John Williams Latest Celebrity News & Gossip

Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope, Ubisoft has shared a track from the game with NME – which you can listen to below.‘Icy Battle Ballet’ was created by composer Grant Kirkhope for Sparks Of Hope, and you can listen to the track below:Speaking to NME, Kirkhope shared that he was “super happy” with how ‘Icy Battle Ballet’ turned out and described it as “my kind of John Williams, Home Alone-y thing.”“Mostly I’ve drawn from John Williams, just because he’s a legend – I can’t hope to ever get to his level of utter brilliance, but if I can get one per cent of it then I’ll be happy,” continued Kirkhope. “I was just trying to find something that was light, wintery and bouncy.

Jon Burlingame editor The centennial of Henry Mancini, composer of “The Pink Panther,” “Moon River” and other movie songs, isn’t until 2024. But the celebration began on Thursday when an all-star parade of Oscar, Emmy and Grammy-winning musicians got together to re-record one of his most famous works: “Peter Gunn.” With legendary composers John Williams and Herbie Hancock on keyboards, jazz great Arturo Sandoval on trumpet and music mogul Quincy Jones conducting an 18-piece band of L.A. session players, Mancini’s 1958 TV theme rocked the Warner Bros. scoring stage all afternoon. It was old home week for many, who seemingly spent half the three-hour session embracing, laughing and snapping photos. Williams and Jones called each other “Q” and “John T.,” the nicknames they had when the two were toiling side-by-side at Universal Television in the 1960s, before each started collecting Oscars and Grammys for their work in films and records.

Shalini Dore Features News Editor The annual L.A. Phil Gala saluted composer John Williams on his 90th birthday Tuesday with the maestro conducting the orchestra on his “Violin Concerto No. 5.” Anne-Sophie Mutter made the violin sing as she performed on the premiere of his new piece. In his opening remarks on stage for the event, which marks the fall season opening for Walt Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Phil conductor Gustavo Dudamel said, “We have the chance tonight to celebrate one of the greatest composers of all time. His name is John Williams. He is a very special part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic family. His music for films transcends, it is in the big symphonic world like Mahler [and others].”

Jon Burlingame editor Writing new music for the “Star Wars” universe would be daunting for any composer, considering its iconic scores by the legendary John Williams. Luckily for “Andor” composer Nicholas Britell, writer-producer Tony Gilroy and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy gave him “total freedom” to imagine a new, totally unique soundscape for the backstory of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), the rebel spy first encountered in the 2016 film “Rogue One.” So, unlike “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” the “Star Wars” series for which Williams wrote a new theme earlier this year, there isn’t a note of Williams music in “Andor,” which launched a 12-episode run last Wednesday on Disney+.

British actor’s death from pancreatic cancer, excerpts from his journals are set to be published in a book titled “Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman.”In the book — out Oct. 4 — Rickman noted how he wanted to leave the wizarding franchise after the release of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” back in 2002.Rickman went on to play the part in six subsequent films in the series, ending in 2011.Parts of the diary were published recently by the Guardian. In an entry dated Dec.

Queen Elizabeth II before her death.According to a new report in The Daily Mail, Williams – who has scored countless films in a long and distinguished career, most notably Star Wars – was on a list approved by the queen to be honoured with a KBE for his role in improving UK-US relations.Also on the list, according to the report, is former Disney chief executive Robert Iger. Despite the knighthoods, the pair won’t receive the title of ‘Sir’, an honour that is reserved for British nationals.The news comes as Williams, who is also behind the film scores for Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and more, revealed that he is set to retire from scoring films after completing his work on the upcoming Indiana Jones 5.In an interview with Associated Press, Williams, 90, revealed, “At the moment I’m working on Indiana Jones 5, which Harrison Ford – who’s quite a bit younger than I am – I think has announced will be his last film.“So, I thought: If Harrison can do it, then perhaps I can, also.”AP notes that Ford has yet to make such a public statement.

decorated as an Honorary Knight of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, who approved the award prior to her death.The honorary award given to recipients who are not U.K. citizens is the second-highest rank in the order and is designated for individuals who have made “a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity,” per the Honours’ website.

Cynthia Littleton Business Editor Former Disney chairman-CEO Bob Iger and renowned film composer John Williams were selected for 2022 Honorary KBE laurels by Queen Elizabeth II, the U.K. government disclosed this week. The Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire kudos for Iger and Williams were part of a number of honorary awards for foreign nationals that were approved for 2022 by the beloved monarch, who died Sept. 8 at age 96 after an historic reign. Iger was cited for “services to the UK/US relations,” presumably referring to his long run as a top Disney executive and the company’s notable presence in the global content business and U.K.-based film, TV and stage production. Williams, a five-time Oscar winner and an accomplished conductor, was cited for his many years of “services to film music.”

Star Wars composer John Williams is reported to have been made one of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s very last knights, with the honour one of the final awards approved by the late monarch before her death a fortnight ago.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor With Oscar season fully underway following the Venice, Telluride and Toronto film festivals, buzz is building for the latest offerings from marquee filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, Darren Aronofsky,Sarah Polley and Alejandro G. Iñárritu. But behind the scenes, look for leading artisans to also be recognized for their work on high-profile contenders; within the film community, these names have become as renowned as the directors and A-listers with whom they work. Here are some titans of the crafts who could add a nomination and even an Oscar win to their résumés when the Academy Awards are dispensed in March. Catherine MartinProduction designer“Elvis”

Clayton Davis Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages are Davis’ assessment of the current standings of the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any film or performance. Like any organization or body that votes, each individual category is fluid and subject to change. Predictions are updated every Thursday. LAST UPDATED: Sept. 22, 2022 CATEGORY COMMENTARY: Composer John Williams is a legend in every facet of the music world. Aside from winning 25 Grammys and five Oscars, he is undoubtedly the most important musical artist living today. Tapped for Steven Spielberg’s personal semi-autobiographical film “The Fabelmans,” he adds another great composition to his already impressive resume. If nominated, at 90 years old he would surpass costume designer Ann Roth and documentarian Agnes Varda as the oldest nominee, of any competitive Oscar category, in history.

Gregg Goldstein The last time Fred Hechinger was in Toronto, he came to see a film that left his acting on the cutting room floor. Six years later, in one of several full-circle moments, the breakout star of HBO’s “The White Lotus” and Sony/Marvel’s upcoming Spider-Man Universe entry “Kraven the Hunter” returns with the Sept. 9 Gala premiere of “Butcher’s Crossing,” his first lead role in a feature. “It was my first time going to a festival to see something that I was a part of,” the actor recalls. “I was working behind the scenes on [the romantic drama] ‘Tramps,’ they put me in one scene and I got cut, but it was technically the first thing I’ve ever acted in.” Yet that trip ignited a bizarre series of events that helped launch his career. “To connect a lot of crazy dots, the next morning I saw the first [TIFF] screening of ‘Moonlight’ and a Q&A with Barry Jenkins.” When the director hired him years later for the 2021 Amazon Prime miniseries “The Underground Railroad,” Hechinger read some revivalist western novels on set for research … including John Williams’ 1960 book, “Butcher’s Crossing.”

Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans” will close out the 2022 AFI Fest, the American Film Institute announced Tuesday. “The Fabelmans,” which has been touted as Spielberg’s most personal film to date, stars Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle and Judd Hirsch in a story inspired by Spielberg’s own childhood. The film follows the formative years of a young man as he discovers a shattering family secret, causing him to use movies as a means to help him see the truth about others and himself. The ensemble cast for “The Fabelmans” includes Jeannie Berlin, Julia Butters, Robin Bartlett and Keeley Karsten, with music by John Williams. Janusz Kaminski serves as cinematographer, and the film is edited by Michael Kahn and Sarah Broshar. Production design is helmed by Rick Carter, and the costume design is overseen by Mark Bridges.

A magical event that brings the iconic festive family film Home Alone to life is set to arrive in Scotland this Christmas. Home Alone In Concert will feature the beloved film’s charming score, composed by the renowned John Williams, performed live to picture by a full live orchestra.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Home Alone, and while talk of the festive period in September might be triggering for some, events are starting to move into the holiday calendar already. As such, the classic Macaulay Culkin caper will be heading to the Opera House in November.

Thania Garcia During his annual Maestro of the Movies concert at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl on Friday, John Williams debuted a new piece of music called “Helena’s Theme,” part of the original soundtrack for the upcoming fifth “Indiana Jones” film. Although the fifth Harrison Ford-starring entry doesn’t arrive in theaters until next June (and doesn’t have an official name yet), Williams introduced the track by discussing its title — in reference to actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character in the film — and added that he had recorded music for the James Mangold-directed film one week ago. Williams described the character as “an adventuress, and also a femme fatale… she’s many, many things… She has a kind of lyrical music, like an old movie star.”

Causeway” (A24/Apple Original Films) Though Jennifer Lawrence had a juicy supporting role in Adam McKay’s disaster comedy “Don’t Look Up” last year, we have not seen the former Katniss Everdeen in the driver’s seat of a film since the one-two punch of “Mother!” and “Red Sparrow” (released in 2017 and 2018, respectively). She returns in earnest at TIFF with “Causeway,” about a soldier with a traumatic brain injury trying to readjust to normal life. 

Not a good week of press for Brad Pitt, thanks to a couple very different lawsuits!

People, the $20.5 million settlement was described as “[resolving] outstanding issues in the litigation over homes in the Make It Right development in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans.”Thanks to the settlement, which will be managed by California-based nonprofit organization Global Green, homeowners can each be reimbursed for $25,000 for past repairs, according to The Associated Press.In a statement, Pitt said, “Hopefully this agreement will allow everyone to look ahead to other opportunities to continue to strengthen this proud community.” The actor thanked Global Green for its “willingness to step up and provide this important support for the Lower Ninth families… we are very fortunate to have Global Green’s generous continuing commitment to help address the challenges around these homes and others in need,” Pitt stated. Global Green CEO William Bridge said in the release that the company “has had an ongoing positive working relationship with Mr.

Jon Burlingame editorMike Lang, one of the preeminent pianists in Hollywood history, died of lung cancer Friday morning at his home in Studio City. He was 80.Lang played piano (or organ, harpsichord or celeste) on an estimated 2,000 film and TV scores dating back to the mid-1960s, including scores by virtually every great film composer of the past 50 years: John Williams (“Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Catch Me If You Can”), Jerry Goldsmith (“Gremlins,” “The Russia House”), John Barry (“Body Heat,” “The Specialist”), Henry Mancini (“10”), Alex North (“The Shoes of the Fisherman”), Elmer Bernstein (“The Rainmaker”), Miklós Rózsa (“Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid”) and many others.Composer Lalo Schifrin (“Mission: Impossible”) was among Lang’s earliest champions in Hollywood, adding Lang’s piano to what eventually became the Grammy-winning Paul Horn album “Jazz Suite on the Mass Texts” in 1965.

Lizzo is feeling “Good As Hell” as she takes on spicy wings and talks her rise to stardom.

NBC News feted Pete Williams with a send off at Cosmos Club in Washington as the longtime Supreme Court and Justice Department correspondent prepares to retire at the end of the month.

Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Harry Potter and more is set to retire scoring films after completing his work on the upcoming Indiana Jones 5 film.In an interview with Associated Press, Williams, 90, revealed, “At the moment I’m working on Indiana Jones 5, which Harrison Ford – who’s quite a bit younger than I am – I think has announced will be his last film,”“So, I thought: If Harrison can do it, then perhaps I can, also.”AP notes that Ford has yet to make such a public statement. Williams did leave himself room for a return, however, telling the outlet he didn’t want to be seen as “categorically eliminating any activity” from his future plans.While Williams is moving away from scoring film, the five-time Oscar winner has stated that he will still be involved in music.

Jon Burlingame editorArtie Kane, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer of film scores including “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” and “Eyes of Laura Mars,” died Tuesday at his home on Whidbey Island, north of Seattle, Wash.

Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment announced today that U.S. audiences will soon be able to experience Steven Spielberg’s classics E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and Jaws on Imax screens nationwide for the first time. E.T. will be released exclusively on Imax beginning August 12, in celebration of the film’s 40th Anniversary, with Jaws to be released on Imax and in RealD 3D beginning September 2.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music CriticNot since Kanye and Drake played the Coliseum together six months ago has there been a coming together of forces quite so opposite on a stage in Los Angeles, or maybe anywhere. We’re speaking, of course, of the combined performance by the UCLA and USC marching bands (mentioned here in alphabetical order — no favoritism) that climaxed the official opening of the Hollywood Bowl’s summer season Friday night.It takes a lot to overshadow Gwen Stefani, the LA Phil, Gwen Stefani with the LA Phil, a pair of world-class ballet dancers, Branford Marsalis performing the film music of John Williams, and Williams making a surprise appearance to conduct his own world-premiere piece.

Star Wars fans got a treat Thursday. Harrison Ford made a surprise stop at the Star Wars Celebration at the Anaheim Convention Center to give an update on "Indiana Jones 5."  Thursday’s event marked the first in-person convention since 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Harrison Ford made a surprise appearance at the Star Wars Celebration event in Anathema, Calif., Thursday.