Exclusive: M88 has signed actor, stand up-comedian, and entrepreneur Desi Banks for representation.
Currently on his cross-country “Purpose Chaser” theatre tour, which follows a 50-city tour in 2022, Banks has toured with the likes of Mike Epps, Deray Davis, Kountry Wayne, Gary Owens, Lavell Crawford, and more. A content creator who has thus far produced over 3,500 original videos, he boasts a following of over 15M fans across various social media platforms.
After being publicly praised by Kevin Hart as a “next great” talent, Banks was brought on board for a cameo in a Hartbeat-produced Super Bowl ’23 commercial for DraftKings. Other heavy hitters with whom he’s worked include Ludacris and 21 Savage.
As an actor, Banks has appeared in major motion pictures such as Will Packer’s Little starring Issa Rae and Regina Hall; the Terry J. Vaughn-produced and directed Merry WishMas; and 2017’s Love by Chance. He also landed a...
Currently on his cross-country “Purpose Chaser” theatre tour, which follows a 50-city tour in 2022, Banks has toured with the likes of Mike Epps, Deray Davis, Kountry Wayne, Gary Owens, Lavell Crawford, and more. A content creator who has thus far produced over 3,500 original videos, he boasts a following of over 15M fans across various social media platforms.
After being publicly praised by Kevin Hart as a “next great” talent, Banks was brought on board for a cameo in a Hartbeat-produced Super Bowl ’23 commercial for DraftKings. Other heavy hitters with whom he’s worked include Ludacris and 21 Savage.
As an actor, Banks has appeared in major motion pictures such as Will Packer’s Little starring Issa Rae and Regina Hall; the Terry J. Vaughn-produced and directed Merry WishMas; and 2017’s Love by Chance. He also landed a...
- 3/28/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Idris Elba and Empire star Taraji P. Henson collaborated for the first time in the feature No Good Deed. But it was a film that Henson joked she had to guilt Elba into doing.
Taraji P. Henson really wanted to work with Idris Elba in ‘No Good Deed’ Taraji P. Henson and Idris Elba | Johnny Nunez/WireImage
No Good Deed saw Elba playing a villain in the 2014 thriller. Henson’s character attempts to help Elba in a bind, but her generosity backfires, and Elba ends up threatening her life.
Henson was on a mission to cast Elba in the film from the very beginning, especially since she hadn’t worked with him before.
“It was always Idris, because I had never worked with him. I had just finished working with Michael Ealy on Think Like a Man, I’ve worked with Morris Chestnut, all of the names we started...
Taraji P. Henson really wanted to work with Idris Elba in ‘No Good Deed’ Taraji P. Henson and Idris Elba | Johnny Nunez/WireImage
No Good Deed saw Elba playing a villain in the 2014 thriller. Henson’s character attempts to help Elba in a bind, but her generosity backfires, and Elba ends up threatening her life.
Henson was on a mission to cast Elba in the film from the very beginning, especially since she hadn’t worked with him before.
“It was always Idris, because I had never worked with him. I had just finished working with Michael Ealy on Think Like a Man, I’ve worked with Morris Chestnut, all of the names we started...
- 3/23/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The end is in sight for That Girl Lay Lay. The Nickelodeon buddy comedy starring teen hip-hop artist Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High and Gabrielle Nevaeh Green will end with the current second season, we’ve learned. The Season 2 finale, which will now serve as the series finale, airs tomorrow, Wednesday, March 20.
“After 46 episodes across two seasons of That Girl Lay Lay, we are ending production on the show, and we are incredibly grateful to the cast and crew for their immeasurable contributions on the production,” a Nickelodeon spokesperson confirmed in a statement to Deadline.
That Girl Lay Lay hailed from creator David A. Arnold, who died in September 2022 at 54. The series follows the titular actress as an avatar from a personal affirmation app that magically comes to life, and her best friend Sadie (Green) as they navigate life as teenagers and discover who they truly are.
In Season...
“After 46 episodes across two seasons of That Girl Lay Lay, we are ending production on the show, and we are incredibly grateful to the cast and crew for their immeasurable contributions on the production,” a Nickelodeon spokesperson confirmed in a statement to Deadline.
That Girl Lay Lay hailed from creator David A. Arnold, who died in September 2022 at 54. The series follows the titular actress as an avatar from a personal affirmation app that magically comes to life, and her best friend Sadie (Green) as they navigate life as teenagers and discover who they truly are.
In Season...
- 3/19/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock is heading into a summer of love.
The streamer has renewed Queens Court, from Will Packer, for a second season, and is bringing back Love Undercover and Love Island USA this summer.
Queens Court is back with three new celebrity queens who embark on a journey of a lifetime to find their King by dating 22 confident, successful men. Guided by Hollywood couple hosts, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete, the Queens must let go of past heartbreak, embrace new connections, and find a man worthy of sharing their throne.
It is produced by Will Packer Entertainment and Lighthearted Entertainment with Rob Laplante, Jeff Spangler, Will Packer, Richard Brown and Leola Westbrook-Lawrence exec producing.
Elsewhere, Love Undercover, which follows a small group of international soccer stars who come to the United States on a secret quest for true love, will premiere on the streamer on May 9.
The series is produced...
The streamer has renewed Queens Court, from Will Packer, for a second season, and is bringing back Love Undercover and Love Island USA this summer.
Queens Court is back with three new celebrity queens who embark on a journey of a lifetime to find their King by dating 22 confident, successful men. Guided by Hollywood couple hosts, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete, the Queens must let go of past heartbreak, embrace new connections, and find a man worthy of sharing their throne.
It is produced by Will Packer Entertainment and Lighthearted Entertainment with Rob Laplante, Jeff Spangler, Will Packer, Richard Brown and Leola Westbrook-Lawrence exec producing.
Elsewhere, Love Undercover, which follows a small group of international soccer stars who come to the United States on a secret quest for true love, will premiere on the streamer on May 9.
The series is produced...
- 2/14/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Marsha Stephanie Blake has joined the cast of the upcoming Peacock limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” Variety has learned exclusively.
Blake joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, Don Cheadle, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Blake will star as Delores Hudson, described as “Jd’s (Cheadle) wife and a social worker fighting for her community.”
Blake received an Emmy nomination for her role in the...
Blake joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, Don Cheadle, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Blake will star as Delores Hudson, described as “Jd’s (Cheadle) wife and a social worker fighting for her community.”
Blake received an Emmy nomination for her role in the...
- 2/8/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Will Packer Media and Kinetic Content are developing Tia Williams’ Seven Days in June as a series for Prime Video, with Felicia Pride serving as writer and showrunner.
Pride will also executive produce the project through her production company Honey Chile, along with Will Packer and Sabrina Wind through Will Packer Media. Williams will also EP, while Honey Chile’s Ivy Grant will serve as a consultant.
Seven Days in June was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick in June 2021 and a New York Times bestseller. Named best book by several publications including USA Today, Harper’s Bazaar and the Los Angeles Times, the novel is a BookTok favorite and has been heralded as “gutting, arousing, and sparklingly witty” by Vogue Entertainment.
Williams’ fourth novel The Perfect Find was adapted into the 2023 film starring Gabrielle Union that debuted on Netflix. Her upcoming novel A Love Song for Ricki Wilde,...
Pride will also executive produce the project through her production company Honey Chile, along with Will Packer and Sabrina Wind through Will Packer Media. Williams will also EP, while Honey Chile’s Ivy Grant will serve as a consultant.
Seven Days in June was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick in June 2021 and a New York Times bestseller. Named best book by several publications including USA Today, Harper’s Bazaar and the Los Angeles Times, the novel is a BookTok favorite and has been heralded as “gutting, arousing, and sparklingly witty” by Vogue Entertainment.
Williams’ fourth novel The Perfect Find was adapted into the 2023 film starring Gabrielle Union that debuted on Netflix. Her upcoming novel A Love Song for Ricki Wilde,...
- 2/7/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Don Cheadle is the latest name to team up with Kevin Hart to star in Peacock’s limited true crime series ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.’
Based on the podcast ‘Fight Night,’ the series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will take on the role of the series regular Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
He joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
Also in news – Toni Collette set for comedy ‘A French Pursuit’
Kevin Hart is...
Based on the podcast ‘Fight Night,’ the series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will take on the role of the series regular Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
He joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
Also in news – Toni Collette set for comedy ‘A French Pursuit’
Kevin Hart is...
- 2/6/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Don Cheadle is the latest addition to the stacked cast for the upcoming Peacock limited true crime series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.”
Cheadle joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will appear in the series regular role of Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
Cheadle has...
Cheadle joins previously announced series lead Kevin Hart in the show, along with fellow cast members Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Cheadle will appear in the series regular role of Jd Hudson, described as “one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery.”
Cheadle has...
- 2/5/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, the Peacock limited series that tells the story of an infamous armed robbery after Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight, has added Don Cheadle to its cast.
Cheadle is to play Jd Hudson, one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery, in the series.
He joins Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard in the series, which comes from Shaye Ogbonna.
Set in Atlanta, the series follows the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all.
The series was created and written by Ogbonna, who serves as showrunner alongside Jason Horwitch. It is produced by Universal Television and is based on the podcast Fight Night.
Ogbonna, Horwitch, Hart, Will Packer, Sabrina Wind,...
Cheadle is to play Jd Hudson, one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives assigned to Ali’s security detail and the robbery, in the series.
He joins Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard in the series, which comes from Shaye Ogbonna.
Set in Atlanta, the series follows the heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all.
The series was created and written by Ogbonna, who serves as showrunner alongside Jason Horwitch. It is produced by Universal Television and is based on the podcast Fight Night.
Ogbonna, Horwitch, Hart, Will Packer, Sabrina Wind,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Myles Bullock (Bmf) has landed a role in Peacock’s starry true crime limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. He joins an ensemble that includes Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Dexter Darden. Details as to his role are under wraps.
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s (Darden) historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson is the latest addition to the cast of the upcoming Peacock limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” Variety has learned.
Henson joins previously announced cast members Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden. The role reunites Henson, Howard, and Craig Brewer, who is executive producing and directing. The three previously worked together on projects like the Oscar-winning film “Hustle & Flow” as well as the hit Fox music industry drama “Empire.”
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Hart will star as Chicken Man,...
Henson joins previously announced cast members Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden. The role reunites Henson, Howard, and Craig Brewer, who is executive producing and directing. The three previously worked together on projects like the Oscar-winning film “Hustle & Flow” as well as the hit Fox music industry drama “Empire.”
The series is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Will Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. It will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Hart will star as Chicken Man,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Dexter Darden has signed on to join Peacock’s “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” limited series, Variety has confirmed. He’ll take on the role of heavyweight boxer, Muhammad Ali.
Based on the true crime podcast “Fight Night” by Doghouse Pictures, LLC and iHeartMedia + Entertainment, the true crime limited series tells the story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city. The series follows the infamous heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that “introduced the world to the city dubbed ‘the Black Mecca,’ and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all,” reads the description. nh. nnb
Darden joins previously announced star Kevin Hart, who also executive produces alongside Will Packer. As Variety previously reported, Samuel L. Jackson joined the series as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given...
Based on the true crime podcast “Fight Night” by Doghouse Pictures, LLC and iHeartMedia + Entertainment, the true crime limited series tells the story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city. The series follows the infamous heavyweight fight and criminal underground heist that “introduced the world to the city dubbed ‘the Black Mecca,’ and the cop and the hustler at the center of it all,” reads the description. nh. nnb
Darden joins previously announced star Kevin Hart, who also executive produces alongside Will Packer. As Variety previously reported, Samuel L. Jackson joined the series as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given...
- 1/31/2024
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Up-and-comer Dexter Darden (Chang Can Dunk) has been tapped to portray all-time great boxer Muhammad Ali in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, the forthcoming true crime limited series for Peacock. He joins an ensemble that also includes Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard, as previously announced.
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, Fight Night tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.
Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch are serving as showrunners, with Craig Brewer directing the first two episodes and exec producing alongside Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video has acquired the family drama series “The Baxters” starring Roma Downey and Ted McGinley. The faith-infused series is based on the bestselling novels by author Karen Kingsbury.
The series has been in the works since early 2018, when Downey announced plans to produce a series based on Kingsbury’s books for her LightWorkers Media streaming platform. A number of episodes were produced but have never aired on LightWorkers or any other outlet. The deal with Prime Video comes as Amazon has heightened its focus on faith-based, family-friendly and uplifting series and movies.
Amazon Teams With Wonder Project on Faith-Based Films & Shows, Streamer Orders ‘House of David’ to Series
“With over 25 million fans of the Baxter series books we know audiences are going to love this family drama brought to life, and I am personally so excited to bring more inspirational content to Prime Video,” Downey said.
Downey is...
The series has been in the works since early 2018, when Downey announced plans to produce a series based on Kingsbury’s books for her LightWorkers Media streaming platform. A number of episodes were produced but have never aired on LightWorkers or any other outlet. The deal with Prime Video comes as Amazon has heightened its focus on faith-based, family-friendly and uplifting series and movies.
Amazon Teams With Wonder Project on Faith-Based Films & Shows, Streamer Orders ‘House of David’ to Series
“With over 25 million fans of the Baxter series books we know audiences are going to love this family drama brought to life, and I am personally so excited to bring more inspirational content to Prime Video,” Downey said.
Downey is...
- 1/25/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Prime Video has picked up the family drama series The Baxters, from LightWorkers Media, the faith and family-focused company founded by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey which is owned by Amazon MGM Studios through Amazon’s the acquisition of LightWorkers parent MGM.
The 10-episode series, based on the best-selling book series by Karen Kingsbury, is executive produced by Downey who stars as the family matriarch, Elizabeth Baxter, alongside Ted McGinley as John Baxter. The Baxters, which is slated to stream spring 2024 exclusively on Prime Video, was filmed in 2018. Also executive produced by Will Packer, it was originally intended to stream on LightWorkers Media’s platform.
The Baxters follows Elizabeth and John Baxter and their five adult children. Season 1 centers on Elizabeth and John’s daughter, Kari, who learns the shocking truth that her professor husband, Tim, has been secretly having an affair with one of his college students. As her relationship is tested,...
The 10-episode series, based on the best-selling book series by Karen Kingsbury, is executive produced by Downey who stars as the family matriarch, Elizabeth Baxter, alongside Ted McGinley as John Baxter. The Baxters, which is slated to stream spring 2024 exclusively on Prime Video, was filmed in 2018. Also executive produced by Will Packer, it was originally intended to stream on LightWorkers Media’s platform.
The Baxters follows Elizabeth and John Baxter and their five adult children. Season 1 centers on Elizabeth and John’s daughter, Kari, who learns the shocking truth that her professor husband, Tim, has been secretly having an affair with one of his college students. As her relationship is tested,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Samuel L. Jackson has teamed up with Kevin Hart to star in Peacock’s limited true crime series ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.’
The series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson takes on the role of notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Also in news – Jack Black added to ‘Minecraft’ movie
Kevin Hart is attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
The series is set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson takes on the role of notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Also in news – Jack Black added to ‘Minecraft’ movie
Kevin Hart is attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Regina Hall came down with pneumonia while shooting Girls Trip, the irreverent 2017 comedy from Will Packer, a savant who repeatedly has shown an obdurate Hollywood that Black movies can mint money at the box office. Hall recalls Packer’s superpower: persuading anyone, be they filmmakers, studio execs or, in this case, his star, to do what needs to be done. “I came to work, they tested me, and I had a fever. Will said he would rearrange the entire schedule so we could shoot my part first: ‘If you can just get through this scene for me, you won’t have to do anything else,’ ” she says. “I did get through it, and he made sure I had everything I needed to heal.”
Girls Trip — the first movie produced, written, directed by and starring African Americans to cross $100 million at the domestic box office on its way to earning $140.9 million...
Girls Trip — the first movie produced, written, directed by and starring African Americans to cross $100 million at the domestic box office on its way to earning $140.9 million...
- 1/8/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peacock is ready to touch gloves with Samuel L. Jackson after the Pulp Fiction and Snakes on a Plane star joined the cast of its Muhammad Ali limited series, Fight Night. Jackson plays Frank Moten for the series, a real-life underworld kingpin dubbed the Black Godfather by the New York tabloids. The project finds Jackson reuniting with Black Snake Moan filmmaker Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of Fight Night.
The plot takes place on the night of Ali defeating Jerry Quarry after he was banned from boxing for military draft dodging. The disturbing events of that evening include hundreds of guests at an after-party being robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the most significant armed robberies in United States history. The tale unfolds in Atlanta, with story elements revolving around the cop, J.D. Hudson, and Morten (Jackson), the hustler, orchestrating the unprecedented criminal event.
Fight Night also stars Kevin Hart,...
The plot takes place on the night of Ali defeating Jerry Quarry after he was banned from boxing for military draft dodging. The disturbing events of that evening include hundreds of guests at an after-party being robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the most significant armed robberies in United States history. The tale unfolds in Atlanta, with story elements revolving around the cop, J.D. Hudson, and Morten (Jackson), the hustler, orchestrating the unprecedented criminal event.
Fight Night also stars Kevin Hart,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Samuel L. Jackson is set to star in the upcoming Peacock true crime limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” Variety has learned.
The show was ordered to series at Peacock in December with Kevin Hart attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
The series will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson will star as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
The show was ordered to series at Peacock in December with Kevin Hart attached to star and executive produce with Will Packer also executive producing. It is based on the podcast “Fight Night,” which was produced by Packer along with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures.
The series will be set in Atlanta in 1970. The official description states that it will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.”
Jackson will star as notorious gangster Frank Moten, who was given the moniker “the Black Godfather” by New York tabloids.
Shaye Ogbonna serves as creator, and showruns alongside Jason Horwitch. Both executive produce alongside Hart,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Samuel L. Jackson has joined the Peacock Muhammad Ali limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. He will portray Frank Moten, a real-life underworld kingpin coined the Black Godfather by the NY tabloids.
The project reunites Jackson with Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of the show. The pair previously collaborated on the 2006 film Black Snake Moan.
The series will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen. Fight Night, set in Atlanta, will focus on the cop and the hustler, at the center of it all.
Kevin Hart will star in and produce the limited...
The project reunites Jackson with Craig Brewer, who will direct the first two episodes of the show. The pair previously collaborated on the 2006 film Black Snake Moan.
The series will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen. Fight Night, set in Atlanta, will focus on the cop and the hustler, at the center of it all.
Kevin Hart will star in and produce the limited...
- 1/5/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmy-winning actor Brad Garrett (Single Parents, Everybody Loves Raymond) will join Gina Rodriguez as a series regular in Season 2 of the ABC comedy Not Dead Yet, which premieres Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 8:30 pm, Deadline reports.
Garrett will portray Duncan Rhodes, the owner and publisher of the SoCal Independent newspaper who also happens to be the father of Nell’s boss Lexi (played by Superstore’s Lauren Ash).
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Garrett will portray Duncan Rhodes, the owner and publisher of the SoCal Independent newspaper who also happens to be the father of Nell’s boss Lexi (played by Superstore’s Lauren Ash).
More from TVLineGirls5eva Lands Season 3 Release Date at Netflix - Plus, Get a First LookMagnum P.I.: Is a Date Now Set for Series Finale?Chicago Fire Recruits How to Get...
- 12/13/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
The story of an infamous armed robbery after Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight is heading to streaming.
Kevin Hart will star in, and produce, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, which has landed a series order at Peacock. It is based on the eponymous podcast and comes from Shaye Ogbonna and Will Packer.
It will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen.
Shaye Ogbanna (Victoria Stevens)
The Atlanta-set limited series, which was created and written by Ogbonna, a writer on Penguin and The Chi, follow the fight and the heist introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and...
Kevin Hart will star in, and produce, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, which has landed a series order at Peacock. It is based on the eponymous podcast and comes from Shaye Ogbonna and Will Packer.
It will tell the story of how on the night of Ali’s defeat of Jerry Quarry, which came after he was banned from boxing for refusing to enter the military draft, hundreds of guests at an after-party were robbed at gunpoint, becoming one of the largest armed robberies the country has ever seen.
Shaye Ogbanna (Victoria Stevens)
The Atlanta-set limited series, which was created and written by Ogbonna, a writer on Penguin and The Chi, follow the fight and the heist introduced the world to the city dubbed “the Black Mecca,” and the cop and...
- 12/13/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock and Kevin Hart are stepping into the boxing ring.
The NBCUniversal streamer has ordered a limited series titled Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist that will tell the story of an armed robbery orchestrated around Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. Hart will star in the series and serve as an executive producer.
Fight Night is based on an iHeart podcast written by Jeff Keating (who also hosted) and Jim Roberts. Shaye Ogbonna (The Chi) created the TV series and will serve as showrunner along with Jason Horwitch (Peacock’s The Calling, Apple TV+’s Echo 3). The show comes from Universal Television, Will Packer Media (which also produced the podcast) and Doghouse Pictures. Craig Brewer (Dolemite Is My Name) is set to direct the first two episodes.
The series will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback...
The NBCUniversal streamer has ordered a limited series titled Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist that will tell the story of an armed robbery orchestrated around Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta. Hart will star in the series and serve as an executive producer.
Fight Night is based on an iHeart podcast written by Jeff Keating (who also hosted) and Jim Roberts. Shaye Ogbonna (The Chi) created the TV series and will serve as showrunner along with Jason Horwitch (Peacock’s The Calling, Apple TV+’s Echo 3). The show comes from Universal Television, Will Packer Media (which also produced the podcast) and Doghouse Pictures. Craig Brewer (Dolemite Is My Name) is set to direct the first two episodes.
The series will tell “the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 comeback...
- 12/13/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Some might say they don’t want a lot for Christmas, but who’s going to turn down a Christmas movie starring rapper-actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and comedian Lil Rel Howery?
Directed by Tim Story, and produced by Will Packer’s Will Packer Productions, comes the comedic fantasy film “Dashing Through the Snow,” which carries the title of the classic Christmas jingle “Dashing Through the Snow (Jingle Bells).”
In the lighthearted tale, Bridges stars as Eddie Garrick, a social worker who no longer believes in the magic of Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. But, with the help of his Christmas-loving daughter Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum) and good ol’ Saint Nick — who just goes by Nick (Lil Rel Howery) — the group is on a mission to restore Eddie’s faith in Christmas while evading wicked politician Conrad Harf (Oscar Nuñez).
The film lands exclusively on Disney+, and here’s...
Directed by Tim Story, and produced by Will Packer’s Will Packer Productions, comes the comedic fantasy film “Dashing Through the Snow,” which carries the title of the classic Christmas jingle “Dashing Through the Snow (Jingle Bells).”
In the lighthearted tale, Bridges stars as Eddie Garrick, a social worker who no longer believes in the magic of Christmas due to a traumatic childhood experience. But, with the help of his Christmas-loving daughter Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum) and good ol’ Saint Nick — who just goes by Nick (Lil Rel Howery) — the group is on a mission to restore Eddie’s faith in Christmas while evading wicked politician Conrad Harf (Oscar Nuñez).
The film lands exclusively on Disney+, and here’s...
- 11/20/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges never planned on being an actor when he started his rap career during the late ’90s. He attributes his successful transition from music to acting to late writer-director John Singleton, who gave him his breakout role as Tej Parker in the “The Fast and the Furious” (2001) sequel “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003).
During a discussion about his new role as Eddie Garrick in Disney+’s new Christmas movie “Dashing Through the Snow,” Bridges discussed his more than 20-year career as an actor, and how acting initially was never “part of the plan.”
While his debut role was playing an unsatisfied customer in record producer and filmmaker DJ Pooh’s comedy “The Wash” (2001), it wasn’t until Singleton cast him as a former street racer and mechanic that his acting career went full speed ahead.
“No, it was not part of the plan. I always give credit to John Singleton,...
During a discussion about his new role as Eddie Garrick in Disney+’s new Christmas movie “Dashing Through the Snow,” Bridges discussed his more than 20-year career as an actor, and how acting initially was never “part of the plan.”
While his debut role was playing an unsatisfied customer in record producer and filmmaker DJ Pooh’s comedy “The Wash” (2001), it wasn’t until Singleton cast him as a former street racer and mechanic that his acting career went full speed ahead.
“No, it was not part of the plan. I always give credit to John Singleton,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Producer Will Packer has launched a management company, Collective Edge, set to be run by longtime Will Packer Productions exec Shayla Cowan.
Packer will be managed by Collective Edge which, Cowan said in a statement, will be “dedicated to creating a community of innovators who continuously push boundaries, inspire one another, and redefine what is possible.”
Most recently, Cowan served as chief of staff for Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, where she served as a producer on the 2022 Academy Awards telecast, as well as the recent films Praise This for Peacock and Beast for Universal. She also advises the companies’ marketing, communications and business strategies.
“I’ve seen firsthand Shayla’s ability to cultivate relationships throughout this industry,” said Packer in a statement. “That combined with her unequaled work ethic, exceptional leadership and incredible advocacy skills make her an ideal choice to cultivate and propel the careers of...
Packer will be managed by Collective Edge which, Cowan said in a statement, will be “dedicated to creating a community of innovators who continuously push boundaries, inspire one another, and redefine what is possible.”
Most recently, Cowan served as chief of staff for Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, where she served as a producer on the 2022 Academy Awards telecast, as well as the recent films Praise This for Peacock and Beast for Universal. She also advises the companies’ marketing, communications and business strategies.
“I’ve seen firsthand Shayla’s ability to cultivate relationships throughout this industry,” said Packer in a statement. “That combined with her unequaled work ethic, exceptional leadership and incredible advocacy skills make her an ideal choice to cultivate and propel the careers of...
- 11/1/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges is a total Grinch, and it’s up to Lil Rel Howery to help him find the Christmas spirit in the trailer for the upcoming film Dashing Through the Snow, premiering Friday, Nov. 17 on Disney+.
Press Play on the above video for a sneak peek at the holiday hijinks in store.
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The movie stars Bridges as Eddie Garrick, an all-around good...
Press Play on the above video for a sneak peek at the holiday hijinks in store.
More from TVLineThe Crown Trailer Foreshadows Diana's Tragic Death in Final Season - WatchTVLine Items: Bradley Cooper's Maestro Trailer, Shoresy Renewed and MoreDoctor Who Sets Release Dates for Trio of Disney+ Specials - Watch Trailer
The movie stars Bridges as Eddie Garrick, an all-around good...
- 10/25/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Fresh off winning the Audience Award at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, “American Fiction” lays out its cynically comic premise in its first trailer. Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut features Jeffrey Wright as a struggling novelist who watches as his competition profits from Black entertainment that plays into cultural stereotypes and offensive tropes to the huzzahs of white cultural gatekeepers. In a moment of “If you can’t beat them, join them,” he uses a pen name to write a conventionally stereotypical memoir only to watch the book become a cultural focal point and a best-seller.
It’s a corker of an idea, adapted from adapted from Percival Everett’s 2001 novel “Erasure.” It brings to mind the likes of Bobcat Goldthwait’s “World’s Greatest Dad” (featuring one of Robin Williams’ best onscreen comic performances) and Sam Levinson’s “Malcolm and Marie” (a two-hander starring John David Washington and Zendaya...
It’s a corker of an idea, adapted from adapted from Percival Everett’s 2001 novel “Erasure.” It brings to mind the likes of Bobcat Goldthwait’s “World’s Greatest Dad” (featuring one of Robin Williams’ best onscreen comic performances) and Sam Levinson’s “Malcolm and Marie” (a two-hander starring John David Washington and Zendaya...
- 10/16/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
MTV Entertainment Studios and Will Packer Media will release its upcoming parody thriller “Binged to Death” on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 9 p.m. Et/Pt, TheWrap revealed exclusively.
The film follows an obsessive woman named Kristen (Loni Love) and her best friend Terry (Carl Anthony Payne II), who learn that their favorite reality show couples have broken up. The pair kidnap the contestants and force them into a series of torturous games, all with the hopes of rekindling their favorite TV romances.
In addition to Love (“Mother’s Day”) and Payne (“Martin: The Reunion”), the cast includes Quincy Brown (“Holiday Calendar”) as Hugh; Loren Lott (“Praise This”) as Lexy; Jessica Lord (“Find Me in Paris”) as Sienna, Andre Anthony (“Scream 6”) as Aj, Dan Ginnane (“50 Shades of Fright”) as Quincy; and Nico Tortorella (“Younger”) as Zion.
“Binged to Death” is executive produced by Will Packer and Johanna Byer for Will Packer...
The film follows an obsessive woman named Kristen (Loni Love) and her best friend Terry (Carl Anthony Payne II), who learn that their favorite reality show couples have broken up. The pair kidnap the contestants and force them into a series of torturous games, all with the hopes of rekindling their favorite TV romances.
In addition to Love (“Mother’s Day”) and Payne (“Martin: The Reunion”), the cast includes Quincy Brown (“Holiday Calendar”) as Hugh; Loren Lott (“Praise This”) as Lexy; Jessica Lord (“Find Me in Paris”) as Sienna, Andre Anthony (“Scream 6”) as Aj, Dan Ginnane (“50 Shades of Fright”) as Quincy; and Nico Tortorella (“Younger”) as Zion.
“Binged to Death” is executive produced by Will Packer and Johanna Byer for Will Packer...
- 10/3/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Brian Weinstein and Jessica Pliska have helped thousands of students through their nonprofit Opportunity Network since they launched it 20 years ago in a single New York City high school.
With a board of directors that includes heavy hitters from entertainment, law, accounting, and beyond, OppNet’s primary mission is plain in its name: opening doors of opportunity for underrepresented students and getting them on a path of networking through high school to college and beyond. For their work, Weinstein and Pliska are being honored as Variety’s Philanthropists of Year.
The pair, who met as college undergrads, both burned with idealism and recognized their privilege could be leveraged for a game-changing idea. As young professionals, their idea for OppNet was simple: to level the playing field for underrepresented students through mentorship, a curriculum built to help
them achieve academic and career success and guiding support from a wide-ranging professional community.
With a board of directors that includes heavy hitters from entertainment, law, accounting, and beyond, OppNet’s primary mission is plain in its name: opening doors of opportunity for underrepresented students and getting them on a path of networking through high school to college and beyond. For their work, Weinstein and Pliska are being honored as Variety’s Philanthropists of Year.
The pair, who met as college undergrads, both burned with idealism and recognized their privilege could be leveraged for a game-changing idea. As young professionals, their idea for OppNet was simple: to level the playing field for underrepresented students through mentorship, a curriculum built to help
them achieve academic and career success and guiding support from a wide-ranging professional community.
- 9/13/2023
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Lil Rel Howery as Nick and Ludacris as Eddie in ‘Dashing Through the Snow’
Lil Rel Howery (Vacation Friends), Ludacris (the Fast & Furious franchise), and Teyonah Parris (WandaVision) will be helping to ring in the holidays with Dashing Through the Snow. The Disney+ original holiday comedy unveiled a batch of photos super early, considering it’s not even October and Halloween decorations are currently taking up space on store shelves.
Joining the trio for some holiday fun are Mary Lynn Rajskub, Ravi V. Patel, Gina Brillon, Kevin Connolly, and Zulay Henao. Tim Story (Ride Along 1 & 2) directed from a screenplay by Scott Rosenberg, with John Jacobs and Will Packer producing. Story, Johanna Byer, Ross Fanger, and Zac Unterman executive produce.
Teyonah Parris as Allison, Madison Skye Validum as Charlotte, and Ludacris as Eddie
Disney+ offers this synopsis of the holiday comedy:
“Eddie Garrick (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) is a good-hearted man...
Lil Rel Howery (Vacation Friends), Ludacris (the Fast & Furious franchise), and Teyonah Parris (WandaVision) will be helping to ring in the holidays with Dashing Through the Snow. The Disney+ original holiday comedy unveiled a batch of photos super early, considering it’s not even October and Halloween decorations are currently taking up space on store shelves.
Joining the trio for some holiday fun are Mary Lynn Rajskub, Ravi V. Patel, Gina Brillon, Kevin Connolly, and Zulay Henao. Tim Story (Ride Along 1 & 2) directed from a screenplay by Scott Rosenberg, with John Jacobs and Will Packer producing. Story, Johanna Byer, Ross Fanger, and Zac Unterman executive produce.
Teyonah Parris as Allison, Madison Skye Validum as Charlotte, and Ludacris as Eddie
Disney+ offers this synopsis of the holiday comedy:
“Eddie Garrick (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) is a good-hearted man...
- 9/12/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
ABFF Ventures, the company behind the American Film Festival (ABFF), is rebranding as Nice Crowd.
The company founded by CEO Jeff Friday and president Nicole Friday is kicking off their 27th annual ABFF in Miami Beach this week and is expanding their event offerings to include comedy, health & wellness, food and fine arts.
Launching in October in Washington, D.C., the first event under the Nice Crowd banner will be Because They’re Funny (Btf), a new comedy festival showcasing comedic talent within Bipoc communities.
“We are so thrilled to announce our new comedy festival, Because They’re Funny, which launches in Washington, DC, the hometown of many of today’s most beloved comedians of color,” the Fridays said in a statement. “While we proudly reflect on this festival and the company’s many accomplishments over the years, we look forward to an even brighter future, with even more incredible event offerings,...
The company founded by CEO Jeff Friday and president Nicole Friday is kicking off their 27th annual ABFF in Miami Beach this week and is expanding their event offerings to include comedy, health & wellness, food and fine arts.
Launching in October in Washington, D.C., the first event under the Nice Crowd banner will be Because They’re Funny (Btf), a new comedy festival showcasing comedic talent within Bipoc communities.
“We are so thrilled to announce our new comedy festival, Because They’re Funny, which launches in Washington, DC, the hometown of many of today’s most beloved comedians of color,” the Fridays said in a statement. “While we proudly reflect on this festival and the company’s many accomplishments over the years, we look forward to an even brighter future, with even more incredible event offerings,...
- 6/14/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Dr. Stacy Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, in collaboration with the Adobe Foundation, have launched The Inclusion List, a first-of-its-kind data website that ranks the most inclusive theatrically-released films, distributors and producers from 2019 to 2022.
The Inclusion List is a data-driven ranking system that analyzes theatrically-released films based on their levels of representation, with Gina Prince-Bythewood’s “The Woman King” and Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” leading the list of the top 100 films.
Dr. Smith, founder and director of USC Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative, and Amy White, director of corporate social responsibility at Adobe and the executive director of the Adobe Foundation, spearheaded the project, with the initiative’s Samuel Wheeler, Brooke Kong, Dr. Katherine Pieper and Smith authoring the report.
In the process of compiling the list, the research team sorted through 376 theatrically-released films across a span of 20 inclusion indicators, assessing gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ, disability and age...
The Inclusion List is a data-driven ranking system that analyzes theatrically-released films based on their levels of representation, with Gina Prince-Bythewood’s “The Woman King” and Lulu Wang’s “The Farewell” leading the list of the top 100 films.
Dr. Smith, founder and director of USC Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative, and Amy White, director of corporate social responsibility at Adobe and the executive director of the Adobe Foundation, spearheaded the project, with the initiative’s Samuel Wheeler, Brooke Kong, Dr. Katherine Pieper and Smith authoring the report.
In the process of compiling the list, the research team sorted through 376 theatrically-released films across a span of 20 inclusion indicators, assessing gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ, disability and age...
- 5/18/2023
- by McKinley Franklin and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Jordan Peele, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Lulu Wang, Kevin Feige, Will Packer, Universal and A24 are among the most inclusive directors, producers and distributors in Hollywood, according to the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and Adobe Foundation’s newly unveiled The Inclusion List
The first-of-its-kind ranking system for representation and inclusion in Hollywood films based entirely on data was announced Thursday by Dr. L Stacy Smith, founder of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, to “show the world just who is doing it best when it comes to representation in theatrically released films.”
“With the Inclusion List, our goal is to celebrate the films, filmmakers and companies who are supporting inclusion onscreen and behind-the-camera,” Dr. Smith said in a statement. “This is the first rigorous, quantitative assessment of hiring practices across almost 400 movies and more than 900 producers, over 350 directors and 16 distributors.”
“At Adobe, we believe that when more diverse stories are told, the world...
The first-of-its-kind ranking system for representation and inclusion in Hollywood films based entirely on data was announced Thursday by Dr. L Stacy Smith, founder of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, to “show the world just who is doing it best when it comes to representation in theatrically released films.”
“With the Inclusion List, our goal is to celebrate the films, filmmakers and companies who are supporting inclusion onscreen and behind-the-camera,” Dr. Smith said in a statement. “This is the first rigorous, quantitative assessment of hiring practices across almost 400 movies and more than 900 producers, over 350 directors and 16 distributors.”
“At Adobe, we believe that when more diverse stories are told, the world...
- 5/18/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Inclusion List, courtesy of Dr. L Stacy Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative in collaboration with the Adobe Foundation, will show the world who is doing best in terms of representation in theatrically released movies.
Appearing at www.Inclusionlist.org, The Inclusion List is a new, data-driven ranking that provides the 100 most inclusive theatrical releases from 2019 to 2022. Topping the list among all such movies was Gina Prince-Bythewood’s acclaimed and crowd-pleasing “The Woman King.”
The Inclusion List, appearing at www.inclusionlist.org, is a new data-driven ranking that provides the titles of the 100 most inclusive theatrically released films from 2019 to 2022. The website also highlights the top distributors associated with the movies on the list, names eight individuals as the top producers and highlights two top directors for inclusion across the time evaluated.
Also Read:
‘City on Fire’ Star John Cameron Mitchell Was Cast in the First Attempt at...
Appearing at www.Inclusionlist.org, The Inclusion List is a new, data-driven ranking that provides the 100 most inclusive theatrical releases from 2019 to 2022. Topping the list among all such movies was Gina Prince-Bythewood’s acclaimed and crowd-pleasing “The Woman King.”
The Inclusion List, appearing at www.inclusionlist.org, is a new data-driven ranking that provides the titles of the 100 most inclusive theatrically released films from 2019 to 2022. The website also highlights the top distributors associated with the movies on the list, names eight individuals as the top producers and highlights two top directors for inclusion across the time evaluated.
Also Read:
‘City on Fire’ Star John Cameron Mitchell Was Cast in the First Attempt at...
- 5/18/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Today, Dr. L Stacy Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, in collaboration with the Adobe Foundation, debuts a new, first-of-its kind ranking system, The Inclusion List, to show the world just who is doing it best when it comes to representation in theatrically-released films.
The Inclusion List, appearing at www.inclusionlist.org, is a new data-driven ranking that provides the titles of the 100 most inclusive theatrically-released films from 2019 to 2022. The website also highlights the top distributors associated with the movies on the list, names eight individuals as the top producers and showcases two top directors for inclusion across the time frame evaluated.
“With The Inclusion List, our goal is to celebrate the films, filmmakers, and companies who are supporting inclusion on screen and behind-the-camera,” said Dr. Stacy L. Smith, Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Founder. “This is the first rigorous, quantitative assessment of hiring practices across almost 400 movies and more than 900 producers,...
The Inclusion List, appearing at www.inclusionlist.org, is a new data-driven ranking that provides the titles of the 100 most inclusive theatrically-released films from 2019 to 2022. The website also highlights the top distributors associated with the movies on the list, names eight individuals as the top producers and showcases two top directors for inclusion across the time frame evaluated.
“With The Inclusion List, our goal is to celebrate the films, filmmakers, and companies who are supporting inclusion on screen and behind-the-camera,” said Dr. Stacy L. Smith, Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Founder. “This is the first rigorous, quantitative assessment of hiring practices across almost 400 movies and more than 900 producers,...
- 5/18/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The upfronts may be an annual ritual steeped in TV and streaming advertising, but NBCUniversal gave film more than a fleeting moment in the spotlight during its pitch to media buyers Monday morning.
The event at New York’s Radio City Music Hall opened with a prominent mention by TV and streaming chief Mark Lazarus of Super Mario Bros., the Universal/Illumination release that just became the first billion-dollar movie of 2023. NBC News and MSNBC correspondent Savannah Sellers followed a bit later to anchor a segment dedicated to the film output of Universal, Illumination, Focus Features and DreamWorks.
Fresh film titles have become significantly more important to the progress of Peacock, with the streaming service revealing at its NewFronts pitch earlier this month that two-thirds of its 22 million subscribers have watched a recently released film. The company revamped its pay-1 window when an output deal with HBO elapsed last year,...
The event at New York’s Radio City Music Hall opened with a prominent mention by TV and streaming chief Mark Lazarus of Super Mario Bros., the Universal/Illumination release that just became the first billion-dollar movie of 2023. NBC News and MSNBC correspondent Savannah Sellers followed a bit later to anchor a segment dedicated to the film output of Universal, Illumination, Focus Features and DreamWorks.
Fresh film titles have become significantly more important to the progress of Peacock, with the streaming service revealing at its NewFronts pitch earlier this month that two-thirds of its 22 million subscribers have watched a recently released film. The company revamped its pay-1 window when an output deal with HBO elapsed last year,...
- 5/15/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
After making more than $1.4 billion at the box office, producer Will Packer has gotten into the streaming game with “Praise This.”
The Peacock original marks Packer’s first time producing a movie that wasn’t destined for cinemas. While the new distribution plan might seem like a reaction to the hit or miss theatrical business — or the kind of pivot that would happen after a box office bomb, which Packer has yet to suffer, by the way — that’s not what’s behind the change in strategy.
“Malleable” is a word Packer has found himself using quite often in reference to the current state of moviemaking.
“I’ve had a lot of success with movies that were moderately-budgeted breakout theatrical hits,” he tells Variety over tea at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City. “But there are some of my movies that were successful theatrically five to 10 years ago that...
The Peacock original marks Packer’s first time producing a movie that wasn’t destined for cinemas. While the new distribution plan might seem like a reaction to the hit or miss theatrical business — or the kind of pivot that would happen after a box office bomb, which Packer has yet to suffer, by the way — that’s not what’s behind the change in strategy.
“Malleable” is a word Packer has found himself using quite often in reference to the current state of moviemaking.
“I’ve had a lot of success with movies that were moderately-budgeted breakout theatrical hits,” he tells Variety over tea at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City. “But there are some of my movies that were successful theatrically five to 10 years ago that...
- 4/12/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The wait is over! The Peacock original film Praise This is now available to watch exclusively on Peacock! But, first, check out the “first look” featurette of the film (above).
About The Film
Genre: Musical, Comedy, Drama Cast: Chloe Bailey, Druski, Anjelika Washington, Quavo, Tristan Mack Wilds, Birgundi Baker, Crystal Hayslett, Loren Lott, Jekalyn Carr, Koryn Hawthorne Director: Tina Gordon Screenplay: Tina Gordon and Brandon Broussard & Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Salvage Story: Brandon Broussard & Hudson Obayuwana & Jana Salvage Producer: Will Packer, Tim Story, Sharla Sumpter Bridgett, James Lopez
Praise This is streaming exclusively on Peacock on April 7, 2023!
For More Information, Please Visit:
Official Site / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / TikTok / #PraiseThis
The post Look Inside “Praise This” Featurette Released first appeared on CinemaNerdz.
About The Film
Genre: Musical, Comedy, Drama Cast: Chloe Bailey, Druski, Anjelika Washington, Quavo, Tristan Mack Wilds, Birgundi Baker, Crystal Hayslett, Loren Lott, Jekalyn Carr, Koryn Hawthorne Director: Tina Gordon Screenplay: Tina Gordon and Brandon Broussard & Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Salvage Story: Brandon Broussard & Hudson Obayuwana & Jana Salvage Producer: Will Packer, Tim Story, Sharla Sumpter Bridgett, James Lopez
Praise This is streaming exclusively on Peacock on April 7, 2023!
For More Information, Please Visit:
Official Site / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / TikTok / #PraiseThis
The post Look Inside “Praise This” Featurette Released first appeared on CinemaNerdz.
- 4/7/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
Image Source: Getty / Christopher Polk
Chlöe's mentor and confidant Beyoncé once said, "You know you that b*tch when you cause all this conversation." These days, Chlöe is used to being a trending topic on social media. Not that the 24-year-old singer, songwriter, and actor pays attention to it, seeing as she occasionally removes apps like Twitter and Instagram from her phone when the negative comments get overwhelming.
"It's been hard, difficult, [and] unsettling," Chlöe tells Popsugar of dealing with constant judgment from some of her biggest critics online. "I could go down the whole negative path but I have to learn to not really care and to know that as long as I am being authentically and unapologetically myself, then I'm good."
"Everything that I'm doing right now I've prayed for and God has given it to me."
Between her viral series "Swarm," freshly-dropped solo debut album "In Pieces," lead role in Peacock's "Praise This,...
Chlöe's mentor and confidant Beyoncé once said, "You know you that b*tch when you cause all this conversation." These days, Chlöe is used to being a trending topic on social media. Not that the 24-year-old singer, songwriter, and actor pays attention to it, seeing as she occasionally removes apps like Twitter and Instagram from her phone when the negative comments get overwhelming.
"It's been hard, difficult, [and] unsettling," Chlöe tells Popsugar of dealing with constant judgment from some of her biggest critics online. "I could go down the whole negative path but I have to learn to not really care and to know that as long as I am being authentically and unapologetically myself, then I'm good."
"Everything that I'm doing right now I've prayed for and God has given it to me."
Between her viral series "Swarm," freshly-dropped solo debut album "In Pieces," lead role in Peacock's "Praise This,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Swarm, Extrapolations and Lucky Hank.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods premiere
Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, Rachel Zegler, Adam Brody, Ross Butler and Meagan Good debuted their Shazam! sequel on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Lucy Liu and Zachary Levi Faithe Herman, Grace Caroline Currey, Meagan Good, Helen Mirren, Rachel Zegler, Marta Milans and Lucy Liu Leighton Meester and Adam Brody
Swarm premiere
Janine Nabers and Donald Glover’s new Prime Video series premiered on Tuesday in L.A. with stars Dominique Fishback, Chloe Bailey, Damson Idris and a special appearance by Billie Eilish.
Dominique Fishback, Donald Glover, Chloe Bailey, Janine Nabers and Damson Idris Billie Eilish Chloe Bailey and Dominique Fishback
Extrapolations premiere
The new Apple...
Shazam! Fury of the Gods premiere
Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, Rachel Zegler, Adam Brody, Ross Butler and Meagan Good debuted their Shazam! sequel on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Lucy Liu and Zachary Levi Faithe Herman, Grace Caroline Currey, Meagan Good, Helen Mirren, Rachel Zegler, Marta Milans and Lucy Liu Leighton Meester and Adam Brody
Swarm premiere
Janine Nabers and Donald Glover’s new Prime Video series premiered on Tuesday in L.A. with stars Dominique Fishback, Chloe Bailey, Damson Idris and a special appearance by Billie Eilish.
Dominique Fishback, Donald Glover, Chloe Bailey, Janine Nabers and Damson Idris Billie Eilish Chloe Bailey and Dominique Fishback
Extrapolations premiere
The new Apple...
- 3/17/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be missing out on the Academy Awards for the second year in a row.
Deadline reports that the actor-turned-politician made a bid with the awards show for a virtual appearance during Sunday’s show. Their sources say WME power agent Mike Simpson attempted to negotiate the appearance but was shut down by the Academy who declined to comment.
Read More: Chris Rock ‘Never Got A Private Apology’ From Will Smith After Infamous Oscars Slap; Wanted To ‘Get It All Out’ During Netflix Special: Report
Zelenskyy has been speaking at numerous shows since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 including Berlin Film Festival (remote) last month, Cannes and Venice film festivals as well as the Grammy Awards. He virtually rang the Opening Bell of the New York Stock Exchange in September. Sean Penn introduced the politician at the Golden Globes, emphasizing his message of “the free...
Deadline reports that the actor-turned-politician made a bid with the awards show for a virtual appearance during Sunday’s show. Their sources say WME power agent Mike Simpson attempted to negotiate the appearance but was shut down by the Academy who declined to comment.
Read More: Chris Rock ‘Never Got A Private Apology’ From Will Smith After Infamous Oscars Slap; Wanted To ‘Get It All Out’ During Netflix Special: Report
Zelenskyy has been speaking at numerous shows since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 including Berlin Film Festival (remote) last month, Cannes and Venice film festivals as well as the Grammy Awards. He virtually rang the Opening Bell of the New York Stock Exchange in September. Sean Penn introduced the politician at the Golden Globes, emphasizing his message of “the free...
- 3/9/2023
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
For the past year, Volodymyr Zelensky has been greeted with open arms by awards shows, film festivals and even the New York Stock Exchange. But when it comes to landing airtime on the most coveted telecast of all — the Oscars — the Ukrainian leader is being met with a cold shoulder.
For the second year in a row, the Academy has snubbed Zelensky, who was hoping to follow up his Berlin Film Festival (remote) appearance last month with a virtual spot on Sunday’s Oscar telecast on ABC. Sources say WME power agent Mike Simpson made a plea to the Academy to include the comedic actor-turned-politician but was shut down. The Academy declined comment.
Zelensky’s overtures to the Oscars comes as polls show Americans’ support for providing assistance to Ukraine has weakened.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Zelensky has popped up via satellite at both the Cannes...
For the second year in a row, the Academy has snubbed Zelensky, who was hoping to follow up his Berlin Film Festival (remote) appearance last month with a virtual spot on Sunday’s Oscar telecast on ABC. Sources say WME power agent Mike Simpson made a plea to the Academy to include the comedic actor-turned-politician but was shut down. The Academy declined comment.
Zelensky’s overtures to the Oscars comes as polls show Americans’ support for providing assistance to Ukraine has weakened.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Zelensky has popped up via satellite at both the Cannes...
- 3/9/2023
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
The official trailer for the Peacock original film Praise This has just been released. The film will stream exclusively on Peacock on April 7th!
Five-time Grammy nominee Chloe Bailey, star of Grown-ish and half of the sibling musical duo Chloe x Halle, stars in a new cinematic musical event set in the world of Atlanta’s competitive gospel youth choir praise teams.
From director Tina Gordon, writer-director of Little and the writer of What Men Want and Drumline, Praise This follows aspiring musical superstar Sam (Chloe Bailey), a young woman driven, at almost any cost, to break into the music business. So, when her father, worried that Sam is associating with a dangerous crowd, moves them from Los Angeles to Atlanta to live with Sam’s sunny cousin, Jess, Sam is . . . not happy.
But when Sam is forced to join her cousin’s struggling, underdog praise team in the...
Five-time Grammy nominee Chloe Bailey, star of Grown-ish and half of the sibling musical duo Chloe x Halle, stars in a new cinematic musical event set in the world of Atlanta’s competitive gospel youth choir praise teams.
From director Tina Gordon, writer-director of Little and the writer of What Men Want and Drumline, Praise This follows aspiring musical superstar Sam (Chloe Bailey), a young woman driven, at almost any cost, to break into the music business. So, when her father, worried that Sam is associating with a dangerous crowd, moves them from Los Angeles to Atlanta to live with Sam’s sunny cousin, Jess, Sam is . . . not happy.
But when Sam is forced to join her cousin’s struggling, underdog praise team in the...
- 3/9/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
This one has to be better, right? It will be the first Oscars under Academy CEO Bill Kramer, who took the role in July 2022 after running the Academy Museum. After last year’s incendiary ceremony produced by Will Packer, which featured an ungainly trio of hosts, capped by the slap, Kramer had a new mantra: Make the show classy, fun, and celebratory of the movies. And sure enough, that’s exactly what the producers Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner say, too.
Here’s the thing: For the first time since the era of Gil Cates, who produced the Academy Awards 14 times between 1990 and 2008 with hosts Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, David Letterman, Steve Martin, Chris Rock, and Jon Stewart, we have an Oscar producer with extensive Oscar telecast experience.
Three-time Primetime Emmy winner Weiss (the guy who proposed to his wife live on the Emmys) directed the show seven times; this will be his eighth.
Here’s the thing: For the first time since the era of Gil Cates, who produced the Academy Awards 14 times between 1990 and 2008 with hosts Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, David Letterman, Steve Martin, Chris Rock, and Jon Stewart, we have an Oscar producer with extensive Oscar telecast experience.
Three-time Primetime Emmy winner Weiss (the guy who proposed to his wife live on the Emmys) directed the show seven times; this will be his eighth.
- 3/8/2023
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
This year, instead of hiring a movie industry stalwart like recent Oscar show producers Steven Soderbergh or Will Packer — who separately oversaw Academy Awards broadcasts over the past couple of years that were, shall we say, memorable for all the wrong reasons — the Academy has turned to awards show and live TV veterans Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner. In going for experience rather than take a chance on someone who is not known for putting together a massive television production for Hollywood’s biggest night of the year, AMPAS returned to the days of Gil Cates, who reliably produced 14 Oscar shows and could be counted on to try new things but also uphold tradition.
Related Story Pete Hammond’s Final Oscar Predictions: ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, ‘All Quiet On The Western Front’, ‘Elvis’, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Could Be Multiple Winners Related Story Oscars: Lady Gaga Won't Perform At Ceremony...
Related Story Pete Hammond’s Final Oscar Predictions: ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’, ‘All Quiet On The Western Front’, ‘Elvis’, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Could Be Multiple Winners Related Story Oscars: Lady Gaga Won't Perform At Ceremony...
- 3/8/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Academy Awards live telecast has always been a mixed bag, but of late it's been either depressing or outright disastrous. The 2021 ceremony was an unavoidably tentative affair due to the Covid lockdown, and not even the producing tandem of Steven Soderbergh, Stacey Sher, and Jesse Collins, who evinced a welcome bit of cleverness by moving the show to Los Angeles' Union Station, could breathe life into the dour proceedings (which were also weighed down by the unexpected passing of Best Actor nominee Chadwick Boseman).
As for 2022, Will Packer's network-kowtowing broadcast — which featured such ignominies as below-the-line nominees receiving their Oscars prior to the official start of the show (as people were still being seated), a trio of ill-matched hosts and Will Smith slapping presenter Chris Rock for making a joke about his Jada Pinkett-Smith's alopecia — went down as the most ineptly produced ceremony since Rob Lowe belted out "Proud Mary" with Cinderella.
As for 2022, Will Packer's network-kowtowing broadcast — which featured such ignominies as below-the-line nominees receiving their Oscars prior to the official start of the show (as people were still being seated), a trio of ill-matched hosts and Will Smith slapping presenter Chris Rock for making a joke about his Jada Pinkett-Smith's alopecia — went down as the most ineptly produced ceremony since Rob Lowe belted out "Proud Mary" with Cinderella.
- 2/28/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
OWN’s “Ready to Love” will celebrate 100 episodes with a retrospective special, TheWrap can reveal exclusively.
The one-hour special, which premieres Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt on OWN, will look back at the dating show that has connected Black singles looking for love for over seven seasons across Atlanta, Houston, DC and Miami, the current season’s home.
Highlighting the series’ best moments throughout its 100 episodes, the presentation will delve into the show’s most memorable love triangles, the drama queens and kings who stole the show, romantic moments of connection and the surprise proposal that brought a previous couple onto the show.
Past participants and fans will make an appearance on the special, alongside a surprise visit by the show’s creator and executive producer Will Packer and an appearance by Oprah Winfrey.
Also Read:
‘Perfect Match’ Review: Netflix’s Latest Reality Experiment Might Actually Be Perfect
“When...
The one-hour special, which premieres Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt on OWN, will look back at the dating show that has connected Black singles looking for love for over seven seasons across Atlanta, Houston, DC and Miami, the current season’s home.
Highlighting the series’ best moments throughout its 100 episodes, the presentation will delve into the show’s most memorable love triangles, the drama queens and kings who stole the show, romantic moments of connection and the surprise proposal that brought a previous couple onto the show.
Past participants and fans will make an appearance on the special, alongside a surprise visit by the show’s creator and executive producer Will Packer and an appearance by Oprah Winfrey.
Also Read:
‘Perfect Match’ Review: Netflix’s Latest Reality Experiment Might Actually Be Perfect
“When...
- 2/15/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Almost a year has passed since Will Smith infamously slapped Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, yet Serena Williams is just now commenting on the incident. Smith portrayed Williams’ father in the film King Richard which earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, but not before he shocked viewers by storming on stage to assault Rock.
Serena Williams attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 | Mike Coppola/Getty Images Serena Williams argues the slap ‘overshadowed’ the film
During a conversation with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, Williams revealed that she felt Smith’s actions took attention away from both her family biopic, King Richard, and Questlove’s Summer of Soul, which received an award immediately after the slap. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Williams stated:
“I thought it was such an incredible film, and I feel that there was an incredible film after...
Serena Williams attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 | Mike Coppola/Getty Images Serena Williams argues the slap ‘overshadowed’ the film
During a conversation with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, Williams revealed that she felt Smith’s actions took attention away from both her family biopic, King Richard, and Questlove’s Summer of Soul, which received an award immediately after the slap. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Williams stated:
“I thought it was such an incredible film, and I feel that there was an incredible film after...
- 2/15/2023
- by Rose Burke
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The 2023 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Honors is set to recognize Kerry Washington, Courtney B. Vance, Charles D. King and Janelle Monáe with special honors during the annual award ceremony saluting excellence in the motion picture and television industry.
Washington, an Emmy winner and SAG and Golden Globe-nominated actor, director and producer, will be presented with the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female), while two-time Emmy winner Vance will accept the award for Excellence in the Arts (Male). MacRo founder and CEO King will be presented the Industry Leadership Award, while eight-time Grammy-nominated artist, producer and actor Monáe receives the Renaissance Award. Kasi Lemmons’ 1997 drama “Eve’s Bayou” will be honored with the Classic Cinema Award.
The fifth ABFF Honors will take place on Sunday, March 5, hosted by Emmy-nominated writer, actor and comedian Deon Cole. The intimate, non-televised dinner and award ceremony is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (under...
Washington, an Emmy winner and SAG and Golden Globe-nominated actor, director and producer, will be presented with the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female), while two-time Emmy winner Vance will accept the award for Excellence in the Arts (Male). MacRo founder and CEO King will be presented the Industry Leadership Award, while eight-time Grammy-nominated artist, producer and actor Monáe receives the Renaissance Award. Kasi Lemmons’ 1997 drama “Eve’s Bayou” will be honored with the Classic Cinema Award.
The fifth ABFF Honors will take place on Sunday, March 5, hosted by Emmy-nominated writer, actor and comedian Deon Cole. The intimate, non-televised dinner and award ceremony is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (under...
- 2/13/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
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