Anthony and Joe Russo, who helmed Marvel Studios’ critically acclaimed Avengers: Endgame, are set to receive the prestigious International Cinematographers Guild (ICG, IATSE Local 600) Publicists Motion Picture Showman of the Year Award for their historic contributions to the art of cinema and television. The 57th Annual Publicists Awards ceremony, which traditionally occurs the week leading up to the Academy Awards®, will be held in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Friday, February 7, 2020.
“Anthony and Joe Russo have made a huge impact in cinema with the record-breaking Avengers and Captain America films,” said Lewis Rothenberg, national president of the ICG. “They have taken audiences around the world on a wild journey with their unique and imaginative brand of storytelling and are two of the most exciting innovators in our industry today. We are thrilled to celebrate their cinematic showmanship and commitment to nurturing new talent.”
Joe and Anthony Russo are the artists and innovators of some of the world’s most successful and iconic blockbuster films and television shows. They are the only directors to direct four record-breaking and critically acclaimed films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). Avengers: Endgame is the highest-grossing film of all-time, bringing in $2.79 billion, obliterating their own record set with Avengers: Infinity War. Endgame broke more than 100 box-office records, including best opening weekend of any movie in history.
The versatile filmmakers’ unique visions place them among the top-grossing directors of all time with a total box-office revenue in excess of $6.8 billion. Their creative story telling talents have expanded into television with critically acclaimed shows including Arrested Development, for which they won an Emmy® Award, Community, Happy Endings and Deadly Class.
In 2018, Joe and Anthony Russo opened their new studio, AGBO, an artist-led collective focusing on creating global content for film, television and digital platforms. They are also co-founders of Bullitt, a creative studio centered on brand-integrated entertainment and advertising content. The Russo’s recently premiered their film Mosul, directed by Matthew Michael Carnahan, at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals. They are set to direct Cherry this fall starring Tom Holland, and they have produced Dhaka starring Chris Hemsworth, scheduled to premiere first quarter of 2020 from Netflix.
Awards chair this year is Tim Menke with Sheryl Main serving as co-chair. The awards will be presented in the following categories: Motion Picture Showman of the Year, Television Showman of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, The Maxwell Weinberg Publicist Award for Motion Picture Campaign, The Maxwell Weinberg Publicist Award for Television Campaign, Les Mason Award for Career Achievement in Publicity, and the Bob Yeager Award for Community Service. More than 800 industry leaders are expected to attend the awards luncheon. Media sponsors include The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, SHOOT Magazine/SHOOTonline, and Variety.
Conan O’Brien to return as Oscars host in 2027
Conan O'Brien's era as Oscars host is becoming a trilogy. The Emmy-winner and comedian will be back to host the 99th Academy Awards in 2027, film academy leaders said Tuesday.
O'Brien hosted the last two Oscar ceremonies to positive reviews. Earlier this year, in his opening monologue, he said he was "honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards … Next year it's going to be a Waymo in a tux."
He'll be surrounded by a familiar team, as well, with the return of Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan as the show's executive producers.
Film academy leaders Bill Kramer and Lynette Howell Taylor said in a joint statement, "They are an incredible team and have produced such captivating, entertaining and heartfelt shows over the last two years," adding that they're looking forward to "Conan superbly leading the celebration with his brilliance and humor."
After several years of ratings increases, including a post-pandemic high of 19.7 million viewers who tuned in for O'Brien's inaugural year as host, when "Anora" swept the awards, the show took a dip in viewership this year, when "One Battle After Another" was crowned best picture. Engagement for the Oscars rose by other metrics, though. Social media engagement during the broadcast went up by over 42% this year.
"Conan has created remarkable energy around 'The Oscars,'" Craig Erwich, the president of Disney's Television Group, said in a statement. "His singular comedic voice makes Hollywood's biggest night one of the most entertaining celebrations of the year. We're proud to welcome him back and look forward to what he and the producing team deliver next."
The 99th Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 14, 2027. It will be the... Read More