#MAGFAB: Kerry Washington Covers MARIE CLAIRE’S The Identity Issue
Kerry Washington covers MARIE CLAIRE’s, The Identity Issue which just went live across MARIE CLAIRE’s digital platforms and will be available on newsstands March 7th. This issue’s theme explores the complexities of what identity means in 2023, whether that means changing, reinventing, or even losing who you are.
On being in her 40s: “There’s something about getting into my 40s where I am starting to see you only get this one life. To spend this one life wanting to be anybody other than me, and not be where I am, doesn’t benefit me. To focus on what’s over there means I’m ignoring my gifts, and this garden of my life doesn’t get to flourish. What’s mine is mine, and it’s beautiful.”
On her Hulu dramedy, UnPrisoned: Washington’s interest in producing and starring in the series was led by her desire to “unpack dynamics of returning citizens through this comedic, loving lens,” she says. “Given how massive the prison industrial complex is and what a huge problem it is in this country, I thought this is something a lot of people can relate to.”
On immersing herself in the characters she’s played: “I’ve made a career into being other people because being other people is comfortable for me. Being in myself, being with myself in my own body as myself, is a much newer adventure for me. When the job ends, the movie’s over, and the incredible run of the historic TV show ends, it’s important to have a self to go back to.”
On her ability to weather less-than-positive self-talk: Washington relies on practices like “prayer, meditation, therapy, journaling, or spending time with other people in growth situations—doing the work. I have to be doing that work. As an executive, entrepreneur, parent, wife, for me to show up in those places requires that I’m willing to constantly be doing self-inventory and face my stuff. If I’m in a place of faith, self-love, and radical acceptance, shit doesn’t bother me. I can take a risk, and whether it goes well or doesn’t, I’m good. It’s about the journey, letting go of the result, and trusting your lane is yours. But if I’m not doing the work to be in a faithful place, then it’s much harder.”
On her dedication to choosing culture-shifting projects: “Even in the beginning of my career, I would say I’d rather work another shift at the restaurant than do a movie that is going to be bad for women or Black people.” After becoming the first Black woman to play the lead in a network drama since the ’70s, by starring in Scandal, Washington recognized that portraying Olivia Pope meant she was “part of something transformative and culturally significant.”
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Says She Was 'Very Surprised' 'RHOA' Costar Drew Sidora Filed for Divorce from Ralph Pittman
Drew Sidora Claims Husband Is a 'Serial Cheater,' Caused Mental Abuse in Amended Divorce Filing
"Love is a beautiful thing," Pittman, 37, said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "Unfortunately we have made the difficult decision to move on to our next chapters, independent of each other. Drew and I have decided to file for divorce. We have three amazing young children, and their mindset and growth is what is most important. As we navigate this difficult time, I ask that you please respect our privacy."
In a separate statement to PEOPLE, Sidora, 37, said: "After eight years of wholeheartedly fighting for my marriage, I have made the agonizing decision to release my husband with love."
"Although Ralph and I have decided to move forward separately, the hope is to remain friends so that we can co-parent responsibly," she added. "In spite of our very public life, I am asking for privacy during this difficult time as my children and I learn how to navigate through our new beginnings."
According to documents obtained by PEOPLE, Pittman's petition for divorce was filed in Gwinnett County Superior Court on Monday. PEOPLE also obtained documents that confirm Sidora lodged her own divorce petition an hour before Pittman.
Though documents from Pittman request joint legal and physical custody of their children, Sidora's petition notes that "there is no chance or hope of reconciliation" between the spouses. She wants joint legal but temporary and permanent primary physical custody.
The Step Up actress submitted an amended divorce filing on Wednesday with an explosive set of allegations against Pittman, claiming he's a "serial cheater and adulterer" who abused her mentally and financially. And at one point, he allegedly got "physically aggressive" with her.
Sidora and Pittman wed in August 2014. They later welcomed son Machai in June 2015 and daughter Aniya in February 2018. The That's So Raven alum also has an 11-year-old son, Josiah, from a previous relationship.
#NewMusic from James Fortune Feat Monica On His New Single “Trusting God”
Fans have been anxiously anticipating a new album from legendary singer Monica, but here is something to hold us over in the meantime.
She joins Stellar Award Winner James Fortune on his new single called “Trusting God.”
LISTEN HERE
The song is an inspirational and motivational record to keep God’s people focused on his promise. The collaboration comes over a decade after their Grammy-nominated song “Hold On” alongside Fred Hammond.
#HipHopNews: Nicki Minaj Announces Her Own Record Label
Fresh off the release of her new single “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” the rap queen returned to the airwaves for Queen Radio on Amp on Friday. During her first episode of 2023, she announced that she is launching her own record label under Republic Records, with Paddy Dukes serving as A&R.
“I have a record label now,” Nicki said. “I want to do it right ’cause you know when I get behind an artist, y’all know how I do shit for people that’s not even signed to me. Imagine what I’ma do for the ones that’s signed.”
Nicki, who was signed to Young Money by Lil Wayne, reflected on the importance of a co-sign. “When I came in this game I didn’t have no paperwork with Lil Wayne,” she said. “But he had us on tour, he had us in a studio, he was getting on my mixtapes. So I understand the importance of having somebody else doing the heavy lifting for you.”
She continued, “I understand why people are coming out and they’re so microwaveable and they’re here today and gone tomorrow, because there’s no structure. There’s no real person that believes in them. That’s like, ‘Nah, I’m gonna make it my business to see you shine.'”
While she has toyed with her own label in the past, she decided to hold off until the right time. “That’s why I never wanted to do a label before, ’cause I said to myself, ‘No, I’m not ready, ’cause unless I’m really ready to put these artists on, I’m not gonna ruin anyone’s life.'”
She plans to reveal the name of the label on the next episode of Queen Radio, but she introduced some of the first signees including London Hill, Nana Fofie, Rico Danna, and Tate Kobang, who wrote the hook and is also featured on “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.”
The label will feature a diverse roster of talent. “Don’t think my label is just rap, or Black, or anything. We got some other genres of music,” she revealed.
This is not the first time Nicki has put an artist under her wings. A decade ago, she signed British singer-songwriter Parker Ighile, who was featured on “Hell Yeah” off 2012’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up.
Idris Elba Insists He's Never Denying His Blackness After Saying He Doesn't Call Himself Black Actor
Idris Elba insists it is his "prerogative" to stop referring to himself as a "black actor." The "Luther" star, 50, faced a flood of online criticism last month when he revealed in an interview with Esquire he no longer applies the label to himself as he felt it put him in "a box" and promoted the world's obsession with dividing people into races.
"Me saying I don't like to call myself a black actor is my prerogative. That's me, not you. So for you to turn around and say to me, I'm 'denying my blackness.' On what grounds? Did you hear that? Where am I denying it? And what for? It's just stupid. Whatever," he has now hit out at being trolled over the comments, telling The Guardian on Friday, March 5.
Idris added the backlash against his "black actor" remarks is proof social media can be a "conflict incubator." Days after his chat with Esquire, Idris clarified on Twitter about his remarks on race, "There isn't a soul on this earth that can question whether I consider myself a BLACK MAN or not. Being an 'actor' is a profession, like being an 'architect', they are not defined by race. However, If YOU define your work by your race, that is your Perogative. Ah lie?"
Idris, who married for the third time in 2017 in Marrakech to the Canadian Somali model Sabrina Dhowre, 34, and who has two children from previous relationships, also told The Guardian despite his fame he lives a quiet existence and shies away from creating drama.
He added, "Contrary to popular belief, I live a quite sheltered life. I feel as I get older - I'm 50 now - we all have fears of saying too much, oversharing and whatnot. And in this day and age, it's really difficult to have an opinion if you're in the public eye because it gets overly scrutinised, taken out of context, thrown into some sort of bull****, zeitgeisty social media argument."
Idris has previously tackled racism by calling for a crackdown on bigoted social media trolls by forcing everyone to be registered on platforms by their real verified identities instead of allowing people to use online handles.
Grey's Anatomy alum Isaiah Washington retires from acting before starting a GoFundMe for his next movie project
Isaiah Washington, the actor best known for his portrayal of Dr. Preston Burke on Grey's Anatomy, has announced his retirement from the entertainment industry.
On Feb. 28, Washington tweeted, "It is with a heavy heart and a sense of relief that I am announcing my early retirement from the entertainment industry today. Those who have been Following/Witnessing my journey here on Twatter since 2011 all know that I have fought the good fight, but it seems that the haters, provocateurs and the Useful Idiots have won."
Washington made headlines back in 2007 when he was fired from Grey's after he allegedly called his costar T.R. Knight a homophobic slur. Even as recently as 2020, Washington reignited his feud with former costar Katherine Heigl about what went down on the Grey's set.
Drama aside, Washington continued to work on shows like The 100, P-Valley, even returning for a season 10 episode of Grey's. Most recently, he played Bass Reeves in the film Corsicana, which it seems he's now declaring will be his last.
Washington's tweet continues, "I'm no longer interested in the back and forth regarding a 'color construct' that keeps us human beings divided nor am I interested in politics or anything vitriolic. I will be traveling this great country before it falls into Socialism and then Communism. Until then, know that this Frederick Douglass Conservative will keep his powder dry and loves you all! I am truly grateful for your support over the years. It looks like CORSICANA #CorsicanaMovie may be the last time you see me as an Actor born here in America. Just know that I will be posting a few pictures of my retirement shenanigans here and there, but until then. Be safe out there. Your loved ones love you and need you. SALUTE!"
However, after seeing the response to his retirement, it seems Washington might have changed his mind. The actor tweeted a GoFundMe page on March 1 titled "Bass Reeves Movie Project 2023." On the page, the actor writers, "After seeing the incredible positive response to my recent announcement of retirement from the entertainment industry on social media, it became clear that I have been operating outside of the traditional Hollywood system successfully for the last 15 years. So, why stop now with over 5 million views and counting with my February 28, 2023 Twitter post? It seems that if I received just $1.00 from 5 million people, then I will have more than enough capital to continue to independently produce my own Bass Reeves movie project for a Fall 2023 shooting schedule in Arkansas and Oklahoma."
As of press time, the project has raised $9,254 of its $1 million goal with 249 donations.
It seems that, should Washington raise enough money, he'd be willing to once again step into the shoes of Bass Reeves. So perhaps he isn't done acting after all?
Patrick Mahomes’ Brother Jackson Mahomes Under Investigation for Allegedly ‘Forcibly’ Kissing Restaurant Owner, Shoving Waiter
Patrick Mahomes’ brother, Jackson Mahomes, is being investigated for assault after a restaurant owner alleged he “forcibly kissed” her after he allegedly shoved a waiter at the establishment.
Per a report published by the Kansas City Star on Saturday, March 4, Jackson, 22, was dining at Aspen Vaughn’s restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas, on Saturday, February 25, when he allegedly became aggressive with two staff members.
"I was going into our office downstairs where the employees are in the employee area, and he’s downstairs for I don’t know what reason," the 19-year-old waiter claimed to the Kansas City Star about Jackson’s alleged assault. “And I’m trying to get to the office, and he’s like, pushing me out … And he’s like, ‘No, get out, get out.’"
Vaughn, who told the outlet that she smelled marijuana coming from the room where Jackson and his friends were seated, got involved after the alleged shoving incident. The restauranteur claimed that Jackson asked to speak to her privately about the situation, which is when he allegedly assaulted her.
"He forcibly kissed me out of nowhere, and I’m telling him, pushing him off saying, ‘What are you doing?’” Vaughn claimed. “And then he proceeded to do it two more times, where the last time I was pushing him off, and I can see on the cameras that somebody was outside the office door, and I was yelling for them to come help, because he’s big and massive."
"I was in shock," Vaughn added. “It’s disgusting. Like you’re a child, and he was trying to say, ‘We should be a power couple,’ and I’m like, ‘Clearly you’re out of your mind right now.’"
Jackson’s lawyer Brandan Davies denied the allegations in a statement to the Kansas City Star.
"Jackson has done nothing wrong. Our investigation has revealed substantial evidence refuting the claims of Jackson’s accuser, including the statements of several witnesses,” Davies said. “We have reached out to law enforcement to provide the fruit of our investigation so that they may have a complete picture of the matter."
This is not the first time that Jackson has been involved in a spat with a Kansas City restaurant. In December 2021, after he complained about his experience at SoT — calling the service “absolutely terrible” and the waiters “so rude” via his Instagram Stories — the bar clapped back with a scathing response about his alleged behavior at the establishment.
“Dear @jacksonmahomes, we are sorry that we set boundaries that you tried to ignore. Often times people with un-earned status and a sense of entitlement think they are above the rules and will lash out at the employee enforcing them,” SoT wrote via social media. “We are sorry we could not seat your very large group. As you probably saw, our bar is very small. We are sorry that you have the reach that you do, or at least that you think you do and that instead of using it for something positive you decided to use it to try and crush a small business. We survived a global pandemic, we’ll survive your ego. We are sorry you didn’t reach out to us first before taking to social media, but then again that is an expectation we would have from a mature and rational person, not someone who pours water on fans and dances on the memorials of tragically lost people for TikTok clout.”
Jackson — along with other members of the Mahomes family, including Patrick’s wife Brittany Matthews — has frequently made headlines for his controversial behavior, which some Kansas City Chiefs fans believe detracts from his brother’s fame as a two-time Super Bowl champion.
In September 2021, three months before the incident at SoT, Jackson faced backlash after pouring water on Baltimore Ravens fans who were trolling his family after the Chiefs lost to the Maryland team. Patrick, 27, spoke out about his younger brother’s antics at the time.
“Obviously, it’s something we don’t want to necessarily do,” the quarterback said during a press conference. “There were things that were said to him and [Brittany] that you don’t see on the clip. He’s been good at trying not to respond to that stuff. He takes a lot and he’s usually pretty good at it and he’ll learn from it and try to stay away from those people as best he can.”
Kellyanne Conway And George Conway Are Getting Divorced
Former Donald Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway and husband George Conway announced Saturday that they are “in the final stages of an amicable divorce.”
“We appreciate the many family members, friends and colleagues who know us, care for us, and support us,” the statement reads. “We remain united as parents to provide love, joy, comfort and protection to our beautiful children.”
The couple’s fraught relationship drew attention as George Conway publicly criticized the Trump administration while his wife was working for the then-president.
The couple were married for more than two decades, according to the statement.
The divorce was first reported by the New York Post.
George Conway, a lawyer who had once been considered for multiple Justice Department positions in the Trump administration, was the one who had encouraged Kellyanne Conway to take the job managing Trump’s presidential campaign when Trump was a candidate in 2016, she told CNN in an interview last year.
Kellyanne Conway: How she became the ultimate Trump White House survivor
She went on to become the first female campaign manager to win a presidential race.
Kellyanne Conway said in the 2022 CNN interview that she and her husband had made the decision to move together with their four children to Washington to work for the Trump administration but once they got there, George Conway “changed his mind about Donald Trump somewhere along the way.”
George Conway later joined the Lincoln Project, a group founded by anti-Trump Republicans, and went on to become one of Trump’s harshest critics, which drove a very public wedge into the couple’s marriage.
“He can change his mind about Donald Trump. This is a free country. George owes no allegiance to a political party or a presidential candidate. But his vows to me, I feel, were broken because we were all in,” Kellyanne Conway said in last year’s interview with CNN discussing her memoir, “Here’s the Deal.”
George Conway wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post in 2019 in which he called Trump a “racist president” after the then-president attacked progressive Democratic congresswomen of color.
In response to previous attacks, Trump had called George Conway a “whack job,” a “stone cold LOSER” and a “husband from hell” who was jealous of his wife’s success.
In August 2020, Kellyanne Conway announced she was stepping away from her White House role and George Conway was withdrawing from his position at the Lincoln Project, both citing the need to focus on their family.
Ja Morant suspended from Grizzlies for 2 games after posing with gun on Instagram
Memphis Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant was the subject of a detailed story earlier this week which alleged his involvement in three violent off-court incidents. Saturday, the team announced he has been suspended for two games after he became the subject of an investigation by the NBA concerning his actions on an early Saturday morning Instagram Live.
Instagram Live videos delete when they conclude, but his social media activity was screen recorded, screen shotted and recirculated on the internet.
Morant appeared to be recording from a strip club after the Grizzlies' 113-97 road loss to the Denver Nuggets Friday night. Morant had 27 points and 10 assists in the effort.
In the video, Morant appears to hold a firearm to the side of his head and flash it repeatedly.
“We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement.
He will miss a Southern California road trip where the Grizzlies will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday before meeting the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
Morant issued a statement via his agent, Jim Tanner"
“I take full responsibility for my actions last night. I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down," it read. “I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”
The 23-year-old is at a turning point in his life and career. Playing at a high level in his fourth professional season, his stardom has positioned him as a top pitchman for Nike and an endorser for Powerade.
A token of his success with Nike appears in the circulating video footage, with Morant shirtless and wearing the diamond pendant the shoe giant gifted him at the NBA All-Star Game in February. Nike released a statement later Saturday expressing support for Morant to get help:
“We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs. We support his prioritization of his well-being.”
The viral footage comes after a Wednesday report from the Washington Post, which outlined three separate incidents. The first alleges Morant assaulted a teenager in his neighborhood with a gun in his waistband, although the police report did not say Morant pulled out the weapon.
In a separate incident, he and nine friends reportedly arrived at a Finish Line shoe store in a mall to handle a dispute concerning his mother. The most recent allegation involves someone riding in Morant’s car pointing a laser at members of the Indiana Pacers’ traveling party. Morant denies each instance, with his lawyer and agent issuing a statement in the aftermath of the story.
Aside from any potential criminal charges from the aforementioned reported incidents, Morant now faces an investigation from the league for activity that he chose to share on social media himself.
Former Atlanta fire chief scrutinized for saying slavery was part of God's divine plan
Kelvin J. Cochran made headlines in 2015 when his self-published Bible study book cost him his job with
Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin J. Cochran is slowly becoming a hot topic on social media as some of his controversial remarks from a Black History Month speech circulate online. Cochran was a guest speaker at a Georgia Department of Labor Black History Month event on Monday (Feb. 27), where he explained his belief that slavery in America was all part of God’s plan.
The religious individual started by expressing how the “Roots” miniseries, which is based on Alex Haley’s 1976 novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family,” was once an emotionally triggering program. “I used to get angry when I watched it, but I don’t get angry anymore. I came to the realization that God is sovereign… God always has a reason for the things that he allows,” said Cochran in the unlisted video shared on GDOL’s YouTube page.
“Listen to this — brace yourselves, my Black brothers and sisters — slavery in America did not catch God by surprise. In his sovereignty, listen, God allowed Africans to be brought to America as slaves. Africa was on the eve of social, spiritual, and economic catastrophe and famine — still going on today. So he brought 6 million Africans to America through the Middle Passage as slaves. Just as it was God’s divine plan to enslave the nation of Israel, it was his sovereignty that allowed Africans to be brought to America in bondage,” he continued.
“Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin J. Cochran actually said it was God’s divine plans that allowed Africans to be brought to America as slaves,” responded one Twitter user. “So slavery was God’s plan, huh? No, my misguided brotha, it was MAN’S PLAN. Know the difference.”
“Well then, was it God’s plan that Kelvin J. Cochran got fired [from] Atlanta’s Fire & Rescue Dept. in 2015?” tweeted another. “Alas, it’s always the tactic of a false christian (notice the small ‘c’) to twist the Scriptures. God gives free will and the Bible, too, so that will doesn’t go too far.”
Cochran made Atlanta news headlines in 2015 when he was fired from the fire department in relation to his self-published Bible study book, “Who Told You That You Were Naked,” that he gave to colleagues. He later sued the city and then-Mayor Kasim Reed, and in 2018, the lawsuit was settled for $1.2 million.
If interested, you can watch Cochran’s full speech HERE
The 2023 Independent Spirit Awards Full WINNERS LIST HERE!
The 2023 Independent Spirit Awards were dominated by the Daniels’ “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which led all films this year with eight nominations and a won a total of seven prizes, including best feature. Close behind were Todd Field’s “Tár” with seven noms (it won for best cinematography) and Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun” with five (it won for best first feature). All three movies picked up Oscar nominations this year, with “Everything Everywhere” also leading the Academy Awards pack with a total of 11 nominations.
While last year’s Spirit Award winner for best feature, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter,” did not go on to land an Oscar nomination in the same category, the 2021 winner, Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland,” repeated at the Oscars and took home the best picture prize.
New ‘Alien’ Movie Starts Filming in March, Reveals Cryptic Synopsis and Full Cast
This year’s Spirit Award nominees were highlighted by gender neutral categories, meaning Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh faced off against Paul Mescal in the lead performance race. “Women Talking” was the recipient of this year’s Robert Altman award, which is given to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.
Check out the full list of winners for the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards below.
FILM CATEGORIES
Best Feature
“Bones and All” (MGM/United Artists Releasing)
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” (A24) WINNER
“Our Father, the Devil” (Resolve Media)
“Tár” (Focus Features)
“Women Talking” (MGM/United Artists Releasing)
Best Director
Todd Field – “Tár” (Focus Features)
Kogonada – “After Yang” (A24)
Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert – “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (A24) WINNER
Sarah Polley – “Women Talking” (MGM/United Artists Releasing)
Halina Reijn – “Bodies Bodies Bodies” (A24)
Best Lead Performance
Cate Blanchett – “Tár” (Focus Features)
Dale Dickey – “A Love Song” (Bleecker Street)
Mia Goth – “Pearl” (A24)
Regina Hall – “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.” (Focus Features)
Paul Mescal – “Aftersun” (A24)
Aubrey Plaza – “Emily the Criminal” (Roadside Attractions)
Jeremy Pope – “The Inspection” (A24)
Taylor Russell – “Bones and All” (MGM/United Artists Releasing)
Andrea Riseborough – “To Leslie” (Momentum Pictures)
Michelle Yeoh – “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (A24) WINNER
Best Supporting Performance
Jamie Lee Curtis – “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (A24)
Brian Tyree Henry – “Causeway” (A24/Apple Original Films)
Nina Hoss – “Tár” (Focus Features)
Brian D’Arcy James – “The Cathedral” (Mubi)
Ke Huy Quan – “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (A24) WINNER
Trevante Rhodes – “Bruiser” (Onyx Collective)
Theo Rossi – “Emily the Criminal” (Roadside Attractions)
Mark Rylance – “Bones and All” (MGM/United Artists Releasing)
Jonathan Tucker – “Palm Trees and Power Lines” (Momentum Pictures)
Gabrielle Union – “The Inspection” (A24)
Best Breakthrough Performance
Frankie Corio – “Aftersun” (A24)
Garcija Filipovic – “Murina” (Kino Lorber)
Stephanie Hsu – “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (A24) WINNER
Lily McInerny – “Palm Trees and Power Lines” (Momentum Pictures)
Daniel Zolghadri – “Funny Pages” (A24)
Best Screenplay
“After Yang” (A24) – Kogonada
“Catherine Called Birdy” (Amazon Studios) – Lena Dunham
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” (A24) – Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert WINNER
“Tár” (Focus Features) – Todd Field
“Women Talking” (MGM/United Artists Releasing) – Sarah Polley
Best First Screenplay
“Bodies Bodies Bodies” (A24) – Sarah DeLappe, Kristen Roupenian
“Emergency” (Amazon Studios) – K.D. Dávila
“Emily the Criminal” (Roadside Attractions) – John Patton Ford WINNER
“Fire Island” (Searchlight Pictures) – Joel Kim Booster
“Palm Trees and Power Lines” (Momentum Pictures) – Jamie Dack, Audrey Findlay
Best First Feature
“Aftersun” (A24) WINNER
“Emily the Criminal” (Roadside Attractions)
“The Inspection” (A24)
“Murina” (Kino Lorber)
“Palm Trees and Power Lines” (Momentum Pictures)
John Cassavetes Award (Given to the best feature made for under $1,000,000)
“The African Desperate” (Mubi)
“A Love Song” (Bleecker Street)
“The Cathedral” (Mubi) WINNER
“Holy Emy” (Utopie Films)
“Something in the Dirt” (XYZ Films)
Best Cinematography
“Aftersun” (A24) – Gregory Oke
“Murina” (Kino Lorber) – Hélène Louvart
“Neptune Frost” (Kino Lorber) – Anisia Uzeyman
“Pearl” (A24) – Eliot Rockett
“Tár” (Focus Features) – Florian Hoffmeister WINNER
Best Documentary
“A House Made of Splinters” (Madman Entertainment)
“All that Breathes” (HBO)
“All the Beauty and the Bloodshed” (Neon) WINNER
“Midwives” (POV)
“Riotsville, U.S.A.” (IFC Films)
Best Editing
“Aftersun” (A24) – Blair McClendon
“The Cathedral” (Mubi) – Ricky D’Ambrose
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” (A24) – Paul Rogers WINNER
“Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (A24) – Dean Fleischer Camp, Nick Paley
“Tár” (Focus Features) – Monika Willi
Robert Altman Award (Given to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast)
“Women Talking” (MGM/United Artists Releasing) – Sarah Polley (director), John Buchan, Jason Knight (casting directors), Shayla Brown, Jessie Buckley, Claire Foy, Kira Guloien, Kate Hallett, Judith Ivey, Rooney Mara, Sheila McCarthy, Frances McDormand, Michelle McLeod, Liv McNeil, Ben Whishaw, August Winter (ensemble cast)
Best International Film
“Corsage” (Austria/Luxembourg/France/Belgium/Italy/England)
“Joyland” (Pakistan/USA) WINNER
“Leonor Will Never Die” (Philippines)
“Return to Seoul” (South Korea/France/Belgium/Romania)
“Saint Omer” (France)
Producers Award
Liz Cardenas
Tory Lenosky WINNER
David Grove Churchill Viste
Someone to Watch Award
Adamma Ebo – “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul”
Nikyatu Jusu – “Nanny” WINNER
Araceli Lemos – “Holy Emy”
The Truer Than Fiction Award
Isabel Castro – “Mija”
Reid Davenport – “I Didn’t See You There” WINNER
Rebeca Huntt – “Beba”
TELEVISION CATEGORIES
Best New Scripted Series
“The Bear “ (FX) WINNER
“Pachinko “ (Apple TV+)
“The Porter” (CBC)
“Severance” (Apple TV+)
“Station Eleven” (HBO Max)
Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series
Aml Ameen , “The Porter”
Mohammed Amer, “Mo”
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary” WINNER
Bridget Everett, “Somebody Somewhere”
KaMillion, “Rap Sh!t”
Melanie Lynskey, “Yellowjackets”
Himesh Patel, “Station Eleven”
Sue Ann Pien, “As We See It”
Adam Scott, “Severance”
Ben Whishaw, “This is Going to Hurt”
Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series
Danielle Deadwyler, “Station Eleven”
Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear” WINNER
Jeff Hiller, “Somebody Somewhere”
Gbemisola Ikumelo, “A League of Their Own”
Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary”
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear”
Frankie Quiñones, “This Fool”
Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary”
Molly Shannon, “I Love That For You”
Tramell Tillman, “Severance”
Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series
“Children of the Underground”
“Mind Over Murder”
“Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?”
“The Rehearsal” WINNER
“We Need to Talk About Cosby”
Maryland Mayor Patrick Wojahn Resigns Amid Arrest For 56 Counts Of Child Pornography-Related Charges — Faces Up 360 Years In Jail
According to multiple reports from CNN and NBC Washington, Wojahn was arrested on March 2 after submitting a formal letter of resignation after business hours on March 1. Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) revealed the former mayor was arrested for charges that include 56 counts of possession and distribution of child sex abuse material.
The charges break down to 40 counts of possession of child exploitative material and an additional 16 counts of distribution of child exploitative material. Wojahn, who is in custody at the Prince George’s County Department of corrections, will soon meet a commissioner who will decide “bond, or whether he will be held, or whether he will be released on pre-trial release,” according to Jessica Garth, a representative from the State’s Attorney’s Office. If convicted, Wojahn faces up to 360 years in jail, according to ABC News.
A news release from PGPD reveals the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified authorities of a suspicious social media account on the app Kik on February 17. According to NCMEC, the “images and video,” believed to be child sex abuse material were “uploaded to the social media account in January 2023.” PGPD investigators then applied “various investigative techniques,” and discovered the account allegedly belonged to Wojahn. The 47-year-old elected official had served as the mayor since 2015 and had been a member of the College Park City Council for eight years prior to his mayoral term.
In a news release from the City of College Park, Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell was announced as the interim official to take the helm of the office. Mitchell will reportedly “serve as presiding officer,” in the days leading up to a special election, which must commence within 65 days, and a “new Mayor has been sworn in.” The candidate elected in the special election will serve in their role until the next mayor is seated on November 5 following the 2023 general election
Elsewhere in the release published by the City of College Park, news of Wojahn’s arrest is described as “difficult and distressing,” for the community. City officials were also reportedly “shocked and disturbed by the news.” In his letter of resignation, Wojahn revealed a search warrant was executed on his home on February 28 and that he will continue to “cooperate, with law enforcement.”
“While this investigation does not involve any official city business of any kind, it is in the best interests of our community that I step aside and not serve as a distraction,” Wojahn wrote in the letter.
The former mayor also added that he made the decision to step away in order to “deal with my own mental health.”
According to the New York Times (NYT), PGPD seized cell phones, a storage device and a computer from Wojahn’s home during the execution of their search warrant. Wojahn’s predecessor, Andrew Fellows, who served as mayor of College Park from 2009 to 2015, told NYT that “he had been doing a great job until what happened today,” adding, “There was never anything that would lead to me believe that something like this would happen.” Fellows had known Wojahn since 2005 and supported his candidacy when he made the decision not to run for re-election.
Wojan grew up as a Democrat in Wisconsin and graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 2002. Fellows said he had previously admired Wojahn’s leadership during the coronavirus pandemic, his advocacy for same-sex marriage and support for a 2020 apology the city issued for a “history of oppression,” in the largely Black neighborhood of Lakeland.
‘Rachael Ray’s Daytime Show To End After 17 Seasons
CBS Media Ventures’ nationally syndicated daytime talk show Rachael Ray will be coming to an end after its current 17th season when it will stop original production.
“In my more than 20-plus years in television, I have had 17 wonderful seasons working in daytime television with Rachael,” Ray said in a statement to Deadline. “However I’ve made the decision that’s it’s time for me to move on to the next exciting chapter in my broadcast career.”
It’s been a year of seismic changes in the increasingly challenging daytime syndication landscape, with Dr. Phil, Judge Mathis and The People’s Court also set to wrap their runs this season and fellow stalwarts The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Wendy Williams Show, Maury, Dr. Oz as well as The Real ending within the past 12 months. CBS Television Distribution, which distributes Rachael Ray, also is behind Dr. Phil and two other syndicated programs that came to an end over the last year, The Doctors and Daily Mail TV.
News of the latest cancellation comes on the same day Deadline reported exclusively that Ray had teamed with Intentional Content to launch a new production company Free Food Studios.
“My passions have evolved from the talk show format production and syndication model to a platform unencumbered by the traditional rules of distribution. … That is why I am looking forward to putting all my energies into my recently announced production arm, Free Food Studios,” Ray said. “Thank you to all of our Rachael daytime show partners, crew, and affiliates, and the wonderful years we all worked together.”
Hosted by Ray, Rachael features Ray’s culinary skills, as well as celebrity interviews, tips from health and lifestyle experts, make-over segments and musical performances. It debuted in syndication in September 2006, finishing its first season as the No. 1 syndicated strip launched in the 2006-2007 season. Over the course of 17 years, Rachael has been nominated for 37 Daytime Emmys, winning for Outstanding Talk Show three times.
Rachael Ray was one of the first entertainment programs to resume filming during the pandemic as Ray did the show from her upstate New York house, with her husband, musician John Cusimano, as her sidekick. The two made headlines in summer 2020 when their house burnt down; Ray spoke about the fire on the show as she moved taping to the guest house on the property. The main dwelling has since been rebuilt.
“When Rachael debuted her show 17 years ago, she was a game-changer in the daytime space. She made cooking accessible to the masses, taught viewers simple solutions on how to improve their lives and coaxed great stories out of celebrity guests with her relatable down-to-earth demeanor,” said Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures. “We’re proud to have produced such a successful show with Rachael and her team for so many years. We’ll miss Rachael on the air every day, but we’ll always be family.”
Rachael Ray is distributed and produced by CBS Media Ventures in association with Harpo Productions, Scripps Networks and Watch Entertainment. Janet Annino serves as executive producer.
CBS Media Ventures’ daytime talker The Drew Barrymore Show, was recently renewed. The company has found success with the Judge Judy library, which has been drawing strong ratings, and has been trying to do the same with old Dr. Phil episodes, which are being shopped.
New Alien Movie Sets Production Start Date, More Cast Members Revealed
The newest Alien film is set to begin production soon, with 20th Century Studios confirming that production will start in Budapest on March 9.
The film will star Mare of Easttown‘s Cailee Spaeny alongside David Jonsson (Industry), Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone), Isabela Merced (Rosaline), Spike Fearn (The Batman), and Aileen Wu (Away from Home). It is being directed by Fede Álvarez and written by Rodo Sayagues, who Álvarez has collaborated with before. The director of the original Alien, Ridley Scott, is set to produce the movie alongside Michael Pruss under their Scott Free banner, while Brent O’Connor, Elizabeth Cantillon, and Tom Moran will executive produce.
“In this ninth entry in the immensely popular and enduring film series, a group of young people on a distant world find themselves in a confrontation with the most terrifying life form in the universe,” reads the upcoming film’s synopsis.
The new film is said to be “unconnected” to previous films. A fan of the iconic franchise himself, Álvarez had pitched a film idea to Scott several years ago in a casual conversation. This eventually led to Scott calling the director to see if he was still interested and it was quickly set.
20th Century then picked up the new Alien movie due to the strength of Álvarez’s pitch, as it was a “really good story with a bunch of characters you haven’t seen before,” according to 20th Century’s Steve Asbell.
Judge Says Brian Flores’ Lawsuit Against NFL Can Proceed
*Former Miami Dolphins head coach and current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ lawsuit against the NFL and three teams – the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants and the Houston Texans – can proceed instead of going to arbitration, a federal judge said on Wednesday.
Judge Valerie Caproni issued the decision, allowing Flores to pursue his case against the three teams and the NFL through a court, though his suit against the Miami Dolphins and both Steve Wilks’ and Ray Horton’s cases will go through arbitration.
“This case shines an unflattering spotlight on the employment practices of National Football League (“NFL”) teams. Although the clear majority of professional football players are Black, only a tiny percentage of coaches are Black,” Caproni wrote in her decision.
Flores’ attorney Doug Wigdor said in a statement: “We are pleased that Coach Flores’ class claims of systematic discrimination against the NFL and several teams will proceed in court and ultimately before a jury of his peers.”
Alex Murdaugh Appears With Shaved Head Following Being Sentenced To Life In Prison
On Friday morning, Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of killing his wife and son. According to PEOPLE, the disgraced attorney was sporting a new look in his mugshot, with a shaved head and yellow jumpsuit.
Murdaugh was given two life sentences for the murder of Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and Paul Murdaugh, 22, who were both fatally shot on June 7, 2021, near the dog kennels of the family’s 1,770-acre hunting estate.
Initially, Murdaugh denied being at the location where his wife and son were shot. However, during the trial, he admitted to lying about his whereabouts that night but continued to maintain his innocence, saying that he did not shoot them.
Alex Murdaugh Appears With Shaved Head Following Being Sentenced To Life In Prison
Prosecutors and authorities argue that he killed them due to personal and financial struggles that became too much to handle. In court, prosecutor Creighton Waters called Murdaugh a “cunning manipulator” and a man who put himself above everyone else, including his own family.
“A man like this man should never be allowed to be among free, law-abiding citizens again,” Waters said. During the trial, whenever Murdaugh would walk by him, Waters would stare him down.
Before sentencing Murdaugh, Judge Clifton Newman told him, “I know you have to see Paul and Maggie during the nighttime when you’re attempting to go to sleep. I’m sure they come and visit you.”
President Joe Biden Will Not Need Further Treatment After Having Cancerous Lesion Removed
A letter from President Joe Biden’s physician revealed that he underwent a procedure to remove a cancerous lesion from his chest.
During President Biden’s routine physical examination on February 16, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the official physician to the president, removed a skin lesion from his chest and sent it for a biopsy.
“As expected, the biopsy confirmed that the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma,” O’Connor wrote. “All cancerous tissue was successfully removed.
While anticipating potential inquiries, O’Connor clarified that basal cell carcinoma lesions typically do not metastasize, unlike more severe forms of cancer.
“They do, however, have the potential to increase in size, resulting in a more significant issue as well as increased challenges for surgical removal,” he added.
However, the letter states Biden will not have to undergo any more treatment, and his biopsy wound has healed well. Nevertheless, O’Connor says the president will continue “dermatologic surveillance.”
Based on his health summary, Biden is presently receiving treatment for various “stable” medical conditions. The conditions include hyperlipidemia, non-valvular atrial fibrillation, gastroesophageal reflux, and seasonal allergies. In addition, Biden suffers from “mild” sensory peripheral neuropathy affecting both feet, and his gait, which “remains stiff but has not deteriorated since last year.”
The results of his lab tests, which encompassed a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), and evaluations of his magnesium and vitamin D levels, were normal.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Spiderman: No More Work
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
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