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Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.

Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:

Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys

2023 Oscars Predictions:

Best Original Screenplay Past Lives, from left: Teo Yoo, Greta Lee, John Magro, 2023. © A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

Weekly Commentary: Following its victories at the Golden Globes for best screenplay and the BAFTA for original screenplay, it appears almost inevitable that “Anatomy of a Fall” will secure the Oscar for its co-writers,...

Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.

Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:

Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys

2024 Oscars Predictions:

Best Achievement in Directing The Zone Of Interest, 2023. © A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

Weekly Commentary: Christopher Nolan… in a walk. It’s not really worth going over any other potential upsets, but if you prefer — Jonathan Glazer for “The Zone of Interest.”

After a year hit with Hollywood...

Story Ave is a film that explores art, connection, and struggle, drawing from the director's own community and personal experiences. One of the film's leading characters was inspired by the director's grandfather, adding a personal touch to the story. Composer Pierre Charles created a beautiful score for Story Ave, incorporating lush tracks and classical textures to make the music unique and stand out.

Story Ave is a film about art, circumstance, and connection in the face of struggle. The feature film directorial debut of Aristotle Torres, based on the director’s 2018 short of the same name, Story Ave draws from Torres’ own community and life experience; one of the film’s leading characters was even inspired by his grandfather. The film stars Asante Blackk as teenage graffiti artist Kadir Grayson and Luis Guzmán as Mta worker Luis Torres, as Kadir’s attempted robbery of Torres sets them both on a...

Story Ave is a movie about a graffiti artist named Kadir who runs away from home and attempts to rob an Mta worker, but their encounter takes an unexpected turn. The movie features a star-studded cast including Asante Blackk, Luis Guzmán, Melvin Gregg, Alex R. Hibbert, Cassandra Freeman, and Coral Peña. Director Aristotle Torres discusses how his personal experiences and background as an artist from the Bronx influenced the film, and why Asante Blackk was the ideal choice to portray the lead character.

Story Ave follows Kadir Grayson, a South Bronx native and graffiti artist who ran away from home after the death of his brother. In an attempt to join a street gang, he tries to rob Mta worker Luis Torres at gunpoint. However, Luis does something unexpected and asks Kadir to join him at a diner, and this turn of events will change both of their lives forever.

Asante Blackk is one of the youngest Primetime Emmy Award nominees of all time, having been recognized for his critically celebrated portrayal of 14-year-old Kevin Richardson in the Netflix series When They See Us. Also nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award, Blackk seems to be choosing his acting roles rather wisely. No fluff. Impactful. Award potential. And, time after time, stereotype defying.

A series regular from seasons four through six on This Is Us, Blackk also recently starred in Cory Finley’s Landscape with Invisible Hand and Natalie Morales' Plan B, which premiered at Sundance 2023. With his signature magnetic eyes and matter-of-fact powerful command of every scene he contributes his immense talent to, now add writer/director Aristotle Torres’ debut feature Story Ave to Blackk’s growing list of poignant work. Also a product of Sundance’s Directors Lab, Story Ave, which was produced by Torres along with Jamie Foxx.

Story Ave is the feature film debut of Aristotle Torres, praised for its drama, storyline, and performances by Asante Blackk and Luis Guzmán. The film's musical score by Pierre Charles sets the stage for the emotional connection and showcases rich string textures and tender melodies. The soundtrack, releasing on October 20th, reflects the internal struggles of the film's protagonist Kadir, and serves as a reminder of the story's powerful moments.

Story Ave is the feature film directorial debut of Aristotle Torres, who built the feature out of his 2018 short of the same name. The film stars Asante Blackk as Kadir and Luis Guzmán as Luis; Kadir, a gifted visual artist who finds community—and danger—in the world of graffiti gangs, befriends Luis after he attempts to rob the older man. Story Ave reviews praise the film’s drama and storyline, as well as its commanding performances by both Blackk and Guzmán.

Over a decade ago, writer and director Aristotle Torres came across a news article about a teenager who attempted to rob a train conductor when, by the intervention of a grit-laced fairytale, he instead ended up being inspired into a more productive life path championed by his near victim. Now, set in the South Bronx, Torres has penned and directed an aesthetically rich and thematically heroic cinematic experience that is gripping, refreshing, and an extraordinary example of how to tell a relatable tale in a non-stereotypical way.

Produced by Torres along with Jamie Foxx, Lizzie Shapiro, and Datari Turner, Story Ave is about a gifted artist named Kadir, effortlessly portrayed by Asante Blackk (When They See Us). Kadir is a wayward teenage graffiti artist mourning the death of his younger brother while shouldering the heaviness of pressures from both school and family, all while maneuvering the potential perils and pitfalls of his neighborhood gangs.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Luis Guzmán is, among many honors, a Screen Acting Guild (SAG) award-winning actor with over 150 feature film and television roles to his credentials. ​​​​​​In Story Ave, a film written and directed by Aristotle Torres, Guzmán stars as Luis, a New York-based Mta conductor who, after sensing greater potential in a South Bronx teenaged stick-up-kid named Kadir (portrayed by Asante Blackk of This Is Us), alters the youth’s path from peril to possibilities despite Kadir's attempt to rob him.

In a remarkable twist, Luis offers Kadir the money he sticks him up for, in exchange for a conversation and a meal along with the surrendering of the gun. What happens next in the film is a refreshing and poignant depiction of an inspiring life-altering friendship that leads to Kadir’s realization about the potential for his life if he uses...

Writer-director Aristotle Torres has a lot of thoughts about both his debut feature and art in general. Starring Asante Blackk and Luis Guzmán, it is a work that sees the two playing strangers who are brought together in an unexpected connection that offers a path to healing for them both. To hear it from Torres, the experience of working with the two actors in bringing his vision to life was a wonderful one to start out his feature filmmaking career as he expanded upon his prior short film.

Luis Guzmán has done just about it all. He's been in everything from Boogie Nights to Wednesday, but he's never done anything quite like Story Ave. The feature debut of writer-director Aristotle Torres, it sees Guzmán playing an Mta worker who becomes a mentor to the young Kadir Grayson (Asante Blackk) after the kid tried to hold him up one night. As the two begin to open up to each other, reflections on art, life, and loss abound. The film previously premiered back at SXSW and is now getting an expanding release in theaters. We sat down with Guzmán to talk about his performance, how it fits it with the rest of his long career, and drawing from his own personal experience.

Story Ave starring Luis Guzman grossed $9.85k in a limited opening at one theater, Quad Cinema, with multiple sold-out shows. The first feature from director Aristotle Torres, which won for Best Cinematography at SXSW (see Deadline review) expands to Chicago and the Bronx next week, followed by LA and additional markets October 13.

Guzman plays a no-nonsense subway operator who becomes an unlikely mentor to a teenager (Asante Blackk) caught up in the dangerous world of Bronx graffiti gangs. Written by Torres and Bonsu Thompson. Produced by Jamie Foxx.

In an overall market “that’s not exactly easy,” Story Ave pulled in a diverse crowd, said Kino’s director of theatrical distribution, Maxwell Wolkin. “You have to get creative, and find an angle, and find things that hit. And it’s not necessarily always what you expect, but this film is audience friendly, it’s got a real voice, it’s connecting with people.

"I don't know if it was meant for life outside The Bronx..." Kino Lorber has unveiled an official trailer for an indie film titled Story Ave, which is the name of the subway stop in The Bronx where part of this film takes place (though not actually a real stop). This first premiered at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the Best Cinematography prize. The story follows a teenage graffiti artist who runs away from home in New York City and holds up an unwary Mta subway worker in a robbery gone "right" that would change their lives forever. They begin a friendship and Kadir starts to see the potential in his artistic talent. Kino Lorber adds that: "This moving and authentic portrait of the South Bronx announces an exciting new cinematic voice in [director] Aristotle Torres and offers a welcome showcase for beloved character actor Guzman...

The pipeline from music video to feature film director isn’t discussed enough. Many beloved filmmakers started with music videos and commercials, from Spike Jones to Gus Van Sant to David Fincher.

Joining the ranks now is Aristotle Torres, who is known for beginning his career as the creative director for his college classmate J. Cole and going on to start the multi-media artist collective By Any Means, which produced and directed 70+ music videos for artists such as Big Sean, Justin Beiber, 2 Chainz, Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, and more.

Continue reading ‘Story Ave’ Trailer: Luis Guzmán & Asante Blackk Star In A Touching Tale About Growing Up In The Bronx [Exclusive] at The Playlist.

The New York Latino Film Festival (Nylff), the nation’s premier Latino film festival, kicks off Latino Heritage Month from Sept. 15-24. It features an impressive roster of 116 films from nearly 20 countries. Watch a trailer for the festival above.

Held, once again, at Regal Union Square, Nylff will open with the New York City premiere of Amazon Prime’s film “Cassandro”, starring Gael Garcia Bernal. It follows the true story of a colorful gay wrestler from El Paso who rose to international stardom.

Presented by Kino Lorber, the Festival will screen Aristotle Torres’ debut feature “Story Ave”, starring Luis Guzman as an Mta transit worker held up by young graffiti artist Kadir (Asante Blackk).

HBO Documentaries will present “You Were My First Boyfriend”, the heartwarming story of Cecilia Aldarondo as she revisits her 1990s adolescence. Also showing is “Radical”, the story of actor Eugenio Derbez as a teacher in a...

The drama from debut director Aristotle Torres was a prizewinner at SXSW.

Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights to SXSW prizewinner Story Ave, debut feature of music video director Aristotle Torres.

Kino Lorber is planning a theatrical release for the film in October, followed by a digital and home video release on all major platforms.

Starring Luis Guzmán and Asante Blackk, Story Ave won a Special Jury Award for Cinematography at SXSW for director of photography Eric Branco.

The drama centres on a South Bronx teen artist who escapes into the world of graffiti gangs after the death of...

Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights to the indie drama Story Ave, starring Asante Blackk (This Is Us) and Luis Guzmán (Wednesday) — which we were first to report on — slating it for release in theaters in October, with a on digital and home video debut to follow.

Marking the feature debut of well-known music video director Aristotle Torres, the film tells the story of Kadir (Blackk), a South Bronx teen and gifted visual artist who loses his way following the death of his younger brother. Overcome with grief and struggling with school and family, he escapes into the creative yet dangerous world of graffiti gangs. To prove himself and join his neighborhood’s ruling gang, Kadir attempts to rob Mta conductor Luis (Guzmán) on the Story Ave subway platform, only to be caught off guard when Luis agrees to give Kadir the cash if he’ll sit down to a meal with him.

Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights to “Story Ave,” which won a special jury award for cinematography at SXSW.

From debut filmmaker Aristotle Torres, “Story Ave” stars Luis Guzmán and Asante Blackk, with Guzmán serving as executive producer alongside producer Jamie Foxx.

“Story Ave” follows teenage graffiti artist, Kadir Grayson (Blackk) who recently ran away from home and tries to prove himself to his neighborhood gang. One night Kadir heads over to the Story Ave. subway platform and attempts to hold up Mta worker Luis Torres (Guzmán) in a robbery. But once Luis proposes he’ll hand over the cash if Kadir has a meal with him, the two get to know each other throughout the meal, and with time their connection turns into growing and sincere friendship.

“’Story Ave’ is a New York story unlike any we’ve seen before,” said Wendy Lidell, Kino Lorber SVP of theatrical distribution and acquisitions.

It’s almost summer in the city, and you might as well rot in the sun with some of the year’s best indie films.

Rooftop Films, one of the longest-running outdoor showcases for indie films globally, has revealed its 2023 lineup, which IndieWire shares exclusively below.

Throughout New York City parks and outdoor landmarks, the Summer Series runs May 25 through August 24 with over 45 events featuring new independent feature films, short film programs, and live performances. Highlights include screenings of Bill Pohlad’s Donnie and Joe Emerson biopic “Dreamin’ Wild,” Savanah Leaf’s A24 drama “Earth Mama,” Eva Longoria’s directing debut “Flamin’ Hot,” and Christopher Sharp and Moses Bwayo’s “Bobi Wine: The People’s President.”

But you can also catch festival favorites like Sundance Grand Jury Prize (World Cinema) winner “Scrapper” from writer-director Charlotte Regan, Laura Moss’s horror entry “birth/rebirth,” D. Smith’s Sundance Award-winning trans documentary “Kokomo City,...

An inspirational tale in its own right, Story Ave is all the more touching for being rooted in director Aristotle Torres' own life. The first-time filmmaker, who co-wrote his feature film debut with Bonsu Thompson, took inspiration from his early days to expound on grief in its many different forms and on the ability of art to become therapy. Story Ave, which premiered at the SXSW Film & TV Festival last month, is an expansion of Torres' 2018 short by the same name.

Story Ave follows a troubled young artist named Kadir who is mourning the death of his brother while trying to join the local graffiti crew, Otl. Kadir hits his lowest point upon attempting to rob Luis Torres (played by Wednesday's Luis Guzmán) at gunpoint while at the fictional Story Ave subway stop. But when Luis welcomes him into his home instead and actively pushes him toward a future in art,...

Directed by Aristotle Torres from a screenplay in partnership with Bonsu Thompson, Story Ave is elevated by the special relationship crafted between its main characters. It doesn’t tell a fresh story, but in Torres and Thompson’s capable hands, the narrative rises above certain conventions and reaches into the heart of its core relationship. It’s a moving, engrossing character-driven drama that is strengthened by its lead cast while touching upon grief and the ties that grow from loss.

Kadir Grayson (Asante Blackk) is a teenager who is struggling after the loss of his disabled brother, and his death weighs heavily on him. Kadir is also a graffiti artist who doesn’t really see a future for himself outside his Bronx neighborhood and who, after running away from home, takes up with a local graffiti gang. But after holding up Mta conductor Luis Torres (Luis Guzmán) with a gun,...

SXSW 2023 had several big movies which took up a lot of space in the larger conversation surrounding the festival. From the world premiere of "Evil Dead Rise" to the closing night unveiling of Ben Affleck's long-awaited return to the director's chair in the form of "Air" (which I reviewed), there was much to talk about. But film festivals such as this are often a great place to discover the next big thing. One film that may well pop coming out of the festival this year? Director Aristotle Torres' "Story Ave," which took home the Special Jury Award for Cinematography.

Critics have been very kind to the film following its premiere. It tells the story of a South Bronx native, Kadir Grayson (Asante Blackk), a very talented teenage artist who is floored by the grief of losing his younger brother. Kadir runs away from home and escapes, attempting to become...

Naming a young Black man’s story after a transport stop gives off strong Fruitvale vibes, but Aristotle Torres’ feature debut reaches back further to the hip-hop morality tales of the early ’90s, like Boaz Yakin’s Fresh or Ernest Dickerson’s Juice — the wave that immediately followed John Singleton’s influential Boyz n the Hood. Surprisingly, given Torres’ history of videos for the likes of Ludacris and Nas, the soundtrack is light on rap, using unexpected needle drops like Pavarotti’s version of “La Donna e Mobile” to score scenes of spray-can anarchy on the New York subway.

In all other ways, however, Story Ave is very much a ’hood movie, in the sense that its young protagonist is both constrained and defined by the place where he lives, in this case the Bronx. That person is Kadir (Asante Blackk), a talented young artist tormented by the recent death of his disabled little brother.

Festival runs March 10-18. Further selections to be announced in early February.

The world premiere of Paramount and eOne’s spring tentpole Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves will open the 30th edition of SXSW in Austin, Texas, on March 10.

The action fantasy quest story stars Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, and Regé-Jean Page and is directed and co-written by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. It opens in the US on March 31.

SXSW runs March 10-18 as an in-person event only. In addition organisers announced feature and short Competition entries, the Headliners and Midnighters line-ups, and select titles...

Aristotle Torres is at the 2019 Sundance Directors Lab with his feature Story Ave, a coming of age tale about “a young graffiti artist who runs away from his rough home life and holds up an unsuspecting old man in a robbery gone right that will change both of their lives forever.” Here, in a guest post for Filmmaker, he relays his experience there. When I returned from the Sundance Directors and Screenwriters Lab, friends, family, and aspiring filmmakers hit me with variations of the same question: “So, what were the Sundance labs like?” I get it. These are highly […]...

Aristotle Torres is at the 2019 Sundance Directors Lab with his feature Story Ave, a coming of age tale about “a young graffiti artist who runs away from his rough home life and holds up an unsuspecting old man in a robbery gone right that will change both of their lives forever.” Here, in a guest post for Filmmaker, he relays his experience there. When I returned from the Sundance Directors and Screenwriters Lab, friends, family, and aspiring filmmakers hit me with variations of the same question: “So, what were the Sundance labs like?” I get it. These are highly […]...

The Sundance Institute has announced the projects that have been invited to the 2019 Directors and Screenwriters Labs. At the Directors Lab (May 27-June 18), filmmakers will rehearse, shoot, and edit key scenes from their scripts. The Screenwriters Lab (June 20-24) immediately follows and provides the opportunity for one-on-one story sessions with screenwriter advisors. The labs are overseen by Sundance’s Feature Film Program director Michelle Satter and Labs director Ilyse McKimmie.

Founded in 1981, the Sundance labs have been a launching pad for directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, Miranda July, Dee Rees, Boots Riley, Ryan Coogler, and Marielle Heller, among other names. At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, breakout titles such as Joe Talbot’s “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” and Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” were supported by the labs.

The 2019 Sundance Institute Directors Lab Projects and Fellows are:

“The American Society of Magical Negroes” (U.