The Descendants Nominated for Five Academy Awards®

Soundtrack #1 on Billboard's World Music Chart

A Selection of Music from Hawaii's Greatest Musical Artists Recording Available Now

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2012 -- The Descendants has been nominated for five Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Director (Alexander Payne) and Best Actor (George Clooney). Building on the success of the film, the The Descendants soundtrack, available now from Sony Classical, has been #1 on Billboard's World Music chart for the last seven consecutive weeks.
 
From Alexander Payne, the creator of the Oscar-winning Sideways, set in Hawaii, The Descendants is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family's land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries. The film, from Fox Searchlight Pictures, opened in the U.S. on November 16th.
 
The Descendants, based on Kaui Hart Hemmings' highly acclaimed novel of the same name, is scored exclusively with Hawaiian music. Hemmings, who comes from Hawaii, weaves into her writing the island themes of family, soil and inheritance, and the movie too has a strong sense of place, not least thanks to its soundtrack. Given the intention of the filmmakers to lend the movie a distinct Hawaiian flavour, the natural direction to take was to use the sounds of the islands, and the music plays a crucial part in evoking an authentic mood.

Most of the titles on the soundtrack feature established masters of Hawaiian music, whether modern and classical: names such as Gabby Pahinui, Ray Kane, Keola Beamer, Lena Machado, Sonny Chillingworth, Jeff Peterson, and Rev. Dennis Kamakahi.
The soundtrack of The Descendants not only serves to remind movie-goers of a memorable film, but also opens up a superb cross-section of Hawaiian music over the decades to listeners unfamiliar with this genre. It provides the best possible introduction to some of the greatest masters of this soulful music.

Tracklisting:

1. Ka Makani Ka'ili Aloha – Gabby Pahinui	10. 'Imi Au Ia 'Oe – Keola Beamer
2. Kalena Kai – Keola Beamer and George Winston	11. Kaua'i Beauty – Gabby Pahinui
3. Hi'ilawe – Gabby Pahinui	12. Hi'ilawe – Sonny Chillingworth
4. 'Ulili E – Rev. Dennis Kamakahi	13. Wai O Ke Aniani – Gabby Pahinui
5. Ka Loke – Makaha Sons with Dennis Pavao	14. Paka Ua – Ozzie Kotani and Daniel Ho
6. Auwe – Ray Kane	15. Hapuna Sunset – Charles Michael Brotman
7. Leahi – Gabby Pahinui	16. Deep in an Ancient Hawaiian Forest – Makana
8. Hawaiian Skies – Jeff Peterson	17. Mom – Lena Machado
9. He'eia – Gabby Pahinui and Sons of Hawaii	18. Ka Mele Oku'u Pu'Uwai – Sol Hoopii's Novelty Trio

SOURCE Sony Classical

Celebrity Impressionist Goes Viral with Richard III

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 23, 2012  -- Oscar nominee George Clooney and former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger were joined by Woody Allen, Ricky Gervais, Christopher Walken, Jack Nicholson, Ron Howard and a host of other notables in a brief, but memorable video production of Richard III by celebrity impressionist Jim Meskimen.

With "Shakespeare in Celebrity Voices," which went viral in July of 2011, followed by "Celebrity Alphabet" and the holiday themed, "Twas the Night Before Christmas in Celebrity Voices," viewers worldwide began to "Accept Imitations." As long as they were from Meskimen, anyway.

"...Expert celebrity impersonator Jim Meskimen gives the freshest, funniest take on Clarence's death dream (from Richard III) we've seen ... well, ever." said Entertainment Weekly.

The New York Times.com said, "Meskimen is a very talented impressionist, but what's most impressive here is that he not only imitates obligatory celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, George W. Bush, Jack Nicholson and Jimmy Stewart but also people like George Clooney, Paul Giamatti and Ricky Gervais, celebrities you wouldn't think were ripe for impressions until you hear his takes on them."

The viral videos were created to promote the show, JIMPRESSIONS, in which the audience is taken on a tour of celebrity voices from past and present; over 65 impressions in 75 minutes of mesmerizing one-man theater.

Meskimen ups the ante in his live show, offering a live version of "Shakespeare Impressions" with volunteers from the audience challenging him with random celebs to speak the Bard's verse.

A veteran of numerous films, TV shows and commercials, including five films for Academy Award-winning director, Ron Howard, Meskimen has many claims to fame.

His impressionist/improv abilities won him fame on Britain's Whose Line is it, Anyway?

Meskimen became a household voice during the 2004 Presidential election, when he provided singing impressions of President G.W. Bush, John Kerry and others in the mega-viral Jibjab hit, "This Land," which topped 80 million views.

He even played a recurring role as an amateur (i.e. poor) impressionist/host on NBC's hit Parks & Recreation.

Now, Meskimen brings his full range of vocal talents directly to fans of spot-on celebrity impressions in his touring one-man show, JIMPRESSIONS, beginning with a six week run in Hollywood at The Acting Center.

Audiences in the U.K., Canada and in the States, Chicago, Florida, Boston, Atlanta and Australia embraced the JIMPRESSIONS show enthusiastically in 2011, demonstrating a strong appetite for a new, fresh look at the art of celebrity mimicry. As Gather.com put it, "Hopefully, friends from 'Down Under' have sent a message to folks 'Up Over' and that is the world needs more JIMPRESSIONS."

JIMPRESSIONS comes to Hollywood for a six-weekend run starting February 17 & 18th at 8 p.m.

JIMPRESSIONS, written and performed by Jim Meskimen, directed by Tait Ruppert and produced by The Acting Center, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. February 17 through March 24.

For information and reservations, go to http://www.theactingcenterla.com/jimpressions.

Sean Penn to Receive Joel Siegel Award at the 17Th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards

GEORGE CLOONEY TO PRESENT AWARD TO PENN

AWARDS CEREMONY TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON VH1 THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2012 AT 8:00 PM ET/PT

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 9, 2012 -- The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) announced today that renowned actor and humanitarian Sean Penn will be presented with the fifth annual Joel Siegel Award at the 17th annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards. The award will be presented by fellow actor and 13-time Critics' Choice Award nominee George Clooney. The ceremony will air live on VH1 on Thursday, January 12 at 8:00 PM ET/PT.

Given annually, this special award pays homage to beloved "Good Morning America" film critic and BFCA member Joel Siegel, who lost his long struggle with cancer in June 2007. It seeks to honor those who understand, as Joel did, that the greatest value of celebrity is as an enhanced platform to do good works for others.

Sean Penn founded the J/P Haitian Relief Organization in the immediate aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. Since then J/P HRO has led the effort to raise money and awareness in response to the disaster, which took more than 200,000 lives. Led by Penn, J/P HRO is dedicated to saving lives and bringing sustainable programs to the Haitian people quickly and effectively.

"We are extremely proud to be able to make this presentation to Sean on this night in particular, exactly two years after the devastating earthquake struck Haiti," says BFCA President Joey Berlin. "While it was heartening to see such an outpouring of support and aid for the Haitian people in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, the long-term commitment made by Sean and his organization is particularly notable. The Joel Siegel Award was created to spotlight such above and beyond efforts by the leading lights of our industry and its spirit is truly personified by Sean Penn."

Penn has been nominated for seven Critics' Choice Awards throughout his career, including two wins in the Best Actor category, for "Mystic River" and "Milk." His five additional nominations included Best Actor for "I Am Sam," Best Acting Ensemble for "Mystic River" and "Milk," Best Director for "Into the Wild" and Best Writer for "Into the Wild." In 2011, Penn starred in "The Tree of Life," a Critics' Choice Best Picture nominee.

The evening will also honor Martin Scorsese with the Critics' Choice Music+Film Award. In addition to this honor, Scorsese's film "Hugo" is nominated for 11 Critics' Choice Awards and he directed the Best Documentary Feature nominee "George Harrison: Living in the Material World." Hosts for the star-studded awards gala will be comedians Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel.

The Critics' Choice Movie Awards are bestowed annually by the BFCA to honor the finest in cinematic achievement. The BFCA is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 250 television, radio and online critics. BFCA members are the primary source of information for today's film going public. Eligible films were released in 2011. The accounting firm of CMM, LLP tallied the written ballots.

Since its inception in 1995, the Critics' Choice Movie Awards has been a star-studded bellwether event of the movie awards season. Historically, the Critics' Choice Movie Awards are the most accurate predictor of the Academy Award nominations. Last year, for example, all four of the acting category winners at the Oscars – Colin Firth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale and Melissa Leo – first accepted their awards in the same categories at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards. In all, 18 of the 20 actors nominated for Oscars were first Critics' Choice Movie Awards nominees.

Final ballots for the 17th annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards will be sent to BFCA members on January 8, 2012 with a deadline for returning final ballots on January 10, 2012. For more information about the show visit CriticsChoice.VH1.com, "Like" VH1 on Facebook, and follow @VH1 on Twitter and use the hashtag #CCMA to talk about the awards!

The 17th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards is executive produced by Jesse Ignjatovic for Den of Thieves, Joey Berlin for Berlin Entertainment and Lee Rolontz for VH1.

About The Broadcast Film Critics Association:
The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) is the largest film critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 250 television, radio and online critics. BFCA members are the primary source of information for today's film going public. The very first opinion a moviegoer hears about new releases at the multiplex or the art house usually comes from one of its members.

About Den of Thieves:
Founded in 2007 by Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager, Den of Thieves has quickly emerged as a force for ambitious event shows and uniquely stylized reality television series. Using their extensive experience working with talent, Ignjatovic and Prager launched Den of Thieves as the TV arm of the Warner Music Group in 2007. After a successful three year partnership there, they branched out and are now fully independent. With an array of formats ranging from Comedy Central's stand-up special "Russell Brand in NYC" to VH1's "The T.O. Show" to the MTV Video Music Awards, Den of Thieves continues to create, develop and produce original television.

About VH1:
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, and extensive video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

About J/P HAITIAN RELIEF ORGANIZATION:
J/P Haitian Relief Organization is dedicated to saving lives and bringing sustainable programs to the Haitian people quickly and effectively. Following the tragic earthquake of 2010 J/P HRO began working immediately to make an impact in Haiti. J/P HRO works with both government and non-governmental agencies to deliver immediate results where the need is greatest. Efforts include but are not limited to providing emergency medical and primary care services, delivering badly needed medical equipment and medicine, distributing food and water purification systems, improving communication systems, and developing housing and education facilities. The goal of J/P Haitian Relief Organization is to help lift the nation of Haiti out of the rubble and give the Haitian people a better life. More information can be found at http://www.jphro.org/ .

SOURCE VH1