UTA: Director Laszlo Nemes, who directed hot Cannes title Son of Saul that landed the festival’s Grand Prix, has been scooped up by UTA. Son of Saul is set to be shown at the Toronto Film Festival prior to its release by Sony Pictures Classic. Hungary has submitted the film as its official foreign-language entry for the 2016 Academy Awards. Nemes was previously nominated for best short film at the European Academy Awards.
ICM: John Cusack has shifted from UTA to ICM Partners. The veteran actor can next be seen in Cell currently awaiting release from Benaroya Pictures. He’s also in the cast for Airspace, Due Process, Carnaval and Rush all in active development.
UTA: Actress/singer Ana Villafañe has signed with UTA. She currently is a series regular on Hulu’s hit series South Beach. She’ll also be seen in the film Max Steel alongside Maria Bello and Andy Garcia. She also plays singer Gloria Estefan in the Broadway musical On Your Feet! The Story Of Emilio & Gloria Estefan. Villafañe continues to be represented by managers Bill O’Dowd and Manny Arca.
CAA: Oscar-winning screenwriter William Monahan has made the move from WME to CAA. He also has most recently directed Mojave, acquired by A24 and starring Oscar Isaac and Garrett Hedlund that premiered at Tribeca. He currently has a two-year overall deal at Paramount Pictures, where his production shingle Henceforth Pictures is based. Monahan continues to be managed by Chris Donnelly at LBI, and repped in the UK by Josh Varney at 42. David Weber’s his attorney.
Paradigm: Actor Gabriel Chavarria has signed with Paradigm. He will next be seen in the Universal film Low Riders and in Hulu’s drama series East Los High. His other recent credits also include TV series Aquarius, Prime Suspect, Southland and the film Teacher Of The Year. He continues to be repped by Momentum.