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← Older postsUSHER AWARDED FOR OUTSTANDING MALE ARTIST, ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR, AND PRESIDENT’S AWARD AT 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
March 21, 2024OPRAH WINFREY PRESENTS USHER WITH PRESTIGIOUS PRESIDENT AWARD. WATCH HERE WATCH THE VIDEOS FOR “Good Good”, “Risk It All”, “Standing Next To You” AND “Ruin” FROM COMING HOME HIGHEST CHARTING ALBUM IN OVER A DECADE WITH COMING HOME Listen HERE ABOUT USHERUSHER has changed music, culture, and countless lives. The multiple GRAMMY Award-winning diamond-selling international megastar, actor, dancer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist inspires change yet again in 2023 and beyond. Beyond selling over 80 million records worldwide and collecting dozens of awards, he has simultaneously lit up the small screen on NBC’s The Voice and the big screen in blockbusters such as Hustlers. He has also tirelessly distinguished himself as a devout humanitarian, raising tens of millions of dollars for various causes and uplifting youth via his New Look Foundation. Since 1999 he has been providing opportunities for young people in underserved communities and enabling them to flourish and achieve seemingly impossible dreams. A long-time supporter and Global Citizen Ambassador, USHER has performed at events since 2015 raising awareness to defeat poverty, defend the planet and demand equity. A true outlier, he is equally at home on the stage of his sold out My Way Las Vegas residency as he was on a 2016 government cultural mission to Cuba as part of President Barack Obama’s Presidential Committee for Arts and Humanities. Usher’s ninth studio album COMING HOME will be released via mega/gamma. on February 9. Follow USHER:TikTok InstagramTwitter Facebook Youtube
Posted in Spotlight | Leave a comment55th NAACP Image Awards Photos
March 17, 2024“55th NAACP Image Awards” Images (Photo Credit: Getty Images for BET) March 16, 2024 NAACP and BET honored Black excellence in music, television and film across 90 categories at the “55th NAACP Image Awards.” Hosted by GRAMMY® award-winning recording artist, critically acclaimed Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning and Academy Award®-nominated actor and producer Queen Latifah (series star/executive producer of The Equalizer, CBS), the legendary show aired live at 8 pm ET / PT on BET, CBS and additional Paramount Networks live from the Shrine Auditorium. Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Mike Epps, Quinta Brunson, The Color Purple, Usher and more took top honors. Special awards recipients delivered moving speeches, including Amanda Gorman, New Edition, and Usher. Watch an encore of the “55th NAACP Image Awards” Monday, March 18 at 7 PM ET/PT on BET. Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural award shows, the “55th NAACP Image Awards” continues its tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to these values. The complete list of winners for the “55th NAACP Image Awards” are: ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Usher OUTSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY Angel Laketa Moore MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES Outstanding Motion Picture The Color Purple Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture Fantasia Barrino – The Color Purple Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture Colman Domingo – Rustin Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Colman Domingo – The Color Purple Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Taraji P. Henson – The Color Purple Outstanding Animated Motion Picture Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture Phylicia Pearl Mpasi – The Color Purple Outstanding Youth Performance (Motion Picture) Mila Davis-Kent – Creed III Outstanding International Motion Picture Brother Outstanding Cinematography in a Feature Film Eric K. Yue – “A Thousand and One” Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture) Blitz Bazawule – “The Color Purple” Outstanding Independent Motion Picture “Brother” Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a …
Posted in 55th NAACP Image Awards, On the Scene, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentORDINARY ANGELS
March 15, 2024Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson attends the New York Premiere of Lionsgate’s “Ordinary Angels” – After Party at Cathédrale Restaurant Tamala Jones attends the New York Premiere of Lionsgate’s “Ordinary Angels” SVA Theater PHOTOS by: Marion Curtis / StarPix for for Lionsgate Lionsgate hosted the world premiere of ORDINARY ANGELS at the SVA Theatre in New York February 20. Cast walked the red carpet, including stars Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Tamala Jones,Nancy Travis, Amy Acker, Drew Powell and Emily Mitchell. They were joined by filmmakers, including Director/Executive Producer Jon Gunn, Producers Jon Berg, Kevin Downes, and Andy Erwin, Executive Producer Rick Baker, Production Designer Nazgol Goshtashbpur, and Costume Designer Heather Neale.Also in attendance were some of the inspirations for the story, Sharon Stevens (portrayed on-screen by Hilary Swank), Ashley Schmitt (portrayed on-screen by Skywalker Hughes), and Pastor Dave Stone (portrayed on-screen by Drew Powell). After introducing the film to an enthusiastic audience, the cast and filmmakers gathered for a reception at Cathédrale Restaurant. Synopsis: Based on a remarkable true story, ORDINARY ANGELS centers on Sharon (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels. Lionsgate presents, a Vertigo Entertainment / Stampede Ventures production, a Kingdom Story Company production. Directed by: Jon GunnScreenplay by: Meg Tilly and Kelly Fremon CraigProduced by: Jon Berg, Roy Lee, Dave Matthews, Johnathan Dorfman, Sarah Johnson, David Beal, Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Andrew ErwinCast: Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Nancy Travis, Tamala Jones, Drew Powell, Amy Acker, Skywalker Hughes, and Emily MitchellExecutive Producers: Tony Young, Jon Gunn, Rick Baker, Matthew ParkerDirector of Photography: Maya Bankovic, cscProduction Designer: Nazgol GoshtasbpourEditor: Parker AdamsCostume Designer: Heather NealeMusic by: Pancho Burgos-GoizuetaMusic Supervisor: Kevin EdelmanCasting by: Jill Anthony Thomas, CSA and …
Posted in Film | Leave a commentJazz in the Gardens Grows in Attendance from the Previous Year, With 41K at Hard Rock Stadium
March 15, 2024Music Royalty and Chart-Topping Artists of Multi-Genres Maxwell, Summer Walker, Jazmine Sullivan, Uncle Luke, Jeezy, T.I., Babyface, Fantasia, Tamia, Kirk Franklin, and October London Illuminate the Stages at Jazz in the Gardens Legendary Civil Rights Leader Ben Crump Receives a Proclamation from Miami-Dade County, While Legendary Rappers Trick Daddy and Trina Receive the Key to the City of Miami Gardens JAZZ IN THE GARDENS 2024 (JITG), hosted by the City of Miami Gardens, has grown in attendance from the previous year, with more than 41,000 fans gathering at Hard Rock Stadium. In its inaugural partnership with Black Promoters Collective (BPC), the festival, in its 17th year, saw a remarkable 25% increase in ticket sales. The 2024 festival, with its diverse lineup and unforgettable performances, spanned two days and featured two magnetic stages. On March 9th and 10th, festival-goers showed up and showed out to enjoy all of JITG’s culture-driven offerings. From a varied lineup in food, music, brand activations, vendor merchandise, and art, every attendee could find their place at this annual homecoming. JITG crowd on Day 1.Photo Credit: Jr Mead Photography This year’s events were made even more remarkable by the presence of a highly curated sponsors lounge and activations for fans to enjoy. Sponsors included Simply, Calder Casino, The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami-Dade District 1, Amscot, AARP, Aetna, Bahamas Air, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, and more. Simply activation at the Women’s Impact Luncheon.Photo Credit: Jr Mead PhotographyThe festival included two special performances with the “Welcome to the Crib” stages hosted by DJ Nasty, which gave the fans a special taste of Miami with performances by Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, Ball Greezy, Major 9, and Wayne Wonder. DJ Cassidy gave fans an unforgettable treat with his “Pass The Mic Live!” stage, featuring some of the biggest names in hip hop, including Uncle Luke, Lil Kim, T.I., and Too $hort.Trina and Trick …
Posted in R&B Pop Culture, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentBronzeLens SuperStars Weekend Recap
March 14, 2024The 2024 BronzeLens Women SuperStars Honors, one of the most recognized industry awards to celebrate the achievements of women of color in film and television, brought out movers and shakers in the Atlanta area and nationwide, March 2, 2024. BronzeLens Women SuperStars Honors has become a must-attend signature event for film production insiders, corporations, and the local community. Actresses Anika Noni Rose, Vanessa Bell Calloway, KJ Smith, and producer Dr. Holly Carter were honored at the Rialto Center for the Arts. A plethora of film aficionados came out to be a part of the celebration including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau president William Pate, actress/director Terri J Vaughn, star of ABCTV’s The Wonder Years Saycon Sengbloh, and writer/producer/director Deborah Riley Draper! Actor Timon Kyle Durrett was the host for the event with a performance by actress and vocalist Chandra Currelley. As a special highlight for the evening producer, director, animator, writer, and 2018 BronzeLens Women SuperStar Ayoka Chenzira moderated a panel “SuperStars In Conversation” featuring all the 2024 honorees.
Posted in Atlanta Scene | Leave a commentORIGIN – Official Trailer
March 10, 2024 Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentSUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION
March 1, 2024Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold host the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Anniversary on February 7, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV at the Palms Casino Resort. HONOREES DAMAR HAMLINBuffalo Bills“New Beginnings” Award Honoree MARKQUESE BELLDallas Cowboys“HBCU Spotlight” Honoree CJ STROUDHouston Texans Quarterback“Faith In Action” Award Honoree NATE BURLESONCo-Host, CBS Mornings, NFL Today /former NFL Player“Lifetime of Inspiration” Honoree ESSENCE Glass Ceiling Breaker Award Presented By Mielle HonoreesDASHA SMITHChief Admin Officer/Executive Vice President, NFLKIMBERLY FIELDS SVP of Football Opps/ Football Business Strategy, NFLSANDRA DOUGLASS MORGANTeam President, Las Vegas Raiders The Players Choir Celebrates Super Bowl Soulful Celebration 25th Year Anniversary The Players Choir performs on the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, marking its 25th year. Making its debut in 2008 in Phoenix during the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC), the choir includes active and former NFL players and has delivered one of the most highly-anticipated musical performances during the biggest weekend in sports, the annual Super Bowl Weekend. SBSC SHOW VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS/CLIPS VIDEO: Experience the magic of the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration with our exclusive video highlights, offering a glimpse behind the scenes, from the glamorous red carpet rollout to the electrifying show day festivities. Get an insider’s view of the star-studded red carpet arrivals, featuring celebrity guests and honorees making their grand entrance. Then, immerse yourself in the soulful performances and memorable moments captured during the taping of the event, showcasing the incredible talent and energy that filled the vibrant Palms Pearl Concert Theatre. With select show clips and interviews with participants, our video highlights provide a captivating snapshot of this unforgettable celebration of faith, fellowship, and football. Click the thumbnail link for a sneak peek into the heart and soul of the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration! SBSC SHOW PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration brings together NFL players, gospel and contemporary …
Posted in Inspirational | Leave a commentUSHER SCORES HIGHEST CHARTING ALBUM IN OVER A DECADE WITH COMING HOME
February 29, 2024Listen HERE COMING HOME (EXPANDED EDITION) FEATURING TWO NEW SONGS TO BE RELEASED FEBRUARY 23 COMING HOME DEBUTS AT NO. 1 ON BILLBOARD’S TOP R&B ALBUMS CHART, NO. 1 ON TOP ALBUM SALES, AND NO. 1 ON TOP CURRENT ALBUMS BECOMING THE TOP SELLING ALBUM OF THE WEEK APPLE MUSIC SUPER BOWL LVIII HALFTIME SHOW WAS THE MOST WATCHED SUPER BOWL HALFTIME PERFORMANCE IN HISTORY WITH 129.3M VIEWERS Watch HERE USHER: PAST PRESENT FUTURE NORTH AMERICA & EUROPEAN TOUR ON SALE NOW AT LIVENATION.COM Watch the videos for “Good Good”, “Risk It All”, “Standing Next To You” and “Ruin” from COMING HOME “Usher’s not trying to be any other kind of pop or R&B star. And at the very least, the album is a reminder that he is pretty great at a lot of things. Glad he came home.” “…he has proved that he didn’t have to update his sound. He was here already.”“…a refreshing return to the kind of real R&B that has been missing from today’s music.” “Coming Home is full of delectable singles that prove Usher is still the king of pop-R&B—he’s simply reminding his fans what he can do, how many ways he can do it, and how nastily, too, if you’ll allow him.” Read USHER’s latest Billboard Cover Story HERERead USHER’s Los Angeles Times Cover Story HEREWatch USHER’s CBS Sunday Morning Interview HERE COMING HOME (EXPANDED EDITION) INCLUDING TWO NEW TRACKS TO BE RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 23 Expanded Edition includes new tracks “Naked” and “Believe” USHER: PAST PRESENT FUTURE NORTH AMERICA & EUROPEAN DATES ON SALE NOW AT LIVENATION.COM INTO THE GROOVE WITH USHER LIVE NOWWatch HERE This is what music conversations should feel like. The most captivating tales of our musical era, shared by the most passionate music enthusiasts in the world, all experienced through the warm analog tones of vinyl records. Sponsored by Rémy Martin and presented with mega, as the needle drops into the grooves of his latest album COMING HOME, Usher and …
Posted in Music, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentBOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE IN THEATERS NOW
January 7, 2024SYNOPSIS: BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita, BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE is in theatres January 12, Paramount Pictures Presents A Plan B Entertainment / State Street Pictures / Tuff Gong Production “BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE” Executive Producers Richard Hewitt, Orly Marley, Matt Solodky Produced by Robert Teitel, Brad Pitt, Jeremy Kleiner, Dede Gardner, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley, Cedella Marley Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green Starring Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch, James Norton, Tosin Cole, Anthony Welsh, Michael Gandolfini, Umi Myers, Nadine Marshall CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE “Bob Marley: One Love ” has not yet been rated. OneLoveMovie.com #BobMarleyMovie #OneLoveMovie TikTok | Instagram| Facebook| Twitter
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentThe Color Purple in theaters Christmas
December 7, 2023Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule (“Black Is King,” “The Burial of Kojo”) and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones. “The Color Purple” stars Taraji P. Henson (“What Men Want,” “Hidden Figures”), Danielle Brooks (“Peacemaker,” “Orange Is the New Black”), Colman Domingo (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Fear the Walking Dead”), Corey Hawkins (“In the Heights,” “BlacKkKlansman”), H.E.R. (“Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration”), Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid,” “Grown-ish”), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard,” “If Beale Street Could Talk”), and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut). The screenplay is by Marcus Gardley (“Maid,” “The Chi”), based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. The executive producers Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Mara Jacobs, Adam Fell, Courtenay Valenti, Sheila Walcott and Michael Beugg. Joining director Bazawule behind the camera are director of photography Dan Laustsen (“John Wick: Chapter 4,” “The Shape of Water”), production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“The Flash,” “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”) and editor Jon Poll (“Bombshell,” “The Greatest Showman”). The choreographer is Fatima Robinson (“Coming 2 America,” “Dreamgirls”) and the costumes are designed by Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (“Emancipation,” “One Night in Miami…”). The music supervisors are Jordan Carroll (“The Greatest Showman,” “Godfather of Harlem”) and Morgan Rhodes (“Space Jam: A New Legacy,” “Selma”); the music is by Kris Bowers (“King Richard,” “Green Book”); and the executive music producers are Nick Baxter (“Babylon,” “CODA”), Stephen Bray (“Respect,” “Juanita”) and …
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