Pedro Almodovar Honored by Star-Studded Crowd at MoMa Film Benefit

NY -- Author-director Pedro Almodovar was honored here Tuesday evening in the 4th annual MoMA Film Benefit inside a star-studded event that incorporated video messages from buddies Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas.our editor recommends'The Skin I Live In': Pedro Almodovar on Jean Paul Gaultier's Film Styles, FriendshipPedro Almodvar: I Wish To Recapture The Pleasure of My Early FilmsAFI Fest 2011: Pedro Almodovar Named Guest Artistic DirectorPedro Almodovar on 'The Skin I Live In' -- and How It Is Like to reside in His Skin (Video) Everyone else -- which incorporated Karl Lagerfeld, whose Chanel underwrote the eveningAnna Wintour Nicole Kidman Came Barrymore and Emma Stone -- gave the filmmaker a sincere standing ovation at MoMA's Titus Theater carrying out a cocktail reception in the museum. VIDEO: Pedro Almodovar on 'The Skin My Home Is' -- and What It Really's Like to reside in His Skin Cruz in her own video message told Almodovar: "You are among the funniest people on the planet without a doubt." She also stated she was "wishing that people share many, a lot moreInch special moments together. Banderas famous Almodovar for walking within the "difficult, sometimes painful, always exciting areas of artistic creation." He added: "You broke all of the laws and regulations of motion picture gravity." Digital photographer/artist Bruce Weber, supported with a guitarist, distributed to the crowd a sincere and far-congratulated song he known as "Pedro, I'm glad There's You." He quipped he also first viewed it as his audition for Almodovar. STORY: Pedro Almodovar Chooses 'The Murders,' 'Nightmare Alley' to Screen at AFI Fest Following a video tribute with highlights from his films, Almodovar required to the level. After apologizing for which he known as his "poor British" and acknowledging to being really emotional, he stated to much applause: "I'm so moved which i don't understand what to express.Inch Then he remembered the way a very long time ago, the MoMa demonstrated among his films the very first time, that they stated assisted him get began within the U.S. "Which was the start of just about everything,Inch he stated. Almodovar also stated that cinema was particularly personal and vital that you him because he was raised within the duration of the The spanish language dictatorship. "It had been darker and uneven and overweight,Inch and that he "attempted to recuperate the vibrant colors from the first movie I saw growing up,Inch he told everyone else. VIDEO: Pedro Almodóvar, Antonio Banderas Reunite in 'The Skin My Home Is' Trailer MoMa leader Marie-Josee Kravistold Almodovar: "I'm an enormous fan." She stated she always found "this passion for spectacle," his "irreverent humor" and also the "fusion of grief and pleasure" in the films appealing. Saying thanks to Lagerfeld, she famous the style industry icon for the love and stated he devours any kind of art or cultural contribution with pleasure. "The only real factor he doesn't eat is food," she quipped. The MoMa event boosts funds to make sure that works of cinema still join the museum's collection. Chief curator Raj Roy stated that for that second year consecutively, MoMa entered the million-dollar mark. Previous film benefit honorees were Baz Luhrmann (2008), Tim Burton (2009) and Kathryn Bigelow (2010). Related Subjects Anna Wintour Antonio Banderas Came Barrymore Karl Lagerfeld Pedro Almodovar Penelope Cruz Nicole Kidman Emma Stone

Sacha Baron Cohen: Quentin Tarantino's Latest 'Django Unchained' Addition?

The quantity of casting news regarding Quentin Tarantino's approaching Western movie, 'Django Unchained,' continues to be staggering. It appears not really a week passes with no new star coming onboard, which trend continues: Based on Variety, Sacha Baron Cohen is closing in on the deal to experience a little-but-natural part within the film. When the 'Borat' star eventually ends up signing on, he'll join a cast that already includes Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Frederick Gordon-Levitt, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, Kurt Russell, Don Manley and also the RZA. 'Django' is much like the 'New Year's Eve' of prestige movies! 'Django Unchained' follows former slave Django (Foxx), who heads to the plantation to free his wife (Washington) in the evil owner, Calvin Candie (DiCaprio). On the way, he will get the aid of a fugitive hunter (Waltz). The Quentin Tarantino-directed film is scheduled hitting theaters on Christmas Day 2012. [via Variety] [Photo: AP] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Anderson Talker Renewed For Season 2

Two months into it freshman run, Anderson Cooper’s daily syndicated talk show has been renewed for a second season. The show’s core station group, Fox TV Stations, has renewed the Telepictures-produced show on its stations in Los Angeles (KTTV-TV), Chicago (WFLD-TV) and Boston (WFXT-TV), and has picked up the series for its stations in NY (WNYW-TV), Minneapolis (KMSP-TV) and Tampa (WTVT-TV). This represents an upgrade for Anderson, which currently airs on Tribune’s WPIX in NY. LIN’s incumbent stations also have renewed the show, which also has been cleared in Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and Jacksonville. “The show is off to a good start and has the opportunity to grow organically into something unique,” said Telepictures president Hilary Estey McLoughlin. While not a breakout hit, Anderson is doing decently in the ratings, averaging a 1.4. The series is distributed by Warner Bros Domestic TV Distribution.

Cheers & Jeers: 2 . 5 Men's New Good-Time Charlie

Jon Cryer Cheers to Jon Cryer for directing Charlie's spirit on 2 . 5 Males. Want more Cheers & Jeers? Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now! Within the hit CBS sitcom's funniest episode since Ashton Kutcher's debut, his Emmy-winning costar compensated an appropriately irreverent tribute to his very much departed TV brother. "I do not miss the odor of vomit and lubricant each morning,Inch Cryer's Alan stated of Charlie Sheen - er, Harper. "However I do miss him." Our prime jinks really got crazy when Alan experienced a psychotic break and adopted Charlie's identity, putting on a bowling shirt and taking pleasure in an idea of cigars, cocktails - along with a voluptuous neighbor (The Event's Taylor Cole). Still, Kutcher got the episode's best line: After Alan found written music, panties, drug paraphernalia along with a vibrator in Charlie's old piano bench, he called them "tunes, thongs, bongs and schlongs." If poking fun at that lines are wrong, I do not wanna be right. Have you think 2 . 5 Men's homage to Charlie was "winning"? Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Full from the Mist

Andrew Samonsky handles Mary Testa when she turns into a celebrity after plunging over Niagara Falls inside a barrel in Full from the Mist. A Transport Group in colaboration with Sarah Ackerman, Sase Sham, Benjamin D. Goldberg and Jennifer Orr presentation of the musical in 2 functions with book, music and lyrics by John Michael LaChiusa. Directed by Jack Cummings III choreographed by Scott Rink. Music direction, Chris Fenwick.Anna "Annie" Edson Taylor - Mary Testa Frank Russell - Andrew Samonsky Jane, et al. - Theresa McCarthy Guy Together With His Hands Covered with Handkerchief, et al. - Tally Periods Barbara Nation, et al. - Jule Murney Mike Taylor, et al. - Stanley Bahorek A Brand New Manager, et al. - Electricity AndersonAnna Edson Taylor, a battling 63-year-old schoolteacher, put caution towards the wind in 1901, stepped over Niagara Falls inside a barrel and resided to inform about this. Instant celebrity resulted, but she just like rapidly stepped into obscurity. So far, that's, as prolific musical maker Michael John LaChiusa has had up Taylor's cause with "Full from the Mist." A unique story, a provocative score and artistic staging by Jack Cummings III mix to create this an intriguing offering in the Transport Group, buoyed by Mary Testa because the stubbornly contrary Anna. Testa makes a reputation for herself in the last 3 decades working frequently with LaChiusa and William Finn whilst bringing in attention (and Tony nominations) in mainstream revivals of "Around town" and "42nd Street." Testa's extra-large talent and ferocious intensity, however, have sometimes overpowered her play pals. LaChiusa has written to her talents individuals wild comedy forces are because, but tempered through the dramatic needs from the role. Testa shows how wide her range is incorporated in the final moments. The key lady -- given star billing around the houseboards, though not within the program -- is ably based on a cast of six. Andrew Samonsky does an excellent job as Frank Russell, Taylor's manager. Samonsky, who had been a alternative Lt. Cable within the recent "South Off-shore" (and performed the role around the PBS broadcast), includes a strong voice and holds their own against Testa. Others play multiple roles, acquitting themselves well in a couple of featured spots. Theresa McCarthy, who stays the majority of the evening as Anna's respectable sister, sticks out in her own overbroad second act scene like a foul-mouthed and incredibly funny pretender inside a blonde hairpiece. LaChiusa ("Marie Christine," "The Wild Party") is promoting a status for implies that tend to be more esoteric than including. "Full from the Mist" breaks the pattern: Here's an earthy, tabloid story of emancipation and celebrity with lots of humor. Tale appears to spring in the author's roots in upstate Chautauqua, N.Y. Taylor aspired to recognition through the Chautauqua Institution, the 1800s cultural citadel. Score isn't just intelligent but more tuneful than recent LaChiusa efforts. Michael Starobin supplies a strong orchestration for six pieces, including a highly effective French horn. Director Cummings' Transport Group, which loves non-traditional playing spaces, returns to a health club at Judson Memorial Chapel on Washington Square, scene of the June triumph "Lysistrata Johnson." Stage is set up like a rectangle with bleachers around the two lengthy sides, permitting Cummings and choreographer Scott Rink to stage the experience effectively in tennis court fashion. The issue with lots of one-shot celebs within our culture is the fact that there's sometimes no second act. That's a little of the problem here after Taylor shoots the falls, there's relatively little left to occur within the less-including and overlong second act. Fortunately, this really is alleviated by some high-powered turns (like McCarthy's) along with a strong finish. LaChiusa's musings on fame and celebrity have resonance, and never only regarding the lengthy-forgotten Taylor. The writer also introduces us to some deranged anarchist in the 1901 Zoysia Exposition, who soon after his (most probably imaginary) exchange with Taylor chimes and shoots the Leader. The assassin was top of the page news until his execution, after which faded from memory. Nowadays, the once well known Leon Czolgosz is famous exclusively like a character in another modern musical, "Assassins" -- a lot to ensure that he will get a gasp of recognition in the audience some 110 years after his one, mad act.Sets, Sandra Goldmark costumes, Kathryn Rohe lights, R. Lee Kennedy seem, Walter Trarbach orchestrations, Michael Starobin production stage manager, Wendy Patten. Opened up November. 6, 2011. Examined November. 3. Runs through November. 20. Running time: 2 Hrs, 20 MIN. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

'MTV First: Breaking Dawn' Countdown: Your Second Favorite 'Twilight' Moment Is...

Love is in the air, everywhere we look around, especially as we look towards tonight's MTV First featuring main "Breaking Dawn" players Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. We've been counting down your top five favorite "Twilight" moments all week long, and this morning, we're happy to bring you a warm and fuzzy scene that you ranked as your second favorite Edward's proposal to Bella! Perhaps accepting someone's marriage proposal at the age of 18 is a bit controversial, especially when your suitor is a sparkly-skinned vampire like Edward. Then again it's Edward. You know, the beautiful vamp with the wavy hair and the dreamy eyes. You don't exactly say no to that, do you? "Well, to decide you're gonna marry someone at 18 is a pretty hefty decision. And I didn't want to look stupid," Stewart told MTV News of the iconic moment from "Eclipse," the third "Twilight" movie. "I didn't want it to look like kids getting married. You know what I mean? I wanted to be, like, 'Oh! Wow! I would say yes too.'" Our MTV First celebrating "Breaking Dawn - Part 1" kicks off on MTV tonight (November 3) at 7:56 PM EST. We'll be joined by Rob, Taylor and Kristen as they debut an exclusive "Breaking Dawn" clip, and afterward, be sure to head to MTV.com for an exclusive 30 minute interview with the trio, where they'll answer questions submitted by you. What do you think of Edward's proposal to Bella? Let us know in the comments section and on Twitter!

Warner Bros Stretches Pact With Mattel As Electricity Comics Licensee

BURBANK, Calif. — Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), with Electricity Entertainment, introduced today it's extended its effective relationship with leading worldwide toy manufacturer, Mattel, Corporation. The completely new multi-year agreement allows Mattel to continue as master toy licensee for your complete realm of Electricity Comics figures. Beneath the regards to this proper alliance, Mattel is granted unequalled utilisation of the entire breadth and scope in the Electricity Comics vault of figures, including more than a thousand world-famous Electricity Comics Super Heroes and Electricity Comics Super Villains, for instance Superman, Batman, Eco-friendly Lantern, Question Lady as well as the Joker. Further, the agreement includes popular figures such as the Costly, Aquaman, Shazam!, Eco-friendly Arrow and Hawkman. Incorporated within the ongoing relationship, Mattel is positioned to develop toy lines for just two of Warner Bros. most lengthy looked forward to theatrical releases: about this summer time 20, 2012, The Dark Dark evening Increases, and also on June 14, 2013, Guy of Steel. Future television-based collaborations include Warner Bros. Animations approaching television series, Eco-friendly Lantern: The Animated Series, along with their ongoing product support for Youthful Justice, also from Warner Bros. Animation. Both animated series are just at Cartoon Network and you'll be the tentpole programming for Electricity Nation, the completely new multiplatform, high quality block of original programming and exclusive content, featuring Electricity Comics library of legendary character characteristics, which will debut in 2012. A distinctive Eco-friendly Lantern: The Animated Series hour-extended movie event airs Friday, November 11 at 7 p.m. on Cartoon Network. Furthermore for the rights to existing Electricity Comics figures, animation and films, the extension includes Mattels rights to produce toys based on future Electricity Comics films and animation projects that are developed and produced through the word in the agreement.