Tag Archives: Academy Awards

Why Michael Caine faced every film with dread

Posted on March 14, 2023 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Almost forty years ago, I created a weekly movie supplement in Canadian TV Guide called Bigscreen. I wanted a big name for the first edition and Hollywood publicist Jerry Pam facilitated a Q&A with his … Continue reading →

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When watching the Oscars used to be fun

Posted on March 12, 2023 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Maverick banshees all at once, Elvis sadness, women on water, Fabelmans on the western front. Tár but no thanks. There was a time when I really cared about movies and found the competition for Academy Awards … Continue reading →

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The Academy Awards? Oh, yeah, them … (yawn)

Posted on January 24, 2023 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – For the first time since I was a teenager, the Oscars hold little interest for me, well, aside from last year and the two years before that. I’ve forgotten, did they hold the Oscars last … Continue reading →

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Sacheen Littlefeather: Apache with a great sense of humour

Posted on October 3, 2022 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON  – Sacheen Littlefeather, who has died of cancer aged 75, was known as a very serious social activist on behalf of  Native Americans but she had a great sense of humour, especially regarding her upbringing and … Continue reading →

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Michael Caine: recalling a class act at the 2000 Oscars

Posted on March 14, 2019 by admin

By Ray Bennett Spending time with Michael Caine is always a pleasure and since today is his 86th birthday, here’s one of my favourite encounters from 2000. LOS ANGELES – It’s ironic that the word on everyone’s lips following Michael Caine’s … Continue reading →

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Notes ahead of the 2017 Academy Awards

Posted on February 26, 2017 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Repeat screenings of the Academy Awards nominees serve to reinforce original impressions so while I doubt that it will win, my choice for best picture remains Denis Villeneuve’s profound sci-fi picture “Arrival” (pictured). Kenneth Lonergan’s … Continue reading →

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Six things we learned from the 88th Academy Awards

Posted on February 29, 2016 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – There were not many surprises at the 88th Academy Awards on Sunday but we did discover a few things about Oscar, predictions, balloting, marketing, music, and sentimental choices. 1/ Hollywood will always protect the brand.

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Academy Awards diversity: a look at the numbers

Posted on January 29, 2016 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – In the discussion about diversity in the top prizes of the Academy Awards, the depth of the problem for the Academy is clear as in the 14 awards from 2001 to last year, on the AMPAS … Continue reading →

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‘American Hustle’, ‘Gravity’ top Oscar nominations

Posted on January 16, 2014 by admin

By Ray Bennett “American Hustle” and “Gravity” picked up 10 nominations apiece including best picture to lead the pack in the Academy Awards to be presented on March 2.

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My picks for the 2013 Academy Awards

Posted on February 24, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett Anticipation of this year’s Academy Awards was a pleasure with many great films and terrific performances but then came the nominations for the prizes that lead up to the Oscars and it all went pear-shaped. Inexplicable awards … Continue reading →

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