Emmy Nominations, Outfest & Coming Attractions…

It may have taken 21 Centuries to happen, but a record number 11 nominations rolled in for African Americans in ALL categories for the first time in history on July 10th for the 2014 Emmy Awards.  Of the 11 this year, there’s Kerry Washington in Scandal (lead drama actress), Joe Morton also in Scandal (guest actor drama), Don Cheadle in House Of Lies (lead actor comedy series), Braugher for Brooklyn Nine-Nine (supporting comedy actor), Chiwetel Ejiofor in Starz’s Dancing On The Edge, Idris Elba for Luther (both in movie/miniseries actor category), Cicely Tyson in Trip to Bountiful (lead actress movie/miniseries), Angela Bassett in American Horror Story: Coven (movie/miniseries supporting actress), Reg. E. Cathey in House Of Cards (guest actor drama), and Uzo Aduba and Laverne Cox in Orange Is The New Black (both guest actress comedy series-making history as the first LGBT person to be nominated).  A full list of the nominations can be seen at http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominations

The Outfest Opening Night Gala upheld its reputation as LGBT L.A.’s summer highlight, with an evening featuring everything from tasty bites from the city’s best restaurants to a photo booth to beverages from Absolut and Stella Artois to a whole lot of flirting and schmoozing.   The festival runs through July 20th and for more information log onto:  www.outfest.org/

There is an avalanche of films opening within the next week, so let’s get right to it…

A married couple wake up to discover that the sex tape they made the evening before has gone missing, leading to a frantic search for its whereabouts.
Director: Jake Kasdan  Stars: Jason Segel, Cameron Diaz, Rob Corddry, Ellie Kemper

 

A couple are driving home to their kids when their car runs out of gas just as the Purge commences. Meanwhile, Leo goes out into the streets to get revenge on the man who killed his son, and a mother and daughter run from their home after assailants destroy it. The five people meet up as they attempt to survive the night in Los Angeles.  Director: James DeMonaco

 

Aidan Bloom is a 35-year-old man who finds himself at major crossroads, which forces him to examine his life, his career, and his family.  Director: Zach Braff  Stars: Zach Braff, Joey King, Pierce Gagnon, Kate Hudson

When Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he joins forces with fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, The Smokejumpers, to battle a massive wildfire.  Director: Roberts Gannaway  Stars: Dane Cook, Ed Harris, Julie Bowen, Curtis Armstrong

 

Wealthy, inventive bachelor Colin endeavors to find a cure for his lover Chloe after she’s diagnosed with an unusual illness caused by a flower growing in her lungs.  Director: Michel Gondry  Stars: Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, Gad Elmaleh, Omar Sy

 

An evangelist finds himself framed for murder and on the run after he refuses to back a senator’s proposition calling for sweeping religious reform.  Director: Daniel Lusko  Stars: James Remar, Dean Stockwell, Raoul Trujillo, Bruce Davison

 

Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory, fights against a broken healthcare system to demonstrate music’s ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those suffering from it.  Director: Michael Rossato-Bennett  Stars: Dan Cohen, Louise Dueno, Nell Hardie, Norman Hardie

 

A molecular biologist and his laboratory partner uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it.  Director: Mike Cahill  Stars: Michael Pitt, Steven Yeun, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Brit Marling