All things considered, 2019 has been a rocky year for filmmaker Roman Polanski. The lingering effects of his decades-old sexual assault conviction have been felt thanks to the emergence of the #MeToo movement, but Polanski also released a new film that received some strong acclaim. And in a new interview with Paris Match (via Deadline), the filmmaker talked about his year, as well as commenting, once again, on his past and what he thinks about Harvey Weinstein, another Hollywood figure that has been linked to sexual assault allegations.

Continue reading Roman Polanski Was “Very Surprised” By Harvey Weinstein’s #MeToo Controversy & Says Producer Interfered With ‘The Pianist’ Oscar Campaign at The Playlist.

‘Twas the night before cinephile Christmas… Film critics and fans from around the world, including Team Playlist, are heading to the south of France for the Cannes Film Festival, the world’s most prestigious celebration of the movies. The 69th festival kicks off tomorrow with the screening of Woody Allen’s “Cafe Society,” and George Miller’s jury will start getting a look at the 21 films in competition soon after that.

Continue reading Ranked: The 21st Century Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or Winners So Far at The Playlist.

In 2002, the name of the game was bigger is better. Cinema goers got a year full of sequels including “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” “Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones,” “Men In Black II,” “Blade II,” and “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” But it wasn’t just franchise films audiences flocked to. A little film called “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” was the sleeper indie that turned into a blockbuster smash.

Continue reading Best of The Decade: The Playlist’s Best Films Of 2002 at The Playlist.

Even Polanski’s French lawyer doesn’t know much but said on Saturday said he was moved from his prison detention to undergo an unspecified medical treatment.

All I know is that he has been taken from prison for medical attention. I don’t know where he is or when he will be returned to prison,” he said.

Continue reading Roman Polanski Moved From Jail To Undergo Medical Treatment at The Playlist.

Extradition is likely in the works (the U.S. has 60 days to formally submit expatriation request and to our knowledge have not done so yet), but his lawyers have already requested his release to the Swiss government and plan to vehemently defend what they claim is an illegal detention.

Continue reading Polanski Updates: L.A. D.A. Suggests Old Rape Charges Could Be Brought Up Again; Hilary Clinton Denies French Pleas at The Playlist.

A stateside fugitive for life, the director memorably did not show up to receive his 2003 Oscar for “The Pianist.” The award was accepted by Harrison Ford who announced the winner and also appeared in his 1988 film, “Frantic.”

Polanski was set to be in Switzerland to receive a Lifetime Achievement award at the Zurich Film Festival, but instead was greeted by police when he arrived at the airport and was arrested.

Continue reading Update: Roman Polanski Taken Into Custody In Switzerland Based On 1977 Unlawful Sex Case; L.A. Prosecutors Planned Arrest at The Playlist.