Tag

Puppetry

All articles tagged with #puppetry

Rocky the Puppeteer Eyes Oscar Eligibility in Project Hail Mary
film1 month ago

Rocky the Puppeteer Eyes Oscar Eligibility in Project Hail Mary

Variety reports that James Ortiz, the puppeteer and voice behind Rocky in Amazon MGM’s Project Hail Mary, is eligible for Oscar consideration in Best Supporting Actor, with SAG-AFTRA confirming puppeteers count as actors. Golden Globes would exclude him, Critics Choice has no explicit disqualification, and BAFTA could nominate given their history with animated/voice performances. The piece uses Rocky’s case to spotlight the broader question of how to classify hybrid performances (puppetry/motion capture/voice) and argues the Academy should revive the Special Achievement Award or create a new category to honor such work, potentially reshaping how acting is defined in the awards landscape.

Puppetry Visionary Sid Krofft, Creator of Pufnstuf and More, Dies at 96
obituaries1 month ago

Puppetry Visionary Sid Krofft, Creator of Pufnstuf and More, Dies at 96

Sid Krofft, who with his brother Marty created a string of psychedelic 1970s kids’ TV classics such as H.R. Pufnstuf, Land of the Lost, The Bugaloos and Lidsville, died at age 96 of natural causes. A lifelong innovator in puppetry and live‑action fantasy, he helped shape children’s television and earned a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Krofft remained active late in life, launching projects with partner Kelly Killian and planning books about his life and work.

Benedict Cumberbatch Shines in Netflix's Dark Mystery 'Eric'
entertainment2 years ago

Benedict Cumberbatch Shines in Netflix's Dark Mystery 'Eric'

The Netflix miniseries "Eric" stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Vincent Anderson, a Jim Henson-like children's show creator whose life spirals out of control after his son goes missing in 1980s New York City. The show blends elements of urban drama, fantasy, and psychological thriller, exploring themes of emotional abuse, family turmoil, and the darker side of puppetry. Despite its ambitious scope and occasional messiness, "Eric" remains compelling due to its unique concept and strong performances.

Marty Krofft, Co-Creator of Iconic TV Shows, Dies at 86
entertainment2 years ago

Marty Krofft, Co-Creator of Iconic TV Shows, Dies at 86

Marty Krofft, co-creator of popular television shows like "H.R. Pufnstuf" and "Land of the Lost," has passed away at the age of 86. Alongside his brother Sid, the Kroffts produced a range of imaginative and fantastical children's programs, as well as variety shows like "Donny and Marie." Marty's business acumen and ability to win over studio executives played a crucial role in bringing their unique and often expensive productions to life. Despite their psychedelic sets and trippy feel, the Kroffts maintained that drug references were never their intention. Their shows, which featured extravagant puppets and scenery, became beloved classics and continue to resonate with nostalgic viewers today.

Vibrant Tales: Puppeteer Optional
arts-and-culture2 years ago

Vibrant Tales: Puppeteer Optional

The La MaMa Puppet Festival in New York showcases the power of storytelling through puppetry, with standout performances including Dan Hurlin's installation "Motel" and Tom Lee's mesmerizing puppet show "Sounding the Resonant Path." These works invite audiences to envision stories and explore themes of human vulnerability and our place in the universe. Other notable puppetry performances this fall include "Poor Yella Rednecks" at City Center and Handspring Puppet Company's adaptation of J.M. Coetzee's novel "Life & Times of Michael K." The La MaMa festival aims to support puppet artists at different stages of their careers.

"Little Amal: A 12-Foot-Tall Puppet Embarks on an Epic Journey Across America"
arts-and-culture2 years ago

"Little Amal: A 12-Foot-Tall Puppet Embarks on an Epic Journey Across America"

A 12-foot-tall puppet named 'Little Amal' is set to visit Washington, D.C., as part of a global arts project. Little Amal, representing a young Syrian refugee girl, will travel across several countries to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and promote cultural exchange and community engagement. The project aims to highlight the resilience and strength of refugees and encourage empathy and understanding.

'Life of Pi' on Broadway: A Visual Feast with a Fierce Companion.
entertainment3 years ago

'Life of Pi' on Broadway: A Visual Feast with a Fierce Companion.

The Broadway adaptation of "Life of Pi" features impressive puppetry and sets, but lacks emotional depth and drama. The play follows the story of Pi, a shipwreck survivor who shares a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. While the production is visually stunning, some adults may find the pace slow and the script lacking in depth. However, children will enjoy the colorful animal puppets and imaginative staging.

'Life of Pi' Roars to Life on Broadway with Stunning Visuals and a Boy-Tiger Bond
entertainment3 years ago

'Life of Pi' Roars to Life on Broadway with Stunning Visuals and a Boy-Tiger Bond

The stage adaptation of Yann Martel's novel, Life of Pi, has opened at Broadway's Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Directed by Max Webster and starring Hiran Abeysekera, the play uses fully articulated life-size puppets to populate a lifeboat, including a massive Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The visual appeal of the play is impressive, but the stacked-deck ending and fanciful plot may not convince skeptics.