Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →T.D. JAKES PRESENTS WINNIE MANDELA
September 14, 2013“Winnie Mandela”, directed by Academy Award nominee Darrell J. Roodt, is a sensitive and balanced portrayal that examines the controversies and conquests in the life of the equally beloved and polarizing figure, Winnie Mandela. It also explores in a way that no other film has, the nature of love and relationships in the midst of political turmoil and struggle under the Apartheid system. “I was compelled and moved by the script,” said Jennifer Hudson. “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her.” Hudson opted to confine herself day and night to the prison set where the crew shot scenes depicting Winnie Mandela’s 500-plus days in solitary confinement. Hudson wanted, she says, “to experience some of the hell that woman went through.” She goes on to say about Winnie: “They snatched her out of her home and she had no idea what happened to her children. This was real. As a woman, I am angry for her, hurting for her.” “‘Winnie Mandela’ is the best work I’ve ever done,” said Terrance Howard. “Their story is one of the most inspirational, true love stories of all time.” The leading cast is superbly supported by Canadian actors Elias Koteas and Wendy Crewson. The film features the title song “Bleed for Love”, performed by Grammy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson accompanied by the Soweto Gospel Choir and penned by six-time Academy Award Nominee Diane Warren. The score is by the highly acclaimed composer, Laurent Eyquem. For Theaters, Showtimes & Tickets, Click Here: http://www.fandango.com/winniemandela_159367/movieoverview
Posted in In The Spotlight, 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS | 1 CommentFashion Night Out Atlanta
September 9, 2013Fashion lovers in Atlanta rejoiced to one of the most fashionable events of the year, Fashion Night Out Atlanta, brought to you by My Beauti Network Renee Knorr in Association with Cyndi Willis and Philip Michael PR at The Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery, August 25. Fashion Night Out Atlanta was sponsored by Bombay Sapphire, New York Life Insurance, Jezebel, and Model Call Magazine to kick off New York City’s Fashion Week. Fashion Night Out Atlanta gave designers and boutique owners the opportunity to meet Atlanta’s fashion professionals, see what’s hot in the fashion & style scene and kick off the new season in Fashion & Style. The event sold out in February 2013 with 700 RSVPs in two weeks. This year’s experience featured 100 International models on the Catwalk, in a Haute Couture Designer’s Competition. The WINNER of the 2013 Fashion ICON Award was Teodora B and Alex Holliman- FarrierBell Fashions (www.farrierbell.com). They both will receive an editorial spread – one in Model Call Magazine and Boss News Atlanta publication. Fashion Night Out Atlanta was an exclusive luxury experience to give participants the opportunity to build their brands in front of buyers, investors and fashionistas everywhere. It was a night of art, fashion, beauty, live music entertainment, education, and luxury experience benefiting emerging talents globally. “Fashion encompasses everything that we do from talented designers, photographers, makeup artists, models, wardrobe stylists, educators, journalists, and so many others who love this business and are looking to expand their marketability”, says Renee Knorr, Creator of Fashion Night Out ATL and Editor In Chief My Beauti Network. “Our goal was to connect fashion aficionados with the people and sources they need to elevate their brand globally”, says Cyndi Willis Managing Partner of Fashion Night Out ATL. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: 10 Fashion Designers 30 Beauty, …
Posted in Music & Film | Leave a comment50th Anniversary of March on Washington Activities Underway
August 25, 2013Martin Luther King, III, the eldest son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Reverend Al Sharpton, President of National Action Network (NAN), have announced that fifty-years-after Dr. King delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington in 1963, they will mount the same steps at the Lincoln Memorial to lead the 50th Anniversary March on Washington National Action to Realize the Dream on Saturday, August 24, 2013. Joining them will be a cross-sector of speakers ranging from House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to the family of Trayvon Martin. Joined by an alliance of prominent advocates of labor, health, housing, education, media, and civil and human rights, the purpose of the march is not just to celebrate the historic 1963 March on Washington, but to galvanize the American people around the compelling issues of today including questions in the criminal justice system in the national spotlight, from Stop and Frisk police tactics in New York, to Stand Your Ground laws in Florida, as well as, women’s issues, immigration, workers’ rights, LGBT equality, among others. Congressman John Lewis, the only one of the six leaders of the March on Washington of 1963 that is still alive has agreed to stand with Martin Luther King III, Rev. Al Sharpton and thousands of others at the historic event. Among the speakers and groups joining with Martin Luther King III, Rev. Al Sharpton and National Action Network are: the families of Trayvon Martin and Emmett Till; Congressman John Lewis; Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader; Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer; Randi Weingarten- President, American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Lee Saunders- President, AFSCME; Janet Murguia- President, The National Council of LaRAZA; Mary Kay Henry- International President, Service Employers International Union (SEIU); Dennis Van Roekel, President, National Education Association (NEA); and many others. …
Posted in 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS | Leave a commentTHE BUTLER PREMIERE – NEW YORK
August 24, 2013Lee Daniel’s THE BUTLER brought in $25 million its first weekend and continues to dominate as No. 1 during its second week, making it a box-office hit. The biopic film, which stars Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey, has also recieved quite a bit of Oscar buzz from its great reviews. Check out a few photos taken by photographer Rickey D. Brown from the New York premiere of THE BUTLER . Hollywood Photographer – Hollywood Black Entertainment, Rickey D.Brown : http://www.photographybyrickey.com/
Posted in Photos | Leave a commentTHE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER AND PETE – In theaters October 11
August 23, 2013THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER AND PETE will be realeased to select theaters on October 11, 2013. Alicia Keys makes her producing debut as an executive producer for the film and fellow musical talents Jennifer Hudson and Jordin Sparks also play starring roles. Other notable talent for the film includes: Anthony Mackie, Jeffrey Wright, Adewale Akinnuoye- Agbaje and newcomer Skylan Brooks. Synopsis: A funny, moving and inspiring portrait of the resilience of youth against seemingly impossible odds, THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER AND PETE is about how heroes can come from the most unlikely place – and courage can be found in the most desperate of circumstances. Already one of the most talked about films in the festivals it played at, MISTER AND PETE electrifies audience with its raw and uncompromising look at life in the urban projects and then wins their hearts with its healing message of redemption through friendship. The film is a coming of age story about two urban inner city boys who are forced to fend for themselves after their mothers are taken away by authorities. SONYA’S SPOTLIGHT WEB MAG GIVEAWAY!! Note From the Editor: DRAWING CLOSED AS OF 10/9/13 7pm Sonya’s Spotlight Web Mag is partnering with CodeBlack Entertainment for a special screening of THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER & PETE this Thursday @ Phipps AMC Atlanta (October 10 @7:30pm) & you could be one of my lucky winners for a pair of tickets to the red carpet screening!!! THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER & PETE stars Jennifer Hudson, Anthony Mackie and Jordin Sparks. I will Give Away a few movie screening tickets plus a couple of Breast Cancer Awareness logo watches Thursday morning- based on a random drawing! All you have to do to enter the drawing is go to WWW.SONYASSPOTLIGHT.COM & give me …
Posted in Movie News | 3 Comments‘The A-Team’s’ Omari Hardwick to Star in Starz’s 50 Cent Drama ‘Power’
August 22, 2013He’ll play James “Ghost” St. Patrick, a wealthy New York nightclub owner. Starz has found the lead for its upcoming nightclub drama Power. The A-Team‘s Omari Hardwick has landed the starring role in the drama from executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the network announced Wednesday. Power revolves around James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Hardwick), a wealthy New York City nightclub owner who caters to the city’s elite. He wants to build an empire, turn the club into a Fortune 500 business, but there’s just one problem: Ghost is living a double life. When he’s not at the club, he’s the kingpin of the most lucrative drug network in New York, catering to a very exclusive clientele. His marriage, family and business all become unknowingly threatened as he is tempted to leave his criminal life behind and become the rags-to-riches businessman he wants to be most of all. The Good Wife‘s Courtney Kemp Agboh created the drama and will executive produce and serve as showrunner on the CBS Television Studios series. Mark Canton (300) and Randall Emmett (End of Watch) will also executive produce the eight-episode drama. “Omari is an actor of incredible range and versatility,” Starz managing director Carmi Zlotnik said. “When we met Omari, we knew he had all the tools needed to play such a complicated and complex character. We look forward to him bringing Ghost to life on the screen.” Hardwick’s credits include Sparkle, For Colored Girls, Kick-Ass and The A-Team. On the small screen, his résumé includes Dark Blue, Breakout Kings and Saved. He’s repped by Innovative Artists, 3 Arts and Sloane Offer. The eight-episode first season of Power will begin filming later this fall for a 2014 premiere. Starz Orders Nightclub Drama Series ‘Power’ From EP 50 Cent by Lesley Goldberg Photo: Alberto E. …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a comment“In The Meantime” Atlanta Premiere & Red Carpet
August 15, 2013The premiere of “IN THE MEANTIME,” directed by Roger Bobb, President & CEO of Bobbcat Films, brought out A-listers from Atlanta, Hollywood and even Bahamas Consulate General, Randy E. Rolle, at The Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta on Wednesday, August 14. VIP guests walked the Red Carpet and viewed a first-time screening of “IN THE MEANTIME,” which premieres on UP, America’s favorite channel for Uplifting Entertainment, Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18 at 7, 9 and 11 P.M. EDT. Roger Bobb, along with the cast from “IN THE MEANTIME,” Kali Hawk, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Terri J. Vaughn, Thomas Mikal Ford, David Mann, Tamela Mann, Rodney Perry and Grammy©-Nominated Artist Musiq Soulchild, who made his acting debut in the Romantic Comedy, mingled with guests on the Red Carpet and answered questions in a “talk back” with guests after the film. The screening was followed by an after-party, also held at The Woodruff Arts Center. “IN THE MEANTIME,” is an UP original movie and the grand prize winner of the UP & ABFF Faith And Family Screenplay Competition. WATCH “IN THE MEANTIME” AUGUST 17 AND SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 AT 7, 9 AND 11 P.M. EDT EXCLUSIVELY ON UP. “IN THE MEANTIME” Premiere Photos captured by Sonya’s Spotlight Publisher & Editor, Sonya Jenkins. Click on Individual Photos to Enlarge. More Captions Forthcoming! To add your photo from this event or for caption updates, contact us below.
Posted in Photos | Leave a commentSonya’s Spotlight On YouTube – Episode 6 – LL Cool J & Patti LaBelle
August 14, 2013Sonya Jenkins shares tips from LL Cool J and Patti LaBelle. Check back weekly for Sonya’s Spotlight Celebrity Success Tips. Also, subscribe to Sonya’s Spotlight YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/SonyasSpotlight. More Sonya’s Spotlight Celebrity Success Tips to Come!
Posted in Spotlight | Leave a commentThe Musings of a Queen: Inside Queen Latifah’s Empire
August 13, 2013Rapper, author, Oscar-nominated actress, CoverGirl and now daytime talk-show host, Queen Latifah has one impressive résumé. The Queen Latifah Show is a new daytime talk show that will have a Sept. 16 launch. It has already been sold to 94 percent of the country, including CBS’ 16 owned stations, mostly in afternoon time periods, and is the first talk-show acquisition for the powerful station group. Source: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/musings-a-queen-inside-queen-600294#1-queen-latifah _______________________________________________________________________________ TV Ratings: Tyler Perry’s ‘Haves and Have Nots’ Hits Another Series High Following a series high for the July 30 episode, the one-hour series cracked the 2 million total viewers mark for its most recent broadcast. Thus far this season, The Haves and the Have Nots is averaging 1.7 million viewers and a 1.5 rating among women 25-54 during its Tuesday 9 p.m. period. On Monday, ABC Family’s The Fosters, returning in January 2014, hit a series high 2.1 million viewers — the first time the one-hour drama crossed the 2 million mark — for the summer finale. Lead-in Switched at Birth, already renewed for season three, also hit a season high 1.8 million viewers. by Philiana Ng Source URL: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-tyler-perrys-haves-602025 TV Ratings: President Obama Brings Best ‘Tonight Show’ Numbers Since His Last Appearance
Posted in Highlight | Leave a commentRobin Thicke’s Rare Double No. 1 Album, No. 1 Song
August 13, 2013He’s the first artist to concurrently reign on both lists since Dec. 2012, and only the 17th act to earn the distinction in the past 10 years. Robin Thicke scores the uncommon feat of having both the No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 song and Billboard Hot 100 charts, with Blurred Lines. The last concurrent No. 1 came when Rihanna ruled with Unapologetic on the Billboard 200, and “Diamonds” on the Hot 100 (Dec. 8, 2012). She was only the second act in 2012 to double-up, following Adele for two weeks (Feb. 4-11, with 21 and “Set Fire to the Rain”). Adele was also the only act to do manage the feat in 2011 — twice, with 21 and singles “Someone Like You” and “Rolling In the Deep.” Why is it unusual for an act to be No. 1 on both charts? There are a few reasons. First, it’s often a matter of timing. Sometimes an act will grab a No. 1 on both charts — just not in the same week. P!nk, for example, hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 this year with “Just Give Me a Reason,” but it came almost six months after her album, The Truth About Love, was No. 1. Secondly, some artists might be huge singles acts, but haven’t been able to translate that success into a No. 1 album. A prime example of that was Rihanna. She scored six top 10 albums between 2005 and 2011, but never a No. 1. Meanwhile, on the Hot 100, she was a monster success, notching 11 No. 1 songs through the end of 2011. Finally, last year, she claimed her first No. 1 album with Unapologetic, which was led by her 12th No. 1 Hot 100 single, “Diamonds.” Conversely, there are many Billboard 200-topping acts that simply don’t generate Hot 100 No. 1 singles. For example, of …
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