbes, “Revisited,” Den Norske Filmskolen, Norway
Tamara Denić, “Istina (Truth),” Hamburg Media School, Germany

First-time honors go to École des Nouvelles Images (France).

All Student Academy Award-winning films are eligible to compete for 2023 Oscars® in the Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film or Documentary Short Film category.  Past winners have gone on to receive 67 Oscar® nominations and have won or shared 12 awards.

Students will participate in an in-person award ceremony on Tuesday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m., at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.  The medal placements – gold, silver and bronze – in the four award categories will be announced at the ceremony.

The 50th Student Academy Awards ceremony on October 24 is free and open to the public, but advance tickets are required.  Tickets may be obtained online at oscars.org starting today.  The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard.

The Student Academy Awards were established in 1972 to provide a platform for emerging global talent by creating opportunities within the industry to showcase their work.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is home to a global membership of more than 10,500 of the most accomplished film industry artists and leaders. The Academy recognizes and celebrates all aspects of the arts and sciences of moviemaking through renowned awards for cinematic achievement, including the Oscars®. With the world’s largest film museum and collection, the Academy preserves our cinematic history and presents honest and powerful programs about cinema’s past, present, and future. Across all initiatives, the Academy connects global audiences – its members, the film industry, and film fans – through their shared passion for making and watching films.

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY
www.oscars.org
www.facebook.com/TheAcademy
www.youtube.com/Oscars
www.twitter.com/TheAcademy
www.instagram.com/TheAcademy
www.tiktok.com/@Oscars

 

Beach Boys, Los Angeles Life and Style, The Beach Boys

Fantoons Celebrates The Beach Boys With First-Ever Official Coloring Book Out Today.

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CATCH A WAVE OF FUN, FUN, FUN…

Fantoons Celebrates The Timeless Music Of The Beach Boys With First-Ever One-Of-A-Kind Official Coloring Book Out Today.

Los Angeles, CA – September 12, 2023 – Fantoons, an award-winning Los Angeles-based animation studio, announces the September 12 release of The Beach Boys: Official Coloring Book, the first-ever official Beach Boys coloring book. Available at Fantoons.shop with limited edition collector’s items, and at all the best bookstores in the United States and worldwide.

Showcasing artwork driven by the band’s enduring legacy, unforgettable harmonies and good vibrations, the 72-page new-yet-classic coloring book pays homage to the vast array of sights and sounds of the band’s music, and eclectic artistry. Each page encapsulates the iconic essence of the band, while providing an original spin for old and new fans alike. 

For the first time in Fantoons’ acclaimed history of coloring books The Beach Boys: Official Coloring Book includes a special QR code linking to a custom Beach Boys Playlist. 

With over 100 million records sold worldwide, The Beach Boys are among the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful bands of all time, including 80 songs charting worldwide, 36 in the U.S. Top 40, and four topping the Billboard Hot 100. Their instantly recognizable harmonies are permanently etched in the hearts of millions, with brilliant musical arrangements that spread the love, youth and surf culture of California to fans all over the globe. 

About Fantoons

Fantoons Animation Studios is a group of like-minded artists with a shared passion for animation, stories, and music. Co-founded by Venezuelan immigrants David Calcano and Linda Otero nearly a decade ago, the vision for the studio was simple: create content surrounding music and tell compelling stories to celebrate it. Focusing on the artist’s personal stories whether on the road, in the studio, or their journey, Fantoons uses sequential storytelling in graphic novels or animated content. With clients that include Rush, The Beach Boys, Iron Maiden, Frank Zappa, and Johnny Ramone, among others, Fantoons has also produced animated music videos for timeless Christmas songs from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and others. With multiple film festival awards for their animated shorts, they recently celebrated their first Webby Award as a 2021 Honoree for Video Animation. 

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles Life and Style

Halloween Horror Nights Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood, Kicking Off Southern California’s Most Extreme Halloween Event.

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Halloween Horror Nights Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood, Kicking Off Southern California’s Most Extreme Halloween Event 38 Select Nights Now Through October 31, 2023.

Universal City, CA, September 8, 2023 – Universal Studios Hollywood marked the highly anticipated opening of Halloween Horror Nights with a feverish flurry of excitement last night, beckoning in 38 terrifying nights that feature eight scary haunted houses, including “The Last of Us,” “Stranger Things” and “The Exorcist: Believer,” three original scare zones, two new live experiences and the popular Terror Tram.

Troy Baker & Neil Druckmann visit “The Last of Us” haunted house at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Halloween Horror Nights continues on September 8-10, 14-17, 21-24, 27-30; October 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29 and 31, 2023.

This year’s Halloween Horror Nights lineup includes:

  • “The Last of Us” lets guests step into the world of Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game, as they venture alongside Joel and Ellie through an overgrown Pittsburgh and survive against Clickers, Hunters and more.
  • “Stranger Things 4” brings season 4 of Netflix’s original series to life, transporting guests to Hawkins, Indiana, where they will encounter the newest villain, Vecna, hell-bent on obliterating the volatile barrier between the Upside Down and the real world in an attempt to reign supreme.
  • Face an evil reawakened in “The Exorcist: Believer,” inspired by the Universal Pictures’ terrifying new horror film from Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment.
  • “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” expands on the Universal Monsters legacy with horror icons The Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame coming together for the first time in a chilling new story. The haunted house features an original score from GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, SLASH.
  • “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count,” inspired by the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films, features the infamous slasher doll and his best kills throughout the series and films.
  • “Evil Dead Rise” brings guests to a new twisted tale in the Evil Dead franchise, based on New Line Cinema’s 2023 box office hit.
  • “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” includes Latin American folklore’s most terrifying ghosts and creatures.
  • “Holidayz in Hell” takes visitors on a petrifying trip through a series of psychotic seasonal celebrations.
  • “Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” puts guests on the world-renowned Universal backlot and in the middle of an insect uprising led by the devious Larry Larva whose goal is to exterminate humans from planet Earth. Horror fans will also walk along the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope where they will encounter The Tethered from Us in an epic crossover from two of director Jordan Peele’s epic blockbusters.
  • “Blumhouse: Behind the Screams” is an original concept that showcases a selection of Blumhouse horror films, including the highly anticipated films Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Exorcist: Believer, as well as fan-loving hits like M3GAN and The Black Phone. This unique experience breaks the fourth wall and invites guests to explore these films as they step through the silver screen for an up-close look at authentic film props, costume displays and terrifying character encounters.
  • For the first time, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” takes the blockbuster film franchise into an entirely new environment…open waters, in an all-new live show. Located within the WaterWorld venue and featuring adrenaline-filled action sequences, stunts, spectacular lighting and laser effects, high fall fire burns and massive explosions, “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” celebrates an evening of anarchy without thought of punishment or fear of retribution.

All-new scare zones taunt and torment guests as they navigate the darkness from one terrifying haunted house to the next. These include:

  • “El Terror de las Momias” is a Latin-themed scare zone and an extension of the “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” haunted house that takes guests on a desperate attempt to escape an ancient army of unearthed mummies.
  • Located on New York Street, the “Toyz” scare zonedares guests to play in the toy box of terror where a wicked toymaker uses dark magic to bring his evil toys to life.
  • A welcome wagon of “Ghostz” featuring a horde of blood-soaked, chainsaw-wielding ghosts gather at the entrance to Halloween Horror Nights to rattle nerves.

Select theme park attractions also remain open during the run of event, including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Transformers™: The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride.™”

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” is also open during Halloween Horror Nights, inviting guests to experience some of their favorite attractions, including “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff.™”  As part of the event, guests will encounter Death Eaters™, a group of Voldemort’s most devoted followers, roam Hogsmeade™ village in search of others willing to show loyalty to the Dark Lord’s cause.

Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Night ticket options, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2 P.M. Day/Night, the premium R.I.P. Tour, the new Early Access Ticket, which provides access to select haunted houses prior to the scheduled event opening (starting at 5:30 p.m., subject to change),and the popular Frequent Fear Pass and Ultimate Fear Pass. For more information about each ticket type and Terms and Conditions, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Guests can also unlock six months of Peacock Premium with the online purchase of single-night event tickets or the popular Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear Passes. Limited time offer. Eligibility restrictions and Terms Apply.

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights from Thursday, September 7 through Tuesday, October 31 at Universal Studios Hollywood and Friday, September 1 through Saturday, November 4 at Universal Orlando Resort.

Visit UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/Halloween for updates on Halloween Horror Nights content; like Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood on Facebook; follow @HorrorNights on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) and @HalloweenHorrorNights on TikTok; and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.

Los Angeles Life and Style, Music Albums, Music Notes

ZZ Ward Releases ‘Dirty Shine,’ Ushering a Fresh Era for the Renowned Artist.

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OUT NOW! ZZ Ward’s ‘Dirty Shine’: A Bold Independent Debut Ushering a Fresh Era for the Renowned Artist.

Los Angeles, Calif. – Today, ZZ Ward‘s highly anticipated album ‘Dirty Shine’ has officially landed on streaming platforms, released via her own Dirty Shine Records. A cinematic 11-song album, spilling over with an intoxicating cocktail of bold electronic textures, rugged hip-hop beats, fierce rhymes and pop hooks, acoustic Delta blues riffs, sensual R&B singing, and juke joint harmonica, ‘Dirty Shine’ represents a new chapter in ZZ’s career, as she embraces life as a new mother and removes the constraints of the major label system.
 
To celebrate the release, ZZ has shared a riveting Official Album Trailer directed by her brother, Adam William Ward. Capturing the essence of classic horror films, the trailer delivers a tongue-in-cheek nod to cult classics like Knives Out and Halloween, showcasing another layer to ZZ’s expansive creative realm. Continuing her ambitious endeavor to blend music and cinema, this album trailer stands as a testament to the seamless collaboration between ZZ and Adam. As seen with the thrilling music video for “On One,” their shared vision has once again manifested in a captivating amalgamation of sights and sounds.

ZZ is hitting the road to share the sounds of ‘Dirty Shine’ with fans nationwide. Kicking things off at Philadelphia’s World Cafe Live on September 6th, the tour weaves its way through a diverse range of cities and venues. Highlights include an evening at New York’s Gramercy Theatre on September 9th, a mid-tour stop in Chicago at Park West on September 16th, and a stop in Nashville at The Basement East on September 24th. After connecting with fans across the country, the tour will wrap at the Belly Up in Solana Beach on November 18th. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.zzward.com/

ZZ started singing the blues at the age of 8, inspired by her father’s record collection. At 16, seeing the similarities between blues and hip-hop, she ventured out to the clubs in her hometown of Eugene and began singing and performing with acts around town. She busked, booked her own tours, sold demos in parking lots, and slept on an air mattress at her brother’s place while hustling for shows. It wasn’t long before she became a buzzed-about artist, earning a record deal with Hollywood Records. She quickly broke into Billboard’s Top 40 with her debut release, and her sophomore album peaked at #1 on the Billboard Blues chart, highlighted by singles featuring GRAMMY-Award winners Fantastic Negrito and Gary Clark Jr.

In ZZ Ward’s fan community the phrase “dirty shine” means being your authentic self; imperfections and vulnerabilities all included. Recently, “dirty shine” became something of a mission statement for ZZ. “The concept of ‘dirty shine’ is larger than the record,” she explains. “When I put out my first album, my fans and I started saying we are ‘dirty shine.’ It was about embracing who you are—we are all dirty, a little rough around the edges. I’ve always had this vibe, but I feel like this time in my life is like ‘dirty shine’ on steroids. I can fully be myself, and nothing can stop me.”

Now, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is also a video director, record label owner, and even a milliner. Her iconic fedoras, once a source of confidence on stage, now serve as a personal expression of her newfound energy and confidence, as she handcrafts and sells fedoras directly to her fans, sharing the gift of “confidence” that these hats have bestowed upon her. By removing the influence of big corporations, ZZ has fostered a profound bond with her fan community, engaging with them directly every morning, and strengthening the connection that fuels her artistic vision.

The addition of motherhood has brought profound changes to ZZ’s life, as she discovers a new connection within the community of parents. This shift in perspective has fueled her determination, as she recognizes that her music now carries a deeper meaning beyond her own self-expression. Balancing the demands of motherhood and a music career has required ZZ to find equilibrium, but as a touring musician and a mother, she understands the importance of maintaining flexibility. With Bruce Kalmick, Why & How / Red Light Management, leading the charge on the management side, and her husband, the GRAMMY-winning songwriter Evan Kidd Bogart, always in her corner, this time of creativity and personal growth is especially meaningful.

Her third studio release, ‘Dirty Shine’ was produced by a who’s who of award-winning producers, and frequent collaborators of ZZ’s, including Oscar, GRAMMY and Emmy-winning producer/composer Ludwig Goransson (Oppenheimer, Black Panther, Mandalorian, Childish Gambino, Haim), Oscar and GRAMMY-winning producer Mike Elizondo (Encanto, Twenty One Pilots, Carrie Underwood), GRAMMY-winning writer/producer Jason Evigan (Troye Sivan, Dan + Shay), GRAMMY-nominated Dave Bassett (Elle King, Vance Joy, Alice Merton), iconic hip-hop producer S1 (Eminem, Drake, Lorde) and the alt-rock producer-duo Mark Jackson & Ian Scott (Bishop Briggs, Dorothy).

‘Dirty Shine’ by ZZ Ward
1. Welcome to Dirty Shine
2. Ride or Die (feat. Vic Mensa)
3. Fadeaway
4. On One (feat. Jean Deaux)
5. Slow Hum Hymnal
6. Dead or Alive
7. Forget About Us
8. Friends Like These
9. Baby Don’t
10. North Bank Blues
11. OverdoZZe
12. Cut Me Loose
13. Tin Cups (feat. Aloe Blacc)
14. Don’t Let Me Down

ZZ Ward – Tour Dates
Wednesday, Sep. 6 – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA
Friday, Sep. 8 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
Saturday, Sep. 9 – Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY
Sunday, Sep. 10 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
Tuesday, Sep. 12 – House of Blues Cleveland – Cleveland, OH
Wednesday, Sep. 13 – XL Live – Harrisburg, PA
Friday, Sep. 15 – Saint Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI
Saturday, Sep. 16 – Park West – Chicago, IL
Sunday, Sep. 17 – Bourbon & Beyond 2023 – Louisville, KY
Tuesday, Sep. 19 – Majestic Theatre – Madison, WI
Wednesday, Sep. 20 – Woolys – Des Moines, IA
Thursday, Sep. 21 – Fine Line – Minneapolis, MN
Friday, Sep. 22 – Madrid Theater – Kansas City, MO
Sunday, Sep. 24 – The Basement East – Nashville, TN
Monday, Sep. 25 – Delmar Hall – Saint Louis, MO
Wednesday, Sep. 27 – Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, Nov. 1 – Marquee Theatre – Tempe, AZ
Friday, Nov. 3 – Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO
Saturday, Nov. 4 – Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO
Monday, Nov. 6 – The State Room – Salt Lake City, UT
Wednesday, Nov. 8 – Knitting Factory Concert House – Boise, ID
Thursday, Nov. 9 – The Showbox – Seattle, WA
Friday, Nov. 10 – Knitting Factory Spokane – Spokane, WA
Sunday, Nov. 12 – Revolution Hall – Portland, OR
Tuesday, Nov. 14 – Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
Friday, Nov. 17 – The Roxy Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, Nov. 18 – Belly Up – Solana Beach, CA

https://www.zzward.com/
https://www.instagram.com/zzward/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/ZZWard/
https://twitter.com/ZZWard/
https://www.tiktok.com/@zzward
https://www.youtube.com/c/zzward