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Johnny Mandel, the Oscar- and Grammy- winning composer, dies
Read full article: Johnny Mandel, the Oscar- and Grammy- winning composer, diesFILE - Johnny Mandel appears at the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Awards Ceremony and Concert in New York on Jan. 11, 2011. Mandel, the Oscar- and Grammy- winning composer, arranger and musician, died Monday, June 29, 2020, of a cardiac ailment at his home in Ojai, Calif. There are many ways to describe the legendary composer Johnny Mandel. I just work with whats there and try to do the best with whats there.As an arranger, Mandel worked with some of the greatest singers of his time. Why didnt you write the lyrics to The Shadow of Your Smile? Mandel told the NEA.
Awkwafina, Zendaya among 819 invited to join film academy
Read full article: Awkwafina, Zendaya among 819 invited to join film academyCynthia Erivo, John David Washington, Eva Longoria, Zendaya and Awkwafina are among the 819 people who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. If they accept, which most do, those in the new class will have voting privileges at this years Oscars. A handful of actors from this years best picture winner Parasite, including Jang Hye-Jin, Jo Yeo-Jeong, Park So-Dam and Lee Jung-Eun, were also invited to join. The Academy said that 49% of the new invitees are international and represent some 68 countries. It has since surpassed those goals and continues to infuse membership classes with both women and people from underrepresented communities.
Ava DuVernay joins the film academy's Board of Governors
Read full article: Ava DuVernay joins the film academy's Board of GovernorsLOS ANGELES Filmmaker Ava DuVernay has been elected to the film academys Board of Governors for the first time. The academy has increased the number of women and people of color on the board. Incumbent governors reelected include Whoopi Goldberg, Dolemite Is My Name screenwriter Larry Karaszewski and Participant Media CEO David Linde among others. The organization that puts on the Oscars said that the number of women on the board has gone from 25 to 26 and people of color from 11 to 12. The Board of Governors represent each of the academys 17 branches and work to set the organizations strategy, finances and fulfillment of its mission.
Backstage at the Oscars: Dazed winners and sweet reunions
Read full article: Backstage at the Oscars: Dazed winners and sweet reunionsDiane Keaton, left, and Keanu Reeves appear on stage at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Martin paced back and forth in the wings and stopped a few times to check his lapel and bow tie in the mirror. Later Corden ran into Rudolph and Wiig again, this time in his full “Cats” regalia alongside Rebel Wilson. MAKING PLANSYou never know who you’re going to run into backstage at the Oscars, or who you’re going to see making plans, Iike Chris Rock and Timothée Chalamet or Rami Malek and Oscar Isaac. In the wings they shared a sweet moment: Reeves offered Keaton his arm and the two walked into position linked.
Brad Pitt wins first acting Oscar for 'Once Upon a Time'
Read full article: Brad Pitt wins first acting Oscar for 'Once Upon a Time'(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)LOS ANGELES, Calif. – An emotional Brad Pitt won his first acting Oscar on Sunday night, claiming the supporting actor trophy for “Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood,” while referencing his own storied run in the industry where he is among the most famous and revered. Pitt beat out an iconic group that included Tom Hanks, Anthony Hopkins, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino. In earlier speeches, Pitt joked about DiCaprio and director Quentin Tarantino, and via Robbie zinged Brexit and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from their royal roles in Britain. Pitt's ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, won a supporting-actress Oscar in 1999 — years before she and Pitt got together. Pitt was the only man in the category who had never won an acting Oscar.