Donna Berwick, a costume designer who worked on films including Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods,” “Donnie Darko” and more died, July 14 of breast cancer. She was 66.
Berwick was nominated for best contemporary film by the Costume Designers Guild for her work on “Da 5 Bloods,” a Vietnam War veterans drama starring Delroy Lindo, Chadwick Boseman, Jonathan Majors and Clarke Peters. The 2020 Netflix original film follows four veterans that return to Vietnam searching for the remains of their squad leader and the fortune he helped them hide.
She also designed the costumes for Lee’s “Inside Man,” starring Denzel Washington and Clive Owens as well as Ernest Dickerson’s “Juice,” starring Tupac Shakur.
The late costume designer April Ferry and Berwick worked together on costuming films and TV shows including “Donnie Darko,” “U571” and “Game of Thrones.”
Born in Queens, New York, Berwick earned a Bfa from the School of Visual Arts...
Berwick was nominated for best contemporary film by the Costume Designers Guild for her work on “Da 5 Bloods,” a Vietnam War veterans drama starring Delroy Lindo, Chadwick Boseman, Jonathan Majors and Clarke Peters. The 2020 Netflix original film follows four veterans that return to Vietnam searching for the remains of their squad leader and the fortune he helped them hide.
She also designed the costumes for Lee’s “Inside Man,” starring Denzel Washington and Clive Owens as well as Ernest Dickerson’s “Juice,” starring Tupac Shakur.
The late costume designer April Ferry and Berwick worked together on costuming films and TV shows including “Donnie Darko,” “U571” and “Game of Thrones.”
Born in Queens, New York, Berwick earned a Bfa from the School of Visual Arts...
- 7/19/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
Willie Mays, the incandescent center fielder for the New York and San Francisco Giants whose unmatched blend of speed and power made him a cultural icon and one of the finest players in the history of baseball, died Tuesday. He was 93.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93,” the San Francisco Giants shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
A day before his death, Mays said that he would not be in attendance when the Giants face the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Alabama on Thursday in a game honoring him and the Negro Leagues (he began his baseball career with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues).
“I’m not able to get to Birmingham this year but will follow the game back here in the Bay Area,...
“It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93,” the San Francisco Giants shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
A day before his death, Mays said that he would not be in attendance when the Giants face the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Alabama on Thursday in a game honoring him and the Negro Leagues (he began his baseball career with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues).
“I’m not able to get to Birmingham this year but will follow the game back here in the Bay Area,...
- 6/19/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Almost immediately after its founding in 1955, the Village Voice became the most raucous, irreverent and important alternative newspaper in America. At one point the Voice was the most read weekly in the country, serving as Andy Warhol put it “the entire liberal thinking world.” In her excellent new book The Freaks Came Out to Write: The Definitive History of the Village Voice, the Radical Paper That Changed American Culture, Voice veteran Tricia Romano has compiled an oral history of the seminal alt-weekly. Romano’s book is a vital and wildly...
- 3/2/2024
- by Tricia Romano
- Rollingstone.com
The rain stayed away from Santa Monica Beach on Sunday (February 25) as Past Lives was named best film and Celine Song best director at the 39th annual Spirit Awards.
While the legacy studio and streamer contenders have dominated much of the big-ticket awards shows this season like Saturday night’s SAG Awards, last weekend’s Baftas, the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, this was a good opportunity for the Oscar-nominated A24 romance and Song to earn gongs for a film which has done well among critics groups since its world premiere at Sundance just over one year ago.
Jeffrey Wright...
While the legacy studio and streamer contenders have dominated much of the big-ticket awards shows this season like Saturday night’s SAG Awards, last weekend’s Baftas, the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, this was a good opportunity for the Oscar-nominated A24 romance and Song to earn gongs for a film which has done well among critics groups since its world premiere at Sundance just over one year ago.
Jeffrey Wright...
- 2/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
The 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday awarded A24’s Past Lives its Best Feature and the film’s Celine Song the Best Director in a ceremony on the beach in Santa Monica, giving the indie romantic drama a boost as it heads toward the Oscars where it is up for Best Picture.
Past Lives topped a marquee Best Feature category that included Netflix’s May December, Amazon MGM Studios’ American Fiction, Searchlight’s All of Us Strangers, Sony Pictures Classics’ We Grown Now and Mubi’s Passages.
“There is a concept in our film, an Eastern concept, and it’s called inyeon,” Song, making her feature directorial debut, said in her acceptance speech with her producers and cast. “It is about how just by being in the same space and time in this life, it means we actually knew each other for many, many lives that came before this one.
Past Lives topped a marquee Best Feature category that included Netflix’s May December, Amazon MGM Studios’ American Fiction, Searchlight’s All of Us Strangers, Sony Pictures Classics’ We Grown Now and Mubi’s Passages.
“There is a concept in our film, an Eastern concept, and it’s called inyeon,” Song, making her feature directorial debut, said in her acceptance speech with her producers and cast. “It is about how just by being in the same space and time in this life, it means we actually knew each other for many, many lives that came before this one.
- 2/26/2024
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Film Independent Spirit Awards have been dutifully assigned to their worthy recipients, thus putting a button on yet another great year of indie film and innovative visual storytelling. And as awards prognosticators now ponder their Oscar futures with this new data set and the tent falls around our knees, we want to shout out one more time all of the producers, writers, directors, performers and more who made this such a special experience.
This year’s ceremony streamed live on IMDb’s YouTube and across other social platforms, including Film Independent’s own YouTube channel and Twitter (or “X” if you’re being pedantic). The full livestream (see below) will remain available to watch On Demand for the next eight weeks, which highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, arrival carpet interviews and more will are available at filmindependent.org and wherever fine entertainment journalism prevails.
Best Supporting Performance
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
The Holdovers...
This year’s ceremony streamed live on IMDb’s YouTube and across other social platforms, including Film Independent’s own YouTube channel and Twitter (or “X” if you’re being pedantic). The full livestream (see below) will remain available to watch On Demand for the next eight weeks, which highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, arrival carpet interviews and more will are available at filmindependent.org and wherever fine entertainment journalism prevails.
Best Supporting Performance
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
The Holdovers...
- 2/23/2024
- by Film Independent
- Film Independent News & More
This Saturday at 11:00 Am on Showtime, music enthusiasts are in for a treat with “Thriller 40,” a captivating journey directed by Nelson George that delves into the making of a pop masterpiece. The documentary offers a nostalgic trip back in time, providing fans with rare footage and candid interviews that bring to life the creation of a cultural phenomenon.
“Thriller 40” goes beyond the surface, allowing viewers to fully experience the intricate process behind the crafting of this iconic album. As one of the greatest pop records in history, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” continues to wield a profound influence on the world, and this documentary offers an intimate look at its genesis.
Tune in at 11:00 Am this Saturday on Showtime for a celebration of music history and the enduring legacy of “Thriller,” as Nelson George takes audiences on a mesmerizing exploration of the pop masterpiece in “Thriller 40.
“Thriller 40” goes beyond the surface, allowing viewers to fully experience the intricate process behind the crafting of this iconic album. As one of the greatest pop records in history, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” continues to wield a profound influence on the world, and this documentary offers an intimate look at its genesis.
Tune in at 11:00 Am this Saturday on Showtime for a celebration of music history and the enduring legacy of “Thriller,” as Nelson George takes audiences on a mesmerizing exploration of the pop masterpiece in “Thriller 40.
- 1/21/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Beginning this weekend, Michael Jackson fans can take a trip back to the ’80s to the release of the best-selling album, “Thriller.” The album, released in 1982, has had a lasting impact and has transformed music and entertainment in huge ways. A new documentary, “Thriller 40” revisits the album’s release and acknowledges its lasting effects four decades later. The documentary premieres on Paramount+ on Saturday, Dec. 2. Subscribers with a Paramount+ and Showtime subscription can stream the documentary at no additional cost. It also airs on Showtime at 8 p.m. the same day. You can watch with a subscription to Paramount Plus.
How to Watch 'Thriller 40' When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 8:00 Pm Est Where: Paramount Plus Stream: Watch with a subscription to Paramount Plus. Get 30 Days Free$5.99+ / month paramountplus.com
For a Limited Time, Get 1 Month of Paramount+ With Code: Wantmore
About 'Thriller 40'
In 1982, Michael Jackson...
How to Watch 'Thriller 40' When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 8:00 Pm Est Where: Paramount Plus Stream: Watch with a subscription to Paramount Plus. Get 30 Days Free$5.99+ / month paramountplus.com
For a Limited Time, Get 1 Month of Paramount+ With Code: Wantmore
About 'Thriller 40'
In 1982, Michael Jackson...
- 12/2/2023
- by Aubrey Chorpenning
- The Streamable
Step into the time machine with “Thriller 40,” a captivating journey into the making of a pop masterpiece. Director Nelson George invites fans on a nostalgic ride, delving into the creation of a cultural phenomenon that still reverberates worldwide. Airing at 8:00 Pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, on Showcase, this documentary combines rare footage and candid interviews to provide an intimate look at the genesis of a musical gem.
Viewers can expect to be immersed in the behind-the-scenes magic that went into crafting this iconic album. From Michael Jackson’s visionary concepts to the collaboration with legendary producer Quincy Jones, “Thriller 40” unveils the intricate layers that birthed a timeless work of art. The documentary promises not only to satisfy the curiosity of die-hard fans but also to introduce a new generation to the magic of “Thriller.”
For those craving a taste of music history and the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson,...
Viewers can expect to be immersed in the behind-the-scenes magic that went into crafting this iconic album. From Michael Jackson’s visionary concepts to the collaboration with legendary producer Quincy Jones, “Thriller 40” unveils the intricate layers that birthed a timeless work of art. The documentary promises not only to satisfy the curiosity of die-hard fans but also to introduce a new generation to the magic of “Thriller.”
For those craving a taste of music history and the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
This Saturday on Showtime, music enthusiasts are in for a treat with “Thriller 40,” a captivating journey into the iconic creation of a pop masterpiece. Director Nelson George invites viewers to step back in time, providing an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of a cultural phenomenon that remains influential even 40 years later.
Airing at 8:00 Pm, the documentary unfolds with footage and candid interviews, offering a unique perspective on the crafting of this legendary thriller. Fans will get to relive the moments that defined an era and witness the sheer brilliance that went into the production of this timeless classic.
“Thriller 40” promises to be a nostalgic and informative celebration, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the magic that is Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Tune in for a captivating evening of music history and cultural impact.
Release Date & Time: 8:00 Pm Saturday 2 December 2023 on Showtime
Thriller 40 Cast...
Airing at 8:00 Pm, the documentary unfolds with footage and candid interviews, offering a unique perspective on the crafting of this legendary thriller. Fans will get to relive the moments that defined an era and witness the sheer brilliance that went into the production of this timeless classic.
“Thriller 40” promises to be a nostalgic and informative celebration, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the magic that is Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Tune in for a captivating evening of music history and cultural impact.
Release Date & Time: 8:00 Pm Saturday 2 December 2023 on Showtime
Thriller 40 Cast...
- 11/25/2023
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
A new documentary, Thriller 40, arrives to celebrate Michael Jackson‘s Thriller four decades after its landmark release. The doc will examine the groundbreaking album, including the iconic music video for “Thriller,” a Halloween staple.
Thriller 40 debuts December 2 at 8 p.m. Et on Showtime and will stream on Paramount+ (for Paramount+ With Showtime subscribers).
The film “takes fans back in time to the making of the record-breaking album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally,” the official press release teased previously. “’Billie Jean’ remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and ‘Thriller’ is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.”
The upcoming documentary will feature “never-before-seen footage and candid interviews,” chronicling “the point in Jackson’s career that launched the singer into mega-stardom and created a pop culture...
Thriller 40 debuts December 2 at 8 p.m. Et on Showtime and will stream on Paramount+ (for Paramount+ With Showtime subscribers).
The film “takes fans back in time to the making of the record-breaking album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally,” the official press release teased previously. “’Billie Jean’ remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and ‘Thriller’ is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.”
The upcoming documentary will feature “never-before-seen footage and candid interviews,” chronicling “the point in Jackson’s career that launched the singer into mega-stardom and created a pop culture...
- 11/21/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Showtime today announced that the new documentary feature Thriller 40 will make its debut on streaming and on demand for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan on Saturday, December 2, and premiere that day at 8 p.m. Et/Pt on Showtime. The feature will also make its international debut on December 2 on Paramount+ in the UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Latin America and South Korea and on MTV internationally, excluding China and Japan. Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” – the best-selling album of all time worldwide – Director Nelson George takes fans back in time to ... Read more...
- 10/27/2023
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Documentary of Nonfiction (Series) “Harry & Meghan” was directed by Liz Garbus.
Weekly Commentary: A tight race ensues for acclaimed documentaries. Ken Burns’ powerful “The U.S. and the Holocaust” which premiered at Telluride 2022 before hitting television screens, is a favorite in the category.
Read: Variety’s...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Documentary of Nonfiction (Series) “Harry & Meghan” was directed by Liz Garbus.
Weekly Commentary: A tight race ensues for acclaimed documentaries. Ken Burns’ powerful “The U.S. and the Holocaust” which premiered at Telluride 2022 before hitting television screens, is a favorite in the category.
Read: Variety’s...
- 8/28/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The year was 1992. Not yet a multibillion-dollar industry, hip-hop was still considered an emerging cultural movement hailing from New York City's most disenfranchised borough: the Bronx. However, it had spread across the East and West coasts and specific pockets of the US, speaking intimately to Black and brown communities as both an outlet to address socioeconomic issues and a form of entertainment provided by rappers, DJs, dancers, and visual artists.
Related: All Hail the Queens: Honoring Women in Hip-Hop, 50 Years Later
While mainstream magazines like Billboard and Rolling Stone were in no rush to prominently feature hip-hop acts, publications such as Right On!, Word Up!, and Hip-Hop Connection centered them, filling a growing void in print media. The rap-centered Source would later enter the media landscape in 1991, too. But there was one magazine that was prematurely underestimated yet paved the way for hip-hop culture to prominently sit on newsstands.
Vibe,...
Related: All Hail the Queens: Honoring Women in Hip-Hop, 50 Years Later
While mainstream magazines like Billboard and Rolling Stone were in no rush to prominently feature hip-hop acts, publications such as Right On!, Word Up!, and Hip-Hop Connection centered them, filling a growing void in print media. The rap-centered Source would later enter the media landscape in 1991, too. But there was one magazine that was prematurely underestimated yet paved the way for hip-hop culture to prominently sit on newsstands.
Vibe,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Janel Martinez
- Popsugar.com
When Misty Copeland filmed the last scenes of the short Flower, she was, in her words, “very pregnant.” Not only was she blooming into motherhood, she was entering a new beginning as a producer and actor.
Flower is the first project from Copeland’s Life in Motion Productions, which she co-founded with fellow American Ballet Theatre dancer-turned-producer Leyla Fayyaz. Directed by Lauren Finerman and written by Fayyaz, the 28-minute short made its debut at the Tribeca Festival earlier this month, and it will be screened July 1 at the Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park as part of its Summer in the City series.
The film follows Rose (Copeland) as she carries the weight of providing a home, caring for her dementia-suffering mother and teaching young ballerinas in her Oakland community, which is gentrifying at an alarming rate.
Here, Copeland, the first Black woman named a principal dancer at Abt, speaks about...
Flower is the first project from Copeland’s Life in Motion Productions, which she co-founded with fellow American Ballet Theatre dancer-turned-producer Leyla Fayyaz. Directed by Lauren Finerman and written by Fayyaz, the 28-minute short made its debut at the Tribeca Festival earlier this month, and it will be screened July 1 at the Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park as part of its Summer in the City series.
The film follows Rose (Copeland) as she carries the weight of providing a home, caring for her dementia-suffering mother and teaching young ballerinas in her Oakland community, which is gentrifying at an alarming rate.
Here, Copeland, the first Black woman named a principal dancer at Abt, speaks about...
- 6/30/2023
- by Cori Murray
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: As Denver throws a parade for the Nuggets, who just captured their first NBA championship after 47 seasons in the league, a new documentary project is poised to shine a light on one of the team’s all-time greats.
David Thompson, a star for the Nuggets for eight seasons as well as a force in college basketball with the 1974 national-champion North Carolina State Wolfpack, is the subject of the film from Meadowlark and Backstage Media.
In college, Thompson led Nc State to the NCAA championship over Bill Walton and seven-time defending champion, UCLA, in 1974.
He went on to play seven seasons for the Nuggets and two in Seattle, averaging more than 22 points per game during his NBA career. He was one of basketball’s premier dunkers in the 1970s, earning himself the nickname of “Skywalker.” Basketball analysts have declared he was Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan. To Jordan, Thompson was his idol,...
David Thompson, a star for the Nuggets for eight seasons as well as a force in college basketball with the 1974 national-champion North Carolina State Wolfpack, is the subject of the film from Meadowlark and Backstage Media.
In college, Thompson led Nc State to the NCAA championship over Bill Walton and seven-time defending champion, UCLA, in 1974.
He went on to play seven seasons for the Nuggets and two in Seattle, averaging more than 22 points per game during his NBA career. He was one of basketball’s premier dunkers in the 1970s, earning himself the nickname of “Skywalker.” Basketball analysts have declared he was Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan. To Jordan, Thompson was his idol,...
- 6/15/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
A scene from ‘Dear Mama’ with Tupac Shakur (Photo Cr: FX)
FX’s critically acclaimed Dear Mama premiered to the largest audience of any unscripted series in FX’s history. The docuseries comes from executive producer, writer, and director Allen Hughes and focuses on the lives of Tupac Shakur and his mother, Afeni.
Dear Mama debuted on April 21, 2023, with new episodes of the five-episode series airing on Fridays at 10pm Et/Pt.
“It’s only fitting that Allen Hughes’ definitive piece on Tupac and Afeni Shakur delivered a record performance for us, and it speaks to Tupac’s enduring legacy,” stated Nick Grad, President, FX Entertainment. “Allen’s examination of Tupac viewed through the prism of his mother Afeni is a fascinating take that really gets beneath the education and experience that shaped his life and inspired him to become one of the greatest artists ever.”
Additional executive producers include writer Lasse Järvi,...
FX’s critically acclaimed Dear Mama premiered to the largest audience of any unscripted series in FX’s history. The docuseries comes from executive producer, writer, and director Allen Hughes and focuses on the lives of Tupac Shakur and his mother, Afeni.
Dear Mama debuted on April 21, 2023, with new episodes of the five-episode series airing on Fridays at 10pm Et/Pt.
“It’s only fitting that Allen Hughes’ definitive piece on Tupac and Afeni Shakur delivered a record performance for us, and it speaks to Tupac’s enduring legacy,” stated Nick Grad, President, FX Entertainment. “Allen’s examination of Tupac viewed through the prism of his mother Afeni is a fascinating take that really gets beneath the education and experience that shaped his life and inspired him to become one of the greatest artists ever.”
Additional executive producers include writer Lasse Järvi,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
FX’s docuseries Dear Mama set a new ratings high for an unscripted series debut on the Disney-owned outlet.
The chronicle of the lives of Tupac and Afeni Shakur, which premiered April 21, passed Welcome to Wrexham as FX’s most watched unscripted debut in cross-platform viewers. The full cross-platform figures aren’t being released, per FX policy, but the majority of Dear Mama’s audience likely streamed the show on Hulu.
The two-episode premiere of Dear Mama, directed by Allen Hughes, averaged about 185,000 viewers for its on-air debut (episode one drew 196,000). That trailed Welcome to Wrexham’s linear premiere in August 2022 (it averaged 271,000 viewers for its first two episodes), but Dear Mama made up the difference with streaming and other delayed viewing. Streaming often makes up the majority of viewing for series that originate on ad-supported and premium cable outlets.
“It’s only fitting that Allen Hughes’ definitive piece on...
The chronicle of the lives of Tupac and Afeni Shakur, which premiered April 21, passed Welcome to Wrexham as FX’s most watched unscripted debut in cross-platform viewers. The full cross-platform figures aren’t being released, per FX policy, but the majority of Dear Mama’s audience likely streamed the show on Hulu.
The two-episode premiere of Dear Mama, directed by Allen Hughes, averaged about 185,000 viewers for its on-air debut (episode one drew 196,000). That trailed Welcome to Wrexham’s linear premiere in August 2022 (it averaged 271,000 viewers for its first two episodes), but Dear Mama made up the difference with streaming and other delayed viewing. Streaming often makes up the majority of viewing for series that originate on ad-supported and premium cable outlets.
“It’s only fitting that Allen Hughes’ definitive piece on...
- 4/28/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
FX’s latest docuseries opened on a high note, the network reveals. According to multi-platform ratings, the “Dear Mama” debut scored FX’s most watched premiere for an unscripted series ever. The show opened on FX on April 21 and became available to stream the following day on Hulu, which combined for the record setting performance.
From director Allen Hughes, the five-part docuseries explores the lives and legacies of mother and son, Afeni and Tupac Shakur. A renowned revolutionary, Afeni became a feminist figure of the ’70s, a female leader in the movement amidst the macho milieu of the Black Panther Party. Tupac, a rapper and poet, also became a political visionary, philosopher and one of the greatest rap artists of all time. “Their story chronicles the possibilities and contradictions of the United States from a time of revolutionary fervor to Hip Hop culture’s most ostentatious decade,” reads the official description.
From director Allen Hughes, the five-part docuseries explores the lives and legacies of mother and son, Afeni and Tupac Shakur. A renowned revolutionary, Afeni became a feminist figure of the ’70s, a female leader in the movement amidst the macho milieu of the Black Panther Party. Tupac, a rapper and poet, also became a political visionary, philosopher and one of the greatest rap artists of all time. “Their story chronicles the possibilities and contradictions of the United States from a time of revolutionary fervor to Hip Hop culture’s most ostentatious decade,” reads the official description.
- 4/28/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
FX is touting record performance for the premiere of its new docuseries Dear Mama.
The premiere episode, which debuted on April 21, is now FX’s most-watched unscripted series premiere in this history of the network when accounting for both same-day viewing on FX and next-day viewing on Hulu. FX didn’t disclose exact viewership numbers, as is typical when streaming is involved.
“It’s only fitting that Allen Hughes definitive piece on Tupac and Afeni Shakur delivered a record performance for us and it speaks to Tupac’s enduring legacy,” said Nick Grad, President, FX Entertainment. “Allen’s examination of Tupac viewed through the prism of his mother Afeni is a fascinating take that really gets beneath the education and experience that shaped his life and inspired him to become one of the greatest artists ever.”
Directed by Allen Hughes, Dear Mama dives into the personal relationship of mother and son,...
The premiere episode, which debuted on April 21, is now FX’s most-watched unscripted series premiere in this history of the network when accounting for both same-day viewing on FX and next-day viewing on Hulu. FX didn’t disclose exact viewership numbers, as is typical when streaming is involved.
“It’s only fitting that Allen Hughes definitive piece on Tupac and Afeni Shakur delivered a record performance for us and it speaks to Tupac’s enduring legacy,” said Nick Grad, President, FX Entertainment. “Allen’s examination of Tupac viewed through the prism of his mother Afeni is a fascinating take that really gets beneath the education and experience that shaped his life and inspired him to become one of the greatest artists ever.”
Directed by Allen Hughes, Dear Mama dives into the personal relationship of mother and son,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
April 18, 2023 was certainly an honorable day for the late rapper Tupac Shakur! The world premiere of FX’s “Dear Mama” was held at The Ted Mann Theatre in Los Angeles. The new docuseries will premiere on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 10 p.m. Et/Pt and stream on Hulu the next day.
Gold Derby’s associate editor Latasha Ford hit the red carpet, going behind-the-scenes with executive producers, directors, writers: Allen Hughes, Lasse Järvi, Jamal Joseph, ex-nba player Matt Barnes and star De’Aundre Bonds (“Skully” from the hit FX TV series “Snowfall”).
The 5-part docuseries delves into the legacy of the late, prolific rapper, Tupac, and his mother Afeni Shakur. Allen Hughes, Lasse Järvi, Staci Robinson, Nelson George, Charles D. King, Jamal Joseph, Ted Skillman, Adel Nur and Steve Berman served as executive producers on the uniquely curated documentary. Glo Cox, Snoop Dogg, Mutulu, Chopmaster J and Ray Luv are among the...
Gold Derby’s associate editor Latasha Ford hit the red carpet, going behind-the-scenes with executive producers, directors, writers: Allen Hughes, Lasse Järvi, Jamal Joseph, ex-nba player Matt Barnes and star De’Aundre Bonds (“Skully” from the hit FX TV series “Snowfall”).
The 5-part docuseries delves into the legacy of the late, prolific rapper, Tupac, and his mother Afeni Shakur. Allen Hughes, Lasse Järvi, Staci Robinson, Nelson George, Charles D. King, Jamal Joseph, Ted Skillman, Adel Nur and Steve Berman served as executive producers on the uniquely curated documentary. Glo Cox, Snoop Dogg, Mutulu, Chopmaster J and Ray Luv are among the...
- 4/19/2023
- by Latasha Ford
- Gold Derby
If you're looking to pinpoint the greatest year in hip-hop, it's going to start with a one, followed by a nine, another nine, and end with a number no higher than five. The genre that grew out of Bronx house parties thrown by sonic pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, and survived the faddish exploitation of the early and mid-1980s had finally come of age. Obviously, there were groundbreaking LPs released prior to the '90s, but it wasn't until we entered the final decade of the millennium that explorers like Hank Shocklee, Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, and Prince Paul refined their sounds to bring hard-hitting East Coast beats and blunted West Coast G-funk grooves to the ears of audiophiles across the country.
Hollywood was listening. They weren't necessarily getting it, but they were listening. Mid-'80s films like "Breakin'," "Beat Street" and "Krush Groove" captured the excitement of the...
Hollywood was listening. They weren't necessarily getting it, but they were listening. Mid-'80s films like "Breakin'," "Beat Street" and "Krush Groove" captured the excitement of the...
- 2/20/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The FX docuseries Dear Mama is set to premiere on April 21 at 10 p.m. Et/Pt and will stream the following day via Hulu. The premiere will include the first two episodes of the 5-part series, with one new episode each subsequent week.
From Allen Hughes, Dear Mama dives into the personal relationship of mother and son, Afeni and Tupac Shakur, a revolutionary and one of the most influential artists of all time.
For Tupac superfans, Hughes promises there will be never seen before audio and video footage.
“Wherever possible, we tried to find archival footage that hadn’t been seen so there’s a lot that we have in the five parts,” said Hughes during FX’s TCA presentation on Thursday. “There’s also audio that’s never been heard. And not just some of his acapellas and vocals, there is a lot of stuff of Tupac from his...
From Allen Hughes, Dear Mama dives into the personal relationship of mother and son, Afeni and Tupac Shakur, a revolutionary and one of the most influential artists of all time.
For Tupac superfans, Hughes promises there will be never seen before audio and video footage.
“Wherever possible, we tried to find archival footage that hadn’t been seen so there’s a lot that we have in the five parts,” said Hughes during FX’s TCA presentation on Thursday. “There’s also audio that’s never been heard. And not just some of his acapellas and vocals, there is a lot of stuff of Tupac from his...
- 1/12/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
FX’s most acclaimed rap-themed comedy series, now that “Atlanta” has ended, returns for its third season this spring. Season 3 of “Dave” premieres April 5 on Fxx, the network announced during the Television Critics Association winter press conference January 12.
In addition, FX set the dates for two new “New York Times Presents” specials. “Sin Eater” premieres March 10 simultaneously on FX and Hulu, while “The Legacy of J Dilla” is set for April 7. A new docuseries about Tupac Shakur, “Dear Mama,” premieres on FX April 21.
Created by and starring comedy rapper David Burd, known by his stage name Lil Dicky, “Dave” presents a fictionalized version of Burd as he attempts to make it as a hip-hop star. Season 3 sees him and his entourage of friends — played by GaTa, Andrew Santino, Travis Bennett, and Christine Ko — as they leave Philadelphia for Dave’s first headlining tour. Burd executive produces the series with his co-creator Jeff Schaffer,...
In addition, FX set the dates for two new “New York Times Presents” specials. “Sin Eater” premieres March 10 simultaneously on FX and Hulu, while “The Legacy of J Dilla” is set for April 7. A new docuseries about Tupac Shakur, “Dear Mama,” premieres on FX April 21.
Created by and starring comedy rapper David Burd, known by his stage name Lil Dicky, “Dave” presents a fictionalized version of Burd as he attempts to make it as a hip-hop star. Season 3 sees him and his entourage of friends — played by GaTa, Andrew Santino, Travis Bennett, and Christine Ko — as they leave Philadelphia for Dave’s first headlining tour. Burd executive produces the series with his co-creator Jeff Schaffer,...
- 1/12/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
During its presentation at the Winter 2023 Television Critics Association Press Tour, FX announced premiere dates for four of its upcoming projects: “Dave” Season 3, “Dear Mama,” “Sin Eater” and “The Legacy of J Dilla.”
“Dave” returns to FX with two episodes on April 5.
In Season 3, Dave (series co-creator Dave Burd aka Lil Dicky) is headlining his first-ever tour, and looking for love along the way. But as he and the gang crisscross America, they discover firsthand how diverse the cultural landscape of the United States really is – and how often fame puts pressure on love and friendship. The cast also includes GaTa, Andrew Santino, Taylor Misiak, Travis Bennett and Christine Ko.
Burd co-created “Dave” with Jeff Schaffer. Both executive produce along with Luvh Rakhe, Vanessa McGee, Kris Eber, Rob Rosell, Kevin Hart via Hartbeat Productions, Scooter Braun, Marty Bowen, Mike Hertz and Sb Projects’ James Shin and Scott Manson. The series is produced by FX Productions.
“Dave” returns to FX with two episodes on April 5.
In Season 3, Dave (series co-creator Dave Burd aka Lil Dicky) is headlining his first-ever tour, and looking for love along the way. But as he and the gang crisscross America, they discover firsthand how diverse the cultural landscape of the United States really is – and how often fame puts pressure on love and friendship. The cast also includes GaTa, Andrew Santino, Taylor Misiak, Travis Bennett and Christine Ko.
Burd co-created “Dave” with Jeff Schaffer. Both executive produce along with Luvh Rakhe, Vanessa McGee, Kris Eber, Rob Rosell, Kevin Hart via Hartbeat Productions, Scooter Braun, Marty Bowen, Mike Hertz and Sb Projects’ James Shin and Scott Manson. The series is produced by FX Productions.
- 1/12/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
One of the most iconic albums of all time, Michael Jackson’s Thriller and its title track are a staple of every Halloween, and Deadline reports that an official documentary is on the way.
Deadline reports that The Michael Jackson estate and Sony Music Entertainment are working together on the documentary feature, which is set to be directed by Nelson George.
The film “takes fans back in time to the making of the record-breaking album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally,” the official press release shared by Deadline this afternoon teases. “’Billie Jean’ remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and ‘Thriller’ is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.”
The upcoming documentary will feature “never-before-seen footage and candid interviews,” chronicling “the point in Jackson’s career that...
Deadline reports that The Michael Jackson estate and Sony Music Entertainment are working together on the documentary feature, which is set to be directed by Nelson George.
The film “takes fans back in time to the making of the record-breaking album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally,” the official press release shared by Deadline this afternoon teases. “’Billie Jean’ remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and ‘Thriller’ is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.”
The upcoming documentary will feature “never-before-seen footage and candid interviews,” chronicling “the point in Jackson’s career that...
- 10/4/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Michael Jackson Estate and Sony Music Entertainment have started production on a new documentary revolving around the King of Pop’s iconic Thriller album. Nelson George, a celebrated music historian, will direct the untitled presentation.
According to the official press release, the documentary “takes fans back in time to the making of the record-breaking album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally.” The information also notes, “‘Billie Jean’ remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and ‘Thriller’ is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.”
Thriller has sold 34 million copies in the U.S. and 100 million worldwide. The Grammy-winning record turns 40 this November, making George’s documentary a great way to celebrate the milestone. The Thriller project includes “never-before-seen footage and candid interviews,” documenting “the point in Jackson...
According to the official press release, the documentary “takes fans back in time to the making of the record-breaking album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally.” The information also notes, “‘Billie Jean’ remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and ‘Thriller’ is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.”
Thriller has sold 34 million copies in the U.S. and 100 million worldwide. The Grammy-winning record turns 40 this November, making George’s documentary a great way to celebrate the milestone. The Thriller project includes “never-before-seen footage and candid interviews,” documenting “the point in Jackson...
- 10/4/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Production is underway on an official documentary about Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time.
The Michael Jackson estate and Sony Music Entertainment are joining forces for the untitled film, which is being directed by Nelson George, the noted music historian, journalist and documentary filmmaker. Thriller has sold 34 million copies in the U.S. alone and 100 million copies worldwide, won eight Grammy Awards and yielded seven top 10 singles. It was released 40 years ago this November.
The film “takes fans back in time to the making of the record-breaking album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally,” according to a release about the documentary. “’Billie Jean’ remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and ‘Thriller’ is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.”
Director Nelson George...
The Michael Jackson estate and Sony Music Entertainment are joining forces for the untitled film, which is being directed by Nelson George, the noted music historian, journalist and documentary filmmaker. Thriller has sold 34 million copies in the U.S. alone and 100 million copies worldwide, won eight Grammy Awards and yielded seven top 10 singles. It was released 40 years ago this November.
The film “takes fans back in time to the making of the record-breaking album and release of revolutionary short films that redefined the music video format and captivated audiences globally,” according to a release about the documentary. “’Billie Jean’ remains the most streamed Michael Jackson song and ‘Thriller’ is the only music video that has been inducted onto the elite National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.”
Director Nelson George...
- 10/4/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
Say Hey, Willie Mays!, the Nelson George documentary that explores the life and career of Major League Baseball icon Willie Mays, will debut Wed., Nov. 8 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt on HBO and HBO Max.
Directed by George, the HBO Sports doc includes exclusive interviews with Mays and his family. The film will have its world premiere at the 2022 UrbanWorld Film Festival on October 27.
“Over the years,” Mays said in a statement, “the fans have given me so much joy, and I am excited to express my thanks again through this wonderful documentary and its telling of the story of my career and life. I have worked hard and been fortunate to do many amazing things over the course of my life, and I am excited and proud that the people who see this film, including younger fans who never saw me play, will have the chance to relive this...
Directed by George, the HBO Sports doc includes exclusive interviews with Mays and his family. The film will have its world premiere at the 2022 UrbanWorld Film Festival on October 27.
“Over the years,” Mays said in a statement, “the fans have given me so much joy, and I am excited to express my thanks again through this wonderful documentary and its telling of the story of my career and life. I have worked hard and been fortunate to do many amazing things over the course of my life, and I am excited and proud that the people who see this film, including younger fans who never saw me play, will have the chance to relive this...
- 9/29/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
One of baseball’s greatest players will be the subject of an HBO documentary debuting in November.
The premium cabler has set a Nov. 8 airdate for Say Hey, Willie Mays!, a feature documentary tracing Mays’ life and Hall of Fame career. The film, directed by author and filmmaker Nelson George (The Announcement, A Ballerina’s Tale), will have its world premiere Oct. 27 at the UrbanWorld Film Festival in New York — a day before the 2022 World Series begins.
HBO’s announcement of the premiere date coincides with the 68th anniversary of perhaps Mays’ most famous moment on the diamond: The Catch, an astounding, over-the-shoulder chasedown of a deep fly ball in game one of the 1954 World Series.
“Over the years, the fans have given me so much joy, and I am excited to express my thanks again through this wonderful documentary and its telling...
One of baseball’s greatest players will be the subject of an HBO documentary debuting in November.
The premium cabler has set a Nov. 8 airdate for Say Hey, Willie Mays!, a feature documentary tracing Mays’ life and Hall of Fame career. The film, directed by author and filmmaker Nelson George (The Announcement, A Ballerina’s Tale), will have its world premiere Oct. 27 at the UrbanWorld Film Festival in New York — a day before the 2022 World Series begins.
HBO’s announcement of the premiere date coincides with the 68th anniversary of perhaps Mays’ most famous moment on the diamond: The Catch, an astounding, over-the-shoulder chasedown of a deep fly ball in game one of the 1954 World Series.
“Over the years, the fans have given me so much joy, and I am excited to express my thanks again through this wonderful documentary and its telling...
- 9/29/2022
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
He was our first Black movie star, in a certain, classical sense of that term. Other Black actors had appeared in popular Hollywood movies, had even gone so far as to win an Academy Award for their work before Sidney Poitier made it big (just one person — Hattie McDaniel — and just one time, in 1939, but still). And other Black image-makers had labored in other corners of the industry, working behind and in front of the camera some time before Poitier made his way to the United States from the Bahamas...
- 9/23/2022
- by K. Austin Collins
- Rollingstone.com
No one is better at telling Sidney Poitier’s story than Sidney Poitier himself.
The brilliance of Reginald Hudlin’s documentary for Apple TV+ is that it lets him do just that. An incredibly gifted storyteller, Poitier, who died at age 94 in January 2022, opens “Sidney” by saying in voiceover, “I was not expected to live.”
Of course we know that Poitier, who was born two months premature, his life hanging by a thread, did live, and lived exceptionally well, touching so many other lives with his groundbreaking Hollywood career. Having him tell his own story, largely via edited footage and voiceover from seven hours of interviews the film’s producer Oprah Winfrey conducted with Poitier in 2012, allows “Sidney” to be about the man, not just his milestones.
Many of the stories Poitier relates he’s told before in his books, especially his great 2000 memoir “The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography.
The brilliance of Reginald Hudlin’s documentary for Apple TV+ is that it lets him do just that. An incredibly gifted storyteller, Poitier, who died at age 94 in January 2022, opens “Sidney” by saying in voiceover, “I was not expected to live.”
Of course we know that Poitier, who was born two months premature, his life hanging by a thread, did live, and lived exceptionally well, touching so many other lives with his groundbreaking Hollywood career. Having him tell his own story, largely via edited footage and voiceover from seven hours of interviews the film’s producer Oprah Winfrey conducted with Poitier in 2012, allows “Sidney” to be about the man, not just his milestones.
Many of the stories Poitier relates he’s told before in his books, especially his great 2000 memoir “The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography.
- 9/23/2022
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
A pioneering movie star intensely aware of his place in film history, Sidney Poitier published no fewer than three autobiographies during his life, generously sharing what he’d lived and learned with those who’d appreciated his work in films such as “In the Heat of the Night” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” But words can only reach so far in an era dominated by the moving image, and as such, we’re fortunate that Poitier was open to repeating himself one last time for “Sidney” — director Reginald Hudlin’s definitive portrait for Apple TV+ — before his death this year at the age of 94.
Few movie stars have been more inspirational than Poitier, who was more than just a star, but also a symbol to so many — be they aspiring Black performers or the public at large, who saw their own views on civil rights embodied in the characters he played.
Few movie stars have been more inspirational than Poitier, who was more than just a star, but also a symbol to so many — be they aspiring Black performers or the public at large, who saw their own views on civil rights embodied in the characters he played.
- 9/23/2022
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
With Sidney Poitier’s own voice providing the narrative backbone to Reginald Hudlin’s documentary Sidney, we get to rediscover just what a wonderful storyteller he was. He speaks about his childhood in the Bahamas, his adolescence in Nassau, and the overnight culture clash of coming to Miami without realizing just what it meant to be a Black man in America—all with such emotion and drama that we can’t help hanging on his every word. A harrowing experience at the end of a police officer’s gun. The kindly Jewish waiter who helped him read better. The radio announcer he studied every night to lose his accent. And the outright rejection by a respected theater director when he greenly walked into an audition unprepared. They’re insights into an icon’s origins.
They’re also the early signs of how and why Poitier’s life and career would...
They’re also the early signs of how and why Poitier’s life and career would...
- 9/20/2022
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Click here to read the full article.
Oprah Winfrey will executive produce and Reginald Hudlin will direct Sidney, a documentary about the artistry and activism of the late Sidney Poitier.
Sidney, the sweeping doc about the Hollywood legend, which will bow in Toronto ahead of a Sept. 23 launch on AppleTV+, got off the ground thanks in large part to the persistence of the film’s Canadian co-producer Derik Murray. “This is a story that in many ways is long overdue, about an individual who really made a difference, who was a leader for all of us in how he approached his life as a role model and a mentor,” Murray tells The Hollywood Reporter.
In summer 2018, the veteran film producer first pitched Poitier and his wife Joanna after being introduced by Hollywood talent agent Barry Krost. “The first time I met him, he walked into his own living room and...
Oprah Winfrey will executive produce and Reginald Hudlin will direct Sidney, a documentary about the artistry and activism of the late Sidney Poitier.
Sidney, the sweeping doc about the Hollywood legend, which will bow in Toronto ahead of a Sept. 23 launch on AppleTV+, got off the ground thanks in large part to the persistence of the film’s Canadian co-producer Derik Murray. “This is a story that in many ways is long overdue, about an individual who really made a difference, who was a leader for all of us in how he approached his life as a role model and a mentor,” Murray tells The Hollywood Reporter.
In summer 2018, the veteran film producer first pitched Poitier and his wife Joanna after being introduced by Hollywood talent agent Barry Krost. “The first time I met him, he walked into his own living room and...
- 9/10/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tribeca Festival, the event that wants to offer something for everyone, returns Wednesday with its sprawling collection of features and shorts, live music, TV, podcasts, games, and Ar/VR. The annual New York City-set fest has moved mostly back indoors this year, but will feature nods to 2021 like free outdoor screenings and an online edition, Tribeca At Home. A rich documentary slate tackles abortion, press freedom and the rise of social media. There’s a first-time award for environmental impact and a series of talks with Blackhouse Foundation centered on Poc storytelling.
“We’re an activist festival,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder with Robert De Niro and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises. “When you think back to how we founded the festival, we’ve always been political,” she added, a nod to the duo launching Tribeca after the September 11 terrorist attacks to buck up a physically and emotionally devastated neighborhood.
This year,...
“We’re an activist festival,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder with Robert De Niro and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises. “When you think back to how we founded the festival, we’ve always been political,” she added, a nod to the duo launching Tribeca after the September 11 terrorist attacks to buck up a physically and emotionally devastated neighborhood.
This year,...
- 6/7/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Bobby Brown recounts the origins of new jack swing and his hit “My Prerogative” in a new clip from the upcoming two-part documentary Biography: Bobby Brown. It airs May 30 and May 31 on A&e.
The clip begins with Brown and critic/author Nelson George offering a succinct breakdown of new jack swing, the latter explaining how it took “the aggression of hip-hop and some of the instrumental sounds, but mixed them with R&b melodies.”
The producer at the forefront of this revolution was Teddy Riley, who invited Brown to...
The clip begins with Brown and critic/author Nelson George offering a succinct breakdown of new jack swing, the latter explaining how it took “the aggression of hip-hop and some of the instrumental sounds, but mixed them with R&b melodies.”
The producer at the forefront of this revolution was Teddy Riley, who invited Brown to...
- 5/27/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Austin Butler’s Elvis Presley is “gonna do something different” in the latest trailer for director Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” biopic. Check out the embed above.
“I’m gonna show you what the real Elvis is like tonight,” Presley says in the trailer.
“Elvis,” stars Austin Butler in the title role, Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker (that accent!), and Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla. And it’s about what you’d expect from a biopic of The King by the man who made “Moulin Rouge!” – a Technicolor fantasia about one of the 20th century’s most fascinating pop culture icons. (That moment where his costumes change magically while he’s on stage is incredible.) Lots of talk about destiny and obviously some allusions to Presley’s tragic death at age 42. It also looks more politically charged than was maybe expected, exploring the ways that Elvis intersected with the Black community and their continued struggle.
“I’m gonna show you what the real Elvis is like tonight,” Presley says in the trailer.
“Elvis,” stars Austin Butler in the title role, Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker (that accent!), and Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla. And it’s about what you’d expect from a biopic of The King by the man who made “Moulin Rouge!” – a Technicolor fantasia about one of the 20th century’s most fascinating pop culture icons. (That moment where his costumes change magically while he’s on stage is incredible.) Lots of talk about destiny and obviously some allusions to Presley’s tragic death at age 42. It also looks more politically charged than was maybe expected, exploring the ways that Elvis intersected with the Black community and their continued struggle.
- 5/23/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Elvis has re-entered the building.
Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for director Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” starring Austin Butler in the title role, Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker (that accent!), and Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla. And it’s about what you’d expect from a biopic of The King by the man who made “Moulin Rouge!” – a Technicolor fantasia about one of the 20th century’s most fascinating pop culture icons. (That moment where his costumes change magically while he’s on stage is incredible.) Lots of talk about destiny and obviously some allusions to Presley’s tragic death at age 47. It also looks more politically charged than was maybe expected, exploring the ways that Elvis intersected with the Black community and their continued struggle.
And while the movie doesn’t open until June 24, TheWrap was treated to an early screening of the “Elvis” trailer (which you...
Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for director Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” starring Austin Butler in the title role, Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker (that accent!), and Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla. And it’s about what you’d expect from a biopic of The King by the man who made “Moulin Rouge!” – a Technicolor fantasia about one of the 20th century’s most fascinating pop culture icons. (That moment where his costumes change magically while he’s on stage is incredible.) Lots of talk about destiny and obviously some allusions to Presley’s tragic death at age 47. It also looks more politically charged than was maybe expected, exploring the ways that Elvis intersected with the Black community and their continued struggle.
And while the movie doesn’t open until June 24, TheWrap was treated to an early screening of the “Elvis” trailer (which you...
- 2/17/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
"Parks' photography demanded that America look at itself." HBO has unveiled an official trailer for a documentary film titled in full A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks, examining the life and career of an exceptional photographer. This first premiered at the Tribeca Film Fesitval, and launches on HBO soon. The film follows Gordon Parks' stellar career from staff photographer for Life magazine, through his development photographing everyday Americans, his evolution as a novelist & groundbreaking filmmaker. "Using Parks’ career as a historical map through the Black American experience, Emmy award winning director John Maggio's comprehensive documentary reveals Parks to be a true American treasure. An inspiration to generations, his captivating story is told here [with] Ava Duvernay, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Nelson George, Anderson Cooper and a host of contemporary photographers who stand on his shoulders." I really like that this film shows how Parks' work has inspired others to...
- 11/4/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Exclusive: Baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer has had a record-breaking career, made that fabled Catch and picked up a Presidential Medal of Freedom, among other honors, over his life. Now the legendary Willie Mays is going to be the subject of a HBO documentary.
“Some say that throughout my life I have inspired others, but the truth is that so many have done this for me,” Mays told Deadline today, his 90th birthday “My teammates, my friends, and of course the fans mean so much to me. And so I hope this documentary can give back to all of them something enjoyable and inspiring in return.”
Deadline can report that production has already started on the film on the New York/San Francisco Giants icon. Brooklyn Boheme co-director and The Hippest Trip in America author Nelson George is helming the untitled feature.
“Willie Mays is an American icon,...
“Some say that throughout my life I have inspired others, but the truth is that so many have done this for me,” Mays told Deadline today, his 90th birthday “My teammates, my friends, and of course the fans mean so much to me. And so I hope this documentary can give back to all of them something enjoyable and inspiring in return.”
Deadline can report that production has already started on the film on the New York/San Francisco Giants icon. Brooklyn Boheme co-director and The Hippest Trip in America author Nelson George is helming the untitled feature.
“Willie Mays is an American icon,...
- 5/6/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
As a Japanese-American kid growing up in Los Angeles, Glenn Kaino was drawn to the image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos standing with arms raised on the podium of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, during the medal presentation for the 200-meter dash. Not that he saw “the salute” live; he wasn’t yet born. But that’s how iconic the image of the two track-and-field stars had become. As an artist and the co-director of “With Drawn Arms” — streaming now — Kaino took that memory, sought Smith out and began a collaboration that led to a 2018 art exhibit and to this moving and relevant documentary.
It’s easy to see why the artist was taken with the image. There is sculptural beauty in that still life of Black protest. Smith’s black-gloved hand and right arm are raised; Carlos’s gloved hand and left arm are raised, creating, as Smith recounts,...
It’s easy to see why the artist was taken with the image. There is sculptural beauty in that still life of Black protest. Smith’s black-gloved hand and right arm are raised; Carlos’s gloved hand and left arm are raised, creating, as Smith recounts,...
- 2/19/2021
- by Lisa Kennedy
- Variety Film + TV
In 1967, Marvin Gaye was the reigning prince of Motown, belting out chart-storming love anthems alongside duet partner Tammi Terrell. Three years later, he was locked in a tense stand-off with label president Berry Gordy over the direction of his art, one that would change the course of popular music and give way to an album that still sounds revolutionary 50 years after it was recorded.
What’s Going On was R&b’s first concept album, a suite of seamlessly connected songs tackling everything from police brutality to heroin addiction, inner-city poverty,...
What’s Going On was R&b’s first concept album, a suite of seamlessly connected songs tackling everything from police brutality to heroin addiction, inner-city poverty,...
- 2/2/2021
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
In the 1980s, the crack epidemic tore through America’s inner cities like a brushfire, and it was a devastating scourge. But it also left a seared trail of media images that were more concocted, simplistic, and racially biased than they pretended to be. Remember “crack babies”? The phenomenon of an infant born to a crack-addicted mother, with the infant damaged by (or addicted to) the drug, was something that on occasion did happen, but the news media, using radically distorted numbers, made it sound like an encroaching army of zombie babies. As for crack users themselves, two-thirds of them were white, yet you wouldn’t have dreamed that from the media coverage. Those trumped-up images, like crack itself, did their damage, leaving a residue of hyped sensation the way that junk food deposits chemicals in the body.
Stanley Nelson’s “Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy,” a Netflix documentary that drops on Jan.
Stanley Nelson’s “Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy,” a Netflix documentary that drops on Jan.
- 1/9/2021
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Bounce, the first and only broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, has announced the full roster of honorees for the 2020 Bounce Trumpet Awards which annually recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others.
This year’s 29th annual ceremony – entitled The Bounce Trumpet Awards: Stand Up – will honor individuals who have risen to fight social injustice for Black Americans and will premiere on Sunday, December 13th at 8:00 p.m. Et/Pt.
This year’s honorees:
Supermodel, businesswoman and actress Naomi Campbell will be honored with the Vanguard Award which highlights individuals who creatively challenge the norm by introducing mainstream culture to avant-garde ideas and making a social impact in their respective industry. Campbell has used her voice for decades to call out racism in the modeling industry and set up various charity relief efforts for natural disasters all over the world.
This year’s 29th annual ceremony – entitled The Bounce Trumpet Awards: Stand Up – will honor individuals who have risen to fight social injustice for Black Americans and will premiere on Sunday, December 13th at 8:00 p.m. Et/Pt.
This year’s honorees:
Supermodel, businesswoman and actress Naomi Campbell will be honored with the Vanguard Award which highlights individuals who creatively challenge the norm by introducing mainstream culture to avant-garde ideas and making a social impact in their respective industry. Campbell has used her voice for decades to call out racism in the modeling industry and set up various charity relief efforts for natural disasters all over the world.
- 12/10/2020
- Look to the Stars
Viola Davis is the first Black actress to win a Tony, Primetime Emmy and Oscar. Could a Grammy be in her future to complete that Egot? On the basis of this morning’s Netflix presentation of five clips from Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, its December 18 release of the film version of August Wilson’s first play in his Century Cycle of 10 plays, it could be possible. Although as director George C. Wolfe explained in a 40-minute conversation with Davis and moderator Nelson George, the musical aspects of this great blues story set in 1924 Chicago was indeed a collaboration led by the great Branford Marsalis, and included bringing in another singer to augment Davis’ own vocals on some of the songs.
That said, another Oscar nomination seems entirely possible for Davis, who won her Supporting Actress Academy Award, and a Tony on Broadway, for her performance opposite Denzel Washington in...
That said, another Oscar nomination seems entirely possible for Davis, who won her Supporting Actress Academy Award, and a Tony on Broadway, for her performance opposite Denzel Washington in...
- 10/19/2020
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Nominations have been unveiled for the 48th edition of the Grierson Awards, the UK’s top documentary awards.
A total of 52 films are nominated across 14 categories. Of those, 21 were broadcast on BBC channel, while Netflix has nine nominations and Channel 4 has five. ITV and Al Jazeera have two apiece whilst nominations newcomer YouTube Originals joins Channel 5, National Geographic and Discovery with one each.
Tiger King is up for Best Entertaining Documentary alongside fellow Netflix title Love is Blind. Netflix’s Don’t F**k With Cats and The Devil Next Door are also both up for Best Documentary series.
The Best Cinema Documentary nominees are American Factory, which won the Oscar this year, alongside the Oscar nominated Honeyland and For Sama, with Midnight Family completing the field.
Full list of nominations:
Best Single Documentary – Domestic
The Family Secret
Anna Hall, Sally Ogden, Luke Rothery & Brian Woods for Candour Productions...
A total of 52 films are nominated across 14 categories. Of those, 21 were broadcast on BBC channel, while Netflix has nine nominations and Channel 4 has five. ITV and Al Jazeera have two apiece whilst nominations newcomer YouTube Originals joins Channel 5, National Geographic and Discovery with one each.
Tiger King is up for Best Entertaining Documentary alongside fellow Netflix title Love is Blind. Netflix’s Don’t F**k With Cats and The Devil Next Door are also both up for Best Documentary series.
The Best Cinema Documentary nominees are American Factory, which won the Oscar this year, alongside the Oscar nominated Honeyland and For Sama, with Midnight Family completing the field.
Full list of nominations:
Best Single Documentary – Domestic
The Family Secret
Anna Hall, Sally Ogden, Luke Rothery & Brian Woods for Candour Productions...
- 9/21/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Nominations for the 48th annual British Documentary Awards, known as the Griersons, include episode two of Netflix docuseries “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts’ Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning “For Sama,” and a best presenter nod for David Olusoga for “The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files.”
The awards are given by The Grierson Trust. Of the 52 nominated films, 21 were broadcast on BBC channels. Netflix has nine nominations and Channel 4 has five. ITV and Al Jazeera have two apiece while YouTube Originals, Channel 5, National Geographic and Discovery have one each.
Lorraine Heggessey, chair of The Grierson Trust, said: “This has been a difficult year for the production community and particularly for freelancers, so it’s more important than ever to recognize and celebrate the excellence of so many talented filmmakers, whether they are newcomers or established global names. These nominations demonstrate the relevance and versatility of documentaries,...
The awards are given by The Grierson Trust. Of the 52 nominated films, 21 were broadcast on BBC channels. Netflix has nine nominations and Channel 4 has five. ITV and Al Jazeera have two apiece while YouTube Originals, Channel 5, National Geographic and Discovery have one each.
Lorraine Heggessey, chair of The Grierson Trust, said: “This has been a difficult year for the production community and particularly for freelancers, so it’s more important than ever to recognize and celebrate the excellence of so many talented filmmakers, whether they are newcomers or established global names. These nominations demonstrate the relevance and versatility of documentaries,...
- 9/21/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
“Black music is the backbone of the music industry in the U.S. today. It seems to be less affected by variables in the economy than any other forms of music… The major problem is the lack of broad, open acceptance by all segments of society based on feelings that are racist in their nature.”
This statement would not have been out of place on Instagram last week, as conversations about racial inequality swept the music industry. But the quote is from 1982, made by Bill Haywood, senior vice president of...
This statement would not have been out of place on Instagram last week, as conversations about racial inequality swept the music industry. But the quote is from 1982, made by Bill Haywood, senior vice president of...
- 6/10/2020
- by Elias Leight
- Rollingstone.com
When Nelson George sat down to write about the state of R&b for The Village Voice in the late Eighties, two super-producers were frequently on his mind: Teddy Riley, who helped invent a vicious new fusion called New Jack Swing in New York City, and his rival Babyface, a melodic mastermind based at the time in Los Angeles (but about to decamp to Atlanta).
George was writing from New York, and he was initially high on Riley, a hometown hero, but lukewarm on Babyface’s “computer-chip production.” In 1989, however,...
George was writing from New York, and he was initially high on Riley, a hometown hero, but lukewarm on Babyface’s “computer-chip production.” In 1989, however,...
- 4/30/2020
- by Elias Leight
- Rollingstone.com
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