2027 Oscar Predictions: BEST ACTOR (May)
The Academy announced a historic rule change allowing an actor to receive multiple nominations in the same acting category, reviving a practice last seen in the 1940s. This opens the door for performers with two strong roles in a single year to compete against each other, a scenario highlighted by Robert Pattinson’s dual releases. AwardsWatch analyst Erik Anderson listed a sprawling early‑2027 Best Actor field, from Tom Cruise’s comeback to biopic contenders like Michael Jackson. The shift promises a more complex nomination landscape for the 99th Oscars.
NEON Charms U.S. Rights to Jeff Nichols’ ‘King Snake’ with Drew Starkey, Margaret Qualley, Michael Shannon
NEON announced it has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Jeff Nichols’ new Southern‑gothic horror, *King Snake*. The film stars Margaret Qualley, Michael Shannon and Drew Starkey and is being fully financed by FilmNation, which also handles worldwide sales. Principal photography...
![‘Blue Heron’ Review: Sophy Romvari Immortalizes a Memory in a Profound Act of Courage [A-] (SFFILM)](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/260556a56f587ae5d80975290bf117df.webp)
‘Blue Heron’ Review: Sophy Romvari Immortalizes a Memory in a Profound Act of Courage [A-] (SFFILM)
Sophy Romvari’s first feature, *Blue Heron*, premiered at the San Francisco International Film Festival and is now playing in select theaters through Janus Films. The film follows eight‑year‑old Sasha’s recollection of her immigrant family’s 1990s move to Vancouver Island and...
AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 343: Reviewing ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’
AwardsWatch released Podcast Episode 343, a 1‑hour‑8‑minute review of the spring sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2. Editors Erik Anderson and Karen Peterson dissect the film’s plot, fashion, and its commentary on the shrinking journalism industry. The episode features the star‑studded cast—including Meryl Streep, Anne...
2026 Chicago Critics Film Festival Reviews: ‘Black Zombie,’ ‘The Last One for the Road,’ ‘Loafers,’ ‘You Had to Be There’
The 2026 Chicago Critics Film Festival featured four distinct titles that earned strong grades. Maya Annik Bedward’s documentary Black Zombie examines the Haitian Vodou roots of the zombie myth, earning a B+. Francesco Sossai’s road‑trip drama The Last One for...
Sweeping Oscars Changes: Academy Says No to AI, Opens International Film Eligibility, Allows Multiple Acting Nods in Same Category
The Academy’s Board of Governors approved new rules for the 99th Oscars, banning AI‑generated performances and mandating human‑authored screenplays. Actors can now receive multiple nominations in the same category if they rank in the top five votes. The International Feature...
Director Watch Podcast Ep. 152 – ‘Following’ (Christopher Nolan, 1998)
The Director Watch Podcast released episode 152, a deep‑dive into Christopher Nolan’s low‑budget debut *Following* (1998). Co‑hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter dissect the film’s noir roots, weekend‑shoot schedule, and narrative pacing, contrasting it with Nolan’s later blockbuster oeuvre. They note the film’s modest scope...
50th San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival (Frameline50) Announces Opening Night, Centerpiece, and Pride Kickoff Films
Frameline, the nonprofit behind the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, announced its opening night, centerpiece, and Pride kickoff films for the 50th edition running June 17‑27. The lineup features D’Arcy Drollinger’s drag‑centric comedy “Lady Champagne,” Bryde O’Connor’s documentary “Barbara Forever” honoring...
‘Death by Lightning,’ ‘Big Mistakes,’ Rachel Sennott Lead 2026 Gotham Television Awards Nominations
The Gotham Film & Media Institute announced the 2026 Gotham Television Awards nominations, covering twelve competitive categories. Netflix’s “Big Mistakes” and “Death by Lightning” lead with four nominations each, while HBO/HBO Max tops network totals with 23 nods. Rachel Sennott earned...
On the Shelf: ‘Highest 2 Lowest,’ ‘John Singleton’s Hood Trilogy,’ a Nancy Meyers Double Feature and Action-Packed Spectacles Highlight the...
The week of April 27, 2026 sees a wave of new physical‑media releases, highlighted by Spike Lee’s thriller “Highest 2 Lowest” arriving on Blu‑ray, Criterion’s box‑set of John Singleton’s Hood Trilogy, and the first Blu‑ray editions of Nancy Meyers’ “Private Benjamin” and “Something’s Gotta Give.” Arrow Video adds 4K restorations of...
Director Watch Podcast Ep. 151 – ‘The Annihilation of Fish’ (Burnett, 1999)
Episode 151 of the Director Watch Podcast, hosted by Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter, examines Charles Burnett’s 1999 indie drama *The Annihilation of Fish*. The hosts discuss the film’s exploration of late‑life romance, loneliness, and mental‑health themes, while praising performances by Lynn Redgrave and...
![2026 San Francisco International Film Festival Reviews: ‘Two Pianos,’ ‘If I Go Will They Miss Me,’ ‘Filipiñana,’ ‘Elder Son’ [SFFILM]](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/220d2900cfc4e4dc0a6f22a8e4353556.webp)
2026 San Francisco International Film Festival Reviews: ‘Two Pianos,’ ‘If I Go Will They Miss Me,’ ‘Filipiñana,’ ‘Elder Son’ [SFFILM]
The 69th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 24 – May 4, 2026) showcased four standout films reviewed by August Hammel: Arnaud Desplechin’s French drama “Two Pianos,” Walter Thompson‑Hernández’s American debut “If I Go Will They Miss Me,” Rafael Manuel’s Filipino critique “Filipiñana,” and Cecilia...
![‘Idiots’ Review: Dave Franco and O’Shea Jackson Jr. Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore [B] Atlanta Film Festival](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/39b43ebbaa241c10fa538e3dd6a17f26.webp)
‘Idiots’ Review: Dave Franco and O’Shea Jackson Jr. Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore [B] Atlanta Film Festival
Macon Blair’s latest dark comedy‑thriller, retitled *Idiots* from its festival moniker *The Shitheads*, premiered at the Atlanta Film Festival and will hit U.S. theaters on August 28, 2026. The film follows disgraced workers Dave Franco and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as they transport...
![Olivia Wilde Takes San Francisco by Storm with ‘The Invite’ [Q&A]](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/dc278cbdd218c722bc19192eda824d30.webp)
Olivia Wilde Takes San Francisco by Storm with ‘The Invite’ [Q&A]
Olivia Wilde’s latest film, The Invite, opened the 69th San Francisco International Film Festival with a live Q&A at the restored Castro Theatre. The comedy‑drama, adapted from the Spanish film The People Upstairs, is Wilde’s third directorial project and the first...
Isa Briones Reminisces on Her Two Seasons of ‘The Pitt’ and What She Sees for Santos in the Future [VIDEO...
Isa Briones has become a breakout star on HBO Max’s drama *The Pitt*, starring as Dr. Trinity Santos for two seasons. The series earned five Emmys in its debut, and Briones is now Emmy‑eligible for Outstanding Supporting Actress. She also...
2027 Oscar Predictions: The Awards Alchemist’s First Look at the 99th Academy Awards
The Awards Alchemist unveiled its first look at the 99th Academy Awards, naming Christopher Nolan’s "The Odyssey" as the front‑runner for Best Picture. The piece outlines a four‑point forecasting framework—director pedigree, cast strength, thematic relevance, and alignment with recent Academy...
![Brittany Allen On Bringing Honor to Roxie’s Final Hours on ‘The Pitt’ [VIDEO INTERVIEW]](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/1d1a3f75cb2c35774c27bf9090c48416.webp)
Brittany Allen On Bringing Honor to Roxie’s Final Hours on ‘The Pitt’ [VIDEO INTERVIEW]
Brittany Allen joins the Emmy‑winning drama *The Pitt* for a multi‑episode arc in its second season, portraying Roxie Hamler, a woman battling advanced cancer in the hospital’s emergency department. The series has surged in popularity, with Season 2 viewership up roughly...
![‘Leviticus’ Review: Adrian Chiarella Conjures a Timely and Biblically Scary Gay Horror Story [A-]](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/a24a98b5801063d86fc5abb925f0a67a.webp)
‘Leviticus’ Review: Adrian Chiarella Conjures a Timely and Biblically Scary Gay Horror Story [A-]
Adrian Chiarella’s debut horror film Leviticus premiered at Sundance’s Midnight section, earning strong critical buzz and a heated seven‑figure acquisition by NEON. The Australian‑set thriller uses biblical motifs to critique homophobic interpretations of Leviticus and the trauma of conversion therapy. Starring Joe Bird...
2026 Cannes: Short Film and La Cinef Titles Announced
The 79th Cannes Film Festival will feature ten short films in competition, selected from 3,184 submissions representing 136 countries. The Short Film Palme d’or will be presented on May 23, concluding the festival’s May 12‑22 run. Parallel to the main event, La Cinef’s 29th...
2026 Tribeca Festival TV Lineup Announced: Season Two Premieres of ‘Adults,’ ‘X-Men ’97’ and More
The Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, announced its 2026 television and podcast slate, running June 3‑14 in New York. Highlights include world premieres of FX’s *Adults* season two, Disney+’s *X‑MEN ’97* season two, and Netflix’s final season of *Survival of the...
AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 342: Reviewing ‘Mother Mary’
AwardsWatch released Podcast Episode 342, where Executive Editor Ryan McQuade and Associate Editor Sophia Ciminello discuss CinemaCon highlights and review David Lowery’s new drama Mother Mary, starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel. The episode runs 1 hour 52 minutes and is available across major streaming platforms and the AwardsWatch YouTube...
On the Shelf: ‘Send Help,’ ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,’ ‘Die My Love,’ “Sleepers,’ and ‘Point Blank’ Highlight the...
The week of April 20, 2026 sees a wave of 4K physical‑media releases, featuring horror hit Send Help, the sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, a psychological drama Die My Love, the 1996 crime classic Sleepers, and the Criterion‑backed gangster film Point Blank. Each title arrives on 4K Blu‑ray with restored picture and sound,...
AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 341 – Diving Into Emmy Season with First Predictions
The AwardsWatch Podcast’s 341st episode offers early Emmy predictions, covering lead and series categories in drama, comedy, and limited series. Hosts Tyler Doster, Erik Anderson, and Karen Peterson spotlight a slate of contenders from HBO, Netflix, Apple TV+, Hulu and more,...
Director Watch Podcast Ep. 149 – ‘Killer of Sheep’ (Charles Burnett, 1978)
The Director Watch Podcast’s 149th episode dives into Charles Burnett’s 1978 debut, *Killer of Sheep*, exploring its themes of Black family life and Italian neorealism. The hosts highlight recent restorations of Burnett’s catalog on physical media, giving the film renewed...
Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) Announces 2027 Dates
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced that its 42nd edition will run from February 3‑13, 2027, cementing its place on the awards‑season circuit. The 2026 event drew more than 80,000 attendees, showcased over 200 films from 50 countries, and featured 17...
58th Directors’ Fortnight Lineup of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight has unveiled its 58th edition, featuring 19 feature films and nine shorts from 19 countries across five continents. The slate blends six debut features with five documentaries and five animated titles, spotlighting both established...
Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) Announce Dates for 2027 and 2028 Awards
The Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) announced that its 74th Golden Reel Awards will take place on March 7, 2027 and the 75th ceremony on February 27, 2028, both at Los Angeles’ Wilshire Ebell Theatre. A detailed submissions and voting schedule for the 2027...
Laura Dern, Carol Burnett, Cameron Crowe Added to TCM Classic Film Festival; Rare ‘Letty Lynton’ Restoration Set
Turner Classic Movies announced the final lineup for its 2026 Classic Film Festival, running April 30 – May 3 in Hollywood. The program adds high‑profile talent such as Laura Dern, Carol Burnett and Cameron Crowe, who will present screenings and conversations alongside Alexander Payne and...
![Academy Award-Winning Filmmaker Steven Bognar Boards Yael Bridge’s ‘Who Moves America’ Doc as Executive Producer [EXCLUSIVE]](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/ec621c8773f980dd8f6eee89bbcb4afa.webp)
Academy Award-Winning Filmmaker Steven Bognar Boards Yael Bridge’s ‘Who Moves America’ Doc as Executive Producer [EXCLUSIVE]
Academy Award‑winner Steven Bognar has signed on as executive producer for Yael Bridge’s labor documentary *Who Moves America*. The film chronicles 340,000 UPS Teamsters as they gear up for a possible nationwide strike that could ripple through global supply chains....
Critics Choice Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television Honorees: Hannah Einbinder, Dan Levy, Bre-Z, ‘Heated Rivalry’ Creator Jacob Tierney and...
The Critics Choice Association announced the honorees and date for its third annual Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television, set for May 29, 2026 in Los Angeles. The ceremony will recognize both emerging and established talent, awarding Jane Lynch with...
AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 339 – Reviewing ‘The Drama,’ Starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson
The AwardsWatch Podcast’s 339th episode offers a spoiler‑filled review of A24’s latest release, The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Executive Editor Ryan McQuade and contributor Josh Parham dissect the film’s narrative, performances, and directorial choices. The hour‑long discussion is distributed across all...
Director Watch Podcast Ep. 147 – ‘The Tales of Hoffman’ (Powell and Pressburger, 1951) with Special Guest Christina Jeurling Birro
Episode 147 of the Director Watch podcast dives into Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1951 opera film The Tales of Hoffmann. Co‑hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter are joined by Pop Culture Confidential host Christina Jeurling Birro for an in‑depth analysis...
TCM Film Festival to Honor Glenn Close with Hand and Footprint Ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre
Turner Classic Movies announced that Academy Award‑nominated actress Glenn Close will be honored with a Hand & Footprint ceremony at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre on May 1, 2026, as part of the 2026 TCM Classic Film Festival. Close, an...
Legendary Bay Area Publicist Karen Larsen Shutters Larsen Associates but Boutique Firm to Continue
Karen Larsen announced the closure of Larsen Associates, the San Francisco boutique publicity firm she founded over four decades ago, while her longtime colleague Tim Buckwalter will launch a successor called Larsen Associated to preserve existing client relationships. The agency has...
![‘The Drama’ Review: Zendaya Gets a Case of the Mondays in Kristoffer Borgli’s Twisted Marriage Story [C+]](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/745000819eaf2e706ce2e817061baec1.webp)
‘The Drama’ Review: Zendaya Gets a Case of the Mondays in Kristoffer Borgli’s Twisted Marriage Story [C+]
Kristoffer Borgli’s new film *The Drama* stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in a twisted romantic comedy that subverts wedding‑industry clichés with a shocking teenage‑crime secret. The movie blends glossy millennial aesthetics with dark humor, revealing Emma’s violent past early on,...
On the Shelf: ‘Marty Supreme,’ ‘Ray,’ ‘Salem’s Lot,’ ‘The Blade,’ ‘Married to the Mob’ Highlight the 4K Physical Media Releases...
The week of March 30 sees a wave of 4K physical‑media releases, headlined by A24’s Oscar‑nominated hit *Marty Supreme*, now available in ultra‑high‑definition. Kino Lorber adds a restored *Ray* with extensive commentary, while Arrow Video delivers a deluxe *Salem’s Lot* collector’s edition....
2026 Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF): Steven Soderbergh’s ‘The Christophers,’ ‘Maspalomas’ Take Top Awards
The 29th Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) wrapped up March 25‑29, presenting a record‑breaking slate of 104 films from 37 countries. Oscar‑winner Steven Soderbergh’s *The Christophers* captured the Audience Award, while Spain’s *Maspalomas* earned the Grand Jury Award for Best...
Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS) Television and Nonfiction Nominations Announced: ‘Adolescence,’ ‘Black Mirror,’ ‘Slow Horses’ and More
The Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS) unveiled its 2026 Excellence in Sound nominations, spotlighting five television drama episodes—including two from Netflix’s *Adolescence*—and five factual film entries from broadcasters such as BBC and Disney+. Apple TV and Netflix each lead...
Trailer Watch: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ ‘Dune: Part Three,’ Disclosure Day,’ ‘Wild Horse Nine’
Studios rolled out first trailers for four major 2026 releases, including Sony's Spider‑Man: Brand New Day (July 31) and Warner Bros.' Dune: Part Three (December 18). Universal unveiled a teaser for Steven Spielberg’s sci‑fi return, Disclosure Day (June 12), while Searchlight previewed Martin McDonagh’s...
![‘Anima’ Review: Sydney Chandler and Takehiro Hira Ground Brian Tetsuro Ivie’s Low-Fi Sci-Fi Road Movie [B+] SXSW](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/db421ae114e745ec1a9cc186c821d7bc.webp)
‘Anima’ Review: Sydney Chandler and Takehiro Hira Ground Brian Tetsuro Ivie’s Low-Fi Sci-Fi Road Movie [B+] SXSW
Brian Tetsuro Ivie’s low‑fi sci‑fi road movie Anima premiered at SXSW, earning a B+ rating. The film follows Beck (Sydney Chandler), a recently laid‑off worker, who escorts wealthy button mogul Paul (Takehiro Hira) to a consciousness‑uploading service. Their reluctant partnership...
Six Join 51st Residence of the Festival De Cannes, Including Harry Lighton, Mansi Maheshwari, Oliver McGoldrick
The Festival de Cannes announced six new directors—Harry Lighton, Emma Branderhorst, Joecar Hanna, Saulė Bliuvaitė, Mansi Maheshwari and Oliver McGoldrick—selected for the 51st session of La Résidence du Festival de Cannes. The four‑and‑a‑half‑month residency runs from 16 March to 31 July 2026 in Paris,...
![‘Tow’ Review: Rose Has Plenty to Byrne But In Woefully Uninspired Vehicle [C+]](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/3e4a1b40cef27e9da133a05fa3c5492f.webp)
‘Tow’ Review: Rose Has Plenty to Byrne But In Woefully Uninspired Vehicle [C+]
Rose Byrne anchors the indie drama *Tow* with a compelling, nuanced performance as a homeless mother navigating a tangled legal battle over her car. The film, directed by Stephanie Laing, suffers from a thin screenplay, uneven supporting acting, and a...
American Film Institute (AFI) Announces 2027 Date for AFI AWARDS Honorees-Only Event
The American Film Institute announced that its 2026 AFI Awards honorees‑only ceremony will take place on Friday, January 8, 2027, at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Submission guidelines and deadlines will be released in the coming weeks, with...
San Quentin Film Festival (SQFF) to Hold Event at Central California Women’s Facility
The San Quentin Film Festival will hold its first event outside San Quentin at the Central California Women’s Facility on March 28, featuring award‑winning short films, a filmmaker panel moderated by W. Kamau Bell, and a Women in Film panel with director Dee Rees....
SXSW 2026 Reviews: ‘Wishful Thinking,’ ‘The Sun Never Sets,’ ‘Obsession’
The SXSW 2026 Film Festival spotlighted three standout titles—Wishful Thinking, The Sun Never Sets, and Obsession—each receiving distinct grades and critical praise. Wishful Thinking explores a couple’s emotional energy affecting global systems, earning an A‑. The Sun Never Sets offers...
Frameline Announces 2026 Completion Fund Grantees Ahead of 50th LGBTQ+ Festival
Frameline, the nonprofit behind San Francisco’s International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, announced its 2026 Completion Fund grantees, supporting six diverse projects ranging from documentary features to experimental shorts. The fund, which has allocated $717,500 to 203 films since its 1991 inception, highlights...
SXSW 2026 Reviews: ‘Sender,’ ‘The Saviors,’ ‘Hokum’ Highlight the Stars of ‘Severance’
SXSW 2026 highlighted three genre‑focused films starring Severance leads Britt Lower and Adam Scott. Sender, a claustrophobic psychological thriller, leans on Lower’s performance as a woman haunted by endless deliveries. The Saviors offers a darkly comic satire of xenophobic paranoia featuring Scott amid...
17th TCM Classic Film Festival to Open with ‘Barefoot in the Park,’ Tributes for Barbara Hershey, Paul Williams
Turner Classic Movies announced its 17th Annual Classic Film Festival, running April 30‑May 3, 2026, under the theme “The World Comes to Hollywood.” The opening night gala will screen *Barefoot in the Park* with Jane Fonda introducing a tribute to the late Robert Redford. The...
AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 336 – Final Oscar Predictions for the 98th Academy Awards
Episode 336 of the AwardsWatch Podcast features executive editor Ryan McQuade joined by Erik Anderson, Sophia Ciminello, and Mark Johnson to deliver their final predictions for the 98th Academy Awards. The three‑hour‑plus episode breaks down likely winners across major categories...
New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) Announces 2027 Gala Awards Date
The New York Film Critics Circle announced its 2027 Gala Awards dinner for Tuesday, January 5, 2027, to be held at TAO Downtown. David Rooney, chief critic at The Hollywood Reporter, will serve as the 2026 Chair, while Stephen Garrett...