Thompson on Hollywood

Andy Samberg's Tasteful Indie Spirit Awards Monologue, 'Bad Lip Reading,' 'Beast It' and Skype Audition Sketches [Video]

Awards

Andy Samberg got it right. The SNL alum hosted Saturday night's Independent Spirit Awards, the penultimate show before Sunday's Oscars, and he led the evening with perfectly goofy candor. Everyone played along and the audience reaction shots were actually a pleasure to watch -- a contrast to Sunday night's Oscars.

By Maggie Lange
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February 26, 2013 11:09 AM
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Damon, Foxx, Washington, Gere, Arkin & Hawkes Talk Hollywood, Fame & Craft in THR's Actors Roundtable

Awards

It's that time of year again for The Hollywood Reporter's roundtable discussions, with the actors installment debuting November 8. The six leading and supporting men featured are Matt Damon (who stars in the upcoming "Promised Land"), Jamie Foxx ("Django Unchained"), Denzel Washington ("Flight"), Richard Gere ("Arbitrage"), Alan Arkin ("Argo") and John Hawkes ("The Sessions"). Full video roundtable plus quote highlights below.

By Beth Hanna
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November 9, 2012 11:53 AM
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John Hawkes Finds Pain and Growth in 'The Sessions'; Helen Hunt Also Strong Oscar Contender (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO)

Interviews

Fox Searchlight is no slouch at backing Oscar contenders (see "Slumdog Millionaire," "The Descendants," "The Wrestler"). Back in January at Sundance they scooped up "The Sessions," a small film from Australian writer-director Ben Lewin, who had not directed a feature film in 18 years. Why? Because it had the ring of authenticity.

By Anne Thompson
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October 18, 2012 4:17 PM
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Mill Valley Film Festival Wraps Its Oscar-Track Film Run

Festivals

The Mill Valley Film Festival has concluded its 11-day pursuit of Bay Area Academy members. The festival began with the US premiere of "Silver Linings Playbook," with director David O. Russell and star Bradley Cooper appearing for a Q& A; the film won yet another Audience Award, as did closer "Life of Pi," with Ang Lee on hand.

By Anne Thompson and Maggie Lange
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October 16, 2012 2:41 PM
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Fox Searchlight Moves Up Oscar Contender 'The Sessions' to October 19

News

Fox Searchlight has moved up the limited release date of Ben Lewin's Sundance hit-turned-Oscar contender "The Sessions" to October 19, a week earlier than originally announced. The film recently screened at TIFF.

By Beth Hanna
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September 14, 2012 4:10 PM
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TIFF Preview: Fox Searchlight Pushes Oscar Contender 'The Sessions,' Releases Poster

News

Fox Searchlight, which snapped up Ben Lewin's "The Sessions" (formerly "The Surrogate") at Sundance for $6 million, holds high Oscar hopes for film, which stars John Hawkes as journalist and poet Mark O'Brien, who is afflicted with polio but wants to have sex. (Think "My Left Foot.") Searchlight is pushing the film into the Oscar race at Toronto, as it did Oscar-winner "Slumdog Millionaire."

By Anne Thompson
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August 22, 2012 2:31 PM
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Sundance Review Round-Up: Fox Searchlight Plans Oscar Run for 'The Surrogate'

Festivals

Fox Searchlight immediately snapped up "The Surrogate" for $6 million, the biggest acquisition at Sundance so far this year, outmaneuvering at least three other potential buyers for the picture.