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Center Theatre Group presented the North American premiere of Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet on Wednesday evening, and when it ended, the entire Ahmanson Theatre audience was on its feet offering a standing ovation. After the dance company had taken final bows — with Paris Fitzpatrick’s Romeo and Monique Jonas’ Juliet receiving the love while covered in (spoiler alert!) blood-drenched white ensembles — Melissa McCarthy and Adam Shankman sat back down in their orchestra seats in row F.

The good friends, who arrived together, proceeded to stay seated for another 10 minutes or so to process what they’d seen through tear-filled eyes. “I just love a comedy,” Shankman said to The Hollywood Reporter in the lobby moments later. He was kidding, of course, as the show offers a surprising, dramatic and somewhat violent twist to the classic story of star-crossed lovers.

“It was magnificent,” continued Shankman, who broke out as...

Eddie Redmayne tells of ‘once in a lifetime’ experience and Benedict Cumberbatch is knocked for six while Emma Stone finds the whole occasion ‘surreal’. Hear what the nominees had to say.Oscars 2015The Grand Budapest Hotel, Birdman lead chargeTimothy Spall, David Oyelowo among shutoutsNominations in fullNominees reactionsBest Film nominees in detail

Comment: Jeremy Kay reflects on who’s in and outGALLERIES: Films / ActorsVIDEO: Nominations announcement

The 87th annual Academy Awards will take place in Hollywood on February 22. This story will continue to update for several hours.

Motion Picture / Executives

“I am very happy for the whole Birdman flock because it took a lot of courage to make this film out of conventions. These nominations reflect the recognition of our colleagues as well as the members of the Academy. I am proud, thankful and humbled.”

Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman

“Thank you Academy for recognizing Birdman. Nine nominations is a huge feather in our cap. I am particularly...

Eddie Redmayne tells of ‘once in a lifetime’ experience and Benedict Cumberbatch is knocked for six while Emma Stone finds the whole occasion ‘surreal’. Hear what the nominees had to say.

The 87th annual Academy Awards will take place in Hollywood on February 22. This story will continue to update for several hours.

Motion Picture / Executives

“I am very happy for the whole Birdman flock because it took a lot of courage to make this film out of conventions. These nominations reflect the recognition of our colleagues as well as the members of the Academy. I am proud, thankful and humbled.”

Alejandro González Iñárritu, Birdman

“Thank you Academy for recognizing Birdman. Nine nominations is a huge feather in our cap. I am particularly proud of my friend Alejandro for his fearlessness and creativity and to our entire cast and crew for their unparalleled precision and excellence. Congratulations as well to our fellow nominees.”

John Lesher, [link...