George Clooney and Alexander Payne to Appear In Person at the Egyptian

Just Added to our February Schedule! Join us for a tribute of “Classic Family Dramas from Oscars Past and Present" with a screening of Alexander Payne's THE DESCENDENTS, followed by a discussion with Academy Award nominees George Clooney and Alexander Payne. Monday, February 6, 2012 at 7:30 PM THE DESCENDANTS, 2011, Fox Searchlight, 115 min, Dir. Alexander Payne. With his wife Elizabeth on life support following a boating accident, Hawaiian land baron Matt King (George Clooney) and his two daughters (Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller) travel from Oahu to Kauai to confront Brian (Matthew Lillard), the real estate broker with whom Elizabeth was having an affair. Director Alexander Payne’s first feature since SIDEWAYS is a poignant and often hilarious portrait of a modern American family, and has garnered 5 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Clooney, who also won the Golden Globe) and Best Adapted Screenplay. Discussion following with George Clooney and Alexander Payne. Paid admission only. No passes will be accepted for this screening. Tickets: $7 Cinematheque Members. $11 General Admission. At the Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Buy Tickets Now View on website This is a public, ticketed screening. Tickets can be purchased on www.fandango.com or at the Egyptian Theatre box office. We do expect this screening to sell out. _______________________________ See what is on screen tonight: www.americancinematheque.com Tickets available to public programs of the American Cinematheque on www.fandango.com

Viola Davis & Max von Sydow to Appear In Person at the Aero Theatre

Yep, Oscar season is in full swing now and everyone knows what that means! No? Well, it means that Oscar nominees just can't stay away from the Aero and Egyptian Theatres. They are desperate to know what the public thinks of their nominated work, and what better discerning, film savvy audience is there to have that conversation with, than an American Cinematheque audience?

So far, Viola Davis and Max von Sydow are stopping in to visit us at the Aero Theatre, but stay tuned as we confirm more guests in February. And, take a look at our other award season events which include a live taping of an Oscar Preview Show with the film critics of KPCC FilmWeek hosted by Larry Mantle, Panel discussions with the Oscar nominees for Best Editing and Best Art Director/Set Decoration and showcases of the Oscar nominated short subjects (documentaries, live-action and animation!). As always, our tickets are available on www.fandango.com


Monday, January 30 - 7:30 PM - AERO
Special Event Just Added to our Oscar Season Lineup!
THE HELP, 2011, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 146 min. Dir. Tate Taylor. In the summer of 1963, recent college graduate and aspiring author Skeeter (Emma Stone) returns home to Jackson, Mississippi for the summer, only to discover that the friends she left behind (a fire-breathing Bryce Dallas Howard among them) have become malignantly conformist housewives-in-training, with nasty racist opinions suddenly in full swing. Stunned by how the same young girls who were so lovingly raised by black domestics could grow up to be such biggots, Skeeter suddenly realizes the book she wants to write: a collection of interviews with black maids in her community. Particularly hesitant is Abileen Clarke (an excellent Viola Davis), who doesn't want to stir up trouble, but when the racist atmosphere of Jackson reaches a dangerous fever pitch with the assassination of Medgar Evers, she knows her story must be shared at any cost. With an impressive supporting cast including Jessica Chastain as the good-hearted, bottle-blond outsider in town, Octavia Spencer as Abileen's smart-mouthed friend and fellow domestic and Allison Janney as Skeeter's cancer-stricken mother. Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Davis) and two for Best Supporting Actress (Spencer and Chastain). Discussion following with actress Viola Davis.


Monday, February 6 - 7:30 PM - AERO
Special Event Just Added to our Oscar Season Lineup!
Double Feature: THE SEVENTH SEAL, 1957, Janus Films, 92 min. Dir. Ingmar Bergman. Arguably Bergman's most iconic film and the movie that helped create the international arthouse cinema craze of the 1950's. While the Black Plague rages all around, medieval knight Max von Sydow plays a game of chess with Death . but who will win? Often imitated and parodied but never equaled, THE SEVENTH SEAL is an astonishing, protean masterpiece: a film to storm the gates of Heaven with. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Cannes. "Bergman's spiritual quest is at the center of the films he made in the middle of his career. THE SEVENTH SEAL opens that period, in which he asked, again and again, why God seemed absent from the world." - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE, 2011, Warner Bros., 129 min. Dir. Stephen Daldry. Eleven-year-old amateur inventor, Francophile and pacifist Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn) discovers a mysterious key among the belongings of his deceased father (Tom Hanks), who died a year earlier in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Determined to keep his vital connection to the man who playfully cajoled him into confronting his wildest fears, the young boy embarks on an urgent search for the lock the key will open. As Oskar crosses the five New York boroughs on foot - encountering a range of people (including an excellent Max von Sydow) who are each survivors in their own way - he begins to uncover unseen links to the father he misses, to the mother (Sandra Bullock) who has become so emotionally distant and to the whole noisy, dangerous and often wondrous world around him. Adapted from the acclaimed bestseller by Jonathan Safran Foer. Nominated for 2 Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor (von Sydow). Discussion between films with actor Max von Sydow.

The Aero Theatre is located at 1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Canine Sensation Uggie, Star of THE ARTIST, Visits the Egyptian

Uggie (almost 10), the Jack Russell Terrier actor from modern silent film sensation, THE ARTIST made his way to the Egyptian Theatre this morning to participate in announcing (with THE ARTIST co-star Penelope Ann Miller) the nominees for the Golden Collar Awards, a new Award Show produced by Dog News Daily to honor canine actors in five categories. The award show will benefit Los Angeles area dog rescue organizations and shelters.

Uggie's visit to the hallowed 1922 Egyptian Theatre was clearly a thrill for him, given his portrayal of a famous furry actor in the silent film era. "This is all where it really happened in the 20s," he woofed. The Egyptian, celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2012, was the home of the very first Hollywood movie premiere, ROBIN HOOD starring Douglas Fairbanks in 1922. Mary Pickford joined her husband Fairbanks, close pal Charlie Chaplin, Pola Negri and other luminaries of the film industry on opening night, October 18, 1922. The Egyptian went on to become the movie palace where some of the biggest films of the 1920s premiered, including Charlie Chaplin's THE GOLD RUSH, THE THIEF OF BAGDAD (also starring Fairbanks) and Cecil B. DeMilles 1923 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, to name a few. It is unknown if east coast based Jean the Vitagraph dog ever had occasion to visit Sid Grauman's grand movie palace in his senior years. Uggie sniffed around to uncover the flavors of the theatre's glorious past.

Uggie, who is nominated for two Golden Collar Awards (for his roles in both THE ARTIST and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS), probably won't do another feature film on his own according to his companion Omar. "I wouldn't put him through it at this age," says Omar. Omar says he now has a double (2 1/2 year old Dash) who can work with Uggie on his next film.

Omar reports that Uggie is a natural. "In movies he just does all the things that we do at home like play ball." He also skateboards and water skis, but just for fun. While he auditioned with a massive amount of other Jack Russell Terriers, for WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, Uggie and Omar were told about THE ARTIST by a friend. They met with the filmmakers and went to the home of the lead actor to see how the pair would interact. It was magic, so from there he got the job! The two still seem to have a connection if you saw them together at the Golden Globes. Either that or, Jean DuJardin had a pocket full of treats.

Co-star Penelope Ann Miller (who wore a dark blue dress to the press conference and was constantly brushing Uggie's fur off her to avoid being targeted by PETA), admitted that Uggie is definitely a scene stealer, but she felt it worked well for her character since she was supposed to be jealous of her screen star husband's relationship with Uggie. Penelope is also glad that people are discovering silent film through this project. She loves the 1920s and was influenced by watching actresses from that era.

Uggie posed for numerous photos in sitting and standing positions and did several on camera interviews, one with NBC News (he did start licking the reporter's face, but Emmy winning news reporter Gordon Takumatsu later told the American Cinematheque that he liked a friendly interview subject and that he had last seen a Sergio Leone film at the Egyptian with his brother and will back in February for more Spaghetti Westerns Leone-style!) which will air at 5PM PDT today.

When asked by the American Cinematheque if he thought Uggie would be approached by Harry Winston or one of his competitors to wear a diamond collar to the Oscars, Omar responded that he had been thinking that might happen, but what he is really hoping, is that the Oscar producers will ask Uggie to present an envelope to Billy Crystal. "He's very good at things like that," says Omar.

Apparently when he reached the press room for the Golden Globes, everyone kept asking Omar, are you sure he will be okay with all the flashing cameras? Uggie took to it like a pro. "It didn't bother him at all," says Omar. When they put the Golden Globe Award down on the carpet he just went over and put his paw on it."

Omar also shared with the press that although he loves the whole movie, his favorite Uggie scene was at the end of THE ARTIST when Uggie rolls over and plays dead and breaks the tension. He revealed that Uggie is often an ice breaker. "He will do something funny and everyone laughs."

The American Cinematheque recently tributed 1960s feline actor Orangey (BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S, RHUBARB) at the Aero Theatre.

Although not playing at our theatres (the Aero or Egyptian), the American Cinematheque HIGHLY recommends THE ARTIST, playing at a theatre near you! Watch a trailer. Genuine silent films can be seen on the big screen as they were meant to be seen, monthly at American Cinematheque theatres. Coming this month and in February are silent films from Charlie Chaplin, Georges Méliès (fans of HUGO will want to check this out!) and Buster Keaton!

-- Margot Gerber for the American Cinematheque News Corp.

Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh In Person at the Egyptian Theatre!

Living in Los Angeles during Award Season offers an avalanche of opportunities for the public to hear from the stars of their favorite films of the year. Wednesday night (January 11) Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh stop by the Egyptian to tell tales about the making of MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. Find out first hand if their on-set relationship was as troubled as Monroe's and Olivier's was back in the 50s when they made THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL (the film they are making in MY WEEK WITH MARILYN)!

The Cinematheque's audience was treated to a big screen look at THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL Sunday night with author Susan Bernard in person. Her father, Bruno Bernard was the first professional photographer to capture Marilyn's charm in the studio and went on to photograph her for some years, including creating the infamous THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH photos of Marilyn with her white dress billowing up over the subway grate. He helped her to get representation and a studio contract! Susan Bernard, who keeps the name Bernard of Hollywood in the spotlight in the 21st century, recalled her father's story about Marilyn pulling up in her jalopy for their first photo session. How did they meet? He saw her walking out of a drugstore wriggling all the way down the street. Susan has a new book out, entitled Marilyn: Intimate Portraits, which features her father's photos (may not published until now) and notations on his time with Marilyn.

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

Wed, January 11 • 7:00pm at the Egyptian Theatre

At the height of her popularity, Marilyn Monroe went to England to make THE PRINCE AND THE SHOWGIRL with Sir Laurence Olivier. An eager assistant became the only person who could comfort the insecure star. Michelle Williams is Marilyn to Kenneth Branagh's Olivier in this tale of their on-set struggles and the young man who kept Monroe company. Discussion following with Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh. See more about this event.

Tickets are available on www.fandango.com

Golden Globe Nominees at the Aero & Egyptian Theatres

Award season is in full swing. In February at the Cinematheque we will have our annual panels with the Oscar nominated film editors and the art directors and set directors, but the award show that really kicks the season off is the Golden Globes (founded in 1944).

Discover the best of 2011's international cinema with the Golden Globes'® foreign-language nominees. First see the five nominated films (listed below) January 9 - 13 at the Aero Theatre and then join us Saturday, January 15 at the Egyptian Theatre for a FREE round-table discussion with directors of the nominated films in person to conclude American Cinematheque's Golden Globe Foreign-Language Nominee Series (full series schedule can be viewed here

The Nominees Are:

Monday, January 9 at 7:30 PM at the Aero Theatre

Golden Globe Foreign-Language Nominee from U.S.A.:

IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY

A VER ES MEZ FOLDJEN
2011, FilmDistrict, 127 min. Director: Angelina Jolie. Angelina Jolie's directorial debut is a war-torn romance between two people on either side of the ethnic divide during the Balkan War. In Bosnian with English subtitles. Details

Tuesday, January 10 at 7:30 PM at the Aero Theatre

Golden Globe Foreign-Language Nominee from Spain:

THE SKIN I LIVE IN, LA PIEL QUE HABITO
2011, Sony Pictures Classics, 117 min. Director: Pedro Almodovar. The latest film from Pedro Almodovar reunites him with star Antonio Banderas, who plays Dr. Robert Ledgard, a plastic surgeon inspired to develop an artificial skin after his wife burned to death. Described by Almodovar as "a horror story without screams or frights," THE SKIN I LIVE IN crawls with the byzantine plot twists, perversity and dark humor for which its writer-director is justly famous. Details

In Spanish with English subtitles.

Wednesday, January 11 at 7:30 PM at the Aero Theatre

Golden Globe Foreign-Language Nominee from Iran:

A SEPARATION

JODAEIYE NADER AZ SIMIN

2011, Sony Pictures Classics, 123 min. Director: Asghar Farhadi. In this wrenching family drama, the dissolution of an upper-middle class marriage reveals sexual, class and religious fault lines in contemporary Iran. Details

In Persian with English subtitles.

Thursday, January 12 at 7:30 PM at the Aero Theatre

Golden Globe Foreign-Language Nominee from Belgium:

THE KID WITH A BIKE

LE GAMIN AU VELO

2011, Sundance Selects, 87 min. Directors: Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. This Grand Prix winner at the Cannes Film Festival from directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne is the story of a troubled 11-year old boy who lands at a state group home when his father abandons him and his unlikely relationship with a single hairdresser who agrees to host him on weekends. Directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne will appear in person for discussion following the film. Details

In French with English subtitles.

Friday, January 13 at 7:30 PM at the Aero Theatre

Golden Globe Foreign-Language Nominee from China:

THE FLOWERS OF WAR

JIN LING SHI SAN CHAI
2011, Wrekin Hill/Row 1, 145 min. Director: Zhang Yimou. The director of RAISE THE RED LANTERN and HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS adapts a book set in 1937 during the second Sino-Japanese War about an American missionary (Christian Bale) at a Catholic church in Nanjing, China where schoolgirls and local prostitutes seek sanctuary when the Japanese invade. Details

In Mandarin with English subtitles.

Watch Robert Downey Jr. LIVE on the Red Carpet Friday!

Join us on the Red Carpet on Friday, October 14 around 6:30 PM (PDT) to watch the arrivals to the presentation of the 25th Annual American Cinematheque Award to Robert Downey Jr. We're expecting Jack Black, Jodie Foster, Jared Harris, Guy Ritchie, Anthony Michael Hall, the Sr. Robert Downey and more stars!

Do you have a question for Robert Downey Jr.? Post it here. Your question may be chosen to ask live on the red carpet this Friday!

We know it doesn't look like much right now, but the player will go live on Friday! So stay tuned!

Robert Downey Jr.'s friends, co-stars and family will celebrate his career with their memories of working with him and clips of his movies, plus, the live audience will get a sneak peek at upcoming films SHERLOCK HOLMES 2: A GAME OF SHADOWS and THE AVENGERS!

The event is a fundraiser for the American Cinematheque. Funds raised keep movies rolling on the big screen as they were meant to be seen, all year long. Viewing the red carpet arrivals on Ustream help to raise additional funds for the Cinematheque. Just click to view on the player above when it goes live or use this link

Robert Downey Jr. To Receive American Cinematheque 2011 Award

ROBERT DOWNEY JR. WILL RECEIVE THE 25th AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE AWARD

AT THE BEVERLY HILTON HOTEL AT GALA TRIBUTE ON OCTOBER 14th

Join our Facebook page for the event for updates and to talk about Robert Downey Jr.!

The 25th American Cinematheque Award will be presented to two-time Academy Award^® nominee Robert Downey Jr. at the Cinematheque’s annual benefit gala, American Cinematheque Board chairman Rick Nicita announced today. The presentation takes place Friday, October 14, 2011 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel’s International Ballroom in Beverly Hills.

"The American Cinematheque is extremely pleased to honor Robert Downey Jr. .as the 25^th recipient of the American Cinematheque award at our celebration this year," said Rick Nicita. "The pleasure that we receive from his charismatic and nuanced performances is matched only by the respect that he has earned for his personal and professional journey. The wide range of his talent has kept us enthralled in movies from a biopic like "Chaplin" to outrageous comedies like "Tropic Thunder" to franchises like "Sherlock Holmes" and, of course, "Iron Man." While we have been enjoying him for years, it seems that he’s just getting started all over again. The Cinematheque is thrilled to mark this milestone in the flourishing career of Robert Downey Jr."

Downey was the unanimous choice of the Cinematheque Board of Directors selection committee, which since 1986, has annually honored an extraordinary artist (actor, director or writer) in the entertainment industry, who is fully engaged in his or her work and is committed to making a significant contribution to the art of the motion picture.

The executive producers of the show are Paul Flattery, Barbara Smith and Michael Dempsey. Irene Crinita is the producer and Kelly Brock co-producer. Corrinne Mann is the benefit producer. Co-chairs and presenters of the event will be announced as they are confirmed

ROBERT DOWNEY JR., a two-time Academy Award^® nominee, earned his most recent Oscar^® nomination, for Best Supporting Actor, for his work in Ben Stiller’s comedy hit "Tropic Thunder." His performance as Kirk Lazarus, a white Australian actor playing a black American character, also brought him Golden Globe, BAFTA Award and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award^® nominations. Downey was honored with his first Oscar^® nomination, in the category of Best Actor, for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in Richard Attenborough’s acclaimed 1992 biopic "Chaplin," for which he also won BAFTA Award and London Film Critics Awards and received a Golden Globe Award nomination.

In early 2010, Downey received another Golden Globe nomination for his performance in the title role of the 2009 hit "Sherlock Holmes," under the direction of Guy Ritchie. Downey has once again teamed up with Ritchie and co-star Jude Law to return to the role of the legendary detective in the sequel "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," currently slated for release in December 2011.

Downey starred alongside Zach Galifianakis in Todd Phillips’ "Due Date" released in late 2010. In the Warner Bros. film, Downey played the role of an expectant father on a road trip racing to get back in time for the birth of his first child.

Additionally in 2010, Downey and his producer/wife, Susan Downey, launched production company, Team Downey, which has a first look deal with Warner Bros.

Downey was honored by Time Magazine’s "Time 100" in 2008, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

In summer 2008, Downey received praise from critics and audiences for his performance in the title role of the blockbuster hit "Iron Man," under the direction of Jon Favreau. Bringing the Marvel Comics superhero to the big screen, "Iron Man" earned more than $585 million worldwide, making it one of the year’s biggest hits. Downey reprised his role in the successful sequel, which was released in Spring 2010. He returns to the role in Josh Whedon’s upcoming actioner "The Avengers," which teams Iron Man with other Marvel Comics superheroes.

Downey’s other recent films include "The Soloist," opposite Jamie Foxx; "Charlie Bartlett;" David Fincher’s "Zodiac," alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo; Richard Linklater’s "A Scanner Darkly," with Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder and Woody Harrelson; "Fur," opposite Nicole Kidman in a film inspired by the life of revered photographer Diane Arbus; and "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang." He also shared in a SAG Award^® nomination as a member of the ensemble cast of George Clooney’s true-life drama "Good Night, and Good Luck," and in a Special Jury Prize won by the ensemble cast of "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints," presented at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.

Downey’s long list of film credits also includes "Gothika" "The Singing Detective;" Curtis Hanson’s "Wonder Boys;" "U.S. Marshals;" Mike Figgis’ "One Night Stand;" Jodie Foster’s "Home for the Holidays;" "Richard III;" Oliver Stone’s "Natural Born Killers;" Robert Altman’s "The Gingerbread Man" and "Short Cuts," sharing in a Golden Globe Award for Best Ensemble for the latter; "Heart and Souls," "Soapdish," "Air America," "Chances Are," "True Believer," "Less Than Zero," "Weird Science," "Firstborn," and "Pound," in which he made his debut under the direction of Robert Downey Sr.

Marking his debut into music, Robert Downey Jr. released his first album titled "The Futurist" on the Sony Classics Label on November 23^rd, 2004. The album’s eight original songs that Downey wrote and his two musical numbers debuting as cover songs revealed his sultry singing voice and his musical talents.

In 2001, Downey made his primetime television debut when he joined the cast of the Fox-TV series "Ally McBeal," as attorney Larry Paul. For this role, he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, as well as the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Comedy Series. In addition, Downey was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Matt Damon received the 2010 American Cinematheque Award. Previous honorees are as follows: Eddie Murphy (1986); Bette Midler (1987); Robin Williams (1988); Steven Spielberg (1989); Ron Howard (1990); Martin Scorsese (1991); Sean Connery (1992); Michael Douglas (1993); Rob Reiner (1994); Mel Gibson (1995); Tom Cruise (1996); John Travolta (1997); Arnold Schwarzenegger (1998); Jodie Foster (1999); Bruce Willis (2000); Nicolas Cage (2001); Denzel Washington (2002); Nicole Kidman (2003), Steve Martin (2004); Al Pacino (2005) George Clooney (2006), Julia Roberts (2007) and Samuel L. Jackson (2008).

One thousand entertainment industry notables are expected to attend the Tribute. This annual event is the American Cinematheque’s most important benefit, providing funds for the non-profit film exhibition organization’s programs throughout the year and operation of the historic landmark Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard as well as the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica on Montana Avenue.

Tickets to the Cinematheque Tribute, an elegant black-tie dinner followed by a multi-media award show start at $550. Call Mann Productions for tickets and further information: 424.832.7434. Please note that this event was formerly known as the Moving Picture Ball.

Established in 1981, the American Cinematheque is a non-profit viewer-supported film exhibition and cultural organization dedicated to the celebration of the Moving Picture in all of its forms. At the Egyptian Theatre, the Cinematheque presents daily film and video programming which ranges from the classics of American and international cinema to new independent films and digital work. Exhibition of rare works, special and rare prints, etc., combined with fascinating post-screening discussions with the filmmakers who created the work, are a Cinematheque tradition that keep audiences coming back for once-in-a-lifetime cinema experiences. The American Cinematheque renovated and reopened (on December 4, 1998) the historic 1922 Hollywood Egyptian Theatre which celebrates its 89th anniversary on October 18. This includes a state-of-the-art 616-seat theatre housed within Sid Grauman’s first grand movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard. The exotic courtyard is fully restored to its 1922 grandeur.

The Egyptian was the home of the very first Hollywood movie premiere in 1922. In early 2005 the American Cinematheque expanded its programming to the 1940 Aero Theatre on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.