Walk of Fame...Reese Witherspoon & Tina Fey get Star nod! Big "O" diminishes honor!

The red carpet was rolled out, limos purred at the curb, and the fans went wild!

Uh-huh.

The Chamber of Commerce tossed a chi chi  press conference  in true Hollywood-style to induct a posse of celebrities into the "Walk of Fame".

A smattering of stars - from myriad facets of the industry - will have their stage names etched onto pink-and-black terrazzo slabs - and thus - thrust  into the anals of the Hollywood elite.

Unfortunately - like Obama and his controversial Nobel Peace Prize - not all the receipients were deserving or up to snuff.

Big "O", for instance.

Although Ms. Oprey showed promise in "The Color Purple' many moons ago (Native Sun, too) the Hollywood heavyweight was soon relegated to the back burner in Tinseltown because the role of cheezy talk show host doesn't quite cut it.

In fact, her presence on the pretigious walk has diminished the stature of the honor.

I suppose a stretch of Hollywood - on the seamy end of town - will soon be reserved for reality-show "personalities" who may end up in that dicey part of Hollywood down 'n out one day once their ten minutes of fame runs out.

Worthy subjects celebrating the nod this past week included Donald Sutherland (Canadian Actor), Reese Witherspoon, Danny Devito ('bout time, sir!), Rascal Flatts (now there's a legend), chanteuse Melissa Etheridge, Gwyneth Paltrow (ho hum), the Muppets (it's no longer tough being green), and last - but not least in my showbiz diary - Penlope Cruz (thirty inductees in 2010).

Congrats, all!

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Habana Eva...Director Fina Torres & actress Prakriti Maduro @ glittering screening!

Torres @ the helm!

By 7 o'clock in the evening - a long line of filmgoers had formed in front of the Majestic Crest Theatre - anxious to catch the Fina Torres flick "Habana Eva"

Once inside the historical Art Deco theatre on Westwood, film buffs  were treated to Wine & and a delectable assortment of tasty cheeses, and the opportunity to mingle with the Ms. Torres and pretty actress Prakriti Maduro.

Torres and Maduro did not disappoint!

The Director of "Woman on Top" (starring Penlope Cruz) was a whirlwind of energy - meeting and greeting fans graciously - and posing for frenzied potographers anxious to land some publicity stills for posterity.

Actress Prakriti Maduro was stunning in a elegant cocktail dress in an eye-catching shade of red that accented her delicate features.

An hour afer the doors originally swung open to the press and celebrated guests, other VIP's were still straining to get into the lobby to bask in the glow of the high-profile event.

I spied a smattering of local celebrities decked out in their heavy artillery (jewels & dazzling gowns), in addition to Yeni Alvarez (PR), and close friends of the Director and film crew there for support.

In some cases, I crossed paths with a couple of actresses, who brought me up to date on this 'n that.

Lorielle New, who I met last year at the start of a project she was just commencing at that time, informed me that her horror (remake)  flick - "The Pit and the Pendalum" - was released just a few weeks ago and is doing well in DVD sales.

"Unfortunately, the economy bottomed-out, and the producers didn't have enough money to toss a premiere party. But, friends back East told me that fans have been snapping up DVD's on the Internet."

I laughed heartily when she noted that her DVD was actually being boot-legged.

Very flattering, in an odd sort-of-way!

The buzz in the air was deafening - right up until curtain was called - and all the excited guests finally plunked down in their seats to relax into the foreign film with subtitles.

Sold out!

Ms. Torres is a competent director with her own individual style.

In particular, her set-ups" (master shots, two-shots, close-ups) appealed  to my own artistic sensibilities.

Also, I was swept away by her keen ability to know - when and where - to lay in a potent soundtrack, whimsical piece of music, or danceable tune to get the filmgoers juices flowing.

Torres demonstrated that it is not always necessary to cram a film with stimulating melodious sounds and slick visuals to entertain or slyly manipulate the audience.

Silence on occasion is golden.

Unfortunately, I personally found the film too long.

When you're close to a project - and it is a labor of love (as was the case here) - it is obviously difficult to take a hard-line approach from a commercial standpoint.

Ms. Torres (a romantic) strays too far to one end of the spectrum in favor of artistic license, when she should have been going the other way if she is sincerely interested in landing distribution in the mainstream in the U.S. (and abroad).

A bit of judicious editing (pruning) would satisfy that need without hurting the integrity of the movie.

Torres was bang-on in the casting end, by the way.

Prakriti Maduro - a charmer - turns in a enchanting performance.

If I was forced to compare her to an American actress, Julia Roberts would come to mind, immediately.

Like Ms. Roberts, Maduro is capable of stepping into a plain-Jane role (sans make-up), and captivating movie audiences with a naturalness and innocence that is hard to top.

Juan Carlos Garia - in the romantic lead - proved to be charismatic and ripe with promise for stardom on these shores.

Yuliet Cruz almost stole the show out from everyone!

Although the Latino hooker with a heart-of-gold is a bit of a cliche characterization, this young lady's comedic timing, flare for the ridiculous, and basic talent can't help but bowl audiences over.

Other minor cast members turned in quality performances as well.

If the film comes to a theatre near you, catch it, it certainly is worth the price of admision.

Prakriti Maduro


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Oscar Nominations...Avatar & Hurt Locker lead pack! Meryl Streep, Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges land acting nods...

Going for the Gold!

Best Animated Film

At the crack of dawn this morning, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences wiped the cobwebs from their eyes and anounced that two films ( “Avatar” and “The Hurt Locker”) each won nine Oscar nominations for the 2009 slate of films in the running for a little Statuette.

Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" - another major contender in the race for the gold - was also breathing down the  necks of two Directors (James Cameron & Kathryn Bigelow) with eight triumphs in worthy categories.
.
Avatar, Hurt Locker, and Inglourious Basterds were all nominated for best picture in a contest that's going to be thrilling to watch come Oscar Night.

And,  the super talents at the helm of each project - Quentin Tarantino, Kathryn Bigelow, and "King of the World" James Cameron - are also neck-in-neck for best directing kudos.

Other best picture nominees (in a crowded category where ten films are now nominated for best feature  each year) were “District 9”, “An Education”, “A Serious Man” and “Up.”

“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire" won six nominations.

Nods went to "Precious" for Drama, Lee Daniels (Director), Gabourey Sidibe (Best Actress), Mo’Nique (Best Supporting Actress), and best adapted screenplay for Geoffrey Fletcher.

“Up in the Air” (one of my fave films) garnered acclaim, too, with six nominations (best picture, best director for talented  Jason Reitman, best adapted script, best actor for sexy George Clooney, and two supporting actress nominations for Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick.

Sandra Bullock, considered a dark horse, was nominated best actress for her role in the much- hailed "Blind Side " to the surprise of most industry-analysts.

“District 9" - a Sci-Fi thriller (which I found entertaining & innovataive for the most part) - edged out a tough competitor in the field (Star Trek).

“Invictus" (directed by Clint Eastwood) also rustled up nominations for Morgan Freeman (star) and always effervescent supporting actor Matt Damon.

Nominees for best actor also included seasoned Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart); British actor Colin Firth (A Single Man); and Jeremy Renner ( Hurt Locker).

Personally, I was impressed with the performances of all three actors, but expect Bridges - on the heels of snapping up a Golden Globe & Screen Actors Guild Award - is considered the favorite to win.

Rounding out the best actress category were Carey Mulligan (An Education); Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia); and Helen Merrin (The Last Station).

Maggie Gyllenhaal was nominated for best supporting actress for “Crazy Heart”, while Penélope Cruz nabbed her nomination in this category for her dazzling performance in “Nine.”

The supporting actor nominees also included Woody Harrelson (The Messenger); Christopher Plummer  (The Last Station); and Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones).

Nominations for best original screenplay went to Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman (The Messenger); Joel & Ethan Coen for (A Serious Man); and Pete Docter, Bob Peterson and Thomas McCarthy (UP).

Nominees for best adapted screenplay included Nick Hornby (An Education); Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell (District 9); and Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, and Tony Roche (In the Loop).

“Up” received a nomination for best animated film along with "Coraline", "Fantastic Mr. Fox", "The Secret of the Kells", and "The Princess and the Frog".

Best foreign language film nominees were “Ajami,” (Israel);  “A Prophet,” (France); “The Secret in Their Eyes,” (Argentina); “The White Ribbon,” Germany); and “The Milk of Sorrow” (Peru).

Unfortunately, most of the features produced overseas have not been released in the U.S. (so audiences in America are not entirely sure who to root for in this category - although a white horse is defintely "The White Ribbon"  (Germany) - based on word of mouth.

This year, the Oscar ceremony boasts two hosts - funnyman Steve Martin and actor Alec Baldwin - which should prove to be an intriguing twist for one of the most highly-watched broadcasts of the year.

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The Oscars...Hugh Jackman danced his little butt off! The new James Bond???

As usual, critics grumbled and moaned about the quality (or lack thereof) of the 81st Annual Oscar Celebration in Tinsel town.

"Too long," many chided below the klieg lights at the Kodak.

One too many misguided cerebral moments, in my estimation.

In fact, the on-going proliferation of mind-boggling altruistic speeches from teary-eyed guests was enough to make me throw up, at one point!

Pottie-break!

But, Hugh Jackman scored an A+ for giving it the old college try.

The Aussie showman danced and sang his little heart out (to a captivated audience) and has the tight butt cheeks to prove it!

See 'ya next year, Hugh!

Unless the Academy chooses to go in a fresh direction - i.e. - with the new flavor of the month.

That's show biz!

Jackman, the new Bond?

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Gotham Independent Film Awards...NYC's prestigious festival for Indie Filmmakers! Honors Penelope Cruz! Nov. 20th - Dec. 6th

To the delight of filmgoers who thrive on off-beat Independent feature-length films with Art House sensibilities, the Gotham Independent Film Awards Series returns to the "Big Apple" once again.

The 18th Annual Fest - which kicks off November 20th and runs through December 6th - is the Nation's oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers.

For film buffs, Gotham is not only a must-attend Festival, but one of the social events of the year.

In addition to a scintillating round of screenings throughout the week, there will be a host of glittering cocktail parties and tony Award Celebrations sure to intoxicate and swell any pretty little head.

Gotham Award Tributes go out to Gus Van Sant, Sheila Nevins, Melvin Van Peebles, & actress Penelope Cruz.

The nominees for Best Feature include Ballast, Frozen River, Synecdoche (New York), The Visitor, and the Wrestler (Micky Rourke).

A handful of exceptional directors have been given the nod in the "Breakthrough Director" category, as well; for instance, Barry Jenkins, Alex Rivera, Lance Hammer, Dennis Dortch, and Antonio Campas.

The "Breakthrough Actor" category has rustled up a few intriguing choices, too.

Rosemarie Dewitt, Rebecca Hall, Michael J. Smith, Sr., Alejandro Polanco, Melissa Leo, and Pedro Castaneda will compete for the coveted prize.

For the third year, IFP teams with MoMA to select the year's best films off the festival circuit which have yet to be released theatrically. (Best Film Not Playing at a Theatre Near you)

Films such as the New Year Parade, Afterschool, Meadowlark, Wellness, and Sita Sings the Blues, are sure to attract large enthusiastic audiences at the eclectic gallery at the heartbeat of the city.

"Best Documentary" hopefuls include "Chris & Dan: A Love Story", "Encounters at the End of the World", "Man on Wire", "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired", and "Trouble the Water".


The Gotham Awards are selected by distinguished juries.

The Awards began in 1991.


The public showcase honors the independent filmmaking community and expands the audience for independent films.

In addition, the Gotham Awards Festival supports the work that IFP does behind the scenes throughout the year to bring such films to fruition.

Founded as a satellite program of the 1979 New York Film Festival, the nonprofit IFP, has evolved into a premier advocate for Independent Film.

Since its start, IFP has supported the production of 7,000 films and provided resources to more than 20,000 filmmakers' voices that otherwise might not have been heard.

IFP believes that independent films broaden the palette of cinema, seeding the global culture with new ideas, kindling awareness, and fostering activism.

Currently, IFP represent a network of 10,000 filmmakers in New York City and around
the world.

Through its workshops, seminars, conferences, mentorships, and Filmmaker Magazine - the IFP - schools its members in the art, technology, and business of independent filmmaking.

IFP also builds audiences by hosting screenings, usually in collaboration with other major cultural institutions, in Gotham City.

Venues
Director's Guild Theatre
(110 West 57th Street, NYC)
MoMA
(11 West 53rd Street, NYC)
BAMcinematek
(30 Lafayette Avenue, NYC)
Tribeca Screening Room
(375 Greenwich Street, NYC)