Empire Magazine have unveiled their 100 Best British Films Ever poll, and Ewan has not one but two films listed! Shallow Grave has come in at #26, whilst Trainspotting has been ranked 8th. Check out below what they had to say about the films:

Trainspotting (1996)
Trainspotting didn’t so much reinvigorate British cinema as spike filmmaking heroin into its vein. In adapting Irvine Welsh’s cult novel, director Danny Boyle re-teamed with the winning creative talent behind Shallow Grave (producer Andrew Macdonald, screenwriter John Hodge) and the result is another offbeat rush of dark, orgasmic cinema. Ignoring tabloid arguments of whether the movie glorifies drug use or not (it doesn’t), a grotty depiction of the Edinburgh junkie subculture just shouldn’t be this enjoyable. But in fusing wildly imaginative style (Renton’s plunge into the filthiest toilet in Scotland) with naturalistic but witty dialogue, an impossibly iconic soundtrack, some truly disturbing imagery (the baby, anyone?) and, er, Dale Winton, it spoke to the ’90s chemical generation. From Robert Carlyle’s ‘tache-totting psycho to Jonny Lee Miller’s Connery-worshipping wideboy, it’s also full of memorable, quote-worthy characters, while Mark Renton remains the performance of Ewan McGregor’s career.

Shallow Grave (1994)
A wave of hype bore this thriller, threatening to swamp it under proclamations that the British were coming, that Scotland was sexy, that this Ewan McGregor fella might do well for himself. Well, that’s all true (except for Scotland being sexy, anyway), but there’s more to Shallow Grave than a shot in the arm for British cinema. Danny Boyle’s immensely stylish tale of dead mains, a suitcase full of money and rampant paranoia is an inspired blend of pitch-black comedy and bloody violence, held together by career-making performances and scathing wit. Three central characters this flawed and nasty are a rare sight in American cinema – even in the independent sector – and they’re surrounded by a heck of a supporting cast. The lot benefit from Boyle’s nascent directorial flair and winning partnership with writer John Hodge and producer Andrew MacDonald. The all-round alchemy, combined with the intelligence and sheer panache on show here, make it a must-see.

By Celyn • October 07, 2011 • News, Shallow Grave, Trainspotting • Comments: 0

The 1998 Miramax drama starring Christian Bale and Ewan McGregor will rock on Blu-ray this December.

In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate has revealed ‘Velvet Goldmine’ is planned for Blu-ray on December 13.

In 1984, British newspaper reporter Arthur Stuart is investigating the career of 1970s glam rock star Brian Slade, who was heavily influenced in his early years by American rock singer Curt Wild, whose show was quite crazy for his time.

Specs have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray has been set at $19.99.

By Celyn • September 29, 2011 • News, Velvet Goldmine • Comments: 0

It has been confirmed that Ewan is amongst a whole host of stars heading towards Toronto for its 36th International Film Festival which takes place from September 8 – 18. Looks like it’s going to be a great event!

By Celyn • August 23, 2011 • Appearance, News • Comments: 1

The Artemis Challenge is set to continue the tradition of attracting big name stars to the water. This year Ewan McGregor, Zara Phillips and Natalie Pinkham are due to take part in the 50 mile race around the Isle of Wight on Wednesday 10 August, in the middle of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, to claim a £10,000 charity prize fund,

Hollywood A-lister Ewan McGregor, who will join British round-the-world skipper Alex Thomson on board Hugo Boss, said, “I’m excited to experience the thrill of yacht racing from the very deck of the boat and I’ll be doing my best to help Alex win so that we can donate the prize money to UNICEF’s East Africa Appeal. There’s never been a more important time to support the children of the region who so desperately need our help.”

The Artemis Challenge, sponsored by Artemis investment Management, one of the UK’s leading investment companies and the largest British sponsor in offshore sailing, is recognised as one of the key events of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and is a magnificent spectacle, showcasing the best of offshore racing within easy reach of spectators.

The start line this year already features a world class line-up of five latest generation IMOCA 60s, the same racing machines that compete in the Vendée Globe, and the Artemis Challenge is the only UK-based officially IMOCA sanctioned event.

The race follows the classic America’s Cup route around the Isle of Wight, starting at 1000 on the Royal Yacht Squadron Line. The winner will be the IMOCA 60 that takes line honours after completing the 50 mile sprint back to the Royal Yacht Squadron Line (weather permitting), winning £10,000 for the charity of choice of the skipper.

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By Celyn • August 04, 2011 • Charity, News, UNICEF • Comments: 0

After working with Cosmo on Beginners, Ewan McGregor has woofing it up for his four-pawed pals. This Fall, he’ll be joining a host of other celebrities (like Betty White) as a presenter at the American Humane Associations Hero Dog Awards. People nominate dogs to eight categories (such as Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs, Law Enforcement/Arson Dogs, Thearpy Dogs, etc) and the winners from these categories will be presented on October 1 at a star-studded, diamond-collar gala in Beverley Hills.

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By Celyn • July 29, 2011 • News • Comments: 0

Ewan McGregor wants to break into directing, but is still waiting for the right project to come up.

Ewan McGregor would “love” to try and direct a movie.

The 40-year-old actor has never previously worked behind the camera on a film project and would like to give it a try, but is still waiting for the right project to come along.

He said: “Direct? I would love to. I’ve been slightly nervous about it because it’s such a big idea. I also never wanted to do it just to be a director but rather to do it because I want to tell a particular story and I’m still waiting for that story to find me.”

However, the Scottish star thinks part of the appeal is because it means he can be himself on a film set rather than always becoming someone else like he has to with his regular day job.

He added to the Santa Monica Mirror: “The real reason I would like to direct is so that I can turn up at work and not take off my clothes. It seems like every day I turn up for work I have to take off my clothes and put on someone else’s clothes so it would be quite nice to just wear my own clothes all day.”

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By Celyn • June 14, 2011 • News • Comments: 0

Although filming has been going on for a few weeks now, the official synopsis for Jack the Giant Killer has just been released, which also reveals the name of Ewan’s character – check it out below:

Principal photography is underway in London on acclaimed filmmaker Bryan Singer’s 3D epic action adventure JACK THE GIANT KILLER, with Nicholas Hoult in the title role of Jack, for New Line Cinema and Legendary Pictures.

JACK THE GIANT KILLER tells the story of an ancient war that is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack, into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom, its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend—and gets the chance to become a legend himself.

Hoult and Singer recently collaborated on the Singer-produced “X-Men: First Class,” for release later this year. JACK THE GIANT KILLER also stars Eleanor Tomlinson as Princess Isabelle; Stanley Tucci (“Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Julie & Julia”) as the deceitful Lord Roderick; Ian McShane (“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” HBO’s “Deadwood”) as the besieged King Brahmwell; Bill Nighy (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”) as the giants’ leader General Fallon; and Ewan McGregor (“Star Wars,” “The Ghost Writer”) as palace guard Elmont.

Singer will direct from a screenplay by Darren Lemke and Christopher McQuarrie and Dan Studney, story by Darren Lemke & David Dobkin. The film will be produced by Neal Moritz, David Dobkin, Bryan Singer and Patrick McCormick.

The creative filmmaking team includes Singer’s longtime collaborators, director of photography Newton Thomas Sigel (“X-Men,” “Superman Returns”) and editor John Ottman (“X2,” “Superman Returns”). The production designer is Gavin Bocquet (“Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”).

JACK THE GIANT KILLER is filming on location in and around London, and is scheduled for a summer 2012 release.

A New Line Cinema presentation, in association with Legendary Pictures, the film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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By Celyn • May 29, 2011 • Jack the Giant Killer, News • Comments: 0

Ewan McGregor will be attending the Edinburgh International Film Festival next month to attend the European Premiere of Perfect Sense, his new movie with Scottish director David Mackenzie.

The pair previously teamed up for 2003’s critically acclaimed Young Adam, and the Glasgow-set sci-fi drama tells the tale of a chef, Michael (McGregor) and a scientist, Susan (Eva Green) who fall in love just as the world begins to fall apart.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced that the European Premiere on Saturday June 18 will move from The Cameo to the larger, 1500-seater Edinburgh Festival Theatre venue due to a sell out of advance tickets.

Speaking about the film and its premiere at EIFF 2011, Ewan McGregor said: “I’m delighted to be able to come to Edinburgh to support the film festival and the European premiere of Perfect Sense, and look forward to seeing the film in such an amazing venue.”

The 65th Edinburgh International Film Festival is taking place at venues across the city from June 15-26, offering a “film for all” remit and over 100 screenings for audiences to enjoy, plus promising some innovative new experiements.

Produced by the Scotland’s Sigma Films, the team also behind Hallam Foe and Young Adam, Perfect Sense also stars Connie Nielsen, Denis Lawson, Stephen Dillane and McGregor’s fellow Trainspotting star Ewen Bremner.

James Mullighan, director of EIFF, said: “I am delighted that we are staging the European Premiere of Perfect Sense at this year’s Festival, and collaborating with Sigma and Distributor Arrow Films in celebrating another fine production.

“It’s encouraging to see the enthusiasm of film fans who have already snapped up tickets for the premiere and we’re delighted to be able to move the screening to the glorious Edinburgh Festival Theatre venue – one of the finest movie-going experiences in the UK.”

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By Celyn • May 25, 2011 • News • Comments: 0

IT is the latest attraction to launch at the Capital’s Our Dynamic Earth – and it features a film star touch.

New movie Astronaut, which is now being shown at the science centre’s full dome theatre, is narrated by actor Ewan McGregor.

The 23-minute film takes the audience on a journey into outer space through the eyes of test astronaut Chad.

The latest feature, which is part of the general tour of Our Dynamic Earth, tells the story of what it takes to become an astronaut through computer-generated graphics.

From training, to lift-off and beyond, visitors can feel the impact of the full dome technology as they are taken through the physical and mental effects of space travel, and are given a glimpse into the International Space Station.

The film was created by NSC Creative, a Leicester-based computer animation studio which specialises in immersive films for full dome and stereoscopic 3D.

Marketing manager of Our Dynamic Earth, Eilidh Massie, said: “We are always looking to develop our galleries and enhance the customer experience, and Astronaut offers a stunning climax to the Dynamic Earth tour.”

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By Celyn • April 15, 2011 • News, Projects • Comments: 0

It’s March 31, and the fantastic Mr. McGregor turns 40 today! Thanks to everyone who sent in something for Ewan’s birthday – check out the lovely messages at the Birthday Page! If you want something to be added to the page, please get in touch via the contact page or by leaving a comment in this post.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EWAN!

By Celyn • March 31, 2011 • News • Comments: 2