Caprio-vating Headlines

Leo supports Michael Moore's firey 'Farenheit' (6/9/2004)
Academy Award-winning documentarian Michael Moore was honored with a standing ovation from the top of Hollywood's totem pole. The audience cheered when Moore presented his latest leftist social criticism, "Farenheit 9/11" to the most loved industry names in Liberal L.A. Leonardo was present, in addition to big names like Martin Sheen, Ellen DeGeneres, David Duchovny, Sharon Stone, Meg Ryan, Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Jodie Foster, Chris Rock, Larry David, Jack Black, Matthew Perry, Diane Lane, Marisa Tomei and Viggo Mortensen. U.S.A. Today noted that DiCaprio laughed aloud at a clip of Britney Spears pledging her trust in George W. Bush, and actresses Stone and Tomei were shocked by various sound bytes from the president. Moore said the celebrities who came to see his film left him "stunned" and "honored." He vowed to keep the documentary in theaters through November.

Leonardo: Surfer Boy? (5/2004)
According to Variety, Leonardo DiCaprio's production company, Appian Way, has optioned rights to "All for a Few Perfect Waves," a biography of surfer Miki Dora. DiCaprio will most likely take the leading role as Dora. Dora, a California surf culture darling of the '50s and '60s, became somewhat of a rebel, partying in Hollywood and womanizing, when he became disillusioned with the commercialization of the surfing lifestyle. In the early '80s, Dora was arrested for check fraud (much like another character played by Leo!) and in 2002, he died of cancer. David Rensin wrote the biography on which "All for a Few Perfect Waves" is based and the projected release date is sometime in 2005.

Miramax to take flight with "The Aviator" (4/2004)"
The Aviator," Martin Scorsese's Howard Hughes biopic, which was originally set to be piloted by Warner Bros., now has its reigns taken by Miramax. Set for a merry December 17, 2004 release date, Miramax plans to handle the U.S. theatrical distribution of the Initial Entertainment Group production. Warner Bros. Pictures and Miramax plan to honor their financial partnership agreement on the film. The studios will split rights with theatrical distribution in Canada and home video/DVD rights going to Warner Bros. while Miramax takes the U.S. television rights and distributes the film in the U.K., France, Italy and Germany. Initial Entertainment Group will distribute the film to remaining countries globally. Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. Pictures president of domestic distribution, said: "Since our fourth quarter is already committed to four high-profile movies this year, we felt that it is in the best interests of "The Aviator" to transfer its domestic release to our partners at Miramax. Both studios have the highest respect for Martin Scorsese and want this exceptional movie to have all the attention and success it deserves; we believe we've found a way to do that with our new arrangement." Rick Sands, Miramax chief operating officer, stated, "After the success of "Gangs of New York," Miramax is honored to have the opportunity to work once again with Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio and Initial's Graham King. "The Aviator" represents the caliber of film that Miramax has successfully marketed and distributed and we look forward to releasing this highly anticipated film."

Leo declares his independence (3/2004)
Leonardo, along with Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, Amber Tamblyn, Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo, Peter Sarsgaard and Kirsten Dunst, co-hosted a Declare Yourself event. In an effort to link celebrity with democracy, guests were able to register to vote and view an original copy of the Declaration of Independence. The organization sponsoring the event, Declare Yourself, was founded by television producer, Norman Lear. Lear has joined forces with young stars to help spread his message. "It is about finding your cause and speaking up for it by voting," he said. A restless advocate for environmental causes, Leonardo spoke out about his intentions for November. "I'm going to endorse a candidate that's going to help our environment," Leonardo said. "This is a very important election regarding that issue." To register to vote and find more information about Declare Yourself, check out www.declareyourself.com.