Movie Review: Friendship, grief and June Squibb in ‘Eleanor the Great’

Scarlett Johansson is set to receive the Variety Legend & Groundbreaker Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival on October 19. This prestigious honor celebrates artists who have made significant contributions to the film industry and have shown resilience over time. Johansson's recognition comes not only for her impressive acting career but also for her recent directorial debut, marking a new chapter in her artistic journey. This award highlights her influence and the barriers she has broken in Hollywood, making it a significant moment for both her and the industry.

June Squibb is taking the spotlight as the host of the new Oxygen true crime series 'Killer Grannies.' This exciting announcement, revealed exclusively by Variety, adds to the anticipation surrounding the show, which was first introduced in May. While the exact premiere date is still under wraps, fans can look forward to a thrilling exploration of crime stories later this year, making it a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts.

Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, the talented Basque director, is gaining significant recognition in the film industry with her works 'Lullaby' and 'Querer.' After Pedro Almodóvar praised 'Lullaby' as one of the best debuts in Spanish cinema, her series 'Querer' won the top prize at Series Mania, Europe's leading TV festival. Her latest project, 'Sundays,' is already a critics' favorite at the San Sebastián Film Festival, showcasing her growing influence and the excitement surrounding her storytelling. This matters because it highlights the emergence of fresh voices in cinema, particularly from Spain, and the international acclaim they are receiving.

Warner Bros' latest film, 'One Battle After Another,' featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is off to a strong start with preview earnings of around $2.5 million. This figure is comparable to the preview night of DiCaprio's previous film, 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' indicating a positive reception and growing interest in advance ticket sales across various cities. This success not only highlights the film's potential but also reflects the ongoing appeal of DiCaprio's projects in the competitive box office landscape.

Tonight marks the end of an era as the final episode of Masterchef airs, featuring the departure of hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode. This season has been particularly controversial, leaving both the BBC and contestants relieved as they wrap up their moments in the spotlight. The show has sparked discussions about its format and the future of competitive cooking on television, making this finale a significant moment for fans and critics alike.

The 21st Lau Haizetara Documentary Co-Production Forum at the San Sebastián Festival showcased powerful narratives, with Brazilian-Chilean production 'Mariana x BHP' and others winning top honors. This event highlights the importance of storytelling in addressing social issues, particularly the struggles faced by women, making it a significant platform for raising awareness and fostering dialogue.

Quickets and AnthroTek have emerged as winners at the Zinemaldia Startup Challenge during the San Sebastián Festival, showcasing innovative technology in the film industry. Quickets, which optimizes ticket sales like airlines do, took home the Best Spanish Project award and a Special Mention for Entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, AnthroTek, known for its fire stunt masks, highlights the importance of safety in film production. This recognition not only celebrates their achievements but also emphasizes the growing intersection of technology and cinema, paving the way for future innovations.

Jerry Bruckheimer has sparked excitement by hinting at potential sequels for 'F1: The Movie,' 'Top Gun 3,' and a new installment of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' during a recent talk at the Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit. This news is significant as it suggests that beloved franchises may continue to evolve, keeping fans engaged and entertained. Bruckheimer's insights into the film industry also shed light on the creative processes behind these major productions.