Tom Sherak reminisces about his biggest challenges as Academy president as he leaves office: “On Tuesday night, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will elect a new president for the first time since 2009, when Tom Sherak was a surprise choice for the high-profile unpaid position at the organization that bestows the Oscars. Sherak has proved to be a strong leader but one capable of compromise, who has had to navigate through major changes in the long history of the tradition-bound nonprofit organization. He negotiated a new TV contract with ABC, a new deal for the Oscar venue at the Hollywood & Highland complex, brought aboard a new executive director in Dawn Hudson, changed the way best pictures nominees are picked (again) and launched what will become a major museum about the movies.” HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
“Elizabeth” director Shekhar Kapur proposes Indian Oscars: “Ace filmmaker Shekhar Kapur questioned the Indian craze for the Oscars and maintained that Asia is vibrant enough to have its own Oscars. ‘I was recognised only after eight Oscar nominations. We need to be more Asian in our outlook. Why do we need to look at Oscars? The answer to Oscars is that we should create our own Oscars,’ said Kapur at the 12th Osian’s Cinefan Festival here on Tuesday.” TIMES OF INDIA
Nina Arianda will play Fellini muse in an upcoming film: “The actress quickly followed up her Tony award win for ‘Venus in Fur‘ with two plum movie gigs, landing the lead in the Sean Durkin (‘Martha Marcy May Marlene‘) directed Janis Joplin biopic ‘Joplin’ and a part opposite Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy in ‘The Disappearance Of Eleanor Rigby.’ And now, she’s set to take on one of the most beloved international actresses of all time. Arianda will play Giulietta Masina in ‘Fellini Black And White.’ Written and set to be directed by Henry Bromwell, the film will be based on the true story of Federico Fellini‘s first trip to Los Angeles in 1957 for the Oscars where ‘Nights Of Cabiria’ (starring Masina) was nominated, only to disappear for two days before making it to the ceremony.” INDIEWIRE
Tony-winning “Memphis” will recoup its initial investment: “With 1,166 Broadway performances under its belt, the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Memphis’ is set to recoup its $12 million investment when it ends its run Aug. 5 at the Shubert Theatre, producers announced July 30. ‘Memphis’ began previews Sept. 23, 2009, and officially opened on Broadway Oct. 19, 2009. When it closes Aug. 5, it will have played 30 previews and 1,166 performances. A London production is anticipated, but official dates have not been announced. A national tour launched in fall 2012 in the musical’s namesake city.” PLAYBILL
“The Big C” could compete as a miniseries at next year’s Emmys: “By reducing the show’s final season to four hourlong episodes, Showtime may have given new Emmy life to ‘The Big C’ and star Laura Linney — and further complicated the controversial miniseries-movie category. ‘The Big C’ earned three Emmy nominations in 2011, including a lead comedy actress nod for Linney, before being shut out of this year’s Emmy race except for casting. However, under its new structure, the show won’t be eligible to enter either the drama or comedy competitions, which require a minimum of six episodes per season.” VARIETY
Ryan Murphy will receive a special Emmy Award: “Producer/writer Ryan Murphy, who reinvented the musical comedy genre with his hit series ‘Glee,’ and promotes acceptance and inclusion through his globally successful television and movie work, will receive the 2012 International Emmy Founders Award. Academy President & CEO, Bruce L. Paisner, announced today that Murphy will accept the Award –which recognizes an individual who crosses cultural boundaries to touch our common humanity– at the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala, on Monday, November 19, 2012, in New York City.” DEADLINE
