Samuel L. Jackson is an acting legend who has starred in numerous movies of all genres. Among his major movies are School Daze (1988), Do the Right Thing (1989), Mo’ Better Blues (1990), Jungle Fever (1991), Oldboy (2013), and Chi-Raq (2015), Tarantino’s films Jackie Brown (1997), Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004), Django Unchained (2012), and The Hateful Eight (2015), but he also has two extremely popular roles in his filmography – that of Nick Fury in the MCU, as well as that of Mace Windu in the Star Wars franchise.
We know that Mace Windu died in The Revenge of the Sith, but the character had already been a fan favorite by that moment and since then, there have been numerous calls for Windu to return to the series, implying that the character did not die during the fated battle against Palpatine. Samuel L. Jackson was recently asked about it and he made his opinion on the matter quite clear.
We know that Mace Windu died in The Revenge of the Sith, but the character had already been a fan favorite by that moment and since then, there have been numerous calls for Windu to return to the series, implying that the character did not die during the fated battle against Palpatine. Samuel L. Jackson was recently asked about it and he made his opinion on the matter quite clear.
- 4/23/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Exclusive: Ilfenesh Hadera (Godfather of Harlem) has been tapped to star opposite Denzel Washington in Apple and A24’s High and Low, an English-language reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller, from filmmaker Spike Lee.
She comes to the project following collaborations with Lee on his acclaimed Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It, based on his classic 1986 film, as well as his movies Chi-Raq and Oldboy.
Loosely based on the 1959 novel King’s Ransom, written by Evan Hunter under the pen name Ed McBain, the original High and Low watches as a shoe company executive becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom. It’s unclear how closely Lee’s film will hew to the original storyline, and there’s no word yet as to the role Hadera will play.
Developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures, Lee...
She comes to the project following collaborations with Lee on his acclaimed Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It, based on his classic 1986 film, as well as his movies Chi-Raq and Oldboy.
Loosely based on the 1959 novel King’s Ransom, written by Evan Hunter under the pen name Ed McBain, the original High and Low watches as a shoe company executive becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom. It’s unclear how closely Lee’s film will hew to the original storyline, and there’s no word yet as to the role Hadera will play.
Developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists and Mandalay Pictures, Lee...
- 3/18/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Hoyte Van Hoytema has taken top honors at the 38th annual American Society of Cinematographers Awards for his work on “Oppenheimer.”
Van Hoytema topped a field that included Edward Lachman for “El Conde, Matthew Libatique for “Maestro,” Rodrigo Prieto for “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Robbie Ryan for “Poor Things.”
The awards were handed out Sunday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel with Ed Helms hosting the festivities.
All five theatrical feature film nominees are also nominated for best cinematography at the Oscars.
In its 38-year history, only 17 have gone on to win the Oscar. Last year, Mandy Walker made history when she became the first woman to win an ASC award for her work on “Elvis.” The Academy Award ultimately went to James Friend for “All Quiet on the Western Front.”
On the TV side, winners included Carl Herse for “Barry” and Ben Kutchins for “Boston Strangler.”
Van...
Van Hoytema topped a field that included Edward Lachman for “El Conde, Matthew Libatique for “Maestro,” Rodrigo Prieto for “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Robbie Ryan for “Poor Things.”
The awards were handed out Sunday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel with Ed Helms hosting the festivities.
All five theatrical feature film nominees are also nominated for best cinematography at the Oscars.
In its 38-year history, only 17 have gone on to win the Oscar. Last year, Mandy Walker made history when she became the first woman to win an ASC award for her work on “Elvis.” The Academy Award ultimately went to James Friend for “All Quiet on the Western Front.”
On the TV side, winners included Carl Herse for “Barry” and Ben Kutchins for “Boston Strangler.”
Van...
- 3/4/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The American Film Institute has its sights set on Matthew Libatique.
The Oscar nominated cinematographer, who graduated from the institution in 1992, has been tapped to receive AFI’s Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal. It will be presented during the AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Nicole Kidman at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 27.
The medal is awarded annually “to an alumnus of either the AFI Conservatory or the [AFI Directing Workshop for Women] who best embodies the qualities of the late director: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality filmmaking.” Schaffner, who died in 1989, won a best director Oscar for Patton in 1970. Recipients of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal include David Lynch, Edward Zwick, Amy Heckerling, Terrence Malick, Darren Aronofsky, Patty Jenkins, Paul Schrader, Janusz Kamiński, Caleb Deschanel, Lesli Linka Glatter, Rachel Morrison, Melina Matsoukas, Siân Heder and others.
The honor comes as Libatique has earned raves for working on Bradley Cooper...
The Oscar nominated cinematographer, who graduated from the institution in 1992, has been tapped to receive AFI’s Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal. It will be presented during the AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Nicole Kidman at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 27.
The medal is awarded annually “to an alumnus of either the AFI Conservatory or the [AFI Directing Workshop for Women] who best embodies the qualities of the late director: talent, taste, dedication and commitment to quality filmmaking.” Schaffner, who died in 1989, won a best director Oscar for Patton in 1970. Recipients of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal include David Lynch, Edward Zwick, Amy Heckerling, Terrence Malick, Darren Aronofsky, Patty Jenkins, Paul Schrader, Janusz Kamiński, Caleb Deschanel, Lesli Linka Glatter, Rachel Morrison, Melina Matsoukas, Siân Heder and others.
The honor comes as Libatique has earned raves for working on Bradley Cooper...
- 1/9/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Josh Kramer, a veteran Hollywood executive who produced such films as Roman Polanski’s Death and the Maiden and Sidney Lumet’s Night Falls on Manhattan, has died following a stroke. He was 67.
Kramer died Nov. 27 surrounded by family and friends in Santa Monica, according to a representative. The producer, who was a graduate of the American School in London, earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University, where he is said to have made a mark creating conceptual art pieces. He then went on to earn his Mba from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
He began his entertainment industry career by working in foreign sales for legendary Italian producer Dino de Laurentiis, specializing in international presales of films by such directors as Sam Raimi, Michael Cimino, Bruce Beresford and David Cronenberg. One such title he shepherded was the iconic documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare.
Kramer went on...
Kramer died Nov. 27 surrounded by family and friends in Santa Monica, according to a representative. The producer, who was a graduate of the American School in London, earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University, where he is said to have made a mark creating conceptual art pieces. He then went on to earn his Mba from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
He began his entertainment industry career by working in foreign sales for legendary Italian producer Dino de Laurentiis, specializing in international presales of films by such directors as Sam Raimi, Michael Cimino, Bruce Beresford and David Cronenberg. One such title he shepherded was the iconic documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare.
Kramer went on...
- 12/19/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Josh Kramer, who produced Roman Polanski’s Death and the Maiden and Sidney Lumet’s Night Falls on Manhattan and later led sales for Capitol Films before becoming Head of Motion Picture Business Operations at Amazon Studios, has died. He was 67.
Kramer died November 27 in Santa Monica.
Born on May 17, 1956, he began his showbiz career working for the Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis, pre-selling foreign movie rights that would help finance films including Manhunter, Blue Velvet and others. Kramer was instrumental in the success of the 1991 concert pic Madonna: Truth or Dare, leading the acquisition of the film rights and then selling the film overseas.
In the early 1990s, he teamed with Thom Mount to form the Mount/Kramer Company, which produced Death and the Maiden (1994) and Night Falls on Manhattan (1996).
He went on to become the head of sales for Capitol Films, later joining international acquisitions at MGM. In...
Kramer died November 27 in Santa Monica.
Born on May 17, 1956, he began his showbiz career working for the Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis, pre-selling foreign movie rights that would help finance films including Manhunter, Blue Velvet and others. Kramer was instrumental in the success of the 1991 concert pic Madonna: Truth or Dare, leading the acquisition of the film rights and then selling the film overseas.
In the early 1990s, he teamed with Thom Mount to form the Mount/Kramer Company, which produced Death and the Maiden (1994) and Night Falls on Manhattan (1996).
He went on to become the head of sales for Capitol Films, later joining international acquisitions at MGM. In...
- 12/19/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Indie and art film producer Jon Kilik, unlike many, remains hopeful for the personal, mid-budget movie for grown-ups. “Those are the films directors love to make and audiences still love,” says Kilik, being feted this week at Poland’s Camerimage cinematography festival for work of special visual sensitivity.
Having flown in from a shoot in Rome, Kilik confesses he still loves being on set after a career spanning four decades, including work with Spike Lee, Julian Schnabel, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Jim Jarmusch and Oliver Stone.
His latest project filming in Europe, “In the Hand of Dante,” starring Gal Gadot and Oscar Isaac in a metaphorical journey through hell to paradise, is characteristic of Kilik’s lifelong passion for bringing challenging works of literature and art to the screen.
And he’s proven time and again that such films have an audience and are economically viable, he points out, if handled...
Having flown in from a shoot in Rome, Kilik confesses he still loves being on set after a career spanning four decades, including work with Spike Lee, Julian Schnabel, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Jim Jarmusch and Oliver Stone.
His latest project filming in Europe, “In the Hand of Dante,” starring Gal Gadot and Oscar Isaac in a metaphorical journey through hell to paradise, is characteristic of Kilik’s lifelong passion for bringing challenging works of literature and art to the screen.
And he’s proven time and again that such films have an audience and are economically viable, he points out, if handled...
- 11/19/2023
- by Will Tizard
- Variety Film + TV
Marvel Studios is back with its first new movie since “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and, should the release schedule hold, its last new movie until the third “Deadpool,” which doesn’t come out until next July.
This being a Marvel movie, there are characters old and new to keep track of, as our heroes jet across the galaxy in an attempt to thwart a massive threat to our world and countless others.
Here’s a complete cast and character guide for “The Marvels.” The only folks we have left out are the ones you definitely don’t want spoiled.
Marvel Studios Brie Larson as Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers is a former test pilot turned superhero, whose origins were traced in “Captain Marvel” and who was last seen in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” lending a hand in what is now canonically referred to as the Battle of Earth.
This being a Marvel movie, there are characters old and new to keep track of, as our heroes jet across the galaxy in an attempt to thwart a massive threat to our world and countless others.
Here’s a complete cast and character guide for “The Marvels.” The only folks we have left out are the ones you definitely don’t want spoiled.
Marvel Studios Brie Larson as Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers is a former test pilot turned superhero, whose origins were traced in “Captain Marvel” and who was last seen in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” lending a hand in what is now canonically referred to as the Battle of Earth.
- 11/10/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Proud New Yorker Spike Lee took time to address the 22nd anniversary of Sept. 11 during a keynote talk at the Toronto Film Festival on Monday.
Specifically, Lee recalled he was in Los Angeles on that Tuesday in 2001 and was scrambling to get back to his hometown in crisis to be with his family.
“The world has changed since that day,” Lee said of 9/11 on Monday during a Visionaries session presented by The Hollywood Reporter.
Lee began his keynote with a 30-minute episode of NYC Epicenters 9/11 -> 2021 1/2, his 2021 four-part documentary for HBO that filters the Covid-19 pandemic, the racial reckoning of the summer of 2020, the Jan. 6 insurrection and the tragedy of 9/11 through the director’s New York city perspective.
“There’s some rough things you’ll see. But as a filmmaker, I’ve never been one to hide shit. It’s not simulated computer stuff. This is real, what happened to,...
Specifically, Lee recalled he was in Los Angeles on that Tuesday in 2001 and was scrambling to get back to his hometown in crisis to be with his family.
“The world has changed since that day,” Lee said of 9/11 on Monday during a Visionaries session presented by The Hollywood Reporter.
Lee began his keynote with a 30-minute episode of NYC Epicenters 9/11 -> 2021 1/2, his 2021 four-part documentary for HBO that filters the Covid-19 pandemic, the racial reckoning of the summer of 2020, the Jan. 6 insurrection and the tragedy of 9/11 through the director’s New York city perspective.
“There’s some rough things you’ll see. But as a filmmaker, I’ve never been one to hide shit. It’s not simulated computer stuff. This is real, what happened to,...
- 9/11/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Spike Lee won his long overdue first competitive Oscar at the 2019 Academy Awards, he literally jumped into presenter Samuel L. Jackson’s arms for a hug. But there was a moment when the longtime friends probably couldn’t have imagined they’d share such a public embrace.
In a new interview with Vulture, Jackson – who appeared in early Lee films like “School Daze,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Mo Better Blues,” and “Jungle Fever” – explained he had a falling out with the filmmaker over “Malcolm X.”
“I actually read with most of the people who auditioned for ‘Malcolm X.’ I was supposed to be the guy that turned Malcolm X on to Islam in prison. I forget who played that role,” Jackson revealed. Albert Hall played the role of Baines in the film and turned in an indelible performance in the part. He later appeared in Lee’s film “Get on the Bus.
In a new interview with Vulture, Jackson – who appeared in early Lee films like “School Daze,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Mo Better Blues,” and “Jungle Fever” – explained he had a falling out with the filmmaker over “Malcolm X.”
“I actually read with most of the people who auditioned for ‘Malcolm X.’ I was supposed to be the guy that turned Malcolm X on to Islam in prison. I forget who played that role,” Jackson revealed. Albert Hall played the role of Baines in the film and turned in an indelible performance in the part. He later appeared in Lee’s film “Get on the Bus.
- 7/21/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
There’s no joint like a Spike Lee Joint, but what other movies does the director love?
Over four decades and 30 films, Brooklyn-raised Lee has established himself as the type of director whose work can’t be replicated. The traits that make a Spike Lee Joint a Spike Lee Joint are easy to spot: the fiery and often political subject matter, the mix of humor with drama, those iconic floaty dolly shots, and an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to stylistic experimentation.
Lee’s fearlessness as a director makes for a fascinating mixed-bag of a filmography. The auteur has at least three undeniable masterpieces under his belt: 1989’s “Do the Right Thing,” a searing drama about police violence and racism; 1992’s “Malcolm X,” an epic starring Denzel Washington as the titular Civil Rights leader; and 2002’s “25th Hour,” the greatest portrait of life in New York after 9/11 put to film. Depending on who you ask,...
Over four decades and 30 films, Brooklyn-raised Lee has established himself as the type of director whose work can’t be replicated. The traits that make a Spike Lee Joint a Spike Lee Joint are easy to spot: the fiery and often political subject matter, the mix of humor with drama, those iconic floaty dolly shots, and an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to stylistic experimentation.
Lee’s fearlessness as a director makes for a fascinating mixed-bag of a filmography. The auteur has at least three undeniable masterpieces under his belt: 1989’s “Do the Right Thing,” a searing drama about police violence and racism; 1992’s “Malcolm X,” an epic starring Denzel Washington as the titular Civil Rights leader; and 2002’s “25th Hour,” the greatest portrait of life in New York after 9/11 put to film. Depending on who you ask,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
In 2021, Wesley Snipes used an Esquire "What I've Learned" column to make a fascinating confession: "I've got to learn how to be a movie star."
Snipes was 58 at the time of the article's publication, and enjoying a career renaissance due to his portrayal of actor-director D'Urville Martin in Craig Brewster's uproarious "Dolemite Is My Name." Though he'd officially made his comeback as an aging gang leader in Spike Lee's "Chi-Raq" four years prior, Martin was the perfect vehicle through which Snipes could examine the frustration of an ambitious artist shunted from A-list roles to low-aiming exploitation flicks.
Snipes' Martin is a bitter, alcoholic filmmaker trying, and failing miserably, to make nightclub comic Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) look like a Blaxploitation action star on par with Richard Roundtree. Martin is a defeated man, and it's hard not to sense Snipes reckoning with the sun setting on his own action-hero stardom.
Snipes was 58 at the time of the article's publication, and enjoying a career renaissance due to his portrayal of actor-director D'Urville Martin in Craig Brewster's uproarious "Dolemite Is My Name." Though he'd officially made his comeback as an aging gang leader in Spike Lee's "Chi-Raq" four years prior, Martin was the perfect vehicle through which Snipes could examine the frustration of an ambitious artist shunted from A-list roles to low-aiming exploitation flicks.
Snipes' Martin is a bitter, alcoholic filmmaker trying, and failing miserably, to make nightclub comic Rudy Ray Moore (Eddie Murphy) look like a Blaxploitation action star on par with Richard Roundtree. Martin is a defeated man, and it's hard not to sense Snipes reckoning with the sun setting on his own action-hero stardom.
- 5/1/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Even the world’s greatest filmmakers are not immune to studio interference. Ten years ago, Oscar winner Spike Lee released his reinterpretation of Park Chan-wook’s acclaimed cult film “Oldboy.” To say the results were not what anyone had hoped would be a bit of an understatement. Critics savaged the project and mass audiences flat-out ignored its existence. “Oldboy” grossed just over $5 million worldwide, despite an all-star cast that included Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Even at the time, Lee suggested the version of “Oldboy” released in theaters was a compromised feature. Asked about recreating the original film’s virtuoso hammer-fight sequence in a 2013 interview with the New York Times, Lee expressed dismay the finished shot wasn’t shown in its intention.
“It’s not one shot,” Lee told the Times. “There’s a cut in it. Shouldn’t be, but there is a cut.
Even at the time, Lee suggested the version of “Oldboy” released in theaters was a compromised feature. Asked about recreating the original film’s virtuoso hammer-fight sequence in a 2013 interview with the New York Times, Lee expressed dismay the finished shot wasn’t shown in its intention.
“It’s not one shot,” Lee told the Times. “There’s a cut in it. Shouldn’t be, but there is a cut.
- 3/31/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
On March 12, 2023, Ruth E. Carter won her second Academy Award for her work on the costumes of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." It was Carter's second Oscar win after 2018's "Black Panther," making her the first costumer in history to win Academy Awards for a movie and its sequel. Her wins are both well-deserved. Extrapolating from the fictional country originally found in the pages of Marvel Comics, "Wakanda Forever" constructed the clothes and uniforms worn by the citizens of a high-tech central African nation that, thanks to their access to a rare miracle metal and an equally rare super-powered flower, allowed them to advance centuries beyond the rest of the world. Carter designed the clothes for Wakandan royalty, the royal guard, and the country's civilians. She also had to evoke Wakandan funerary rights, as the film opens with the funeral of the original Black Panther. Carter has said that Wakandan dress...
- 3/13/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
An eight-part event series about boxing icon Muhammad Ali is in the works at Peacock from Rege-Jean Page, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Willmott.
Titled ‘Excellence: 8 Fights’, the scripted drama series hails from Oscar-winning writer Willmott and is based on Jonathan Eig’s definitive biography ‘Ali: A Life’. ‘Bridgerton’ breakout Page and Freeman are both on board as executive producers, as well as Willmott, Lori McCreary for Revelations Entertainment and Emily Brown, reports ‘Variety’.
According to the show’s official description, ‘Excellence: 8 Fights’ will “chronicle eight distinct and defining moments in the iconic life of Muhammad Ali. Each episode will be framed by one fight from Ali’s life, but the essence of the episode, what it’s really about, is the internal fight – the drama outside the ring – where we will explore the struggle going on in the heart and mind of one of the most consequential and controversial figures of the 20th century.
Titled ‘Excellence: 8 Fights’, the scripted drama series hails from Oscar-winning writer Willmott and is based on Jonathan Eig’s definitive biography ‘Ali: A Life’. ‘Bridgerton’ breakout Page and Freeman are both on board as executive producers, as well as Willmott, Lori McCreary for Revelations Entertainment and Emily Brown, reports ‘Variety’.
According to the show’s official description, ‘Excellence: 8 Fights’ will “chronicle eight distinct and defining moments in the iconic life of Muhammad Ali. Each episode will be framed by one fight from Ali’s life, but the essence of the episode, what it’s really about, is the internal fight – the drama outside the ring – where we will explore the struggle going on in the heart and mind of one of the most consequential and controversial figures of the 20th century.
- 3/9/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Chicago – It’s Oscar Week, as the 95th Academy Awards will be broadcast on Sunday, March 12th, 2023, on ABC-tv. Nominated for Best Supporting Actress is Angela Bassett for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” her second nomination after “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” in 1994.
After earning her Masters Degree at the Yale School of Drama in the 1980s, Bassett took to the New York stage, most notably in two of August Wilson’s “Pittsburgh Cycle” plays. She expanded with parts in film and TV, including “Boyz in the Hood” (1991). Breakthrough recognition would come in the next couple of years, as Bassett co-starred with Denzel Washington in “Malcolm X” (as Malcolm’s wife Betty Shabazz) and her Oscar nominated role as Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993).
Angela Bassett as Ramonda in ‘Wakanda Forever,’ Nominated for the 95th Oscars
Photo credit: Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios
Later in the 1990s,...
After earning her Masters Degree at the Yale School of Drama in the 1980s, Bassett took to the New York stage, most notably in two of August Wilson’s “Pittsburgh Cycle” plays. She expanded with parts in film and TV, including “Boyz in the Hood” (1991). Breakthrough recognition would come in the next couple of years, as Bassett co-starred with Denzel Washington in “Malcolm X” (as Malcolm’s wife Betty Shabazz) and her Oscar nominated role as Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993).
Angela Bassett as Ramonda in ‘Wakanda Forever,’ Nominated for the 95th Oscars
Photo credit: Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios
Later in the 1990s,...
- 3/7/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
February is Black History Month, and with such a wide array of streaming options, there’s no shortage of options for learning about Black heritage and celebrating Black excellence.
Amazon Prime Video
Among the programming being promoted in Prime Video’s “Celebrating Black History Month” lineup are the new second season of “Harlem,” which follows four female friends from Harlem as they navigate their love lives and careers. There’s also the new original unscripted series “Coach Prime,” which chronicles Deion Sanders in his third year coaching football at Jackson State. Other noteworthy selections include Regina King‘s Oscar-nominated “One Night in Miami,” the acclaimed documentaries “My Name is Pauli Murray” and “I Am Not Your Negro,” the Emmy-nominated romance “Sylvie’s Love,” Spike Lee‘s “Chi-Raq,” the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning stage adaptation “Fences” from Denzel Washington, who also stars in Prime offerings “Devil in a Blue Dress...
Amazon Prime Video
Among the programming being promoted in Prime Video’s “Celebrating Black History Month” lineup are the new second season of “Harlem,” which follows four female friends from Harlem as they navigate their love lives and careers. There’s also the new original unscripted series “Coach Prime,” which chronicles Deion Sanders in his third year coaching football at Jackson State. Other noteworthy selections include Regina King‘s Oscar-nominated “One Night in Miami,” the acclaimed documentaries “My Name is Pauli Murray” and “I Am Not Your Negro,” the Emmy-nominated romance “Sylvie’s Love,” Spike Lee‘s “Chi-Raq,” the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning stage adaptation “Fences” from Denzel Washington, who also stars in Prime offerings “Devil in a Blue Dress...
- 2/9/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: John Cusack has signed with APA for representation after less than half a year with Gersh.
The signing of the iconic actor, writer and producer continues the agency’s momentum under the leadership of President Jim Osborne and Head of Global Talent Andrew Rogers, who came to APA from ICM Partners after the latter’s acquisition by CAA. APA has, in the last month alone, signed such notable talents as William H. Macy, Maria Bello, Donnie Yen and Grown-ish star Trevor Jackson. Big signings in the second half of 2022 included Regina Hall, Ken Jeong, Nathalie Emmanuel, Marc Maron, Michael Rainey Jr., Russell Hornsby and Michael Cera.
Cusack is a Golden Globe, WGA and BAFTA Award nominee who over the course of around four decades, has worked with a who’s who of directors including Rob Reiner, Spike Lee, Cameron Crowe, James Mangold, Lee Daniels, Clint Eastwood, Spike Jonze, Woody Allen,...
The signing of the iconic actor, writer and producer continues the agency’s momentum under the leadership of President Jim Osborne and Head of Global Talent Andrew Rogers, who came to APA from ICM Partners after the latter’s acquisition by CAA. APA has, in the last month alone, signed such notable talents as William H. Macy, Maria Bello, Donnie Yen and Grown-ish star Trevor Jackson. Big signings in the second half of 2022 included Regina Hall, Ken Jeong, Nathalie Emmanuel, Marc Maron, Michael Rainey Jr., Russell Hornsby and Michael Cera.
Cusack is a Golden Globe, WGA and BAFTA Award nominee who over the course of around four decades, has worked with a who’s who of directors including Rob Reiner, Spike Lee, Cameron Crowe, James Mangold, Lee Daniels, Clint Eastwood, Spike Jonze, Woody Allen,...
- 1/30/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Motion Picture Academy’s decision to ban Will Smith from Oscar ceremonies and events for 10 years as discipline for slapping Chris Rock is little more than an extended time out for a playground bully. It’s a toothless penalty that lays bare the shallowness of Hollywood morals.
At this point, the only person who can redeem the integrity of the Oscars is Smith himself. He needs to come to grips with the gravity of the offense he committed: slapping Rock, live on March 27 in front of millions on the Academy Awards stage. Smith needs to express-mail his golden trophy back to the Academy and publicly state something to the effect of: “Out of respect for the 94 years of honor conferred upon this award, I do not in good conscience feel worthy of being its custodian.”
Of the many unsettling things said in the aftermath of the slap, the most...
At this point, the only person who can redeem the integrity of the Oscars is Smith himself. He needs to come to grips with the gravity of the offense he committed: slapping Rock, live on March 27 in front of millions on the Academy Awards stage. Smith needs to express-mail his golden trophy back to the Academy and publicly state something to the effect of: “Out of respect for the 94 years of honor conferred upon this award, I do not in good conscience feel worthy of being its custodian.”
Of the many unsettling things said in the aftermath of the slap, the most...
- 4/9/2022
- by Harry Lennix
- Variety Film + TV
Filmmaker earned Guild’s DGA Honor in 2002.
Spike Lee will receive the Directors Guild Of America’s (DGA) lifetime achievement award, joining a roster of previous winners that includes Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott and Akira Kurosawa.
Lee will collect the Guild’s highest honour at the 74th Annual DGA Awards on March 12. The Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Achievement in Motion Picture Direction has only been bestowed 35 times in the history of the DGA – and so far never to a woman. The Guild presented the filmmaker with a DGA Honor in 2002 for his “distinguished contributions to our nation...
Spike Lee will receive the Directors Guild Of America’s (DGA) lifetime achievement award, joining a roster of previous winners that includes Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott and Akira Kurosawa.
Lee will collect the Guild’s highest honour at the 74th Annual DGA Awards on March 12. The Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Achievement in Motion Picture Direction has only been bestowed 35 times in the history of the DGA – and so far never to a woman. The Guild presented the filmmaker with a DGA Honor in 2002 for his “distinguished contributions to our nation...
- 1/19/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Spike Lee will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Achievement in Motion Picture Direction at this year’s DGA Awards, Directors Guild of America President Lesli Linka Glatter announced today.
The DGA’s highest honor will be presented to Lee at the 74th annual DGA Awards on Saturday, March 12. Lee is the first Black director to get the award, which recognizes extraordinary efforts in the art of cinema, He joins a roster of just 35 helmers so honored, including Frank Capra, Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, Billy Wilder, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Miloš Forman and, most recently, Ridley Scott.
In a statement, Glatter said, “Icon. Trailblazer. Visionary. Spike Lee has changed the face of cinema, and there is no single word that encapsulates his significance to the craft of directing. From his groundbreaking Do the Right Thing, BlacKkKlansman, and everything in-between – to his signature ‘double dolly’ shot, Spike is an innovator on so many levels.
The DGA’s highest honor will be presented to Lee at the 74th annual DGA Awards on Saturday, March 12. Lee is the first Black director to get the award, which recognizes extraordinary efforts in the art of cinema, He joins a roster of just 35 helmers so honored, including Frank Capra, Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, Billy Wilder, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Miloš Forman and, most recently, Ridley Scott.
In a statement, Glatter said, “Icon. Trailblazer. Visionary. Spike Lee has changed the face of cinema, and there is no single word that encapsulates his significance to the craft of directing. From his groundbreaking Do the Right Thing, BlacKkKlansman, and everything in-between – to his signature ‘double dolly’ shot, Spike is an innovator on so many levels.
- 1/19/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter is partnering with Black and woman-owned, online vintage marketplace Thrilling on a Vintage Studio Services program, aimed at connecting stylists, designers and production companies with vintage and secondhand items for film and TV projects.
Nearly 1,000 shops across the U.S. will be accessible through the initiative, which is looking to help bolster small businesses, while encouraging eco-friendly and sustainable practices within entertainment.
As Thrilling’s first-ever brand ambassador, Carter has pledged to utilize the company and its new program in her upcoming projects for 2022. In celebration of the program’s launch, Thrilling has also unveiled a campaign comprised of styles inspired by Ruth’s work across 40+ film and television projects, which illustrates the role fashion plays in setting the stage for some of cinema’s most memorable scenes.
Naturally, Carter describes her partnership with the marketplace as “thrilling.
“I really want...
Nearly 1,000 shops across the U.S. will be accessible through the initiative, which is looking to help bolster small businesses, while encouraging eco-friendly and sustainable practices within entertainment.
As Thrilling’s first-ever brand ambassador, Carter has pledged to utilize the company and its new program in her upcoming projects for 2022. In celebration of the program’s launch, Thrilling has also unveiled a campaign comprised of styles inspired by Ruth’s work across 40+ film and television projects, which illustrates the role fashion plays in setting the stage for some of cinema’s most memorable scenes.
Naturally, Carter describes her partnership with the marketplace as “thrilling.
“I really want...
- 1/13/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Back in October 2019, before the pandemic, we brought you news about American Civil War movie Freedom’s Path.
The feature, which charts the friendship between a Union soldier and a runaway slave who is helping facilitate the Underground Railroad, stars Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting), Rj Cyler (Me And Earl And The Dying Girl) and Gerran Howell (Catch 22). Post-production has just wrapped.
As it turned out, the project would mark the final stops on the journey of two veteran actors who died while the movie was in post-production: Thomas Jefferson Byrd, a frequent Spike Lee collaborator, and New Orleans native Carol Sutton, both of whom had supporting roles.
Both actors died in sad circumstances. Tony-nominee Byrd was murdered in Atlanta and Sutton died of complications from Covid.
Today, the production has chosen to release two images of the admired actors in their final film, marking the first official stills from the movie.
The feature, which charts the friendship between a Union soldier and a runaway slave who is helping facilitate the Underground Railroad, stars Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting), Rj Cyler (Me And Earl And The Dying Girl) and Gerran Howell (Catch 22). Post-production has just wrapped.
As it turned out, the project would mark the final stops on the journey of two veteran actors who died while the movie was in post-production: Thomas Jefferson Byrd, a frequent Spike Lee collaborator, and New Orleans native Carol Sutton, both of whom had supporting roles.
Both actors died in sad circumstances. Tony-nominee Byrd was murdered in Atlanta and Sutton died of complications from Covid.
Today, the production has chosen to release two images of the admired actors in their final film, marking the first official stills from the movie.
- 9/21/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Samuel L. Jackson, Elaine May and Liv Ullmann will receive honorary Oscars this year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Thursday. Danny Glover will also receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The four Oscar statuettes will be presented at the Governors Awards ceremony on Jan. 15, 2022.
“We are thrilled to present this year’s Governors Awards to four honorees who have had a profound impact on both film and society,” Academy president David Rubin said in a statement. “Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers. Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover’s decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights reflects his dedication...
“We are thrilled to present this year’s Governors Awards to four honorees who have had a profound impact on both film and society,” Academy president David Rubin said in a statement. “Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers. Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover’s decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights reflects his dedication...
- 6/24/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Thursday that its Board of Governors voted to present the annual Honorary Awards to Samuel L. Jackson, Elaine May, and Liv Ullmann. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will be given to Danny Glover. The four Oscar statuettes will be presented at the Academy’s 12th annual Governors Awards on Saturday, January 15, 2022, in Los Angeles.
Academy President David Rubin summed up the recipients’ impact, cinematic and otherwise, in the following statement: “Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers.”
Rubin added, “Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover’s decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights reflects his...
Academy President David Rubin summed up the recipients’ impact, cinematic and otherwise, in the following statement: “Sam Jackson is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide, while Elaine May’s bold, uncompromising approach to filmmaking, as a writer, director and actress, reverberates as loudly as ever with movie lovers.”
Rubin added, “Liv Ullmann’s bravery and emotional transparency has gifted audiences with deeply affecting screen portrayals, and Danny Glover’s decades-long advocacy for justice and human rights reflects his...
- 6/24/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: La La Anthony (Power), Aisha Hinds (Underground) and Janet Hubert (The Last O.G.) have joined the cast of The Perfect Find.
In Netflix’s romantic comedy, they’ll star opposite previously announced cast members Gabrielle Union, Keith Powers and Gina Torres. The new cast members’ roles have not yet been disclosed.
The film, based on the novel by Tia Williams, centers on a 40-year-old woman with everything on the line—including a high-stakes career, ticking biological clock and bank account—watching to see if she’s willing to risk it all for an intensely lusty secret romance with the one person who could destroy her comeback for good.
Numa Perrier is directing, from a script she wrote with Leigh Davenport. Producers on the project are Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films; Gabrielle Union for I’ll Have Another; Glendon Palmer for AGC Studios, and Jeff Morrone.
In Netflix’s romantic comedy, they’ll star opposite previously announced cast members Gabrielle Union, Keith Powers and Gina Torres. The new cast members’ roles have not yet been disclosed.
The film, based on the novel by Tia Williams, centers on a 40-year-old woman with everything on the line—including a high-stakes career, ticking biological clock and bank account—watching to see if she’s willing to risk it all for an intensely lusty secret romance with the one person who could destroy her comeback for good.
Numa Perrier is directing, from a script she wrote with Leigh Davenport. Producers on the project are Tommy Oliver and Codie Elaine Oliver for Confluential Films; Gabrielle Union for I’ll Have Another; Glendon Palmer for AGC Studios, and Jeff Morrone.
- 6/21/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
When we think of strippers, we’re pretty quick to judge. Still, even in this day of #MeToo and TimesUp, of expanding sex workers’ rights and pole dancing classes available for suburban moms, we see a stripper’s outfit and immediately think we know all about them. But displaying bodies doesn’t have to be innately sexual. In fact, it can be powerful and provocative in ways that don’t have to do with sex at all. Costume designers Rita McGhee and Alita Bailey knew from the get-go that creating the looks for Starz’s “P-Valley”—a show that brings empathy, sincerity and honesty to the story we all think we know—was going to be a welcome challenge rooted not in sex, but in female power.
“For us, it was about learning the story, learning who these women are, their characters and diving into that world,” McGhee said in a recent interview with IndieWire.
“For us, it was about learning the story, learning who these women are, their characters and diving into that world,” McGhee said in a recent interview with IndieWire.
- 6/15/2021
- by Valentina Valentini
- Indiewire
Storied filmmaker Spike Lee is the latest in a long line of auteurs to be awarded honors by the American Cinematheque.
The ceremony celebrating Lee’s more than three decade-career was presented virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. A collage of images from some of his most iconic “joints”, as well as a few personal photos of Lee with his wife Tonya, and children Satchel and Jackson and at a basketball game (presumably the filmmaker’s beloved Knicks) with Denzel Washington, served as the backdrop for the 34th annual event.
Past American Cinematheque honors recipient Jodie Foster hosted the broadcast, asking her “Inside Man” director, “It’s gotta be crazy to be honored for lifetime achievement. Does it seem like it’s been that long? Do you feel like you’re 100 years old?”
“If you love what you’re doing, you can delay Father Time,” Lee replied, “So I’ve...
The ceremony celebrating Lee’s more than three decade-career was presented virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. A collage of images from some of his most iconic “joints”, as well as a few personal photos of Lee with his wife Tonya, and children Satchel and Jackson and at a basketball game (presumably the filmmaker’s beloved Knicks) with Denzel Washington, served as the backdrop for the 34th annual event.
Past American Cinematheque honors recipient Jodie Foster hosted the broadcast, asking her “Inside Man” director, “It’s gotta be crazy to be honored for lifetime achievement. Does it seem like it’s been that long? Do you feel like you’re 100 years old?”
“If you love what you’re doing, you can delay Father Time,” Lee replied, “So I’ve...
- 1/15/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Spike Lee was honored by his peers and associates Thursday as he became the 34th recipient of the American Cinematheque Award, given to a filmmaker or star who has achieved, and continues to achieve, great success in their career.
The honor, usually presented during a glitzy tribute dinner, had to go virtual this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but that didn’t stop Lee’s wide swath of admirers and colleagues from participating via Zoom and other means in the slickly produced and nicely assembled show that went off without a hitch this evening. Hosted by Jodie Foster, who previously co-starred with Denzel Washington in 2006’s Inside Man — Lee tonight recalled it as one of his personal favorites — the tribute included an innovative feature showing virtual conversations between pairs of various past artists from all fields who have worked with Lee, focusing on a specific film on which they participated.
The honor, usually presented during a glitzy tribute dinner, had to go virtual this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but that didn’t stop Lee’s wide swath of admirers and colleagues from participating via Zoom and other means in the slickly produced and nicely assembled show that went off without a hitch this evening. Hosted by Jodie Foster, who previously co-starred with Denzel Washington in 2006’s Inside Man — Lee tonight recalled it as one of his personal favorites — the tribute included an innovative feature showing virtual conversations between pairs of various past artists from all fields who have worked with Lee, focusing on a specific film on which they participated.
- 1/15/2021
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Spike Lee is being honored with the American Cinematheque Award, and it undoubtedly encapsulates the director’s nearly five decades of artistic achievement. The award will be presented Jan. 14 in a virtual ceremony. “It’s a recognition of the body of work, and I’ve been putting in the work since the fall of 1979,” says Lee.
Previous American Cinematheque Award honorees include Amy Adams (2017), Bradley Cooper (2018) and Charlize Theron (2019).
After graduating from Morehouse College, Lee attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in the graduate film program. He has been a tenured professor and the artistic director since 2002. Lee also eyes the next generation of filmmakers and considers himself a “proud parent” when looking at all of his students, including directors Shaka King (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) and Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”).
“I’ve always felt that teachers that teach well are also learning from their students,...
Previous American Cinematheque Award honorees include Amy Adams (2017), Bradley Cooper (2018) and Charlize Theron (2019).
After graduating from Morehouse College, Lee attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in the graduate film program. He has been a tenured professor and the artistic director since 2002. Lee also eyes the next generation of filmmakers and considers himself a “proud parent” when looking at all of his students, including directors Shaka King (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) and Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”).
“I’ve always felt that teachers that teach well are also learning from their students,...
- 1/14/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Jennifer Hudson is producing and eyed to star in an untitled Christmas song comedy at New Line.
The feature will include both new and classic Christmas songs and center on a down-and-out singer’s life being turned upside down when she is mistaken for writing the next Christmas hit. Ira Madison III is writing the screenplay.
Hudson will next be seen as Aretha Franklin in the biopic “Respect,” directed by Liesl Tommy. Hudson, who was hand-picked by Franklin to play the role, executive produced the film. MGM is planning an Aug. 13, 2021, release date for “Respect,” which also stars Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald and Mary J. Blige.
Jonathan Glickman will produce the Christmas song movie through his Glickmania banner. Molly Mankiewicz will executive produce. The project reunites Hudson with Glickman, who is also producing “Respect.” His credits include “The Dark Half,” “Forever,” “Scandalous!” and “The Addams Family 2.”
Hudson...
The feature will include both new and classic Christmas songs and center on a down-and-out singer’s life being turned upside down when she is mistaken for writing the next Christmas hit. Ira Madison III is writing the screenplay.
Hudson will next be seen as Aretha Franklin in the biopic “Respect,” directed by Liesl Tommy. Hudson, who was hand-picked by Franklin to play the role, executive produced the film. MGM is planning an Aug. 13, 2021, release date for “Respect,” which also stars Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald and Mary J. Blige.
Jonathan Glickman will produce the Christmas song movie through his Glickmania banner. Molly Mankiewicz will executive produce. The project reunites Hudson with Glickman, who is also producing “Respect.” His credits include “The Dark Half,” “Forever,” “Scandalous!” and “The Addams Family 2.”
Hudson...
- 12/9/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Viagra has had a strong place in pop culture since it made its debut in 1998. Former Senator Bob Dole and soccer star Pelé pitched the erectile disfunction drug in ads, while countless shows and movies have used it as fodder for jokes over the last two decades. Now, the little blue pill is inspiring the next Spike Lee Joint: Lee is set to direct a musical take on the origins of the medication. (Via Deadline).
Lee co-wrote the screenplay with Kwame Kwei-Armah, and based it on David Kushner’s Esquire article “All Rise: The Untold Story of The Guys Who Launched Viagra.”
Inspired by Pfizer’s discovery and launch of Viagra, originally intended as a heart-related drug, original songs will be written by Stew Stewart and Heidi Rodewald, creators of the Tony-winning musical “Passing Strange.” Lee directed a filmed version of that stage production that was released in 2009.
Lee’s...
Lee co-wrote the screenplay with Kwame Kwei-Armah, and based it on David Kushner’s Esquire article “All Rise: The Untold Story of The Guys Who Launched Viagra.”
Inspired by Pfizer’s discovery and launch of Viagra, originally intended as a heart-related drug, original songs will be written by Stew Stewart and Heidi Rodewald, creators of the Tony-winning musical “Passing Strange.” Lee directed a filmed version of that stage production that was released in 2009.
Lee’s...
- 11/17/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Spike Lee will receive the American Cinematheque Award and will be honored during a virtual tribute on Jan. 14, 2021.
American Cinematheque chair Rick Nicita said the legendary director always keeps his finger on the pulse of society.
“As a cultural arts organization that celebrates the importance of film in our society, Spike Lee is the perfect choice for the Cinematheque’s annual award,” Nicita said. “Spike’s ability to perceive and depict the tone of contemporary society is shown in his movies, ranging from ‘Do the Right Thing,’ ‘She’s Gotta Have It,’ ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘BlacKkKlansman’ to name only a few. He continues his outstanding output with this year’s ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ‘American Utopia.’ We look forward with great anticipation to where he will next shine his light.”
“BlacKkKlansman,” which Lee co-wrote and directed, won the Academy Award for adapted screenplay. He was also nominated for an Oscar for directing and producing “BlacKkKlansman.
American Cinematheque chair Rick Nicita said the legendary director always keeps his finger on the pulse of society.
“As a cultural arts organization that celebrates the importance of film in our society, Spike Lee is the perfect choice for the Cinematheque’s annual award,” Nicita said. “Spike’s ability to perceive and depict the tone of contemporary society is shown in his movies, ranging from ‘Do the Right Thing,’ ‘She’s Gotta Have It,’ ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘BlacKkKlansman’ to name only a few. He continues his outstanding output with this year’s ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ‘American Utopia.’ We look forward with great anticipation to where he will next shine his light.”
“BlacKkKlansman,” which Lee co-wrote and directed, won the Academy Award for adapted screenplay. He was also nominated for an Oscar for directing and producing “BlacKkKlansman.
- 10/22/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Anthony Chisholm, a Tony-nominated actor who was a veteran presence on stage, TV and film, has died at the age of 77.
His talent agency confirmed his death to TheWrap early on Saturday.
“The Katz Company is saddened to announce the passing of our longtime friend and client, Tony-Nominee, Anthony Chisholm,” the firm said in a statement. “Affectionately called ‘Chiz,’ he was an actor and storyteller like none-other, embodying loyalty, devotion, and compassion to his artistry.”
Chisholm, best remembered by many for his three seasons portraying Burr Redding on HBO’s “Oz,” earned his Tony nomination in 2007 for his portrayal of Elder Joseph Balow in playwright August Wilson’s “Radio Golf.” Chisholm and Wilson were frequent collaborators dating back to 1990 when he was cast in the latter’s play “Two Trains Running.”
His lengthy resume also included an off-Broadway run in “Jitney” in 2000, and he later rejoined the production for its 2017 Broadway revival,...
His talent agency confirmed his death to TheWrap early on Saturday.
“The Katz Company is saddened to announce the passing of our longtime friend and client, Tony-Nominee, Anthony Chisholm,” the firm said in a statement. “Affectionately called ‘Chiz,’ he was an actor and storyteller like none-other, embodying loyalty, devotion, and compassion to his artistry.”
Chisholm, best remembered by many for his three seasons portraying Burr Redding on HBO’s “Oz,” earned his Tony nomination in 2007 for his portrayal of Elder Joseph Balow in playwright August Wilson’s “Radio Golf.” Chisholm and Wilson were frequent collaborators dating back to 1990 when he was cast in the latter’s play “Two Trains Running.”
His lengthy resume also included an off-Broadway run in “Jitney” in 2000, and he later rejoined the production for its 2017 Broadway revival,...
- 10/17/2020
- by Sean Burch
- The Wrap
Anthony Chisholm, the actor who played Burr Redding on HBO’s prison drama Oz, has died at the age of 77. Although no cause of death was immediately given, his passing was confirmed by The Katz Company.
Best known for his recurring work on Oz‘s last three seasons, Chisholm starred in a total of 23 episodes from 2001-2003. His other TV credits include Law & Order: Svu, High Maintenance, Random Acts of Flyness, Hack and last year’s Hulu drama Wu-Tang: An American Saga.
More from TVLineA Million Little Things Dangles Eddie's Fate in First Season 3 FootageKaley Cuoco's Flight Attendant Gets HBO Max Launch Date,...
Best known for his recurring work on Oz‘s last three seasons, Chisholm starred in a total of 23 episodes from 2001-2003. His other TV credits include Law & Order: Svu, High Maintenance, Random Acts of Flyness, Hack and last year’s Hulu drama Wu-Tang: An American Saga.
More from TVLineA Million Little Things Dangles Eddie's Fate in First Season 3 FootageKaley Cuoco's Flight Attendant Gets HBO Max Launch Date,...
- 10/17/2020
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Tony-nominated actor Anthony Chisholm, known for his work in venerated playwright August Wilson’s final installment of the “Pittsburgh Cycle,” has died, his talent management company confirmed. He was 77.
“The Katz Company is saddened to announce the passing of our longtime friend and client, Tony-Nominee, Anthony Chisholm,” president Jeremy Katz said. “Affectionately called ‘Chiz,’ he was an actor and storyteller like none-other, embodying loyalty, devotion, and compassion to his artistry.”
Chisholm met Wilson in 1990 while auditioning for “Two Trains Running,” and was cast in the role of Wolf, which paved the way for a lifelong collaboration between the two. After appearing in the first run of the play at Yale Repertory Theatre, he went on a cross-country tour with the production to various theaters including Boston’s Huntington Theatre, Los Angeles’ Doolittle Theatre and the Kennedy Center. Chisholm later reprised the role in the Broadway production in 1992. Four years later,...
“The Katz Company is saddened to announce the passing of our longtime friend and client, Tony-Nominee, Anthony Chisholm,” president Jeremy Katz said. “Affectionately called ‘Chiz,’ he was an actor and storyteller like none-other, embodying loyalty, devotion, and compassion to his artistry.”
Chisholm met Wilson in 1990 while auditioning for “Two Trains Running,” and was cast in the role of Wolf, which paved the way for a lifelong collaboration between the two. After appearing in the first run of the play at Yale Repertory Theatre, he went on a cross-country tour with the production to various theaters including Boston’s Huntington Theatre, Los Angeles’ Doolittle Theatre and the Kennedy Center. Chisholm later reprised the role in the Broadway production in 1992. Four years later,...
- 10/17/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
A suspect has been arrested in the murder case of Thomas Jefferson Byrd, a character actor who had appeared in several of Spike Lee’s movies. Byrd was killed in Atlanta on October 3.
30-year-old Antonio Demetrice Rhynes was arrested on Friday morning, the Atlanta Police Department told TheWrap in a statement. Apd Fugitive Unit in coordination with Apd Swat officers arrested Rhynes on Friday morning at Royal Oaks Apartments 3540 North Camp Creek Parkway.
A warrant was issued for Rhynes arrest on Wednesday by homicide detectives. Once processed, the suspect will be taken to the Fulton County Jail.
The Atlanta Police Department previously said that on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to 2257 Belvedere Ave found Byrd dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the back and was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The Atlanta Police Department is proud of the diligent efforts of the Homicide Unit to identify...
30-year-old Antonio Demetrice Rhynes was arrested on Friday morning, the Atlanta Police Department told TheWrap in a statement. Apd Fugitive Unit in coordination with Apd Swat officers arrested Rhynes on Friday morning at Royal Oaks Apartments 3540 North Camp Creek Parkway.
A warrant was issued for Rhynes arrest on Wednesday by homicide detectives. Once processed, the suspect will be taken to the Fulton County Jail.
The Atlanta Police Department previously said that on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to 2257 Belvedere Ave found Byrd dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the back and was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The Atlanta Police Department is proud of the diligent efforts of the Homicide Unit to identify...
- 10/16/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Police arrested a man on Friday morning who is accused of murdering Thomas Jefferson Byrd, the character actor who appeared in several Spike Lee films.
Antonio Demetrice Rhynes, 30, was arrested by a fugitive unit and Swat team officers, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Rhynes is accused of shooting Byrd early on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 3. Officers were called to the home at 2257 Belvedere Ave. at 1:45 a.m. They found Byrd dead with multiple gunshots in the back, according to a police statement.
According to police, homicide detectives followed up on evidence and tips from citizens to identify Rhynes as a suspect. They obtained a warrant for his arrest on suspicion of murder on Wednesday.
Rhynes was arrested early on Friday morning at the Royal Oaks Apartments, at 3540 North Camp Creek Parkway. He will be taken to the Fulton County Jail.
“The Atlanta Police Department is proud of...
Antonio Demetrice Rhynes, 30, was arrested by a fugitive unit and Swat team officers, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Rhynes is accused of shooting Byrd early on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 3. Officers were called to the home at 2257 Belvedere Ave. at 1:45 a.m. They found Byrd dead with multiple gunshots in the back, according to a police statement.
According to police, homicide detectives followed up on evidence and tips from citizens to identify Rhynes as a suspect. They obtained a warrant for his arrest on suspicion of murder on Wednesday.
Rhynes was arrested early on Friday morning at the Royal Oaks Apartments, at 3540 North Camp Creek Parkway. He will be taken to the Fulton County Jail.
“The Atlanta Police Department is proud of...
- 10/16/2020
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, who had featured in many films by director Spike Lee, died of gunshot wounds here this weekend. He was 70.
Byrd died on Saturday "from multiple gunshot wounds to the back", a spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement to eonline.com. Officers responded to a "person injured call" around 1.45 am on Saturday and, upon arrival, the authorities said they found "a male lying unresponsive at the location".
Byrd's death is currently under investigation, the police said.
Spike Lee took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late actor, who appeared in his projects such as "Chi-Raq", "Clockers", "Red Hook Summer" and "He Got Game".
"I'm So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia," Lee wrote on Instagram.
The director noted the films he worked with the late actor on, and concluded by...
Byrd died on Saturday "from multiple gunshot wounds to the back", a spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement to eonline.com. Officers responded to a "person injured call" around 1.45 am on Saturday and, upon arrival, the authorities said they found "a male lying unresponsive at the location".
Byrd's death is currently under investigation, the police said.
Spike Lee took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late actor, who appeared in his projects such as "Chi-Raq", "Clockers", "Red Hook Summer" and "He Got Game".
"I'm So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia," Lee wrote on Instagram.
The director noted the films he worked with the late actor on, and concluded by...
- 10/5/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Thomas Jefferson Byrd in Clockers
Thomas Jefferson Byrd, star of Clockers and He Got Game, has been shot dead in Atlanta, Georgia, according to a police statement. Paramedics reported that he had multiple gunshot wounds but at present nothing else is known about the incident.
Byrd, 70, spent almost three decades as a film actor, appearing in films like Ray, Bamboozled, Brooklyn's Finest and Chi-Raq as well as carving out an impressive career on the stage. He had a lengthy working relationship with Spike Lee, who described him as a beloved brother.
Byrd's last role was in US Civil War drama Freedom's Path, which is expected to be released next year....
Thomas Jefferson Byrd, star of Clockers and He Got Game, has been shot dead in Atlanta, Georgia, according to a police statement. Paramedics reported that he had multiple gunshot wounds but at present nothing else is known about the incident.
Byrd, 70, spent almost three decades as a film actor, appearing in films like Ray, Bamboozled, Brooklyn's Finest and Chi-Raq as well as carving out an impressive career on the stage. He had a lengthy working relationship with Spike Lee, who described him as a beloved brother.
Byrd's last role was in US Civil War drama Freedom's Path, which is expected to be released next year....
- 10/5/2020
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Tony-nominated actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd who is best known or his many roles in Spike Lee’s films was found killed in Atlanta. He was 70.
According to media reports, Byrd was found unresponsive early Sunday morning. Paramedics pronounced him dead as they found multiple gunshot wounds in his back.
Byrd was a frequent collaborator with Lee, appearing in eight of his films including Clockers, Get on the Bus, Girl 6, He Got Game, Bamboozled, Red Hook Summer, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus and Chi-Raq. He also appeared in the Netflix series adaptation of Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It. His film credits also include the 1996 crime drama Set It Off as well as the Oscar-winning pic Ray.
A graduate of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Byrd made his Broadway debut in the revival of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Carl Gordon, Charles S. Dutton and Stephen McKinley Henderson.
According to media reports, Byrd was found unresponsive early Sunday morning. Paramedics pronounced him dead as they found multiple gunshot wounds in his back.
Byrd was a frequent collaborator with Lee, appearing in eight of his films including Clockers, Get on the Bus, Girl 6, He Got Game, Bamboozled, Red Hook Summer, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus and Chi-Raq. He also appeared in the Netflix series adaptation of Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It. His film credits also include the 1996 crime drama Set It Off as well as the Oscar-winning pic Ray.
A graduate of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Byrd made his Broadway debut in the revival of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Carl Gordon, Charles S. Dutton and Stephen McKinley Henderson.
- 10/4/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, the Tony-nominated actor known for his roles in several Spike Lee films, was killed in Atlanta on Saturday. He was 78. Lee has posted several remembrances of Byrd on Instagram. “May we all wish condolences and blessings to his family. Rest in peace brother Byrd,” the director wrote.
The Atlanta Police Department confirmed to IndieWire that Byrd was shot Saturday at a home in Atlanta. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Collaboration between Lee and Byrd dates back to Lee’s 1995 crime drama “Clockers.” Lee shared on Instagram two clips from the film featuring Byrd, including one he said was one of his favorite scenes in the movie.
The actor most recently worked with Lee in the 2015 gun-violence musical satire “Chi-Raq.” His other notable credits include Lee’s “He Got Game,” in which he performed opposite Milla Jovovich and Denzel Washington and...
The Atlanta Police Department confirmed to IndieWire that Byrd was shot Saturday at a home in Atlanta. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Collaboration between Lee and Byrd dates back to Lee’s 1995 crime drama “Clockers.” Lee shared on Instagram two clips from the film featuring Byrd, including one he said was one of his favorite scenes in the movie.
The actor most recently worked with Lee in the 2015 gun-violence musical satire “Chi-Raq.” His other notable credits include Lee’s “He Got Game,” in which he performed opposite Milla Jovovich and Denzel Washington and...
- 10/4/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Thomas Jefferson Byrd, an actor in several of Spike Lee’s films, was killed in Atlanta on Saturday, the Atlanta Police Department confirmed to Variety. He was 70.
On Saturday, Atlanta police officers were dispatched to 2259 Belvedere Ave., responding to a call about an injured person at 1:45 a.m. Upon arrival, officers located Byrd lying unresponsive at the location. Emergency medial services responded to the scene, identified Byrd and pronounced him dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the back.
Homicide detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the investigation is currently ongoing. The Atlanta Police Department tells Variety that the information is preliminary in nature and could change as the investigation continues or new information comes to light.
Byrd appeared in several of Lee’s films, including “Clockers,” “Get on the Bus,” “Bamboozled,” “Chi-Raq,” “Red Hook Summer,” “Girl 6” and “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.” He...
On Saturday, Atlanta police officers were dispatched to 2259 Belvedere Ave., responding to a call about an injured person at 1:45 a.m. Upon arrival, officers located Byrd lying unresponsive at the location. Emergency medial services responded to the scene, identified Byrd and pronounced him dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the back.
Homicide detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the investigation is currently ongoing. The Atlanta Police Department tells Variety that the information is preliminary in nature and could change as the investigation continues or new information comes to light.
Byrd appeared in several of Lee’s films, including “Clockers,” “Get on the Bus,” “Bamboozled,” “Chi-Raq,” “Red Hook Summer,” “Girl 6” and “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.” He...
- 10/4/2020
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Over the last decade, Teyonah Parris has broken into the acting world and shown how incredibly talented she is. Her resume includes roles in successful TV shows like Mad Men and Survivor’s Remorse. She has also brought her talents to the big screen and she’s had roles in movies such as Chi-Raq and The Photograph. She also has a role in the upcoming film, Candyman, which is a remake of the of the 1992 film of the same namy. The amount of depth and versatility Teyonah brings to ever character she plays is truly unmatched. If you see Teyonah’s name
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Teyonah Parris...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Teyonah Parris...
- 9/27/2020
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
Samuel L. Jackson is set to reprise the role of Nick Fury in a new Marvel series currently in development at Disney Plus, Variety has learned exclusively from sources.
The exact plot details of the show are being kept under wraps, but multiple sources say Jackson is attached to star with Kyle Bradstreet attached to write and executive produce. Like all the other Marvel shows at Disney Plus, Marvel Studios will produce.
Reps for Jackson, Bradstreet, and Disney did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.
Jackson famously portrayed Fury, the monocular head of the clandestine government agency S.H.I.E.L.D, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe going back to the post-credits scene in the first “Iron Man” film in 2008. He has appeared in multiple films within the McU since, most recently portraying Fury in “Spider-Man: Far from Home,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Captain Marvel.” He also...
The exact plot details of the show are being kept under wraps, but multiple sources say Jackson is attached to star with Kyle Bradstreet attached to write and executive produce. Like all the other Marvel shows at Disney Plus, Marvel Studios will produce.
Reps for Jackson, Bradstreet, and Disney did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.
Jackson famously portrayed Fury, the monocular head of the clandestine government agency S.H.I.E.L.D, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe going back to the post-credits scene in the first “Iron Man” film in 2008. He has appeared in multiple films within the McU since, most recently portraying Fury in “Spider-Man: Far from Home,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Captain Marvel.” He also...
- 9/25/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
On the evening of August 23rd, 1917, while American boys fought next to their brethren overseas, a group of soldiers marched into the streets of Houston, Texas. They begun firing on locals, many of whom were officers of the law. By the time the sun rose the next morning, 11 civilians, five policeman and four Army personnel who’d come to investigate the melee were dead. A trial ensued, which ended with 58 out of the 63 soldiers found guilty, and 19 of those men summarily executed. It bears mentioning that these men were part of the 24th U.
- 8/20/2020
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Exclusive: FIlmmaking icon Spike Lee will be honored by the Location Managers Guild International (Lmgi) with the Trailblazer Award at the 7th Annual Lmgi Awards. The virtual awards show is set for October 24 at 2pm Pt and will be hosted by Isaiah Mustafa.
The news of Lee’s award was announced by Lmgi President Mike Fantasia and Awards Co-chairs Lori Balton and John Rakich. This year’s Lmgi Awards ceremony will celebrate the theme “2020 Vision: We See It First.”
“We are especially grateful that Mr. Lee has brought so much diverse talent into the industry,” said Awards Co-chair and former Lmgi President Lori Balton. “Actors like Samuel Jackson, Rosie Perez and Giancarlo Esposito, but also so many of us working behind the scenes—Wynn Thomas, Ruth Carter, Ernest Dickerson and Brent Owens to name a few. He is a Trailblazer on a number of levels.”
Lee...
The news of Lee’s award was announced by Lmgi President Mike Fantasia and Awards Co-chairs Lori Balton and John Rakich. This year’s Lmgi Awards ceremony will celebrate the theme “2020 Vision: We See It First.”
“We are especially grateful that Mr. Lee has brought so much diverse talent into the industry,” said Awards Co-chair and former Lmgi President Lori Balton. “Actors like Samuel Jackson, Rosie Perez and Giancarlo Esposito, but also so many of us working behind the scenes—Wynn Thomas, Ruth Carter, Ernest Dickerson and Brent Owens to name a few. He is a Trailblazer on a number of levels.”
Lee...
- 7/30/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
This year, the motion picture academy achieved its five-year goal of doubling the number of women among its membership. In all, 819 film professionals were invited to become part of the organization that hands out the Oscars. Compare this intake to the totals of the previous five years: 842 in 2019; a record 928 in 2018; 774 in 2017; 683 in 2016; 322 in 2015; and 271 in 2014.
While Academy Awards nominees are automatically eligible for consideration, the rest of the candidates must go through a fairly cumbersome process. A candidate must meet certain branch specific requirements before even being eligible.
For example, actors must “have a minimum of three theatrical feature film credits, in all of which the roles played were scripted roles, one of which was released in the past five years, and all of which are of a caliber that reflect the high standards of the Academy.” For writers, directors and producers they need have just two of these credits.
While Academy Awards nominees are automatically eligible for consideration, the rest of the candidates must go through a fairly cumbersome process. A candidate must meet certain branch specific requirements before even being eligible.
For example, actors must “have a minimum of three theatrical feature film credits, in all of which the roles played were scripted roles, one of which was released in the past five years, and all of which are of a caliber that reflect the high standards of the Academy.” For writers, directors and producers they need have just two of these credits.
- 7/1/2020
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 819 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
The 2020 class is 45% women, 36% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49% international from 68 countries. There are 75 Oscar® nominees, including 15 winners, and five recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2020.
“The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences. We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community, and never more so than now,” said Academy President David Rubin.
In 2016, the Academy set specific inclusion goals as part of its A2020 initiative to double the number of women and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities by 2020. Through dedicated and intentional work by the Board of...
The 2020 class is 45% women, 36% underrepresented ethnic/racial communities, and 49% international from 68 countries. There are 75 Oscar® nominees, including 15 winners, and five recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards. Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2020.
“The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences. We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community, and never more so than now,” said Academy President David Rubin.
In 2016, the Academy set specific inclusion goals as part of its A2020 initiative to double the number of women and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities by 2020. Through dedicated and intentional work by the Board of...
- 7/1/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 819 artists and executives to join the organization in 2020.
In doing so, the Academy continues its work on diversifying its ranks. If all 819 invitees accept their invitations, 45% of the new members will be women and 36% are from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities. International make-up is 49% from 68 countries.
“The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences. We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community, and never more so than now,” said Academy president David Rubin said in a statement.
In 2016, as part of its A2020 initiative, the Academy promised to at least double the number of women and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities by this year. “Through dedicated and intentional work by the Board of Governors and members on the branch executive committees, the Academy has surpassed both these goals,...
In doing so, the Academy continues its work on diversifying its ranks. If all 819 invitees accept their invitations, 45% of the new members will be women and 36% are from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities. International make-up is 49% from 68 countries.
“The Academy is delighted to welcome these distinguished fellow travelers in the motion picture arts and sciences. We have always embraced extraordinary talent that reflects the rich variety of our global film community, and never more so than now,” said Academy president David Rubin said in a statement.
In 2016, as part of its A2020 initiative, the Academy promised to at least double the number of women and underrepresented ethnic/racial communities by this year. “Through dedicated and intentional work by the Board of Governors and members on the branch executive committees, the Academy has surpassed both these goals,...
- 6/30/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
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