2014 Oscar "Must Watch" Movie List

Oscar week is here! Get ready for glitz, glamour, red carpet, and movies, movies, movies! The 2014, 86th Annual Academy Awards airs live from the Hollywood's Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. EST. The Academy Awards or the Oscars is the peak of the awards season. I can not wait to see the performances, hear the fabulous jokes from this year awesome host Ellen DeGeneres.  If you have not yet watched all of the movies on the Best Picture list, don't fret. There is still time. So, here is the Roaming Reporter to save the day. Below is a list of this years Best Picture nominees.

 

 

 

BEST PICTURE

American Hustle

  Great movie. Awesome team of actors. Jennifer Lawrence was hilarious. This is my pick for Best Picture.

 

Captain Phillips

  Excellent movie. Great acting by Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. This was Abdi's first project and he knocked it out the park. Good for you Barkhad.

Dallas Buyers Club

Excellent acting by Matthew Mcconaughey, Jared Leto and Jennifer Garner.

Gravity

Sandra Bullock and George Clooney did and excellent carrying the move. The computer graphics were phenomenal. I really feel Alfonso Cuarón has a chance at Best Director.

 

Her

  I thought the concept for this movie was brilliant. Especially now that we are living in the era of technical evolution. Although Scarlett Johansson was not visibly seen in the movie, her acting was still quite wonderful. She is a fantastic actor.

Nebraska

Very interesting. I love the way it was filmed. This is on my "hurry up and watch list"

 

 

Philomena

This is a beautiful story. I always enjoy watching Judi Dench. She is a marvelous actress.

 

12 Years a Slave

 (I have been following this film since it's debut at the Telluride Film Festival and the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. The film received such artistic acclaim before its wide release. I am also very excited for Lupita  Nyong's Supporting Actress nomination. This s her first film in America. Yay Lupita! Congrats to Chiwetel Ejiofor. He is an awesome actor. I am glad he is finally getting due recognition. The cinematography and sound design was excellent. However, I don't think it will take home Best Picture.

 

The Wolf of Wall Street

Wonderful  film. Great directing and acting. It was humor and drama all rolled up into one. Congrats to Leonardo DiCaprio for his Best  Actor nomination. I really hope he wins this year. There are many great contenders in this category, so it will be tough. However, he has yet to be blessed with a golden statuette. I would be so happy for him if finally this year is his shinning moment. Also, Congrats also to Jonah Hill for his Supporting Actor nomination.

 

Best Original Song

After you have finished your Best Picture movie marathon, leave some room for Frozen. This newest Disney movie has taken the public by storm (no pun intended.) It's a great family movie with awesome humor, loveable characters and spectacular music.

 

Nomination List

BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
Alexander Payne, Nebraska
David O. Russell, American Hustle
Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street


BEST ACTOR
Christian Bale, American Hustle
Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club


BEST ACTRESS
Amy Adams, American Hustle
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock, Gravity
Judi Dench, Philomena
Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club


BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
June Squibb, Nebraska

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
David O. Russell and Eric Warren Singer, American Hustle
Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine
Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, Dallas Buyers Club
Spike Jonze, Her
Bob Nelson, Nebraska

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, Before Midnight
Billy Ray, Captain Philips
Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, Philomena
John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
Terence Winter, The Wolf of Wall Street

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
The Croods
Despicable Me 2
Ernest & Celestine
Frozen
The Wind Rises

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Broken Circle Breakdown (Belgium)
The Great Beauty (Italy)
The Hunt (Denmark)
The Missing Picture (Cambodia)
Omar (Palestine)


BEST DOCUMENTARY – FEATURE
The Act of Killing
Cutie and the Boxer
Dirty Wars
The Square
20 Feet From Stardom

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Alone Not Alone," Alone Yet Not Alone
"Let It Go," Frozen
"The Moon Song," Her
"Ordinary Love," Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
"Happy," Despicable Me 2 ( Congrats to Pharrell Williams on this nomination. I'm so happy!)

 














BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Philippe Le Sourd, The Grandmaster
Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity
Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis
Phedon Papamichael, Nebraska
Roger A. Deakins, Prisoners

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Michael Wilkinson, American Hustle
William Chang Suk Ping, The Grandmaster
Catherine Martin, The Great Gatsby
Michael O'Connor, The Invisible Woman
Patricia Norris, 12 Years a Slave

BEST DOCUMENTARY – SHORT SUBJECT
CaveDigger
Facing Fear
Karama Has No Walls
The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life
Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall

BEST FILM EDITING
Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers and Alan Baumgarten, American Hustle
Christopher Rouse, Captain Phillips
John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa, Dallas Buyers Club
Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger, Gravity
Joe Walker, 12 Years a Slave

BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathew, Dallas Buyers Club
Stephen Prouty, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny, The Lone Ranger 
 
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
John Williams, The Book Thief
Steven Price, Gravity
William Butler and Owen Pallett, Her
Alexandre Desplat, Philomena
Thomas Newman, Saving Mr. Banks


BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Judy Becker (Production Design) and Heather Loeffler (Set Decoration), American Hustle
Andy Nicholson (Production Design); Rosie Goodwin and Joanne Woollard (Set Decoration), Gravity
Catherine Martin (Production Design) and Beverley Dunn (Set Decoration), The Great Gatsby
K.K. Barrett (Production Design) and Gene Serdena (Set Decoration), Her
Adam Stockhausen (Production Design) and Alice Baker (Set Decoration), 12 Years a Slave


BEST SHORT FILM – ANIMATED
Feral
Get a Horse!
Mr. Hublot
Possessions
Room on the Broom


BEST SHORT FILM – LIVE ACTION
Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me), Esteban Crespo
Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything), Xavier Legrand and Alexandre Gavras
Helium, Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson
Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?), Selma Vilhunen and Kirsikka Saari
The Voorman Problem, Mark Gill and Baldwin Li


BEST SOUND EDITING
Steve Boeddeker and Richard Hymns, All Is Lost
Oliver Tarney, Captain Phillips
Glenn Freemantle, Gravity
Brent Burge, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Wylie Stateman, Lone Survivor

BEST SOUND MIXING
Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith and Chris Munro, Captain Phillips
"Gravity" Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro, Gravity
Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick and Tony Johnson, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland, Inside Llewyn Davis
Andy Koyama, Beau Borders and David Brownlow, Lone Survivor

 
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk and Neil Corbould, Gravity
Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash and Dan Sudick, Iron Man 3
Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams and John Frazier, The Lone Ranger
Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann and Burt Dalton, Star Trek Into Darkness


There you have it, the full 2014 list of hopefuls. It's going to be exciting to learn the final results. Also, you can visit the official Oscar  websites to print a ballot for your Oscar viewing party and learn more about the spectacular nominees. Cheers and I'll see you on "red carpet."

Toronto Feature - REVIEW: Harlem Restaurant

My trip to Canada concluded with dinner at  Harlem Restaurant in downtown Toronto. I tell you, this was the best food I tasted during my trip. I dinned at the 67 Richmond St. E location of the restaurant. As soon as I walked through the door I feel in love with this eatery.  +Harlem Restaurant serves Southern Caribbean cuisine.  Now, being a gal of the south and Jamaica W.I., I had to authenticate this concoction of flavor.

 

 

 

I entered the establishment as was mesmerized by the charming hanging red curtain and phonograph that lead to the main dining area. I parted the curtains and was instantly drawn in by the welcoming embrace of the eclectic environment. The  warm red covered walls, the intimate space, the beautiful assortment of color infused original paintings, created a soulful inviting atmosphere. I loved the artsy feel of the interior. The owner did an excellent job capturing the art inspired Harlem Renaissance aspect of Harlem, NY.

I had the delightful impromptu opportunity to sit down and chat with owner and chef Carl Cassell.

Owner/Chef  Carl Cassell

Shuga: What is the inspiration behind Harlem Restaurant?
Cassell: Harlem is the evolution of another restaurant I owned named Irie. Harlem is more inclusive of the entire diaspora. At Harlem we can provide an inclusive menu of Southern and Caribbean style of cooking. The people from the south cook food similar to the way we [Caribbean people] do. Like collard greens which would be our [Jamaicans] version of callaloo.

Shuga: How long has Harlem been in existence?
Cassell: We have been opened for 7 years. 

Shuga: Why did you choose Harlem as the name of restaurant?
Cassell: Harlem is instantly recognizable. I wanted to evoke a response in people that they'll never forget it. Positive or negative, I wanted it to leave "you" with an impression. That's what I wanted to do, "kick the door open."

Shuga: What is the inspiration behind the decor?
Cassell:  The decor is inspired by the 1920's. The original name was Harlem 1920. As you come through the door you will see the phonograph. It's kind of a 1920's art deco feel. The deep red....gives it a bold feel.

Shuga: I understand you have weekly live entertainment.
Cassell:  Yes. That was kind of our mantra. That's what created Harlem in a sense. When I had Irie, which has been converted into a Harlem as well, it kind of became the place to meet people. I've been in the city [Toronto] for a while and half of my friends are artists, actors, musicians and Irie became  like an impromptu music venue. So when this place [Harlem] opened the idea was to create an artistic space which we provide with a stage upstairs.

Harlem Restaurant has two floors, both of which feature dining rooms with candlelit tables. The top floor has a stage where weekly entertainment is presented.

Top floor stage

After my Q&A, it was time to taste the delicious food. The menu was mounted on a vinyl record which a found to be quite clever. It really tied into the rustic chic theme. There were so many lip-smacking choices.  I had a difficult time choosing. Thankfully Carl Cassell provided some excellent suggestions, and oh was it extraordinary roller coaster ride for my taste buds.

Menu

I went with a group of friends so I was able to sample a few dishes. I started with a Miles Davis cocktail which was a mix of  Jamaican Overproof Rum, Peach Schnapps, mango, passion fruit juice and lemon. Cassell said that was a signature drink for Harlem.  It tasted smooth and was mixed just right. Next I sampled the Harlem Kool-Aide. This drink was made with Triple Sec, Melon Liquor and cranberry juice. It tasted tangy and sweet with just the right amount of alcohol. It was simply superb.

Miles Davis

Harlem Kool -Aide

We started by sharing a plate of Catfish Lafayette , which was breaded deep fried morsels of catfish served with a sweet chilli mayonnaise sauce for dipping. The breading was seasoned well and the catfish was light and flaky. The dipping sauce added an extra kick. However, I also found the catfish quite scrumptious on its own.  

Catfish Lafayette

Mac- n - Cheese

The baked Mac-n-Cheese sprinkled with Parmesan cheese was hearty, creamy and satisfying .  

Blackened Salmon 

Blackened Salmon is a creole inspired dish-- salmon topped with a seafood étoufee sauce, served with mixed greens and coconut rice and peas. The interesting part of this dish was the mixed greens which was collard greens infused with carrots and celery. I have never had collard greens prepared in such a manner. I found it quite pleasing.

BBQ Jerk Chicken

The BBQ Jerk sauce really made the dish. The sauce was sweet with a hint of spice. I loved it so much I asked for a small container to carry home.

Coconut rice and peas

Rice is a very important componet to the Caribbean dish. This rice was fluffy and light with a pleasant hint of coconut flavor. It came very close to the sweetness of my mother's cooking.

Chicken and Waffles

The signature dish of Harlem is Chicken and Waffles. First, the presentation of the dish was the best I have ever seen. I have been to many restaurants that serve this dish and Harlem's presentation is the most attractive. I love that the chicken came with three dipping sauces - sweet and sour, maple syrup, and scotch-bonet-corriander-lime gravy. The chicken was exquisitely prepared --juicy, tender meat, covered in a thick, crispy batter. One bite and I feel under it's sinfully delicious spell. The waffles were fluffy with a tasty buttermilk flavor.

Mango Chiffon Cheese cake

My meal concluded with a signature slice of  Mango chiffon cheese cake. The delectable dessert was velvety light and heavenly extraordinary.

The dinner was accompanied by a comedy show presented by one of Toronto's top comedians +Quinn Martin. He was very entertaining and a great complement to a satisfying evening.

Quinn C Martin - Comedian

Overall, my experience at Harlem Restaurant  was filled with appetizing foods, gracious portion sizes, friendly service and excellent entertainment. The restaurant provided a great taste of the traditional South with new twists of flavors. I truly had a marvelous time and look forward to returning in the future. So, next time your in Toronto, stop on by Harlem Restaurant  for a roller coaster ride your taste-buds will never forget.  Harlem Restaurant -East

What's Hot! Local Events 12/2/13 - 12/8/13

Yay.. December is here! Let the Christmas season commence. December is my favorite time of year and the Roaming Reporter will have plenty of happenings to report.  December kicks off to an awesome start. Below is a list of this weeks events throughout the boroughs. Enjoy!

Monday, December 2, 2013

 

Gingerbread Lane - Queens

Marvel at homemade gingerbread houses that are drafted, designed, baked, planned, built and decorated by chef Jon Lovitch over the course of an entire year. GingerBread Lane, a 1.5 ton, 300-square-foot village made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing and candy, is a contender for the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread exhibit. Sounds delicious! For more information visit New York Hall of Science

MetroTech Commons  Tree Lighting - Brooklyn 

Join the holiday fun with free refreshments, caroling, and holiday festivities. Located at Jay Street and Willoughby Street . 5:30pm

Holiday Tree Lighting - Brooklyn

Featuring entertainment, giveaways, a sing-along with the Guild for Exceptional Children Choir and a visit from Santa.  Located at Owl's Head Park, 68th Street and Colonial Road 6:30pm.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Meditation - Queens

Take some time away from the shopping madness for a 1hour meditation class. Ongoing Meditation class held at Free Synagogue of Flushing (FSF). Rabbi Micheal Weisser host Mindfulness Mediation at 7:30pm. The synagogue is located at 41-60 Kissena Blvd, Flushing. For more information, call (718) 961-0030 or mail infor@freesynagogue.org. http://www.freesynagogue.org

Hanukkah Celebration - Crown Heights, Brooklyn

Join the Kings Bay Y North for a free family celebration. Event activities include arts and crafts, interactive storytelling, sing-alongs with Gild and latkes and donut eating contest. Located at
King & Grove Hotel (rooftop louge), 160 North St. between Berry Street and Bedford Ave. 
Time: 6 - 8 pm. For more information call 718-407-6377 or info@norlthjwilliamsburgY.org

 Tree Lighting - Boerum Hill, Brooklyn

Councilman Stephen Levin is officiating at the annual lighting ceremony and holiday party featuring the dancers from Dancewave and PS 38.  Located at the Belarusian Church, 401 Atlantic Ave and Bond Street. Time: 6 - 8:30pm.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 -  Park Slope, Brooklyn

"The Elf on the Shelf"

Barnes and Noble host a holiday tradition with crafts and free fun activities.  Located at Barnes and Noble, 267 Seventh Ave at Sixth Street. Time: 4pm

Tree Lighting -  Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Santa will be on hand with entertainment provided by the Xaverian High School Glee Club and Band, the Guild for Exceptional Children Chorus and Mary Carmosino. Located at Shore Road Park Gazebo, Shore Road and 90th Street. Time: 6:30pm

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" - Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Theatre for a New Audience's inaugural production, directed by Julie Taymor .

Where: Polonsky Shakespeare Center • 262 Ashland Pl. at Fulton Street

Web site: http://www.tfana.org 

"A Christmas Carol" - Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

This is a radio play adapted by Beth Ann Hopkins from the Dickens classic and features Susanna Baddiel, Jordan Coffey, Jonathan Hopkins, Charlie Kravits, Ron McClary, Eleanor McCormick, Vinnie Penna, Clara Strauch, Corey Whelihan and Katie Willmorth.

Where: Robert Acito Park House • Court and President streets

Web site:  http://smithstreetst​age.org

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Brooklyn Movie Night: A Christmas Story - Sunset Park, Brooklyn

The Sunset Park Recreation Center present the fun loving holiday classic A Christmas Story.  

Follow Ralphie on his quest to get the Red Ryder B.B. Gun.  Open to members and non-members.  Rated PG. Located 43rd Street at 7th Ave. Time: 7:00pm - 9pm. Free

 Poetry Jam - Jamaica, Queens

The Roy Wilkins Recreation Center present a Poetry Jam. Youth ages 12 -21 are invited to showcase their lyrical and creative skills to the community. All are welcomed to attend and support the young poets. Located at Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard. Time:4pm

Friday,  December 6, 2013

First Fridays - Jamaica, Queens

In partnership with the Jamaica Center BID, JCAL invites Young Urban Professionals (25& Up) who work, shop, live & dine in the Downtown Jamaica area, to join us in livening up the nightlife.
Time: 6pm-10pm . Located at 161-04 Jamaica ave. www.jcal.org

 Holiday First Friday! with the Metropolitones - Bronx

Experience the mansion is all its holiday glory. Entertainment, a cappella sound of the Metropolitones. Do a little shopping, enjoy refreshments and take a free ride on the Bronx Seaside Trolley. http://www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org/events/calendar.php

Holiday Tree Lighting - Manhattan

Join the Carl Schurz Park Conservancy and members of the community for the lighting of the holiday tree. Enjoy caroling, hot chocolate and candy canes. Bring the family! Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Holiday Fun Day - Jamaica, Queens

JCAL hosts its annual Holiday Family Fun Day on December 7th! Join us for arts & crafts, music, and holiday sheer! For more information call (718) 658-7400 or visit www.jcal.org

Annual Holiday Family Day: A Storybook Christmas -  Bronx

The Bartow- Pell Mansion Museum hosts a fun-filled holiday fun day. Children and parents will delight in holiday storytelling an crafts, professional photographs with Santa, holiday shopping and more. Time; 10:00am - 1:00pm. Registration is required. Space is limited. For more information (718) 885- 1461 or info@bpmm.org. http://www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org/

Santa Claus Pajama Story Time - Bronx

This free children's event will feature a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas," hot coco and Santa. Reservations suggested, call Van Cortlandt House Museum at (718) 543 -3344. Located at Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park, Broadway at West 246th Street. Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Colonial Christmas at the Conference House - Staten Island

Visit the Candlelight Christmas Market, featuring the Conference House Collection: Fine crafts, Steve Nutt redware, wooden toys. There will be free hot apple cider and cookies. Home-baked  goods are made from 18th century recipes by the Conference House Auxiliary. Visit with Father Christmas and receive a free gift for children. Enjoy seasonal music, and raffle drawings at 4 p.m.  Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm. Located at the Conference House Museum in Conference House Park,       298 Satterlee Street. http://www.conferencehouse.org/

Waltz of the Flowers - Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden will host a The Nutcracker in a special workshop for children ages 4 through 12, presented by teaching artists from American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Magical waltzing flowers and busy bumble bees will receive basic ballet instruction, enjoy craft activities, and investigate flowering plants with BBG educators. No dance experience necessary - just bring comfortable shoes and get ready to have some fun. Located at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, 900 Washington Ave. Preregistration is required at http://go.abt.org/site/Calendar?id=101021&view=Detail

Winter Solstice Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony at Queens Botanical Garden - Queens

Get into the holiday spirit with an afternoon of family fun, including a winter Garden tour, botanical crafts (additional fee), and live musical performances, as well as our Holiday Marketplace. Plus, Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4:30pm. http://www.queensbotanical.org/

Schedule
Noon to 5 p.m.: Refreshments and treats for purchase from La Bella Torte
12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Photos with Santa (fee applies; must be on line by 4pm)
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Tour the Garden in winter
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Botanical craft activities (additional fee; while supplies last)
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Concert by the Rough Dozen, an acappella group performing seasonal songs
4:30 p.m. to 5p.m.: Tree-lighting ceremony and sing-along