All articles tagged with #alexander payne
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Variety
Venice Film Festival jury president Alexander Payne addressed the controversy over not awarding 'Voice of Hind Rajab' the top prize, emphasizing that the jury valued all films equally and denying rumors of a juror threatening to quit, urging people not to believe everything read online.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by The Hollywood Reporter
Alexander Payne, serving as jury president at the Venice Film Festival, avoided giving a detailed political stance on the Gaza conflict, emphasizing his focus on judging cinema. Festival director Alberto Barbera expressed concern over the suffering in Gaza, while Payne highlighted the importance of films as cultural documents. The event also featured protests supporting Palestine, and Payne reflected on the relevance of cinema in society amidst industry shifts.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Variety
Alexander Payne, president of the Venice Film Festival jury, avoided discussing the Gaza conflict during a press conference, citing unpreparedness and redirecting questions to festival organizers, amid calls for the festival to take a clear stance on the humanitarian crisis.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Deadline
The 2024 Writers Guild Awards honored films and TV shows, with The Holdovers and American Fiction winning big in the film category. Succession, The Bear, and Beef completed their awards-season sweeps in the TV category. The event also presented various honors and tributes, with Alexander Payne's The Holdovers and Cord Jefferson's American Fiction taking the top film awards.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Entertainment Weekly News
The writer of 'Luca' and 'Paddington 2', Simon Stephenson, has accused Alexander Payne's 'The Holdovers' of plagiarizing his 2013 screenplay 'Frisco', claiming "line-by-line" theft. Stephenson alleges that Payne had previously received the script for 'Frisco' in 2013 and 2019, before collaborating with writer David Hemingson on 'The Holdovers'. Despite engaging in discussions with the Writers Guild of America, Stephenson was directed to pursue a lawsuit as the most viable option. 'The Holdovers' is up for five Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, but the current status of the case remains unclear. Payne and Hemingson declined to comment, while representatives for both parties did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Hollywood Reporter
The Holdovers, a film written by David Hemingson and nominated for best original screenplay at the Oscars, is facing accusations of plagiarism from writer Simon Stephenson, known for Luca and Paddington 2. Stephenson claims that The Holdovers bears striking similarities to his unproduced screenplay Frisco, which landed on the Black List in 2013. He has prepared documents comparing scenes and structure, alleging that the entirety of The Holdovers has been copied from Frisco. Representatives for the writers and the WGA have been contacted for comment.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by IndieWire
Screenwriter Simon Stephenson alleges that the Oscar-nominated screenplay for "The Holdovers" is extremely similar to his own 2013 Black List spec script, "Frisco," and suggests that director Alexander Payne likely read his script. The credited screenwriter for "The Holdovers," David Hemingson, has a background in TV writing and producing. Stephenson's script, "Frisco," had been submitted before Payne began work on "The Holdovers," and there is a paper trail of emails suggesting Payne was aware of it. The WGA has been contacted about the claim, and Payne has stated that he was involved in shaping the "Holdovers" script despite not taking a screen credit.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Variety
Screenwriter Simon Stephenson has accused the writer of "The Holdovers," David Hemingson, and director Alexander Payne of plagiarizing his screenplay "Frisco" for the critically acclaimed film. Despite evidence and email exchanges, the Writers Guild of America has not resolved the matter, prompting Stephenson to seek help from the board. The case has sparked internal debate within the guild, but it remains unclear where it currently stands. The allegations have surfaced during the Oscar campaign for "The Holdovers," adding an awkward layer to the situation.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Deadline
Bradley Cooper was honored with the Outstanding Performer Of The Year award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by Brad Pitt. The event featured a conversation with Cooper about his career, including insights into his early aspirations, breakout roles, and experiences as an actor and director. Additionally, the Advanced Imaging Society’s Annual Lumiere Awards celebrated technical achievements in film and television, with notable winners including Oppenheimer, Spider-Man: Across The Universe, and The Last Of Us.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Hollywood Reporter
The making of "The Holdovers" involved a patient and meticulous process, from the initial script to finding the right cast and filming locations. Director Alexander Payne and actor Paul Giamatti discuss the film's portrayal of "cozy" and its underlying themes of loneliness and isolation. The movie's development, including the creation of characters and the search for a distributor, was marked by attention to detail and a deliberate pace, ultimately leading to a successful release.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Hollywood Reporter
Paul Giamatti won the Golden Globe for best actor in a motion picture, musical or comedy for his role in The Holdovers, dedicating the award to teachers and expressing gratitude to director Alexander Payne and his family. Giamatti's portrayal of a history teacher in the film resonated with his own family's teaching background.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Variety
Paul Giamatti wins the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his role in "The Holdovers" and dedicates the award to teachers, emphasizing the importance of their work. He humorously acknowledges the physical demands of the event and expresses gratitude to his director, co-stars, and crew. This marks his third Golden Globe win, and his co-star Da’Vine Joy Randolph also secures a win.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Guardian
"The Holdovers," directed by Alexander Payne, is a crowd-pleasing movie that defies traditional holiday film tropes. Set during Christmas, the film explores the struggles of three characters dealing with depression and grief. Payne and screenwriter David Hemingson skillfully navigate the emotional complexities of the characters, creating a realistic portrayal of human behavior. The film is both elegant and cinematic, reminiscent of the 70s era, and features compelling performances from Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph. While not a traditional feel-good movie, "The Holdovers" leaves viewers with a sense of warmth and the importance of being there for someone in their time of need.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Associated Press
Paul Giamatti reflects on his career and his role in the film "Sideways" as he reunites with director Alexander Payne for their latest collaboration, "The Holdovers." Giamatti discusses the similarities between his characters in both films and the joy of working with Payne. The actor's performance in "The Holdovers" has garnered praise, with many predicting he may finally receive his first best actor Oscar nomination. Giamatti expresses his desire for the film to be acknowledged in some way, whether it's through his own nomination or recognition for his co-stars and the film's creators.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The A.V. Club
Director Alexander Payne discusses his film "The Holdovers," a throwback dramedy set in a Massachusetts boarding school during Christmas break in 1970. Payne emphasizes that the film is not just a period piece, but a contemporary film made to look like it was produced in the 1970s. The production team focused on creating an authentic aesthetic, including costumes, set design, and editing techniques. The film aims to capture the atmosphere of the era while telling a warm and emotionally engaging story.