Mantra for Oscar characters: Know thyself

'War Horse'Numerous characters battle identity crises in films nominated for 2011 Academy Awards, including throroughbred Joey in War Horse and Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs.Awards serve as a time capsule, shining a light on films that reflect the values and concerns of the moment. The contenders for the 84th Academy Awards contain a recurring lament among the characters: "I don't know who I am any more." That's not a new question, but it seemed more pervasive than ever in 2011 -- which is understandable, since the economy and technology are rewriting old rules every day. Many obituaries of Steve Jobs in 2011 quoted his 2005 Stanford commencement address when he said, "Your time is limited so don't waste it living someone else's life." That concept seems to have been on the mind of many filmmakers. In "Albert Nobbs," Janet McTeer tells Glenn Close, "Albert, you don't have to be anything but who you are." But poor old Albert doesn't know exactly who he-she is in the first place. And while Albert is living in a self-made prison, thoroughbred Joey in "War Horse" has his own horsey identity crisis as he submits to humans' expectations of him: plow horse, battle stallion, jumper or war horse. The protagonists in "Bridesmaids" and "Midnight in Paris" are trying in vain to fulfill others' expectations. In "Rango," a chameleon survives by inventing a new persona. The Earl of Oxford and William Shakespeare both pretend to be someone they're not in "Anonymous." In past Oscar films, Scarlett O'Hara, Don Corleone, Forrest Gump and Anton Chigurh faced challenges, but never seemed paralyzed by self-doubts. But in 2011, people had nothing but uncertainty. Terrorism and natural disasters reminded everyone that a kind heart and good planning are no match for cruel fate. The recession proved that longevity at a company is no guarantee of job security, and that bank loans offer no assurance that you will own your home.And when the world isn't what you were led to believe, it's natural to wonder whether you really are the person you'd imagined. Even Margaret Thatcher in "Iron Lady," the personification of a stick-to-your-guns confidence, watches footage of herself on TV and muses, "I don't recognize myself." A distraught George Clooney in "The Descendants" tells his comatose wife, "I'm ready to change." In "Young Adult," Charlize Theron admits, "I need to change, Sandra." He does, she doesn't. His film got nominated, hers didn't.In a variation of the theme, many characters worked hard to make sure nobody got too close to them or discovered their real selves: Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) in "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," Ben Kingsley in "Hugo," most of the MI6 operatives in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," Ewan McGregor in "Beginners," Ryan Gosling in "Drive," and at least two generations of folks in "The Tree of Life."They all seemed to be embodying the "Contagion" tagline: "Don't talk to anyone. Don't touch anyone," though the no-touch rules were as emotional as they were physical. (That's also true of the leads in two notable 2011 films that were Oscar no-shows this week: "J. Edgar" and "Shame.") Of all the year's characters, Christopher Plummer in "Beginners" seems most at ease with the major turnabout in his life, telling his son, "I loved your mother but now I want to explore this side." Contact Timothy M. Gray at tim.gray@variety.com

Adam Brody to star in 'Girls'

BrodyAdam Brody is implementing his new leading-guy status by coping with two new high-profile indies, like the latest film from author-producer Neil LaBute. Brody has showed up charge in "Some Women," a component adaptation of LaBute's play which will be directed by Jennifer Getzinger ("Mad Males"). Story follows a effective author who, just before marriage, decides to go to nationwide to fulfill his five ex-female buddies in many resort rooms. Furthermore to writing the script, LaBute can make the pic with Leeden Media's Patty West and Chris Schwartz, additionally to Andrew Carlberg. Production is skedded to start in April in La. Thesp may also be set to star in Make the most of Meltzer's "Thank you for going to the Jungle," which follows several staffers inside a design firm who continue a place of work retreat with a tropical island, where total chaos erupts after they become stranded. A "Master in the Flies"-type situation originates, and Brody's protag must complement wits while using energy-hungry leader to have the ability to save his co-employees. Make the most of Huebel, Dennis Haysbert, Kristen Schaal and Jean-Claude Van Damme will co-star inside the Pimienta production, which starts shooting the next month in Puerto Rico. U.K.-based The Salt Customers are financing the Rob Kauffmann-scripted pic, that is produced by National Lampoon professional Justin Kanew and Pimienta's Luillo Ruiz ("The Males Who Stare at Goat's"). Charley Cabrera will co-produce, while Alex Goldstone will professional produce while using Salt Co.'s Robert Bevan, Samantha Horley and Cyril Margret. Most broadly noted for taking pleasure in nerdy teen Seth Cohen on "The OC," Brody has labored to shed that image lately, handling a quantity of supporting roles in challenging indie fare. He just signed onto play "Deep Throat" star Harry Reems opposite Amanda Seyfried in "Lovelace" and stars in Whit Stillman's "Damsels in Distress," that the new the new sony Classics opens April 6. This year is shaping up to become large one for Brody, who co-stars in last year's Toronto Film Festival entry "The Oranges," the Kristin Wiig-Oscar Isaac indie "Revenge for Jolly" while focusing Features' "Seeking a pal for your Finish around the world,In . which stars Steve Carell and Keira Knightley. Brody is repped by UTA. Contact Rob Sneider at rob.sneider@variety.com

Topper out at Maya

A shakeup is arrived at L.A.-based Maya Entertainment, the multiplatform content distribution company targeted in the The spanish language-language market Stateside.Chairman-Boss Moctesuma Esparza continues to be ousted while co-chairman Shaun Valdez continues to be hired prexy and can dominate day-to-day procedures. Valdez, together with senior Vice president of procedures Sergio Aguero, will concentrate on rethinking the money-strapped company for that digital arena. Esparza remains part of the board. Valdez is founding father of British-language Latino network SiTV, now referred to as nuvoTV. Released in Feb 2008 and recommended because the only all-Latino up and down integrated company, Maya has fallen victim towards the vagaries of the weak domestic theatrical and homevideo market. "We'll be refocusing our efforts around the digital marketplace and downsizing the house entertainment division," stated Valdez. "We'll still produce films and release some theatrically on the situation-by-situation basis."Professional also intends to bolster Maya's growing worldwide sales efforts. A slate of underperforming game titles hasn't assisted Maya's main point here. Among its latest theatrical releases, helmer Gabriela Tagliavini "Without Males," starring Avoi Longoria and Christian Slater, fizzled in the box office after its June 29 release.Company's exhibition arm, Maya Movie theaters, initially introduced the making of 100 screens but only has handled to erect 30 in the Salinas and Bakersfield megaplexes. Esparza will probably still oversee Maya Movie theaters.It had been wished that Maya's vertical integration is needed it steer clear of the fate of past Latino distribs -- including Televisa Cine, Latin World, Arenas Entertainment -- that faltered within their tries to enter the elusive U.S. Latino market.All eyes are actually on Lionsgate-Televisa partnership Pantelion, with a Will Ferrell The spanish language-language comedy, "La Casa p mi padre," set to bow in March. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Ambassador returns to fundraise for Obama

Nicole Avant, the background music executive who Leader Obama drawn on as ambassador towards the Bahamas, has came back to La and can help boost his reelection fund-raising efforts, beginning by having an event at her home on Jan. 31 featuring First Lady Michelle Obama, sources told Variety.Avant, who had been among the co-chairs of Obama's Los Angeles finance team in 2008, was instrumental in growing Obama's base of contributor in the market and elsewhere in La, especially in the record companies using one of prominent African-People in america. She and her co-chair, Charlie Rivkin, Boss of WildBrain, were each given ambassadorships following the inauguration. Rivkin is presently ambassador to France.Leader Obama trekked to La three occasions this year to boost money for his reelection and Michelle Obama came once, even though their Hollywood-centric occasions offered out, it is not as simple to boost money because it is at 2008, as some contributor have expressed disappointment, frustration or fatigue.Avant, who's married to Netflix's Ted Sarandos, will host the very first Lady at their Beverly Hillsides home. Michelle Obama will attend another fund-raising event the following day at the house of attorney Michael Lawson and the wife, Mattie, an inside designer, who also elevated money for Obama in 2008.V . P . Frederick Biden is anticipated to slate a trip to La a while within the next month, and plans have been in the whole shebang for an additional visit by Leader Obama.Avant's primary reason behind resigning ended up being to be nearer to her family, as she'd been commuting both to and from the Bahamas and La. She doesn't have a situation around the campaign staff, and can convey more of the informal role. Obama's Los Angeles finance chairs for 2012 as John Emerson from the Capitol Group and Ken Solomon, Boss from the Tennis Funnel.Avant's departure as ambassador was introduced at the end of October, and also the embassy stated that they desired to "go back to private existence and devote additional time to her family."The tenure of typical ambassadors isn't a lot more than a whole presidential term. Although they may be plum projects, for a lot of appointees this means a pay cut, as salary tops out at about $150,000.The Obama event was initially reported through the Hollywood Reporter's Tina Daunt.Show biz is anticipated to become drawn on substantially through 2012 through the Obama campaign, with the aspiration that enthusiasm will receive a boost whenever a GOP nominee is selected while offering a obvious choice. Based on the NY Publish, Spike Lee will raise money for Obama on Jan. 19, with tickets at $38,500 per person. Lee continues to be critical of Obama at points, but is one kind of supporters and contributor who've nonetheless managed to get obvious that they'll still back him this season. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

Hugh Jackman Plans Broadway Return As Houdini

First Released: The month of january 4, 2012 2:19 PM EST Credit: Getty Images NY, N.Y. -- Caption Hugh Jackman attends this year's BAM Theater Gala in the Brooklyn Academy of Music in NY City on March 10, 2011Hugh Jackman loved his record-setting Broadway run a lot this winter that hes handcuffing themself to some future musical about Harry Houdini. Producers stated Wednesday that Jackman, best referred to as hairy Wolverine within the X-Males franchise, will star because the famous illusionist in Houdini. Its scheduled to achieve Broadway throughout the 2013-14 season. Academy Award and six-time Emmy Award champion Aaron Sorkin of West Wing fame will write the storyline, and three-time Academy Award and four-time Grammy Award champion Stephen Schwartz of Wicked fame will write music and lyrics. Jackmans one-guy, 10-week Broadway concert show closed Sunday in the Broadhurst Theatre after getting gained a lot more than $two million in the final week. It had been the greatest weekly gross recorded through the Shubert Organization, which is the owner of the Broadhurst and 16 other Broadway theaters. Copyright 2012 through the Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Pietrini joins Sheppard Mullin

Jill Pietrini, a trademark litigator having a client list within the music, film and fashion industries, has became a member of Sheppard Mullin like a partner within the firm's intellectual property practice group. Pietrini's clients include Summit Entertainment, Fifty-Six Hope Road Music, Gwen Stefani, Coffee shop Press, Metallica, Will Cruz and Gerawan Farming. She joins the firm from Manatt, where she was chair from the firm's intellectual property and intellectual property lawsuit practice group. Pietrini depends in Sheppard Mullin's Century City office. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

Piranha 3DD will not obtain a United kingdom cinema release

Not so good news for fans of breasts, bums and bitey seafood, as Piranha three dimensional follow up Piranha 3DD continues to be banished to Davey Jones' Locker, also known as the straight-to-DVD aisle of the local Blockbusters.It appears the film's United kingdom marketers, Entertainment Films, aren't convinced through the merits of some other three dimensional phallus popping out at British audiences, and also have rather pencilled inside a DVD release on 19 March 2012.To the minds, this appears a rather bemusing move, particularly because the first film carried out respectably in the box office as well as won over a few of the grumpiest experts using its deliriously OTT feeling of fun.What this signifies in actual terms, is the fact that United kingdom audiences will not obtain the chance to look at Gary Busey and David Hasselhoff undertake a shoal of flesh-eating seafood in glorious three dimensional. Which, buddies, is really a crying shame. However, our Stateside visitors can feel comfortable knowing that Piranha 3DD continues to be looking for an american theatrical release, with author Patrick Melton explaining the delay around the films expected Thanksgiving 2011 arrival."It grew to become obvious very in early stages our goals weren't realistic because we needed sun, water 35mm slides, and bikini-clad coeds," states Melton, "three things not so prevalent within the U . s . States throughout the several weeks of The month of january and Feb.""Nonetheless, we ploughed on and handle shooting at the end of May. About last month, it had been examined and obtained perfectly. Very well the studio gave us more income to boost the Forex. Soon, it will be done and prepared for any theatrical release. Due to the Springbreak vibe within the film, spring was the apparent time for you to open it up. So, this is the lengthy and lacking it. Great. In cinemas this spring. Help you then."