INSIDER
What to stream: 'The Piano Lesson,' 'Wicked' album, 'Spellbound' and 'Cruel Intentions' TV series
Read full article: What to stream: 'The Piano Lesson,' 'Wicked' album, 'Spellbound' and 'Cruel Intentions' TV seriesThe animated movie “Spellbound” with a heroine voiced by Rachel Zegler and Denzel Washington’s son Malcolm directing August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” for Netflix are some of this week’s new streaming entertainment releases.
Ethan Slater landing the role of Boq in 'Wicked' has an element of magic to it
Read full article: Ethan Slater landing the role of Boq in 'Wicked' has an element of magic to itEthan Slater, best known for his Tony-nominated starring role in Broadway's “SpongeBob SquarePants” brings his talent to the big screen in the musical adaptation of “Wicked," out Nov. 22.
Mattel says it 'deeply' regrets misprint on 'Wicked' dolls packaging that links to porn site
Read full article: Mattel says it 'deeply' regrets misprint on 'Wicked' dolls packaging that links to porn siteToy giant Mattel says it “deeply” regrets an error on the packaging of its “Wicked” movie-themed dolls, which mistakenly links toy buyers to a pornographic website.
Erykah Badu celebrated as fashion icon at CFDA Awards after years of pushing boundaries
Read full article: Erykah Badu celebrated as fashion icon at CFDA Awards after years of pushing boundariesGrammy award winning singer Erykah Badu was honored with the “fashion icon” award at the 2024 Council of Fashion Designers of America fashion awards Monday night.
When others ran from the musical, Jon M. Chu and 'Wicked' embraced it
Read full article: When others ran from the musical, Jon M. Chu and 'Wicked' embraced it“Musical” has been a dirty word in marketing some recent song-and-dance studio films, but there’s no avoiding it in bringing “Wicked” to the big screen.
The ‘Wicked’ trailer is here and it’s even more magical than anticipated
Read full article: The ‘Wicked’ trailer is here and it’s even more magical than anticipatedMy fellow Ozians, the moment we’ve been waiting for it finally here. The first theatrical trailer for part one of the “Wicked” movie was released Wednesday afternoon, and it is nothing short of magical.
What a murderous Winnie the Pooh can tell us about the public domain and remix culture
Read full article: What a murderous Winnie the Pooh can tell us about the public domain and remix cultureWinnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse have recently entered the public domain, making it possible for artists to use them freely.
Universal Pictures teases ‘Wicked’ and announces ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’
Read full article: Universal Pictures teases ‘Wicked’ and announces ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’With the dust settled from a big 2023, winning best picture and topping the box office, Universal Pictures is looking to the future.
Obama, Clinton and big-name entertainers help Biden raise a record $26 million for his reelection
Read full article: Obama, Clinton and big-name entertainers help Biden raise a record $26 million for his reelectionBarack Obama, Bill Clinton and some big names from the entertainment world have delivered a rousing New York embrace of President Joe Biden at a campaign fundraiser that hauled in a record-setting $26 million-plus for the incumbent's reelection campaign.
What to stream this weekend: Beyoncé, Steve Martin, J-Hope, Mike Birbiglia, Bill Nighy and 'Madu'
Read full article: What to stream this weekend: Beyoncé, Steve Martin, J-Hope, Mike Birbiglia, Bill Nighy and 'Madu'This week’s new streaming entertainment releases include Beyoncé's “Act ll: Cowboy Carter,” a Amazon Prime docuseries about BTS member J-Hope and “Madu,” a documentary about a Nigerian boy who dreams of being a professional ballet dancer.
Alvin Ailey troupe – and a soulful Cynthia Erivo – join to celebrate dance legend Judith Jamison
Read full article: Alvin Ailey troupe – and a soulful Cynthia Erivo – join to celebrate dance legend Judith JamisonActor-singer Cynthia Erivo lent searing and soulful vocals to an evening marking Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 65th anniversary, and celebrating the talents of dance legend Judith Jamison its former star dancer and longtime company leader.
Broadway fundraiser for Biden to star Sara Bareilles, Josh Groban and Lin-Manuel Miranda
Read full article: Broadway fundraiser for Biden to star Sara Bareilles, Josh Groban and Lin-Manuel MirandaBroadway royalty will be out in force Monday when stars like Sara Bareilles, Cynthia Erivo, Josh Groban, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt perform at a fundraiser for President Joe Biden.
Bear Grylls goes into the wild with a new batch of celebrities, from Bradley Cooper to Rita Ora
Read full article: Bear Grylls goes into the wild with a new batch of celebrities, from Bradley Cooper to Rita OraFor his latest role, Bradley Cooper leapt onto a hovering helicopter, rappelled down a 400-foot cliff and pulled himself across a 100-foot ravine in one of the harshest climates in North America.
Thank goodness for these sneak peaks of the ‘Wicked’ movie
Read full article: Thank goodness for these sneak peaks of the ‘Wicked’ movieWe’re not getting part one of the highly anticipated “Wicked” movie until November of 2024, so I will take any kind of sneak peak or update on the filming, even if that includes behind-the-scenes videos and photos.
Gregory Allen Howard, who wrote 'Remember the Titans,' dies
Read full article: Gregory Allen Howard, who wrote 'Remember the Titans,' diesScreenwriter Gregory Allen Howard, who skillfully adapted stories of historical Black figures in “Remember the Titans” starring Denzel Washington, “Ali” with Will Smith and “Harriet” with Cynthia Erivo, has died.
New this week: John Legend, 'Serpent Queen' and 'Pinocchio'
Read full article: New this week: John Legend, 'Serpent Queen' and 'Pinocchio'This week’s new entertainment releases include fresh music from John Legend and Kane Brown, Samantha Morton stars as the 16th-century queen Catherine de Medici in an edgy Starz series and a race between two upcoming “Pinocchio” films begins with Robert Zemeckis’ adaptation.
Aguilera, Hanks, De Niro and more light up Cannes amfAR gala
Read full article: Aguilera, Hanks, De Niro and more light up Cannes amfAR galaRobert De Niro was the honored guest at the 28th annual amfAR Gala Cannes, where one lucky guest won an auction to have lunch with the actor and a piece of his family history.
Jon Batiste tops Grammys; Silk Sonic soars, Rodrigo crowned
Read full article: Jon Batiste tops Grammys; Silk Sonic soars, Rodrigo crownedJon Batiste won album of the year honors for “We Are” at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, giving him five trophies on a night that saw the ’70s funk of Silk Sonic take record of the year and song of the year and newcomer Olivia Rodrigo take three awards.
Emmys: O-T Fagbenle rocks Nigerian look, Porter wears wings
Read full article: Emmys: O-T Fagbenle rocks Nigerian look, Porter wears wingsMichaela Jaé “Mj” Rodriguez wore vintage Versace Atelier in teal in an homage to Old Hollywood, her hair flowing down her back, at Sunday's slimmed-down Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.
New this week: 'Cry Macho,' McCreery and 'The Morning Show'
Read full article: New this week: 'Cry Macho,' McCreery and 'The Morning Show'This week’s new entertainment releases include new music from Lindsey Buckingham and Scott McCreery, as well as the return of Clint Eastwood, who has gone back to his Western roots with “Cry Macho,” starring as a former rodeo star hired to bring a young man in Mexico back to his father in the U.S. Fans of TV's “The Morning Show” will also get to see Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carell and Billy Crudup kick off Season 2.
Henri thwarts Central Park concert hailing NYC virus rebound
Read full article: Henri thwarts Central Park concert hailing NYC virus reboundA superstar-laden Central Park concert meant to celebrate New York City’s recovery from the coronavirus was cut short because of severe weather as Hurricane Henri approached.
Vanessa Williams to honor Juneteenth at July 4 festivities
Read full article: Vanessa Williams to honor Juneteenth at July 4 festivitiesWhen Vanessa Williams hosts this year’s televised Capitol Fourth celebration, she will not only honor the nation’s traditional independence day, but also the country’s newly designated holiday — Juneteenth.
New this week: 'No Sudden Move' and 'The Tomorrow War'
Read full article: New this week: 'No Sudden Move' and 'The Tomorrow War'This week’s new entertainment releases include documentaries about celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck and another on a landmark 1969 Harlem concert series known as “Black Woodstock” that featured Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone.
Drake, Pink, The Weeknd win big at Billboard Music Awards
Read full article: Drake, Pink, The Weeknd win big at Billboard Music AwardsIt was a family affair at the Billboard Music Awards: Pink twirled in the air in a powerful performance with her daughter, and Drake was named artist of the decade, accepting the honor alongside his 3-year-old son.
Goldberg, Zendaya to be honored at Essence Hollywood awards
Read full article: Goldberg, Zendaya to be honored at Essence Hollywood awardsThis combination photo shows actress Michaela Coel, from left, Andra Day, Cynthia Erivo, Whoopi Goldberg and Zendaya. Essence announced on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, that the actresses are among the honorees at this year's Essence Black Women in Hollywood event. (AP Photo)LOS ANGELES – Whoopi Goldberg, Andra Day and Zendaya will be among the honorees at this year's Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, which will be livestreamed during Oscars week for the first time this year. Essence on Tuesday announced the honorees for the 14th annual ceremony on April 22. In addition to the Emmy-, Grammy-, Oscar- and Tony-winner Goldberg and “Euphoria” star Zendaya, they include actor, singer and songwriter Cynthia Erivo and actor Michaela Coel.
A by-the-numbers look at a year of Oscar diversity, firsts
Read full article: A by-the-numbers look at a year of Oscar diversity, firsts10 — Nominations for “Mank," the most of any film this year, with nods for best picture, best director for Fincher, best actor for Gary Oldman and best supporting actress for Seyfried. In the best supporting actor category, Heath Ledger and Ralph Richardson were nominated, with Ledger winning for “The Dark Knight” in 2009. 5 — African nations that have received nominations for best international feature, now that Tunisia has its first nominee, “The Man Who Sold His Skin." 4 — Nominations received by “Nomadland” director Chloé Zhao, a record for a woman in a record year for women. 1 — Man nominated for both best actor and best original song.
After top Grammy win, singer H.E.R. is heading to the Oscars
Read full article: After top Grammy win, singer H.E.R. is heading to the Oscars(Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)NEW YORK – A night after winning the top Grammy Award for songwriting, R&B singer H.E.R. Leslie Odom Jr. will also compete for best original song with “Speak Now” from “One Night in Miami...," which he wrote with Sam Ashworth. AdSongs by John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Janelle Monae and Robert Glasper were shortlisted for best original song but didn't make the final cut. The duo of Reznor and Ross have won a number of awards for their scoring work, including an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Golden Globe. Terence Blanchard (“Da 5 Bloods"), Emile Mosseri (“Minari") and James Newton Howard (“News of the World") round out the best original score nominees.
Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo led the fashion march at the Grammys
Read full article: Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo led the fashion march at the GrammysDoja Cat arrives at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, March 14, 2021. He was on hand in person but earlier created an Instagram red carpet moment with his daughter since no kids were allowed at the Los Angeles show. “I actually created a step and repeat and a red carpet,” she told reporters during a virtual news conference before the show. AdDue to pandemic precautions, the “red carpet” was not the usual mass of cameras and TV crews. AdAll three wore Gucci.
Erivo on near-EGOT status: 'I’m just going to keep working'
Read full article: Erivo on near-EGOT status: 'I’m just going to keep working'FILE - Actress Cynthia Erivo poses for a portrait during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto on Sept. 10, 2019. Erivo portrays Aretha Franklin in the National Geographic miniseries Genius: Aretha. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – “The Color Purple” turned into Grammy, Tony and Emmy gold for Cynthia Erivo. The performer’s brilliant performance in the Broadway revival won her the 2016 Tony for best actress in a musical. “I guess I didn’t expect to be this close this soon,” Erivo told The Associated Press of her almost-EGOT status.
The glam was back at the Golden Globes, albeit at a distance
Read full article: The glam was back at the Golden Globes, albeit at a distanceAnd they were ready, style wise, as the Globes split hosts, with Amy Poehler at the Beverly Hilton and Tina Fey at the Rainbow Room in New York. Backstage after the show, Sudeikis told reporters he owns a multitude of hoodies but chose the one emblazoned with “Forward” on the front and “Listen + Lead” on the back as fitting for the unusual night. “I wanted to feel festive and go for it,” she told NBC. Sarah Paulson held her little black pooch on screen and Emma Corrin's fluffy white cat grabbed a moment for itself. AdLydia Marks, a New York set decorator, told The Associated Press the evening's technical challenges were many.
Phoenix, Erivo and ‘Barb and Star’ among Globes presenters
Read full article: Phoenix, Erivo and ‘Barb and Star’ among Globes presentersThis combination photo shows, from left, Awkwafina, Cynthia Erivo, Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Wiig and Renee Zellweger, who are among the first presenters announced for the Golden Globes awards ceremony. (AP Photo)LOS ANGELES – “Barb and Star” are headed to the Golden Globes — actors Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo will be among the presenters at the upcoming ceremony. Wiig and Mumolo's latest film, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar,” was released last week and some are already calling the campy film a cult classic. She’s won Golden Globes for her acting “Klute,” “Julia” and “Coming Home.”Norman Lear will be honored with the Carol Burnett Award, a counterpart to the DeMille Award that focuses on life achievement in television. Netflix dominated the nominations earlier this month, with its film “Mank” and its television series “The Crown” the leading nominees.
Odom Jr., H.E.R., Andra Day score Golden Globe music nods
Read full article: Odom Jr., H.E.R., Andra Day score Golden Globe music nodsThis combination photo shows Leslie Odom Jr. posing for a portrait on Nov. 8, 2019 in New York, from left, H.E.R. On Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, Leslie Odom Jr., H.E.R. and Andra Day were announced along with Celeste and Diane Warren as the Golden Globe nominees for best original song. Day and Odom Jr. follow the footsteps of Mary J. Blige, Lady Gaga and Cynthia Erivo, who all recently scored acting and music nods in a single year. However, the tracks can compete for best original song at the Oscars.
Despite bleak 2020, celebrities make effort to brighten year
Read full article: Despite bleak 2020, celebrities make effort to brighten year(AP Photo)LOS ANGELES – Yes, 2020 may seem like a complete fail with all the constant bad news and tragic moments. It’s been filled with gloom and doom(scrolling), but some celebrities and those inspired by them have tried to brighten a bleak year. He reassigned his 10 seamstresses in New York to produce thousands daily for health care workers on the frontlines. The singer and husband Emilio Estefan's restaurant Estefan Kitchen served up homemade meals for health care workers in Miami. The challenge coordinated offers by celebrities and athletes to raise funds to feed those in need during the pandemic.
12 Grammy facts: BTS and Dr. Luke in, The Weeknd out
Read full article: 12 Grammy facts: BTS and Dr. Luke in, The Weeknd outAnd it earned him his first Grammy nomination in six years. 3 spot on the pop charts — is up for best rap song and best rap performance. And Anderson .Paak's “Lockdown," about police brutality and racial injustice, is up for best melodic rap performance and best music video. JAY-Z, THE SONGWRITERS, SHINESHappy wife, happy life: Jay-Z has lent his songwriting hand to his wife Beyoncé and he's earned Grammy nominations for it. PAUL McCARTNEY, THE ART DIRECTORPaul McCartney scored his 79th Grammy nominations this year — as an art director.
Making Oscar history, 'Parasite' wins best picture
Read full article: Making Oscar history, 'Parasite' wins best pictureOscar statues stand off of Hollywood Boulevard in preparation for Sunday's 92nd Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, in Los Angeles. “Parasite” took Hollywood’s top prize on Sunday night, along with awards for best director, best international film and best screenplay. The win was a watershed moment for the Academy Awards, which has long been content to relegate international films to their own category. “Joker” composer Hildur Guðnadóttir became only the third woman to ever win best original score. Disney's ABC hoped a widely watched field of nominees — including the $1 billion-grossing “Joker” — will help viewership.
Family affair: Billie Eilish, Finneas win big at Grammys
Read full article: Family affair: Billie Eilish, Finneas win big at Grammys“When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” — created in the musicians’ Los Angeles home — helped Eilish win the top four honors, including album, song and record of the year, along with best new artist. Eilish won five honors. Together, they also won best pop vocal album, while Finneas’ individual honors included producer of the year (non-classical) and best engineered album (non-classical). Mill performed a new song called “Letter to Nipsey” while others joined together for “Higher,” which won best rap/sung performance. “To my mother, you did a great job raising this guy,” Tyler, who won best rap album, said to his mom, who was onstage and crying by side.
'Harriet' controversies didn't stop box office success
Read full article: 'Harriet' controversies didn't stop box office success"Harriet" stars Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman, the woman who escaped slavery and came to be known as the "Moses" of her people for leading others to freedom. (CNN) - A series of controversies surrounding the new biopic "Harriet" doesn't appear to have kept people away opening weekend. But not everyone enjoyed the film and some took exception with the inclusion of a black bounty hunter in the film. "I would say it took a lot of hard work to get to this place [of playing Harriet Tubman] and I didn't take it lightly," Erivo said. "It was a really, really positive relationship and very exciting what we were able to do."
'Harriet' director knows you don't want to see another slave film
Read full article: 'Harriet' director knows you don't want to see another slave film"Harriet" stars Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman, the woman who escaped slavery and came to be known as the "Moses" of her people for leading others to freedom. This is part of the reason why she didn't make one with her latest project about the life of Harriet Tubman. "Harriet" (to be released Nov. 1) stars Cynthia Erivo as Tubman, the woman who escaped slavery and came to be known as the "Moses" of her people for leading others to freedom. "Her presence is very powerful for me," the director said, touching a necklace she wears with a medallion that honors Tubman. And what is Lemmons willing to die for?
13 new movies you'll want to see this fall
Read full article: 13 new movies you'll want to see this fallBest movie cast ever? "Zombieland: Double Tap"The theme of sequel movies hitting theaters this fall continues with a follow-up to 2009's dark comedy "Zombieland." Release date: Nov. 1. The sequel looks even wilder and more imaginative than the first, and we've only seen the trailer. Release date: Nov. 22.