The American Cinematheque, dedicated to the celebration of the Moving Picture in all its forms, will present its 30th American Cinematheque award to Ridley Scott at its annual benefit gala on Friday, October 14, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. The director is a four-time Academy Award nominee who has also been one of advertising’s greatest innovators, helming the iconic Apple “1984” and, with brother Tony Scott, Coca-Cola’s “Bears” short, and exec producing branded entertainment for The Martian, Prometheus and The Counselor. The Cinematheque event will be hosted by Russell Crowe, and Matt Damon will present Ridley Scott with the honor. In-person tributes will also be made by Noomi Rapace, Katherine Waterston, Sigourney Weaver and Kristen Wiig.
“To state it simply, Ridley Scott is one of the greatest directors in the history of the motion picture,” said Rick Nicita, American Cinematheque chairman. “From his first feature, The Duellists, to his most recent, The Martian, the films of Ridley Scott have combined keenly observed humanity with dazzling state-of-the-art effects and design in a style that appeals in equal parts to the eye and to the mind. He has indelibly affected our movie-going consciousness with iconic movies such as Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma and Louise, Black Hawk Down and Gladiator, just to name a few.”
Scott was the unanimous choice of the Cinematheque Board of Directors selection committee, whose past honorees include Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Denzel Washington, Al Pacino, Julia Roberts and Matthew McConaughey. This annual event is the American Cinematheque’s most important benefit, attended by hundreds of entertainment industry notables. Proceeds provide funds for the non-profit film exhibition organization’s programs throughout the year and operation of the historic landmark Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard as well as the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica on Montana Avenue.
Nicita added, “In a business where careers burn brightly and then flame out, the pure longevity of his permanent residence in the very top tier of directors is astonishing. Adding to his luster, his production company Scott Free, formed with his brother Tony, has produced a long string of successful movie and television projects. We are thrilled to honor a true modern master.”
Sue Kroll, president, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures, will be honored with The Sid Grauman Award. Bradley Cooper will present her with the award, prior to the tribute to Ridley Scott.
“We are thrilled for Ridley being recognized with this prestigious honor from American Cinematheque,” said Jules Daly, president of RSA Films. “Not only is he a creative force behind some of today’s most acclaimed feature films and TV series, he also brings a legacy of amazing work across film, television and advertising. And he’s in fine company with the incredibly talented Sue Kroll, our friend and colleague who is also being honored at the gala.”
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More