‘Licorice Pizza’ and Paul Thomas Anderson Named Best Film and Director by National Board of Review

Eve Barlow Guest ColumnistFor Variety‘s Writers on Writers, Eve Barlow pens a tribute to “Licorice Pizza” (screenplay by Paul Thomas Anderson).You can smell the acne on Cooper Hoffman’s chin. You can feel the heat on the pavement as Alana Haim sprints toward a feeling.

When Leonardo DiCaprio was trying to figure out what to do after “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” reports started coming up about some of the biggest A-list filmmakers working today trying to nab him for roles. One of those names was Paul Thomas Anderson, who was developing the film that would go on to be known as “Licorice Pizza.” The rumor went that DiCaprio passed on the film and his role eventually went to Bradley Cooper.

There are many stars who have shared their unpopular opinions about Marvel movies.

Licorice Pizza, was asked about the current cultural landscape within Hollywood, when the conversation turned towards Marvel and DC’s impact.Speaking to The New Yorker, Anderson said: “Boy, it warms my heart to be able to tell you that I feel happier than ever working in this business. I’ve got my own little corner of the sandbox and am working with people that I really admire, like at M-G-M.“I’m incredibly happy right now.

Paul Thomas Anderson is a master filmmaker, that much is certain. But even though he has won a ton of awards and been nominated for quite a few Oscars, the writer-director has yet to sign that big streaming deal to create a TV series.

Paul Thomas Anderson makes great films, full stop. And his new film, “Licorice Pizza,” is no exception.

A column chronicling events and conversations on the awards circuit.

DiCaprio was at the world premiere for his new film Don't Look Up when he found out his father George DiCaprio had a cameo in another new movie, Licorice Pizza. Director Paul Thomas Anderson's Licorice Pizza is one of the most critically-acclaimed films of the year, following two teenagers in love in the San Fernando Valley in 1973.

Leonardo DiCaprio isn't the only actor in his family! The Oscar winner's father, George DiCaprio, has a cameo in Paul Thomas Anderson's coming-of-age film, and his son spoke with ET's Rachel Smith about how he landed the part. «I haven't seen it yet but my dad, George DiCaprio, has a cameo in a Paul Thomas Anderson movie!» Leo told ET on Sunday at the New York City premiere of his own film,. «Today was a good day.»P.T.

NEW YORK -- Paul Thomas Anderson's “Licorice Pizza” has been named the best film of the year by the National Board of Review.Anderson also won best director honors and the film's stars Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman were picked for their breakthrough performances in the coming-of-age comedy.

NEW YORK -- Paul Thomas Anderson's “Licorice Pizza” has been named the best film of the year by the National Board of Review.Anderson also won best director honors and the film's stars Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman were picked for their breakthrough performances in the coming-of-age comedy.

“Licorice Pizza.” George portrays a water bed salesman in the comedy-drama.New York Times writer Kyle Buchanan tweeted an outtake from an interview he recently conducted with the director which revealed how George came to be in the flick.“I created a picture of a guy who owned a wig shop that sold these water beds, and I couldn’t put my finger on it,” Anderson, 51, said.

Other films recognized by the NBR include “King Richard,” which earned Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress for Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis for their performances as Serena and Venus Williams’ parents Richard Williams and Oracene Price.

After lighting up the pandemic specialty box office over Black Friday weekend with an enormous per screen average, MGM/United Artist Releasing’s Licorice Pizza from Paul Thomas Anderson took Best Film and Best Director for this year from the National Board of Review.

The National Board of Review is traditionally the first “awards group” (we use that term lightly with them) to announce their honorees for the season. This year, the organization somewhat surprised by selecting Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza” for Best Film and Best Director.

Remember when New York and Los Angeles use to post big figures for the opening of a specialty film at the box office?