Jury

Jury Exonerates M. Night Shyamalan in ‘Servant’ Plagiarism Case, Series Declared Original Work

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A federal jury recently exonerated director M. Night Shyamalan and colleagues involved in the Apple TV+ series “Servant,” freeing them from accusations of plagiarism. The decision, made in a rare jury trial for this type of dispute, found that the thriller series was not derived from filmmaker Francesca Gregorini’s movie “The Truth About Emanuel.” Typically, lawsuits alleging copyright infringement in the entertainment industry are dismissed or settled out of court. However, this case escalated to an unusual extent, even prompting Shyamalan himself to testify. He firmly denied any familiarity with Gregorini’s work, describing any narrative … Read more

National Action Network Voices Concern Over Jury Diversity in A$AP Rocky’s Assault Case

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Los Angeles, CA — The Rev. Al Sharpton and the Los Angeles chapter of the National Action Network (NAN) are closely monitoring the jury selection process in the upcoming felony assault trial of hip-hop artist A$AP Rocky. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of Black jurors among the prospective candidates. According to the NAN, only four of the 106 potential jurors in A$AP Rocky’s trial identify as Black, a number that has raised eyebrows given the diversity of Los Angeles. Sharpton emphasized the importance of a jury that fairly represents the community in order … Read more

Director Maura Delpero Wins Grand Jury Prize at Venice with Captivating Film ‘Vermiglio’

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Venice, Italy – Maura Delpero’s latest cinematic venture “Vermiglio,” has clinched the Grand Jury Prize at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, marking a significant accomplishment in her filmmaking career. The film, known for its intricate narrative and compelling visuals, delves deep into the themes of motherhood and personal freedom. “Vermiglio” explores the story of Ines, played by Carla Crespo, a woman grappling with the boundaries between imprisonment and shelter, law and natural instinct, in a harrowing tale set within a women’s prison. Crespo’s portrayal of Ines, a complex character who navigates her existence within and … Read more

BAFTA Overhauls Award Processes: Opens Director Nominations and Reduces Jury Involvement for a Fresh 2025 Outlook

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London, UK — In a progressive shift, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has unveiled significant changes to its voting process for the upcoming 2025 film awards, responding to prior criticisms which questioned the transparency and inclusiveness of its selection methodology. The academy’s adjustments focus particularly on minimizing jury intervention, which in recent years had been seen as out of touch with broader industry perceptions and the diverse voices within its own voting body. For the first time since the implementation of the controversial jury system, BAFTA will return to a member-driven … Read more