University of Montana students, staff cheer J.K. Simmons’ Oscar win

On Sunday, a small group of University of Montana staff and students gathered in the University Center Theater to watch on the big screen as actor and alumnus J.K. Simmons won his first Oscar at the 87th Academy Awards.

Stephen Kalm, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, said he thinks it’s great for the school’s acting students to have a role model in Simmons who has ties to Missoula.

"It’s a great reaffirmation of what we do here," Kalm said. "It’s a feather in our cap."

By Dillon Kato

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/news/local/um-students-staff-cheer-simmons-oscar-win/article_e80d430f-5958-59b9-aae5-3d0d40e7553e.html

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J.K. Simmons wins Oscar for best supporting actor

J.K. Simmons became the first University of Montana alum to win an Oscar for acting on Sunday night.

The 1978 graduate was named best supporting actor for his performance in "Whiplash" at the 87th annual Academy Awards, held in Los Angeles.

Simmons’ ferocious portrayal of a jazz band instructor at a music conservatory accumulated numerous accolades over the awards season, including the Golden Globe, leading to Sunday’s win, which is his first Academy Award.

CORY WALSH

Full Story: http://helenair.com/entertainment/movies/j-k-simmons-wins-oscar-for-best-supporting-actor/article_a071025c-0925-539d-acd7-fd2281e37cd0.html

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Montanans Celebrate J. K. Simmons’ Oscar

Missoulians and Montanans Sunday night rejoice as one of their own takes home the Oscar.

J.K. Simmons’ role in Whiplash won him the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. This is the actor’s first Oscar.

Simmons thanked his family and friends, many of whom were watching in Missoula.

By Parker Collins

Full Story: http://www.abcfoxmontana.com/story/28172510/montanans-celebrate-j-k-simmons-oscar