Academy Awards update

 

 

Due to the LA fires the 97th Oscar nominations were postponed. According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, they are now finalized for January 23, 2025 beginning at 5:30 a.m. PST and then continued at 8:30 a.m. EST / 1:30 p.m. GMT / 9:30 p.m. CST.

The 97th Oscars will air as originally scheduled for Sunday, March 2, on ABC and Hulu.

The announcement said: “The nominations in all 23 Academy Award® categories will be announced in a live presentation from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater, on Thursday, January 23, via global live stream on Oscar.com, Oscars.org and the Academy’s digital platforms (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook), NY and LA Switch pool ports and satellite downlink feed, national broadcast news programs, including ABC’s Good Morning America, and streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.”

The first (5:30 a.m. PST) nominations are as follows:

Actor in a Supporting Role
Actress in a Supporting Role
Animated Short Film
Costume Design
Live Action Short Film
Makeup and Hairstyling
Music (Original Score)
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Writing (Original Screenplay)

At  5:41 a.m. PST

Actor in a Leading Role
Actress in a Leading Role
Animated Feature Film
Cinematography
Directing
Documentary Feature Film
Documentary Short Film
Film Editing
International Feature Film
Music (Original Song)
Best Picture
Production Design
Sound
Visual Effects

It may sound early but remember to add two hours to Central Time and three hours to New York.

Jodie Jacobs

 

Groundhog Day again

Groundhog Dy in Woodstock. (JJacobs photo)
Groundhog Dy in Woodstock. (JJacobs photos)

Tired already of winter? With the Midwest now in the deep freeze, we want to know when Spring will come. One way to hear if it will be early or late is to follow Punxsutawney Phil in western Pennsylvania or Woodstock Willie in an Illinois  town northwest of Chicago..

The famed 1993 movie directed by Harold Ramis from a script written by Danny Rubion and screenplay by Ramis and Rubin, is supposedly taking place in Punxsutawney, PA but was mostly filmed in Woodstock, a small town about 50 miles from Chicago, IL.

Ramis who lived in Chicago’s northern suburbs wanted a more convenient film location then Pennsylvania and liked Woodstock’s small-town square and opera house.

Groundhog Day is Feb. 2 but Woodstock activities really get into gear Feb. 1. So plan now to visit the charming square where Willie the groundhog’s prognostication takes place. Hopefully, he won’t see his shadow. If he does, it means six more weeks of winter.

You can see the whole film in the movie house down the street from the square and follow in stars Bill Murray and Andie Macdowell’s footsteps.

By the way, you do known the plot circles around the obnoxious weatherman character played by Murray, right? It is a rom com so of course everything turns out rosy but first he has to change. He gets plenty of time to do so as he wakes up every morning, stuck in Woodstock – the same place same time.

The basis for the plot goes back to Pennsylvania Dutch folk lore but may also have European agricultural roots that believe animals have an instinct for seasonal weather changes. And yes, both the PA and IL sites do consult a groundhog during the event.

 

The pavilion in Woodstock's square where the band plays (J Jacobs photo)

Woodstock Pavilion where the band plays and prognostication takes place

The basis for the plot goes back to Pennsylvania Dutch folk lore but may also have European agricultural roots that believe animals have an instinct for seasonal weather changes. And yes, both the PA and IL sites do consult a groundhog during the event.

For Woodstock activities visit Woodstock, IL Groundhog Days – Every Day is Groundhog Day in Woodstock

For Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney events visit Punxsutawney Groundhog Club – The Home of Groundhog Day!

For more info on the movie visit Groundhog Day (1993) – IMDb

 

Award ceremonies coming up

 

Grammy Award | Definition, History, Winners, & Facts | Britannica

(You are probably familiar with Oscar so here are the Grammies)

It’s hard to picture the many spring ceremonies for Oscar, Emmy and Grammy awards still taking place given the horrendous wild fires that have decimated thousands of homes in the LA area.

However, the people behind these ceremonies believe that life still has to make an effort to go on somehow. So here are a few updates on what to expect:

Critics Choice Awards: Expected earlier on the calendar for Jan. 12, 2025, they are now scheduled for Jan. 26 to be live on E! and stream on Peacock the Jan. 27. They are still supposed to happen at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.

There is no word out yet about the Producers Guild of America Awards nominations or those of the Writers Guild of America nominations.

But the Grammys ceremony is still expected to be Feb. 2, 2025 at the Crypto.com Arena. Visit nominations.

Stay safe

Jodie Jacobs

Chicago Restaurant Week brightens winter blahs

 

Mirellas Tavern

Photo courtesy of Mirellas Tavern (Wicker Park) and Choose Chicago

 

Hate January?
Find something fun to do such as try a new restaurant or go to one that is usually high priced but has a window of lower cost opportunities. The answer can be found at the Chicago Restaurant Week guide that is put out by Choose Chicago.

This special “week” is actually 17 days running from Jan. 24 to Feb. 9, 2025. With more than 470 participating restaurants to try it couldn’t be confined to just a week.

The idea is to splurge with a special prix fixe menu for brunch or lunch at $30 and for dinner at mostly $45 (a few at $60). 

Restaurants range from Mexican, Italian, American and French bistros to seafood, steak houses, Japanese, Mediterranean, BBQ and pubs in between.

“Chicago” may also be a misnomer because the places are not just all over the city but also can be found in the suburbs such as COA at the Drake in Oakbrook and the Capital Grill at Old Orchard in Skokie.

Also try a new restaurant. These are listed at First timers. They include Pompette in Bucktown, Dawn in Hyde Park, ‘Atta girl in Logan Square, Wolfhound Bar in Avondale, Monarch and Lion in Streeterville and Olio e Più in River North.

Happy eating

Jodie Jacobs

Theatre Week Tickets Sale

 

Photo courtesy of the North Shore Center for Performing Arts.
Northlight Theater is in the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Just a reminder

Back at the end of 2024, we talked about saving money while getting tickets to Chicago area shows this winter-spring through Chicago Theatre Week.

So, this note is just a reminder that tickets go on sale today, January 7, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Chicago Theatre Week (CTW) is Feb. 6-16 in 2025. There will be an extention, though, hosted by HotTix.org. It will run Feb. 17-23, 2025.

 CTW tickets will be $30, $15, or less at ChicagoTheatreWeek.com.
Note that participants include suburban theaters.
A few of the many productions participating:
 
Singin’ In the Rain in Concert – Lyric Opera
A Raisin in the Sun – Court Theatre
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical – Drury Lane
Avaaz – Chicago Shakespeare Theater
The Heart Sellers – Northlight Theatre
Fool for Love – Steppenwolf Theatre Company
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Betrayal – Goodman Theatre
Waitress – Paramount Theatre
Jodie Jacobs

Golden Globes may predict some Oscars

Image result for golden globe awards

Hold on to the list of the 82 Golden Globes Award winners given out in LA Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. They  may predict some of the 97th Academy Award winners.

Known as the Oscars, nominations will be announced, Jan. 17, 2025. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 2025 Academy Awards air Sunday, March 2, 2025 on ABC at 7 p.m. ET and will stream live on Hulu. But we may have gotten a preview of some movie winners if the Golden Globe winners are any indication.

Emilia Pérez, a 2024 Spanish-language French musical crime comedy, should definitely be among the films nominated for this year’s Oscars. Named one of the top 10 films of 2024 by the American Film Institute, it was selected as the French entry for Best International Feature Film for the 97th Academy Awards.

At the Golden Globes, held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Sunday, it had ten nominations and racked up four wins  including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Foreign Language Film.

When accepting her awards, its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, said, “I am who I am.” Gascón made history as the first transgender woman to be nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy  at the Golden Globes.

Written and directed by Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez, is based on Audiard’s opera libretto of the same name. It was adapted from Boris Razon’s 2018 novel Écoute. The film premiered May 18, 2024 at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, and then won the Jury Prize in the Palme d’Or. Its female ensemble collectively won the Best Actress award.

But among the big questions at the Golden Globes, Sunday was what was host Nikki Glaser going to come out in next. She looked stunning in all her many gown changes.

However, the thing to remember about Sunday’s awards is that they are for film and television. So, along with Emilia Pérez  and The Brutalist, for movies, Shōgun and Hacks took top honors in their respective TV categories.

WINNERS:

Demi Moorebest female in movie music or comedy movie for The Substance

Sebastian Stan (A Different Man) for male role in a movie music or comedy

Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) for  best  supporting role female film

Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) supporting role male film

Emilia Pérez for Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy,

Adrien Brody for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama for The Brutalist.

The Brutalist, a long, 3 hours and 35 minutes with an intermission, won Best Motion Picture — Drama.

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama
 Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, I’m Still Here

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy.
 Demi Moore for The Substance,

Best performance by male actor in a TV musical or comedy: Jeremy Allen White The Bear.

Best Television Series — Drama
Shōgun

Best Actress in a Television Series — Drama
 Anna Sawai, Shōgun

Best supporting role in a movie –Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)

“Wicked” won for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

Best Television Series — Musical or Comedy
 Hacks

Best TV limited series, anthology series or motion picture made for TV
Baby Reindeer

Best Director Movie –Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)

Best Screenplay Director Peter Straughan (Conclave)

 Jean Smart best female in TV series for Hack

Conclave  for best screenplay

Best Animation is Flow (Sideshow/Janus Films)

 

Jodie Jacobs

 

Calling Chicago Theatre Aficianados

Goodman Theatre tops Jeff Equity nominations (Photo courtesy of Goodman Theatre)
(Photo courtesy of Goodman Theatre)

 

From Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Goodman Theatre to Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre Company, tickets to shows across the Chicago area  go on sale right after the new year begins. (The Hashtag is #CTW25)

Mark the calendar for 10 a.m. Jan. 7, 2025 to get in on sale tickets for ChicagoTheatreWeek.com.  CTW is Feb. 6-16, 2025. But tickets at the $15, $30 or less will quickly disappear.

HotTix.org will host Chicago Theatre Week from Feb. 17 to 23, 2025 which will extend Theatre Week discounts to participating productions for an additional week.

Short list of participating theater shows
Sondra Radvanovsky in Concert – Lyric Opera
Singin’ In the Rain in Concert – Lyric Opera
A Raisin in the Sun – Court Theatre
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical – Drury Lane
Avaaz – Chicago Shakespeare Theater
The Heart Sellers – Northlight Theatre
Fool for Love – Steppenwolf Theatre Company
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Betrayal – Goodman Theatre
Winter Series – Hubbard Street at Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Fat Ham – Goodman Theatre and Definition Theatre
Waitress – Paramount Theatre
Salonen Conducts Bluebeard’s Castle – Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon – The Factory Theatre
A Lie of the Mind – Raven Theatre
MFA Collaboration: Wink – Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts
Native Gardens – Buffalo Theatre Ensemble
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire
Teatro Zin Zanni
Complexions Contemporary Ballet at Auditorium Theatre
Whirled News Tonight – iO Theater
The Infinite Wrench – The Neo-Futurists
Mr. Parker – Open Space Arts
Lobby Hero – Shattered Globe Theatre
The Devil’s is in the Detours – The Second City
Fun Home – Porchlight Music Theatre
The Cave – A Red Orchid Theatre
The Mannequins’ Ball – Trap Door Theatre
 
“Chicago Theatre Week is a time for exploration and discovery,” said League of Chicago Theatres Executive Director Marissa Lynn Jones.  “It is a pleasure to bring new audiences to our treasured stages that bring talent from across the globe. Chicago is the home of the best theatre artists in the world with stories for all ages and experiences, ” said Jones.
Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. Subscribe to the Theatre Week email newsletter for updates and announcements.
 
“Chicago offers one of the most dynamic performing arts scenes in the world,” said Choose Chicago Interim President. “I am proud to support Theatre Week in partnership with the League of Chicago Theatres.
ChicagoTheatreWeek.com. The official hashtag for Chicago Theatre Week 2025 is #CTW25.
Jodie Jacobs

Show review roundup from Chicago Theater and Arts

 

Reno Lovison picks for 2024

#1 – “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” at Goodman Theatre was best all around and also best new musical. Great energy, scenery, music, dance and general performance.

#2 -“Jersey Boys” at Mercury Theater is best revival. Well written story with awesome retro music well performed.

#3 – “Wells and Welles” by local playwright Amy Crider presented by Lucid Theatre was best two person play. Difficult choice because I also liked “Dear Elizabeth” and “Reclamation of Madison Hemings.”

#4 – “English” at Goodman was most thought provoking. Nice cross-cultural story. “The Long Christmas Dinner” by Thorton Wilder at TUTA Theater is a close second.

#5 – Best individual performance goes to Harry Lennix for “Inherit the Wind” at Goodman.

* Best new venue is Bramble Arts Loft, 5545 N. Clark Street, an unusual light and airy second floor loft space with elevator.

 

“Natasha, Pierre & the Comet of 1812” at Writers Theatre

Picks from Jodie Jacobs

#1 – “Natasha, Pierre & the Comet of 1812” at Writers Theatre as a complete, entertaining production. It had it all from great vocalizations and costuming to story line and exceptional acting.

#2 -“Every Brilliant Thing” at Writers Theatre. Jessie Fisher Fisher is brilliant in this one-persons show and so is the play written by  Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe. It likely touches many lives as it balances depression with hope.

#3 – “1776” as best revival at Marriott Theatre. Audiences might wonder what there is to say about the Declaration of Independence, a document written by Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, modified by some of the delegates to the Continental Congress and whose wording we presumably learned in elementary school. But under Nick Bowling’s direction the scene comes alive with terrific acting by a well-chosen cast and Tanji Harper’s choreography.

#4 -“Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson at Citadel Theatre, as most thought provoking. The well-acted play is about Henrietta Leavitt and other 19th century female astronomers who were not recognized at the time for their work because they were women.

#5 – “Rigoletto”at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Yes, opera is theater. It is drama, great voices, good staging and costuming even if you don’t care for the story. And even non-regular opera goers would recognize “La donna è mobile,” translated as “Woman is fickle.”

 

 

 

 

 

Dazzling Lights

 

Light up the night at Lightscape

Stroll a path you haven’t quite taken in the Chicago Botanic Garden. (Photo credit: Chicago Botanic Garden)

It’s just over a mile but it’s a December night so the air can be brisk. Bundle up or pick up hot chocolate or coffee along the way. Parts of the path may be familiar. However, that won’t matter. There are signs and helpers guiding the route.

The path is the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual Lightscape event that seems to wander past and amidst multi-lit trees, pastures and geometric shapes. Opened Nov. 15, 2024 and continuing through Jan. 5, 2025. the path is glorious!

A visitor to Lightscape enters the olden Cathedral (J Jacobs photg)

The Cathedral at Lightscape. (J Jacobs photo).

But the route is also practical. Just about two-thirds through when you could use a whatever break, you reach the education building with its restrooms, snack bars and tables.

Then, continue past more beautifully lit landscapes to the finish after walking through the”Cathedral,” a multi-lit archway kind of tunnel.

What you need to know: The event is by timed entry that begins at dusk – 4:30 p.m.  and goes usually to 9 p.m. depending on the date.

For tickets and more information visit Lightscape | Chicago Botanic Garden.

Jodie Jacobs

Best holiday shopping

 

 

 

Art Institue of Chicago has a great gift shop (J Jacobs photo)
Art Institute of Chicago has a great gift shop (J Jacobs photo)

For holiday shopping at its best – meaning taking out the hassle and stirring in fun, consider these two ideas.

What: One of a Kind Show
Every year the One a Kind Show’s more than 600 artisans takes up a floor at The Mart. Yes, it’s that huge building facing the Chicago River that has changing light murals across its riverfront side.

First, wander its food aisle to find tasty treats from candy to cakes to take home or send. Then, check out the artisan booths where everything from paintings and jewelry to purses and glass items will have you adding your own wishes to those gifts your getting others.

When: Dec 5-Dec. 10 am-7 pm and Dec. 10 am-5 pm
Where: THE MART, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470, Chicago, IL 60654, (312) 527-4141 and (800) 677-6278 toll free.

 

What: Combine Art Institute of Chicago galleries with its store in person or visit AIC’s  shop on line. The Art Institute of Chicago is a world renown travel destination but it also has a great, well stocked gift shop. Look for artistic scarves, jewelry, note paper, glassware, puzzles, paperweights, stuff for kids and the home plus creative calendars and stationery. Shops are at both entrances so just stop by if not visiting an exhibition.

When: anytime on line. In person days open and hours, Mon 11–5, closed Tue-Wed. open Thu 11–8, Fri–Sun 11–5. Note first hour of every day, 10–11 a.m., is reserved for members.

Where: 111 S Michigan Ave.,  (front entrance) and 159 E. Monroe St,  (Modern Wing entrance) Chicago, IL 60603.

Jodie Jacobs