Celebrity
Patton Oswalt Returns to Host 2018 Writers Guild Awards L.A. Ceremony
Published
8 years agoon
By
Willie David
LOS ANGELES – Patton Oswalt will return for the third year in a row to host the 2018 Writers Guild Awards L.A. show, Sunday, February 11, at the Beverly Hilton.
“This is the year that I finally complete the Shifting Maze and am at last freed from the curse of having to host this wretched hellscape of an awards show. No guild can hold Oswalt forever!” said the Emmy Award-winning writer-actor-comedian.
Returning as Executive Producer of the Awards for the fourth consecutive year, former SNLwriter and Emmy winner Hugh Fink added: “I do not comprehend Patton Oswalt’s statement or what the hell it means, but I think it has something to do with nerds and videogames. Regardless, I’m elated that Patton is returning to host the Writers Guild Awards for the third year in a row and thus delaying his plans to replace Yu Darvish.”
Oswalt’s latest acclaimed comedy special, Annihilation, recently premiered in October on Netflix. Last year, Oswalt earned a 2016 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for his Netflix comedy special, Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping, for which he also garnered a 2017 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.
On screen, his diverse roles have included appearances in such films as The Circle, Nerdland, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Young Adult, Observe and Report, The Informant!, Big Fan, and Ratatouille as the voice of “Remy.” Next, he will appear in Nostalgia, due out in 2018.
In 2013, Oswalt won a Critics Choice Award for his portrayal of “Garth Blundin” on Parks and Recreation (Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series). Patton’s television acting credits include portrayals of “Teddy Sykes” on Veep, “Billy / Sam / Eric Koenig” on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and “Alan Shapiro” on Archer, as well as stints on BoJack Horseman, Difficult People, Drunk History, Inside Amy Schumer, Santa Clarita Diet, Justified, Modern Family, Two and a Half Men, Portlandia, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, American Dad, United States of Tara, Caprica, Burn Notice, Bored to Death, Reno 911!, The King of Queens, and Seinfeld, in addition to the narrator on The Goldbergs and a playing versions of himself on Lady Dynamite and Maron.
In 2015, he received a WGA Comedy/Variety Specials nomination for co-writing the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards show (which he hosted), along with co-writers Gerry Duggan, Wayne Federman, and Erik Weiner.
A veteran of the stand-up comedy circuit, Oswalt has been headlining clubs across the nation for two decades as well as starring in his own cable TV comedy specials for Comedy Central and HBO. Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time, Finest Hour, and My Weakness is Strong earned him Grammy nominations for Best Comedy Album in 2015, 2012, and 2010.
WGA show Executive Producer Hugh Fink’s recent work includes serving as a producer on the new Netflix series, Beyond Stranger Things, and VH1’s Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party. During his tenure as a writer for Saturday Night Live, he shared a Primetime Emmy Award in 2002 (Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program), as well as a 2001 Emmy nomination. In addition, he received three WGA nominations as part of the SNLwriting staff in 2003, 2002, and 2001 (Comedy/Variety [Including Talk] Series). Fink also created and executive produced Comedy Central’s The Showbiz Show with David Spade, as well as NickMom’s Parental Discretion. His additional television writing-producing credits include Comedy Central Roast of Rob Lowe, A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa, and The Drew Carey Show.
Other key talent returning to the 2018 WGA show’s creative / production team includes:
- Producers Tara Power and Joselyn Allen of Decoupage Productions, whose clients include Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Scripps Networks, AOL, and Conde Nast Entertainment.
- Co-Producer Kelly Brock, whose numerous awards show credits include the Critics’ Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards, and American Cinematheque Tributes to Robert Downey, Jr., Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Amy Adams later this year, as well as an upcoming A Home for the Holidays adoption awareness telecast for CBS.
- Head Writer Joe O’Brien, whose writing credits include The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson and The Showbiz Show with David Spade, as well as co-producer on the Critics’ Choice Awards and producer on Candid Camera.
The WGAW’s Awards Committee includes members Karen Harris (Chair), Steve Chivers, Patrick J. Doody, Shelly Goldstein, and Scott Saltzburg.
The Writers Guild Awards honor outstanding writing in film, television, new media, videogames, news, radio, promotional, and graphic animation categories. The 2018 Writers Guild Awards (70th Annual) will be presented at concurrent ceremonies on Sunday, February 11, 2018, in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton and in New York City at the Edison Ballroom.
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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.
Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.
Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.
In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.
Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.
Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.
A Career Full of Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.
Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.
The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
12 months agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike Brodsky
ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
