Kate Hudson & Hugh Jackman Celebrate Neil Diamond at AFI Fest

The AFI Fest premiere of “Song Sung Blue” was an evening filled with anticipation and a heartfelt tribute to music legend Neil Diamond. Stars Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, alongside director Craig Brewer, celebrated their new film, a Focus Features presentation, at the iconic TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The event took an unexpected and touching turn when Neil Diamond himself, though unable to attend in person, made a virtual appearance via FaceTime, connecting with the cast and director on the red carpet.

A Star-Studded Red Carpet and a Special Call

The closing night presentation of AFI Fest saw a vibrant red carpet bustling with excitement for “Song Sung Blue.” Before the screening, Neil Diamond’s wife, Katie Diamond, initiated a FaceTime call with the music icon, allowing him to interact with the film’s lead actors, Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, and director Craig Brewer.

Kate Hudson expressed her profound appreciation for the connection, stating, “What a privilege! Getting to know Neil and Katie has been really something special for me. I wish he could be here. That’s why we make movies: We have these connections with artists and sort of fall in love with each other.” Hudson also shared her anticipation for the audience’s reaction, mentioning her excitement and nervousness about watching the film for the first time with a crowd.

“Song Sung Blue”: A Tale of Music, Dreams, and Connection

“Song Sung Blue” is a film rooted in a true story, exploring the powerful impact of music and human connection. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson portray Mike and Claire Sardina, a Milwaukee couple whose shared adoration for Neil Diamond’s music leads them to form a tribute band called ‘Lightning and Thunder.’ The film chronicles their journey as they pursue their musical aspirations and navigate life’s challenges with their blended family.

Director Craig Brewer, confident in the film’s appeal, particularly after receiving a positive endorsement from Neil Diamond himself, showed no signs of nervousness regarding audience reactions or impending critical reviews. Brewer remarked that Diamond’s support was “a dream come true,” emphasizing that his main audience was Diamond and hoping to introduce more people to his music.

The Cast’s Personal Ties to Neil Diamond

The ensemble cast, which includes Jim Belushi, Fisher Stevens, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir, and Hudson Hensley, all share a unique connection to Neil Diamond’s musical legacy.

• Jim Belushi: Drawing from his extensive experience with the Blues Brothers, Belushi highlighted his respect for skilled lyricists and musicians. He praised Neil Diamond for his “simplicity of language and how quickly he could get to the heart,” calling him a beautiful writer and singer.
• Fisher Stevens: Stevens recounted a humorous coincidence, revealing he shares a name with an Australian Neil Diamond impersonator, leading to calls for performances. Despite growing up listening to Diamond with his father, whose favorite song was “Song Sung Blue,” Stevens never took up the impersonator gigs.
• Ella Anderson: Recently recognized as one of Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch, Anderson lauded Jackman and Hudson, stating they “immersed themselves this story” and gave their all to accurately portray the characters.

Praise for Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman’s Performances

The lead performances by Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman garnered significant acclaim from their fellow cast members. Jim Belushi lauded Kate Hudson as “a lioness of an actress,” highlighting her “very important performance” in the film and crediting Craig Brewer for bringing out the depth within her. Regarding Hugh Jackman, Belushi enthusiastically noted his singing, dancing, and charming demeanor.

Fisher Stevens also emphasized that the film’s core strength lies beyond Diamond’s lyrics, attributing its power to the inspiring characters of the Sardinas. He described them as individuals who uphold their dreams against all odds, finding their uniqueness deeply moving.

Neil Diamond’s Message to the Fans

As the cast and director introduced the screening, Hugh Jackman shared a poignant moment from his red carpet conversation with Neil Diamond. Jackman had asked Diamond if he had a message for the audience. Diamond’s response was simple yet profound: “Tell everyone I love them, and to keep singing.”

Conclusion

The AFI Fest premiere of “Song Sung Blue” was more than just a film screening; it was a testament to the enduring power of music, the pursuit of dreams, and the unexpected connections that bind us. The virtual presence of Neil Diamond, saluted by the film’s stars Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman and director Craig Brewer, underscored the profound influence of his artistry. The heartfelt performances and the genuine passion of the cast and crew promise an engaging and moving cinematic experience for audiences, resonating with anyone who understands the joy of finding inspiration in song.