By Judy Thorburn This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
http://www.theflickchicks.com
Stars and Filmmakers Honored with Awards at 2016 CinemaCon inside Caesars Palace
The 2016 edition of CinemaCon, the Official Convention of The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), the largest and most important gathering for the worldwide motion picture theater industry, took place at Caesars Palace, April 11 – 14.
The four day event concluded on Thursday evening, April 14 with the “Big Screen Achievement Awards” ceremony, where some of the top talent and emerging stars in the film industry were honored with awards. Emcee for the evening’s festivities, which was held in the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace, was Liz Hernandez of Access Hollywood.
The list of award categories and their recipients were:
Female Star of Tomorrow – Gina Rodriquez. A Golden Globe winner for her portrayal of Jane in the TV series “Jane The Virgin” on CW, Rodriquez stars in director Peter Berg's feature film, Deep Water Horizon, releasing on September 30, 2016 and will begin production this summer on Annihilation starring opposite Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Gina Rodriguez
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Male Star of Tomorrow – Stephen Amell. Already making his mark on the small screen, Amell is ready to break out on the big screen with his starring role in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, which will be in theaters on June 3, 2016.
Breakthrough Director of the Year – Nate Parker. Writer, director, producer and star of The Birth of a Nation, which won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, the outstanding filmmaker will bring movie audiences to their feet when the film is released October 7.
Nate Parker
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Comedy Stars of the Year – Zac Efron, Anna Kendrich, Adam DeVine. With impressive careers on both the big and small screen, the three talented comedic actors are starring together in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, which hits theaters on July 8, 2016.
Adam DeVine, Zac Efron, and Anna Kendrick
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Producer of the Year – Jason Blum. With his production company Blumhouse, the Academy Award nominated and Emmy award winning producer has given audiences such horror films as last year's Unfriended, Insidious Chapter 3 and The Visit. Blumhouse's award winning projects include Whiplash The Jinx and The Normal Heart. Upcoming releases include The Purge: Election Year, the next installment of the Purge franchise on July 1, 2016 and Ouija 2, the sequel to 2014's sleeper hit, set to open on October 21.
Jason Blum
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
CinemaCon Icon Award – Susan Sarandon. With a film career, that began with her breakout role in 1970's Joe, the incredibly talented and versatile Academy Award winning actress (for her role opposite Sean Penn In Dead Man Walking) has brought some of the most unforgettable performances to the big screen. She can next be seen starring opposite Rose Byrne in The Meddler , which opens on April 22.
Susan Sarandon
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
CinemaCon Vanguard Award – Keanu Reeves. One of Hollywood's must sought after leading men, Reeves has starred in both blockbuster and critically acclaimed films in his almost 30 year career on the big screen. He returns as the legendary hitman in the sequel to the 2014 hit John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2 arriving in theaters February 10, 2017.
Keanu Reeves
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Rising Star of the Year – Jack Huston. Best known for his compelling performance as the deeply troubled war war veteran Richard Harrow on HBO's hit Boardwalk Empire, Huston will be seen this summer in the title role of Ben-Hur, releasing August 12, 2016.
Jack Huston
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Award of Excellence in Acting – Bryce Dallas Howard. The daughter of acclaimed filmmaker Ron Howard, the talented and versatile actress has achieved fame in her own right with stellar performances in such films as The Village, The Help, 50/50 and last year's monster box office hit Jurassic World. She can be seen in Walt Disney Picture's upcoming Pete's Dragon, a reimagining of Disney's cherished film due out in August 12, 2016, and later this fall in Stephen Gaghan's Gold alongside Matthew McConaughey.
Bryce Dallas Howard
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Breakthrough Performer of the Year – Dave Franco. After grabbing the attention of audiences with roles in 21 Jump Street, Neighbors and Now Your See Me, Franco is expected to breakout as a leading man this year as a result of his work in the follow ups, Neighbors 2: Sorority House, Now You See Me 2 and then Nerve later on this year.
Dave Franco
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Ensemble of the Universe Award – The cast of “Independence Day: Resurgence”, Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Maika Monroe, Jessie Usher, Sela Ward, Vivica A, Fox, Brent Spiner
Jeff Goldblum and Brent Spiner
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Vivica A. Fox, Sela Ward, Jesse Usher, and Maika Monroe
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Male Star of the Year – Jesse Eisenberg. Academy Award and Gold Globe nominee (The Social Network) Eisenberg is recognized as one of today's most multi faceted, dynamic and captivating actors. Currently seen as Lex Luther in Batman vs. Superman, he returns this summer in the highly anticipated Now You See Me 2, and the upcoming release, Louder Than Bombs.
Jesse Eisenberg
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Female Stars of the Year – Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Christina Applegate, Kathryn Hahn, Annie Mumulo. With some of the most memorable roles on the big and small screen between them, the actresses join forces and promise to deliver the goods once again for the upcoming comedy release, Bad Moms, out on July 29, 2016.
Annie Mumulo, Katheryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, and Christina Appelgate
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
In addition to these awards, earlier in the week, CinemaCon paid tribute to two film producers for their career achievements. On Monday, as part of this year's International Day festivities, acclaimed producer Frank Marshall was honored as “International Filmmaker of the Decade”. With a career spanning over 45 years, more than 80 films and five Academy Award best picture nominations, Marshall is known for producing some of the most iconic movies of the past decades, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Color Purple, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Sixth Sense, the Curious Case of Benjamin Button, to name a few. In 2016 alone, audiences can expect to see The BFG, Jason Bourne, Sully and Assassin's Creed from this prolific producer.
Frank Marshall (right)
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
During the annual filmmaker's lunch program on Wednesday afternoon, April 13, Israel born, Arnon Michan, renowned as one of the most prolific and successful independent film producers of his time, was presented with the very first CinemaCon “Legend of Cinema” Award. Among his countless list of critical and box office successes are J.F.K. A Time To Kill, Pretty Woman, The War of the Roses, Under Siege, Daredevil, Man on Fire, Fight Club, LA Confidential, and Best Picture winners 12 Years a Slave, Birdman, and this year's Oscar winner, The Revenant.
Arnon Michan
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
World Record for the ‘Largest Merengue Lesson’ Achieved in Las Vegas
Celebrity choreographer and ballroom dancing champion, Mary Murphy, best known as the “Queen of Scream” on “So You Think You Can Dance”, partnered with osteo bi flex to host The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title for the ‘Largest merengue Lesson’ at the Fremont Street Experience on Friday, April 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. The lesson involved 252 participants who gathered to learn and perform the high-energy, Latin-inspired merengue.
The joint support supplement’s record-breaking feat was held as a celebration of movement, encouraging folks to be active and to continue enjoying the activities that make them happy at any age.
The record attempt was overseen by official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicator Michael Empric, who declared the attempt a success on-site at the Fremont Street Experience.
Recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
Caesars Palace held a VIP party inside Montecristo Cigar Bar & Lounge on Wednesday afternoon April 13 to celebrate CAESARS PALACE'S 50 YEARS OF MOVIE MAKING MOMENTS as part of its 50 year anniversary. It was perfect timing, since Caesars was the host venue for the 2016 CinemaCon convention, which celebrates the movie-going experience and the cinema industry.
In attendance at the private party was Caesars Palace Assistant General Manager, Sean McBurney who spoke about Caesars Palace's incredible history over the past 5 decades as a popular site for movie crews, providing fabulous locations and experiences that have captured the imaginations of Hollywood's top talent.
Caesars Palace Assistant General Manager, Sean McBurney
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
In 1970, The Only Game In Town, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Warren Beatty, was the first movie filmed at Caesars Palace. Since then the list of movies shot on location at Ceasars through the years includes such blockbusters as Rain Man (1988), Dreamgirls (2006), Iron Man (2008), The Hangover (2009) and The Hangover Part III (2013), just to name a few.
Today, Caesars Palace continues to be a Las Vegas pillar for film and movie productions worldwide, shooting over 50 productions per year at the iconic resort.
CRAZY PITA ROTISSERIE & GRILL donated $1,685.40 to ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL. The money was raised through a donation drive they hosted during the month of March at all three Crazy Pita locations.
Continuing their effort to Stand For Something Good®, SHAKE SHACK at New York-New York Hotel & Casino announces its charitable partnership with CHILDREN'S HEART FOUNDATION in Southern Nevada. Both Shake Shack locations also tout a new local bakery partner, teaming up with The Cupcakery for two of the specialty concretes only available in Las Vegas. Five percent of sales from the New York-New York Shack’s location-specific frozen custard concrete All Shook Up (vanilla frozen custard now blended with banana sponge cake and peanut butter frosting from The Cupcakery) will benefit Children’s Heart Foundation, a charity that is committed to making a difference in the lives of children with heart conditions through empowering families with emotional, educational and financial support, leading to a higher quality of life. At the Downtown Summerlin Shake Shack, guests can top off their meal with the Red Velvet Rocks which now features vanilla frozen custard blended with one of The Cupcakery’s signature cupcakes, the Southern Belle, a delicious red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Five percent of sales from Red Velvet Rocks benefits Communities In Schools of Nevada, whose mission is to support and empower students to stay in school and achieve in life. Additionally, Shake Shack team members will volunteer time to support both of these amazing causes.
Contemporary fashion brand, VINCE, best known for its luxe staples that reflect a modern, sophisticated lifestyle recently opened it’s first Las Vegas retail location inside The Forum Shops at Caesars. The new store encapsulates the spirit of the brand and is synonymous with a modern, timeless aesthetic and effortless sophistication. Set against striking architectural details of an all glass façade with concrete flooring and custom fixtures, the store will feature all VINCE product categories launching with the SS16 women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, footwear and women’s handbags. VINCE is located near the Festival Court.
Southern California’s most established and legendary diner brand – DU-PAR’S RESTAURANT AND BAKERY – has opened at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino. Located just south of the Summerlin area, the newest location provides Du-par’s fans in the northwest Valley a convenient new location to enjoy what Esquire magazine called “the best pancakes in the country,” as well as made-from-scratch pies and more fresh, authentic favorites.
Popular lifestyle and shopping destination, TIVOLI VILLAGE, located at 440 S. Rampart, is set to celebrate the opening of its NEW CHILDREN'S PARK with a KICK OFF PARK PARTY Friday, April 22 starting at 4 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature complimentary snow cones, food trucks, popcorn and cotton candy from 4 - 6 p.m. and will host special performances from the Kidville band Rockin' Railroad throughout the evening.The evening will also include a viewing of the hit movie "Inside Out" beginning at sundown.
In celebration of Mexican Independence Day weekend, Latin superstar ENRIQUE IGLESIAS will play The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17. Tickets for the two performances will go on-sale beginning Friday, April 22 at 10 a.m. Tickets may be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office.
The Shakespeare Institute of Nevada is proud to announce "A TASTE OF SHAKESPEARE AT THE CONTAINER PARK" on Saturday, April 23 from 12-6 p.m. Featuring live, outdoor Shakespeare performances, the event is a tribute to William Shakespeare who was born and also died on April 23. Festival highlights include performances from Shakespeare classics, including "Romeo and Juliet," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Much Ado About Nothing," "As You Like It," "Julius Caesar," "Hamlet," "Macbeth," "Othello," "King Lear" and "Twelfth Night." Performances are scheduled throughout the day on The Stage at Downtown Container Park, along with impromptu scenes and speeches by costumed performers throughout the Park. There will also be an after show photo opportunity with cast members. A complete schedule of performances will be posted throughout Downtown Container Park so visitors can plan their time around certain plays or enjoy all performances throughout the day. Tickets are $5, and the event is open to all ages.
The College of Southern Nevada Department of Fine Arts will host a unique event featuring live music performed by CSN Adjunct Professor of Music, Kendra Emery with the artwork of University of Wyoming Associate Professor of Drawing, Shelby Shadwell, as the backdrop. Shadwell’s artwork explores the visual tensions between representation and abstraction, while saxophonist/vocalist Emery is heavily influenced by her Boss RC-300 loop station, Akai sampler, and other electronic gadgets. LUNCHTIME CONCERT IN THE GALLERY WITH KENDRA EMERY will take place at noon on Thursday, April 28 in the Fine Arts Gallery. The CSN Fine Arts Gallery and Lunchtime Concert in the Gallery with Kendra Emery are free and open to the public. No tickets required for this informal concert. The Performing Arts Center’s Fine Arts Gallery is located at the half circle drive near CSN’s main entrance, on the Cheyenne campus at 3200 E. Cheyenne Avenue, one mile East of I-15 North
Baseball legends STEVE GARVEY AND PETE ROSE will team up to “TALK BASEBALL RIVALRIES...PAST AND PRESENT” at the Suncoast Showroom on Saturday, April 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $19.95, plus taxes and fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Top comedians Billy Gardell, Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling, Frank Caliendo and more join forces for the 24/7 COMEDYFEST AT THE ORLEANS ARENA on April 23. The lineup of funy people includes Tiffany Haddish, known for her role as Tiffany “Nakeisha” on the NBC comedy “The Carmichael Show,Lil Rel Howery, a comedian, actor, writer and producer who can also be seen on the weekly primetime comedy series “The Carmichael Show,” Bobby Slayton, often referred to as “The Pitbull of Comedy,” Actor and comedian Brian Scolaro, most known for this appearances on “Conan,” his Comedy Central special “Comedy Central Presents: Brian Scolaro,” as Doug on TBS’s “Sullivan & Son” and as Stuart on FOX’s “Stacked”, and Steve “Mudflap” McGrew, a regular at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club, The Laugh Factory and Sin City Comedy Club in Las Vegas, known for his high-energy shows and subject material drawn from day-to-day life. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $40 plus taxes and fees and can be purchased by calling the Orleans Arena Box Office.
Nevada State Treasurer Dan Schwartz and the Board of Trustees of the College Savings Board of Nevada (Board), in partnership with the Financial Guidance Center (FGC), invite active and retired military members in Nevada to attend a FREE FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOP being held in Las Vegas. The conference will be held on Thursday, April 28th from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Palace Station Hotel & Casino. The conference includes admission to all session speakers, breakfast, lunch, and giveaways. To register for this event, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1-702-364-0344. Learn from experienced financial professionals about all of the benefits that are available to help you achieve a stronger financial future.
Season 10 winner of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, PAUL ZERDIN and his band of sharp-tongued characters brings their comedy and hilarious antics to The Las Vegas Strip in an all-new, headlining production. The show will debut in the PH Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday, April 30, 2016. Tickets range from $42 to $97 plus all applicable taxes and fees.
Fresh off their first Academy of Country Music Awards win in the “New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year” category, rising country stars OLD DOMINION will return to Las Vegas for a special performance at Chrome Showroom inside Santa Fe Station on Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. and guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $20, $30 and $40 plus tax and applicable fees and can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center and The Fiestas.
On Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8, all moms who visit VEGAS INDOOR SKYDIVING will fly FREE and receive a complimentary Mother’s Day cupcake courtesy of The Cupcakery, with the purchase of one single flight at retail price. Guests are limited to one free flight per group/family and not valid with any other offers or coupons.Vegas Indoor Skydiving is open daily from 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Single flight tickets are available for $75, with repeat flights on the same day available for $50 each. Las Vegas locals can fly for just $50 and military discounts are available with military ID. Reservations are MANDATORY and can be made by calling 1-877-LUV-2FLY.
Celebrity sightings:
Saturday night, April 16...
Demetrius Shipp from the upcoming movie “All Eyez on Me” partied the night away at TAO Nightclub. The group took in the night from a VIP booth as Eric Dlux provided the soundtrack to the party.
Teen Wolf star Cody Christian celebrated his 21st birthday at TAO. Joined by a group of friends, Christian fueled up for the night at the restaurant before heading up to the nightclub where the birthday boy was given a celebratory presentation.
Friday, April 15...
Rapper Wiz Khalifa was seen enjoying dinner at TAO Asian Bistro in The Venetian with a group of friends. The group kept the party going on Saturday at Marquee Dayclub in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Comedienne Sarah Colonna and her fiancé, Jon Ryan of the Seattle Seahawks checked into The Venetian® Las Vegas, for a romantic getaway. On the soon-to-be newlyweds enjoyed a ride on the property's famed gondolas. Colonna will perform with Nicole Byer in "LIPSHTICK - The Perfect Shade of Stand Up" in the Sands Showroom on Saturday, April 16.
Sarah Colonna and Jon Ryan enjoy a romantic gondola ride at The Venetian Las Vegas
Photo courtesy The Venetian Las Vegas
Sacramento Kings player Omri Casspi partied the night away at TAO Nightclub in The Venetian.
Thursday evening, April 14...
Actors Jeff Goldblum and Jessie Usher stopped by FIZZ LasVegas inside Caesars Palace on to kick back after the convention. Actress and professional kiteboarder, Maika Monroe, was also in attendance on Thursday and is in the market to potentially purchase one of the pieces of art on display at FIZZ.
Tuesday, April 12...
FIZZ was inundated with stars including Jared Leto, Kevin Hart, Karen Fukuhara, Chris Pratt, Colin Farrell, Will Arnett, Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Dan Fogler, Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Eddie Redmayne, Margot Robbie, Cara Delevingne and Andy Samberg.
Kevin Hart, Cara Delevingne, Eddie Redmayne, Margot Robbie and Karen Fukuhara at FIZZ Las Vegas
American actor and producer Bradley Cooper, who was In town to promote his upcoming film “War Dogs” at CinemaCon, was spotted at OMNIA Nightclub inside Caesars Palace.
“Suicide Squad” star Adam Beach was also spotted enjoying a night out on the town inside Heart of OMNIA during the hotspot’s “Wild in the 90s” party.
Saturday, April 9...
Actor, comedian and “The Price Is Right” host Drew Carey experienced bodyflight at Vegas Indoor Skydiving. Afterwards, Carey posed for photos with his flight instructor Andy.
Friday night, April 8...
Victoria Secret Angels - Martha Hunt, Stella Maxwell, Sara Sampiao, and Jasmine Tookes, celebrated the birthday of model Josephine Skriver. Lil Jon kept the partygoers dancing as he dj’d the hottest singles until the early morning.
