#MAGFAB: Danielle Deadwyler Covers Town & Country Magazine
TILL star Danielle Deadwyler covers the February digital cover of Town & Country magazine photographed by Erik Carter and styled by Jason Rembert.
On the parallels she sees in her own life raising a young boy with that of Mamie Till: “I was having the conversations then about how to navigate the world as a young Black boy” with her own child, Deadwyler says. “Not about the South, but about how the world will perceive you or misperceive you, how you have to be hyperaware, but not wanting to instill fear.”
On how the movie Till focuses on the story of Mamie, the mother of 14-year-old Emmett, who was abducted and murdered by white racists in Mississippi in 1955: “I knew the story, but not this story,” Deadwyler says.
On how Till carries the tragic weight of history and focuses so intensely on the maternal main character: The arc of the film is what Deadwyler calls “a magnificent love” that extends beyond Emmett’s short lifetime. “How is she caring for him when he is there? What is the care and love when he’s taken and lynched?” she asks. “And what is the care and love when it shifts to seeking justice?”
On how she has spent the last year trying to restore balance to her life following the Till filming and how her next project, the action thriller Carry-On, will be much less somber: Still, “there’s an impact emotional trauma has on the body,” Deadwyler says about playing Mamie… She is also beginning to absorb the fact that her career will never be the same. “I’m trying to parse it out to see what it all really means,” she says. “I have to hold on to a certain quality of self. And I’m just excited for whatever the unknown is.”
#RHOA: Signs Kim Zolciak-Biermann Is Having Money Issues
Fans of The Real Housewives of Atlanta are noticing signs of money woes for alum Kim Zolciak-Biermann. The OG housewife has been promoting her and her children's various business endeavors while also encouraging her followers to donate. Considering the recent cancellation of her spin-off show, Don't Be Tardy, and her husband, Kroy Biermann, paying off a hefty debt in June 2021, spectators are beginning to wonder if Kim is asking for donations because she's facing financial hardships. The mother of six isn't cashing a check from Bravo anymore, and it looks like she has gotten desperate.
A lot has changed for former RHOA star Kim in the last few years. Don't Be Tardy was canceled after eight seasons with producers claiming the series ran its course. This came after a cast shakeup on her former show, RHOA, where fellow OG NeNe Leakes ignited a war against Bravo. When calling out the network, NeNe even insinuated discrimination played a part in Kim and Lisa Vanderpump being the only two former housewives to secure their spin-offs. But with Kim's show getting axed, it looks like her alleged favoritism with the network came to an end.
In late 2021, Kim's followers noticed an update to her Instagram bio that included a link to her LinkTree account. "Dont b Tardy 2 our party! Bravo star13yrs 6 kids, 5 dogs, 4 companies and growing," Kim's bio reads before including her booking information. Kim highlights her family businesses, including her skincare brand Kashmere, her SaltyK swimwear line, and the cosmetic line Kim launched with her daughters, Brielle and Ariana Biermann, KAB Cosmetics. At the bottom, Kim included a link where her supporters could donate $5, $10, $20, $50, or an amount of their choosing, as captured by All About The Tea. However, after the word of Kim's donation request hit the press, Kim seemingly deleted the donation link.
After one of Kim's followers asked what Kroy does for a living since retiring from professional sports in the summer of 2021, Kim posted an Instagram story revealing his current job as the family's manager. The donation request left many fans believing that Kim was possibly having money issues. With the news being made public and Kim opting to delete the link, it also hints at the speculation offending her. Her donation request came two months after her husband Kroy finally paid off a $22,000 debt he owed to his former sports agents.
Kim revealed they were doing just fine in the money department and that Kroy had simply transitioned to the family manager. However, many fans thought Kim was trying to save face after her donation request was put on blast. With Kim having no reality TV check coming through, The Real Housewives of Atlanta fans think that desperate times are calling for desperate measures. Maybe Kim will consider returning to the show role now that her spin-off has been over for a while.
#MusicNews: SZA Drops Four-Track ‘Kill Bill’ Bundle
SZA has quadrupled down on the success of her hit “Kill Bill.” On Friday (Jan. 13), the singer dropped a four-track “Kill Bill” bundle featuring the original song, as well as a sped-up version, instrumental and vocal takes. The track from the singer’s Billboard 200 No. 1 album SOS leapt to No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart this week, marking her first chart-topper on the list.
“Kill Bill” raced to No. 1 from No. 11, surpassing its prior No. 5 high set upon its debut three weeks earlier. The song marks the first No. 1 for the St. Louis-born, New Jersey-raised singer-songwriter, among three top 10s.
The quad-song release came just days after SZA dropped the blood-drenched video for the fictitious murder-confession song directed by Christian Breslauer. The cinematic clip pays homage to Quentin Tarantino’s early aughts revenge film of the same name, and features a cameo from Vivica A. Fox, who played the kick-ass character Vernita Green opposite Uma Thurman’s sword-wielding Bride. The high-octane mini action movie blends anime, fantasy and buckets of blood.
“I love Vivica A. Fox’s character. I love Lucy Liu’s character. I even love Bill because he’s super complex,” SZA told EW of the original 2003-2004 films. “I feel like he doesn’t understand why he did what he did. He’s void of emotion, but he loved The Bride so much that he couldn’t stand her to be with anyone else. That was really complex and cool to me. It’s a love story. I just watched it again for inspiration for the music video that we’re gonna shoot for ‘Kill Bill.’”
#HipHopNews: 50 Cent Says Dr. Dre Didn’t Want ’21 Questions’ On His Debut
50 Cent rattled the cages of Hip Hop’s mainstream with the release of his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, but one standout song nearly didn’t make the cut.
During a recent appearance on Big Boy’s Neighborhood, 50 confirmed that Dr. Dre didn’t believe the Nate Dogg-assisted “21 Questions” was a fit for the acclaimed 2003 project, but the G-Unit boss’ intuition said otherwise.
“He said, ‘I don’t know why you want?’ Why I wanted the record,” he explained. “I’m like, ‘Damn, I gotta do all these muthafuckin’ push-ups?’ Dre would say this is N.W.A… ‘We didn’t do that.’
“Like they didn’t have to reach to make a commercial record or anything that sounded like a commercial record. And that’s just in his DNA. Like on his path, he’s like, ‘We don’t need that.'”
Produced by “Dirty Swift,” the storytelling love ballad would prove 50’s gut right and “21 Questions” became his second Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit as the single topped the chart for four weeks and remained on the Hot 100 for 23 weeks.
Dre allegedly didn’t understand how a love song could fit into 50 Cent’s gangster persona, but 50 always wanted to maintain a duality and commercial appeal.
“Dre was, like, ‘How you going to be gangster this and that and then put this sappy love song on?’ ” 50 recalled in 2005. “But I told him, ‘I’m two people. I’ve always had to be two people since I was a kid, to get by. To me that’s not diversity, it’s necessity.'”
While “21 Questions” could be a lethal go-to track to play in a Verzuz battle, don’t expect to see 50 Cent in one anytime soon, according to Tony Yayo.
“I think 50’s on the level where he’ll never do a Verzuz, bro,” the G-Unit cog said. “He’s not interested in certain things like that. I just think, you know, that guy sold a lot of records, he gets a lot, a lot of money — and not saying that anything is wrong with Verzuz I just think he’s not interested in doing it, you know?”
Michael B Jordan ‘secretly dating’ Brit bikini pin-up model
MOVIE star Michael B Jordan — once dubbed the sexiest man alive — has grown close to a British model
The Hollywood hunk, 35, is said to be “enamoured” with 26-year-old bikini pin-up Amber Jepson.
Jordan, star of Black Panther and the Rocky spin-off Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone, has been spending more time here after last year taking a minority stake in Premier League side Bournemouth.
Pals say his “head has been turned” by Amber and the pair have enjoyed multiple chats.
Jordan has replied to some of her social media posts and last week, Manchester-based Amber shared a screen grab of him liking an Insta story and said: “Wifed off now.”
She has told friends she is keen to “see where the relationship can go”.
A pal reckoned: “It’s early stages but Amber and Michael are really keen on each other.
“They make a handsome, cute couple and are both financially independent. Watch this space.”
Last summer, Jordan split up with model Lori Harvey, 26 — daughter of US TV favourite Steve, 65 — after 18 months.
On New Year’s Eve, he was at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium to see his new team lose 2-0.
At the time Jordan and Lori broke up, a source said they were “completely heartbroken” and “still love each other”.
The last picture Lori shared of them together was last March, when they attended a Vanity Fair Oscars party.
She captioned the photo “date night”.
Just a month earlier Jordan, with 19.4million Instagram fans, shared a photo of Lori in a white dress and declared on his page: “I love her.”
Lori had sparked pregnancy rumours in January 2021 by calling Jordan her “baby daddy”.
She further fuelled the speculation by appearing to cover her stomach in a loose dress.
Lori — now dating Brit actor Damson Idris, 31 — previously opened up about her relationship with Jordan on US TV.
She said: “We just really balance each other.
Jordan has now been responding to more of Amber's posts on social mediaCredit: Instagram
“I really believe when you know you know. I think that applies to our situation and we have a really good time together.”
Amber and Jordan’s representatives did not respond to requests from The Sun for comment.
Ex-Alabama basketball player Darius Miles maintains innocence, per attorneys
A former Alabama basketball player charged with capital murder in a shooting death that occurred Sunday morning near The Strip area in Tuscaloosa maintains his innocence, according to a news release from a law firm that says it is representing him in the case.
Darius Hairston Miles, 21, from Washington, D.C., faces a charge of capital murder and has been jailed without bond. Miles was dismissed from the Alabama basketball team Sunday.
"Darius Miles and his family are heartbroken tonight over the death of Jamea Jonae Harris," said the release from Birmingham law firm Boles Holmes White LLC, which was dated Sunday night at 8:30 p.m. "While Darius has been accused of being involved with this tragedy, he maintains his innocence and looks forward to his day in court."
Another suspect, Michael Lynn Davis, 20, from Charles County, Maryland, also faces a capital murder charge and has also been jailed without bond. An email from the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit states that Davis is not affiliated with UA.
The shooting was determined to have occurred in the 400 block of Grace Street off University Boulevard and appears to be the result of a minor argument between the victims and suspects, according to the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit.
Capt. Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, didn’t specify Sunday who investigators believe pulled the trigger, but he did say both suspects are being charged because their actions led to Harris’ death.
The driver of the vehicle, not Harris, told officers the vehicle had been shot into and he had fired back in self-defense and may have struck one of the assailants.
After speaking with witnesses and viewing video surveillance, Miles and Davis were developed as suspects, according to investigators.
Capital murder is considered when there is a special circumstance involved. In this case, the capital murder charge has been brought because it falls under a subsection of Alabama Criminal Code Title 13A-5-40 that states "murder committed by or through the use of a deadly weapon while the victim is in a vehicle."
In the state of Alabama, the death sentence or life in prison without parole are both possible if someone is found guilty of capital murder. A plea agreement for a lesser sentence could happen instead, though, in order for prosecutors to receive a guilty plea for a less serious offense.
Jennifer Coolidge Feels 'So Alive' Following Career Resurgence
Jennifer Coolidge has described her career resurgence as the "surprise of a lifetime." The 61-year-old actress won the Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series prize at the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, January 15, 2023 for her portrayal of Tanya in "The White Lotus", adding to the Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe awards she's already received for the show, and she admitted her recent success has made her feel "so alive."
"I feel so alive, you know? You go through your life, and you sort of just assume you're used to going a certain way and you just take on whatever that baggage is and that it's never going to change," she told Entertainment Tonight.
Jennifer then offered further praise to creator Mike White for the way he had changed her life. She said, "I didn't get to, you know, I thanked him and many other things. My life was changed overnight, and I could not be more grateful."
The "American Pie" actress reflected on how she's spent years at home during awards season, watching the shows "with a big thing of popcorn." She added, "I'm not saying it all has to be about winning awards for happiness, but to get another shot. To get to play a role like Tanya in 'The White Lotus', I could never have ever foreseen that moment happening."
Jennifer joked she didn't think she was first choice for the awards. She quipped, "I don't know if someone died or something, but I got in. I"m so happy, not that they died, but that I got in. You know what I mean."
During the evening, the male and female supporting category awards were presented simultaneously, so Jennifer got to go on stage with Giancarlo Esposito, who won for "Better Call Saul" and she thought it was an "amazing" thing to do.
She said, "I've never done that before, where you get to come up together. I usually don't know how I'm going to go up the stairs, and so that was amazing. I love him."
In her acceptance speech, the actress admitted things were "as good as it gets" for her right now. She said, "I know you've heard a lot from me in the last month or two, but I just want to say this is such an honour. This is really kind of as good as it gets. The critics, not from just the west coast and the east coast but all over the country. I just want to say thank you. It's not over til it's over, it's not over til you're dead."
Jaguar Wright Arrested Days After Making Shocking Allegations Against Jay-Z And Beyonce
Jaguar Wright got into trouble with the law, just days after making serious accusations against Jay-Z. The R&B and neo soul singer has been arrested after an apparent domestic dispute with her own husband.
In a video which has circulated online since Saturday, January 14, someone, who is believed to be Jaguar, is seen being taken onto a stretcher while being surrounded by cops. She's heard screaming while her husband, who shot the video, claimed that she assaulted him while he was at the barbershop.
It's not clear what prompted the altercation in the first place, but Jaguar's husband denied her allegations that he pulled a gun. "She did this to herself," he said of her arrest. Claiming that he still loves her anyway, he added, "Y'all pray for her. Please pray for her! Pray for us!"
Meanwhile, a video filmed by Jaguar herself captured the altercation that seemingly led to her arrest. In the footage which she first shared on her Instagram Live, she was heard lashing out at someone while she's getting beaten up.
Some people appeared to try to separate Jaguar from her husband as she yelled, "You f**king dead. I'm blowing this s**t up!" According to social media users, she threw an urn containing her deceased man's ashes on a man during the fight.
John Legend debuts Loved 01 in collaboration with A-Frame incubator
John Legend is the latest male celebrity to throw his hat in the crowded ring of celebrity brands, with Loved 01, pronounced “loved one.” The brand will launch with six products, through CVS in February and at Walmart in March. Legend created the brand with A-Frame, the company behind Naomi Osaka’s Kinlo, which dubs itself “suncare for melanin-rich skin,” and Gabrielle Union’s Proudly, which is “for melanated babies.” Legend’s brand has also been designed to cater to melanated skin, which, he said, is the brand’s raison d’etre.
Legend has earned his professional moniker. A singer, songwriter, pianist and record producer, he is one of few to achieve EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. He has 15 million Instagram followers.
Legend had thought about doing a skin-care line before Loved 01’s inception. But, he said, “I didn’t want to just do it just because I was a famous person with good skin.” When A-Frame approached him with its idea of building brands around celebrities that are also “focused on a customer that isn’t being adequately served,” he considered it a good reason to exist, he said.
Legend’s launch follows a number of celebrity brand launches, particularly by male celebrities. Brad Pitt’s Le Domaine launched in September. That was closely followed by Travis Barker adding skin care to his Barker Wellness brand and Jared Leto debuting his Twentynine Palms brand. The onslaught of launches received a swift backlash, seen by many as celebrities inserting themselves into an industry where they hadn’t earned a spot. “Consumers are sniffing out if there’s a true reason to believe in the celebrity brands that have launched,” said Kia Lowe, president of Loved 01.
While it’s common for hair care products and, increasingly, makeup products to be designed to cater to Black and brown communities, that’s less common in skin care, Legend said. In the process of creating the brand, he learned about the differences in melanin-rich skin, such as skin hydration issues and hyperpigmentation, he said.
Skin-care brands catering to melanin-rich skin is a growing category that Glossy first reported on over a year ago. “There shouldn’t be [just] one brand that speaks to melanin-rich skin,” said Lowe. “Melanin-rich skin deserves choice, in the same way the general population has a lot of choice in their skin-care and hair-care and beauty regimens.”
In addition to serving the needs of an underserved community, access and price point were key motivating factors for Legend. “Not only are we going to do it in a way that’s formulated for melanin-rich skin — keeping that customer first and foremost in our mind — but we’re also selling it at an affordable price and in stores where everybody shops,” said Legend. He noted that many celebrity brands’ products cost $35-$40 and can only be found at Sephora or the brand’s website. “We wanted to be accessible, and also have that level of luxury and care that everybody deserves but maybe can’t afford.”
This is not Legend’s first time playing in the beauty space — he’s been an ambassador for Japanese luxury skin-care brand SK-II, as well as Kiehl’s and Axe, among other brands. In addition, Legend was an early investor in grooming brand Bevel. As a public figure, he said, “We’re being seen a lot; we’re being photographed a lot, and we’re on television a lot. So it’s important to take care of yourself.”
Even before fame, Legend said he always focused on skin care. “I grew up in a family where self-care was important, and both my parents were also tailors. So we cared about how we dressed and looked. We went to church every Sunday and wanted to look Sunday fresh.”
Loved 01’s first six products focus on hydration and feature rosehip and seabuckthorn oils. Future products will address other concerns, like hyperpigmentation. Products addressing sun protection and eczema are also in the works. The goal is to be a “full-service skin-care brand,” said Legend.
Lowe and Legend emphasized Legend’s involvement in creating Loved 01 and said that will continue after the brand hits shelves. Legend said he named the brand with the team he has worked with for years to conceptualize the look and feel of projects including his tours and his wine brand, LVE. Of the name, he said, “It ties very directly to who I am, my music and my message to the world. But it’s also about that ritual of taking care of yourself, loving yourself and caring for the loved ones in your life.” Notably, Legend’s children are featured in the brand’s campaign.
As the brand hits store shelves, it will start to put out videos in which Legend explains his skin-care routine and the way to use the products. He will also visit some stores across the country where the products are being sold, for “in-person moments,” he said.
Ultimately, the products can be used by anyone. However, “we want folks with Black and brown skin to know that we love you; we celebrate your skin,” he said. “We want to ensure you have the proper care for your skin, and we’re going to be committed to doing that.”
He added, “As we grow and build out the product line, we’re always going to have that customer first and foremost in our mind.”
Lynx star Maya Moore retires from WNBA four seasons after stepping away from game to free innocent man
One of the best to ever do it is officially hanging up her sneakers. Minnesota Lynx star Maya Moore announced her retirement during an appearance on "Good Morning America" on Monday.
Moore, 33, said it was "time to put a close to the pro basketball life."
It's impossible to overstate Moore's basketball accomplishments. In college, she was a standout at the University of Connecticut, leading the team to two national championships. During her time at UConn, Moore was named the Naismith College Player of the Year twice, won the John R. Wooden Award twice and was a two-time AP College Player of the Year. She was a three-time Big East Player of the Year and was named the NCAA tournament's most outstanding player in 2010.
In 2011, the Lynx selected Moore with the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. She was a star immediately, making the All-Star team and winning a championship during her rookie season. In eight years in the WNBA, Moore made six All-Star teams, was the 2014 MVP and won four championships with the Lynx. In Moore's first seven seasons in the WNBA, the Lynx made it to the WNBA Finals six times.
Maya Moore walked away from WNBA to free innocent man from prison
Following the 2018 WNBA season, Moore announced she would sit out the 2019 WNBA season to focus on her family and her non-profit, "Win With Justice." While Moore sat out, she dedicated herself to freeing Jonathan Irons, who was imprisoned at 16 on a wrongful conviction. Irons spent 23 years in prison before Moore was able to free Irons in 2020.
A few months later, Irons and Moore got married. At the time, Moore said she was unsure whether she would return for the 2021 WNBA season.
Moore opted to stay away from the game, and in July 2022, announced she and Irons had their first child.
On Monday, Moore said she walked away from the WNBA four seasons ago, and was ready to officially announce her retirement. She said she wanted to be present at home and continue working with her non-profit.
Moore leaves behind a dominant and powerful WNBA legacy, one that will likely lead to her being inducted into the WNBA Hall of Fame in the near future. The league paid tribute to Moore on Monday.
#RIP: American Idol Alum C.J. Harris Dead at 31
C.J. Harris, who appeared on the singing competition in 2014, died on Jan. 15 in Jasper, Ala., the Walker County coroner confirmed to E! News. He was 31.
Harris' death seemed "natural," the coroner said. There is currently no evidence of foul play, and his cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
In 2014, Harris landed a spot on American Idol's 13th season after attending bus tour auditions in Tuscaloosa and later performing in front of the judges—who at the time were Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban—in Salt Lake City with his rendition of Allman Brothers Band's "Soulshine."
Harris advanced all the way to the show's top 10 finalists, performing songs such as The Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See" and John Mayer's "Gravity." He finished in sixth place that season.
Following news of Harris' death, his fellow American Idol contestants paid tribute to him on social media, including season winner Caleb Johnson.
"This hurts so much," Johnson wrote on Instagram Jan. 16. "CJ was my roommate on @americanidol during Hollywood week and then lived right next door to me and @realalexpreston during the live shows. We instantly became friends and formed a brotherhood pack," alongside contestants Alex Preston and Sam Woolf.
Johnson said he formed "so many amazing memories and experiences" with Harris, adding, "Life is so fragile!"
"I am so grateful that our lives got to cross paths in this lifetime," he continued. "You were a beautiful, kind soul that always made the room brighter with your smile and laughter. Love you brother. you were taken from us way to soon! Until we meet again."
Preston—who placed third in season 13—said he "woke up and thought it was a dream."
"I cant believe this," Preston wrote. "I love you dude. I'll always remember the good times we all had."
Woolf described Harris as "a genuine and loving person," recalling that they "became close friends during the show and were roommates on the tour."
"I'm very grateful to have gone through that incredible experience with him alongside Caleb and Alex," Woolf wrote. "My thoughts go out to his family. Rest easy my dude."
Before making strides on American Idol's 13th season, Harris had auditioned before in 2010 but "never made it past the first round," he told the Hollywood Reporter in 2014. He also tried his hand at The X-Factor and The Voice, though he said he "never got through, and it hurt me."
However, Harris—whose grandfather introduced him to music—was determined to see his dream through.
He added, "I was always on the internet, trying to find a break, looking for which producers I could send my stuff to."
Following his time on American Idol, Harris took notice on how his life was beginning to change.
"Everywhere I go I've been recognized, like at Taco Bell, the mall and airports," he said. "People ask me, ‘Are you C.J. Harris?' I think, ‘What in the world is going on?' I'm shocked. I don't know them, they're from a whole other world than me, but they know who I am. It's amazing."
The Celebs came out to join Mary J. Blige for her NYC birthday celebration
Last Wednesday (Jan. 11) marked Mary J. Blige’s 52nd birthday, which she celebrated by hosting a private dinner with her peers. On Saturday (Jan. 14), the R&B legend continued the festivities with a lavish extravaganza at NYC’s Cipriani Wall Street, wearing two stunning outfits throughout the night, including a sparkling number that reportedly came courtesy of the Matthew Reisman Collection. The weekend event was packed with celebrities, including Usher, Fat Joe, Queen Latifah, Chrissy Lampkin, Joey BADA$$, Lala, Toya Johnson, Joseph Sikora, Tamron Hall, Woody McClain, Misa Hilton, Remy Ma, Papoose, Angie Martinez, LaToya Tonodeo, Gianni Paolo, Gianni Harell and DaVinci.
In addition to the premiere spirits CÎROC and DeLeón Tequila, attendees were treated to Blige’s Sun Goddess, a beverage created alongside Fantinel Winery that features Italian Pinot Grigio Ramato, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Prosecco flavors. In an interview conducted for the brand’s official website, the legendary songstress explained her decision to enter into the wine business:
“I have always been particularly fond of white wines that demonstrate freshness, minerality and purity. Pinot Grigio is undoubtedly among my favorite varieties. One day, I asked a friend of mine, ‘What is the best Pinot Grigio in the world?’ and he quickly responded that the best Pinot Grigio came from Friuli Venezia Giulia. In deepening my knowledge of this little Italian region, I was introduced to Marco Fantinel, owner of one of the leading wineries of this area.”
She continued: “Pictures alone helped me fall in love with the Fantinel estate, so I decided to go visit it personally. After walking through the vineyards and tasting with the Fantinel family, I felt extremely connected to the place, and more importantly, the people. The experience inspired me to create my own wines in partnership with Marco Fantinel.”
Angela Bassett to be honored as a Distinguished Artisan at MUAHS Awards
Next month, Angela Bassett will be honored by the Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild at the organization’s 10th annual MUAHS Awards. She is set to receive the guild’s Distinguished Artisan award, meant to honor actors with “a track record of creating characters that are richly enhanced by the consistent collaboration of make-up and hair styling artistry.” The ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 11 at the Beverly Hilton.
Previous recipients of the Distinguished Artisan award include Eddie Murphy, Patrick Stewart, Johnny Depp, Guillermo del Toro, Jon Favreau, Melissa McCarthy, Gary Oldman and more.
“Local 706 wishes to show its appreciation to Angela Bassett, who has portrayed amazingly iconic women we can all relate to,” Julie Socash, president of IATSE’s Local 706, said in a statement. “She boldly collaborates with her 706 make-up and hair teams to extend their imaginations and develop magical but always relatable characters you will remember forever — from the beloved Queen Ramonda to feisty Tina Turner to Bernadine in Waiting to Exhale. We couldn’t think of a better person to help us celebrate our 10th anniversary.”
The prolific actress has played iconic roles in films like Malcolm X, Boyz N The Hood and What’s Love Got To Do With It?, the last of which earned her an Academy Award nomination for her role as Turner. In related news, the veteran was victorious at the Golden Globe Awards earlier this month when she won Best Supporting Actress in a film for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Next month, Bassett will also be honored with the Montecito Award at the 38th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The event will take place from Feb. 8-18 and the official schedule includes screenings, industry Q&As, panels, tributes and more. She will partake in a moderated discussion about her career and journey.
Idris Elba's 'Luther: The Fallen Sun' Gets Netflix Release Date!
Idris Elba, alongside Netflix, have announced the date for his new Luther movie!
In Luther: The Fallen Sun — an epic continuation of the award-winning television saga reimagined for film — a gruesome serial killer is terrorizing London while brilliant but disgraced detective John Luther (Elba) sits behind bars. Haunted by his failure to capture the cyber psychopath who now taunts him, Luther decides to break out of prison to finish the job by any means necessary.
Luther: The Fallen Sun will hit Netflix on March 10th, 2023 after debuting in select theaters on February 24th, 2023. The TV show Luther is available to stream on Netflix now.
Cynthia Erivo, Andy Serkis, and Dermot Crowley also star.
Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse - First 'Back To Black' Set Photos Released!
We have your first look at Marisa Abela in character as the late Amy Winehouse while filming Back to Black.
The 26-year-old actress is portraying the late singer in the biopic, and it appeared as if she was filming alongside actor Eddie Marsan for the scene on Monday (January 16) in London, England. It does not appear as if Eddie‘s casting has been reported at this time, but stay tuned.
The first look at Marisa as Amy was released last week. Amy tragically passed away at the age of 27 back in 2011. Her cause of death was released a short time later. Our continued condolences to her family and loved ones.
Italy Captures Mafia Godfather Matteo Messina Denaro After Being On The Country’s Most Wanted List For 30 Years
Matteo Messina Denaro, a former leader of Sicily’s Cosa Nostra mafia gang, was arrested on Monday, after having been on the run for the past 30 years. Italian law enforcement officers have been trying to track down Denaro’s whereabouts for his involvement in several mafia-related murders and a 1993 bombing that killed 10 people, according to CNN.
The 60-year-old was reportedly captured while receiving medical treatment at a local private clinic in Palermo, and though he initially attempted to escape, he surrendered shortly after realizing authorities had surrounded the entire building, leaving him with no choice but to capitulate. Local residents cheered and honked their cars upon hearing about Denaro’s arrest, as seen in video clips that have since been posted on Twitter.
Back in 1993, the mafia boss was accused of setting up the murders of two anti-mafia prosecutors, Paolo Borsellino and Giovanni Falcone, followed by multiple bombings which occurred that same year in Rome, Florence, and Milan, killing 10 people. Other crimes are said to include the kidnapping of a 12-year-old boy named Giuseppe Di Matteo, having hoped that it would make his father, Santino – a former associate – stop cooperating with the police about deep-rooted mafia secrets. The boy was tortured for two years before being killed.
Di Matteo’s kidnapping made national headlines in Italy at the time because of how gruesome the attacks were on the child. His dad had agreed to out his former associates to the police after being held in police protection, and in an attempt to keep him quiet, the Cosa Nostra gang kidnapped the 12-year-old and tortured him until his father agreed to keep his mouth closed.
The boy received countless punishments between 1993 to 1996, such as being kept in a cage, as well as countless beatings and being underfed for weeks on end at times. Photos of his injuries were then sent to his dad, who pled with his former associates to stop, the mobsters were given the order to kill the boy after learning that Santino’s testament had not been retracted.
Denaro, despite being a fugitive for three decades, was still deemed one of the most dangerous men in Italy, who was one of the last of three Mafia bosses who now faces the rest of his life in prison for his convicted crimes.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Recounts In Emotional Acceptance Speech How Actor Sidney Poitier Believed In Her as an Actress Before Hollywood Did
Sheryl Lee Ralph is stacking up awards like ice cream scoops! The beloved actress took home yet another award for her amazing portrayal of Barbara Howard in the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary.”
On Sunday, Jan. 15, Ralph attended the 2023 Critics Choice Award where she won best supporting actress in a comedy series. While accepting her speech in a skin-tight gold foil dress, the 66-year-old discussed facing rejection at the beginning of her career, and recognized a certain Golden Globe winner who believed in her very early on.
“Every mistake. Every bad break. Every no. Every rejection…in an industry that, when I was 19 years old, was quick to tell me there was no place for me. But Sidney Poitier looked at me and said, ‘You’re a d––– good actress.’ ”
Poitier is a groundbreaking actor who broke color barriers as one of the first Black movie stars in Hollywood. He died on Jan. 6, 2022, at 94.
“That God could lead me to a moment when a young woman by the name of Quinta Brunson would look at me and say, ‘Ms. Ralph, I’m not sleeping on your talent,’ ” she said, before adding, “To the best cast on TV.”
The “Moesha” alum concluded her speech by advising those watching to always believe in themselves, saying that self-love will always be the best form of love despite the opinions of others.
“To all of you watching here, come close to the screen and listen,” she began. “People don’t have to like you. People don’t have to love you. They don’t even have to respect you. But when you look into the mirror, you better love what you see. You better love what you see.”
Ralph has been receiving her well-deserved recognition since 2022. After over 50 years in the industry, the original “Dreamgirls” star received her first Emmy Award for her role as Mrs. Howard in September 2022. The following month in October, she was awarded the “Order of Jamaica” honor, the nation’s fifth-highest honor, for outstanding distinction.
The “Order of Jamaica,” or “OJ” for short, is only awarded to citizens of Jamaica, and Ralph is one of 10 recipients to receive this distinguished award.
Though Hollywood may just now be acknowledging the hard-working actress’ talent, many celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Jackée Harry and Poitier could see her gift as an actor before all of her accolades.
Sam Smith looks cozy with designer Christian Cowan
Chart-topper Sam Smith seems to be getting close with NYC-based designer Christian Cowan.
The “Unholy” singer — who is in town this week to perform on “SNL” — was photographed walking arm-in-arm with Cowan and giving him a smooch on the head.
While the Daily Mail published the images, the outlet did not identify Cowan by name, describing him in the cozy pics as Smith’s “buddy.”
Cowan’s glamorous looks have appeared on celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Heidi Klum, Lil Nas X and “SNL” star Chloe Fineman.
The designer, 25, also seems to have recently accompanied Smith, 30, to get a tattoo.
The pair were photographed in Soho as Smith gears up for an appearance on “SNL.”
An artist at Australia’s Markd Tattoos’ posted an image of Smith, Cowan and some pals on Monday getting inked. The artist wrote: “At first I didn’t believe it when I got an email saying that Sam Smith would like a tattoo from me. Even on the day I thought it was just a hoax… One of my proudest moments as a tattoo artist!”
The ink is of a red plant. While it is unclear when they first met, Cowan and Smith were photographed together with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House in December for the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act.
Smith’s new album, “Gloria,” drops on Jan. 27. The single “Unholy” with Kim Petras has already become an inescapable smash hit.
Smith, who identifies as non-binary and uses the pronouns they/them, recently told British GQ, “I’ve only had three boyfriends. All of them, equally, were just incredible teachers.”
The recording artist added that they no longer need “another person to direct me to me. I direct them to me myself. Because I know who I am. And it’s beautiful. Every single relationship is different. Every two people are different. And I think it’s just learning your own language together.”
Kanye West’s Attorneys To Newspaper Ads Alerting Him He Has Been Dropped As A Client
Kanye West has been sidestepping a number of people. One of those is his legal team, which wanted to serve Ye with a letter severing their ties. According to AllHipHop, the Greenberg Traurig Law Firm gave up attempting to find Ye, instead opting to use Los Angeles newspapers to announce his dismissal as a client.
The firm called its latest effort a “multi-prong approach” in its efforts to discontinue business.
“Publication of the Withdrawal Order’s contents in two Los Angeles-area newspapers, where Ye appears to reside, will also apprise him of the Withdrawal Order,” the firm wrote in legal documents. “Given Ye’s public status, publication of the Withdrawal Order will likely garner significant media attention, resulting in broader publication and provide an even greater likelihood of apprising Ye of the Order.”
The forthcoming ads follow concerns that the rapper was missing. Kanye West was said to be missing after his lawyers couldn’t reach him to inform him that he was dropped as a client. The law firm dropped the rapper after his antisemitic rants.
West went gone about a month ago. In court, his former business manager, who is suing him for $4.5 million, stated that he hasn’t communicated to Ye in weeks.
Surprisingly, Ye allegedly did not spend the Christmas holidays with his four children: 9-year-old daughter North, 7-year-old son Saint, 4-year-old daughter Chicago, and 3-year-old son Psalm.
Friends say he would never miss the holidays with his children, whom he adores.
Greenberg Traurig LLP, which formerly represented West, told Insider magazine that the firm was unable to locate West in order to inform him that he had been dropped as a client.
Dior Announces ‘BTS’ Member Jimin As New Brand Ambassador
Though South Korean musical group BTS is on pause right now, it doesn’t mean their individual paths are stopping any time soon.
Dior has officially signed one of the most famous K-pop singers, Jimin.
Jimin is the latest brand ambassador to join the luxury French fashion house. He has worked with the luxe brand in the past.
On Monday, Dior took to Twitter to announce the news.
“The House is thrilled to unveil our new global ambassador, JIMIN from @BTS_BigHit! Pictured here in a colorful look from #DiorSummer23, the singer is now lending his image to creations from Artistic Director of Dior men’s collections, Kim Jones.”
And it looks like Jimin already has some looks featuring Kim Jones. Kim Jones actually designed stage outfits for the Love Yourself: Speak Yourself world tour.
Jimin is a part of BTS along with six other members, including RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, V, and Jungkoo. The group previously worked with Louis Vuitton in 2021.
The group recently announced it would take a break to focus on solo projects and serve in the mandatory military service in South Korea.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘THEY SAY PINK IS FOR MEN’
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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