Posts Tagged ‘Uma Thurman’

The 64^th primetime Emmy award nominations were announced late last week, and as is the norm these days, Hollywood East is well-represented. With both former and current residents of Massachusetts and Connecticut in particular racking up a ton of nominations—a lucky few even accumulating multiple nods, spanning categories both in front of and behind the camera.

Newton native Louis C.K. heard his name a few times the morning of the announcements, as he earned himself nominations in the categories of Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series, Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. Likewise, Burlington’s Amy Poehler was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series for her role on “Parks And Recreation” on NBC, and will compete against her fellow statesman in the Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series category.

In the Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series category, Elizabeth Banks was nominated for her role as Avery Jessup on “30 Rock.” Banks was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Canadian born actor but current Connecticut resident Michael J. Fox was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series for his work on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” as well as Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series on CBS’s “The Good Wife.”

Greenwich, Connecticut born Glenn Close was nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series category for her role on “Damages” as Patty Hewes.

Boston born Uma Thurman was nominated in the Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series for her musical turn as Rebecca Duvall on the NBC series “Smash.”

The awards will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and air live on Sunday, September 23 on ABC.

Earlier this week, industry insider, Variety, published a story reporting on the season finale of NBC’s hit show, “Smash,” traveling to Boston for filming. The episode is already set to air on April 30^th, and will reportedly feature the faux Broadway show, “Bombshell,” being performed at a local theater in Beantown. Emerson College, the school which has produced countless theater, television, and movie talents over the years, has already begun working to get the show to use one of it’s various theaters—the Cutler, Paramount, or Colonial—to produce the final show, perhaps even allowing for some local alums and students to get involved on the action either in front of the camera as extras, or behind the scenes as crew.

No word on whether or not recent guest star, Uma Thurman, who herself was born in the Bean, will also be featured on that episode and returning to her hometown. Thurman started a recent guest spot on the show as Rebecca Duvall, the know-it-all Hollywood starlet whose personal problems and lackluster singing chops are not enough to overshadow the star power her turn as Marilyn is sure to bring to the production.

Production should commence on the episode relatively soon, though so far there have been no official reports of exactly where or when shooting would take place, nor have there been any sightings on the crew around town.

The April 30 episode of the NBC musical drama is titled “Tech” and will air at 10  p.m. “Smash” costars Debra Messing, Anjelica Huston, Megan Hilty, and Katharine McPhee.

It took him a few years to catch on, but admittedly, the guy has been a little busy. But finally, Ben Affleck has joined Facebook! Late last month, one of our favorite Beantown boys joined the millions of us that have already been using the service for some time. Among his status updates and other revelations, Affleck shared photos from a philanthropic trip to Africa he recently took. His Eastern Congo Initiative, a nonprofit organization he founded in 2009, works to help rebuild the area following years of armed conflict. Since founding the organization, Affleck has made many trips to the area, and the photos show him interacting with some of the people that are helped by his good work.

Just 10 days after setting up his Facebook account, Mr. Affleck had another important announcement to make—the birth of his first son! Samuel Garner Affleck was born on February 27^th, the 3^rd child of Ben and Jennifer Garner. Older sisters, Violet, 6, and Seraphina, 3, were said to have wanted to name the little one after a Disney character, but their parents wisely upheld the responsibility themselves.

In other Boston baby news, Beantown born Uma Thurman, 41, recently announced she is expecting her 3^rd child with current boyfriend, Arpad Busson. Busson, a multimillionaire financier, has been dating Thurman on and off since 2007. Busson has two children from his former relationship with supermodel Elle Macpherson, and Thurman has two children with her former husband, actor Ethan Hawke.

Photos: 1: Affleck in Congo with Heal Africa (Photo: Barbara Kinney Photography), 2-4:  Ben, Jen and Children, (Photos: Perizitos) – 5: The Beautiful Uma Thurman (Photo: Rottentomatoes.com)

As the acclaim surrounding Hollywood East continues to grow, and it’s reputation for bringing quality projects to the entertainment world carries on, it’s important to recognize all the pieces of the puzzle that have contributed to this phenomenon. One such being, the immense amount of home-grown talent that has arisen, particularly from the Boston area. A new photography book is helping pay homage to the Beantown women in particular who have helped make our city great, many of which happen to be in the entertainment industry.

The book is titled Boston, Inspirational Women, and is the work of father-and-daughter photographers Bill Brett and Kerry Brett. Together, they compiled more than 125 black-and-white portraits of women with Boston ties for their project, which was recently released by it’s publisher.

While the book is not solely about women in the entertainment, many of those featured are actresses or TV stars. Among those highlighted:

Maura Tierney, best known for her work on “ER”, was born and raised in Hyde Park. She’s the daughter of the late Joseph Tierney, who served on Boston’s City Council for 15 years.

Rachel Dratch is a Lexington native who graduated from Dartmouth College before going on to star on “Saturday Night Live.”

Many are unaware that movie star and glamazon Uma Thurman was born in Boston and grew up mostly in Amherst, Massachusetts.

The Food Network’s Rachael Ray spent time as a child in Mashpee and Falmouth on Cape Cod, where her family owned a restaurant called The Carvery.

Watertown’s Eliza Dushku starred alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s daughter in True Lies as a teenager.

Medford’s Maria Menounos is an alumna of the city’s public high school and Emerson College. She’s gone on to become the youngest cohost of Entertainment Tonight and the Today Show, and the youngest person to report for NBC’s Nightly News.

A launch party was held for the book at the new Smith and Wollensky on Congress Street in Boston on November 15. Over 500 people were in attendance, including a number of women from the book, such as chef Lydia Shire and socialite Marilyn Riseman.

All photos taken from the Boston, Inspirational Women slide show on Boston.com

★ Seth Meyers to Host Roundtable at Nantucket Film Fest

★ Connecticut native, Michael Bolton, makes a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” and follows with a performance on “Dancing with the Stars.”

★ Kristen Wiig talks about working with Jill Clayburgh on her last film before she passed away in Connecticut late last year.

★ Tilda Swinton appears in Cannes for the debut of Connecticut filmed  We Need to Talk about Kevin; Boston born Uma Thurman makes an appearance as well.

★ Local celebrity genealogist talks about his work.

★ CBS anchor Jeff Glor speaks to graduates at Suffolk University’s commencement while Katie Couric speaks at BU.

★ Brighton-based band Gentlemen Hall amidst the gossip at the Billboard Music Awards.

★ West Newbury high school track star sets his sights on an acting career.

★ Amy Poehler speaks to students on Class Day at Harvard, as Alec Baldwin talks about his regrets with the law school grads.

★ Ben Affleck turned down directing the new Superman movie.

★ Boston Magazine traces the timeline of the making of The Fighter.

★ Bill Cosby makes an appearance in New Haven, Connecticut to stress the importance of family involvement and education.

★ Massachusetts-filmed Fury Vengeance considered one of the biggest box office flops of 2010.

★ The Kardashian sisters get put in their place thanks to the state Attorney General of Connecticut.

★ Christina Aguilera spent her Thanksgiving in Rhode Island with her new boyfriend.

★ Boston born Uma Thurman has problems with a stalker.

★ Wareham native Geena Davis pays a visit to her alma mater, Boston University.

★ “Ace of Cakes”, starring chef Duff Goldman, who spent his summers growing up in Sandwich, MA, will be airing its final season on the Food Network next year.

★ (Left) Local Fox news anchors prepare to report on the massive crowds waiting in line to hear President Obama speak in Boston on October 16.

★ “Boston Legal” creator David E. Kelley to take on Wonder Woman TV series concept.

★ Christian Bale’s weight under scrutiny in The Fighter, while Mark Wahlberg shows off his new and improved guns in the trailer.

★ Harvard grad Natalie Portman reveals an eco-friendly PSA she did at age 11.

★ Conan’O’Brien’s promos for his new, soon to debut TBS show.

★ Boston’s Uma Thurman experiences an embarrassing make-up malfunction on a recent red carpet appearance.

★ E reality star Kim Kardashian appears at Foxwood’s resort casino in Connecticut.

★ Ben Affleck in discussions with Warner Brothers to direct and possibly star in a 22 year old project entitled Replay.

★  Mark Wahlberg is in negotiations to star in Ted, the R-rated directorial debut of “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane!

★ (Below) Can you spot the super hero fans in town on October 16 for Comic Con?

★ Last Saturday was a busy day in Boston for celebrity events; Chelsea Handler had a book signing in Brookline, and Tinsley Mortimer of “High Society” on the CW made an appearance at The Estate.

★ Our own Matt Dolloff interviews Emmy award winning Northeastern U professor.

★ Conan O’Brien announces plans to team up with George Lopez to create all-new late-night line-up on TBS.

★ New Hampshire Film Office survives first round of state budget cuts, what happens next?

★ Matt Damon receives mid-career achievement award from American Cinematheque.

★ Connecticut’s Chloe Sevigny talks about her recent Golden Globe win.

★ New Hampshire’s Sarah Silverman discusses her views on marriage.

★ Boston born Uma Thurman’s new film, which debuted at this past year’s Boston Film Festival, tanks in the UK.

The 25th annual Boston Film Festival wrapped up at the Kendall Square Theaters on September 24th after one of its most successful cinematic celebrations to date. The festival kicked off on September 18th by honoring Boston born and Amherst raised Uma Thurman with their film excellence award at their opening night celebration. The evening’s exclusive awards presentation at the ultra-chic Stella Restaurant in SoWa, was preceded by the east coast premiere of Thurman’s new film, Motherhood, which costars Minnie Driver and Anthony Edwards (“ER”). The film follows the story of a Manhattan mother attempting to pull off a successful birthday party for her 6-year-old.

Other awards given out that evening included Best Film, Best Director, and a “Mass Impact Award”, which recognizes a filmmaker whose project benefits humanity by shedding light on a critical social issue. Among the other films being debuted at this year’s festival are a variety of shorts and documentaries, including the New England premiere of Between Floors, the east coast premiere of American Colonies: Collapse of the Bees, and the world premiere of To Comfort You. In total, 8 world premieres, 26 feature films, and 22 short films were featured.  In addition to Thurman, a number of other high profile actors were scheduled to make appearances, including Olympia Dukakis (who was born in Lowell, MA), Aidan Quinn, Andrea Powell, and Campbell Scott.