Get ready for a hilarious new episode of “Lopez vs Lopez” titled “Lopez vs Swap Meet,” airing at 8:00 Pm on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, on NBC. In Season 2, Episode 3, viewers will be treated to a wild ride as George and Oscar take Quinten under their wing to toughen him up after he misses out on a promotion at the Apple Store.
With George and Oscar’s guidance, Quinten embarks on a crash course in street smarts and assertiveness at the swap meet. As they navigate the bustling marketplace, Quinten learns valuable lessons about standing up for himself and seizing opportunities in the cutthroat world of retail.
Meanwhile, Rosie finds herself in hot water when Mayan expresses her disdain for Rosie’s leopard-print style. Will Rosie be able to win Mayan over and prove that tacky can be trendy?
Join us as we witness the laughs, lessons, and chaos unfold in “Lopez vs Swap Meet.
With George and Oscar’s guidance, Quinten embarks on a crash course in street smarts and assertiveness at the swap meet. As they navigate the bustling marketplace, Quinten learns valuable lessons about standing up for himself and seizing opportunities in the cutthroat world of retail.
Meanwhile, Rosie finds herself in hot water when Mayan expresses her disdain for Rosie’s leopard-print style. Will Rosie be able to win Mayan over and prove that tacky can be trendy?
Join us as we witness the laughs, lessons, and chaos unfold in “Lopez vs Swap Meet.
- 4/2/2024
- by Jules Byrd
- TV Everyday
Lopez vs Lopez fans, we’ve got a fresh off the press preview for the new Season 2 Episode 3 episode titled Lopez vs Swap Meet!
Find out everything you need to know about the Lopez vs Swap Meet episode of Lopez vs Lopez, including a full preview, videos, release date, cast information and how to watch!
Lopez vs Lopez Lopez vs Swap Meet Season 2 Episode 3 Preview
Get ready for an uproarious episode of “Lopez vs Lopez” titled “Lopez vs Swap Meet,” airing on NBC at 8:00 Pm on April 9, 2024. In this installment, tensions rise when Quinten faces disappointment after missing out on a promotion at the Apple Store for being perceived as too soft. Determined to toughen him up, George and Oscar take him to the swap meet, where they hope to impart some valuable life lessons.
As the family navigates the chaotic world of bargain hunting and bartering, they encounter...
Find out everything you need to know about the Lopez vs Swap Meet episode of Lopez vs Lopez, including a full preview, videos, release date, cast information and how to watch!
Lopez vs Lopez Lopez vs Swap Meet Season 2 Episode 3 Preview
Get ready for an uproarious episode of “Lopez vs Lopez” titled “Lopez vs Swap Meet,” airing on NBC at 8:00 Pm on April 9, 2024. In this installment, tensions rise when Quinten faces disappointment after missing out on a promotion at the Apple Store for being perceived as too soft. Determined to toughen him up, George and Oscar take him to the swap meet, where they hope to impart some valuable life lessons.
As the family navigates the chaotic world of bargain hunting and bartering, they encounter...
- 4/2/2024
- by News
- TV Regular
Exclusive: Emmy nominee Rain Valdez (Razor Tongue) on Monday announced the launch of Rainbow Entertainment, an equity-centered and trans-led production company focused on elevating Bipoc and queer storytellers, both in front of and behind the camera.
Aiming to help create a new Hollywood, marked by accessibility, diversity, and equity, Rainbow Entertainment is currently in the process of financing When Jupiter Returns, Mahal, an indie rom-com expected to enter production in August. The film written, directed by and starring Valdez watches as Mahal, an impulsive and unknowingly lovable, Filipino trans woman, confronts the universe after the sudden death of her sister, only to meet Aarush, a mysterious inventor. As they fall in love, despite the universe’s prophecy, Mahal grapples with the question: Do we create our own destiny, or is it all fated in the stars?
A portion of proceeds from the pic’s release will kickstart a Community Film Fund,...
Aiming to help create a new Hollywood, marked by accessibility, diversity, and equity, Rainbow Entertainment is currently in the process of financing When Jupiter Returns, Mahal, an indie rom-com expected to enter production in August. The film written, directed by and starring Valdez watches as Mahal, an impulsive and unknowingly lovable, Filipino trans woman, confronts the universe after the sudden death of her sister, only to meet Aarush, a mysterious inventor. As they fall in love, despite the universe’s prophecy, Mahal grapples with the question: Do we create our own destiny, or is it all fated in the stars?
A portion of proceeds from the pic’s release will kickstart a Community Film Fund,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Outfest on Thursday announced Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine and Transparent breakout Trace Lysette as the recipients of its 2023 Legacy Awards, which will be presented at NeueHouse in Hollywood on Sunday, October 22nd.
MacLaine will be bestowed with the James Schamus Ally Award, recognizing an ally’s efforts to foster LGBTQ+ moving images and to promote the communities’ stories to a broader audience. Lysette, meanwhile, is set for the Trailblazer Award, recognizing an artist who has contributed to the history of the community, shedding light on the core of the LGBTQ+ identity and experience.
The pair joins a list of Outfest Legacy Award recipients that includes Janelle Monáe, Billy Porter, Tom Hanks, Judith Light, Rita Moreno, Lee Daniels, Hilary Swank, Sean Hayes, Laverne Cox, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Bruce Cohen, Lisa Cholodenko, Craig Zadan & Neil Meron, Tanya Saracho, Victoria Alonso, and Rain Valdez, among others.
Said Outfest’s Executive Director Damien S.
MacLaine will be bestowed with the James Schamus Ally Award, recognizing an ally’s efforts to foster LGBTQ+ moving images and to promote the communities’ stories to a broader audience. Lysette, meanwhile, is set for the Trailblazer Award, recognizing an artist who has contributed to the history of the community, shedding light on the core of the LGBTQ+ identity and experience.
The pair joins a list of Outfest Legacy Award recipients that includes Janelle Monáe, Billy Porter, Tom Hanks, Judith Light, Rita Moreno, Lee Daniels, Hilary Swank, Sean Hayes, Laverne Cox, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Bruce Cohen, Lisa Cholodenko, Craig Zadan & Neil Meron, Tanya Saracho, Victoria Alonso, and Rain Valdez, among others.
Said Outfest’s Executive Director Damien S.
- 9/21/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Janelle Monáe has a date with Outfest on Oct. 22.
That’s when the actress, artist, author and singer will be feted with a Trailblazer Award at the org’s Outfest Legacy Awards presented by IMDb. Held at Paramount Studios, the event will also shine a light on Glamazon, Amazon’s diversity and inclusion network for Lgbtqia+ employees and allies, by delivering a Guardian Award to recognize the company’s commitment to the community.
Furthermore, Kerri Stoughton-Jackson will receive a Jonathan Howard Legacy Award for her efforts as Outfest’s deputy director and for serving the org for nearly 20 years. She began her Outfest run as a volunteer before going on to serve in various positions until she was hired full-time as the first year-round director of operations in January 2005.
Monáe, who next stars in Netflix’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, joins...
That’s when the actress, artist, author and singer will be feted with a Trailblazer Award at the org’s Outfest Legacy Awards presented by IMDb. Held at Paramount Studios, the event will also shine a light on Glamazon, Amazon’s diversity and inclusion network for Lgbtqia+ employees and allies, by delivering a Guardian Award to recognize the company’s commitment to the community.
Furthermore, Kerri Stoughton-Jackson will receive a Jonathan Howard Legacy Award for her efforts as Outfest’s deputy director and for serving the org for nearly 20 years. She began her Outfest run as a volunteer before going on to serve in various positions until she was hired full-time as the first year-round director of operations in January 2005.
Monáe, who next stars in Netflix’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, joins...
- 9/29/2022
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Emmy nominee Rain Valdez (Razor Tongue) has rounded out the cast for her first feature Re-Live, with Yoshi Sudarso (Bullet Train), Jamie Clayton (20th/Hulu’s upcoming Hellraiser), Vico Ortiz (Our Flag Means Death), Nicky Endres (The Dropout), Chris Renfro (Queer as Folk), Sydney Viengluang (Z Nation) and Benjamin Alves (Mystery of the Night) signing on for roles.
Valdez leads the cast, which also includes Rachel Leyco, Maricel Soriano and Rosario Dawson, as previously announced.
The film going into production early next year tells the story of Rowena (Valdez), a transgender actress who returns to her home on Guam for her high school reunion’s “do-over week,” to live out a big regret… her childhood dream of becoming a cheerleader. But she must then confront a different kind of reunion, with her estranged family.
Sudarso plays Matthew, a former wallflower turned Dilf. Guam’s most eligible bachelor. He reconnects with Rowena,...
Valdez leads the cast, which also includes Rachel Leyco, Maricel Soriano and Rosario Dawson, as previously announced.
The film going into production early next year tells the story of Rowena (Valdez), a transgender actress who returns to her home on Guam for her high school reunion’s “do-over week,” to live out a big regret… her childhood dream of becoming a cheerleader. But she must then confront a different kind of reunion, with her estranged family.
Sudarso plays Matthew, a former wallflower turned Dilf. Guam’s most eligible bachelor. He reconnects with Rowena,...
- 9/7/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
If you’re lucky enough to live in a fairly progressive or even populous place, it can feel like everyone and everything is queer. LGBTQ identities are everywhere: From The New York Times writing about they/them pronouns to the year’s second highest-grossing movie including an (albeit chaste) same-sex kiss. For the average queer person just trying to live their life, the focus of the mainstream microscope can be exhausting. For queer filmmakers, or filmmakers who happen to fall somewhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, it can be a double-edged sword.
John Waters, for example, bristles at being called an “openly gay director.” In sharing this fact with Luca Guadagnino, whom he spoke to recently at the Provincetown Film Festival, the “Call Me by Your Name” filmmaker concurred. “I don’t believe in openly anything,” Guadagnino said.
There is no doubt that the man who introduced Divine to the world makes queer films,...
John Waters, for example, bristles at being called an “openly gay director.” In sharing this fact with Luca Guadagnino, whom he spoke to recently at the Provincetown Film Festival, the “Call Me by Your Name” filmmaker concurred. “I don’t believe in openly anything,” Guadagnino said.
There is no doubt that the man who introduced Divine to the world makes queer films,...
- 6/29/2022
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Rosario Dawson has picked up 2022 GLAAD List script selection Re-Live: A Tale of an American Island Cheerleader as executive producer.
Last week, it was announced that Re-Live was selected for the 2022 GLAAD List, a curated list of the most promising unmade LGBTQ-inclusive film scripts created by GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, in partnership with The Black List, an annual survey of Hollywood executives’ favorite unproduced screenplays.
In Re-Live: A Tale of an American Island Cheerleader, a transgender Hollywood actress returns to her estranged home island of Guam for her high school reunion’s “do over week,” to live out her childhood dream of becoming a cheerleader. But she discovers a different reunion: family. In addition to co-writing, starring, and producing, the film will mark Rain Valdez’s feature directorial debut.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this compelling and absolutely necessary story created...
Last week, it was announced that Re-Live was selected for the 2022 GLAAD List, a curated list of the most promising unmade LGBTQ-inclusive film scripts created by GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, in partnership with The Black List, an annual survey of Hollywood executives’ favorite unproduced screenplays.
In Re-Live: A Tale of an American Island Cheerleader, a transgender Hollywood actress returns to her estranged home island of Guam for her high school reunion’s “do over week,” to live out her childhood dream of becoming a cheerleader. But she discovers a different reunion: family. In addition to co-writing, starring, and producing, the film will mark Rain Valdez’s feature directorial debut.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this compelling and absolutely necessary story created...
- 4/28/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
GLAAD and The Black List today announced the screenwriters and film and TV projects named to The 2022 GLAAD List of the most promising LGBTQ-inclusive scripts that have yet to be produced.
The feature writers chosen are Nik Dodani (Blue Boy), Roberto Fatal (Electric Homies), Josh Feldman (First Language), Sav Rodgers and Taylor Gates, Andres Perez-Duarte (Jorge in Paradise), Jett Garrison (Quick Quick Slow), Justin Geldzahler (The Quiet Kind), Rain Valdez and Rachel Leyco, Elise H. Greven (Silent Spring), Zeke Smith (Wasps!), Karina Ansley (We Are Okay) and Q. Allan Brocka (The Young Punks).
The writers whose pilots were selected included Jose Useche (30 Days in Bayside), Noni Salma (Badass), W.A.W. Parker (The Baron), Nova Cypress Black (Blackseed), Deborah Puette (Blaze), Dana Aliya Levinson (Fraud), Jeff Locker (Spesh) and Frank Paiva (The Tell-Us-You’re-Gay Committee).
GLAAD this year expanded...
The feature writers chosen are Nik Dodani (Blue Boy), Roberto Fatal (Electric Homies), Josh Feldman (First Language), Sav Rodgers and Taylor Gates, Andres Perez-Duarte (Jorge in Paradise), Jett Garrison (Quick Quick Slow), Justin Geldzahler (The Quiet Kind), Rain Valdez and Rachel Leyco, Elise H. Greven (Silent Spring), Zeke Smith (Wasps!), Karina Ansley (We Are Okay) and Q. Allan Brocka (The Young Punks).
The writers whose pilots were selected included Jose Useche (30 Days in Bayside), Noni Salma (Badass), W.A.W. Parker (The Baron), Nova Cypress Black (Blackseed), Deborah Puette (Blaze), Dana Aliya Levinson (Fraud), Jeff Locker (Spesh) and Frank Paiva (The Tell-Us-You’re-Gay Committee).
GLAAD this year expanded...
- 4/20/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
GLAAD and The Black List have released their third-ever specialty report celebrating LGBTQ inclusive stories.
Exclusive to Variety, the list includes work from 12 notable out creators in film, along with eight television pilots. The Black List is an annual ranking of the best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. Founded by Franklin Leonard, the group has been working in concert with media watchdog GLAAD to identify and elevate underrepresented queer voices.
In only two years, nearly 50 of projects named in the previous editions of the GLAAD List have been optioned, are in production or have been released. For the 2022 edition, GLAAD also called on top-tier production houses, streamers and studios to help vet the list. These companies include Berlanti-Schechter Films, Hello Sunshine, Hillman Grad, Netflix, MGM’s Orion Pictures, Ryan Murphy Productions and Village Roadshow Entertainment Group.
“The industry has finally realized after a very long time that they’re not telling the stories of various communities,...
Exclusive to Variety, the list includes work from 12 notable out creators in film, along with eight television pilots. The Black List is an annual ranking of the best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. Founded by Franklin Leonard, the group has been working in concert with media watchdog GLAAD to identify and elevate underrepresented queer voices.
In only two years, nearly 50 of projects named in the previous editions of the GLAAD List have been optioned, are in production or have been released. For the 2022 edition, GLAAD also called on top-tier production houses, streamers and studios to help vet the list. These companies include Berlanti-Schechter Films, Hello Sunshine, Hillman Grad, Netflix, MGM’s Orion Pictures, Ryan Murphy Productions and Village Roadshow Entertainment Group.
“The industry has finally realized after a very long time that they’re not telling the stories of various communities,...
- 4/20/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Maricel Soriano will star in Rain Valdez’s upcoming trans-led romantic comedy “Re-Live: A Tale of an American Island Cheerleader,” Variety has learned exclusively. As previously reported, “Re-Live” co-writers Rachel Leyco and Valdez star as sisters Rochelle and Rowena, respectively. Soriano will play their mother, Thelma. Jhett Tolentino (“Lingua Franca”) will executive produce in association with Shant Joshi’s Fae Pictures.
“Re-Live” tells the story of Rowena, a transgender movie star who returns to her home in Guam for her high school reunion’s “do-over week.” Rowena’s plan to live out her childhood dream of being a cheerleader falters when her mother’s cancer begins to worsen, and she learns to value the family she left behind. The film marks Valdez’s feature directorial debut.
“Having a legendary Filipino actress like Maricel Soriano strengthens our commitment to telling our stories from our authentic experiences and for our Filipinx diaspora,...
“Re-Live” tells the story of Rowena, a transgender movie star who returns to her home in Guam for her high school reunion’s “do-over week.” Rowena’s plan to live out her childhood dream of being a cheerleader falters when her mother’s cancer begins to worsen, and she learns to value the family she left behind. The film marks Valdez’s feature directorial debut.
“Having a legendary Filipino actress like Maricel Soriano strengthens our commitment to telling our stories from our authentic experiences and for our Filipinx diaspora,...
- 1/22/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
Who knew Victoria Alonso could sing?
Marvel Studios’ president of physical and postproduction, visual effects and animation production broke out into song not once, but twice when she was presented with the Visionary Award at the Outfest Legacy Awards on Saturday night at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
She sang a verse of B.o.B’s “Beautiful Girl All Over the World” to her wife, Imelda Corcoran. Toward the end of her remarks, Alonso warbled “I Am What I Am” from “La Cage Aux Folles” in English and Spanish.
Musical chops aside, Alonso delivered a passionate speech about LGBTQ equality and visibility. “We have tried to stir it up and sometimes the critics are not with us. That’s Ok. That’s Ok,” Alonso said of her work at Marvel. “We thank you for being a critic. We thank you for writing about us. And the fans will decide.
Marvel Studios’ president of physical and postproduction, visual effects and animation production broke out into song not once, but twice when she was presented with the Visionary Award at the Outfest Legacy Awards on Saturday night at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
She sang a verse of B.o.B’s “Beautiful Girl All Over the World” to her wife, Imelda Corcoran. Toward the end of her remarks, Alonso warbled “I Am What I Am” from “La Cage Aux Folles” in English and Spanish.
Musical chops aside, Alonso delivered a passionate speech about LGBTQ equality and visibility. “We have tried to stir it up and sometimes the critics are not with us. That’s Ok. That’s Ok,” Alonso said of her work at Marvel. “We thank you for being a critic. We thank you for writing about us. And the fans will decide.
- 11/14/2021
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
At the 2021 Outfest Legacy Awards, Marvel Studios’ Victoria Alonso will be honored with the Visionary Award, with additional awards going to Neon, Jonathan Howard, Robin de Jesús, Rain Valdez, Alan Koenigsberg and Marissa Román Griffith.
At the gala, taking place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 13th, Alonso is being recognized for her contributions to LGBTQ+ representation and media visibility While serving as Marvel Studios’ President of Physical and Post Production, Visual Effects, and Animation Production, the industry vet has exec produced many of its films and TV series, including Avengers: Endgame, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Widow, Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, WandaVision, Loki, and more, positively impacting the LGBTQ+ community on a global level.
Neon will receive Outfest’s Guardian Award, which recognizes a company’s commitment and legacy to the Lgbtqia+community, with Howard receiving the Outfest Legacy Award,...
At the gala, taking place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 13th, Alonso is being recognized for her contributions to LGBTQ+ representation and media visibility While serving as Marvel Studios’ President of Physical and Post Production, Visual Effects, and Animation Production, the industry vet has exec produced many of its films and TV series, including Avengers: Endgame, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Widow, Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, WandaVision, Loki, and more, positively impacting the LGBTQ+ community on a global level.
Neon will receive Outfest’s Guardian Award, which recognizes a company’s commitment and legacy to the Lgbtqia+community, with Howard receiving the Outfest Legacy Award,...
- 10/27/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Marvel Studios’ Victoria Alonso will honored next month with the Visionary Award at the 2021 Outfest Legacy Awards.
Alonso, Marvel Studios’ president of physical and post production, visual effects and animation production, will be recognized for her contributions to LGBTQ representation and media visibility. She serves as an executive producer on Marvel Studios’ films and series, including “Avengers: Endgame,” “Black Panther,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Black Widow,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “WandaVision” and “Loki.” Marvel’s latest film, “Eternals,” features Phastos (played by Brian Tyree Henry), a gay superhero whose family includes his husband (played by out actor Haaz Sleiman) and their young son.
The Legacy Award gala will also include the presentation of the Guardian Award to Neon. The Outfest Legacy Award will be given to Outfest board member Jonathan Howard. “Tick, Tick … Boom!” actor Robin de Jesús will be recognized with the Terrence McNally Award,...
Alonso, Marvel Studios’ president of physical and post production, visual effects and animation production, will be recognized for her contributions to LGBTQ representation and media visibility. She serves as an executive producer on Marvel Studios’ films and series, including “Avengers: Endgame,” “Black Panther,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Black Widow,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “WandaVision” and “Loki.” Marvel’s latest film, “Eternals,” features Phastos (played by Brian Tyree Henry), a gay superhero whose family includes his husband (played by out actor Haaz Sleiman) and their young son.
The Legacy Award gala will also include the presentation of the Guardian Award to Neon. The Outfest Legacy Award will be given to Outfest board member Jonathan Howard. “Tick, Tick … Boom!” actor Robin de Jesús will be recognized with the Terrence McNally Award,...
- 10/27/2021
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Outfest Los Angeles features two films with "RuPaul's Drag Race" winners BeBe Zahara Benet and Bianca del Rio in its lineup for its 39th Film Festival.
Season 6 winner Bianca del Rio will join the main cast members of "Everybody’s Talking About Jamie," Max Harwood and Lauren Patel, in the festival's opening event. Del Rio plays art teacher Miss Haywood in the feature adaptation of the musical.
Season 1 winner BeBe Zahara Benet will perform live before the premiere of "Being Bebe," which follows the Cameroonian-American immigrant's struggle to embrace being an LGBTQ performer against discriminatory cultural forces.
Named after the Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization Outfest, the 10-day festival will celebrate LGBTQ+ stories and voices in film and television and will return to in-person screenings.
Outfest will also host the 5th Annual Trans and NonBinary Summit on August 21 with a panel featuring established and emerging trans and nonbinary creators, Zackary Drucker and Our Lady J.
Season 6 winner Bianca del Rio will join the main cast members of "Everybody’s Talking About Jamie," Max Harwood and Lauren Patel, in the festival's opening event. Del Rio plays art teacher Miss Haywood in the feature adaptation of the musical.
Season 1 winner BeBe Zahara Benet will perform live before the premiere of "Being Bebe," which follows the Cameroonian-American immigrant's struggle to embrace being an LGBTQ performer against discriminatory cultural forces.
Named after the Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization Outfest, the 10-day festival will celebrate LGBTQ+ stories and voices in film and television and will return to in-person screenings.
Outfest will also host the 5th Annual Trans and NonBinary Summit on August 21 with a panel featuring established and emerging trans and nonbinary creators, Zackary Drucker and Our Lady J.
- 7/26/2021
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
“Pose” star Mj Rodriguez has made history as the first transgender performer to receive an Emmy nomination for Best Actress in a Drama Series. Rodriguez has been playing powerhouse house mother and nurse Blanca Rodriguez on the ballroom drama “Pose” for the past three seasons. “Pose” took its final bow this year and is going out with a bang thanks to this historic Emmy nomination — and more. Billy Porter was also nominated for Lead Actor for his performance as Pray Tell, and “Pose” was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series for the second time.
“It’s astounding, and it’s not just for me. I’m winning for so many people out there, so many babies out there, the generation that comes after me — that’s who it’s for, it’s not for me,” an emotional Rodriguez said by phone, pausing to gather her thoughts when she was overcome. “I...
“It’s astounding, and it’s not just for me. I’m winning for so many people out there, so many babies out there, the generation that comes after me — that’s who it’s for, it’s not for me,” an emotional Rodriguez said by phone, pausing to gather her thoughts when she was overcome. “I...
- 7/13/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
The Emmy nominations were announced Tuesday, and the TV Academy provided historic representation across its acting categories, despite a couple of questionable hiccups.
Jonathan Majors and Jurnee Smollett of the now-canceled “Lovecraft Country” made history as the first two Black leads to be nominated from the same drama series. “Pose” also joins for achieving the same feat with Billy Porter and Mj Rodriguez. It’s also the first piece of visual art to have a Black actor nominated in every eligible acting category, with Michael K. Williams and Aunjanue Ellis also picking up mentions.
Disney Plus’ “Hamilton” now has the second most nominations in the limited series/TV movie acting categories with seven. With the nominations for Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr, Daveed Diggs, Anthony Ramos, Jonathan Groff, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Phillipa Soo, it surpasses “And the Band Played On” (1993), “The Glass Menagerie” (1973) and “The Normal Heart” (2014) that all...
Jonathan Majors and Jurnee Smollett of the now-canceled “Lovecraft Country” made history as the first two Black leads to be nominated from the same drama series. “Pose” also joins for achieving the same feat with Billy Porter and Mj Rodriguez. It’s also the first piece of visual art to have a Black actor nominated in every eligible acting category, with Michael K. Williams and Aunjanue Ellis also picking up mentions.
Disney Plus’ “Hamilton” now has the second most nominations in the limited series/TV movie acting categories with seven. With the nominations for Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr, Daveed Diggs, Anthony Ramos, Jonathan Groff, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Phillipa Soo, it surpasses “And the Band Played On” (1993), “The Glass Menagerie” (1973) and “The Normal Heart” (2014) that all...
- 7/13/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The category is: making history. Mj Rodriguez has become the first transgender performer to pick up an Emmy nomination in a major acting category.
Rodriguez is nominated in the lead drama actress category for her fierce and formidable portrayal of house mother and nurse Blanca Rodriguez on FX’s ballroom culture period drama “Pose.” It is her first-ever attention from the Television Academy.
“I do believe this is a pivotal moment. There’s never been a trans woman who has been nominated as a leading outstanding actress and I feel like that pushes the needle forward so much for now the door to be knocked down for so many people — whether they be male or trans female, gender nonconforming, Lgbtqia+, it does not matter,” Rodriguez told Variety. “A moment like this extends and opens and elongates the possibilities of what’s going to happen and I believe the Academy is...
Rodriguez is nominated in the lead drama actress category for her fierce and formidable portrayal of house mother and nurse Blanca Rodriguez on FX’s ballroom culture period drama “Pose.” It is her first-ever attention from the Television Academy.
“I do believe this is a pivotal moment. There’s never been a trans woman who has been nominated as a leading outstanding actress and I feel like that pushes the needle forward so much for now the door to be knocked down for so many people — whether they be male or trans female, gender nonconforming, Lgbtqia+, it does not matter,” Rodriguez told Variety. “A moment like this extends and opens and elongates the possibilities of what’s going to happen and I believe the Academy is...
- 7/13/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Mj Rodriguez, a.k.a. the Mother Blanca, is finally getting her flowers at the Emmy Awards.
The Pose actress, who has starred as the fierce and unapologetically ambitious and caring Blanca Evangelista, made Emmy Awards history becoming the first transgender nominee for the best actress category on Tuesday, opening the doors for more celebration of the transgender community and artists in the Emmy space. The singer-actress joins fellow nominees Uzo Aduba, Emma Corrin, Olivia Colman, Elizabeth Moss and Jurnee Smollett for the best actress race.
Rodriguez is the third openly transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy in the award’s history. She comes after multi-hyphenate actress and filmmaker Rain Valdez, who received an outstanding actress in a short form comedy or drama series nom for Razor Tongue in 2020, and Laverne Cox who in 2014 made Emmy’s History as the first ever nominated openly transgender actor for her...
The Pose actress, who has starred as the fierce and unapologetically ambitious and caring Blanca Evangelista, made Emmy Awards history becoming the first transgender nominee for the best actress category on Tuesday, opening the doors for more celebration of the transgender community and artists in the Emmy space. The singer-actress joins fellow nominees Uzo Aduba, Emma Corrin, Olivia Colman, Elizabeth Moss and Jurnee Smollett for the best actress race.
Rodriguez is the third openly transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy in the award’s history. She comes after multi-hyphenate actress and filmmaker Rain Valdez, who received an outstanding actress in a short form comedy or drama series nom for Razor Tongue in 2020, and Laverne Cox who in 2014 made Emmy’s History as the first ever nominated openly transgender actor for her...
- 7/13/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Pose star Mj Rodriguez broke new ground in Tuesday’s Emmy nominations, becoming the first transgender performer to be nominated for a lead acting role in a primetime series.
Rodriguez was nominated for playing Blanca Rodriguez in the final season of Pose, which wrapped on FX in early June. She is just the third transgender actor to receive an Emmy nomination: Laverne Cox scored four supporting actress nominations for Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black between 2014 and 2020, and Rain Valdez earned a nod last year for lead actress in a short-form series for Razor Tongue.
Should Rodriguez win, she would be the ...
Rodriguez was nominated for playing Blanca Rodriguez in the final season of Pose, which wrapped on FX in early June. She is just the third transgender actor to receive an Emmy nomination: Laverne Cox scored four supporting actress nominations for Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black between 2014 and 2020, and Rain Valdez earned a nod last year for lead actress in a short-form series for Razor Tongue.
Should Rodriguez win, she would be the ...
- 7/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pose star Mj Rodriguez broke new ground in Tuesday’s Emmy nominations, becoming the first transgender performer to be nominated for a lead acting role in a primetime series.
Rodriguez was nominated for playing Blanca Rodriguez in the final season of Pose, which wrapped on FX in early June. She is just the third transgender actor to receive an Emmy nomination: Laverne Cox scored four supporting actress nominations for Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black between 2014 and 2020, and Rain Valdez earned a nod last year for lead actress in a short-form series for Razor Tongue.
Should Rodriguez win, she would be the ...
Rodriguez was nominated for playing Blanca Rodriguez in the final season of Pose, which wrapped on FX in early June. She is just the third transgender actor to receive an Emmy nomination: Laverne Cox scored four supporting actress nominations for Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black between 2014 and 2020, and Rain Valdez earned a nod last year for lead actress in a short-form series for Razor Tongue.
Should Rodriguez win, she would be the ...
- 7/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The Oscars had their moment of historic diversity, and it could be time for the Emmys to have one as well.
The biggest takeaway from the nominations-round ballots is that each acting category across drama, comedy and limited series/TV movie should have more than one Poc nominated in their respective races. If the stars continue to align, we could actually have two or more nominated in each, which would be a first in the 73-year history of the ceremony.
But it’s not all about diversity. There are a lot of other areas of opportunity for the voting members of the Television Academy to make history with this year’s Primetime Emmy Award nominations (and eventual wins).
Lead comedy actor nods look likely for Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”) and Kenan Thompson (“Kenan”), while in supporting comedy actress Naomi Ackie (“Master of None”) and Ego Nwodim (“Saturday Night Live”) are strongly in the running.
The biggest takeaway from the nominations-round ballots is that each acting category across drama, comedy and limited series/TV movie should have more than one Poc nominated in their respective races. If the stars continue to align, we could actually have two or more nominated in each, which would be a first in the 73-year history of the ceremony.
But it’s not all about diversity. There are a lot of other areas of opportunity for the voting members of the Television Academy to make history with this year’s Primetime Emmy Award nominations (and eventual wins).
Lead comedy actor nods look likely for Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”) and Kenan Thompson (“Kenan”), while in supporting comedy actress Naomi Ackie (“Master of None”) and Ego Nwodim (“Saturday Night Live”) are strongly in the running.
- 6/23/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Atx Televison Festival has added a slew of additional titles to the lineup for its 2021 event, including Kevin Can F*** Himself, Central Park and The Good Fight.
The 2021 edition will run from June 11 to 20 and will take on a virtual format amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Like its in-person iteration, this year’s Atx Television Festival will feature industry-focused panels with a number of showrunners, executives, teasing what’s the to come in the television scene.
Prospective attendees can book their festival badges, day passes, single tickets and find more information here.
This year’s edition will spotlight a number of upcoming AMC and AMC+ projects, ranging from Kevin Can F*** Himself, Ultra City Smiths and Untitled Black Horror Anthology. Panels and Q&As will feature stars such as Annie Murphy, Mary Hollis Inboden and the creative minds of Greg Nicotero, Tanarive Due, Steven Barnes and more.
Apple TV+ will...
The 2021 edition will run from June 11 to 20 and will take on a virtual format amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Like its in-person iteration, this year’s Atx Television Festival will feature industry-focused panels with a number of showrunners, executives, teasing what’s the to come in the television scene.
Prospective attendees can book their festival badges, day passes, single tickets and find more information here.
This year’s edition will spotlight a number of upcoming AMC and AMC+ projects, ranging from Kevin Can F*** Himself, Ultra City Smiths and Untitled Black Horror Anthology. Panels and Q&As will feature stars such as Annie Murphy, Mary Hollis Inboden and the creative minds of Greg Nicotero, Tanarive Due, Steven Barnes and more.
Apple TV+ will...
- 5/20/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Inside Out, Canada’s largest 2Slgbtq+ film festival and single largest promoter and distributor of 2Slgbtq+ content in Canada, has announced eight new feature film projects that will participate in the festival’s fifth annual Finance Forum during the festival’s 31st year.
The Finance Forum, taking place online from May 31-June 4, during the festival (running May 27-June 6), will provide 2Slgbtq+-identified producers and/or producers creating 2Slgbtq+ content an opportunity to pitch their projects directly to top decision makers. All participating executives will be taking one-on-one meetings online with the creative teams.
Among those taking part are executives from the U.S.’s Neon, Bleecker Street, Killer Films, Cinetic Media, The Film Collaborative, Verve, Powderkeg Media, Little Punk, Symbolic Exchange, Chicago Media Angels, and GLAAD; the U.K.’s Protagonist Pictures and Bankside Films; France’s MK2 Films; Germany’s Films Boutique; and Canada’s CBC Films and WaZabi Films.
The Finance Forum, taking place online from May 31-June 4, during the festival (running May 27-June 6), will provide 2Slgbtq+-identified producers and/or producers creating 2Slgbtq+ content an opportunity to pitch their projects directly to top decision makers. All participating executives will be taking one-on-one meetings online with the creative teams.
Among those taking part are executives from the U.S.’s Neon, Bleecker Street, Killer Films, Cinetic Media, The Film Collaborative, Verve, Powderkeg Media, Little Punk, Symbolic Exchange, Chicago Media Angels, and GLAAD; the U.K.’s Protagonist Pictures and Bankside Films; France’s MK2 Films; Germany’s Films Boutique; and Canada’s CBC Films and WaZabi Films.
- 5/13/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The Casting Society of America will host two virtual town halls this month as part of its Asian American Pacific Islander Initiative. Celebrating Asia Pacific American Heritage Month, CSA says the town halls and roundtable discussions – on May 10 and 17 – “are designed to affect concrete change in how creatives, in this historically underrepresented community, have been perceived, what they have achieved, and how we all can create systemic change to move the needle of progress forward.”
The events, titled “Closer To Equity: Deconstructing the Asian Narrative,” are free and open to the entertainment community.
The CSA will also hold roundtable discussions on Asian inclusion on May 20. Speakers include Grace Wu, NBCUniversal’s EVP Casting and Entertainment Content; director Jude Weng; and actors Jamie Chung, Amy Hill, Dustin Nguyen, Grace Park, Rain Valdez and Jude Weng.
“Empowering casting directors by giving them the tools to cast authentically will create a ripple effect...
The events, titled “Closer To Equity: Deconstructing the Asian Narrative,” are free and open to the entertainment community.
The CSA will also hold roundtable discussions on Asian inclusion on May 20. Speakers include Grace Wu, NBCUniversal’s EVP Casting and Entertainment Content; director Jude Weng; and actors Jamie Chung, Amy Hill, Dustin Nguyen, Grace Park, Rain Valdez and Jude Weng.
“Empowering casting directors by giving them the tools to cast authentically will create a ripple effect...
- 5/6/2021
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
How ‘Pose’ Star Angelica Ross Has Been Saving Lives With Transgender Advocacy Organization TransTech
“Pose” star Angelica Ross understands what it’s like to struggle, to be homeless and not know where your next meal’s coming from.
But nothing was going to stop her from pushing forward with TransTech, her now-six-year-old organization that provides job training and professional support for transgender men and women, and people who identify as non-binary and gender non-conforming.
“What people didn’t realize was when I had the office in Chicago for TransTech, when we closed, I worked late nights so that I could out-stay the security so that they didn’t know that I was sleeping in the office,” Ross tells Variety from her home in Atlanta. “And that when I would wake up in the office, I would go to the LA Fitness gym to take a shower and to get ready and change and come back and do these things. I sacrificed so much for...
But nothing was going to stop her from pushing forward with TransTech, her now-six-year-old organization that provides job training and professional support for transgender men and women, and people who identify as non-binary and gender non-conforming.
“What people didn’t realize was when I had the office in Chicago for TransTech, when we closed, I worked late nights so that I could out-stay the security so that they didn’t know that I was sleeping in the office,” Ross tells Variety from her home in Atlanta. “And that when I would wake up in the office, I would go to the LA Fitness gym to take a shower and to get ready and change and come back and do these things. I sacrificed so much for...
- 11/12/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Atn Entertainment, the management company that represents LGBTQ talent including Carter Ray, Daniielle Alexis and Emmy-nominated actress Rain Valdez, has launched a new production and development division, Atn Productions. The production banner will develop a TV adaptation of the YouTube comedy series Panic as their debut project.
Panic follows Sam (Christopher Cox), a teenager who struggles with anxiety. As entering college pushes him to grow, Sam must finally learn to cope with his anxiety to live a normal life – or something close enough. Starting out in 2017 as a self-produced web series co-created by Cox and Keaton Applebaum, who directed all of the episodes, the show garnered over 650,000 views over the course of ten episodes. The YouTube series serves as a proof of concept for the TV adaptation.
“Christopher Cox and Keaton Applebaum are extraordinary talents who have co-written and co-created a unique and hilarious series diving into the subject of anxiety”, said Jennifer DaRe,...
Panic follows Sam (Christopher Cox), a teenager who struggles with anxiety. As entering college pushes him to grow, Sam must finally learn to cope with his anxiety to live a normal life – or something close enough. Starting out in 2017 as a self-produced web series co-created by Cox and Keaton Applebaum, who directed all of the episodes, the show garnered over 650,000 views over the course of ten episodes. The YouTube series serves as a proof of concept for the TV adaptation.
“Christopher Cox and Keaton Applebaum are extraordinary talents who have co-written and co-created a unique and hilarious series diving into the subject of anxiety”, said Jennifer DaRe,...
- 10/13/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The Emmy Awards this weekend produced headlines celebrating wins by Black actors — Zendaya, Regina King, The Cephas Jones family — and LGBTQ-identified creators, most notably Dan Levy of Pop TV’s Canadian import “Schitt’s Creek,” which won everything that wasn’t nailed down in the comedy categories. It was a night of “huge wins” and “landmark moments,” if you look at the press, not to mention the Television Academy’s own messaging: “We feel it is a very positive sign that over the past decade the well-deserved recognition of performers of color has increased from 1 in 10 to 1 in 3 nominees across all performer categories.”
It’s important to acknowledge that the shifts in representation in Hollywood award shows represents progress; it’s just as critical to point out that this progress has been slow, uneven and far short of what is necessary or desirable.
“One in three nominees” sounds more impressive than it actually is,...
It’s important to acknowledge that the shifts in representation in Hollywood award shows represents progress; it’s just as critical to point out that this progress has been slow, uneven and far short of what is necessary or desirable.
“One in three nominees” sounds more impressive than it actually is,...
- 9/21/2020
- by Jeff Yang
- The Wrap
Quibi, in its awards-season debut, picked up two trophies at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Thursday night.
Both were for “#FreeRayshawn,” a police drama from from executive producer Antoine Fuqua: Laurence Fishburne and Jasmine Cephas Jones won the acting awards in the Emmys short-form category. It was Fishburne’s third career Emmy win, and the first win for Cephas Jones (“Hamilton”) and her first nomination.
The first Emmy wins for Quibi, which is led by Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman, don’t come as a surprise: The well-funded mobile streamer has paid handsomely for its originals — upwards of $100,000 per minute of programming from A-list Hollywood talent. All of its entries were in the short-form categories, which historically have been populated by series that are sidecars to TV shows.
Overall, Quibi had picked up 10 Emmy Awards nominations. But it was mainly competing against itself, since it captured four of...
Both were for “#FreeRayshawn,” a police drama from from executive producer Antoine Fuqua: Laurence Fishburne and Jasmine Cephas Jones won the acting awards in the Emmys short-form category. It was Fishburne’s third career Emmy win, and the first win for Cephas Jones (“Hamilton”) and her first nomination.
The first Emmy wins for Quibi, which is led by Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman, don’t come as a surprise: The well-funded mobile streamer has paid handsomely for its originals — upwards of $100,000 per minute of programming from A-list Hollywood talent. All of its entries were in the short-form categories, which historically have been populated by series that are sidecars to TV shows.
Overall, Quibi had picked up 10 Emmy Awards nominations. But it was mainly competing against itself, since it captured four of...
- 9/18/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
You never forget your first. For a lucky handful of TV personalities, that time is now. Get to know the names behind the nominations with Emmy First-Timers Club, E! News' weeklong celebration of newcomers with nods in some of the biggest categories! Rain Valdez is making history. When the actress learned she was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series at the 2020 Emmys for her work in the web series Razor Tongue, the moment secured her spot in the record books as not just the second transgender performer ever nominated in an acting category—following in friend Laverne Cox's footsteps—but the first Filipinx-American ever. In response to what she believed to...
- 9/16/2020
- E! Online
Rain Valdez and Rachel Leyco will star in the trans-led romantic comedy “Re-Live: A Tale of an American Island Cheerleader,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Fae Pictures has partnered with Now>Ever to finance and produce and will be pitching the project as a part of their slate at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival and at Toronto’s Inside Out LGBT Film Festival in October.
The script, written by Valdez and Leyco, centers on a high school in Guam that decides to create a “Do-Over Week” for its 10-year class reunion, where Valdez’ 29-year-old transgender Hollywood movie star Rowena decides to face her past and go back to her hometown to live her childhood dream of becoming a cheerleader. But Rowena’s commitment to the cheer squad falters when her mother’s cancer spreads. Leyco will co-star as Rowena’s sister.
The project won the Inside Out LGBT Pitch Please! contest last year in Toronto.
Fae Pictures has partnered with Now>Ever to finance and produce and will be pitching the project as a part of their slate at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival and at Toronto’s Inside Out LGBT Film Festival in October.
The script, written by Valdez and Leyco, centers on a high school in Guam that decides to create a “Do-Over Week” for its 10-year class reunion, where Valdez’ 29-year-old transgender Hollywood movie star Rowena decides to face her past and go back to her hometown to live her childhood dream of becoming a cheerleader. But Rowena’s commitment to the cheer squad falters when her mother’s cancer spreads. Leyco will co-star as Rowena’s sister.
The project won the Inside Out LGBT Pitch Please! contest last year in Toronto.
- 9/11/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Each year the list of Emmy nominees is rightfully analyzed and scrutinized for diversity. The list of LGBTQ Emmy nominees is then further examined for its own racial and gender diversity, but that analysis consistently has overlooked the geographic diversity of LGBTQ people. Though GLAAD’s latest TV report found the largest number of LGBTQ characters ever, LGBTQ people and stories outside of major cities are immensely underrepresented in entertainment.
That’s why this year’s Emmy nomination for HBO’s “We’re Here” in outstanding unstructured reality series deserves attention and should send a message to the broader industry about the necessity and the power of telling stories of LGBTQ people living outside of urban centers.
As the industry undergoes self-reflection and begins to prioritize diversity, LGBTQ people in rural America, and the power of showcasing the interaction between LGBTQ people and their neighbors in these cities, cannot be underestimated or overlooked.
That’s why this year’s Emmy nomination for HBO’s “We’re Here” in outstanding unstructured reality series deserves attention and should send a message to the broader industry about the necessity and the power of telling stories of LGBTQ people living outside of urban centers.
As the industry undergoes self-reflection and begins to prioritize diversity, LGBTQ people in rural America, and the power of showcasing the interaction between LGBTQ people and their neighbors in these cities, cannot be underestimated or overlooked.
- 8/29/2020
- by Rich Ferraro
- Variety Film + TV
Rain Valdez’s Emmy-nominated short-form series is called “Razor Tongue” because the main character has no problem telling it like it is. That’s true for her creator as well, the multi-hyphenate actress, filmmaker, and newly minted Emmy nominee Rain Valdez. Following her nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Short-Form Comedy or Drama Series, Valdez became the second transgender performer ever to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category, following in the footsteps of her friend Laverne Cox. It’s an elite group, one she is honored to be a part of, but Valdez is painfully aware of the pros and cons of touting such milestones.
“For me, it’s like a double-edged sword. As an actor, creator, and writer, I have to play a game just to keep going in this industry,” Valdez said during a recent phone interview. “So when we submitted for FYC and then I started campaigning,...
“For me, it’s like a double-edged sword. As an actor, creator, and writer, I have to play a game just to keep going in this industry,” Valdez said during a recent phone interview. “So when we submitted for FYC and then I started campaigning,...
- 8/28/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
There’s a disparity among nominees of color on the Emmy ballot this year, which can be traced to a larger disconnect within the industry, and society at large.
The Television Academy nominated a record number of Black performers. But other non-white performers, including Latinx and Api, only made up 5.88% of nominees combined. Behind the scenes, the Television Academy only nominated 12.5% people of color in the narrative writing categories and 14.2% in the directing categories, and when it came to series nominations, only one came from a person of color in the showrunner position.
“People are voting inside of a media climate and some of the protests have made white people who are part of the nomination process think differently about how they were making decisions,” says Rashad Robinson, executive director, Color of Change. “I don’t want to discount what it means for Black performers to be recognized in ways...
The Television Academy nominated a record number of Black performers. But other non-white performers, including Latinx and Api, only made up 5.88% of nominees combined. Behind the scenes, the Television Academy only nominated 12.5% people of color in the narrative writing categories and 14.2% in the directing categories, and when it came to series nominations, only one came from a person of color in the showrunner position.
“People are voting inside of a media climate and some of the protests have made white people who are part of the nomination process think differently about how they were making decisions,” says Rashad Robinson, executive director, Color of Change. “I don’t want to discount what it means for Black performers to be recognized in ways...
- 8/27/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Laverne Cox notched her fourth Emmy nomination this year for her portrayal of Sophia Burset on “Orange Is the New Black.” Her bid in Best Drama Guest Actress is for the episode “God Bless America,” from the Netflix show’s seventh and final season. Cox made history in 2013 as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy in any acting category, also earning kudos in 2017 and 2019.
In “God Bless America,” Cox has two scenes as Sophia. In the first scene, Sophia is visiting her parole officer, who also happens to be the same officer as Piper (Taylor Schilling). Sophia humorously shades Piper, who she hasn’t seen since leaving prison, for having the same basic hairstyle as she remembered. She agrees to help Piper for a gala event, as we see in Cox’s second scene. We discover that Sophia now owns a hair salon, achieving her greatest dream.
In “God Bless America,” Cox has two scenes as Sophia. In the first scene, Sophia is visiting her parole officer, who also happens to be the same officer as Piper (Taylor Schilling). Sophia humorously shades Piper, who she hasn’t seen since leaving prison, for having the same basic hairstyle as she remembered. She agrees to help Piper for a gala event, as we see in Cox’s second scene. We discover that Sophia now owns a hair salon, achieving her greatest dream.
- 8/26/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Filmmaker Sam Feder has signed with Gersh and Luber Roklin Entertainment for representation in all areas. Feder is known for his recent groundbreaking Netflix documentary Disclosure. With his new reps, Feder will build upon his documentary work and expand into narrative film and television.
Disclosure garnered critical acclaim when it debuted at Sundance earlier this year and reached a wide audience when it debuted on Netflix on June 19. The documentary has become required viewing when it comes to the authentic representation of the transgender community in film and TV. Chronicling an eye-opening look at trans depictions in Hollywood, the docu reveals how the film and TV industry simultaneously reflects and manufactures our deepest anxieties about gender.
The docu was executive produced by Laverne Cox, who is also featured in the film. Disclosure also features prominent members of the trans community including Jen Richards, Marquise Vilson, Tre’vell Anderson, Angelica Ross,...
Disclosure garnered critical acclaim when it debuted at Sundance earlier this year and reached a wide audience when it debuted on Netflix on June 19. The documentary has become required viewing when it comes to the authentic representation of the transgender community in film and TV. Chronicling an eye-opening look at trans depictions in Hollywood, the docu reveals how the film and TV industry simultaneously reflects and manufactures our deepest anxieties about gender.
The docu was executive produced by Laverne Cox, who is also featured in the film. Disclosure also features prominent members of the trans community including Jen Richards, Marquise Vilson, Tre’vell Anderson, Angelica Ross,...
- 8/24/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
A version of this story about Rain Valdez first appeared in the Emmy Hot List issue of TheWrap’s Emmy magazine.
As a transgender Filipina-American woman nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series category, Rain Valdez knows she is an Emmy rarity. “It’s a historic moment, and I’m still pinching myself and processing it,” she said, noting that she follows in the footsteps of Laverne Cox, who in 2014 became the first transgender person ever to be nominated in an acting category at the Emmys.
“It also feels right,” said Valdez, who created, wrote, starred in and independently produced “Razor Tongue,” the web series for which she was nominated. “It feels really good to be recognized and acknowledged for my talent and my creativity.”
The show is described as following the life of Belle, a young woman of Chamorro ancestry...
As a transgender Filipina-American woman nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series category, Rain Valdez knows she is an Emmy rarity. “It’s a historic moment, and I’m still pinching myself and processing it,” she said, noting that she follows in the footsteps of Laverne Cox, who in 2014 became the first transgender person ever to be nominated in an acting category at the Emmys.
“It also feels right,” said Valdez, who created, wrote, starred in and independently produced “Razor Tongue,” the web series for which she was nominated. “It feels really good to be recognized and acknowledged for my talent and my creativity.”
The show is described as following the life of Belle, a young woman of Chamorro ancestry...
- 8/21/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Updated, 1:45 Pm: Hillary Clinton has joined a stellar list of influential women in film and television set for the CW’s/Women In Film Make It Work variety special, a benefit focused on helping women get back to work as the industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. Joining Clinton are Sheryl Crow, Malin Akerman, Bishop Briggs, Logan Browning, Jack Donnelly, Ashlyn Harris, Ali Krieger, Rita Moreno, and Yuna.
The join previously announced Mara Brock Akil, Lake Bell, Alison Brie, Connie Britton, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Rosario Dawson, Beanie Feldstein, Jane Fonda, Jennifer Garner, Elizabeth Gillies, Kathryn Hahn, Rachael Harris, Cheryl Hines, Sarah Jeffery, Marta Kauffman, Javicia Leslie, Melanie Liburd, Catt Sadler, Andrea Savage, Sherri Shepherd, Alexandra Shipp, Rain Valdez, Michaela Watkins, Kym Whitley, and Alfre Woodard in the August 26 special.
Previous, August 4: The CW will team with Women In Film Los Angeles to televise the organization’s star-filled Make It Work!
The join previously announced Mara Brock Akil, Lake Bell, Alison Brie, Connie Britton, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Rosario Dawson, Beanie Feldstein, Jane Fonda, Jennifer Garner, Elizabeth Gillies, Kathryn Hahn, Rachael Harris, Cheryl Hines, Sarah Jeffery, Marta Kauffman, Javicia Leslie, Melanie Liburd, Catt Sadler, Andrea Savage, Sherri Shepherd, Alexandra Shipp, Rain Valdez, Michaela Watkins, Kym Whitley, and Alfre Woodard in the August 26 special.
Previous, August 4: The CW will team with Women In Film Los Angeles to televise the organization’s star-filled Make It Work!
- 8/14/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
“I started to feel angry at my own complacency… in letting micro aggressions and misogyny and discrimination happen to me,” notes Rain Valdez. She started to interrogate those feelings and turned them into the critically acclaimed web series “Razor Tongue.” Valdez serves as creator, writer and lead actress for the YouTube series. It’s her role as Belle, the quick witted central figure of the show, which earned Valdez an Emmy nomination for Short Form Actress. It is the first nomination of her career. Watch the exclusive video interview above.
“I knew that Belle would be a challenge for me to play,” admits Valdez. The character was unlike anything the actress had tackled before. Belle is strong, quick to react, and unafraid to call out sexist, problematic behavior. Since Valdez also wrote the series, she used her own experiences as jumping off points for many scenes which made Belle feel...
“I knew that Belle would be a challenge for me to play,” admits Valdez. The character was unlike anything the actress had tackled before. Belle is strong, quick to react, and unafraid to call out sexist, problematic behavior. Since Valdez also wrote the series, she used her own experiences as jumping off points for many scenes which made Belle feel...
- 8/13/2020
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Growing up, I didn't watch the Emmys every year. Apart from a few big names, not many of my favorite actresses (and none of my favorite shows) ever made the cut. It was rare that I saw women who looked like me being praised for their work at the Emmys, and when the rare occurrence came along, it was always just one, maybe two, Black women that were acknowledged. Case in point: Tracee Ellis Ross didn't get her first Emmy nomination until 2016 for Blackish. I mean - did Emmy voters not watch Girlfriends? As a young Black girl who praised actresses like Ross, Brandy, and Angela Bassett, it was frustrating to see these talented women ignored year after year.
But this year, something big happened.
This year's Emmy nominations are oozing with Black Girl Magic. 2020 has
the most nominated Black women in Emmy history
(17 in the acting categories alone!). I...
But this year, something big happened.
This year's Emmy nominations are oozing with Black Girl Magic. 2020 has
the most nominated Black women in Emmy history
(17 in the acting categories alone!). I...
- 8/5/2020
- by Amanda Davis
- Popsugar.com
You’re probably already aware that Academy Award winners Cate Blanchett (“Mrs. America”), Olivia Colman (“The Crown”), Regina King (“Watchmen”) and Octavia Spencer (“Self Made”), among others, landed Emmy nominations on Tuesday, but there are a handful of other familiar faces that joined the ranks in less-publicized categories. Most of these winners will be announced at the Creative Arts Emmys in two separate virtual ceremonies on Sept. 12 and 13, a week before the primetime telecast on Sept. 20. Check out the complete list of nominations here.
In the Best Narrator category, “12 Years a Slave” stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (“The Elephant Queen”) and Lupita Nyong’o (“Serengeti”) reunite as competitors, the former of whom is a previous Best Limited Series/TV Movie Actor nominee for “Dancing on the Edge,” while the latter is enjoying her maiden Emmy nomination six years after winning her first Oscar. Joining her as a first-time nominee is former NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,...
In the Best Narrator category, “12 Years a Slave” stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (“The Elephant Queen”) and Lupita Nyong’o (“Serengeti”) reunite as competitors, the former of whom is a previous Best Limited Series/TV Movie Actor nominee for “Dancing on the Edge,” while the latter is enjoying her maiden Emmy nomination six years after winning her first Oscar. Joining her as a first-time nominee is former NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,...
- 7/31/2020
- by Luca Giliberti
- Gold Derby
For the second year in a row, the transgender actresses of “Pose” have been shut out of the Emmy Awards. The popular series, created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Steven Canals, is the first major TV show to center around transgender women of color. Billy Porter, who took home the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series last year for his work as Pray Tell in the groundbreaking show, was again nominated in the same category. Porter, a Tony winner and longtime Broadway actor, is one of a handful of cisgender performers on the show. “Pose” also received four nominations across various hair and make-up categories.
A few of the show’s more prominent trans stars spoke out about the acting snubs via social media.
“I didn’t invent the Academy or any of the award shows,” Indya Moore, who plays Angel, tweeted. “If they think my work...
A few of the show’s more prominent trans stars spoke out about the acting snubs via social media.
“I didn’t invent the Academy or any of the award shows,” Indya Moore, who plays Angel, tweeted. “If they think my work...
- 7/30/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
In a year in which representation for minorities on television has been brought to the forefront of Hollywood’s agenda, the Emmy Awards are being called out for their lack of nominations given to Latinx actors and shows.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus called the lack of nominations “a demoralizing disappointment for the U.S.’s largest minority group” in a tweet Tuesday, urging Hollywood to “acknowledge and address the erasure of Latinx actors.”
The caucus consists of 38 members that advocate for issues important to the Latinx community via the legislative process in Congress. In its tweet, the group incorrectly said that no Latinx actors were nominated, when in fact Alexis Bledel — nominated for her guest role on “The Handmaids Tale” — identifies as Latinx.
Reps for the Television Academy did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Also Read: Inside the LatinX TV Explosion, From 'Narcos: Mexico' to '...
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus called the lack of nominations “a demoralizing disappointment for the U.S.’s largest minority group” in a tweet Tuesday, urging Hollywood to “acknowledge and address the erasure of Latinx actors.”
The caucus consists of 38 members that advocate for issues important to the Latinx community via the legislative process in Congress. In its tweet, the group incorrectly said that no Latinx actors were nominated, when in fact Alexis Bledel — nominated for her guest role on “The Handmaids Tale” — identifies as Latinx.
Reps for the Television Academy did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Also Read: Inside the LatinX TV Explosion, From 'Narcos: Mexico' to '...
- 7/29/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
In a season of uprisings against anti-Black racism, it was fitting that the most nominated program at this year’s Emmys is “Watchmen,” which uses superheroes to explore how the country’s history of racial violence intersects with the justice system. But it goes beyond that. The Emmys made history by nominating more Black actors than ever before. Out of 102 total actors who received bids across various categories, 35 of them are Black — that’s more than one-third of all nominees. And just as interesting is who didn’t get nominated.
SEE2020 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 72nd Emmy Awards
In a number of categories where Black actors were nominated, it was over their white co-stars, including in a few cases that were surprising. For instance, we were predicting that Tim Blake Nelson had the best chance of a nomination (and even a win) among the “Watchmen” supporting actors,...
SEE2020 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 72nd Emmy Awards
In a number of categories where Black actors were nominated, it was over their white co-stars, including in a few cases that were surprising. For instance, we were predicting that Tim Blake Nelson had the best chance of a nomination (and even a win) among the “Watchmen” supporting actors,...
- 7/29/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
A grand total of 34 performs are celebrating their first-ever Emmy bids after Tuesday’s nominations announcement. Some of these were expected based on our odds, and some of these totally came out of the blue.
The list below does not include first-time nominees for Best Reality Host, like Nicole Byer (“Nailed It!”) and the Fab Five from “Queer Eye,” or Best Narrator (Lupita Nyong’o for “Serengeti” or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for “Black Patriots: Heroes of The Revolution”).
Here are all the first-time acting nominees:
See Full list of 2020 Emmy nominations
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: Best Limited Series/TV Movie Supporting Actor (“Watchmen”)
Jovan Adepo: Best Limited Series/TV Movie Supporting Actor (“Watchmen”)
Mamoudou Athie: Best Short Form Comedy/Drama Series Actor”)
Cate Blanchett: Best Limited Series/TV Movie Actress (“Mrs. America”)
Nicholas Braun: Best Drama Supporting Actor (“Succession”)
D’Arcy Carden: Best Comedy Supporting Actress (“The Good Place...
The list below does not include first-time nominees for Best Reality Host, like Nicole Byer (“Nailed It!”) and the Fab Five from “Queer Eye,” or Best Narrator (Lupita Nyong’o for “Serengeti” or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for “Black Patriots: Heroes of The Revolution”).
Here are all the first-time acting nominees:
See Full list of 2020 Emmy nominations
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: Best Limited Series/TV Movie Supporting Actor (“Watchmen”)
Jovan Adepo: Best Limited Series/TV Movie Supporting Actor (“Watchmen”)
Mamoudou Athie: Best Short Form Comedy/Drama Series Actor”)
Cate Blanchett: Best Limited Series/TV Movie Actress (“Mrs. America”)
Nicholas Braun: Best Drama Supporting Actor (“Succession”)
D’Arcy Carden: Best Comedy Supporting Actress (“The Good Place...
- 7/28/2020
- by Luca Giliberti
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to the Sam Feder-directed documentary Disclosure. The feature-length docu is set to debut on the streaming platform on June 19 — a perfect release date considering June is Pride Month.
Disclosure made its premiere at Sundance earlier this year and puts a spotlight on transgender representation in TV and film while showing how it has impacted how Americans feel about members of the trans community and how it has taught trans people to feel about themselves.
Feder not only puts members of the trans community front and center but he also made sure that they were represented behind the camera as well. This way, it was a film about trans people made by trans people, marking a genuine effort of authenticity.
“Disclosure came to life so beautifully because trans people were at the center of production — over 150 trans people were involved, from early research through distribution,...
Disclosure made its premiere at Sundance earlier this year and puts a spotlight on transgender representation in TV and film while showing how it has impacted how Americans feel about members of the trans community and how it has taught trans people to feel about themselves.
Feder not only puts members of the trans community front and center but he also made sure that they were represented behind the camera as well. This way, it was a film about trans people made by trans people, marking a genuine effort of authenticity.
“Disclosure came to life so beautifully because trans people were at the center of production — over 150 trans people were involved, from early research through distribution,...
- 5/29/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“I’ve never met anyone in my entire life like Jules,” says Rue, the tomboy drug addict played by Zendaya on “Euphoria,” HBO’s provocative teen-drama-for-adults and the network’s newest hit of the summer. And chances are, most viewers haven’t either. As the series’ endlessly compelling protagonist, Rue narrates the events of the show in a sleepy voiceover that is equal parts profoundly intimate and archly blasé. Newly sober at 16 after an overdose that nearly tore her family apart, Rue has found the one thing that can rival drugs for her affection: Jules.
Emanating a manic pixie trans girl energy unlike anything seen onscreen before, Jules floats magically through every frame in which she appears. Whether she’s biking giddily through an orchard or reciting Shakespeare in a pool without smudging her killer eye make-up, it’s hard not to fall in love with her. Played by newcomer...
Emanating a manic pixie trans girl energy unlike anything seen onscreen before, Jules floats magically through every frame in which she appears. Whether she’s biking giddily through an orchard or reciting Shakespeare in a pool without smudging her killer eye make-up, it’s hard not to fall in love with her. Played by newcomer...
- 8/5/2019
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Just in time for Pride Month, the winners for this year’s Inside Out Lgbt Film Festival were announced today in Toronto at the annual awards ceremony. Winners included Garin Nugroho for Memories of My Body which received the Inside Out Special Award for Innovation as well as Xiang Zi for A Dog Barking at the Moon for Best First Feature.
Other winners from the fest included Megan Wennberg for her film Drag Kids which received Best Canadian Feature while Audience Award winners included Samantha Lee’s Billie and Emma for Best Narrative Feature, Linda Goldstein Knowlton’s We Are Radical Monarchs for Best Documentary Feature and Jamie Dispirito’s Thrive for Best Short Film.
This was the third year for the festival’s annual Lgbtq Finance Forum and it has become an international home and incubator for Lgbt filmmakers, both emerging and established. They also awarded its annual “Pitch,...
Other winners from the fest included Megan Wennberg for her film Drag Kids which received Best Canadian Feature while Audience Award winners included Samantha Lee’s Billie and Emma for Best Narrative Feature, Linda Goldstein Knowlton’s We Are Radical Monarchs for Best Documentary Feature and Jamie Dispirito’s Thrive for Best Short Film.
This was the third year for the festival’s annual Lgbtq Finance Forum and it has become an international home and incubator for Lgbt filmmakers, both emerging and established. They also awarded its annual “Pitch,...
- 6/2/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Known for her role as Shea in the Emmy-winning Amazon series Transparent, Trace Lysette is attached to star in Colors of Ava. Lysette is also set to serve as executive producer.
The film, which is described as an “uplifting and authentic love story set in Los Angeles”, comes shortly after Scarlett Johansson stepped down from the movie Rub & Tug after she received backlash for portraying a trans male. It was announced that they will cast all 10 trans roles in the film with trans actors. As a trans actress and advocate for the Lgbtq and #MeToo movements, Lysette’s role in Colors of Ava and the movie itself will move the needle for representation and inclusion in film and entertainment.
Colors of Ava also stars trans actress Rain Valdez who has also appeared in Transparent. She will also serve as co-producer. The film is produced by Julie Christeas’ Tandem Pictures. Sam McConnell will direct the original screenplay written by Wayne Mahon.
The film, which is described as an “uplifting and authentic love story set in Los Angeles”, comes shortly after Scarlett Johansson stepped down from the movie Rub & Tug after she received backlash for portraying a trans male. It was announced that they will cast all 10 trans roles in the film with trans actors. As a trans actress and advocate for the Lgbtq and #MeToo movements, Lysette’s role in Colors of Ava and the movie itself will move the needle for representation and inclusion in film and entertainment.
Colors of Ava also stars trans actress Rain Valdez who has also appeared in Transparent. She will also serve as co-producer. The film is produced by Julie Christeas’ Tandem Pictures. Sam McConnell will direct the original screenplay written by Wayne Mahon.
- 7/16/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Transparent actress Trace Lysette will star in the indie Colors of Ava, a Los Angeles-set love story.
Trans actress Rain Valdez, who will be seen in Paul Feig's Freeform pilot Girls Code, will also star and co-produce. The production notes that it is committed to casting its trans roles, 10 in total, with trans talent.
Sam McConnell, the producer behind HBO's The Out List and The Trans List, is directing from a screenplay by Wayne Mahon. Julie Christeas will produce via the Tandem Pictures banner.
"Trace Lysette isn’t just a talented actress, she’s a voice for change ...
Trans actress Rain Valdez, who will be seen in Paul Feig's Freeform pilot Girls Code, will also star and co-produce. The production notes that it is committed to casting its trans roles, 10 in total, with trans talent.
Sam McConnell, the producer behind HBO's The Out List and The Trans List, is directing from a screenplay by Wayne Mahon. Julie Christeas will produce via the Tandem Pictures banner.
"Trace Lysette isn’t just a talented actress, she’s a voice for change ...
- 7/16/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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