Category: Disney

Disney Movies Earn 10 Oscar Nominations For 2017 Releases

Disney is no stranger to Oscar nominations and wins and this year they have some big contenders. The nominees for the 90th Oscars were announced Tuesday and Disney’s 2017 releases earned 10 nominations in nine categories.

Disney•Pixar’s Coco and Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast garnering two nods each, while Star Wars: The Last Jedi was recognized in four categories. The awards will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 4, in a live broadcast hosted by Jimmy Kimmel beginning at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Golden Globe winner Coco, Disney•Pixar’s stunning celebration of family, was nominated for best Animated Feature Film, and its signature ballad, “Remember Me,” is among the nominees for best Original Song. Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Oscar winners for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2013 film Frozen, wrote the music and lyrics.

“What began as research trips to Mexico to learn more about the celebration of Día de Muertos, became our story about family, traditions, and honoring our ancestors. The warmth and beauty of Mexico’s people and culture made Coco possible, and showed us the benefits of building bridges rather than walls,” said Coco’s director, Lee Unkrich, and producer, Darla K. Anderson. “We were also reminded to keep our loved ones in our minds and in our hearts—something we hope everyone remembers to do.”

Anderson-Lopez and Lopez shared their excitement after the news. “We are so grateful to our collaborators at Pixar for challenging us to write a song that could have so many meanings,” they said. “Although, in its most authentic form, ‘Remember Me’ is a very personal song about saying goodbye to those you love, while staying connected through music. We couldn’t be prouder of what these filmmakers have achieved in Coco, a film that has always strived to faithfully portray and celebrate Mexican culture—and we are grateful to the Academy for the recognition!”

Beauty and the Beast was nominated for its spectacular sets and costumes. Production Designer Sarah Greenwood and Set Decorator Katie Spencer were named in the Production Design category, and Jacqueline Durran is a nominee for Costume Design. Greenwood, Spencer and Durran are dual nominees, for Beauty and the Beast and for Darkest Hour. “It is a great honor to receive two nominations and for such different films,” Durran said. “Of course it is also a recognition of the work of a great costume team who bring the ideas to life, as well as a celebration of the creative collaboration between departments (with Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer also receiving two nominations).”

Greenwood echoed Durran’s enthusiastic reaction: “We loved making Beauty and the Beast… we had the most fantastic, talented and wonderful crews, without whom we would be nothing. Here’s to them, here’s to the Academy, and here’s to Disney, and most of all here’s to our fabulous amazing director, Bill Condon, who made Beauty and the Beast such a joy.”

John Williams, who composed the score for Star Wars: The Last Jedibreaks his own Oscar record with his nomination for best Original Score. This latest nod is Williams’ 51st—more than any other living person. “It was a privilege and a joy to be a part of Rian Johnson’s fabulous film, and I’m extremely grateful to the Academy for this recognition,” said Williams. Star Wars: The Last Jedi’s thrilling visuals netted a nomination in the Visual Effects category; and the film’s innovative sound was also recognized by the Academy for Sound Editing and Sound Mixing, giving the film a total of four nominations.

Marvel Studios’ intergalactic space adventure Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 received a nomination for its visual effects, and the delightful short Lou, which opened in front of Disney•Pixar’s Cars 3, was named in the Animated Short Film category. “As artists who struggled with the typical challenges of growing up and fitting in—thinking we were the only ones feeling like outsiders—this nomination is more meaningful than anyone could imagine,” said Dave Mullins, director of Lou and Dana Murray, producer. “This is dedicated to the Lous of the world, who use the power of kindness to change the world for the better, one JJ at a time. Thank you to the Academy, and to Disney and Pixar, and to the entire crew of LOU, without whom this film and this moment would never have happened.”

Here is the full list of nominations from Disney-released films.

Costume Design

Beauty and the Beast—Jacqueline Durran

Original Score

Star Wars: The Last Jedi—John Williams

Music (Original Song)

“Remember Me”—Disney•Pixar’s Coco

Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

Production Design

Beauty and the Beast—Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

Sound Editing

Star Wars: The Last Jedi—Ren Klyce, Matthew Wood

Sound Mixing

Star Wars: The Last Jedi—David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Stuart Wilson

Visual Effects

Star Wars: The Last Jedi—Ben Morris, Mike Mulholland, Neal Scanlan and Chris Corbould

Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2—Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner and Dan Sudick

Animated Feature Film

Disney•Pixar’s Coco

Short Film (Animated)

Disney•Pixar’s Lou

January 24, 2018
$1,000 Cash Bonus Given To 125,000 Disney Employees

Walt Disney Co. announced Tuesday, it is giving a one-time cash bonus of $1,000 to 125,000 employees. They are also investing $50 million to create a new higher education program for workers.

“We are directing approximately $125 million to our cast members and employees across the country and making higher education more accessible with the launch of this new program,” CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.

Nearly 88,000 hourly employees in the U.S. will be able to take advantage of Disney’s education initiative.

“I have always believed that education is the key to opportunity; it opens doors and creates new possibilities,” Iger said. “Matched with the $1,000 cash bonus, these initiatives will have both an immediate and long-term positive impact.”

The new education initiative is designed to cover tuition costs for hourly employees, and going forward it will continue to receive $25 million in annual funding, Disney’s statement said.

The entertainment giant is just one of a number of companies handing back money to its employees since the December passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered tax rates for corporations. AT&T, Wells Fargo, Boeing, Comcast, Bank of America and Walmart are just a few who have passed along the new tax benefits to workers.

As for the bonuses, they are for full and part-time employees in the United States who have been with the company since Jan. 1. For those who are eligible the bonus will be given in two parts, the first in March and the next in September. Executive level employees are exempt.

The two initiatives will cost the company $175 million this fiscal year. Disney said its current ongoing education reimbursement program will continue to be open to all full-time employees with no changes.

January 23, 2018
Minnie Mouse Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Minnie Mouse has finally been recognized as the star she is today as she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Monday. The honor coincides with the 90th anniversary celebration on the iconic Disney character.

Since her debut in Disney’s Steamboat Willie 90 years ago, Minnie Mouse has become come one of the most recognizable characters next to her main mouse Mickey! Mickey got his star on the Walk of Fame back in 1978 in celebration of his 50th anniversary.

It only took her 40 more years than Mickey to reach the milestone, but it’s official now and we love her just as much.

The ceremony took place at 11:30 a.m. where Minnie was dressed in her signature red and white polka dot dress to and a cute floppy to celebrate the event. Now the 2,627th star along the famous walkway, it’s located just outside the El Capitan Theatre on a section of Hollywood Boulevard.

Check out this awesome video from the ceremony below.

Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and “American Idol” judge Katy Perry were on-hand for the festivities and gave brief remarks about Minnie Mouse before her star was unveiled.

“In true Hollywood fashion, she delivered a truly memorable performance but Mickey got all the credit,” Iger said during Monday’s ceremony. And while she’s famous for “playing the damsel in distress,” Iger continued, “the truth is Minnie can hold her own in any situation.”

Perry took the stage next to Minnie and told the story of her first memories of the Disney character.

She described memories of “pastel walls” and “the smell of baby powder” in the air. Perry said, she first noticed the Disney character on her baby diapers and that led to her “lifelong devotion” to Minnie.

“The definition of icon may fluctuate through the ages, but there are some undeniably special characters who are iconic, and I can’t think of anyone who embodies that more than my dear friend, Minerva Mouse,” Perry said.

Minnie and Mickey aren’t the only other beloved Disney Characters with stars on the walk of fame. Minnie joins Snow White, Donald Duck, Winnie the Pooh, Tinker Bell and Kermit the Frog, all of whom already have a star.

In addition to her films, Minnie Mouse has also entertained millions of guests at Disney Parks around the world since the first Disney theme park – Disneyland park – opened its gates in 1955. Minnie was able to celebrate her milestone achievement earlier this week with park guests at a special “Rock the Dots”-themed send-off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. In it, Minnie Mouse joined her lifelong pal Mickey Mouse for a walk down a red carpet and a journey through the park on a special Minnie Mouse-themed car. A crowd of guests wearing attire inspired by Minnie’s iconic red-and-white polka dots lined up at the park to cheer them on. Before leaving for Hollywood, Minnie Mouse made one last stop over at Disney Springs to greet guests who were enjoying special “Rock the Dots” festivities in Minnie’s honor.

Leron Gubler, the president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, also declared Jan. 22 Minnie Mouse Day in Hollywood.

January 22, 2018
Freeform Releases New Footage Of ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’

Marvel’s debut offering on the Freeform network, Cloak & Dagger, has given us a sneak peek at some fresh video and has finally been given us a premiere date. Fan-favorite heroes Cloak and Dagger are set to begin their highly anticipated, two-hour premiere, live-action adventure on June 7! The teenage superhero saga is an adaptation of the popular ’80s comic book title Cloak & Dagger.

Ahead of the first ever Freeform Summit on Thursday, Marvel and Freeform revealed new footage of Tandy Bowen and Tyrone Johnson from “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” above. The series will premiere on Freeform on Thursday, June 7, 8:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT.

“Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” is the story of Tandy Bowen (Olivia Holt) and Tyrone Johnson (Aubrey Joseph) – two teenagers from very different backgrounds, who find themselves burdened and awakened to newly acquired superpowers which are mysteriously linked to one another. Tandy can emit light daggers and Tyrone has the ability to control the power of darkness. They quickly learn they are better together than apart. “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” stars Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Andrea Roth, Gloria Reuben, Miles Mussenden, Carl Lundstedt, and J.D. Evermore. Also joining the cast, who have not yet been announced are Emma Lahana and Jaime Zevallos.

The series is co-produced by Marvel Television and ABC Signature Studios. Joe Pokaski (“Underground,” “Heroes”) serves as showrunner and executive producer; Jeph Loeb (“Marvel’s The Punisher,” “Marvel’s The Defenders”), Marvel’s head of Television, and Jim Chory (“Marvel’s The Punisher,” “Marvel’s The Defenders”) also serve as executive producers. Gina Prince-Bythewood (“Love & Basketball”) directed the first episode.

January 21, 2018
New Minnie Mouse Inspired Dooney & Bourke Collection

Rocking her iconic polka dots, Minnie Mouse inspires Disney fans around the globe with her timeless fun-loving, positive spirit. And now she has inspired Dooney & Bourke once again with this Polka Dot Infused Minnie Mouse Collection.

Minnie Mouse is getting all the attention this week. Fans will “Rock the Dots” with her this weekend, in celebration of National Polka Dot Day on January 22 and she is also being presented a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. in honor of her 90th anniversary. Minnie is everyone’s favorite fashionista so it’s no wonder retailers are eager to get in on the action.

The collection has “squeaky” clean design that really stands out with its simple yet elegant Red and White polka dot pattern inspired by everyone’s favorite glamour girl, Minnie Mouse!

The bags are made from vinyl with a nice leather trim and is perfect for rocking your dots year round. Look for three silhouettes in this collection including a Wallet, a Pouchette, and a Tote$228.

The Tote retails for $228 and has plenty of room for everything you need to carry.

The Pouchette is medium-sized with a leather strap and will run you $138.

The Wallet also sells for $138 and is perfect for when you are on the go and don’t want to be weighed down with a heavier bag.

There is no word on when these polka dot beauties will be available in stores and the shopDisney app, but we’ll keep you updated as soon as they are available.

January 20, 2018
Disney’s ‘Sword in the Stone’ Live-Action Remake Finds Director

Continuing their strategy of reimagining animated classics into live-action movies, Disney is developing a Sword in the Stone movie and it looks like they may have found their director. Juan Carlos Fresnadillo is in talks with Disney to helm its live-action reimagining of the 1963 animated movie.

The filmmakers credits include, directing 2002’s “Intacto” as his first full-length feature and the 2011 horror movie “Intruders”, but the native of Spain is perhaps best known for directing the zombie thriller “28 Weeks Later”.

The Sword in the Stone remake has been in development since 2015. Game of Thrones writer Bryan Cogman has been attached to write the script and Brigham Taylor will produce.

The original animated version was based loosely on T.H. White’s novel of the same name, eventually becoming became part of the author’s multi-book King Arthur fantasy, “The Once and Future King.”

The 1963 animated flic followed Arthur, a 12-year-old orphan, who became king after removing a sword from an anvil in London. The movie was a box office success and brought in $22 million after being made on a $3 million budget. This was the last animated Disney film to be released prior to Walt Disney’s death in 1966.

Live-action remakes have been hugely successful for Disney. They’ve created live-action versions of its animated titles, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “Maleficent,” “Cinderella,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Disney is also set a live-action version of “Mulan” for November and has three live-action reimaginings set for 2019 with “Dumbo,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.”

January 20, 2018
Teens Across America Chosen for Prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy

Five high school students were surprised live on “Good Morning America’’ on Monday with the announcement that they were selected to be part of the exclusive Disney Dreamers Academy.

They are the 100 high school students selected to participate in this year’s Disney Dreamers Academy, an immersive and transformational program at Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, the magical ride started early this morning for five of the teens, who were flown to New York and surprised live on “Good Morning America” with the news of their selection to the program.

Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney World Resort executive Tracey D. Powell joined the “Good Morning America’’ hosts and the studio audience for the surprise moment. National TV personality Steve Harvey also congratulated the teens on their accomplishment with a video message.

Surprised live on-air were Ayanna Adams from Los Angeles, Christiana Okafor from Houston, Marquis Thomas from Virginia Beach, Va., Ava Marie Easter from Los Angeles and Sean Smith from Basking Ridge, N.J.

The students, who sported T-shirts featuring the program’s new logo during the surprise moment, are among 100 extraordinary youths from across the nation announced by Disney today to participate in its immersive, transformational four-day program, March 8-11, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The program, which is entering its 11^th year with a new “Be100’’ campaign, highlights Walt Disney World Resort’s continued commitment to the next generation of teens by inspiring them at a critical time in their development to make a difference in their lives and to relentlessly pursue and realize their dreams.

“Each of these 100 girls and boys has proven themselves to be exceptional as students and as human beings, so it’s an honor to have them join us at Walt Disney World Resort,’’ said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney World Resort vice president of commercial management – resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “It is our hope that this potentially life-changing program will help create the next generation of great dreamers and achievers.’’

Participating students, known as “Disney Dreamers,” embark on a journey throughout the Disney theme parks and behind the scenes, turning the vacation destination into a vibrant classroom for students to discover new careers, pursue their dreams and interact with Harvey and other motivational speakers and celebrities. Among the celebrities who have participated in the past are singers Patti LaBelle and Mary J. Blige, NBA legend and business mogul Magic Johnson, gospel music star Yolanda Adams, NFL superstar Cam Newton, plus TV personalities such as “The Chew’’ co-host Carla Hall, “Good Morning America’’ co-anchor Michael Strahan and ABC correspondent T.J. Holmes.

Additionally, students participate in hands-on, immersive career-oriented workshops, ranging from animation to zoology. Each student is given important tools such as effective communication techniques, leadership skills and networking strategies.

“Inspiring our youth to dream big and chase those dreams is a personal mission,” said Harvey. “Having a dream is one of the most important things in life. That is why engaging with these students is an annual highlight for me, and the 2018 Disney Dreamers Academy will be no exception.”

Since 2008, Walt Disney World Resort has provided all-expenses-paid trips to more than 1,000 students, plus a parent or guardian, to participate in the annual Disney Dreamers Academy. The students are selected from thousands of applicants who answered a series of essay questions about their personal stories and dreams for the future.

“At ESSENCE, we are committed to impacting the leaders of tomorrow,” said Michelle Ebanks, president of ESSENCE Communications. “Every year, we continue to be impressed by the exceptional students selected for Disney Dreamers Academy, and it is our privilege to play a role in encouraging them to achieve their goals.’’

January 20, 2018
Former Apple Exec Hired To Head Disney’s Streaming Service

Disney has been looking for the right person to head up their forthcoming online streaming endeavor and it looks like the search is complete. Former Apple and Samsung executive Kevin Swint has been hired, by Disney’s BAMTech Media, to build and run Disney’s Streaming Service.

Swint is being brought as senior vice president and general manager in hopes that the experienced tech execs leadership can help the service truly rival Netflix. His resume includes leading the movie group at Apple iTunes, and most recently as VP of Samsungs product/content & services.

With the massive amount of titles Disney has acquired in recent years, including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and now 20th Century Fox’s catalog, it seems Swint has a large toy box to play in, but he still has a lot of work to do on the still unnamed streaming service.

It’s widely known that with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox gave them controlling interest in Hulu, but Disney has already been laying the groundwork for their streaming dreams when last year Disney also acquired a large stake in the streaming solutions provider BAMTech for $1.58 billion. Though Disney already owned stake in BAMTech, but Disney now holds majority ownership with in this company as well.

Any new service likely won’t see any Fox content for quite some time as regulators are expected to take as long as 18 months to approve the deal. What exactly Disney’s Streaming Service will finally look like is still taking shape, but Disney is confident they found the right man for the job. The streaming service is set to launch in 2019.

January 19, 2018
Rock The Dots With Minnie Mouse Send-Off Celebration at Disney Parks

Minnie Mouse is finally getting the recognition she deserves as she will soon be honored with her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To celebrate, Disney Springs in Florida and Downtown Disney District in California will once again host a special event to honor Minnie’s iconic polka dot infused style where you too can ‘Rock the Dots’!

Taking place the day prior to National Polka Dot Day, on Sunday, January 21, guests will be invited to participate in a variety of fun offerings where you can rock your dots!

Minnie will receive the star during a special unveiling ceremony on Monday, January 22 – but before she leaves on her grand Hollywood adventure, we’re going to give her a special send-off live from Disney’s Hollywood Studios here in Florida this Sunday, January 21 at 1 p.m. ET! Minnie hopes to see as many guests as possible dressed in her signature red, white and black polka dots at the park that day!

Commemorative buttons will be given out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort and Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort while supplies last.

Here is what you can expect when you rock the dots:

IN FLORIDA:
Guests can discover over fifteen retail offers from Jan 18 – Jan 22, including savings at American Threads, Basin, Arribas Brothers, JOHNNY WAS, Luxury of Time by Diamonds International, Sperry, Sugarboo & Co. and Volcom. At Alex and Ani, the first 100 guests each day will receive a free gift along with daily in-store surprises. At Coach, a free gift with any purchase is in the bag for all event guests. M.A.C. Cosmetics is also participating with a complimentary “mini” Minnie-inspired demo. A handful of food and beverage locations (Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, Paddlefish, D-Luxe Burger, The Ganachery and Sprinkles) will feature discounts and/or Minnie-themed products as well, so bring your appetite, too.

On January 21, the main event showcases a DJ Dance Party in the heart of Town Center from 1 – 6 p.m. where Minnie Mouse will make frequent appearances. I’ve been told to expect a few wardrobe changes, and can’t wait to see which of her many signature looks she’ll sport. Keep an eye out for a photo backdrop sponsored by PANDORA Jewelry; Disney PhotoPass photographers will be on site to capture the moment with fun props and frames to ensure you strike your most stylish pose. If you want to start the party early, Paddlefish will offer a “polka dot brunch” from 12 – 3 p.m. that infuses a bit of pampering to the meal: complimentary hand massages from L’Occitane and make-up applications from Sephora are on the menu.

IN CALIFORNIA:
Guests at Downtown Disney District in California can also look forward to Minnie Mouse-inspired activations throughout the day on Sunday, January 21. Shoppers will be treated to polka dot and event specific product, including exclusive Minnie Rocks the Dots product at World of Disney, Minnie Mouse-inspired makeovers at Sephora, and polka dot TOMS shoes at Curl Surf. For foodies, adorable Minnie Mouse specialty apples have been created, the popular polka dot milkshake makes a return visit at Uva Bar, and fun polka dot pepperoni pizzas are available at Wetzel’s Pretzels. That’s just a small sampling of what’s in store. You’ll want to pick up a brochure starting January 18, 2018 for full discount and product details.

A DJ Dance Party will keep thing rockin’ in Downtown Disney District on January 21 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. As in Florida, PANDORA Jewelry has also sponsored a photo opportunity with Disney PhotoPass photographers on site to capture the moment with fun props and frames. Plus, you never know who may stop by!

Can’t make it to the send-off in person? Tune in for a special #DisneyParksLIVE stream of this milestone in Disney history. And share your Minnie photos with us on Twitter using the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE.

January 18, 2018
Disney Belle Debossed Faux Leather Purse is a True Beauty From Loungefly
You’re gonna love this Disney Belle Debossed Faux Leather Purse by Loungefly! It’s a tale as old as time. You need a Disney purse that’s big enough to hold all of your necessities (BOOKS). It needs to be to be a real beauty – but still haul things like a beast. It might seem impossible to find that perfect bag you can love forever, but this one could be your forever Disney purse.

This beauty of a purse retails for $69.99 and you can find it on the Loungefly website. The ivory satchel has a debossed design featuring Belle’s face on the front, along with a brilliant red rose hanging from the handle. The outside may be pretty, but true beauty is found within.

Specifically within that fully-lined interior, featuring beautiful custom floral fabric! There is a zippered divider pouch separating the interior into two compartments, with a small zip pocket and a small open pocket built into the lining. Made of simulated leather, the purse closes with a top strap and has both handles and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap. Lovely and versatile, this purse may be your happily ever after. No Gastons allowed!

Product Specifications
- Disney Belle Debossed Faux Leather Purse
- Officially-licensed Disney’s animated Beauty and the Beast merchandise
- Made by our friends at Loungefly
- Ivory satchel with debossed design featuring Belle’s face on the front
- A red rose hangs from the strap
- Purse closes with a top strap, secured by a magnetic snap
- Fully-lined interior features custom floral fabric
- Interior: two compartments with zippered divider pouch, plus a small zip pocket and small open pocket built into the lining
- Materials: simulated leather with gold-tone metal hardware
- Removable, adjustable shoulder strap
- Dimensions: approx 11 1/5″ wide x 9 1/2″ tall x 6″ deep (bag) / approx. 4″ diameter x 1 1/5″ thick with a 4 1/2″ strap (decorative rose)
January 14, 2018