Patrick McDonald

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” a nominee for Best Documentary at the 96th Academy Awards on March 10th, 2024. The story of a Ugandan pop singer-turned-activist is directed by Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp. Currently streaming on HULU and Disney+.

CHICAGO – The World Premiere of a debut feature film is one of the most important days for the production company and in this case Brittani Ward, the writer and director. ‘Single Car Crashes,” a made-in-Chicagoland film, will have its World Premiere at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose, California, on March 15th, 2024.

CHICAGO – Here we go again. Welcome to the annual Oscar Predictions on HollywoodChicago.com, for 2024 (the 96th Academy Awards). The film/entertainment contributors of HC – Patrick McDonald and Spike Walters – are joined by filmmaker treasure Michael Glover Smith (“Relative”) and film critic Jeffrey L. York of “The Establishing Shot.”

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on February 29th, 2024, reviewing “Problemista,” the debut film of writer/director/lead actor Julio Torres. In select theater now, in Chicago March 8th.

CHICAGO – One of the great perks of entertainment reporting is the encounter with a movie pro earlier in the year who eventually gets nominated for an Oscar. Last year it was “The Daniels” (eventual Best Director winners) and this year it’s the odds-on favorite for Best Costume Designer, Holly Waddington of “Poor Things.”

CHICAGO – The names “TJ & Dave” are legion in the Chicago entertainment scene. The improvisation duo – T.J. Jagodowski and David Pasquesi – are improv performers who heighten the status of the city as a comedic destination. Now they’re featured in a indie TV pilot that will premiere at SXSW 2024 entitled “Bettendorf Talks.”

CHICAGO – During Oscar week, all eyes turn to Unit Photographer Dale Robinette, who got the assignment on the Oscar nominated “Barbie.” The following on-set pictures were snapped during the production’s time in Los Angeles, which including the iconic cowpoke wardrobe of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

CHICAGO – The Windy City will be represented at the upcoming SXSW Festival in Austin (March 8th-16th, 2024), and throughout the week there will be a series of articles previewing their interaction. The series begins with Curtis Matzke of Unfinished Films, sitting on the panel he created, “Understanding Artist Residencies & Retreats for Filmmakers” on March 10th.

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for the 2023 Oscar Nominated Short Films in separate programs featuring Live Action, Animation and Documentary Shorts. Presented by Shorts TV/Magnolia Films and currently in select theaters, see local listings.

CHICAGO – A reimagining of the 1980s cult classic “Road House,” featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, is the Opening Night Film for the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival on March 8th, 2024. Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com will be covering the festival through March 13th.