West Side Story Leads the 2021 Chicago Critics Nominees
The 2021 CFCA nominations, led by West Side Story, The Power of the Dog, and The Green Knight.
Festivals & Awards
Overdue Oscars: 10 Directors Looking for Their First Academy Award
A feature on the directors of 2021 who have been nominated before for Best Director but never won.
Critics Choice Awards Celebration of Black Cinema & Television to Honor Will Smith, Ruth Negga and More on December 6th
An article detailing the artists who will be honored at the Critic’s Choice Awards’ fourth annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television on Monday, December 6th.
Highlights of the 2021 Film Fest 919 Include King Richard, Passing, and More
A recap of the Film Fest 919 from October.
The Freedom to Pass
An essay on Rebecca Hall’s film “Passing,” and the phenomenon of choosing to live as a different race other than the one prescribed by society penned by its executive producer, Chaz Ebert.
Five Articles In Praise of Rebecca Hall’s Directorial Debut, Passing
A special edition of Thumbnails honoring Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut, “Passing.”
Chicago Critics Film Festival 2021: An Expert on Bernstein’s Wall
A look at this weekend’s Chicago premiere of Douglas Tirola’s Bernstein’s Wall.
The Black-and-White Films of the 2021 Award Season
A look at the many black-and-white films that are a part of this year’s award season, including this week’s Belfast and Passing.
2021 Chicago Critics Film Festival Preview
A preview of the 2021 Chicago Critics Film Festival, including the Chicago premieres of The Lost Daughter, Bernstein’s Wall, Jockey, Belle, Zalava, and Red Rocket!
I Believe in Individuals: Barry Gifford and Lili Taylor on Roy’s World: Barry Gifford’s Chicago
An interview with author Barry Gifford and actor Lili Taylor about their new film, Roy’s World: Barry Gifford’s Chicago, directed by Rob Christopher.
The Films That Could Shake Up the Oscar Race
A preview of the movies that skipped the fall festivals that could still win the next Best Picture Oscar.
Passing Wins Top Prize at LGBTQ+ NewFest 2021
An article about Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut, “Passing,” winning a top prize at the 2021 NewFest.
Alloy Orchestra Changes to The Anvil Orchestra, a Name Coined by Roger Ebert
An article about Ebertfest guests the Alloy Orchestra changing their name to the Anvil Orchestra.
A Look Back at the 2021 Middleburg Film Festival
The eighth Middleburg Film Festival brought cineastes and movie stars back to Virginia this past weekend.
CIFF 2021: Oscar Micheaux—The Superhero of Black Cinema, Punch 9 for Harold Washington, Love Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter
On three films about Chicago legends premiering at the Chicago International Film Festival.
An Inside Look: Mr. Soul! to Stream Live Sunday, October 17th
An article about the upcoming virtual event, “An Inside Look: Mr. Soul!” which will stream live at 7pm CT on Sunday, October 17th.
Chicago Humanities Festival 2021 Highlights Include Jazz Vocalist Tammy McCann
An article about highlights from the 2021 Chicago Humanities Festival, including the performance from jazz vocalist Tammy McCann.
A Preview of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival
A preview of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival.
NYFF 2021: Closing Thoughts
On the best of NYFF, including Memoria and The Power of the Dog.
NYFF 2021: A Chiara, What Do We See When We Look at the Sky?, Revivals
Thoughts on some films from the just-wrapped 2021 New York Film Festival.
