America doesn’t have a system of knights or dames, as Britain, Australia and New Zealand do. If there were such a system, Cicely Tyson would have undoubtedly been honored. But Tyson, who died on Thursday, a month after her 96th birthday, didn’t need any government-sanctioned titles: Admirers such as Ava DuVernay, Tyler Perry and Shonda Rhimes call her Queen Cicely, which was much more appropriate for her.
Her 70-year career was filled with landmark works, including the film “Sounder” (1972) and TV’s “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” (1974), “Roots” (1977), “A Woman Called Moses”, and “The Trip to Bountiful” (2014), among many others. There was also her recurring role in “How to Get Away With Murder,” in which she was Emmy-nominated five times, most recently in 2020, for playing the mother of lead character Annalise Keating (Viola Davis).
In 2018, Whoopi Goldberg told Variety, “When you think about artistry and elegance in acting,...
Her 70-year career was filled with landmark works, including the film “Sounder” (1972) and TV’s “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” (1974), “Roots” (1977), “A Woman Called Moses”, and “The Trip to Bountiful” (2014), among many others. There was also her recurring role in “How to Get Away With Murder,” in which she was Emmy-nominated five times, most recently in 2020, for playing the mother of lead character Annalise Keating (Viola Davis).
In 2018, Whoopi Goldberg told Variety, “When you think about artistry and elegance in acting,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Actress Cicely Tyson, star of “Sounder” and ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder,” has died at the age of 96. The news was broken by the Associated Press with no mention of cause of death.
Tyson’s career spanned seven decades starting in 1951. She gained widespread acclaim in 1972 when she played the role of Rebecca Morgan in the adaptation of “Sounder,” the story of Black sharecroppers, and a young boy’s relationship with his beloved dog. She would not only get an Oscar nomination for her performance, but a Golden Globe nod as well. She would later win two Emmys for playing the title role in 1974’s “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.” The role saw her play the title character, who goes from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement. In her career, Tyson would rack up a whopping 14 Emmy nominations.
Despite her age, Tyson refused to give up acting.
Tyson’s career spanned seven decades starting in 1951. She gained widespread acclaim in 1972 when she played the role of Rebecca Morgan in the adaptation of “Sounder,” the story of Black sharecroppers, and a young boy’s relationship with his beloved dog. She would not only get an Oscar nomination for her performance, but a Golden Globe nod as well. She would later win two Emmys for playing the title role in 1974’s “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.” The role saw her play the title character, who goes from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement. In her career, Tyson would rack up a whopping 14 Emmy nominations.
Despite her age, Tyson refused to give up acting.
- 1/29/2021
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
Veteran actress Cicely Tyson, whose career in Hollywood spanned nearly seven decades, died Thursday. She was 96.
“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” Tyson’s manager, Larry Thompson, said in a statement to our sister pub Variety. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.” (A cause of death has not been revealed.)
More from TVLineCloris Leachman, Legendary Comedic Actress and Emmy Winner,...
“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” Tyson’s manager, Larry Thompson, said in a statement to our sister pub Variety. “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree.” (A cause of death has not been revealed.)
More from TVLineCloris Leachman, Legendary Comedic Actress and Emmy Winner,...
- 1/29/2021
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Universal Pictures has entered into a first-look production agreement with Dan Lin and his Rideback production banner. Lin has produced films grossing more than $5 billion worldwide, including the successful The Lego Movie, Stephen King’s It and Sherlock Holmes franchises, as well as Disney’s live-action Aladdin.
The deal seemed inevitable after Universal signed an exclusive five-year deal to the Lego film rights last April, which Rideback played a big part in launching when those rights were with Warner Bros. Lin and Rideback are currently developing the next movie based on the global Lego brand
“Dan and his team at Rideback have an exceptional track record producing major franchises, animation, and prestige films,” said Peter Cramer, President, Universal Pictures. “Additionally, with Rideback Ranch, he has created a groundbreaking filmmaking community, and his commitment to cultivating talent across the industry perfectly complements our studio’s own efforts and values. We are...
The deal seemed inevitable after Universal signed an exclusive five-year deal to the Lego film rights last April, which Rideback played a big part in launching when those rights were with Warner Bros. Lin and Rideback are currently developing the next movie based on the global Lego brand
“Dan and his team at Rideback have an exceptional track record producing major franchises, animation, and prestige films,” said Peter Cramer, President, Universal Pictures. “Additionally, with Rideback Ranch, he has created a groundbreaking filmmaking community, and his commitment to cultivating talent across the industry perfectly complements our studio’s own efforts and values. We are...
- 1/27/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal Pictures announced a first-look production agreement with producer Dan Lin and his Rideback production banner.
In a statement announcing the partnership, Universal Pictures President Peter Cramer said, “Dan and his team at Rideback have an exceptional track record producing major franchises, animation and prestige films.”
“Additionally, with Rideback Ranch, he has created a groundbreaking filmmaking community, and his commitment to cultivating talent across the industry perfectly complements our studio’s own efforts and values,” the statement continued, alluding to Rideback’s creative campus located in L.A.’s Historic Filipinotown. “We are thrilled to welcome Dan and Rideback to Universal and look forward to a partnership in the years to come that builds upon his amazing run of success.”
As a producer, Lin’s projects — including “The Lego Movie,” Stephen King’s “It,” the “Sherlock Holmes” franchises, and Disney’s live-action “Aladdin” — have grossed more than $5 billion worldwide. As founder and CEO of Rideback,...
In a statement announcing the partnership, Universal Pictures President Peter Cramer said, “Dan and his team at Rideback have an exceptional track record producing major franchises, animation and prestige films.”
“Additionally, with Rideback Ranch, he has created a groundbreaking filmmaking community, and his commitment to cultivating talent across the industry perfectly complements our studio’s own efforts and values,” the statement continued, alluding to Rideback’s creative campus located in L.A.’s Historic Filipinotown. “We are thrilled to welcome Dan and Rideback to Universal and look forward to a partnership in the years to come that builds upon his amazing run of success.”
As a producer, Lin’s projects — including “The Lego Movie,” Stephen King’s “It,” the “Sherlock Holmes” franchises, and Disney’s live-action “Aladdin” — have grossed more than $5 billion worldwide. As founder and CEO of Rideback,...
- 1/27/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
When pop culture lovers like ourselves look back on the pandemic 10 years from now, they will likely recall Tiger King fever, virtual award shows and, perhaps most vividly, Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas' daily walks. In the early days of California's stay-at-home order, the actors would step outside the confines of Ben's Pacific Palisades home, where Ana briefly lived, to take their dog on a stroll through the neighborhood, each time being caught by paparazzi. In each photograph and video, the pair would look happy as can be, with Ana uncontrollably laughing on occasion. But those casual promenades through the streets of Los Angeles came to a conclusion when Ben...
- 1/26/2021
- E! Online
Got a scoop request? An anonymous tip you’re dying to share? Send any/all of the above to askausiello@tvline.com
Question: Do you have any scoop on the season finale of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.? —Deana
Ausiello: The first half of Tuesday’s two-hour closer alone is chock-a-block with reveals, including what exactly was in the vials found on Cal (gorilla testosterone?!), what Ward wants from Bobbi and just how far (too far?) Jiaying will go to ignite a war between the Inhumans and S.H.I.E.L.D. The first hour also boasts two sizable hand-to-hand combat sequences (girl-girl,...
Question: Do you have any scoop on the season finale of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.? —Deana
Ausiello: The first half of Tuesday’s two-hour closer alone is chock-a-block with reveals, including what exactly was in the vials found on Cal (gorilla testosterone?!), what Ward wants from Bobbi and just how far (too far?) Jiaying will go to ignite a war between the Inhumans and S.H.I.E.L.D. The first hour also boasts two sizable hand-to-hand combat sequences (girl-girl,...
- 5/7/2015
- TVLine.com
Tavis Smiley has teamed up with J.J. Abrams and his Bad Robot shingle to adapt his 2014 book on Mlk, "Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Final Year," for television. The New York Times bestselling author and award-winning talk show host recounts the trials and triumphs of the final 365 days of King's life, in the Little, Brown & Company-published book, including denunciations by the press, rejection from the president, dismissal by the country's black middle class and militants, assaults on his character, ideology, and political tactics, to name a few - all of which he had to rise above in order to continue to lead. No word...
- 4/13/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot has partnered with author/talk-show host Tavis Smiley to bring his book, Death Of A King, to the small screen. Bad Robot has acquired rights to the book about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final days in association with Warner Bros Television, where the company is based on the TV side. Published by Little, Brown & Co. last fall to solid reviews, Death Of A King tells the dramatic and untold story of King’s tumultuous last year leading to his 1968…...
- 4/13/2015
- Deadline TV
Resident Ghostbusters Alum Ernie Hudson is in talks to be in Marvel's The Black Panther! Read on for more!
Ever since we heard the news of Chadwick Boseman playing T'Challa or The Black Panther, news has been quiet out of the Wakanda camp. That is until now, as rumors have surfaced of Ernie Hudson playing King T'Chaka father of T'Challa and ruler of Wakanda.
While this is still a rumor, we can't help but be excited for the prospect of seeing the Great Ernie Hudson play the King of Wakanda. Hudson is no stranger to the limelight, being a veteran of television and film for over 30 years. We have no doubt he'll do the King T'Chaka justice.
However, the party may be short lived. If they follow the comics as well as we know Marvel to do, this may be Ernie Hudson's first and last Marvel movie.
Ever since we heard the news of Chadwick Boseman playing T'Challa or The Black Panther, news has been quiet out of the Wakanda camp. That is until now, as rumors have surfaced of Ernie Hudson playing King T'Chaka father of T'Challa and ruler of Wakanda.
While this is still a rumor, we can't help but be excited for the prospect of seeing the Great Ernie Hudson play the King of Wakanda. Hudson is no stranger to the limelight, being a veteran of television and film for over 30 years. We have no doubt he'll do the King T'Chaka justice.
However, the party may be short lived. If they follow the comics as well as we know Marvel to do, this may be Ernie Hudson's first and last Marvel movie.
- 4/8/2015
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Matt Malliaros)
- Cinelinx
Earlier this week, we gave you details on first wave of special experiences and events taking place at the 2015 Stanley Film Festival. We now have details on their impressive slate of features, short films, and additional special events, including screenings of The Final Girls, Deathgasm, Stung, The Invitation, and We Are Still Here.
We're teaming up with the festival for live coverage and special opportunities for Daily Dead readers, so be sure to check back all month for contests, features, and more.
"April 2, 2014 (Denver, Co) - The Stanley Film Festival (Sff) produced by the Denver Film Society (Dfs) and presented by Chiller, announced today its Closing Night film, Festival lineup and the 2015 Master of Horror. The Festival will close out with The Final Girls. The film, directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, is the story of a young woman grieving the loss of her mother, a famous scream queen from the 1980s,...
We're teaming up with the festival for live coverage and special opportunities for Daily Dead readers, so be sure to check back all month for contests, features, and more.
"April 2, 2014 (Denver, Co) - The Stanley Film Festival (Sff) produced by the Denver Film Society (Dfs) and presented by Chiller, announced today its Closing Night film, Festival lineup and the 2015 Master of Horror. The Festival will close out with The Final Girls. The film, directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, is the story of a young woman grieving the loss of her mother, a famous scream queen from the 1980s,...
- 4/2/2015
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Selma, the rousing civil rights epic I crowned the best film of 2014, is finally making its way to Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand on May 5th, two weeks after it arrives on Digital HD platforms.
Ava DuVernay’s stunning depiction of how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led protesters from Selma to Montgomery to fight for equal voting rights is that rare biopic alive and responsive not only to the emotions of its time but also to how those emotions carry over to the modern era. It’s brilliantly acted, gorgeously shot and passionately written, all of which have convinced me it will be hailed as a masterpiece in the years to come.
Paramount Home Media Distribution is handling the release. Full specs are below, and the amount of extras included make the Blu-Ray for Selma a must-buy. Look for it this May.
Hailed as “extraordinary” (David Denby,...
Ava DuVernay’s stunning depiction of how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led protesters from Selma to Montgomery to fight for equal voting rights is that rare biopic alive and responsive not only to the emotions of its time but also to how those emotions carry over to the modern era. It’s brilliantly acted, gorgeously shot and passionately written, all of which have convinced me it will be hailed as a masterpiece in the years to come.
Paramount Home Media Distribution is handling the release. Full specs are below, and the amount of extras included make the Blu-Ray for Selma a must-buy. Look for it this May.
Hailed as “extraordinary” (David Denby,...
- 3/11/2015
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
Hailed as “extraordinary” (David Denby, The New Yorker), “deeply moving” (Claudia Puig, USA Today) and “a triumph” (A.O. Scott, New York Times), director Ava DuVernay’s powerful drama Selma debuts on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand May 5, 2015 from Paramount Home Media Distribution.
The film arrives two weeks early on Digital HD April 21, 2015.
Embraced by critics and audiences alike, Selma was named one of the best films of the year by New York Times,New York Post, New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Hollywood Reporter and many more. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and won the Oscar for Best Original Song for John Legend and Common’s compelling tribute “Glory.”
Director Ava DuVernay delivers the “definitive depiction of the 1960s American civil rights movement” (Lou Lumenick, New York Post) with the incredible story of how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The film arrives two weeks early on Digital HD April 21, 2015.
Embraced by critics and audiences alike, Selma was named one of the best films of the year by New York Times,New York Post, New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Hollywood Reporter and many more. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and won the Oscar for Best Original Song for John Legend and Common’s compelling tribute “Glory.”
Director Ava DuVernay delivers the “definitive depiction of the 1960s American civil rights movement” (Lou Lumenick, New York Post) with the incredible story of how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- 3/10/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The critically acclaimed film Selma is coming to blu-ray in May, Paramount has revealed, with a handful of historical special features that will give you a deeper look at the events that inspired the movie. Come inside to learn exactly when you'll be able to bring it home.
If you missed Selma in theaters or simply want to relive the powerful story again, you'll get your chance in a couple months as the film hit's blu-ray on May 5, 2015. You can get all the information on what's coming on the disc thanks to the press release from Paramount:
Hailed as “extraordinary” (David Denby, The New Yorker), “deeply moving” (Claudia Puig, USA Today) and “a triumph” (A.O. Scott, New York Times), director Ava DuVernay’s powerful drama Selma debuts on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand May 5, 2015 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. The film arrives two weeks early on Digital HD...
If you missed Selma in theaters or simply want to relive the powerful story again, you'll get your chance in a couple months as the film hit's blu-ray on May 5, 2015. You can get all the information on what's coming on the disc thanks to the press release from Paramount:
Hailed as “extraordinary” (David Denby, The New Yorker), “deeply moving” (Claudia Puig, USA Today) and “a triumph” (A.O. Scott, New York Times), director Ava DuVernay’s powerful drama Selma debuts on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand May 5, 2015 from Paramount Home Media Distribution. The film arrives two weeks early on Digital HD...
- 3/10/2015
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Fox News has signed Dr. Alveda King, Martin Luther King Jr.’s niece, as a contributor, network Chairman Roger Ailes announced Friday. A minister and civil rights activist, King will appear to provide social and cultural commentary across Fox’s programming. Also Read: Oscars Diversity Protest Called Off at ‘Selma’ Director Ava DuVernay’s Request “Alveda has brilliantly carried the legacy of the King family to the next generation and has been a source of inspiration for many Americans,” Ailes said. “Her passion and mission for social change will be a valuable contribution to our network.” Also Read: How ‘Selma...
- 3/6/2015
- by Jordan Chariton
- The Wrap
Fox News Channel (Fnc) has announced, via press release, that the network has hired minister and civil rights activist Dr. Alveda King as a contributor. In her role, Dr. King will provide social and cultural commentary across Fnc’s daytime and primetime programming. In making the announcement, Roger Ailes, Chairman and CEO, Fox News, said, "Alveda has brilliantly carried the legacy of the King family to the next generation and has been a source of inspiration for many Americans. Her passion and mission for social change will be a valuable contribution to our network." The founder of Alveda King Ministries, Dr. King currently serves as Director of African-American...
- 3/6/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Welcome to another horror round-up! This time around, we have details on how you can support Tom Savini's Nightmare City remake that's presented by Umberto Lenzi, the director of the 1980 original, a look at a new poster and information for the Halloween-related documentary, Horror Icon: Inside Michael's Mask with Tony Moran, and the reveal of who will play the lead role in Fox's Frankenstein pilot.
Tom Savini's Nightmare City Remake: Tom Savini, the Godfather of Gore, is fittingly set to direct and supervise the special effects on the Monsta Worx remake of Umberto Lenzi's zombie movie, Nightmare City. Lenzi himself is associate producing and presenting the project, with shooting slated to begin late this year in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. In addition to his duties behind the camera, Savini is also attached to play a role in the film, along with Judith O'Dea (Barbra from Night...
Tom Savini's Nightmare City Remake: Tom Savini, the Godfather of Gore, is fittingly set to direct and supervise the special effects on the Monsta Worx remake of Umberto Lenzi's zombie movie, Nightmare City. Lenzi himself is associate producing and presenting the project, with shooting slated to begin late this year in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. In addition to his duties behind the camera, Savini is also attached to play a role in the film, along with Judith O'Dea (Barbra from Night...
- 3/3/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
In his memoir But Enough About Me, screen legend Burt Reynolds tells all about his life and and his famous loves, including Dinah Shore, Sally Field and ex-wife Loni Anderson."I wanted to set the record straight," Reynolds, 79, tells People about his book, out this fall. "Not only about my relationships with Dinah, Sally and Loni, but also about the things that people don't know about me." There's a lot more to the star of Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit and, more recently, Boogie Nights, than a '70s sex symbol famous for his 1972 nude centerfold in Cosmopolitan. Such as?...
- 2/25/2015
- by Liz McNeil, @lizmcneil
- PEOPLE.com
It was a performance that triggered goose bumps at the Grammys - and for Beyoncé, her rendition of "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" had a deep, personal resonance. On Sunday night, the singer, 33, donned a flowing white frock as she stood still and sang the Gospel standard with a choir of black male singers, also clad in white, behind her. In a new video released by the singer, Beyoncé explains she seized the moment to showcase black men after a year of racial turmoil marked by deaths of unarmed black men including Michael Brown and Eric Garner. "I wanted to...
- 2/10/2015
- by Kathy Ehrich Dowd, @kathyehrichdowd
- PEOPLE.com
From BAFTA to DGA, the Latest Winners this Awards Season
With the Oscars upon us, the awards season is almost over! But the last trek to the Academy Awards include many guild awards and of course, BAFTA! So here.s the latest congratulatory awards list of the winners from BAFTA to DGA, from Annie to Ace and everything in between!
Your full BAFTA winners (winners are highlighted):
Best Film
Birdman Alejandro G. Iñárritu, John Lesher, James W. Skotchdopole
Boyhood Richard Linklater, Cathleen Sutherland
The Grand Budapest Hotel Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson
The Imitation Game Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky, Teddy Schwarzman
The Theory Of Everything Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce, Anthony McCarten
Director
Birdman Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Boyhood Richard Linklater
The Grand Budapest Hotel Wes Anderson
The Theory Of Everything James Marsh
Whiplash Damien Chazelle
Leading Actor
Benedict Cumberbatch The Imitation Game
Eddie Redmayne The Theory of Everything...
With the Oscars upon us, the awards season is almost over! But the last trek to the Academy Awards include many guild awards and of course, BAFTA! So here.s the latest congratulatory awards list of the winners from BAFTA to DGA, from Annie to Ace and everything in between!
Your full BAFTA winners (winners are highlighted):
Best Film
Birdman Alejandro G. Iñárritu, John Lesher, James W. Skotchdopole
Boyhood Richard Linklater, Cathleen Sutherland
The Grand Budapest Hotel Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson
The Imitation Game Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky, Teddy Schwarzman
The Theory Of Everything Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce, Anthony McCarten
Director
Birdman Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Boyhood Richard Linklater
The Grand Budapest Hotel Wes Anderson
The Theory Of Everything James Marsh
Whiplash Damien Chazelle
Leading Actor
Benedict Cumberbatch The Imitation Game
Eddie Redmayne The Theory of Everything...
- 2/9/2015
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Complete list of winners and nominees of the 2014 Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center on Sunday February 8. Winners will be updated as they're announced during the telecast and pre-telecast. Record Of The Year “Fancy,” Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli Xcx “Chandelier,” Sia **Winner** “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version),” Sam Smith “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift “All About That Bass,” Meghan Trainor Album Of The Year **Winner** “Morning Phase,” Beck “Beyoncé,” Beyoncé “X,” Ed Sheeran “In The Lonely Hour,” Sam Smith “Girl,” Pharrell Williams Song Of The Year “All About That Bass,” Kevin Kadish & Meghan Trainor, songwriters (Meghan Trainor) “Chandelier,” Sia Furler & Jesse Shatkin, songwriters (Sia) “Shake It Off,” Max Martin, Shellback & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift) **Winner** “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version),” James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith, songwriters (Sam Smith) “Take Me To Church,” Andrew Hozier-Byrne, songwriter (Hozier) Best New Artist Iggy Azalea Bastille Brandy Clark...
- 2/8/2015
- by Donna Dickens
- Hitfix
Chicago – The excellent film “Selma” focuses on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But just as important as King were the marchers from supporting civil rights societies, such as the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (Sncc), and their leaders like James Forman, portrayed in the film by Trai Byers.
Byers is an up-and-coming actor, with “Selma” being his first major film after stints on the daytime drama “All My Children” and the revival of “90210.” But besides “Selma,” Byers has a high profile part as Andre Lyon, the son of lead character Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) on the huge new Fox Network hit, “Empire.” The freshman drama has already been picked up for a second season, and its maneuverings within the Shakespeare-in-the-music-industry vibe has connected with viewers.
Trai Byers as James Forman (left) Kneels with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo, right) in ‘Selma’
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
Trai Byers was in...
Byers is an up-and-coming actor, with “Selma” being his first major film after stints on the daytime drama “All My Children” and the revival of “90210.” But besides “Selma,” Byers has a high profile part as Andre Lyon, the son of lead character Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) on the huge new Fox Network hit, “Empire.” The freshman drama has already been picked up for a second season, and its maneuverings within the Shakespeare-in-the-music-industry vibe has connected with viewers.
Trai Byers as James Forman (left) Kneels with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo, right) in ‘Selma’
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
Trai Byers was in...
- 1/22/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Although Hollywood has been no stranger to cinematic portrayals of the Civil Rights movement, it has long avoided the prospect of tackling Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. head-on. And it’s clear why – his legacy is vast, mythic, and daunting. The cultural memory of King is generally as omnipresent as it is unspecific, forming his ghost through monuments, perfunctory history lessons, and yesterday’s federal holiday into a historical character defined (and limited) by select phrases from speeches as well as decontextualized ideas like “nonviolence.” As a cinematic presence, King has largely been relegated to the margins of other people’s biopics like The Butler and Ali, and is often presented in a fashion consonant with his mythic status – as a relic of history and a fountain of wisdom rather than an actual, historical person. Ava DuVernay’s Selma pulls King’s legacy away from the conventional narratives of achieving certain equal rights – which often promotes historical...
- 1/20/2015
- by Landon Palmer
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Et was in Selma, Ala. nearly 50 years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic march, where Oprah Winfrey and the Selma cast led thousands in an emotional event that recreated Dr. King's march.
News: 21 of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Most Powerful Quotes
"What we feel is we want this to be more than just cameras and spectacle," Oprah told Et's Nischelle Turner. "That you are actually walking in the footsteps of people who have come before you -- people who did this in the sense of great courage and pride."
Selma follows a crucial time in Mlk's life when black marchers attempted to walk from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. in order to obtain voting rights in 1965. Oprah's The Butler co-star David Oyelowo stars as Mlk in the film and he chimed in, putting their demonstration in perspective.
"This is amazing for us but it was real for them and we want to see...
News: 21 of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Most Powerful Quotes
"What we feel is we want this to be more than just cameras and spectacle," Oprah told Et's Nischelle Turner. "That you are actually walking in the footsteps of people who have come before you -- people who did this in the sense of great courage and pride."
Selma follows a crucial time in Mlk's life when black marchers attempted to walk from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. in order to obtain voting rights in 1965. Oprah's The Butler co-star David Oyelowo stars as Mlk in the film and he chimed in, putting their demonstration in perspective.
"This is amazing for us but it was real for them and we want to see...
- 1/20/2015
- Entertainment Tonight
Et's Nischelle Turner shared an emotional video diary of her time with the cast of Selma over the weekend.
Nischelle marched alongside the cast and thousands of others in Selma, Ala. to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where John Legend and Common performed their Oscar-nominated song "Glory."
Video: Oprah Gets Emotional Talking About Selma
"It's about the movement and it's about the people," John told Nischelle. "It's about knowing what happened before and using that as inspiration."
"It's people like Dr. King and leaders who we now get to study to know that these are some of the ways that you change things," Common said.
John and Common's sentiments seemed to echo the majority of those involved. For Nischelle, this was more than just an assignment.
"I'm just honored to be an American No. 1," Nischelle said. "And an African-American No. 2, who is saying 'thank you.' "
In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a march...
Nischelle marched alongside the cast and thousands of others in Selma, Ala. to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where John Legend and Common performed their Oscar-nominated song "Glory."
Video: Oprah Gets Emotional Talking About Selma
"It's about the movement and it's about the people," John told Nischelle. "It's about knowing what happened before and using that as inspiration."
"It's people like Dr. King and leaders who we now get to study to know that these are some of the ways that you change things," Common said.
John and Common's sentiments seemed to echo the majority of those involved. For Nischelle, this was more than just an assignment.
"I'm just honored to be an American No. 1," Nischelle said. "And an African-American No. 2, who is saying 'thank you.' "
In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a march...
- 1/20/2015
- Entertainment Tonight
People throughout the country today remembered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an American leader of the Civil Rights Movement, with celebrations and marches. He was man who truly changed the U.S. and really made it a better place.
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the filmmakers and cast of the Academy Award-nominated film Selma joined the residents of Selma, Alabama in a commemorative march yesterday to pay tribute to Dr. King’s contributions to the city and its role in the civil rights movement.
Selma mayor George Evans addressed the community at Selma City Hall with Rev. Dion Culliver of Tabernacle Baptist Church and Rev. Leodis Strong of Brown Ame Chapel before the crowd participated in a commemorative march to the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where the historical marches occurred 50 years ago.
Common and John Legend performed their song “Glory” on the historical Edmund Pettus Bridge. The Golden...
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the filmmakers and cast of the Academy Award-nominated film Selma joined the residents of Selma, Alabama in a commemorative march yesterday to pay tribute to Dr. King’s contributions to the city and its role in the civil rights movement.
Selma mayor George Evans addressed the community at Selma City Hall with Rev. Dion Culliver of Tabernacle Baptist Church and Rev. Leodis Strong of Brown Ame Chapel before the crowd participated in a commemorative march to the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where the historical marches occurred 50 years ago.
Common and John Legend performed their song “Glory” on the historical Edmund Pettus Bridge. The Golden...
- 1/20/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Over 275,000 middle school and high school students across the country will be now able to see Ava DuVernay‘s Oscar-nominated Civil Rights drama “Selma” free of charge.
The historical drama, which stars David Oyelowo as legendary rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has received an additional 12 screening locations including in Los Angeles
The first-of-its-kind free ticket campaign, expanded Friday to 25 locations nationwide, comes courtesy of contributions from a variety of prominent African-American business leaders and notable personalities, including basketball star Baron Davis and Janine Sherman Barrois, an executive producer on CBS’s “Criminal Minds.”
See Photos: 21 Non-White Actors in...
The historical drama, which stars David Oyelowo as legendary rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has received an additional 12 screening locations including in Los Angeles
The first-of-its-kind free ticket campaign, expanded Friday to 25 locations nationwide, comes courtesy of contributions from a variety of prominent African-American business leaders and notable personalities, including basketball star Baron Davis and Janine Sherman Barrois, an executive producer on CBS’s “Criminal Minds.”
See Photos: 21 Non-White Actors in...
- 1/16/2015
- by Travis Reilly
- The Wrap
An additional 12 locations have joined the growing movement led by African-American business leaders to raise funds for students across the country to see the Academy Award-nominated film “Selma,” expanding the first-of-its-kind campaign to 25 locations nationwide.
Due to the generous contributions by so many of the country’s most prominent African-American business leaders, more than 275,000 middle and high school students across the U.S. will experience the critically acclaimed film for free at participating theaters while supplies last.
The new locations joining the movement are Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Central Florida/Orlando, Connecticut, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and St. Louis.
Rev. Starsky Wilson, President & CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, in St. Louis
“It is important that students are aware of this moment in history and make connections between the struggles of earlier generations and the challenges facing today’s youth,” said Rev. Starsky. “We are...
Due to the generous contributions by so many of the country’s most prominent African-American business leaders, more than 275,000 middle and high school students across the U.S. will experience the critically acclaimed film for free at participating theaters while supplies last.
The new locations joining the movement are Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Central Florida/Orlando, Connecticut, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Montgomery, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and St. Louis.
Rev. Starsky Wilson, President & CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, in St. Louis
“It is important that students are aware of this moment in history and make connections between the struggles of earlier generations and the challenges facing today’s youth,” said Rev. Starsky. “We are...
- 1/16/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In honor of the King! After being snubbed for a Best Actor Oscar nomination by the Academy, Selma actor David Oyelowo, who portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the film, kept his head held high at the 2015 Critics' Choice Awards on Thursday, Jan. 15. The British actor, 38, chose the occasion to honor the civil rights leader on what would have been his 86th birthday. Photos: Critics' Choice Awards 2015 red carpet fashion Appearing clean-cut and dapper in a black suit with a white shirt, [...]...
- 1/16/2015
- Us Weekly
Three of Martin Luther King Jr.'s children are expected to appear in an Atlanta courtroom on Tuesday as they battle over the slain civil rights leader's tattered personal Bible and Nobel Peace Prize, reportedly worth millions of dollars. Dexter King and Martin Luther King III have sued their sister Bernice King for the items, which are in her possession. King's estate is controlled by Bernice's two brothers, who reportedly want to sell their father's belongings to a private buyer. The dispute started not long after President Barack Obama used the Bible during his 2013 inauguration. Bernice was ordered by...
- 1/13/2015
- by Johnny Dodd, @Johnny_Dodd
- PEOPLE.com
Chicago – One of the specialities of HollywoodChicago.com is the film and personality interview. The majority of these chats came through me, Patrick McDonald, and I couldn’t narrow it down to a top 10 or even a top 20. For 2014, there were 25 top interviews, and it is a diverse range of voices.
It is a privilege to get the opportunity to participate in the promotional tours, awards ceremonies, film festivals, book appearances, phoners and other lucky happenstances that feature the notable among us. To whittle down the list, I mostly thought about what was said in these interviews, whether inspirational or provocative – plus the status of the participants, whether they are up-and-coming or established.
The interview highlights are broken down by “Background and Behind-the-Scenes” and the “Memorable Quote” associated with each subject, and are often accompanied with exclusive photography by Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com. Four notables who just missed the...
It is a privilege to get the opportunity to participate in the promotional tours, awards ceremonies, film festivals, book appearances, phoners and other lucky happenstances that feature the notable among us. To whittle down the list, I mostly thought about what was said in these interviews, whether inspirational or provocative – plus the status of the participants, whether they are up-and-coming or established.
The interview highlights are broken down by “Background and Behind-the-Scenes” and the “Memorable Quote” associated with each subject, and are often accompanied with exclusive photography by Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com. Four notables who just missed the...
- 1/12/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Ever since standing inside a frozen moment at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis – looking across to where the bullet must have issued, taking the life of an icon of nonviolent resistance – the image of Dr. Martin Luther King has become something more intimate to me. Black and white schoolroom footage becomes flesh, the voices less distant, when you stare into the full horizon of the cultural landscape that fought against basic life rights for African Americans in the South and those who began to turn the tide. Ava DuVernay’s Selma takes us to that headspace, shows us the familiar under new lights, ruminates on American history without histrionics.
Kitchens, bedrooms, churches, and the slim streets of Selma are the backdrop of an American revolution, one that seemed far too faded and familiar before Selma took the tactical back room approach to the legend of King’s organized protests for Black voters rights in 1965 Alabama.
Kitchens, bedrooms, churches, and the slim streets of Selma are the backdrop of an American revolution, one that seemed far too faded and familiar before Selma took the tactical back room approach to the legend of King’s organized protests for Black voters rights in 1965 Alabama.
- 1/12/2015
- by Gregory Fichter
- CinemaNerdz
Selma
Written by Paul Webb
Directed by Ava DuVernay
UK / USA, 2014
Selma is a shining example of how to create an informative biographical drama that still packs an emotional wallop. Rather than trying to portray the entire life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, director Ava DuVernay captures the essence of King by wisely focusing on three tumultuous months in his life. David Oyelowo delivers a mesmerizing performance as the civil rights icon, showing us a man whose passion is rivaled only by his intellect and political cunning. Selma takes an unflinching snapshot of American history that, sadly, feels more relevant today than ever before.
Nestled between the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a perilous 13 month period that would forever define America’s cultural identity. Racial segregation was legally dead, but Jim Crow was still alive and well in the American South.
Written by Paul Webb
Directed by Ava DuVernay
UK / USA, 2014
Selma is a shining example of how to create an informative biographical drama that still packs an emotional wallop. Rather than trying to portray the entire life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, director Ava DuVernay captures the essence of King by wisely focusing on three tumultuous months in his life. David Oyelowo delivers a mesmerizing performance as the civil rights icon, showing us a man whose passion is rivaled only by his intellect and political cunning. Selma takes an unflinching snapshot of American history that, sadly, feels more relevant today than ever before.
Nestled between the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a perilous 13 month period that would forever define America’s cultural identity. Racial segregation was legally dead, but Jim Crow was still alive and well in the American South.
- 1/8/2015
- by J.R. Kinnard
- SoundOnSight
A self-acknowledged "showcase for Academy Award frontrunners," the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is often overlooked for the actual films that earn it festival status. An amalgamation of international discoveries and ’merica’s circuit highlights, the Sbiff curates a week of best-of-the-best to pair with their star-praising. The 2015 edition offers another expansive selection, bookended by two films that aren’t on any radars just yet. Sbiff will open with "Desert Dancer," producer Richard Raymond’s directorial debut. Starring Reece Ritchie and Frieda Pinto, the drama follows a group of friends who wave off the harsh political climate of Iran’s 2009 presidential election in favor of forming a dance team, picking up moves from Michael Jackson, Gene Kelly and Rudolf Nureyev thanks to the magic of YouTube. The festival will close with "McFarland, USA," starring Kevin Costner and Maria Bello. Telling the 1987 true story of a Latino high school’s underdog cross-country team,...
- 1/8/2015
- by Matt Patches
- Hitfix
Chicago – One of the most vital – and contemporarily relevant – historical films is about to be released. “Selma” is the story of the titanic struggle to establish voting rights in Alabama in 1965, led by the iconic civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Actor David Oyelowo portrays King, and was directed by Ava DuVernay.
The circumstances of this artistic collaboration is nearly as intriguing as the depiction in the film. David Oyelowo spent seven years preparing the path to his role as Dr. King, and was instrumental in getting Ava DuVernay – a television and independent film director – onto this major film project. The result is a showcase of humanity, exposing the raw events of a minority struggle against a power that wanted to continue to deny them their inalienable rights (according to the Declaration of Independence). The events of “Selma” led to major legislative reforms in equitable voting for African Americans,...
The circumstances of this artistic collaboration is nearly as intriguing as the depiction in the film. David Oyelowo spent seven years preparing the path to his role as Dr. King, and was instrumental in getting Ava DuVernay – a television and independent film director – onto this major film project. The result is a showcase of humanity, exposing the raw events of a minority struggle against a power that wanted to continue to deny them their inalienable rights (according to the Declaration of Independence). The events of “Selma” led to major legislative reforms in equitable voting for African Americans,...
- 1/8/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
As Ava DuVernay's "Selma" moves out into wide release Friday, just 10 days shy of the Martin Luther King holiday on Jan. 19, the film finds itself in a tug-of-war over accuracy and dramatic license. If you've only skimmed the headlines or caught wind peripherally, here's a quick timeline of some of the debate's highlights. *** December 22: Things begin just before the holiday, when Mark K. Updegrove, director of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, blasts the film's depiction of the King/Johnson dynamic at Politico. "'Selma' misses mightily in faithfully capturing the pivotal relationship — contentious, the film would have you believe," he writes. He then details how Johnson's feet-dragging on the issue of voting rights was less about simple trepidation than politicking and finding the best way to time out the series of events so that Congress wouldn't stop it cold: "Yes, Johnson advocated stripping a potent...
- 1/7/2015
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Hitfix
Like many Best Picture contenders that have come before, Selma is being dinged for its supposed historical inaccuracies, with director Ava DuVernay being criticized by Lyndon B. Johnson scholars and his former aides for depicting the president as being pressured by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. into introducing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, instead of the other way around. There’s also some uproar over the film’s possible suggestion — if you’re reading a lot into the editing of a particular scene — that Lbj was involved in the FBI disparaging King. Yesterday, the uproar seemed to have won, with Selma getting snubbed by the Producer’s Guild, perhaps the best predictor of which film will eventually take home Hollywood’s top prize. How is it possible that the conversation surrounding the only major film to have been made about Dr. King’s legacy is now centered on someone who is not King?...
- 1/6/2015
- by Jada Yuan
- Vulture
We've been writing about Ava DuVernay's fantastic drama "Selma" since it first debuted at the AFI Film Festival on Nov. 11. While many have been able to catch the Best Picture player in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and other select cities since Christmas, the rest of the nation will finally get their chance to experience it on Friday. Paramount Pictures has provided HitFix with an exclusive clip which comes at a pivotal moment in the film. Early on audiences are introduced to three residents of the city, Cager Lee (Henry G. Sanders), his daughter Viola Jackson (Charity Jordan) and his grandson, Jimmie Lee Jackson (Keith Stanfield). They, like many African-American residents of the area, were peacefully protesting the fact that a civil rights leader was being held in county jail when they were attacked by police officers. Lee and his family sought refuge in a local restaurant when police found them and tragedy struck.
- 1/6/2015
- by Gregory Ellwood
- Hitfix
Oprah Winfrey is ready for African-American leadership to step up to the plate in the wake of recent social unrest following the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and the choking death of Eric Garner in New York. The media mogul, who also produced and costarred in “Selma,” thinks the ongoing marches and protests are “wonderful,” but she’s searching for more.
“I think what can be gleaned from our film ‘Selma’ is to really take note of the strategic intention required when you want real change. Strategic, peaceful intention when you want real change,” she told People...
“I think what can be gleaned from our film ‘Selma’ is to really take note of the strategic intention required when you want real change. Strategic, peaceful intention when you want real change,” she told People...
- 1/4/2015
- by Travis Reilly
- The Wrap
'Selma' movie review: Politically salient in the early 21st century and 'beautiful in all the ways of cinema' (photo: David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. in 'Selma') The title of director Ava DuVernay's historical drama Selma tells us what the film is about, while implying what it isn't about. In other words, Selma is not about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- wonderfully played by British actor David Oyelowo -- even though the reverend is the film's gravitational center and its emotional weight accrues to him. Just like what took place in Selma, Alabama, back in 1965. In fact, Oyelowo's presence is as transfixing as that of the young Ben Kingsley in his transformative interpretation of Gandhi in Sir Richard Attenborough's 1982 titular classic about one of Dr. King's inspirational figures. Unlike Gandhi, however, Selma is a single canvas on which a few months in Dr.
- 1/3/2015
- by Tim Cogshell
- Alt Film Guide
Throughout January, Own: Oprah Winfrey Network will be airing a month of programs honoring civil rights legends as the 50th anniversary of the historic Selma to Montgomery marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. nears. On Jan. 4, at 9pm Et/Pt, Oprah will host a special episode of Oprah Prime, celebrating the life of Dr. King and the Selma marches. The episode features a conversation with David Oyelowo, who portrays Dr. King in the new movie Selma, along with the film’s director, Ava DuVernay. The episode also looks at stories of those impacted by the march and their reflections on that time … Continue reading →
The post Own airing monthlong celebration honoring civil rights legends appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post Own airing monthlong celebration honoring civil rights legends appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 1/3/2015
- by Jeff Pfeiffer
- ChannelGuideMag
Days away from the wide release of “Selma,” a controversy around the film is gaining steam as historians take issue with its depiction of president Lyndon B. Johnson clashing with Martin Luther King, Jr. over voting rights.
In a lengthy New York Times story about historians taking issue with the movie, Diane McWhorter, the author of “Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution,”argued Thursday that the movie is not truthful in depicting Lbj (played by Tom Wilkinson) fighting King on staging protests in Selma.
“Everybody has to take license in movies like this,...
In a lengthy New York Times story about historians taking issue with the movie, Diane McWhorter, the author of “Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama: The Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution,”argued Thursday that the movie is not truthful in depicting Lbj (played by Tom Wilkinson) fighting King on staging protests in Selma.
“Everybody has to take license in movies like this,...
- 1/2/2015
- by Alicia Banks
- The Wrap
Inevitably, various experts are attacking the historical accuracy of Ava DuVernay's Christmas hit "Selma." They're suggesting that the movie set in 1965 in the thick of the Civil Rights movement turns President Lyndon Baines Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) into the villain of the piece. This is not really true--he's more of an obstacle for Dr. Martin Luther King (David Oyelowo) getting what he wants sooner rather than later: the Voting Rights Act. Read More: David Oyelowo on How Late-Breaking "Selma" Found Its Time Various people are challenging the veracity of the way the film portrays Johnson's relationships with both King and FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover. DuVernay responded heatedly on Twitter (which she deploys expertly--her use of social media should be examined by every filmmaker who wants to reach their fans, friends and followers); that Selma was Johnson’s idea was “jaw dropping and offensive” to the “black citizens who made it so.
- 1/1/2015
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
“Selma,” the Golden Globe-nominated film about Martin Luther King Jr., will screen for free in the Alabama city that gave the film its title.
“With deep gratitude to the people of Selma, Alabama, we are proud to share this powerful film depicting the historic events that took place there 50 years ago,” said Oprah Winfrey on behalf of the film’s producers. Winfrey costars in the movie as an African-American worker who joins the civil rights protests. “I hope generations will watch the film and share their stories of remembrance and history together.”
The film directed by Ava DuVernay depicts the...
“With deep gratitude to the people of Selma, Alabama, we are proud to share this powerful film depicting the historic events that took place there 50 years ago,” said Oprah Winfrey on behalf of the film’s producers. Winfrey costars in the movie as an African-American worker who joins the civil rights protests. “I hope generations will watch the film and share their stories of remembrance and history together.”
The film directed by Ava DuVernay depicts the...
- 1/1/2015
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
Chicago – With exquisite timing, the historical docudrama “Selma” will ring in 2015, and adds to the race-oppression-in-America debate that everything old is new again. Set in 1965, it is the courageous story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the ordinary citizens that fought for the right to vote.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The events unfold calmly and forthrightly in the film, as Dr. King and his divided civil rights movement start another journey, to assure voting rights for the African American citizens of Alabama in the town of Selma, denied to them by a segregationist government and supporting citizens (including the police). It is an emotional and human film, highlighting the titanic struggle of Dr. King, the African American citizens of Alabama (who braved beatings and murder), and a United States government and judiciary bent not on necessarily doing the right thing, but the most politically expedient thing. As we come back to our current debate regarding Ferguson,...
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The events unfold calmly and forthrightly in the film, as Dr. King and his divided civil rights movement start another journey, to assure voting rights for the African American citizens of Alabama in the town of Selma, denied to them by a segregationist government and supporting citizens (including the police). It is an emotional and human film, highlighting the titanic struggle of Dr. King, the African American citizens of Alabama (who braved beatings and murder), and a United States government and judiciary bent not on necessarily doing the right thing, but the most politically expedient thing. As we come back to our current debate regarding Ferguson,...
- 1/1/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Ava DuVernay faced a daunting task in bringing “Selma” to the big screen. The drama, about the 1965 Civil Rights marches in Alabama to demand voting rights for blacks, had already been through several directors by the time she came on board.
Adding to the challenges, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s estate would not grant the team behind the film permission to use his iconic speeches. Still, DuVernay managed to put together a critically acclaimed drama which debuted strongly at the box office this weekend after Paramount pictures rolled it out in limited release. And thanks to “Selma,” DuVernay recently...
Adding to the challenges, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s estate would not grant the team behind the film permission to use his iconic speeches. Still, DuVernay managed to put together a critically acclaimed drama which debuted strongly at the box office this weekend after Paramount pictures rolled it out in limited release. And thanks to “Selma,” DuVernay recently...
- 12/29/2014
- by Anita Bennett
- The Wrap
Some TV news stories you should know about... First, Da’vine Joy Randolph has been cast as a female lead in "Vice Principals," HBO’s 18-episode comedy series from "Eastbound & Down" creators Danny McBride and Jody Hill. "Vice Principals" tells the story of a high school and the people who almost run it: the vice principals. Randolph plays Dr. Belinda Brown, the confident & powerful new Principal at Lincoln High school. Second, Ernie Hudson has been cast as King Poseidon in ABC’s "Once Upon A Time." He'll first appear in episode 15 of the fairytale drama’s...
- 12/23/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Even though Prince Philip’s portrayer Julian Morris is busy dating Jess Day (Zooey Deschanel) on New Girl, we’ll soon be meeting one of his in-laws on Once Upon a Time. As first reported by Entertainment Weekly, the ABC fairy-tale drama has cast The Originals‘ Sebastian Roche to play, King Stefan, the father Sarah Bolger’s Aurora, in Season 4. According to EW‘s report, Stefan has a “has a complicated past with Maleficent (Kristin Bauer Van Straten).” Roche is no stranger to genre shows. The actor currently stars as Mikael, a villainous role he originated on The Vampire Diaries, on The CW’s The Originals, and his past TV credits include Fringe, Supernatural, and Scandal. He’ll appear in a March episode of Once Upon a Time. Additionally, Roche’s King Stefan is the second major father role that Once has cast over the past couple of days. Back on Friday,...
- 12/23/2014
- by Chris King
- TVovermind.com
TV’s go-to baddie, Sebastian Roché, next will fill a role fit for a king — on ABC’s Once Upon a Time.
Having most recently made mayhem as The Originals’ Mikael, Roché will guest-star as Aurora’s father, King Stefan, in the upcoming second half of Once‘s fourth season, EW.com reports.
As per Sleeping Beauty lore, Roché’s royal has a past that’s entangled with the sorceress who years ago cursed his daughter — Maleficent, played by Kristin Bauer.
Sharlto Copley played King Stefan in Disney’s big-screen Maleficent, released earlier this year.
Roché’s TV resumé also includes stints on Scandal,...
Having most recently made mayhem as The Originals’ Mikael, Roché will guest-star as Aurora’s father, King Stefan, in the upcoming second half of Once‘s fourth season, EW.com reports.
As per Sleeping Beauty lore, Roché’s royal has a past that’s entangled with the sorceress who years ago cursed his daughter — Maleficent, played by Kristin Bauer.
Sharlto Copley played King Stefan in Disney’s big-screen Maleficent, released earlier this year.
Roché’s TV resumé also includes stints on Scandal,...
- 12/23/2014
- TVLine.com
Chicago – It’s that time of year to figure it out, as 2014 leaks away, and the film year follows suit. Whittling down a list to ten films, after hours of entertainment and provoking of thought, is a fool’s challenge at best. Then who better to do it than Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.
Best to change it up to first person voice, since I’m writing the actual article. So, I, Patrick McDonald, will attempt to break down the film year into the 10 Best, and my colleagues on HollywoodChicago.com will follow suit in the next several days.
The most difficult slot of any list like this is the 10th position, for it leaves out so many brilliant possibilities for 11th place and onward. At that position are the international films “Bright Days Ahead,” “Force Majeure” and “The Raid 2”; the horror/comic genius of “Dead Snow 2: Red vs.
Best to change it up to first person voice, since I’m writing the actual article. So, I, Patrick McDonald, will attempt to break down the film year into the 10 Best, and my colleagues on HollywoodChicago.com will follow suit in the next several days.
The most difficult slot of any list like this is the 10th position, for it leaves out so many brilliant possibilities for 11th place and onward. At that position are the international films “Bright Days Ahead,” “Force Majeure” and “The Raid 2”; the horror/comic genius of “Dead Snow 2: Red vs.
- 12/22/2014
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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