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Conversations with Ricky Martin of THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE: AMERICAN CRIME STORY

Q&A with Ricky Martin of THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE: AMERICAN CRIME STORY.  Moderated by Dominic Patten, Deadline. | 31 July 2018

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

Emmys Finally See a Repeat Reset With Leading Men Nominees (Column)

What may be most interesting, though, is the limited series/movie actor race. The lone vet is “Genius: Picasso’s” Antonio Banderas, with one prior nom. The category not only boasts some first-time nominees in the category — hi, Darren Criss, Jeff Daniels and Jesse Plemons! — but also an overall rookie acting nominee in John Legend (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”). What a story it would make if a truly brand-new actor broke through. Nothing else would put performers on notice that they can’t get too comfortable.

Strides have clearly been taken to ensure the Emmys stay relevant and topical, but the real test will come in September, when we will see who takes home the trophies. For the past three years, the limited series/movie actor winner was a first-time nominee (Richard Jenkins in 2015, Courtney B. Vance in 2016 and Riz Ahmed in 2017), while the same was true in drama actor for the past two years (Rami Malek in 2016 and Brown reigning last year), and in comedy in 2017 newcomer Glover dethroned two-time champ Tambor.

Here’s hoping that continues, to become an official streak, and so no one, even those performers churning out consistent performances year over year, rest on their laurels. Because in the end, everyone wins when TV and its talent are at the top of their game.

Emmys Finally See a Repeat Reset With Leading Men Nominees (Column)

Emmy Awards: Why Rules Were Made to Be Broken (Column)

Ensembles matter — until they don’t.

Voters went deep on shows they loved — showering series like “The Handmaid’s Tale” with 20 noms overall and eight for its actors, including the surprise recognition of Kelly Jenrette, who played Luke’s ex-wife. Ditto “Westworld,” whose 21 nominations folded in 5 acting nods and “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” which scored 18 overall and 6 for its cast. Those casting sweeps mean that co-stars will be vying against each other in many of those races.

Yet inexplicably that love didn’t extend as deeply to the other series that Emmy fawned over: Somehow among “Game of Thrones” 22 nominations only three actors made the cut — snubbing series leads (and audience favorites) Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington (perhaps it was their jump from supporting to lead?).  And while four of “This Is Us’” nods came from the acting categories, somehow the women of the cast escaped the notice of voters — notably Mandy Moore and Chrissy Metz, key members of the show’s ensemble. “GLOW” is competing for best comedy series without its lead actress in contention (Alison Brie), as is “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Ellie Kemper).

Emmy Awards: Why Rules Were Made to Be Broken (Column)

A Fil-Am actor’s life: Carlin James

LOS ANGELES—For Carlin James, playing Christopher, the brother of Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss), in “American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” is one of the highlights of his acting career so far.

The Long Beach, California native considers it an honor to get cast in the recent installment of Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology series, which garnered praise from critics who cited the entire cast’s performances and collected 18 nominations in the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.

James talked about the challenge of “being part of a mixed, Filipino-American TV family that contradicts the model-minority stereotype (understatement).”

He added, “Not to mention, working with Jon Jon Briones and Joanna Adler (who played Modesto and Mary Ann Cunanan, Andrew’s parents). Are you kidding me? Those two are A-plus talents and gracious, amazing people. Just watching them work made me a better actor.”

The Fil-Am’s other credits include numerous TV shows and commercials, including ABC’s “The Middle,” Netflix’s “Dear White People” and the CBS shows, “NCIS” and “Criminal Minds.” Among his recent projects are “Brampton’s Own,” “Broken,” “Turner Risk” and “Indivisible.”

How would you describe your journey as an actor so far? It’s been a rough journey, but one I’m so happy to be on. I’ve struggled, failed and been terrible so much throughout the past few years. But I’m at a point in my life where I can look back and be grateful for all those life-lessons. In my mind, I’m always behind, so I feel like I have a lot more to do to get where I need to go.

How do you prepare for an audition? Any good luck rituals, etc.? When I know I have an audition coming up, it hangs over my head like a cloud. Not in a bad way, but even if it’s a few days away, it’s something I can feel. I start working pretty late at night, and realize I get the most done between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. I do have a terrible sleep schedule, but it’s something that works for me. I have this weird thing about running my scenes in the shower, too. I swear by it. Every job I’ve ever booked was due to an awesome solo shower-rehearsal.

What is the most frustrating part of trying to land roles in Hollywood? When I was starting out, it was frustrating not even getting the opportunity to read for certain roles. But now, the most frustrating part of trying to land roles is getting out of my own way. Life and bills happen, and sometimes, I can’t help but think about how booking the job can help with that. I forget that if I just relax, trust myself and enjoy the process, then all else will fall into place.

How do you handle rejection? Much better than I used to! I always say the hardest part wasn’t hearing “No” because that at least leads to closure. The hardest part is working so hard and investing so much time, energy and emotion, and hearing back nothing at all. And that’s usually how it goes. Over time, you accept it and realize there’s only so much within your control. So we do our best in the room, leave it there, and then move on to the next one… like Jay-Z.

Have there been times when you almost gave up? I never gave serious thought to giving up. Announcing to my family and friends that I was going to pursue a career in acting was big for me. There was never a Plan B, and I couldn’t face them and say, “I give up.” I’m competitive and being told that it would only happen in my dreams may or may not have also played a part in it.

Seriously though, I’ve cried, bled and broken a bone. And I’m pretty sure I’ve gone halfway crazy because of this career-choice. Except Pop-A-Shot (electronic basketball game). I’m really good at Pop-A-Shot.

Do you, as an actor of color, feel that opportunities for minority actors are improving or getting worse? And do you think that the inclusion rider (mentioned by Frances McDormand in her best actress acceptance speech in this year’s Oscars, which is added to an A-list actor’s contract to ensure that the casting and production meet certain levels of diversity) is helping? Absolutely. I feel that opportunities for minority actors are getting better. If you watch a ’90s TV show and then watch a TV show from today, you can’t truthfully tell me it’s not. As a Fil-Am actor myself, I won’t say we’re where we want to be, but I think we’re making good progress. There’s a lot of diverse talent out there building up their resumes and, eventually, they will get the recognition they deserve.

As for the inclusion rider, I can’t say I know for certain its effect just yet. But it can only help. Story is king, and as long as it’s told accurately, I’ll be happy. It’s when you show a group of friends in the ’90s set in New York City and there’s not one POC (people of color), that’s kind of unbelievable.

What’s your stand on whitewashing in Hollywood? I won’t lie. It doesn’t bug my friends and family so much. But for me, it hurts to see it. So much of what we do as actors is dependent on us being comfortable with who we are as people, as real-life, vulnerable human beings. So when I see it happen, it sometimes feels like my self-worth is being slapped in the face. Dramatic, I know. I’m an actor.

This is not a new thing though, and Hollywood is starting to take notice, so that’s good for everyone. We can focus on the problem, but that’d be too easy. I’m just glad that things are getting better, and solutions (such as the inclusion rider) are being talked about.

A Fil-Am actor’s life: Carlin James