Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →FOCUS – IN THEATERS February 27
February 26, 2015FOCUS (Warner Bros) Synopsis: Will Smith stars as Nicky, a seasoned master of misdirection who becomes romantically involved with novice con artist Jess (Margot Robbie). As he’s teaching her the tricks of the trade, she gets too close for comfort and he abruptly breaks it off. Three years later, the former flame—now an accomplished femme fatale—shows up in Buenos Aires in the middle of the high stakes racecar circuit. In the midst of Nicky’s latest, very dangerous scheme, she throws his plans for a loop…and the consummate con man off his game. Official Website: http://focusmovie.com/ IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015.
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentTHE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION & MERCEDES-BENZ USA HOST HIGH-VOLTAGE ACADEMY AWARDS VIEWING PARTY
February 24, 2015ATTENDEES INCLUDED: Natalie Cole, Beverly Johnson, David Oyelowo, Tracee Ellis Ross, Thandie Newton, Lance Gross, Niecy Nash, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Omar Dorsey, Star Jones, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Lynn Whitfield among others. (Los Angeles) – February 23, 2015 – The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), the premiere organization of film media professionals, set a goal last year to expand its industry presence during awards season with a collection of distinctive events. With awards season now coming to a close, by all accounts AAFCA has succeeded on all levels in honoring and presenting some of the most prominent names in front of the camera and behind the scenes in entertainment. While each event was presented under the AAFCA banner, they were all unique. Starting with a community-centric panel discussion that focused on career sustainability in the entertainment industry, in collaboration with One United Bank; to an intimate dinner at the home of Emmy Award-winning casting agent, Robi Reed, leading up to the association’s premiere event, its annual awards show that showcased some of the biggest names in the industry – Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, J.K. Simmons, Kathryn Bigelow, David Oyelowo, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ava DuVernay, Chadwick Boseman, RZA, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Mike Epps, among others in attendance. AAFCA celebrated the end of awards season with a lavish Academy Awards Viewing Party with Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) that attracted a diverse group of celebrities and industry executives. “Award season never gets old and once again provided a whirlwind of activities that allowed the professionals who work so hard in this industry an opportunity to connect with their peers,” says AAFCA President, Gil Robertson. “AAFCA feels very privileged to participate in this tradition and add our distinctive flavor into the mix.” The AAFCA/MBUSA Academy Awards Viewing Party was a high-voltage affair held in the …
Posted in Movie News, Photos | Leave a comment2015 Trumpet Awards Red Carpet Coverage by Sonya Jenkins
February 22, 2015Videography/Editing by Raphael Gentry – RMG Media. Trumpet Awards Photos by MICHAEL JONES For More 2015 TRUMPET AWARDS PHOTOS CLICK ON LINK BELOW: http://sonyasspotlight.com/?p=11649
Posted in COWBOY CARTER TOUR- ATLANTA - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, Spotlight | 1 CommentInsurgent Exclusive Trailer – “Fight Back”
February 13, 2015SYNOPSIS: THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world. Summit Entertainment presents a Red Wagon Entertainment / Mandeville Pictures production, a Robert Schwentke film. Directed by: Robert Schwentke Screenplay by: Brian Duffield and Akiva Goldsman and Mark Bomback Based On The Novel “Insurgent” by: Veronica Roth Produced By: Douglas Wick, p.g.a.; Lucy Fisher, p.g.a.; Pouya Shahbazian Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award® Winner Octavia Spencer, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Daniel Dae Kim, with Naomi Watts, and Academy Award® Winner Kate Winslet. THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT Official Socials Official Website: http://www.thedivergentseries.com/ Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheDivergentSeries Official Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/DIVERGENT Official Instagram Account: www.instagram.com/thedivergentseries Official Pinterest Page: www.pinterest.com/insurgentmovie Follow on Snapchat: DivergentSeries #Insurgent
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentGrammys: The Winners List
February 11, 2015AP Images/Invision by THR Staff Sam Smith had a big night on Sunday. The music industry’s biggest stars turned up at Sunday’s 57th annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Beck claimed both the album of the year and best rock album honor for Morning Phase. Meanwhile, Sam Smith [2] took home four gramophones including record of the year, song of the year, best new artist and pop vocal album. See more Grammys: Get to Know the First-Time Nominees (Photos) Eminem nabbed best rap album for The Marshall Mathers LP 2, while Beyonce and Jay Z took the honor for best R&B performance for “Drunk in Love.” Miranda Lambert claimed the honor for best country album with Platinum. Below are the Grammy awards winners in select categories. Album of the Year Beck, [5] Morning Phase (WINNER) Beyonce, Beyonce Ed Sheeran, x Sam Smith, In The Lonely Hour Pharrell Williams, Girl Song of the Year Sam Smith [6], “Stay With Me” (WINNER) Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass” Sia, “Chandelier” Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off” Hozier, “Take Me to Church” Record of the Year Sam Smith [7], “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version” (WINNER) Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX, “Fancy” Sia, “Chandelier” Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off” Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass” Best New Artist Sam Smith [8](WINNER) Iggy Azalea Bastille Brandy Clark Haim Best Rock Album Beck, Morning Phase (WINNER) Ryan Adams, Ryan Adams The Black Keys, Turn Blue Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Hypnotic Eye U2, Songs of Innocence Best R&B Performance Beyoncé featuring Jay Z, “Drunk In Love” (WINNER) Chris Brown featuring Usher & Rick Ross, “New Flame” Jennifer Hudson Featuring R. Kelly, “It’s Your World” Ledisi, “Like This” Usher, “Good Kisser” Read More Grammys: Kanye West Rails Against Beck, Explains Stage Rush, Bashes …
Posted in Fitness | Leave a commentSELMA – In Theaters Now – Wins Big
February 10, 2015SELMA Wins Golden Globe Award (Best Song), NAACP Image Awards, AFI Award, African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Award & More. Nominated for Academy Award for Best Motion Picture & Best Song. SELMA is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s SELMA tells the real story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. The film is directed by Ava DuVernay and from Paramount Pictures, Pathe and Harpo Films. It opened in limited release on Christmas Day (Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles) and expanded on Jan. 9. Ava DuVernay is the first African-American female director nominated for a Golden Globe. A few cast members include David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alessandro Nivola, Giovanni Ribisi, Carmen Ejogo, Lorraine Toussaint, Common, Tessa Thompson, Niecy Nasy, Tim Roth, André Holland, Wendell Pierce, and Oprah Winfrey as “Annie Lee Cooper.” Executive Producers Cameron McCracken Nik Bower [Plan B Designee], Diarmuid McKeown, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes, Nan Morales, Produced by Christian Colson, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Oprah Winfrey. Written by Paul Webb #SelmaFilm
Posted in Cinema | Leave a comment46th NAACP IMAGE AWARDS – WINNERS
February 7, 2015The winners of the “46th NAACP Image Awards” were announced Feb. 6 2015 during the live broadcast from Pasadena Civic Auditorium which aired on TV One (9-11 p.m. ET live/PT tape-delayed). The two-hour live special was hosted by Anthony Anderson. There was a one-hour live pre-show from the red carpet hosted by Kevin Frazier and Shaun Robinson. NAACP Chairwoman Roslyn Brock presented the NAACP Chairman’s Award to Attorney General of the United States, Eric H. Holder, Jr., NAACP President Cornell William Brooks presented the NAACP President’s Award to Spike Lee and Russell Simmons presented the NAACP Vanguard Award to Clive Davis. Some of the biggest names in film, television and music appeared including Will Smith, Common, Angela Bassett, Gabrielle Union, Laurence Fishburne, Tracee Ellis Ross, Larenz Tate, Sharon Leal, Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Octavia Spencer, Keegan Michael-Key, Taraji P. Henson, Tessa Thompson, Shemar Moore, Uzo Aduba, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Russell Simmons, John Gaskins III, Valeska Guittierez, Nicole Beharie, Mehcad Brooks, Lamorne Morris, Taye Diggs, Quvenzhané Wallis, Gabrielle Union, Omar Epps, and Henry Simmons. In addition, cast Members from Orange is the New Black, Belle, black-ish, Grey’s Anatomy, House of Cards, How to Get Away with Murder and more. Lance Reddick was the in-show announcer. Affion Crockett was the backstage Social Media Commentator. The NAACP Image Awards production team included Executive Producers Reginald Hudlin and Phil Gurin, Tony McCuin was the Director, Byron Phillips was Producer, and Robin Reinhardt was Talent Producer. The NAACP Image Awards is the premier multicultural awards show. It celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Nominees for the NAACP Image Awards are determined by the number of entries received by the deadline. To …
Posted in COWBOY CARTER TOUR- ATLANTA - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER | Leave a commentTHE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION DELIVERS ITS MOST DIVERSE A-LIST ARRAY OF CREATIVE TALENT IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE CAMERA EVER AT THE 6TH ANNUAL 2015 AWARDS CEREMONY
February 7, 2015ATTENDEES INCLUDED: Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Ava DuVernay, Kathryn Bigelow, John Singleton, J.K. Simmons, Chadwick Boseman, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alfre Woodard, David Oyelowo, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Mike Epps, Debra Martin Chase, RZA, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Stephanie Allain, Amy Pascal and many more. Celebrities and executives across the entertainment industry spectrum of film, television and new media converged at the Taglvan Complex in Hollywood last night for the 6th Annual African American Critics Association (AFFCA) Awards Ceremony. Celebrating the best in directing, screenwriting, acting and producing; AFFCA Awards attendees included Ava DuVernay (Director, Selma), Oprah Winfrey, Alfre Woodard, Tyler Perry, Kathryn Bigelow and Amy Pascal (Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment). AAFCA presenters and honorees in attendance included producer Stephanie Allain, receiving the Legacy Award; producer Debra Martin Chase, accepting the Ashley Boone Award; Chadwick Boseman, accepted the Best Ensemble award on behalf of the cast of Get On Up; J.K. Simmons, who accepted the award for Best Supporting Actor in Whiplash; presenter Khandi Alexander of Scandal; presenter Mike Epps of Survivor’s Remorse; David Oyelowo winner of Best Actor for his critically-acclaimed performance in Selma; Tessa Thompson winning the Best Breakout Star in Dear White People and Effie Brown who was honored with the Best Independence Award for Producing Dear White People. Additional honorees and attendees included Roger Ebert award recipient Susan King (LA Times), Best Screenplay winner Gina Prince-Bythewood (Beyond the Lights), and husband writer Reggie Rock Bythewood; honoree and presenter Chaz Ebert; producer/director Will Packer; actor Dondre Whitfield; presenter Edwina Findley; actor Andre Royo; Disney Channel’s Gary Marsh; actor/comedian Bill Bellamy; presenter Wendy Raquel Robinson; and directors Julie Dash and Neema Barnette among others. “We are so pleased that people have come away from watching Selma in tears,”said Oprah Winfrey in her triumphant acceptance speech for the film’s Best Film win. “We’re honored …
Posted in On the Scene | Leave a commentBrady rallies Patriots to 28-24 Super Bowl win over Seahawks
February 2, 2015BARRY WILNER Feb 1st 2015 10:51PM GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Tom Brady and the Patriots made this Super Bowl all about football, not footballs. Clutch football, spiced by a sensational fourth-quarter rally and a goal-line, game-saving interception. The record-setting Brady threw for four touchdowns, including a 3-yarder to Julian Edelman with 2:02 remaining Sunday night as New England rallied from a 10-point deficit to win its fourth Super Bowl in the Brady-Bill Belichick era, 28-24 over Seattle. But the Patriots (15-4) had to survive a last-ditch drive by the Seahawks (14-5), who got to the 1, helped by a spectacular juggling catch by Jermaine Kearse. Then Rookie Malcolm Butler stepped in front of Ricardo Lockette to pick off Russell Wilson’s off-target pass and complete one of the wildest Super Bowl finishes. Brady leaped for joy on the Patriots sideline after Butler’s interception. “It wasn’t the way we drew it up,” said Brady, who won his third Super Bowl MVP award. Brady surpassed Joe Montana’s mark of 11 Super Bowl touchdown passes with a 5-yarder to Danny Amendola to bring the Patriots within three points. Seattle, seeking to become the first repeat NFL champion since New England a decade ago, was outplayed for the first half, yet tied at 14. The Seahawks scored the only 10 points of the third period, but the NFL-leading defense couldn’t slow the brilliant Brady when it counted most. It didn’t matter how much air was in the balls, game Brady was unstoppable when the pressure was strongest. While pushing aside the controversy over air pressure in the footballs stemming from the AFC title game, the Patriots toyed with Seattle in the final 12 minutes. Seattle didn’t quit – it never does – and Kearse’s 33-yard catch with 1:06 remaining got it to the 5. …
Posted in TV News | Leave a commentCOMMON, ANGELA BASSETT, OPRAH WINFREY, DAVID OYELOWO & MORE TO PRESENT AT 46th NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
January 30, 2015COMMON, ANGELA BASSETT, CHADWICK BOSEMAN, LAURENCE FISHBURNE, SHARON LEAL, DAVID OYELOWO, GINA RODRIGUEZ, GUGU MBATHA-RAW, LARENZ TATE, KERRY WASHINGTON, AND OPRAH WINFREY TO PRESENT AT ‘THE 46TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS. Scheduled to appear include: Gabrielle Union, Keegan-Michael Key, Nicole Beharie, Octavia Spencer, Omar Epps, Shemar Moore, Taraji P. Henson, Tessa Thompson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Uzo Aduba, Wendy Raquel Robinson And Cast Members from Orange is the New Black, Belle, black-ish, Grey’s Anatomy, House of Cards, How to Get Away with Murder and more! Anthony Anderson to Host LIVE Two-Hour SpecialFriday, Feb. 6 on TV One at 9:00 p.m. ET (PT tape-delayed) One-Hour Pre-Show hosted by Kevin Frazier and Shaun Robinson Airs Live from the Red Carpet at 8:00 p.m. ET (PT tape-delayed) Common, Angela Bassett, Chadwick Boseman, Laurence Fishburne, Sharon Leal, David Oyelowo, Gina Rodriguez, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Larenz Tate, Kerry Washington, and Oprah Winfrey are the first group of talent scheduled to present at the 46th NAACP Image Awards, it was announced today by Executive Producers Reginald Hudlin and Phil Gurin. The 46th NAACP Image Awards, hosted by Anthony Anderson, will broadcast LIVE from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium from 9-11 p.m. ET (PT tape-delayed) on February 6 on TV One. A one-hour pre-show airing live from the red carpet will air from 8-9 p.m. ET (PT tape-delayed). Talent scheduled to attend include Gabrielle Union, Keegan-Michael Key, Nicole Beharie, Octavia Spencer, Omar Epps, Shemar Moore, Taraji P. Henson, Tessa Thompson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Uzo Aduba, Wendy Raquel Robinson. Also expected are cast members from Orange is the New Black, Belle, black-ish, Grey’s Anatomy, House of Cards, How to Get Away with Murder and more. In addition, the NAACP “Entertainer of the Year” will be revealed. This special honor is bestowed upon an individual within the entertainment industry who has …
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