Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

If I could give them –10 stars I would… First off, I was given a pass to come up and enjoy the lobby and the supposedly «delicious breakfast» this is for the nominations announcements. As I went up to use the restroom I was told I couldn’t. WTF… I showed them my pass hanging on my neck they said NO! YOU CAN’T BE HERE… After I was mistreated and humiliated in front of ppl I was told that I was okay to be there that there was a miscommunication… That is F*#KING RIDICULOUS!.. I wasn’t asking for anything other than use the restroom and get a cup of coffee!.. After all it was 3:50am for f**k sakes… I decided to go down to the parking lot and as I was getting into my car Dina and a security guy came and asked me if I would like to join them upstairs for breakfast… REALLY… I explained to her what happened and that was totally unacceptable for me. Of course she apologized but it’s a bit too late for an apology.
What really matters to me is the principal!.. The fact of the matters is, after they diminished you and treated you like you are below them, they want to apologize… SMH

I came here for a screening of a remastered series of shorts (go Wallace and gromit). The location has several contracted free parking after 6pm areas so Google or call first to find d them. One is on. La peer but it fills up fast so go early. The staff was professional. The seats are nice crushes red velvet and quite comfy. They have different shows so I would get on their email newsletter.

«Judgment At Nuremberg”* 50 year celebration (2011) was the last open-​to-​the-​public-​for-​only-​$ 5-​event I experienced here BUT there have been many thereafter and many more to come, just check out, subscribe to The Academy’s calendar of events

That night, the afterglow, moderated by Larry King, engaged the now late Maximillin Schell and director, Stanley Kramer’s wife, Karen in riveting discussion about this important film.
Recently, a guest of an Academy member, I viewed «Mr. Holmes» in the company of industry icons, integral behind the scenes peeps and was privy to Ian McKellan’s, Laura Linney’s take on the film, the making of it, post viewing, TOTAL treat!
Thoroughly impressed by the newly remodeled lobby!
Send-​the-​bread-​basket-​me loves that there’s NO food or drink in the theater. Seriously, it’s OK not to eat food for two hours while you feed your head.
Plan ahead. Dine before or after. Arrive early for events. Parking is as follows:
8920 Wilshire Blvd. (enter off of La Peer) and 9025 Wilshire Blvd. (enter off Wetherly) Surrounding residential streets are permit areas with one or two-​hour allowances, do read signs carefully. Ditto for meters.
SO, just go, whether you’re invited by a member or partaking in a non-​industry event. You won’t be sorry Angelinos. Folks in Kansas, or elsewhere, don’t get to experience stuff like this…
*

Suzie Q’s Fun Facts:
According to a February 2012 study conducted by the Los Angeles Times (sampling over 5,000 of its 5,765 members), 86% of Academy members are age 50 or older, with a median age of 62.
=≅≅≅≅≅≅≅≅~
Say what you will about LA: The traffic sucks, real estate prices are sky high, we have no water left, blah blah blah.
But if there’s one thing that makes me feel like a VIP just for living here, it’s the cool events, open to the public, that are hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
If I told Aunt Donna from Portland that I got to go to an exclusive event exploring the making of recent Oscar winner «Big Hero 6,» she would have assumed that I’m some movie industry bigwig, or at least that I «know the right people.»
But no: All I had to do was sign up on the Academy’s event announcement mailing list, and when I learned about the event, to buy $ 5 tickets on the website. That’s it. Easy as pie.
The «Big Hero 6» event overly emphasized dry technical details (the presenters went on and on about processing power, server farms, lighting techniques, etc.), rather than highlighting some of the more accessible aspects of filmmaking. For example, they could have included clips of the voiceover actors doing their stuff.
Still, I was impressed at the amount of time and effort spent by the filmmakers to pull back the curtain on the entire animated film production cycle. They even brought along fun props like production art, a robot arm that inspired Baymax’s design and a gigantic Baymax robot suit, which any audience member could view and touch. How cool is that?
The only thing I’d complain about is the difficult parking situation. The website boasts of free parking (and other, older Unilocal reviews mention it too), but while I didn’t need to avail myself of it (I lucked out, having found street parking), my friends weren’t so lucky. They said the lots were full, and even then were charging $ 10.
But all things considered, I’m grateful to the Academy for opening up these events to the public, rather than keeping them «members only.»

I went to the Academy for the recent costume exhibit, and wowza, this was a FABULOUS exhibit! Where else can you see the original ruby red slippers that were used ON SET in the «Wizard of Oz» along w Julie Roberts Red dress from «Pretty Woman»? I was amazed at the range of costumes — every decade and genre was represented. I can’t imagine that anyone wouldn’t find something to thrill them here.
It was very well run too with clearly marked rooms, helpful ushers and timed entry. Parking wasn’t too horrible as there are several lots nearby — not cheap (paid $ 12) but better than spending your time looking for one of the rare meters.
The only bummer is it ended at the end of February so if you didn’t see it you missed your chance but hopefully they will offer it again in the future. If they do I HIGHLY suggest you go!

It’s Academy Award week and the Academy has programs at their headquarters in Beverly Hills. The tickets are free and the program was excellent. This morning’s program was about the films nominated for an award in the Foreign Film category. They showed a short clip from each of the five nominated films. This was followed by having four of the five film directors on stage being interviewed. The session was both entertaining and informative. In fact, I was so turned on by the session that I purchased tickets to see one of the nominated films for this evening. This afternoon they had a session on makeup and hair. All three nominees came on stage to discuss their work. At the end of the session, they took questions from the audience. You had to leave the building with incredible respect for the miracles they can do with hair and makeup in the movies. I will be marking my calendar for next year for the same event.

Screening St. Vincent. Q&A with Melissa McCarthy. Melissa was ill but BILL MURRAY showed up instead. Exceptional film, WELL worth seeing! Murray NAILED the performance. Bring crying towels.

Set up an appointment to pay for some photos that I purchased for publicaton for my upcoming book, «Silver Lake Chronicles: Exploring an Urban Oasis in Los Angeles» and arrived (my error) on a day they weren’t open to the public. Nevertheless, they were more than courteous and accommodated my needs. Absolutely FIRST CLASS organization!

This review is for the Academy before its renovation. I love seeing movies and presentations at the Samuel Goldwyn theater. It is really one of the best theaters out there with great presenters, sometimes Oscar winners and a wonderful screen with the gigantic oversized Oscars on each side of the stage.
As you enter the lobby, you see many things on display, such as old movie posters and relics from films dependent on what you are there for. Often times they have Oscars on display if they correspond to what you are there for! If you are in the Los Angeles area, I would highly recommend visiting here at least once in your life.

The Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater is my favorite place on earth to see movies. It is a beautiful theater. And in addition to the world famous Oscars, the Academy also hosts a year-​round lineup of fabulous programming and events that are open to the public: film screenings, guest panels, exhibits and the summer movie series «Oscars Outdoors» at their Hollywood venue. Tickets are a nominal fee, but go very quickly so you have to keep a sharp eye on upcoming events and ticket release dates.

It was so worth it there so many other events anytime of the year to enjoy

I guess if you’re ever invited here, and fail to deliver a 5 star review, you’re apt to be labeled a bit of a boring person. The history of The Oscars will leave your jaw opened the entire time. Tasteful décor, lots of statues reminding you where you are, etc.
We we’re luckily invited here for Quentin Tarantino’s Red Carpet premier of Django Unchained a few weeks back, so the likelihood we’ll ever see the theater again is slim… well, unless we decide to go on a Matt Damon/​Ben Aflek writing spree. then, who knows???

Very clean and secure theater (there’s a security guard and metal detector).
Check out the website for upcoming screenings and related events.
Complimentary parking is available after 6pm at:
8920 Wilshire Blvd. (enter off of La Peer)
9025 Wilshire Blvd. (enter off Wetherly)

The Academy is so ridiculously over-​rated but it does mean a lot to the people who work in the industry as it brings recognition and $$ in.
This year the nominations will be announced in early January, which is a good thing, as it results in less of a protracted guessing game.
Nonetheless there will still be a slate of nominees for up to Ten Best Picture nominees, which is anomalous and cheapens the slate of the nominees for the top Oscar.
It would be really great if the Oscar continued to recognize European film actors by nominating both Marion Cotillard and Emmanuelle Riva, the latter for Hanecke’s «Amour» (which won the Palme d’or at Cannes) for Best Actress. But it is unlikely, even though a few members may remember Riva’s beautiful work in Alain Resnais’s 1961 haunting art-​house masterpiece, «Hiroshima, Mon Amour» (screenplay by Marguerite Duras).
Instead we will the usual slate of mainstream Hollywood stars (Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Robert DeNiro, Leonardo Dicaprio…) as well as obligatory nods to black actors (Denzel Washington, Quvenzhane Wallis).
The latter would, at age 6, also become the youngest acting nominee in Oscar history. Ms. Riva, at 85, if nominated, would become the oldest nominee. Needless to say, this is her last chance at a nomination.
My bet is that they will fall for Wallis, who fulfills two of their penchants: child actor and African-​American, to the detriment of either Cotillard or Riva.
Too many Europeans. No, we’re not speaking of quotas, but, really, one IS enough in any given year.
Acting nominees for foreign-​language films from Latin America or Asia or Europe will be virtually non-​existent. No Native Americans, Asian-​Americans, or Hispanic Americans. No seniors. No LGBTs. No handicapped persons.
Foreigners usually have to appear in Hollywood films to get recognition. In fact, only three actors have appeared in foreign-​language films for which they received Oscars (Sophia Loren, Roberto Bennigni, Marion Cotillard).
The last decade when there was more than one «foreigner» acting nominee every few years was for a few successive years in the 70’s when Liv Ullman and Ingmar Bergman’s films consistently found favor.
No wonder Woody Allen has never attended an Academy Awards show.
Show biz and art don’t make good companions. The National Society of Film Critics, or the L.A. Film Critics – for that matter – might as well exist on a different planet.

I recently attended the première for the Gerard Butler movie «Machine Gun Preacher» here along with a reception immediately following and I was quite impressed with this theater.
The theater itself is very clean, nice and spacious inside, very good sound and picture quality, but what really blew me away was the staff at the food & drink reception after wards. It almost seemed like for every guest there, there was an appointed waiter/​waitress following them around to pick up any discarded plates, drinks, etc. Wow!!! I don’t know if you have the same employees on hand for all events, but these particular one’s were exceptional.
Security was tight too. There had been some controversy pertaining to the subject matter of the movie so I’m sure that was greatly appreciated by everyone there who was involved with the film.
What an excellent venue. I wish all premieres were here as opposed to the theaters in seedy Hollywood.

It’s the Academy !

…and the award goes to? Many awards were given out at the 37^th Annual Student Academy Awards. I had the privilege of being invited to this occasion to witness some of the finest aspiring directors receive awards for their brilliant work. The students’ fierce devotion to their craft garnered them some recognition from some powerful figures in the industry which should give them the green light to work on projects for the «big screen».
Standing next to that big golden statue felt great. As we walked throughout the building we were able to see framed posters of movies from the past and seen more of those prominent golden statues. Though the students weren’t given golden statues as awards, mostly all of the recipients started their acceptance speech by saying, «I’d like to thank the Academy». The awards were given in various categories including awards for Honorary Foreign Film to Animation Awards. All films were well-​done and many were rather intriguing.
It’s an award in itself to be nominated for any Academy Award, so I congratulate all nominees. This venue is nice and The Student Academy Awards garners similar essence of the actual Academy Awards. Now, I look forward to being in attendance at the Oscars!

‘Been to a couple of events at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and have been meaning to attend their many great screenings, some with Q&A sessions afterward. (I live in South Orange County.)
The first time I was at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences was for the «Marc Davis Lecture: Frank & Ollie Tribute — 2003,» held in the beautiful Samuel Goldwyn Theater. These two animation giants, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston were the remaining two of Disney’s original «Nine Old Men.»
Frank & Ollie —
It was a great evening, one of the last times these two would appear together in public. It was an honor to have had been a part of that evening…
‘Last night, 05÷13÷10, was no exception for the opening reception of AMPAS’ latest exhibits, Chuck Jones: An Animator’s Life From A to Z-​Z-​Z-​Z, and The Fantastical World of Ray Harryhausen.
* Chuck Jones —
* Ray Harryhausen —
Chuck Jones’ exhibit (main lobby), had photographs and original artwork ranging from The Grinch That Stole Christmas, Bugs Bunny, Feed The Kitty, Wile E. Coyote, to What’s Opera Doc?!, and much more.
The Ray Harryhausen exhibit (4^th floor gallery), had drawings, photos, and stop motion figures from Mother Goose Stories, 20 Million Miles to Earth, Sinbad, Jason & The Argonauts, to the original Clash Of The Titans, plus some!
‘Great turnout for two amazing exhibits. If you’re familiar with the development and history of animation, these two men are another couple of huge contributors to this amazing art.
‘Like a couple of Unilocal*ers already mentioned, it’s a beautiful theater with great, affordable screenings that are available to the public. ‘Doesn’t get better than this!
— Aloha
Food: 4
Ambiance: 5
Service: 5
Value: 5+

Generally a great company, I had the privledge of working with AMPAS for 4 years and was lucky to work with so many great people from the academy.
If you ever have a question about films or the award shows then they are more than happy to direct you to the right people, I know because when I coordinated for them I always got calls forwarded from people interested in working the shows.
The location is a little difficult to get to, but what company isn’t hard to get to on Wilshire blvd!
They have a gallery too and they do screenings, you can also ren out their many theaters for events.
Hope you learned something new about the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences!

The galleries in the lobby and the fourth floor are really nice and are always free when you go to an event at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The exhibits usually complement the event you just get out of. The only time I have been here and the exhibits were closed were around Oscar time, so who can blame them?
Good: It is free and it is something nice to look at after you get out of the theater.
Bad: Nothing really.
Final: A great place to look around after an event in the theater.