Let’s Go to the Movies
The Oscars are over. However, even though the awards have all been given out and Best and Worst Dressed have been announced, you might still have movies on the brain. Well, fear not film fanatics, your need for an Oscar fix can still be satiated – at least through April 18.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (aka the Folks Behind the Oscars) was founded in 1927 and has grown from 36 founders to over 6,000 honorary members. Bearing the mission of advancing the arts and sciences of motion pictures, the Academy awarded its first honorary membership to Thomas Edison. In addition to their prestigious list of members both past and current, the Academy is also the keeper of an impressive library and film archive.
How does this satisfy your Oscar fix you ask? Well, the Academy is currently playing host to two fascinating film-related exhibits at this very moment.
The More the Merrier: Posters from the Ten Best Picture Nominees, 1936-1943
If you were paying attention to something other than the dresses this year, you may have heard that it was an historic Oscars before Bigelow became the first female to win Best Director. From the Academy’s founding through 1944, there was anywhere between three and twelve Best Picture nominees at the annual awards ceremony. However, in 1944, the amount was capped at five nominees. This year, for those of you playing at home, there were 10.
The More the Merrier showcases campaign art from the films nominated during the eight consecutive years that 10 films were up for the big prize. Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, Citizen Kane, A Star is Born, and a rare original painting for Gone With the Wind are all on display in this exhibit. Whether you’re nostalgic for the “Golden Age” of film, a general movie lover, or interested in seeing some of the (arguably) best movie posters ever created, then you should really swing by.
Star Quality: The World of Noel Coward
A touring exhibition – it will also make stops in Wisconsin, London, and San Francisco – Star Quality puts the talents and tales of the playwright, director, actor, composer, and artist on never-before-seen display. Time magazine once described Coward as having “a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise,” while others praise his noted wit and charm. Even Coward himself said: “Star Quality: I don’t know what it is, but I’ve got it.” The photos, audio and visual clips, costume designs, sheet music, letters, playbills, and Coward’s famous silk dressing gown assembled in The Academy’s Fourth Floor Gallery seek to reflect and describe how the man came to be such an icon of popular culture.
So, film fanatics, get thee to Hollywood, these exhibits are too good to miss.
Exhibit: Sacrosanct
Hey New Yorkers! If you’re looking for art with a side of spirituality, you should check out Sacrosanct at St. John’s Episcopal American Catholic Church (1610 Lexington, New York City). As far as exhibit space, a church that has been abandoned since 1990 seems like a fairly interesting venue. According to the show’s write-up, 10 artists were asked to “create, install, and perform pieces that respond to the sanctity of the environment.” One installation includes a modern-day “Last Supper” interpretation. Visit Sophie Lvoff’s site for more info and AnimalNY for photos. Better hurry, show closes June 21st.
The Blockbuster is Back!
In what comes as no surprise to this Hogwarts-lover, the Museum of Science and Industry has just announced that it will be extending its Harry Potter exhibit for an additional three weeks. Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which was originally set to run from April 30 – September 7, will now close on September 27. The Museum of Science and Industry will be the only U.S. location only Midwest stop on the exhibit’s tour schedule, so unless you are planning on going abroad to get your Potter fix, you’d better get your tickets soon. You can buy tickets online, at the museum, or over the phone (773) 684-1414. Now with 10,000-square feet of exhibit space, will visitors be able to play some Quidditch? Nope, apparently broom-flying is not included.
Thanks to Jack Wlezien for forwarding the press release and to Brian Packer for letting me know about my mistake!
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