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Details: Kennedy Center Honoring Joni Mitchell, Bette Midler, Lorne Michaels, Berry Gordy Tonight in DC

Roger Friedman
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Details: Kennedy Center Honoring Joni Mitchell, Bette Midler, Lorne Michaels, Berry Gordy Tonight in DC

UPDATING LIVE

The Kennedy Center is honoring Joni Mitchell, Bette Midler, Lorne Michaels. Berry Gordy, and operatic bass-baritone Justino Díaz tonight at the DC theater. All weekend there have been ceremonies and parties for the honorees.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are there, ending the cold war between the White House and the Kennedy Center. So are VP Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff. The Bidens spent Thanksgiving at the Nantucket home of Kennedy Center chairman David Rubenstein, who also run the secretive Carlyle Group investment firm. During the previous four years, the residents of the White House were loathed by the annual inductees and the residents had no interest in the Arts.

Keep refreshing for more…

UPDATE: David Letterman, of all people, did the opening toast after Yo Yo Ma performed a stunning rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Joni Mitchell was celebrated with performances from Brittany Howard, Herbie Hancock, Brandi Carlile, and Ellie Goulding. Howard sang “Both Sides Now.” Judy Collins, who had the original hit in 1969, is in the audience. Cameron Crowe and Dan Levy (of Schitt’s Creek) also spoke for Joni.

Lorne Michaels was feted by Steve Martin who introduced a large number of “SNL” alumna including Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler, Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Nealon, Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost and Michael Che. Paul Simon, Lorne’s great friend, sang “America,” the Simon & Garfunkel hit. Strange: no sign of Tina Fey.

Justino Diaz was toasted by various opera stars including Denyse Graves and Grace Bumbry.

Keep refreshing…

 

The Real Winner in 2021 Pop Charts? Elton John, 74, Has Two Major Hits in the iTunes Top 5

Roger Friedman
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The Real Winner in 2021 Pop Charts? Elton John, 74, Has Two Major Hits in the iTunes Top 5

The Beatles are getting a lot of attention for their “Get Back” series.

Adele is everywhere.

Tony Bennett is 95 and doing a victory lap with Lady Gaga, and she’s got a hit movie.

But the real star of 2021 on the pop charts is none other than Elton John. Yes, Elton John, who is 74 years old, has a bad hip, and is trying to finish his farewell tour. Elton John is bigger than ever, friends. And I couldn’t be more excited.

Currently, Sir Elton has not one but two hits in the iTunes top 5. At number 2 he has his Dua Lipa remix called “Cold Heart,” which combines bits of four old Elton/Bernie Taupin songs and makes a new record that everyone loves. “Cold Heart” is like a Best of Elton John in one single, with Dua Lipa as value added. The record Cuisinarts Elton’s 1989 ballad “Sacrifice,” the 1972 hit “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time),” 1983’s “Kiss the Bride” and 1976’s “Where’s the Shoorah?”

“Cold Heart” is a monster hit. On Spotify, the remix has had over 340 million plays, for example.

And then at number 4 Elton has his new holiday single, “Merry Christmas,” with Ed Sheeran. That one is just taking off. And of course since it is holiday season, Sir E’s original Christmas classic, “Step Into Christmas,” is back on all radio stations.

It’s nice to be king! You see, The Yellow Brick Road never ends. Bravo, Reg Dwight. The real music legends never go away.

Chris Cuomo Fired by CNN For Helping Ex-Gov Bro, Then Hit with Sexual Harassment Accusation by Network Employee

Roger Friedman
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Chris Cuomo Fired by CNN For Helping Ex-Gov Bro, Then Hit with Sexual Harassment Accusation by Network Employee

The piling on against (now ex) CNN anchor and host Chris Cuomo has begun.

First CNN fired him for somehow helping his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was under attack and had to resign over sexual harassment charges.

Then, on top of being fired yesterday, Chris was then hit with his own sexual harassment charges by a former CNN employee, which, of course, he denied.

Ironically, Donald Trump, sued by various women for rape and sexual malfeasance, who also supported an insurrection at the Capitol during his last two weeks in office, walks around scot-free planning to run again for president. Go figure.

Anyway, Debra S. Katz, the lawyer for Chris Cuomo’s alleged victim, has this to say:

“In the wake of public sexual harassment allegations against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Chris Cuomo looked directly into the camera and told viewers of Cuomo Prime Time, ‘I have always cared very deeply about these issues and profoundly so. I just wanted to tell you that.’  Subsequently, the Attorney General released jaw-dropping documentary evidence demonstrating that Chris Cuomo played an active role in attempting to smear women whom the Attorney General concluded had made serious allegations of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct against the Governor.  Hearing the hypocrisy of Chris Cuomo’s on-air words and disgusted by his efforts to try to discredit these women, my client retained counsel to report his serious sexual misconduct against her to CNN. 

On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, I contacted CNN to report my client’s allegations of misconduct against Chris Cuomo.  By Friday, I was in discussions with CNN about providing documentary evidence of my client’s allegations and making my client available for an interview with CNN’s outside counsel.  Last night, CNN acted promptly on my client’s complaint and fired Mr. Cuomo.

My client came forward at this time because she felt in sharing her story and related documentation, she could help protect other women.  She will continue to cooperate with CNN’s investigation into her allegations.  Given the nature of her allegations, she wishes to remain anonymous, and we ask that you respect this decision.”

Here’s the link to Chris Cuomo’s testimony from last July concerning NY State Attorney General Letitia James’s case against Andrew Cuomo.

 

Broadway: “Wicked” Gets COVID, Cancels Performances, “MJ Michael Jackson Musical” Gets 3 Standing Ovations

Roger Friedman
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Broadway: “Wicked” Gets COVID, Cancels Performances, “MJ Michael Jackson Musical” Gets 3 Standing Ovations

There’s a lot going on on Broadway.

“Wicked,” the long running hit musical, has been hit with COVID. First they cancelled yesterday’s shows (Saturday), now today’s performances are not happening. The show says they’ll be back on Tuesday. No word on who at the show tested positive, or how many, cast or crew.

I’m actually surprised more shows aren’t having COVID issues. Putting Broadway productions on right now is very tricky, and everyone is doing their best to avoid trouble. But the shows must go on for the sake of the Broadway economy.

Meanwhile, good news from “MJ The Michael Jackson Musical.” The dress rehearsal Saturday night, I’m told, was such a success that there were THREE standing ovations during the show. First preview is this week, and the opening is in February. Everyone is hoping for a success here, and it’s looking good so far, I will try and sneak in this month and take an early look.

 

Box Office: Lady Gaga “Gucci” Makes 3 Times Ridley Scott’s “Last Duel” in 2 Weeks, “Ghostbusters” Crosses the Line

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: Lady Gaga “Gucci” Makes 3 Times Ridley Scott’s “Last Duel” in 2 Weeks, “Ghostbusters” Crosses the Line

Ridley Scott has a good news, bad news fall. The esteemed director has had a big hit and a big flop simultaneously. You see, even at 83 there’s still room for things that haven’t happened before!

Scott’s “House of Gucci” — even with mixed reviews — has taken off at the box office. In two weeks, “Gucci,” starring Lady Gaga, has made $33.6 million. At MGM, they must be opening Champagne after so many flops. But Gaga won the New York Film Critics Award for Best Actress on Friday which spurred audiences into theaters. An NBC special on the history of the Gucci murder didn’t hurt. So “Gucci” is a hit. Now all they need is the Gucci family filing a lawsuit, and the PR will go through the roof. (Not like the MGM PR department has done a thing. But they can reap the benefits.)

The bad news: “House of Gucci” has made more than 3 times the money Scott’s “The Last Duel” has taken in domestically– and in just two weeks. It’s actually made made more than “The Last Duel” earned worldwide ($29 mil). How crazy is that? “The Last Duel” was a 20th Century Fox holdover release for Disney, which did nothing for it. And they don’t care. They have big hits in “Encanto” and “Eternals.” Since “The Last Duel” does not start with an E or end with a dollar sign, what’s the difference?

Meanwhile, Sony’s “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” has crossed the $100 million mark after middling reviews threatened to tank it when it opened. But the early reviews were positive and the audiences flocked to it. Congrats to Jason Reitman, who obviously will make a couple more with this cast. A franchise has been rebooted!

Princess Diana Movie “Spencer” Vanishes and With It, Maybe, Oscar Chances for Kristen Stewart

Roger Friedman
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Princess Diana Movie “Spencer” Vanishes and With It, Maybe, Oscar Chances for Kristen Stewart

The Princess Diana movie, “Spencer,” has vanished from regular release in theaters.

A check of Fandango shows it still playing in a few spots, but even then just one or two shows a day. Basically. it’s gone. On December 2 it was down to 346 theaters and made just $28,634. It had been up to 1,200 theaters during November.

“Spencer” stars Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana. Few movies have gotten this much press. Or ink for Stewart as an Oscar contender.

But with just $7 million in the box office, the movie is gone and so may be its chances for Oscars. Kristen Stewart was so touted for her performance. But without any commercial weight and so far no love from critics groups, the dream may be over.

Right now, the Best Actress leading contenders are Lady Gaga for “House of Gucci,” now on the fast track thanks to the New York Film Critics, “Rachel Zegler for “West Side Story,” Nicole Kidman for “Being the Ricardos.” Jessica Chastain for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.” Olivia Colman for “The Lost Daughter.” Jennifer Hudson for “Respect.” I would have included Penelope Cruz for “Parallel Mothers,” but there’s no sign of the film and I don’t know what’s happened to it.

So Kristen Stewart’s fine work may just go into the books as just that. and her Oscar— which I do think will come one day– is not for this year.

Adele’s “30” Album Stays at Number 1 Second Week, Drops 66% in Sales, Crosses 1 Million Mark

Roger Friedman
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Adele’s “30” Album Stays at Number 1 Second Week, Drops 66% in Sales, Crosses 1 Million Mark

Adele continued to sell a lot of copies of her “30” for a second week in a row.

She finished week 2 down 66% from her first week but still managed to fob off 285K albums approximately. That should put her total for “30” at around 1.1 million. It’s way off from her “25” album six years ago, but these days she’s rolling in the dough.

Two thirds of Adele’s sales come from CDs, downloads, and LPs. Her streaming is minor. Fans want to own her product, have it in their homes so they can swoon while drinking white wine and little chocolates. According to hitsdailydouble, her first week of streaming revenue probably was around $1 million or a tad less. The big hits are “Easy On Me” and “Oh My God.”

In 2015, Adele’s second week of sales would have brought her to around 5 million copies sold. Well, nothing is like it used to be, is it?

In a few weeks– late January– Adele will have her first “sit down” at Caesar’s Palace, where she will play two shows per weekend through April, not a heavy schedule. That’s where she’ll hit a gold mine. If want to see her, you’ll have to go to her.  In the past, big pop stars would wait til their late 40s or 50s before surrendering to Vegas. But Adele, 33, is an old soul apparently. She’s not chugging around the US, no effin’ way.

PS with that Caesar’s schedule expect to see Adele on the Grammy Awards on CBS Monday, January 31st. I’m told it’s part of her deal with CBS starting with the Oprah interview special.

 

Alec Baldwin’s Big Non Mea Culpa With George Stephanopolous Finishes 3rd in Ratings for Time Period

Roger Friedman
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Alec Baldwin’s Big Non Mea Culpa With George Stephanopolous Finishes 3rd in Ratings for Time Period

Alec Baldwin’s big non mea culpa nonburger fess up was a bust in the ratings last night.

ABC finished third at 8pm behind “Annie” on NBC and “Young Sheldon” and “The United States of Al” on CBS.

George Stephanopolous managed to get no news out of Baldwin concerning the accidental on set death of Holyna Hutchins. Baldwin maintains he didn’t pull the trigger and wonders how a live bullet got in the gun that killed her.

Takeaway: this has been hard on Alec but he didn’t do anything wrong. The lawyer for the Assistant Director agrees. This is not a big surprise. All these people are terrified of civil lawsuits not to mention criminal negligence.

But only 4 million million people tuned in for this exercise in self-preservation. Interestingly, this came from not ABC News but George Stephanopolous Productions. GS is now making shows and licensing them to ABC News as part of his new deal. This was a non news event. Kind of a Hamptons sit down.

UPDATING LIVE NY Film Critics: Lady Gaga for “Gucci,” Kathryn Hunter for “Macbeth,” 3 for “Power of the Dog,” Best Film “Drive My Car”

Roger Friedman
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UPDATING LIVE NY Film Critics: Lady Gaga for “Gucci,” Kathryn Hunter for “Macbeth,” 3 for “Power of the Dog,” Best Film “Drive My Car”

The New York Film Critics Circle is choosing winners in real time.

BEST FILM: “Drive My Car.” Why? Just to be different.

Lady Gaga wins Best Actress for “House of Gucci.” Very cool. She’s guaranteed an Oscar nod now, along with Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Chastain, and Kristen Stewart.

Benedict Cumberbatch is Best Actor for “The Power of the Dog.” (This means the NY Film Festival party at Tavern on the Green was a success.) Jane Campion wins Best Director for “Power of the Dog.” After NBR went against Netflix, NYFCC is all in!

Most lovely choice for Best Supporting Actress— Kathryn Hunter, who plays the three witches in Joel Coen’s “Tragedy of Macbeth.” Really thrilling choice. She played Puck in Julie Taymor’s extraordinary “Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Brooklyn and was incendiary. Gifted actress.

Best Supporting Actor goes to Kodi Smit-McPhee for “The Power of the Dog,” also an inspired and spot on decision.

Best First Film: “The Lost Daughter” from Maggie Gyllenhaal. Congrats to Maggie!

Best Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson for “Licorice Pizza”

Foreign film goes to “The Worst Person in the World.” Non fiction film to animated doc, “Flee.”

Best Animated Film: “The Mitchells vs. the Machines.”

Best Cinematography: “West Side Story”

SPECIAL AWARD: Maya Cade for the creation of the Black Film Archive.

SPECIAL AWARD: Diane Weyermann, posthumous award for supporting daring and impactful filmmaking at Sundance and Participant.

SPECIAL AWARD: Marshall Fine for his years of service as NYFCC’s General Manager and decades on the NY film scene

So far they’re batting a thousand.

Keep refreshing…

 

Exclusive: National Board of Review Fraud: 7 Awards to Studio Whose Marketing Chief is On Their Board

 

Unforgivable: Netflix Premieres a Stealth Sandra Bullock Movie Panned By Critics And Dumped

Roger Friedman
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Unforgivable: Netflix Premieres a Stealth Sandra Bullock Movie Panned By Critics And Dumped

Netflix is very high on “The Power of the Dog,” and a bunch of other movies they hope will get awards season attention.

But last night they had an actual premiere for a Sandra Bullock movie they’ve quietly dumped into the ocean of movie mistakes.

“The Unforgivable” is apparently just that, unforgivable for being made. Rotten Tomatoes has it at a lowly 35%. And that’s among critics who’ve seen it. Not many have or will until it crawls onto the Netflix platform December 10th.

According to reports, “The Unforgivable” was delivered into movie theaters on November 24th. But no one knows where, or when, and it doesn’t seem to be there now.

How did our Sandy get into this mess? (Not to mention Oscar winner Viola Davis?) “The Unforgivable” is a first time US film for German director Nora Fingscheidt. It’s based on a failed TV series from British phenom Sally Wainwright, who went on to write one of my favorite UK series, “Last Tango in Halifax.” But this thing looks pretty grim, and not how anyone wants to see Our Miss Bullock.

These things happen I guess.

 

 

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