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.