When we talk about a screen legend, we need look no further than LEE GRANT. Once blacklisted during the days of McCarthyism, Grant went on to carve out a career as an actress and director, picking up four Oscar nominations with one win, seven Emmy nominations with two wins, and a Directors Guild Award, all in addition to an earlier Critics’ Circle Award for her work on Broadway. An honoree during this year’s TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL as one of the stars of IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, THE LANDLORD and DETECTIVE STORY (all showing during the festival), Lee Grant walked the red carpet Opening Night talking about the enduring appeal and relevance of these classic films in today’s world.
Tinseltown once again feels like the Hollywood of days gone by with the return of the 8th Annual TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL. As fans flock from across the country and across the Pond, gathering en masse at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Roosevelt, Egyptian Theatre and more, the ghosts of cinema’s past come to life not only on the big screen but in the hearts of festival-goers and film fans alike.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Norman Jewison’s IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, the TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL kicked off on Thursday, April 6 at the TCL Chinese Theatre with an Opening Night Gala and, of course, star-studded red carpet. Film critic debbie elias was on hand to speak with the stars as they made their way to the theatre where Jewison, producer Walter Mirisch, actor Sidney Poitier, actress Lee Grant, composer Quincy Jones and more awaited them.
