behind the candelabra

Matt Damon joined up with his Behind the Candelabra costar Michael Douglas to attend a photocall for their new film at the Cannes Film Festival today. The two actors are screening their HBO project in the South of France before it officially hits the small screen on Sunday, May 26. Matt and Michael have been doing quite a bit of press for the biopic, which follows Liberace, played by Michael, and his young lover, played by Matt. Naturally, a story about a gay couple had to involve love scenes, and Michael revealed in a recent interview he wasn't exactly put off by the idea of kissing one of America's best-looking actors. He said, "As far as making out with Matt, it’s not so bad. We rehearsed the scenes. For me, I guess the biggest thrill is, when I first saw it, after a few minutes, I really forget it’s Matt. Matt and Mike, you know? I just forget it’s us."

Matt is in Cannes after wrapping up filming for his upcoming film with George Clooney, The Monuments Men, in Germany. The pair celebrated finishing the film by having a boys weekend at George's Lake Como estate earlier this month.

Matt Damon and Michael Douglas took the stage at the HBO Winter 2013 TCA Panel yesterday in Pasadena. Michael and Matt, who costar in HBO's upcoming Behind the Candelabra, were at the Langham Hotel with producer Jerry Weintraub and director Steven Soderbergh to chat up their Liberace biopic. The TV film is based on the story of Liberace, portrayed by Michael, and his five-year relationship with the much younger Scott Thorson, played by Matt.

The gang spoke about the project yesterday at the TCA and about their struggles to make the project as accurate as possible because it was based on the stories of real people. Matt said about the Liberace film, "There are aspects of their relationship that were absurd, but for me, it just kind of pointed out that there are aspects of all of our lives that are absurd . . . What it felt like was if this was a relationship between a man and a woman, you’d feel moments like, 'This is too intimate — maybe I shouldn’t be here.' But it’s between a man and a man, and I’ve never seen that movie before. So it was fun, but we weren’t giggling about it. We took it very seriously. These are people’s lives, and we wanted to get it right."

Matt spent the afternoon focusing on his small-screen project, though his latest big-screen endeavor, Promised Land, arrived in theaters across the country yesterday, too. The project was out in limited release a week ago, but has now opened widely — check out so-so Promised Land reviews.

Matt Damon and Michael Douglas were back to work on Behind the Candelabra in Palm Springs on Monday. Michael plays Liberace while Matt inhabits the role of his lover, Scott Thorson, in the movie, and filming has already given us a glimpse at the amazing hair and wardrobe we can expect when it hits HBO. Pilates with wife Luciana Damon helped Matt get in shape for the role, which so far has had him showing off a clean, waxed chest on set.

While on the West Coast for work, Matt and his family also found time to catch up with the Garner-Afflecks, including their newest addition and first son, Samuel. Matt and Luciana have four daughters and while meeting the baby boy must be a treat, they've said they're capped out when it comes to kids of their own.

Matt Damon got back into his retro gear on the set of Behind the Candelabra in LA yesterday. He filmed with costar Dan Aykroyd for Steven Soderbergh's upcoming Liberace biopic. Matt first debuted his new look, sporting a full blond wig and waxed chest, when he reported to set on Monday. Although Matt is focused on his latest project on the West Coast, he's also somewhat of a presence during the London Olympics. His voice can be heard as the narrator of the United Airlines and TD Ameritrade commercials playing on NBC throughout the Summer Games.

Matt Damon reported to the set of Behind the Candelabra in LA yesterday for yet another afternoon of shooting. He's teaming up with director and longtime friend Steven Soderbergh, as well as Michael Douglas, on the Liberace biopic. Matt debuted his highlighted blond wig and retro wardrobe Monday.

Matt's also lent his voice to some big primetime projects. He's one of the famous stars featured in commercials during the Summer Games. His solemn tone narrates spots for United Airlines and TD Ameritrade, while Tom Hardy teamed up with Nike and Morgan Freeman joined forces with Visa.

Matt Damon was in costume yesterday, alongside his costar Michael Douglas, to work on their Liberace movie, Behind the Candelabra. The TV picture, based on the life of the pianist and vocalist, is being directed by Steven Soderbergh. Steven and Matt have worked together multiple times before on the Ocean's films and last year's Contagion. Michael Douglas plays Liberace and Matt has the role of the singer's 39-years-younger lover, Scott Thorson. Steven, Michael, and Matt's finished product will air on HBO sometime in 2013.