THE WATER COOLER
Oscars whitewash
EACH year Hollywood celebrates itself in a perfect demonstration of narcissism with a seemingly endless train of award shows, culminating in the most coveted of all – the Academy Awards.
This year, celebrating films of 2015, a year where the #Blacklivesmatter movement gained momentum and Viola Davis called out a lack of opportunity for people of colour in film and television, the Academy has seen fit to nominate only white actors.
Even Straight Outta Compton, a film about black music and culture, was only nominated for screen writing and yes, you guessed it, it was written by white dudes.
Actors Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike Lee are boycotting the Oscars awards ceremony and the Academy has released a statement outlining plans to change the membership to better reflect filmmakers and actors. Come on! It’s 2016! Can’t wait to hear what host Chris Rock will say on the night.
The Friends reunion that isn’t
SPEAKING of entertainment with a significant lack of diversity… Last week fans of the ‘90s sitcom Friends went into a frenzy having been told that a reunion was imminent. Fooled again, Internet and fans! It is not a reunion (thank God – can we stop with the endless nostalgia and just let these shows be in the past?) it was revealed that the “reunion” is actually just a bunch of actors getting together to celebrate the life of a TV director. And Matthew Perry won’t be attending. So, Friends fans... let it go. And watch the reruns.
Rickman and Rowling
SADLY, beloved British actor Alan Rickman died last week after succumbing to cancer. Rickman was well known for playing the villain in many Hollywood films, including Die Hard, Robin Hood and of course, played Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films.
Author JK Rolwing revealed that when Rickman was cast as Snape she told him the story behind “Always” even though, at that point, she had only written four of the novels. Rickman had indicated, in 2011, that a secret shared with Rowling had allowed him to play the character with greater depth and understanding.
Rickman, we raise our wands. May you rest in peace.
In and Out of Australia
POPULAR American burger chain In and Out teased Sydneysiders this week with a pop-up restaurant in Surry Hills. Running from only midday until 4pm, the burgers were expected to attract long lines and high demand.
Foodie fans were hoping this would lead to the chain opening a venue on our shores, but a spokesperson for the company dashed all hopes. “We have been approached…regarding franchisees but it’s just not something we would do.” Sob, sob…munch, munch.
Clarification Re: Under the Hammer (Weekender 15/1/16)
IT has been brought to our attention that in our article, Under the Hammer (Weekender 15/1/16) it was stated that the strategy of "underquoting" in real estate marketing had, until recent changes made by the NSW Government, been a legal practice. This is incorrect.
It has never been legal to "underquote" - a practice that falls under misleading and deceptive conduct, which has always been a breach of the Property Stock and Business Agents Act and the Trade Practices Act.
Since 1981, agents have been required to provide price estimates on their Selling Agency Agreements. Agents have also been required to provide evidence of price estimates.
Weekender apologises for the mis-information, and for any confusion caused.