R.I.P. William Goldman (1931-2018)

William Goldman

On November 16, 2018 writer William Goldman passed away at the age of 87 in Manhatan, New York after complications with colon cancer and pneumonia. Over the course of a career spanning half of a century, he has become renowned as one of the greatest screenwriters of all time. With two Academy Awards for writing, he has helped to shape the modern sense of the screenplay with films like All the President's Men, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, as well as the family classic The Princess Bride. He was also a novelist and a script doctor who worked on enough scripts to help shape the cinema of the 80's and 90's into something greater. He leaves behind a body of work that wasn't only great on screen, but also on the page. No matter what, his body of work speaks for itself and there's a good chance that no matter what, there's at least one film you're bound to like from his impressive career.

Born This Way: William A. Wellman's "A Star is Born" (1937)

Every few decades, one remake emerges that defines the zeitgeist in some meaningful way. While there's only four versions of A Star is Born out there currently, they all have left a stamp on Hollywood and the music industries with scathing tales of fame, indulgence, and the power of creativity. Over the course of this week, Born This Way will be looking at the films, released between 1937 and 2018, and analyzing what makes each one special along with what they do right, what could be improved, and just a general celebration of all things glitz and glamour. You might want to take another look at this column, because it's something as timeless as film itself. Dive in and enjoy Hollywood's favorite franchise, which has earned 17 Oscar nominations, 2 wins, and an Honorary Award. There's few films like these, so catch them before they fade away.

Failed Oscar Campaigns: "Get Out" (2017)

Scene from Get Out

As awards seasons pick up, so do the campaigns to make your film have the best chances at the Best Picture race. However, like a drunken stupor, sometimes these efforts come off as trying too hard and leave behind a trailer of ridiculous flamboyance. Join me on every other Saturday for a highlight of the failed campaigns that make this season as much about prestige as it does about train wrecks. Come for the Harvey Weinstein comments and stay for the history. It's going to be a fun time as I explore cinema's rich history of attempting to matter.

A24 A-to-Z: #45. "20th Century Women" (2016)

Scene from 20th Century Women

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.

A24 A-to-Z: #34. "The Lobster" (2016)

Scene from The Lobster

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.

Long Shot Week: Best Original Screenplay - "The Shape of Water"

Scene from The Shape of Water

Welcome to the first Long Shot Week, where I will attempt to persuade you to think outside of the Oscar box. While it's too late to change voters' minds, I believe that audiences need to take a moment to look at the other contenders in any category and give them a chance. Long Shot Week is designed as a way to highlight these talents that likely don't stand a chance of winning, but more than deserve a chance to be appreciated for what they bring to the game. In a way, this is my list of "Films that should've won," though it's not always indicative of my favorite. Join me all week as I look at different categories and pose the question "Why not?" in hopes that The Oscars still have a few surprises up their sleeve.

A Look at the Illustrious Oddity of "Juno" After 10 Years

Ellen Page in Juno

It started with a chair.

The idea of indie comedies dominating the box office and Academy Awards was still a foreign idea in 2007. It had only been a year since Little Miss Sunshine popularized a quirky style of cinema that was charming, but proved to have a short shelf life. It reached peak perfection the following year when Juno launched Hard Candy and X-Men star Ellen Page into the queen of twee characters, whose Diablo Cody-penned script was at best different, and at worst grating. There have been movies with dialogue as stylized as Juno, but few captured the essence underneath, for which the controversial tale of one Minnesota girl's teenage pregnancy became a different kind of coming of age story. It's likely why the film grossed $143 internationally on a $7.5 million budget. Even for those who hated it, it was hard to deny the unforgettable approach to youth and maturity. Many films would try to be as brazen in their quirkiness, but the singularity of Juno's magic continues to shine brighter than its imitators 10 years later.

The Runner-Ups: Mark Duplass in "Blue Jay" (2016)

Mark Duplass in Blue Jay

Every Oscar season, there are a handful of actors who get tagged with the "snubbed" moniker. While it is always unfortunate to see our favorites not honored with at very least a nomination, there's another trend that goes largely unnoticed: those who never even got that far. The Runner-Ups is a column meant to honor the greats in cinema who put in phenomenal work without getting the credit that they deserved from The Academy. Join me every other Saturday as I honor those who never received any love. This list will hopefully come to cover both the acting community, and the many crew members who put the production together.

R.I.P. Joseph Bologna (1934-2017)

Joseph Bologna

On August 13, 2017, actor and writer Joseph Bologna died in Duarte, California at the age of 82 from pancreatic cancer. He has had a lengthy career starring in movies and TV for over 40 years. Among his most recognized work is My Favorite Year: a comedy that parodied the real life shenanigans of Errol Flynn. He also wrote the script, which earned him an Oscar nomination. Beyond that, he remained active wherever he could, finding interesting projects to keep him busy. No matter what he did, he brought his own personal spin to things, and cinema was always better for it. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Birthday Take: Krzysztof Kieslowki in "Red" (1994)

Scene from Red

Welcome to The Birthday Take, a column dedicated to celebrating Oscar nominees and winners' birthdays by paying tribute to the work that got them noticed. This isn't meant to be an exhaustive retrospective, but more of a highlight of one nominated work that makes them noteworthy. The column will run whenever there is a birthday and will hopefully give a dense exploration of the finest performances and techniques applied to film. So please join me as we blow out the candles and dig into the delicious substance.

The Runner-Ups: Paul Reubens in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" (1985)

Paull Reubens in Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

Every Oscar season, there are a handful of actors who get tagged with the "snubbed" moniker. While it is always unfortunate to see our favorites not honored with at very least a nomination, there's another trend that goes largely unnoticed: those who never even got that far. The Runner-Ups is a column meant to honor the greats in cinema who put in phenomenal work without getting the credit that they deserved from The Academy. Join me every Saturday as I honor those who never received any love. This list will hopefully come to cover both the acting community, and the many crew members who put the production together.

The Runner-Ups: Bill Lancaster in "Bad News Bears" (1976)

Scene from Bad News Bears

Every Oscar season, there are a handful of actors who get tagged with the "snubbed" moniker. While it is always unfortunate to see our favorites not honored with at very least a nomination, there's another trend that goes largely unnoticed: those who never even got that far. The Runner-Ups is a column meant to honor the greats in cinema who put in phenomenal work without getting the credit that they deserved from The Academy. Join me every Saturday as I honor those who never received any love. This list will hopefully come to cover both the acting community, and the many crew members who put the production together.

The Runner-Ups: Harold Ramis in "Groundhog Day" (1993)

Bill Murray in Groundhog Day

Every Oscar season, there are a handful of actors who get tagged with the "snubbed" moniker. While it is always unfortunate to see our favorites not honored with at very least a nomination, there's another trend that goes largely unnoticed: those who never even got that far. The Runner-Ups is a column meant to honor the greats in cinema who put in phenomenal work without getting the credit that they deserved from The Academy. Join me every Saturday as I honor those who never received any love. This list will hopefully come to cover both the acting community, and the many crew members who put the production together.

The Runner-Ups: The Wachowskis in "The Matrix" (1999)

Scene from The Matrix

Every Oscar season, there are a handful of actors who get tagged with the "snubbed" moniker. While it is always unfortunate to see our favorites not honored with at very least a nomination, there's another trend that goes largely unnoticed: those who never even got that far. The Runner-Ups is a column meant to honor the greats in cinema who put in phenomenal work without getting the credit that they deserved from The Academy. Join me every Saturday as I honor those who never received any love. This list will hopefully come to cover both the acting community, and the many crew members who put the production together.

Birthday Take: Bob Fosse in "All That Jazz" (1979)

Scene from All That Jazz

Welcome to The Birthday Take, a column dedicated to celebrating Oscar nominees and winners' birthdays by paying tribute to the work that got them noticed. This isn't meant to be an exhaustive retrospective, but more of a highlight of one nominated work that makes them noteworthy. The column will run whenever there is a birthday and will hopefully give a dense exploration of the finest performances and techniques applied to film. So please join me as we blow out the candles and dig into the delicious substance.

R.I.P. Alice Arlen (1940-2016)

Alice Arlen

On March 29, 2016, screenwriter Alice Arlen died in New York, New York at the age of 75. She is best remembered for her work with director Nora Ephron, specifically on the Meryl Streep vehicle Silkwood, which earned Arlen an Oscar nomination. Her career spanned many decades and featured many films starring strong female protagonists. Her dramas were provocative and captured an empowering change in the societal climate. Over her career spanning 24 years, she wrote 6 screenplays that helped to shape and influence women in cinema going forward.

Birthday Take: Michael Cimino in "The Deer Hunter" (1978)

Scene from The Deer Hunter

Welcome to The Birthday Take, a column dedicated to celebrating Oscar nominees and winners' birthdays by paying tribute to the work that got them noticed. This isn't meant to be an exhaustive retrospective, but more of a highlight of one nominated work that makes them noteworthy. The column will run whenever there is a birthday and will hopefully give a dense exploration of the finest performances and techniques applied to film. So please join me as we blow out the candles and dig into the delicious substance.

R.I.P. Stanley Mann (1928-2016)

On January 11, 2016, screenwriter Stanley Mann died at the age of 88 at his home in Los Angeles, California. Among his many credits includes an Oscar-nominated screenplay for director William Wyler's The Collector as well as frequent collaborations with producer Dino Delaurentis and actor Sean Connery. He was also responsible for the film Conan the Destroyer and worked frequently in film until 1988. He leaves behind an impressive body of work that captures the sensibility of the times, mixing sequels with original work in ways that captivate and entertain.

R.I.P. Melissa Mathison (1950-2015)

Left to right: Steven Spielberg and Melissa Mathison

On November 11, 2015, screenwriter Melissa Mathison died at the age of 65 in Los Angeles, CA after battling an illness. Among her many credits is the screenplay for director Steven Spielberg's E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, which many consider to be among his best films. Beyond that, her career has featured work on the sets of films such as Apocalypse Now, Kundun, and even in animation with the Studio Ghibli English translation version of Ponyo. With her plans to reunite with Spielberg on the Roald Dahl adaptation of "The BFG," the news comes as a shock. She leaves behind an impressive career spanning 40 years in which she inspired films to be more youthful, whimsical, and lively.

R.I.P. Colin Welland (1934-2015)

Colin Welland

Actor and writer Colin Welland passed away on November 2, 2015 at the age of 81. Over the course of his career, he won various awards such as a BAFTA for acting and an Oscar for writing. Among his many achievements is writing the screenplay for the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, directed by Hugh Hudson and featuring an iconic score by Vangelis. While he would have a career in writing, he was more prominently an actor, having appeared in films such as Kes and the controversial Straw Dogs. Despite it all, he will likely be remembered for his overt patriotism to his British homestead, of which he made note to in his acceptance speech claiming that "The British are coming." It's a statement that has since rang true not only for the film, but for most of foreseen future.