‘This Is It’ Award Nominations
Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ film has been nominated for the following 2010 awards:
NAACP Image Award: Outstanding Motion Picture
Critic’s Choice Award: Best Documentary Feature
ACE Eddie Award: Best Edited Documentary
(Don Brochu, Brandon Key, Tim Patterson & Kevin Stitt, A.C.E.)
Hello-bello spread the love and generosity for the people of Haiti God Bless you xoxo
Good Luck at the Awards on Jan 31. Earth Song is my favourite and I look forward to seeing this on that special night. You must be very proud and must have loved MJ very much. I’m still heartbroken after 7 months. Greatly anticipating TII on dvd. I saw it 4 times in the theatre. He may not be around but he’s still here and very much alive in our hearts. I know you’re going to win. You all deserve a standing ovation and I know you will get it. Thank you for sharing TII. It is brilliant!
Also, do you know who I would contact to get permission from the family to start a project in honour of MJ that would provide them financial rewards. I would also like to get my idea going to raise funds for Haiti. It’s a brilliant idea that I would love you to be part of because it also involves TII. Please let me know if you are interested.
Hi Mr. Ortega. Thanks so much to you and others who gave us insight on the “This is it” production from the dancers, choreographers, musicians, and others; and of course to Mr. Jackson. I have to say that Michael Jackson has been under my radar for at least 12 years. I didn’t realize all the tours he has done in the past mostly in 1997 and I didn’t even know about the release of his album in 2001 or this tour he was embarking on. Maybe it was because all that time I got married and was raising 3 kids. Now since Mr. Jacksons death I have been watching him on youtube just to kind of “catch up” and just trying to get an idea of what kind of person he was wich is very difficult to do because you can’t believe everything you hear. I felt after his last trial that he was really going to need time to himself to heal his wounds. (I do know and very much believe that he was innocent) It was great fun and so intriguing to see you interact with him, I loved watching your relationship with him and him with you. The way you two worked together and laughed together. I believe you whole heartedly of how you said you felt honored that he trusted you, I’m sure in his world that was difficult for him to do without being hurt by people and I’m sure he felt relieved that he could trust you. I also love watching your interviews with Oprah and ofcourse behind the scenes in the movie. The way you speak about him, your relationship with him, and the creativity the two of you had makes me want to hear more. I’m looking forward to purchasing the movie and can’t wait to watch the unseen portion.
Well I know I wrote a lot and if you read this I do appreciate your time as I’m sure you are very busy.
Just in closing I want to say that I hope you are healing from your loss of a great friend and a wonderful human being. I know the “what could of been” and “I wish we could of done this” must be painful at times but thank God it was all on film, at least most of it and could be shared with people who would not have been able to see his concert like myself. I know I appreciate it very much. Take Care and I hope 2010 is a great year for you and your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Heidi Smith in Naples, Florida
My thoughts and prayers also to the dancers, singers, musicians and of course Michael’s 3 children.
Thank you Kenny Ortega. You have shown the world a Michael Jackson that very few had the opportunity to know. This Is It and the Making of TII were so interesting and ejoyable to watch. They brought home the tremendous loss of the genius that was Micheal Jackson and gave glimpses of what a spectacular show TII would have been. Thank you for your generosity of spirit and the love that you and the others that worked on those pieces obviously felt for MJ. They made me wish that I had been there too. Take care and all the best to you.
Hi Kenny! My name is Mike Musolino. My grandfather was David Madrid from Redwood City, CA. Your Uncle, Johnny used to come over all the time to hang with my Gramps! I remember Johnny very well! My Mom was wondering if Manual was your dad? She said the Ortegas were a big from family!
Mike Musolino
Mr. Ortega I purchased and watched my DVD of “This is It” this morning on release day. I saw it twice in the theater…once in IMAX. After watching the DVD in my home this morning it reminded me of not only Michael’s genious but yours as well. Your professionalism, concern, empathy, respect for creativity and nurturing spirit was so comforting to see. It warms my heart to know that Micheal spent much of his last days preparing for a monumental event with the likes of you. Thank you and others for your appreciation of the artist and putting together a DVD that fans can cherish forever. I wish you much success in all your endeavors. God Bless you Kenny Ortega!
Kenny, THANK YOU for helping to spread Michael’s “last” message of L.O.V.E & for sharing his dream with us in “This is it” the movie. I still have not stopped crying over Michael’s passing, I feel as if I myself, personally, have lost a close, dear, & VERY special friend whose shoes could never be filled again. Then my mind goes to his children, & I cry harder. I only wish that the parasites in this world who have tried to (& continue to try to) tear at Micheal’s image could only realize that their actions are only based on jealousy, because they themselves could never have measured up to the son, brother, friend, & most importantly, father, that Micheal was to others & his children! Michael was an example to the rest of us, an example of how we ourselves could be closer to living God’s words! When Michael’s heart was breaking, mine was breaking with his! I’m glad that you were there with him to help his dreams become realities, you can see in his face the amount of respect & love he had for you in the movie, & I LOVE how even though there were times you were trying to keep things running smoothly, he was not afraid to let his child side come out, like during “Smooth Criminal” when the shot went from the movie to Michael standing there, & after a few moments of silence, you said “did we miss a cue,” & he answered “I’m sizzling”, omg, that brought me to laughs & tears (although I’m sure that was a “serious” moment at the time)! LOL One thing is for sure, “This is it” has left many wanting & craving more of Michael, after all, he’s a natural drug that I could get high off of all day long! Let’s hope that if his children at some point decide to follow in their dad’s footsteps that you will be there to guide them & help them along the way with their dreams, cause like Michael, I’m sure they have some messages & dreams of their own that I’m sure they’d like to see become reality for others to witness! Thanks again Kenny & God Bless you! Heal the world!
Thank you for making this film and giving us the opportunity to witness the making of a truly phenominal live show as it came together. I watched the movie in the theatre and just now in my home on blu ray. I can see that both of you respect and love one another. The movie truly took me again on an emotional roller coaster with many tears in between and I did not want it to end.
Jan 26 dvd came out today I believe it will be the best selling one of all time. We all love Micheal and will cherish it foa always.
Hi Kenny!! You and your adorable little Manly have the same smile!! I bet you spoil him, I know I would, I have 3 cats and I tell you they are spoiled, but well behaved, that’s the thing about pets, you can spoil them till your heart is content, unlike children, whom I love also, but if you spoil them, they can really misbehave, Does Manly like to wear clothes, I can see him in a teny tiny little tan short sleeve sweater, even though it is warm where you guys are, I think that would be adorable on him!! You must miss him like crazy when you have to go out of town. I want to thank you for such a wonderful creation TII, me and my daughter went to see it 9 times, and wish we had gone many more, we have it on dvd, but havnt looked at it yet, the experience can never be the same as seeing it united together with others in a theater, and seeing him larger than life, nothing could compare. Any chance on #2, that would be the greatest!! I know so many people that really miss #1, and wish they had gone more times to see it, they have watched it on dvd, but as me and my daughter wish, we would love to take it to a theater and ask them to play it for us and for anyone that wants to join us!! If only that could be true.
Thank you Kenny for reading my comment, well I hope that you do, I guess I am to quick to assume!
Bless You Kenny and of course Manly too, if you get a chance, I would love to know if their is any hopes of a TII #2
Your The Best!!
Diane
I am so please to follow this site and see all that’s going on in the world of entertainment
I just received by copy of This Is It that I pre-ordered from Amazon. I have watched it twice and plan on watching it 1000’s of time more. I predict it to be an Award winner!
Personal note: if you can get it to Kenny. I’m the niece of one of his dearest friends Sally Staff and I’m trying to get in touch with Uncle Harold can you pass that along and ask Kenny to reach me when he can: Love Marcia
Kenny, I love your picture with Manly. Clearly, you have a gentle heart and a love for animals. You rock!
I enjoy all the work you do and I just wanted to take this moment and THANK YOU for caring so much for and about Michael and for helping to bring together the documentary, This Is It, to share with the world. It was clearly evident during the film that you two really shared a deep devotion and respect for one another. I’m so glad you were part of his life. I believe that you truly cared about him–not only as the greatest entertainer, ever, but as a dear friend–the wonderful, kind, caring Michael Jackson.
Words simply cannot express how devastated we are to know he’s gone, but at least through your wonderful direction we all got a chance to catch a glimpse of one of the most talented, caring and charismatic human beings ever to grace this planet.
God how we miss him.
Thanks, Kenny.
–Susan
I am so very happy to see that This Is It, is being honored in 2010. It was the most amazing movie, captivating, creative, absolutley incredible! movie I have ever seen, To say the least! It deserves the highest recongnition. To all that produced and took this amazing footage and put it into an unforgetable film, using footage that wasn’t even meant for a documentary, it surely turned out to be one of the BEST! It seems that no matter what Michael was doing in this particular chapter in his life, perfection was more evident than ever, even though this movie came about from re-hearsal footage, one would never know after seeing this incredible, moving, captivating, creative documentary, based on rehersal only. Micahel was and always will be the very best, it is sad to know that this world will Never See another, no-one could even come close, to who and what he was. Michael gave us all so much, sometimes it seemned as though he really didnt realize what a genious he was. To Kenny! You deserve an award for putting this all together in such an amazing, creative way, especially at such a difficult time, after working with Michael for so many years, this had to be your most difficult adventure, but it was and always will be a Great One. Michael is our Angel! We were only given one, he was crucified on this earth, he deserved so much better.
This Is It deserves every film recognition their is!! Our Hopes are Held Up for a This Is It II.
Love Diane and Diana
Hi Kenny, TII is a beautiful documentary which made me cry every time I watched in the cinema (3times). Michael a genious, you are too. I am sure this movie win several awards. It is wonderful. Waiting now for the DVD. Hey, you never reply my tweets. I love Michael with all my soul for ever, I miss him and it hurts too much. L.O.V.E. and when you can reply please.
WendyinNeverlan in tweeter. Bye.
Thank you so much Kenny for This Is It and for the love and respect that you showed Michael. I bought and watched the DVD blue ray version on the release day and was just as amazed as when I saw it at the theater. I love all the things you said about Michael and him being an angel on the planet. I can tell that you truly admire MJ and it is so wonderful that you shared all this with us, his fans.
I also saw the video on YouTube where you said that Michael was not looking for vindication. He just wanted to make us all happy. What a remarkable selfless man, always thinking of others rather than himself. That is a characteristic of Michael that is very rare in people these days.
You did a remarkable job of showing the true Michael Jackson and I pray that his legacy will be not only his entertainment value, but his humanitarian work and his love for all people and the planet. All of we MJ fans love Michael’s music and dance, but I think I can speak for many in saying that we love him as a person more.
I thought MJ was great in “This Is It” and it was only rehearsals! The show would have been unbelievable! I can’t imagine the incredible excitment you all must have been feeling getting ready for the tour. Sadly, it didn’t take place, but the memories for all involved are now priceless and they will never die. Kenny, I hope you write a book about your years of working with Michael. From the Bucharest Tour to the present. It would be great to have a front row seat to how things unfolded at Neverland rehearsals and on the road as you took the tour from country to country. I’ll be waiting!
I saw This Is It 3 times at the theater and I just spent the entire afternoon watching the Blu-Ray disk and can’t stop crying. What a horrendous loss to the entire world. I have immersed myself in MJ stuff for 7 months now and I still can’t begin to let go and wake up each day hoping his passing was just a bad dream. For 40 years I have adored and admired him not only as an entertainer but a beautiful person and man. I will be glued to the TV for the Grammy’s tomorrow and picked up 3D glasses for my friends and family. I will never stop loving MJ and want to thank you for helping bring him even closer to his supporters and fans. What a fantastic disk! I am now looking forward to getting the images from my MJ Opus on the computer. I hope the estate continues to keep his legacy going strong–he deserves nothing less.
L.O.V.E Karen
Hi Kenny
I bought TII first day it came out and have to say the Special Features (all of them) are absolutely Wonderful. The costumes blew me away but MJ didn’t need a costume to shine. I cried alot because I Miss Him More, but more because of the LOVE everyone had for him. Even during the interviews, it looked like people were going to cry (I could see you were). Very powerful and touching. I’m still overwhelmed by it all.
Thank you again for this. I’m ready for the Grammy’s with my Avatar 3D glasses or red/cyan version (I hope Cdns can see it in 3D too).
You’re special too.
Dear Mr. Ortega; Just an idea “outside the box”.
I purchased and watched what could have been an event of all time. My first thought while viewing this film is ” I would pay to see this event even though Mr. Jackson has moved on to a special place “. Sir, I feel that this event would still sell out if the show is to” still to go on”. My vision outside the box is to give Mr. Jackson his ultimate vision of love to the world and his fans. Mr. Jackson, to me, was a light in the world. Now at this time and place I can see Him in a glowing presents on the stage. The allusion is to show He’s still here to give us the ultimate show, even in passing. Try to vision his team performing as if He is on the stage in a brilliant light form. Your creative team would need to come up with the ultimate magical effects to place Him in all the steps and sequences in the show. Not an impersonator but a visual effect never done before. All will get to perform and see this hair raising magical event through. Test the water and see.
Hey Hun, In the Heights should also I believe show people the love for the musical. all though most the the movies out right now are fantasy and drama. Your award from me is almost in the mail hope alice can get it to you. except it with the love it is intended for. We are the world
I Hope that after all the sales of this is it dvd that we could see in on the big screne once again. Missed out on seeing the movie all tickets sold out in my area. you brought Micheal’s artistry to all of us to remember Micheal for always.
I Hope that after all the sales of this is it dvd that we could see in on the big screne once again. Missed out on seeing the movie all tickets sold out in my area. you brought Micheal’s artistry to all of us to remember Micheal for always.
Congratulations on the success of This is It. I can see that you put this film together with much L.O.V.E. I, as many other true Michael fans, saw it in the theater 3 times, now own the DVD and watch it constantly. The way you and your team put this together is pure genious. I am sure that is why Michael sought you out to work with him. I truly wish the masterpiece could have been unveiled for all to see.
While watching this movie/documentary, as well as other T.V. interviews, etc., I believe you understood how important he was to the world, how the fans needed this, and how you put this treasure togher with such thought, with Michael always in your heart. I can see that you truly loved working with Michael and truly hurt when he passed.
You have had many other successes in your life and you should be proud. But, I believe this one should be extra special. It is with Love and from your heart!
Thank you Kenny for being there with and for Michael – for being his friend – and for giving me (the world) something to hold on to. This is not just a movie — this is a monument! You are such a wonderful human being and I will remember you always.
I love you Kenny for all you have done.
Hello Kenny
After watching This Is It a few times (and loving it) I want to thank you for putting such a good film together on MJ.
Now seeing some interviews of the total plan with the 3D movies, the airplane video at the end, etc and then seeing the grammy’s show I keep thinking that with all the plans made, all the details done why can’t you pull some investors together and actually put that concert on the road as Michael envisioned it or maybe as a Broadway show. Use those dancers, musicians, etc. and find a good dancer to do MJ’s moves but use MJ’s recorded voice. It just seems like it would be such a waste of all the investment so far to not give us, the fans, a chance to see the whole vision.
Just a thought. My hope is that Michael’s death will not haunt us forever and that we will all come to peace with it.
Louise
Mr Ortega, I would like to thank you so much for the “This is it” movie. When MJ was alive, he was in my life as a great singer and dancer, but I did not know him more then that and never saw a show of him.
The day he passed away, I was in Barcelona. I was stunned ! Since then, I read many books about Michael and bought lot of his CD, an among that, the “Ultimate Collection”. I saw your movie 2 times and bought the DVD.
I discovered a man … that, I am not ashamed to say it, changed my life and my way of seeing things. I want, even at 54 years old, to become a better person and try to do for the world my little effort, like Michael would have wanted us to do.
Thank you again for every thing … and all the best to you.
Nancy
Montreal
Kenny, I didn’t know that Randy is your cousin and Randy was helping fund this elaborate show. Also, I know that Randy hired a doctor for Michael and was Randy that worried about Michael completing the 50 shows?
I purchased the DVD, now, I watch it in great sadness instead of seeing it as a tribute to the great genius Michael was. I guess I turned a blind eye to it all, now I wish I didn’t know what the rehearsals were really like and what Michael was going through.
Kenny, I’ve respected your work, now I’m just deeply disturbed by what I was informed of from a very reliable friend who were at the rehearsals.
RIP Michael & God Bless the Jackson family.
Dear Kenny,
My sons and I just watched This Is It over the weekend and I am still crying. Thank you so much for the film and for the wonderful special features. I haven’t felt this affected by a film in a long time. It deserves to win awards!
Today I posted a blog entry about This Is It (and more) on my website. Please read it:
http://yogini-bliss.com/Tejaswini-s-Blog.html
With much gratitude for your good work in this world,
Teja Shankara in Ashland, Oregon
Mr. Ortega
Want to thank you for the wonderful work you
and others did in putting this movie together.
After Michael passed, I believe there were many,
many people who stopped and took a look at Michael again through his music, short films,
interviews and his own writing and re-discovered
what a true gift and treasure he was to us.
The movie was perfect and in perfect timing at
release. Most of us did not know Michael personally but I, for one, was so touched by how kind,
gentle and innocent he really was. I think
all of it has been a great lesson in listening
to one’s own heart in deciding who a person really is.
I’m happy that Michael had you and the other
wonderful people involved with this endeavor
to lean on and experience laughter and support
before he left us.
Hi Kenny,
I hope you yourself (and not only co-workers) will read this message.
I’m German.
Thanx for having been a friend to Michael and for your dignified, appreciating movie.
I’m not a “grown” fan but became interested in Michael’s life in 2005 after I’ve read the court transcripts which pointed out different facts than the sensational media did. Since I’ve read more than 10,000 pages I’m convinced he was innocent and victim of false allegations and defamation by the media. To follow how he was beaten up by the media broke my heart.
YOU and your team were one of the few people who showed him as a lovable human being, in a positive light and pointed out his message.
I wished he could have done one concert only and could feel the love of an audience again. He deserved it after all he had to go through. I take solace in Frank’s words. It was reported Michael told him to be happy on his last evening.
I believe it wasn’t always easy to work with Michael but you showed a lot of empathy.
I appreciate, too, that ALL the people who worked on the show were acknowledged. Travis and Randy seem to be down to earth, understanding people, too.
Thanx, Kenny, for being such an empathic person. You did a great job!
Stephanie
Mr. Ortega,
I’m very thankful to you for “This is it” the movie. Mr. Jackson was the greatest performer I have ever seen, yet I know he had a deeper message in his work. Thank you for treating his artistic work and humanitarian passions with the dignity it deserves. As hard as this man worked, few gave him the dignity he deserves because he was not afraid to show the man he was on the inside.