Civic and Cultural Leaders Gather on September 30 to Dedicate the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles to Light its Landmarks in Gold to Celebrate the Academy Museum’s Opening.

Los Angeles, Calif. – September 30, 2021Officials representing the Academy Museum, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the City and County of Los Angeles, the State of California, and the Tongva community gathered this morning before an invited audience of cultural and philanthropic leaders to dedicate the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and declare it open to the public.


Representing the Museum were Academy Museum President and Director Bill Kramer, Academy Museum Board Chair Ted Sarandos, Academy Museum Inclusion Advisory Committee Chair Effie T. Brown, Academy CEO Dawn Hudson,andAcademy President David Rubin.

“Los Angeles is the movie capital of the world, and we are thrilled to be unveiling the Academy Museum in the heart of the city,” Bill Kramer said. “Our museum celebrates the art and artists of moviemaking, and we are honored to be greeted by these signals of recognition from other landmarks across LA.”

“Los Angeles is the movie capital of the world, and we are thrilled to be unveiling the Academy Museum in the heart of the city,” Bill Kramer said. “Our museum celebrates the art and artists of moviemaking, and we are honored to be greeted by these signals of recognition from other landmarks across LA. We are deeply grateful to Mayor Garcetti for leading this initiative.”

Joining leadership of the Museum and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting were Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Councilmember (District 4) Nithya Raman, California Film Commission Executive President Colleen Bell, Tongva Spiritual Leader Jimi Castillo, and Tongva Community Leader Virginia Carmelo.

In his remarks, Mayor Garcetti announced that landmark buildings will be bathed at night in gold illumination to welcome the Academy Museum to Los Angeles. The Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Union Station Los Angeles, the U.S. Bank Tower, the GRAMMY Museum®, and the Petersen Automotive Museum will be lit in gold.

“As the creative capital of the world, we’re so proud in Los Angeles of our legacy of moviemaking,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The Academy Museum is an incredible addition to our cultural landscape. By honoring the films that have sparked our imaginations and even changed our lives, it will inspire people for generations to come.”

Originally constructed for the May Company department store, the Academy Museum’s 1939 Streamline Moderne Saban Building was designed by Albert C. Martin, Sr., who was also the architect for the 1928 Art Deco Los Angeles City Hall.

Councilmember Nithya Raman said, “The Academy Museum feels like a bit of a parallel to the dream that draws so many to Los Angeles. And as a Councilmember who has the extraordinary privilege of representing this District, I am truly amazed by what has been accomplished here by the Academy, its donors, and its partners, both private and public. This is proof we can still do BIG things in Los Angeles.”


Colleen Bell said, “Now we have a triumphant new museum that encompasses the movies as an industry, a society, an artistic source of meaning and identity. The Academy Museum is a destination where visitors not only from across our state, but from around the world, will find inspiration and connection with each other.”

Dawn Hudson said, “Practically the first thing the founders of the Academy did, after they created the Oscars in 1929, was to propose building a movie museum in Los Angeles. The Oscars® honor individual achievements in filmmaking, year by year, one night a year. But an Academy Museum would honor the art of film itself, 365 days a year, for all time. That was what the founders dared to imagine nearly a century ago. This is the museum of filmmakers everywhere, made for audiences everywhere, now and into the future.”

David Rubin said, “I’m proud to say that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is among the institutions that have changed things for the better. We’ve done it in the Academy Film Archive, and in the Margaret Herrick Library. We’ve done it through our educational programs, fellowships, grants, and awards. And now we’ve done it by giving Los Angeles, and the world, this spectacular new home for the movies. We’ve made our dream a reality—and we want to welcome absolutely everyone to share in its treasures—and delight in the celebration of motion pictures.”

Effie T. Brown said, “This is a great day for Los Angeles. A great day for movie lovers. And especially great for the film community. We always knew our community is broader in outlook, rich in experience, and varied in culture—more so than the standard histories have told us. You can see, hear, and feel this at the Academy Museum. Here is a museum, with the entire weight of the Academy behind it, that embraces and champions the diversity of artists who have always been present in the film industry then and now.”

Ted Sarandos said, “When I moved to Los Angeles, I thought that I would find a museum that would honor the art of film and the role that movies play in our lives. But that place didn’t exist. Somehow there was no film center, here in the global center of film. Now we have the Academy Museum, which is opening to the public for the first time today but already feels as if it’s been here forever. That shows you, in itself, how much this museum has been needed.”

About the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
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 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, an education studio, restaurant, retail store, and beautiful public spaces.

City of Santa Clarita Receives Nationally Acclaimed Finance Award for the 27th Consecutive Year, plus the City of Santa Clarita Selected as Top Ten Finalist for the “Most Business-Friendly City” Award.

City of Santa Clarita Receives Nationally Acclaimed Finance Award.

Santa Clarita, Calif. – For the 27th year in a row, the City of Santa Clarita has received an Investment Policy Certificate of Excellence Award from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada for its Investment Policy. The City is being recognized for its Fiscal Year 2021-22 Investment Policy due to its success in developing a comprehensive written investment policy.

In order to receive certification, investment policies must be carefully reviewed by the association’s Investment Policy Certification Committee.

The committee is comprised of 15 public and private sector volunteers from across North America. For a policy to receive certification it must be approved by all reviewers on 18 areas spelled out in the Model Investment Policy.

This policy includes elements the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada deems essential to a written investment policy such as policy, scope, delegation of authority, ethics and conflicts of interest.

For more information about the Investment Policy Certificate of Excellence Award, please contact Brittany Houston of the City’s Finance division at bhouston@santa-clarita.com or by phone at (661) 255-4996.

City of Santa Clarita Selected as Top Ten Finalist for the “Most Business-Friendly City” Award.

Santa Clarita, Calif. – The City of Santa Clarita is honored to once again be named as a 2021 finalist for the prestigious award of “Most Business-Friendly City” by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC).
            Santa Clarita is one of ten cities selected throughout Los Angeles County as a finalist for the 2021 award. This year’s award finalists are being recognized for prioritizing and supporting business recovery, reinvention, growth and hiring throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Santa Clarita was selected due to the innovative programs offered throughout the pandemic to support our businesses. Some of these include the Small Business Grant Program and the Shop/Eat Local campaign. Santa Clarita also saw many new businesses come to the City over the last two years and kept the Permit Center open throughout the restrictions to ensure that projects could continue.

            “This is a testament of the continuous hard work from the City and our partners, including the SCVEDC, Chamber of Commerce and VIA in supporting the businesses that add to the quality of life in Santa Clarita,” said Mayor Bill Miranda. “I am grateful to the LAEDC for recognizing the resilience of the businesses, employees and residents in our community with this selection.”
            “Congratulations to the City of Santa Clarita for again being nominated as the most business-friendly city in LA County. Your partnership with SCVEDC is critical to attracting new businesses to the region and ensuring a strong, diverse economy for our future,” added Holly Schroeder, President and CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation.
            The City of Santa Clarita will be recognized with other finalists on Wednesday, November 10 at the LAEDC’s Eddy Awards in SoFi Stadium. To learn more about the “Most-Business Friendly City” award, please visit laedc.org/eddy-awards/most-business-friendly-city/.

Missouri-Based Women’s Health Company Reports on Marriage Success Probability in Major US Cities Intimate Rose lists down the top cities with the highest marriage success rates.

Health Views

North Kansas, MO – Intimate Rose, a company that offers women’s health products, explores marriage success rates in major US cities in a new infographic article, “Major US Cities and Their Probability to Higher Marriage Success.” https://www.intimaterose.com/pages/cities-marriage-success

The infographic uses data from the United States 2020 Census, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and WalletHub to determine the marriage and divorces rates of 20 major US cities. These cities include Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Houston, Texas; and Chicago, Illinois. After decades of people getting married, divorce rates in the United States are around 50 percent.

It’s not a trend that is going to halt anytime soon. The Missouri-based women’s health company looks into the happiness index and the number of relationship therapists in the 20 major US cities to see whether they have any impact on the rate of divorce in these cities.


In the infographic, Intimate Rose shares a few notable marriage and divorce data points in Los Angeles City. They are as follows:

The City of Los Angeles:


● The city is ranked fourth with the lowest divorce rate per city’s population and fifth if
looking at the married population only.


● Los Angeles has 11 family or marriage therapists per 10,000 married and divorced per capita.


● The city is ranked 12th with the highest marriage rate with 29.24 percent.


● It’s the fourth major US city with the most men married thrice or more. Roughly 14 couples get divorced every 15 seconds and over 81,000 per day. The infographic shares many such marriage statistics, including the population of divorced Americans and the approximate number of divorced couples across the United States.

Does living in one of these major US cities affect a couple’s chances of marriage success or divorce? It’s hard to tell. In its latest infographic, Intimate Rose examines different data on the probability of marriage success in these cities, giving insight to couples looking to move to a new city.

About Intimate Rose and Its Founders


Intimate Rose is a company that specializes in products for bladder control and pelvic care. Its catalog includes weights, women’s health supplements, and more. The Missouri-based company was founded by Dr. Amanda Olson and CEO Aaron Wilt.

Amanda Olson is a professional physical therapist and pediatric neurology specialist. In 2008, Olson was involved in a camping accident that dislocated her coccyx and caused significant damage to her pelvic floor. She underwent pelvic floor therapy and recovered after six months. This life-changing experience motivated her to study pelvic physical therapy and develop medical devices and exercises that aid women struggling with pelvic floor conditions.

Currently, Amanda Olson is the COO and co-founder of Intimate Rose. She continues to advocate for women’s health by sharing her expertise in lectures, education videos, and blog articles.


Aaron Wilt is the CEO of Intimate Rose, an entrepreneur, author, and survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Wilt has established many brands in the healthcare industry, which is his way of giving back after overcoming his health challenges. One of his life’s missions is to develop brands that offer medical solutions and support for many people’s health problems. Apart from building healthcare brands, Wilt provides financial support to several health institutions including St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. He is also a committed sports coach and mentor.

https://www.intimaterose.com/pages/cities-marriage-success

Super Synth Duo PIERA Opening for Super Dance Band Oingo Boingo on OCTOBER 8, 2021 7PM at The Canyon Santa Clarita.

Music Notes

Hollywood, Calif. – Super Synth Duo will be opening for the 80’s dance sensation band Oingo Boingo at The Canyon in Santa Clarita, CA. PIERA.  L.A.’s rising super synth pop duo, following a string of exhilarating post pandemic shows, the modern-mystical, Super Synth Duo, PIERA, will be bringing an audiophile’s feast for the senses with their signature beat-driven cosmic synth-soundscapes combined with Piera Klein’s powerful, entrancing vocal styling’s and alluring stage presence.

PIERA just came off from 4 stellar shows, opening for 80s iconic synth group, Berlin, on August 7th in Montclair, and The Untouchables and Bow Wow Wow on September 3rd in Santa Clarita (both at The Canyon nightclubs in SoCal), and on September 10th headlining at The Silverlake Lounge, and was just part at the iconic Punk Museum founder, Tequila Mockingbird’s “Sunday Club”, at the Oracle Tavern in Downtown Los Angeles on September 26 as part of her annual Dada Bauhaus Masquerade Ball.

Almost instantaneously, PIERA has carved their own niche and established themself as one of LA’s most promising pioneering new acts to watch. They are cultivating a new sound blending psychedelic, indie-synthpop, krautrock, Avant Garde, and industrial pop. With a seemingly miraculous trajectory, the overwhelmingly positive press response to release of their new their new music video “Unraveling” filmed in quarantine, and with only a few shows under their belts,

PIERA is captivating new audiences in the post-pandemic era. Within a few short months PIERA has been featured in numerous press outlets including the award-winning California Rockerand favorably compared to singer Terri Nunn, as well as seen on the cover of Arts & Entertainment section of DTLA News, in addition to many articles and blogs such as Strutter’Zine, Future Producers, Sonic Scoop, Music-News, Music Connection Magazine, and many more. Coming soon PIERA will have a special feature in Music Connection Magazine and on the Artistic Voice podcast. PIERA has already been picked up by the airwaves broadcasting nationally on more than 50 college radio stations in recent months, in addition to building a global streaming audience reaching into Europe, South America and the UK. PIERA will be doing some incredible shows for the rest of this year, The Motels at The Oxnard Performing Arts Center on October 30th, and A Flock of Seagulls at The Canyon in Agoura on December 10th. It’s apparent that PIERA is on some sort of meteoric rise.

Now is the time for PIERA, come be part of this phenomenon.

(About The Video – In 2018 PIERA went to Puerto Rico to film their video for Cosmic Reaction, some was also filmed in Joshua Tree, and some in and around the Los Angeles area. The entire PIERA album is very cosmic and mystical and sparked a desire in Klein to showcase her character/avatar waking up in different worlds – each environment in high contrast to the next, from the Puerto Rican Jungle of El Yunque to the high California desert, and back home to the rolling hills of Echo Park. The experimental psychedelic art collage was a true collaboration between friends, Piera, her best friend Adrian Arredondo, and Micah Plissner.)

Bond in Motion: James Bond official car collection now open at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, celebrating 60 Years of Bond films in collaboration with EON Productions and The Ian Fleming® Foundation.

“History is moving pretty quickly these days, and the heroes and villains keep on changing parts.”
― 
Ian Fleming (1953)

Los Angeles, Calif. – Produced in collaboration with EON Productions and The Ian Fleming® Foundation, Bond in Motion is the first official exhibition in the United States to feature original vehicles from the James Bond film franchise. The exhibit celebrates the 60th anniversary of the 007 films, since Dr. No was released in 1962.

With the publication of his first spy novel, Casino Royale (1953), author and former naval intelligence officer Ian Fleming introduced the world to the enchanting exploits of James Bond, a British officer in the Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6. In all, Fleming would produce twelve novels and two short stories, laying the foundation for what would become a global literary and cinematic legacy.

Beginning in 1962, with the movie adaptation of Fleming’s sixth title, Dr. No, the exciting and dangerous world of James Bond was translated to screen, setting the tone for Bond films to come. Much like the novels on which they are based, Bond films combine the adventure of exotic locations and scheming villains with the action of death-defying stunts, and heart-pounding chases in nearly every type of vehicle imaginable. Often modified by quartermaster “Q,” these vehicles, much like Bond himself, conceal their true nature until their weapons and gadgetry become important plot devices.

The Bond in Motion exhibit offers visitors a rare up-close experience of the most iconic vehicles associated with the world’s most famous secret agent, 007. For ticket information, visit: https://www.petersen.org/tickets

https://www.petersen.org/tickets

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opening Gala Honors Sophia Loren and Haile Gerima, as well as Academy Museum Campaign leaders Bob Iger, Annette Bening, and Tom Hanks.

The Star-Studded Gala, Co-Chaired by Jason Blum, Ava Duvernay, and Ryan Murphy,
was Presented by Rolex with Leadership Support by J.P. Morgan. The Event Raised More Than $11 Million for the Los Angeles’s Newest Museum, Dedicated to the Arts, Sciences, and Artists of Moviemaking.

Los Angeles, Calif. – On September 25, 2021, as part of a week of celebrations culminating in the museum’s public opening on September 30, 2021,the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures hosted an Opening Gala co-chaired by Jason BlumAva Duvernay, and Ryan Murphy. The celebratory evening included the presentation of the inaugural Vantage Award to Haile Gerima, for his work as a filmmaker who has helped to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema, and the inaugural Visionary Award to Sophia Loren, for her extensive body of work that has advanced the art of cinema. The Vantage and Visionary Awards were generously presented by Rolex. Bob IgerAnnette Bening, and Tom Hanks were also recognized with the Pillar Award for their leadership of the recently completed Campaign for the Academy Museum. Designed by the Haas Brothers, the Pillar Award references the soaring sphere of the Academy Museum and the iconic gold of the Oscar.

The event was attended by many notable actors and filmmakers, who came together to support the new museum, which advances the understanding, celebration, and preservation of cinema. Produced and designed by Opening Gala Creative Director Lisa Love and Artistic Director Raúl À vilathe evening was inspired by Academy Award®-winning movie Spirited Away , written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. From a cocktail hour on the Wilshire Terrace, guests passed through a whimsical Hayao Miyazaki inspired “tree tunnel” to a dinner under the stars on the Dolby Family Terrace. Guests enjoyed a special musical performance by Lady Gaga and the opportunity to preview the museum’s highly immersive exhibitions, including a retrospective of the work of Hayao Miyazaki. Dinner was prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering, which oversees catering services at the museum and its restaurant Fanny’s.

Generously presented by Rolex—founding supporter and official watch partner of the Academy Museum—with leadership support from J.P. Morgan, who has more than one hundred years of experience in the entertainment industry, the evening raised more than $11 million to support the Academy Museum’s access, education, and programming initiatives.         

Academy Museum Trustees
Arnaud Boetsch, Jason Blum, Laura Dern, Diane von Furstenberg, Olivier de Givenchy, Ray Halbritter, Tom Hanks (and Honoree), Miky Lee, Eva Longoria, Alejandro Ramirez Magaña, Ryan Murphy, Dominic Ng, Ted Sarandos, Jeremy Scott, Kimberly Steward, and Emma Thomas.

Academy and Museum Leadership
Academy Museum Director and President Bill Kramer, Academy Museum Chief Artistic and Programming Officer Jacqueline Stewart, Academy Museum COO and General Counsel Brendan Connell, Jr., Academy President and Academy Museum Trustee David Rubin, and Academy CEO and Academy Museum Trustee Dawn Hudson.

Gala Partners
Gala co-chairs Ryan Murphy, Jason Blum, and Ava DuVernay, honorees Haile Gerima, Sophia Loren, Bob Iger, and Annette Bening and Tom Hanks.

Guests
Academy Museum architect Renzo Piano, J.J. Abrams, Sasha Alexander, Judd Apatow, Robert Armani, Nicole Avant, Angela Bassett, Warren Beatty, Colleen Bell, Halle Berry, Selma Blair, Orlando Bloom, Diego Boneta, Abigail Breslin, Charles Burnett, Ruth Carter, Bob Chapek, Cher, Eva Chow, Clifton Collins, Jr., Laverne Cox, Darren Criss, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jamie Lee Curtis, Julie Dash, Ariana Debose, Jenna Dewan, Ernest R. Dickerson, Barry Diller, Grigor Dimitrov, Ashgar Farhadi, Lady Gaga, Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti, Kaia Gerber, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Nikolai & Simon Haas, Tiffany Haddish, Rebecca Halls, Colin Hanks, Lydia Hearst, Kathy and Rick Hilton, Jennifer Hudson, Kate Hudson, Van Hunt, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Cheyenne Jackson, Arthur Jafa, Patty Jenkins, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Michael Keaton, Anna Kendrick, Riley Keough, Nicole Kidman, Regina King, Shaka King, Maryse Knight, Spike Lee, Shawn Levy, Adriana Lima, Billie Lourd, Emmanuel “Chivo” Lubezki, Natasha Lyonne, Bob Mackie, Jenna Malone, Frank Marshall, Marlee Matlin, Thuso Mbedu, Max Minghella, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Kumail Nanjiani, Ruth Negga, Christopher Nolan, Normani, Sarah Paulson, Katy Perry, Arianne Phillips, Edoardo Ponti, Zac Posen, Questlove, Lily Rabe, Issa Rae, Andrea Riseborough, Olivia Rodrigo, MJ Rodriguez, David O. Russell, Meg Ryan, Filippo Scotti, Diana Silvers, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jurnee Smollett, Aaron Sorkin, Paolo Sorrentino, Morgan Spector, Carly Steel, Holland Taylor, Sean Patrick Thomas, Tessa Thompson, Guillermo del Toro, Gabrielle Union, Lindsey Vonn, Dwyane Wade, John Waters, Rita Wilson, Edgar Wright, Kulapat Yantrasast, and Chloe Zhao.

Like the museum’s Hayao Miyazaki exhibition, the gala is designed as a journey, with décor inspired by the filmmaker’s enchanted worlds. Guests entered the event via a green carpet with large floral installations referencing Miyazaki’s depictions of the natural environment and the exhibition’s immersive Magical Forest. The floral arrangements, along with that tree tunnel that connects the museum’s two terraces, are created by Raúl Àvila Inc.

Marking the seventh year of a long-term partnership between Piper-Heidsieck and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Piper-Heidsieck provided the exclusive champagne of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opening celebrations. Rare Champagne Rosé 2007 and Rare Champagne Brut Millésime 2006 were served at the Opening Gala. 


The cocktail hour featured signature drinks created by Diageo included Don Julio Ranch Water, Don Julio Limonada, Tanqueray Negroni, Ketel One Classic Martini, and Johnnie Walker Fuzhou Highball. Various spirits from Diageo’s portfolio were served including Tequila Don Julio 1942, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Ketel One Vodka, and Johnnie Walker Black Label.

San Benedetto Natural Water andSparkling Mineral Water were served at the Gala. Based in Venice, San Benedetto is a 65-year-old Italian family-owned and operated beverage company and the first company to be recognized by Italy’s Ministry of Environment for its leadership and advancements in environmental stewardship.

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 and Renzo Piano Building Workshop in collaboration with Gensler as executive architect, the museum’s 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, an education studio, restaurant, retail store, and beautiful public spaces. The museum opens to the public on September 30, 2021.

Photos ©Academy Museum Foundation,  Stefanie Keenan- Getty Images/©Academy Museum Foundation, Owen Kolasinski/BFA.com for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Stefanie Keenan- Getty Images/©Academy Museum Foundation

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures hosts a Star-Studded Opening Night Gala in Los Angeles, honors Sophia Loren with inaugural Visionary Award.

“Show business is what we do, not what we are.” – Sophia Loren

SOPHIA LOREN and HAILE GERIMA headline as HONOREES OF THE INAUGURAL EVENT AND BOB IGER, ANNETTE BENING, AND TOM HANKS TO BE SALUTED FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACADEMY MUSEUM. ROLEX, FOUNDING SUPPORTER OF THE ACADEMY MUSEUM, IS THE PRESENTING PARTNER OF THE EVENING.

Los Angeles, Calif.  — The Stars came out to shine as The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures celebrated its opening gala on September 25, 2021 as part of a week of celebrations culminating in the museum’s public opening on September 30, 2021. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala is presented by Rolex—official watch partner and founding supporter of the Academy Museum—with leadership support from J.P. Morgan.

Co-chairs of the Gala are Academy Museum trustee and film and television producer Jason Blum; Academy Governor and Academy Award®-nominated director Ava Duvernay, who has been serving as an advisor for the exhibition Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971, to be presented by the museum in 2022; and Academy Museum trustee and screenwriter, director and producer Ryan Murphy.

Reflecting its mission to celebrate and advance the understanding of the diverse and varied stories of cinema and cinematic artists, the museum has announced that two annual awards will be presented for the first time at the gala: the Vantage Award, honoring an artist or scholar who has helped to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema; and theVisionary Award, honoring an artist or scholar whose extensive body of work has advanced the art of cinema. Both awards are generously presented by Rolex.

The inaugural Vantage Award will be presented to Haile Gerima, and the inaugural Visionary Award will be presented to Sophia Loren.

ABOUT SOPHIA LOREN
Sophia’s most recent film The Life Ahead, directed by her son Edoardo Ponti is her first feature film in a decade. Sophia is one of the most renowned and captivating actresses in cinematic history. She’s an Academy Award-winning Italian star that has carved an illustrious career over seven decades. Starting out on screen in the 1950s, Loren gave mesmerizing performances in movies such as It Started in Naples; Black Orchid; A Special Day; Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow; Two Women; and Marriage Italian Style. Throughout her prolific career, she has worked with visionary directors such as Sidney Lumet, Charlie Chaplin, Martin Ritt, Robert Altman, Ettore Scola, and Vittorio De Sica, and has acted alongside screen legends such as Marcello Mastroianni, Marlon Brando, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, and Richard Burton. Loren’s multitude of achievements include two Oscars®, five Golden Globes, a Golden Lion, a Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival, Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival, the Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement from the Berlin Film Festival, a BAFTA Award, a Grammy Award, ten David di Donatello Awards and three Silver Ribbon Awards. In 1999, the American Film Institute included Loren on the list of the 25 biggest stars in cinema history.

Sophia Loren was the first performer in a foreign language film to be nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the 1960 World War II drama Two Women, released in the United States in 1961. At the 34th Academy Awards Ceremony in 1962 she was awarded the Oscar for Best Actress. Greer Garson accepted the award on her behalf. Loren emerged the winner from fellow nominees, Natalie Wood, Splendor in the Grass; Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s; Geraldine Page, Summer and Smoke; and Piper Laurie, The Hustler.

Bob IgerAnnette Bening, and Tom Hanks also will be recognized at the gala for their leadership of the recently completed $388 million Campaign for the Academy Museum.

Bill Kramer, Director and President of the Academy Museum, said, “The Academy Museum is committed to celebrating and championing the work of film artists, scholars and professionals—through our exhibitions, screenings, programs, collection and now, through our annual gala. It is such an honor to be able to recognize both Haile Gerima and Sophia Loren for their impactful and inspirational artistry and to acknowledge the incredible work of our Campaign Committee. We are deeply grateful to our Gala Co-Chairs and our sponsors for their extraordinary leadership and support of this inaugural event.”

Overseeing event production and design are Gala Creative Director Lisa Love and Artistic Director Raul Àvila. Guests will be seated for a special dinner prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering.

ABOUT HAILE GERIMA
Haile Gerima is an independent filmmaker, professor, and author from Ethiopia who, as a youth, was immersed in Ethiopian traditional theater. After emigrating to the United States, he studied at the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago, and subsequently the School of Theater, Film and Television at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) during the social protests and revolutionary fervor of the late 1960s. During his studies, Gerima found other African, African American, Chicano and Asian students who were hungry for a way to use cinema to express their stories and visions for another world. Engaging in intense study and critical discussion with these peers forever shaped Haile Gerima’s work and vision – and helped to launch the LA Rebellion film movement.

Gerima’s filmography includes Hour Glass (1972), Child of Resistance (1972), Bush Mama (1975), the award-winning Harvest: 3000 years (1975), Wilmington 10-USA 10,000 (1978), Ashes and Embers (1982), After Winter: Sterling Brown (1985), Sankofa (1993)—which won numerous international awards and accolades, Imperfect Journey (1994), Through the Door of No Return (1997), Adwa: An African Victory (1999), Teza (2008), winner of international awards including Best Screenplay and Jury Award at the Venice Film Festival, Footprints of Pan Africanism (2017), and he just completed a five part documentary, Black Lions, Roman Wolves. Gerima is currently producing The Maroons of the United States documentary and Yatoot Lij, a drama set in Ethiopia as well as a forthcoming book on the making of Sankofa.

Gerima taught film at Howard University in Washington, DC from 1975 until his retirement in 2018, planting seeds of independent storytelling to young African American and international students. He and his wife, filmmaker Shirikiana Aina, co-founded and run Mypheduh Films Distribution Company, Negod Gwad Productions, and Sankofa Video and Bookstore in Washington, DC.

About the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The Academy Museum is the largest institution 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 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, an education studio, restaurant, retail store, and beautiful public spaces. The museum opens to the public on September 30, 2021.

Post compiled by Margie Anne Clark/Los Angeles Life and Style

Painting with a Twist at Westfield Valencia Town Center Mall presents Comedy & Cocktails, Sept. 30, 2021.

COMEDY & COCKTAILS

Valencia, Calif. – Are you ready for a night of laughter, fun and drinks? Then this is the event for you and your friends! Seats are limited. $15 cover price and a 2 drink minimum required per guest.

Please welcome Jason Love, one of today’s hardest-working comedians who has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, America’s Got Talent, and Dry Bar Comedy. Jason will kick off the nights event with 30-40 minutes of comedy while you enjoy food and drinks available for purchase at the bar…

IF that were not enough, we will end the evening with Comedian Don Friesen, a 2 time winner of the San Francisco International Comedy Competition. His kids think he’s fun. His wife thinks he’s an idiot. Audiences think he’s hilarious! Don captures the irony of parenting, marriage and everyday absurdities through characters, voices, parodies and some of the best written routines around.

This is a comedy act you don’t want to miss!

Click here to purchase tickets or call Painting with a Twist at (661) 414 – 6454.

https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/santa-clarita/event/2843319/

The El Capitan presents Coco, Sept. 24 – 27; Hocus Pocus, Oct. 1-7 and Nightmare Before Christmas, Oct. 8 – Oct. 17. Also, see Disney’s HallowStream on Disney+.

Hollywood, Calif. – Happy Halloween is coming to The El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood! There’s still time to get your tickets to see Coco, Sept. 24 – 27; Hocus Pocus, Oct. 1-7 and Nightmare Before Christmas, Oct. 8 – Oct. 17.

In Disney/Pixar’s COCO, a vibrant tale of family, fun and adventure, aspiring young musician named Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) embarks on an extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors. There, the charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael Garcia Bernal) becomes an unexpected friend who helps Miguel uncover the mysteries behind his family’s stories and traditions. Stay after the movie to see the new “Star Wars: Visions” short The Village Bride.

In Disney’s Hocus Pocus, Academy Award® nominee Bette Midler (Best Actress, 1991, For The Boys) stars with Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex And The City) and Kathy Najimy (The Wedding Planner) as three wild witches who return from seventeenth-century Salem for a night of zany fun and comic chaos. After they’re conjured up by unsuspecting pranksters, the tricky trio sets out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth. But first they must outwit three feisty kids determined to foil their scheme! Filled with bewitching laughs and magic, this hilarious film is perfect for the whole family! Enjoy specialty concession items, a prop display from both “Hocus Pocus” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” & photo ops!

Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere. See “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in 3D with in-theatre 4D special effects! Plus, enjoy specialty concession items, a prop display from both “Hocus Pocus” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” & photo ops!

https://elcapitantheatre.com/ For more information.

Disney+ Hallowstream

Disney has announced details of its second “Hallowstream” event, which features a new collection of exciting new originals and beloved Halloween classics.

Beginning September 24th, subscribers can enjoy all of their favorite Halloween-themed episodes and films in the new Halloween collection available on the streaming service. Disney+ will also debut three original programs “LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales,” “Muppets Haunted Mansion” and “Just Beyond” as a part of the All Hallow’s Eve celebration.

In addition to the Disney+ original content premiering in October, the Halloween collection will feature a lineup of memorable films and Halloween-themed episodes from fan-favorite series. Subscribers can celebrate the spooky holiday at home with classic films including “Hocus Pocus,” “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “The Haunted Mansion,” “Halloweentown,” “Twitches” and many more. The haunting new Disney Channel Original Movie “Under Wraps” will also be available Friday, October 8th on Disney+.

Post compiled by Margie Anne Clark/Los Angeles Life and Style

Beverly Hills Art Show 2021 set for October 16 & 17 in Beverly Gardens Park.

Beverly Hills, Calif. – The fall Beverly Hills Art Show will be held along Santa Monica Boulevard, from Beverly Drive to Crescent Drive, in Beverly Gardens Park.


Two garden blocks in the center of the city will be brimming with nearly 125 artists from throughout California, the Southwest and the rest of the country.


All of the fine arts and crafts are original, ranging from the traditional to the very contemporary, and are represented by the artists themselves. 

Gourmet food trucks and several community exhibits can be found as well. Show hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both weekend days, and admission is free.

FINE DINING AT THE ART SHOW

Call 310.285.6830 for more information.

Post compiled by Margie Anne Clark/Los Angeles Life and Style