Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch for 2022

Paul Plunkett In today’s high-tech world, there are as many ways to make an animated film as there are film genres. Each year’s top animated features span everything from family fare to real-life documentaries and everything in between, and today’s animation directors have as many, or as few, tools at their disposal to tell their stories as they want.For Sony Pictures Animation’s “The Mitchells vs.

Apple TV or buy the digital edition in 4K for $13. Starring Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac and Zendaya, this sci-fi spectacle is one you surely don’t want to miss. The film is also available as a physical copy on DVD and Blu-ray.Watch NowWhile director, filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, is urging audiences to go experience the film in theaters, it will premiere on streaming simultaneously for viewers who wish to go on the epic cinematic journey through space from the comfort of their own living rooms. Warner Bros.

Penélope Cruz (“Parallel Mothers”) and Benedict Cumberbatch (“Power of the Dog”) sat down for a virtual chat for Variety’s Actors on Actors, presented by Amazon Studios. For more, click here.Benedict Cumberbatch is so over Zoom. But a new spike in COVID-19 cases with the omicron variant has meant that his planned sit-down with Penélope Cruz will instead unfold over a screen.

Tim Roth is a director’s actor. The London native began his on-screen career under the helm of Alan Clarke with a volatile role in his 1982 television play “Made In Britain,” exploding in front of the camera and immediately putting himself on the map.

Clayton Davis After a stampede of awards announcements that include ACE Eddies, Producers Guild and Writers Guild of America Awards, the prestigious Directors Guild of America Awards finally weighs in with their own set of nominees that recognizes achievements in directing.In the motion pictures category, the group nominated Kenneth Branagh for “Belfast” (Focus Features), Jane Campion for “The Power of the Dog” (Netflix), Paul Thomas Anderson for “Licorice Pizza” (MGM/United Artists Releasing), Steven Spielberg for “West Side Story” (20th Century Studios) and Denis Villeneuve for “Dune” (Warner Bros).Notable snubs included Joel Coen (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”), Adam McKay (“Don’t Look Up”), Siân Heder (“CODA”), Guillermo del Toro (“Nightmare Alley”) and Ryûsuke Hamaguchi (“Drive My Car”). Campion is the second woman ever to receive a second nod from the Directors Guild.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN THEATRICAL FEATURE FILMPaul Thomas AndersonLicorice Pizza(Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures/United Artists Releasing)Mr. Anderson’s Directorial Team:Kenneth BranaghBelfast(Focus Features)Jane CampionThe Power of the Dog(Netflix)Steven SpielbergWest Side Story(20th Century Studios)Mr.

The inaugural class of Netflix, Tribeca Studios and Gold House’s Future Gold Film Fellowship has been revealed. Directors Lloyd Lee Choi, Erin Lau and Derek Nguyen have been named the program’s first fellows.

The Directors Guild of America has announced its nominations in its television categories, with “Succession” sweeping the drama-series category by landing all five nominations for different episodes. In the comedy series category, “Ted Lasso” took three of the five slots, with “Hacks” and “The White Lotus” taking the remaining two.The DGA’s television nominations typically focus on returning programs in the drama and comedy series categories, rarely nominating more than one first-year show in a category.

Angelique Jackson Film Independent President Josh Welsh announced today that entertainment attorney and producer Brenda Robinson has been elected the new chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors.Robinson succeeds longtime Film Independent chair Mary Sweeney, who has served in the position for the past nine years and on the board for more than two decades. Previously vice chair, Robinson will continue to work closely with the executive committee of Film Independent, the arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards and serves to champion creative independence in visual storytelling.Film Independent also announced three new members to join the board: Matthew Greenfield, president of Searchlight Pictures; Rhys Ernst, producer and director (“Transparent”, “Adam”); and Edward Rada, non-profit financial executive, who will serve as the executive committee treasurer.

are executive producers for “Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down,” alongside Ian Orefice and Alexandra Johnes of TIME Studios, and Oren Jacoby of Storyville Films. Cohen and West are also producing the film under their Storyville Films banner, along with Lisa Erspamer of Lisa Erspamer Entertainment, and Sam Jinishian, of Storyville Films. “Within minutes of meeting Gabby Giffords, we knew we had to make a film about this phenomenal woman,” Cohen and West said. “The intelligence, humor, and toughness she brings to every personal and political challenge that comes her way makes Gabby not only an ideal documentary subject, but also a spectacular human being to spend time with,” they said of working with her for the film.“We are so pleased to collaborate again with Betsy and Julie to tell the story of a remarkable woman,” Entelis, executive vice president for talent and content development for CNN Worldwide.  “They have beautifully showcased Gabrielle Giffords’ journey, one of strength and resilience in the face of tragedy.”“’Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down’ is a triumphant portrayal of resilience, courage, and the power of the human spirit.  We could not be more thrilled to partner with the remarkable team of Betsy and Julie as they have created one of the most inspirational films of our time,” Orefice, president of TIME Studios, added.CNN Films previously partnered on West and Cohen’s “Julia” about the TV chef Julia Child for a film released by Sony Pictures Classics that has now been shortlisted in this year’s race for Best Documentary Feature.

Oscar-nominated RBG directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen are to tell the extraordinary story of U.S. congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ remarkable perseverance following an assassination attempt.

Nick Clement For the past 25 years, Variety editors and staff have compiled annual lists of industry talent to look out for, stretching various capacities, including directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, and comics. When looking back on the lists from each year, it’s striking to see how many impactful names have blossomed with hugely successful careers within Hollywood, and with some of the individuals taking a surprising route to stardom.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorThe Visual Effects Society has announced its 2022 Board of Directors officers, and in a historic first, the five-member executive committee is made up of all women.The officers include Lisa Cooke, who was re-elected as board chair and is the first woman to hold this role since the Society’s inception.“It is my honor and privilege to continue to chair this society of outstanding artists and innovators and I appreciate the trust placed in me,” Cooke said. “I’m proud to work amongst an exceptional group of impassioned and talented leaders, who are committed to advancing our mission and serving our members worldwide.

Carole Horst Netflix’s “Robin Robin” uses stop-motion animation and felt figures to tell its charming, musical story of a bird who doesn’t quite belong in a family of stealthy mice and discovers her real place in the world. It’s a Christmas tale that’s also made the Oscar shortlist for animated shorts. Directors-writers Dan Ojari and Mikey Please had been working with each other off and on for about 10 years and formed Parabella Studios, where they began developing “Robin Robin.” A serendipitous meeting with Aardman’s Sarah Cox led them to that legendary studio, which they found to be a perfect match for their own sensibilities.

Paul Plunkett An assembly line follows a simple formula. Use the most efficient way to mass-produce something and repeat.

The Art Directors Guild has announced nominations for the 26th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards in theatrical motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos and animation features, with nominees in the top categories including Licorice Pizza, Cruella, Dune, In The Heights, The White Lotus and Encanto.

Zoe Hewitt Art is unlike other media in that it requires its creators to share parts of themselves as they’re likewise primed for the supremely subjective criticism that follows. After all, no dentist is asked to soliloquize about how a tooth extraction reflects life choices.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor“Nightmare Alley,” “Cruella,” “No Time to Die” and “In The Heights” are among the top films recognized for excellence in production design in the 26th annual Art Directors Guild nominations.On Monday, the ADG announced nominations for this year’s awards show, which will return to a live ceremony on March 5 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.“The French Dispatch,” “Licorice Pizza,” “West Side Story” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth” landed nominations in the period feature film category alongside “Nightmare Alley.” “Dune,” “Cruella,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and “The Green Knight” earned recognition in fantasy feature film. Missing out were Oscar contenders “Spencer,” “The Power of the Dog,” “Belfast” and “Cyrano.”As previously announced, director Denis Villeneuve (“Dune”) will receive the William Cameron Menzies award.

Feature Film categories:PERIOD FEATURE FILM  The French Dispatch         Production Designer: Adam StockhausenLicorice Pizza         Production Designer: Florencia MartinNightmare Alley         Production Designer: Tamara DeverellThe Tragedy of Macbeth Production Designer:Stefan DechantWest Side Story        Production Designer: Adam Stockhausen FANTASY FEATURE FILM  Cruella Production Designer: Fiona CrombieDune Production Designer: Patrice VermetteGhostbusters: Afterlife Production Designer: François AudouyThe Green Knight  Production Designer: Jade HealyShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings   Production Designer: Sue Chan          CONTEMPORARY FEATURE FILM Candyman Production Designer: Cara BrowerDon’t Look Up     Production Designer: Clayton HartleyIn the Heights Production Designer: Nelson CoatesThe Lost Daughter Production Designer:Inbal WeinbergNo Time to Die Production Designer: Mark Tildesley           ANIMATED FEATURE FILM Encanto Production Designers: Ian Gooding, Lorelay BovéLuca Production Designer: Daniela StrijlevaThe Mitchells vs. the Machines Production Designer: Lindsey OlivaresRaya and the Last Dragon Production Designers: Paul Felix, Mingjue Helen Chen, Cory LoftisSing 2 Art Director: Olivier AdamTelevision categories:ONE-HOUR PERIOD OR FANTASY SINGLE-CAMERA SERIESFoundation: “The Emperor’s Peace” Production Designer: Rory CheyneThe Great: “Dickhead,” “Seven Days,” “Wedding” Designer: Francesca di MottolaLoki: “Glorious Purpose”                   Production Designer: Kasra FarahaniLost In Space: “Three Little Birds”  Production Designer: Alec HammondThe Witcher: “A Grain of Truth”  Production Designer: Andrew LawsONE-HOUR CONTEMPORARY SINGLE-CAMERA SERIESThe Handmaid’s Tale: “Chicago”     

2022 NFL season is well underway with Super Bowl LVI just less than a few weeks ago. No matter how your fantasy football roster is looking at this point, it's a great time to figure out how you’ll be cheering on your favorite team.Whether you're mainly in it for the game day food and camaraderie or are genuinely a gigantic football fan, snacks and friendship aside, it’s high time you sort out which streaming service you’ll be using to watch the NFL playoffs on the road to the Super Bowl. From Hulu to Amazon Prime Video to DirecTV's new online TV service, there are plenty of ways to watch that will ensure your game day parties (whether it be a party of one or many) are a total touchdown. Make sure you know the game schedule, so you don't miss your favorite team.Here's how to watch the rest of the 2022 season of NFL Football.If everybody's ready for Sunday night except you, sign up for Peacock.