Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →The Little Mermaid Official Teaser Trailer
September 15, 2022Disney’s The Little Mermaid is coming to theaters May 26, 2023. “The Little Mermaid,” visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar®-winning animated musical classic, opens exclusively in theaters nationwide May 26, 2023. “The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton,” “Snowpiercer”) as the voice of Sebastian; Jacob Tremblay (“Luca,” “Room”) as the voice of Flounder; Awkwafina (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as the voice of Scuttle; Jonah Hauer-King (“A Dog’s Way Home”) as Prince Eric; Art Malik (“Homeland”) as Sir Grimsby; Noma Dumezweni (“Mary Poppins Returns”) as Queen Selina; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Being the Ricardos”) as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” “Bridesmaids”) as Ursula. “The Little Mermaid” is directed by Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall (“Chicago,” “Mary Poppins Returns”), and written by two-time Oscar nominee David Magee (“Life of Pi,” “Finding Neverland”), with a live-action story adaptation by David Magee, Rob Marshall, and two-time Emmy winner John DeLuca (“Tony Bennett: An American Classic”), based on the short story by Hans Christian Andersen, and the Disney animated film by Ron Clements and John Musker. The …
Posted in Cinema, MOTIVATION | Leave a comment74TH EMMY® AWARDS
September 12, 2022WINNERS WALK & RED CARPET PHOTOS The Television Academy celebrated the 74th Emmy® Awards, recognizing excellence in television programming and individual achievement for the 2021-2022 television season. The 74th Emmy Awards was broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles on the NBC Television Network, hosted by Kenan Thompson and produced by Done+Dusted and Hudlin Entertainment. The telecast featured awards in 25 Emmy categories, plus the Governors Award, presented by top talent from some of television’s most acclaimed programs. Presenters and surprise guests included Amy Poehler, Angela Bassett, Anthony Anderson, Ariana DeBose, Ayo Edebiri, B.J. Novak, Bowen Yang, Chandra Wilson, Chris O’Donnell, Christopher Meloni, Diego Luna, Freddie Highmore, Gael García Bernal, Hannah Einbinder, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Jake Lacy, Jean Smart, Jeremy Allen White, Jimmy Kimmel, Juliette Lewis, Jung Ho-yeon, Kelly Clarkson, Kerry Washington, Kumail Nanjiani, Lee Jung-jae, Lizzo, Mariska Hargitay, Markella Kavenagh, Martin Short, Mindy Kaling, Molly Shannon, Natalie Zea, Paul Walter Hauser, Pete Davidson, Regina Hall, Rosario Dawson, RuPaul Charles, Sarah Paulson, Selena Gomez, Selma Blair, Seth Meyers, Shemar Moore, Shonda Rhimes, Sofía Vergara, Steve Martin, Taron Egerton, Vanessa Bayer and Will Arnett. EGOT winner John Legend performed “Pieces” off his new album LEGEND for the “in memoriam” segment of the show. Also, GRAMMY Award-winning artist Zedd DJ’d for the evening; and comedian Sam Jay acted as the announcer. Additionally, Emmys were awarded in 93 other categories at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards during two ceremonies on the weekend of Saturday, Sept. 3, and Sunday, Sept. 4. An edited presentation of the Creative Arts ceremonies can be seen streaming on Hulu Sept. 11-27. For more information and complete Winners List, please visit emmys.com. About the Television Academy The Television Academy strives to shape and advance the dynamic television landscape and advocate for the global television industry capturing the zeitgeist of a new generation of entertainment. Through its innovative programs, publications and events, the Academy and its Foundation endeavors to foster and empower the diverse community of storytellers fueling the medium while celebrating those who have excelled in the industry, recognizing their achievements through awards and accolades, including the coveted Primetime Emmy® Award. For more information, please visit TelevisionAcademy.com.
Posted in In The Spotlight, Sonya's Highlights and More | Leave a commentGLOBAL SUPERSTAR USHER ANNOUNCES THE 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF HIS 7x PLATINUM ALBUM MY WAY TO BE RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 16 VIA LAFACE RECORDS AND LEGACY RECORDINGS
September 12, 2022DIGITAL ALBUM INCLUDES THREE REIMAGINED TRACKS PLUS INSTRUMENTAL VERSIONS ALL PRODUCED BY RYAN JAMES CARR DELUXE EDITION PRESSED ON 2LP 180G SILVER CLOUDY VINYL OUTEARLY 2023 VIA VINYLME PLEASEPREORDER HERE USHER: 25 YEARS MY WAY A MINI-DOCUMENTARY ON THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE ALBUM OUT SEPTEMBER 16EXCLUSIVELY VIA USHER’S YOUTUBE CHANNELWATCH THE TRAILER HERE LaFace Records and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment (SME), are celebrating the 25th anniversary of global superstar Usher’s iconic album, My Way – the R&B masterpiece that rocketed him into the star-studded spotlight – with an expanded edition of the original album, newly reimagined versions of three tracks from the album, a mini-documentary and more on September 16, 2022. My Way 25th Anniversary Edition features the original album in its entirety, bundled with three freshly reimagined tracks, plus instrumentals of said tracks, all produced by producer/drummer extraordinaire, Ryan James Carr. The new tracks are:“My Way” (Ryan James Carr Remake)“Nice & Slow” (Ryan James Carr Remake)“You Make Me Wanna…” (Ryan James Carr Remake) The collaboration between Carr and Usher on the reimagined tracks influenced his Tiny Desk performance which now has over 11M views in two months and birthed a meme that continues to live across all media. Released on September 16th, 1997 by LaFace Records, Usher’s My Way has been certified 7 times Platinum by the RIAA, with singles “You Make Me Wanna..” and “Nice & Slow” achieving triple platinum status. In 1997, the album solidified its mark in music history by charting number eleven on US Billboard’s Top 200 Albums of the Year. My Way 25th Anniversary Edition is available now for digital pre-save HERE The 25th anniversary deluxe edition of My Way pressed on 2LP 180g Silver Cloudy Vinyl will be available via Vinyl Me Please early 2023. The package features new album art that pays homage to the original cover from 1997, plus three reimagined tracks and a lyric and photo booklet to flip through as …
Posted in R&B Pop Culture, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentSIDNEY on Apple Original Films September 23
September 12, 2022From producer Oprah Winfrey and directed by Reginald Hudlin, this revealing documentary honors the legendary Sidney Poitier and his legacy as an iconic actor, filmmaker and activist at the center of Hollywood and the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring candid interviews with Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Robert Redford, Lenny Kravitz, Barbra Streisand, Spike Lee and many more, the film is also produced by Derik Murray, in close collaboration with the Poitier family. Director: Reginald Hudlin Writer: Jesse James Miller Producers: Oprah Winfrey, Derik Murray Executive Producers: Terry Wood, Catherine Cyr, Brian Gersh, Paul Gertz, Reginald Hudlin, Joanna Shimkus Poitier, Anika Poitier, Barry Krost
Posted in Reboot | Leave a commentBET Hip Hop Awards 2022 Nominations Announced
September 7, 2022PREMIERING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 AT 9 PM ET/PT ON BET DRAKE LEADS “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” 2022 WITH 14 NOMINATIONS, FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY KANYE WEST WITH 10 NOMINATIONS, AND KENDRICK LAMAR WITH NINE NODS OTHER TOP NOMINEES INCLUDE FUTURE WITH EIGHT NOMINATIONS, FOLLOWED BY BABY KEEM, CARDI B, AND J. COLE WITH SIX NODS EACH HOSTED BY FAT JOE, “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” 2022 PREMIERESTUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 AT 9 PM ET/PT ET announced the nominees for the 17th annual “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” 2022 honoring the past year in hip hop music across 17 categories, selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders. Hosted by Grammy®-nominated recording artist, actor, entrepreneur, and media personality Fat Joe the “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” 2022, will tape from the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, GA, on Friday, September 30 and will premiere Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 9 PM ET/PT on BET. Certified Lover Boy Drake leads this year’s nominations with an impressive 14 nods including ‘Best Live Performer,’ ‘Lyricist of the Year,’ ‘Hip Hop Album of the Year,’ ‘Hip Hop Artist of the Year,’ ‘Hustler of the Year,’ twice for ‘Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse,’ three for ‘Best Collaboration,’ twice for ‘Best Hip Hop Video,’ and twice for ‘Song of the Year.’ Kanye West follows with 10 nods including ‘Best Live Performer,’ ‘Hip Hop Album of the Year,’ ‘Hip Hop Artist of the Year,’ ‘Producer of the Year,’ ‘Hustler of the Year,’ ‘Best Hip Hop Video,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ Song of the Year,’ ‘Impact Track,’ and ‘Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse’. Kendrick Lamar’s nine nods include ‘Best Live Performer,’ ‘Lyricist of the Year.’ ‘Hip Hop Album of the Year,’ ‘Hip Hop Artist of the Year,’ twice for ‘Impact Track.’ ‘Video Director of the Year,’ ‘Best Hip Hop Video,’ and ‘Best Collaboration.’ Future rounds out the top four with an impressive eight nods. Baby Keem, Cardi B, and J. Cole are …
Posted in 57th NAACP Image Awards, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment2022 BronzeLens Film Festival
August 24, 2022Atlanta-based BronzeLens Film Festival (BronzeLens) has the distinction of being situated in one of the world’s leading film and television production hubs and it is positioned as a hotbed for creatives to ideate, collaborate, and garner support.Of the 124 official film selections, 19 are Georgia productions, and many films have an Afrofuturist or Horror theme. Selected films in the Features, Shorts, Documentary, Short Documentary, Dance Video, Web Series, Music Video, Student, and Reel South Short Documentary categories include the work of filmmakers representing the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Jamaica, Cuba, Nigeria, and India.BronzeLens is a designated Oscar Qualifying Festival in the Shorts category, and 57 Shorts are among the official film screenings. See full schedule and register for our exclusive screenings and workshops.______________________________________________________________________________On Saturday, August 27, The BronzeLens Film Festival (BronzeLens) in Atlanta will honor some of the world’s top women of color in film and television during its “Women SuperStars” awards event at The Starling Midtown Atlanta. The Bronze Carpet will run from 6 – 6:45 pm before the program at 7 pm. The honorees bring a combined six decades of excellence in the television and film industry. The BronzeLens Women SuperStars Honors was created in 2010 to recognize women of color in an industry that needs their voice, vision, and influence. Many studies continue to underscore that women of color are needed in a film and television industry that is largely male and non-diverse. “Women SuperStars Honors has evolved to become a groundbreaking event within the festival that serves as inspiration for women from all walks of life,” said Kathleen Bertrand, BronzeLens founder, and Executive Producer. ” Since its inception 58 of the most influential women of color in the film and television industry have received the award. Issa Rae, Ava DuVernay, Queen Latifah, Neema Barnette, Cheryl Boone Issacs, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Julie Dash, …
Posted in Reboot | Leave a commentHGTV STARS EGYPT SHERROD & MIKE JACKSON RECEIVE PROCLAMATIONS FROM THE CITY OF ATLANTA HONORING CAREER & PHILANTHROPIC ACHIEVEMENTS
August 24, 2022PROCLAMATIONS PRESENTED BY FULTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER NATALIE HALL AT BLACK-OWNED IWI FRESH FARM SPA IN WEST MIDTOWN ATLANTA Fulton County Commissioner Natalie Hall presented two proclamations to HGTV’s stars, Egypt Sherrod and her husband Mike Jackson, in honor of their philanthropic and career achievements. The outdoor ceremony was held in West Midtown Atlanta at the all-new Black-owned IWI Fresh Farm Spa. Fulton County, the largest county in Georgia, is officially named on Tuesday, August 23rd, after the co-hosts of HGTV’s “Married To Real Estate.” The couple had two of their three daughters, 10-year-old Kendall and three-year-old Harper, with them to witness their parents’ recognition for years of hard work. Stream season 1 of HGTV’s “Married to Real Estate” on discovery+. Keep up with the couple on Instagram at @egyptsherrod and @djfadelf.
Posted in Atlanta Scene, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentMIASHA PRODUCTIONS HOSTED THE STAR-STUDDED SECRET SOCIETY 2: NEVER ENOUGH ATLANTA PREMIERE ON TUESDAY, JULY 26
August 10, 2022Miasha Productions held the private premiere of Secret Society 2: Never Enough last night in Atlanta. Cast members in attendance will include: Blac Chyna, Vivica A. Fox, Reyna Love, Erica Pinkett, Tarie Jai, Kelvin Hair ll, Cree Campbell, and more. Atlanta’s elite was able to get a first-look at the sequel film, Secret Society 2: Never Enough. The full cast participated in an exclusive Q&A, hosted by The Beat ATL’s Jojo Alonso. ABOUT SECRET SOCIETY 2: NEVER ENOUGH From gold digger to being thrown under, Celess (Reyna Love) is making her rounds to prove her loyalty to the game with bestie Si Si (Adejah Parrish). It’s not a matter of if your past will catch up to you, it’s when! In this fast-paced, edge of your seat sequel to 2021’s movie of the year, viewers are in for even more twists than before. Celess is back outside! With a newfound hunger and a bestie, Si Si, to eat with she wastes no time filling her plate. She and Si Si climb the ranks of young Hollywood and are on the brink of making it big but that’s when they learn the ‘bigger you are the harder you fall’ – especially when your past is tugging at your Louboutins. Picking up where Secret Society left off, Secret Society 2’s fashion, drama, and plot twists all set out to prove one thing and that is in Celess’ world of love versus pain, it’s Never Enough. Secret Society 2: Never Enough premiered on Amazon Prime Friday, July 29. CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THESECRET SOCIETY 2: NEVER ENOUGH ATLANTA PREMIERE Photo Credit: Prince Williams for Getty Images WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR SECRET SOCIETY 2: NEVER ENOUGH
Posted in 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS | Leave a commentDWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON SHARES HIS SUCCESS TIPS
July 28, 2022Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Below is my interview with actor and wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, which took place in Atlanta a few years ago when he was promoting a film. Dwayne’s SUCCESS TIPS are relevant today. Read on and be inspired. Sonya Jenkins: What would you say is an important ingredient for success? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Dream big . . . work big. They go hand in hand. Sonya Jenkins: How do you stay in such great physical shape? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: I train everyday and I need that. Even on a crazy, hectic schedule promoting movies I set aside some time that I can get away from all the craziness, all the madness, all the people . . . and I train for about an hour and a half to two hours. Sonya Jenkins: Well, you are naturally athletically inclined. You played football and then you became a wrestler. How did you make the transition from athlete to actor? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: How I made that transition was being focused and having good people around me. I surrounded myself with good acting coaches, decent actors, decent directors, and good material. All those things helped out. Sonya Jenkins: What advice would you give to the youth of today? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: It’s the same advice I give to them all the time. I tell them there is no substitute for hard work. Nobody in this world will ever give you anything for free. You’ve got to work for it everyday. Apply yourself and become a better student. And not only become a better student, but you’ve got to understand, again, the value of hard work. Whether you’re White, Black, Latin or Asian, whatever you are, rich or poor, if you dream big you’ve got to work …
Posted in Celebrity Success Tips, In The Spotlight | 1 CommentCHAKA KHAN – “WOMAN LIKE ME”.
July 19, 2022From the icon that introduced the world to the female empowerment song of our lives, “I Am Every Woman“, she now delivers the ultimate female anthem, “WOMAN LIKE ME“. “Woman Like Me“, will be globally released on Friday, July 29th, 2022, via the SRG-ILS Group/UMG label imprint. “WOMAN LIKE ME” was written by Gregg Pagani, Francesca Richard, and Jeffrey Andersonand produced by Gregg Pagani.As previously shared exclusively with Billboard.com, “WOMAN LIKE ME“, is Chaka Khan’s first single release since signing with The SRG/ILS Group, back in early May, 2022.“Chaka Khan is a beacon of light in our industry. Her spirit and her vocals soar. It is a pleasure working with her on this next chapter and we got a hot record here.” – Claude Villani, Founder and CEO of The SRG/ILS Group.“I am very proud to be with The SRG/ILS Group, a company that is run by a real musician who understands the needs of artists that have been overlooked for years.” Chaka Khan. ABOUT CHAKA KHAN Her legendary career jump started when Stevie Wonder penned the now classic “Tell Me Something Good” for Chaka when she was lead singer of the R&B, Funk band Rufus in 1974. Both the song and the album, Rags To Rufus, topped the charts, were certified Gold and won the Grammy that year for Best R&B Vocal Performance.After six albums with Rufus nearly all of which went Gold or Platinum, in 1978 Chaka Khan started her solo career releasing the all-time classic “I’m Every Woman” (Ashford and Simpson). Produced by iconic songwriter, arranger, producer, and executive Arif Mardin, the single and the album, Chaka, cemented Chaka Kahn as a force that was about to take over popular music.After incredible success both solo and collaborative, in 1984 Chaka released the iconic album I Feel For You. The title track, a cover of a …
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