96th

AUSTIN – My first full day at the 2024 SXSW fest was slow to get going, only because my flight came in late Saturday night and I decided to go downtown and partake of a late get together event (it’s about the networking). So after registering on Sunday morning I went through the creativity expo, checked the VR exhibit, and went to my first screening, the Independent TV Pilot Program.

CHICAGO – Here we go again. Welcome to the annual Oscar Predictions on HollywoodChicago.com, for 2024 (the 96th Academy Awards). The film/entertainment contributors of HC – Patrick McDonald and Spike Walters – are joined by filmmaker treasure Michael Glover Smith (“Relative”) and film critic Jeffrey L. York of “The Establishing Shot.”

CHICAGO – One of the great perks of entertainment reporting is the encounter with a movie pro earlier in the year who eventually gets nominated for an Oscar. Last year it was “The Daniels” (eventual Best Director winners) and this year it’s the odds-on favorite for Best Costume Designer, Holly Waddington of “Poor Things.”

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the 2023 Oscar Nominated Short Films in separate programs featuring Live Action, Animation and Documentary Shorts. Presented by Shorts TV/Magnolia Films and currently in select theaters, see local listings.

CHICAGO – Public education is in the fight of its life. As curriculums are determined more through the state, parents and politics, the local authority of a child’s educator is being consistently diminished. This subject is the centerpiece of “The Teacher’s Lounge,” co-written and directed by German/Turkish filmmaker Ilker Çatak.