The Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal July 31

July 14, 2017 Art Shrian & Lapacazo Sandoval

The 35th edition of the Just for Laughs comedy festival, in Montreal, kicks off today with some of the biggest names in comedy sharing the stage with rising up and comers. Highlights from the 2017 lineup include Jerry Seinfeld in his first appearance at the festival since 1989.

In the comedy world this is a big deal. It’s like the Olympics of Laugher and the launching pad for comedians like Kevin Hart, Judd Apatow, and Dave Chappelle, to name a few.

JFL’s tradition continues with The Ethnic Show, returning for its 9th Edition presented as part of the Jack Astor’s Club Series. This cultural melting pot for comedy features today’s buzz worthy comics, hosted by outspoken comedian Iranian-American Maz Jobrani. Maz is best known for numerous appearances on the late night talk show circuit, many movies and television appearances. Joining Maz, sharing the humorous side of their diverse backgrounds, Jewish-American Jessica Kirson returning after highly praised performances in 2016; international comedian and one of the most sought-after performers, Korean Irish-American Steve Byrne; their return to the Festival, audience favourite Italian-Canadians The Doo Wops, comprised of John Catucci and David Mesiano; rising star Portuguese-Canadian Mike Rita; and staple of the New York comedy scene Dominican-American Vlad Caamaño. We’re tearing down barriers to speak forthright while laughing at our differences and similarities

Here is what some of the funniest folks on the planet performing as part of the The Ethnic Show had to say about humor in 2017.

The Doo Wops (they’re a duo)

David Mesiano

What's funny to me?

Self-deprecating humour, as long as I'm the one telling the story.

Where do I see ethnic humour going?

I see it evolving at an even pace with the respective ethnic group. There are certain stereotypes that are timeless; there are those that are outdated. But as a culture grows, I believe so do the opportunities to be made fun of!

John Catucci

What's funny to me?

Awkward silences

Where do I see ethnic humour going?

Mike Rita

What’s funny to me?

The unspoken truths of the world, the stuff that people say inside their brains while the world happens around them and i love when crazy people scare really soft humans. I always thought it was funny when a person who lives in a little bubble has it burst by someone whipping out their penis.

Where do I think ethnic comedy is going?

I think it’s going main stream more than ever but i can't tell if it’s for the correct reasons like pure talent. I feel at times people love to cash in on markets that haven't been tapped and thou ethnic comedy has always existed, it’s now marketable so it’s about to blow up.

Maz Jobrani

What’s funny to you?

Most anything that comes out of the mouth of my 6 year old daughter.

Where do you see ethnic comedy going? (with diverse ethnic groups being more outspoken)

I think that what we are seeing are comedians who just happen to be from different ethnicities. It takes immigrant cultures some time to get past the basic lawyer, doctor, engineer careers and get into the actor, comedian, rock star careers. But it’s been a few generations where Indians, Iranians, Arabs and others have been coming to the West and we’re seeing more and more comedians from diverse backgrounds talking about their experiences. It will be similar to what happened for Jews, blacks and Hispanics in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Comedy, will hopefully help these other ethnic communities break into the mainstream. It is a positive thing for diversity.

Jessica Kirson

What’s funny to you?

I laugh at real, vulnerable comedians. I love when someone is very dry in their delivery and really owns it. That makes me laugh out loud. I laugh at anything silly. I laugh when people fall (and don't get hurt). I love physical humor.

Where do you see ethnic comedy going? (with diverse ethnic groups being more outspoken)

I think we will see more and more ethnic humor. The world is so diverse and it's important to see all of it. Every group has their own culture, habits, funny things to make fun of. It's great to see how different we all are through humor.

Social Media:

Facebook: @justforlaughs
Twitter: @justforlaughs
Instagram: @justforlaughs
#JFLMTL#JFL35

NYC GEARS UP FOR THE IIFA WEEKEND & AWARDS. Metlife stadium to get Bollywoodized! #IIFA2017

July 13, 2017 Art Shrian & Lapacazo Sandoval

NEW YORK CITY GEARS UP FOR THE 18TH EDITION OF THE IIFA WEEKEND AND AWARDS!

· The 18th Edition Of Lycamobile Presents IIFA Festival New York in Association with McDonalds to be held from 13th – 15th July 2017 in the host city of New York

· The 72 hours extravaganza, Eros Now IIFA Weekendco-presented by NEXA powered by VIVO will feature string of events and unique associations: Myntra presents IIFA Stomp, Shuruaat Gala Dinner IIFA Societal Innovation Summitin association with tGELF, The FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum 2017, the spectacularEROS NOW IIFA Rocks and the one and only- The NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO

Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, Anupam Kher, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor at the IIFA New York Press Conference (4) (1).jpeg

Salman Khan at the IIFA New York Press Conference (9).jpeg

Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon at the IIFA New York Press Conference (10).jpeg

DJ Bravo at the IIFA New York Press Conference (7).jpeg

Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor at the IIFA New York Press Conference (3).jpeg

Sabbas Joseph Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creator of the IIFA movement at the IIFA New York Press Conference (5).jpeg

New York, 13th July 2017: The International Indian Film Academy have commenced today in the city of New York! The anticipation is building as IIFA travels to the United States for the second time. Known to be the center of entertainment, business, fashion and culture, the premiere edition of IIFA in New York is all set to be star studded event filled with splendor and revelry!

The 18th Edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards began with an Official Press Conference held at the Metropolitan Ballroom at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel. The conference was attended by leading notable figures and members from the media, eminent Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan among others were in attendance as they welcomed the Biggest IFA ever in New York.

Commenting on the occasion, Andre Timmins, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creator of the IIFA movement says, “The 18th Edition of IIFA Weekend And Awards is going to be one of our biggest ever IIFA Festival to date. We are bringing together the very best in music, fashion, dance extravaganza and celebration of Indian Film and we can’t wait for IIFA to take over the City of New York and America. The multi-faceted nature of IIFA also presents a great opportunity through FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum, with which we aim to create a business networking platform to further trade & policy relations between India and America.”

Varun Dhawan shared saying, “I am absolutely excited to be a part of IIFA Awards in New York this year. I’m looking forward to join everyone and see fans at the amazing MetLife Stadium. This year is truly going to be a grand celebration and I can’t wait to be there!”

Commenting on the occasion, Salman Khan says, “It always feels great to be a part of the IIFA Movement and I look forward to the IIFA Festival in New York.”

Expressing his excitement, Shahid Kapoor says, “IIFA is all about creating memories and experiences. I had a great time last year hosting the show. This time around I will be performing at the IIFA Festival New York. I am hoping to give the audiences a power packed performance in the City That Never Sleeps.”

Speaking about her debut at IIFA, Alia Bhatt shares, “I am very excited to be a part of IIFA 2017, as this is going to be my debut at the IIFA Festival after 5 years in the industry. I am super excited that IIFA is being held in the beautiful city of New York. IIFA is all about togetherness and the celebration of the Indian cinema globally and I eagerly look forward to this celebration”.

Katrina Kaif says, “I’m really excited and looking forward to performing at the IIFA Awards this year. It is such a great platform that not only showcases the celebration of cinema globally, but also it’s a great opportunity for us to reach out to our fans worldwide. I am excited that this year, it is happening in one of my favorite cities – New York!”

Sharing his experience with IIFA, Sushant Singh Rajput says, “I have always been excited for IIFA since my college days, because that’s when my association with IIFA began. From being a back-ground dancer to performing for the audiences as an actor, IIFA has always been very memorable to me. I am very grateful to IIFA for giving me a chance to perform. I doubt I will be performing on my songs, because the films I have done, don’t really have peppy numbers. However I look forward to my performance at the IIFA Festival New York 2017.”

Commenting on her excitement for IIFA, Kriti Sanon says, “IIFA is a great platform where everyone from the industry travels globally and celebrates the glory of Indian Cinema. The IIFA Awards has always been held in the most beautiful destinations and this time it’s being held in New York. I am enthusiastically looking forward to my very first performance at the IIFA Festival and my first visit to the City.”

Lycamobile – Presenting Sponsor, McDonalds - Associate Sponsor, NYC (Mayors office) - Host Destination, NewYorkBannerStands & Print Early – Printing Partner, Pierre Précieuse – Gifting Partner and Arya Dance Academy – Dance Company Partner.

The NEXA IIFA Awards will broadcast on COLORS – the Broadcast Partner, with the Title Sponsor NEXA, Weekend Title Sponsor – EROS NOW, Powered by VIVO, Cause Partner- WOOSH Washing Expert, Styled by Myntra, Official Airline Partner – AIR INDIA, Thought Leadership Partner – VEDANTA, Brand Partner – Closeup, Carnival and Ease My Trip and Franchise India, Jewelry Partner – Nakshatraworld.com, Outdoor partners – Bright Outdoor Media and JR Creations, Multiplex Partner –PVR

Commenting on the occasion, Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO - Viacom18, "Historically, Indian cinema has been the biggest ambassador of our culture, and IIFA has been instrumental in a big way to take our cinema to the Indian diaspora. IIFA is the biggest celebration of Bollywood, and it has been a very rewarding partnership between COLORS Viacom18 and Wizcraft to take this entertainment extravaganza a notch higher every year. The increasing appeal of Indian movies across geographies have established the international appeal of the local Indian content. This focus on content driven cinema is a cause that is very dear to our Studio, Viacom18 Motion Pictures. In the coming days we will strive towards making our stories, our cinema find increasing global audiences and spread the essence of Bollywood across cultures."

Sharing on the same, Raj Nayak, COO – Viacom18, said “After months of preparations, we are in New York today to celebrate the world’s biggest Bollywood awards. Three days of celebration that started with ringing the bell at Nasdaq, having a dance & fashion show at Times Square, celebrating 25 years of A R Rahman with IIFA Rocks and finally the IIFA awards, it's just been amazing. 40,000 people will watch the event LIVE at the MetLife stadium in New York and viewers across the globe will get to watch the extravaganza on COLORS."

Speaking of the association, Mr. R. S Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki said“We are delighted to associate with NEXA IIFA Awards 2017 for the third consecutive year. NEXA and IIFA are symbolic of breaking the status-quo and creating experiences which are new and exciting. NEXA is synonymous with offering premium experiences matched with spectacular segment defining products like S-Cross, Baleno, Ignis and Ciaz. NEXA creates moments which consumers experience just like IIFA which builds lifetime experiences and felicitates excellence in Indian cinema at a global stage”

Commenting on the association, Rishika Lulla Singh CEO - Eros Digital said, “We strive to offer the best of Bollywood content to our viewers and it gives us immense pleasure to associate with Wizcraft and come on board as Title Sponsor for IIFA Weekend, one of the most celebrated and recognized Indian film award ceremonies across the globe. Eros Now will stream the awards reaching out to our subscribers across the world to give them the opportunity to witness these grand celebrations before its telecast on any other digital platform. With two leading players from the entertainment space coming together for the awards gala, the teams promise to magnify its scope and amplify our vision to reach out to Indian cinema lovers across the world’.

Delighted at the association, Vivek Zhang, CMO, Vivo India, said, “We are thrilled to have partnered with the most coveted platform representing Indian cinema globally. As a global smartphone brand, we constantly try to connect closely with our target audience in different parts of the country. We believe that the popularity of India International Film Awards (IIFA) is a splendid opportunity for Vivo to strengthen connect with the right audience and create a strong brand recall. Our latest offering in the Indian market is a step ahead in our endeavor to revolutionize the selfie phenomenon.”

Speaking of the association, Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Resources Plc said; “IIFA has been a platform that showcases India’s art & cultural excellence to the world, just as we believe Vedanta champions India’s natural resources globally. I am pleased that IIFA is supporting our flagship CSR programme; Nand Ghar as a social cause which will benefit 8.5 crore children and 2 crore women across India. This is aligned to our Honorable Prime Minister’s social development vision for our country.”

Sharing on the association, Mr. Allirajah Subaskaran Group Chairman and founder, Lycamobile Group of Companies said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s International Indian Film Academy Festival, an event showcasing the best of Bollywood, with nominations from some of the industry’s biggest stars, including Anushka Sharma, Amitabh Bachchan and Shahid Kapoor. Our sponsorship of the Festival demonstrates Lyca Group’s ongoing commitment to excellence in Indian cinema, an area we are dedicated to supporting as we continue our expansion into film through our entertainment business Lyca Productions”

“I join Mayor de Blasio in extending a warm welcome to IIFA for its annual celebration of Indian Cinema,” said Film and Entertainment Commissioner, Julie Menin. “As both a film production capital and the proud home to so many Indian Americans, New York is the perfect host city for this wonderful celebration. We also welcome the many Bollywood film lovers, fans and tourists who will visit our city for these prestigious awards.”

Drawing a close parallel between the two mega brands, Air India’s Commercial Director, Mr. Pankaj Srivastava said that “As has IIFA been growing to be a global phenomenon over the years, so has Air India been expanding its wings internationally, especially in American, European and Australian markets. Both Air India and IIFA are dream merchants and true ambassadors of Indian goodwill abroad.”

Commenting on the occasion, Ananth Narayanan, CEO, Myntra-Jabong says, “The strong bond between Bollywood and fashion needs no foreword! An association between the nations’s leading destination for fashion online and the most awaited screen award ceremony in the country makes for an excellent combination that symbolically connects these brands with consumers. IIFA represents glamour and fashion and we are looking forward to a long-standing relationship with them as their fashion partners.”

Talking about the collaboration with IIFA, Mr. Yogesh Jain, Managing Director and Chairman ‘Woosh Washing Expert’ says, “It gives us immense pleasure to have associated with IIFA. As cause partners, we will be happy to promote Woosh’s ‘Soft Soft Hands’ at the event and empower women, in our own little way. This is our first association with IIFA and we look forward to continuing our journey with it, going forward”.

Commenting on this, Shashwat Sharma, Category Head, Oral Care India, said, “Closeup as a brand celebrates two individuals coming close by shedding all inhibitions that they face. Our signature tune “Paas Aao” has been an iconic jingle building our brand philosophy. We are excited to bring to you a fresh and edgy take of the much-loved melody. What started out as a romantic number has now evolved into a bold and catchy track which resonates with the pulse of today’s youth. We want to inspire the youth to break all barriers and overcome their hesitation. This thought has been brilliantly brought alive by Ahmed Khan and his vision for the song and the charm of Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon. We are confident this new exciting avatar of “Paas Aao” will be loved by all.” Tune in to Colors, at 10 am and catch Kriti and Sushant share their ‘PaasAao’ moment with their electrifying performance on stage!

Commenting on the association, Mr. Nishant Pitti, CEO & Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip.com shared, “Joining IIFA 2017 as support partner will bring EaseMyTrip more close to Bollywood as we always welcome our association with entertainment world.”

IIFA inaugurated its festivities by ringing in the Nasdaq stock exchange bell at Times Square, thus marking the globalization of Indian cinema. International Indian Film Academy especially rang the bell to announce its support for the Nand Ghar Project, a unique Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), led by Vedanta Resources, which is listed on the NYSE stock exchange, along with the Government of India to transform Early Childhood Care and Education Centers. Designed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to eradicating malnutrition, providing education and skill Development, Vedanta has adopted 4,000 villages in India. Taking the benefits of development of healthcare, children's education and skill development for women, Project Nand Ghar is a meeting point of the social initiatives by the government such as Swaach Bharat, Startup India, Skill India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India campaigns all under one roof. With a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities,Vedanta founders have pledged 75% of their wealth for social development.

Fans of Indian Cinema can look forward to a host of events kicking off with the music and fashion welcome party- Myntra presents IIFA Stomp at Times Square on 13th July. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan will be showcasing his DJ skills at IIFA Stomp alongside DJ Amann Nagpal, Electronica icon B.R.E.E.D, DJ Nasha, as they raise the excitement with their unique music. Another facet to IIFA Stomp is a glamorous Fashion Show right in the heart of the city! Myntra shall present its collection with show-stoppers Bollywood actresses’ Dia Mirza and Taapsee Pannu. Leading ladies Shilpa Shetty & Neha Dhupia shall be show-stoppers for Shane and Falguni Peacock collection presented by NEXA and a Jewelry collection will be presented by Gitanjali by designer Sonaakshi Raaj withHuma Qureshi as the showstopper. In addition, Myntra shall announce the MOGO much logo launch featuring a 10 minute performance by the talented multi-instrumentalist Karsh Kale.

Day 1 of the 18th edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards also introduces the first-of-its-kind“Shuruaat Gala” Dinner IIFA Societal Innovation Summit, a charity fundraiser organized by IIFA in association with The Global Education and Leadership Foundation (tGELF) at The Pierre in New York. As star studded evening, Shuruaat Gala Dinner at IIFA shall bring together the biggest celebrities from Bollywood and leaders from business, philanthropy, media, education and Arts.

As part of the IIFA Weekend and Awards in New York, IIFA and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry announced the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum to be held on July 14th, 2017 at the Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue. An initiative, supported by Consulate General of India- New York, Asia Society and US-India Business Council (USIBC), the Business Forum began in 2005 and has grown into a global platform which has hosted international leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Prince Charles, Prime Minister Tony Blair of UK, President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and a number of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum, the annual one-day event has been a major highlight of the IIFA Weekend And Awards, solidifying the business ties between India and its significant trade and investment partners. This year, the Global Business Forum 2017 will focus on the theme “India and United States: Partners in Progress”, withdiscussions on India- US commercial relations, with panel sessions focusing on key aspects of the relationship: The future of India-US Economic Partnership, Defense and Security, Manufacturing,Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Media & Entertainment.

Additionally, the iconic MetLife stadium shall transform into an unforgettable musical experience atEROS NOW IIFA Rocks on July 14th with the Multi-talented Bollywood star Diljit Dosanjh kick-starting the performances. A never-seen-before medley and energetic performances from Hariharan, Kailash Kher, Mika Singh, Mohit Chauhan, Jonita Gandhi, Neeti Mohan, Javed Ali, Haricharan Seshadri and Kamaal Khan among others will be seen with the legendary artist A.R. Rahman at IIFA Rocks. Bollywood’s Riteish Deshmukh and Manish Paul will host the sensational global event.

The final and most awaited event of the weekend is the NEXA IIFA Awards Co-presented by Eros Now Powered by VIVO, a spectacular and glamorous night which honors and celebrates excellence and deserving work in Indian cinema will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 15thfeaturing Saif Ali Khan and Karan Johar hosting the star studded night with dazzling performances by Bollywood megastars Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, to name a few.

The NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO to broadcast on COLORS on Sunday, July 16th with the Green Carpet at 6pm followed by the Awards at 7pm.

Lycamobile Presents IIFA Festival New York in Association with McDonalds will air LIVE exclusively onSaturday, July 15, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT in North America and the Caribbean oncable, satellite and digital Pay Per View via in Demand, Vubiquity, DISH and DIRECTV in the USA, Bell, Rogers, SHAW, SaskTel and Telus in Canada, along with the Flipps App and web sitewww.IIFAAwardsppv.com in both the USA and Canada. The suggested retail price is $39.95. The live telecast is distributed exclusively via Integrated Sports Media.

With the excitement growing across the world, the Official IIFA merchandise is a perfect treat for‘IIFAn’s’ globally. The Official IIFA Merchandise includes an interesting range of T-Shirts, Caps, Key Rings, Hooded Sweatshirts, Tote Bags, Magnet and Ticket Holders among others that are stylized with the Iconic IIFA’s logo. The Merchandise is exclusively available on e-storehttps://www.jsrdirect.com/webstores/iifa and at MetLife Stadium from 14th – 15th July 2017 during the 72 hour IIFA Weekend and Awards.

As fans from all across the world await for the biggest celebration of Indian cinema worldwide, International Indian Film Academy is pleased to announce its diverse range of official IIFA merchandise. New York based Easy Partners, a boutique licensing and merchandising company ties up with IIFA as the official merchandise partner to produce, market and sell the merchandise.

IIFA continues on its journey with strength to grow every year in the world of entertainment and building the outreach as a major event globally to bring positive results and impact. This year is set to be one of the biggest, most extravagant and amazing IIFA Weekends to date. Keep up to date with all the latest news and details on IIFA by logging on to www.iifa.com or checking out the social media handles.

#IIFA2017

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/IIFA

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iifa/

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

Conceptualized and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and supported by the key members of the Indian film fraternity, IIFA is the most appreciated South Asian film academy and a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories. The alliances made via the platform of IIFA provide huge benefits and gain to India but an equally important objective of this prestigious brand is to create similar outcomes in its host country. The aim is to establish a system of mutual benefit to both India as well as the host destinations by boosting tourism, economic development, trade, culture, cross-border investments and film co-productions.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd promotes the IIFA Weekend & Awards globally each year and travel to new, exciting and beautiful destinations, taking the film fraternity with it to unite and celebrate the best of Indian film and culture, thereby taking Indian Cinema and India to a wider audience. www.iifa.com.

ABOUT WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PVT. LTD.

Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards & Weekend for 15 years in over 12 countries, Wizcraft has contributed towards brand building for India across the world. It has pioneered and developed India’s biggest entertainment brand IIFA which has taken Indian Cinema and culture to the world. The growth story of the company reflects the evolution of the Indian event management & entertainment industry itself. Driven by its vision “Believe in the power of your dreams” the company is committed to quality and innovation, while setting its sights on greater peaks of achievement.

ABOUT METLIFE STADIUM

MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Football Giants, is the number one stadium in the world. This 82,500 seat stadium, one of the largest in the National Football League, sets the standard for venue excellence with state-of-the-art technology, comfort and amenities. The only active venue to serve as the home stadium for two NFL teams, MetLife Stadium hosts 20 NFL games per season, more than any other Stadium.

MetLife Stadium hosts the World’s Biggest Events, on the World’s Biggest Stage. Major events hosted at the stadium include Super Bowl XLVIII, WrestleMania 29, Copa America Centenario, CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals, Paul McCartney, U2, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift

MetLife Stadium tops the industry charts annually since opening. The Stadium has ranked as the No. 1 Highest Grossing Stadium in the world for the last 5 years (2012 – 2016) by Billboard magazine. In 2011 MetLife Stadium was ranked No. 1 for safety by Security magazine’s “Security 500” in the Arenas/Stadiums/Leagues/Entertainment division.

For more information, visit:

www.metlifestadium.com

www.wizcraftworld.com

IIFA RINGS IN THE NASDAQ BELL WITH SONAKSHI SINHA & IIFA STOMP to take over Times Square tomorrow!

July 12, 2017 #ArtReports

Sonakshi Sinha at Times Square for IIFA 2017.jpg

Sonakshi Sinha, Raj Nayak and Sabbas Joseph at The Nasdaq Stock Exchange Bell.jpg

Sonakshi Sinha with Sabbas Joseph at Times Square.jpg

THE 18TH EDITION OF IIFA WEEKEND AND AWARDS RINGS IN The Nasdaq Stock Exchange Bell - LIVE AT TIMES SQUARE.jpg

THE 18TH EDITION OF IIFA WEEKEND AND AWARDS RINGS IN THE NASDAQ STOCK EXCHANGE BELL WITH BOLLYWOOD DIVA SONAKSHI SINHA

New York, 12th July 2017: As the highly anticipated 18TH edition of IIFA, to be held from 13th – 15th July 2017

descends on the captivating city of New York, the International Indian Film Academy commences its festivities by ringing in the Nasdaq stock exchange bell at Times Square, thus marking the globalization of Indian cinema.

Seen at the prestigious event were members of Nasdaq along with IIFA’s founders Mr. Andre Timmins and Mr. Sabbas Joseph, Directors of Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movement, along with Bollywood diva Sonakshi Sinha.

International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) especially rang the bell to announce its support for the Nand Ghar Project, a unique Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), led by Vedanta Resources,which is listed on the NYSE stock exchange, along with the Government of India to transform Early Childhood Care and Education Centers.

Designed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to eradicating malnutrition, providing education and skill Development, Vedanta has adopted 4,000 villages in India. Taking the benefits of development of healthcare, children's education and skill development for women, Project Nand Ghar is a meeting point of the social initiatives by the government such as Swaach Bharat, Startup India, Skill India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India campaigns all under one roof. With a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities, Vedanta founders have pledged 75% of their wealth for social development.

Commenting on the occasion, Sabbas Joseph, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movement says, “Given IIFA’s multi-faceted nature, we are pleased to ring in the 18th Edition of IIFA Weekend And Awards at the Nasdaq Stock Market Bell ringing ceremony. We are thrilled to bring in India’s biggest and most spectacular global celebration of cinema and we can’t wait for IIFA to take over the City of New York and America.”

IIFA rings Nasdaq bell w/ Sonakshi Sinha @ Time Square NYC

The 18th Edition of the IIFA Festival New York is presented by Lycamobile in association with McDonalds. The highlight of the Eros Now IIFA Weekend is the NEXA IIFA AWARDS powered by VIVO.

The 18th Edition of IIFA Awards and Weekend is set to be one of the biggest, most extravagant 72 hours extravaganza with a myriad of events and unique associations in its premiere edition in New York: Myntra presents IIFA Stomp, “Shuruaat” Gala Dinner in association with tGELF, The FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum 2017, the spectacular EROS NOW IIFA Rocks and the one and only- NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO.

IIFA is the most coveted and highly anticipated award celebrations that honors the very best of Indian Cinema, a brand that is not only recognized as a major international event but also an institution in its own right. Synonymous With Indian Cinema, IIFA is dedicated to building bridges across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations as it welcomes its first ever IIFA in the City of New York.

The NEXA IIFA Awards will broadcast on COLORS – the Broadcast Partner, with the Title Sponsor NEXA, Powered by VIVO, Weekend Title Sponsor – EROS NOW, Cause Partner- WOOSH Washing Expert, Styled by Myntra, Official Airline Partner – AIR INDIA, THOUGHT LEADERSHIP PARTNER – VEDANTA, Brand Partner – Closeup, Carnival and Ease My Trip, Jewelry Partner - GITANJALI, Outdoor partners – Bright Outdoor Media and JR Creations, Multiplex Partner -PVR, Radio Partner- Red FM, Print Media Partner- Rajasthan Patrika, Support Sponsor- VEDANTA for Shuruaat Gala- IIFA Societal Innovation Summit.

#IIFA 2017
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IIFA
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iifa/

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

ABOUT WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PVT. LTD.

Just For Laughs Awards Honor Jim Carrey, Trevor Noah, Ali Wong and More!

July 10, 2017 #ArtReports

Just For Laughs Announces the Honourees of the 2017 Just For Laughs Awards presented by SiriusXM

This years honourees include:

Trevor Noah: Comedy Person of the Year
Jim Carrey: Generation Award

Mike Birbiglia: Stand-Up Comedian of the Year

Ali Wong: Breakout Comedy Star of the Year

Craig Ferguson: Alumni Tribute

Kenya Barris: Comedy Writer of the Year

http://comedypro.hahaha.com/

Montreal (July 10, 2017) — Just For Laughs celebrates the leading talent in the comedy industry at the 2017 Just For Laughs Awards Show presented by SiriusXM. This year’s honourees include:Trevor Noah (Comedy Person of the Year), Jim Carrey (Generation Award), Mike Birbiglia(Stand-Up Comedian of the Year), Ali Wong (Breakout Comedy Star of the Year), Craig Ferguson (Alumni Tribute), and Kenya Barris (Comedy Writer of the Year). All six will be present to receive their awards at the awards show on Friday, July 28 at 3:00 pm, Grand Salon Opera, Hyatt Regency Montreal.

Trevor Noah is a South African-born comedian best known for his role as host of The Daily Showon Comedy Central. He is the subject of an award-winning documentary, You Laugh But It’s True, which tells the story of his remarkable career in post-apartheid South Africa. He also authored the book, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, an instant New York Times bestseller and top-selling Audible title. Earlier this year, Noah debuted his ninth comedy special, Afraid of the Dark (Netflix). This follows on Trevor Noah: Lost in Translation (Comedy Central) and Trevor Noah: African American (Showtime). Noah was the winner of the “Personality of the Year” at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards, and “Best Host” at the 2017 MTV Movie and TV Awards. He is currently on tour across North America, stopping at Just For Laughs for two sold-out concert performances on July 28 and a sold-out “In Conversation” on July 29th.

Jim Carrey is an award-winning actor who has been honored for both his dramatic and comedic work. He won a Golden Globe Award, for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama, for the title role in Peter Weir's The Truman Show. Jim won his second Golden Globe, for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, for his portrayal of comedian Andy Kaufman in Milos Forman's Man on the Moon. Over the course of his career, Carrey has also been recognized numerous times by the MTV Movie Awards, People's Choice Awards, and Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Carrey is executive producing the Showtime comedy series I'm Dying Up Here set in the 1970's stand-up comedy scene. Carrey can also be seen alongside Suki Waterhouse, Jason Momoa and Keanu Reeves as “The Hermit" in the film The Bad Batch, a cannibal love story that takes place in a post-apocalyptic Texas wasteland. Carrey also stars in the upcoming crime-drama True Crimes, based on the New Yorker article about a homicide investigation of a slain businessman and the novelist eventually convicted of the murder. Some of Carrey's previous films include Dumb and Dumber To,I Love You Phillip Morris, Yes Man, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Bruce Almighty, Liar, Liar, The Cable Guy, Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, & Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

Mike Birbiglia is a comedian and storyteller who has performed in front of audiences worldwide, from the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall. His most recent shows, My Girlfriend’s Boyfriendand Thank God for Jokes, were both filmed for Netflix. Mike has released four albums for Comedy Central Records, including My Secret Public Journal Live, which was named one of the “Best Comedy Albums of the Decade” by The Onion AV Club. In addition to performing live, Birbiglia is an author and filmmaker who wrote, directed and starred in the acclaimed films Sleepwalk with Meand Don’t Think Twice. His book, Sleepwalk With Me and Other Painfully True Stories, was a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the Thurber Prize For American Humor. As an actor, Birbiglia has appeared on Orange is the New Black, Inside Amy Schumer, and Girls as well as in the films Trainwreck, The Fault in Our Stars, and Popstar. Birbiglia is currently on a nationwide tour with his latest show, The New One, approaching an entirely new subject in a new way with the same heart and humor we’ve come to expect. He brings this show to Just For Laughs for 5 shows at the Le Gesù Theatre between July 25-29.

Ali Wong is a stand-up comedian from San Francisco, now living in Los Angeles. Her Netflix stand-up special, Baby Cobra, filmed when she was seven months pregnant, skyrocketed her to stardom and drew praise from across the comedy industry. Wong is a writer for the sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, and has made television appearances in American Housewife, Are You There, Chelsea?, Inside Amy Schumer, and Black Box. Ali Wong headlines her own Just For Laughs show, July 27 at Maison Symphonique, Place des Arts.

Craig Ferguson entered the world of late night comedy following a diverse and eclectic career encompassing film, television and the stage. In December 2014, Ferguson concluded his 10 year run as the host of CBS’s The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, setting an all-time viewer record and earning him a Primetime Emmy nomination and the 2009 Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. As the host of Celebrity Name Game, Ferguson was awarded the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host two years in a row. This year he was nominated for a third Daytime Emmy Award. In February 2017, Craig launched his new SiriusXM program,The Craig Ferguson Show, which is broadcast live on Comedy Greats every evening. Ferguson launched his North American career at Just For Laughs in 1987. Thirty years later, he returns for two shows at Monument National on July 29 that will be taped for his first Netflix special.

As a writer, Kenya Barris is known for his quick wit and unabashed sense of humour. He has worked on several TV shows, including CBS’s Listen Up, The CW’s The Game and Girlfriends, and Fox’s I Hate My Teenage Daughter. Barris has sold a number of pilots, including America’s Next Top Model (which he co-created), BET’s The Start Up, and We Got Next, Hulu’s first half-hour comedy series. He is the Executive Producer and Co-Showrunner on black-ish (ABC) as well as the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of an upcoming hour-long series, Unit Zero, starring Toni Collette, and a half-hour series, Libby & Malcolm, starring Felicity Huffman and Courtney B Vance. Kenya Barris is currently developing several projects for 20th Century Fox, including White Men Can’t Jump, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Stir Crazy.

The Just For Laughs Festival runs from July 12 to July 31, 2017 in Montreal, Canada. Just For Laughs ComedyPRO, the leading industry event of the comedy business, runs from July 26-29, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Montreal.

About the Just For Laughs Group:

Founded in 1983, the Just For Laughs Group’s growth is concentrated on four major focal points: Festivals (in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Sydney); television production (most notably Gags, seen in 135 countries and on 95 airlines); stand-up specials and live shows (Canadian tour dates for Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, North American dates for Family Guy Live!); Its inaugural Montreal Festival is over 30 years old and is now the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy event, welcoming on average 1.7 million visitors to Montreal each summer and generating approximately $80 million for the city’s economy. The Group has offices in Montreal, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto, and London.

THE JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY VIDEOTRON
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For tickets by phone, online or in person:
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The Just For Laughs Festival would like to thank its public partners: Government of Canada, Destination Canada, Gouvernement du Québec, City of Montréal and Tourisme Montréal for their support.

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NETFLIX at EssenceFestival2017 - Spike Lee, Marlon Wayans, Dascha Polanco and more!

July 2, 2017 #MyNewYorkEye

The casts of Orange is The New Black, She’s Gotta Have It and Dear White People join Jessica Williams at the premiere of her Netflix original film The Incredible Jessica James

Didn't make it to NOLA for ESSENCE Festival? For the first time ever, Netflix was at the famed festival premiering two new films and brought along a deep roster of incredible talent.

Below find some of the top moments from Netflix original films and series this weekend, including news and photos from Orange is the New Black, Naked, The Incredible Jessica James, Dear White People, Mudbound and Spike Lee’s upcoming series She’s Gotta Have It.

#6 - ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK AND DEAR WHITE PEOPLE CAST CHARMED FANS AT THE CONVENTION CENTER ON CENTER STAGE AND DURING A FAN MEET AND GREET

Date: Friday June 30 and Saturday July 1
Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | Essence’s Fan Zone and Center Stage
Attendees: Dascha Polanco, Selenis Leyva and Adrienne Moore joined on center stage by Naked’s Marlon Wayans and The Incredible Jessica James’ Jessica Williams.

#5 - JESSICA WILLIAMS AND WRITER/DIRECTOR JIM STROUSE DELIGHTED THE NEW ORLEANS AUDIENCE AT THE PREMIERE OF THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES. THE FILM HITS NETFLIX JULY 28!

Date: Saturday July 1
Location: Civic Theatre New Orleans
Attendees: Jessica Williams and Jim Strouse representing The Incredible Jessica James. Casts from additional Netflix films and series attendees including She’s Gotta Have It’s Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, DeWanda Wise, Anthony Ramos, Lyriq Bent, Cleo Anthony, Orange Is the New Black’s Dascha Polanco, Selenis Leyva and Adrienne Moore; Dear White People’s Marque Richardson, Ashley Blaine Featherson, Logan Browning, Antoinette Robertson, DeRon Horton and Brandon P. Bell.

#4 - MARLON WAYANS TURNS UP THE HEAT DURING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF HIS NEW MOVIE NAKED WHICH COMES TO NETFLIXAUGUST 11!

Date: Friday June 30
Location: Civic Theatre New Orleans
Attendees: Director Mike Tiddes and Naked stars Regina Hall, Dennis Haysbert, Jonathan Todd Jackson, and Loretta Devine were joined by additional cast from Netflix series including Orange Is the New Black’s Dascha Polanco, Selenis Leyva and Adrienne Moore; Dear White People’s Marque Richardson, Ashley Blaine Featherson, Logan Browning, Antoinette Robertson, DeRon Horton and Brandon P. Bell.

#3 - MARY J BLIGE AND DIRECTOR AND CO-WRITER DEE REES DISCUSS THEIR UPCOMING NETFLIX FILM MUDBOUND AND SHOW A CLIP AT THE ESSENCE EMPOWERMENT EXPERIENCE

Date: Friday June 30
Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | ESSENCE Empowerment Experience
Attendees: Mary J. Blige, Dee Rees, Queen Latifah, Niecy Nash, Jada Pinkett Smith and moderated by Tamron Hall

#2 - SPIKE LEE, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER TONYA LEWIS LEE AND CAST DROP A SNEAK PEEK FOR HIS NEW NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT AT THE SUPERDOME

Date: Saturday July 1
Location: Superdome | Essence Saturday Night Concert
Attendees: Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, DeWanda Wise, Anthony Ramos, Cleo Anthony and Lyriq Bent

#1 - THE CAST OF DEAR WHITE PEOPLE ANNOUNCED THEY ARE RETURNING FOR SEASON 2

Date: Friday, June 30
Location: Civic Theatre New Orleans | Essence Center Stage
Attendees: Marque Richardson, Ashley Blaine Featherson, Logan Browning, Antoinette Robertson, DeRon Horton, Brandon P. Bell and moderator Cori Murray, ESSENCE editor,

KARAN JOHAR & SAIF ALI KHAN w/ Varun Dhawan, TO HOST THE 18TH EDITION OF #IIFA FESTIVAL NEW YORK

June 15, 2017 #ArtReports

SAIF ALI KHAN AND KARAN JOHAR TO HOST THE 18TH EDITION OF IIFA FESTIVAL NEW YORK

VARUN DHAWAN TO DEBUT A POWER-PACKED PERFORMANCE AND CO- HOST A SEGMENT OF THE STAR-STUDDED AWARDS NIGHT

Mumbai, 14th June 2017: As the countdown to the biggest celebration of Indian Cinema worldwide draws near! The charismatic duo of Indian Cinema, Saif Ali Khan and Karan Johar to host theupcoming NEXA IIFA Awards Powered By VIVO at the iconic MetLife Stadium on 15th July 2017.

Bollywood's Youth Icon, Varun Dhawan is all set to make a debut at IIFA Awards with a stunning performance and will be also be seen co- hosting a segment of the star-studded awards night.

The NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO is among the most coveted and highly anticipated award celebration that honors the very best of Indian Cinema with the highest level of achievement seen through the glamorous IIFA statuette.

The 18th Edition of IIFA Awards 2017 to witness power-packed performances by Bollywood superstars, Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, to name a few.

The NEXA IIFA Awards will air exclusively LIVE on COLORS – the Broadcast Partner, with the Title Sponsor NEXA, Powered by VIOV, Styled by Myntra, Official Airline Partner – AIR INDIA.

Commenting on the occasion, Karan Johar said, “IIFA is the most awaited international award function of the Indian film fraternity. I am excited and look forward to hosting the 18th Edition of the IIFA Weekend And Awards. New York will be spellbound with the magic of IIFA!”

Saif Ali Khan added saying. "I am happy to be back to the IIFA stage this year as I join my close friend Karan Johar to host the IIFA Awards in New York. The excitement for IIFA has been steadily growing worldwide. This year it's going to be super fun and glamorous in every way as Karan and I are going to have lots of surprises in store for our fans internationally!”

Varun Dhawan shared saying, "I am absolutely excited to be a part of IIFA Awards in New York this year. I'm looking forward to join everyone and see fans at the amazing MetLife stadium. This year is truly going to be a grand celebration and I can't wait to be there!”

Commenting on the occasion, Andre Timmins, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creator of the IIFA movement says, “With the 18th Edition of IIFA weekend and awards, we look forward to bring the world of Indian cinema to life in its premier edition in New York for existing and new audiences at the NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO. I am excited to announce two of the biggest talented stars in Bollywood, Karan Johar and Saif Ali Khan as the hosts of the awards night. We are thrilled to have Varun Dhawan make his debut at the IIFA stage and co-host a special segment at the awards this year. Get ready to witness the magic of IIFA as Bollywood descends in America to celebrate Indian cinema like never before.”

Speaking of the association, Mr. R. S Kalsi, Executive director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki said“We are delighted to associate with NEXA IIFA Awards 2017 for the third consecutive year. NEXA and IIFA are symbolic of breaking the status-quo and creating experiences which are new and exciting. NEXA is synonymous with offering premium experiences matched with spectacular segment defining products like S-Cross, Baleno, Ignis and Ciaz. NEXA creates moments which consumers experience just like IIFA which builds lifetime experiences and felicitates excellence in Indian cinema at a global stage”

Delighted at the association, Vivek Zhang, CMO, Vivo India, said, “We are thrilled to have partnered with the most coveted platform representing Indian cinema globally. As a global smartphone brand, we constantly try to connect closely with our target audience in different parts of the country. We believe that the popularity of India International Film Awards (IIFA) is a splendid opportunity for Vivo to strengthen connect with the right audience and create a strong brand recall. Our latest offering in the Indian market is a step ahead in our endeavor to revolutionize the selfie phenomenon.”

Commenting on its partnership, Mr. Pankaj Srivastava, Air India’s Commercial Director stated,“Both IIFA and Air India are true ambassadors of India’s rich cultural heritage and are in the business of connecting people and regions around the globe, creating bridges to enhance tourism and business opportunities at either end.”

Commenting on the occasion, Ananth Narayanan, CEO, Myntra-Jabong says, "The strong bond between Bollywood and fashion needs no foreword! An association between the nations’s leading destination for fashion online and the most awaited screen award ceremony in the country makes for an excellent combination that symbolically connects these brands with consumers. IIFA represents glamour and fashion and we are looking forward to a long-standing relationship with them as their fashion partners."

With the excitement growing across the world, people can now get that hot seat for the spectacular 2017 IIFA Weekend & Awards at New York events to be hosted at MetLife Stadium as tickets are LIVE to the general public available online only at ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000 or by simply clicking the ‘Buy Tickets Tab’ on the official IIFA website http://www.iifa.com/. Fans can also purchase the tickets at MetLife Stadium Box Office (Box Office hours: M – F, 11am – 5pm). For VIP Club Experiences, e-mail us at vipclub@iifa.com. IIFA has a special treat for its fans, “The Double Dhamaka Offer”. Get two shows for the price of one. Buy any IIFA Awards premium seating tickets for Ground Level and Level 100 seats and get free tickets to IIFA Rocks.

The popular category nominations are available for the global audience to participate in the voting process. The IIFA Global Voting went LIVE on 20th May 2017 and will be open till 18th June 2017. The final winners of the IIFA Awards are revealed on the night of the Awards ceremony. The results are surrounded by secrecy and the credibility of the voting process is one of the key parameters of this prestigious award.

As IIFA continues to bring together the biggest stars of Bollywood and Hollywood on one stage, the IIFA Weekend And Awards will play host to some of the most celebrated stars and musicians of the Indian film industry, notable guests, and dignitaries from India and the region, world media and Indian cinema fans from across the globe.

#IIFA 2017

· Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/

· Twitter- https://twitter.com/IIFA

· Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iifa/

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

ABOUT WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PVT. LTD.

ABOUT METLIFE STADIUM

For more information, visit:

www.metlifestadium.com

www.wizcraftworld.com

2017 IIFA AWARDS NOMINATIONS REVEALED!

May 20, 2017 @ArtShrian

Shahrukh Khan

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

Salman Khan

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

Anushka Sharma

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

Shahid Kapur

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

Alia Bhatt

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

Sushant Singh Rajput

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE 18TH EDITION OF NEXA 2017 IIFA AWARDS POWERED BY VIVO ARE REVEALED!

~ Garnering the highest number of nominations in 8 categories at the 2017 IIFA Awards, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil leads the race followed by M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story with Nominations in 7 categories~

The 18th Edition of the 2017 NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by Vivo is among the most coveted and highly anticipated awards celebrations that honor the very best of Indian Cinema with the highest level of achievement seen through the glamorous IIFA statuette. Set to be held at the iconic MetLife Stadium on the 14th & 15th of July, this year the NEXA IIFA Awards will witness the felicitation of powerhouse performances and films at the highly anticipated Awards night. The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards announced the list of nominations in the popular category today as IIFA Global Voting goes LIVE on 20th May 2017 till 18th June 2017.

The Nexa IIFA Awards will air exclusively on Broadcast Partners, Colors TV with the Title SponsorNEXA, and Powered by VIVO.

Tickets are LIVE to the general public available online only at ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000 or by simply clicking the ‘Buy Tickets Tab’ on the official IIFA website http://www.iifa.com/. Fans can also purchase the tickets at MetLife Stadium Box Office (Box Office hours: M – F, 11am – 5pm). For VIP Club Experiences, e-mail us at vipclub@iifa.com.

Indian Cinema has had an incredible year with a diverse number of truly unique films that not only took the box office by storm but were also critically acclaimed. Leading the race with a whopping8 nominations in the popular categories along with Best Picture is Ae DIl Hai Mushkil followed by the biopic of the Former Indian Cricket Team Captain – M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story bagging 7 nominations in popular categories including the Best Picture nominations. Top Contenders for Best Picture category are Neerja, Pink, Sultan and Udta Punjab.

The nominees for Best Actor in Leading Role Male are Shahid Kapoor for Udta Punjab, Ranbir Kapoor for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Shah Rukh Khan for Fan, Sushant Singh Rajput for M.S. Dhoni, Amitabh Bachchan for Pink and Salman Khan for Sultan. The nominees for Leading Role Female are Anushka Sharma for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Alia Bhatt for Dear Zindagi & Udta Punjab, Sonam Kapoor for Neerjaand Tapsee Pannu for Pink. The Best Director nominations feature Karan Johar (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil),Neeraj Pandey (M.S. Dhoni), Ram Madhvani (Neerja), Aniruddha Roy Chowdhary (Pink), Ali Abbas Zafar (Sultan) and Abhishek Chaubey (Udta Punjab).

As IIFA continues to bring together the biggest stars of Bollywood and Hollywood on one stage, the 2017 IIFA Festival New York will play host to some of the most celebrated stars and musicians of the Indian film industry, notable guests, and dignitaries from India and the region, world media and Indian cinema fans from across the globe.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd, known for pioneering many extravagant and mesmerizing events in India and across the world, conceptualized IIFA 17 years ago, by the creative genius of the trio of masterminds - Andre Timmins, Viraf Sarkari and Sabbas Joseph. The vision was to celebrate Indian cinema outside India; and IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) the flagship brand is the accomplishment of that dream. IIFA is dedicated to building bridges across cinema, businesses, communities and nations, creating everyone’s dream: “One People. One World”. The journey over these past 17 years has seen the brand evolve from a one night affair to a weekend, which celebrates and hosts various events and activities related to cinema, business, culture, music and fashion. Hosting a variety of events during the weekend IIFA helps bring together a global community of people from all walks of life.

Speaking of the association, Mr. R. S Kalsi, Executive director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki said “We are delighted to associate with NEXA IIFA Awards 2017 for the third consecutive year. This year we will showcase how NEXA is at the forefront of bringing innovation & delivering outstanding experiences. NEXA is not just an automotive brand but also a lifestyle brand. NEXA is all about newer and premium experiences, just like IIFA which builds lifetime experiences and felicitates excellence in Indian cinema at a global stage”

Speaking on the occasion, Raj Nayak, Chief Operations Officer Viacom18 said, "IIFA Festival is the world's biggest platform showcasing the magic of Bollywood and India. Colors, India's leading Hindi Premium entertainment channel, is delighted to bring the magic that’s being created in New York City to our viewers across the globe. As always the IIFA Weekend & Awards extravaganza will be telecast to our viewers in over 140 counties with ancillary programming on other Viacom18 channels including MTV & Colors Infinity.”

Andre Timmins, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movementsays, “It is amazing to see the progress that the IIFA Festival New York has seen in the past few months as we prepare for our biggest IIFA Awards ever. Featuring a mega star line up for IIFA Rocks & IIFA Awards we will be creating entertainment like never seen before. We are thankful for so many of the industry that turned out to vote for the nominated films and people involved. It now remains for the global online voting to begin for the popular category awards to be determined. The 2017 IIFA Awards is going to be a night not to be missed and exciting times to see who finally wins those highly coveted IIFA Awards. The demand for tickets has been tremendous and I would simply advise IIFA fans to grab the hotly sought-after tickets while you still can oniifa.com or ticketmaster.com. “

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/IIFA
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iifa/

IIFA Festival is ready to take centre stage in New York City. Don’t miss it for the world!

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

ABOUT WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PVT. LTD.

Wizcraft International Entertainment, India’s leading media and Entertainment Company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage. Having conceptualized some of the grandest events globally including the 50 Years of Indian Independence, the 30 Years of Mauritian Independence, the 10 years of the South African Freedom Struggle, the Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing ceremonies in Delhi as well as the Handover ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, & the prestigious International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards & Weekend for 15 years in over 12 countries, Wizcraft has contributed towards brand building for India across the world. It has pioneered and developed India’s biggest entertainment brand IIFA which has taken Indian Cinema and culture to the world. The growth story of the company reflects the evolution of the Indian event management & entertainment industry itself. Driven by its vision “Believe in the power of your dreams” the company is committed to quality and innovation, while setting its sights on greater peaks of achievement.

ABOUT METLIFE STADIUM

For more information, visit :
www.metlifestadium.com
www.wizcraftworld.com

CineKink Announces Kick-Off Gala Redux

May 12, 2017 #ArtReports

The annual kick-off gala for CineKink NYC, “the kinky film festival,” will take place Tuesday, May 23rd, 8:00 PM to midnight, at M1-5 Lounge (52 Walker St., bet. Church & Broadway, NYC).

Rescheduled from its original March date, when a blizzard shut down the city, CineKink Kick-Off Gala Redux will be a “pansexual celebration of epic proportions.” In addition to burlesque performances, the event will feature “sexy sensation” stations for samplings by the kink-curious, a raffle of sex goodies, and some favorite CineKink film shorts.

While the gala is normally the kick-off to CineKink’s annual film festival, organizers are looking at it as a launch to a fundraising campaign that will help it recover from this season’s weather-related losses, and put the festival in a strong position for its 15th anniversary appearance next spring.

“We’re excited at the chance to toast what we’ve accomplished over the past decade and a half,” said Lisa Vandever, CineKink co-founder and director. “And, with the help of the CineKink community, we look forward to really building on that in the year ahead.”

Entertainer and activist Witti Repartee will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the gala, with Clara Coquette, Mary Cyn and Anja Keister scheduled to perform.

Meanwhile, several “sensation stations” will allow revelers to sample a range of kinky activities, with experts including Lolita Wolf (rope bondage), Veronica Vera (feminization and transformation), N1 (spanking and impact play), and Infinity Rising with Martyn Fire (electrical play).

Sponsors for the event, several of whom have also donated raffle items, include Bowery Bliss and njoy, along with Purple Passion, plus Leather Archives & Museum, National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and Pleasure Salon.

Suggested admission for the gala is $20 door/$15 advance; 21 and over only.

For more information on the event, visit
http://cinekink.com/programs-and-events/nyc/cinekink-nyc-2017/kick-off-gala-redux/

To purchase advance tickets or to make a donation to CineKink, visit https://cinekink2017kickoff.eventbrite.com

####

ABOUT CINEKINK NYC
Billing itself as “the kinky film festival,” CineKink NYC returned for its 14th annual appearance March 14-19, 2017, and will be followed by a national showcase tour. Presented by CineKink, an organization dedicated to the recognition and encouragement of sex-positive and kink-friendly depictions in film and television, works featured at CineKink range from documentary to drama, comedy to experimental, mildly spicy to quite explicit – and everything in between.

Alex Da Kid + IBM Watson, Fran Leibowitz and 12 year old Mikaila Ulmer amongst TDIA 2017 winners #Tribeca2017

April 28, 2017 @ArtShrian

Tribeca Film Festival brings many wonderful films and storytellers to NYC every year. But its also brings annual celebration of some amazing disruptors aka disruptive innovators with Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards (TDIA). TDIA is a collaboration with Harvard Business School Professor Clayton M. Christensen and helmed by Tribeca co-founder Craig Hatkoff. Christensen’s original Disruptive Innovation Theory was immortalized in the Innovator’s Dilemma, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Disruptive innovation explains how simpler, cheaper technologies, products, and services can decimate industry leaders almost overnight, for the betterment of society. TDIA showcases applications of disruptive innovation which has spread far beyond the original technological and industrial realms into the fields of healthcare, education, international development, politics and advocacy, media, and the arts and entertainment.

This year, TDIA celebrated an exciting roster of visionaries, rebels, and game changers who are upending their industries, altering the human experience through their novel approaches to social justice and activism, and affecting the future of intelligence, both human and artificial. Here ae the honorees:

Evolution of Intelligence

In an era where artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous driving and 3D printing portend unprecedented social, political and economic change, this year’s awards highlight the evolving relationship between man and machine.

Watson (accepted by David Kenny)

Watson, IBM’s cloud-based cognitive computing system, helps people apply artificial intelligence (AI) to not only creative pursuits but also to making discoveries across industries including healthcare, finance, retail, engineering, and others. Watson empowers people with the tools to augment their imagination and expand their expertise to improve decision-making. As this innovation continues to expand across industries, IBM expects Watson will reach 1 billion consumers by the end of 2017.

Alex Da Kid & IBM WATSON receive Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards 2017 at Tribeca Film Festival.

Accepting on behalf of Watson is David Kenny, Senior Vice President, IBM Watson and Cloud Platform, who spearheads development of the Watson technology platform, as well as optimizes IBM’s public cloud for data and cognitive workloads. David was most recently General Manager, IBM Watson, and previously served as Chairman and CEO of The Weather Company and managing partner of VivaKi.

Alex Da Kid + IBM

Producing records has always been collaborative to Grammy Award-winning music producer and two-time Billboard Top 40 under 40 Alex Da Kid. Since creating KIDinaKORNER back in 2011, Alex has signed Skylar Grey, Imagine Dragons, Jamie N Commons, and X Ambassadors, as well as produce singles for Dr. Dre, Eminem, Nikki Minaj, B.o.B, Diddy, T.I., U2, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco and more.

In 2016, Alex Da Kid made musical history by collaborating with IBM Watson to create an original song. Watson’s ability to turn millions of unstructured data points into emotional insights helped Alex create a new kind of music that for the first time ever, listened to the audience.

Bryan Johnson

In 2016, Bryan started Kernel to build advanced neural interfaces to treat disease and dysfunction, and extend cognition. In 2014, he invested $100M to start OS Fund to support scientists who aim to benefit humanity by rewriting the operating systems of life. In 2007, Bryan founded Braintree, a payments provider, which was acquired in 2013 by PayPal for $800M. He is an outdoor-adventure enthusiast, pilot, and author of a children's book, Code 7.

GIPHY

GIPHY receives Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards 2017 at Tribeca Film Festival.

GIPHY is GIFs. The first and largest GIF search engine, GIPHY is where thousands of artists, brands, and pop culture moments make today’s expression, entertainment, and info a little more moving. GIPHY serves more than 1BN GIFs per day, seen by more than 100M daily active users who watch more than 2M hours of GIFs every day.

Compassionate Capitalism

This year’s honorees utilize their entrepreneurial spirit to make effective and lasting change affecting global poverty, access to art, health and wellness, the betterment of American culture and saving the world’s decreasing bee population.

Tory Burch

Tory Burch is CEO and Designer of Tory Burch LLC, an American lifestyle brand. Since launching the company in 2004, she has grown the brand into a global business with more than 200 stores. In 2015, she introduced Tory Sport, a performance activewear collection.

Tory has been recognized with numerous awards and serves on several boards, including the Tory Burch Foundation, which she launched in 2009 to empower women entrepreneurs.

Mikaila Ulmer

At age four, Mikaila Ulmer, learned that bees were an important part of our ecosystem and that they were dying. Armed with her great grandmother’s special recipe of lemonade Mikaila launched her business, Me & the Bees Lemonade, from her home in Austin, Texas in 2009. As one of Shark Tank’s most popular contestants, Mikaila landed a deal with Daymond John. Her lemonade empire has grown exponentially, and she has become one of country’s youngest entrepreneurs

Mick Ebeling

Mick Ebeling is an instigator of innovation. His company, Not Impossible, which will be premiering a special new project at the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards, develops defiant solutions for the world’s overlooked and underserved communities. For example, when Mick read about Daniel, a Sudanese boy whose arms were lost during a bombing of his village, Mick was inspired to help. Mick and his team of makers and inventors figured out how to 3D print a working prosthetic arm. They travelled illegally to the Nuba Mountains to print an arm for Daniel, who was able to feed himself for the first time in two years, and taught villagers how to use 3D printers to make prosthetic arms for the large number of amputees there. Mick has been named one of WIRED Magazine's "Make Tech Human" thought leaders, one of Ad Age's Top 50 Most Creative People and a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year.

Roger McGuinn

Over the last six decades, the list of Roger McGuinn’s musical innovations, in both the analogue and digital realms, is nothing short of breath-taking. McGuinn has embraced innovation and preservation with continuity as well as change. As the front man for the Byrds, McGuinn is credited with combining folk music with rock and roll in such hits as “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Eight Miles High,” and “Turn Turn Turn.” He added compression to his Rickenbacker 12 string that resulted a whole new sound—the jingle jangle— that inspired Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty. McGuinn was an early adopter in the music industry’s transition from analogue to digital. He embraced the internet as a distribution channel a decade before Radiohead’s pay-what-you-want download of “In Rainbow.” He is the keeper of the flame for folk music through his 20 year project-- the Folk Den, recording one folk song per month and offering it as a free download. He continues performing in theaters as a solo artist.

Jessamyn Stanley

Jessamyn Stanley, is the author of Every Body Yoga, as well as an internationally recognized yoga teacher, award-winning Instagram star (@mynameisjessamyn), and body-positive advocate. She has been profiled by a wide range of media, including Good Morning America, TIME, New York, Glamour,Shape, People, Essence, Lenny Letter, and many others. When she’s not on the road teaching, she lives in Durham, North Carolina. Visit her online at: jessamynstanley.com, Twitter: @JessNotJazz, Facebook:/mynameisjessamyn.

Social Justice, Activism, and the Arts

Honorees practicing social justice and activism are finding creative ways to affect culture in America via race relations, homelessness, women’s right, prison reform, and our global world issues affecting poverty and the environment.

Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and professor at NYU-Stern School of Business. Haidt is the author of The Happiness Hypothesis (2006), and The Righteous Mind (2012). As part of his research on morality and politics, Haidt has written about the dangers of political homogeneity and the suppression of dissent. To combat such homogeneity in American universities, Haidt co-founded (with Nicholas Rosenkranz and others) Heterodox Academy, a collaboration of 600 professors who advocate for viewpoint diversity.

Daryl Davis

Over the last 30 years, celebrated black musician Daryl Davis has employed a novel and controversial approach to improving race relations: he has established enduring relationships with members of the KKK. Having experienced prejudice while growing up Davis wanted to answer one burning question—“how can you hate me when you don’t even know me?” Over 30 of his “friends” have decommissioned themselves from the KKK as they have come to know Davis. His tool of choice is conversation. "When two enemies are talking, they are not fighting. They may be shouting and pounding their fists on the table, but at least they are talking. It’s when the talking ceases, that the ground becomes fertile for violence.”

Will Boyajian

Will Boyajian is an actor and musician from Albany, NY. Will is the founder of Hopeful Cases, based on his change collecting guitar case, a New York based charity. He created the organization after graduating from Ithaca College in 2012. The charity’s main focus is giving to New York City’s homeless population. Since moving to New York City Will has been performing in a number of Off-Broadway/Regional musicals. Will’s mission is to have New Yorkers change the way they think about giving. If you annualize what Will has been collecting and donating, equals $150,000 per year. Who am I to judge? Take more if you need it. Without being a billionaire, he is doing quite a bit of great work.

Chris Fabian

Christopher Fabian is a technologist and innovator who co-leads UNICEF’s Innovation Unit. Fabian works on finding solutions to big problems that face humanity, particularly children. Since 2007 he has held the title of Senior Advisor on Innovation to the Executive Director at UNICEF and Co-founder and Co-lead of the UNICEF Innovation Unit. He is best known for his work on tools for children and communities in low-infrastructure environments.

Paula Kahumbu

Dr. Paula Kahumbu is a Kenyan expert on elephants with a PhD from Princeton University. She is the CEO of Kenyan Conservation NGO WildlifeDirect and founded Hands Off Our Elephants, a Campaign that lead major legal reforms in tackling wildlife crime resulting in a drop in poaching of 80% over three years. She also Co-authored the bestselling children’s book Owen and Mzee and produces two wildlife television series, NTV Wild and NTV Wild Talk.

Fran Lebowitz

Fran Lebowitz, called the "funniest woman in America" by the Washington Post, is a national treasure known for her wit, humor, irreverence, social commentary and her own category on "Jeopardy." From the innovative lists in her 1978 bestseller "Metropolitan Life," to her Martin Scorsese-directed documentary "Public Speaking," to her current commentary on the lecture circuit, in Vanity Fair, on TV and on the web, Fran Lebowitz's observations have always been ahead of the times.

Alexa Meade

Alexa Meade applies paint directly to models and the surrounding scene, creating the illusion that real-life people and places are inside the world of a 2D painting. Her artwork has been exhibited at The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, The Saatchi Gallery, the Grand Palais, and the United Nations building. She has collaborated with theoretical physicists, movement artist Lil Buck, and magician David Blaine. Her TED Talk “Your Body is my Canvas,” has millions of views.

Vivian D. Nixon

Vivian D. Nixon is Executive Director of College & Community Fellowship (CCF), a nonprofit committed to removing individual and structural barriers to higher education for women with criminal record histories and their families. An alumna of CCF’s program, Nixon advocates nationally for criminal justice reform. Nixon is a Columbia University Community Scholar and a recipient of the John Jay Medal for Justice, the Ascend Fellowship at the Aspen Institute, and the Soros Justice Fellowship.

Kennedy Odede and Jessica Posner Odede

Kennedy Odede and Jessica Posner Odede are New York Times best-selling authors, internationally recognized social entrepreneurs, and the founders of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), an organization that works to build vibrant, gender equitable services for all. Kennedy grew up in Kibera, one of the largest slums in Africa. He started SHOFCO in 2004 with a 20 cent soccer ball, and was able to turn it into one of the world’s most influential community organizers. Together, Jessica & Kennedy built SHOFCO to what it is today - a grassroots organization that has served and empowered hundreds and thousands of people in the slums of Kenya.

Jeremy Travis

Jeremy Travis is president of John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Senior Fellow in the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center, where he launched a national research program focused on prisoner reentry into society. From 1994-2000, Travis directed the National Institute of Justice, the research arm of the U.S. Department of Justice. EDIT

Jose Vargas

Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur whose work centers on the changing American identity. After revealing himself to be an illegal immigrant, he found Define American, a non-profit media and culture organization that seeks to elevate the conversation around immigration and citizenship in America, and the founder of #EmergingUS, a media start-up that lives at the intersection of race, immigration, and identity in a multicultural America.

#SRFF2017: Socially Relevant Film Festival 2017, closes with an elegant Award Ceremony in NYC

March 20, 2017 @ArtShrian

SR Socially Relevant (TM) Film Festival New York 2017 announces the Winners at the CLOSING AWARD CEREMONY - March 19

SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York wrapped its fourth edition with a SOLD OUT house of the closing film Split by Deborah Kampmeier at Cinepolis Chelsea on March 18, and the Closing Awards Ceremony took place on Sunday, March 19, at 7:30 pm, at the Tenri Cultural Institute in the Village, in the presence of the filmmakers, jury members, partners and sponsors of the festival, the SR Socially Relevant Film Festival's dedicated team, and volunteers.

Founder Artistic Director Nora Armani welcomed the guests, filmmakers, International jury members, partners and sponsors of the festival, and reminded those present that the festival started four years ago to commemorate the brutal hate crime that took the lives of her beloved cousin Vanya Exerjian and Uncle Jack Exerjian. The Festival focuses on all social issues, and socially relevant film content, offering a platform to filmmakers who resist the sweeping waves of commercial cinema.

Armani specially thanked the festival sponsors and partners who were onboard since the inception of our festival, and those who joined in later. The grantors, who believed the festival’s mission, and endorsed it such as the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The Left Tilt Fund, and the Dutch Culture USA/ and the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Netherlands in New York. She also thanked the institutional organizations such as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office for Film and TV Development and New York Mayor De Blasio’s Office for Media and Entertainment. She then read the congratulatory letter from Governor Cuomo.

Armani also thanked the hospitality partners, Serpouhi Vartivarian of Santatori, Areni Market, Eat off Beat and Courtney Sproule, La Colombe Coffee, Tequila Chito’s, Hemant Mathur of Sahib Indian Restaurant and LGT (Le Grand Triage), Eric Rydin, for catering and adding that important hospitality touch to the festival’s happy hours.

What is a film festival without great films and filmmakers? Armani acknowledged the wonderfully talented filmmakers who were present, and those who unfortunately could not make it because of canceled flights earlier in the week. “This festival is YOUR festival and it is created to become the platform for you to showcase your wonderful work and share it with the audiences who are keen on hearing these human interest stories,” said Armani, inviting filmmakers to stay in touch with the festival ‘family’. “The competition out there is tough and we thank you for braving the waves of commercialism and making Socially Relevant ™ Films.” She said.

Ms Armani then thanked the dedicated festival team who worked for the long haul working tirelessly and with full dedication on a volunteer basis. She thanked the jury members, four of whom were present Afia Nathaniel (filmmaker Dukhtar), Carmen Labaki who came all the way from Lebanon, Claus Mueller and Brigitte Gauthier from France.

The award trophies were the Gotham Bowl is designed and donated by Michael Aram, New York-based world-known metal designer, the beautiful scarf with the Festival Logo specially created by Anet Abnous, and the special label wines celebrating the festival’s annual editions, made and donated by City Winery.

Below are the winners and various award- categories.

The Best Script Award:
Three out of the five finalist scripts were declared winners:

The American Dream, The Record, and Almast…The Best Documentary Short Award went to:

Africa Yoga Project directed Andrea Wing (Canada/Kenya)

The Best Actress in a Feature Film Award went to:
Jingke LIANG, as the mother

and

The Best Actor in a Feature Film Award went to:
Jun FENG, as the son
in Destiny directed by: Wei Zhang (China)

Both awards are accepted on behalf of the production by Jacqueline Si Shi

The Best Actress in a Short Film Award went to:
Nina Mazodier

in Veil of Silence directed by Julie Gourdin

*
The Best Actor in a Short Film Award goes to:
Sope Dirisu

in The Dead Sea directed by Stuart Gatt
*

The Women Film Critics Circle Award
is offered annually at SR Film Fest by the WFCC and was presented by Robin Milling on behalf of the WFCC to

2 Girls directed by Jeo Baby (India)

In addition to the Jury awards in the feature and shortdocumentary and narrative film categories, and scripts,

SRFF presents a number of recognition awards:

The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Varoujan Storytelling Award
was presented for the first time this year in honor of the founder’s father who recently passed away, and it went to:
Crows of the Desert by Marta Houske (USA)
accompanied by a $300 dollars cash value across all categories, in memory of a great storyteller V.A.S. Ekserdjian

The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Brave Documentary Award:
The Toxic Circle directed by Wilfried Koomen

The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Pushing the Boundaries Award:
Roll Call: A Dance Story directed by Anthony DiFranco (USA)

The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Making a Difference Award:
Straight From the Pen directed by Paul Sutton (USA)

The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Best Ensemble Film Award:
Split directed by Deborah Kampmeier

The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Certificate of successful completion
of the Smartphone filmmaking workshop by Ching Juhl was presented to:
Brigitte Gauthier

The Best Narrative Short Award went to:
The Veil of Silence directed by Julie Gourdain (France)
*

The Best Documentary Short Award went to:
Africa Yoga Project directed Andrea Wing (Canada/Kenya)
*

Filmmaker Arthur Kanegis was invited to the podium to read Martin Sheen’s message to the festival and also show his Word Passport.

The world seems to have lost its way – filled with fear, exclusion and building walls. The amazing story of World Citizen #1 Garry Davis may be just the roadmap needed to find our way -- to a better future! See the short film about his life “My Country Is the World” at the wonderful SR Socially Relevant Film Festival in NY – then watch for the forthcoming feature documentary as well. - Martin Sheen

A replica of the Peace and Justice Award presented two years ago at the 2nd edition of the festival in 2015 but broken in transit, was presented to
Guy Davidi for High Hopes his short film that the festival screened in 2015.

The Vanya Exerjian: Empowering Women and Girls Award

in memory of Founding Artistic Director Nora Armani's cousin and uncle,
victims of a hate crime, that triggered the founding of the festival was
presented by Monica Mahendra Singh together with Ms. Armani and it went to:
Last Night in Edinburgh directed by Bita Shafipour (U.K.)

* * *

The Grand Prize for Best Documentary Feature Award went to:
The Chocolate Case directed by Benthe Forrer (Netherlands)
The award was accepted on behalf of the filmmakers, by Vera Kuipers, of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Netherlands

The Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature Award went to:
Prophecy directed by Zuri Rinpoche (Netherlands/Bhutan)
The award was presented by narrative feature category jury member Afia Nathaniel (filmmaker of Dukhtar) and was accepted by
Loday Chophel the lead actor in Prophecy who was present from Bhutan on behalf of the director.

* * *

SR Socially Relevant (TM) Film Festival New York would like to thank the attendees and look forward to the fifth edition of the festival March 2018. Submissions for the fifth edition open mid-May on Filmfreeway.com and Withoutabox.com

#Oscars 2017: worst blunder, but best host!

February 27, 2017 @ArtShrian

Academy Awards 2017 aka The Oscars were last night, and was it something! The show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel was spectacular. But the biggest talk of the night is the blunder about wrong film getting announced for best picture. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunnaway announced La La Land as the winner, by mistake, instead of Moonlight. Here's a video:

There was confusion all around as Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway announced the wrong best picture winner at the 2017 Oscars- saying 'La La Land' had won when Moonlight was the actual winner.

As much as this sucks, we have to say that it was handled very well. Kudos to Warren, Jimmy and the La La Land team as well. It sucks for Team Moonlight, that they didn't get there moment, but at least they walk away with the award. But it sucks for the team La La Land the most, I guess. Since they were the ones who got embarrassed, and walk away without an award. But stuff happens, we need to get over it. Both La La Land and Moonlight are wonderful films in their own right and worthy of the oscar (hence the nominations). But only one can walk away with the award. This night, it was Moonlight. Congratulations to Barry Jenkins and the entire team.

The other well deserved award was best Supporting Actor to Mahershala Ali, for his amazing performance in MOONLIGHT. And so was Best Actress to Viola Davis for FENCES, great job. Although the best actor award for both male & female may have surprised some people, I think both Casey Affleck, who's still severely underrated, and Emma Stone had proved themselves worthy by their amazing performances on there individual films. Kenneth Loggerman very well deservedly won the best original screenplay award for MANCHESTER BY THE SEA. And Damien Chazelle's win as best director for LA LA LAND, was perfect. He did create a beautiful film after all!

The competition for Documentary was really hard this year, and I'm lil surprised that Ava Duvernay's 13th or I'M NOT YOUR NEGRO, didn't win. No award for LION either, which I expected to be strong candidate for Best adapted screenplay. There were few other shockers, but all in all, it was a good night.

But the best part of the night was Jimmy Kimmel. His hosting was just wonderful. He was funny, he was political, he was cool, and he was awesome. Even with the biggest blunder, he did his best to handle. The bit with tourists was pretty cool. And of course with Jimmy, you can expect food, although his mom didn't make it this time. It was candies and bagels etc etc. His hosting was a pleasure for the stars, the room audience and us the TV audience too. It was just great, and hopefully we see him again & again!

Jimmy's opening monologue from the 2017 #Oscars. SUBSCRIBE to get the latest #KIMMEL: http://bit.ly/JKLSubscribe Watch the latest Halloween Candy Prank: http://bit.ly/KimmelHalloweenCandy Watch Mean Tweets: http://bit.ly/JKLMeanTweets8 Connect with Jimmy Kimmel Live Online: Visit the Jimmy Kimmel Live WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/JKLWebsite Like Jimmy Kimmel Live on FACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/JKLFacebook Follow Jimmy Kimmel Live on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/JKLTwitter Follow Jimmy Kimmel Live on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/JKLInstagram About Jimmy Kimmel Live: Jimmy Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of Emmy-winning "Jimmy Kimmel Live," ABC's late-night talk show.

Here are all the winners and nominees:

BEST PICTURE

Arrival
Fences
Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
Hidden Figures
La La Land
Lion
Manchester by the Sea
WINNER: Moonlight

ACTRESS

Isabelle Huppert, Elle
Ruth Negga, Loving
Natalie Portman, Jackie
WINNER: Emma Stone, La La Land
Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins

ACTOR

WINNER: Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea
Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge
Ryan Gosling, La La Land
Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington, Fences

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

WINNER: Viola Davis, Fences
Naomie Harris, Moonlight
Nicole Kidman, Lion
Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea

SUPPORTING ACTOR

WINNER: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water
Lucas Hedges, Manchester by the Sea
Dev Patel, Lion
Michael Shannon, Nocturnal Animals

DIRECTOR

WINNER: Damien Chazelle, La La Land
Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge
Barry Jenkins, Moonlight
Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea
Denis Villeneuve, Arrival

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)

Arrival
Fences
Hidden Figures
Lion
WINNER: Moonlight

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)

Hell or High Water
La La Land
The Lobster
WINNER: Manchester by the Sea
20th Century Women

ORIGINAL SONG

Audition (The Fools Who Dream) from La La Land
Can't Stop the Feeling! from Trolls
WINNER: City of Stars from La La Land
The Empty Chair from Jim: The James Foley Story
How Far I'll Go from Moana

ORIGINAL SCORE

Jackie
WINNER: La La Land
Lion
Moonlight
Passengers

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Arrival
WINNER: La La Land
Lion
Moonlight
Silence

SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)

Ennemis Intérieurs
La Femme et le TGV
Silent Nights
WINNER: Sing
Timecode

DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

Extremis
4.1 Miles
Joe's Violin
Watani: My Homeland
WINNER: The White Helmets

FILM EDITING

Arrival
WINNER: Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
La La Land
Moonlight

VISUAL EFFECTS

Deepwater Horizon
Doctor Strange
WINNER: The Jungle Book
Kubo and the Two Strings
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

PRODUCTION DESIGN

Arrival
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Hail, Caesar!
WINNER: La La Land
Passengers

ANIMATED FEATURE

Kubo and the Two Strings
Moana
My Life as a Zucchini
The Red Turtle
WINNER: Zootopia

SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)

Blind Vaysha
Borrowed Time
Pear Cider and Cigarettes
Pearl
WINNER: Piper

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Land of Mine, Denmark
A Man Called Ove, Sweden
WINNER: The Salesman, Iran
Tanna, Australia
Toni Erdmann, Germany

SOUND MIXING

Arrival
WINNER: Hacksaw Ridge
La La Land
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

SOUND EDITING

WINNER: Arrival
Deepwater Horizon
Hacksaw Ridge
La La Land
Sully

DOCUMENTARY

Fire at Sea
I Am Not Your Negro
Life, Animated
WINNER: O.J.: Made in America
13th

COSTUME DESIGN

Allied
WINNER: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Florence Foster Jenkins
Jackie
La La Land

TV One Stars Shine at 48th NAACP IMAGE AWARDS

February 16, 2017 @ArtShrian

TV ONE NETWORK STARS SHINE AT THE ‘48TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS’

STARS FROM TV ONE’S “MEDIA,” "HIT A LICK," "NEWS ONE NOW" & "JUSTICE BY ANY MEANS" ATTEND ANNUAL SPECIAL HOSTED BY ANTHONY ANDERSON

Watch an Encore Presentation of the 48TH NAACP Image Awards Thursday, February 16 at 4PM & 12AM EST
(All Photo Credit: TV One)

TV One’s stars of television and film shined brightly at the 48TH NAACP Image Awards, hosted by Anthony Anderson, which aired on the network. Among this year’s award honorees, TV One’s morning news host, Roland Martin, received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Host in a News, Talk, Reality, or Variety Program.

An encore presentation of the show will air on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. EST and 12 a.m. EST. The show will air in syndication February 19th-March 5th. Check your local listings for show times.

The evening began with the live pre-show from the red carpet, hosted by Nischelle Turner and Terrence Jenkins with special correspondents Tai Beauchamp and Chris Spencer. The casts of TV One’s upcoming original films, “MEDIA” (Brian White, Penny Johnson Jerald, Pooch Hall, Chrystee Pharris, Blue Kimble, Denise Boutte, Stelio Savante, Finesse Mitchell and Jillian Reeves) and “Hit A Lick” (Tasha Smith, Lil Mama and Lance Gross) were in attendance. Additionally, “Justice By Any Means” host Malik Yoba made an appearance, and David and Tamela Mann walked the carpet to announce their new TV One show, “The Manns.”

The two-hour live special did not disappoint as the best of Black Hollywood turned out to celebrate. Immediately following, guests joined TV One, in partnership with Ford Motor Company and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), at an exclusive after party held at the W Hotel in Hollywood. Radio One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes welcomed the crowd, followed by a special performance by R&B vocalistFaith Evans.

TV One’s upcoming original film, "MEDIA" premieres on TV One Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. ET. “MEDIA" is directed by Craig Ross, Jr. and executive produced by Radio One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes, Susan Banks, Kevin Arkadie, and Sheila Ducksworth.

Below are all of the winners for the 48TH Annual NAACP Image Awards:

Television Categories

Outstanding Comedy Series

“`black-ish” (ABC)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

Anthony Anderson - “`black-ish” (ABC)

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

Tracee Ellis Ross - “`black-ish” (ABC)

Outstanding Drama Series

“Queen Sugar” (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Sterling K. Brown - “This Is Us” (NBC)

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

Taraji P. Henson - “Empire” (FOX)

Motion Picture Categories

Outstanding Motion Picture

“Hidden Figures” (20th Century Fox)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

Denzel Washington - “Fences” (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

Taraji P. Henson - “Hidden Figures” (20th Century Fox)

Entertainer of the Year

Dwayne Johnson

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ABOUT TV ONE:

Launched in January 2004, TV One serves more than 60 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult black viewers. The network represents the best in black culture and entertainment with fan favorite shows Unsung, Rickey Smiley For Real, Fatal Attraction, Hollywood Divas and The NAACP Image Awards. In addition, TV One is the cable home of blockbuster drama Empire, and NewsOne Now, the only live daily news program dedicated to black viewers. In December 2008, the company launched TV One High Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is solely owned by Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK, www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets Black and urban listeners.

ESSENCE PRESENTS 10TH ANNIVERSARY “BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD AWARDS & GALA”

January 27, 2017 Art Shrian & Lapacazo Sandoval

Most of us blinked and when we opened our eyes,10 years have flown by and the creative team behind Time Inc.’s (NYSE:TIME) Essence, the preeminent brand for African-American women, will commemorate that unique passage of time with the 10th anniversary of its esteemed “Black Women in Hollywood Awards”—the annual Oscar-week celebration at the forefront of spotlighting Hollywood’s most creative and accomplished visionaries. This year, they are shifting from a daytime luncheon to a resplendent evening gala for the first time, with a red carpet ceremony to be held in Beverly Hills, CA, on Thursday, February 23, 2017.

Hollywood is glamorous—it’s just built that way—and the awards & gala to honor Hollywood’s “Next Generation”—will be equally matched in the fashion, shoe and hair department. Black women come to the red carpet to slay!

The young generation are excelling and in that movement they are elevating their crafts—to wit triple-threat actress/musician/entertainer Janelle Monáe (Breakthrough Award); groundbreaking actress/writer/producer Issa Rae (Vanguard Award); standout actress Aja Naomi King (Lincoln Shining Star Award); and dynamic actress Yara Shahidi (Generation Next). Actress/Producer Gabrielle Union will serve as the program’s host.

“For the past decade, the “Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards” have paid homage to our modern image-makers—both in front of the camera and behind the scenes,” said Essence Editor-in-Chief Vanessa K. De Luca. “This past year has been an exceptional one for diversity in film and television, and with the incredible contributions of Janelle, Issa, Aja and Yara, it is fitting that our 10th anniversary will honor the future of Hollywood and its continued steps on the path to inclusion.”

To celebrate the power of female beauty as a facet of women’s empowerment, for the first time, internationally acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker Mickalene Thomas will be infusing the event with her elaborate imagery.

This is a big ticket event and starting with its inception (2008), the “Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards” have honored some of the most cherished figures in the industry, including Oprah Winfrey, Lupita Nyong'o, Ava DuVernay, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Angela Bassett, Queen Latifah, Naomie Harris, Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Zoe Saldana, Alfre Woodard, Regina King, Gabrielle Union, Tracee Ellis Ross, Debbie Allen, Nina Shaw, Mary J. Blige, Gabourey Sidibe, Quvenzhané Wallis, Jurnee Smollett, Ruby Dee, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, Loretta Devine, Mara Brock Akil, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ruth E. Carter, Nina Shaw, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Suzanne de Passe.

Hollywood lights up like Broadway on Oscar week, and in the past the elegant awards celebration has been hosted many of Hollywood’s elite, including Chris Rock, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Amy Adams, Emma Stone, Samuel L. Jackson, Forest Whitaker, James Cameron, Terrence Howard and Laurence Fishburne, among many others.

Even in New York you can stay tuned to Essence.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes access to the “Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards & Gala.”

If you prefer social media, it’s easy to follow via Twitter and Instagram @essence #BlackWomeninHollywood.

The “Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards & Gala” is presented by The Lincoln Motor Company and sponsored by AT&T, Coca-Cola, Colgate® Optic White®, GEICO, L’Oréal Paris, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Walmart.

GoldenGlobes 2017 show DIVERSITY & INCLUSION in Hollywood: LaLaLand is the big winner along with Moonlight, Atlanta and Meryl Streep

January 9, 2017 @ArtShrian

GoldenGlobes presented by Hollywood Foreign Press association are one of the most coveted entertainment award of the year, in TV & Film. But they are also known for their host, the presentation, the party and almost everything about it. The 74th Golden Globe Awards last night were not disappointing. It was fun!

Jimmy Fallon was the host this year, and as expected he was what he is, sweet, kind, charming, fun & non-scandalous. Although he did try to make up for his Trump interview by making few jokes on Trump. Although his opening monologue almost got sabotaged like Mariah Carey, but he was able to rescue it by his wit and NBC's quick teleprompter replacement. His cold open with the LaLaLand style musical was really cool though. There was no hard-hitting scandalous comments like Ricky Gervais or even Tina Fey & Amy Poehler, but it was a fun, clean family entertainment hosting version with Jimmy.

Host Jimmy Fallon kicks off the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

The presenters were pretty good too. It was great to see some INCLUSION & DIVERSITY on the stage. Priyanka Chopra rocked the stage in her beautiful golden dress and beautiful smile. Dev Patel was on the stage with the young Sunny Pawar, both from the wonderful film LION. Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn had quite a fun bit, with Goldie playing the dumb blind old lady, and Amy playing Amy. But the night's best was Kristen Wiig and Steve Carrell. There skit about there first animated movie was HILARIOUS!

Title says it all

The most talked about event of the night was Meryl Streep's speech. Meryl was presented the Cecil B. deMille award by Viola Davis. The most decorated and one of the best actress of all time, definitely deserved this accolade, like many other she has won. But she did not just give a speech thanking people or talking about women issues, sexism etc. She took the opportunity to express her honest opinion about the current political situation in the country. And in turn she gained respect of several more Americans, and probably disdain of many too. You can check out the speech here for yourself.

title says it all

Here's the list of winners:
http://www.goldenglobes.com/photo-gallery/our-winners-golden-globe-class-2017

INITIAL LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR 2017 ESSENCE FESTIVAL IN NEW ORLEANS

December 15, 2016 #ArtReports

INITIAL LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR 2017 ESSENCE FESTIVAL

IN NEW ORLEANS

Weekend Ticket Packages on Sale Starting December 16

December 15, 2016 (New York, NY) – Time Inc.’s (NYSE:TIME) Essence today announced the initial lineup for the 2017 Essence Festival Concert Series in New Orleans featuring headliners Diana Ross and Mary J. Blige, among many others. The 23rd annual event will take place June 30-July 2, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The initial performance lineup is outlined below. Additional acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Artists confirmed to perform at the nightly Essence Festival concerts over Fourth of July weekend at the Louisiana Superdome include: Diana Ross, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan, Doug E Fresh, Erykah Badu, India.Arie, Jazmine Sullivan, John Legend, June’s Diary, Lalah Hathaway, Lizzo, Master P, Michel’le, Moses Sumney, Ro James, Shaggy, Sir the Baptist, Solange, Teyana Taylor, The Jones Girls Feat. Shirley Jones, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Tweet, Yuna, and many more to be announced soon.

“This year’s Festival lineup puts women at the forefront of an incredible weekend of entertainment featuring more than 40 of the world’s most gifted artists and performers,” said Essence President Michelle Ebanks. “It is an honor to welcome the inimitable Diana Ross to the Festival for the first time. Plus, Festival veteran Mary J. Blige is back to share ‘Strength of a Woman’ with her most passionate fans.”

The A-list nighttime concerts will feature more than 40 acts and will take place across five stages — including the Festival’s renowned Mainstage and four intimate Superlounges. Mary J. Blige will headline a special night, themed My Path to Strength, introducing her highly anticipated album “Strength of a Woman.”

Weekend ticket packages are on sale Friday, December 16 at 10am CT with prices starting at $126. For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the Essence Festival visit Essence Festival. Join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter@essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2017 Essence Festival on Facebook.

The 2017 Essence Festival is presented by Coca-Cola.

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC.

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events and online. The company’s flagship publication, Essence magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women, generating brand extensions, such as the Essence Festival, Essence Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music, Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 46 years, Essence, which has a brand reach of 14.2 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information and specific solutions relating to every area of African-American women’s lives. Additional information about ECI and Essence is available at www.essence.com.

ABOUT TIME INC.

Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is a leading content company that engages over 150 million consumers every month through our portfolio of premium brands across platforms. By combining our distinctive content with our proprietary data and people-based targeting, we offer highly differentiated end-to-end solutions to marketers across the multi-media landscape. Our influential brands include People, Time, Fortune, Sports Illustrated, InStyle, Real Simple and Southern Living, as well as more than 50 diverse titles in the United Kingdom. Time Inc. has been extending the power of our brands through various acquisitions and investments, including Viant, an advertising technology firm with a specialized people-based marketing platform, The Foundry, Time Inc.’s creative lab and content studio, and the People Entertainment Weekly Network (PEN). The company is also home to celebrated events, such as the Time 100, Fortune Most Powerful Women, People’s Sexiest Man Alive, Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year, the Essence Festival and the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.

23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® Nominees

December 14, 2016 Art Shrian & Lapacazo Sandoval

Nominations Announced for the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®
Ceremony will be Simulcast Live on Sunday, January 29, 2017 on
TNT and TBS at 8 p.m. (ET)/5 p.m. (PT)
Nominees for the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ® for outstanding individual, cast and ensemble performances in film and television of 2016, as well as the nominees for outstanding action performances by film and television stunt ensembles were announced this morning at the Pacific Design Center’s SilverScreen Theater in West Hollywood.

SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris introduced Sophia Bush (Chicago P.D., One Tree Hill) and Common (Suicide Squad, Selma), who announced the nominees for this year’s Actors® live on Turner's TNT, TBS and truTV cable networks, as well as online at sagawards.tntdrama.com, truTV.com and sagawards.org. Prior to that, SAG Awards Committee Chair JoBeth Williams and Committee Member Jason George revealed the stunt ensemble nominees during a live webcast on sagawards.tntdrama.com and sagawards.org. In addition, for the first time ever both announcements were available through a Facebook Live stream on the TBS, TNT, truTV and SAG Awards Facebook pages. A replay of both announcements is available for viewing on sagawards.tntdrama.com and sagawards.org.

The complete list of 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations follows this notice.

The 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® presented by SAG-AFTRA with Screen Actors Guild Awards, LLC will be produced by Avalon Harbor Entertainment, Inc. and will be simulcast live on TNT and TBS on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017 at 8 p.m. (ET) / 5 p.m. (PT). TBS and TNT subscribers can also watch the SAG Awards live through the networks' websites and mobile apps. In addition, TNT will present a primetime encore of the ceremony immediately following the live presentation.

Prior to the televised ceremony, the stunt ensemble honorees will be announced during the SAG Awards Live Red Carpet Pre-Show webcast.

One of the awards season’s premier events, the SAG Awards annually celebrates the outstanding motion pictures and television performances from the previous calendar year. Of the top industry honors presented to actors, only the SAG Awards are selected entirely by performers’ peers in SAG-AFTRA. The SAG Awards was the first televised awards show to acknowledge the work of union members and the first to present awards to motion picture casts and television ensembles.

Two nominating panels — one for television and one for film — each composed of 2,500 randomly selected SAG-AFTRA members from across the United States, chose this year’s nominees. Final voting information will be sent to the 121,546 SAG-AFTRA members in good standing across the country, who may vote on all categories. In keeping with the SAG Awards’ commitment to sustainable practices, online voting is encouraged. Request for optional paper ballots must be made to Integrity Voting Systems by Friday, Jan. 13, 2017. All votes must be received at the elections firm by noon PT on Friday, Jan. 27. Results will be tallied and sealed until the envelopes are opened by the presenters live onstage at the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony on Jan. 29, 2017.

The Screen Actors Guild Post-Awards Gala benefiting the SAG-AFTRA Foundation will be hosted for the 21st consecutive year by People and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) to benefit the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and honor actors’ philanthropic activities. For more information about the SAG Awards®, SAG-AFTRA, TNT and TBS, visit sagawards.org/about.

Requests for photos and graphics for the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards should be addressed to awardsphotos@sagawards.org

Connect with the SAG Awards®
Hashtag: #sagawards
Website: sagawards.org
Facebook: facebook.com/sagawardsofficialpage/
Twitter: twitter.com/sagawards/
Google +: google.com/+SAGawards/
Instagram: instagram.com/sagawards/
Tumblr: sagawards.tumblr.com

23rd ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS® NOMINATIONS

THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
CASEY AFFLECK / Lee Chandler – “MANCHESTER BY THE SEA” (Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions)
ANDREW GARFIELD / Desmond Doss – “HACKSAW RIDGE” (Lionsgate)
RYAN GOSLING / Sebastian –“LA LA LAND” (Lionsgate)
VIGGO MORTENSEN / Ben – “CAPTAIN FANTASTIC” (Bleecker Street)
DENZEL WASHINGTON / Troy Maxson – “FENCES” (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
AMY ADAMS / Louise Banks – “ARRIVAL” (Paramount Pictures)
EMILY BLUNT / Rachel – “THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN” (Universal Pictures)
NATALIE PORTMAN / Jackie Kennedy – “JACKIE” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
EMMA STONE / Mia – “LA LA LAND” (Lionsgate)
MERYL STREEP / Florence Foster Jenkins – “FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS” (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
MAHERSHALA ALI / Juan – “MOONLIGHT” (A24)
JEFF BRIDGES / Marcus Hamilton – “HELL OR HIGH WATER” (CBS Films)
HUGH GRANT / St Clair Bayfield – “FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS” (Paramount Pictures)
LUCAS HEDGES / Patrick Chandler – “MANCHESTER BY THE SEA” (Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions)
DEV PATEL / Saroo Brierley – “LION” (The Weinstein Company)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
VIOLA DAVIS / Rose Maxson – “FENCES” (Paramount Pictures)
NAOMIE HARRIS / Paula – “MOONLIGHT” (A24)
NICOLE KIDMAN / Sue Brierley – “LION” (The Weinstein Company)
OCTAVIA SPENCER / Dorothy Vaughan – “HIDDEN FIGURES” (20th Century Fox)
MICHELLE WILLIAMS / Randi Chandler – “MANCHESTER BY THE SEA” (Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions)
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC (Bleecker Street)
ANNALISE BASSO / Vespyr
SHREE CROOKS / Zaja
ANN DOWD / Abigail
KATHRYN HAHN / Harper
NICHOLAS HAMILTON / Rellian
SAMANTHA ISLER / Kielyr
FRANK LANGELLA / Jack
GEORGE MacKAY / Bo
ERIN MORIARTY / Claire
VIGGO MORTENSEN / Ben
MISSI PYLE / Ellen
CHARLIE SHOTWELL / Nai
STEVE ZAHN / Dave
FENCES (Paramount Pictures)
JOVAN ADEPO / Cory
VIOLA DAVIS / Rose Maxson
STEPHEN McKINLEY HENDERSON / Jim Bono
RUSSELL HORNSBY / Lyons
SANIYYA SIDNEY / Raynell
DENZEL WASHINGTON / Troy Maxson
MYKELTI WILLIAMSON / Gabriel
HIDDEN FIGURES (20th Century Fox)
MAHERSHALA ALI / Col. Jim Johnson
KEVIN COSTNER / Al Harrison
KIRSTEN DUNST / Vivian Mitchell
TARAJI P. HENSON / Katherine G. Johnson
ALDIS HODGE / Levi Jackson
JANELLE MONÁE / Mary Jackson
JIM PARSONS / Paul Stafford
GLEN POWELL / John Glenn
OCTAVIA SPENCER / Dorothy Vaughan
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions)
CASEY AFFLECK / Lee Chandler
MATTHEW BRODERICK / Jeffrey
KYLE CHANDLER / Joe Chandler
LUCAS HEDGES / Patrick Chandler
GRETCHEN MOL / Elise
MICHELLE WILLIAMS / Randi Chandler
MOONLIGHT (A24)
MAHERSHALA ALI / Juan
NAOMIE HARRIS / Paula
ANDRÉ HOLLAND / Kevin
JHARREL JEROME / Kevin (16)
JANELLE MONÁE / Teresa
TREVANTE RHODES / Black
ASHTON SANDERS / Chiron
TELEVISION PROGRAMS
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
RIZ AHMED / Nasir “Naz” Khan – “THE NIGHT OF” (HBO)
STERLING K. BROWN / Christopher Darden – “THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY” (FX Networks)
BRYAN CRANSTON / President Lyndon B. Johnson – “ALL THE WAY” (HBO)
JOHN TURTURRO / John Stone – “THE NIGHT OF” (HBO)
COURTNEY B. VANCE / Johnnie Cochran – “THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY” (FX Networks)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD / Lacie – “BLACK MIRROR” (Netflix)
FELICITY HUFFMAN / Leslie Graham – “AMERICAN CRIME” (ABC)
AUDRA McDONALD / Billie Holiday – “LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL” (HBO)
SARAH PAULSON / Marcia Clark – “THE PEOPLE V. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY” (FX Networks)
KERRY WASHINGTON / Anita Hill – “CONFIRMATION” (HBO)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
STERLING K. BROWN / Randall Pearson – “THIS IS US” (NBC)
PETER DINKLAGE / Tyrion Lannister – “GAME OF THRONES” (HBO)
JOHN LITHGOW / Winston Churchill – “THE CROWN” (Netflix)
RAMI MALEK / Elliot Alderson – “MR. ROBOT” (USA Network)
KEVIN SPACEY / Frank Underwood – “HOUSE OF CARDS” (Netflix)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
MILLIE BOBBY BROWN / Eleven – “STRANGER THINGS” (Netflix)
CLAIRE FOY / Queen Elizabeth II – “THE CROWN” (Netflix)
THANDIE NEWTON / Maeve Millay – “WESTWORLD” (HBO)
WINONA RYDER / Joyce Byers – “STRANGER THINGS” (Netflix)
ROBIN WRIGHT / Claire Underwood – “HOUSE OF CARDS” (Netflix)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
ANTHONY ANDERSON / Andre Johnson – “BLACK-ISH” (ABC)
TITUSS BURGESS / Titus Andromedon – “UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT” (Netflix)
TY BURRELL / Phil Dunphy – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)
WILLIAM H. MACY / Frank Gallagher – “SHAMELESS” (Showtime)
JEFFREY TAMBOR / Maura Pfefferman – “TRANSPARENT” (Amazon)
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
UZO ADUBA / Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren – “ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK” (Netflix)
JANE FONDA / Grace Hanson – “GRACE AND FRANKIE” (Netflix)
ELLIE KEMPER / Kimmy Schmidt – “UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT” (Netflix)
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS / President Selina Meyer – “VEEP” (HBO)
LILY TOMLIN / Frankie Bergstein – “GRACE AND FRANKIE” (Netflix)
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
THE CROWN (Netflix)
CLAIRE FOY / Queen Elizabeth II
CLIVE FRANCIS / Lord Salisbury
HARRY HADDEN-PATON / Martin Charteris
VICTORIA HAMILTON / Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
DANIEL INGS / Mike Parker
BILLY JENKINS / Prince Charles
VANESSA KIRBY / Princess Margaret
JOHN LITHGOW / Winston Churchill
LIZZY McINNERNY / Bobo Macdonald
BEN MILES / Peter Townsend
JEREMY NORTHAM / Anthony Eden
NICHOLAS ROWE / Jock Colville
MATT SMITH / Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
PIP TORRENS / Tommy Lascelles
HARRIET WALTER / Clemmie Churchill
DOWNTON ABBEY (Masterpiece/PBS)
SAMANTHA BOND / Lady Rosamund Painswick
HUGH BONNEVILLE / Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham
PATRICK BRENNAN / Mr. Dawes
LAURA CARMICHAEL / Lady Edith Crawley
JIM CARTER / Charles Carson
RAQUEL CASSIDY / Baxter
PAUL COPLEY / Mr. Mason
BRENDAN COYLE / John Bates
MICHELLE DOCKERY / Lady Mary Crawley
KEVIN DOYLE / Joseph Molesley
MICHAEL FOX / Andy
JOANNE FROGGATT / Anna Bates
MATTHEW GOODE / Henry Talbot
HARRY HADDEN-PATON / Bertie Pelham
ROBERT JAMES-COLLIER / Thomas Barrow
SUE JOHNSTON / Miss Denker
ALLEN LEECH / Tom Branson
PHYLLIS LOGAN / Mrs. Hughes
ELIZABETH McGOVERN / Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham
SOPHIE McSHERA / Daisy Mason
LESLEY NICOL / Mrs. Patmore
DOUGLAS REITH / Lord Merton
DAVID ROBB / Dr. Clarkson
MAGGIE SMITH / Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham
JEREMY SWIFT / Spratt
HOWARD WARD / Sgt. Willis
PENELOPE WILTON / Isobel Crawley

GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
ALFIE ALLEN / Theon Greyjoy
JACOB ANDERSON / Grey Worm
DEAN CHARLES CHAPMAN / Tommen Baratheon
EMILIA CLARKE / Daenerys Targaryen
NIKOLAJ COSTER-WALDAU / Jaime Lannister
LIAM CUNNINGHAM / Davos Seaworth
PETER DINKLAGE / Tyrion Lannister
NATHALIE EMMANUEL / Missandei
KIT HARINGTON / Jon Snow
LENA HEADEY / Cersei Lannister
CONLETH HILL / Varys
KRISTOFER HIVJU / Tormund Giantsbane
MICHIEL HUISMAN / Daario Naharis
FAYE MARSAY / Waif
JONATHAN PRYCE / High Sparrow
SOPHIE TURNER / Sansa Stark
CARICE VAN HOUTEN / Melisandre
GEMMA WHELAN / Yara Greyjoy
MAISIE WILLIAMS / Arya Stark
STRANGER THINGS (Netflix)
MILLIE BOBBY BROWN / Eleven
CARA BUONO / Karen Wheeler
JOE CHREST / Ted Wheeler
NATALIA DYER / Nancy Wheeler
DAVID HARBOUR / Jim Hopper
CHARLIE HEATON / Jonathan Byers
JOE KEERY / Steve Harrington
GATEN MATARAZZO / Dustin Henderson
CALEB McLAUGHLIN / Lucas Sinclair
MATTHEW MODINE / Dr. Martin Brenner
ROB MORGAN / Officer Powell
JOHN PAUL REYNOLDS / Officer Callahan
WINONA RYDER / Joyce Byers
NOAH SCHNAPP / Will Byers
MARK STEGER / The Monster
FINN WOLFHARD / Mike Wheeler
WESTWORLD (HBO)
BEN BARNES / Logan
INGRID BOLSØ BERDAL / Armistice
ED HARRIS / Man in Black
LUKE HEMSWORTH / Ashley Stubbs
ANTHONY HOPKINS / Dr. Robert Ford
SIDSE BABETT KNUDSEN / Theresa Cullen
JAMES MARSDEN / Teddy Flood
LEONARDO NAM / Felix Lutz
THANDIE NEWTON / Maeve Millay
TALULAH RILEY / Angela
RODRIGO SANTORO / Hector Escaton
ANGELA SARAFYAN / Clementine Pennyfeather
JIMMI SIMPSON / William
PTOLEMY SLOCUM / Sylvester
EVAN RACHEL WOOD / Dolores Abernathy
SHANNON WOODWARD / Elsie Hughes
JEFFREY WRIGHT / Bernard Lowe

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
THE BIG BANG THEORY (CBS)
MAYIM BIALIK / Amy Farrah Fowler
KALEY CUOCO / Penny
JOHNNY GALECKI / Leonard Hofstadter
SIMON HELBERG / Howard Wolowitz
KUNAL NAYYAR / Rajesh Koothrappali
JIM PARSONS / Sheldon Cooper
MELISSA RAUCH / Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz
BLACK-ISH (ABC)
ANTHONY ANDERSON / Andre Johnson
MILES BROWN / Jack Johnson
DEON COLE / Charlie Telphy
LAURENCE FISHBURNE / Pops
JENIFER LEWIS / Ruby Johnson
PETER MACKENZIE / Mr. Stevens
MARSAI MARTIN / Diane Johnson
JEFF MEACHAM / Josh
TRACEE ELLIS ROSS / Rainbow Johnson
MARCUS SCRIBNER / Andre Johnson, Jr.
YARA SHAHIDI / Zoey Johnson
MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
AUBREY ANDERSON-EMMONS / Lily Tucker-Pritchett
JULIE BOWEN / Claire Dunphy
TY BURRELL / Phil Dunphy
JESSE TYLER FERGUSON / Mitchell Pritchett
NOLAN GOULD / Luke Dunphy
SARAH HYLAND / Haley Dunphy
JEREMY MAGUIRE / Joe Pritchett
ED O’NEILL / Jay Pritchett
RICO RODRIGUEZ / Manny Delgado
ERIC STONESTREET / Cameron Tucker
SOFIA VERGARA / Gloria Delgado-Pritchett
ARIEL WINTER / Alex Dunphy
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK (Netflix)
UZO ADUBA / Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren
ALAN AISENBERG / Baxter “Gerber” Bayley
DANIELLE BROOKS / Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson
BLAIR BROWN / Judy King
JACKIE CRUZ / Marisol “Flaca” Gonzales
LEA DeLARIA / Big Boo
BETH DOVER / Linda Ferguson
KIMIKO GLENN / Brook Soso
ANNIE GOLDEN / Norma Romano
LAURA GOMEZ / Blanca Flores
DIANE GUERRERO / Maritza Ramos
MICHAEL J. HARNEY / Sam Healy
BRAD WILLIAM HENKE / Desi Piscatella
VICKY JEUDY / Janae Watson
JULIE LAKE / Angie Rice
SELENIS LEYVA / Gloria Mendoza
NATASHA LYONNE / Nicky Nichols
TARYN MANNING / Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett
JAMES McMENAMIN / Charlie “Donuts” Coates
ADRIENNE C. MOORE / Cindy “Black Cindy” Hayes
KATE MULGREW / Galina “Red” Reznikov
EMMA MYLES / Leanne Taylor
MATT PETERS / Joel Luschek
LORI PETTY / Lolly Whitehill
JESSICA PIMENTEL / Maria Ruiz
DASCHA POLANCO / Dayanara “Daya” Diaz
LAURA PREPON / Alex Vause
JOLENE PURDY / Stephanie Hapakuka
ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ / Aleida Diaz
NICK SANDOW / Joe Caputo
ABIGAIL SAVAGE / Gina Murphy
TAYLOR SCHILLING / Piper Chapman
CONSTANCE SHULMAN / Erica “Yoga” Jones
DALE SOULES / Frieda Berlin
YAEL STONE / Lorna Morello
LIN TUCCI / Anita DeMarco
SAMIRA WILEY / Poussey Washington

VEEP (HBO)
DAN BAKKEDAHL / Roger Furlong
SUFE BRADSHAW / Sue Wilson
ANNA CHLUMSKY / Amy Brookheimer
GARY COLE / Kent Davison
KEVIN DUNN / Ben Cafferty
CLEA DUVALL / Marjorie Palmiotti
NELSON FRANKLIN / Will
TONY HALE / Gary Walsh
HUGH LAURIE / Tom James
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS / President Selina Meyer
SAM RICHARDSON / Richard
REID SCOTT / Dan Egan
TIMOTHY SIMONS / Jonah Ryan
JOHN SLATTERY / Charlie Baird
SARAH SUTHERLAND / Catherine
MATT WALSH / Mike McLintock
WAYNE WILDERSON / Wayne

STUNT ENSEMBLES
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
“CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
“DOCTOR STRANGE” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
“HACKSAW RIDGE” (Lionsgate)
“JASON BOURNE” (Universal Pictures)
“NOCTURNAL ANIMALS” (Focus Features)
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series
“GAME OF THRONES” (HBO)
“MARVEL’S DAREDEVIL” (Netflix)
“MARVEL’S LUKE CAGE” (Netflix)
“THE WALKING DEAD” (AMC)
“WESTWORLD” (HBO)

LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
53rd Annual SAG Life Achievement Award
LILY TOMLIN

23rd ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS® NOMINATIONS FACT SHEET
ACTORS WITH MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS – THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES & TELEVISION PROGRAMS
JIM PARSONS – 2
MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Hidden Figures"
COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “The Big Bang Theory”

ACTORS WITH MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS – THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES
MAHERSHALA ALI – 3
MALE SUPPORT – "Moonlight"
MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Hidden Figures"
MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Moonlight"
CASEY AFFLECK – 2
MALE LEAD – “Manchester By The Sea”
MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Manchester By The Sea”
VIOLA DAVIS – 2
FEMALE SUPPORT – “Fences”
MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Fences”

NAOMIE HARRIS – 2
FEMALE SUPPORT – “Moonlight”
MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Moonlight"

LUCAS HEDGES – 2
MALE SUPPORT – “Manchester By The Sea”
MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Manchester By The Sea”

VIGGO MORTENSEN – 2
MALE LEAD – “Captain Fantastic”
MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Captain Fantastic”

OCTAVIA SPENCER – 2
FEMALE SUPPORT – “Hidden Figures”
MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Hidden Figures”

DENZEL WASHINGTON – 2
MALE LEAD – “Fences”
MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Fences”

MICHELLE WILLIAMS – 2
FEMALE SUPPORT – “Manchester By The Sea”
MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Manchester By The Sea”

ACTORS WITH MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS – TELEVISION PROGRAMS

ANTHONY ANDERSON – 2
MALE COMEDY – “Black-ish”
COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Black-ish”
UZO ADUBA – 2
FEMALE COMEDY – “Orange is the New Black”
COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Orange is the New Black”

MILLIE BOBBY BROWN – 2
FEMALE DRAMA – “Stranger Things”
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Stranger Things”

STERLING K. BROWN – 2
MALE TV MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”
MALE DRAMA – “This Is Us”

TY BURRELL – 2
MALE COMEDY – “Modern Family”
COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Modern Family”
PETER DINKLAGE – 2
MALE DRAMA – “Game of Thrones”
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Game of Thrones”

CLAIRE FOY – 2
FEMALE DRAMA – “The Crown”
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “The Crown”
HARRY HADDEN-PATON – 2
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “The Crown”
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Downton Abbey”

JOHN LITHGOW – 2
MALE DRAMA – “The Crown”
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “The Crown”

JULIA LOUIS–DREYFUS – 2
FEMALE COMEDY – “Veep”
COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Veep”

THANDIE NEWTON – 2
FEMALE DRAMA – “Westworld”
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Westworld”

WINONA RYDER – 2
FEMALE DRAMA – “Stranger Things”
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Stranger Things”

THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES WITH MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS
“Manchester By The Sea” – 4
“Fences” – 3
“Moonlight” – 3
“Captain Fantastic” – 2
“Florence Foster Jenkins” – 2
“Hacksaw Ridge” – 2 (including stunt ensemble nomination)
“Hidden Figures” – 2
“La La Land” – 2
“Lion” – 2

TELEVISION PROGRAMS WITH MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS
“The Crown” – 3
“Game of Thrones” – 3 (including stunt ensemble nomination)
“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” – 3
“Stranger Things” – 3
“Westworld” – 3 (including stunt ensemble nomination)
“Black-ish” – 2
“Grace And Frankie” – 2
“House of Cards” – 2
“Modern Family” – 2
“The Night Of” – 2
“Orange is the New Black” – 2
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” – 2
“Veep” – 2

NOMINATIONS BY STUDIO FOR THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES
PARAMOUNT PICTURES – 6
AMAZON STUDIOS – 4
LIONSGATE – 4
ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS – 4
A24 – 3
20TH CENTURY FOX – 2
BLEECKER STREET – 2
UNIVERSAL PICTURES – 2
WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES – 2
THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY – 2
CBS FILMS – 1
FOCUS FEATURES – 1
FOX SEARCHLIGHT – 1

NOMINATIONS BY NETWORK FOR TELEVISION PROGRAMS
NETFLIX – 17
HBO – 13
ABC – 5
FX Networks – 3
AMAZON – 1
AMC – 1
CBS – 1
MASTERPIECE/PBS – 1
NBC – 1
SHOWTIME – 1
USA Network – 1

FIRST-TIME INDIVIDUAL ACTOR® NOMINEES
RIZ AHMED
EMILY BLUNT
MILLIE BOBBY BROWN
STERLING K. BROWN
TITUSS BURGESS
CLAIRE FOY
NAOMIE HARRIS
LUCAS HEDGES
AUDRA McDONALD
COURTNEY B. VANCE

FIRST-TIME TELEVISION SERIES ENSEMBLE NOMINEES
“Black-ish”
“The Crown”
“Stranger Things”
“Westworld”

INDIVIDUAL RECORD HOLDERS – MOST ACTORS® RECEIVED
A tie:
JULIANNA MARGULIES – 8 Actors® (4 for individual performances and 4 for ensemble performances)
2011, 2010 – FEMALE DRAMA – "The Good Wife"
1999, 1998 – FEMALE DRAMA – "ER"
1999, 1998, 1997, 1996 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – "ER"
ALEC BALDWIN – 8 Actors® (7 for individual performances and 1 for ensemble performance)
2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 – MALE COMEDY – “30 Rock”
2009 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “30 Rock”

INDIVIDUAL RECORD HOLDERS – MOST ACTOR® NOMINATIONS
EDIE FALCO – 22 Actor® nominations (14 for individual performances, 8 for ensemble performances)
Previous Actors®:
2008, 2003, 2000 – FEMALE DRAMA – “The Sopranos”
2008, 2000 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “The Sopranos”

Previous Actor® nominations:
2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 – FEMALE COMEDY – “Nurse Jackie”
2013 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Nurse Jackie”
2007, 2005, 2002, 2001 – FEMALE DRAMA – “The Sopranos”
2007, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “The Sopranos”

ENSEMBLE RECORD HOLDERS – MOST ACTORS® RECEIVED
A tie:
ER – 4 Actors® – 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996
MODERN FAMILY – 4 Actors® – 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011

ENSEMBLE RECORD HOLDERS – MOST ACTOR® NOMINATIONS
A tie:
FRASIER – 9 Actor® nominations - – 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995
LAW & ORDER – 9 Actor® nominations – 2004, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995

RECORD HOLDERS – MOST ACTOR® NOMINATIONS IN A SINGLE YEAR
A tie:
JAMIE FOXX – 4 Actor® nominations in 2005 (3 for individual performances, 1 for ensemble performance)
MALE LEAD – “Ray”
MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Ray”
MALE SUPPORT – “Collateral”
MALE MOVIE/MINISERIES – “Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story”

MAGGIE SMITH – 4 Actor® nominations in 2013 (2 for individual performances, 2 for ensemble performances)
FEMALE SUPPORT – “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”
MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”
FEMALE DRAMA – “Downton Abbey”
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Downton Abbey”

ACTORS HONORED WITH ACTOR® STATUETTES FOR SEPARATE PERFORMANCES IN A SINGLE YEAR
STEVE CARELL
2007 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Little Miss Sunshine"
2007 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – "The Office"
BRYAN CRANSTON
2013 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Argo"
2013 – MALE DRAMA – "Breaking Bad"

IDRIS ELBA
2016 – MALE TV MOVIE/MINISERIES – “Luther”
2016 – MALE SUPPORT – “Beasts of No Nation"
ALBERT FINNEY
2001 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Traffic"
2001 – MALE SUPPORT – "Erin Brockovich"
HELEN MIRREN
2007 – FEMALE LEAD – "The Queen"
2007 – FEMALE TV MOVIE/MINISERIES – "Elizabeth I"
GARY SINISE
1996 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Apollo 13"
1996 – MALE TV MOVIE/MINISERIES – "Truman"

NOMINEE SAG AWARDS® HISTORIES
(Note: “Total” tallies include this year’s nominations)
THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
CASEY AFFLECK / “Manchester By The Sea”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 3
Concurrent nominations this year:
2017 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Manchester By The Sea”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2008 – MALE SUPPORT – “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”
ANDREW GARFIELD / “Hacksaw Ridge”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Previous Actor® nominations:
2011 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Social Network”
RYAN GOSLING / “La La Land”
Total nominations in this category: 3
Total Actor® nominations: 4
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Big Short”
2008 – MALE LEAD – “Lars and the Real Girl”
2007 – MALE LEAD – “Half Nelson”

VIGGO MORTENSEN / “Captain Fantastic”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Previous Actors®: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 6
Concurrent nominations this year:
2017 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Captain Fantastic”
Previous Actors®:
2004 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The Kind”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2008 – MALE LEAD – “Eastern Promises”
2003 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers
2002 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring”
DENZEL WASHINGTON / “Fences”
Total nominations in this category: 4
Total Actor® nominations: 6
Concurrent nominations this year:
2017 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Fences”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2013 – MALE LEAD – “Flight”
2008 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “American Gangster”
2002 – MALE LEAD – “Training Day”
2000 – MALE LEAD – “The Hurricane”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
AMY ADAMS / “Arrival”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Previous Actors®: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 7
Previous Actors®:
2014 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “American Hustle”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2011 – FEMALE SUPPORT – “The Fighter”
2011 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Fighter”
2009 – FEMALE SUPPORT – “Doubt”
2009 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Doubt”
2006 – FEMALE SUPPORT – “Junebug”
EMILY BLUNT / “The Girl on the Train”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 1
This is Emily Blunt’s first Actor® nomination
NATALIE PORTMAN / “Jackie”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Previous Actors®: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 3
Previous Actors®:
2011 – FEMALE LEAD – “Black Swan”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2011 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Black Swan”
EMMA STONE / “La La Land”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Previous Actors®: 2
Total Actor® nominations: 4
Previous Actors®:
2015 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Birdman”
2012 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "The Help"
Previous Actor® nominations:
2015 – FEMALE SUPPORT – “Birdman”
MERYL STREEP / “Florence Foster Jenkins”
Total nominations in this category: 10
Previous Actors®: 2
Total Actor® nominations: 17
Previous Actors®:
2009 – FEMALE LEAD – “Doubt”
2004 – FEMALE MOVIE/MINISERIES – “Angels in America”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2015 – FEMALE SUPPORT – "Into The Woods"
2014 – FEMALE LEAD – "August: Osage County"
2014 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "August: Osage County"
2012 – FEMALE LEAD – “The Iron Lady”
2010 – FEMALE LEAD – “Julie & Julia”
2009 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Doubt"
2007 – FEMALE LEAD – “The Devil Wears Prada”
2003 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Adaptation"
2003 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "The Hours"
2000 – FEMALE LEAD – “Music of the Heart”
1999 – FEMALE LEAD – “One True Thing"
1997 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Marvin's Room”
1996 – FEMALE LEAD – “The Bridges of Madison County”
1995 – FEMALE LEAD – “The River Wild”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
MAHERSHALA ALI / “Moonlight”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 6
Concurrent nominations this year:
2017 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Moonlight”
2017 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Hidden Figures”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “House of Cards”
2015 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “House of Cards”
2009 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
JEFF BRIDGES / “Hell or High Water”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Previous Actors®: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 5
Previous Actors®:
2010 – MALE LEAD – “Crazy Heart”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2011 – MALE LEAD – “True Grit”
2004 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Seabiscuit”
2001 – MALE SUPPORT – “The Contender”
HUGH GRANT / “Florence Foster Jenkins”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Previous Actor® nominations:
1996 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Sense and Sensibility”
LUCAS HEDGES / “Manchester By The Sea”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Concurrent nominations this year:
2017 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Manchester By The Sea”
These are Lucas Hedges’ first Actor® nominations
DEV PATEL / “Lion”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Previous Actors®: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 4
Previous Actors®:
2009 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Slumdog Millionaire”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2013 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”
2009 – MALE SUPPORT – “Slumdog Millionaire”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
VIOLA DAVIS / “Fences”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Previous Actors®: 4
Total Actor® nominations: 8
Concurrent nominations this year:
2017 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Fences”
Previous Actors®:
2016, 2015 – FEMALE DRAMA – “How to Get Away with Murder”
2012 – FEMALE LEAD – “The Help”
2012 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Help”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2009 – FEMALE SUPPORT – “Doubt”
2009 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Doubt”

NAOMIE HARRIS / “Moonlight”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Concurrent nominations this year:
2017 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Moonlight”
These are Naomie Harris’ first Actor® nominations

NICOLE KIDMAN / “Lion”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Total Actor® nominations: 9
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016 – FEMALE MOVIE/MINISERIES – “Grace of Monaco”
2013 – FEMALE SUPPORT – “The Paperboy”
2013 – FEMALE MOVIE/MINISERIES – “Hemingway & Gellhorn”
2011 – FEMALE LEAD – “Rabbit Hole”
2010 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Nine”
2003 – FEMALE LEAD – “The Hours”
2003 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Hours”
2002 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Moulin Rouge”

OCTAVIA SPENCER / “Hidden Figures”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Previous Actors®: 2
Total Actor® nominations: 4
Concurrent nominations this year:
2017 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Hidden Figures”
Previous Actors®:
2012 – FEMALE SUPPORT – “The Help”
2012 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Help”
MICHELLE WILLIAMS / “Manchester By The Sea”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Total Actor® nominations: 6
Concurrent nominations this year:
2017 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Manchester By The Sea”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2012 – FEMALE LEAD – “My Week With Marilyn”
2006 – FEMALE SUPPORT – “Brokeback Mountain”
2006 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Brokeback Mountain”
2004 – MOTION PICTURE CAST- “The Station Agent”

TELEVISION PROGRAMS
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
RIZ AHMED / “The Night Of”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 1
This is Riz Ahmed’s first Actor® nomination

STERLING K. BROWN / “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Concurrent nominations this year:
MALE DRAMA – “This Is Us”
These are Sterling K. Brown’s first Actor® nominations
BRYAN CRANSTON / “All the Way”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Previous Actors®: 4
Total Actor® nominations: 12
Previous Actors®:
2014, 2013 – MALE DRAMA – “Breaking Bad”
2014 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Breaking Bad”
2013 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Argo”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016 – MALE LEAD – “Trumbo”
2016 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Trumbo”
2012, 2011, 2010 – MALE DRAMA – “Breaking Bad”
2013, 2012 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Breaking Bad”
JOHN TURTURRO / “The Night Of”
Total Actor® nominations in this category: 3
Previous Actor® nominations: 4
Previous Actor® nominations:
2008 – MALE TV MOVIE/MINISERIES – “The Bronx is Burning”
2003 – MALE TV MOVIE/MINISERIES – “Monday Night Mayhem”
1995 – MALE SUPPORT – “Quiz Show”
COURTNEY B. VANCE / “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 1
This is Courtney B. Vance’s first Actor® nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD / “Black Mirror”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Previous Actors®: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Previous Actors®:
2012 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Help”
FELICITY HUFFMAN / “American Crime”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Previous Actors®: 3
Total Actor® nominations: 10
Previous Actors®:
2006 – FEMALE COMEDY – “Desperate Housewives”
2006, 2005 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Desperate Housewives”
Previous Actor® Nominations:
2009, 2008, 2007 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Desperate Housewives”
2007 – FEMALE COMEDY – “Desperate Housewives”
2006 – FEMALE LEAD – “Transamerica”
2000 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Sports Night”
AUDRA McDONALD / “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill”
Total nomination in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 1
This is Audra McDonald’s first Actor® nomination
SARAH PAULSON / “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Previous Actor® nominations:
2014 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “12 Years a Slave”
KERRY WASHINGTON / “Confirmation”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 3
Previous Actor® nominations:
2014 – FEMALE DRAMA – “Scandal”
2005 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Ray”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
STERLING K. BROWN / “This Is Us”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Concurrent nominations this year:
MALE TV MOVIE/LIMITED – “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”
These are Sterling K. Brown’s first Actor® nominations
PETER DINKLAGE / “Game of Thrones”
Total nominations in this category: 4
Total Actor® nominations: 10
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016, 2015, 2014 – MALE DRAMA – “Game of Thrones”
2016, 2015, 2014, 2012 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Game of Thrones”
2004 – MALE LEAD – “The Station Agent”
2004 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Station Agent”
JOHN LITHGOW / “The Crown”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Previous Actors®: 2
Total Actor Nominations: 8
Previous Actors®:
1998, 1997 – MALE COMEDY – “3rd Rock from the Sun”\
Previous Actor® nominations:
2010 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Dexter”
2001 – MALE TV MOVIE/MINISERIES – “Don Quixote”
1999, 1998, 1997 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “3rd Rock from the Sun”
RAMI MALEK / “Mr. Robot”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016 – MALE DRAMA – “Mr. Robot”
KEVIN SPACEY / “House of Cards”
Total nominations in this category: 3
Previous Actors®: 4
Total Actor® nominations: 11
Previous Actors®:
2016, 2015 – MALE DRAMA – “House of Cards”
2000 – MALE LEAD – “American Beauty”
2000 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “American Beauty”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2014 – MALE DRAMA – “House of Cards”
2016, 2015 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “House of Cards”
2009 – MALE MOVIE/MINISERIES – “Recount”
1998 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “L.A. Confidential”
1996 – MALE SUPPORT – “The Usual Suspects”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
MILLIE BOBBY BROWN / “Stranger Things”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Concurrent nominations this year:
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Stranger Things”
These are Millie Bobby Brown’s first Actor® nominations
CLAIRE FOY / “The Crown”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Concurrent nominations this year:
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “The Crown”
These are Claire Foy’s first Actor® nomination
THANDIE NEWTON / “Westworld”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Previous Actors®: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 3
Concurrent nominations this year:
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Westworld”
Previous Actors®:
2006 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Crash”
WINONA RYDER / “Stranger Things”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 5
Concurrent nominations this year:
DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “Stranger Things”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2011 – FEMALE TV MOVIE/MINISERIES – “When Love is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story”
2011 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Black Swan”
1996 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “How to Make an American Quilt”
ROBIN WRIGHT / “House of Cards”
Total nominations in this category: 3
Total Actor® nominations: 8
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016, 2015 – FEMALE DRAMA – “House of Cards”
2016, 2015 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “House of Cards”
2006 – FEMALE MOVIE/MINISERIES – “Empire Falls”
1998 – FEMALE LEAD – “She’s So Lovely”
1995 – FEMALE SUPPORT – “Forrest Gump”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
ANTHONY ANDERSON / “Black-ish”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 4
Concurrent nomination this year:
COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Black-ish”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2007 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “The Departed”
2006 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Hustle & Flow”
TITUSS BURGESS / “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 1
This is Tituss Burgess’ first Actor® nomination
TY BURRELL / “Modern Family”
Total nominations in this category: 7
Previous Actors®: 5
Total Actor® nominations: 15
Concurrent nominations this year:
COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Modern Family”
Previous Actors®:
2014 – MALE COMEDY – “Modern Family”
2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Modern Family”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011 – MALE COMEDY – “Modern Family”
2016, 2015, 2010 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Modern Family”
WILLIAM H. MACY / “Shameless”
Total nominations in this category: 3
Previous Actors®: 2
Total Actor® nominations: 11
Previous Actors®:
2015 – MALE COMEDY – “Shameless”
2003 – MALE MOVIE/MINISERIES – “Door to Door”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016 – MALE COMEDY – “Shameless”
2007 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Bobby"
2007 – MALE MOVIE/MINISERIES – "Nightmares & Dreamscapes"
2005 – MALE MOVIE/MINISERIES – "The Wool Cap"
2004 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Seabiscuit"
2000 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Magnolia"
1998 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – "Boogie Nights"
1997 – MALE SUPPORT – “Fargo”

JEFFREY TAMBOR / Transparent”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Previous Actors®: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 5
Previous Actors®:
2016 – MALE COMEDY – “Transparent”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2014, 2006, 2005 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Arrested Development”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
UZO ADUBA / “Orange is the Black”
Total nominations in this category: 3
Previous Actors®: 4
Total Actor® nominations: 6
Concurrent nominations this year:
COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Orange is the New Black”
Previous Actors®:
2016, 2015 – FEMALE COMEDY – “Orange is the New Black”
2016, 2015 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Orange is the New Black”
JANE FONDA / “Grace and Frankie”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 2
Previous Actor® nominations:
2014 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”
ELLIE KEMPER / Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
Total nominations in this category: 2
Total Actor® nominations: 7
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016 – FEMALE COMEDY – “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “The Office”
2012 – MOTION PICTURE CAST – “Bridesmaids”
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS / “Veep”
Total nominations in this category: 11
Previous Actors®: 6
Total Actor® nominations: 19
Concurrent nominations this year:
COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Veep”
Previous Actors®:
2014 – FEMALE COMEDY – "Veep"
1998, 1997 – FEMALE COMEDY – “Seinfeld”
1998, 1997, 1995 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Seinfeld”
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016, 2015, – FEMALE COMEDY – "Veep"
2016, 2015, 2014 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – "Veep"
2010, 2007 – FEMALE COMEDY – "The New Adventures of Old Christine"
1999, 1996, 1995 – FEMALE COMEDY – “Seinfeld”
1996 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE – “Seinfeld”
LILY TOMLIN / “Grace and Frankie”
Total nominations in this category: 1
Total Actor® nominations: 4
Concurrent honor this year:
53rd Annual Life Achievement Recipient
Previous Actor® nominations:
2005, 2003 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE – “The West Wing”
2003 – FEMALE DRAMA – “The West Wing”

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
THE CROWN (Netflix)
Total Actor® nominations: 1
This is “The Crown” ensemble’s first Actor® nomination
DOWNTON ABBEY (Masterpiece/PBS)
Previous Actors®: 3
Total Actor® nominations: 5
Previous Actors®:
2016, 2015, 2013 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE
Previous Actor® nominations:
2014– DRAMA ENSEMBLE
GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
Total Actor® nominations: 5
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016, 2015, 2014, 2012 – DRAMA ENSEMBLE
STRANGER THINGS (Netflix)
Total Actor® nominations: 1
This is the “Stranger Things” ensemble’s first Actor® nomination
WESTWORLD (HBO)
Total Actor® nominations: 1
This is the “Westworld” ensemble’s first Actor® nomination

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
BLACK-ISH (ABC)
Total Actor® nominations: 1
This is the “Black-ish” ensemble’s first Actor® nomination
THE BIG BANG THEORY (CBS)
Total Actor® nominations: 6
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE
MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
Previous Actors®: 4
Total Actor® nominations: 8
Previous Actors®:
2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016, 2015, 2010 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK (Netflix)
Previous Actors®: 2
Total Actor® nominations: 3
Previous Actors®:
2016, 2015 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE
VEEP (HBO)
Total Actor® nominations: 4
Previous Actor® nominations:
2016, 2015, 2014 – COMEDY ENSEMBLE

STUNT ENSEMBLE HONORS
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series
GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
Total Stunt Ensemble nominations: 6
Previous Stunt Ensemble honors: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
MARVEL'S DAREDEVIL (Netflix)
Total Stunt Ensemble nominations: 2
Previous Stunt Ensemble nominations: 2016
MARVEL’S LUKE CAGE (Netflix)
Total Stunt Ensemble nominations: 1
This is the “Marvel’s Luke Cage” stunt ensemble’s first nomination
THE WALKING DEAD (AMC)
Total Stunt Ensemble nominations: 5
Previous Stunt Ensemble nominations: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
WESTWORLD (HBO)
Total Stunt Ensemble nominations: 1
This is the “Westworld” stunt ensemble’s first nomination

Golden Globe Award is getting more Black & Brown!

December 12, 2016 Art Shrian & Lapacazo Sandoval

The 2017 award season has begun, and thankfully this year looks lot more colorful that last year. There are almost too many awards to keep count of, but Golden Globes is one of the most prestigious awards out there. The 74th Golden Globe Awards, which are voted on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, announced the nominees for the 2017 Golden Globe Awards. And they announced nominations for the 2017 awards today.

The musical “La La Land” leads the film nominees with a total of seven mentions, followed by “Moonlight” with six. On the TV side “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” tops with five.

The 2017 ceremony is set to honor Meryl Streep with the Cecil B. DeMille Award who has won eight Golden Globes and has been nominated 29 times, including the recent nomination for“Florence Foster Jenkins.”

Best Motion Picture Drama nominee’s include “Hacksaw Ridge,” “Hell or High Water,” Manchester by the Sea,” “Lion” and “Moonlight.” Other nominations of note include Denzel Washington for “Fences” (Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Drama), Ruth Negga, “Loving” (Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Drama), Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight” (Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture) along side Dev Patel for “Lion.”

Under Actress In A Supporting Role In Any Motion Picture the competition is stiff with nominations earned by Viola Davis “Fences,” Naomie Harris “Midnight” and Octavia Spencer for “Hidden Figures.” Earning double nominations is Barry Jenkins for “Moonlight” as Best Director, Motion Picture and a nomination under Best Screenplay, Motion Picture, “Moonlight.”

Under Best Original Song Motion Picture is “Faith” from the animated feature “Sing” with music and lyrics by Ryan Tedder, Francis Farewell Starlight and Stevie Wonder and “How Far I’ll Go” with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda (lyrics) for “Moana.”

Under Best Television series, comedy or musical is “Atlanta” and “Black-ish” and earning a nod

under Best Performance by an Actor in a Television series, comedy or musical is Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”), Gael Garcia Bernal (“Mozart in the Jungle”) and Donald Glover (“Atlanta”). Under Best Performance by an Actress in a Television series, comedy of musical is Tracee Ellis Ross (“Black-ish’), Gina Rodriguez “(Jane the Virgin”) and Issa Rae (“Insecure”). Under Best Performance by an Actor in a limited series or Motion Picture made for television is Courtney B. Vance (“The People v. O.J. Simpson) and Riz Ahmed “The Night of”). Best Performance by an Actress in a limited Series or Motion Picture made for television, Kerry Washington (“Confirmation”) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television is Thandie Newton “Westworld.” Best Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television “The Night Of,” and “The People v. O.J. Simpson.”

On her nomination RUTH NEGGA, who plays the late Mildred Loving, in“Loving” (Focus Features) has this to say about her nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama (Golden Globes) — “I am profoundly grateful for this recognition… I can’t thank the HFPA enough for their support, this is such an honor. I am humbled to be in the company of all of these extraordinary, talented, and powerful women. It has been such a gift to share Mildred and Richard Loving’s important story with the world. I share this honor with my partner in the film, Joel Edgerton, our incredible director Jeff Nichols and everyone involved in bringing Loving to life.”

The 74th Golden Globe Awards, which are voted on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, will be hosted by Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon and will air live on both coasts Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 on NBC.

LA FILMFESTIVAL by FilmIndependent ~ Celebrates Diversity & Inclusion | ANNOUNCES WINNERS AND GRANT RECIPIENTS

June 10, 2016 @ArtShrian

The 2016 LA Film Festival, produced by Film Independent announced the winners of the 2016 Festival at the Awards Cocktail Reception. The Reception was hosted by Roya Rastegar, Director of Programming and Jennifer Cochis, Creative Director.

This festival has been one of the most diverse, inclusive and supportive festival to passionate filmmakers of all color, nationality, gender, genre, taste and flavor. Film Independent and it's president Josh Wells, has been pushing the organization in that direction since he took helm of few years ago. Under the direction of the festival president Stephanie Allain, who has been pushing Hollywood towards true inclusion and breaking barriers for diversity since beginning of her career. Her team and lieutenants like Roya Rastegar, Jennifer Cochis and the entire programming and festival team has truly made it a mission to support wonderful independent cinema in Hollywood and worldwide, along with promoting diversity and inclusion.

“With all the talk about diversifying Hollywood, the LA Film Festival provides proof that talented filmmakers with new voices are out there, they just need a platform and that’s what we’re providing,” said Stephanie Allain, Festival Director. "One of the more satisfying aspects of this job is watching new directors blossom in the spotlight. I'm grateful to our esteemed jurors for their service and congratulate the winners."

The LA Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday, June 1 with the World Premiere of Ricardo de Montreuil’s Lowriders and will close today June 9 with Jonás Cuarón’s Desierto. Special Screenings included the World Premiere of Zedd True Colors and The Conjuring 2. The 2016 LA Film Festival Guest Director was Ryan Coogler; the recipient of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award was Maryse Alberti, this year’s Spirit of Independence Award was bestowed upon Ava DuVernay and Array Releasing. The LA Film Festival is a qualifying festival in all categories for the Film Independent Spirit Awards and for the Narrative and Animated Short Film categories at the Academy Awards.

The Festival hosts juried awards including the U.S. Fiction Award, World Fiction Award, Documentary Award, LA Muse Award and Nightfall Award, as well as the Short Fiction Award and the Short Documentary Award. Audience awards are presented for Fiction Feature Film, Documentary Feature Film, Short Film and Web Series.

The U.S. Fiction Award went to Remy Auberjonois for Blood Stripe, which made its World Premiere at the Festival.

The World Fiction Award went to Anaïs Volpé for HEIS (chronicles), which made its World Premiere at the Festival.

The Documentary Award went to Jonah Markowitz and Tracy Wares forPolitical Animals, which made its World Premiere at the Festival.

The LA Muse Award was given to Heidi Saman for Namour, which made its World Premiere at the Festival.

The Nightfall Award went to Jackson Stewart for Beyond The Gates,which made its World Premiere at the Festival.

The Audience Award for Fiction Feature Film went to GREEN / is / GOLD, directed by Ryon Baxter which made its World Premiere at the Festival.

The Audience Award for Documentary Feature Film was given to Political Animals, directed by Jonah Markowitz and Tracy Wares.

The Award for Short Fiction went to The Beast (Zvjerka), directed byDaina Oniunas Pusić. The Award for Short Documentary went to The Gatekeeper, directed by Yung Chang. The Audience Award for Short Filmwent to Into Darkness directed by Rachida El Garani. The Audience Award for Web Series went to Instababy, directed by Rosie Haber.

The U.S. Fiction jury consisted of writer and director Alex Rivera (Sleep Dealer), public broadcasting anchor and reporter Shirley Jahad (KPCC, WBEZ, WTTW), costume designer Sophie De Rakoff (Legally Blonde, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, In Her Shoes, McFarland, USA).

The World Fiction jury was comprised of producer Gail Mutrux (The Danish Girl, Kinsey, Donnie Brasco), award-winning composer, producer and former President of Fox Music Robert Kraft, and The Hollywood Reporter film critic and Reviews Editor Jon Frosch.

The Documentary jury consisted of producer Ron Najor (Short Term 12, I Am Not a Hipster), Access Hollywood film critic Scott Mantz and Wendy Guerrero, President of the Bentonville Film Festival.

The LA Muse jury included Rachel Polan Director of Development, Television at Lionsgate, actress and director Jennifer Prediger (Apartment Troubles, Red Flag, Uncle Kent) and Jonathan Wells, curator of the Flux Screening Series at the Hammer Museum.

The Nightfall jury consisted of acquisitions executive Jeff Deutchman, Mia Chang producer and partner Brio Entertainment (It Follows, Struck By Lightning, Boulevard) and actor and producer Reza Sixo Safai (A Girl Walks Home At Night, The Loner).

The Shorts jury consisted of actor Drew Droege (Cocktails and Classics, Drunk History), Danielle Hinde, producer and owner of Doomsday Entertainment (Nine Types of Light, Chet Faker: Gold, Childish Gambino: Sober) and Slamdance Film Festival, Festival Manager Clementine Leger.

Grants were also awarded to David Saveliev, winner of the Ed Elias Future Filmmaker Award for Narrative Film for Wonderful World and an Ed Elias Future Filmmaker Honorable Mention to Lucky Numbers directed byChester Milton. Josh Jaffe is the winner of the Ed Elias Future Filmmaker Award for Documentary Film for In Twenty Years: Central District and anEd Elias Future Filmmaker Honorable Mention was given to The Skin I’m In directed by Rajaiah Jones. Liam O’Connor-Savaria is the winner of theEd Elias Future Filmmaker Award for Animated or Experimental Film forWorryWart and an Ed Elias Future Filmmaker Honorable Mention was attributed to A Little Love Goes a Long Clay directed by Juliet Buckholdt.

Also announced during the Festival at the Film Independent Fast Track finance market were two Alfred P. Sloan Grants given to films that engage with science and technology themes and characters. The Alfred P. Sloan Fast Track Grant was awarded to Mark Levinson for his project The Gold Bug Variations.

Awards were given out in the following categories:

U.S. Fiction Award
Winner: Blood Stripe, directed by Remy Auberjonois

Country: USA

Screenwriter: Kate Nowlin, Remy Auberjonois

Producer: Schuyler Weiss, Julie Christeas, Remy Auberjonois, Kate Nowlin

Cast: Kate Nowlin, Tom Lipinski, Chris Sullivan, Rusty Schwimmer, Rene Auberjonois

Film Description: After a third tour of duty in Afghanistan, a Marine sergeant returns home to find herself hemorrhaging anxiety and paranoia from unseen wounds. World Premiere

The U.S. Fiction Jury awarded the following special mentions:

Special Mention for Comedy: Chee and T, directed by Tanuj Chopra

Country: USA

Screenwriter: Tanuj Chopra, Chee Malabar

Producer: Sohini Sengupta

Cast: Dominic Rains, Sunkrish Bala, Asif Ali, Noureen DeWulf, Rebecca Hazlewood, Bernard White, Karan Soni, Himanshu Suri, Scott Rogers

Film Description: A delirious ride with two hot henchmen, who are tasked with getting their South Asian boss’s out-of-control nephew presentable for his engagement party by day’s end. World Premiere

Special Mention for Visual Accomplishment: Paint it Black, directed by Amber Tamblyn

Country: USA

Screenwriter: Amber Tamblyn, Ed Dougherty

Producer: Wren Arthur, Amy Hobby, Anne Hubbell, Amber Tamblyn

Cast: Janet McTeer, Alia Shawkat, Alfred Molina, Emily Rios, Rhys Wakefield

Film Description: Barely able to process the death of her true love, Josie is drawn into a twisted relationship with the deceased’s mother as irrational grief explodes in beautiful and terrifying ways. World Premiere

****

World Fiction Award
Winner: HEIS (chronicles), directed by Anaïs Volpé

Country: France

Screenwriter: Anaïs Volpé

Producers: Anaïs Volpé

Cast: Alexandre Desane, Matthieu Longatte, Emilia Derou-Bernal, Akéla Sari, Anaïs Volpé

Film Description: A millennial artist returns to her mother’s home in Paris, only to have her personal ambitions confronted by her family’s expectations in this energetic and visually distinct debut film. World Premiere

The World Fiction Jury awarded a special mention to:

Special Mention: Lupe Under the Sun, directed by Rodrigo Reyes

Country: Mexico/USA

Screenwriter: Rodrigo Reyes

Producers: Su Kim

Cast: Daniel Muratalla, Ana Muratalla

Film Description: After a lifetime working in the California fields, Lupe learns that he is about to die and desperately struggles to return home to his family in Mexico to make amends—before it is too late. World Premiere

****

Documentary Award

Winner: Political Animals, directed by Jonah Markowitz, Tracy Wares

Country: USA

Screenwriter: Jonah Markowitz

Producers: Anne Clements

Cast: Carole Migden, Sheila Kuehl, Jackie Goldberg, Christine Kehoe

Film Description: The first openly gay California State Representatives, Sheila Kuehl, Jackie Goldberg, Christine Kehoe, and Carole Migden, had to utilize cunning, strategy and endurance when authoring and introducing the legislation that fundamentally changed the landscape of LGBT rights. World Premiere

****

LA Muse Award
Winner: Namour, directed by Heidi Saman

Country: USA

Screenwriter: Heidi Saman

Producers: Matthew Keene Smith

Cast: Karim Saleh, Waleed Zuaiter, Mona Hala, Nicole Haddad

Film Description: Set in the City of Angels during the economic recession of the late 2000’s, a twenty-something Egyptian American valet driver must come to grips with his dead-end job, disintegrating family and disappearing relationships in this stylish homage to Los Angeles. World Premiere

The LA Muse Jury awarded a special mention to:

Special Mention: No Light and No Land Anywhere, directed by Amber Sealey

Country: USA

Screenwriter: Amber Sealey

Executive Producer: Miranda July

Producers: Drea Clark, Alysa Nahmias, Amber Sealey

Cast: Gemma Brockis, Jennifer LaFleur, David Sullivan, Kent Osborne, Deborah Dopp, Jade Sealey

Film Description: Grieving over her mother's death, Lexi abruptly leaves her life and husband in London to come to Los Angeles in pursuit of the father who abandoned her when she was three. World Premiere

****

Nightfall Award
Winner: Beyond The Gates, directed by Jackson Stewart

Country: USA

Screenwriter: Jackson Stewart, Stephen Scarlata

Producers: Barbara Crampton, Amanda Mortimer

Cast: Graham Skipper, Chase Williamson, Brea Grant, Sara Malakul Lane, Barbara Crampton

Film Description: Two estranged brothers dig through their missing father’s video store, discovering a VCR board game that holds a connection to their father's disappearance and deadly consequences for anyone who plays it.World Premiere

****

Award for Short Film

Winner: The Beast (Zvjerka), directed by Daina Oniunas Pusić. Croatia.

Film Description: A complicated relationship between an elderly mother and daughter is forever altered when a bat flies into their lives.

The Shorts jury awarded special mentions to:

Special Mention for Breakthrough Performance: Thunder Road, directed by Jim Cummings. USA.

Film Description: Officer Arnaud loved his mom.

Special Mention for Excellence in Animation: The Lingerie Show, directed by Laura Harrison. USA.

Film Description: A drug addict throws a lingerie show to seduce her boyfriend away from his sugar daddy, which devolves into mayhem.

****

Award for Documentary Short

Winner: The Gatekeeper, directed by Yung Chang. Japan.

Film Description: A retired police detective patrols Tojinbo Cliffs, a notorious destination for suicides in Japan.

****

Audience Award for Fiction Feature Film

Winner: GREEN / is / GOLD, directed by Ryon Baxter

Country: USA

Screenwriter: Ryon Baxter
Producers: Anthony Burns, Ryon Baxter

Cast: Jimmy Baxter, Ryon Baxter, David Fine, Liz Clare, Shelley Mitchell

Film Description: After his father goes to prison, a wayward tween has nowhere to live except with his high school dropout brother, who is building—at all costs—a marijuana business. World Premiere

This award is given to the fiction feature audiences liked most as voted by a tabulated rating system. World Premiere fiction feature-length films screening in the following sections were eligible for the Audience Award for Best Fiction Feature: U.S. Fiction, World Fiction, Limelight, LA Muse, and Nightfall.

****

Audience Award for Documentary Feature Film
Winner: Political Animals, directed by Jonah Markowitz, Tracy Wares

Country: USA

Screenwriter: Jonah Markowitz

Producers: Anne Clements

Cast: Carole Migden, Sheila Kuehl, Jackie Goldberg, Christine Kehoe

This award is given to the documentary feature audiences liked most as voted by a tabulated rating system. World Premiere documentary feature-length films screening in the following sections were eligible for the Audience Award for Documentary Feature: Documentary and LA Muse.

****

Audience Award for Short Film
Winner: Into Darkness, directed by Rachida El Garani
Film Description: This documentary gives insight into a deeply religious Moroccan family as they struggle with blindness and extreme poverty.

This award is given to the short film audiences liked most as voted by a tabulated rating system. Short films screening in the Shorts Programs or before feature films in the Festival were eligible for the Audience Award for Short Film.

****

Audience Award for Web-series
Winner: Instababy, directed by Rosie Haber

Description: Gay adoption is illegal in Mississippi, so Toni and Keeta look for a baby on Instagram.

This award is given to the web-series audiences liked most as voted by a tabulated rating system.

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ABOUT THE LA FILM FESTIVAL

The LA Film Festival is a key part of the exhibition arm of Film Independent, showcasing new American and international cinema that embraces diversity, innovation and unique perspectives. The Festival produces one-of-a-kind events featuring critically acclaimed filmmakers, industry professionals and award-winning talent from Los Angeles and around the world. The Festival’s signature programs include the Filmmaker Retreat, Celebrating Women Filmmakers, Master Classes, Spirit of Independence Award, Coffee Talks, LA Muse and more. The Festival also screens short films created by high school students. Presenting Media Sponsor is the Los Angeles Times. Premier Sponsor is Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Principal Sponsor is Jaeger-LeCoultre. Platinum Sponsors are American Airlines, Dolby Laboratories, Inc., EFILM | Company 3 and HBO. The University Sponsor is Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television. WireImage is the Official Photography Agency. More information can be found at lafilmfestival.com.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is the non-profit arts organization that champions creative independence in visual storytelling and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional or a film lover.

Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the LA Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry. For more information or to become a member, visitfilmindependent.org.

Online & Social Media:

www.lafilmfest.com Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/LAFilmFest and Twitter @LAFilmFest. Official event hashtag: #LAFilmFest.

A wonderful weekend with Films & Coffee Talks, at LA Film Festival. only 4 days left!

June 6, 2016 @ArtShrian

Los Angeles Film Festival 2016 is the best film event in the town. If you're a film lover, you're in LA (or can make it to LA), and you're not here, you're really missing on some serious fun, wonderful talks, amazing films and lot more. Culver City is hosting this awesome event, brought to us by Film Independent, and it's amazing!

This weekend was a clear example of all that this festival brings to you. There were some amazing films screening at the Arclight Cinema in Culver City. The historic Culver Hotel (owned by likes of Charlie Chaplin and John Wayne, in the past) has been hosting some fun parties, events and great talks like COFFE TALKS yesterday.

Coffee Talks: Directors - The Culver Hotel – 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 – with introduction by Paul Cowlin with Tim Miler (Deadpool) and Patricia Riggen (The 33)

Coffee Talks: Actors – The Culver Hotel – 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 – with talent John Cho, Tony Hale, Paul Scheer and Michaela Watkins

Coffee Talks: Documentarians – The Culver Hotel – 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 – with introduction by Paul Cowling and talent Lucy Walker (The Crash Reel), Kirby Dick, Ondi Timoner

Coffee Talks: Screenwriters – The Culver Hotel – 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 – with introduction by Paul Cowling with Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead, Don’t Breathe), Phil Johnston (Zootopia), Phyllis Nagy (Carol)

These artists shared an impressive insight into their art form over a casual chat amongst there peers, along with free coffee for everyone there. John Cho talked about being Asian in the industry and some great advice to actors of color, "say yes, make up for the lack of opportunities, avoid negative stereotype, love your family & your work, and keep pushing forward". Phyllis Nagy shared how her stories take form and advised inspiring screenwriters to watch as much as possible, and learn from others. And follow your instinct too.

Some hilarious stories were shared too where Paul Scheer talked about his most embarrassing TV show about cats, for cats, by cats. John laying under a naked man, for an indie student film. Faded talked about finishing his writing at most uncomfortable places in his house, in most uncomfortable positions. It was a joyful event filled with inspiring information for all.

The weekend also saw some wonderful movies and talks with the team from the films:

Don't Hang Up – with French Directors Damien Mace, Alexis Wajsbort, London Producer Laurie Cook, LA writer Joe Johnson and LA stars Gregg Sulking and Garrett Clayton

Sensitivity Training – with introduction and Q&A with Jenn Wilson with Producer Megha Kohli, Writer/Director Melissa Finell, Executive Producer/Actor Charles Haid, Actress Anna Lise Phillips, Actress Jill Alexander, Actress Quinn Marcus, Actress Amy Madigan, Associate Producer/Actress Amy Varpahl, Actor Andy Gala, Actor Michael Laskin, Actress Courtney Fansler, Actress Challen Cates, Actor Finnegan Haid, Actress Tessa Goss, Director of Photography Paul Cannon

Dr Feelgood – with Director Eve Marson, Producer Sara Goldblatt, Exectutive Producer Alison Block, Executive Producer Tim Poore, writer David Boodell, writer Mark Monroe, and talent William Hurwitz

A Moving Image - ArcLight Culver City Theater 8 – 9500 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 – with introduction by Roya Rastegar and Q&A by Stephanie Owens, with Writer/Director Shola Amoo, Producer Rienkje Attoh, Actress Tanya Fear, Actor Aki Omoshaybi, Actress Yrsa Daley Ward and Composer Segun Akinola.

My First Kiss and the People Involved – with introduction by Drea Clark with Director Luigi Campi, Executive Producer Gerry Kim, Producer Andy Nguyen, Producer Ko-Rely Pi, Producer Mayuran Tiruchelvam, Co-Producer Rob Cristiano, Co-Producer Andrew Hauser, Cast India Menuez, Cast Robert Beitzel, Production Designer Charlotte Royer and Composer Bonnie McAlvin.

HEIS – with introduction and Q&A by Stephanie Ownes with Director Anais Volpe, actor Alexandre Desane, actor Matthieu Longatte and Actress Emilia Derou-Bernal.

Episodes: Indie Series From the Web – with introduction and Q&A by Cooper Hopkins with Brothers: Writer/Director Emmett Lundberg, Producer Sheyam Ghieth and cast Will Krisanda; Caring: Director Maggie Kiley, Writer/Creator Erin Wagoner, Producer Ellie Wen, Producer Winnie Kemp, Producer Lena Bubenechik, actor Lynn Chen, actor Diana DeLaCruz;Fridays: Director Anna Kerrigan, Writer/Creator/star Shoshannah Stern, Writer/Creator/star Josh Feldman, Producer Ellie Wen and Producer Winnie Kemp

11:55 – with introduction and Q&A by Roya Rastegar with Writer/Director Ari issler, Writer/Director Ben Snyder, Writer/actor Victor Almanzar, Producer Danny Mendoza, Producer Joshua Blum, Producer Matthew Thurm, actress Shirley Rumierk and talent Mike Carlsen

Lupe Under the Sun – with introduction and Q&A by Ray Price with Director Rodrigo Reyes, Producer Su Kim, actor Daniel Muratalla, Producer and Director of Photography Justin Chin and Associate Producer Pablo Mondragon

Denial - with introduction and Q&A by Jenn Wilson with talent Anoosh Tertzakian, Aaron Woolf, Derek Hallquist, Christine Hallquist, Christopher St. John, Shirel Kozak, Kyle Wilson, Dan DiMauro, Savannah Woods and Phil Schewe

The festival is more than half over, with only 4 days left. For more details, check there website below:

http://www.filmindependent.org/la-film-festival/

Schedule & Tickets
https://tickets.lafilmfestival.com/Online/
https://s3.amazonaws.com/lafilmfestival2016/2016_LAFF_ScheduleGrid.pdf

http://www.filmindependent.org/la-film-festival/ticket-info/

@LAFilmFestival 2016, June 1-9 | Celebrating Independent Cinema, promoting DIVERSITY & INCLUSION #LAFilmFestival

May 31, 2016 Art Shrian & Lapacazo Sandoval

It's that time again, when the best of independent, national and international cinema comes all together in Los Angeles. It's celebration of the best in films, where you get to see not only established filmmakers celebrate their work, but also many up & coming, and to-be stars. Los Angeles Film Festival is known for that. If you're a film lover, you cannot and should not afford to miss LAFF2016, that starts tomorrow.

The 2016 Los Angeles Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that also produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, begins with the opening night film “Lowriders” directed by Ricardo de Montreuil starring Eva Longoria and closes with the visceral suspense-thriller “Desierto” directed by Jonás Cuarón and producer Alfonso Caurón, starring Gael Garcia Bernal.

Keeping the issue of inclusion and diversity firmly in the headlines director Ryan Coogler (“Creed”) has been added as Guest Director and will attend the 15th annual Filmmaker Retreat, a signature program which brings together all the feature directors [in this year’s Festival] along with seasoned filmmakers and Film Independent Board Members who attend as honored artists.

On June 2nd Nate Parker will share what it took to bring the story of Nat Turner, an African-American preacher to the big screen in Labor of Love: The Birth of a Nation Conversation and will be joined by cast members Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away with Murder) and Gabrielle Union (Being Mary Jane).

This years’ Spirit of Independence Award which honors those who advance the cause of independent film and champion creative freedom will be awarded to Ava DuVernay (“Selma”) and her distribution company Array Releasing, on June 4th.

Exploring inclusion on a global scale the Global Media Makers Presents: Storytelling From The Inside Out, a U.S. Department of State and Film Independent international mentoring initiative that connects visual storytellers from around the world with leading U.S. entertainment professionals through specially tailored mentorships, workshops and master classes.

Highlighting the continued conversation on diversity, the Diversity Speaks Panels brings together content creators of underrepresented communities who embody innovation to discuss how they manage to combine their passions for storytelling, entrepreneurship and their cultural identities into success stories. One of the many highlights include Issa Rae (Awkward Black Girl) will join Film Independent Curator Elvis Mitchell in conversation for an intimate off-the-record talk.

Festival Director Stephanie Allain weighed in on this years’ selection. “We are thrilled to open with ‘Lowriders,’ a culturally vibrant film that explores familial relationships within a second-generation Mexican family in East LA. Made by filmmakers of color, ‘Lowriders’ embodies our mission of shining the light on unique voices. Spirit Award winner Ryan Coogler honors us as Guest Director – we had Fruitvale Station at the Festival in 2013 and are so happy to have him back this year as our Guest Director.”

Film Independent President Josh Welsh shared his enthusiasm on awarding Ava DuVernay the Spirit of Independence Award.

“We can’t imagine a more fitting recipient of the Spirit of Independence Award than Ava DuVernay and her distribution company Array Releasing,” said Welsh. “In addition to being a brilliant filmmaker, Ava is a passionate, forward-thinking distributor, helping unique and diverse voices find their audiences. Array bought Takeshi Fukunaga’s Out of My Hand at last year’s Festival, a film that we celebrated at this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards.”

AFRICAN/AFRICAN AMERICAN films at LAFF include:

72 Hours: A Brooklyn Love Story?

Director Raafi Rivero

June 2

A charismatic teen is thrown into a crisis of life and love when he must decide whether to leave his rapidly gentrifying Brooklyn community to pursue a prestigious academic scholarship.

Like Cotton Twines

DIRECTOR/WRITER Leila Djansi

June 2

An African-American volunteer accepts a teaching job in a remote Ghanaian village and is ensnared in a battle between tradition and freedom when he is compelled to save one of his students from becoming a slave to the gods.

The House on Coco Road

June 2

DIRECTOR/PRODUCER Damani Baker

An activist and teacher abandons the racial violence permeating Oakland in the 1960’s in pursuit of the utopic possibilities of Grenada’s revolution—only to put her family in harm’s way during a brutal invasion by the U.S. military.

Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story

DIRECTOR Eric "Ptah" Herbert

June 2

One of the biggest mysteries in basketball’s history is why Los Angeles legend Schea Cotton, one of the most highly touted high school athletes of a pre-social media era, never made it to the NBA.

Dreamstates

DIRECTOR/ WRITER Anisia Uzeyman

June 3

Created in collaboration with Saul Williams, this non-linear tale is about two wayward souls discovering their love for one another, as reality and fiction blur on a tour across the United States with pivotal figures of the Afro-Punk movement.

Woven

DIRECTORS Salome Mulugeta, Nagwa Ibrahim

June 4

When a mysterious crime takes the life of her only brother, an Ethiopian-American woman searches for the truth behind his death; while struggling to reconcile cultural expectations with her own pursuit of self-identity and love.

Dying Laughing

DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS Lloyd Stanton, Paul Toogood

June 4

Riveting interviews lend insight into the creative craft of comedy and the psychology behind some of the world’s greatest stand-ups, including Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld and Jamie Foxx.

A Moving Image

DIRECTOR/WRITER Shola Amoo

June 5

In South London reality and fiction merge in this personal reflection on gentrification in Brixton, told from the perspective of a sincere, yet stifled, young artist who struggles with her own complicity as she confronts the changing landscape of her neighborhood.

Olympic Pride, American Prejudice

DIRECTOR/ WRITER Deborah Riley Draper

June 6

Follow the historic story of 18 African-American athletes who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, undermining the fallacy of Aryan supremacy and exposing the hypocrisy of life under Jim Crow laws in the U.S.

Jackson

DIRECTOR Maisie Crow

June 6

This doc explores a single mother, an abortion clinic director and fervent pro-lifer as they lay bare their stakes in the fight of one of the last remaining abortion clinics to stay open against the pro-life movement’s efforts to make abortions illegal in the Deep South.

Destined

DIRECTOR/WRITER Qasim Basir

June 7

A man navigates parallel realities: one as a hardened criminal who has spent years building his drug empire; the other as an ambitious architect who has been working his way up the corporate ladder. Ensemble includes Hill Harper and Lala Anthony.

Jean of the Jonses

DIRECTOR/WRITER Stella Meghi

June 7

When the estranged patriarch of the Jones family abruptly drops dead on their doorstep, sharp-witted Jean Jones stirs up familial dysfunctions to distract herself from an unraveling love life and a stalled writing career.

Company Town

DIRECTORS Natalie Kottke, Erica Sardarian

June 7

In this doc almost every resident of Crossett, Arkansas, has worked for (or is currently employed by) Georgia-Pacific, a company privately-owned by the Koch brothers. Now, one by one, former employees are getting sick and dying of cancer.

Kicks

DIRECTOR Justin Tipping

June 8

After getting his dream pair of Air Jordans snatched, Brandon and his friends go on a dangerously epic mission through Oakland to get them back in this vibrant coming-of-age story bursting with magical realism. CJ Wallace makes his film debut.

SHORT PROGRAM and WEB SERIES

And Nothing Happened

DIRECTOR Naima Ramos-Chapman

This combination documentary, personal essay and magical realism format film, captures a young woman's struggle with self, family and love in the aftermath of sexual assault.

Dirt

DIRECTOR Darius Clark Monroe

Some things must die to live.

Into Darkness

DIRECTOR Rachida El Garani

This documentary gives insight into a deeply religious Moroccan family as they struggle with blindness and extreme poverty.

Jungle

DIRECTOR Asantewaa Prempeh

Two Senegalese immigrants try to make a living selling fake designer purses on the bustling streets of New York City’s Chinatown.

DIRECTOR Garrett Bradley

A behind-the-scenes examination of Bangladeshi “click-farms,” an industry that grows social media followings for celebrities and brands alike.

Little Hero

DIRECTORS Marcus A. McDougald, Jennifer Medvin

A six-year-old explains her unique relationship with her twin brother, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Noni & Elizabeth

DIRECTOR Nanna Blondell

Ten-year-old Noni lives with her mother during the week and her father on weekends. With her stepsister during one weekend, Noni sees the world for what it is—upside down.

Reluctantly Queer

DIRECTOR Akosua Adoma Owusu

A story that both disrobes and questions what it means to be a queer man in this time and space.

The Black Belt

DIRECTOR Margaret Brown

In 2015 Alabama closed 31 DMVs, which largely impacted the Black Belt, and created a mobile unit that travels across the state to issue ID cards.

The Send-Off

DIRECTORS Ivete Lucas, Patrick Bresnan

Prom day serves as the backdrop to this immersion into the rural industrial sugar town of Pahokee, Florida.

Univitellin

DIRECTOR Terence Nance

A love story about how we are conditioned to live out love stories in ways deriving from folklore.

Use of Force

DIRECTOR Rita Baghdadi

An examination of the LAPD's efforts to reconcile a series of officer-involved shootings.

Women in Deep

DIRECTOR Janicza Bravo

A woman calls a suicide prevention hotline and is put on hold.

WEB SERIES

Her Story

DIRECTOR Sydney Freeland

The new web series follows Violet and Paige are two transgender women in Los Angeles who have given up on love—until chance encounters give them renewed hope.

Instababy

DIRECTOR Rosie Haber

Gay adoption is illegal in Mississippi, so Toni and Keeta look for a baby on Instagram.

The Ghost and the Negro

DIRECTOR Sylvester K. Folks

Framed for murder, a bookstore keeper turns to a supernatural entity to clear his name.

Free CeCe!

Date TBD

DIRECTOR Jacqueline Gares /WRITERS & Producer Laverne Cox

CeCe McDonald survived a brutal attack, only to be incarcerated for defending her life. After an international movement to free her, CeCe emerges as a leader who interrogates the prison industrial complex and inspires women to fight back when attacked.

ASSETTS

Videos

http://www.youtube.com/filmindependent

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO

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SR Socially Relevant (TM) Film Festival New York 2017 announces the Winners at the CLOSING AWARD CEREMONY - March 19

Nominations Announced for the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®Ceremony will be Simulcast Live on Sunday, January 29, 2017 onTNT and TBS at 8 p.m. (ET)/5 p.m. (PT)

Nominations Announced for the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®
Ceremony will be Simulcast Live on Sunday, January 29, 2017 on
TNT and TBS at 8 p.m. (ET)/5 p.m. (PT)