Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi

Born: August 16, 1975
in Wellington, New Zealand
Taika David Cohen ONZM (born August 16, 1975), known professionally as Taika Waititi, is a New Zealand film and television director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and comedian. He is the recipient of an Academy Award, BAFTA Award and a Grammy Award, and has been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards. His feature films Boy (2010) and Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) have each been the top-grossing New Zealand film.

Waititi's 2004 short film Two Cars, One Night earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. He co-directed and starred in the horror comedy film What We Do in the Shadows (2014) with Jemaine Clement, which was adapted into a television series of the same name (2019–present). The series has been nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series. His most recent directing credits include the superhero film Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and the black comedy film Jojo Rabbit (2019), the latter of which he also wrote and starred in as an "imaginary Hitler". Jojo Rabbit received six Academy Award nominations and won for Best Adapted Screenplay. Furthermore, Waititi earned a Grammy Award for producing the film's soundtrack. In addition to directing an episode of the television series The Mandalorian (2019–present), he also voices the character IG-11, for which he garnered a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance.

Movies for Taika Waititi...

Next Goal Wins
Title: Next Goal Wins
Character: American Samoan Priest
Released: November 16, 2023
Type: Movie
Dutch coach Thomas Rongen attempts the nearly impossible task of turning the American Samoa soccer team from perennial losers into winners.
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Title: History of the World: Part II
Character: Sigmund Freud
Released: March 6, 2023
Type: TV
Explore different periods of human history through a variety of sketches.
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Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder
Title: Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder
Character: Self - Writer / Director / Korg
Released: September 8, 2022
Type: Movie
Settle in with the likes of Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, and Tessa Thompson, and as they divulge the secrets behind the creation of Thor: Love and Thunder. Through in-depth interviews with cast and crew, along with raw, unseen footage from the set and beyond, this documentary special pulls back the curtain on the God of Thunder’s fourth feature film.
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Thor: Love and Thunder
Title: Thor: Love and Thunder
Character: Korg / Old Kronan God (voice)
Released: July 6, 2022
Type: Movie
After his retirement is interrupted by Gorr the God Butcher, a galactic killer who seeks the extinction of the gods, Thor Odinson enlists the help of King Valkyrie, Korg, and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, who now wields Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor. Together they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.
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Lightyear
Title: Lightyear
Character: Mo Morrison (voice)
Released: June 15, 2022
Type: Movie
Legendary Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside a group of ambitious recruits and his robot companion Sox.
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Title: Our Flag Means Death
Character: Edward Teach / Blackbeard
Released: March 3, 2022
Type: TV
After trading in the seemingly charmed life of a gentleman for one of a swashbuckling buccaneer, Stede Bonnet becomes captain of the pirate ship Revenge. Struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew, Stede’s fortunes change after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard. Stede and crew attempt to get their ship together and survive life on the high seas.
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Title: That's My Jam
Character: Self - Guest
Released: November 29, 2021
Type: TV
This star-studded, music-comedy game show from Executive Producer Jimmy Fallon is infused with his one-of-a-kind comedic style and feel-good energy, featuring a carousel of his classic and brand new music-based games, like "Wheel of Musical Impressions," "Musical Genre Challenge" and "History of Rap." Each week, a new group of celebrities go head-to-head and mic-to-mic in a variety of music- and dance-inspired games, sketches and challenges that promise unforgettable -- and hilarious -- performances.
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The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
Title: The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
Character: Max Kase
Released: October 21, 2021
Type: Movie
The extraordinary true story of eccentric British artist Louis Wain, whose playful, sometimes even psychedelic pictures helped to transform the public's perception of cats forever.
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Title: What If...?
Character: Korg (voice)
Released: August 11, 2021
Type: TV
Taking inspiration from the comic books of the same name, each episode of this animated anthology series questions, revisits and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments.
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Free Guy
Title: Free Guy
Character: Antwan Hovachelik
Released: August 11, 2021
Type: Movie
A bank teller discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, and decides to become the hero of his own story. Now, in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way before it's too late.
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The Suicide Squad
Title: The Suicide Squad
Character: Ratcatcher
Released: July 28, 2021
Type: Movie
Supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.
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Title: RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under
Character: Self - Special Guest
Released: May 1, 2021
Type: TV
Drag queen contestants compete in an elimination-style contest and strut their stuff in a variety of challenges - all to prove that they’ve got what it takes to be Down Under's next Drag Queen Superstar!
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Save Ralph
Title: Save Ralph
Character: Ralph (voice)
Released: April 6, 2021
Type: Movie
Ralph, a bunny being interviewed for a documentary, goes through his daily routine as a “tester” in a lab.
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Title: Home Movie: The Princess Bride
Character: Westley
Released: June 29, 2020
Type: TV
Serialized remake of 'The Princess Bride' told in short chapters featuring celebrities at home during quarantine.
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Title: Russo Bros. Pizza Film School
Released: June 26, 2020
Type: TV
Created and hosted by Joe and Anthony Russo, Pizza Film School aims to educate and spread some love to favorite classic films, as well as local pizzerias while movie lovers are stuck at home during the pandemic. The Bros assign a movie for the class every week and sit down with guests to talk about how the films have transformed their relationship to cinema while enjoying a slice or two from a local pizzeria.
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Title: Disney Gallery / Star Wars: The Mandalorian
Character: Self - Director & Voice of IG-11
Released: May 4, 2020
Type: TV
Executive producer Jon Favreau invites the cast and crew of The Mandalorian to share an unprecedented look at the making of the series. Each chapter explores a different facet of the first live-action Star Wars television show through interviews, never-before-seen footage, and roundtable conversations hosted by Favreau himself.
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Seven Stages to Achieve Eternal Bliss
Title: Seven Stages to Achieve Eternal Bliss
Character: Storsh
Released: March 6, 2020
Type: Movie
A small-town couple finds the perfect apartment in the big city, except there's one catch: the apartment is home to the ritualistic suicides of a deranged cult.
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Celebrating Marvel's Stan Lee
Title: Celebrating Marvel's Stan Lee
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: December 20, 2019
Type: Movie
Filmed in part in front of a live audience at The New Amsterdam Theater in New York City, this Stan Lee tribute takes viewers on an action-packed journey throughout the life of Lee and across the Marvel Universe, sharing never-before-seen interviews and archive footage with Lee himself from deep within the Marvel and ABC News archives.
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Title: The Mandalorian
Character: IG-12 / IG-11 (voice)
Released: November 12, 2019
Type: TV
After the fall of the Galactic Empire, lawlessness has spread throughout the galaxy. A lone gunfighter makes his way through the outer reaches, earning his keep as a bounty hunter.
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Title: The Mandalorian
Character: IG-11 (voice)
Released: November 12, 2019
Type: TV
After the fall of the Galactic Empire, lawlessness has spread throughout the galaxy. A lone gunfighter makes his way through the outer reaches, earning his keep as a bounty hunter.
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Title: The Mandalorian
Character: IG-12 (voice)
Released: November 12, 2019
Type: TV
After the fall of the Galactic Empire, lawlessness has spread throughout the galaxy. A lone gunfighter makes his way through the outer reaches, earning his keep as a bounty hunter.
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Jojo Rabbit
Title: Jojo Rabbit
Character: Adolf Hitler
Released: October 18, 2019
Type: Movie
A World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother is hiding a young Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, Jojo must confront his blind nationalism.
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Title: The Kelly Clarkson Show
Character: Self
Released: September 9, 2019
Type: TV
Kelly Clarkson presents the biggest newsmakers and names in film, television and music; as well as emerging new talent and everyday people who are beacons of hope in their communities.
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Title: Year of the Rabbit
Character: Musician
Released: June 10, 2019
Type: TV
Set in the dark heart of Victorian London, Detective Inspector Rabbit is a hardened booze-hound who's seen it all. Rabbit's been chasing bad guys for as long as he can remember, but these days his heart keeps stopping at inopportune moments.
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Avengers: Endgame
Title: Avengers: Endgame
Character: Korg (voice)
Released: April 24, 2019
Type: Movie
After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos' actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.
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Title: What We Do in the Shadows
Character: Viago Von Dorna Schmarten Scheden Heimburg
Released: March 27, 2019
Type: TV
A documentary-style look into the daily (or rather, nightly) lives of a group of vampires in Staten Island who have “lived” together for hundreds and hundreds of years.
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Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen
Title: Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen
Character: Self
Released: January 28, 2019
Type: Movie
A documentary portrait of the pioneering indigenous filmmaker and activist Merata Mita and an intimate tribute from a son about his mother that delves into the life of the first woman from an Indigenous Nation to solely direct a film anywhere in the world. Known as the grandmother of Indigenous cinema, Merata’s independent political documentaries of the 1970s and 80s highlighted injustices for Māori people and often divided the country. Mita was fearless in her life, her activism and her art. Chronicling the director’s journey to decolonize the film and television screens of New Zealand and the world, the film documents her work, her early struggles with her family and her drive for social justice that often proved personally dangerous.
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Shrimp
Title: Shrimp
Character: Bartender
Released: September 22, 2018
Type: Movie
Shrimp explores the strange, interwoven and often hilarious daily lives of the women and men who work and play in a Los Angeles BDSM den.
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Title: All or Nothing: New Zealand All Blacks
Character: Self - Narrator (voice)
Released: May 31, 2018
Type: TV
For the first time ever, The New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, known as the winningest team in global sports history, allows cameras into their super secretive world to witness one of their most difficult seasons yet. Over four months, they face the demands of the most physically gruelling team sport on the planet to uphold a legacy of excellence and dominance that goes back well over a century.
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Thor: Ragnarok
Title: Thor: Ragnarok
Character: Korg / Surtur / Hulk (mo-cap)
Released: October 2, 2017
Type: Movie
Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his home-world and the end of Asgardian civilization, at the hands of a powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela.
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Poi E: The Story of Our Song
Title: Poi E: The Story of Our Song
Character: Himself
Released: August 4, 2016
Type: Movie
Written and directed by Tearepa Kahi (Mt Zion) and starring Maaka Pohatu (The Modern Maori Quartet, Two Little Boys) the film tells the story of musician Dalvanius Prime and the origin of the song “Poi E”, a ground-breaking fusion of 1980s pop and traditional Māori music. “Poi E”, composed by Dalvanius and Ngoingoi Pēwhairangi and performed by the Patea Māori Club, remains the only song in Te Reo Māori to reach No 1 in the charts, over 30 years since its 1984 release.
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Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Title: Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Character: Minister
Released: March 31, 2016
Type: Movie
Ricky is a defiant young city kid who finds himself on the run with his cantankerous foster uncle in the wild New Zealand bush. A national manhunt ensues, and the two are forced to put aside their differences and work together to survive.
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Title: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Character: Self
Released: September 8, 2015
Type: TV
Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology, and more. Featuring bandleader Jon Batiste with his band Stay Human, the Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert, Chris Licht, Tom Purcell, and Jon Stewart are executive producers. Barry Julien and Denise Rehrig serve as co-executive producers.must watch
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Title: Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter
Character: Self
Released: August 2, 2015
Type: TV
Some of this year's most talked about talent open up about the challenges and triumphs of creating critically acclaimed series and performances.
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What We Do in the Shadows
Title: What We Do in the Shadows
Character: Viago
Released: June 19, 2014
Type: Movie
Vampire housemates try to cope with the complexities of modern life and show a newly turned hipster some of the perks of being undead.
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Title: Late Night with Seth Meyers
Character: Self
Released: February 25, 2014
Type: TV
Seth Meyers, who is "Saturday Night Live’s" longest serving anchor on the show’s wildly popular "Weekend Update," takes over as host of NBC’s "Late Night" — home to A-list celebrity guests, memorable comedy and the best in musical talent. As the Emmy Award-winning head writer for "SNL," Meyers has established a reputation for sharp wit and perfectly timed comedy, and has gained fame for his spot-on jokes and satire. Meyers takes his departure from "SNL" to his new post at "Late Night," as Jimmy Fallon moves to "The Tonight Show".
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Title: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Character: Self
Released: February 17, 2014
Type: TV
After Jay Leno's second retirement from the program, Jimmy Fallon stepped in as his permanent replacement. After 42 years in Los Angeles the program was brought back to New York.
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Title: Rick and Morty
Character: Glootie (voice)
Released: December 2, 2013
Type: TV
Rick is a mentally-unbalanced but scientifically gifted old man who has recently reconnected with his family. He spends most of his time involving his young grandson Morty in dangerous, outlandish adventures throughout space and alternate universes. Compounded with Morty's already unstable family life, these events cause Morty much distress at home and school.
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The Captain
Title: The Captain
Character: The Captain
Released: August 8, 2013
Type: Movie
A hungover plane captain wakes up to discover he's done a very bad thing.
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Green Lantern
Title: Green Lantern
Character: Tom Kalmaku
Released: June 14, 2011
Type: Movie
For centuries, a small but powerful force of warriors called the Green Lantern Corps has sworn to keep intergalactic order. Each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of the first human ever recruited.
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Title: Radiradirah
Character: Various
Released: May 21, 2010
Type: TV
Radiradirah was a New Zealand comedy sketch show that originally aired from the 21 May to the 9 July 2010, with a total of 8 episodes. It featured several well known New Zealand comedians such as Rhys Darby, David Fane, Oscar Kightley and Madeleine Sami, as well as the voicing talents of internationally recognised comedian and music artist Jemaine Clement.
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Boy
Title: Boy
Character: Alamein
Released: March 25, 2010
Type: Movie
Boy, an 11-year-old child and devout Michael Jackson fan who lives on the east coast of New Zealand in 1984, gets a chance to know his absentee criminal father, who has returned to find a bag of money he buried years ago.
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Eagle vs Shark
Title: Eagle vs Shark
Character: Gordon
Released: July 15, 2007
Type: Movie
Love blossoms for Lily over double Meaty Boy burgers at mid-day when uber-computer nerd Jarrod comes in and leaves with free extra large fries. After gatecrashing Jarrod's party and proving her skills on the game console, Lily goes down to Jarrod's home town with him so he can settle an old score with a past school bully.
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Title: Flight of the Conchords
Character: Gypsy Kings Fan
Released: June 17, 2007
Type: TV
The trials and tribulations of a two man, digi-folk band who have moved from New Zealand to New York in the hope of forging a successful music career. So far they've managed to find a manager (whose "other" job is at the New Zealand Consulate), one fan (a married obsessive) and one friend (who owns the local pawn shop) -- but not much else.
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Futile Attraction
Title: Futile Attraction
Character: Waiter
Released: April 16, 2005
Type: Movie
A mockumentary about a film crew making a New Zealand reality television show about a couple brought together by a dating service. However due to their being incompatible, the film crew tries to manipulate them to get the film they want for the show.
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What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires
Title: What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires
Character: Viago
Released: January 1, 2005
Type: Movie
Three vampires who share an apartment are interviewed by a TV crew.
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Heinous Crime
Title: Heinous Crime
Released: August 14, 2004
Type: Movie
Two players, one heinous crime to be revealed. Wellington Winner of 48 Hours Furious Filmmaking 2004.
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Frodo Is Great... Who Is That?!!
Title: Frodo Is Great... Who Is That?!!
Character: Himself/Frodo Baggins
Released: July 23, 2004
Type: Movie
The documentary looks at the rise to celebrity status of NZ actor and musician Bret McKenzie, who appeared for 3 seconds as an extra in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring", during the Council of Elrond scene. His brief appearance sparked a huge internet fan-base dedicated to his "brooding pout" and "elvish good looks". McKenzie has been dubbed "FIGWIT", an acronym of "Frodo is Great; Who is That!!?"
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Toy Boy
Title: Toy Boy
Character: Jack Hammer
Released: July 20, 2004
Type: Movie
A couple buys a blow up doll as a joke, but soon the doll begins to reveal that it has a consciousness to one of the boyfriends, the man begins to have full on conversations with said blow up doll, leading the other boyfriend to think he has gone insane.
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Title: The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Character: Self
Released: September 8, 2003
Type: TV
The Ellen DeGeneres Show, often shortened to just Ellen, is an American television talk show hosted by comedian/actress Ellen DeGeneres.
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Tongan Ninja
Title: Tongan Ninja
Character: Graham (voice)
Released: November 8, 2002
Type: Movie
The Tongan Ninja is dispatched to the island nation of New Zealand in order to help a brother of his master with his floundering Chinese restaurant. But the mysterious Mister Big stands in the eatery's way as he sends numerous villains such as Knife Man, Gun Man, and the super-sexy Action Fighter who may know a lot about the hero.
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Title: The Strip
Character: Mostin
Released: March 5, 2002
Type: TV
The Strip is the story of corporate lawyer Melissa Walker, who decides her life needs a new direction and quits her job after finding her husband in bed with his male lover. She opens a male strip club, catering especially for women...
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Snakeskin
Title: Snakeskin
Character: Nelson
Released: October 1, 2001
Type: Movie
A hitchhiker takes two kids on the ride of their dreams, but they soon learn that their newfound hero is just as capable of delivering nightmares.
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A New Way Home
Title: A New Way Home
Character: Max
Released: January 1, 2001
Type: Movie
An alcoholic man in a wheelchair kidnaps his daughter from his ex-wife.
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Scarfies
Title: Scarfies
Character: Alex
Released: August 5, 1999
Type: Movie
This dark comedy is set in Dunedin, New Zealand. A university student finds an old "abandoned" house and proceeds to invite other students to share. It even has running electricity. But what is the catch?
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Title: The Daily Show
Character: Self
Released: July 22, 1996
Type: TV
The World's Fakest News Team tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and pop culture.
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Title: MTV Europe Music Awards
Character: Self - Host
Released: November 24, 1994
Type: TV
The MTV Europe Music Awards "(EMA)" were established in 1994 by MTV Networks Europe to celebrate the most popular music videos in Europe. Originally beginning as an alternative to the American MTV Video Music Awards, the MTV Europe Music Awards is today a popular celebration of what MTV viewers consider the best in music. The awards are chosen by MTV viewers throughout Europe. The MTV Europe Music Awards always changes its host city.
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Title: The Simpsons
Character: Taika Waititi (voice)
Released: December 17, 1989
Type: TV
Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, as well as a virtual cast of thousands. Since the beginning, the series has been a pop culture icon, attracting hundreds of celebrities to guest star. The show has also made name for itself in its fearless satirical take on politics, media and American life in general.
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Title: The Oscars
Character: Self
Released: March 19, 1953
Type: TV
An annual American awards ceremony honoring cinematic achievements in the film industry. The various category winners are awarded a copy of a statuette, officially the Academy Award of Merit, that is better known by its nickname Oscar.