Bill Cobbs, the convincing character actor who had pivotal turns in such films as The Hudsucker Proxy, Sunshine State and Night at the Museum, has died. He was 90.
Cobbs died Tuesday night at his home in Riverside, his publicist, Chuck I. Jones, told TMZ.
A native of Cleveland who excelled at comedy as well as drama, Cobbs portrayed Whitney Houston’s manager in The Bodyguard (1992), the older brother of Medgar Evers in Rob Reiner’s Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), a jazz pianist in Tom Hanks’ That Thing You Do! (1996) and the Master Tinker, builder of the Tin Woodsman, in Sam Raimi’s Oz the Great and Powerful (2013).
He also played the wise coach who put a basketball-playing dog into the Timberwolves lineup in Air Bud (1997).
On television, Cobbs stood out as the sardonic bartender The Dutchman on the Dabney Coleman-starring The Slap Maxwell Story, the bus driver Tony on The Drew Carey Show,...
Cobbs died Tuesday night at his home in Riverside, his publicist, Chuck I. Jones, told TMZ.
A native of Cleveland who excelled at comedy as well as drama, Cobbs portrayed Whitney Houston’s manager in The Bodyguard (1992), the older brother of Medgar Evers in Rob Reiner’s Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), a jazz pianist in Tom Hanks’ That Thing You Do! (1996) and the Master Tinker, builder of the Tin Woodsman, in Sam Raimi’s Oz the Great and Powerful (2013).
He also played the wise coach who put a basketball-playing dog into the Timberwolves lineup in Air Bud (1997).
On television, Cobbs stood out as the sardonic bartender The Dutchman on the Dabney Coleman-starring The Slap Maxwell Story, the bus driver Tony on The Drew Carey Show,...
- 6/26/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
No awards show makes it to the end without a few surprises, and tonight’s Tony Awards on CBS had a whopper: It went off without a hitch.
The Pluto TV pre-show, not so much. But more on that in a bit.
With Ariana DeBose returning to host for the third time, the 77th Annual Tonys was like a how-to for awards shows, with nearly all of the performances by the Best Musical nominees (and the year’s Best Play winner Stereophonic) showcasing each production at its best. (Which one fell a bit short? Read on.)
DeBose kicked things off with a made-for-the-show musical number, sounding terrific even if a performance from one of the actual Broadway shows might have been a wiser option. DeBose has said this will be her final Tony hosting gig, at least for a while, and she’ll be missed: She knows how to hold the spotlight,...
The Pluto TV pre-show, not so much. But more on that in a bit.
With Ariana DeBose returning to host for the third time, the 77th Annual Tonys was like a how-to for awards shows, with nearly all of the performances by the Best Musical nominees (and the year’s Best Play winner Stereophonic) showcasing each production at its best. (Which one fell a bit short? Read on.)
DeBose kicked things off with a made-for-the-show musical number, sounding terrific even if a performance from one of the actual Broadway shows might have been a wiser option. DeBose has said this will be her final Tony hosting gig, at least for a while, and she’ll be missed: She knows how to hold the spotlight,...
- 6/17/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Mike Flanagan began his filmmaking career in 2011 with "Absentia," a Kickstarter-backed horror movie about a pregnant woman whose missing husband mysteriously returns after an unexplained seven-year absence. He gained mainstream attention with 2013's "Oculus," a gripping horror film about a haunted mirror that technically takes place almost entirely in one room. Then, in 2016, Flanagan offered the one-two-three punch of "Hush," "Before I Wake," and the mainstream sequel "Ouija: Origin of Evil." He was now a recognizable force in the horror community.
Flanagan gathered a huge fanbase with his subsequent adaptations of several famous horror novels. In 2017, he adapted Stephen King's "Gerald's Game" into an excellent feature film. In 2018, he turned Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House" into a TV miniseries. In 2019, he made "Doctor Sleep," a convoluted ghost story based on King's sequel to "The Shining." Most recently, he adapted Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher...
Flanagan gathered a huge fanbase with his subsequent adaptations of several famous horror novels. In 2017, he adapted Stephen King's "Gerald's Game" into an excellent feature film. In 2018, he turned Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House" into a TV miniseries. In 2019, he made "Doctor Sleep," a convoluted ghost story based on King's sequel to "The Shining." Most recently, he adapted Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher...
- 5/31/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
In honor of US Memorial Day, take a look at closing footage from director Joseph Sargent's 1998 TV movie "The Wall" and the segment titled "The Badge":
"...there are 58,183 names on the 'Vietnam Veterans Memorial'. The lives they touched tell their stories. This is the story of 3 brave men who never made it home, told in three short, unique segments.
"In 'The Pencil Holder', Edward James Olmos plays a tough 'Colonel' struggling to raise his young son on an American military base surrounded by the brutality of battle.
"In 'The Player', starring Frank Whaley & Michael DeLorenzo, a selfless squad leader must confront a hustler who's getting rich off the spoils of war..."
In 'The Badge', Ruby Dee - in a heart wrenching role - reveals the pain a grandmother feels as she sends her beloved grandson overseas”.
Click the images to enlarge…...
"...there are 58,183 names on the 'Vietnam Veterans Memorial'. The lives they touched tell their stories. This is the story of 3 brave men who never made it home, told in three short, unique segments.
"In 'The Pencil Holder', Edward James Olmos plays a tough 'Colonel' struggling to raise his young son on an American military base surrounded by the brutality of battle.
"In 'The Player', starring Frank Whaley & Michael DeLorenzo, a selfless squad leader must confront a hustler who's getting rich off the spoils of war..."
In 'The Badge', Ruby Dee - in a heart wrenching role - reveals the pain a grandmother feels as she sends her beloved grandson overseas”.
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 5/27/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
As the Tony Awards approach in June, theatre fans are getting the opportunity to watch one of the best-reviewed shows of the season from home. On Friday, May 24 at 9 p.m. Et, PBS will broadcast “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch” as part of its “Great Performances” annual Broadway’s Best lineup. Starring Leslie Odom Jr., Kara Young, Billy Eugene Jones, Jay O. Sanders, Heather Alicia Simms, and more, the show is nominated for six Tonys, including Best Revival Of A Play. You can watch PBS with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. You can also watch with Hulu Live TV or YouTube TV.
How to Watch 'Great Performances': 'Purlie Victorious' When: Friday, May 24, 2024 at 9:00 Pm Edt TV: PBS Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial$79.99+ / month directv.com/stream
Subscribe Now and get Max, Paramount+, Starz, and MGM+...
How to Watch 'Great Performances': 'Purlie Victorious' When: Friday, May 24, 2024 at 9:00 Pm Edt TV: PBS Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial$79.99+ / month directv.com/stream
Subscribe Now and get Max, Paramount+, Starz, and MGM+...
- 5/24/2024
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Actor Denzel Washington and filmmaker Spike Lee have been known to work together on films like Malcolm X and Inside Man. Their frequent collaborations helped form a close bond between the two. But there’s another well-known actor who Lee feels he’s bonded with on a slightly similar level.
Spike Lee compared his bond with Denzel Washington to this other actor Spike Lee and Denzel Washington | Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Washington and Lee have one of cinema’s most notable actor-director relationships. The pair first came together in the 1990 film Mo’ Better Blues. Lee immediately pictured Washington in the lead role of the film after seeing how women responded to the Oscar-winner.
“Before I wrote one word of Mo’ Better Blues, I knew I wanted Denzel Washington to play the lead,” Washington once told Entertainment Weekly. “In the fall of ’88, Denzel was starring on Broadway in Checkmates with Ruby Dee and Paul Winfield.
Spike Lee compared his bond with Denzel Washington to this other actor Spike Lee and Denzel Washington | Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Washington and Lee have one of cinema’s most notable actor-director relationships. The pair first came together in the 1990 film Mo’ Better Blues. Lee immediately pictured Washington in the lead role of the film after seeing how women responded to the Oscar-winner.
“Before I wrote one word of Mo’ Better Blues, I knew I wanted Denzel Washington to play the lead,” Washington once told Entertainment Weekly. “In the fall of ’88, Denzel was starring on Broadway in Checkmates with Ruby Dee and Paul Winfield.
- 5/8/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When the Tony Award nominations dust settled “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Stereophonic” received the most nominations with 13 each, followed by “The Outsiders” with 12, followed by the revivals of “Cabaret” with nine and “Appropriate” earning eight. Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose returns as host of the third consecutive year of the Tony Awards which CBS and Pluto will telecast June 16th from Lincoln Center.
How well to you know your Tony history? Here are some fun facts about the latest crop of nominees.
The revival of Stephen Sondheim’s 1981 musical “Merrily We Roll Along” earned seven nominations including best revival of a musical, best performance by an actor in a musical for Jonathan Groff, featured actor for Daniel Radcliffe, featured actress for Lindsay Mendez and best director for Maria Friedman (her sister Sonia Friedman is nominated for outstanding play for “Stereophonic”). The troubled original production of “Merrily We Roll Along’ only received a Tony nomination for original score.
How well to you know your Tony history? Here are some fun facts about the latest crop of nominees.
The revival of Stephen Sondheim’s 1981 musical “Merrily We Roll Along” earned seven nominations including best revival of a musical, best performance by an actor in a musical for Jonathan Groff, featured actor for Daniel Radcliffe, featured actress for Lindsay Mendez and best director for Maria Friedman (her sister Sonia Friedman is nominated for outstanding play for “Stereophonic”). The troubled original production of “Merrily We Roll Along’ only received a Tony nomination for original score.
- 5/1/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Louis Gossett Jr., the tough guy with a sensitive side who won an Oscar for his portrayal of a steely sergeant in An Officer and a Gentleman and an Emmy for his performance as a compassionate slave in the landmark miniseries Roots, has died. He was 87.
Gossett’s nephew told the Associated Press that the actor died Thursday night in Santa Monica. The cause of death is unknown, but Gossett announced in 2010 that he had prostate cancer.
With his sleek, bald pate and athlete’s physique, Gossett was intimidating in a wide array of no-nonsense roles, most notably in Taylor Hackford’s Officer and a Gentleman (1982), where as Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley he rides Richard Gere’s character mercilessly (but for his own good) at an officer candidate school and gets into a memorable martial arts fight.
He was the second Black man to win an acting Oscar, following Sidney Poitier in 1964.
For the role,...
Gossett’s nephew told the Associated Press that the actor died Thursday night in Santa Monica. The cause of death is unknown, but Gossett announced in 2010 that he had prostate cancer.
With his sleek, bald pate and athlete’s physique, Gossett was intimidating in a wide array of no-nonsense roles, most notably in Taylor Hackford’s Officer and a Gentleman (1982), where as Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley he rides Richard Gere’s character mercilessly (but for his own good) at an officer candidate school and gets into a memorable martial arts fight.
He was the second Black man to win an acting Oscar, following Sidney Poitier in 1964.
For the role,...
- 3/29/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 55th NAACP Image Awards celebrate Black excellence, and Queen Latifah is set to host the live telecast airing on Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m. Et on BET, CBS and Paramount+.
Stars walking on the red carpet include Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Octavia Spencer, Sheryl Lee Ralph, John Boyega, Michelle Buteau, Eva Marcille, Idris Elba, and more.
Related: NAACP Image Awards 2024 Complete Winners List
Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, said, “The NAACP Image Awards is an important celebration for our community and industry every year. We get the opportunity to highlight the major accomplishments of artists, writers, entertainers, activists and other changemakers that push Black excellence forward in a powerful way.”
Amanda Gorman, writer and activist, will be honored with the Chairman’s Award during the live show.
Related: Queen Latifah & Taraji P. Henson Team Up At NAACP Image Awards To Call Out Pay Inequality...
Stars walking on the red carpet include Keke Palmer, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Octavia Spencer, Sheryl Lee Ralph, John Boyega, Michelle Buteau, Eva Marcille, Idris Elba, and more.
Related: NAACP Image Awards 2024 Complete Winners List
Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, said, “The NAACP Image Awards is an important celebration for our community and industry every year. We get the opportunity to highlight the major accomplishments of artists, writers, entertainers, activists and other changemakers that push Black excellence forward in a powerful way.”
Amanda Gorman, writer and activist, will be honored with the Chairman’s Award during the live show.
Related: Queen Latifah & Taraji P. Henson Team Up At NAACP Image Awards To Call Out Pay Inequality...
- 3/16/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Queen Latifah will return to host the 55th annual NAACP Image Awards after emceeing the ceremony for the first time last year.
The NAACP also announced that writer, poet and activist Amanda Gorman will be honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award, while this year’s Vanguard Award will go to costume designer, designer and tastemaker June Ambrose in honor of her decades as a pioneer in the fashion industry.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with groundbreaking megastar Queen Latifah and are elated to welcome her again as this year’s host,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, in a statement announcing the news. “Queen Latifah, NAACP and Pastis have been such incredible partners in amplifying Black culture, excellence, creativity, and ingenuity, and this year’s unforgettable show will be no different.” She also saluted Gorman and Ambrose for their “tremendous impact on culture.”
NAACP...
The NAACP also announced that writer, poet and activist Amanda Gorman will be honored with the prestigious Chairman’s Award, while this year’s Vanguard Award will go to costume designer, designer and tastemaker June Ambrose in honor of her decades as a pioneer in the fashion industry.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with groundbreaking megastar Queen Latifah and are elated to welcome her again as this year’s host,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, in a statement announcing the news. “Queen Latifah, NAACP and Pastis have been such incredible partners in amplifying Black culture, excellence, creativity, and ingenuity, and this year’s unforgettable show will be no different.” She also saluted Gorman and Ambrose for their “tremendous impact on culture.”
NAACP...
- 3/5/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Cord Jefferson to Write Gender-Swapped Series Adaptation of ‘Just Cause’ Starring Scarlett Johansson
Cord Jefferson already has his post-“American Fiction” project in the works.
Jefferson (“Watchmen”) will return to TV to write and executive produce the adaptation of John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel “Just Cause” for Amazon Prime Video. He’s up for it: “American Fiction,” culled from Percival Everett’s “Erasure,” was Jefferson’s first adaptation. We’d say it worked out.
This “Just Cause” will star Scarlett Johansson in the gender-swapped lead role, marking her first major television job. It’s a return to the material for Johansson, who as a 10-year-old starred in the 1995 feature film of the same name starring Sean Connery. Johansson was Connery’s daughter. That version also featured Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris, Ruby Dee, and Kate Capshaw.
John Wells will co-write the series as well as executive produce. Johansson’s production company banner These Pictures produces the TV series adaptation. Variety first reported the news.
Jefferson (“Watchmen”) will return to TV to write and executive produce the adaptation of John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel “Just Cause” for Amazon Prime Video. He’s up for it: “American Fiction,” culled from Percival Everett’s “Erasure,” was Jefferson’s first adaptation. We’d say it worked out.
This “Just Cause” will star Scarlett Johansson in the gender-swapped lead role, marking her first major television job. It’s a return to the material for Johansson, who as a 10-year-old starred in the 1995 feature film of the same name starring Sean Connery. Johansson was Connery’s daughter. That version also featured Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris, Ruby Dee, and Kate Capshaw.
John Wells will co-write the series as well as executive produce. Johansson’s production company banner These Pictures produces the TV series adaptation. Variety first reported the news.
- 2/14/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Cord Jefferson will write and executive produce the upcoming Scarlett Johansson limited series, which serves as her first major television role.
The “American Fiction” filmmaker has boarded the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of John Katzenbach’s novel “Just Cause.” Additionally, acclaimed writer John Wells has joined the project, co-writing the series with Jefferson, and will also serve as an executive producer.
“Just Cause,” first published in 1992, tells the story of Matt Cowart, a Miami reporter. In this adaptation, Johansson will portray a female iteration of Cowart, named Madison “Madi” Cowart. The narrative follows Cowart after receiving a letter from a death row inmate claiming innocence. The ensuing investigation not only casts doubt on the inmate’s guilt but also uncovers other hidden horrors.
This project marks the second adaptation of “Just Cause,” the first being a 1995 film featuring Sean Connery, Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris,...
The “American Fiction” filmmaker has boarded the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of John Katzenbach’s novel “Just Cause.” Additionally, acclaimed writer John Wells has joined the project, co-writing the series with Jefferson, and will also serve as an executive producer.
“Just Cause,” first published in 1992, tells the story of Matt Cowart, a Miami reporter. In this adaptation, Johansson will portray a female iteration of Cowart, named Madison “Madi” Cowart. The narrative follows Cowart after receiving a letter from a death row inmate claiming innocence. The ensuing investigation not only casts doubt on the inmate’s guilt but also uncovers other hidden horrors.
This project marks the second adaptation of “Just Cause,” the first being a 1995 film featuring Sean Connery, Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Ed Harris,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Was it because of the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., or simply a sign of the times, that the 2023 Emmys was its most diverse ever?
As the awards show celebrated its 75th anniversary, five of the 12 acting Emmys handed out on Monday night — pushed four months to MLK Day as a result of the 2023 strikes — went to performers of color, tying the record set at the 1991 ceremony, when Lynn Whitfield, Madge Sinclair and Ruby Dee took home statuettes (and James Earl Jones took home two).
The show made history with its first two awards of the night, with wins for The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri and Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson marking the first time that the supporting and lead comedy actress Emmys both went to Black women in the same year. (The feat was previously accomplished in the drama races with Viola Davis and Uzo Aduba in 2015.) Brunson...
As the awards show celebrated its 75th anniversary, five of the 12 acting Emmys handed out on Monday night — pushed four months to MLK Day as a result of the 2023 strikes — went to performers of color, tying the record set at the 1991 ceremony, when Lynn Whitfield, Madge Sinclair and Ruby Dee took home statuettes (and James Earl Jones took home two).
The show made history with its first two awards of the night, with wins for The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri and Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson marking the first time that the supporting and lead comedy actress Emmys both went to Black women in the same year. (The feat was previously accomplished in the drama races with Viola Davis and Uzo Aduba in 2015.) Brunson...
- 1/16/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ellen Holly, whose long-running turn as Carla on ABC’s One Life to Live made her the first Black actress to gain stardom on a daytime soap opera, has died. She was 92.
Holly died in her sleep Wednesday at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, publicist Cheryl L. Duncan announced.
A member of The Actors Studio who did Shakespeare for Joseph Papp and was mentored by the same woman who discovered Julie Harris and Kim Stanley, Holly appeared four times on Broadway, beginning with her acclaimed performance in 1956 as the female lead in Too Late the Phalarope.
She appeared in a handful of films as well, from Take a Giant Step (1959), starring Johnny Nash, Estelle Hemsley and Ruby Dee, to School Daze (1988), directed by Spike Lee.
Holly, however, did not work as often as her talents suggested she should have, because as a light-skinned African American, she had difficulty being hired...
Holly died in her sleep Wednesday at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, publicist Cheryl L. Duncan announced.
A member of The Actors Studio who did Shakespeare for Joseph Papp and was mentored by the same woman who discovered Julie Harris and Kim Stanley, Holly appeared four times on Broadway, beginning with her acclaimed performance in 1956 as the female lead in Too Late the Phalarope.
She appeared in a handful of films as well, from Take a Giant Step (1959), starring Johnny Nash, Estelle Hemsley and Ruby Dee, to School Daze (1988), directed by Spike Lee.
Holly, however, did not work as often as her talents suggested she should have, because as a light-skinned African American, she had difficulty being hired...
- 12/7/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In honor of 'Veterans Day'/'Remembrance Day', take a look at director Joseph Sargent's 1998 TV movie "The Wall" and the segment titled "The Badge":
"...there are 58,183 names on the 'Vietnam Veterans Memorial'. The lives they touched tell their stories. This is the story of 3 brave men who never made it home, told in three short, unique segments.
"In 'The Pencil Holder', Edward James Olmos plays a tough 'Colonel' struggling to raise his young son on an American military base surrounded by the brutality of battle.
"In 'The Player', starring Frank Whaley & Michael DeLorenzo, a selfless squad leader must confront a hustler who's getting rich off the spoils of war..."
"In 'The Badge', actress Ruby Dee reveals the pain a grandmother feels as she sends her beloved grandson overseas, then confronted by a long-haired vet, while searching for her grandson's name on the wall..."
Click the images to enlarge.
"...there are 58,183 names on the 'Vietnam Veterans Memorial'. The lives they touched tell their stories. This is the story of 3 brave men who never made it home, told in three short, unique segments.
"In 'The Pencil Holder', Edward James Olmos plays a tough 'Colonel' struggling to raise his young son on an American military base surrounded by the brutality of battle.
"In 'The Player', starring Frank Whaley & Michael DeLorenzo, a selfless squad leader must confront a hustler who's getting rich off the spoils of war..."
"In 'The Badge', actress Ruby Dee reveals the pain a grandmother feels as she sends her beloved grandson overseas, then confronted by a long-haired vet, while searching for her grandson's name on the wall..."
Click the images to enlarge.
- 11/11/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
It was only a few days ago that the Criterion Collection had a surprise flash sale. The home video company’s entire catalog was slashed down to 50% off list prices. While that sale only lasted for 24 hours, there are a number of titles that are still on sale for half-off at Amazon.
We rounded up the best deals on Criterion Collection releases, including Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing,” Dennis Hopper’s “Easy Rider,” Whit Stillman’s “The Last Days of Disco” and much more. In fact, even a few boxed sets are half off, such as Krzysztof Kieślowski’s “The Dekalog” and Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” anthology.
Ahead, check out the best Criterion Blu-ray discs currently on sale for 50% off at Amazon:
‘Do the Right Thing...
It was only a few days ago that the Criterion Collection had a surprise flash sale. The home video company’s entire catalog was slashed down to 50% off list prices. While that sale only lasted for 24 hours, there are a number of titles that are still on sale for half-off at Amazon.
We rounded up the best deals on Criterion Collection releases, including Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing,” Dennis Hopper’s “Easy Rider,” Whit Stillman’s “The Last Days of Disco” and much more. In fact, even a few boxed sets are half off, such as Krzysztof Kieślowski’s “The Dekalog” and Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” anthology.
Ahead, check out the best Criterion Blu-ray discs currently on sale for 50% off at Amazon:
‘Do the Right Thing...
- 10/20/2023
- by Anna Tingley and Rudie Obias
- Variety Film + TV
Long before Slave Play, decades before Ain’t No Mo, there was Purlie Victorious, the Ossie Davis comedy masterwork that, like those descendant plays, fused broad comedy, satirical minstrelsy, racial satire and still-relevant social commentary to create a play that is so encompassing in its views of history and legacy, so generous in its humanity and pinpoint sharp in its take on debts long owed and now demanded that Kenny Leon’s revival, opening tonight on Broadway, feels as current and bracing as a folding chair.
More about that folding chair later.
Starring a magnificent Leslie Odom, Jr., in the title role, and featuring equally fine performances by an enchanting Kara Young, Billy Eugene Jones, Vanessa Bell Calloway and more, Purlie Victorious – full title (and one of the few signifiers of its 1961-era creation): Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch – has been given an urgent – and,...
More about that folding chair later.
Starring a magnificent Leslie Odom, Jr., in the title role, and featuring equally fine performances by an enchanting Kara Young, Billy Eugene Jones, Vanessa Bell Calloway and more, Purlie Victorious – full title (and one of the few signifiers of its 1961-era creation): Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch – has been given an urgent – and,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“Segregation is a ridiculous institution and it makes decent people do ridiculous things,” playwright, actor-director, and activist Ossie Davis told the New York Times on September 24, 1961, four days before his play Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch opened on Broadway, co-starring himself and his wife, Ruby Dee. “Maybe if they can be made to laugh at it they can see how absurd it is.”
Especially on a Great White Way where actors played predominantly to white audiences that had seen few comedies by Black playwrights, let alone satires on segregation, Purlie Victorious must have been a jolting event. Though the play, which ran for nearly eight months on Broadway, begat a film adaptation in 1963 (Gone Are the Days!) and the successful musical Purlie in 1970, Davis’s comedy about an aggrieved “self-made minister” righteously “disembezzling” a racist plantation owner has largely faded from popular memory.
Opening one day...
Especially on a Great White Way where actors played predominantly to white audiences that had seen few comedies by Black playwrights, let alone satires on segregation, Purlie Victorious must have been a jolting event. Though the play, which ran for nearly eight months on Broadway, begat a film adaptation in 1963 (Gone Are the Days!) and the successful musical Purlie in 1970, Davis’s comedy about an aggrieved “self-made minister” righteously “disembezzling” a racist plantation owner has largely faded from popular memory.
Opening one day...
- 9/28/2023
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
Fantasy films are hard done by when it comes to earning acting nominations at the Oscars. “The Lord of the Rings,” which was an academy darling, of course, only garnered one nomination for its cast across all three movies. That was for Ian McKellen who reaped a Best Supporting Actor bid for the first film in the trilogy, “The Fellowship of the Ring.” The likes of Andy Serkis, Sean Astin and Elijah Wood were repeatedly snubbed.
Harry Potter is another of those fantasy film franchises that was short-changed at the Oscars for its acting despite a plethora of excellent performances from the cream of the British crop. Not to mention the central trio of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint who developed from child stars to fully-fledged thespians across the eight-film series. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five performances in the Harry Potter film...
Harry Potter is another of those fantasy film franchises that was short-changed at the Oscars for its acting despite a plethora of excellent performances from the cream of the British crop. Not to mention the central trio of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint who developed from child stars to fully-fledged thespians across the eight-film series. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five performances in the Harry Potter film...
- 9/7/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Viola Davis shines in Ben Affleck‘s “Air,” which tells the true story of how Nike signed Michael Jordan and made the Air Jordan shoe. Matt Damon portrays Nike marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro who negotiates a deal with Jordan’s mother. As Deloris Jordan, Davis deliver a powerful performance.
The actress imbues quiet strength, a sense of duty and honor, and a fierce motherly love into the stony exterior of an ambitious woman who knows her son’s worth and loves her family. It’s an enjoyable performance and it helps elevate the film from the average depths it likely would have sunken to without her. And critics agree.
Peter Travers (ABC News) explained: “Jordan himself insisted that only one actress could play his mom — Egot winner Viola Davis. Smart choice since the triumphant Davis is a primal force who powers the role of Deloris by nailing every nuance with maternal fire and feeling.
The actress imbues quiet strength, a sense of duty and honor, and a fierce motherly love into the stony exterior of an ambitious woman who knows her son’s worth and loves her family. It’s an enjoyable performance and it helps elevate the film from the average depths it likely would have sunken to without her. And critics agree.
Peter Travers (ABC News) explained: “Jordan himself insisted that only one actress could play his mom — Egot winner Viola Davis. Smart choice since the triumphant Davis is a primal force who powers the role of Deloris by nailing every nuance with maternal fire and feeling.
- 8/11/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
The Primetime Emmys are not necessarily known for honoring projects featuring casts that are primarily minority/people of color. The TV academy has never, for instance, given the Best Drama Series trophy to such a show. The statuette for Best Comedy Series has been won by a series featuring a largely minority cast precisely once: “The Cosby Show” in 1985. But the category of top limited/anthology/miniseries has paid golden tribute to programs with mostly minority casts a handful of times before, helping give Netflix’s “Beef” with its predominantly Asian American lineup a genuine shot to take home the biggest prize.
“Beef” tied with “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” for the most nominations among all non-regular series programs with 13. It’s presently in the lead among Gold Derby voters in the limited series race with 16/5 combined odds. Its star Ali Wong is also in first place among limited lead actresses,...
“Beef” tied with “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” for the most nominations among all non-regular series programs with 13. It’s presently in the lead among Gold Derby voters in the limited series race with 16/5 combined odds. Its star Ali Wong is also in first place among limited lead actresses,...
- 7/24/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Judith James, a film, TV and Broadway producer who was Richard Dreyfuss’ producing partner for many years and worked on such projects as Quiz Show, Mr. Holland’s Opus and Eleanor: In Her Own Words, has died July 14 of cancer in Santa Barbara, CA. She was 86.
Her son, Jackson James, revealed the news.
“From the minute I met Judy James at the Mark Taper Forum [in Los Angeles], I knew I had found someone who had the same passion for storytelling that I did,” The Goodbye Girl Oscar winner Dreyfuss said in a statement. “In all the years we were producing partners, we were of like mind, not gender, and we always found a way to agree and wouldn’t have done anything without each others’ approval. She was a wonderful woman and a great friend.”
Born Judith Rutherford, James moved to New York after college to pursue a career in theater. She...
Her son, Jackson James, revealed the news.
“From the minute I met Judy James at the Mark Taper Forum [in Los Angeles], I knew I had found someone who had the same passion for storytelling that I did,” The Goodbye Girl Oscar winner Dreyfuss said in a statement. “In all the years we were producing partners, we were of like mind, not gender, and we always found a way to agree and wouldn’t have done anything without each others’ approval. She was a wonderful woman and a great friend.”
Born Judith Rutherford, James moved to New York after college to pursue a career in theater. She...
- 7/17/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Judith James, the longtime producing partner of Richard Dreyfuss who worked with the Oscar winner on films including Mr. Holland’s Opus, Quiz Show and Mad Dog Time, has died. She was 86.
James died Friday at her home in Santa Barbara after a bout with cancer, according to her son, Jackson James.
James and Dreyfuss worked together for 35 years, and their partnership also included the telefilms Funny, You Don’t Look 200: A Constitutional Vaudeville and the Prisoner of Honor, which aired in 1987 and 1991, respectively, and The Lightkeepers (2009). They were co-writers on You Don’t Look 200 as well.
“From the minute I met Judy James at the Mark Taper Forum, I knew I had found someone who had the same passion for storytelling that I did,” Dreyfuss said in a statement. “In all the years we were producing partners, we were of like mind, not gender, and we always found...
James died Friday at her home in Santa Barbara after a bout with cancer, according to her son, Jackson James.
James and Dreyfuss worked together for 35 years, and their partnership also included the telefilms Funny, You Don’t Look 200: A Constitutional Vaudeville and the Prisoner of Honor, which aired in 1987 and 1991, respectively, and The Lightkeepers (2009). They were co-writers on You Don’t Look 200 as well.
“From the minute I met Judy James at the Mark Taper Forum, I knew I had found someone who had the same passion for storytelling that I did,” Dreyfuss said in a statement. “In all the years we were producing partners, we were of like mind, not gender, and we always found...
- 7/17/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Broadway Revival Of ‘Purlie Victorious’ Starring Leslie Odom, Jr. Sets Preview Date, Additional Cast
The previously announced Broadway revival of the Ossie Davis comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch starring Leslie Odom, Jr. will begin previews on Thursday, September 7, at The Music Box Theatre, with an opening date to be announced.
The preview date was announced today, along with complete casting details. In addition to Odom, the revival will star Vanessa Bell Calloway, Billy Eugene Jones, Noah Pyzik, Noah Robbins, Jay O. Sanders, Heather Alicia Simms, Bill Timoney, and Kara Young. Kenny Leon directs.
The play marks Odom’s return to Broadway after winning the Tony for his performance as Aaron Burr in Hamilton.mThe creative team will feature scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Adam Honoré and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald.
Purlie Victorious tells the story of a Black preacher’s machinations to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church.
The preview date was announced today, along with complete casting details. In addition to Odom, the revival will star Vanessa Bell Calloway, Billy Eugene Jones, Noah Pyzik, Noah Robbins, Jay O. Sanders, Heather Alicia Simms, Bill Timoney, and Kara Young. Kenny Leon directs.
The play marks Odom’s return to Broadway after winning the Tony for his performance as Aaron Burr in Hamilton.mThe creative team will feature scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Adam Honoré and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald.
Purlie Victorious tells the story of a Black preacher’s machinations to reclaim his inheritance and win back his church.
- 6/15/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In honor of US Memorial Day, take a look at closing footage from director Joseph Sargent's 1998 TV movie "The Wall" and the segment titled "The Badge":
"...there are 58,183 names on the 'Vietnam Veterans Memorial'. The lives they touched tell their stories. This is the story of 3 brave men who never made it home, told in three short, unique segments.
"In 'The Pencil Holder', Edward James Olmos plays a tough 'Colonel' struggling to raise his young son on an American military base surrounded by the brutality of battle.
"In 'The Badge', Ruby Dee - in a heart wrenching role - reveals the pain a grandmother feels as she sends her beloved grandson overseas.
"In 'The Player', starring Frank Whaley & Michael DeLorenzo, a selfless squad leader must confront a hustler who's getting rich off the spoils of war..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...there are 58,183 names on the 'Vietnam Veterans Memorial'. The lives they touched tell their stories. This is the story of 3 brave men who never made it home, told in three short, unique segments.
"In 'The Pencil Holder', Edward James Olmos plays a tough 'Colonel' struggling to raise his young son on an American military base surrounded by the brutality of battle.
"In 'The Badge', Ruby Dee - in a heart wrenching role - reveals the pain a grandmother feels as she sends her beloved grandson overseas.
"In 'The Player', starring Frank Whaley & Michael DeLorenzo, a selfless squad leader must confront a hustler who's getting rich off the spoils of war..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 5/28/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The world continues to mourn after hearing the news that Harry Belafonte died on April 25 at 96 years old. Although he might be most instantly recognizable for his roles in Hollywood and his musical hits, his legacy within the civil rights movement is deeply felt today. He fiercely advocated for political and humanitarian causes throughout his life, working alongside fellow activists and leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In 2005, Belafonte founded the Gathering for Justice, a nonprofit organization that provides an intergenerational forum for activists, community members, formerly incarcerated folks, and more to work towards ending child incarceration and eliminating the racial inequities in our justice system.
Carmen Perez-Jordan is president and CEO of the Gathering for Justice, and was a close mentee of Belafonte's for two decades. She's a pioneer within the social justice movement in her own right, cofounding Justice League NYC and organizing the 2017 Women's March as a cochair.
In 2005, Belafonte founded the Gathering for Justice, a nonprofit organization that provides an intergenerational forum for activists, community members, formerly incarcerated folks, and more to work towards ending child incarceration and eliminating the racial inequities in our justice system.
Carmen Perez-Jordan is president and CEO of the Gathering for Justice, and was a close mentee of Belafonte's for two decades. She's a pioneer within the social justice movement in her own right, cofounding Justice League NYC and organizing the 2017 Women's March as a cochair.
- 4/27/2023
- by Carmen Perez-Jordan
- Popsugar.com
Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tyler James Williams are looking to make some Emmy history this year as the current comedy supporting actor/actress category frontrunners for their performances in the ABC comedy hit “Abbott Elementary.” Ralph of course memorably won last year – complete with a powerful singing acceptance speech – and is going for two in a row after also taking the comedy supporting actress trophy at the Critics Choice Awards in January. Williams, who won a Golden Globe earlier this year, is looking to keep Brett Goldstein from pulling off an Emmy three-peat for “Ted Lasso” after being nominated a year ago.
Should both Ralph and Williams triumph, it would be the first time that performers of color won in the comedy supporting categories in the same year. In fact, it would be the first time African Americans took home an Emmy statue in the same year in any supporting series category – drama included.
Should both Ralph and Williams triumph, it would be the first time that performers of color won in the comedy supporting categories in the same year. In fact, it would be the first time African Americans took home an Emmy statue in the same year in any supporting series category – drama included.
- 4/10/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Angela Bassett goes into the Oscars as a supporting actress nominee for her work in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The first and last time she was nominated was 29 years ago for “What’s Love Got to Do With It.”
On Wednesday night, she recalled her early days in Hollywood. “When I came into this business, the path was not clear,” Bassett said while being honored at Time magazine’s Women of the Year gala at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. “I grew up at a time when it was a special occasion when people who looked like me were featured on the television screen or movie screen or in the theaters. But it was women like Rosalind and Ruby Dee and Diahann Carroll and Cicely Tyson, whose perseverance and resilience led me to have courage — courage to stay the course no matter what the obstacles.”
Phoebe Bridgers and Quinta Brunson...
On Wednesday night, she recalled her early days in Hollywood. “When I came into this business, the path was not clear,” Bassett said while being honored at Time magazine’s Women of the Year gala at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. “I grew up at a time when it was a special occasion when people who looked like me were featured on the television screen or movie screen or in the theaters. But it was women like Rosalind and Ruby Dee and Diahann Carroll and Cicely Tyson, whose perseverance and resilience led me to have courage — courage to stay the course no matter what the obstacles.”
Phoebe Bridgers and Quinta Brunson...
- 3/9/2023
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Awards season gives the opportunity for many stars to see and be seen, but this year’s African American Critics Association Awards gave its honorees — many of whom were just out of reach of an Oscar nomination — to feel heard and acknowledged.
Taking the stage at the Four Seasons’ Beverly Wilshire hotel to accept the award for Best Supporting Actress, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” star Angela Bassett acknowledged her current Oscar nomination, saying “I’ve been asked often throughout this award season, what these nominations and awards mean to me. A lot of people don’t realize that although I’ve been blessed to work quite a lot, it’s been 29 years since I’ve been a nominee.”
Listening to awards season chatter, many attribute part of Bassett’s losses at the BAFTA Awards and the SAG Awards — after winning Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice...
Taking the stage at the Four Seasons’ Beverly Wilshire hotel to accept the award for Best Supporting Actress, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” star Angela Bassett acknowledged her current Oscar nomination, saying “I’ve been asked often throughout this award season, what these nominations and awards mean to me. A lot of people don’t realize that although I’ve been blessed to work quite a lot, it’s been 29 years since I’ve been a nominee.”
Listening to awards season chatter, many attribute part of Bassett’s losses at the BAFTA Awards and the SAG Awards — after winning Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice...
- 3/2/2023
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Will Smith was the surprise guest that set the room abuzz Wednesday night at the 14th annual African American Film Critics Assn. Awards at the Beverly Wilshire hotel.
But Smith had tough competition in the emotional-speech department from fellow honorees that included Danielle Deadwyler, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett and Gina Prince-Bythewood.
Deadwyler, who won lead actress honors for her tour de force role in “Till,” drew the crowd’s the attention to the world-changing impact of Mamie Till-Mobley, whose provocative decision to show pictures of her son’s brutalized corpse helped ignite the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and ’60s.
Like other speakers, Deadwyler drew a direct comparison to the conditions that existed more than a half-century ago to the present day, when politicians are pursuing racist legislation designed to restrict the teaching of American history in schools as it relates to the Black experience over the past 400 years.
But Smith had tough competition in the emotional-speech department from fellow honorees that included Danielle Deadwyler, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett and Gina Prince-Bythewood.
Deadwyler, who won lead actress honors for her tour de force role in “Till,” drew the crowd’s the attention to the world-changing impact of Mamie Till-Mobley, whose provocative decision to show pictures of her son’s brutalized corpse helped ignite the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and ’60s.
Like other speakers, Deadwyler drew a direct comparison to the conditions that existed more than a half-century ago to the present day, when politicians are pursuing racist legislation designed to restrict the teaching of American history in schools as it relates to the Black experience over the past 400 years.
- 3/2/2023
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
The African-American Film Critics Association (Aafca) Award ceremony honored the variety of Black experiences depicted on screen, along with Black excellence in front of and behind the camera. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Till, Emancipation and The Woman King were among the top winners at Wednesday’s event at the Beverly Wilshire hotel. The event, hosted by Roy Wood Jr., also marked Will Smith’s first return to an awards stage following the 2022 Academy Awards.
When accepting the Beacon Award for Emancipation, Smith (who arrived to a flurry of cameras and hugs) said: “Emancipation was the individual most difficult film of my entire career.… It’s really difficult to transport a modern mind to that time period. It’s difficult to imagine that level of inhumanity.” After recalling filming a tense scene in the summertime on set, Smith continued: “In this room are people who really suffer for the art, to...
When accepting the Beacon Award for Emancipation, Smith (who arrived to a flurry of cameras and hugs) said: “Emancipation was the individual most difficult film of my entire career.… It’s really difficult to transport a modern mind to that time period. It’s difficult to imagine that level of inhumanity.” After recalling filming a tense scene in the summertime on set, Smith continued: “In this room are people who really suffer for the art, to...
- 3/2/2023
- by Evan Nicole Brown
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sidney Poitier’s terrifically enjoyable directorial debut from 1972, in which he stars opposite Harry Belafonte, is rereleased in all its galloping glory
The rediscovery of black American cinema continues with the rerelease of Sidney Poitier’s directorial debut from 1972: a terrifically enjoyable western adventure bromance, packed with brio and breezy, unreflective energy and tilted to the lighter end of the tonal spectrum. This (along with cultural ghettoisation) has perhaps meant that it hasn’t previously been considered a serious classic. But the time may well come when Buck and the Preacher are spoken of in the same breath as Butch and Sundance.
Sidney Poitier is Buck: a frontiersman who after the civil war makes a living as a wagonmaster for black people from Louisiana who want to head out west and farm the unclaimed territories, dreaming of the promised lands of Kansas and Colorado, with their great soil and climate.
The rediscovery of black American cinema continues with the rerelease of Sidney Poitier’s directorial debut from 1972: a terrifically enjoyable western adventure bromance, packed with brio and breezy, unreflective energy and tilted to the lighter end of the tonal spectrum. This (along with cultural ghettoisation) has perhaps meant that it hasn’t previously been considered a serious classic. But the time may well come when Buck and the Preacher are spoken of in the same breath as Butch and Sundance.
Sidney Poitier is Buck: a frontiersman who after the civil war makes a living as a wagonmaster for black people from Louisiana who want to head out west and farm the unclaimed territories, dreaming of the promised lands of Kansas and Colorado, with their great soil and climate.
- 3/1/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Disney’s “Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania” continued atop the U.K. and Ireland box office for the second weekend in a row with £3.04 million ($3.6 million), according to numbers from Comscore.
In its fourth weekend, Universal’s “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish” collected £1.7 million in second place for a total of £20.4 million. Another Universal title, Elizabeth Banks’ “Cocaine Bear,” debuted in third position with £1.5 million.
Studiocanal’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” debuted in fourth place with £1.08 million. Rounding off the top five was Warner Bros.’ “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” that earned £470,020 in its third weekend for a total of £4.9 million.
The only other debut in the top 10 charts was Kore-Eda Hirokazu’s Cannes winner “Broker,” from Picturehouse Entertainment, which debuted in eighth place with £150,178.
Of the upcoming releases, Sony’s anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To The Swordsmith Village” is arriving midweek on March...
In its fourth weekend, Universal’s “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish” collected £1.7 million in second place for a total of £20.4 million. Another Universal title, Elizabeth Banks’ “Cocaine Bear,” debuted in third position with £1.5 million.
Studiocanal’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” debuted in fourth place with £1.08 million. Rounding off the top five was Warner Bros.’ “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” that earned £470,020 in its third weekend for a total of £4.9 million.
The only other debut in the top 10 charts was Kore-Eda Hirokazu’s Cannes winner “Broker,” from Picturehouse Entertainment, which debuted in eighth place with £150,178.
Of the upcoming releases, Sony’s anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To The Swordsmith Village” is arriving midweek on March...
- 2/28/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Nearly 30 years after she was part of the inaugural class of Screen Actors Guild Awards nominees with her supporting bid for 1994’s “True Lies,” Jamie Lee Curtis, who lost back then to Dianne Wiest (“Bullets Over Broadway”), finally has not one but two more shots at being honored by the acting guild. Her individual and ensemble notices for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” come nearly five decades into her prolific career and could lead to a record-breaking dual achievement. If the 64-year-old succeeds on both bids, she will be the oldest performer to win two SAG Awards for a single film.
Of the four women challenging Curtis in the supporting category, only Hong Chau (“The Whale”) has vied for the same prize before. She was part of the 2017 lineup for “Downsizing” but lost that race to Allison Janney. Also in the running are general first-timer Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin...
Of the four women challenging Curtis in the supporting category, only Hong Chau (“The Whale”) has vied for the same prize before. She was part of the 2017 lineup for “Downsizing” but lost that race to Allison Janney. Also in the running are general first-timer Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin...
- 2/9/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
In the entire history of the Screen Actors Guild Awards, only Ian McKellen (as Gandalf) has accomplished the feat of winning twice for playing a single character in multiple films. After nearly two decades, the supporting actor (2001’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”) and ensemble (2003’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”) victor might soon be joined in this distinction by current supporting actress nominee Angela Bassett. Her “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” bid is her first individual film one from the guild and comes four years after she was honored as a member of the original “Black Panther” cast.
Bassett is now a four-time SAG Award nominee, having been recognized for her performances in the TV movies “Ruby’s Bucket of Blood” (2001) and “Betty and Coretta” (2013). Her supporting actress competition includes Hong Chau (“The Whale”) and Jamie Lee Curtis (“Everything Everywhere All at Once...
Bassett is now a four-time SAG Award nominee, having been recognized for her performances in the TV movies “Ruby’s Bucket of Blood” (2001) and “Betty and Coretta” (2013). Her supporting actress competition includes Hong Chau (“The Whale”) and Jamie Lee Curtis (“Everything Everywhere All at Once...
- 2/9/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
In addition “Braveheart” (1995), “Gangs of New York” (2002) and three “Harry Potter” movies, Brendan Gleeson’s acting resume include several collaborations each with filmmaking brothers John Michael and Martin McDonagh. His and the latter writer-director’s third project, “The Banshees of Inisherin,” has led to his very first Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for both supporting actor and ensemble. Now well into the fourth decade of his career, the sexagenarian could make history as the oldest performer to win two SAG trophies for a single film.
In the supporting category, Gleeson is competing against three others who are also up for the ensemble prize: Paul Dano (“The Fabelmans”), Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) and his “Banshees” castmate, Barry Keoghan. Like Gleeson, Keoghan and Quan are total SAG Awards newcomers, while Dano is already an ensemble winner for 2006’s “Little Miss Sunshine.” The fifth and final solo contender, Eddie Redmayne...
In the supporting category, Gleeson is competing against three others who are also up for the ensemble prize: Paul Dano (“The Fabelmans”), Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”) and his “Banshees” castmate, Barry Keoghan. Like Gleeson, Keoghan and Quan are total SAG Awards newcomers, while Dano is already an ensemble winner for 2006’s “Little Miss Sunshine.” The fifth and final solo contender, Eddie Redmayne...
- 2/8/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
At the age of 73 and after working as an actor for nearly five decades, Bill Nighy has finally earned his first individual nomination at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Nighy is nominated for Best Actor for his performance as government bureaucrat, Rodney Williams, in Oliver Hermanus’s film “Living.” He was nominated for Best Cast in a Motion Picture for being part of the ensemble in “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” in 2012.
Like Nighy, all the other nominees in the Best Actor category are making their first appearance as individual nominees: Austin Butler (“Elvis”), Colin Farrell (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”) and Adam Sandler (“Hustle”). Fraser won a SAG Award for Best Cast as part of the ensemble of “Crash” in 2005 and Butler was also nominated in that category for “Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood” in 2019.
Based on Akira Kurosawa’s 1952 film, “Ikiru,” “Living” tells the story of Rodney Williams,...
Like Nighy, all the other nominees in the Best Actor category are making their first appearance as individual nominees: Austin Butler (“Elvis”), Colin Farrell (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”) and Adam Sandler (“Hustle”). Fraser won a SAG Award for Best Cast as part of the ensemble of “Crash” in 2005 and Butler was also nominated in that category for “Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood” in 2019.
Based on Akira Kurosawa’s 1952 film, “Ikiru,” “Living” tells the story of Rodney Williams,...
- 2/6/2023
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
Leslie Odom Jr. is returning to Broadway this summer in a revival of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch.
Kenny Leon, who directed Topdog/Underdog and Ohio State Murders this season, will helm the revival of the play by Ossie Davis. The play is scheduled to begin in late summer 2023, which will place it in the 2023-2024 season, but exact dates and the theater have not yet been announced.
This is the first time Odom has appeared on Broadway since winning a Tony Award for his role in the original cast of Hamilton. Since then, he has appeared in several films, including Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Harriet and One Night in Miami.
The play, which is a satirical look at life in the South, originally premiered on Broadway in 1961, with the playwright starring as Purlie Victorious Judson (the role Odom will play in the new production) and his wife,...
Kenny Leon, who directed Topdog/Underdog and Ohio State Murders this season, will helm the revival of the play by Ossie Davis. The play is scheduled to begin in late summer 2023, which will place it in the 2023-2024 season, but exact dates and the theater have not yet been announced.
This is the first time Odom has appeared on Broadway since winning a Tony Award for his role in the original cast of Hamilton. Since then, he has appeared in several films, including Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Harriet and One Night in Miami.
The play, which is a satirical look at life in the South, originally premiered on Broadway in 1961, with the playwright starring as Purlie Victorious Judson (the role Odom will play in the new production) and his wife,...
- 2/1/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tony & Grammy winner Leslie Odom, Jr. will star in a new Broadway production of the classic American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by Ossie Davis. Purlie Victorious will be staged by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, with the production scheduled to begin in late summer 2023 for the 2023-2024 Broadway season.
The play will mark Odom’s return to Broadway after winning the Tony for his celebrated performance as Aaron Burr in Hamilton.
The creative team will feature scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Emilio Sosa and lighting design by Adam Honoré.
The producing team is led by Jeffrey Richards, Hunter Arnold, Irene Gandy, Jacob Soroken Porter, Kayla Greenspan and Leslie Odom, Jr., making his Broadway producing debut.
Theatre, dates, additional casting and creative team members will be announced at a later date.
The play will mark Odom’s return to Broadway after winning the Tony for his celebrated performance as Aaron Burr in Hamilton.
The creative team will feature scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Emilio Sosa and lighting design by Adam Honoré.
The producing team is led by Jeffrey Richards, Hunter Arnold, Irene Gandy, Jacob Soroken Porter, Kayla Greenspan and Leslie Odom, Jr., making his Broadway producing debut.
Theatre, dates, additional casting and creative team members will be announced at a later date.
- 2/1/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” star Angela Bassett made superhero cinema history on Tuesday as the first woman, the first person of color and the first Marvel Studios actor to be nominated for an Academy Award for their performance in a comic book adaptation. It’s Bassett’s second Oscar nomination; her first came 29 years ago for best actress for 1993’s Tina Turner biopic “What’s Love Got to Do With It?”
But while Bassett’s nomination breaks several Oscar barriers, “Wakanda Forever” failed to equal the best picture nod earned by 2018’s “Black Panther” — the first superhero movie ever nominated for Oscar’s top prize. The film was also nominated for Ruth E. Carter for costume design; “Lift Me Up” for original song; Camille Friend and Joel Harlow for makeup and hairstyling; and Geoffrey Baumann, Craig Hammack, Hanzhi Tang and Dan Sudick for visual effects.
The lack of a best picture...
But while Bassett’s nomination breaks several Oscar barriers, “Wakanda Forever” failed to equal the best picture nod earned by 2018’s “Black Panther” — the first superhero movie ever nominated for Oscar’s top prize. The film was also nominated for Ruth E. Carter for costume design; “Lift Me Up” for original song; Camille Friend and Joel Harlow for makeup and hairstyling; and Geoffrey Baumann, Craig Hammack, Hanzhi Tang and Dan Sudick for visual effects.
The lack of a best picture...
- 1/24/2023
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
Angela Bassett continues to both sweep the award show season and show her gratitude to the late Chadwick Boseman.
At the 28th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday night, Bassett took home the award for best supporting actress for her performance as Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. She won against industry heavyweights like Jamie Lee Curtis and Janelle Monáe.
The actress also won the same award at last week’s Golden Globes ceremony.
Read More: ‘Black Panther’ Stars Pay Tribute To Chadwick Boseman At ‘Wakanda Forever’ Premiere (Exclusive)
During her acceptance speech, Bassett graciously thanked the fans, several of her co-stars and the film’s director, Ryan Coogler.
The 64-year-old continued the speech by thanking the late Chadwick Boseman, who played King T’Challa in the first film and died in 2020 after battling cancer, for “your love and light surrounding us.”
Bassett further commended the late acclaimed actor.
“We couldn’t have made history,...
At the 28th Critics Choice Awards on Sunday night, Bassett took home the award for best supporting actress for her performance as Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. She won against industry heavyweights like Jamie Lee Curtis and Janelle Monáe.
The actress also won the same award at last week’s Golden Globes ceremony.
Read More: ‘Black Panther’ Stars Pay Tribute To Chadwick Boseman At ‘Wakanda Forever’ Premiere (Exclusive)
During her acceptance speech, Bassett graciously thanked the fans, several of her co-stars and the film’s director, Ryan Coogler.
The 64-year-old continued the speech by thanking the late Chadwick Boseman, who played King T’Challa in the first film and died in 2020 after battling cancer, for “your love and light surrounding us.”
Bassett further commended the late acclaimed actor.
“We couldn’t have made history,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Click here to read the full article.
Sonya Eddy, an actress best known for starring on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died. She was 55.
Eddy’s friend and actor Octavia Spencer announced Eddy’s passing on Instagram on Tuesday, writing, “My friend @sonyaeddy passed away last night. The world lost another creative angel. Her legions of @generalhospitalabc fans will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, friends, and fans!”
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini also took to social media to pay tribute to Eddy.
“I am heartbroken about the loss of the incredible @TheRealSonyaEd. I truly loved her not only as actress, but as a friend. The lights in the hub of the nurse’s station will now be a little dimmer, but her spirit and light will live on in both the show and our set,” he wrote. “On behalf of the entire #Gh cast and crew,...
Sonya Eddy, an actress best known for starring on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, has died. She was 55.
Eddy’s friend and actor Octavia Spencer announced Eddy’s passing on Instagram on Tuesday, writing, “My friend @sonyaeddy passed away last night. The world lost another creative angel. Her legions of @generalhospitalabc fans will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, friends, and fans!”
General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini also took to social media to pay tribute to Eddy.
“I am heartbroken about the loss of the incredible @TheRealSonyaEd. I truly loved her not only as actress, but as a friend. The lights in the hub of the nurse’s station will now be a little dimmer, but her spirit and light will live on in both the show and our set,” he wrote. “On behalf of the entire #Gh cast and crew,...
- 12/20/2022
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sonya Eddy, best known for her role as Epiphany Johnson on the ABC soap opera “General Hospital,” has died at 55, Variety has confirmed.
“I am heartbroken about the loss of the incredible Sonya Eddy. I truly loved her not only as an actress, but as a friend. The lights in the hub of the nurse’s station will now be a little dimmer, but her spirit and light will live on in both the show and our set. On behalf of the entire Gh cast and crew, we send our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and fans. She will be very missed.” Frank Valentini, “General Hospital” executive producer, said in a statement.
Eddy joined the long-running hospital drama in 2006 as the frank, no-nonsense nurse, and played the role for 543 episodes, appearing as recently as this past October. The character served as head nurse, and was the mother to Stan Johnson...
“I am heartbroken about the loss of the incredible Sonya Eddy. I truly loved her not only as an actress, but as a friend. The lights in the hub of the nurse’s station will now be a little dimmer, but her spirit and light will live on in both the show and our set. On behalf of the entire Gh cast and crew, we send our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and fans. She will be very missed.” Frank Valentini, “General Hospital” executive producer, said in a statement.
Eddy joined the long-running hospital drama in 2006 as the frank, no-nonsense nurse, and played the role for 543 episodes, appearing as recently as this past October. The character served as head nurse, and was the mother to Stan Johnson...
- 12/20/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Scarlett Johansson is set to star in the upcoming limited series “Just Cause”.
The actress, who is making her first major move into TV with the thriller, is also executive producing alongside writer Christy Hall and Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn of These Pictures, Deadline reports.
Read More: Scarlett Johansson Reveals Joaquin Phoenix Had To Flee The ‘Her’ Set Because Of Her Fake Orgasm Recordings: ‘He Was Losing It’
Following a competitive situation, “Just Cause”, which is based on John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel, will be released by Amazon Studios with a straight-to-series order for Prime Video.
The publication states, “In the TV adaptation, the book’s male protagonist, Miami newspaper editorial writer Matt Cowart, is undergoing a gender swap, with Johansson playing the series’ female lead Madison ‘Madi’ Cowart, a struggling reporter for a Florida newspaper sent to cover the final days of an inmate on death row.”
Read More:...
The actress, who is making her first major move into TV with the thriller, is also executive producing alongside writer Christy Hall and Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn of These Pictures, Deadline reports.
Read More: Scarlett Johansson Reveals Joaquin Phoenix Had To Flee The ‘Her’ Set Because Of Her Fake Orgasm Recordings: ‘He Was Losing It’
Following a competitive situation, “Just Cause”, which is based on John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel, will be released by Amazon Studios with a straight-to-series order for Prime Video.
The publication states, “In the TV adaptation, the book’s male protagonist, Miami newspaper editorial writer Matt Cowart, is undergoing a gender swap, with Johansson playing the series’ female lead Madison ‘Madi’ Cowart, a struggling reporter for a Florida newspaper sent to cover the final days of an inmate on death row.”
Read More:...
- 11/29/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Now that her Marvel days are seemingly behind her, especially after a messy lawsuit with Disney that may have gotten Bob Chapek ousted, Scarlett Johansson has decided to set her sights on making her television debut and will be executive producing a limited TV adaptation of Just Cause, from the novel by John Katzenbach. Ironically, the novel had already been adapted into a film starring Sean Connery, Laurence Fishburne, and even featured Johansson in her second acting role as Sean Connery’s daughter.
Deadline reports that Johansson will be starring as a struggling reporter named Madison “Madi” Cowart, a worker for a Florida newspaper sent to cover the last days of a prison inmate who is on death row. Christy Hall, writer of I’m Not Ok with This and Daddio, teams up with Johansson’s banner, These Pictures, in association with Warner Bros. TV to strike a competitive deal...
Deadline reports that Johansson will be starring as a struggling reporter named Madison “Madi” Cowart, a worker for a Florida newspaper sent to cover the last days of a prison inmate who is on death row. Christy Hall, writer of I’m Not Ok with This and Daddio, teams up with Johansson’s banner, These Pictures, in association with Warner Bros. TV to strike a competitive deal...
- 11/29/2022
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Scarlett Johansson will star in a TV adaptation of the John Katzenbach novel Just Cause at Prime Video, marking her first series regular role. The Marvel alum previously appeared when she was a child in the 1995 film adaptation of the novel with Sean Connery, Laurence Fishburne, Blair Underwood, Ed Harris, Ruby Dee, and Kate Capshaw. It was her second-ever film credit. The Just Cause limited series was given a straight-to-series order by Prime Video, per Deadline. The story centers on Miami journalist Matt Cowart, who receives a letter from a death row inmate claiming they’re innocent of the murder charge against them. As Cowart investigates the claim, they realize there were much more horrors to the story to be unearthed. Connery played the main character in the 1995 film, though the character was tweaked to be a lawyer-turned-professor named Paul Armstrong. Johansson played his daughter, Katie Armstrong, in the movie.
- 11/29/2022
- TV Insider
Scarlett Johansson has been lined up to take the lead in the new Amazon limited series ‘Just Cause.’
Based on the John Katzenbach novel of the same name, the story centres on Miami reporter Matt Cowart. Insiders on the project have hinted that Johansson will play a female version of the character named Madison “Madi” Cowart. In the book, Cowart receives a letter from a death row inmate who claims to be innocent. As the investigation unfolds, the case against the inmate proves to be shaky, and other horrors are lurking in the background.
Christy Hall will write and executive produce with Johansson executive producing under her These Pictures banner. Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn of These Pictures will also executive produce, with These Pictures’ head of TV, Zara Duff, overseeing the project. Warner Bros. Television is the studio.
Also in news – Idris Elba returns in ‘Luther’ First look images...
Based on the John Katzenbach novel of the same name, the story centres on Miami reporter Matt Cowart. Insiders on the project have hinted that Johansson will play a female version of the character named Madison “Madi” Cowart. In the book, Cowart receives a letter from a death row inmate who claims to be innocent. As the investigation unfolds, the case against the inmate proves to be shaky, and other horrors are lurking in the background.
Christy Hall will write and executive produce with Johansson executive producing under her These Pictures banner. Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn of These Pictures will also executive produce, with These Pictures’ head of TV, Zara Duff, overseeing the project. Warner Bros. Television is the studio.
Also in news – Idris Elba returns in ‘Luther’ First look images...
- 11/29/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Scarlett Johansson will lead and executive produce “Just Cause,” the limited TV adaptation of John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel of the same name. The thriller series, which got a straight-to-series order at Prime Video from Amazon Studios, hails from Warner Bros. Television and the actress’s These Pictures Banner, as well as marks the Marvel star’s first major TV project.
Netflix’s “I Am Not Okay With This” creator Christy Hall will be writing. Hall is best known for developing, showrunning and executive producing the one-season dramedy starring Sophia Lillis. She has also served as a consulting producer on Apple’s “Servant” and an upcoming Apple project from Damien Chazelle.
Also Read:
Netflix Dominates Nielsen Streaming With ‘The Watcher,’ ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’
Along with Johansson, Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn executive produce for These Pictures. Zara Duff, who is head of TV for the production company, is overseeing production.
Johansson...
Netflix’s “I Am Not Okay With This” creator Christy Hall will be writing. Hall is best known for developing, showrunning and executive producing the one-season dramedy starring Sophia Lillis. She has also served as a consulting producer on Apple’s “Servant” and an upcoming Apple project from Damien Chazelle.
Also Read:
Netflix Dominates Nielsen Streaming With ‘The Watcher,’ ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’
Along with Johansson, Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn executive produce for These Pictures. Zara Duff, who is head of TV for the production company, is overseeing production.
Johansson...
- 11/29/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Scarlett Johansson is set to star in a limited series adaptation of the John Katzenbach novel “Just Cause” at Amazon, Variety has confirmed.
Amazon has given the project a straight-to-series order. It will mark Johansson’s first major television role.
Originally published in 1992, “Just Cause” centers on Miami reporter Matt Cowart. According to an individual with knowledge of the production, Johansson will be playing a female version of the character named Madison “Madi” Cowart. In the book, Cowart receives a letter from a death row inmate who claims to be innocent. As the investigation unfolds, not only does the case against the inmate prove to be shaky, but other horrors are lurking in the background.
Christy Hall will write and executive produce “Just Cause,” with Johansson executive producing under her These Pictures banner. Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn of These Pictures will also executive produce, with These Pictures’ head of TV,...
Amazon has given the project a straight-to-series order. It will mark Johansson’s first major television role.
Originally published in 1992, “Just Cause” centers on Miami reporter Matt Cowart. According to an individual with knowledge of the production, Johansson will be playing a female version of the character named Madison “Madi” Cowart. In the book, Cowart receives a letter from a death row inmate who claims to be innocent. As the investigation unfolds, not only does the case against the inmate prove to be shaky, but other horrors are lurking in the background.
Christy Hall will write and executive produce “Just Cause,” with Johansson executive producing under her These Pictures banner. Jonathan Lia and Keenan Flynn of These Pictures will also executive produce, with These Pictures’ head of TV,...
- 11/28/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: In her first major foray into television, Scarlett Johansson is set to star in and executive produce Just Cause, a thriller limited series based on John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel. In a very competitive situation, the project, from writer Christy Hall, Johansson’s These Pictures banner and Warner Bros. TV, has landed at Amazon Studios with a straight-to-series order for Prime Video.
In the TV adaptation, the book’s male protagonist, Miami newspaper editorial writer Matt Cowart, is undergoing a gender swap, with Johansson playing the series’ female lead Madison “Madi” Cowart, a struggling reporter for a Florida newspaper sent to cover the final days of an inmate on death row.
Johannson, a two-time Oscar nominee and a Tony winner, has a personal connection to the title. At age 10, she appeared in Warner Bros.’ 1995 feature adaptation of Katzenbach’s book in only her second film role.
In the TV adaptation, the book’s male protagonist, Miami newspaper editorial writer Matt Cowart, is undergoing a gender swap, with Johansson playing the series’ female lead Madison “Madi” Cowart, a struggling reporter for a Florida newspaper sent to cover the final days of an inmate on death row.
Johannson, a two-time Oscar nominee and a Tony winner, has a personal connection to the title. At age 10, she appeared in Warner Bros.’ 1995 feature adaptation of Katzenbach’s book in only her second film role.
- 11/28/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
imdb.1eye.us, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.