Memphis Film Prize 2019- It’s a Wrap, a Juror’s View

It’s a Wrap: Memphis Film Prize 2019 August 2-4

The Memphis Film Prize is a uniquely creative showcase for emerging talent. Filmmakers from across the country submit their short film — between five and fifteen … Read more

TIFF Update: Joaquin Phoenix to Receive Tribute Actor Award

JOAQUIN PHOENIX TO RECEIVE TIFF TRIBUTE ACTOR AWARD AT INAUGURAL TRIBUTE GALA

TORONTO​ — Joana Vicente and Cameron Bailey, Co-Heads of TIFF, today announced that three-time Academy Award–nominatedactorJ​ oaquinPhoenix​willbehonouredwithoneoftwoT​ IFFTributeActorAwards​atthis year’s TIFF Tribute Gala awards … Read more

Toronto International Film Festival 2019 Documentary Lineup

TIFF 2019 DOCUMENTARY LINEUP INCLUDES WORLD PREMIERES OF THE CAVE,​ ​AND WE GO GREEN​, ​DADS,​ ​DESERT ONE,​ ​RED PENGUINS​, ​SING ME A SONG​, T​HE CAPOTE TAPES,​ AND ​BIKRAM: YOGI, GURU, PREDATOR

The 44th Toronto International … Read more

Looking Back on San Diego Comic Con 2019 by Erika S. Olson

Now that I’ve almost fully recovered from my 5 crazy days at San Diego Comic-Con, it’s time to recap some of the highlights.

For anyone unfamiliar with San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), it’s an annual pop-culture-centric … Read more

“Framing John DeLorean” ★★★★ Special Screening Followed by Q&A

The Man, the Myth, the Legend

“Framing John DeLorean” is an exceptional across-the-board film that shows how a risk-taking addiction can lead to losing everything. The DeLorean historian authors, co-engineers and former employees all bring … Read more

Chicago Critics Film Festival Opening Night 2019 by Patty Babin

A Chicago Film Opens CCFF

Friday, May 17, 2019, was opening night for the Chicago Critics Film Festival and “Saint Frances,” played to a packed house at the Music Box Theater in Chicago and received … Read more

The Chicago Critics Film Festival 2019 Tickets On Sale Now!

The 2019 Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) line-up is bringing some exciting talent to town, and festival films are sure to entertain.

The Chicago premiere of Danny Boyle’s “Yesterday” tops the program packed with this … Read more

Rachel Brosnahan Interview by Alexi Rabin

A marvelous evening it was, spent with Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critic’s Choice Award winner, Rachel Brosnahan, at The Highland Park Community House in Highland Park, IL.

“A Marvelous Evening with Mrs. Maisel,” a fundraiser … Read more

23rd Critics Choice Awards 2018 Posted to RogerEbert.com

Women and a Child Actress Rocked the 23rd Critics Choice Awards

What a joy to attend the Critics Choice Awards on the heels of the women-driven Golden Globes Awards earlier in the week, as women … Read more

The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival 2017 Preview

The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival will shortly be in full swing with tickets on sale now. A new Artistic Director, Mimi Plauché plans to continue the eclectic mix of programming that has been the … Read more

Red Carpet Event WE TV Chicago by Patty Babin

Red Carpet ‘WE TV Chicago’ 

SarahsBackstagePass on the Red carpet, Wednesday, August 16 at 6:00 pm at the Flamingo Rum Club in Chicago, some of the most recognizable and philanthropic singles were being honored at … Read more

‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ Red Carpet Chicago Premiere by Alexi Rabin

On Tuesday, June 20, Chicago was transformed, literally. As I walked to work that morning, crew members were setting up a barge on the Chicago River. However, it wasn’t just a normal, freight-carrying barge. It … Read more

Oscar Blog-Part 4 Best Documentary, Best Original Screenplay, Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup & Hairstyling, Best Original Score, Best Original Song

Oscar Blog Part 4-Final Oscar Blog!

Wow, Oscar weekend 2017 is here! We are very excited over here at Sarah’s Backstage Pass, as this is a huge weekend for us! We love viewing the Academy … Read more

Oscar Blog Part 3-Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design

Oscar Blog Part 3

*BEST DIRECTOR – Damien Chazelle, La La Land, Kenneth Lonergan, Manchester by the Sea (Should win) Nominees: Denis Villeneuve, Arrival, Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge, Damien Chazelle, La La Land, Kenneth Lonergan, … Read more

Critics Choice Awards 2016 Santa Monica, CA Winners and Red Carpet Interviews

22nd Critics Choice Awards and Red Carpet Interviews by Sarah Knight Adamson

The 22nd Annual Critics Choice Awards, which includes the Broadcast Film Critics Association and Television Journalists Association Red [Blue] Carpet, was the spotlight … Read more

Pixar Animation Studios Steve Jobs Theater Visit

An Invitation to Attend a Film Screening at Pixar Studios

Don’t you just love it when the sun, the moon, and the stars all align? Typically, I receive special film screening notices fairly regularly that … Read more

Hosting the 88th Academy Awards Charity Event – Mixture of Fun and Surprises

Hollywood Blvd. Cinema and Variety Charity Viewing Party is a Huge Success and the winners are …”The Kids of Illinois”

Weather in the 60s on a Chicago winter day is a sigh of relief; especially … Read more

Top 20 Movies of 2015 and More!

Top 20 Movies of 2015−In Order of Favorites-Starting with #1

1. Spotlight Drama, based on true events. Director & screenplay credit, Tom McCarthy, Screenplay, Josh Singer. An all-star cast, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel … Read more

Chicago Film Critics Association 2015- Film Awards

The CFCA bestowed their annual awards last night after members socialized and dined at Zia’s restaurant in Chicago. The big winner of the evening was Mad Max: Fury Road, a sci-fi action film that … Read more

Chicago International Film Festival 2015-It’s a Wrap by Patty Babin

At a Glance−The 2015 Chicago International Film Festival

The energy was magnetic at the 2015 CIFF. The AMC River East was filled with press, actors, directors, producers, photographers, film lovers, volunteers, and last but not … Read more

The 51st Chicago International Film Festival Preview by Sarah Adamson

Background, Action, Rolling…the 51st Chicago International Film Festival Oct 15-29, 2015 Offers a Wide Array of Films

There’s a crisp coolness in the air, leaves are turning burnt orange and scarlet red—the sure signs of … Read more

Che “Rhymefest” Smith Red Carpet Interview-‘In My Father’s House’ by Patty Babin

The Journey of Family, Truth and Forgiveness

Here’s a rap tribute is to a man who inspires with not only his film but also his grace, humanity, and dignity. Che “Rhymefest” Smith is a hip-hop … Read more

87th Academy Awards Telecast to Benefit Variety of Illinois Children’s Charity Celebrates 10 Years

The 10th Annual Variety of Illinois Oscar Charity Event orchestrated by Angelique Barthel, Executive Director of Variety of Illinois was a colossal success. The Red Carpet was rolled out February 22 for the live telecast … Read more