BAFTA has a funny definition of "Rising Star"

by Cláudio Alves

"Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical" | © Netflix

The EE Rising Star Award is the only BAFTA category where the final vote doesn't belong to the British Academy but to the public. Over the years, many performers won the award on their way to the top, getting this honor before they were considered household names. Last year's victor, Lashana Lynch, quickly proved a worthy winner, showcasing her range in two shockingly different roles. First, she was a charisma bomb in The Woman King, electrifying the screen with good humor and action star chops. Next, Lynch gave life to Miss Honey in the Matilda musical, singing her way through a gentle, motherly figure who slowly learns how to make herself heard.

Most of this year's nominees don't have anything left to prove, nor do they need help getting recognition. This puts into question the award's purpose. Should previous BAFTA winners be eligible for this honor? Shouldn't the category be reserved for up-and-coming names who could benefit from a career boost at the start of their artistic journey? It seems not, judging by the nominees. They are…

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Middleburg Day 2: "Living", "The Whale", and special guests Stephanie Hsu and Dolly De Leon

by Nathaniel R

Modering a Stephanie Hsu Q&A at Middleburg Film Festival

Here's the thing with weekend festivals. They are brutal with either/or decision-making. At the longer festivals you can promise that you'll catch up with a film later (or delude yourself into thinking you can... which has the same effect). At weekend festivals there's often only one chance to see a particular film. And the whole thing can feel over in a flash. I'm typing this on day four, closing day, because I haven't been able to get to it before now. On Day two I wasn't able to squeeze in many movies between one moderation gig (a special screening of Everything Everywhere All At Once with Stephanie Hsu, pictured above) and two sit down interviews but at least both of the movies were must-sees in terms of the Best Actor Oscar race...

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Venice Gowns (and Pants) '22, Round 2

by Nathaniel R

online polls

Tessa Thompson and Jodie Turner-Smith continued to bring the DRAMA (all caps intended) and rising star Taylor Russell (Waves, Bones and All)  joined them in boldness. Meanwhile Maude Apatow went classic, Chloe Sevigny went short, Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education) was doing a polka dot theme all day including this gown. And last but not least, Timothée Chalamet and Cate Blanchett knew exactly what to wear to keep people talking. So which was your favourite?