The Greatest Beer Run Ever (R) ★★★

The year is 1967 in Inwood, NY a Merchant Marine on leave, John ‘Chickie’ Donohue (Zac Efron), annoys his dad by sleeping late after hanging out all night with buddies at Doc Fiddler’s (Bill Murray) … Read more

Red Carpet Premiere of Blumhouse’s “Black as Night” Norah Finn Reports

On Tuesday night, September 21st, 20201, moviegoers and horror fanatics alike flocked to the Music Box Theater in Lincoln Park to watch the premiere of “Black as Night.” As part of Blumhouse’s new film series … Read more

‘No Malice Film Contest’ My Jury Experience

On January 29, 2021, I was contacted by Chaz Ebert to consider being on a panel of judges to judge film entries of 3 -7 minutes long for the NO MALICE FILM CONTEST for youth … Read more

Memphis Film Prize 2019- It’s a Wrap, a Juror’s View

It’s a Wrap: Memphis Film Prize 2019 August 2-4

The Memphis Film Prize is a uniquely creative showcase for emerging talent. Filmmakers from across the country submit their short film — between five and fifteen … Read more

TIFF Update: Joaquin Phoenix to Receive Tribute Actor Award

JOAQUIN PHOENIX TO RECEIVE TIFF TRIBUTE ACTOR AWARD AT INAUGURAL TRIBUTE GALA

TORONTO​ — Joana Vicente and Cameron Bailey, Co-Heads of TIFF, today announced that three-time Academy Award–nominatedactorJ​ oaquinPhoenix​willbehonouredwithoneoftwoT​ IFFTributeActorAwards​atthis year’s TIFF Tribute Gala awards … Read more

Looking Back on San Diego Comic Con 2019 by Erika S. Olson

Now that I’ve almost fully recovered from my 5 crazy days at San Diego Comic-Con, it’s time to recap some of the highlights.

For anyone unfamiliar with San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), it’s an annual pop-culture-centric … Read more

23rd Critics Choice Awards 2018 Posted to RogerEbert.com

Women and a Child Actress Rocked the 23rd Critics Choice Awards

What a joy to attend the Critics Choice Awards on the heels of the women-driven Golden Globes Awards earlier in the week, as women … Read more

The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival 2017 Preview

The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival will shortly be in full swing with tickets on sale now. A new Artistic Director, Mimi Plauché plans to continue the eclectic mix of programming that has been the … Read more

Red Carpet Event WE TV Chicago by Patty Babin

Red Carpet ‘WE TV Chicago’ 

SarahsBackstagePass on the Red carpet, Wednesday, August 16 at 6:00 pm at the Flamingo Rum Club in Chicago, some of the most recognizable and philanthropic singles were being honored at … Read more

‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ Red Carpet Chicago Premiere by Alexi Rabin

On Tuesday, June 20, Chicago was transformed, literally. As I walked to work that morning, crew members were setting up a barge on the Chicago River. However, it wasn’t just a normal, freight-carrying barge. It … Read more

Critics Choice Awards 2016 Santa Monica, CA Winners and Red Carpet Interviews

22nd Critics Choice Awards and Red Carpet Interviews by Sarah Knight Adamson

The 22nd Annual Critics Choice Awards, which includes the Broadcast Film Critics Association and Television Journalists Association Red [Blue] Carpet, was the spotlight … Read more

Pixar Animation Studios Steve Jobs Theater Visit

An Invitation to Attend a Film Screening at Pixar Studios

Don’t you just love it when the sun, the moon, and the stars all align? Typically, I receive special film screening notices fairly regularly that … Read more

Hosting the 88th Academy Awards Charity Event – Mixture of Fun and Surprises

Hollywood Blvd. Cinema and Variety Charity Viewing Party is a Huge Success and the winners are …”The Kids of Illinois”

Weather in the 60s on a Chicago winter day is a sigh of relief; especially … Read more

Top 20 Movies of 2015 and More!

Top 20 Movies of 2015−In Order of Favorites-Starting with #1

1. Spotlight Drama, based on true events. Director & screenplay credit, Tom McCarthy, Screenplay, Josh Singer. An all-star cast, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel … Read more

Chicago Film Critics Association 2015- Film Awards

The CFCA bestowed their annual awards last night after members socialized and dined at Zia’s restaurant in Chicago. The big winner of the evening was Mad Max: Fury Road, a sci-fi action film that … Read more

Chicago International Film Festival 2015-It’s a Wrap by Patty Babin

At a Glance−The 2015 Chicago International Film Festival

The energy was magnetic at the 2015 CIFF. The AMC River East was filled with press, actors, directors, producers, photographers, film lovers, volunteers, and last but not … Read more

The 51st Chicago International Film Festival Preview by Sarah Adamson

Background, Action, Rolling…the 51st Chicago International Film Festival Oct 15-29, 2015 Offers a Wide Array of Films

There’s a crisp coolness in the air, leaves are turning burnt orange and scarlet red—the sure signs of … Read more

87th Academy Awards Telecast to Benefit Variety of Illinois Children’s Charity Celebrates 10 Years

The 10th Annual Variety of Illinois Oscar Charity Event orchestrated by Angelique Barthel, Executive Director of Variety of Illinois was a colossal success. The Red Carpet was rolled out February 22 for the live telecast … Read more

The 10th Annual Oscar Charity Event Shines it’s Spotlight on Children

Lights, Camera, Action! The Oscar Charity Soiree was ‘The’ Place to be on Oscar Night!

The 10th Annual Variety of Illinois Oscar Charity Event orchestrated by Angelique Barthel, Executive Director of Variety of Illinois, was … Read more

Hollywood: Critics’ Choice 2015 Awards Posted to RogerEbert.com

Members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) bestowed their honors in film during the 20th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (CCMA). These honors coincided with the revealing of the coveted Academy Awards nominations (January … Read more

CIMMfest 2014: The Retro Route Review

Having grown up on a musical diet consisting almost exclusively of soul, Motown, and blues, it’s no surprise that I took the retro route when making my CIMMfest 2014 Must-See List, which included Boyce & Read more

2nd Chicago Critics Film Festival

Calling all film buffs! This Friday, May 9 is opening night for the second annual Chicago Film Critics Film Festival. Due to the fact that I’m a member of the Association and have a strong … Read more

The 1st Annual Chicago Critics Film Festival

Sarah’s Backstage Pass is pleased to report that the first annual Chicago Critics Film Festival was a true success! The three-day festival from April 12-14th at Muvico Rosemont was comprised of more than 20 features … Read more

Chicago Film Critics: Sarah Knight Adamson and Jessica Aymond Host Film With a View Series – Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”

On April 3, 2013 Chicago Film Critics Sarah Adamson and Jessica Aymond hosted the Film With a View series at Studio Movie Grill in Wheaton. The pair presented the original classic, “Psycho” by Alfred Hitchcock … Read more