If anyone thought a now-free Bill Cosby was going to lay low for a bit after having his rape conviction and sentence suddenly overturned last week, think again. The much-accused actor once known as “America’s Dad” chose America’s Independence Day to prove them wrong.
In a somewhat confusing, scattered statement today, Cosby lashed out at Howard University’s rebuke of his former on-air spouse Phylicia Rashad after her enthusiasm at the disgraced actor’s release from prison. Going from bad to worse, Cosby also decried the bloody attempted coup at the Capitol in January as the fault of the mainstream media, and not Maga morons. It was not a good look, to put it mildly, for the 83-year-old once legally labeled “sexually violent predator.”
“Howard University you must support ones Freedom of Speech (Ms. Rashad), which is taught or suppose to be taught everyday at that renowned law school,...
In a somewhat confusing, scattered statement today, Cosby lashed out at Howard University’s rebuke of his former on-air spouse Phylicia Rashad after her enthusiasm at the disgraced actor’s release from prison. Going from bad to worse, Cosby also decried the bloody attempted coup at the Capitol in January as the fault of the mainstream media, and not Maga morons. It was not a good look, to put it mildly, for the 83-year-old once legally labeled “sexually violent predator.”
“Howard University you must support ones Freedom of Speech (Ms. Rashad), which is taught or suppose to be taught everyday at that renowned law school,...
- 7/4/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Fans of the Emmy Award-winning comedy series “Master of None” were surprised when the third season of the Netflix series dropped on May 23. Co-creator, executive producer, writer, and director Aziz Ansari had completely flipped the switch on the series.
Premiering in 2015, “Master of None,” which was co-created by Alan Yang, revolved around New York actor Dev Shah, who was best known for his Go-Gurt commercial. The second season released in 2017 was set in New York and Italy. But in this third outing, “Moments of Love,” Dev is just a recurring character. Lena Waithe, who plays Dev’s good friend Denise, a lesbian author who smokes weed with abundance, and Naomi Ackie, who plays her wife Alicia, are the focus.
The style and tone have also changed. Set primarily in the couple’s rural New York home (the series was shot in England) “Moments in Love” unfolds more like an Ingmar Bergman drama with long takes,...
Premiering in 2015, “Master of None,” which was co-created by Alan Yang, revolved around New York actor Dev Shah, who was best known for his Go-Gurt commercial. The second season released in 2017 was set in New York and Italy. But in this third outing, “Moments of Love,” Dev is just a recurring character. Lena Waithe, who plays Dev’s good friend Denise, a lesbian author who smokes weed with abundance, and Naomi Ackie, who plays her wife Alicia, are the focus.
The style and tone have also changed. Set primarily in the couple’s rural New York home (the series was shot in England) “Moments in Love” unfolds more like an Ingmar Bergman drama with long takes,...
- 6/7/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
In a focused media blast, former R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe lambasted President Trump as a “bloviating puff-adder sack of lies” during an appearance on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” on Wednesday and the Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s Covid-19 response in an op-ed in the Guardian Thursday morning.
During the Meyers appearance, which you can watch below, Stipe says, rather immortally, “He started as a failed midtown real estate developer, then became a successful reality TV star. Now we get this bloviating, puff-adder sack of lies. What next?”
He talked about music as well, nothing that while he’s only recorded intermittently since R.E.M. split in 2011, he’s now writing and composing music by himself for the first time: “I found it weirdly satisfying. I can’t say that it’s much like R.E.M., but I’m really happy with where it’s gone.
During the Meyers appearance, which you can watch below, Stipe says, rather immortally, “He started as a failed midtown real estate developer, then became a successful reality TV star. Now we get this bloviating, puff-adder sack of lies. What next?”
He talked about music as well, nothing that while he’s only recorded intermittently since R.E.M. split in 2011, he’s now writing and composing music by himself for the first time: “I found it weirdly satisfying. I can’t say that it’s much like R.E.M., but I’m really happy with where it’s gone.
- 9/17/2020
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Stipe appeared on Late Night to talk Donald Trump, R.E.M. in the Reagan Era and his late friend, Hal Willner.
Stipe first traced Trump’s rise to President: “He started as a failed midtown real estate developer, then became a successful reality TV star,” he said. “Now we get this bloviating, puff-adder sack of lies. What next?”
He also looked back on how he first got into politics, particularly when R.E.M. began and they were touring in Europe during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. “We had to,...
Stipe first traced Trump’s rise to President: “He started as a failed midtown real estate developer, then became a successful reality TV star,” he said. “Now we get this bloviating, puff-adder sack of lies. What next?”
He also looked back on how he first got into politics, particularly when R.E.M. began and they were touring in Europe during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. “We had to,...
- 9/17/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (Jrf) announced today the recipients of the 2020 Robie Awards to be presented at its annual Awards Dinner on Monday, March 2nd, at the New York Marriott Marquis.
The event pays tribute to individuals who embody the humanitarian ideals of Jackie Robinson while raising funds for the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
For 47 years, Jrf has provided generous four-year scholarships, year-round mentoring and leadership development opportunities to talented college students known as Jrf Scholars. The opening of the Jackie Robinson Museum later this year will expand the Foundation’s mission and will educate and inspire the public about the life and legacy of American hero Jackie Robinson.
Dorothea and her husband, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jon Bon Jovi, will receive the Foundation’s Robie Humanitarian Award for their extraordinary efforts to break the cycle of poverty, hunger and homelessness through the Jbj Soul Foundation. John W. Rogers,...
The event pays tribute to individuals who embody the humanitarian ideals of Jackie Robinson while raising funds for the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
For 47 years, Jrf has provided generous four-year scholarships, year-round mentoring and leadership development opportunities to talented college students known as Jrf Scholars. The opening of the Jackie Robinson Museum later this year will expand the Foundation’s mission and will educate and inspire the public about the life and legacy of American hero Jackie Robinson.
Dorothea and her husband, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jon Bon Jovi, will receive the Foundation’s Robie Humanitarian Award for their extraordinary efforts to break the cycle of poverty, hunger and homelessness through the Jbj Soul Foundation. John W. Rogers,...
- 3/2/2020
- Look to the Stars
Sidney Poitier, Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, and other celebrities are remembering Diahann Carroll, the groundbreaking star of stage and screen after her daughter announced her death after a long battle with cancer Friday. The “Julia” and “Dynasty” star was the first African American woman to star in a non-servant role in a network television series. She was 84.
In a statement, Sidney Poitier — who co-starred with Carroll in “Paris Blues” — described her as a “talented, beautiful and courageous spirit from which a remarkable and lasting friendship prevailed through the years.”
DuVernay, who directed the Netflix miniseries “When They See Us,” shared her admiration for Carroll in a tweet Friday.
“Diahann Carroll walked this earth for 84 years and broke ground with every footstep. An icon. One of the all-time greats. She blazed trails through dense forests and elegantly left diamonds along the path for the rest of us to follow. Extraordinary life.
In a statement, Sidney Poitier — who co-starred with Carroll in “Paris Blues” — described her as a “talented, beautiful and courageous spirit from which a remarkable and lasting friendship prevailed through the years.”
DuVernay, who directed the Netflix miniseries “When They See Us,” shared her admiration for Carroll in a tweet Friday.
“Diahann Carroll walked this earth for 84 years and broke ground with every footstep. An icon. One of the all-time greats. She blazed trails through dense forests and elegantly left diamonds along the path for the rest of us to follow. Extraordinary life.
- 10/4/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Eric Pleskow, a long-time Hollywood executive who served as the head of Orion Pictures and United Artists and oversaw the production of 14 different Oscar winners for Best Pictures, has died. He was 95.
Pleskow’s death was announced Tuesday by the Vienna Film Festival; the Austrian-born executive and film producer had served as the festival’s president since 1998.
“His death is a great loss for all of us. Eric had a fulfilled and long life and we appreciated him as a longtime friend and companion of our festival. As president and patron of the Viennale, he has always carried us with his humor and foresight,” the Viennale said in a statement. He will be missed deeply. We express our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Also Read: Jessye Norman, Opera Legend, Dies at 74
As president of United Artists between 1973 to 1978 Pleskow — the first European to lead the company since...
Pleskow’s death was announced Tuesday by the Vienna Film Festival; the Austrian-born executive and film producer had served as the festival’s president since 1998.
“His death is a great loss for all of us. Eric had a fulfilled and long life and we appreciated him as a longtime friend and companion of our festival. As president and patron of the Viennale, he has always carried us with his humor and foresight,” the Viennale said in a statement. He will be missed deeply. We express our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Also Read: Jessye Norman, Opera Legend, Dies at 74
As president of United Artists between 1973 to 1978 Pleskow — the first European to lead the company since...
- 10/1/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Jessye Norman, a heralded soprano opera singer who won four Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts, is no more. She was 74, according to a statement from a representative for her family.
Norman died in New York Monday morning from septic shock and multi-organ failure secondary to complications of a spinal cord injury she had sustained in 2015, according to the statement, reports variety.com.
Also Read:?James Cameron: We discount older women in society
"We are so proud of Jessye's musical achievements and the inspiration that she provided to audiences around the world that will continue to be a source of joy. We are equally proud of her humanitarian endeavours addressing matters such as hunger, homelessness, youth development, and arts and culture education," read a statement from her family.
Norman was raised in a musical family. Her mother and grandmother were pianists, her father a singer, and she grew up singing in church.
Norman died in New York Monday morning from septic shock and multi-organ failure secondary to complications of a spinal cord injury she had sustained in 2015, according to the statement, reports variety.com.
Also Read:?James Cameron: We discount older women in society
"We are so proud of Jessye's musical achievements and the inspiration that she provided to audiences around the world that will continue to be a source of joy. We are equally proud of her humanitarian endeavours addressing matters such as hunger, homelessness, youth development, and arts and culture education," read a statement from her family.
Norman was raised in a musical family. Her mother and grandmother were pianists, her father a singer, and she grew up singing in church.
- 10/1/2019
- GlamSham
Pharrell Williams can do no wrong in my book — although he came pretty darn close when he anthropomorphized musical notes during the final night of The Voice‘s Season 8 Knockout Rounds.
“Cracking doesn’t mean you hit a bad note,” declared the Coach Most Likely to Be Confused With Yoda to his obvious favorite contestant Lowell Oakley. “It means you’ve given up on the note — and left it out there by itself.”
VideosReality Check: Who’s Rising (and Falling) on American Idol? Plus: Best Season of The Voice Ever?
Oh, no! What about the notes? Who’s going to...
“Cracking doesn’t mean you hit a bad note,” declared the Coach Most Likely to Be Confused With Yoda to his obvious favorite contestant Lowell Oakley. “It means you’ve given up on the note — and left it out there by itself.”
VideosReality Check: Who’s Rising (and Falling) on American Idol? Plus: Best Season of The Voice Ever?
Oh, no! What about the notes? Who’s going to...
- 3/31/2015
- TVLine.com
Nominations for the 46th NAACP Image Awards have been revealed and "Belle," "Beyond the Lights," "Dear White People," "Get On Up," and "Selma" are duking it out for the Outstanding Motion Picture Award.
Winners will be announced on Friday, February 6, 2015 in a two-hour televised event on TV One.
The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.
Here's the complete list of nominees for the 46th NAACP Image Awards:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
. "black-ish" (ABC)
. "House of Lies" (Showtime)
. "Key & Peele" (Comedy Central)
. "Orange is the New Black" (Netflix)
. "Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
. Andre Braugher - "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (Fox)
. Anthony Anderson - "'black-ish" (ABC)
. Don Cheadle - "House of Lies" (Showtime)
. Keegan-Michael Key - "Key & Peele" (Comedy Central)
. Kevin Hart...
Winners will be announced on Friday, February 6, 2015 in a two-hour televised event on TV One.
The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.
Here's the complete list of nominees for the 46th NAACP Image Awards:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
. "black-ish" (ABC)
. "House of Lies" (Showtime)
. "Key & Peele" (Comedy Central)
. "Orange is the New Black" (Netflix)
. "Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
. Andre Braugher - "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (Fox)
. Anthony Anderson - "'black-ish" (ABC)
. Don Cheadle - "House of Lies" (Showtime)
. Keegan-Michael Key - "Key & Peele" (Comedy Central)
. Kevin Hart...
- 12/10/2014
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Nominations for the 46th annual NAACP Image Awards were announced today across categories in film, television, music and the literary world. In the film arena, top nominees were Amma Asante's "Belle," Gina Prince-Bythewood's "Beyond the Lights," Justin Simien's "Dear White People," Tate Taylor's "Get On Up" and Ava DuVernay's "Selma." Check out the full list of nominees below. Winners will be announced on Feb. 6. And remember to keep track of the season via The Circuit! Film Outstanding Motion Picture "Belle" (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films) "Beyond The Lights" (Relativity Media) "Dear White People" (Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions) "Get On Up" (Universal Pictures) "Selma" (Paramount Pictures) Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture Amma Asante, "Belle" (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films) Antoine Fuqua, "The Equalizer" (Columbia Pictures) Ava DuVernay, "Selma" (Paramount Pictures) John Ridley, "Jimi: All Is By My Side" (XLrator Media) Gina Prince-Bythewood, "Beyond The Lights...
- 12/9/2014
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Hitfix
Gearing up for another year of excitement, the 46th Annual NAACP Image Awards just unveiled the first round of hopefuls and there are plenty of worthy contenders.
In the television categories, Shonda Rhimes’ series “Scandal” and “How to Get Away With Murder” are among the most nominated, though “Black-ish” is also up there. Meanwhile, “Selma” and “Get on Up” are the top two movies on the docket, ahead of the big event on Friday, February 6th, 2015. Per the official website, “The NAACP Image Awards honors the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and honors those who promote social justice through creative endeavors.”
And the nominees are:
Outstanding Comedy Series
“Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
“black-ish” (ABC)
“House of Lies” (Showtime)
“Key & Peele” (Comedy Central)
“Real Husbands of Hollywood” (Bet)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Andre Braugher – “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox)
Anthony Anderson...
In the television categories, Shonda Rhimes’ series “Scandal” and “How to Get Away With Murder” are among the most nominated, though “Black-ish” is also up there. Meanwhile, “Selma” and “Get on Up” are the top two movies on the docket, ahead of the big event on Friday, February 6th, 2015. Per the official website, “The NAACP Image Awards honors the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and honors those who promote social justice through creative endeavors.”
And the nominees are:
Outstanding Comedy Series
“Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
“black-ish” (ABC)
“House of Lies” (Showtime)
“Key & Peele” (Comedy Central)
“Real Husbands of Hollywood” (Bet)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Andre Braugher – “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox)
Anthony Anderson...
- 12/9/2014
- GossipCenter
Paramount’s Selma, Universal’s Get On Up and Lionsgate’s Dear White People are among the Outstanding Motion Picture nominees for the NAACP’s Image Awards, which will be bestowed live on TVOne on February 6. On the TV side, Shonda Rhimes’ ABC trifecta of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder are all up for best drama. Here is the full list:
Film
Outstanding Motion Picture
“Belle” (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)
“Beyond The Lights” (Relativity Media)
“Dear White People” (Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions)
“Get On Up” (Universal Pictures)
“Selma” (Paramount Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Chadwick Boseman – “Get On Up” (Universal Pictures)
David Oyelowo – “Selma” (Paramount Pictures)
Denzel Washington – “The Equalizer” (Columbia Pictures)
Idris Elba – “No Good Deed” (Screen Gems)
Nate Parker – “Beyond The Lights” (Relativity Media)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Gugu Mbatha-Raw – “Belle” (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)
Quvenzhané Wallis...
Film
Outstanding Motion Picture
“Belle” (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)
“Beyond The Lights” (Relativity Media)
“Dear White People” (Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions)
“Get On Up” (Universal Pictures)
“Selma” (Paramount Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Chadwick Boseman – “Get On Up” (Universal Pictures)
David Oyelowo – “Selma” (Paramount Pictures)
Denzel Washington – “The Equalizer” (Columbia Pictures)
Idris Elba – “No Good Deed” (Screen Gems)
Nate Parker – “Beyond The Lights” (Relativity Media)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Gugu Mbatha-Raw – “Belle” (Fox Searchlight Pictures/ DJ Films)
Quvenzhané Wallis...
- 12/9/2014
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline
The “Piano Man” who became one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time with such hits as “Just the Way You Are,” “Uptown Girl” and “Allentown” is being awarded the nation’s highest honor Sunday for influencing American culture through the arts.
Billy Joel joins Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, opera star Martina Arroyo and actress Shirley MacLaine in receiving the Kennedy Center Honors. All of them have been playing music, dancing or singing since they were children – and have never stopped.
Joel said the honor stands apart from his six Grammys.
“This is different. It’s our nation’s capital,...
Billy Joel joins Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, opera star Martina Arroyo and actress Shirley MacLaine in receiving the Kennedy Center Honors. All of them have been playing music, dancing or singing since they were children – and have never stopped.
Joel said the honor stands apart from his six Grammys.
“This is different. It’s our nation’s capital,...
- 12/8/2013
- by Associated Press
- EW.com - PopWatch
Writers often worry about the dangers of outside influence, but what about the non-literary inspirations they are far more comfortable admitting to? Andrew O'Hagan talks to six novelists about their passion for a second artform
The divine counsels decided, once upon a time, that influence is bad and that too much agency is the enemy of invention. Harold Bloom can't be blamed for that: he certainly pointed to the danse macabre of influence and anxiety, but to him the association was perfectly creative. Elsewhere, writers have always been blamed for being too much like other writers, or too much like themselves, and even now, in the crisis of late postmodernism, we find it hard to believe that writers might live happily in a state of influence and cross-reference. Yet anybody who knows anything about writers knows that they love their sweet influences.
What I've noticed, though, is that the influences...
The divine counsels decided, once upon a time, that influence is bad and that too much agency is the enemy of invention. Harold Bloom can't be blamed for that: he certainly pointed to the danse macabre of influence and anxiety, but to him the association was perfectly creative. Elsewhere, writers have always been blamed for being too much like other writers, or too much like themselves, and even now, in the crisis of late postmodernism, we find it hard to believe that writers might live happily in a state of influence and cross-reference. Yet anybody who knows anything about writers knows that they love their sweet influences.
What I've noticed, though, is that the influences...
- 4/27/2013
- by Andrew O'Hagan, Lavinia Greenlaw, John Lanchester, Alan Warner, Sarah Hall, Colm Tóibín
- The Guardian - Film News
New York -- Over at Rockefeller Center they were lighting the Christmas tree, and a few blocks away at New York City Center, another much-cherished holiday tradition was taking place: the launch of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's annual season.
An essential part of that tradition, of course, is to perform the late choreographer's masterpiece, "Revelations." The challenge at each year's opening bash is to add a little something extra. On Wednesday evening, it came in the form of a celebrity presenter – the actress and comedienne Mo'Nique – and three high-profile guest singers.
First up was the opera singer Jessye Norman, whose rich soprano tones added an intensity to the already gripping "Fix Me, Jesus" section, danced with beautiful control by Linda Celeste Sims and Glenn Allen Sims.
Then came the Broadway leading-man voice of Brian Stokes Mitchell, delivering a soulful take on another traditional spiritual, "I Wanna Be Ready," danced by Antonio Douthit.
An essential part of that tradition, of course, is to perform the late choreographer's masterpiece, "Revelations." The challenge at each year's opening bash is to add a little something extra. On Wednesday evening, it came in the form of a celebrity presenter – the actress and comedienne Mo'Nique – and three high-profile guest singers.
First up was the opera singer Jessye Norman, whose rich soprano tones added an intensity to the already gripping "Fix Me, Jesus" section, danced with beautiful control by Linda Celeste Sims and Glenn Allen Sims.
Then came the Broadway leading-man voice of Brian Stokes Mitchell, delivering a soulful take on another traditional spiritual, "I Wanna Be Ready," danced by Antonio Douthit.
- 11/29/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Last Saturday octogenarian composer John Williams attended a gala tribute concert for his ongoing 80th birthday celebration at the Tanglewood music festival in Massachusetts. Steven Spielberg and James Taylor made surprise stage appearances, and both President Obama and George Lucas delivered video birthday greetings. "I have collaborated with John for half of his life," said Spielberg, who has had Williams score all but one of his 26 features. "He is this nation's greatest composer and one of the greatest friends I've ever had in my life." The Boston Pops orchestra, along with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, soprano Jessye Norman, violinist Gil Shaham, clarinetist Anthony McGill, pianist Gabriela Montero and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, as well as conductors Keith Lockhart, Leonard Slatkin and Shi-Yeon Sung, all contributed to the program, which featured themes from Williams' most popular film scores, including "E.T.," "Star...
- 8/22/2012
- by Beth Hanna
- Thompson on Hollywood
Mahler's Symphony No. 3 in D minor is his longest, a six-movement ode to Nature and the World. It includes a children's choir and a contralto soloist but is largely instrumental, using a quite large orchestra complete with posthorn, harps, English horn, bass clarinet, contrabassoon, bass trombones, and a lot more brass than usual. Mahler's nature is not exclusively a calm pastoral scene -- it's stormy, uneasy, sometimes threatening, with mysterious rustling and twittering, yet with rays of sunlight cutting through the shadows at times.
This work had a long and confusing path from conception to completion. Mahler wrote movements II through VI in the summer of 1895. The following year, he worked on a first movement, weaving in elements of the movements he’d written in '95. That movement kept growing and growing -- at least a half an hour long, by itself it as long as all of Beethoven's First Symphony.
This work had a long and confusing path from conception to completion. Mahler wrote movements II through VI in the summer of 1895. The following year, he worked on a first movement, weaving in elements of the movements he’d written in '95. That movement kept growing and growing -- at least a half an hour long, by itself it as long as all of Beethoven's First Symphony.
- 6/10/2012
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
The Kennedy Center Honors have been handed out since 1978. Recipients hail from various branches of the American performance art world — including film, stage, music, and dance — even though performers more closely associated with British show business have managed to sneak in every now and then, e.g., Paul McCartney, Roger Daltrey, Elton John, Pete Townshend. Since recipients are supposed to attend the Washington, D.C., ceremony in order to take home their Kennedy awards, Doris Day has remained unhonored by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Katharine Hepburn kept putting it off until she finally relented in 1990. (Irene Dunne, see above photo, was one who managed to be honored though absent due to ill health.) Ginger Rogers, for her part, was present at the ceremony, but her films with Fred Astaire weren't — because Astaire's widow, Robyn Astaire, demanded payment for the televised clips. At the time, Kennedy Center Honors...
- 9/7/2011
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Two-time Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep (right), singer Barbara Cook, singer and songwriter Neil Diamond, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and saxophonist and composer Sonny Rollins will receive the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' 2011 Kennedy Center Honors. The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will be held on Sunday, December 4, on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage. The Kennedy Center Honors medallions will be presented on Saturday, December 3, at a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. An edited version of the ceremony will be broadcast on CBS for the 34th consecutive year as a two-hour primetime special on Tuesday, December 27, at 9:00 p.m. (Et/Pt). The event will be produced by George Stevens Jr. and Michael Stevens. From the Kennedy Center Honors' press release: "The Honors recipients recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts—whether in dance, music, theater, opera, motion pictures,...
- 9/7/2011
- by Anna Robinson
- Alt Film Guide
The 2011 Grammy Awards were big for the ladies -- country trio Lady Antebellum took home the most awards with five, while Lady Gaga earned three. Eminem had two honors, but Alternative Rock group Arcade Fire won the coveted Album of the Year.
Here is the full list of winners:
Album Of The Year
The Suburbs -- Arcade Fire
Recovery -- Eminem
Need You Now -- Lady Antebellum
The Fame Monster -- Lady Gaga
Teenage Dream -- Katy Perry
Record Of The Year
"Nothin' On You" -- B.o.B Featuring Bruno Mars
"Love The Way You Lie" -- Eminem Featuring Rihanna
"Forget You" -- Cee Lo Green
"Empire State Of Mind" -- Jay-z & Alicia Keys
"Need You Now" -- Lady Antebellum
Best New Artist
Justin Bieber
Drake
Florence & The Machine
Mumford & Sons
Esperanza Spalding
Song Of The Year
"Beg Steal Or Borrow" -- Ray Lamontagne, songwriter (Ray Lamontagne And The...
Here is the full list of winners:
Album Of The Year
The Suburbs -- Arcade Fire
Recovery -- Eminem
Need You Now -- Lady Antebellum
The Fame Monster -- Lady Gaga
Teenage Dream -- Katy Perry
Record Of The Year
"Nothin' On You" -- B.o.B Featuring Bruno Mars
"Love The Way You Lie" -- Eminem Featuring Rihanna
"Forget You" -- Cee Lo Green
"Empire State Of Mind" -- Jay-z & Alicia Keys
"Need You Now" -- Lady Antebellum
Best New Artist
Justin Bieber
Drake
Florence & The Machine
Mumford & Sons
Esperanza Spalding
Song Of The Year
"Beg Steal Or Borrow" -- Ray Lamontagne, songwriter (Ray Lamontagne And The...
- 2/14/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
For an American Idol fan like myself, the flurry of staffing shakeups this week at The House That Kelly Clarkson Built have been the emotional equivalent of taking a sledgehammer to an outdated kitchen wall. Yeah, you knew it had to be done — and quickly — but still…with all the dust and destruction and a possible contractor named Nigel who you’re still not entirely sure you trust, it’s hard to know whether to be terrified, excited, or a little of both.
That said, I’m genuinely optimistic about the widely reported rumor (still not officially confirmed by Fox...
That said, I’m genuinely optimistic about the widely reported rumor (still not officially confirmed by Fox...
- 7/30/2010
- by Michael Slezak
- EW.com - PopWatch
Los Angeles/New York, May 15 (Dpa) Hundreds of people paid their last respects Friday to Us singer and actress Lena Horne in New York, the first black movie star to sign a major Hollywood studio contract.
Horne died Sunday at age 92.
At the funeral in a church on the Upper East Side of New York, friends described Horne as a pioneer who paved the way for many black people. Soprano Jessye Norman, actress Vanessa Williams and singer Dionne Warwick, among others, were in attendance.
Horne made her stage debut at the.
Horne died Sunday at age 92.
At the funeral in a church on the Upper East Side of New York, friends described Horne as a pioneer who paved the way for many black people. Soprano Jessye Norman, actress Vanessa Williams and singer Dionne Warwick, among others, were in attendance.
Horne made her stage debut at the.
- 5/14/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
Los Angeles/New York - Hundreds of people paid their last respects Friday to Us singer and actress Lena Horne in New York, the first black movie star to sign a major Hollywood studio contract. Horne died Sunday at age 92. At the funeral in a church on the Upper East Side of New York, friends described Horne as a pioneer who paved the way for many black people. Soprano Jessye Norman, actress Vanessa Williams and singer Dionne Warwick, among others, were in attendance. Horne made her stage debut at the age of 16 in her native New York, at the Cotton Club in Harlem,...
- 5/14/2010
- Monsters and Critics
Us President Barack Obama has honoured actor, director Clint Eastwood and musician Bob Dylan with arts and humanities awards. The White House called Eastwood’s films as “essays in individuality” and Dylan as “an icon of youthful rebellion and poetic sensitivity”. “Their careers have helped to mark the landscape of American culture for decades,” the BBC quoted Obama as saying. Composer John Williams and Soprano Jessye Norman were also honoured. “Each has taken a different path to get here, each has made the most of different gifts, but all of them have reached the peaks of cultural achievement and ...
- 2/27/2010
- Hindustan Times - Celebrity
London, Feb 27 – Us President Barack Obama has honoured actor/director Clint Eastwood and musician Bob Dylan with arts and humanities awards.
The White House called Eastwood’s films as “essays in individuality” and Dylan as “an icon of youthful rebellion and poetic sensitivity”.
“Their careers have helped to mark the landscape of American culture for decades,” the BBC quoted Obama as saying.
Composer John Williams and Soprano Jessye Norman were also honoured.
“Each has taken a different path to get here, each has made the most of different gifts, but all of them have reached the peaks of cultural achievement and all.
The White House called Eastwood’s films as “essays in individuality” and Dylan as “an icon of youthful rebellion and poetic sensitivity”.
“Their careers have helped to mark the landscape of American culture for decades,” the BBC quoted Obama as saying.
Composer John Williams and Soprano Jessye Norman were also honoured.
“Each has taken a different path to get here, each has made the most of different gifts, but all of them have reached the peaks of cultural achievement and all.
- 2/27/2010
- by News
- RealBollywood.com
One event lures even people who loathe the Hamptons out to Long Island's East End on the last weekend in August -- The Last Song of Summer, a benefit for the Watermill Center. Last summer's concert was a sell-out: Rufus Wainwright and Jessye Norman. This Saturday (August 29), Wainwright will appear with Norah Jones and his sister Martha. Beyond the Rufus-Norah duets, I have another reason to mark the date. The Wainwrights are the offspring of Kate McGarrigle (of the famed duo, the McGarrigle Sisters) and singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III. Last December, I attended the McGarrigles' annual Carnegie Hall holiday concert, a delightfully informal affair that had Kate, Anna and their kids harmonizing with friends like Emmylou Harris, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson and Jimmy Fallon as if they were caroling at your front door. That is, until Rufus sang...
- 8/25/2009
- by Jesse Kornbluth
- Huffington Post
The exciting new work that made the sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall "thunder its approval" (New York Times) takes the stage at the Hollywood Bowl for its West Coast premiere on August 30 at 7:30 p.m. This remarkable collaboration between Emmy Award-winning composer Laura Karpman and world-renowned soprano Jessye Norman takes audiences from Africa to the Americas, from the South to the North, from cities to suburbs, opera to jazz, gospel to be-bop, and "shadows to fire," reflecting the pathways of Langston Hughes' epic Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz.
- 7/29/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
The exciting new work that made the sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall "thunder its approval" (New York Times) takes the stage at the Hollywood Bowl for its West Coast premiere on August 30 at 7:30 p.m. This remarkable collaboration between Emmy Award-winning composer Laura Karpman and world-renowned soprano Jessye Norman takes audiences from Africa to the Americas, from the South to the North, from cities to suburbs, opera to jazz, gospel to be-bop, and "shadows to fire," reflecting the pathways of Langston Hughes' epic Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz.
- 5/28/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
An artist who operates on such a groundbreaking, international level as Robert Wilson deserves a documentary as good as "Absolute Wilson". German-born Katharina Otto-Bernstein spent five years -- impressive even by Wilson's uncompromising, workaholic standards -- shadowing this restless and relentless artist as he dashes from project to project, all visionary works that spread across the disciplines of theater, opera, dance, performance and fine art. Gaining access not only to Wilson himself for unusually candid interviews but also to such collaborators, admirers and critics as composer Philip Glass, writer Susan Sontag, opera diva Jessye Norman, singer-songwriters Tom Waits and David Byrne and critics John Rockwell and John Simon, Otto-Bernstein has put together an astonishing portrait of an artist at the height of his creativity.
The film penetrates the myth and mythos surrounding Wilson, making his works more accessible and open to those of us who sometimes puzzle over the methods and meanings in his cerebral, psychologically complex expressionism. The film should engender an art house following in sophisticated urban venues before its HBO broadcast.
"Wilson" is an artistic biography. Although the film is full of nuggets of information from Wilson's personal life, the focus is on the man's work, which is fitting since one gets the distinct impression that that's where his focus lies, too. Wilson doesn't even seem to have a life separate from his artistic one, the two are so clearly intertwined.
The film includes generous amounts of archival footage of his work, but the film's genius is to get us inside those works. Wilson's own recollection of his work is the biggest key to understanding what make him and it tick.
Born in the segregated, fundamentalist town of Waco, Texas, in 1941 to the town's mayor, Wilson was an outsider virtually from Day 1. Plagued by a stutter and learning disabilities, the lonely boy had to know his days there were numbered by his friendship with a black youth and his homosexuality. He even ventured into Sunday services in black churches, where he says he discovered that gospel music was about hope without any negative sentiments.
Moving to New York to study architecture proved liberating to the young man, who was exposed to a flowering of theater and artistry in the early '60s. An ill-conceived move back to Waco led to a suicide attempt. Interestingly, during his incarceration in a mental hospital after this episode, he found he liked his time alone.
Another pivotal moment came when a teacher suggest he "slow down" his speech to help control his stutter. Not only did the stutter disappear in a few months, he found the admonition to "slow down" changed his whole perception of the world.
As his career moved forward, he managed to find and attract people whose own afflictions contributed to his art. The first was a young black deaf youth, around whom Wilson staged his first major hit, "Deafman Glance", in Paris. Later, an autistic boy became a part of Wilson's theater company and contributed to several shows.
The film covers the inspiration behind such theatrical extravaganzas as "Einstein on the Beach", a seven-day marathon in Iran and "The Black Rider", as well as his biggest defeat, the cancellation of "The Civil Wars" by the Los Angeles Olympics Arts Festival in 1984.
The contributions by the film's talking heads, including Wilson's, are unusually precise and conclusive, illuminating the concepts behind his seminal works. Untrained in the traditional sense and clearly an intuitive artist, Wilson seemingly takes on projects as a way to explore meaning. "The reason to work is to say, 'What is it?' " he declares.
ABSOLUTE WILSON
New Yorker Films
HBO Documentary Films
Credits:
Writer-director: Katharina Otto-Bernstein
Producers: Katharina Otto-Bernstein, Penny CM Stankiewicz
Directors of photography: Ian Saladyga, Eric Seefranz
Music: Miriam Cutler
Editor: Bernadine Colish
Running time -- 105 minutes
No MPAA rating...
The film penetrates the myth and mythos surrounding Wilson, making his works more accessible and open to those of us who sometimes puzzle over the methods and meanings in his cerebral, psychologically complex expressionism. The film should engender an art house following in sophisticated urban venues before its HBO broadcast.
"Wilson" is an artistic biography. Although the film is full of nuggets of information from Wilson's personal life, the focus is on the man's work, which is fitting since one gets the distinct impression that that's where his focus lies, too. Wilson doesn't even seem to have a life separate from his artistic one, the two are so clearly intertwined.
The film includes generous amounts of archival footage of his work, but the film's genius is to get us inside those works. Wilson's own recollection of his work is the biggest key to understanding what make him and it tick.
Born in the segregated, fundamentalist town of Waco, Texas, in 1941 to the town's mayor, Wilson was an outsider virtually from Day 1. Plagued by a stutter and learning disabilities, the lonely boy had to know his days there were numbered by his friendship with a black youth and his homosexuality. He even ventured into Sunday services in black churches, where he says he discovered that gospel music was about hope without any negative sentiments.
Moving to New York to study architecture proved liberating to the young man, who was exposed to a flowering of theater and artistry in the early '60s. An ill-conceived move back to Waco led to a suicide attempt. Interestingly, during his incarceration in a mental hospital after this episode, he found he liked his time alone.
Another pivotal moment came when a teacher suggest he "slow down" his speech to help control his stutter. Not only did the stutter disappear in a few months, he found the admonition to "slow down" changed his whole perception of the world.
As his career moved forward, he managed to find and attract people whose own afflictions contributed to his art. The first was a young black deaf youth, around whom Wilson staged his first major hit, "Deafman Glance", in Paris. Later, an autistic boy became a part of Wilson's theater company and contributed to several shows.
The film covers the inspiration behind such theatrical extravaganzas as "Einstein on the Beach", a seven-day marathon in Iran and "The Black Rider", as well as his biggest defeat, the cancellation of "The Civil Wars" by the Los Angeles Olympics Arts Festival in 1984.
The contributions by the film's talking heads, including Wilson's, are unusually precise and conclusive, illuminating the concepts behind his seminal works. Untrained in the traditional sense and clearly an intuitive artist, Wilson seemingly takes on projects as a way to explore meaning. "The reason to work is to say, 'What is it?' " he declares.
ABSOLUTE WILSON
New Yorker Films
HBO Documentary Films
Credits:
Writer-director: Katharina Otto-Bernstein
Producers: Katharina Otto-Bernstein, Penny CM Stankiewicz
Directors of photography: Ian Saladyga, Eric Seefranz
Music: Miriam Cutler
Editor: Bernadine Colish
Running time -- 105 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 10/27/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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