Thompson on Hollywood

New Directors/New Films 2012 Opens With 'Where Do We Go Now,' Adds Horror, Family, Kubrick to Full Line-Up

Festivals

The Film Society of Lincoln Center and The Museum of Modern Art have unveiled the 2012 lineup for the 41st New Directors/New Films festival, running March 21–April 1. The festival will showcase 29 features and 12 shorts, hailing from 28 countries.

By Anne Thompson & Sophia Savage
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February 23, 2012 2:58 PM
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Indies React to Tugg, Which Lets You Choose What Will Play at Your Movie Theater, Adds 'Tree of Life' and 'Bullhead' to Roster

News

New startup Tugg, launched Wednesday, lets audiences choose what will screen at their local multiplex. We polled several indie exhibitors and distribs for feedback (below).

By Anne Thompson and Maggie Lange
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February 23, 2012 2:38 PM
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Cinema Guild Takes 'Planet of Snail;' Documentary Looks at World Without Sound & Sight

News

The Cinema Guild has picked up "Planet of Snail" for US distribution. Seung-jun Yi's documentary looks into a silent world where "love and touch are all one needs to survive."

By Sophia Savage
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February 23, 2012 1:51 PM
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Oscars 2012: Tony Bennett Will Perform at The Governors Ball

Awards

After the Oscar show, while the 1,500 guests of the Governors Ball will not be sitting down to dinner--the Academy is feting them buffet style this year--they will be treated to a performance by music legend Tony Bennett. Academy president Tom Sherak calls the 85-year-old crooner "that rare artist who truly reaches across generations. Welcoming him to the Ball is an honor and privilege." More on Bennett below (along with a video of him singing with Norah Jones):

By Sophia Savage
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February 23, 2012 1:30 PM
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And the 2012 Oscar Presenters Are...Funny (UPDATED)

Awards

Take a look at the stars lined up to present at the 84th Academy Awards on February 26. Clearly, the latest additions are taking this year's show in a comedy direction...

By Anne Thompson & Sophia Savage
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February 23, 2012 1:28 PM
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Paramount and Bad Robot Extend First-Look Deal to Late 2015

News

Paramount Pictures and Bad Robot Productions are extending their exclusive first-look agreement through the end of 2015. Why wouldn't they? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

By Jacob Combs
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February 22, 2012 8:46 PM
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DiCaprio and Spielberg Convince Academy To Buy 'Oz' Ruby Slippers for Museum of Motion Pictures

News

The Academy did not buy anything at the recent Debbie Reynolds' auction --even though iconic costumes were being sold that would seem must-owns for an organization planning a major Hollywood museum. Well, with help from Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg, the Academy has finally stepped up and acquired Dorothy's ruby slippers.

By Anne Thompson
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February 22, 2012 4:28 PM
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Media Watch: Comcast Launches 'Streampix' to Challenge Netflix

News

Cable behemoth Comcast, which owns NBC Universal, has broken into the streaming platform business with its launch of Xfinity Streampix. StreamPix offers previous seasons of shows including "The Office," "Grey's Anatomy," "Lost," and "30 Rock," as well as such movies as "Brokeback Mountain," "Ocean's Eleven," "The Big Lebowski" and "When Harry Met Sally," with more titles planned.

By Maggie Lange
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February 22, 2012 12:28 PM
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'The Island President' Profiles Maldives' Ex-President Nasheed's Fight to Save Drowning Country

Features

"The Island President," director Jon Shenk's political documentary about one politician's crusade to raise awareness about the effects of climate change on his country, might need a new title before it opens in theaters on March 28. The fate of Mohamed Nasheed, who until Feb. 7 was indeed an island president but is now an island ex-president, demonstrates just how quickly political fortunes can change.

By Jacob Combs and Anne Thompson
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February 22, 2012 1:43 AM
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Sundance and SXSW Factual Thriller 'The Imposter' Goes to Indomnia; Reviews

News

The Indomina Group has picked up A&E IndieFilms' "The Imposter" for North American distribution. The Sundance entry is also set to play SXSW. Check out the synopsis for the factual thriller below. “Few documentaries are able to draw you in and keep you captivated in the way that 'The Imposter' does,” says Indomina's Jasbinder Singh Mann.