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    Cesar Awards' Board of Directors Resign in the Wake of Roman Polanski Controversy

    WENN

    The people behind France’s Oscars have been met with criticism since it was unraveled that the controversial filmmaker’s movie ‘An Officer and a Spy’ led the 2020 nominations.
    Feb 14, 2020
    AceShowbiz – The management of France’s Cesar Awards has resigned amid criticism over Roman Polanski’s nominations.
    The controversial filmmaker, who remains in exile in Europe after running from a 1977 rape conviction in America, stunned film fans when his latest movie, “An Officer and a Spy”, led all nominations ahead of the 2020 ceremony.
    Feminists and women’s right activists were quick to take aim at voters and those running the Cesars – France’s Oscars – which take place at the end of the month (February), and now the brains behind the ceremony have quit.
    “To honour those who made films in 2019, to regain serenity and make the cinema festival a celebration, the board of directors of the film academy made a unanimous decision to resign,” a statement from the French film academy reads.
    The film was released in France days after an actress accused Polanski of raping her in 1975, when she was 18.
    The director has denied the accusation.
    He fled the U.S. in 1977 after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl at a party in Hollywood. American lawmakers are still keen to bring him to justice and have called for his extradition several times.

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    Michael B. Jordan Signed on for David O. Russell's Comeback Project

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    The ‘Creed’ actor is expected to join the cast members that include the likes of Christian Bale and Margot Robbie in the untitled big screen project from the ‘Joy’ helmer.
    Feb 14, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Michael B. Jordan has reportedly joined Christian Bale and Margot Robbie among the cast of David O. Russell’s mysterious comeback film.
    The “Creed” star has joined the project, following the newly cast Robbie and the attached Bale, despite a full schedule that includes starring in the upcoming Denzel Washington directed war movie “Journal for Jordan” and his own production project, “Without Remorse”.
    Russell is reportedly set to direct from his own script, but plot details are being kept under wraps. It will be the filmmaker’s first movie since 2015’s “Joy”.
    The director had been mulling going forward with several projects while trying to put together the cast, before Robbie, Bale, and now Jordan’s schedules opened up, allowing them to sign on for the film.
    Russell will also produce via his New Regency firm. He has received three Best Director Oscar nominations in addition to two screenplay nominations throughout his career.

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    'Aladdin' Sequel in Early Development With Writers Returning to Do Its Script

    Walt Disney Pictures

    Producers are reportedly hoping to bring back the live-action Disney film’s three stars, Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott, for this planned follow-up.
    Feb 13, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Disney is reportedly working on a sequel to its live-action remake of “Aladdin”, following the massive success of the film.
    According to Variety, plans for a follow-up film are in “early development” after producers are said to have spent the past six months pondering what direction to take the next movie in.
    The industry publication reported that writers John Gatins and Andrea Berloff will be returning, while executive producer Ryan Halprin and producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are also said to be back on board for a second film.
    It’s unclear at this stage whether director Guy Ritchie will return to the helm for the sequel, but Variety added producers “hope to bring back stars Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott” – who played the Genie, Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, respectively, in the 2019 film.
    And while the original animated Disney movie “Aladdin” had two straight-to-video sequels, it’s believed this movie won’t be based on any of those films.
    The news comes after star Massoud admitted he was struggling to find his feet in Hollywood, despite the movie grossing over $1 billion.
    “I’m kind of tired of staying quiet about it,” he told The Daily Beast last year. “I want people to know that it’s not always dandelions and roses when you’re doing something like ‘Aladdin’: ‘He must have made millions. He must be getting all these offers’. It’s none of those things. I haven’t had a single audition since ‘Aladdin’ came out.”

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    'Parasite' Director Explains Why He Has to Forbid One Cast Member From Doing Publicity Tour

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    Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho admits that his requirement for Park Myung Hoon to stay on the sidelines during the promotion of the acclaimed thriller movie had given the actor a hard time.
    Feb 13, 2020
    AceShowbiz – “Parasite” director Bong Joon Ho had to hide the identity of one of his stars while promoting the film, so as not to ruin the big twist.
    Park Myung Hoon was forbidden from taking part in the movie’s publicity tour, because his director wanted viewers to be surprised when his character appears.
    Bong tells WENN, “It was so important to make sure that the second half of the film remained a secret, so we had all the actors and crew members sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) particularly from the part where the original housekeeper comes back and rings the doorbell.”
    “After that we made sure that none of that was revealed to the public and ever since Cannes we put in a lot of effort to keep that a secret. Particularly the actor, who is in the bunker, who plays the husband (of the housekeeper).”
    “He went to the Cannes Film Festival, but had to remain hidden. Even with the premiere screening, he had to be in a dark corner on the second floor and had to leave five minutes before the film ended and before the standing ovation to avoid all the reporters, because his existence in itself is a spoiler. He had a hard time.”
    “Three weeks after the film was released we really focused on introducing him as part of the cast.”

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    Olivia Colman to Star Opposite Peter Sarsgaard in Maggie Gyllenhaal's Directorial Debut

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    ‘The Crown’ star has been added to the cast ensemble, which includes Dakota Johnson, for the movie adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel, ‘The Lost Daughter’.
    Feb 13, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Maggie Gyllenhaal has snagged Oscar winner Olivia Colman and her husband Peter Sarsgaard for her directorial debut.
    The two actors will join Jessie Buckley and Dakota Johnson in “The Lost Daughter”, Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel.
    Gyllenhaal is also among the producers.
    In the film, Colman will portray a college professor and Johnson a young mum.
    “When I finished reading Elena Ferrante’s ‘The Lost Daughter’, I felt that something secret and true had been said out loud,” Gyllenhaal explains, “and I was both disturbed and comforted by that.”
    “I immediately thought how much more intense the experience would be in a movie theatre, with other people around. And I set to work on this adaptation. I find that the script has attracted other people interested in exploring these secret truths about motherhood, sexuality, femininity, desire. And I’m thrilled to continue my collaboration with such brave and exciting actors and filmmakers.”

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    Natalie Portman Reacts to Rose McGowan's Criticism Over Her Oscars Dress, Agrees It Is Not 'Brave'

    WENN/Adriana M. Barraza/Avalon

    The ‘Black Swan’ star responds to Rose McGowan’s accusation about her being ‘an actress acting the part of someone who cares’ after she appears at Oscars wearing a gown with the names of female directors on it.
    Feb 13, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Natalie Portman is not one who turns a blind eye to criticism. Shortly after Rose McGowan labeled her “an actress acting the part of someone who cares” as a response to the protest cape she wore to the 92nd annual Academy Awards, the “Black Swan” star issued her own statement that addressed the backlash.
    Agreeing with the former “Charmed” actress, the Oscar winner accepted that “it is inaccurate to call [her] ‘brave’ for wearing a garment with women’s names on it.” She continued, “Brave is a term I more strongly associate with actions like those of the women who have been testifying against Harvey Weinstein the last few weeks, under incredible pressure.”
    “The past few years have seen a blossoming of directing opportunities for women due to the collective efforts of many people who have been calling out the system,” the 38-year-old went on to note. “The gift has been these incredible films. I hope that what was intended as a simple nod to them does not distract from their great achievements.”
    “It is true I’ve only made a few films with women. In my long career, I’ve only gotten the chance to work with female directors a few times. I’ve made shorts, commercials, music videos and features with Marya Cohen, Mira Nair, Rebecca Zlotowski, Anna Rose Holmer, Sofia Coppola, Shirin Neshat and myself. Unfortunately, the unmade films I have tried to make are a ghost history.”
    The wife of Benjamin Millepied then listed the challenges female films have to overcome to get made at studios, independently financed, distributed and even recognized for their achievements. Despite the obstacles, she declared, “So I want to say, I have tried, and I will keep trying. While I have not yet been successful, I am hopeful that we are stepping into a new day.”
    Portman turned heads on the red carpet of the 2020 Oscars on February 9. Wearing a Dior gown with a cape that is embroidered with the names of snubbed female directors, she told The Los Angeles Times, “I wanted to recognize the women who were not recognized for their incredible work this year in my subtle way.”
    The “Jackie” actress’ fashion statement, however, earned her critiques including one from McGowan who tool to Facebook to speak out against her. “Some thoughts on Natalie Portman and her Oscar ‘protest,’ ” she wrote. “The kind of protest that gets rave reviews from the mainstream media for its bravery. Brave? No, not by a long shot. More like an actress acting the part of someone who cares. As so many of them do.”
    “I find Portman’s type of activism deeply offensive to those of us who actually do the work. I’m not writing this out of bitterness, I am writing out of disgust. I just want her and other actresses to walk the walk,” the 46-year-old actress elaborated on the reasons of her disapproval. She also criticized Portman for hiring only one female director under her production company.
    “I am singling [Portman] out because you are the latest in a long line of actresses who are acting the part of a woman who cares about other women,” McGowan continued. “There is no law that says you need to hire women, work with women, or support women. By all means, you do you. But I am saying stop pretending you’re some kind of champion for anything other than yourself.”

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    Rick Moranis to Make Acting Return With 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' Sequel

    Walt Disney Pictures

    Welcoming back the actor, who stepped away from the spotlight in 1997, is fellow actor Josh Gad who tweets that he gets ‘an up seat view of him returning to play one of his most iconic roles.’
    Feb 13, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Rick Moranis is making his long-awaited return to acting with the follow-up to his beloved 1989 family film “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”.
    The actor, who starred in such classics as “Ghostbusters”, “The Flintstones”, and “Spaceballs”, has reportedly joined forces with bosses at Disney for the venture. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s original director, Joe Johnston, and actor Josh Gad are also on board.
    “To say it is a dream come true to once again see #RickMoranis on the big screen is the understatement of the decade,” Gad wrote in a post on Twitter. “But to say, I get an up seat view of him returning to play one of his most iconic roles is the understatement of the Century. Welcome back hero!”

    “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” was followed by the 1992 sequel “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid”. Moranis stepped away from the spotlight in 1997 to raise his children.

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    Donald Trump's Son Eric Blames 'Smug Elitists' Like Brad Pitt for Oscars Low Ratings

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    Commenting on the 2020 Academy Awards ratings which hit an all-time low, the second son of the president calls out the ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ actor and others for their political speeches at the ceremony.
    Feb 12, 2020
    AceShowbiz – Donald Trump’s son Eric Trump has singled out Brad Pitt for his political speech at the 2020 Academy Awards. Calling the 56-year-old actor one of “smug elitists,” the third-eldest child and the second son of the president blamed him for the Oscars low ratings.
    On late Monday, February 10, Eric shared on his Instagram page Fox Business’ post that featured a photo of Brad at the 92nd annual prize-giving event, with the caption, “Oscars ratings fall 25% to all-time low.” Weighing in on audience’s lack of interest in the live ceremony, the executive vice president of the Trump Organization wrote, “Probably because Americans don’t liked to be preached to by smug elitists. The elegance has been lost and America has tuned these people out of their homes…”
    Agreeing with the 36-year-old businessman, one follower wrote in the comment section, “I proudly do not watch any awards shows for that reason.” Another further slammed Hollywood stars as writing, “A waste of time. I didn’t watch it. The actors don’t like us just our money. Stop watching their movies. Then they may care what we think.”
    Sharing the same opinion, a third user commented, “I don’t doubt it. Hollywood is sold out to the Demonocrats.” Another added, “You are absolutely correct, sir!!!! ‘Ain’t nobody got time for that crap!’ ”
    While accepting the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, his first-ever acting Oscar, Brad addressed the Senate’s impeachment acquittal of President Trump. “They told me I only have 45 seconds up here, which is 45 seconds more than the Senate gave John Bolton this week,” he began his speech, referencing the former national security adviser who was not allowed to testify by the Senate during the proceedings.
    He then joked that “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” helmer Quentin Tarantino, might make a film about the controversial hearings. “I’m thinking maybe Quentin does a movie about it and in the end, the adults do the right thing,” he added.
    Despite the historical night that witnessed “Parasite” big win, the Oscars telecast only averaged 23.6 million viewers on Sunday night, the smallest audience ever in the show’s history. The ratings fell 20 percent in year-to-year viewers from 29.56 million for last year’s ceremony.

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