Rallying the film critics

Ella Taylor in LA Weekly explains how the Los Angeles Film Critics took up her idea to cancel their awards dinner this year, in protest over the loss of film screeners. Scroll down in the "A Considerable Town" column.

I suggested on impulse that we announce the cancellation of our awards dinner (which is regarded as something of a bellwether for Oscar voting) unless the MPAA rescinds the screener ban.

I expected to be shot down in flames and sent to bed without any supper — after all, we’re talking about the one night in the year when we critics get off our flabby asses and, clad in last year’s gowns and tuxes, drone on about the glories of cinema before a captive audience of heavy-duty suits and stars gnawing away at rubber-chicken dinners. To my astonishment the group voted almost unanimously in favor.

[See also LA Crix Nix Pix Prix at HenrySheehan.com]

[Update 5 p.m.: Academy press release]

Also in the Weekly, Arty Nelson tells about the local roots of Greybull Press, publisher of 1712 North Crescent Heights, the book of Dennis Hopper pictures from his and Brooke Hayward's past, and also explores the magazine Arkitip.