A major awards show on a Saturday night is a rare occurrence, but the 2024 SAG Awards are here to shake up awards season a little bit!
The stars of both film and television are in attendance to celebrate the best in acting at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday (February 24) at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
We’ll be recapping the full list of celebs who walked the red carpet at the event in this post and we’ll be updating all night long, so keep checking back for all the live updates.
Make sure to check out the full list of nominees and the list of presenters hitting the stage.
Head inside to see photos of every celeb on the SAG Awards red carpet…
Keep scrolling for photos of every celeb on the SAG Awards red carpet…
Margot Robbie (Barbie)
Fyi: Margot is wearing Schiaparelli.
Ryan Gosling...
The stars of both film and television are in attendance to celebrate the best in acting at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday (February 24) at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
We’ll be recapping the full list of celebs who walked the red carpet at the event in this post and we’ll be updating all night long, so keep checking back for all the live updates.
Make sure to check out the full list of nominees and the list of presenters hitting the stage.
Head inside to see photos of every celeb on the SAG Awards red carpet…
Keep scrolling for photos of every celeb on the SAG Awards red carpet…
Margot Robbie (Barbie)
Fyi: Margot is wearing Schiaparelli.
Ryan Gosling...
- 2/25/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Stars: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Leslie Uggams, Sterling K. Brown, John Ortiz, Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, Myra Lucretia Taylor | Written and Directed by Cord Jefferson
Having worked on TV shows like Watchmen and The Good Place, Cord Jefferson makes his directorial debut with this feature adaption of Percival Everett’s 2001 novel, Erasure. American Fiction follows Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), a writer who is irritated at how the publishing world rejected his latest work for not being “black enough.” Monk pours those frustrations into a novel satirising the tropes that black writers are expected to adhere to, although he is surprised at how well-received the book becomes.
What Jefferson has crafted is a witty piece of social commentary that approaches the treatment of black stories in ways that are thoughtful and entertaining. The frustration is felt at how the stories most valued are the ones pandering to tired stereotypes,...
Having worked on TV shows like Watchmen and The Good Place, Cord Jefferson makes his directorial debut with this feature adaption of Percival Everett’s 2001 novel, Erasure. American Fiction follows Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), a writer who is irritated at how the publishing world rejected his latest work for not being “black enough.” Monk pours those frustrations into a novel satirising the tropes that black writers are expected to adhere to, although he is surprised at how well-received the book becomes.
What Jefferson has crafted is a witty piece of social commentary that approaches the treatment of black stories in ways that are thoughtful and entertaining. The frustration is felt at how the stories most valued are the ones pandering to tired stereotypes,...
- 2/2/2024
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut, American Fiction, has slowly but surely, quietly but confidently, been picking up buzz throughout awards season. At the time of writing, the team behind the film can celebrate earning five Oscar nominations, too, and most of them are thoroughly deserved. I managed to go into the movie fairly blind, and the experience was all the better for it, too. But that’s not because American Fiction is stacked with plot twists or big reveals. No, it is simply because Jefferson has delivered such a surprisingly charming and entertaining film that you will find it impossible to leave the theater without a smile on your face.
American Fiction is the story of Monk, real name Thelonious Ellison (Jeffrey Wright). Monk is a fairly well-respected author but has struggled to put his name to a hit novel for quite some time. He is forced to take a...
American Fiction is the story of Monk, real name Thelonious Ellison (Jeffrey Wright). Monk is a fairly well-respected author but has struggled to put his name to a hit novel for quite some time. He is forced to take a...
- 1/24/2024
- by Jakob Barnes
- Talking Films
Cord Jefferson would love to stay and chat with his icons, but he’s in the midst of a long awards season and has to “talk to some strangers” about his debut feature “American Fiction.”
So upon accepting the Breakthrough Award at the IndieWire Honors ceremony on December 6 at NeueHouse Hollywood, he said he’s ducking out early not because he’s a “snob,” but because he cares deeply about his work and he wants to make sure he can keep meeting people he admires.
“I’m an artist, so I’m sensitive about my shit. That is 100 percent true. I am deeply insecure,” Jefferson said, quoting the singer Erykah Badu. “I’ve never directed anything before I made this movie, I’ve never written a movie before I made this movie. Putting it into the world is a vulnerable experience. It is something that I was terrified people were...
So upon accepting the Breakthrough Award at the IndieWire Honors ceremony on December 6 at NeueHouse Hollywood, he said he’s ducking out early not because he’s a “snob,” but because he cares deeply about his work and he wants to make sure he can keep meeting people he admires.
“I’m an artist, so I’m sensitive about my shit. That is 100 percent true. I am deeply insecure,” Jefferson said, quoting the singer Erykah Badu. “I’ve never directed anything before I made this movie, I’ve never written a movie before I made this movie. Putting it into the world is a vulnerable experience. It is something that I was terrified people were...
- 12/7/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
The 96th Academy Awards are still a few months away, but already there are a handful of films that are generating buzz as potential Oscar contenders. Here are five films with high chances to sweep the Oscars in 2024:
1. Killers of the Flower Moon
Martin Scorsese’s long-awaited crime drama Killers of the Flower Moon is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro as FBI agents investigating the murders of Osage Nation oilmen in Oklahoma in the 1920s. Killers of the Flower Moon has a strong cast and crew, and it is based on a bestselling book by David Grann. It is also the first film Scorsese has directed since his 2019 gangster epic The Irishman.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Chances in major categories: The film is expected to be a strong contender for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay,...
1. Killers of the Flower Moon
Martin Scorsese’s long-awaited crime drama Killers of the Flower Moon is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro as FBI agents investigating the murders of Osage Nation oilmen in Oklahoma in the 1920s. Killers of the Flower Moon has a strong cast and crew, and it is based on a bestselling book by David Grann. It is also the first film Scorsese has directed since his 2019 gangster epic The Irishman.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Chances in major categories: The film is expected to be a strong contender for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay,...
- 9/29/2023
- by CineArticles Editorial Team
- https://thecinemanews.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_4649
After winning Toronto International Film Festival’s people’s choice award, “American Fiction” has pushed back its limited release to Dec. 15 and will expand in theaters on Dec. 22.
MGM announced Wednesday that Cord Jefferson’s feature directorial debut, which was originally set for a Nov. 3 limited opening and would expand on Nov. 10 and 17, has now been moved to December in order to take advantage of the holiday play period.
The satirical dramedy, starring Jeffrey Wright, met with rave reviews out of Toronto and received the festival’s people’s choice award on Sept. 17, bolstering its Oscar chances. Previous winners of the prize such as “Green Book,” “12 Years a Slave” and “Nomadland” went on to be named best picture at the Academy Awards.
Variety film critic Peter Debruge wrote in his review, “First published in 2001 (the year after Spike Lee’s confrontational satire came out), Percival Everett’s novel ‘Erasure’ had fangs.
MGM announced Wednesday that Cord Jefferson’s feature directorial debut, which was originally set for a Nov. 3 limited opening and would expand on Nov. 10 and 17, has now been moved to December in order to take advantage of the holiday play period.
The satirical dramedy, starring Jeffrey Wright, met with rave reviews out of Toronto and received the festival’s people’s choice award on Sept. 17, bolstering its Oscar chances. Previous winners of the prize such as “Green Book,” “12 Years a Slave” and “Nomadland” went on to be named best picture at the Academy Awards.
Variety film critic Peter Debruge wrote in his review, “First published in 2001 (the year after Spike Lee’s confrontational satire came out), Percival Everett’s novel ‘Erasure’ had fangs.
- 9/21/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Editor’s note: This review was originally published at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Amazon Studios MGM releases the film in theaters on Friday, December 15 with expansion to follow on Friday, December 22.
In “American Fiction,” the comic and tragic go hand in hand. Each moment is layered with meaning, socially, politically, and emotionally. The film, based on the novel “Erasure” by writer and professor Percival Everett, is part satire, part romantic comedy, all combined with thoughtful family drama. With an all-star cast and talented writer at the helm, “American Fiction” is poised to become an audience favorite.
The film tells the story of Thelonious Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), an English professor and unsuccessful author suffering from writer’s block and explosive bouts of rage that alienate him from other people. After making one of his students cry, he’s forced to take a break from teaching and return to Boston to...
In “American Fiction,” the comic and tragic go hand in hand. Each moment is layered with meaning, socially, politically, and emotionally. The film, based on the novel “Erasure” by writer and professor Percival Everett, is part satire, part romantic comedy, all combined with thoughtful family drama. With an all-star cast and talented writer at the helm, “American Fiction” is poised to become an audience favorite.
The film tells the story of Thelonious Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), an English professor and unsuccessful author suffering from writer’s block and explosive bouts of rage that alienate him from other people. After making one of his students cry, he’s forced to take a break from teaching and return to Boston to...
- 9/11/2023
- by Jourdain Searles
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Spotlight casting director Paul Schnee is making his directorial debut in a comedy-drama TV series.
Schnee has directed all episodes of Mother, May I Have a Kidney?, which comes from Filipino-American showrunner Veronica Reyes-How, who is also writing. Schnee’s casting credits also include Winter’s Bone and The Girl on the Train. Production just wrapped.
The show stars Doug Plaut (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Emmy winner Tina Benko (The Greatest Showman), Darius de Haas (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Charlotte Ray Rosenberg and Troy Iwata, and also features Myra Lucretia Taylor, Lydia Gaston, and Drew McVety.
Executive producers are Reyes-How and Plaut for Goldfish Pajamas. Producers are Benjamin J. Murray and Michael Christensen for Incline Productions. Casting is by Rachel Goldman.
A source said the show is attracting attention of streaming platforms and an acquisition deal could follow shortly. We hear...
Schnee has directed all episodes of Mother, May I Have a Kidney?, which comes from Filipino-American showrunner Veronica Reyes-How, who is also writing. Schnee’s casting credits also include Winter’s Bone and The Girl on the Train. Production just wrapped.
The show stars Doug Plaut (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Emmy winner Tina Benko (The Greatest Showman), Darius de Haas (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Charlotte Ray Rosenberg and Troy Iwata, and also features Myra Lucretia Taylor, Lydia Gaston, and Drew McVety.
Executive producers are Reyes-How and Plaut for Goldfish Pajamas. Producers are Benjamin J. Murray and Michael Christensen for Incline Productions. Casting is by Rachel Goldman.
A source said the show is attracting attention of streaming platforms and an acquisition deal could follow shortly. We hear...
- 7/11/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Orion Pictures — the MGM label headed by Alana Mayo — has acquired the feature directorial debut of Watchmen writer Cord Jefferson. Jeffery Wright stars in the project from Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s T-Street and MRC.
Based on the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett, the movie centers on Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, a writer and English professor whose writing career has stalled because his work isn’t deemed “Black enough.” The description for the project continues that Monk “writes a satirical novel under a pseudonym, aiming to lay bare the hypocrisies of the publishing world. The book’s immediate success forces Monk to get deeper enmeshed in his assumed identity and challenges his closely-held worldviews.”
Jefferson adapted the novel for the screen.
The project, which recently wrapped filming in Boston, will also star Tracee Ellis Ross, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Sterling K. Brown, Myra Lucretia Taylor,...
Orion Pictures — the MGM label headed by Alana Mayo — has acquired the feature directorial debut of Watchmen writer Cord Jefferson. Jeffery Wright stars in the project from Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s T-Street and MRC.
Based on the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett, the movie centers on Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, a writer and English professor whose writing career has stalled because his work isn’t deemed “Black enough.” The description for the project continues that Monk “writes a satirical novel under a pseudonym, aiming to lay bare the hypocrisies of the publishing world. The book’s immediate success forces Monk to get deeper enmeshed in his assumed identity and challenges his closely-held worldviews.”
Jefferson adapted the novel for the screen.
The project, which recently wrapped filming in Boston, will also star Tracee Ellis Ross, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Sterling K. Brown, Myra Lucretia Taylor,...
- 12/2/2022
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
MGM’s Orion Pictures has acquired an upcoming film based on Percival Everett’s novel “Erasure.” The currently untitled movie, which is the first announcement to come under Jen Salke’s newly added MGM oversight, will star “Westworld” Emmy-winner Jeffrey Wright and mark the directorial debut of Cord Jefferson.
Wright stars in the film as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an English professor and author who writes a satirical novel under a pseudonym, aiming to lay bare the hypocrisies of the publishing world. The book’s immediate success forces Monk to get deeper enmeshed in his assumed identity and challenges his closely held worldviews. In addition to Wright, the film will star “Black-ish” actress Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, “This Is Us” alum Sterling K. Brown, Adam Brody, Erika Alexander, Myra Lucretia Taylor, and John Ortiz.
Jefferson, who is is represented by CAA, 3Arts Entertainment, and Ziffren Brittenham, wrote the screenplay for...
Wright stars in the film as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an English professor and author who writes a satirical novel under a pseudonym, aiming to lay bare the hypocrisies of the publishing world. The book’s immediate success forces Monk to get deeper enmeshed in his assumed identity and challenges his closely held worldviews. In addition to Wright, the film will star “Black-ish” actress Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, “This Is Us” alum Sterling K. Brown, Adam Brody, Erika Alexander, Myra Lucretia Taylor, and John Ortiz.
Jefferson, who is is represented by CAA, 3Arts Entertainment, and Ziffren Brittenham, wrote the screenplay for...
- 12/2/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
MGM’s Orion Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to Emmy-winning “Watchmen” and “Master of None” writer Cord Jefferson’s feature directorial debut, while additional cast — including Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K. Brown — has been announced opposite star Jeffrey Wright. The untitled film hails from MRC and Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s T-Street and is based on the novel “Erasure” by Percival Everett.
Joining the previously announced Wright is an ensemble cast including Tracee Ellis Ross in the role of Lisa; Erika Alexander, who will play Coraline; Leslie Uggams as Agnes; Sterling K. Brown as Cliff; Myra Lucretia Taylor (“The Big Sick”) as Lorraine; John Ortiz as Arthur; Issa Rae (“Insecure”) as Sintara; and Adam Brody as Wiley.
The film, which recently wrapped production in Boston, is produced by T-Street’s Ben LeClair and Nikos Karamigios, Jermaine Johnson of 3Arts and Cord Jefferson.
Also Read:
IFC Films Acquires North American Rights to ‘Biosphere,...
Joining the previously announced Wright is an ensemble cast including Tracee Ellis Ross in the role of Lisa; Erika Alexander, who will play Coraline; Leslie Uggams as Agnes; Sterling K. Brown as Cliff; Myra Lucretia Taylor (“The Big Sick”) as Lorraine; John Ortiz as Arthur; Issa Rae (“Insecure”) as Sintara; and Adam Brody as Wiley.
The film, which recently wrapped production in Boston, is produced by T-Street’s Ben LeClair and Nikos Karamigios, Jermaine Johnson of 3Arts and Cord Jefferson.
Also Read:
IFC Films Acquires North American Rights to ‘Biosphere,...
- 12/2/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
MGM’s Orion Pictures has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Emmy-winning writer Cord Jefferson’s untitled feature directorial debut, starring Emmy winner Jeffrey Wright.
Produced by MRC and Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s T-Street Productions, the film is based on the novel “Erasure” by Percival Everett. Jefferson also adapted the screenplay.
“As longtime fans of Cord, we are thrilled to be a part of his feature film debut and for the opportunity to share his vision with global audiences,” said Alana Mayo, president of Orion Pictures, in a statement announcing the acquisition. “His adaptation of Everett’s biting novel and Jeffrey’s brilliant take on the character, along with this incredibly talented cast, create a wonderful alchemy to tell this story.”
Wright stars in the film as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an English professor and author who writes a satirical novel under a pseudonym, aiming to lay bare the hypocrisies of the publishing world.
Produced by MRC and Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s T-Street Productions, the film is based on the novel “Erasure” by Percival Everett. Jefferson also adapted the screenplay.
“As longtime fans of Cord, we are thrilled to be a part of his feature film debut and for the opportunity to share his vision with global audiences,” said Alana Mayo, president of Orion Pictures, in a statement announcing the acquisition. “His adaptation of Everett’s biting novel and Jeffrey’s brilliant take on the character, along with this incredibly talented cast, create a wonderful alchemy to tell this story.”
Wright stars in the film as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an English professor and author who writes a satirical novel under a pseudonym, aiming to lay bare the hypocrisies of the publishing world.
- 12/2/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The Good Nurse Review — The Good Nurse (2022) Film Review, a movie directed by Tobias Lindholm, written by Krysty Wilson-Cairns and starring Eddie Redmayne, Jessica Chastain, Nnamdi Asomugha, Noah Emmerich, Kim Dickens, David Lavine, Denise Pillott, Dartel McRae, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Devyn McDowell, Alix West Lefler, Ajay Naidu and Jennean [...]
Continue reading: Film Review: The Good Nurse (2022): Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain Are in Fine Form in a Terrifying Cautionary Tale...
Continue reading: Film Review: The Good Nurse (2022): Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain Are in Fine Form in a Terrifying Cautionary Tale...
- 11/5/2022
- by Thomas Duffy
- Film-Book
A review of this week’s Atlanta, “Light Skinned-ed,” coming up just as soon as I take the Shmurda Exit…
Earn’s parents, Riley (Isaiah Whitlock Jr.) and Gloria (Myra Lucretia Taylor), appear briefly in the series premiere, mainly to establish that Earn is on bad terms with them due to his post-Princeton spiral and sins he has committed out of financial desperation. We see Gloria again in the “Fubu” flashbacks in Season Two, but that’s been it for Mr. and Mrs. Marks before this week. TV has conditioned...
Earn’s parents, Riley (Isaiah Whitlock Jr.) and Gloria (Myra Lucretia Taylor), appear briefly in the series premiere, mainly to establish that Earn is on bad terms with them due to his post-Princeton spiral and sins he has committed out of financial desperation. We see Gloria again in the “Fubu” flashbacks in Season Two, but that’s been it for Mr. and Mrs. Marks before this week. TV has conditioned...
- 9/30/2022
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
[Editor’s Note: The following review contains spoilers for “Atlanta” Season 4, Episode 4, “Light Skinned-ed.”]
In Season 4, “Atlanta” isn’t just moving back to its titular hometown; it’s staging a comedic comeback.
Before getting to the sublime silliness in Episode 4, just look at what we’ve seen so far: The premiere opens with Darius (Lakeith Stanfield) delivering an exquisite, well-deserved dig on Marshall’s, before spending the rest of the episode being stalked by a (racist) woman steering a slow-rolling scooter. Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry) goes on a scavenger hunt run by a dead man. Tracy (Khris Davis) makes his triumphant return as a bossy receptionist (in what turns out to be a pretty impressive secret performance). Earn (Donald Glover) has to walk out of a meeting after a co-worker utters the gloriously oblivious phrase, “I just finished that book. It gave me a real paradigm shift on how things might not always be as they seem.” Even Van...
In Season 4, “Atlanta” isn’t just moving back to its titular hometown; it’s staging a comedic comeback.
Before getting to the sublime silliness in Episode 4, just look at what we’ve seen so far: The premiere opens with Darius (Lakeith Stanfield) delivering an exquisite, well-deserved dig on Marshall’s, before spending the rest of the episode being stalked by a (racist) woman steering a slow-rolling scooter. Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry) goes on a scavenger hunt run by a dead man. Tracy (Khris Davis) makes his triumphant return as a bossy receptionist (in what turns out to be a pretty impressive secret performance). Earn (Donald Glover) has to walk out of a meeting after a co-worker utters the gloriously oblivious phrase, “I just finished that book. It gave me a real paradigm shift on how things might not always be as they seem.” Even Van...
- 9/30/2022
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical will play its final performance at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Sunday, August 14, producers announced today.
The second Broadway closing announced today – after Dear Evan Hansen – Tina will launch a 30-city national tour on September 14 in Providence, Ri, the sixth global production of the musical.
The Broadway closing was announced by producers Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
“To witness my story on the Broadway stage, created by the most talented artists, has been an incredible coda to a storied career,” said Tina Turner in a statement. “Looking back on Opening Night on Broadway almost three years ago and remembering the love and support I received from my friends and the Broadway community is an experience I will not soon forget. For this Nutbush, Tn native, it was a homecoming long overdue and it has been an honor...
The second Broadway closing announced today – after Dear Evan Hansen – Tina will launch a 30-city national tour on September 14 in Providence, Ri, the sixth global production of the musical.
The Broadway closing was announced by producers Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
“To witness my story on the Broadway stage, created by the most talented artists, has been an incredible coda to a storied career,” said Tina Turner in a statement. “Looking back on Opening Night on Broadway almost three years ago and remembering the love and support I received from my friends and the Broadway community is an experience I will not soon forget. For this Nutbush, Tn native, it was a homecoming long overdue and it has been an honor...
- 6/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway has just reopened after shuttering on March 13, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To mark the return of the rialto, the 74th annual Tonys were handed out on Sunday, September 26 at the Winter Garden theater. This two-part ceremony, which will be hosted by six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald on Paramount+ and “Hamilton” star Leslie Odom, Jr. on CBS, comes almost one year after nominations were announced on October 15, 2020.
Two new musicals – “Jagged Little Pill” and “Moulin Rouge!” — lead the Tony Awards nominations with 15 and 14 bids respectively including Best Musical. A third tuner, “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical,” reaped a dozen bids as did the new drama “Slave Play.” While the nominees were decided by 48 theater professionals, the winners were voted on by 831 members of the Broadway community.
Below, the 2020 Tony Awards winners list in all 25 competitive categories.
See Broadway insiders dishing the 2020 Tony Awards nominations in our theater forum
Musicals...
Two new musicals – “Jagged Little Pill” and “Moulin Rouge!” — lead the Tony Awards nominations with 15 and 14 bids respectively including Best Musical. A third tuner, “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical,” reaped a dozen bids as did the new drama “Slave Play.” While the nominees were decided by 48 theater professionals, the winners were voted on by 831 members of the Broadway community.
Below, the 2020 Tony Awards winners list in all 25 competitive categories.
See Broadway insiders dishing the 2020 Tony Awards nominations in our theater forum
Musicals...
- 9/26/2021
- by Sam Eckmann and David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, who has played the title role in the West End and Broadway productions of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, will take over full time on Broadway Nov. 2 after Tony-nominated star Adrienne Warren ends her limited engagement return.
As previously announced, Warren will portray the iconic singer when Tina returns to Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Friday, October 8. She’ll leave the show on Oct. 31 due to other commitments.
The replacement casting of Obi-Melekwe was announced today by producers. Obi-Melekwe was among the original Broadway cast when the show opened in 2019, playing Turner during matinee performances.
Joining Warren when Tina resumes performances next month will be principal players Daniel J. Watts as Ike, Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna and Jessica Rush as Rhonda.
The musical is written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, directed by Phyllida Lloyd with choreography by Anthony van Laast.
As previously announced, Warren will portray the iconic singer when Tina returns to Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Friday, October 8. She’ll leave the show on Oct. 31 due to other commitments.
The replacement casting of Obi-Melekwe was announced today by producers. Obi-Melekwe was among the original Broadway cast when the show opened in 2019, playing Turner during matinee performances.
Joining Warren when Tina resumes performances next month will be principal players Daniel J. Watts as Ike, Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna and Jessica Rush as Rhonda.
The musical is written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, directed by Phyllida Lloyd with choreography by Anthony van Laast.
- 9/10/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, with additional cast Adrienne Warren will be joined by her original Broadway principal cast mates of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical when the show returns to the stage in October. Among the actors now confirmed to return are Tony Award nominee Daniel J. Watts as Ike Turner.
Producers announced the cast today.
When the musical reopens at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Friday, Oct. 8, the principal cast will include Warren, Watts, Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Tina Turner at some performances, Tony Award nominee Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna and Jessica Rush as Rhonda.
Tina will also feature Juliet Benn, Steven Booth, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Gerald Caesar, Julius Chase, Ayla Ciccone-Burton, Holli’ Conway, Kayla Davion, Leandra Ellis-Gaston, Charlie Franklin, Judith Franklin, Matthew Griffin, Ari Groover, Sheldon Henry,...
Producers announced the cast today.
When the musical reopens at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Friday, Oct. 8, the principal cast will include Warren, Watts, Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Tina Turner at some performances, Tony Award nominee Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna and Jessica Rush as Rhonda.
Tina will also feature Juliet Benn, Steven Booth, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Gerald Caesar, Julius Chase, Ayla Ciccone-Burton, Holli’ Conway, Kayla Davion, Leandra Ellis-Gaston, Charlie Franklin, Judith Franklin, Matthew Griffin, Ari Groover, Sheldon Henry,...
- 8/5/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Tony Awards nominations were announced on Thursday, October 15 by Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin”). The reveal of the roster of contenders was carried on the Tonys YouTube channel. While the nominations for the 74th annual Tony Awards were determined by 41 theater professionals, winners will be decided by 784 members of the Broadway community.
Only 18 shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are 10 original works and four revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, four new tuners are in contention; no musical revivals qualified. The cutoff date for eligibility was February 19, 2020. As both the Bob Dylan tuner “Girl From the North Country” and a new revival of “West Side Story” opened after that, don’t look for them on the list of nominations below.
Broadway has remained closed since March 13 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Tony Awards had been set...
Only 18 shows were eligible for consideration by the nominating committee. On the play side, there are 10 original works and four revivals in the running. Over on the musical side, four new tuners are in contention; no musical revivals qualified. The cutoff date for eligibility was February 19, 2020. As both the Bob Dylan tuner “Girl From the North Country” and a new revival of “West Side Story” opened after that, don’t look for them on the list of nominations below.
Broadway has remained closed since March 13 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Tony Awards had been set...
- 10/15/2020
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
With the 2020 Tony Awards going virtual this fall, all eyes are on the prospective nominees. Just four musicals were able to open before the newly announced February eligibility cutoff, so these tuners could wind up with massive nomination tallies. In order to help you sift through the possible outcomes before nominations are announced, I’ve offered my best insights to each of the musical categories below.
See 2020 Tony Awards: Every eligible contender from the shortened 2019-2020 Broadway season
Best Musical
With four eligible musicals there will only be three nomination slots in the top category this year. “Moulin Rouge!” is a big fat hit, and its sumptuous escapism makes it the frontrunner for now. “Jagged Little Pill” will make the cut for its heart. “Tina: The Tina Turner” musical should find a spot as a pure crowd pleaser. That leaves “The Lightning Thief” as the one tuner left behind. The...
See 2020 Tony Awards: Every eligible contender from the shortened 2019-2020 Broadway season
Best Musical
With four eligible musicals there will only be three nomination slots in the top category this year. “Moulin Rouge!” is a big fat hit, and its sumptuous escapism makes it the frontrunner for now. “Jagged Little Pill” will make the cut for its heart. “Tina: The Tina Turner” musical should find a spot as a pure crowd pleaser. That leaves “The Lightning Thief” as the one tuner left behind. The...
- 10/13/2020
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
If you’re confused as to who is actually able to compete for the newly announced virtual Tony Awards this fall, you’re not alone. The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced a new cut off date of February 19, 2020. That means that the 2019-2020 Broadway season was cut incredibly short.
Musical races are most heavily affected by the shortened season. “West Side Story” will have to wait until next year to compete as it opened after the February 19th eligibility cutoff date. Other scheduled revivals of “Caroline, or Change” and “Company” were postponed due to the Broadway shutdown. As such there will be no Revival of a Musical category this year. Other categories, like Best Musical and Director of a Musical, will likely see their number of nominees reduced to three due to a limited number of contenders.
Luckily, there are plenty of plays in contention since many of these non-musical outings premiere in the fall.
Musical races are most heavily affected by the shortened season. “West Side Story” will have to wait until next year to compete as it opened after the February 19th eligibility cutoff date. Other scheduled revivals of “Caroline, or Change” and “Company” were postponed due to the Broadway shutdown. As such there will be no Revival of a Musical category this year. Other categories, like Best Musical and Director of a Musical, will likely see their number of nominees reduced to three due to a limited number of contenders.
Luckily, there are plenty of plays in contention since many of these non-musical outings premiere in the fall.
- 8/29/2020
- by Sam Eckmann
- Gold Derby
Tina Turner is a star, and so is Adrienne Warren, who unleashes something volcanic from within herself while channeling the Queen of Rock & Roll. Though Warren shines consistently, the vehicle for her bright performance, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, hits several road bumps while charting the icon’s life from childhood through her Eighties comeback.
Tina starts with a wig: the iconic porcupine-esque blonde hair that Turner sported during her Eighties re-launch as a solo star. Warren as Turner faces the back of the stage, her blonde wig staring down...
Tina starts with a wig: the iconic porcupine-esque blonde hair that Turner sported during her Eighties re-launch as a solo star. Warren as Turner faces the back of the stage, her blonde wig staring down...
- 11/8/2019
- by Brittany Spanos
- Rollingstone.com
A new Broadway season is gearing up, and there are currently three productions of musicals (all new) set to open this fall. Could we be seeing any of them contend at this year’s Tony Awards? Below, we recap the plot of each musical as well as the awards history of its author, cast, creative types, the opening, and (where applicable) closing dates.
“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” (previews begin October 12; opens November 7)
This jukebox/biomusical follows the life and career of legendary recording artist Tina Turner from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, through her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner, to her transformation into the global queen of rock ‘n’ roll.
With a book by Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar, and Kees Prins, this production is coming in from London’s West End where it received three Laurence Olivier Award nominations (including Best New Musical). The cast includes Tony nominee Adrienne Warren Daniel J. Watts,...
“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” (previews begin October 12; opens November 7)
This jukebox/biomusical follows the life and career of legendary recording artist Tina Turner from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, through her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner, to her transformation into the global queen of rock ‘n’ roll.
With a book by Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar, and Kees Prins, this production is coming in from London’s West End where it received three Laurence Olivier Award nominations (including Best New Musical). The cast includes Tony nominee Adrienne Warren Daniel J. Watts,...
- 9/26/2019
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
The Last O.G.‘s Daniel J. Watts has been cast as Ike Turner in the upcoming Broadway production of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, producers announced today. The actor joins the previously announced Adrienne Warren who reprises the role of Tina she originated in the London production.
Watts was among the general cast announcements made for the upcoming Tina today by producers Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
Rounding out the newly announced cast are: Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Tina Turner (At Some Performances), Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna, and Steven Booth, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Gerald Caesar, Holli’ Conway, Kayla Davion, Leandra Ellis-Gaston, Charlie Franklin, Judith Franklin, Matthew Griffin, Sheldon Henry, David Jennings, Ross Lekites, Robert Lenzi, Gloria Manning, Rob Marnell, Mehret Marsh, Jhardon Dishon Milton, Destinee Rea, Mars Rucker, Jessica Rush, Allysa Shorte, Carla Stewart, Jayden Theophile,...
Watts was among the general cast announcements made for the upcoming Tina today by producers Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
Rounding out the newly announced cast are: Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Tina Turner (At Some Performances), Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna, and Steven Booth, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Gerald Caesar, Holli’ Conway, Kayla Davion, Leandra Ellis-Gaston, Charlie Franklin, Judith Franklin, Matthew Griffin, Sheldon Henry, David Jennings, Ross Lekites, Robert Lenzi, Gloria Manning, Rob Marnell, Mehret Marsh, Jhardon Dishon Milton, Destinee Rea, Mars Rucker, Jessica Rush, Allysa Shorte, Carla Stewart, Jayden Theophile,...
- 7/23/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Eden Duncan-Smith, Danté Crichlow, Astro, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Johnathan Nieves, Michael J. Fox, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Wavyy Jonez, Carlos Arce Jr., Patrice Bell, Khail Bryant, Waliek Crandall, Frank Harts, Allen Holloway | Written by Stefon Bristol, Fredrica Bailey | Directed by Stefon Bristol
See You Yesterday, directed by Stefon Bristol, follows two ambitious technologically and scientific prodigal teenagers C.J. Walker and Sebastian Thomas – played by Eden Duncan-Smith and Danté Crichlow respectively – who manage to create a time machine years after theorising such a scientific achievement. However, what soon starts as smooth sailing slowly broadens out into a dangerous game of trying to alter the past, resulting in damaging consequences that will change the lives of the two and all around them forever.
Of what seems to be just a simplistic and overly eccentric film intended for childlike audiences, soon blossoms into a captivating and socially relevant drama. Producer Spike Lee...
See You Yesterday, directed by Stefon Bristol, follows two ambitious technologically and scientific prodigal teenagers C.J. Walker and Sebastian Thomas – played by Eden Duncan-Smith and Danté Crichlow respectively – who manage to create a time machine years after theorising such a scientific achievement. However, what soon starts as smooth sailing slowly broadens out into a dangerous game of trying to alter the past, resulting in damaging consequences that will change the lives of the two and all around them forever.
Of what seems to be just a simplistic and overly eccentric film intended for childlike audiences, soon blossoms into a captivating and socially relevant drama. Producer Spike Lee...
- 6/25/2019
- by Jak-Luke Sharp
- Nerdly
The first trailer has been released for the Spike Lee-produced Netflix film See You Yesterday. The story follows two teens who end up building a time machine so that they can travel back in time and save their older brother from being shot and killed by a police officer.
The movie was directed by Spike Lee protégé Stefon Bristol, and this the synopsis:
High school best friends and science prodigies C.J. and Sebastian spend every spare minute working on their latest homemade invention: backpacks that enable time travel. But when C.J.’s older brother Calvin dies after an encounter with police officers, the young duo decide to put their unfinished tech to use in a desperate bid to save Calvin. From director Stefon Bristol and producer Spike Lee comes See You Yesterday, a sci-fi adventure grounded in familial love, cultural divides and the universal urge to change the wrongs of the past.
The movie was directed by Spike Lee protégé Stefon Bristol, and this the synopsis:
High school best friends and science prodigies C.J. and Sebastian spend every spare minute working on their latest homemade invention: backpacks that enable time travel. But when C.J.’s older brother Calvin dies after an encounter with police officers, the young duo decide to put their unfinished tech to use in a desperate bid to save Calvin. From director Stefon Bristol and producer Spike Lee comes See You Yesterday, a sci-fi adventure grounded in familial love, cultural divides and the universal urge to change the wrongs of the past.
- 4/24/2019
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Netflix has launched the trailer for Spike Lee’s hard-hitting time travel drama, ‘See You Yesterday’.
Directed by Stefon Bristol and produced by Lee, Lee’s latest is a sci-fi adventure grounded in familial love, cultural divides and the universal urge to change the wrongs of the past.
The film stars Eden Duncan-Smith, Dante Crichlow, Brian ‘Astro’ Bradley, Johnathan Nieves, Marsha S. Blake, Wavvy Jonez, Myra Lucretia Taylor and Ron Bobb Semple.
Also in trailers – Chucky is on the warpath in trailer for ‘Child’s Play’
The film launches on Netflix May 17th
See You Yesterday Synopsis
High school best friends and science prodigies C.J. and Sebastian spend every spare minute working on their latest homemade invention: backpacks that enable time travel. But when C.J.’s older brother Calvin dies after an encounter with police officers, the young duo decide to put their unfinished tech to use in...
Directed by Stefon Bristol and produced by Lee, Lee’s latest is a sci-fi adventure grounded in familial love, cultural divides and the universal urge to change the wrongs of the past.
The film stars Eden Duncan-Smith, Dante Crichlow, Brian ‘Astro’ Bradley, Johnathan Nieves, Marsha S. Blake, Wavvy Jonez, Myra Lucretia Taylor and Ron Bobb Semple.
Also in trailers – Chucky is on the warpath in trailer for ‘Child’s Play’
The film launches on Netflix May 17th
See You Yesterday Synopsis
High school best friends and science prodigies C.J. and Sebastian spend every spare minute working on their latest homemade invention: backpacks that enable time travel. But when C.J.’s older brother Calvin dies after an encounter with police officers, the young duo decide to put their unfinished tech to use in...
- 4/23/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
"It's about controlling something we obviously have no control over...!" Netflix has debuted the first official trailer for an indie time travel comedy titled See You Yesterday, produced by Spike Lee, and directed by Stefon Bristol making his feature directorial debut. This will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, then launch worldwide on Netflix in May, for those who are interested in seeing it. The sci-fi adventure drama is about two teenagers who build time machine backpacks. When one of the teen's older brother dies after an encounter with the police, the young duo decide to put their unfinished tech to use in a desperate bid to save him. Starring Eden Duncan-Smith as Cj, and Danté Crichlow as Sebastian, with a full cast including Marsha Stephanie Blake, Brian "Astro" Bradley, Johnathan Nieves, Wavyy Jonez, Ron Bobb Semple, and Myra Lucretia Taylor. This looks fun, and clever, and cool. I dig the backpack design,...
- 4/22/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Stars: Julia Roberts, Lucas Hedges, Courtney B. Vance, Kathryn Newton, Rachel Bay Jones, David Zaldivar, Alexandra Park, Michael Esper, Tim Guinee, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Kristin Griffith, Jack Davidson, Mia Fowler, Jakari Fraser, Cameron Roberts | Written and Directed by Peter Hedges
Ben is Back, directed by Peter Hedges, faces strong competition in this year’s “Armageddon vs Deep Impact” cinematic war/rivalry against Felix van Groeningen’s Beautiful Boy. Two incredibly alike films that follow a parent and drug-addicted son relationship in the emotionally tormenting journey that both travel on. Peter Hedges film stands firmly on its own ground with a semi-captivating drama that hits with a suffocating gut punch of emotionally draining brutality but gets lost on the path it travels with excessively dramatic plot elements that are executed more in the realm of the absurd than captivating.
The unnecessary plot elements, while not destructive to the films overall narrative or resonance of emotional depth,...
Ben is Back, directed by Peter Hedges, faces strong competition in this year’s “Armageddon vs Deep Impact” cinematic war/rivalry against Felix van Groeningen’s Beautiful Boy. Two incredibly alike films that follow a parent and drug-addicted son relationship in the emotionally tormenting journey that both travel on. Peter Hedges film stands firmly on its own ground with a semi-captivating drama that hits with a suffocating gut punch of emotionally draining brutality but gets lost on the path it travels with excessively dramatic plot elements that are executed more in the realm of the absurd than captivating.
The unnecessary plot elements, while not destructive to the films overall narrative or resonance of emotional depth,...
- 3/25/2019
- by Jak-Luke Sharp
- Nerdly
Netflix has come aboard to distribute See You Yesterday, a travel drama produced by Spike Lee’s 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks. The pic is the directorial debut from Stefon Bristol, Lee’s long-time NYU Graduate Film School protege.
The script was co-written by Bristol and Fredrica Bailey. It’s based on their 2017 short film of the same title, which was a finalist at the HBO Short Film Competition at American Black Film Festival and is currently on the Cinemax streaming platform, Max Go.
Starring Eden-Duncan Smith (Roxanne Roxanne) and newcomer Danté Crichlow, the film centers on two Brooklyn teenage science prodigies, Claudette “C.J.” Walker and Sebastian J. Thomas, who build make-shift time machines to save C.J.’s brother, Calvin, from being wrongfully killed by a police officer
Rapper Brian ‘Astro’ Bradley (Billy Lynn’s Halftime Walk), Johnathan Nieves (Better Call Saul), Marsha S. Blake (Orange is the New Black...
The script was co-written by Bristol and Fredrica Bailey. It’s based on their 2017 short film of the same title, which was a finalist at the HBO Short Film Competition at American Black Film Festival and is currently on the Cinemax streaming platform, Max Go.
Starring Eden-Duncan Smith (Roxanne Roxanne) and newcomer Danté Crichlow, the film centers on two Brooklyn teenage science prodigies, Claudette “C.J.” Walker and Sebastian J. Thomas, who build make-shift time machines to save C.J.’s brother, Calvin, from being wrongfully killed by a police officer
Rapper Brian ‘Astro’ Bradley (Billy Lynn’s Halftime Walk), Johnathan Nieves (Better Call Saul), Marsha S. Blake (Orange is the New Black...
- 12/12/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Principal photography has completed on Netflix’s upcoming film “See You Yesterday,” a time-travel film written and directed by newcomer filmmaker Stefon Bristol and produced by Spike Lee through his 40 Acres and a Mule production banner.
Netflix plans to release the film in 2019.
Based on Bristol’s NYU thesis short film, which was also produced by Lee and streamed on HBO last year, “See You Yesterday” follows C.J. and Sebastian (Eden-Duncan Smith and Dante Crichlow), two African-American prodigies who build a time machine in the hopes of using it to save C.J.’s brother from being wrongfully killed by a cop.
Also Read: Spike Lee to Receive Career Achievement Award From Palm Springs International Film Festival
“I started this project when Mike Brown and Eric Gardner were murdered. That was in 2014. And we are still dealing with deadly police misconduct. I made this film because I don’t...
Netflix plans to release the film in 2019.
Based on Bristol’s NYU thesis short film, which was also produced by Lee and streamed on HBO last year, “See You Yesterday” follows C.J. and Sebastian (Eden-Duncan Smith and Dante Crichlow), two African-American prodigies who build a time machine in the hopes of using it to save C.J.’s brother from being wrongfully killed by a cop.
Also Read: Spike Lee to Receive Career Achievement Award From Palm Springs International Film Festival
“I started this project when Mike Brown and Eric Gardner were murdered. That was in 2014. And we are still dealing with deadly police misconduct. I made this film because I don’t...
- 12/12/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Off Broadway Korean-pop musical “Kpop” topped the nominations for the 2018 Lucille Lortel Awards, snagging nine nominations for the annual awards for Off Broadway fare.
“Kpop,” which Ars Nova (“Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812”) produced in association with Ma-Yi Theater Company and Woodshed Collective, led a list of musical nominees that also included “Bella: An American Tall Tale” (six nominations) and “The Lucky Ones” (five.) The top-nominated play was “Mary Jane” (six nominations), the Amy Herzog play that premiered at New York Theatre Workshop in a staging that starred Carrie Coon (who’s nominated for an acting award).
Special awards will be given to Eve Ensler, for the lifetime achievement award; Michael Friedman, the late composer who will be inducted into the Lortel’s Playwrights’ Sidewalk; and Wp Theater, for body of work.
The full list of the 33rd annual Lucille Lortel Awards nominations follows. Winners will be announced...
“Kpop,” which Ars Nova (“Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812”) produced in association with Ma-Yi Theater Company and Woodshed Collective, led a list of musical nominees that also included “Bella: An American Tall Tale” (six nominations) and “The Lucky Ones” (five.) The top-nominated play was “Mary Jane” (six nominations), the Amy Herzog play that premiered at New York Theatre Workshop in a staging that starred Carrie Coon (who’s nominated for an acting award).
Special awards will be given to Eve Ensler, for the lifetime achievement award; Michael Friedman, the late composer who will be inducted into the Lortel’s Playwrights’ Sidewalk; and Wp Theater, for body of work.
The full list of the 33rd annual Lucille Lortel Awards nominations follows. Winners will be announced...
- 4/4/2018
- by Gordon Cox
- Variety Film + TV
Casting directors remain the only job in the opening titles that doesn’t have its own Oscar category, but there’s reason to believe that will change. Already recognized by the Emmys, casting directors have made tremendous strides since they unionized in 2005 and negotiated their first contract with studios. In 2013, the guild earned its own Academy branch and received three seats at the Academy’s Board of Governors’ table. Last year, Lynn Stalmaster (“The Graduate,” “West Side Story”) received an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards, becoming the first-ever casting director to receive an Academy Award.
So: Let’s imagine for a moment casting directors had their own Oscar category in 2017: What are the best-cast films of the year?
IndieWire asked 15 of the top casting directors to nominate films worthy of casting recognition this year. We often think of the best films in terms of their expressive cinematography, enveloping production design,...
So: Let’s imagine for a moment casting directors had their own Oscar category in 2017: What are the best-cast films of the year?
IndieWire asked 15 of the top casting directors to nominate films worthy of casting recognition this year. We often think of the best films in terms of their expressive cinematography, enveloping production design,...
- 12/4/2017
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Review by Matthew Turner
Stars: Brittany Snow, Dave Bautista, Angelic Zambrana, Jeremie Harris, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Alex Breaux, Arturo Castro | Written by Nick Damici, Graham Reznick | Directed by Cary Murnion, Jonathan Milott
Directed by Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott (Cooties), this pacey U.S. invasion thriller picks up points for its premise, performances and photography, but the script passes up the chance for some political commentary.
The film’s extremely strong opening has college student Lucy (Brittany Snow) getting off the subway in Bushwick, New York and suddenly finding herself in the middle of a war zone, with armed militia on the streets. Dodging the hails of gunfire, Lucy is rescued by hulking ex-Marine Stupe (Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Dave Bautista), who agrees to help her make it to her grandmother’s house, a few blocks away. However, they soon discover that the situation is worse than they thought...
Stars: Brittany Snow, Dave Bautista, Angelic Zambrana, Jeremie Harris, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Alex Breaux, Arturo Castro | Written by Nick Damici, Graham Reznick | Directed by Cary Murnion, Jonathan Milott
Directed by Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott (Cooties), this pacey U.S. invasion thriller picks up points for its premise, performances and photography, but the script passes up the chance for some political commentary.
The film’s extremely strong opening has college student Lucy (Brittany Snow) getting off the subway in Bushwick, New York and suddenly finding herself in the middle of a war zone, with armed militia on the streets. Dodging the hails of gunfire, Lucy is rescued by hulking ex-Marine Stupe (Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Dave Bautista), who agrees to help her make it to her grandmother’s house, a few blocks away. However, they soon discover that the situation is worse than they thought...
- 8/25/2017
- by Guest
- Nerdly
Based on a real life romance, The Big Sick is the love story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, who, by the way, also wrote the script. Kumail Nanjiani, perhaps best known in the Us for playing Dinesh in HBO’s Silicon Valley stars as himself in the Michael Showalter directed film. Also starring Zoe Kazan (Emily), Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Anupam Kher, and Zenobia Shroff, the film opens in NY and La on Friday, June 23rd.
Kumail, a standup comedian, has an instant connection with grad student Emily, despite the fact that she heckled him during his set. However, what they promised would be just a one-night stand blossoms into true love. Complicating this love story is the life that Kumail is expected to live by the traditions of his Muslim parents. The pressure to make a choice between his two worlds become too much for Kumail, and he and Emily break up. When Emily gets sick with a mystery illness and is put into a coma, it forces Kumail to get lost in the world of medicine, hospitals and a medical crisis with her parents Beth and Terry, who he’s never met. It is a journey of his emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart.
There are movies that can either make you laugh, or can make you cry, or can touch your heart and sometimes really make you get lost in the world and the lives of these characters, but not many movies provide all of these experiences at once: The Big Sick does all this and more! The story, the performances of every cast member, the cinematography, the laughs and all the feelings it evokes, makes The Big Sick honestly one of the best movies I have seen this year.
One of the greatest things about the film is that it shows just a moment in time of these characters and that is brilliant. The rich little vignettes that make up this big moment of Kumail and Emily are done perfectly. Every scene feels real and true and you are completely involved and invested in their story.
The fact that it is a real story makes it even more poignant and happy, but if you did not know that was a real love story going into the film, it still would make you laugh, sigh, cry, be frustrated and hope for a happy ending.
The cast; oh, that cast is perfect! All the actors make their scenes play true and work together to create some amazing glimpses into Kumail and Emily’s story.
It must have been hard for Kumail Nanjiani to revisit this story. Perhaps going back to that time really brought his feelings to life, but I feel that it might have been a burden for him as well. I have always thought that funny actors make the best dramatic actors when given the right material and he certainly proves that to be true. From his funny lines, to his burgeoning love, his frustration and confusion, his pain, and his realization of what really matters, he speaks volumes. He is brilliant.
From the first moment she appears on screen, Zoe Kazan sparkles. Full of quick wit with a twinkle in her eye, she shines in the early part of the picture. However, it is the more serious scenes that really blow you away. The pain she conveys will break your heart as hers is breaking and it is astounding.
The two of them together are cute, funny, loveable, awkward, heart warming, at times wistful and melancholy. You so want them to stay together forever. They are a perfect jodi!
Ray Romano as Terry is funny, doleful and wonderful. He brings gravity but at the same time lightness to the part and the movie. Loved his performance in the film.
Holly Hunter takes over the focus when she is onscreen with her total fierceness and full commitment to the role and her story. I always love Holly Hunter and this just made me love her more!
Anupam Kher brings a layer of depth to the film. He plays Kumail’s dad in some great comic as well as serious moments, but also with so much feeling. He brings a lot of heart and caring.
Zenobia Shroff is fabulous. She plays Kumail’s rather eccentric mom perfectly with no trace of caricature. I loved her wonderful feigned surprise at the seemingly endless parade of potential daughter-in-laws. Then her pain and anger near the climax of the movie is fully true and we believe it.
We also have to mention Bo Burnham as Cj, Aidy Bryant as Mary and Kurt Braunohler as Chris. As I was watching it, I kept thinking, they should get a comedy troop along with Kumail together, it would be so good! I would watch that tour or show! That speaks to their talent, their realism and their funny.
Adeel Akhtar also has some fabulous moments on screen and delivers his quiet lines with a lot of impact.
Also a shout-out to Myra Lucretia Taylor, though her part as the nurse was small, I see her and the looks in her eyes in my mind when I think of this film.
There are probably nitpicky things I could say but they paled in comparison to the greatness of this film.
The Big Sick is a romantic comedy but it is more. It is a modern rom-com but presented in an honest way rather than being gimmicky, and that makes it even more special. It is everything that a good romance, a good comedy, a good drama, a good film should be! Perfect! I highly, highly recommend that you go see it! I can’t wait to watch it again, even with the sad parts!
An Amazon film, produced by Judd Apatow (Trainwreck, This is 40) and Barry Mendel (Trainwreck, The Royal Tenebaums), The Big Sick opens in limited release in NY and La tomorrow June 23rd and the opens nationwide on June 30th!
Did I say you must see this excellent film? Oh well … it must be said again: go experience that brilliance of the moment in time of The Big Sick!
Kumail, a standup comedian, has an instant connection with grad student Emily, despite the fact that she heckled him during his set. However, what they promised would be just a one-night stand blossoms into true love. Complicating this love story is the life that Kumail is expected to live by the traditions of his Muslim parents. The pressure to make a choice between his two worlds become too much for Kumail, and he and Emily break up. When Emily gets sick with a mystery illness and is put into a coma, it forces Kumail to get lost in the world of medicine, hospitals and a medical crisis with her parents Beth and Terry, who he’s never met. It is a journey of his emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart.
There are movies that can either make you laugh, or can make you cry, or can touch your heart and sometimes really make you get lost in the world and the lives of these characters, but not many movies provide all of these experiences at once: The Big Sick does all this and more! The story, the performances of every cast member, the cinematography, the laughs and all the feelings it evokes, makes The Big Sick honestly one of the best movies I have seen this year.
One of the greatest things about the film is that it shows just a moment in time of these characters and that is brilliant. The rich little vignettes that make up this big moment of Kumail and Emily are done perfectly. Every scene feels real and true and you are completely involved and invested in their story.
The fact that it is a real story makes it even more poignant and happy, but if you did not know that was a real love story going into the film, it still would make you laugh, sigh, cry, be frustrated and hope for a happy ending.
The cast; oh, that cast is perfect! All the actors make their scenes play true and work together to create some amazing glimpses into Kumail and Emily’s story.
It must have been hard for Kumail Nanjiani to revisit this story. Perhaps going back to that time really brought his feelings to life, but I feel that it might have been a burden for him as well. I have always thought that funny actors make the best dramatic actors when given the right material and he certainly proves that to be true. From his funny lines, to his burgeoning love, his frustration and confusion, his pain, and his realization of what really matters, he speaks volumes. He is brilliant.
From the first moment she appears on screen, Zoe Kazan sparkles. Full of quick wit with a twinkle in her eye, she shines in the early part of the picture. However, it is the more serious scenes that really blow you away. The pain she conveys will break your heart as hers is breaking and it is astounding.
The two of them together are cute, funny, loveable, awkward, heart warming, at times wistful and melancholy. You so want them to stay together forever. They are a perfect jodi!
Ray Romano as Terry is funny, doleful and wonderful. He brings gravity but at the same time lightness to the part and the movie. Loved his performance in the film.
Holly Hunter takes over the focus when she is onscreen with her total fierceness and full commitment to the role and her story. I always love Holly Hunter and this just made me love her more!
Anupam Kher brings a layer of depth to the film. He plays Kumail’s dad in some great comic as well as serious moments, but also with so much feeling. He brings a lot of heart and caring.
Zenobia Shroff is fabulous. She plays Kumail’s rather eccentric mom perfectly with no trace of caricature. I loved her wonderful feigned surprise at the seemingly endless parade of potential daughter-in-laws. Then her pain and anger near the climax of the movie is fully true and we believe it.
We also have to mention Bo Burnham as Cj, Aidy Bryant as Mary and Kurt Braunohler as Chris. As I was watching it, I kept thinking, they should get a comedy troop along with Kumail together, it would be so good! I would watch that tour or show! That speaks to their talent, their realism and their funny.
Adeel Akhtar also has some fabulous moments on screen and delivers his quiet lines with a lot of impact.
Also a shout-out to Myra Lucretia Taylor, though her part as the nurse was small, I see her and the looks in her eyes in my mind when I think of this film.
There are probably nitpicky things I could say but they paled in comparison to the greatness of this film.
The Big Sick is a romantic comedy but it is more. It is a modern rom-com but presented in an honest way rather than being gimmicky, and that makes it even more special. It is everything that a good romance, a good comedy, a good drama, a good film should be! Perfect! I highly, highly recommend that you go see it! I can’t wait to watch it again, even with the sad parts!
An Amazon film, produced by Judd Apatow (Trainwreck, This is 40) and Barry Mendel (Trainwreck, The Royal Tenebaums), The Big Sick opens in limited release in NY and La tomorrow June 23rd and the opens nationwide on June 30th!
Did I say you must see this excellent film? Oh well … it must be said again: go experience that brilliance of the moment in time of The Big Sick!
- 6/22/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
“Catfight” had its world premiere at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival. Now, Onur Tukel’s satire starring Sandra Oh, Anne Heche and Alicia Silverstone will open in theaters and on iTunes on March 3. Watch an exclusive clip from the film below.
Read More: ‘Catfight’ Trailer: Watch Sandra Oh and Anne Heche Beat the Sh*t Out of Each Other
In “Catfight,” Veronica Salt (Oh) and Ashley Miller (Heche) are former friends who have not seen each other since college. Veronica is now a wealthy housewife, while Ashley is a struggling artist who has to rely on her partner (Silverstone) and a dead-end catering job to make ends meet. They run into each other at a glamorous party thrown by Veronica’s husband, where Ashley is working behind the bar; that’s when the two get into a vicious fight that gives the film its name.
Read More: ‘Catfight’ Review: Sandra Oh...
Read More: ‘Catfight’ Trailer: Watch Sandra Oh and Anne Heche Beat the Sh*t Out of Each Other
In “Catfight,” Veronica Salt (Oh) and Ashley Miller (Heche) are former friends who have not seen each other since college. Veronica is now a wealthy housewife, while Ashley is a struggling artist who has to rely on her partner (Silverstone) and a dead-end catering job to make ends meet. They run into each other at a glamorous party thrown by Veronica’s husband, where Ashley is working behind the bar; that’s when the two get into a vicious fight that gives the film its name.
Read More: ‘Catfight’ Review: Sandra Oh...
- 3/1/2017
- by Yoselin Acevedo
- Indiewire
Rlj Entertainment has bought U.S. rights to the Dave Bautista action vehicle “Bushwick” in a seven-figure deal, the film’s producers announced Friday. “Bushwick” stars Brittany Snow, Dave Bautista, Angelic Zambrana, Jeremie Harris, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Alex Breaux and Arturo Castro. On the way to Grandma’s house with a new boyfriend in tow, Lucy (Snow) steps off the subway into an utter bloodbath on the streets of Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood, according to the film’s description. Texas is attempting to secede from the Union, and militia forces have descended upon New York City to claim it as...
- 1/27/2017
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
With a title like Catfight and the only available image showing a bloodied and battered chokehold between Anne Heche and Sandra Oh, our expectations are forced into conjuring hope for a wild, frenzied ride. Well, writer/director Onur Tukel doesn’t disappoint with this broad satire of American politics and wealth disparity. It only takes Craig Bierko’s rendition of a late night television host doing his smarmy best to poke fun at our broken system before introducing a fat, shirtless man as the “fart machine” to understand the tongue-in-cheek tone targeted. The working class as represented by maid Donna (Myra Lucretia Taylor) laughs hysterically at the flatulence while aristocratic housewife lush (and her employer) Veronica (Oh) remains unfazed in more Botox ambivalence than high-brow disgust.
Veronica just cannot understand such humor’s appeal. She can’t comprehend the appeal of anything that doesn’t result in making money. She...
Veronica just cannot understand such humor’s appeal. She can’t comprehend the appeal of anything that doesn’t result in making money. She...
- 9/11/2016
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
The 52nd Street Project makes a difference in the lives of countless Hell's Kitchen Clinton kids by pairing them with theater professionals who mentor them through the creation of original theater. Perhaps the most poignant presentations made by The 52nd Street Project are those in its semi-annual Playmaking series, which features the Project's youngest Hell's Kitchen mentees-ten year-olds who have just begun their theatrical education-writing for accomplished professional actors and director-dramaturges, and revealing their work to a public audience for the first time. Reed Birney, Billy Crudup, Peter Dinklage and Myra Lucretia Taylor, along with other accomplished actors, will perform in Stand by Me The Reliable Plays, the Project's newest Playmaking show, Stand by Me The Reliable Plays.
- 3/29/2013
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Producer Daryl Roth announced today that Tony Award-winner Daisy Eagan The Secret Garden will join returning cast members Myra Lucretia Taylor Wicked Nine, Sonia Manzano Maria on Sesame Street and Loretta Swit Hot Lips Houlihan on Mash for the December cast of the Off Broadway hit Love, Loss, and What I Wore beginning Wednesday, December 7, 2011 through Friday, December 30 at the Westside Theatre 407 West 43 Street. Following their Off Broadway run, the cast will launch the shows first national tour, which begins in Scottsdale, Arizona at the Mesa Arts Center January 2 8, 2012. The current touring schedule includes...
- 11/30/2011
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
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