Maggie Gyllenhaal wins the Scripter for 'The Lost Daughter'

by Nathaniel R

Gyllenhaal at a screeing for The Lost Daughter in December

The USC Scripter Awards are an annual event that is a gala fundraiser for the USC Libraries. This year Maggie Gyllenhaal was the big winner in what some might regard as an upset over Jane Campion. We think it's less than surprising though since the Scripters also recognize the author of the source material and Elena Ferrante would hold much more appeal to current voters than Thomas Savage for a book that isn't as famous as its cinematic counterpoint. Whether Gyllenhaal can upset at the Oscars is a different story...

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Almost There: Lady Gaga in "House of Gucci"

by Cláudio Alves

Last time, in the Almost There series, I asked you to vote on what performance should be explored next. Mike Faist in West Side Story was the resounding victor. However, since Spielberg's musical is still not available to stream or rent, we'll first look at the runner-up choice from that poll. She's none other than Lady Gaga in House of Gucci. After scoring nominations with all major precursors, she seemed set for her second acting Oscar nod. However, as luck would have it, her outrageous awards campaign ended in a snub from the Academy. She might still win some trophies before the season is over, but that coveted little golden man is out of reach.

While it's easy to lose oneself in the glamour of the role and those ridiculous interviews, there's plenty to admire in Gaga's star turn as Patrizia Reggiani, ex-wife to Maurizio Gucci, who she had killed after an acrimonious separation…

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César Winners: Cate Blanchett, 'Annette', and 'Lost Illusions'

by Nathaniel R

Cate Blanchett and Isabelle Huppert backstage at the Césars (that's Ronald Chammah, Isabelle's man, between them)

France's top awards, the Césars, were held last night. The historical costume drama Lost Illusions which had led the nominations took home the most prizes including Best Film. But all was not lost for its competition since all but one of them won at least one César. The thorny musical tragedy Annette was the runner up in terms of wins even repeating the Best Director win at Cannes for Leos Carax. And of course Cate Blanchett took the Honorary César and was introduced by Isabelle Huppert herself.

The winners and comments and a few videos from the show are after the jump. (If we've written about the film, it's linked up)...

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Tweetweek

Curated tweets for your amusement... 

I was taught in film school that each film you make should have more fish fucking than the last one, not less. So needless to say I have been sorely disappointed by NIGHTMARE ALLEY (2021) and every Apitchatpong since BOONMEE

— Jane Schoenbrun (@janeschoenbrun) February 22, 2022

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SAG Predictions!

Look at this table! If this is not just placeholders but actual seating this table is going to get a lot of camera time with Squid Game, Gaga & Salma from House of Gucci, Will Smith and Jessica Chastain. Plus White Lotus's Alexandra Daddario, and Ms Lifetime Achievement Helen Mirren. The ceremony airs live this Sunday February 27, 2022, 8:00 PM EST on TNT and TBS and again at 11 PM for an encore if you missed the earlier broadcast. Okay! Predictions after the jump...

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