Sam Mendes passes on next Bond film; opts to return to the theatre
Even though he helmed the most successful 007 film to date, and this is a franchise with a 50-year history mind you, Sam Mendes has said no to directing Bond 24 but was quick to add that he "very much hopes to work with [the Bond family] again sometime in the future" so it may not be the last we see of his cinematic version of Ian Fleming's super-spy.
Speaking with UK magazine Empire, Mendes had nothing but kind words to say about his experience bringing Skyfall to a screen near you, calling it "one of the best experiences of [his] professional life" but added that other commitments will keep him occupied.
What could be so important, you rightly ask, as to keep him from rejoin a team that included Daniel Craig's moody James Bond, (hopefully) Naomie Harris' whip-smart Eve and at least one new Bond Girl and sadistic villain as its members? Well, let Mendes explain: "I have theatre and other commitments, including productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond."
Lincoln leads BAFTA race with Skyfall, Les Mis close behind
Historical biopic Lincoln leads the race for the British Academy Film Awards, with 10 nominations at the U.K. equivalent of the Oscars, including best picture.
Epic musical Les Miserables and boy-meets-tiger saga Life of Pi received nine nominations each, while James Bond adventure Skyfall got eight - rare awards recognition for an action movie - and Iran hostage thriller Argo took seven.
Lincoln's nods, announced Wednesday, include Daniel Day-Lewis for leading actor, Sally Field for supporting actress and Tommy Lee Jones for supporting actor. But there was nothing for the film's director, Steven Spielberg.
The best picture nominees are Lincoln, Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Argo and Osama bin Laden-capture thriller Zero Dark Thirty.
Les Miserables is also a contender in the separate category of best British film, alongside Anna Karenina, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Seven Psychopaths and Skyfall.
QUIZ: Year in Review, Part 2
It’s time for part two of our 2012 Year in Review quiz! We’ve already looked back at the first half of 2012 in part 1 of the quiz and now we’re taking a look at the second half of the year. From July’s superheroes Batman and Spider-Man, to fall favourites like Pitch Perfect, Wreck-It Ralph and the awards contenders Lincoln and Life of Pi, we’re quizzing you on the year that was.
And what a year it was! Don’t forget to check out our best of 2012 highlights including our favourite interviews, the best movies of the year, and the year’s biggest blockbusters in our Best of 2012 feature section!
Hit the jump to take the Year in Review, Part 2 quiz now!