The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its fall programming lineup this week for both Los Angeles and New York. These are much anticipated screenings, full of special guests that may include the movie's stars, filmmakers, and more. A full schedule of selected films and tickets for the screenings can be found here at oscars.org/events.
The fall slate will highlight two new and highly anticipated programming series. The new Margaret Herrick Library speaker series, "Words on Film", invites writers and filmmakers to discuss their work and their creative and research processes in a casual, dynamic way. In addition, the Academy presents the inaugural "Robert Osborne Celebration of Classic Film", a new series funded by the late TCM host's estate designed to return classic films to the big screen for new audiences. The celebration epitomizes the work Osborne promoted all his life. He would undoubtedly be proud to have his name associated to such an endeavor.
The well-rounded schedule plans on having as many guests responsible for the productions as possible. Muriel’s Wedding's 25th Anniversary September 13 will appear in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills with lead actress Toni Collette on hand to talk about her breakout performance. It's always a more engaging event when inside information is shared with the audience. It's the kind of screenings that shouldn't be missed as the opportunity may never be seen again.
Also screening in September in celebration of its 10th Anniversary of the Disney animated feature, The Princess and the Frog featuring a live performance by Anika Noni Rose and musicians Kenny Sara & the Sounds of New Orleans. Others appearing include director Ron Clements, producer Peter Del Vecho, screenwriter Rob Edwards, actors Keith David, Michael-Leon Wooley and Jenifer Lewis, as well as composer Randy Newman. That's one hell of a lineup of special guests, guaranteed to provide a very entertaining evening.
The triple Oscar winner, Diary of Anne Frank is also in the lineup as part of the George Stevens lecture series. Co-presented by the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, the restoration print (courtesy of 20th Century Fox) was created in celebration of the film's 60th Anniversary, as well as the 90th anniversary of Anne Frank’s birth. Host Jon Kean will moderate a conversation with producer George Stevens, Jr., actresses Millie Perkins and Diane Baker, and Holocaust survivor Eva Brettler.
Come October 7 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, presents the 1936 film, Dodsworth will head the inaugural presentation of the Robert Osborne Celebration of Classic Film. The film has been restored by the Academy Film Archive in collaboration with The Film Foundation, and in association with The Samuel Goldwyn Jr. Family Trust. Special guests expected to attend include the impressive roster of Diane Baker, Carol Cooke, Angela Lansbury, Eva Marie Saint and Robert Wagner. Wow!
And then in November there's a particularly interesting tribute to the late graphic artist Saul Bass. There will be a discussion with individuals who worked with the designer at the Margaret Herrick Library in Beverly Hills. Responsible for the film title sequences of Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho, and Spartacus, the work of the industry legend will be on display, including original materials from the Saul Bass papers preserved at the Margaret Herrick Library. It's an event worth attending if only to see the art work of the iconic posters.
Always impressive, the Academy is known for putting on a good show. Every program is worth the price of admission and them some. In fact, ticket prices are usually ridiculously low for what you get in return. Perhaps that causes some to under value the programs, but I urge you not to make the same mistake. These events do sell out quickly, so check out the full program as soon as possible
For the Los Angeles-based events the cost is just $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid I.D. Available online at Oscars.org. For more information, visit Oscars.org or call (310) 247-3600.