Michael Corleone in The Godfather, played by Al Pacino, is hailed as one of the finest performances in world cinema. His memorable character transition in the Francis Ford Coppola film is still discussed among worldwide fans. But interestingly, Al Pacino was never the original choice for the role. They had their eyes on another legendary performer, Robert Redford for the role.
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Credits: Paramount Pictures
The Godfather presented a beautiful amalgamation of popular and lesser-known stars who looked straight out of Mario Puzo’s bestselling novel. However, the 1972 masterpiece had a very problematic production schedule due to an intense conflict between Paramount and Francis Ford Coppola. Paramount wanted it to be a more star-studded affair with better-known stars.
Al Pacino almost lost his historical role in The Godfather because of Paramount
A still featuring Vito Corleone and Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Credits:...
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Credits: Paramount Pictures
The Godfather presented a beautiful amalgamation of popular and lesser-known stars who looked straight out of Mario Puzo’s bestselling novel. However, the 1972 masterpiece had a very problematic production schedule due to an intense conflict between Paramount and Francis Ford Coppola. Paramount wanted it to be a more star-studded affair with better-known stars.
Al Pacino almost lost his historical role in The Godfather because of Paramount
A still featuring Vito Corleone and Michael Corleone in The Godfather | Credits:...
- 8/22/2024
- by Subham Mandal
- FandomWire
The late James Caan considered himself a Jewish cowboy from New York. Caan played the hot-headed son of the Corleone family, Sonny Corleone, in Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime film The Godfather. However, Caan was alleged to be more like his angry and violent character in real life, too. Caan was accused of being abusive towards his girlfriend Sheila Marie Ryan in the 1980s.
James Caan as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Caan revealed in an old interview that he hated the ‘big macho slob’ image that was attached to him by the media. Interestingly, the Get Smart actor was one of the first choices of the studio to play Michael Corleone instead of Al Pacino.
James Caan Hated His ‘Big Macho Slob’ Image In The Media
James Caan as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
During an old interview with Rolling Stone, The Godfather actor...
James Caan as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
Caan revealed in an old interview that he hated the ‘big macho slob’ image that was attached to him by the media. Interestingly, the Get Smart actor was one of the first choices of the studio to play Michael Corleone instead of Al Pacino.
James Caan Hated His ‘Big Macho Slob’ Image In The Media
James Caan as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather | Paramount Pictures
During an old interview with Rolling Stone, The Godfather actor...
- 6/6/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Al Pacino in the role of Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime drama The Godfather. However, Coppola went out of his way to cast the actor after Paramount wanted a Marvel star in the role of Michael. Interestingly, Al Pacino, a newcomer at the time, had a different role in mind. He eyed the role of the hot-headed Sonny Corleone, which later went to James Caan.
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in a still from The Godfather
The studio was also against Coppola’s choice of Marlon Brando for the role of Vito Corleone. They initially considered Laurence Olivier for the role but once he became unavailable, Coppola and Paramount entered a months-long debate on casting Brando.
Al Pacino Wanted To Play A Different Character In The Godfather
Al Pacino initially wanted to play the role of Sonny Corleone...
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in a still from The Godfather
The studio was also against Coppola’s choice of Marlon Brando for the role of Vito Corleone. They initially considered Laurence Olivier for the role but once he became unavailable, Coppola and Paramount entered a months-long debate on casting Brando.
Al Pacino Wanted To Play A Different Character In The Godfather
Al Pacino initially wanted to play the role of Sonny Corleone...
- 5/15/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Actor Will Smith was given a 10-year ban from the Motion Picture Academy after his conduct at the 94th Oscars, where he slapped presenter Chris Rock onstage. This ban prohibits Smith from attending any Academy-related events, virtual or real, for the next decade. However, it is important to note that the ban does not affect his eligibility for future Oscar nominations.
Will Smith in I Am Legend
With the upcoming Oscars just around the corner, the Dolby Theater is set to host top personalities from the entertainment industry, a tradition that dates back to 2002. As grand as the event is, not every Hollywood celebrity is guaranteed an invitation.
Suggestedsag Awards Got Crucified for Letting Mark Wahlberg, Who Confessed to a Hate Crime, Present an Award to Asian Cast When Will Smith Was Banned for Much Less
Reflecting on past controversies, last year, Will Smith received a 10-year ban for the infamous Slapgate scandal,...
Will Smith in I Am Legend
With the upcoming Oscars just around the corner, the Dolby Theater is set to host top personalities from the entertainment industry, a tradition that dates back to 2002. As grand as the event is, not every Hollywood celebrity is guaranteed an invitation.
Suggestedsag Awards Got Crucified for Letting Mark Wahlberg, Who Confessed to a Hate Crime, Present an Award to Asian Cast When Will Smith Was Banned for Much Less
Reflecting on past controversies, last year, Will Smith received a 10-year ban for the infamous Slapgate scandal,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Prantik Prabal Roy
- FandomWire
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says it is reviewing the status of Paul Haggis’ membership after a civil trial that resulted in the director being ordered to pay 7.5 million in compensatory damages and 2.5 million in punitive damages.
“The Academy will address this matter according to our Standards of Conduct and the due process requirements under California nonprofit corporation law,” the organization said in a statement to TheWrap.
As previously reported in “The Wrap,” the director of “Crash” was recently found liable to pay damages for forcing sex on Haleigh Breest in 2013.
Also Read:
Leah Remini Says She and Paul Haggis Are ‘Top Enemies’ of Scientology in Final Testimony of Rape Trial
The filmmaker had argued that the encounter was consensual, that the former freelance publicist was out for a payday and that the allegations somehow a Scientologist plot. The civil jury in New York rejected all three...
“The Academy will address this matter according to our Standards of Conduct and the due process requirements under California nonprofit corporation law,” the organization said in a statement to TheWrap.
As previously reported in “The Wrap,” the director of “Crash” was recently found liable to pay damages for forcing sex on Haleigh Breest in 2013.
Also Read:
Leah Remini Says She and Paul Haggis Are ‘Top Enemies’ of Scientology in Final Testimony of Rape Trial
The filmmaker had argued that the encounter was consensual, that the former freelance publicist was out for a payday and that the allegations somehow a Scientologist plot. The civil jury in New York rejected all three...
- 11/16/2022
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
James Caan, the self-assured star who played Sonny Corleone in The Godfather and a rough-and-tumble athlete in Rollerball but had the self-assurance to showcase a sensitive side during his long career, has died. He was 82.
Caan died Wednesday night in Los Angeles, his rep Arnold Robinson told The Hollywood Reporter, confirming a post on the actor’s Twitter account. Neither he nor the family would reveal a cause of death.
Caan will best be remembered for his explosive performance as Sonny in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (1972). Mesmerizing as the volatile and confrontational eldest son and heir apparent to his family’s criminal empire, he earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.
Caan almost didn’t get to play the part that would become his signature role. Paramount originally cast him as younger brother Michael and Carmine Caridi as Sonny. But Coppola,...
James Caan, the self-assured star who played Sonny Corleone in The Godfather and a rough-and-tumble athlete in Rollerball but had the self-assurance to showcase a sensitive side during his long career, has died. He was 82.
Caan died Wednesday night in Los Angeles, his rep Arnold Robinson told The Hollywood Reporter, confirming a post on the actor’s Twitter account. Neither he nor the family would reveal a cause of death.
Caan will best be remembered for his explosive performance as Sonny in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (1972). Mesmerizing as the volatile and confrontational eldest son and heir apparent to his family’s criminal empire, he earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.
Caan almost didn’t get to play the part that would become his signature role. Paramount originally cast him as younger brother Michael and Carmine Caridi as Sonny. But Coppola,...
- 7/7/2022
- by Chris Koseluk
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will Smith has been barred from the Oscars for 10 years as a consequence of him slapping presenter Chris Rock during the Oscars ceremony last month, the Motion Picture Academy ruled Friday.
The Academy’s Board of Governors also accepted the actor’s resignation as a member. However, the board did not rule Smith ineligible to receive nominations — or Oscars.
“This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy,” the Academy said Friday in a statement. “We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”
The Academy also apologized for how it handled the immediate aftermath of Smith’s slap.
“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room,” the Academy’s statement said.
The Academy’s Board of Governors also accepted the actor’s resignation as a member. However, the board did not rule Smith ineligible to receive nominations — or Oscars.
“This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy,” the Academy said Friday in a statement. “We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”
The Academy also apologized for how it handled the immediate aftermath of Smith’s slap.
“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room,” the Academy’s statement said.
- 4/8/2022
- by Brian Welk and Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Will Smith is resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after slapping Chris Rock during last Sunday’s Academy Awards. On Friday, the King Richard Oscar winner shared a lengthy statement addressing his actions at the ceremony, noting he accepts the “all consequences for my conduct.”
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” he wrote. “The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance,...
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” he wrote. “The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance,...
- 4/1/2022
- by Tomás Mier and Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
Will Smith was asked to leave the Oscars ceremony after slapping Chris Rock on live TV Sunday night but outright “refused” and defiantly accepted his Best Actor award in person, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences claimed in a statement Wednesday.
The Academy’s board of governors started disciplinary proceedings against the King Richard star earlier in the day and released a statement saying Smith could face suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions for violating the group’s standards of conduct, Variety reports.
The new statement, which concluded with a mea culpa,...
The Academy’s board of governors started disciplinary proceedings against the King Richard star earlier in the day and released a statement saying Smith could face suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions for violating the group’s standards of conduct, Variety reports.
The new statement, which concluded with a mea culpa,...
- 3/31/2022
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
After an emergency call on Monday to discuss how to deal with Will Smith’s slap of Chris Rock during the Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that it would launch a “formal review” of the incident that will determine if the newly minted Best Actor winner will receive any discipline.
“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” the organization said in a statement. “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”
The star also faces possible consequences from SAG-AFTRA, the actors union that represents both Smith and Rock, which issued a statement Monday condemning all “violence or physical abuse in the workplace” and hinting at a future “disciplinary process.”
According to the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, adopted four...
“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” the organization said in a statement. “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”
The star also faces possible consequences from SAG-AFTRA, the actors union that represents both Smith and Rock, which issued a statement Monday condemning all “violence or physical abuse in the workplace” and hinting at a future “disciplinary process.”
According to the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, adopted four...
- 3/28/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster and Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Sidney Lumet’s harrowing film is a true-life account of a NY narcotics detective- turned government informant; its length and intensity can be emotionally overpowering. Treat Williams is the idealistic cop who blows up his whole life and ends up betraying all the people he hoped to protect. He doesn’t seem to understand the ruthless, opportunistic nature of ‘systemic reform’ as he goes from good guy to the object of hate for both crooks and cops, and a target for the very same system that welcomed his help. The Wac made an excellent choice with this one — it’s one of the most deserving, underappreciated films of the early 1980s.
Prince of the City
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1981 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 167 min. / Available at Amazon.com / Street Date August 24, 2021 / 21.99
Starring: Treat Williams, Jerry Orbach, Richard Foronjy, Don Billett, Kenny Marino, Carmine Caridi, Tony Page, Norman Parker, Paul Roebling, Bob Balaban,...
Prince of the City
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1981 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 167 min. / Available at Amazon.com / Street Date August 24, 2021 / 21.99
Starring: Treat Williams, Jerry Orbach, Richard Foronjy, Don Billett, Kenny Marino, Carmine Caridi, Tony Page, Norman Parker, Paul Roebling, Bob Balaban,...
- 9/14/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
After a story in Variety in November exposed the fact that registered sex offender — and noted cinematographer — Adam Kimmel has been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 2007, the organization has taken action and removed him.
An Academy source confirmed to Variety that Kimmel is no longer a member. When asked for a comment, a representative for the Academy did not immediately respond.
Kimmel also appears no longer to be in the American Society of Cinematographers, an elite organization for directors of photography either. A spokesperson for the ASC did not return Variety‘s inquiries about Kimmel’s status. But his name, which used to be listed among the organization’s members, is no longer on the ASC website. And on a list of ASC members, Kimmel’s name has an asterisk next to it, which means “withdrawn from membership.” On his IMDb page under trivia,...
An Academy source confirmed to Variety that Kimmel is no longer a member. When asked for a comment, a representative for the Academy did not immediately respond.
Kimmel also appears no longer to be in the American Society of Cinematographers, an elite organization for directors of photography either. A spokesperson for the ASC did not return Variety‘s inquiries about Kimmel’s status. But his name, which used to be listed among the organization’s members, is no longer on the ASC website. And on a list of ASC members, Kimmel’s name has an asterisk next to it, which means “withdrawn from membership.” On his IMDb page under trivia,...
- 3/17/2021
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Todd Tongen, a longtime anchor and reporter at Florida’s Wplg, has been found dead in his home in Southwest Ranches in the Miami metropolitan area. He was 56.
The 30-year local news veteran was discovered after he missed his Sunday broadcast. According to Wplg, Tongen’s wife was out of town and unable to reach him so she asked a friend to check on him and police were called in to investigate.
The cause of death remained unclear as of Tuesday morning.
Also Read: Roky Erickson, 13th Floor Elevators Singer, Dies at 71
“It is heartbreaking. We are so sad that we have to report that we have lost a beloved member of our Local 10 family and of your family too, Local 10 news anchor Todd Tongen,” the channel’s senior political reporter Michael Putney said during a Monday broadcast. “He died unexpectedly, tragically. Todd has been our friend and our colleague for decades here.
The 30-year local news veteran was discovered after he missed his Sunday broadcast. According to Wplg, Tongen’s wife was out of town and unable to reach him so she asked a friend to check on him and police were called in to investigate.
The cause of death remained unclear as of Tuesday morning.
Also Read: Roky Erickson, 13th Floor Elevators Singer, Dies at 71
“It is heartbreaking. We are so sad that we have to report that we have lost a beloved member of our Local 10 family and of your family too, Local 10 news anchor Todd Tongen,” the channel’s senior political reporter Michael Putney said during a Monday broadcast. “He died unexpectedly, tragically. Todd has been our friend and our colleague for decades here.
- 6/4/2019
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
Actor Carmine Caridi, best known for portraying Carmine Rosato in "The Godfather: Part II", is dead. He was 85.
Caridi died on Tuesday after being in a coma at a hospital here, his representatives told variety.com.
"From Broadway, to film and television, Carmine spent over six decades entertaining audiences, and nothing made him happier. His talent, wit, warmth, and charm will be missed.
"Carmine passed peacefully, surrounded by friends and family at Cedars Sinai Hospital," the representatives said in a statement.
The actor's character in "The Godfather: Part II" played a key role in the territorial feud with Frank Pentangeli, played by Michael V. Gazzo.
The veteran actor also appeared in "The Godfather: Part III" as a different character, Albert Volpe, an investor in Michael Corleone's casinos who is killed in an attack at a hotel in Atlantic City.
He also starred in TV shows including "Phyllis," "Starsky and Hutch,...
Caridi died on Tuesday after being in a coma at a hospital here, his representatives told variety.com.
"From Broadway, to film and television, Carmine spent over six decades entertaining audiences, and nothing made him happier. His talent, wit, warmth, and charm will be missed.
"Carmine passed peacefully, surrounded by friends and family at Cedars Sinai Hospital," the representatives said in a statement.
The actor's character in "The Godfather: Part II" played a key role in the territorial feud with Frank Pentangeli, played by Michael V. Gazzo.
The veteran actor also appeared in "The Godfather: Part III" as a different character, Albert Volpe, an investor in Michael Corleone's casinos who is killed in an attack at a hotel in Atlantic City.
He also starred in TV shows including "Phyllis," "Starsky and Hutch,...
- 5/30/2019
- GlamSham
Carmine Caridi, best known for his role as Carmine Rosato in The Godfather: Part II, has died at age 85. TMZ first reported the news on Wednesday.
The actor died on Tuesday, and had been in a coma at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
He remains one of only three actors to play two different roles in the Godfather film franchise, as he portrayed Albert Volpe in the third film, who is killed at a hotel in Atlantic City.
His character in the second film, Carmine Rosato, was heavily involved in the feud with Frank Pentangeli (Michael Gazzo).
Additional movie roles for...
The actor died on Tuesday, and had been in a coma at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
He remains one of only three actors to play two different roles in the Godfather film franchise, as he portrayed Albert Volpe in the third film, who is killed at a hotel in Atlantic City.
His character in the second film, Carmine Rosato, was heavily involved in the feud with Frank Pentangeli (Michael Gazzo).
Additional movie roles for...
- 5/29/2019
- by Eric Todisco
- PEOPLE.com
Carmine Caridi, an actor who appeared in a key role in “The Godfather: Part II” as well as “The Godfather: Part III,” has died. Caridi’s representatives told TheWrap that he died on Tuesday. He was 85.
In “The Godfather: Part II,” Caridi played Carmine Rosato, who was a member of Peter Clemenza’s regime in New York City as part of the turf war with Frank Pentangeli. He also played a separate role in the third film as Albert Volpe.
In his memoir “The Kid Stays in the Picture,” Robert Evans wrote that Caridi was director Francis Ford Coppola’s first choice for the role of Sonny Corleone, a part that was eventually played by James Caan, but Evans said that Caridi was too tall to play opposite Al Pacino.
Also Read: Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers Legend and First Super Bowl Mvp, Dies at 85
Caridi had more than 100 film...
In “The Godfather: Part II,” Caridi played Carmine Rosato, who was a member of Peter Clemenza’s regime in New York City as part of the turf war with Frank Pentangeli. He also played a separate role in the third film as Albert Volpe.
In his memoir “The Kid Stays in the Picture,” Robert Evans wrote that Caridi was director Francis Ford Coppola’s first choice for the role of Sonny Corleone, a part that was eventually played by James Caan, but Evans said that Caridi was too tall to play opposite Al Pacino.
Also Read: Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers Legend and First Super Bowl Mvp, Dies at 85
Caridi had more than 100 film...
- 5/29/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The actor, who played Carmine Rosato in The Godfather: Part II, was kicked out of the Academy in 2004 for sharing screeners
Carmine Caridi, known for roles in The Godfather franchise, has died at the age of 85.
The actor, who played Carmine Rosato in The Godfather: Part II and Albert Volpe in The Godfather: Part III, died on Tuesday, according to his representative Tim Jordan. Caridi had reportedly been in hospital since 25 April after suffering a fall and contracted pneumonia last week.
Carmine Caridi, known for roles in The Godfather franchise, has died at the age of 85.
The actor, who played Carmine Rosato in The Godfather: Part II and Albert Volpe in The Godfather: Part III, died on Tuesday, according to his representative Tim Jordan. Caridi had reportedly been in hospital since 25 April after suffering a fall and contracted pneumonia last week.
- 5/29/2019
- by Benjamin Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
Carmine Caridi, who played the traitorous Carmine Rosato in The Godfather, Part II (1974) and returned to the Francis Ford Coppola franchise to portray Albert Volpe in The Godfather Part III (1990), died Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, where he had been in a coma. He was 85.
The veteran actor had screen credits in the triple-digits by the end of his career but his signature roles was Rosato, a key figure in the bloody mob battle that played out as a centerpiece of The Godfather, Part II, which won the Academy Award for best picture to match the gold-plated achievement of its predecessor, The Godfather (1972). Rosato’s machinations created turmoil and confusion for the Corleone Family but in the end his gambit failed and his fate was a shotgun execution.
Caridi also gained a measure of industry notoriety in 2004 when he became the first person to be expelled by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences...
The veteran actor had screen credits in the triple-digits by the end of his career but his signature roles was Rosato, a key figure in the bloody mob battle that played out as a centerpiece of The Godfather, Part II, which won the Academy Award for best picture to match the gold-plated achievement of its predecessor, The Godfather (1972). Rosato’s machinations created turmoil and confusion for the Corleone Family but in the end his gambit failed and his fate was a shotgun execution.
Caridi also gained a measure of industry notoriety in 2004 when he became the first person to be expelled by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences...
- 5/29/2019
- by Geoff Boucher
- Deadline Film + TV
Carmine Caridi, the actor best-known for portraying Carmine Rosato in “The Godfather: Part II,” has died. He was 85.
Caridi died on Tuesday, his reps confirmed to Variety. He had been in a coma at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. TMZ first reported the news.
His Carmine Rosato character in “The Godfather: Part II” played a key role in the territorial feud with Frank Pentangeli, played by Michael V. Gazzo. Studio executive Robert Evans said in his 1994 memoir “The Kid Stays in the Picture” that Caridi was director Francis Ford Coppola’s first choice for the role of Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather.” However, Evans, he said in the book, thought Caridi was too tall for the role, which instead went to James Caan.
The veteran actor also appeared in “The Godfather: Part III” as a different character, Albert Volpe, an investor in Michael Corleone’s casinos who is killed in an...
Caridi died on Tuesday, his reps confirmed to Variety. He had been in a coma at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. TMZ first reported the news.
His Carmine Rosato character in “The Godfather: Part II” played a key role in the territorial feud with Frank Pentangeli, played by Michael V. Gazzo. Studio executive Robert Evans said in his 1994 memoir “The Kid Stays in the Picture” that Caridi was director Francis Ford Coppola’s first choice for the role of Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather.” However, Evans, he said in the book, thought Caridi was too tall for the role, which instead went to James Caan.
The veteran actor also appeared in “The Godfather: Part III” as a different character, Albert Volpe, an investor in Michael Corleone’s casinos who is killed in an...
- 5/29/2019
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
5:15 Pm Pt -- We just got Chazz Palminteri in NYC, and he told us he's glad he got the chance to work with Carmine ... calling him a really great man. Chazz also feels Carmine should be reinstated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 9:53 Am Pt -- Carmine's manager tells us, "From Broadway, to film and television, Carmine spent over six decades entertaining audiences, and nothing made him happier. His talent,...
- 5/29/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Actor Carmine Caridi, who appeared in two Godfather films and was kicked out of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for sharing screeners, has died. He was 85.
Caridi died Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his rep, Tim Jordan of Jordan Lee Talent, told The Hollywood Reporter. Actor-director Chazz Palminteri told TMZ that Caridi died of complications suffered from a recent fall.
During his six-decade career, Caridi portrayed the mobsters Carmine Rosato in The Godfather: Part II (1974) and Albert Volpe in The Godfather: Part III (1990), and appeared on such TV shows as Starsky and Hutch, Fame, Taxi, Simon & Simon and ...
Caridi died Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his rep, Tim Jordan of Jordan Lee Talent, told The Hollywood Reporter. Actor-director Chazz Palminteri told TMZ that Caridi died of complications suffered from a recent fall.
During his six-decade career, Caridi portrayed the mobsters Carmine Rosato in The Godfather: Part II (1974) and Albert Volpe in The Godfather: Part III (1990), and appeared on such TV shows as Starsky and Hutch, Fame, Taxi, Simon & Simon and ...
- 5/29/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor Carmine Caridi, who appeared in two Godfather films and was kicked out of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for sharing screeners, has died. He was 85.
Caridi died Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his rep, Tim Jordan of Jordan Lee Talent, told The Hollywood Reporter. Actor-director Chazz Palminteri told TMZ that Caridi died of complications suffered from a recent fall.
During his six-decade career, Caridi portrayed the mobsters Carmine Rosato in The Godfather: Part II (1974) and Albert Volpe in The Godfather: Part III (1990), and appeared on such TV shows as Starsky and Hutch, Fame, Taxi, Simon & Simon and ...
Caridi died Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his rep, Tim Jordan of Jordan Lee Talent, told The Hollywood Reporter. Actor-director Chazz Palminteri told TMZ that Caridi died of complications suffered from a recent fall.
During his six-decade career, Caridi portrayed the mobsters Carmine Rosato in The Godfather: Part II (1974) and Albert Volpe in The Godfather: Part III (1990), and appeared on such TV shows as Starsky and Hutch, Fame, Taxi, Simon & Simon and ...
- 5/29/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
French actress Emmanuelle Seigner will not join the Academy’s 2018 class, instead choosing to show solidarity with her husband, Roman Polanski. As a repercussion of the #MeToo and Time’s Up movement, the Academy’s Board of Governors voted to expel the director on May 1. He pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl in 1977, and has not set foot in the United States since.
Through his lawyer, Polanski threatened the Academy with a lawsuit while announcing his intention to appeal the ruling. Seigner — twice-nominated for France’s highest film honor, the César Award — co-starred in her husband’s most recent film, “D’après une histoire vraie” (“Based on a True Story”), with Eva Green. The couple has been married for 29 years and shares two children. Polanski’s previous wife, Sharon Tate, was murdered by members of Charles Manson’s cult in 1969, a tragedy that will be revisited in...
Through his lawyer, Polanski threatened the Academy with a lawsuit while announcing his intention to appeal the ruling. Seigner — twice-nominated for France’s highest film honor, the César Award — co-starred in her husband’s most recent film, “D’après une histoire vraie” (“Based on a True Story”), with Eva Green. The couple has been married for 29 years and shares two children. Polanski’s previous wife, Sharon Tate, was murdered by members of Charles Manson’s cult in 1969, a tragedy that will be revisited in...
- 7/9/2018
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
Bill Cosby and director Roman Polanski have been ousted from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors met on Tuesday night (May 1) and has voted to expel actor Bill Cosby and director Roman Polanski from its membership in accordance with the organization’s Standards of Conduct,” the Academy announced in a statement. “The Board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity.”
Cosby, 80, was found guilty last week of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004. The...
“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors met on Tuesday night (May 1) and has voted to expel actor Bill Cosby and director Roman Polanski from its membership in accordance with the organization’s Standards of Conduct,” the Academy announced in a statement. “The Board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity.”
Cosby, 80, was found guilty last week of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004. The...
- 5/3/2018
- by Mike Miller
- PEOPLE.com
The Academy Board of Governors, which met on May 1, has voted to expel two long-term members who do not meet its standards of conduct: actor Bill Cosby, who last week was found guilty of sexual assault — but has been accused of much more — and Roman Polanski, who was awarded a Best Directing Oscar for “The Pianist” while living in exile in Paris, despite pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl.
The Academy released the following statement:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors met on Tuesday night (May 1) and has voted to expel actor Bill Cosby and director Roman Polanski from its membership in accordance with the organization’s Standards of Conduct. The Board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity.
The Academy’s’ primary mission — spotlighting Hollywood via the glittery Oscar...
The Academy released the following statement:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors met on Tuesday night (May 1) and has voted to expel actor Bill Cosby and director Roman Polanski from its membership in accordance with the organization’s Standards of Conduct. The Board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity.
The Academy’s’ primary mission — spotlighting Hollywood via the glittery Oscar...
- 5/3/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Beyond wondering whether your favorite movie or nominee didn't win, Oscars viewers, especially those who don't work in or closely follow the entertainment industry, may have had a few other queries after Sunday night's awards show.
For instance, who is Carmine Caridi, the only Film Academy member to be expelled before Harvey Weinstein was voted out? Who was the "Hal" that Allison Janney dedicated her Oscar to? Why did best original screenplay winner Jordan Peele thank Brian Roberts? And will box-office blockbuster Black Panther be nominated for any awards next year?
Read on to find out the stories behind six...
For instance, who is Carmine Caridi, the only Film Academy member to be expelled before Harvey Weinstein was voted out? Who was the "Hal" that Allison Janney dedicated her Oscar to? Why did best original screenplay winner Jordan Peele thank Brian Roberts? And will box-office blockbuster Black Panther be nominated for any awards next year?
Read on to find out the stories behind six...
- 3/8/2018
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jimmy Kimmel compared Harvey Weinstein's expulsion from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to the only other guy to get kicked out ... and the ex-member is cranky over it. We spoke with actor Carmine Caridi -- who was the butt of Jimmy's Oscars joke this weekend -- and he tells us he feels like he got a raw deal with no heads-up or discretion. As we reported ... Kimmel compared Harvey's Academy scandal...
- 3/5/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Set against a backdrop of political upheaval, sexual harassment and school shootings, Oscar’s 90th anniversary celebration could have been one of the most emotionally charged ceremonies in recent years. Instead, thanks to a superb sophomore hosting job by Jimmy Kimmel and a significant nostalgia factor, this year’s Oscar ceremony was a well-paced celebration of the best of Hollywood. And they opened the right envelope! Check out the full list of winners here.
After a short black-and-white parody of old newsreels Kimmel wasted no time addressing the accounting elephant in the room — last year’s historic Best Picture mix-up — by delivering a word of warning to the nominees: “This year, when you hear your name called, don’t get up right away.”
Kimmel said early in his monologue that his goal was to keep the evening positive, and he largely succeeded, particularly when encouraging people to support movements like #TimesUp and #MeToo.
After a short black-and-white parody of old newsreels Kimmel wasted no time addressing the accounting elephant in the room — last year’s historic Best Picture mix-up — by delivering a word of warning to the nominees: “This year, when you hear your name called, don’t get up right away.”
Kimmel said early in his monologue that his goal was to keep the evening positive, and he largely succeeded, particularly when encouraging people to support movements like #TimesUp and #MeToo.
- 3/5/2018
- by Tony Ruiz
- Gold Derby
Simon Brew Oct 14, 2017
Harvey Weinstein has been kicked out of the Oscars, it's been confirmed.
As allegations continue to mount against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, it’s now been confirmed that the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) – the organisation behind the Oscars – has followed BAFTA in Britain by expelling him from their organisation.
In a statement from The Academy, it confirmed that its board “voted well in excess of the required two-thirds majority” to expel him.
Harvey Weinstein has faced accusations now from over 20 women of sexual assault over the past weeks, including an allegation of rape from Rose McGowan. McGowan has tirelessly campaigned – and taken a significant career hit – against sexual predators in the film industry. Her Twitter feed is continuing that campaign here.
Only one other person has ever been expelled from the Academy, and that was an actor, Carmine Caridi, who had apparently lent preview discs to a friend.
Harvey Weinstein has been kicked out of the Oscars, it's been confirmed.
As allegations continue to mount against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, it’s now been confirmed that the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) – the organisation behind the Oscars – has followed BAFTA in Britain by expelling him from their organisation.
In a statement from The Academy, it confirmed that its board “voted well in excess of the required two-thirds majority” to expel him.
Harvey Weinstein has faced accusations now from over 20 women of sexual assault over the past weeks, including an allegation of rape from Rose McGowan. McGowan has tirelessly campaigned – and taken a significant career hit – against sexual predators in the film industry. Her Twitter feed is continuing that campaign here.
Only one other person has ever been expelled from the Academy, and that was an actor, Carmine Caridi, who had apparently lent preview discs to a friend.
- 10/14/2017
- Den of Geek
In the wake of a slew of allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape that have emerged over the last 10 days, Harvey Weinstein has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization that hosts and votes for the Oscars, with which he was virtually synonymous throughout his four decades in the business. Since its founding in 1927, the Academy has only previously expelled one other member: Carmine Caridi, an actor who violated policy against loaning out screeners.
Following complaints against Weinstein by dozens of women, calls for his expulsion by...
Following complaints against Weinstein by dozens of women, calls for his expulsion by...
- 10/14/2017
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Harvey Weinstein, one of the most prolific modern Oscar influencers, has been ousted from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors met today to discuss the allegations against Harvey Weinstein, and has voted well in excess of the required two-thirds majority to immediately expel him from the Academy,” the organization said in a statement on Saturday. “We do so not simply to separate ourselves from someone who does not merit the respect of his colleagues but also to send a message that...
“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors met today to discuss the allegations against Harvey Weinstein, and has voted well in excess of the required two-thirds majority to immediately expel him from the Academy,” the organization said in a statement on Saturday. “We do so not simply to separate ourselves from someone who does not merit the respect of his colleagues but also to send a message that...
- 10/14/2017
- by Mike Miller
- PEOPLE.com
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences called an urgent board of governors meeting Saturday to decide what to do about one of their most storied members, Harvey Weinstein, who perhaps more than anyone in Hollywood today is identified with the Oscars.
This week the Weinstein Company’s ousted co-owner landed on the cover of Time Magazine after revelations in the New York Times, The New Yorker and beyond about his 30-odd years of bad behavior as an alleged sexual predator, abuser, harasser and rapist. His own brother Bob has gone on the record calling him “sick and depraved.”
While the London and New York police departments have opened up cases on Harvey Weinstein, he has yet to be arrested, charged, or indicted. The Producers Guild of America postponed a recent meeting to give them privacy in their deliberations over his ongoing membership. BAFTA suspended him. UK politicians urged...
This week the Weinstein Company’s ousted co-owner landed on the cover of Time Magazine after revelations in the New York Times, The New Yorker and beyond about his 30-odd years of bad behavior as an alleged sexual predator, abuser, harasser and rapist. His own brother Bob has gone on the record calling him “sick and depraved.”
While the London and New York police departments have opened up cases on Harvey Weinstein, he has yet to be arrested, charged, or indicted. The Producers Guild of America postponed a recent meeting to give them privacy in their deliberations over his ongoing membership. BAFTA suspended him. UK politicians urged...
- 10/14/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences called an urgent board of governors meeting Saturday to decide what to do about one of their most storied members, Harvey Weinstein, who perhaps more than anyone in Hollywood today is identified with the Oscars.
This week the Weinstein Company’s ousted co-owner landed on the cover of Time Magazine after revelations in the New York Times, The New Yorker and beyond about his 30-odd years of bad behavior as an alleged sexual predator, abuser, harasser and rapist. His own brother Bob has gone on the record calling him “sick and depraved.”
While the London and New York police departments have opened up cases on Harvey Weinstein, he has yet to be arrested, charged, or indicted. The Producers Guild of America postponed a recent meeting to give them privacy in their deliberations over his ongoing membership. BAFTA suspended him. UK politicians urged...
This week the Weinstein Company’s ousted co-owner landed on the cover of Time Magazine after revelations in the New York Times, The New Yorker and beyond about his 30-odd years of bad behavior as an alleged sexual predator, abuser, harasser and rapist. His own brother Bob has gone on the record calling him “sick and depraved.”
While the London and New York police departments have opened up cases on Harvey Weinstein, he has yet to be arrested, charged, or indicted. The Producers Guild of America postponed a recent meeting to give them privacy in their deliberations over his ongoing membership. BAFTA suspended him. UK politicians urged...
- 10/14/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Update: The Academy announced Saturday that they would "immediately expel" Harvey Weinstein, adding that a vote by the 54-member board of governors was "well in excess of the required two-thirds majority," The New York Times reported. The move is a break in tradition for the Academy, which didn't take similar action in the aftermath of scandals involving Academy members like Roman Polanski and Bill Cosby.
"We do so not simply to separate ourselves from someone who does not merit the respect of his colleagues but also to send a message...
"We do so not simply to separate ourselves from someone who does not merit the respect of his colleagues but also to send a message...
- 10/11/2017
- Rollingstone.com
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has taken the unusual step of releasing a statement on a member’s behavior. In addition to censuring Harvey Weinstein for what now seem like countless sexual assault allegations, the Academy opens the door to taking further actions.
The Academy finds the conduct described in the allegations against Harvey Weinstein to be repugnant, abhorrent, and antithetical to the high standards of the Academy and the creative community it represents. The Board of Governors will be holding a special meeting on Saturday, October 14, to discuss the allegations against Weinstein and any actions warranted by the Academy.”
– Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Read More:Academy Governors Debate Revoking Harvey Weinstein’s Membership — Exclusive
AMPAS has often been soft on its members’ peccadillos, famously awarding a 2003 directing Oscar to Roman Polanski for “The Pianist,” years after he had gone into exile in Europe in...
The Academy finds the conduct described in the allegations against Harvey Weinstein to be repugnant, abhorrent, and antithetical to the high standards of the Academy and the creative community it represents. The Board of Governors will be holding a special meeting on Saturday, October 14, to discuss the allegations against Weinstein and any actions warranted by the Academy.”
– Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Read More:Academy Governors Debate Revoking Harvey Weinstein’s Membership — Exclusive
AMPAS has often been soft on its members’ peccadillos, famously awarding a 2003 directing Oscar to Roman Polanski for “The Pianist,” years after he had gone into exile in Europe in...
- 10/11/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has taken the unusual step of releasing a statement on a member’s behavior. In addition to censuring Harvey Weinstein for what now seem like countless sexual assault allegations, the Academy opens the door to taking further actions.
The Academy finds the conduct described in the allegations against Harvey Weinstein to be repugnant, abhorrent, and antithetical to the high standards of the Academy and the creative community it represents. The Board of Governors will be holding a special meeting on Saturday, October 14, to discuss the allegations against Weinstein and any actions warranted by the Academy.”
– Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Read More:Academy Governors Debate Revoking Harvey Weinstein’s Membership — Exclusive
AMPAS has often been soft on its members’ peccadillos, famously awarding a 2003 directing Oscar to Roman Polanski for “The Pianist,” years after he had gone into exile in Europe in...
The Academy finds the conduct described in the allegations against Harvey Weinstein to be repugnant, abhorrent, and antithetical to the high standards of the Academy and the creative community it represents. The Board of Governors will be holding a special meeting on Saturday, October 14, to discuss the allegations against Weinstein and any actions warranted by the Academy.”
– Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Read More:Academy Governors Debate Revoking Harvey Weinstein’s Membership — Exclusive
AMPAS has often been soft on its members’ peccadillos, famously awarding a 2003 directing Oscar to Roman Polanski for “The Pianist,” years after he had gone into exile in Europe in...
- 10/11/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Carmine Caridi, an actor best known for small parts in the last two films in The Godfather trilogy, opened up about why the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expelled him over movie screeners in 2004.
Caridi, 83, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in an article published on Tuesday, about getting caught lending movie screeners sent by distributors to Academy voters for Oscar consideration.
“Let me tell you something,” Caridi says. “Everybody does it, Ok? I was doing a guy a favor and he screwed me.”
Then-mpaa chief Jack Valenti imposed a ban on all screeners to combat rising piracy issues,...
Caridi, 83, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in an article published on Tuesday, about getting caught lending movie screeners sent by distributors to Academy voters for Oscar consideration.
“Let me tell you something,” Caridi says. “Everybody does it, Ok? I was doing a guy a favor and he screwed me.”
Then-mpaa chief Jack Valenti imposed a ban on all screeners to combat rising piracy issues,...
- 2/22/2017
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
In the 90 years since the International Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences was formed in 1927, only one of its many members (current population: 6,000) has ever been kicked out. His name is Carmine Caridi, and in this Oscar week, he gives his whole story to The Hollywood Reporter.
You might recognize Caridi from some character roles in the 1970s, when he appeared in sitcoms like Phyllis and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman; dramas like Quincy, M.E. and Starsky And Hutch; and films from Car Wash to The Godfather Part II.
Valerie Harper and Carmine Caridi in Valerie (Photo: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images)
Offscreen, Caridi’s life was also filled with drama. He was originally cast as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, but when Paramount head Robert Evans ordered the cast shuffled around a bit, he lost the part. Afterward, “I was a dope addict ...
You might recognize Caridi from some character roles in the 1970s, when he appeared in sitcoms like Phyllis and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman; dramas like Quincy, M.E. and Starsky And Hutch; and films from Car Wash to The Godfather Part II.
Valerie Harper and Carmine Caridi in Valerie (Photo: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images)
Offscreen, Caridi’s life was also filled with drama. He was originally cast as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, but when Paramount head Robert Evans ordered the cast shuffled around a bit, he lost the part. Afterward, “I was a dope addict ...
- 2/21/2017
- by Gwen Ihnat
- avclub.com
Deadline reports Chazz Palminteri and Kenny D’Aquila are shopping the Unorganized Crime TV show pilot to prospective buyers. The news outlet describes the half-hour project as a "mafia-themed comedic drama series."Written by Palminteri and D'Aquila, the pilot is based on the latter's play of the same name. The cast includes Palminteri, D’Aquila, Lainie Kazan, Alex Meneses, John Pankow, and, Carmine Caridi. Director Nick Vallelonga produced the pilot through Vallelonga Productions, with Ton of Hats' Mike Hatton and Mark Sherman.Read More…...
- 10/11/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Chazz Palminteri and Kenny D'Aquila are shopping Unorganized Crime, a 30-minute presentation for a mafia-themed comedic drama series based on D’Aquila’s play. Palminteri and D'Aquila secured the financing for the presentation, which stars Palminteri as well as D'Aquila, Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Telenovela alumna Alex Meneses, John Pankow (Mad About You) and The Godfather actor Carmine Caridi. The play, a quirky mob-family comedy-drama, was staged in 2014…...
- 10/6/2016
- Deadline TV
Chicago – The 2016 Imagen Awards will take place this Friday, Sept. 9. Founded by television legend Norman Lear, the Imagen Awards (“Eee-mah-hen”) encourage the entertainment industry to portray the Latino community in a positive light. One nominee, Best Supporting Actress for NBC’s “Telenovela,” is Alex Meneses.
Alexandra “Alex” Meneses is a Chicago native, from a Southside neighborhood – graduating from Mother McAuley High School – and has been a working actress since the mid-1990s. Her first major role was as Teresa Morales in “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” and she had a recurring role as Brad Garrett’s girlfriend in “Everybody Loves Raymond.” She had film roles in “Selena,” “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas” and “Auto Focus.” In 2016, she joined the cast of “Telenovela” – as Isabela Santamaria – and is nominated at the Imagen Awards for Best Supporting Actress in her role for that show.
Actor and Chicago native Alex Meneses, on the...
Alexandra “Alex” Meneses is a Chicago native, from a Southside neighborhood – graduating from Mother McAuley High School – and has been a working actress since the mid-1990s. Her first major role was as Teresa Morales in “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” and she had a recurring role as Brad Garrett’s girlfriend in “Everybody Loves Raymond.” She had film roles in “Selena,” “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas” and “Auto Focus.” In 2016, she joined the cast of “Telenovela” – as Isabela Santamaria – and is nominated at the Imagen Awards for Best Supporting Actress in her role for that show.
Actor and Chicago native Alex Meneses, on the...
- 9/8/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Ann-Margret movies: From sex kitten to two-time Oscar nominee. Ann-Margret: 'Carnal Knowledge' and 'Tommy' proved that 'sex symbol' was a remarkable actress Ann-Margret, the '60s star who went from sex kitten to respected actress and two-time Oscar nominee, is Turner Classic Movies' star today, Aug. 13, '15. As part of its “Summer Under the Stars” series, TCM is showing this evening the movies that earned Ann-Margret her Academy Award nods: Mike Nichols' Carnal Knowledge (1971) and Ken Russell's Tommy (1975). Written by Jules Feiffer, and starring Jack Nicholson and Art Garfunkel, the downbeat – some have found it misogynistic; others have praised it for presenting American men as chauvinistic pigs – Carnal Knowledge is one of the precursors of “adult Hollywood moviemaking,” a rare species that, propelled by the success of disparate arthouse fare such as Vilgot Sjöman's I Am Curious (Yellow) and Costa-Gavras' Z, briefly flourished from...
- 8/14/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Caridi Case Accused Pleads Not Guilty
The man accused of pirating actor Carmine Caridi's "screener" copies of Oscar-considered movies has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and copyright infringement. Caridi, 70, star of such films as Godfather: Part II, has already become the first person to be expelled from Academy Of Motion Pictures, Arts And Sciences for his part in the affair - and now Russell William Sprague, 51, is trying to escape conviction of federal charges. Sprague - who was sent copies of films by Caridi - was arrested last Month at his Chicago home, and is charged with conspiring to violate copyrights on The Last Samurai, Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World and The Matrix Revolutions.
- 2/19/2004
- WENN
AMPAS board expels Caridi
Carmine Caridi has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy's board of governors voted Tuesday night to end the 70-year-old actor's membership in the Academy because he violated the agreement that Academy members were asked to sign this year before they could receive awards-season screeners. While the Academy announced it had expelled a member for the violation, it would not confirm that member was Caridi. Caridi is the first Academy member to be expelled for violating the agreement, which was created this year in response to the MPAA's attempt to institute a screener ban in an attempt to combat piracy by keeping screeners from falling into the hands of anyone who would illegally duplicate them.
- 2/4/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Vine: AMPAS eyes Caridi's role
After the board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences meets tonight, Carmine Caridi probably won't have to worry about returning his Oscar ballot on time. A 22-year member of the Academy, Caridi figures in the ongoing FBI investigation into pirated Academy screeners, and he's also been sued by both Warner Bros. Pictures and Columbia Pictures for copyright infringement. According to an FBI affidavit, the actor has admitted to sending his screeners for such films as Mystic River and Something's Gotta Give to Russell Sprague of Chicago, though he claimed to be unaware that Sprague, whom he thought was a "film buff," was duplicating the tapes. Sprague, in a separate FBI interview, said he had sent copies of the tapes back to Caridi. In order to receive screeners this year, Caridi signed the Academy agreement in which he promised "not to allow the screeners to circulate outside my residence or office" and that "violation of this agreement will be considered grounds for expulsion." Caridi's violation of that agreement and his consequent expulsion is expected to be on the agenda tonight when the Academy's board of governors holds a regularly scheduled meeting. The board also may take up the case of a second member, Ivan Kruglak. Copies of a screener intended for Kruglak surfaced on eBay, though Kruglak has said he has no idea how that happened, and a resolution to his case may take longer for the Academy to decide. In past years, the Academy has expelled members for violations like selling tickets to the Oscars, but if he is expelled, Caridi would become the first Academy member booted for violating the screener agreement meant to prevent unauthorized use of awards-season screeners.
- 2/3/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Studios sue pair in screener case
Two of the movie studios whose screener tapes were found in the home of Russell Sprague, the Chicago-area man arrested last week by the FBI, have filed suit against Sprague and Carmine Caridi, the member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to whom the tapes were issued. Warner Bros. Pictures and Columbia Pictures filed separate complaints Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, claiming that Sprague and Caridi have infringed on the studios' copyrights by duplicating and distributing copies of the films on both VHS and DVD. Both suits ask the court to enjoin the two defendants from continuing to duplicate and distribute the films and seek unspecified damages. The Warners suit involves its films Mystic River and The Last Samurai. The Columbia complaint revolves around Big Fish, on which Columbia holds the copyright, and Something's Gotta Give, whose copyright is held jointly by Columbia, which is distributing it through Sony domestically, and Warners, which is handling its international distribution.
- 1/29/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
FBI arrests man in Oscar screener case
The FBI arrested a Chicago-area man Thursday on charges of criminal copyright infringement and illegal interception of a satellite signal as a result of the bureau's ongoing investigation into pirated Academy screeners. Russell William Sprague, 51, was arrested at his home in Homewood, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, where agents discovered hundreds of Academy screeners for recent and current movies in a search of his residence. According to an FBI affidavit, most of the screeners were originally sent to Carmine Caridi, a 22-year member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences who has been sending as many as 60 screeners a year to Sprague for at least the past three years. Sprague supplied Caridi with Federal Express shipping boxes and mailing labels. In an interview with the FBI last week, Caridi denied receiving any money for the screeners. Caridi said that he thought Sprague was a film buff and had no knowledge that Sprague had duplicated the tapes. "Mr. Caridi has not been charged with anything," FBI spokeswoman Laura Bosley said. "But the investigation is continuing, and additional arrests have not been ruled out." Caridi could not be reached for comment.
- 1/23/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
FBI arrests man in Oscar screener case
The FBI arrested a Chicago-area man Thursday on charges of criminal copyright infringement and illegal interception of a satellite signal as a result of the bureau's ongoing investigation into pirated Academy screeners. Russell William Sprague, 51, was arrested at his home in Homewood, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, where agents discovered hundreds of Academy screeners for recent and current movies in a search of his residence. According to an FBI affidavit, most of the screeners were originally sent to Carmine Caridi, a 22-year member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences who has been sending as many as 60 screeners a year to Sprague for at least the past three years. Sprague supplied Caridi with Federal Express shipping boxes and mailing labels. In an interview with the FBI last week, Caridi denied receiving any money for the screeners. Caridi said that he thought Sprague was a film buff and had no knowledge that Sprague had duplicated the tapes. "Mr. Caridi has not been charged with anything," FBI spokeswoman Laura Bosley said. "But the investigation is continuing, and additional arrests have not been ruled out." Caridi could not be reached for comment.
- 1/23/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
FBI on purloined screener case
The FBI has confirmed that it has entered the case of the pirated Academy screeners. It is looking into four films -- Sony Pictures' Something's Gotta Give, Warner Bros. Pictures' The Last Samurai, 20th Century Fox's Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and Fox Searchlight's thirteen. According to multiple studio sources, illegal copies of those films that have appeared on the Internet have been traced back by the respective studios to screeners intended for use by Carmine Caridi, a member of the actors branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The studios have turned over information to both the Academy and the FBI, sources said. "We are looking into it," FBI spokeswoman Laura Bosley said, offering no further details. But sources close to the investigation said Caridi has been identified as a person of interest.
- 1/16/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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