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Christoph Waltz Worried Nationality Would Hurt His Career

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Casting, Celeb News,

Christoph WaltzChristoph Waltz was worried being half-Austrian and half-German would affect his career. The Oscar-winning actor almost quit acting when he was told he was unlikely to break Hollywood and would probably be cast in supporting roles as a German Nazi for the rest of his life because of his thick Austrian accent.

"I was introduced to Paul Kohner years ago, who was the most powerful agent in the 30s. He was at the end of his career and I was at the beginning of my career - he actually knew my grandfather. He said, 'Of course I can do something for you in Hollywood, that's not the problem. But you have to ask yourself, do you want to spend the rest of your life walking through the background yelling "Heil Hitler?"' And that was probably the most valuable thing he said to me. I said, 'No, thank you,' and went back to Europe."

Christoph, 56, is ironically best known for his Best Supporting Actor Oscar win for his role as Nazi Colonel Hans Landa in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds.

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2010 Golden Globe Nominations (Film)

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Animation, Biopics, Drama, Family, Foreign, Foreign Language, Musicals, Period, Political, Romance, Science Fiction, Comedy, Sports, Awards, Lists,

Up in the Air

The 2009-10 awards season kicked into high gear this morning with the official announcement of the nominations. The event - which will be hosted by funnyman Ricky Gervais - will take place just over two weeks before the Academy Award contenders are revealed.

Here are some of the noteworthy mentions from this year’s list of film nominees:

  • leads all film nominations with six. The musical Nine follows with five while Avatar and Inglourious Basterds tied with four.
  • As expected, Meryl Streep has received another two mentions—unfortunately, they are both in the Comedy category (Julie & Julia, It’s Complicated). On the surprising end, Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side, The Proposal) and Matt Damon (Invictus, The Informant) both have two nominations as well—thankfully, in different categories.
  • Talk about drama! An ex-husband and wife will be competing against each other in the Best Director race. (Avatar‘s James Cameron and The Hurt Locker‘s Kathryn Bigelow.)
  • Despite backing from both Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey, is not a contender for Best Film. Mo’Nique and Gabourey Sidibe were both recognized for their excellent acting though.

The 67th Golden Globe Awards airs Jan. 17 on NBC.

(You can find the full list of film nominees after the jump. Click here for the TV nominations.)

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Read More | Hollywood Foreign Press Association

2009 Golden Globe Nominations (Film)

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: DreamWorks, Disney, Fox Searchlight, Paramount, Universal, Warner Bros, Weinstein Company, Adaptation, Animation, Drama, Family, Foreign, Foreign Language, Independent, Musicals, Period, Political, Romance, Sequels, Comedy, Awards, Lists,

Revolutionary Road

Although a looming SAG strike may threaten next year’s Academy Awards, the Golden Globes ceremony should finally go on as planned. The 66th annual event is scheduled to air on Sunday, January 11th, just 11 days before the Oscar nominations are announced.

Here are some of the noteworthy mentions from this year’s list of film nominees:

  • Frost/Nixon and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button both led the field with five nominations each.
  • Despite being chosen Best Film by the New York Film Critics, Sean Penn was the only nod Milk received by the HFPA.
  • Meryl Streep earned two nominations for her work in Doubt and Mamma Mia.
  • Kate Winslet is also up for two awards. Her films - Revolutionary Road and The Reader - are also up for Best Picture.
  • Heath Ledger did get a posthumous nomination as expected.
  • Although he was recently recognized for his acting work in Gran Torino, director Clint Eastwood (Changeling) was only acknowledged for his musical achievements.

(You can find the full list of film nominees after the jump. Click here for the TV nominations.)

 

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Read More | Hollywood Foreign Press Association

Cruise Barred for Being a Scientologist

Posted by Johnny Mercedes Categories: Celeb News, Celebrity Controversy, Upcoming Releases,

Cruise AngryIn a new film entitled Valkyrie, Tom Cruise will play Colonel Claus Von Stauffenberg, a man deeply opposed to Nazi treatment of the Jews and leader of a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.  Unfortunately, the plan to film on German military sites was quickly undermined when Defense Ministry spokesperson Harald Kammerbauer denied the crew access citing Cruise’s belief in Scientology.  Kammerbauer claimed that the Church of Scientology is not recognized as a church by the German government and that the religion is merely an invention to make money.  Furthermore, he said the film would not be shot on the sites as long as Cruise was playing Count Stauffenberg.

Kammerbauer also stated that the German military deeply espouse the accurate portrayal of Stauffenberg and the events of said mission.  One of the films producers, Paula Wagner, was quick to refute: “(Cruise’s) personal beliefs have absolutely no bearing on the movie’s plot, themes or content.”

I’m no advocate for Scientology.  In fact, I largely agree with the opinion of the German military — Scientology is a façade, a faux religion for rich people.  But I must side with Cruise in this case — this is a ridiculous reason to hinder the production of a movie.  He is an actor.  His religious affiliation won’t have an effect on how this story is told.  And hasn’t Germany learned yet about the dangers of discrimination?

Read More | CNN

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