Photo: Midsommar/A24
A24 Films have proven that they are an entertainment network with heart. The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect people around the world, particularly in major cities and population centers. First responders and front-line health care workers work tirelessly to treat those afflicted and to prevent further spread of the virus. New York City, as the most populous city in the United States, was hit particularly hard by the pandemic.
New York City’s status as a huge part of American iconography, economy and entertainment has led to widespread support during the city’s struggles. American film director Spike Lee’s latest short film, New York, New York, is a love letter to the director’s home city during this time of hardship. Rise Up New York!, a telethon organized by the Robin Hood Relief Fund and hosted by comedian Tina Fey, was also held in order to raise money for those affected by the virus in New York City.
A24 Films Items Being Auctioned Off
Amongst many other individuals and organizations who are raising money for America’s Big Apple, independent film producer and distributor A24 has arrived to do their part as well. A24 was established in 2012, and has been based in New York City ever since. After its inception, the company quickly made a name for itself by securing the rights for films such as Spring Breakers, Room, Moonlight, The Killing of a Sacred Deer and many more, and as of 2019, the company’s films have received a total of 25 Academy Award nominations. Notably, Brie Larson’s performance in Room won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2016, and Moonlight won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017.
In a charity event to raise money for New York City’s healthcare services and workers, A24 hosted a number of auctions throughout the month of May in which they sold props from their most popular films. The proceeds from these auctions went to a number of different charities, including NYC Health + Hospitals and Food Bank for New York City. By the end of the month, A24 raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the people of NYC during this difficult period.
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The first auction, “A24 Attic Auction”, closed on May 8th and auctioned iconic props from a variety of A24 productions to raise money for NYC Health+Hospitals. Two heirloom doormats featured in Ari Aster’s 2018 horror flick Hereditary, sold for a combined total of $14,500. Props from Bo Burnham’s 2018 coming-of-age film Eighth Grade, including a time capsule and a pair of pool goggles, were also featured. A skateboard, belonging to Steve from Jonah Hill’s directorial debut Mid90s, was also sold for $7,500. Finally, a hoodie worn by actress and model Zendaya was sold, which she wore during the filming of the television drama Euphoria. The unique hoodie featured hidden holes in the armpits, in order to accommodate a safety harness during a dance sequence.
A24 Auctions Collects
The following auction, which was closed on May 13th, was focused solely on selling props from the film Midsommar. Ari Aster’s 2019 horror film, which stars Florence Pugh and Jack Reynor, is focused on a pagan cult festival taking place in Hälsingland, Sweden. Due to the nature of the film, A24’s “Midsommar Hårga Collectibles” auction sold a number of beautiful and intricately crafted articles of clothing for the benefit of the FDNY Foundation.
Notable props that were sold include The May Queen Dress, a 30-pound dress covered in 10,000 silk flowers and including a crown of jewels and vegetation. The gown was worn on-film by Florence Pugh’s character Dani in the film, and sold for $65,000. The May Queen Crown, a matching headdress also worn on-screen by Pugh, sold for $15,000. The Finishing Mallet, a five-foot-long solid wood mallet used in the film’s sacrificial rituals, was sold for $10,000.
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On May 20th two separate auctions were closed, each featuring multiple items from two of the most critically-acclaimed films of 2019. “Gems from Gems” was focused exclusively on props from Uncut Gems, a crime thriller starring Adam Sandler and directed by Josh and Benny Safdie. Meanwhile, the “Let There Be Light” Auction featured props from Robert Eggers’ psychological horror film The Lighthouse, which stars Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe.
“Gems from Gems” sold a total of 18 items, with the proceeds going towards the Queens Community House multi-service settlement house. Among the props auctioned were multiple articles of clothing worn by Adam Sandler’s character Howard in the film, such as his yellow polo shirt and rimless sunglasses. By far the most expensive item in the lot, a replica 2008 Boston Celtics Championship Ring used extensively throughout the film, sold for $15,000.
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Meanwhile, the “Let There Be Light” Auction sold seven original items from The Lighthouse for the benefit of Food Bank for New York City, which is providing food to those affected by the pandemic. This set featured the most expensive item throughout all four of A24’s auctions, the Mermaid Carving heavily featured in the film. Handled extensively by Robert Pattinson’s character Winslow, the half-pound wooden carving sold for $110,750 in the auction. Another incredibly unique item, the 800 pound light that sits atop the film’s titular lighthouse, started bidding at $80,000 but went unwon at the time of the auction closing.
Across all four auctions, A24 managed to raise more than $350,000 for charities throughout New York City. With props from across six different beloved films and one television series, the company was able to benefit those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. While no future A24 auctions have been announced, it seems likely that more props will be auctioned off in the future once their future films, such as The Green Knight and Minari, are finally released.
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Meanwhile, the “Let There Be Light” Auction sold seven original items from The Lighthouse for the benefit of Food Bank for New York City, which is providing food to those affected by the pandemic. This set featured the most expensive item throughout all four of A24’s auctions, the Mermaid Carving heavily featured in the film. Handled extensively by Robert Pattinson’s character Winslow, the half-pound wooden carving sold for $110,750 in the auction. Another incredibly unique item, the 800 pound light that sits atop the film’s titular lighthouse, started bidding at $80,000 but went unwon at the time of the auction closing.
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Thomas McNulty believes in thorough research and ethical journalism with a keen awareness of Hollywood trends and news. Thomas likes to look at the bigger picture of where the industry is heading with all forms of entertainment, including movies, TV shows, books, video games and live entertainment that are forms of art and should be treated as such. By drawing connections between these various pieces of entertainment, we are able to come closer to understanding society as a whole. Thomas believes in writing for a publication that promotes ethics and morality and that is why he has chosen Hollywood Insider as the right platform to advocate for positive entertainment.
