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Slideshow: Red Carpet Exclusive Portraits & Interviews from 2026 Cinema Soirée in Chicago

PatrickMcD — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:06:29 +0000

Ben Foster, Tour De Force Award

CHICAGO – The spotlight was on the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) at the 2026 Cinema Soirée gala, presented by the facilitator of the festival, Cinema/Chicago. The event recognized four individuals from the world of film with the Tour De Force Award, Artistic Achievement Award, and Vanguard Award. The gala was hosted by THE TODAY SHOW’s Al Roker.

Receiving the Tour De Force Award for his bold screen presence was actor Ben Foster. A familiar character actor, his filmography includes LIBERTY HEIGHTS, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, 3:10 TO YUMA, THE MESSENGER, KILL YOUR DARLINGS, HELL OR HIGH WATER, THE SURVIVOR and the upcoming MOTOR CITY. The Artistic Achievement Award was given to author and filmmaker Gillian Flynn (GONE GIRL). The Vanguard Award, for creative leaders in cutting edge cinema, went to filmmakers Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan for their collaborations, including films ST. FRANCES, GHOSTLIGHT and the upcoming MOUSE.

Also walking the Red Carpet were playwright and actor Regina Taylor and actor Rainn Wilson (THE OFFICE). Presenters included filmmakers Yanely “Nelly” Castellanos (CINEYOUTH FESTIVAL) and Shiloh Tumo Washington (CIX LAB FILMMAKER).

Red Carpet Interviews with Tour De Force Award recipient Ben Foster and the Master of Ceremonies Al Roker …

Gillian Flynn (GONE GIRL) of The Artistic Achievement Award and Vanguard Award Recipients Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan …

Actor and playwright Regina King, filmmakers Shiloh Tumo Washington and Yanely “Nelly” Castellanos …

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the 2026 Cinema Soirée Slideshow, or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

CINESOIREE1: Ben Foster, Tour De Force Award
CINESOIREE2: Ben Foster on the Cinema Soirée Red Carpet
CINESOIREE3: Event Master of Ceremony Al Roker
CINESOIREE4: Actor & Attendee Rainn Wilson (THE OFFICE)
CINESOIREE5: Gillian Flynn (GONE GIRL), The Artistic Achievement Award
CINESOIREE6: Actor & Playwright Regina Taylor
CINESOIREE7: Alex Thompson, Vanguard Award
CINESOIREE8: Kelly O’Sullivan, Vanguard Award
CINESOIREE9: Shiloh Tumo Washington (CIX LAB FILMMAKER)
CINESOIREE10: Yanely “Nelly” Castellanos, Filmmaker at CINEYOUTH FEST

Cinema/Chicago is the facilitator and presenter of the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival, upcoming on October 14th-25th, 2026. For more information about the Festival, click ChicagoFilmFestival.com.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Slideshow: 2026 Windy City Smokeout Brought the Country Music Stars to Chicago PART ONE

PatrickMcD — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:02:47 +0000

Braxton Keith 1 (JimmyD)

CHICAGO – Country music, cold drinks, smoky barbecue and thousands of fans took over Chicago as the Windy City Smokeout returned for its biggest celebration yet … it extended in its 13th year to July 8th-12th. HollywoodChicago.com photographers Jeff and Jimmy Doles were in the middle of the action, capturing the artists, fans, food, drinks and nonstop energy that make the Smokeout one of Chicago’s hottest summer events, and their slideshow PART ONE is below.

The Smokeout transformed the area outside Chicago’s United Center – home of the Bulls and the Blackhawks – into a massive country music and barbecue destination. Curated by Lettuce Entertain You and ACM Award-winning promoter Ed Warm, the festival brought together more than 20 of the nation’s top barbecue pitmasters, ice-cold craft beer and a powerhouse lineup of country music stars.

Featured photographs capture performances by Braxton Keith, Treaty Oak Revival, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, Hudson Westbrook, Russell Dickerson and Vincent Mason, along with the fans and festival atmosphere that kept the party going all through the event. From the stage to the smoke pits and everywhere in between, check out the 2026 Windy City Smokeout through the following Slideshow of HollywoodChicago.com father-and-son photographers Jeff and Jimmy Doles.

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the Windy City Smokeout slideshow PART ONE, or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. Photographer is indicated by (JimmyD) or (JeffD). All photos © 2026 Jeff and Jimmy Doles for HollywoodChicago.com.

WCSMOKE1: Braxton Keith 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE2: Braxton Keith 2 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE3: Hudson Westbrook 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE4: Hudson Westbrook 2 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE5: Jordan Davis 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE6: Jordan Davis 2 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE7: Jordan Davis 3 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE8: Jordan Davis 4 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE9: Jordan Davis 5 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE10: Jordan Davis 6 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE11: Jordan Davis 7 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE12: Lainey Wilson 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE13: Lainey Wilson 2 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE14: Lainey Wilson 3 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE15: Lainey Wilson 4 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE16: Lainey Wilson 5 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE17: Lainey Wilson 6 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE18: Lainey Wilson 7 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE19: Lainey Wilson 8 (JeffD)
WCSMOKE20: Windy City Smokeout (WCS) Fans 1 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE21: WCS Fans 2 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE22: WCS Fans 3 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE23: WCS Fans 4 (JimmyD)
WCSMOKE24: WCS Fans 5 (JimmyD)

The Windy City Smokeout will take place in 2027 from July 8th-11th. For all information regarding the event, click WindyCitySmokeout.com. For more photos and coverage by HollywoodChicago.com music editor Jeff “Doc” Doles, click Jeff Doles, Music Editor.

Photography and Article by: Jeff Doles, Music Editor
Published by: Patrick McDonald, Site Editor, HollywoodChicago.com

Audio Film Review: Hirokazu Koreeda’s Latest is ‘Sheep in the Box’

PatrickMcD — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:11:33 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the new film release SHEEP IN THE BOX, the latest Japanese film by Hirokazu Koreeda (SHOPLIFTERS), with a nod towards our impending modern life. In select theaters on July 24th, see local listings.

Haruka Ayase is Otone, an architect working on a house project. Her husband is Kensuke (Daigo Yamamoto). Tragically the two had lost their son in an accident, and their grief is still palpable. With Otone’s connections they plug into an AI corporation who are able to make humanoid replicants, and they decide to take in a reproduction of their son Kakeru (Rimu Kuwaiti). The perfect duplicate opens up new truths in both their souls, as each has a reasoning for wanting a reminder of their lost child. When mysterious things start to happen to the humanoid Kakeru, the series of events challenge the relationship between all three of them.

SHEEP IN THE BOX is in select theaters on July 24th, including Chicago’s (click) MUSIC BOX THEATRE on July 31st, otherwise see local listings. Featuring Haruka Ayase, Daigo Yamamoto and Rimu Kuwaiti,. Written and directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. Rated “PG”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of SHEEP IN THE BOX

SHEEP IN THE BOX
Photo credit: NEON

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s Audio Film Review of SHEEP IN THE BOX

Red Carpet: Opening Night ‘Casino Royale’ Kicks Off the Midwest Film Festival

PatrickMcD — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 02:37:11 +0000

CHICAGO – It’s was a kick-off to a new era. On Wednesday July 22nd, 2026, the Midwest Film Festival presented CASINO ROYALE, the Opening Night to MIDWEST ROYALE, the three day film and gathering in an all-in-one Midwest Film Festival (click here for complete schedule and tickets).

This first ever five-day celebration (the festival culminates with MFF’s annual BEST OF THE MIDWEST AWARDS) that shines a national spotlight on the filmmakers redefining the Midwest’s creative identity. As the only film festival in the country dedicated exclusively to Midwestern filmmakers, MIDWEST ROYALE will transform venues across Chicago, including a new partnership with the historic Ramova Theatre – where festival screenings will take place – and an opening night at Chicagoland’s Rivers Casino.

Joe Miñoso, Hannaha Hall and N.K. Gutiérrez at ‘Casino Royale’ Opening Night
Photo credit: © Claudia Masion for MidwestFilm.com

CASINO ROYALE had a reception and presentation on Chicago production featuring Joe Miñoso of CHICAGO FIRE and Hannaha Hall of THE CHI.

The Midwest Film Festival has been a staple in Chicago’s film community for since 2004, when is was founded by Chicago actor Mike McNamara and filmmaker Michael Kwielford. At the beginning of 2020, the festival was reinvented with a a new outlook and name, facilitated by then Executive Director Erica Duffy. In 2024, N.K. Gutiérrez was named Executive Director of the MFF and is shepherding the festival into its new era with the MIDWEST ROYALE.

On the Red Carpet, Joe Miñoso of CHICAGO FIRE and Hannaha Hall of THE CHI, as well as MFF Executive Director N.K. Gutiérrez …

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

On-Air Film Review: Fashion Is ‘Brunello: The Gracious Visionary’

PatrickMcD — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 19:21:11 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson for WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on July 23rd, 2026, reviewing the new documentary release BRUNELLO: THE GRACIOUS VISIONARY regarding Brunello Cucinelli. In theaters July 24th.

Cucinelli was born into a poor-but-proud big Italian family who were farmers on rented land. As a dreamy lad, he predicted his future career through an appreciation of nature, the clean lines of a plowed field, and a disgust of the color green in clothing, due to his mother’s unfortunate choices. The family moved to a mid level city for factory work, and although they moved to the middle class it still wasn’t enough to satisfy the ambitious nature of Brunello, who essentially dropped out of engineering college to play cards a local bar.

The mathematical nature of counting cards and his study of the great philosophers landed him a fiancee that steered him to her clothing boutique, and the dreamer found his niche. Discovering that cashmere had never been used in women’s fashions or in colors, he produced products that build an empire. The brand Brunello Cucinelli was born.

BRUNELLO: THE GRACIOUS VISIONARY is in theaters on July 24th. Featuring interviews with Brunello Cucinelli and Oprah Winfrey. Written and directed by Giuseppe Tomatore. Rated “PG-13”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of BRUNELLO: THE GRACIOUS VISIONARY.

BRUNELLO: THE GRACIOUS VISIONARY
Photo credit: Blue Fox Entertainment

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of BRUNELLO: THE GRACIOUS VISIONARY.

On-Air Film Review: Jake Johnson & Pickleball in ‘The Dink’

PatrickMcD — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:04:04 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on Eddie Volkman & Friends on THE 9-6-7 WSSR-FM Joliet (IL) on July 24th, 2026, reviewing the new Apple TV release of THE DINK, with Jake Johnson and Patton Oswalt, produced by Ben Stiller. Streaming beginning July 24th.

Jake Johnson is Dusty, a former tennis phenom who flamed out on the pro circuit with an injury in his debut. He now works for his father Chuck (Ed Harris), who owns a tennis club, and the old man resents the loss of professional glory through his son’s failure. When the club membership proposes more pickleball courts, Dusty has to learn the game and meets Candace (Mary Steenburgen), a recently divorced pickle-baller who teaches him the ropes.

When Skip (Patton Oswalt) gives the presentation for more pickleball at the club, Daddy Chuck proposes a tennis match to decide what courts will be built, and then brings in a ringer … tennis pro Andy Roddick, who had beat Dusty previously … to challenge him again for the tennis side. A quirk in the rulebook allows Dusty to name the court, and he picks pickleball.

THE DINK is streaming on Apple TV beginning July 24th. Featuring Jake Johnson, Ed Harris, Mary Steenburgen, Patton Oswalt, John McEnroe, Chloe Fineman, Andy Roddick and Ben Stiller. Written by Sean Clements. Directed by Josh Greenbaum. Rated “PG-13”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of THE DINK

THE DINK
Photo credit: Apple TV

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of THE DINK

Film News: Midwest Film Festival 'Midwest Royale,' July 22-27, 2026

PatrickMcD — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:30:14 +0000

CHICAGO – As the Midwest Film Festival (MFF) begins its 21st year, the familiar format of once a month screenings is evolving into a all-in-one fest. MFF presents the 2026 MIDWEST ROYALE, a three-day festival of films (click here for complete schedule and tickets), kicking off with a (click) CASINO ROYALE opening event.

CASINO ROYALE Opening Event at Rivers Casino
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com

This first ever five-day celebration (the festival culminates with MFF’s annual BEST OF THE MIDWEST AWARDS) will shine a national spotlight on the filmmakers redefining the Midwest’s creative identity. As the only film festival in the country dedicated exclusively to Midwestern filmmakers, MIDWEST ROYALE will transform venues across Chicago, including a new partnership with the historic Ramova Theatre – where festival screenings will take place – and an opening night at Chicagoland’s Rivers Casino.

This year’s festival reflects the rapid growth of Chicago and the Midwest as a destination for film production and independent storytelling. Programming includes a conversation with CHICAGO FIRE star Joe Miñoso, a 60th anniversary retrospective honoring Chicago’s legendary Kartemquin Films, emerging filmmaker showcases and commercial filmmaking/advertising programming.

MIDWEST ROYALE screenings at Chicago’s Ramova Theatre
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com

Executive Director N.K. Gutiérrez provides a full preview in a segment from WGN-TV’s DAYTIME CHICAGO …

The 2026 Midwest Film Festival opens with CASINO ROYALE on July 22nd, the MIDWEST ROYALE from July 23rd-25th and the BEST OF THE MIDWEST AWARDS on July 26th. For complete information on the Midwest Film Festival events, click here. RE: Rivers Casino. Not valid for any participant of the Illinois Gaming Board Statewide Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. Must be 21 years of age or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

On-Air Film Review: Profile of Thomas Noguchi, ‘Coroner to the Stars’

PatrickMcD — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:48:12 +0000

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson for WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on July 16th, 2026, reviewing the new documentary release CORONER TO THE STARS, regarding Thomas Noguchi. Available through digital download since July 14.

Dr. Thomas Noguchi worked for the Los Angeles County coroner’s office from 1961 to 1982, named chief-of-department in 1967. During that time, he oversaw the autopsies of many celebrity corpses, including Marilyn Monroe, John Belushi, William Holden, Robert Kennedy, Sharon Tate and Natalie Wood … he was the coroner to the stars. But that title also carried a burden, Noguchi was constantly called to the carpet partially for his overblown status and mostly as a Japanese American, with a target on his back from grandstanding white politicians. This is a great documentary, not only for its titillating look into the death reveals of celebs, but in larger themes of prejudice, fame and backlash unfairness to Noguchi and his not-totally-unwanted nickname.

CORONER TO THE STARS is now available for digital download, see provider. Featuring Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the title coroner. Directed by Keita Ideno and Ben Hethcoat. Not Rated.

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of CORONER TO THE STARS

CORONER TO THE STARS
Photo credit: Antenna Releasing

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of CORONER TO THE STARS

Film Review: Christopher Nolan Puts the BIG in ‘The Odyssey’

PatrickMcD — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 23:09:16 +0000

CHICAGO – Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY is a big movie with a capital “B.” The sets are big, the effects are big and the cast is BIG! At times It almost reflects the star-studded sword and sandals pics of old like THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, where a familiar face was around every corner in a film most notable for the sheer magnitude of the story it was trying to tell.

Next to the Bible, they don’t get much more epic than Homer’s tale of Odysseus (Matt Damon) and his heroic long voyage home back to Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan war. Anne Hathaway is his wife Penelope, waiting patiently for her husband to come home. Tom Holland is O and P’s son, Telemachus. And Robert Pattinson is Antinous, one of the scheming suitors of Penelope angling to take the throne.

THE ODYSSEY is in theaters on July 17th, in 70mm, IMAX and combined options. Featuring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya and Charlize Theron. Screenplay adapted and directed by Christopher Nolan. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Spike Walter’s film review of THE ODYSSEY

THE ODYSSEY
Photo credit: Universal Pictures

CLICK HERE for Spike Walter’s film review of THE ODYSSEY

Film News: Patrick McDonald to Moderate ‘Hekla’ at Wilmette Theatre, July 14, 2026

PatrickMcD — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 17:20:28 +0000

CHICAGO – As Chicago-based filmmaker Michael Glover Smith’s latest film HEKLA continues on its festival and local screening run, Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com will moderate a Q&A with Smith and title character actor Elizabeth “Liz” Stam (also co-writer). For tickets and info, click HEKLA.

The story is a single day, in which Hekla (Liz Stam) has four plum auditions, but also has to tell her lover Tyler (Mary Tilden) that their two-year relationship is over. The contemplation of their time together is infused within the dog-and-pony process, as Hekla auditions for film, stage, commercial work and even the highest end of Chicago theater with a song and a show-stopping monologue. On that same significant day, she concludes by performing in a pop-up version of Shakespeare’s MACBETH in a Chicago tavern. Will she have the necessary drive to survive?

HEKLA at the Wilmette Theatre
Photo credit: LindseyFilmFest.com

The film was shot locally in Chicago, as co-Writer/director Michael Glover Smith plucked the character of Hekla from his previous film RELATIVE and fashioned her own story, with co-writer and lead actor Liz Stam. Previous to RELATIVE, Smith’s feature filmography includes his debut feature COOL APOCALYPSE (2015), MERCURY IN RETROGRADE (2017), and the Windy City-centric RENDEZVOUS IN CHICAGO (2018).

Elizabeth “Liz” Stam has also appeared in DEPARTING SENIORS (2023) and the absurdist comedy NOT IF I SEE YOU FIRST (2025, directed by a producer on HEKLA, Aaron Wertheimer).

In a lead up to the film’s festival run and premiere, Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com conducted the following Podtalks with Smith and Stam, as well as supporting actors Brookelyn Hébert and Mary Tilden …

Michael and Liz, pre-production …

Michael before the Chicago premiere…

Brookelyn Hébert on supporting role in HEKLA …

Liz and co-featured actor Mary Tilden …

HEKLA will screen July 14th, 2026, (6:30pm) at the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Avenue, Wilmette. Appearing on behalf of the film will be co-writer/director Michael Glover Smith and co-writer/lead actor Liz Stam. For more information on the Wilmette Theatre, click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com