Hollywood
Sony Pictures’ ‘The Interview’ applauded by International Press Academy
NEW DELHI: Even as the film has run into controversy in some countries, the Executive Board of the International Press Academy has applauded and commended Sony Pictures for having announced the release of the comedy film The Interview on Christmas Day.
The Board also acknowledged and thanked actor-writer-director George Clooney for spearheading the fight for Freedom of the Press and Free Speech among the Hollywood community.
In 2005, the IPA honored Clooney in its first-ever Auteur Award, which recognises individual voices of filmmakers and their personal impact on the industry. Later honorees include Paul Williams, Peter Bogdanovich, Baz Luhrmann, Julian Schnabel, Alex Gibney and Robert Altman. The IPA also gave Clooney a Satellite Award for the Best Original Screenplay Award for Good Night, And Good Luck, which charts the era of McCarthyism through the eyes of TV news great Edward R. Murrow.
“We think it is wonderful that Sony is brave enough to stand up for Free Speech, and that they are going to let the public see this movie. We are not judging the merits of the movie, but we are congratulating James Franco, Seth Rogen and the filmmakers, as well as Sony Pictures, for standing up for the release of their movie,” said IPA President Mirjana Van Blaricom, who screened the movie recently.
The International Press Academy is one of the largest coalitions of domestic and international entertainment journalists that gives its Satellite Awards in all categories of entertainment—cinema, television and new media.
“And, we are always in support of George Clooney, and his continuing support of free expression and innovation in the entertainment industry,” Van Blaricom added.
Hollywood
Disney chair confident CEO Josh D’Amaro will ‘rise to the occasion’ in Trump–Kimmel row
Board backs new chief as ABC controversy tests leadership early on
NEW YORK: The Walt Disney Company has placed the responsibility of handling the escalating dispute between Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel squarely on its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro.
Speaking at a business conference in Oslo, Disney chair James Gorman said it would be up to the CEO and his team to determine the company’s response to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He noted that such challenges are not uncommon for large corporations and require careful handling at the leadership level.
The row intensified after both Donald Trump and Melania Trump publicly called for Kimmel’s dismissal following remarks made on his show. The comments, which referenced the First Lady, sparked backlash in the days leading up to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel addressed the issue on-air, clarifying that his joke was intended as a reference to the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and reiterated his stance against violent rhetoric.
Despite mounting pressure, Gorman refrained from offering specific guidance on the future of the show or the host. Instead, he voiced confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership, describing him as “world class” and capable of navigating the situation effectively.
The episode presents an early and high-profile test for D’Amaro, who stepped into the top role just last month. How Disney balances editorial independence, public sentiment and political pressure will likely shape not just the outcome of this controversy, but also the tone of its leadership in the months ahead.
