News

Stanton Tang, the news director at Nexstar-owned NBC affiliate Wood-tv Channel 8. (Photo via Twitter)

A former Nexstar Media Group news director who is suing the company for defamation says a controversial memo he orchestrated that led to his dismissal was “spot on.”

In a court filing earlier this month, former Wood-tv (Channel 8) News Director Stanton Tang said the memo that urged employees to pull back on coverage of Michigan’s Pride Month events was an “internal communiqué” that was consistent with Nexstar’s standards and practices, and was never meant to be leaked to the public.

The memo, written by the station’s assistant news director Amy Fox, reminded newsroom employees that Wood-tv’s broadcast region is “a Conservative area in many ways” and encouraged staffers to “recognize that some stories related to LGBTQ issues are going to be controversial and polarizing in our community.”

“While you personally...

Meryl Streep is celebrating 10 years of The Writers Lab with the 2024 lineup of female and non-binary screenwriters to watch.

Academy Award winner Streep has funded The Writers Lab since 2014, and the program is still the only offering in the world dedicated exclusively to elevating the work of women and non-binary screenwriters over the age of 40. Nicole Kidman has also supported the Lab, which is the only program in the world for mid-career screenwriters.

This year, the program is working with 14 writers across 12 projects, with Labs now operational in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Europe. The 14 selected women screenwriters will gather in early November in Saugerties, New York to focus on tools and strategies to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of professional opportunities and build sustainable careers.

Each writer will be paired with an established mentor, including returning mentor Susan Cartsonis (“What Women Want”), Lisa Cortés (“Little Richard: I Am Everything...

Stanton Tang, the former news director at Nexstar-owned NBC affiliate Wood-tv Channel 8. (Photo via Twitter)

The former news directors at Nexstar Media Group’s NBC affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan have sued the company for defamation after they were fired last year for orchestrating and circulating a memo among staff that was widely perced to be anti-gay.

The lawsuits were filed in federal court this week by former news director Stanton Tang and assistant news director Amy Fox, who were dismissed after Nexstar determined the memo circulated among staff at Wood-tv was inconsistent with company policy.

The pair allege the memo followed Nexstar’s policy in achieving balance across news stories, and that Nexstar unfairly maligned the two after the memo was leaked to The Desk and other publications. The disclosure of the memo, coupled with comments made by company spokesperson Gary Weitman and other Nexstar executives, ultimately...

New York Women in Film & Television and The Writers Lab co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon have revealed the 12 screenwriters to participate in The Writers Lab, which celebrates its fifth year. The program has also unveiled their roster of mentors.

The Writers Lab launched in 2015 and is the only lab in the world devoted exclusively to script development for women writers over the age of 40. It creates a springboard to the next stage of production and expands the boundaries of today’s commercial narrative film. Many past participants have seen their scripts optioned and/or are actively working in writers’ rooms.

The program, which is presented in collaboration with the Writers Guild of America, East, is supported by Oscar-winning actresses and Big Little Lies stars Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman.

“I am so proud The Writers Lab has thrived and grown in these five years, and has functioned as a...

Later this month, the mighty Kong returns to the big screen! To celebrate, we’re looking back at all the major primate appearances in film.

For as long as films were being made, humans have starred alongside primates. Unlike other animals, their human-like qualities can lend a sense of comedy or horror. Throughout the history of film, primates have been used to fulfill certain roles. In the early days, they were often a form of antagonist, carrying out dastardly deeds or causing mayhem. More common is the primate cast in a role of mischief, causing all sorts of comedic hijincks. While most primate roles were portrayed by live animals, it was not uncommon for men to dress up in ape suits for roles where the primates needed to carry out specific actions. Later, the advent of CGI has led to men mimicking primates in real time to create a motion-capture performance.

Golden Globe Madness is about to hit. Yipee! So make sure you're watching tonight (5 Pm Pt / 8 Pm Est on NBC). We haven't forgiven Jimmy Fallon for treating T**** like a cuddly harmless celebrity instead of a Democracy destroying fascist but we don't watch awards shows for the hosts anyway (the Amy & Tina years were just a happy bonus) but for the stars who dress up, copiously drink, and win or lose graciously or otherwise. 

I am quite terrible at predicting the Globes and have never claimed otherwise but I'm guessing it goes like so...

Warning: This recap will tell you what happens in the Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life‘s second episode, “Spring.” If you don’t want to know, click elsewhere.

Remember how Rory lost her mind a little during that rough patch a few years back? She fought with Lorelai, ditched Yale and moved into her grandparents’ pool house, only to spend her days organizing parties for the Daughters of the American Revolution?

Well, add in “one-night stand with a Wookiee,” and you’ve got a pretty accurate idea of the Rory Gilmore Freak-Out Level we’re at in the...

• only 22% of 2015’s movies had female protagonists

• best and worst representations of women on film in 2015 (and the average Watw score for the year)

• critics are slightly more likely to rate a film highly if it represents women well

• mainstream moviegoers are not turned off by films with female protagonists

• movies that represent women well are just as likely to be profitable as movies that don’t, and are less risky as business propositions

The Where Are the Women? project was designed to drill deep down into the films of 2015 in order to determine how well — or how poorly — they represented women. The project has now come to its end, and you can examine the final ranking here. The ranking includes 270 films released in the Us, Canada, and the UK, in both limited and wide release (including every wide-release North American film and most of the UK wide-release films). The...

A number of projects and players tied to the film and TV worlds scored Grammy Awards this afternoon during the preshow ceremony. Canadian singer The Weeknd scored a Best R&B Performance statuette for “Earned It,” his song from Fifty Shades Of Grey that hit the Top 5 in the U.S. and UK. The song lost in a pair of other categories, but it is included on Beauty Behind the Madness, which is up for Album of the Year during the televised awards tonight on CBS. And the Amy…...

A number of projects and players tied to the film and TV worlds scored Grammy Awards this afternoon during the preshow ceremony. Canadian singer The Weeknd scored a Best R&B Performance statuette for “Earned It,” his song from Fifty Shades Of Grey that hit the Top 5 in the U.S. and UK. The song lost in a pair of other categories, but it is included on Beauty Behind the Madness, which is up for Album of the Year during the televised awards tonight on CBS. And the Amy…...

I waited until I saw .Star Wars: The Force Awakens. before making my Top 10 Best Movies of 2015 list. I wanted to make sure I.ve seen all that Hollywood has to offer before making my decision. And I.m glad I did! So without further ado, here.s the list of my favorite films of 2015.

For the Runners-Up,

Runners-Up (In no particular order):

The Big Short

Steve Jobs

The Revenant

Bridge Of Spies

Straight Outta Compton

Son Of Saul

Clouds Of Sils Maria

Beasts Of No Nation

Creed

Ex-machina

It Follows

45 Years

Youth

Grandma

Amy

The Look Of Silence

Listen To Me Marlon

The Danish Girl

The Hateful Eight...

The National Board of Review has announced its 2015 winners and George Miller's "Mad Max: Fury Road" took the top prize of Best Film of the year although Ridley Scott won best director for "The Martian" with Matt Damon winning the best actor trophy.

I love that Brie Larson from "Room" won the best actress award and yay for Sylvester Stallone! He won the best supporting actor award for "Creed!" Completing the acting awards is Jennifer Jason Leigh for best supporting actress for Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight."

In case you're wondering, members of the National Board of Review (select group of film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals, academics, and students) watched over 250 films (studio, independent, foreign-language, animated, and documentary) and the screenings "were frequently followed by in-depth discussions with directors, actors, producers, and screenwriters. Voting ballots were tabulated by the accounting firm of Lutz and Carr, Llp."

So there you have it.

The National Board of Review has named Mad Max: Fury Road the 2015 Best Film of the Year.

Below is the complete list of awards:

Best Film: Mad Max: Fury Road

Best Director: Ridley Scott – The Martian

Best Actor: Matt Damon – The Martian

Best Actress: Brie Larson – Room

Best Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone – Creed

Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Jason Leigh – The Hateful Eight

Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino – The Hateful Eight

Best Adapted Screenplay: Drew Goddard – The Martian

Best Animated Feature: Inside Out

Breakthrough Performance: Abraham Attah – Beasts of No Nation & Jacob Tremblay – Room

Best Directorial Debut: Jonas Carpignano – Mediterranea

Best Foreign Language Film: Son of Saul

Best Documentary: Amy

William K. Everson Film History Award: Cecilia De Mille Presley

Best Ensemble: The Big Short

Spotlight Award: Sicario for Outstanding Collaborative Vision

Nbr Freedom of Expression Award: Beasts of No Nation & Mustang

Top Films

Bridge of Spies

Creed

The Hateful Eight...

The National Board of Review is known for its eclectic decisions comes awards season, handing unconventional choices its top honors year after year. But this year's selection of best film may truly be the organization's boldest pick yet.

"Mad Max: Fury Road" landed Nbr's best film distinction for 2015, beating out more high-profile (and more conventional) candidates like "Spotlight," "Carol," "Room," "Joy," "The Revenant," and "The Martian." All those flicks have been in the Oscar conversation for months, but not many expected "Fury Road" to get much awards season love, despite critical and audience adoration.

And that may not change, either. Last year, the Nbr awarded its best film prize to "A Most Violent Year," which was completely shut out of the Academy Awards nominations. It's also hailed a bunch of Oscar also-rans in the past, including Best Picture nominees (and losers) "Her" (2013), "Zero Dark Thirty" (2012), "Hugo" (2011), "The Social Network" (2010), and...

Awards season has officially kicked off today with The National Board of Review naming their top picks for 2015. There choice for Best Film is a rather interesting one, proclaiming George Miller’s adrenaline-fueled (and critically-acclaimed) action opus “Mad Max: Fury Road” to be the best of the best. Why is that an interesting choice? For one, action films are not usually the prime go-to movies for critics when it comes time to name the best of the year, but what’s more is that it’s the only award the group gave it. Meanwhile they showered much more attention on Sir Ridley Scott’s sci-fi drama “The Martian,” giving it Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Quentin Tarantino’s latest, “The Hateful Eight,” is also looking in good shape for the coming award season, claiming Best Original Screenplay for the man himself and Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Jason Leigh.

What a lovely day! The National Board of Review have unveiled their 2015 winners and Mad Max: Fury Road has come out on top, having been named the Best Film of the year, while Ridley Scott nabbed Best Director. Nbr President Annie Schulhof said, “2015 has been a banner year for popular cinema. We are thrilled to be awarding George Miller and Ridley Scott, two iconic filmmakers at the top of their game, while also celebrating the next generation of talent.”

For those unfamiliar with the organization, “for 106 years, the National Board of Review has dedicated its efforts to the support of domestic and foreign cinema as both art and entertainment. This year, over 250 films (studio, independent, foreign-language, animated, and documentary) were viewed by this select group of film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals, academics, and students.”

The Hateful Eight, while still under embargo, picked up two awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best...

Spotlight, Carol shut out by National Board Of Review. Son Of Saul named best foreign-language film.

The National Board Of Review unveiled its awards selections on Tuesday with Mad Max: Fury Road landing the main prize, Best Film Of The Year.

Ridley Scott has been named best director for The Martian, Matt Damon best actor and Brie Larson best actress for Room.

Besides Damon and Larson, there was acting recognition for Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Jason Leigh in supporting roles for Creed and The Hateful Eight, respectively.

Abraham Attah from Beasts Of No Nation and Jacob Tremblay for Room split the Breakthrough Performance vote with two of the most acclaimed performances of the season.

Best Original Screenplay honours have gone to Quentin Tarantino for The Hateful Eight while Drew Goddard won Best Adapted Screenplay for The Martian.

Son Of Saul earned best foreign-language film honours, Inside Out best animation prize and Amy best documentary.

Jonas Carpignano emerged...

In a new figure, Godzilla is capsulized forever in a moment that fans find hard to forget. This specially colored figurine was created by S.H.MonsterArts and Tamashii MonsterArts. Also in this round-up: exclusive Sdcc Ghostbusters items as well as Garbage Pail Kids collectibles.

Godzilla (1964) Emergence Version: "S.H.MonsterArts Godzilla (1964) joined the Tamashii MonsterArts legacy back in 2013 and now he is making a comeback with this exceptional Special Color Version. Fans will recall the striking scene of Godzilla emerging from the earth in a cloud of sand and dust. This new edition brings to life the Godzilla from this unforgettable moment with an authentic earthy coloration. Set also includes a Showa-style white breath effect part and effect support."

This figure displays a white Atomic Ray effect and comes with an Atomic Ray stand. Priced at $63.99, this Godzilla (1964) collectible will be released in November of 2015.

Images courtesy of Figures.

In Backstrom's "Love Is A Rose And You Better Not Pick It" the bloom is definitely off the rose as Backstrom receives the most devastating news yet and his angel mother is knocked clear off her pedestal. I questioned in my 'Backstrom is a Big Dick' rant that I didn't know how, in the name of all that is holy, were we going to see any glimmer of hope for the full Backstrom package in the remaining few episodes. What was I thinking? Has Backstrom and Bones creator Hart Hanson ever let me down? Further, has the full Hanson-Persson duo ever not delivered? 

In the last couple of episodes we've learned that Backstrom's drinking ruined his relationship with Amy, that Backstrom desperately wants her back and that Valentine is -- gasp -- Backstrom's brother by another mother. In "Love is a Rose and You Better Not Pick...

Despite my yet-scandalized soul over Backstrom's bastardization of a 30-day sobriety chip given to him by the only woman who will ever love him in "Give 'Til It Hurts', the first ten seconds of "Inescapable Truth" had me laughing out loud at the recently-showered lieutenant's feeble attempts to dry himself with sheets of toilet paper. What's so entertainingly delicious about Backstrom is the many times throughout each episode when I find myself howling at the tidbits of outright absurdity finessed by the titular character and his team of misfit crime fighters. His comments, their facial expressions, their explanations to the Backstrom muggles. Good, inappropriate humor.

The previous episode was monumental in pealing back some layers of Backstrom's character. He outright admitted his desire to reconcile with Amy. *Gasp* She revealed that she had an alcoholic father whom she watched die after his first 30 days of sobriety. It's clear...

Backstrom is back after a three week hiatus with a lead-in by the ever popular crimedy Bones. Hart Hanson created both shows so the possibility that the Bones crowd might give Backstrom a try is high. However, these two shows are very different and will appeal to some, but not all. Backstrom's variety of crazy is an acquired taste. 

"Give Till It Hurts" brought several surprises to viewers. Some good, some hard to swallow. We get to see Backstrom decked out in a tux at a swanky fundraiser where he runs into Amy, his ex-future wife. It's always good when Amy is around because although these two have history and issues, they have even more chemistry. Backstrom's problem is that he cannot figure out how to interact with Amy without totally effing it up. (*face palm*) Every single time they are together, Backstrom assumes too much and goes in for an unwelcome kiss.

Backstrom introduces the titular character's father and nemesis in this episode entitled "Enemy of My Enemies." While I anticipated we'd find Blue Backstrom to be an extreme A-hole, I found him to be rather pleasant... until he displayed his true colors in the last five minutes. Rather than seeing some kind of saccharine familial healing that would advance the plot and spread unicorn farts all over the place, we got something better: A rapier sharp image of a self-serving, consummate liar who puts himself ahead of his children.

Amy reappears all too briefly in "Enemy of my Enemies" as well to advance her storyline. Though it looks like things are going down hill in the end of the episode, I submit that progress has been made in that it's clear there is interest between them, but that Backstrom must figure out how to bridge the gap of their past to their present.

Backstrom's fourth episode, "I Am A Bird Now" picks right up where we left off after Backstrom's confidential confession to Dr. Deb about what really happened the night he caught and killed Mr. Visser.  In the previous episode, Backstrom was informed by his ex-future wife, newly appointed head of the Civilian Oversight Committee, Amy Gazanian (Sarah Chalke) that he was being brought up on charges for misconduct during that shooting. Now we see him being grilled by that same lovely Amy who asserts that he shot himself to justify killing a man in cold blood. Backstrom narrowly escapes further examination by having a panic attack of epic proportions. Though Amy suspects him of faking the attack, the way the scene was delivered and shot made it clear that it was indeed a genuine attack.

While being wheeled out of the courtroom on a stretcher and accompanied by a distraught Dr.

Round three of Backstrom aired with "Takes One to Know One," wherein sleepless hot mess Everett 'Cranky Pants' Backstrom once again disgusts and infuriates nearly everyone he comes into contact with... including his defenders Det. Sgt. John Almond and forensics savant Sgt. Peter Niedermayer at the beginning. Civilian tech wizard Nadia Paquet continues to see the sex appeal of Backstrom's 'little boy lost and a little bit naughty' persona and suggests what Mr. Sleepless-In-Portland needs is to find a lover. What? Is she applying for the job? He does make a rather sloppy pass at her in the middle of the episode, but, no, she's not applying for the job; much more character development is in order before people start hopping in and out of each other's beds.

That's a great segue into the treasure of the evening: Backstrom's former fiance, Amy Gazanian, played by the lovely Sarah Chalke...

Best Picture

1-5

The big kahuna, the best picture category holds the key to all the other categories essentially. If you guess wrong here there's a domino effect since contributing to one of the 800 lb gorillas will always give you an advantage -- you can see that effect most clearly each year in the "contemporary" sections of the various guild awards when Bp frontrunners always show up, no matter what films had more impressive achievements in that craft that particular year. The past few weeks have been tumultuous beyond the three locked up frontrunners: Boyhood, Birdman and The Imitation Game. You can also count on The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Theory of Everything since neither has faltered with precursors and both were surprising hits with audiences - yes even Theory (see Tina & Amy's great Golden Globes joke 'combines two things audiences love: crippling nerve disorders and super complicated...

From Gone Girl and Interstellar to The Babadook and RoboCop, some of 2014's more underrated acting performances...

For once, this upcoming awards season looks set to recognise some of the bright young things in movies, rather than the usual suspects, even if the type of movie that's considered “worthy” remain the same.

Biopics loom large, with Benedict Cumberbatch, Felicity Jones, Eddie Redmayne and David Oyelowo all considered locks for their first nominations for roles in films such as The Imitation Game, The Theory Of Everything and Selma. Plus, from the advance buzz on the true story movie Foxcatcher, it seems like we're going to have to get used to the phrase “Academy Award Nominee Channing Tatum” pretty soon.

Even the old guard potentials are pleasingly off-beat, with Michael Keaton tipped for his first nomination, for playing a former superhero actor in Birdman and Patricia Arquette almost a dead cert to...