#MAGFAB: Paul Giamatti for Variety - Awards Season 2024 Issue
“Paul Giamatti is our real-life Brad Pitt,” declares actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Giamatti’s Oscar-nominated co-star from “The Holdovers.” And she’s not joking. After all, as Randolph points out, “We can’t all be Brad Pitt, and I mean that in the most positive way.” The actor argues that Giamatti, in roles ranging from Revolutionary War heroes and Depression era boxing coaches to, in “The Holdovers,” a cranky New England boarding schoolteacher, has displayed a talent for always seeming natural on screen. Just as Pitt blazes on screen, Giamatti draws audiences in.
“Paul is a man of a certain age that men can relate to,” Randolph says. “That’s why I think Paul is our real-life Brad Pitt — [he’s] a champion of reality. What is real? An everyday man.”
The unassuming actor, who normally lives a paparazzi free existence in Brooklyn, eschewed a glitzy celebratory bash following his Golden Globe triumph in Alexander Payne’s poignant dramedy. Instead, he opted for the simple pleasures of an In-n-Out Burger in Los Angeles — and a photo of him dining there in his tux, with his trophy and burgers on the table, went viral on social media. “I’m on the edge of my seat for that endorsement deal,” he quips. “That’s when things are really going to explode.”
Weeks later, the 56-year-old Giamatti received his first lead actor Oscar nomination. He chose to stay up late in Brooklyn the night before, preferring the embrace of sleep over the suspense of the Academy’s early morning reveal “I would rather be asleep and not want to know,” he muses. “I figured I’d hear from people no matter what.”
The sting of Oscar nomination mornings past, when anticipation was met with silence, is not foreign to Giamatti. In 2004, “Sideways” — a hilarious odyssey of a failed writer’s vinous escapades directed by Payne — garnered critical acclaim, yet Giamatti’s tour-de-force performance was conspicuously absent from the roll call of lead actor nominees. The film scored a trophy for adapted screenplay and was nominated for best picture, while Giamatti’s co-stars Thomas Haden Church and Virginia Madsen were also recognized by Academy voters.
“The harder thing for me to deal with was other people’s disappointment,” Giamatti says now. “My agents were heartbroken, and their sorrow weighed heavily on me. I grapple with disappointing people all the time. It’s a thing that I’ve tried to grow out of. Here’s the thing: I never expected it. I didn’t think I deserved it either.”
It didn’t take him long to receive his first Oscar nomination after the “Sideways” snub — that came a year later, for his supporting turn in “Cinderella Man” — but it ended up being nearly two decades, and countless acclaimed performances, before his name was called out as a lead actor nominee for an Academy Award. Besides Giamatti, the Focus Features’ film is nominated for best picture, supporting actress (Randolph), original screenplay (David Hemingson) and editing (Kevin Tent).
The recognition, three decades into his career, feels like “an affirmation” for Giamatti, whose earliest credits include a role as Heckler No. 2 on a 1990 TV movie starring Linda Evans. “Personally, it feels great and I’m happy for everybody. I’m sad some people didn’t get it, but you know, it still feels great.”
So who greeted him with the news? Giamatti’s girlfriend, Clara Wong, a co-star on the Showtime drama series “Billions,” set him straight after he told reporters that his longtime manager was the first person to congratulate him Oscar nomination morning. In truth, she reminded him, he first got a text from none other than Al Roker, the “Today” show weatherman, who made a cameo appearance opposite David Costabile during the final season of the series. “Why I had Al Roker’s number at all, I don’t know. I’ve talked to Al on the ‘Today’ show, but I’ve never really interacted with him other than that, but there you go, surprise!”
Get more at Variety
#RHOA: What this Tea? Porsha Williams' Husband Has Immigration Issues
Porsha Williams' new husband, Simon Guobadia, is facing challenges getting U.S. citizenship due to a history of crime. Court documents reveal Guobadia's criminal past includes fraud-related charges dating back to the 1980s. Uncertainty remains whether Simon Guobadia seeking citizenship approval is indeed Williams' husband, which may impact Season 16 of RHOA.
Porsha Williams rose to fame on The Real Housewives of Atlanta where she made a name for herself and became a fan favorite. Amid her return to the reality series, she's reportedly helping her new husband, Simon Guobadia, try to obtain his U.S. citizenship. But due to his troubled past, it may not be possible. Recent news reports that a man named Simon Iyore Guobadia continues to be denied citizenship, and all signs point to the peach holder's beloved man.
The Jasmine Brand reports Guobadia's alleged crimes began in 1982 when he first came to the country before voluntarily leaving in 1985 after a string of issues with the police involving credit card fraud. Court documents show that the first denial came back in July 2022. When a hearing was requested to solve this in October 2022, "the denial was reaffirmed" as it turns out he'd been ordered to exile the US and not return, but he reportedly returned with a new work visa. After a filing in March 2023, Guobadia reportedly asked the government to "vacate the denial." The crimes listed in the court documents include credit card fraud, authorized use of a vehicle, and more accounts of fraud.
Season 16 of the series doesn't have a full cast list as of yet, but when it was revealed that Williams was returning, fans had a lot of hope. Now that this news has potentially come out about Guobadia's past and his lack of citizenship, it does bring up a question over how much he will be on the show, if at all.
She has officially announced she is not returning to 'RHOA' and has shown her gratitude to the network, which some of her colleagues didn't do.
Maybe we will learn more about Williams' relationship with Guobadia during Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta when she rejoins the series. The last fans saw of the two on Bravo was her shortlived spinoff, Porsha's Family Matters, where they dealt with backlash from their controversial engagement and Williams' still seemingly being hung up on her ex, Dennis McKinnley.
#MusicNews: Jody Watley Releases New Single “EVERLASTING”
Jody Watley, GRAMMY-winning trailblazer in music, video, fashion – singer, songwriter and producer adds to a diverse discography spanning 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s with her first 2024 release with newest single ‘EVERLASTING.’
The new single ‘EVERLASTING‘ was revealed to listeners on the premiere of Season 2 “The Jody Watley Show.”
The new episode aired January 14 and rebroadcasted January 15 on Sirius XM’s The Groove, Channel 51. You can catch the preview on the final encore presentation of TJWS Thursday January 18, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST.
The contemporary R&B/Soul track was written and produced by Jody Watley and longtime collaborator jazz musician Rodney Lee, with additional production by another consistent creative to her team, renowned Italian DJ/Producer Alex Di Ciò.
‘EVERLASTING’ not only showcases Watley’s continued growth but also delivers an instantly impactful message of resilience and perseverance to kick off the new year.
The commercial release date is tentatively set for January 30, heralding yet another chapter in an illustrious career.
LISTEN HERE
Watley comments, “More than just a song, it’s a reflection of life’s journey of lessons, resilience, self-belief and never giving up. I’m excited to share its empowering message because it’s really to remind everyone to keep moving forward and embrace the timeless strength within us all – to stay EVERLASTING, I am an example of that.”
Following the success of her recent critically acclaimed releases, including the Top 5 UK Soul releases ‘Winter Nights EP’ and ‘Renderings: The Alex Di Ciò Mixes,’ Jody Watley continues to push artistic boundaries.
Heartfelt and inspiring, the song encourages listeners to persevere through life’s challenges, reminding us all to remain steadfast – ‘EVERLASTING.’
#HipHopNews: Kanye West & Ty Dolla $Ign Celebrate 'Vultures 1' Debuting At No. 1
Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign‘s Vultures 1 has debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.According to Billboard, the collaborative album earned 148,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, with 129,000 of that figure coming from streaming units (167.78 million on-demand streams in total), 18,000 from pure album sales and 1,000 from TEA (track equivalent album) units.
Kanye is now level with Bruce Springsteen and Barbra Streisand with 11 No. 1 albums to his name, with only Drake and Taylor Swift (13), JAY-Z (14) and The Beatles (19) ahead of him.
The album is Ty Dolla $ign’s first No. 1 and second top 10 following 2020’s Featuring Ty Dolla $ign.
Ye reacted to the news by issuing a brief statement to Complex saying: “It’s a beautiful time.”
Ty also celebrated the achievement on his Instagram Stories, posting a video of him lifting his index finger to the camera while silencing the naysayers.
Released on February 10, Vultures 1 boasts uncredited appearances from Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Lil Durk, Chris Brown, Freddie Gibbs, YG, Quavo, Rich The Kid and others.
The project was initially only available on streaming platforms and as a digital download through online retailers and Kanye West’s website.
Physical versions of the album on CD and vinyl are set to be released at a later point, with Ye’s store currently accepting pre-orders.
Vultures 1 debuts at No. 1 despite encountering a series of issues. The album was temporarily removed from streaming services five days after its release due to a complaint from its initial distributor, FUGA.
“On Friday, February 9, 2024, a long-standing FUGA client delivered the album Vultures 1 through the platform’s automated processes, violating our service agreement,” the company said. “Therefore, FUGA is actively working with its DSP partners and the client to remove Vultures 1 from our systems.”
The album was quickly reinstated on streaming platforms after Kanye and Ty Dolla found another distributor, Label Engine, who had previously released the singles “Vultures” and “Talking/Once Again.”
However, the album cut “Good (Don’t Die)” remains unavailable to stream after Kanye West was accused of sampling Donna Summer’s 1977 disco hit “I Feel Love” without permission.
Summer’s estate said on Instagram shortly after Vultures 1 dropped: “Kanye West asked permission to use Donna Summer song, ‘I Feel Love,’ [but] he was denied. He changed the words, had someone re-sing it, or used AI but it’s ‘I Feel Love’…copyright infringement!”
Before that, Ozzy Osbourne called out West for sampling Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” on “Carnival.” The Chicago native ultimately swapped out the sample for a section of his My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy song “Hell of a Life,” which was already cleared to sample “Iron Man.”
Elsewhere on this week’s Billboard 200, Usher‘s Coming Home has debuted at No. 2 with 91,000 units earned in its first week, marking the singer’s highest charting album in over a decade.
The album, which featured the likes of 21 Savage, Latto and Burna Boy, was released just two days before Usher’s performance at the Super Bowl halftime show.
Meanwhile, former chart-toppers SZA‘s SOS and Drake‘s For All the Dogs remain firm in the top 10 at No. 5 and No. 10, respectively.
Bucks' Damian Lillard named MVP of 2024 NBA All-Star Game
It was "Dame Time" all NBA All-Star Weekend long. The Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard was named All-Star Game MVP on Sunday, scoring 39 points to lead the Eastern Conference to a 211-186 win over the West in the highest-scoring midseason exhibition to date.
He joined Michael Jordan as the only other player in league history to win a Saturday night event and be named MVP in the same All-Star Weekend.
"Anytime you're mentioned in the same category as Mike, it's an honor, it's a major accomplishment, even if it's All-Star Weekend," Lillard said during his postgame news conference with the Kobe Bryant MVP trophy placed on the table in front of him. "Because if it was that simple, more people would have done it."
Lillard won the 3-point contest on Saturday, edging the Minnesota Timberwolves' Karl-Anthony Towns and the Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young in the final round. Jordan won the dunk contest in 1988.
Towns had a noble effort as a runner-up on Sunday too, leading the West with 50 points in 28 minutes to become just the fourth player in All-Star Game history to reach the 50-point plateau. However, Lillard had more competition for the award from his East teammates in Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton and Boston Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown.
Haliburton, the hometown favorite, finished with 32 points on 11-for-15 shooting, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. He outscored the West singlehandedly 15-14 to start the game, going 5-for-5 from the field before missing the heat check from 34 feet away.
Brown had 36 points on 15-for-23 shooting and 8 rebounds, and his surge late in the third quarter helped regain control of the game for the East after the West came within 12 points.
Lillard received seven out of 12 votes for the award, and Haliburton garnered the other five. Lillard might have sealed his case when Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic failed to finish an alley-oop to himself, ricocheting the ball off the front of the rim midway through the third quarter. Lillard grabbed the rebound, advanced the ball and pulled up from just inside halfcourt, swishing a 3-pointer from 41 feet to boost his total to 33 points and the East's lead to 132-105.
He added six points in the fourth -- including a 44-foot trey with 22.1 seconds remaining -- to cap his night. Lillard finished 14-for-26 from the field, including 11-for-23 from beyond the 3-point arc, and added 6 assists.
With 11 3-pointers Sunday night, Damian Lillard joined Stephen Curry and LeBron James as the only players with 40-plus career 3s in the NBA All-Star Game.
Stephen Curry 51*
Damian Lillard 42*
LeBron James 41*
James Harden 39
*Have won All-Star Game MVP
It was his eighth All-Star appearance but his first time being named a starter.
"I'm a vet in the game at this point," Lillard, 33, said. "Why not go and try to get an MVP? Since I've been here enough."
For Lillard, who joined the Bucks in an offseason trade after spending the first 11 years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, it was a welcome weekend in the midst of a challenging stretch for Milwaukee.
"It's been a tough year, just the transition to a new team; we've had three coaches since I've been there," Lillard said, alluding to Doc Rivers' surprise replacement of Adrian Griffin and Joe Prunty's brief interim stint. "Anytime you have these types of experiences where you have adversity ... I think that's the time you got to show who you really are. Keep doing what you do, keep believing, and when you do that, usually it comes back to you.
"You just can't fold."The same couldn't be said for each All-Star team's defensive efforts.
"I think it could be more competitive," Lillard admitted. "I think 200 is a lot to be scored. It just shows that we didn't go out there and compete like I guess you would want us to or whoever would want us to. But I think that's just what it is. Guys are talented. Make a lot of shots. We hit a lot of 3s, and that was it."
The BAFTA Awards 2024: THE WINNERS LIST!
“Oppenheimer” was a big winner at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards, which were presented Sunday at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England.
The Christopher Nolan-directed award season favorite led the nominees with 13 nods this year and won seven awards, including director, lead actor and the coveted best film award.
Winning his first-ever BAFTA, Nolan expressed his thanks to studio Universal, “for letting us take on something dark, and seeing the potential for that” during his acceptance speech.
“Poor Things” was the other stand-out winner of the ceremony with five wins, including Emma Stone’s award for lead actress.
“The Holdovers” star Da’Vine Joy Randolph continues to dominate the supporting actress category through this award season cycle. Thanking her co-star Paul Giamatti while accepting her BAFTA, Randolph said, “Gosh, I cry every time I say your name. You represent everything that is great and good in our craft.”
The chilling Holocaust drama “The Zone of Interest” by director Jonathan Glazer took home the prestigious award for outstanding British film, as well as best film not in the English language. The “Barbie” movie, “Saltburn,” “Maestro” and the Martin Scorsese-directed epic “Killers of the Flower Moon,” meanwhile, came away empty on Sunday.
The ceremony also featured appearances by some cinematic legends including Tom Cruise (via video link) and Michael J. Fox, who presented the best film category. Prince William also stepped out to attend the ceremony on public duty following the hospitalization of Catherine, Princess of Wales and the cancer diagnosis of his father, King Charles.
After the BAFTAs, the Screen Actors Guild Awards (to air on Netflix on February 24) are the only other major awards event ahead of the Oscars on March 10.
The BAFTA ceremony did not air live. It was broadcast on BBC One in the UK and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and BritBox.
See below for a full list of BAFTA nominees and winners.
Best Film
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“The Holdovers”
“Killers of The Flower Moon”
“Oppenheimer” – WINNER
“Poor Things”
Outstanding British Film
“All of Us Strangers”
“How to Have Sex”
“Napoleon”
“The Old Oak”
“Poor Things”
“Rye Lane”
“Saltburn”
“Scrapper”
“Wonka”
“The Zone of Interest” – WINNER
Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer
“Blue Bag Life”
“Bobi Wine: The People’s President”
“Earth Mama” – WINNER
“How To Have Sex”
“Is There Anybody Out There?”
Film Not in the English Language
“20 Days In Mariupol”
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“Past Lives”
“Society of the Snow”
“The Zone of Interest” – WINNER
Documentary
“20 Days In Mariupol” – WINNER
“American Symphony”
“Beyond Utopia”
“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie”
“Wham!”
Animated Film
“The Boy And The Heron” – WINNER
“Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget”
“Elemental”
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
Director
Andrew Haigh, “All of Us Strangers”
Justine Triet, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Alexander Payne, “The Holdovers”
Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”
Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Jonathan Glazer, “The Zone of Interest”
Adapted Screenplay
Andrew Haigh, “All of Us Strangers”
Cord Jefferson, “American Fiction” – WINNER
Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”
Tony McNamara, “Poor Things”
Jonathan Glazer, “The Zone of Interest”
Original Screenplay
Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, “Anatomy of a Fall” – WINNER
Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, “Barbie”
David Hemingson, “The Holdovers”
Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer, “Maestro”
Celine Song, “Past Lives”
Leading Actor
Barry Keoghan, “Saltburn”
Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”
Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Colman Domingo, “Rustin”
Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers”
Teo Yoo, “Past Lives”
Emma Stone in POOR THINGS.
Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
Emma Stone in "Poor Things."
Leading Actress
Carey Mulligan, “Maestro”
Emma Stone, “Poor Things” – WINNER
Fantasia Barrino, “The Color Purple”
Margot Robbie, “Barbie”
Sandra Hüller, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Vivian Oparah, “Rye Lane”
Supporting Actor
Dominic Sessa, “The Holdovers”
Jacob Elordi, “Saltburn”
Paul Mescal, “All of Us Strangers”
Robert De Niro, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”
Supporting Actress
Claire Foy, “All of Us Strangers”
Danielle Brooks, “The Color Purple”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers” – WINNER
Emily Blunt, “Oppenheimer”
Rosamund Pike, “Saltburn”
Sandra Hüller, “The Zone of Interest”
Original Score
Robbie Robertson, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Ludwig Göransson, “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Jerskin Fendrix, “Poor Things”
Anthony Willis, “Saltburn”
Daniel Pemberton, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
Costume Design
Jacqueline Durran, “Barbie”
Jacqueline West, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Dave Crossman and Janty Yates, “Napoleon”
Ellen Mirojnick, “Oppenheimer”
Holly Waddington, “Poor Things” – WINNER
Production Design
Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer, “Barbie”
Jack Fisk and Adam Willis, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Ruth De Jong and Claire Kaufman, “Oppenheimer”
Shona Heath, James Price and Zsuzsa Mihalek, “Poor Things” – WINNER
Chris Oddy, Joanna Maria Kuś and Katarzyna Sikora, “The Zone of Interest”
Special Visual Effects
Jonathan Bullock, Charmaine Chan, Ian Comley and Jay Cooper, “The Creator”
Theo Bialek, Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot and Guy Williams, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
Neil Corbould, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland and Alex Wuttke, “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One”
Henry Badgett, Neil Corbould, Charley Henley and Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet, “Napoleon”
Tim Barter, Simon Hughes, Dean Koonjul and Jane Paton, “Poor Things” – WINNER
Make Up and Hair
Kay Georgiou and Thomas Nellen, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Sian Grigg, Kay Georgiou, Kazu Hiro and Lori McCoy-Bell, “Maestro”
Jana Carboni, Francesco Pegoretti, Satinder Chumber and Julia Vernon, “Napoleon”
Luisa Abel, Jaime Leigh McIntosh, Jason Hamer and Ahou Mofid, “Oppenheimer”
Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston, “Poor Things” – WINNER
Editing
Laurent Sénéchal, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Thelma Schoonmaker, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Jennifer Lame, “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Yorgos Mavropsaridis, “Poor Things”
Paul Watts, “The Zone of Interest”
Cinematography
Rodrigo Prieto, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Matthew Libatique, “Maestro”
Hoyte van Hoytema, “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Robbie Ryan, “Poor Things”
Łukasz Żal, “The Zone of Interest”
“Paul is a man of a certain age that men can relate to,” Randolph says. “That’s why I think Paul is our real-life Brad Pitt — [he’s] a champion of reality. What is real? An everyday man.”
The unassuming actor, who normally lives a paparazzi free existence in Brooklyn, eschewed a glitzy celebratory bash following his Golden Globe triumph in Alexander Payne’s poignant dramedy. Instead, he opted for the simple pleasures of an In-n-Out Burger in Los Angeles — and a photo of him dining there in his tux, with his trophy and burgers on the table, went viral on social media. “I’m on the edge of my seat for that endorsement deal,” he quips. “That’s when things are really going to explode.”
Weeks later, the 56-year-old Giamatti received his first lead actor Oscar nomination. He chose to stay up late in Brooklyn the night before, preferring the embrace of sleep over the suspense of the Academy’s early morning reveal “I would rather be asleep and not want to know,” he muses. “I figured I’d hear from people no matter what.”
The sting of Oscar nomination mornings past, when anticipation was met with silence, is not foreign to Giamatti. In 2004, “Sideways” — a hilarious odyssey of a failed writer’s vinous escapades directed by Payne — garnered critical acclaim, yet Giamatti’s tour-de-force performance was conspicuously absent from the roll call of lead actor nominees. The film scored a trophy for adapted screenplay and was nominated for best picture, while Giamatti’s co-stars Thomas Haden Church and Virginia Madsen were also recognized by Academy voters.
“The harder thing for me to deal with was other people’s disappointment,” Giamatti says now. “My agents were heartbroken, and their sorrow weighed heavily on me. I grapple with disappointing people all the time. It’s a thing that I’ve tried to grow out of. Here’s the thing: I never expected it. I didn’t think I deserved it either.”
It didn’t take him long to receive his first Oscar nomination after the “Sideways” snub — that came a year later, for his supporting turn in “Cinderella Man” — but it ended up being nearly two decades, and countless acclaimed performances, before his name was called out as a lead actor nominee for an Academy Award. Besides Giamatti, the Focus Features’ film is nominated for best picture, supporting actress (Randolph), original screenplay (David Hemingson) and editing (Kevin Tent).
The recognition, three decades into his career, feels like “an affirmation” for Giamatti, whose earliest credits include a role as Heckler No. 2 on a 1990 TV movie starring Linda Evans. “Personally, it feels great and I’m happy for everybody. I’m sad some people didn’t get it, but you know, it still feels great.”
So who greeted him with the news? Giamatti’s girlfriend, Clara Wong, a co-star on the Showtime drama series “Billions,” set him straight after he told reporters that his longtime manager was the first person to congratulate him Oscar nomination morning. In truth, she reminded him, he first got a text from none other than Al Roker, the “Today” show weatherman, who made a cameo appearance opposite David Costabile during the final season of the series. “Why I had Al Roker’s number at all, I don’t know. I’ve talked to Al on the ‘Today’ show, but I’ve never really interacted with him other than that, but there you go, surprise!”
Get more at Variety
#RHOA: What this Tea? Porsha Williams' Husband Has Immigration Issues
Porsha Williams rose to fame on The Real Housewives of Atlanta where she made a name for herself and became a fan favorite. Amid her return to the reality series, she's reportedly helping her new husband, Simon Guobadia, try to obtain his U.S. citizenship. But due to his troubled past, it may not be possible. Recent news reports that a man named Simon Iyore Guobadia continues to be denied citizenship, and all signs point to the peach holder's beloved man.
The Jasmine Brand reports Guobadia's alleged crimes began in 1982 when he first came to the country before voluntarily leaving in 1985 after a string of issues with the police involving credit card fraud. Court documents show that the first denial came back in July 2022. When a hearing was requested to solve this in October 2022, "the denial was reaffirmed" as it turns out he'd been ordered to exile the US and not return, but he reportedly returned with a new work visa. After a filing in March 2023, Guobadia reportedly asked the government to "vacate the denial." The crimes listed in the court documents include credit card fraud, authorized use of a vehicle, and more accounts of fraud.
Season 16 of the series doesn't have a full cast list as of yet, but when it was revealed that Williams was returning, fans had a lot of hope. Now that this news has potentially come out about Guobadia's past and his lack of citizenship, it does bring up a question over how much he will be on the show, if at all.
She has officially announced she is not returning to 'RHOA' and has shown her gratitude to the network, which some of her colleagues didn't do.
Maybe we will learn more about Williams' relationship with Guobadia during Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta when she rejoins the series. The last fans saw of the two on Bravo was her shortlived spinoff, Porsha's Family Matters, where they dealt with backlash from their controversial engagement and Williams' still seemingly being hung up on her ex, Dennis McKinnley.
#MusicNews: Jody Watley Releases New Single “EVERLASTING”
Jody Watley, GRAMMY-winning trailblazer in music, video, fashion – singer, songwriter and producer adds to a diverse discography spanning 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s with her first 2024 release with newest single ‘EVERLASTING.’
The new single ‘EVERLASTING‘ was revealed to listeners on the premiere of Season 2 “The Jody Watley Show.”
The new episode aired January 14 and rebroadcasted January 15 on Sirius XM’s The Groove, Channel 51. You can catch the preview on the final encore presentation of TJWS Thursday January 18, 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST.
The contemporary R&B/Soul track was written and produced by Jody Watley and longtime collaborator jazz musician Rodney Lee, with additional production by another consistent creative to her team, renowned Italian DJ/Producer Alex Di Ciò.
‘EVERLASTING’ not only showcases Watley’s continued growth but also delivers an instantly impactful message of resilience and perseverance to kick off the new year.
The commercial release date is tentatively set for January 30, heralding yet another chapter in an illustrious career.
LISTEN HERE
Watley comments, “More than just a song, it’s a reflection of life’s journey of lessons, resilience, self-belief and never giving up. I’m excited to share its empowering message because it’s really to remind everyone to keep moving forward and embrace the timeless strength within us all – to stay EVERLASTING, I am an example of that.”
Following the success of her recent critically acclaimed releases, including the Top 5 UK Soul releases ‘Winter Nights EP’ and ‘Renderings: The Alex Di Ciò Mixes,’ Jody Watley continues to push artistic boundaries.
Heartfelt and inspiring, the song encourages listeners to persevere through life’s challenges, reminding us all to remain steadfast – ‘EVERLASTING.’
#HipHopNews: Kanye West & Ty Dolla $Ign Celebrate 'Vultures 1' Debuting At No. 1
Kanye is now level with Bruce Springsteen and Barbra Streisand with 11 No. 1 albums to his name, with only Drake and Taylor Swift (13), JAY-Z (14) and The Beatles (19) ahead of him.
The album is Ty Dolla $ign’s first No. 1 and second top 10 following 2020’s Featuring Ty Dolla $ign.
Ye reacted to the news by issuing a brief statement to Complex saying: “It’s a beautiful time.”
Ty also celebrated the achievement on his Instagram Stories, posting a video of him lifting his index finger to the camera while silencing the naysayers.
Released on February 10, Vultures 1 boasts uncredited appearances from Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Lil Durk, Chris Brown, Freddie Gibbs, YG, Quavo, Rich The Kid and others.
The project was initially only available on streaming platforms and as a digital download through online retailers and Kanye West’s website.
Physical versions of the album on CD and vinyl are set to be released at a later point, with Ye’s store currently accepting pre-orders.
Vultures 1 debuts at No. 1 despite encountering a series of issues. The album was temporarily removed from streaming services five days after its release due to a complaint from its initial distributor, FUGA.
“On Friday, February 9, 2024, a long-standing FUGA client delivered the album Vultures 1 through the platform’s automated processes, violating our service agreement,” the company said. “Therefore, FUGA is actively working with its DSP partners and the client to remove Vultures 1 from our systems.”
The album was quickly reinstated on streaming platforms after Kanye and Ty Dolla found another distributor, Label Engine, who had previously released the singles “Vultures” and “Talking/Once Again.”
However, the album cut “Good (Don’t Die)” remains unavailable to stream after Kanye West was accused of sampling Donna Summer’s 1977 disco hit “I Feel Love” without permission.
Summer’s estate said on Instagram shortly after Vultures 1 dropped: “Kanye West asked permission to use Donna Summer song, ‘I Feel Love,’ [but] he was denied. He changed the words, had someone re-sing it, or used AI but it’s ‘I Feel Love’…copyright infringement!”
Before that, Ozzy Osbourne called out West for sampling Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” on “Carnival.” The Chicago native ultimately swapped out the sample for a section of his My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy song “Hell of a Life,” which was already cleared to sample “Iron Man.”
Elsewhere on this week’s Billboard 200, Usher‘s Coming Home has debuted at No. 2 with 91,000 units earned in its first week, marking the singer’s highest charting album in over a decade.
The album, which featured the likes of 21 Savage, Latto and Burna Boy, was released just two days before Usher’s performance at the Super Bowl halftime show.
Meanwhile, former chart-toppers SZA‘s SOS and Drake‘s For All the Dogs remain firm in the top 10 at No. 5 and No. 10, respectively.
Bucks' Damian Lillard named MVP of 2024 NBA All-Star Game
It was "Dame Time" all NBA All-Star Weekend long. The Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard was named All-Star Game MVP on Sunday, scoring 39 points to lead the Eastern Conference to a 211-186 win over the West in the highest-scoring midseason exhibition to date.
He joined Michael Jordan as the only other player in league history to win a Saturday night event and be named MVP in the same All-Star Weekend.
"Anytime you're mentioned in the same category as Mike, it's an honor, it's a major accomplishment, even if it's All-Star Weekend," Lillard said during his postgame news conference with the Kobe Bryant MVP trophy placed on the table in front of him. "Because if it was that simple, more people would have done it."
Lillard won the 3-point contest on Saturday, edging the Minnesota Timberwolves' Karl-Anthony Towns and the Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young in the final round. Jordan won the dunk contest in 1988.
Towns had a noble effort as a runner-up on Sunday too, leading the West with 50 points in 28 minutes to become just the fourth player in All-Star Game history to reach the 50-point plateau. However, Lillard had more competition for the award from his East teammates in Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton and Boston Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown.
Haliburton, the hometown favorite, finished with 32 points on 11-for-15 shooting, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. He outscored the West singlehandedly 15-14 to start the game, going 5-for-5 from the field before missing the heat check from 34 feet away.
Brown had 36 points on 15-for-23 shooting and 8 rebounds, and his surge late in the third quarter helped regain control of the game for the East after the West came within 12 points.
Lillard received seven out of 12 votes for the award, and Haliburton garnered the other five. Lillard might have sealed his case when Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic failed to finish an alley-oop to himself, ricocheting the ball off the front of the rim midway through the third quarter. Lillard grabbed the rebound, advanced the ball and pulled up from just inside halfcourt, swishing a 3-pointer from 41 feet to boost his total to 33 points and the East's lead to 132-105.
He added six points in the fourth -- including a 44-foot trey with 22.1 seconds remaining -- to cap his night. Lillard finished 14-for-26 from the field, including 11-for-23 from beyond the 3-point arc, and added 6 assists.
With 11 3-pointers Sunday night, Damian Lillard joined Stephen Curry and LeBron James as the only players with 40-plus career 3s in the NBA All-Star Game.
Stephen Curry 51*
Damian Lillard 42*
LeBron James 41*
James Harden 39
*Have won All-Star Game MVP
It was his eighth All-Star appearance but his first time being named a starter.
"I'm a vet in the game at this point," Lillard, 33, said. "Why not go and try to get an MVP? Since I've been here enough."
For Lillard, who joined the Bucks in an offseason trade after spending the first 11 years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, it was a welcome weekend in the midst of a challenging stretch for Milwaukee.
"It's been a tough year, just the transition to a new team; we've had three coaches since I've been there," Lillard said, alluding to Doc Rivers' surprise replacement of Adrian Griffin and Joe Prunty's brief interim stint. "Anytime you have these types of experiences where you have adversity ... I think that's the time you got to show who you really are. Keep doing what you do, keep believing, and when you do that, usually it comes back to you.
"You just can't fold."The same couldn't be said for each All-Star team's defensive efforts.
"I think it could be more competitive," Lillard admitted. "I think 200 is a lot to be scored. It just shows that we didn't go out there and compete like I guess you would want us to or whoever would want us to. But I think that's just what it is. Guys are talented. Make a lot of shots. We hit a lot of 3s, and that was it."
The BAFTA Awards 2024: THE WINNERS LIST!
The Christopher Nolan-directed award season favorite led the nominees with 13 nods this year and won seven awards, including director, lead actor and the coveted best film award.
Winning his first-ever BAFTA, Nolan expressed his thanks to studio Universal, “for letting us take on something dark, and seeing the potential for that” during his acceptance speech.
“Poor Things” was the other stand-out winner of the ceremony with five wins, including Emma Stone’s award for lead actress.
“The Holdovers” star Da’Vine Joy Randolph continues to dominate the supporting actress category through this award season cycle. Thanking her co-star Paul Giamatti while accepting her BAFTA, Randolph said, “Gosh, I cry every time I say your name. You represent everything that is great and good in our craft.”
The chilling Holocaust drama “The Zone of Interest” by director Jonathan Glazer took home the prestigious award for outstanding British film, as well as best film not in the English language. The “Barbie” movie, “Saltburn,” “Maestro” and the Martin Scorsese-directed epic “Killers of the Flower Moon,” meanwhile, came away empty on Sunday.
The ceremony also featured appearances by some cinematic legends including Tom Cruise (via video link) and Michael J. Fox, who presented the best film category. Prince William also stepped out to attend the ceremony on public duty following the hospitalization of Catherine, Princess of Wales and the cancer diagnosis of his father, King Charles.
After the BAFTAs, the Screen Actors Guild Awards (to air on Netflix on February 24) are the only other major awards event ahead of the Oscars on March 10.
The BAFTA ceremony did not air live. It was broadcast on BBC One in the UK and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and BritBox.
See below for a full list of BAFTA nominees and winners.
Best Film
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“The Holdovers”
“Killers of The Flower Moon”
“Oppenheimer” – WINNER
“Poor Things”
Outstanding British Film
“All of Us Strangers”
“How to Have Sex”
“Napoleon”
“The Old Oak”
“Poor Things”
“Rye Lane”
“Saltburn”
“Scrapper”
“Wonka”
“The Zone of Interest” – WINNER
Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer
“Blue Bag Life”
“Bobi Wine: The People’s President”
“Earth Mama” – WINNER
“How To Have Sex”
“Is There Anybody Out There?”
Film Not in the English Language
“20 Days In Mariupol”
“Anatomy of a Fall”
“Past Lives”
“Society of the Snow”
“The Zone of Interest” – WINNER
Documentary
“20 Days In Mariupol” – WINNER
“American Symphony”
“Beyond Utopia”
“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie”
“Wham!”
Animated Film
“The Boy And The Heron” – WINNER
“Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget”
“Elemental”
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
Director
Andrew Haigh, “All of Us Strangers”
Justine Triet, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Alexander Payne, “The Holdovers”
Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”
Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Jonathan Glazer, “The Zone of Interest”
Adapted Screenplay
Andrew Haigh, “All of Us Strangers”
Cord Jefferson, “American Fiction” – WINNER
Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer”
Tony McNamara, “Poor Things”
Jonathan Glazer, “The Zone of Interest”
Original Screenplay
Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, “Anatomy of a Fall” – WINNER
Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, “Barbie”
David Hemingson, “The Holdovers”
Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer, “Maestro”
Celine Song, “Past Lives”
Leading Actor
Barry Keoghan, “Saltburn”
Bradley Cooper, “Maestro”
Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Colman Domingo, “Rustin”
Paul Giamatti, “The Holdovers”
Teo Yoo, “Past Lives”
Emma Stone in POOR THINGS.
Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
Emma Stone in "Poor Things."
Leading Actress
Carey Mulligan, “Maestro”
Emma Stone, “Poor Things” – WINNER
Fantasia Barrino, “The Color Purple”
Margot Robbie, “Barbie”
Sandra Hüller, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Vivian Oparah, “Rye Lane”
Supporting Actor
Dominic Sessa, “The Holdovers”
Jacob Elordi, “Saltburn”
Paul Mescal, “All of Us Strangers”
Robert De Niro, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Robert Downey Jr., “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”
Supporting Actress
Claire Foy, “All of Us Strangers”
Danielle Brooks, “The Color Purple”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, “The Holdovers” – WINNER
Emily Blunt, “Oppenheimer”
Rosamund Pike, “Saltburn”
Sandra Hüller, “The Zone of Interest”
Original Score
Robbie Robertson, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Ludwig Göransson, “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Jerskin Fendrix, “Poor Things”
Anthony Willis, “Saltburn”
Daniel Pemberton, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
Costume Design
Jacqueline Durran, “Barbie”
Jacqueline West, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Dave Crossman and Janty Yates, “Napoleon”
Ellen Mirojnick, “Oppenheimer”
Holly Waddington, “Poor Things” – WINNER
Production Design
Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer, “Barbie”
Jack Fisk and Adam Willis, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Ruth De Jong and Claire Kaufman, “Oppenheimer”
Shona Heath, James Price and Zsuzsa Mihalek, “Poor Things” – WINNER
Chris Oddy, Joanna Maria Kuś and Katarzyna Sikora, “The Zone of Interest”
Special Visual Effects
Jonathan Bullock, Charmaine Chan, Ian Comley and Jay Cooper, “The Creator”
Theo Bialek, Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot and Guy Williams, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
Neil Corbould, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland and Alex Wuttke, “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One”
Henry Badgett, Neil Corbould, Charley Henley and Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet, “Napoleon”
Tim Barter, Simon Hughes, Dean Koonjul and Jane Paton, “Poor Things” – WINNER
Make Up and Hair
Kay Georgiou and Thomas Nellen, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Sian Grigg, Kay Georgiou, Kazu Hiro and Lori McCoy-Bell, “Maestro”
Jana Carboni, Francesco Pegoretti, Satinder Chumber and Julia Vernon, “Napoleon”
Luisa Abel, Jaime Leigh McIntosh, Jason Hamer and Ahou Mofid, “Oppenheimer”
Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston, “Poor Things” – WINNER
Editing
Laurent Sénéchal, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Thelma Schoonmaker, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Jennifer Lame, “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Yorgos Mavropsaridis, “Poor Things”
Paul Watts, “The Zone of Interest”
Cinematography
Rodrigo Prieto, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Matthew Libatique, “Maestro”
Hoyte van Hoytema, “Oppenheimer” – WINNER
Robbie Ryan, “Poor Things”
Łukasz Żal, “The Zone of Interest”
Casting
Kahleen Crawford, “All of Us Strangers”
Cynthia Arra, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Susan Shopmaker, “The Holdovers” – WINNER
Isabella Odoffin, “How to Have Sex”
Ellen Lewis and Rene Haynes, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Sound
Angelo Bonanni, Tony Lamberti, Andy Nelson, Lee Orloff and Bernard Weiser, “Ferrari”
Richard King, Steve Morrow, Tom Ozanich, Jason Ruder and Dean Zupancic, “Maestro”
Chris Burdon, James H. Mather, Chris Munro and Mark Taylor, “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One”
Willie Burton, Richard King, Kevin O’Connell and Gary A. Rizzo, “Oppenheimer”
Johnnie Burn and Tarn Willers, “The Zone of Interest” – WINNER
British Short Animation
“Crab Day” – WINNER
“Visible Mending”
“Wild Summon”
British Short Film
“Festival of Slaps”
“Gorka”
“Jellyfish and Lobster” – WINNER
“Such A Lovely Day”
“Yellow”
EE Rising Star
Phoebe Dynevor
Ayo Edebiri
Jacob Elordi
Mia Mckenna-Bruce – WINNER
Sophie Wilde
Congrats to all the winners!
#BoxOfficeNews: ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Beats out ‘Madame Web’ for the Top Spot!
What keeps writing about the box office fun and interesting for me is that there are always unexpected surprises. This Presidents Day weekend, what could have been a close race between two very different movies went in a completely different direction than I was expecting, with one of those movies absolutely demolishing the other. Read on for the weekend box office report.
Paramount’s biopic “Bob Marley: One Love,” starring Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch, opened in 3,539 theaters on Valentine’s Day to mixed-to-negative reviews, but it ended up with an astounding $14 million opening day, building on word-of-mouth and a fantastic “A” CinemaScore to achieve an estimated three-day weekend of $27.7 million, $33.2 million when you include Monday, which brings the film to a whopping $51 million in its first six days. That makes it unquestionably the best showing for a 2024 release after many months of disappointing results. With that kind of haul, it would be crazy for Paramount not to give the movie some form of awards push later this year, at least for Ben-Adir and Lynch.
Meanwhile, Sony’s introduction of “Madame Web,” starring Dakota Johnson, didn’t fare nearly as well, further supporting the notion that superhero movies no longer have the strength they’ve shown in recent years. The movie was destroyed by critics, ending up with just 13% on Rotten Tomatoes by its Valentine’s Day opening, but still made $6 million that day to finish second to “Bob Marley.”
Co-starring Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O’Connor, Tahar Rahim, and Adam Scott, the action-thriller had grossed $8.2 million before the weekend, then brought in an estimated $15.2 million over the three-day weekend and $17.6 million including Monday. With just $25 million grossed in its first six days, things aren’t looking bright for its future, with its terrible “C+” CinemaScore almost seeming positive compared to the reviews. We probably can expect a huge plunge over the next few weeks, as this follows in the footsteps of “The Marvels.” Overseas, it made roughly the same amount for a $49.1 million global gross through Sunday.
Universal took the next two places with Matthew Vaughn‘s star-studded action-comedy “Argylle” dropping to second place with $4.7 million three-day (down 24%) and $5.6 million including Monday, bringing its domestic total to $37.3 million.
Proving unequivocally how being the only game in town can lead to success, the lone animated film in multiplexes, “Migration,” has now been in the top five for 10 weeks, taking fourth place this weekend with $3.8 million three-day (up 21% from last weekend) and a projected $5 million including the Presidents Day holiday on Monday. It has grossed $116 million domestically and another $140 million overseas, for a global take of $254.8 million.
Episodes four through seven of “The Chosen” season four were released into 2,221 theaters on Thursday, but as expected, the decision to premiere the series in theaters first is leading to diminished returns. After making less than $800,000 on Thursday, it added another $3.4 million estimated for the three-day weekend and a projected $4.2 million including Monday for a $5 million total, compared to the $7.4 million made over the same period by the first three episodes.
After 10 weeks in the top five, Timothée Chalamet‘s popular musical prequel “Wonka” dropped to sixth place with $3.4 million, which was actually up from last weekend, with $209.8 million grossed domestically through Sunday. (That amount is so close to “The Chosen’s” weekend total that “Wonka” could end up taking fifth place, though we won’t know for sure until Monday.) It’s still one of the bigger holiday-released hits, as it surpassed $600 million worldwide this weekend with another $7.8 million made internationally, bringing its global total to $605 million.
Jason Statham‘s “The Beekeeper” also finally dropped out of the top five, taking seventh place this weekend with $3.3 million (down just 6%) with just under $60 million grossed through Sunday.
Besides co-starring in “Madame Web,” Sydney Sweeney also appeared in the rom-com “Anyone But You,” which released a special “Valentine Encore” edition over the past week, allowing it to add another $2.8 million over the four-day weekend for a total of $85.1 million grossed domestically so far. Internationally, the movie has grossed $104.2 million for a global take of $189 million.
With the biggest drop in the top 10, Focus Features’ “Lisa Frankenstein” seemingly got a bump on Valentine’s Day Wednesday but then tanked after that ending up in ninth place (from its second place opening) with $2 million for the three-day weekend (down 46%). It is projected to end up with $2.4 million for the four-day holiday, although that would only put it at $8 million total.
A bit of a surprise wide release was that of The Avenue and Variance’s military thriller “Land of Bad,” starring Russell Crowe, Liam Hemsworth, Luke Hemsworth and Milo Ventimiglia, which hit 1,120 theaters on Friday. It ended up sneaking into the top 10 with an estimated $1.8 million over the three-day weekend and a projected $2 million including Monday.
More players had “Madame Web” beating “Bob Marley” in this week’s box office prediction game, but also, 85 players had “Lisa Frankenstein” taking third place rather than bombing in its second weekend. Only five players had the latest “The Chosen” installment opening in fifth place, but zero players had “Migration” taking fourth place.
Vanessa Williams Is Miranda Priestly in West End The Devil Wears Prada Musical
Tony nominee Vanessa Williams is strutting into the West End to play cutthroat editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly in the upcoming stage musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada. The musical is set to play London's Dominion Theatre beginning in October 2024.
The Devil Wears Prada features a score by Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub (Suffs), a book by Kate Wetherhead, and direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray).
Williams was last seen on the West End stage in the Olivier-winning Donmar Warehouse production of City of Angels, which closed in fall 2020. On Broadway, Williams most recently originated the role of Margaret in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. She earned a Tony nomination for her performance as the Witch in the 2002 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Into the Woods.
Based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger and the 2006 film adaptation, The Devil Wears Prada follows aspiring fashion journalist Andy Sachs. When she is hired as assistant to Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of the fictional Runway Magazine, she discovers that breaking into the industry requires more than she expected.
The Devil Wears Prada had its world premiere at Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre last year. The production was directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, and starred Beth Leavel and Taylor Iman Jones as Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs, respectively. Full West End casting will be announced at a later date.
Mitchell has assembled a totally new creative team for his staging, with the West End bow set to feature scenic design by Tim Hatley, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Bruno Poet, and sound design by Gareth Owen. Casting is by Jill Green.
The new musical will have an exclusive preview engagement at Theatre Royal Plymouth in July 2024, prior to opening at the Dominion. Kevin McCollum and Rocket Entertainment's David Furnish are still attached as producers after working on the Chicago world premiere. Joining for the London bow are Alchemation and Jamie Wilson. They present by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical.
Kahleen Crawford, “All of Us Strangers”
Cynthia Arra, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Susan Shopmaker, “The Holdovers” – WINNER
Isabella Odoffin, “How to Have Sex”
Ellen Lewis and Rene Haynes, “Killers of The Flower Moon”
Sound
Angelo Bonanni, Tony Lamberti, Andy Nelson, Lee Orloff and Bernard Weiser, “Ferrari”
Richard King, Steve Morrow, Tom Ozanich, Jason Ruder and Dean Zupancic, “Maestro”
Chris Burdon, James H. Mather, Chris Munro and Mark Taylor, “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One”
Willie Burton, Richard King, Kevin O’Connell and Gary A. Rizzo, “Oppenheimer”
Johnnie Burn and Tarn Willers, “The Zone of Interest” – WINNER
British Short Animation
“Crab Day” – WINNER
“Visible Mending”
“Wild Summon”
British Short Film
“Festival of Slaps”
“Gorka”
“Jellyfish and Lobster” – WINNER
“Such A Lovely Day”
“Yellow”
EE Rising Star
Phoebe Dynevor
Ayo Edebiri
Jacob Elordi
Mia Mckenna-Bruce – WINNER
Sophie Wilde
Congrats to all the winners!
#BoxOfficeNews: ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Beats out ‘Madame Web’ for the Top Spot!
What keeps writing about the box office fun and interesting for me is that there are always unexpected surprises. This Presidents Day weekend, what could have been a close race between two very different movies went in a completely different direction than I was expecting, with one of those movies absolutely demolishing the other. Read on for the weekend box office report.
Paramount’s biopic “Bob Marley: One Love,” starring Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch, opened in 3,539 theaters on Valentine’s Day to mixed-to-negative reviews, but it ended up with an astounding $14 million opening day, building on word-of-mouth and a fantastic “A” CinemaScore to achieve an estimated three-day weekend of $27.7 million, $33.2 million when you include Monday, which brings the film to a whopping $51 million in its first six days. That makes it unquestionably the best showing for a 2024 release after many months of disappointing results. With that kind of haul, it would be crazy for Paramount not to give the movie some form of awards push later this year, at least for Ben-Adir and Lynch.
Meanwhile, Sony’s introduction of “Madame Web,” starring Dakota Johnson, didn’t fare nearly as well, further supporting the notion that superhero movies no longer have the strength they’ve shown in recent years. The movie was destroyed by critics, ending up with just 13% on Rotten Tomatoes by its Valentine’s Day opening, but still made $6 million that day to finish second to “Bob Marley.”
Co-starring Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O’Connor, Tahar Rahim, and Adam Scott, the action-thriller had grossed $8.2 million before the weekend, then brought in an estimated $15.2 million over the three-day weekend and $17.6 million including Monday. With just $25 million grossed in its first six days, things aren’t looking bright for its future, with its terrible “C+” CinemaScore almost seeming positive compared to the reviews. We probably can expect a huge plunge over the next few weeks, as this follows in the footsteps of “The Marvels.” Overseas, it made roughly the same amount for a $49.1 million global gross through Sunday.
Universal took the next two places with Matthew Vaughn‘s star-studded action-comedy “Argylle” dropping to second place with $4.7 million three-day (down 24%) and $5.6 million including Monday, bringing its domestic total to $37.3 million.
Proving unequivocally how being the only game in town can lead to success, the lone animated film in multiplexes, “Migration,” has now been in the top five for 10 weeks, taking fourth place this weekend with $3.8 million three-day (up 21% from last weekend) and a projected $5 million including the Presidents Day holiday on Monday. It has grossed $116 million domestically and another $140 million overseas, for a global take of $254.8 million.
Episodes four through seven of “The Chosen” season four were released into 2,221 theaters on Thursday, but as expected, the decision to premiere the series in theaters first is leading to diminished returns. After making less than $800,000 on Thursday, it added another $3.4 million estimated for the three-day weekend and a projected $4.2 million including Monday for a $5 million total, compared to the $7.4 million made over the same period by the first three episodes.
After 10 weeks in the top five, Timothée Chalamet‘s popular musical prequel “Wonka” dropped to sixth place with $3.4 million, which was actually up from last weekend, with $209.8 million grossed domestically through Sunday. (That amount is so close to “The Chosen’s” weekend total that “Wonka” could end up taking fifth place, though we won’t know for sure until Monday.) It’s still one of the bigger holiday-released hits, as it surpassed $600 million worldwide this weekend with another $7.8 million made internationally, bringing its global total to $605 million.
Jason Statham‘s “The Beekeeper” also finally dropped out of the top five, taking seventh place this weekend with $3.3 million (down just 6%) with just under $60 million grossed through Sunday.
Besides co-starring in “Madame Web,” Sydney Sweeney also appeared in the rom-com “Anyone But You,” which released a special “Valentine Encore” edition over the past week, allowing it to add another $2.8 million over the four-day weekend for a total of $85.1 million grossed domestically so far. Internationally, the movie has grossed $104.2 million for a global take of $189 million.
With the biggest drop in the top 10, Focus Features’ “Lisa Frankenstein” seemingly got a bump on Valentine’s Day Wednesday but then tanked after that ending up in ninth place (from its second place opening) with $2 million for the three-day weekend (down 46%). It is projected to end up with $2.4 million for the four-day holiday, although that would only put it at $8 million total.
A bit of a surprise wide release was that of The Avenue and Variance’s military thriller “Land of Bad,” starring Russell Crowe, Liam Hemsworth, Luke Hemsworth and Milo Ventimiglia, which hit 1,120 theaters on Friday. It ended up sneaking into the top 10 with an estimated $1.8 million over the three-day weekend and a projected $2 million including Monday.
More players had “Madame Web” beating “Bob Marley” in this week’s box office prediction game, but also, 85 players had “Lisa Frankenstein” taking third place rather than bombing in its second weekend. Only five players had the latest “The Chosen” installment opening in fifth place, but zero players had “Migration” taking fourth place.
Vanessa Williams Is Miranda Priestly in West End The Devil Wears Prada Musical
Tony nominee Vanessa Williams is strutting into the West End to play cutthroat editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly in the upcoming stage musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada. The musical is set to play London's Dominion Theatre beginning in October 2024.
The Devil Wears Prada features a score by Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub (Suffs), a book by Kate Wetherhead, and direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray).
Williams was last seen on the West End stage in the Olivier-winning Donmar Warehouse production of City of Angels, which closed in fall 2020. On Broadway, Williams most recently originated the role of Margaret in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. She earned a Tony nomination for her performance as the Witch in the 2002 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Into the Woods.
Based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger and the 2006 film adaptation, The Devil Wears Prada follows aspiring fashion journalist Andy Sachs. When she is hired as assistant to Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of the fictional Runway Magazine, she discovers that breaking into the industry requires more than she expected.
The Devil Wears Prada had its world premiere at Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre last year. The production was directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, and starred Beth Leavel and Taylor Iman Jones as Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs, respectively. Full West End casting will be announced at a later date.
Mitchell has assembled a totally new creative team for his staging, with the West End bow set to feature scenic design by Tim Hatley, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Bruno Poet, and sound design by Gareth Owen. Casting is by Jill Green.
The new musical will have an exclusive preview engagement at Theatre Royal Plymouth in July 2024, prior to opening at the Dominion. Kevin McCollum and Rocket Entertainment's David Furnish are still attached as producers after working on the Chicago world premiere. Joining for the London bow are Alchemation and Jamie Wilson. They present by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical.
Visit http://www.devilwearspradamusical.com/
James Wright Chanel Is Suing Chrisean Rock And She Responds
The rapper took to X to vent her frustration in an expletive-laden tweet calling out a "big back bitch n****" for going after her money -- and saying this person's not getting a cent.
Now, Chrisean didn't say exactly to whom she was referring ... but we do know she's involved in one major lawsuit right now over an alleged assault at Tamar Braxton's show back in November.
As we reported ... TV personality James Wright is suing Chrisean for allegedly assaulting him backstage at Braxton's concert. He claims she left him with multiple face lacerations and two broken teeth.
Wright was reportedly hospitalized after the show in Downtown Los Angeles ... and Tamar later opened up about the alleged incident during an emotional Instagram Live.
We also got video of Chrisean breaking up a prayer circle before the concert ... but sources told us this had no bearing on the alleged incident -- and everyone laughed off the moment.
Despite the lawsuit, Chrisean seems pretty committed to keeping her money where it is ... at least if her tweet is any indication.
Only time will tell if she's gonna stick to her guns.
50 Cent Vows To Get Terrence Howard “Millions” After Seeing Low Pay
On Thursday (Feb. 15), the business mogul took to X/Twitter with a clip of Howard. The WREG News Channel 3 interview showed the acclaimed entertainer talking about how much he was paid for his Oscar-winning role. He tells the journalist that he was allegedly paid $12,000 for his role and hasn’t received any royalties for his contributions to the film’s soundtrack.
“What Paramount did, instead of putting my name as ‘Terrence Howard’ performing the songs, they put ‘performed by Djay.’ Well, they owned Djay,” he told the news outlet. “So now I’ve gotta sue Paramount or send them a letter to say, ‘Hey, you guys owe me about 20 years’ worth of residuals and performance royalties.'”
Fif responded to the video with disgust. He then swore to get Howard paid more if he worked with him. 50 then brought Taraji P. Henson into the matter and told her to holla at her “friend” Mary J. Blige, who could verify that working with him is lucrative.
“This sh*t hurt my stomach to hear @terrencehoward say this. F**k em,” the Hip-Hop icon said. “I need the best actors and I’m gonna pay them. Taraji P. Henson, you cool with Mary J. Blige ask her, she got a BIG F**KIN BAG. GLG GREENLIGHTGANG My young boy’s @michaelraineyjr, @mekaicurtis, @LilMeechBMF are all making millions.”
In December 2023, Howard sued his former agency over a pay disparity while on Empire. The Chicago native alleged that the Creative Artists Agency LLC fraudulently coaxed him to take less money on the hit Fox show. He filed his suit in Los Angeles Superior Court and asserted that he wasn’t informed of the CAA’s packaging fee.
Legal docs claimed that the star was paid less than Kevin Spacey and Jon Hamm for their lead roles in House of Cards and Mad Men, respectively. His suit states that He should’ve been compensated the same or more than the two men due to Empire bringing in more viewership than both shows.
According to Rolling Stone, Howard’s pay started at $125,000. His pay peaked at $325,000 per episode.
Sony Music Sues Whitney Houston Film Producers Over Failure to Pay for Music
Sony Music Entertainment sued the producers of the 2022 Whitney Houston biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody this week, claiming the producers have yet to pay for the use of Houston’s music catalog in the film, over a year after the movie first came out.
In the suit, filed on Thursday, Sony Music claimed that the biopic’s producers, Anthem Films, Nybo Productions, and Black Label Media, entered a licensing agreement with the record company on December 5, 2022 and that payments for the use of the catalog were expected by July of 2023. (Sony redacted the specific cost of the license in the suit.)
Those payments never came, the company said, and Sony sent the producers multiple notices of failure to make the payments in August and October of 2023. Per the suit, after receiving the initial letter, Anthem told Sony they could pay for the music once they received a tax credit from the state of Massachusetts (where Anthem is headquartered), though based on this week’s suit, that evidently didn’t happen.
“As a result of Anthem’s failures, Defendants’ use of the SME Recordings in the Film has been unauthorized, and Defendants have had no legal right to use the SME Recordings,” Sony said in the complaint. “Despite being given notice of their infringing conduct, Defendants have continued to distribute and otherwise exploit the SME Recordings in connection with the Film without authorization.”
A rep for Sony declined to comment beyond the suit. Attempts to reach the defendant production companies were unsuccessful. In the listed causes of action in the suit, Anthem and Nybo were accused of direct copyright infringement, while Black Label Media was accused of vicarious copyright infringement.
Reviews on the biopic — which starred Naomi Ackie as Houston and Stanley Tucci as producer Clive Davis — were mixed, and the film went on to gross about $60 million worldwide.
“Defendants’ conduct has caused and continues to cause substantial and irreparable harm to Plaintiffs and the estate of Whitney Houston, while enriching Defendants at the expense of Plaintiffs and the estate of Whitney Houston,” the suit said.
Marlon Wayans Defend Kelly Rowland’s Professionalism After Bethanny Frankel Criticisms
Hollywood Unlocked posted several videos of former “Real Housewives of New York” star Bethenny Frankel on her Instagram profile, criticizing Rowland after Page Six reported last week that the singer left NBC’s “Today” show due to a small dressing room.
The Skinnygirl entrepreneur was “disgusted” at the chart-topper’s last-minute decision to leave Hoda Kotb hanging, suggesting that Rowland and her team should have gracefully accepted the modest accommodations, noting that even Kotb and Bush Hager are fine with their small rooms.
Fans and friends were quick to come to Kelly’s defense, including her former Destiny’s Child bandmate, Latavia Roberson and Marlon Waynes, who stated: “Yall stop with these false narratives. I’ve worked with @kellyrowland as a Star/producer i [sic] will honestly say she was nothing short of AMAZING,” the comedian wrote on his Instagram. “Sweet, kind, professional. On time, great energy, impeccable manners and professionalism. She was nice to EVERYONE on set. Not one diva moment.”
Zendaya Punishes In Vintage Mugler At ‘Dune: Part Two’ World Premiere
The World Premiere for Dune: Part Two was held in London on Thursday (Feb. 15) and saw Zendaya and the entire cast hit the sandy carpet.
The highly anticipated Denis Villeneuve-directed sequel to the 2021 box office hit was celebrated with stars Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgård, Hans Zimmer, and Souheila Yacoub. Standing out from the bunch, Zendaya wore an eye-grabbing custom Mugler “Maschinenmensch” (machine-human) ensemble, styled by fashion impresario, Law Roach.
Truly fitting into the intergalactic scenery, the award-winning actress donned the Autumn/Winter 1995 Couture piece, tastefully exposing her arms, breasts, stomach, buttocks, and legs. The silver fashion statement created a breathtaking moment for the Euphoria star, before switching into a classic black gown.
According to the film’s synopsis, Dune: Part Two “explores the mythic journey of Paul Atreides (Chalamet) as he unites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.”
The film is set to hit theaters on March 1.
Beyoncé Reveals She Suffers From Psoriasis And Explains The Backstory Behind Her 2013 Pixie Haircut
“I remember the day I decided to just cut all my hair off. I didn’t have a particular style in mind,” she began. “It wasn’t an aesthetic choice. But it was a very big emotional transformation and metamorphosis that I was going through.”
Bey continued, “So much of my identity as a performer has been connected to flowing hair. Cutting my hair off was me rebelling against being this woman that society thinks I’m supposed to be. I was a new mother. And something about the liberation of becoming a mother made me want to just shed all of that. It was a physical representation of me shedding the expectations put upon me…I just got the scissors and chopped it off. It was very intentional. And it was what I needed to do. And after that, I became super brave. It was the first step to many more audacious decisions I made in my life and my career that have led to who I am now.”
Additionally, Bey also asked to explain what the hair care line meant to her and revealed that she suffers from psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by patches of abnormal skin, which can be red, itchy, and scaly.
“The relationship we have with our hair is such a deeply personal journey. From spending my childhood in my mother’s salon to my father applying oil on my scalp to treat my psoriasis. These moments have been sacred to me,” Bey added. “I took the end of my name, Cé, and made it the beginning of the word sacred to create Cécred. From my mother’s salon, daily rituals with my father, and years of experience in developing a hair care line, the journey has been just that: Cécred.”
Providence NAACP says white suspect charged in church fire has the makings of a “domestic terrorist”
The NAACP wants suspect Kevin Colantonio charged with a hate crime after a notebook entry revealed his plans to “Hunt them down, gun them down, everyone that isn’t white” and “burn churches to the ground.”
The Providence, Rhode Island, chapter of the NAACP wants the suspect accused of setting a Black church on fire on Feb. 11 to face a hate crime charge following his arrest. Kevin Colantonio was taken into custody by authorities on Thursday (Feb. 15) and charged with maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire or explosion any building or other real property.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island alleges the 34-year-old may have set five fires around the vacant Shiloh Gospel Temple around midnight. The place of worship sustained extensive damage despite police and fire crews quickly working to put out the blaze.
Among the evidence in the court documents that possibly link the North Providence man to the crime are still frames from surveillance footage that showed an individual purchasing a gas canister and a lighter less than a mile away from the church. Colantonio’s Citizens Bank card was later linked to the items. Additional footage shows a man pouring liquid around the exterior of the place of worship. Soon after, authorities received calls regarding someone “attempting to set the building on fire” at the location.
District Attorney Zachary Cunha revealed in a press briefing that a notebook belonging to Colantonio includes an entry that reads, “Hunt them down, gun them down, everyone that isn’t white” and “burn churches to the ground.” He described the act as a profound and intolerable violation. During a Friday (Feb. 16) press conference, Pastor Chris Abhulime said, “The burning down of churches, especially Black churches in America, is not new to us. But what is new is that it’s happening in Rhode Island. What is new is that it is happening in 2024.”
The local NAACP branch issued a statement condemning Colantonio’s actions and demanding that the justice system enact a punishment that would send a clear message that “hate-filled attacks” will not be tolerated. “We believe this crime should be charged as arson, which is a more serious charge than malicious damage,” reads the statement.
The organization added that “With the information found by law enforcement and the hate speech on the personal Facebook page of the suspect, under our laws, this should be upgraded to a hate crime. We hope investigators take serious the threats presented to the public from the suspect’s own words, which clearly show his mental state as unstable and has the characteristics of a domestic terrorist in the making.”
According to Cunha, the incident is still being investigated, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
2 Minnesota cops, paramedic shot dead while responding to domestic abuse call, suspect kills himself
Two Minnesota police officers and a paramedic were gunned down during a standoff with a man who barricaded himself inside his home. The suspect’s family was also inside.
Officers Matthew Ruge, 27, and Paul Elmstrand, 27, and paramedic and firefighter Adam Finseth, 40, were shot dead while they tried to rescue a family from a house in a Burnsville neighbourhood about 15 miles south of Minneapolis in the wee hours of Sunday, February 18. A fourth officer, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting, is being treated.
The shooter, who remains unnamed, also died at the scene. Some reports claimed he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
Authorities were at the scene after receiving a domestic abuse call about a suspect who had barricaded himself inside his home with his family. The family members included a woman and seven children between the ages of 2 and 15. A resident inside the home had placed the call and sought help.
Police arrived and learned that the suspect had “multiple firearms” inside. Officers described the man as “dangerous” and “refusing to come out,” according to the Star Tribune.
This was followed by as many as four hours of negotiations with the suspect. When gunfire erupted, two officers were killed. Finseth, who tried to rescue them, was also shot dead.
A shot was heard from inside a house an hour later. The suspect had killed himself. “We have a caller calling from inside saying the dad is down,” dispatchers said. “He is not breathing. He is in the bedroom … He just shot himself in the head.”
The family was safely removed from the home. “This individual had several guns and large amounts of ammunition and shot at the police officers from multiple positions within the home,” said Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, adding that there had been “not many calls from this house for service at all” before the shootout.
Elmstrand had served with the Burnsville Police Department since 2017, and Ruge since 2020. Finseth had served with the city since 2019.
After the tragedy, hundreds of police officers attended a vigil outside Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. “We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our first responders make each and every day,” said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in a statement.
“Today, the families of these public servants received the call they knew was possible but hoped would never come. My heart is with those grieving families — the State of Minnesota stands ready to support in any way we can. This is a tragic loss for our state,” Walz added. On Monday, February 19, the governor ordered flags flown at half-mast.
The NAACP wants suspect Kevin Colantonio charged with a hate crime after a notebook entry revealed his plans to “Hunt them down, gun them down, everyone that isn’t white” and “burn churches to the ground.”
The Providence, Rhode Island, chapter of the NAACP wants the suspect accused of setting a Black church on fire on Feb. 11 to face a hate crime charge following his arrest. Kevin Colantonio was taken into custody by authorities on Thursday (Feb. 15) and charged with maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire or explosion any building or other real property.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island alleges the 34-year-old may have set five fires around the vacant Shiloh Gospel Temple around midnight. The place of worship sustained extensive damage despite police and fire crews quickly working to put out the blaze.
Among the evidence in the court documents that possibly link the North Providence man to the crime are still frames from surveillance footage that showed an individual purchasing a gas canister and a lighter less than a mile away from the church. Colantonio’s Citizens Bank card was later linked to the items. Additional footage shows a man pouring liquid around the exterior of the place of worship. Soon after, authorities received calls regarding someone “attempting to set the building on fire” at the location.
District Attorney Zachary Cunha revealed in a press briefing that a notebook belonging to Colantonio includes an entry that reads, “Hunt them down, gun them down, everyone that isn’t white” and “burn churches to the ground.” He described the act as a profound and intolerable violation. During a Friday (Feb. 16) press conference, Pastor Chris Abhulime said, “The burning down of churches, especially Black churches in America, is not new to us. But what is new is that it’s happening in Rhode Island. What is new is that it is happening in 2024.”
The local NAACP branch issued a statement condemning Colantonio’s actions and demanding that the justice system enact a punishment that would send a clear message that “hate-filled attacks” will not be tolerated. “We believe this crime should be charged as arson, which is a more serious charge than malicious damage,” reads the statement.
The organization added that “With the information found by law enforcement and the hate speech on the personal Facebook page of the suspect, under our laws, this should be upgraded to a hate crime. We hope investigators take serious the threats presented to the public from the suspect’s own words, which clearly show his mental state as unstable and has the characteristics of a domestic terrorist in the making.”
According to Cunha, the incident is still being investigated, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
2 Minnesota cops, paramedic shot dead while responding to domestic abuse call, suspect kills himself
Officers Matthew Ruge, 27, and Paul Elmstrand, 27, and paramedic and firefighter Adam Finseth, 40, were shot dead while they tried to rescue a family from a house in a Burnsville neighbourhood about 15 miles south of Minneapolis in the wee hours of Sunday, February 18. A fourth officer, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting, is being treated.
The shooter, who remains unnamed, also died at the scene. Some reports claimed he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
Authorities were at the scene after receiving a domestic abuse call about a suspect who had barricaded himself inside his home with his family. The family members included a woman and seven children between the ages of 2 and 15. A resident inside the home had placed the call and sought help.
Police arrived and learned that the suspect had “multiple firearms” inside. Officers described the man as “dangerous” and “refusing to come out,” according to the Star Tribune.
This was followed by as many as four hours of negotiations with the suspect. When gunfire erupted, two officers were killed. Finseth, who tried to rescue them, was also shot dead.
A shot was heard from inside a house an hour later. The suspect had killed himself. “We have a caller calling from inside saying the dad is down,” dispatchers said. “He is not breathing. He is in the bedroom … He just shot himself in the head.”
The family was safely removed from the home. “This individual had several guns and large amounts of ammunition and shot at the police officers from multiple positions within the home,” said Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, adding that there had been “not many calls from this house for service at all” before the shootout.
Elmstrand had served with the Burnsville Police Department since 2017, and Ruge since 2020. Finseth had served with the city since 2019.
After the tragedy, hundreds of police officers attended a vigil outside Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. “We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our first responders make each and every day,” said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in a statement.
“Today, the families of these public servants received the call they knew was possible but hoped would never come. My heart is with those grieving families — the State of Minnesota stands ready to support in any way we can. This is a tragic loss for our state,” Walz added. On Monday, February 19, the governor ordered flags flown at half-mast.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Trend from 2012
This was a trend that dumb girls did.
This was a trend that dumb girls did.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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