BILLY IDOL TO BE HONORED WITH FIRST HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME STAR OF 2023.

Rock icon Billy Idol will be honored with the 2,743rd on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star, the first of the new year, will be dedicated at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Amoeba Music. Idol will be awarded his star in the category of Recording.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has proudly hosted the globally iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame since 1960. The Chamber exists to transform business and improve lives. Through the Walk of Fame, the Chamber celebrates the business that transforms us all – the business of entertainment.  Entertainment is a unique blend of art and enterprise: elevating and inspiring us all.

ABOUT OUR HONOREE

“There will be lots of rebels yelling for their favorite rock star Billy Idol when he receives his well-deserved Walk of Fame star on January 5th,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  “Since the beginning of his career Billy Idol has held the hearts of many of his fans who finally will be able to visit his star and witness his induction into the Walk of Fame,” added Martinez.

Joining emcee Lupita Sanchez Cornejo for the star unveiling will be artist Shepard Fairey and rocker Henry Rollins.

Billy Idol was an early architect of the sound, style, and fury of punk rock. His lip- curling sneer and fist-pumping persona vaulted him into the mainstream as one of MTV’s first megastars, making him one of the most recognizable faces in pop music, He has sold 40 million albums while scoring numerous platinum albums worldwide, nine top forty singles in the U.S. and 10 in the U.K. including “Dancing With Myself, “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” “Mony Mony,” “Eyes Without A Face,” “Flesh For Fantasy,” and “Cradle Of Love.” Billy was responsible for some of punk rock’s most memorable, literate, and evocative moments and created a pioneering new sound by bringing the spirit of ’77 to the dance floor, going on to fashion an immediately identifiable musical blueprint that integrates club-land throb, rockabilly desperation, and rock’n’roll decadence.

Forty-five years after releasing his first 45, Billy Idol still makes gliding, thumping, cinematic songs about sin, redemption and the love of rock’n’roll…and that’s what you will find on The Roadside and The Cage, Billy Idol’s latest two four-song EPs released in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Both EPs will be instantly familiar to lovers of classic Billy Idol, while announcing a firm step into the future full of color, power, atmosphere, attitude, and mystery.

And on both new releases Billy Idol is joined by his friend and collaborator since 1981, guitarist and songwriter Steve Stevens. For 41 years – 41 years! ­– Steve has been Billy Idol’s sonic assassin and master blender of tones and textures, the thinking man’s shredder and the shredding man’s Picasso.

Billy Idol, together with his band featuring Steve Stevens, have consistently toured the World for the past two decades, headlining theatres and arenas and performing at major festivals all over the world.

Billy Idol has always found time to support various causes in need, including Teenage Cancer Trust, Teen Cancer America, Goldberg Kids Fund, World Wildlife Funds, Rural Aid Australia, Animals Australia, March of Dimes, Autism Speaks and the Boston Children’s Hospital.

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER’S WALK OF FAME

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a celebration of art, entertainment, and all things Hollywood. Star ceremonies are broadcast worldwide, connecting fans with their favorite artists. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce administers the Walk of Fame on behalf of the City of Los Angeles. Honorees are selected by a committee of their peers. Sponsors fund the star, the ceremony and the maintenance of the legendary attraction. The Walk of Fame is free to all. To learn more and find your favorite stars, visit walkoffame.com.

ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (HCC)

Since 1921, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (HCC) has transformed businesses and improved lives. With more than 750 members, the Chamber is the largest business organization in Hollywood and serves as a place for our diverse membership to connect, grow and make an impact. The HCC is the proud steward of two global icons: the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign. Held in the public trust, the HCC strengthens and promotes business through connecting, coaching, advocating, and innovating. To make a difference, connect with us at hollywoodchamber.net.

95TH OSCARS® SHORTLISTS IN 10 AWARD CATEGORIES ANNOUNCED.

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced shortlists in 10 categories for the 95th Academy Awards®: Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Sound and Visual Effects.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM

Fifteen films will advance in the Documentary Feature Film category for the 95th Academy Awards.  One hundred forty-four films were eligible in the category.  Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“All That Breathes”

“All the Beauty and the Bloodshed”

“Bad Axe”

“Children of the Mist”

“Descendant”

“Fire of Love”

“Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song”

“Hidden Letters”

“A House Made of Splinters”

“The Janes”

“Last Flight Home”

“Moonage Daydream”

“Navalny”

“Retrograde”

“The Territory”

DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM

Fifteen films will advance in the Documentary Short Film category for the 95th Academy Awards.  Ninety-eight films qualified in the category.  Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“American Justice on Trial: People v. Newton”

“Anastasia”

“Angola Do You Hear Us? Voices from a Plantation Prison”

“As Far as They Can Run”

“The Elephant Whisperers”

“The Flagmakers”

“Happiness Is £4 Million”

“Haulout”

“Holding Moses”

“How Do You Measure a Year?”

“The Martha Mitchell Effect”

“Nuisance Bear”

“Shut Up and Paint”

“Stranger at the Gate”

“38 at the Garden”

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

Fifteen films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 95th Academy Awards.  Films from 92 countries and regions were eligible in the category.

Academy members from all branches were invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting and must have met a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.

In the nominations round, Academy members from all branches are invited to opt in to participate and must view all 15 shortlisted films to vote.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:

Argentina, “Argentina, 1985”

Austria, “Corsage”

Belgium, “Close”

Cambodia, “Return to Seoul”

Denmark, “Holy Spider”

France, “Saint Omer”

Germany, “All Quiet on the Western Front”

India, “Last Film Show”

Ireland, “The Quiet Girl”

Mexico, “Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths”

Morocco, “The Blue Caftan”

Pakistan, “Joyland”

Poland, “EO”

South Korea, “Decision to Leave”

Sweden, “Cairo Conspiracy”

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

Ten films will advance in the Makeup and Hairstyling category for the 95th Academy Awards.  All members of the Academy’s Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch will be invited to view excerpts and interviews with the artists from each of the shortlisted films on Sunday, January 15, 2023.  Branch members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar® consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“All Quiet on the Western Front”

“Amsterdam”

“Babylon”

“The Batman”

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

“Blonde”

“Crimes of the Future”

“Elvis”

“Emancipation”

“The Whale”

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)

Fifteen scores will advance in the Original Score category for the 95th Academy Awards.  One hundred forty-seven scores were eligible in the category.  Members of the Music Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The scores, listed in alphabetical order by film title, are:

“All Quiet on the Western Front”

“Avatar: The Way of Water”

“Babylon”

“The Banshees of Inisherin”

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

“Devotion”

“Don’t Worry Darling”

“Everything Everywhere All at Once”

“The Fabelmans”

“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”

“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”

“Nope”

“She Said”

“The Woman King”

“Women Talking”

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)

Fifteen songs will advance in the Original Song category for the 95th Academy Awards.  Eighty-one songs were eligible in the category.  Members of the Music Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The original songs, along with the motion picture in which each song is featured, are listed below in alphabetical order by film title:

“Time” from “Amsterdam”

“Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)” from “Avatar: The Way of Water”

“Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

“This Is A Life” from “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

“Ciao Papa” from “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”

“Til You’re Home” from “A Man Called Otto”

“Naatu Naatu” from “RRR”

“My Mind & Me” from “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me”

“Good Afternoon” from “Spirited”

“Applause” from “Tell It like a Woman”

“Stand Up” from “Till”

“Hold My Hand” from “Top Gun: Maverick”

“Dust & Ash” from “The Voice of Dust and Ash”

“Carolina” from “Where the Crawdads Sing”

“New Body Rhumba” from “White Noise”

ANIMATED SHORT FILM

Fifteen films will advance in the Animated Short Film category for the 95th Academy Awards.  Eighty-one films qualified in the category.  Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“Black Slide”

“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”

“The Debutante”

“The Flying Sailor”

“The Garbage Man”

“Ice Merchants”

“It’s Nice in Here”

“More than I Want to Remember”

“My Year of Dicks”

“New Moon”

“An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It”

“Passenger”

“Save Ralph”

“Sierra”

“Steakhouse”

LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

Fifteen films will advance in the Live Action Short Film category for the 95th Academy Awards.  Two hundred films qualified in the category.  Members of the Short Films and Feature Animation, Directors, Producers and Writers Branches vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“All in Favor”

“Almost Home”

“An Irish Goodbye”

“Ivalu”

“Le Pupille”

“The Lone Wolf”

“Nakam”

“Night Ride”

“Plastic Killer”

“The Red Suitcase”

“The Right Words”

“Sideral”

“The Treatment”

“Tula”

“Warsha”

SOUND

Ten films will advance in the Sound category for the 95th Academy Awards.  All eligible members of the Sound Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.  Academy members will be invited to view excerpts from each of the shortlisted films beginning Thursday, January 12, 2023, in the San Francisco Bay area, followed by New York, London and Los Angeles.  Branch members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“All Quiet on the Western Front”

“Avatar: The Way of Water”

“Babylon”

“The Batman”

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

“Elvis”

“Everything Everywhere All at Once”

“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”

“Moonage Daydream”

“Top Gun: Maverick”

VISUAL EFFECTS

Ten films remain in the running in the Visual Effects category for the 95th Academy Awards.  The Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee determined the shortlist.  All members of the Visual Effects Branch will be invited to view excerpts and interviews with the artists from each of the shortlisted films on Saturday, January 14, 2023.  Branch members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

“All Quiet on the Western Front”

“Avatar: The Way of Water”

“The Batman”

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”

“Jurassic World Dominion”

“Nope”

“Thirteen Lives”

“Top Gun: Maverick”

Nominations voting begins on Thursday, January 12, 2023, and concludes on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

Nominations for the 95th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

The 95th Oscars® will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 10,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the arts and sciences of the movies, including public programming, screenings, publications, educational outreach, exhibitions, and more.

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY
www.oscars.org
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www.youtube.com/Oscars
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Kate Hudson featured in BAFTA’s A Life in Pictures retrospective Q&A series, supported by TCL.

BAFTA: A LIFE IN PICTURES: KATE HUDSON

LONDON – Friday 16 November: This evening, BAFTA hosted a career retrospective with iconic Hollywood actress and entrepreneur Kate Hudson. In an in-depth discussion with Briony Hanson, Director of Film at the British Council, Kate Hudson reflected on her varied, award-winning filmography, including her most recent film, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, directed by Rian Johnson.

Six of Hudson’s films were highlighted during the event, including Almost Famous (2000), How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), Bride Wars (2009), Nine (2009), Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon (2021) and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022).

BAFTA: A Life in Pictures, supported by TCL, is a long-running series of in-depth interviews in which some of the world’s leading film and television talent share unique career insights into the experiences that helped them hone and develop their craft.

The series has previously hosted figures including Margot Robbie, Baz Luhrmann, Daniel Craig, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tom Hanks, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley Sam Mendes, Helen Mirren, Quentin Tarantino, Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese, Kristin Scott Thomas, Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet.

BAFTA: A Life in Pictures is part of BAFTA’s year-round free online events series featuring BAFTA-winning and nominated shows and talent, for everyone from those working in the industry, to those curious to learn more about the making of their favourite films, games and television shows.  

About BAFTA

BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Arts – is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For more, visit www.bafta.org. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726).

About TCL

TCL is one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer electronics companies and one of the leading television and mobile device manufacturers. For over 40 years TCL has operated its own manufacturing and research and development centres worldwide, with products sold in more than 160 countries throughout Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. TCL specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of consumer electronics ranging from mobile phones, TVs, audio devices and smart home products, all part of the TCL ecosystem. For more information on TCL mobile devices, please visit:  https://www.tcl.com

TCL is a registered trademark of TCL Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Follow TCL on Facebook @TCLMobileUK or on Instagram @tclmobile_uk

Christmas in Our Time.

By Margie Anne Clark

“God offers to every mind its choice between truth and repose.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I look forward to the advent of another Christmas spent with my ever-growing family, I am reminded that life is always renewing itself. No matter the ebb and flow of life, I know this to be true. Okay, so I’m an optimist. Always have been. But even so, time marches on, our kids grow up, neighbors come and go, and familiar things fade away in a fast-changing world. 

But there are some things that I hope will remain a constant in life, like love of family, dear friends, cherished memories, and of course, Christmas. In these modern times, it seems that the season of Christmas has managed to transcend religious beliefs to include a universal celebration of the human spirit and good will.

I was raised with Christian tenets, but I have always believed in the importance and commonality of all religions which espouse the concept of goodwill towards all people. Pope John Paul II addressed this in his 1994 book, Crossing the Threshold of Hope. In it, Pope John Paul II cites in his excerpts, a church document entitled, Nostra Aetate, (In Our Time).

“From the beginning, Christian Revelation has viewed the spiritual history of man as including, in some way, all religions, thereby demonstrating the unity of all humankind with regard to the eternal and ultimate destiny of man.” (Nostra Aetate, I-2.)

Pope John Paul II wrote: “Thus instead of marveling at the fact that Providence allows such a great variety of religions, we should be amazed at the number of common elements found within them.”

Yet in this day and age, it’s easy to forget the common bonds of humanity that unite us. Pope John Paul II cites another expert from the Nostra Aetate:

“Even if over the course of centuries Christians…have had more than a few dissensions and quarrels, this sacred Council now urges all to forget the past and to work toward mutual understanding as well as toward the preservation and promotion of…peace and freedom for the benefit of all mankind (Nostra Aetate 3).”

But the world is a complicated place.

When we look at challenges that sometimes arise within families, between friends, within communities, states and nations around the world, we wonder, can we ever get along in peace and harmony?

But as it says in Galatians, (4:28) all of us are “children of promise.”

Christ himself addressed this when he said to the apostles: “Take courage, I have conquered the world (John 16:33). But he also cautioned:

“When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke, 18:8).

Life is a paradox. In Christian faith, we are taught that Christ was born to save mankind from sin. Yet, in sin comes the opportunity for grace. The birth of Christ in a lowly manger was honored with grace and profound respect by wise men, kings and shepherds who brought gifts to herald in His journey on Earth. His message of good will would continue throughout his mortal life, when at the Last Supper he told his followers, “Love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John. 13:34)

Because of this, gift-giving seems to be a big part of the Christmas celebration. It’s a way to take time out and give tokens of love and appreciation to those who have touched our lives. In this sense, gift-giving takes on a universal spirit of good will. 

But in the hustle and bustle of trying to find the perfect gift, it’s important to take time out to simply be a friend.

A kind word, an act of thoughtfulness and common courtesy can mean just as much or even more than a store-bought gift. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson eloquently expressed this in his essay on Spiritual Laws: “If you visit your friend, why need you apologize for not having visited him – visit him now…Be a gift and a benediction. Shine with real light and not with the borrowed reflection of gifts.”

While our traditions and gift-giving are an important part of the holiday season, friendship, love and respect for one another are by far the greatest gifts of all.

Margie Anne Clark is a Los Angeles-based writer. ©All rights reserved.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023.

Universal City, California, December 14, 2022 – SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, the innovative, immersive and highly-anticipated themed land officially opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023. So, get ready; this exciting debut marks SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s official arrival to the United States.

This all-new, dynamic land will be a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at the Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park.

From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits that is entirely unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Their journey begins as they enter Peach’s Castle before venturing further into the colorful Mushroom Kingdom.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will sweep guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach where they will become an integral part of their exhilarating universe. Plus, with purchase of a Power-Up Band™ – wearable, interactive wristbands – guests will be able to deepen their interactions across the land.

As the countdown to the grand opening begins, here’s a sneak peek of what to expect:

  • “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge:” This all-new, technologically-advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart™ video game series, will seamlessly fuse cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track. Set against a multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound and movement, guests will be seated in stadium-style, four-seat vehicles as they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head mounted AR goggles. This unique feature is a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions.
3…2…1… Get ready for SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to open at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Set your calendars for Friday, February 17, 2023!

The premise of “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is simple but equally inspiring and challenging, appealing to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting coins to defeat Team Bowser and win. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes.

  • Mount Beanpole: This towering landmark sits at the heart of the land and also serves as the entry queue for “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”
  • Bowser’s Castle: Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of a large and powerful Bowser, this structure serves as a key centerpiece of the land, home to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s signature ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” As guests navigate the winding corridors and pass through the hall of medallions and trophies of the ominous castle towards the “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, they will learn more about Bowser’s calculated plans to defeat Team Mario for the coveted Golden Cup.
  • Power-Up Band: These wearable, state-of-the-art wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s free downloadable app to level-up the guest experience within the land and enhance its many interactive elements. These include, but are not limited to, keeping individual and team scores, collecting digital coins and obtaining keys after winning challenges throughout the land. Power-Up Bands will also invite guests to enjoy extra-special interactions with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. They will come in six design options with character themes and will be available for purchase both within the land and at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located in the theme park and on CityWalk. 
  • Interactive Gameplay: Within the land, guests will become fully engulfed in an engaging world of real-life gameplay, including punching ? Blocks to collect digital coins and a variety of interactives. They will discover a new dimension of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD via the interactive binoculars employing augmented reality technology positioned within the land. Guests can beat the four Key Challenges and collect keys from Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Piranha Plant and Thwomp interactive activities to ultimately allow access to the culminating boss battle with Bowser Jr.  These energetic, familiar and fun interactive games will further enhance the entire kinetic experience within the land and immerse guests into the unique world of Super Mario.
  • Toadstool Cafe:  The land’s signature restaurant Toadstool Cafe will serve a gourmet menu perfected by Chef Toad where he will greet guests upon entry. Menu items prepared fresh daily include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger, ? Block Tiramisu and Princess Peach Cupcake.
  • 1-UP Factory: What better way to commemorate a visit to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD than to visit the 1-UP Factory retail shop to purchase collectable memorabilia. The 1-UP Factory will offer an extensive selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi themed apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Bowser.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.

            More information and details will be shared soon. In the meantime, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for theme park updates. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

ALL ABOARD! SAMMY CLARITA IS BACK WITH A NEW BOOK AND A NEW LOOK!

Be on the Lookout for the City’s Favorite Mascot!

Santa Clarita, Calif. – The popular I Found Sammy Clarita campaign is back and Sammy Clarita has a new look and a new book. The City of Santa Clarita’s favorite four-legged mascot has released the fourth edition of Sammy Stories! In this coloring book, Sammy and his trusty sidekick snake explore Santa Clarita’s rich western history. Welcome aboard to the ride of a lifetime with Sammy Clarita- The Train Conductor!

The book is available online for download at SammyClarita.com. A limited number of books will also be available with Sammy Clarita, as he once again hides at his favorite City locations. Here is how it works…follow the City of Santa Clarita on Instagram to find out where Sammy is hiding, then head on over and claim him for your own! Please post a photo of you and your new fur-ever friend on social media using the #IFoundSammyClarita.

Join Sammy in his new conductor outfit as he travels throughout the City and discovers all the Wonder Wheels, from fire trucks to sheriff vehicles, that keep the City in tip-top shape.

December 15, 2022 is the City’s official birthday. To commemorate 35 years of Cityhood, Sammy Clarita will be hiding around town in his 35th shirt and birthday hat. These limited-edition Sammy Clarita’s can only be found on the City’s birthday. So keep an eye out!

To find out more about Sammy, please visit SammyClarita.com.

The nominees of the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards have been announced from The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

Golden Globes 2023: Nominations for the 80th Golden Globes Have Been Announced.

The nominations were announced by Mayan Lopez and Selenis Leyva of the new NBC comedy series Lopez vs. Lopez, and Helen Hoehne, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). They presented the five nominees for each of the 27 award categories.

The nominees were voted by 96 members and, for the first time, 103 international voters. The new voters were recruited from international industry organizations , well-known foreign film festivals and journalism professionals. This diverse voting group represents 62 different countries around the world.

The 80th Golden Globe Awards will be on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on NBC and Peacock.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy

Nominees:

Donald Glover (Atlanta)

Bill Hader (Barry)

Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building)

Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building)

Jeremy Allen White (The Bear)

Donald Glover – Atlanta

Five years after winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his performance in Atlanta, Donald Glover has been nominated for the Award for the third time for the same role in the series’ latest season. Glover is a multi-talented artist, who has starred in many successful movies and TV series. He is the creator and writer of, and actor in, the popular series, Atlanta, in which he plays the role of Earn, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, and is trying to achieve his ambitions in the world of rap music with his cousin Alfred.

Despite the success of the series and the desire of its audience to see more seasons of it, Glover has decided that the fourth season will be the last one. He said in an interview with the Television Critics Association: “Death is natural. I feel like when the conditions are right for something, they happen, and when the conditions aren’t right, they don’t happen. I don’t feel any longevity. Because then things start to get weird.” And so, the end chapter of Atlanta was written.

Bill Hader – Barry

Bill Hader, a multi-talented comedian, is nominated for the third time for the Golden Globe Award for his role in the TV comedy, Barry, which he co-wrote and co-directed. The series is about Barry Berkman, an ex-marine who has become a professional assassin. On his way to a job, he meets a group of actors: after he discovers his own passion for acting, he changes from a killer into an actor. Although the latest season of the show is gloomier than earlier seasons, it has retained its fans.

Hader said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter: “Here’s what the characters would do, but it’s a comedy so it has to be funny. I wanted to stay true to the characters.”

The audience is eagerly awaiting the fourth season of the series, which has not yet been announced.

Steve Martin – Only Murders in the Building

Seasoned actor Steve Martin wins his seventh nomination for the Award, for his role in Only Murders in the Building, in which he plays Charles Haden-Savage, a semi-retired actor who became famous playing a detective on TV; when he stumbles upon a murder in real life, he uses his acting experiences to investigate the crime and try to discover the murderer.

Martin won his first Golden Globe nomination 40 years ago, for his role in the 1982 movie Pennies from Heaven. He has not yet won either a Golden Globes or an Oscar award for any one role: however, the Academy gave him an honorary award in 2014, in recognition of his extraordinary talent and unique inspiration in the art of motion pictures.

He co-stars in the series with two other talented actors: Martin Short, who is in competition with him in the same category, and Selena Gomez, who has received her first nomination for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for her work on the same show.

Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building

Multi-talented TV star Martin Short receives a nomination for the Award for the second consecutive year for his role in Only Murders in the Building in which he plays Broadway director Oliver Putnam.

The on-screen chemistry between Short and Martin is palpable. Short said of this chemistry in an interview with TIME magazine: “We are very, very close friends so that makes it fun on stage. But what’s also great about working with Steve is you’re working with someone with literally perfect timing.”

Jeremy Allen White – The Bear

Young star Jeremy Allen White is the only first-time Golden Globe nominee in this category, which he receives for his role in The Bear. In it, he plays Carmen Berzatto, a talented cook, who on his brother’s death is required to go back to Chicago to manage the family-owned sandwich shop there. There he faces many changes moving from his original job in a fancy restaurant, to facing the daily struggles of running a small sandwich store.

In order to prepare for the role, White took an intensive cooking course to teach him to act as if he were a professional cook.

Avatar” The Way of Water: Avatar: The Way Of Water’ hits 1.7 Billion this holiday season, on its way to possible 2 Billion.

Los Angeles, Calif. – Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive and the tragedies they endure.

https://lumiere-a.akamaihd.net/v1/documents/avatarthewayofwater_production_notes_revised120422_08c14c65.pdf

BAFTA, BFI NETWORK and British Council publish industry-first Short Film digital toolkit for aspiring talent.

Wednesday 7 December: Today, BAFTA, BFI NETWORK (awarding National Lottery funding) and the British Council unveil a new comprehensive free-to-access Short Film Toolkit, published today.

The first of its kind, this comprehensive digital guide includes insights from over 40 filmmakers, funders, festival programmers and distributors, unlocking vital insights and advice for aspiring talent to help them get the most out of their short film journey and accelerate their careers. 

Over half of filmmakers are thought to enter the industry via shorts, yet some – without established industry connections – can find the routes in challenging to navigate. Spanning film festival strategies, case studies, to funding and marketing recommendations, the Short Film digital toolkit unpacks the boundless world of shorts.

It illustrates that there is no one size fits all approach, alongside the importance of networks, where to access funding and what areas of promotion to invest in, key film festivals, alongside building relationships with peers and creative authenticity. Case studies span documentary, animation, fiction, experimental & artist moving image, XR and immersive, and includes videos which are all closed captioned with accompanying BSL interpretation, as well as written summaries of each of the recorded conversations.

The Short Film Toolkit can be found here.

Tim Hunter, Executive Director of Talent, Inclusion, Learning and Membership, said: “Short video content is now arguably the dominant art form of our time. For aspiring filmmakers, it is an affordable and accessible way of testing your mettle, learning new skills and honing your creativity. Shorts are also an excellent route into the industry – but that path is hard to tread without deep insider knowledge and a healthy amount of luck. This resource is about shining a light on how to make your short work for you as a spring board to your future career, so that more short filmmakers can strategise for success and showcase their talent and capabilities to the world.”

BAFTA-nominated filmmaker and toolkit contributor, Sorcha Bacon said: “Navigating the short film process is always tricky, especially when starting out and often filmmakers don’t quite know where to look. Having been fortunate enough to work with different financiers including the BFI Network, BBC Films and Film4 on my short films, I’m pleased to have been able to contribute to this fantastic resource which will help demystify the filmmaking process.”

Briony Hanson, Director of Film, British Council said: “We are hugely invested in short films as a place to nourish remarkable storytellers. Our short film Travel Grant programme (run in partnership with BFI NETWORK) already helps us to celebrate and champion the very best of UK creativity on an international stage – but it can be a daunting world to enter into. Now The Short Film Toolkit will offer invaluable insights from the beginning to end of the filmmaking process from filmmakers and film professionals who have already made the journey, and prove there’s no single right way to make and exhibit short films. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this resource (so far!) – many of whom are filmmakers who have received festival and lab grants from our programmes in the past. This is a vital resource for early career makers, and we look forward to more future filmmakers sharing their work with international audiences as a result.”

Alice Cabanas, Head of BFI NETWORK, said: “This resource benefits from the contributions of some fantastic creative talent and experienced industry execs to give aspiring filmmakers valuable and tangible guidance. Short films – from finding finance, getting them made, through to securing and maximising festival screenings – can be rich and fruitful training ground, but isn’t always easy to navigate. The Toolkit offers new talent insights on how short films can best help them to develop skills, hone their craft and build networks – the building blocks to successful careers in film.”

Today, millions of shorts are made every year by aspiring and established filmmakers and creatives around the world. The format may be used to showcase a feature film concept, or are often standalone pieces of art in their own right. BAFTA has officially recognised Shorts as an awards category since 1959. 

The Short Film Toolkit is an ever-growing resource and will be updated regularly.

About BAFTA

BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Arts – is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For more, visit www.bafta.org. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726).

About BFI NETWORK

Made possible through National Lottery funding, BFI NETWORK exists to discover and support talented writers, directors and producers at the start of their careers. We collaborate with film organisations and leading cultural venues across the UK to provide funding for short films, support for the development of first features, as well as a range of professional and creative development programmes.

Find out more and watch supported work: https://network.bfi.org.uk/

@bfinetwork

About the BFI

We are a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and the moving image. Our mission is:

  • To support creativity and actively seek out the next generation of UK storytellers
  • To grow and care for the BFI National Archive, the world’s largest film and television archive
  • To offer the widest range of UK and international moving image culture through our programmes and festivals – delivered online and in venue
  • To use our knowledge to educate and deepen public appreciation and understanding
  • To work with Government and industry to ensure the continued growth of the UK’s screen industries

Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter.

The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Tim Richards.

About British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021-22 we reached 650 million people. www.britishcouncil.org   

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER DEBUTS ALL-NEW COLLECTION OF INTERACTIVE OLLIVANDERS WANDS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT UNIVERSAL PARKS ACROSS THE GLOBE.

The Collection Brings 13 New Interactive Wands – Including a Wand Unique to Each Destination –  Inspired by the Beloved Harry Potter Film Franchise to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort.

Universal City, CA (Dec. 5, 2022) –  A brand-new collection of authentic, interactive Ollivanders wands has arrived at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the globe, bringing 12 all-new wands  – plus an additional one that is exclusive to each destination – to Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort.

Each original wand within the new assortment pairs a wood type with one of the three powerful cores preferred by master wandmaker Garrick Ollivander from the Harry Potter film series – unicorn hair, dragon heartstring and phoenix feather – and comes with a first-ever “wand lore” insert that details the distinct properties of that specific wand and the attributes of its ideal owner. Guests can also use the new wands to cast spells and reveal magical surprises with the right incantation and a gentle flick of the wrist at select locations within the spectacularly themed lands.

The new collection also brings a unique wand to each Universal park that is exclusive to that destination and not available anywhere else, including:

The lineup of new interactive Ollivanders wands is available now at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Beijing Resort, and joins each park’s current selection of wands inspired by beloved characters from the Harry Potter series. For more information about Universal Parks & Resorts, visit www.universalparks.com.

About Universal Parks & Resorts

Universal Parks & Resorts, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the globe today’s most relevant and popular entertainment experiences. With three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, its theme parks are known for immersive experiences that feature some of the world’s most thrilling and technologically advanced film- and television-based attractions. Universal Parks & Resorts in the U.S. are Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort. Around the world, UP&R includes Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, a license agreement with Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa, and the recently opened Universal Beijing Resort. Learn more at universalparks.com.


About Universal Products & Experiences
  

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company’s extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and 3rd party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s three lines of business include Consumer Products, Games and Digital Platforms, as well as Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Parks & Resorts, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.  

More information is available at universalproductsexperiences.com

About Wizarding World

In the years since Harry Potter was whisked from King’s Cross Station onto Platform nine and three quarters, his incredible adventures have left a unique and lasting mark on popular culture. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films based on the original stories by J.K. Rowling have brought the magical stories to life and today, the Wizarding World is recognized as one of the world’s best-loved brands.

Representing a vast interconnected universe, it also includes three epic Fantastic Beasts films, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – the multi-award-winning stage-play, state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games, innovative consumer products, thrilling live entertainment (including four theme park lands) and insightful exhibitions.

This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. owned Wizarding World tours and retail also includes the flagship Harry Potter New York, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, and the Platform 9 3⁄4 retail shops.

The Wizarding World continues to evolve to provide Harry Potter fans with fresh and exciting ways to engage. For the worldwide fan community, and for generations to come, it welcomes everyone in to explore and discover the magic for themselves.