What the Variety staff is thankful for in 2022 entertainment

Whether you’re in the entertainment business or not, there’s always something to be thankful for. This year, the Variety staff came up with a list of things they’re thankful for in entertainment over the next few years. And some Vancouver creators you may know made the list!

Wilmer Valderrama

During his twenty-two years in Hollywood, Wilmer Valderrama had two distinct acting styles. He started working in plays and then moved to the small screen. He is known for being proactive and doing what is right. He is also an activist.

In 2007, he began looking for ways to visit soldiers abroad. After hearing the stories of the men and women who served, Valderrama was moved and decided to participate. Since then, he has toured the world with the USO, performing for members. He even hosted Backstage at the USO, a fun event for USO supporters.

Wilmer Valderrama recently announced that he is developing a live-action series based on the iconic character Zorro. This is part of a growing interest in authentic Latin storytelling. The project is in development with Disney-branded television.

Wilmer is also known for partnering with various organizations. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, he is a global ambassador for the USO. As part of its role, it serves as a bridge between the military and the civilian world.

Netflix

Streaming services like Netflix, HBO, and Hulu are increasingly offering ad-supported free plans. According to a survey of 2,500 American adults, nine out of ten watch ad-supported streaming content. However, 45% of consumers said they would switch to an ad-supported subscription if offered an ad-free subscription for half the price.

Netflix recently announced changes to its advertising program. The service has a lower price tier for ads that will debut in early 2023. The company also introduced a new way to pay for comedy specials. In addition, Netflix announced 15 more series and movies in active development.

The company also announced a deal with Mo Abudu, a Nigerian producer known for his work on K-dramas. Mo will help grow the company’s African content. He will produce a series of films and TV series.

Netflix is ​​also working on an interactive special. The company has hired former Snap executives to oversee the company’s efforts.

Netflix has also signed a deal with Viacom 18’s Tipping Point to produce exclusive new Indian content. The deal includes a new series titled Taj Mahal 1989 and a short film titled Jamtara – Sabka Number Aayega.

Vancouver filmmakers named to Whistler Film Festival’s (WFF) 10 Canadians to Watch list

Known for its intimate and relaxed environment, the Whistler Film Festival (WFF) has long supported Canadian filmmakers. The organization’s Founders Award recognizes Canadian contributions to the cinematic arts in Canada. It is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Canadian entertainment industry. Several filmmakers have earned the honor, including Vancouver’s Man About Town Fred Lee and Toronto’s Laura Potras.

The Whistler Film Festival Screenwriting Lab is a tiered screenplay development program designed to amplify diverse voices. This year’s program includes a conversation with Variety’s Michael Schneider at the Maury Young Arts Centre. The virtual awards ceremony will allow audience participation across Canada. In addition, viewers can access 29 feature films online.

The WFF management team consists mostly of women. It has a strong history of supporting Canadian filmmakers through various partnerships. The organization also invested in Northwest Territory filmmakers through the NWT Film Commission. Several short films created by NWT filmmakers were screened at WFF, including 13 feature films and 26 homegrown highlights. In addition, the organization has awarded BC filmmakers more than $195,000 in cash and production services.

Tom Cruise brought theaters to life with the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, Taylor Swift broke the Internet (and Ticketmaster) with her Midnights album and Eras tour, and Michelle Yeoh proved that Marvel isn’t the only one with a multiverse up her sleeve with “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” For entertainment in 2022, the Variety staff is grateful.

In a year when wonderful genre storytelling was generally everywhere on television — “Stranger Things,” “Ms. Marvel,” “The Sandman,” “The Rings of Power,” “House of the Dragon” — I was grateful for the three sci-fi shows that blew me away the most. Apple TV+ “Severance” brings office life to life through the lens of a paranoid thriller; Star Trek: Paramount+’s extraordinary new worlds capture the old magic of Star Trek while delivering exciting newness; and Disney+’s “Andor” transforms “Star Wars” into a platform for some of the most poignant and human storytelling of the year – Adam B. Vary, senior entertainment writer

I’m thankful for Tom Cruise and the return of Maverick. What a cinematic experience that was – to be back in the cinema and see the audience singing this film was a historic moment. I’m grateful for the way we’ve all come together to make events, tasters and Q&A the norm again – what a joy to talk to voters and really hear what they like. It’s a gift to moderate on stage and have panelists bounce off each other instead of waiting for their turn to speak on Zoom! I am grateful to the artisans I celebrate and share their stories with on a daily basis. Ryan Coogler! Thanks for “Wakanda Forever.” And Lady Gaga, you gave us the Chromatica Ball, and I celebrated my American citizenship at Jazz and Piano. Thanks for the music and Haus Labs! — Jazz Tangcay, Senior Editor of Artisans

I’m thankful for that purple beacon on my iPhone screen, Apple Podcasts. 2022 was the year I fell in love with podcasting and the unique possibilities offered by audio storytelling, especially in the multi-episode non-fiction format. It is a theater of the imagination that gives the eyes a break from staring at the screen. Some of my favorites from this year: “The Sunshine Place,” “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra,” “Obscene: The Dublin Scandal,” “Wolves Among Us,” “Queen of the Con,” “Project Unabom,” “Teaching Texas” and “Buffy.” Among the reruns, there’s none I look forward to more than Wondery’s “British Scandal,” thanks entirely to the sassy charm of hosts Matt Forde and Alice Levine — Cynthia Littleon, Co-Editor

Being a Marvel, Star Wars and Game of Thrones nerd finally paid off this year with Andor, She-Hulk and House of the Dragon. Oddly enough, many of this year’s top movies and shows started with the letter “B,” such as “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” “Better Call Saul,” “Barbarian,” “Banshees of Inisherin,” “The Bear,” “The Batman” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. Thanks to Brockhampton (another “B”) for giving us two incredibly rocking albums and being the best boy band since One Direction. Finally, thanks for the never-ending corporate drama as engrossing as the “Succession” season, especially the drama “Don’t Worry Darling,” the merger of Warner Bros. Discovery and the return of King Bob Iger – Jordan. Moreau, editor of online news

I’m grateful for the way Everything Everywhere All at Once is visually and emotionally captivating, and for what it has done for me during a major period of transition in my life. It was the first movie I watched since I had my first child, my baby Zahra. I love how Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu explore the beautifully complex relationship between mother and daughter. Watching this movie as a new mom helped me realize that there will be many ups and downs, many questions (many unanswered), but in the end it will all be worth it for the love and bond that mother and daughter will share — Sharareh Drury Associate Features Editor

I’m thankful for great television in 2022, which includes — in no particular order — “The White Lotus,” “Severance,” “The Bear,” “Reservation Dogs,” “Abbott Elementary,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “ Stranger Things’, ‘The Dropout’ and ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. I also enjoyed a number of docuseries this year, including “The Way Down” (it premiered last year, but I watched it this year), “The Vow” season 2, and the recent unedited season of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” ” ( a real crime done right!). I was also pleased with the final seasons of “Better Call Saul,” “Ozark” (I loved it, sue me!) and “Dead to Me,” which rounded out their stories artfully. I will miss them terribly — Kate Aurthur, Editor-in-Chief

Grateful for a great year of Latin music! There are tons of exciting new artists and styles sprouting up in communities all over the world, with many young artists pioneering new genre explorations in the post-streaming world. It was incredibly inspiring to witness the dedication and vulnerability of these musicians firsthand – Thania Garcia, Associate Music Editor

Courtesy of Beyonce/Mason Poole

I hit the floor in gratitude for Beyonce’s “renaissance.” The life force of her art and the brave decision to make the world dance when the apocalyptic vibes were never stronger was a gift like no other. Only the rap bridge on “Heated” gave me the will to carry on until 2023. Cheers to my boyfriend and stepson – Matt Donnelly, Senior Entertainment and Media Writer

While we’re all tempted to mention Beyonce’s “Renaissance” album, which is truly the gift that keeps on giving (and will keep on giving even more once we get the visuals), some other things I’m thankful for this year include “Abbott Elementary ,” the return of in-person festivals like TIFF and San Diego Comic-Con, the state champion Georgia Bulldogs and meeting Oprah – Angelique Jackson, senior entertainment writer

First of all, I’m grateful for “Atlanta.” As heartbroken as it is that it’s now over, this sense of finality only lends immense clarity to the love and admiration I had for the show during its run. I am grateful for all the opportunities he has taken and his sincere disinterest in convention. I’m grateful for my constant binge with “heritage” (I know I’m incredibly late, but I get it now). I’m thankful for Kendrick Lamar and his powerful, soul-baring record. I’m thankful that Drake was bullied into releasing a decent album (even though I was an ardent supporter of “Honestly, Nevermind”) and the masterpiece that is “Hours In Silence.” I’m thankful for Vince Staples’ “When Sparks Fly.” I am grateful to Soccer Mommy’s “Bones”. I’m grateful that Snail Mail’s Lindsey Jordan, who essentially audio-recorded much of my 2022, talked me out of selling my PS5 before our lunch interview. I am grateful to have seen so many artists who mean the absolute world to me live in concert this year, including Kendrick Lamar, Kid Cudi, The Weeknd, Vince Staples, Haim, Lorde, Snail Mail, Clair, Pi’erre Bourne and many more . I’m most grateful for the fact that everything I’ve been able to see, listen to, experience or do this year has brought genuine joy to that inner child version of me more than anything else – she probably thinks I’m the coolest person in the world right now. — EJ Panaligan, Editorial Intern

In addition to being extremely grateful for the very creative and hardworking web team that keeps Variety.com running every day of the week, I’m always touched by friends who recommend treasures from the past that I can catch up on. A few of my favorite songs from the past that are new to me in 2022: “Tightrope,” Clint Eastwood’s trashy 1984 slasher; UFO’s 1977 album “Lights Out”, a bombastic mix of hard rock and big tunes; and “Kolchak: The Night Stalker,” the trashy one-season wonder of 1974 that combined investigative journalism and monster movies into a network television procedural – William Earl, editor, Variety.com

I’m thankful for movies like “The Good House,” a true adult movie that rarely makes it to theaters. The Summer Edition was refreshing and full of real human emotion that arrived in a season full of superheroes. I’m also grateful for movies like “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande,” and “Paris, District 13,” which offered smart horror movies, sexy older women, and sexy Parisians, respectively, and “Moonage Daydream.” . ,” an ambitious and profound effort to capture the genius of David Bowie – Pat Saperstein, Deputy Editor

I’m grateful for all the openly and proudly queer actors, musicians, creators, and content that continues to come out of Hollywood. I wish I had all this representation when I was a kid struggling with my identity, but I was so grateful that today’s LGBTQ youth see themselves represented in extraordinary ways. Specifically, I’m grateful for Barbra Streisand’s “Live at the Bon Soir,” Russell Tovey’s ears in “American Horror Story: NYC,” “The Inheritance” at the Geffen Playhouse, Jerrod Carmichael’s appearance at the Emmys, Hannah Waddingham, Gabrielle Union, and Dwyane Wade , Anderson Copper’s “All There Is” podcast, working out with Luke Macfarlane, Billy Porter, Diane Keaton telling me I’m “crazy,” and this viral “masterpiece” moment with Julia Fox —Marc Malkin Senior Culture & Events Editor

With this being my first year as a Variety employee, I’m beyond grateful to be here contributing every day to the most widely read entertainment sector on the web (according to Comscore) – Zack Sharf, Director of Digital News

I am grateful that the world has fully reopened in 2022. People travel again and we meet again in real life. I’m also grateful that the festival circuit has been in full swing again this year, especially Cannes and Venice, which have produced glamorous editions full of wonderful films like ‘Elvis’, ‘Son’ and ‘The Whale’, which will appear in awards season. Yes, sometimes it’s tiring traveling to festivals and events, but that’s the essence of what we do. Interacting with people and discovering movies on the big screen is what makes this job so enjoyable and unpredictable. I’m also grateful to work with the nicest journalists in the entertainment industry, who also happen to be the best. — Elsa Keslassy, ​​senior international film editor

I’m grateful for the return of great shows like “Ghosts” on CBS, “Cobra Kai” on Netflix, “Star Trek: Prodigy” on Paramount+ and “Barry” on HBO. I’m also grateful to have been able to see the endings of shows like “The Last Kingdom” and “Derry Girls” on Netflix. And with all the upheaval in the business over the last few years, I’m grateful to know that great content will always win out no matter what – Joe Otterson, Senior Television Writer

I am thankful for the talented performers who got the second act they deserved. Brendan Fraser at the Oscars? Yes, please. Lindsay Lohan with the holiday movie of the season? yes! And give me more Jennifer Coolidge (and “White Lotus”) any day of the week – Elizabeth Wagmeister, Chief Correspondent

I’m so grateful for the One Chicago shows that still allow me to enjoy three hours of entertainment and invest in the stories of multiple characters that have nothing to do with my actual life – Emily Longeretta, Senior Editor of TV Additions

I am grateful for all the bright spots of cinema, which included many donkeys and severed fingers, cannibalistic teenagers, two airplane movies with Glen Powell, my childhood idol, Short Round and Link returning to their careers, Birdy Jay Kate Hudson, the new the open love of two robots on Mars and a shell named Marcel. I can’t forget my TV brothers who expand my inner circle which now includes Misty, Max, Barbara Howard, Armond, NoHo Hank, Burt Goodman and Mabel Mora. And of course, my Variety family here and gone, I love you all – Clayton Davis, Senior Awards Editor

This year I am grateful for the music of Carol Ades, Medium Build, webcage, Jason Derulo and Charli XCX. I’m also thankful that Twitter isn’t dead (yet) – Rachel Seo, Social Media Coordinator

I am grateful that Italy, where I live, has the Venice Film Festival, Luca Guadagnina and Måneskina, who still give me hope and optimistic stories to write in a country that has fallen into a terrible right-wing spiral – Nick Vivarelli, Italy and the Middle eastern correspondent

I’m grateful for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Oni: Thunder God’s Tale,” and so many projects this year that put Asian artists in the spotlight. I’m also thankful for all the red carpets I’ve covered, especially the one where James Hong’s hotdog glove slipped in the middle of our interview (if you know, you know) – Michaela Zee, Editorial Intern

This year I’m grateful for the wonderful new music from Big Thief and 1975, Kate Berlant’s solo show, Robert Glasper’s Blue Note residency, “Jackass Forever” and one of the best series debuts (“Severance”) and the best series ever. conclusions (“Better Call Saul”) recently — Ethan Shanfeld, associate online editor

I’m grateful to ‘Reboot’ for providing some gentle laughs, ‘Top Chef’ and ‘The Great British Bake-Off’ for allowing me to unwind after a busy and stressful week – Shali Dore, News Editor

I am grateful for Ricky Gervais’ After Life on Netflix, which is even more special to me now, a second time and with my own cancer diagnosis. It’s important to remember that laughter is the best medicine – Terry Flores, Senior Production Editor

I’m grateful for Lizzy McAlpine’s masterful Five Seconds Flat album, which has been the soundtrack to my life this year – Katcy Stephan, Social Media Editor

Every year I become more grateful to be able to surround myself with people close to me as we share in the joy of another successful Funnyvember. Have a great funny evening to all who celebrate! — Jackson Murphy, Associate Editor, News

I am grateful to Michelle Yeoh, comeback king Ke Huy Quan, The Daniels and everyone involved in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” for making me laugh and cry and giving me a Halloween costume that finally won an award this year — Jenelle Riley , Associate Features Editor

I am grateful for all the microdistributors that have sprung up in the past few years, determined to bring quality art films to American audiences. I’m thinking of companies—some of them little more than a few passionate souls who support whatever tickles their fancy—such as Array (“What We Leave Behind”), Grasshopper (“Intregalde”), Good Deed (“Charlotte”), Juno (“Earwig”), Yellow Veil (“Falcon Lake”), Dekaanalog (“Anatolian Leopard”), Altered Innocence (“After Blue”) and Utopia (“Holy Spider”). At a time when people keep predicting the death of the theatrical experience, these champions are committed to bringing “small” films to the big screen. I love them all, although my current favorite is Mubi, which has expanded from a carefully curated streaming offering (essentially an online film festival featuring limited-time offerings from the world’s best auteurs) to theatrical releases of unusual projects such as Lars von Trier “The Kingdom Exodus.” — Peter Debruge, chief film critic

My Showbiz Heroes: Sean Penn for all he’s doing with CORE to help a fellow man here in L.A. during COVID, around the world in Haiti, and now he’s handing his Oscar to the Ukrainians, reminding us all that life on a reel isn’t real life and we all have to show up for both. To Tom Cruise for proving that the only way to approach 60 is to go full throttle, whether it’s signing autographs and taking selfies with countless fans, performing your own stunts, breaking box office records, or training to make a movie in a damn space station. Taylor Swift for giving the current generation what previous generations needed and enjoyed: a mega-music star with a personal vision who continues the tradition of deep, unique pop artists like Michael Jackson, Joni Mitchell, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Marvin Gaye, Patsy Cline and the Beatles. Elegance Bratton for waking everyone up to what’s possible in independent film if you’re willing to risk everything for the truth. Taylor Sheridan for proving that writers can matter, writers can change business, writers can remind us that the US includes a whole bunch of countries besides L.A. and NYC. The Rolling Stones for rolling on, giving good boogie to fans around the world despite the indignities of aging, the loss of Charlie Watts, naysayers and the laws of gravity. Marianne Faithfull for the last living goddess of beat culture. Bob Dylan for being a beacon, Donovan for being a beacon, Mavis Staples for being a light. Dave Chapelle to explain Trump. Van Morrison for not suddenly becoming easy. Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton for keeping the last lights of country music alive in the big house called “Earth”. Diversity because it allowed me to go to Kentucky in search of my “American Dream”. My earthly addresses: London because I am home, Sardinia because it is paradise. My friends and family: You, all of you who smile, Even though my heart hurts — Steve Gaydos, Executive Vice President, Global Content

Grateful that there are finally some Oscar contenders who can support broadcasts and keep the show alive — and hopefully the Academy won’t relegate the craft categories to second-class status. Thankful for the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster debacle, because it proves that even in the age of small private screens, live events remain a powerful force in entertainment. Grateful for the growth of ad-supported streaming because it gives us more choice and justifies the old cable multichannel model now based on new technology – Peter Caranicas, Managing Editor, Features

From Luca Guadagnino’s “Bones and All” to the hit Apple TV+ series “Severance,” I’m so grateful for a year of compelling and emotionally complex stories. What’s common among the many critically acclaimed films and series produced over the past year is a common curiosity about what it means to truly be human—a question I’ve begun to ask myself much more often. But the most high-profile movie released in 2022 is without a doubt “Everything Everywhere and Everything at Once”. Star-studded performances by Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan and Stephanie Hsu, along with the addictive music of Son Lux, make this genre-bending film a masterfully crafted work of art – Katie Reul, Editorial Intern

I am thankful for “Abbott Elementary.” This authentic and funny show focuses on public school teachers and dutifully includes all the silly, honest and often hilarious scenarios. I absolutely love it. And Quinta? Her Goals – Lauren Ames, Creative Strategist, Variety Content Studio

As my kids get older—at 17 and 13, they’re barely “kids” now—I’ve become the clichéd, slightly out-of-touch dad who isn’t always up on the latest meme or cool new video game. (Okay, I never know what the cool new video game is.) But in a world of such ever-changing pop culture, there’s a constant in our worlds that my kids have adored for years and I’ve been watching right next to them: “The Simpsons.” The animated movie has been around for so long that I watched it when I was 17 years old. And now we can share the excitement of catching up on a new episode or devouring over 700 episodes on Disney+ together. This year I got to take them to the “Simpsons” premiere event at Universal Studios (thanks, Antonia!) and it truly is their happy place. Mine too. The kids may be getting old and my time with them is sadly fleeting. But “The Simpsons” is truly forever — and will be in our lives as something we’ll share forever. And for that I am grateful. — Michael Schneider, TV editor

I am grateful for the full return of a living nation… and I don’t just mean the corporation of that name. Actually, I don’t even just mean the live concerts, although that’s the biggest part of it for me. As a fan of film and comedy and music, I have felt the joy of reliving film festivals and retrospective screenings that have stopped or stopped; “Netflix and chill” has nothing on the full house and chill experience. A few examples of things that inspired me to continue a lifestyle of being out of the house almost every night:

1) A bunch of great performers in their 70s and 80s doing spirited victory laps. I caught Elton John opening and closing nights for three nights at Dodger Stadium, and then I thought, “Why didn’t I go for the middle, too?” But this tour conclusion for the 75-year-old, who is still at the peak of his performing powers, was just the end of a concert year that included other highlights such as: A Who’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl, which I found unexpectedly great and touching. Bob Dylan’s whimsical and wonderful performances in Long Beach and Santa Barbara. Mavis Staples opens for Bonnie Raitt in Greece in an all-time heroine night. Footage of an as-yet-unaired special tribute to Paul Simon at the Pantages that was an occasion for tears of gratitude. And of course Paul McCartney at SoFi Stadium, making “The End” a misnomer again. Due to their age in particular, many of these artists had to travel in protective bubbles to ensure that they and their entourage could join us on stage each night, and we thank them for their extra effort. Can you imagine a world where so many of us didn’t do what we needed to do to get through the deadliest phases of the pandemic, and it took so many more years that we might not be able to see these performers in their prime again?

2) Film festivals are back. For me, it’s a joyous ritual to return to the Telluride Film Festival each year, the festival to end all festivals as a package of brilliant curation and fresh air. Locally, L.A.’s slew of great retrospective film gatherings make the city its own Shangri-La, even if “Lost Horizon” isn’t on the bill. From the TCM Festival, making a grand return after a few years off, to Noir City’s annual Hollywood gathering (at the Hollywood Legion while the Egyptian is getting a makeover) and the like-minded Alan K. Rode Film Noir Festival in Palm Springs. No couch potato experience compares to knowing that a thousand strangers next door are having the exact same emotional experience as you.

3) Does anyone remember the laugh? Why, yes, Robert, we do. I was one of those who participated in Zooms comedy during the pandemic, and exploring the different rhythms that occur when standup doesn’t have live laughs has even been beneficial. But it was worth the wait to go back to my favorite sitcom, UnCabaret, and experience how the molecules in the room change from reactive exhalations when great storytellers like Beth Lapides, Jamie Bridgers, Alex Edelman, Alec Mapa, Kira Soltanovich , Justin Sayre and Julia Sweeney tell the truth, with joy and maybe a little pain. (Also, Edelman’s solo show “Just for Us” was deservedly one of the year’s theatrical sensations, and Lapides’ “So You Need to Decide” audiobook is a potentially life-changing treasure.)

4) Danny Elfman, back on stage as a rock ‘n’ roll guy. If you live long enough, you’ll be… well, eternally disappointed (that a Talking Heads reunion never happens). But you’ll also experience some hell-freezing moments as Elfman reprises the rocker role he left two and a half decades ago and takes off his shirt on a chilly night at the Hollywood Bowl. We’re thankful for those like Elfman who can spend decades chasing personal destinies (as he still does with great scores like “White Noise” and “Dr. Strange”), then come back and still give rockers that , what they want; it is a wonderful difference to separate them. — Chris Willman, senior music writer and chief music critic