Roundup: Ken Loach to be honored at Berlinale

Posted by · 4:27 am · November 29th, 2013

In today’s roundup of notable online news and views, veteran British social-realist filmmaker Ken Loach will receive the Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at next year’s Berlin Film Festival. Elsewhere, a critic wonders if Disney is at war with its own image.

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SAG Awards 2014 Contenders and Pretenders: Who's really a player?

Posted by · 11:05 pm · November 28th, 2013

A rundown of some key contenders and pretenders for this year’s competitive Screen Actors Guild Awards including “American Hustle,” “Prisoners,” “Saving Mr. Banks,” “Lone Survivor,” Will Forte, Sarah Paulson and more.

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Tech Support: Space, music and the high seas clash in the race for Best Sound Mixing

Posted by · 7:36 pm · November 28th, 2013

HitFix’s Gerard Kennedy surveys the field of Best Sound Mixing, from “Gravity” to “Pacific Rim” to maybe even Disney’s animated musical “Frozen.”

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Tell us what you thought of 'Frozen'

Posted by · 9:10 am · November 28th, 2013

Disney’s throwback adaptation of “The Snow Queen” opens today, and has largely thawed the hearts of critics — but do you think it’s up to scratch? Share you thoughts, and vote in our poll.

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Roundup: Is it time for the animated Oscar to grow up?

Posted by · 5:00 am · November 28th, 2013

In today’s roundup of notable online news and views, a writer wonders if the Best Animated Feature competition between perceived frontrunners “Frozen” and “The Wind Rises” presents the kid-focused category with a chance to come of age. Meanwhile, “The Wolf of Wall Street” gets a running time and dodges the NC-17 bullet.

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The Long Shot: Independents' day

Posted by · 2:52 pm · November 27th, 2013

Yesterday’s Independent Spirit Award nominations featured a number of films firmly in the hunt for Oscar glory — a crossover that has become standard in recent years. In his weekly awards column, Guy Lodge wonders if other independent cinema is getting short-changed.

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From 'Best Man Holiday' to 'The Butler,' BFCA hails a banner year for black film

Posted by · 8:47 am · November 27th, 2013

It’s widely acknowledged that 2013 has been an exceptional year for black filmmakers and black-themed films, and the Broadcast Film Critics Association is acknowledging that with a “Celebration of Black Cinema” evening on January 7.

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Roundup: Golden Globes won't be seduced by Johansson's voice in 'Her'

Posted by · 4:27 am · November 27th, 2013

In today’s roundup of notable online news and views, Scarlett Johansson’s awards campaign for her voice work in ‘Her’ hits a bump as she’s ruled ineligible for the Golden Globes. Meanwhile, did you know about the uinmade ‘Mary Poppins’ sequel?

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PGA surprises with documentary nominees, but Alex Gibney makes the cut

Posted by · 6:00 pm · November 26th, 2013

Unlike many other guilds, the Producers’ Guild of America doesn’t regularly match the Oscars, and this year’s nominees are a particularly unexpected bunch. Alex Gibney’s WikiLeaks doc “We Steal Secrets” is among the contenders.

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'Spring Breakers,' 'Short Term 12' and 'Mud' lead 2014 Spirit Awards snubs and surprises

Posted by · 4:30 pm · November 26th, 2013

HitFix’s Gregory Ellwood and Guy Lodge run down the snubs and surprises after Film Independent announced the 2014 Independent Spirit Awards this morning.

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An epic interview with 'Inside Llewyn Davis' star Oscar Isaac

Posted by · 2:25 pm · November 26th, 2013

Spirit Award nominee Oscar Isaac sits down with HitFix to discuss his work in “Inside Llewyn Davis,” the impact of nostalgia in his life, the importance of artists on community and the pragmatism of the Coen Bros.

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This year's indie spirit at the cinema well-represented by today's nominations

Posted by · 10:21 am · November 26th, 2013

HitFix’s Kristopher Tapley takes a deep dive into this year’s list of Film Independent Spirit Awards nominees. “12 Years a Slave” led the way with seven nominations but “Nebraska” wasn’t too far behind with six.

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'12 Years a Slave' leads the Independent Spirit Awards nominations

Posted by · 9:32 am · November 26th, 2013

The nominees for the 29th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards have been announced.

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Exclusive: John Goodman opines on the rules of suicide in a clip from 'Inside Llewyn Davis'

Posted by · 8:05 am · November 26th, 2013

John Goodman could land some awards recognition for his work in the Coen brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis.” HitFix has an exclusive glimpse of his work in the film as a grouchy, enigmatic jazz man.

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James Franco among nominees for Cinema Eye's Heterodox Award

Posted by · 7:47 am · November 26th, 2013

The Cinema Eye Honors for documentary filmmaking have announced the five nominees for their Heterodox Award for narrative films that incorporate documentary elements. Among the nominees are James Franco and Travis Matthews’ “Interior. Leather Bar.”

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Roundup: NYT's short film project, starring Oprah, Cate Blanchett and more

Posted by · 2:40 am · November 26th, 2013

In today’s roundup of notable online news and views, Oprah Winfrey, Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper are among the stars participating in the New York Times’ short film series directed by Janusz Kaminski. Meanwhile, are animals really being harmed on movie sets?

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Troubled Natalie Portman western 'Jane Got a Gun' gets release date

Posted by · 1:25 pm · November 25th, 2013

Controversy-plagued western “Jane Got a Gun” starring Natalie Portman, Joel Edgerton and Ewan McGregor has been slated for release on August 29, 2014.

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Sandra Bullock (who else?) is EW's Entertainer of the Year

Posted by · 12:55 pm · November 25th, 2013

Off the back of her contrasting performances in hit films “The Heat” and “Gravity,” Sandra Bullock has been named Entertainment Weekly’s Entertainer of the Year — making her the first two-time recipient of the honor. Is a second Oscar also in the offing?

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