AWARDS HEADLINES
Awards 2016: From the “It Was Probably Inevitable” File: BFCA Move To Add ‘Star Wars’ To Best Picture Race Causes Outcry, Two Resignations
The Broadcast Film Critics Association announced this week that Star Wars: The Force Awakens would be the 11th nominee for Best Picture at the Critics’ Choice Awards. The film didn’t screen early enough for consideration, but after voters saw the film, a “special referendum” was held to determine if it should be included. Since then, members of the BFCA are criticizing the organization for attempting to stir up higher TV ratings. (COL)
OTHER HEADLINES
More Controversy! Director Gee Malik Linton Removes Name from Upcoming Thriller Due to Studio Tampering
Filmmaker’s Exposed, which he wrote and directed, stars Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas and is set to come out next month. The film was originally titled Daughter of God, and its focus was on a young Dominican woman who experiences strange occurrences after witnessing a miracle. Meanwhile, a police detective searches for answers behind his partner’s death. However, when Lionsgate picked it up, the company recut it. Now Linton will use the pseudonym Declan Dale. (SAA)
Tupac Biopic Taps Newcomer Demetrius Shipp Jr. For Lead Role
Filming of Morgan Creek’s Tupac Shakur biopic, All Eyez On Me, is underway and the actor playing the leading role has been revealed to be unknown actor Demetrius Shipp, Jr. So far Shipp, Jr.’s film credits are limited to the made-for-TV movie #unlock’d but what he may lack in experience he makes up for in his resemblance to the late hip-hop icon. (THR)
Good News For Those Scant Few ‘Wicked City’ Fans, as ABC To Stream Remaining Episodes Online
Many of the cancelled ABC drama’s unaired episodes are now available on Hulu. Episodes Four through Seven, which had not aired on the Alphabet net before the serial killer drama was cancelled in November, became available on the streaming video service yesterday. No word yet on the eighth and final episode, though that is expected to appear on the site, as well. (TVL)
Sony Sets a Date For Its ‘Emoji’ Movie, So Set Your Calendars For Summer 2017
Sony Pictures Animation has set an Aug. 11th, 2017, release date for the film, making it the first title to land on the date. Sony won rights in July to the project, based on a pitch by Eric Siegel and Anthony Leondis about the round-headed figures that have become ubiquitous in social media. The duo are co-writing the script with Leondis directing. The logline is under wraps. (VAR)
Robin Givens Lands a Guest Spot On FXX Comedy ‘Man Seeking Woman’ as Santa’s Wife
Simon Rich’s comedy has enlisted Robin Givens for a season-two guest role. Givens will guest star and play Vicki Claus, Santa Claus’ wife. Set to air in the spring, the “Tinsel” episode will feature Vicki as a smart, fierce and fabulous character who has helped turn Christmas into a trillion-dollar holiday, but when her husband, Santa, falls for a younger woman, it puts her marriage — and their industry — at risk. (LF)
As the Year Winds Down and We Start Looking At Lists, Here’s One Of the 10 Best Action Sequences
This was an excellent year for higher-brow popcorn entertainment. Movies that placed an emphasis on set-piece construction and eye-popping visuals (movies like The Martian or Mad Max: Fury Road) are the same ones that are contending for year-end awards consideration. Audiences didn’t have to turn their brains off during the summer blockbuster season. Here, now, are the 10 best actions scenes, and you can watch them all. (CB)
Trailer Buzz: ‘Damien’
AMC has released the trailer for its upcoming series, based on the story begun in the 1976 horror classic, The Omen. New series follows the adult life of Damien Thorn, the mysterious child from that film, who has grown up seemingly unaware of the satanic forces around him. Haunted by his past, Damien must now come to terms with his true destiny — that he is the Antichrist. The series will premiere in 2016. (BC)
Screenwriters: Breaking and Entering — I Want To Taste Your Logline 2, Still Hungry
Last month’s column, “I Want To Taste Your Logline,” tantalized some readers, given the number of those who took up the offer of a Thumbs Up or Down on their logline and concept. While there were some well-expressed, commercially viable ideas, other loglines left columnist Barri Evins wanting more. Still hungry! (SM)