Philip Seymour Hoffman Page 6

Today Hollywood mourns the death of Mike Nichols, the mind behind films like The Graduate, Closer and Working Girl. Having started out his career as a comedian and later moving on to comedy, standup, directing, drama and a whole list of other film credits, Nichols could truly be called a Renaissance man of modern cinema.

Throughout his career, Nichols played with genres and characters to explore the broad range of the human condition.

He was one of the few multi-talented artists to enter the EGOT club, as Tracy Jordan would call it and win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony for his work.  Nichols frequently went from the comic to the tragic and right back again in his quest to explore all aspects of the human condition.

Continue reading: The Life And Career Of Late Director Mike Nichols

British actor and comedian Steve Coogan has replaced the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in the upcoming dramedy pilot Happyish. The untimely death of Hoffman earlier this year left a gaping hole in the movie industry, though - and I think enough time has passed to say this - it also left several high quality parts up for grabs, given the 46-year-old was the greatest of his generation.

Steven Coogan will play Thom Payne in Showtime's 'Happyish'

Hoffman didn't do dud roles and Thom Payne in Happyish was another nugget. It is now down to Coogan to play the 44-year-old guy who begins to feel his age when a 25-year-old kid waltzes in and becomes his new boss. The young, trendy executive knows the industry spiel and Thom is left trying to discover a path to happiness. Nick Venable of Cinema Blend has tipped up Modern Family's Adam DeVine to play the smart-ass boss - and that could be right on the money.

Continue reading: Steve Coogan Can Shine As Philip Seymour Hoffman's Replacement In 'Happyish'

John Slattery, the actor and filmmaker who many will know as Roger Sterling from Mad Men, is on the publicity trailer for his debut feature God's Pocket - a new drama featuring one of the final performances from Philip Seymour Hoffman. The actor - regarded as the finest of his generation - died from a heroin overdose after wrapping the movie. 

Philip Seymour Hoffman [L] in 'God's Pocket'

The release of God's Pocket has subsequently been a bittersweet experience for Slattery, who told the Huffington Post UK, "I had compartmentalised it. When it happened [Hoffman's death], it was horrible and the movie came out in the US and I stopped talking about it. I hadn't talked about it in a long time, and it's not the experience I wanted to have."

Continue reading: God's Pocket: John Slattery On Seymour Hoffman, "I Wish He Was Here"

When Philip Seymour Hoffman died in February, he had just completed starring roles in two films and accompanied them to their world premieres at Sundance. The first of these to open to the public is God's Pocket, which hits UK cinemas this weekend (it had a limited release in America in May). He plays a frazzled man indulging in a small-time heist to pay for his stepson's funeral. Directed by actor John Slattery and costarring Christina Hendricks and John Turturro, the film has had a warm reception from critics.

Philip Seymour Hoffman [L] in 'God's Pocket'

And now the second Sundance film, A Most Wanted Man, is gathering talk about a possible posthumous Oscar nomination for Hoffman, who delivers a remarkably textured performance as a German spy trying to diffuse a tragedy involving a possible Chechen terrorist. The film opened in America last week and arrives in Britain next month. 

Continue reading: 'God's Pocket' Makes Sure We Remember Philip Seymour Hoffman

In case you’ve had no access to WiFi since the weekend (poor thing), the big thing is the first teaser trailer for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I. Lionsgate debuted the minute-long video at Comic-Con and since then, it’s been picked apart by movie blogs far and wide. But if you’re watching out for spoilers, don’t worry, nothing major here. The first official trailer for Mockingjay (unless you count the mega creepy “propaganda” videos released in June and early July) is exactly what Hunger Games fans wanted to see - even an appearance by the rising star of the day, Natalie Dormer.

Dormer plays Cressida, a Capitol filmmaker, who sides with the rebellion.

Julianne Moore looks just as ruthless and determined as we’d expect President Coin to be and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s appearance seems deliberately eerie, considering the actor died before finishing his scenes for the film. In fact, Hoffman’s narration can be heard throughout most of the trailer, which is a great sign that we’ll see or at least hear a lot of him in the movie.

Continue reading: The First Mockingjay Teaser Isn't The Trailer Fans Wanted, But The Trailer They Needed [Trailer + Pictures]

Another Comic-Con, another Hunger Games trailer. Not that we mind, of course, the Capitol propaganda teasers were so cool that everyone has been itching for an actual Mockingjay trailer. Or at least a teaser, which is what Lionsgate/Francis Craig debuted at a special media screening Friday (the film didn’t have its own panel this year).

Katniss and Peeta get separated by the Capitol in Mockingjay - Part II

Three days later, it’s finally time for the rest of us peasants to witness the trailer, which made its way online – through the official Hunger Games youtube channel – on Monday. And let’s just say, have your tissues handy. This trailer is emosh.

Continue reading: The New Mockingjay Trailer Will Make Your Heart Weep

Museum of Modern Art played host to The Cinema Society And Montblanc’s premiere of Lionsgate And Roadside Attractions' 'A Most Wanted Man' on Tuesday, July 22. 

The British espionage-thriller, which is based on John le Carré’s novel of the same name, stars  Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Willem Dafoe, Robin Wright, Daniel Brühl and Nina Hoss and made its debut at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. 

It also represents one of Seymour-Hoffman’s final films following his untimely and tragic death in February 2014 following a drug overdose, primarily on heroin. Revered as one of the finest actors of his generation, his death would send shockwaves amongst his peers and fans alike. 

Continue reading: 'A Most Wanted Man' Premiere [Photos]

Francis Lawrence, the director of the upcoming Hunger Games instalment, Mockingjay Part 1, has addressed some of the confusion surrounding Philip Seymour Hoffman’s scenes in the film. The actor passed away in February leaving behind a glittering back catalogue, an indelible legacy and – unfortunately – unfinished work.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Juliane Moore

“We finished the majority of his work,” said Lawrence according to The Hunger Games Exclusive, where a conversation with Lawrence, producer Nina Jacobson and screenwriter Peter Craig was posted. “I think he might have had eight to 10 days left on our schedule. In most of those scenes, Phil didn’t have any dialogue. We are going to put him into those scenes, but we’re only using real footage. We’re not creating anything digital or a robotic version of him.” 

Continue reading: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 - Philip Seymour Hoffman's Scenes Explained

Credit to those charged with critiquing ‘God’s Pocket’, John Slattery’s blue-collar thriller; they didn’t hamper their opinion or let sentimentality cloud their judgement. Despite this being one of late Philip Seymore Hoffman’s last performances, something was amiss.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Eddie Marsan in 'God's Pocket'

The film follows Micky Scarpeto (Hoffman) whose stepson Leon is fatally wounded in a construction accident. He then, quite literally, attempts to bury the bad news but a local journalist gets involved and things go from bad to worse for Micky, who has a bereaved wife and mounting debts to take care of. 

Continue reading: One Of Philip Seymour Hoffman's Last Films - 'God's Pocket' - Disappoints The Critics

The screen adaptation of John Le Carre’s book, ‘A Most Wanted Man’ has been made all the more pertinent by the death of its leading star and much-loved actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died in early February following a drug overdose. Watch the newly released trailer for the film below. 

'A Most Wanted Man' focuses on a rogue German counter-terrorism expert Gunter Bachmann, played by Seymour Hoffman. The half-Chechen, half-Russian immigrant Issa Karpov (Grigoriy Dobrygin) – who is thought to be part of a militant jihadist group in post-9/11 Hamburg - is his prime target.

Continue reading: Introducing, Philip Seymour Hoffman's Last Movie: 'A Most Wanted Man' [Trailer]

Paul Walker may still be able to complete Fast & Furious 7 with the use of body doubles, CGI and voice overs reports suggest. Walker died in a car accident in November of last year when filming for the seventh film had yet to be completed. 

Paul Walker's scenes in Fast & Furious 7 will be completed using special effects.

Read more Paul Walker news on Contactmusic.

Continue reading: CGI, Body Doubles & Voice Overs To Complete Paul Walker's Fast & Furious 7 Scenes?

The Academy Awards paid tribute to actor Philip Seymour Hoffman last night, who was among the stars featured in the awards ‘In Memorium’ sequence last night.

Philip Seymour Hoffman was among those hounered last night

The 48 year old actor passed away last month after a drug overdose at his home in New York. Actress Cate Blanchett was noticeably emotional by the tribute paid to her late friend, the actor was honoured in the clip which was followed by a performance of ‘Wind Beneath my Wings’ by Bette Midler.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman Among Actors Remembered At Oscars

Jennifer Lawrence must be exhausted. The girl has barely stopped working since she starred in her first movie, Garden Party, back in 2008. Over the past six years she has starred in the grand total of 18 films, including Silver Linings Playbook, which won her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2013. She’s been nominated for her second Academy Award for her spectacular performance in American Hustle and will find out whether she’s bagged the gong on Sunday (March 2, 2014).

This year Jennifer has been nominated for her second Academy Award

On top of her acting work, she’s also, almost accidentally, become everyone’s sweetheart. Despite her overwhelming success Lawrence is endearingly disaffected, grounded and let’s face it, a little bit silly. She may be a Hollywood starlet but ultimately, she’s relatable. Who didn’t mirror her exact face and feelings when Jack Nicholson interrupted her post Oscar interview? She may be one of the world’s most famous actresses, but when she trips over her own dress or photobombs another star on the red carpet, you suddenly remember that she’s also just 23 years old.

Continue reading: Why Jennifer Lawrence Deserves A Year Off From Hollywood

The will of Philip Seymour Hoffman has been released, and the late actor was very clear on what he wanted for his family.

Even though the Academy-Award winner carved most of his illustrious career in Hollywood, he was never a resident there, and neither will his 10 year-old son.

In the documents, which were written in 2004, Hoffman included a clause involving where his only son, Cooper, will be raised.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman's Will Reveals Late Actor Wants Son To Remain In N.Y.C

Not everyone likes sitting through award ceremonies; some people find the speeches pretty dull and everything in-between mildly entertaining at best. But when a speech like Cate Blanchett’s comes along, it makes all minutes treading dishwater worth it.

Cate Blanchett poses for Baftas pics

The Australian actress beat out considerable competition for the Best Actress nod, the award for which she dedicated to the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was found dead earlier this month due to a reported drug overdose.

Continue reading: BAFTA Award For Best Speech Goes To Cate Blanchett, For Philip Seymour Hoffman Tribute

Robert Vineberg, the celebrated jazz musician who was arrested in the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death – has been granted bail. Vineberg was not arrested in connection with the passing of Seymour Hoffman, but charged with possession with intent to sell.

Philip Seymour Hoffman's death has caused serious repercussions for many involved in his life

His attorney, Edward Kratt, pleaded for the judge to lower the bail, which was set at a $200k bond or $40k, calling Vineberg an “accomplished musician” who has “been in the business since the late 1980s and has been associated with some really great musicians.” He said he's a “heroin addict and has been a consistent user of heroin for a long period of time.”

Continue reading: Jazz Musician And Suspected Heroin Dealer Granted Bail

Drake has publically voiced his distaste after Rolling Stone pulled his cover at the last moment and replaced it with one of the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died nearly a fortnight ago. The rapper had apparently been set to grace the cover of the prestigious music magazine in an accompaniment to an article feature.

Drake Got Angry Because Rolling Stone Picked Philip Seymour Hoffman Instead Of Him For Their Cover.

In light of Hoffman's recent death, which shook Hollywood, it's obvious why Rolling Stone would want to remember the Oscar-winning actor as well as capitalise on the strong interest in the star. However, in a series of now-deleted tweets, Drake made a valid complaint about being misquoted but then whinged that he'd lost his cover to - oh - only one of the greatest actors the world will ever see.

Continue reading: Drake Throws Hissy Fit After Philip Seymour Hoffman Rolling Stone Cover Chosen

The latest person come out in tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was found dead last weekend (Sunday, Feb 2) after an alleged heroin overdose is the late actor’s priest, who described him as a lovely person who was fun to be around.

Philip Seymour Hoffman has been spoken of fondly by his priest

"He was a lovely person, very down-to-earth. I learned about humility from him. He never put on airs. Whenever he talked about being in a movie, he would just say, 'Yeah, I got this job.' He would never say, 'I'm the lead.' Or 'I'm starring in 'Capote.' ' Then I'd read about it in the papers and learn what it was," the Jesuit priest told People.com.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman's Priest On The Late Actor: "He Was A Lovely Person"

Awards season finally hit London on Sunday night as Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave collected three top awards at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards: Film of the Year, best actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and supporting actress for Lupita Nyong'o. Winners in attendance included McQueen, supporting actor Barkad Abdi (Captain Phillips), Excellence in Film honouree Gary Oldman, and cast and crew of the double winner The Selfish Giant. In addition, Steve Coogan collected Judi Dench's British actress award, while Andy Serkis read out a hilarious message from Cate Blanchett, who won best actress. Have a look over our photos from the event, we have The London Critics' Circle Film Awards Arrivals photos as well as photos of the guest leaving and signing for fans at the end of the night. We also have a full list of London Critics' Circle Film Awards winners, lead by 12 Years a Slave.

The awards ceremony started just a few minutes after it was confirmed that Philip Seymour Hoffman died in New York, and when the announcement was made the audience rose in a spontaneous standing ovation. Over the last few days, the film and theatre communities have been speaking out over Hoffman's untimely death. We have video footage shot as Philip Seymour Hoffman's body is retrieved from his apartment. We also recap his glorious career - Philip Seymour Hoffman's movies list features classic after classic.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: 12 Years Rules London, Stars Mourn Hoffman, New Films From Russia, Macfarlane And Gyllenhaal

RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman: The world lost a true talent when actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his apartment last Sunday after a suspected heroin overdose, aged 46. Thougha autopsy results were ruled inconclusive, drugs paraphernalia was found littered all over his house after the Oscar-winning actor suffered a relapse to substance abuse despite having been clean for more than 20 years.

The father-of-three's break-up with his partner Mimi O'Donnell is said to have caused the Capote star to turn to drugs and not the confusion over his sexuality, as was falsely alleged by the National Enquirer. Since the death, four suspected drug dealers have been arrested and are being questioned with regards to selling Hoffman, who was found with a syringe in his arm, a bad batch. Sadly, we have lost one of the only actors working today whose acting prowess meant we'd instinctively trust any film with his name. Philip Seymour Hoffman (1967-2014).

Continue reading: A Week In News: A Screen Legend Dies, A TV Legend Makes His Exit, And The World's Weirdest Boxing Match

Philip Seymour Hoffman’s wake was finally held on Thursday, February 6. Friends, family and colleagues of the actor gathered to remember and celebrate the late actor in New York City at the Frank E. Campbell funeral home, the Associated Press reports. Besides his partner Mimi O'Donnell and their three children, Cooper, Willa and Tallulah, a number of Hoffman’s co-stars also came to pay tribute to his life. Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, Joakin Phoenix and Josh Hamilton were all present and some even had prepared a few words to say during the final farewell.

Hoffman's overdose came after a stint in rehab, after which the actor had appeared to be in recovery.

Hoffman was found dead in his Greenwich Village apartment on February 2 after an apparent drug overdose. After a long period of assumed abstinence, the actor was discovered on the bathroom floor with a needle still stuck in his arm. Several news outlets report that a number of bags of heroin, labeled Ace of Spades and Ace of Hearts, were also found on location.

Continue reading: While Philip Seymour Hoffman's Cause Of Death Is Yet To Be Determined, His Wake Was Held In NY

Following Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death, the highly acclaimed writer and creator of The West Wing has spoken about his and the late actor’s candid conversations about drugs and alcohol.

Hoffman was found dead in his apartment on Sunday (Feb 2)

While working together on the 2007 drama Charlie Wilson's War, the Oscar-winning screenwriter and Hoffman would invariably chat about their struggles with drugs, given their shared experiences.

Continue reading: Aaron Sorkin And Philip Seymour Hoffman's Mini AA Meetings

Philip Seymour Hoffman has not been dead a week – autopsy and toxicology reports are still to be determined – but lawsuits are already being filed. Dave Bar Katz, whom The National Enquirer apparently asserted was Seymour Hoffman’s gay lover, is suing America Media, Inc for putting out fake quotes.

Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead, and is widely reported to have suffered a drug overdose

Everyone was wary of the quotes, including us, but now it would appear as though Bar Katz has confirmed this, and is willing to take The National Enquirer all the way to ensure people know the truth.

Continue reading: Spurious Philip Seymour Hoffman 'Gay Lover' Story Sees Dave Bar Katz Sue National Enquirer

During a drugs bust made on Tuesday, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s number was found on the cell phones of three of the arrested, possibly linking them to the actor’s drug supply and recent death. At this point, it’s unclear whether any or all of the suspects were tied to the actor’s death, New York Daily News reports.

Procecussion is yet to establish a connection between the suspects and the actor's death.

At least one of the phones found at a rundown building at 302 Mott St. belonged to alleged heroin dealer Robert Vineberg, a struggling jazz musician. On Wednesday, he was indicted for felony possession of heroin and of heroin with intent to sell. However, prosecutors don’t currently have enough evidence to link Vineberg to Hoffman’s death. The suspect’s daughter, Christina Soto, added to Vineberg’s connection, saying that the two men had known each other for several months. However, Soto also confirmed that Vineberg had not been in touch with Hoffman for a while.

Continue reading: Three Arrested During Drugs Bust, Possibly Connected To Philip Seymour Hoffman Overdose

In the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman's probably heroin related death, now is not the time to reveal how heroin "kind of saved" you. Or it is if you're Cher's son, Elijah Blue Allman.

Cher's son, Elijah Blue Allman, has discussed his drug use on a televised interview.

The 37-year-old appeared on Entertainment Tonight in order to conduct his first television interview, as E! reports. He discussed his addiction problems and claimed that, at certain times in his life, his dependency was something which "saved" him. 

Continue reading: Cher's Son & 'Desperate Housewives' Star Both Reveal Drug Addiction In Wake Of PSH's Death

An autopsy of Philip Seymour Hoffman has proved inconclusive, the chief medical examiner in charge of the procedure revealed yesterday (5th February). Further tests are currently underway which the New York authorities hope will lead to a ruling on the cause of the Capote actor's untimely death.

Philip Seymour Hoffman was discovered on Sunday 2nd February and pronounced dead at the scene.

Hoffman was discovered on Sunday 2nd February in his New York apartment. A friend discovered him, as reports claim, in his bathroom with a needle in his arm. When the emergency services arrived he was pronounced dead at the scene. It is thought that, owing to Hoffman's previous struggles with addiction and evidence found at the scene, that the actor had overdosed on heroin. As The Guardian reports, police discovered and traces of heroin, drug paraphernalia and prescription medication to combat heroin addiction in Hoffman's Manhattan apartment. The autopsy was expected to reflect this, however it has proved inconclusive and a final ruling is dependent upon test results, expected to return next week. 

Continue reading: Autopsy Of Philip Seymour Hoffman Inconclusive, Medical Examiner Announces

New York City police, who are currently investigating the death of Oscar-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, have arrested four men for questioning on Tuesday, (Feb 5th).

The New York Post reports, authorities raided a Manhattan address after they were tipped off that the heroin dealer who sold the late actor the bad batch was there.

The four individuals who are being interrogated are all heroin dealers.

Continue reading: 4 Arrested In Relation To Philip Seymour Hoffman's Fatal Heroin Overdose

In the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s tragic death, another actor – Desperate Housewives’ Shawn Pyfrom has come out with a confession about his own addiction, in hopes of reaching others and spreading information. In a blog post on his tumblr, the actor who played Bree Van De Kamp’s eldest son on the tv drama, recalls his own experiences and concludes that drugs “will steal your life away from you.”

Pyfrom has left his party days behind.

The actor says he’s sharing the history of his addiction against the advice of others, but that he “won’t allow [his] selfish needs to get in the way of potentially reaching another human being’s life.”

Continue reading: In The Wake Of PSH Tragedy, Shawn Pyfrom Steps Up To Reveal Addiction

The autopsy of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was found dead in his apartment on Sunday, was conducted yesterday. The actor died of an apparent drug overdose, however the New York Medical Examiner’s office said for USA Today that conclusive results are not expected until at least Tuesday.

Before his death, Hoffman's addiction had seemed to be under control.

The 46-year-old Oscar winner was found on the bathroom floor with a syringe in his left arm and bags of what appears to be heroin inside the apartment. Those items are being tested. Police will only say the investigation is continuing. According to an early report by CNN, approximately fifty bags of the suspicious substance were found on the scene, along with numerous syringes, addiction treatment medication, blood pressure medication, and a muscle relaxant.

Continue reading: Results Of Philip Seymour Hoffman Autopsy Expected To Confirm Cause Of Death Today

Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead at his New York City apartment on Sunday (Feb 2nd), with a syringe still in his arm. 

Police suspect the 46 year-old died as a result of a drug overdose, and a post-mortem examination is being conducted today (Feb 3rd), but the medical staff are almost certain what killed him.

"We still think it's going to be an overdose," said one source.

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman's NYC Apartment Scattered With 70 Bags Of Heroin

Yesterday, Sunday February 2, was marked by the death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman – a Hollywood heavyweight with more than two decades of acting and over under his belt. He was 46. At that age, he was already an Academy Award winner for his portrayal of author Truman Capote in the 2005 biopic "Capote”, Hoffman was widely recognized as one of the best character actors in the business.

Hoffman's career spanned more than two decades and 60 films.

"He gave performances of sacred and terrifying intensity," noted stage director Peter Sellars, who worked with Hoffman in productions of Shakespeare's "Othello" and "The Merchant of Venice” said for the LA Times. "Phil burned so brightly and with such unrelenting love — it made him one of the great theater performers of his or any generation."

Continue reading: Respected Film, Television And Stage Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman Dead, Unfinished Projects Will Go On As Planned

Academy-Award winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was discovered dead in his New York city apartment on Sunday (Feb 2nd). The 46 year-old was found by his friend when visiting his Manhattan apartment at 35 Bethune St. in the West Village.

Hoffman was discovered dead in his NYC apartment

Hoffman leaves behind several recently completed film projects as well as other on-going productions, which includes the hugely anticipated final two 'Hunger Games' sequels. 

Continue reading: Philip Seymour Hoffman Leaves Behind Prolific Collection Of Films Following Sudden Death

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is almost here and we're so excited we might just burst. The sequel to 2012's The Hunger Games will revisit Katniss Everdeen and the people of Panem in what promises to be the action movie of the year. The first film grossed close to $700 million (£450million) worldwide, which cemented its place as the ninth highest earner of 2012.

The Sequel Promises To Be Even More Overblown Than The Original.

After the colossal success of The Hunger Games came to light, it was only natural that Lionsgate would plough even more money into its sequel with the promise of virtually guaranteed success. Indeed, Catching Fire is expected to outperform its predecessor when it is released from the 22nd November.

Continue reading: 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' Edges Closer, Colossal Budget Revealed [Trailer]

The Hunger Games at Comic Con gave fans a chance to catch a glimpse of the new cast, but most importantly, it marked the release of the new trailer so we can finally take a proper look at the second instalment of the thrilling trilogy. Check it out below (right at the bottom).

Jennifer Lawrence in Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Based on the novels of Suzanne Collins, the trilogy consists of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. It tells the story of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) who takes the place of her younger sister Prim in the 74th Hunger Games – a form of entertainment for the Capitol, which sees contestants fight to the death.

Continue reading: 'The Hunger Games' Truly Catches Fire With New Footage, New Cast [Trailer + Pictures]

Katniss Is Enemy No.1 In Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The first full trailer for the Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire has been released, debuting at the MTV Movie awards on Sunday (April 14, 2013). Recent Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence once again takes center stage as Katniss Everdeen, the winner of the brutal fight to the death who appears to have become a sign of hope for the rest of society.

The shadowy Capitol is less than pleased with the fanfare surrounding Katniss' return from the Hunger Games arena and want her removed. "She has become a beacon of hope for them, she has to be eliminated," says Donald Sutherland's President Snow, before Philip Seymour Hoffman's Plutarch Heavensbee adds, "I agree she should die, but in the right way, at the right time. Katniss Everdeen is a symbol, just her image. Show them she is one of us now, let them rally behind that."

Continue reading: Katniss Is Enemy No.1 In The Hunger Games: Catching Fire [Trailer & Pictures]

Kate Winslet is the latest Hollywood A-lister to make the move into the thriving young adult market after signing on for a big screen adaptation of 'Divergent,' the first of a trilogy of dystopian novels by Veronica Roth. Jennifer Lawrence and Philip Seymour Hoffman both star in the forthcoming Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire, while Twilight and The Lovely Bones featured respected actors Michael Sheen and Stanley Tucci.

The young-adult movie market is growing at a serious rate, something that's not gone undetected by Winslet's agent, clearly. The British star will play the cold and calculable Jeanine Matthews in the movie about a society that is divided into five factions that define how a person lives their life. For example, the Abnegation people are selfless, while those residing in the Erudite neighbourhood devote themselves to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Winslet will play the leader of the Eruduite, according to studio Summit Entertainment.

It's shaping up to be a pretty impressive cast, with actress of the moment Shailene Woodley, 21, and British star Theo James, 28, already having signed up. The movie is set for release in March 2014.

Continue reading: Divergent: Kate Winslet Leads Hollywood Charge Into Young Adult Movies

Due to much of its tighter focus on British and/or Irish films and their actors, the London Critics Film Awards list of winners often differs greatly from the other big awards of the season. This year, however, they have gone even farther left field, rightly awarding some of the distinctly lesser known films and actors, triumphing over those better known.

Berberian Sound Studio, which came out last August, did very well, winning the Attenborough Award for the best British Film of the Year. Written and directed by Peter Strickland this is only his second feature. Having been described as 'seriously weird and seriously good' by Peter Bradshaw, Berberian Sound Studio is a psychological thriller set in an Italian horror movie studio of the 1970s. 

It stars Toby Jones who also won the award for Best British Actor of the year. 

Continue reading: London Critics Circle Film Awards Choose Unexpected Winners

It was 'coming' for months; teasing us with enigmatic trailers, laced with a disconcertingly mistimed drum. It was the next big thing. With a directing CV representing no mistakes, this was going to be Paul Thomas Anderson's official entry into the pantheon of the greats.

And it still might be, but, as many are predicting, not via an instant hit of Oscar-narcotics. The 2013 Academy awards will recognise great films, no doubt, but it's likely The Master will be lucky to walk away with one.

So why is a film - which has been at the top or near the top of many critic's end of year lists - destined to 'underachieve' come Sunday, February 24th, only to spend years accumulating a cult status of its own? Here are three perfectly ridiculous reasons why not.

Continue reading: Three Reasons Why The Master Won't Dominate The Oscars

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire may not be getting released in cinemas for at least another year, but that doesn't mean that fans of the franchise aren't eagerly awaiting every forward motion the films take, as the reaction to the unveiling of the poster for the next film in the series has shown.

The artwork for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire gives very little away, with only a flaming version of the Mockingjay pin that appears so frequently throughout the series being on display. Still, that hasn't stopped people from trying to decipher whether it may give anything that will reveal what we can expect from the new film. Of course, for the people who have read the book, there will be no need to do this as they should have a pretty good idea of what is going to happen.

The sequel to the hugely successful Hunger Games once again stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, alongside Hollywood stars Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson. New cast members include the Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee and Jena Malone as Johanna Mason. It hits cinemas worldwide on November 22, 2012.

Continue reading: Hunger Games: Catching Fire Poster Unveiled

David O'Russell's new movie Silver Linings Playbook, starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, appears to have a one-way ticket to the Oscars ceremony in February. Strong reviews for the movie with an all-star cast means it's likely to be competing for the major prizes in 2013. Lawrence is the massive favorite to win best actress, Cooper will battle Daniel Day-Lewis and Joaquin Phoenix for best actor, though could Robert De Niro win his first Academy Award since 1981? (Raging Bull)

De Niro plays the father of Pat Solitano, a former school teacher who loses everything - his house, his job and his wife. Living back home with his parents, (mother played by Jacki Weaver), Pat attempts to rebuild his life and meets the mysterious Tiffany, played by Lawrence. De Niro is superb throughout, and is likely to be nominated for best supporting Actor, though can he go all the way? There's an interesting group of contenders this year, with Philip Seymour Hoffman a shoo-in for a nomination. His L. Ron Hubbard style character in The Master won fierce praise from critics, and the 45-year-old is a favorite of the Academy for sure. Ben Affleck could win best director for Argo, while the movie is the frontrunner for best picture, though it also has a couple of supporting performances worth a shout. Bryan Cranston plays a CIA officer in the political drama and has made a huge name for himself in Hollywood for his performances as Walter White in Breaking Bad - easily one of the finest characters in television drama for years. In the same movie, Alan Arkin also turns in a fine comedic performance with Jon Goodman and, of course, the Little Miss Sunshine actor has had his hands on the supporting actor gong before. Tommy Lee Jones is likely to get a nomination for Lincoln, while Leonardo DiCaprio will be disappointed to not make the shortlist for his turn as the evil Calvin Candie in Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. 

Outsiders for a shot at the statuette include Javier Bardem for Skyfall, Russell Crowe for Les Miserables and William H Macy for The Sessions. Let's be clear, Philip Seymour Hoffman will take all the beating here, though De Niro's performance will not be ignored by the Academy. His co-star Bradley Cooper said it would be "insane" should he win Best Actor for Silver Linings Playbook and it certainly would be unthinkable for Daniel Day-Lewis not to walk away with that award come February, but best supporting actor? That's not so clear cut.

Continue reading: Has Silver Linings Playbook Got Robert De Niro Back Into Oscars Contention?

Joaquin Phoenix, the star of The Master and current second-favourite to scoop the Oscar for Best Actor in February, has played down his acting talents claiming to actually be "not very good." Phoenix - who was rumored to be quitting the movie business before signing on for Paul Thomas Anderson's movie - said he needs to be "very close" to directors in order to get through shoots.

In a nervy interview with The Independent, Phoenix explained his self-doubts and on-set needs, "I think the trouble is that I'm not very good and I need a lot of help; I need the entire set to be working to help me," he said, adding, "The only way I can work is to be very close to the director and the acting. At least people like Paul make you feel that is a priority." Since his superb turn in Gladiator, Phoenix has decided against appearing in further blockbusters, though noted, "If every single movie was The Master it would be a pretty boring world out there. I think it's fine to have those blockbusters. I'm not against those movies. I just don't want to experience them." He has a similar outlook on awards season, recently telling Interview magazine, "I think it's bullsh*t. I think it's total, utter bullsh*t, and I don't want to be a part of it. I don't believe in it. It's a carrot, but it's the worst-tasting carrot I've ever tasted in my whole life. I don't want this carrot." He may be forced to at least nibble on the carrot should he be - as expected - nominated for a slew of awards in the coming months. Though Daniel Day Lewis is the overwhelming favourite to win the Best Actor for Lincoln, Phoenix isn't far behind in the betting, at around 3/1. 

The Master's producer Harvey Weinstein - famous for his awards season nous - will at least have Oscar's mainstay Philip Seymour Hoffman around for the publicity push. In fact, the veteran is almost certain to win Best Supporting Actor for his L Ron Hubbard-like role.

Continue reading: Oscar-Tipped Joaquin Phoenix: I'm Not Very Good And Need Lots Of Help