You know that feeling of watching someone ice skate for the first time? Or when a little kid finally tries riding their bicycle without training wheels? That's sort of the feeling I get watching Steven Spielberg's movie adaptation of "The Color Purple."
Make no mistake: Spielberg's 1985 film version of Alice Walker's 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, which he directed from a script by his eventual "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" co-writer Menno Meyjes, is quite lovely to look at; it's a Spielberg picture so that much goes without saying. Whoopi Goldberg is similarly splendid as the grown-up Celie Harris-Johnson, a queer Black woman living in early 20th-century Georgia who endures horrific abuse at the hands of the men in her life yet finds kindness, support, and love from the Black women around her.
It's not that Spielberg had never tackled a "serious" adult movie before that,...
Make no mistake: Spielberg's 1985 film version of Alice Walker's 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, which he directed from a script by his eventual "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" co-writer Menno Meyjes, is quite lovely to look at; it's a Spielberg picture so that much goes without saying. Whoopi Goldberg is similarly splendid as the grown-up Celie Harris-Johnson, a queer Black woman living in early 20th-century Georgia who endures horrific abuse at the hands of the men in her life yet finds kindness, support, and love from the Black women around her.
It's not that Spielberg had never tackled a "serious" adult movie before that,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has some criticism for her movie The Color Purple.
The 54-year-old actress, who received an Oscar nomination for King Richard and wide acclaim for her performance in this year’s film Origin, had a small role in the new movie musical as Celie’s mom.
In a new interview with Buzzfeed, Aunjanue was asked for her thoughts on the backlash the movie received for erasing queer romance. The relationship between Celie and Shug Avery is much more prominent in the book and stage musical than it was in either film adaptations.
Keep reading to find out more…
“The Color Purple is a book about Black lesbians. Whether the choice was made to focus on that or not in the cinematic iterations of The Color Purple, it’s still a movie about Black lesbians. People can try to say the story is about sisterhood, but it’s a story about Black lesbians.
The 54-year-old actress, who received an Oscar nomination for King Richard and wide acclaim for her performance in this year’s film Origin, had a small role in the new movie musical as Celie’s mom.
In a new interview with Buzzfeed, Aunjanue was asked for her thoughts on the backlash the movie received for erasing queer romance. The relationship between Celie and Shug Avery is much more prominent in the book and stage musical than it was in either film adaptations.
Keep reading to find out more…
“The Color Purple is a book about Black lesbians. Whether the choice was made to focus on that or not in the cinematic iterations of The Color Purple, it’s still a movie about Black lesbians. People can try to say the story is about sisterhood, but it’s a story about Black lesbians.
- 2/16/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Directed by Blitz Bazawule from a script by Marcus Gardley, Alice Walker’s novel comes to life on the big screen once again with this stage-to-screen adaptation of the classic coming-of-age story. Fantasia Barrino leads the cast in her feature film debut as Celie, who, despite a life of hardships (from personal to societal), finds strength and solace in sisterhood. Featuring an A-list ensemble including Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Colman Domingo, Taraji P. Henson, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., and more, the Oscar-nominated “The Color Purple” makes its streaming debut on Max on Friday, Feb. 16. You can watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max.
How to Watch 'The Color Purple' When: Friday, February 16, 2024 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. 7-Day Free Trial$9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com About 'The Color Purple'
“The Color Purple” takes on a new hue as Brenda Russell, Allee Willis,...
How to Watch 'The Color Purple' When: Friday, February 16, 2024 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. 7-Day Free Trial$9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com About 'The Color Purple'
“The Color Purple” takes on a new hue as Brenda Russell, Allee Willis,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
A Classic Spy has revealed the rest of its cast. The upcoming comedy from Mike Schur and starring Ted Danson, which was untitled until now, has added 13 to its cast.
Netflix has revealed that Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephen Mckinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero, Margaret Avery, John Getz, Susan Ruttan, Lori Tan Chinn, Clyde Kusatsu, Marc Evan Jackson, and Jama Williamson are joining Danson. In the series, he plays a retired man who finds a new lease on life when he becomes a spy.
Read More…...
Netflix has revealed that Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephen Mckinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero, Margaret Avery, John Getz, Susan Ruttan, Lori Tan Chinn, Clyde Kusatsu, Marc Evan Jackson, and Jama Williamson are joining Danson. In the series, he plays a retired man who finds a new lease on life when he becomes a spy.
Read More…...
- 2/4/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Stephanie Beatriz, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Lilah Richcreek Estrada join ‘A Classic Spy’
Netflix’s untitled Mike Schur/Ted Danson comedy series has an official title – A Classic Spy – and 13 new cast members. The comedy, based on the Oscar-nominated documentary The Mole Agent, follows Ted Danson as Charles, a retired man who fills his hours working for a private investigator as a mole inside a secret organization.
Mike Schur created the series and serves as an executive producer. Additional executive producers include Morgan Sackett, David Miner, Maite Alberdi, Marcela Santibañez, Julie Goldman, and Christopher Clements. The series is produced by Universal Television.
Netflix released the following A Classic Spy cast and character descriptions:
Mary Elizabeth Ellis (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) plays Emily, a married mother of three boys who has to adjust when her father Charles (Danson) makes a surprising late-life career move and becomes an undercover detective. Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) plays Didi,...
Netflix’s untitled Mike Schur/Ted Danson comedy series has an official title – A Classic Spy – and 13 new cast members. The comedy, based on the Oscar-nominated documentary The Mole Agent, follows Ted Danson as Charles, a retired man who fills his hours working for a private investigator as a mole inside a secret organization.
Mike Schur created the series and serves as an executive producer. Additional executive producers include Morgan Sackett, David Miner, Maite Alberdi, Marcela Santibañez, Julie Goldman, and Christopher Clements. The series is produced by Universal Television.
Netflix released the following A Classic Spy cast and character descriptions:
Mary Elizabeth Ellis (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) plays Emily, a married mother of three boys who has to adjust when her father Charles (Danson) makes a surprising late-life career move and becomes an undercover detective. Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) plays Didi,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Netflix‘s Mike Schur comedy A Classic Spy is adding more funny superstars to its cast led by previously-announced star Ted Danson. Reteaming after their run on The Good Place, Schur and Danson are expanding the show’s ensemble which includes vets from Schur’s other hits ranging from Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Parks and Recreation to even more Good Place alums. The show follows Charles (Danson), a retired man who gets a new lease on life when he answers an ad from a private investigator and becomes a mole in a secret investigation. The show is based on the documentary The Mole Agent, which was a 2021 Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature. In a massive casting announcement update, Netflix unveils Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephen Mckinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero, Margaret Avery, John Getz, Susan Ruttan, Lori Tan Chinn, Clyde Kusatsu, Marc Evan Jackson, and...
- 2/2/2024
- TV Insider
Which familiar faces will join Ted Danson in his Netflix detective comedy, created by Mike Schur? Consider that mystery solved.
A Classic Spy, which stars Danson as a retiree named Charles who becomes a mole in a secret investigation, just announced its ensemble cast, including several actors from previous Schur projects The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Brenda Song Joins Mindy Kaling Series, Priscilla on Max and MoreNetflix Cancels Cobra Kai Creators' Action-Comedy Obliterated After 1 SeasonMatthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon to Star in James Garfield Drama From Game of Thrones EPs
Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Rosa) will play Didi,...
A Classic Spy, which stars Danson as a retiree named Charles who becomes a mole in a secret investigation, just announced its ensemble cast, including several actors from previous Schur projects The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Brenda Song Joins Mindy Kaling Series, Priscilla on Max and MoreNetflix Cancels Cobra Kai Creators' Action-Comedy Obliterated After 1 SeasonMatthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon to Star in James Garfield Drama From Game of Thrones EPs
Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Rosa) will play Didi,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Netflix has assembled the cast around Ted Danson in the upcoming Mike Schur/Ted Danson comedy series, which now has a name, A Classic Spy. Joining Danson in the project are Mary Elizabeth Ellis (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada (Chicago Med), two-time Tony nominee Stephen Mckinley Henderson (Dune), two-time Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero (Loki), Academy Award nominee Margaret Avery (The Color Purple), John Getz (Grace and Frankie), four-time Emmy nominee Susan Ruttan, Lori Tan Chinn (Joy Ride), Clyde Kusatsu (Never Have I Ever), Marc Evan Jackson (Lessons In Chemistry) and Jama Williamson (Single Parents).
A Classic Spy reunites Cordero and Jackson with Danson and Schur. Cordero and Jackson both recurred on NBC’s The Good Place, which was created/executive produced by Schur and starred Danson. Jackson also...
A Classic Spy reunites Cordero and Jackson with Danson and Schur. Cordero and Jackson both recurred on NBC’s The Good Place, which was created/executive produced by Schur and starred Danson. Jackson also...
- 2/2/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
When the sun rose on the 2024 Oscar nominations for Best Picture, 10 films ended up being invited to the party while countless others were not. For the record, the Academy Awards nominees in the top category were “American Fiction,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Barbie,” “The Holdovers,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Maestro,” “Oppenheimer,” “Past Lives,” “Poor Things” and “The Zone of Interest.” Oscar fans voted in our overnight poll to tell us which also-ran likely came in 11th place in the Best Picture race, and a majority (52%) say it was “The Color Purple.” In fact, no other contender even comes close.
Below are the complete poll results for what people think just missed the Best Picture lineup. Do you agree or disagree with your fellow Oscar fans? Be sure to sound off down in the comments section.
52% — “The Color Purple”
14% — “May December”
13% — “All of Us Strangers”
12% — “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
6% — “Nyad...
Below are the complete poll results for what people think just missed the Best Picture lineup. Do you agree or disagree with your fellow Oscar fans? Be sure to sound off down in the comments section.
52% — “The Color Purple”
14% — “May December”
13% — “All of Us Strangers”
12% — “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
6% — “Nyad...
- 1/25/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
“Welcome to Hollywood,” Taraji P. Henson said when asked why “The Color Purple” director Blitz Bazawule had to fight to cast her as Shug Avery in the Warner Bros. musical.
The Oscar-nominated actress’ recent viral comments about pay inequity, starting with a Gayle King interview on SiriusXM in which Henson broke down in tears, and later revealing that she and her “Color Purple” cast and crew were deprived of proper security detail and crafts services during filming, have overshadowed the actual work. Make no mistake: Henson is the real deal as the sexuality-oozing blues songstress Shug Avery in Bazawule’s Alice Walker adaptation, itself a film version of the beloved Broadway musical. Henson holds her own song-and-dance-wise alongside Fantasia Barrino, who stars as Celie, but had to reactivate a musicality in herself that she hadn’t tapped into since her early days as a background actor and student of drama at Howard University.
The Oscar-nominated actress’ recent viral comments about pay inequity, starting with a Gayle King interview on SiriusXM in which Henson broke down in tears, and later revealing that she and her “Color Purple” cast and crew were deprived of proper security detail and crafts services during filming, have overshadowed the actual work. Make no mistake: Henson is the real deal as the sexuality-oozing blues songstress Shug Avery in Bazawule’s Alice Walker adaptation, itself a film version of the beloved Broadway musical. Henson holds her own song-and-dance-wise alongside Fantasia Barrino, who stars as Celie, but had to reactivate a musicality in herself that she hadn’t tapped into since her early days as a background actor and student of drama at Howard University.
- 1/11/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Did you know that the “P” in Taraji P. Henson stands for Prolific? Just kidding. It actually stands for Penda, which in Swahili means “hope/love.”
But prolific might actually be too small a word to contain the wealth of Henson’s ambitious, wide-ranging career: Oscar-nominated blockbusters, must-see TV, a primetime musical (NBC’s “Annie Live!”) and movies known for their eminent re-watchability.
Now, as the tantalizing, tender-hearted Southern belle Shug Avery in Blitz Bazawule’s musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” Henson is capping a banner year in which she could have become an Egot recipient with her 2023 work alone: her Emmy-nominated performance as Quinta Brunson’s cash-strapped mom on “Abbott Elementary”; being a principal on the “Purple” soundtrack; and making her first foray as a Broadway producer with the critically acclaimed “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.” B
ut when it was suggested that she’s versatile enough to...
But prolific might actually be too small a word to contain the wealth of Henson’s ambitious, wide-ranging career: Oscar-nominated blockbusters, must-see TV, a primetime musical (NBC’s “Annie Live!”) and movies known for their eminent re-watchability.
Now, as the tantalizing, tender-hearted Southern belle Shug Avery in Blitz Bazawule’s musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” Henson is capping a banner year in which she could have become an Egot recipient with her 2023 work alone: her Emmy-nominated performance as Quinta Brunson’s cash-strapped mom on “Abbott Elementary”; being a principal on the “Purple” soundtrack; and making her first foray as a Broadway producer with the critically acclaimed “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.” B
ut when it was suggested that she’s versatile enough to...
- 1/9/2024
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
The rough edges of Stephen Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation have been softened but the evocative energy of this movie-musical’s three female leads is magical
This heartfelt movie-musical of The Color Purple sugars the pill and softens the blow, planing down the original’s barbed and knotty surfaces, taking away some of the shock of violence and tragedy and tilting the experience more towards female solidarity and triumph over adversity. But that’s perhaps part of a creatively emollient process that began in 1985 with Steven Spielberg’s powerful if bowdlerised screen version of the Alice Walker novel; the film was then transformed into a hit Broadway musical in 2005, which is now the template for this new adaptation.
There’s certainly an absolute powerhouse trio of female leads here, supercharging the action with their fierce charisma. Fantasia Barrino plays courageous abuse survivor Celie (the part originally played by Whoopi Goldberg); Taraji P Henson...
This heartfelt movie-musical of The Color Purple sugars the pill and softens the blow, planing down the original’s barbed and knotty surfaces, taking away some of the shock of violence and tragedy and tilting the experience more towards female solidarity and triumph over adversity. But that’s perhaps part of a creatively emollient process that began in 1985 with Steven Spielberg’s powerful if bowdlerised screen version of the Alice Walker novel; the film was then transformed into a hit Broadway musical in 2005, which is now the template for this new adaptation.
There’s certainly an absolute powerhouse trio of female leads here, supercharging the action with their fierce charisma. Fantasia Barrino plays courageous abuse survivor Celie (the part originally played by Whoopi Goldberg); Taraji P Henson...
- 12/19/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
On Dec. 16, 1985, Warner Bros. unveiled Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of The Color Purple at its premiere in New York. The film went on to garner 11 Oscar nominations, including for best picture, at the 58th Academy Awards. The Hollywood Reporter’s original review is below:
To those who think of Steven Spielberg solely as the creator of sci-fi adventure movies or high-tech horror films, The Color Purple will come as an exhilarating surprise. It’s a film filled with tenderness and love, the enduring love of two sisters cruelly separated in their childhood, the love of one of them for two infants taken from her at birth. Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, it tells us quite simply that every thing and everybody needs love, and that putting our faith in love will make everything come out all right.
While I wish with all my heart that I were sanguine enough to believe this,...
To those who think of Steven Spielberg solely as the creator of sci-fi adventure movies or high-tech horror films, The Color Purple will come as an exhilarating surprise. It’s a film filled with tenderness and love, the enduring love of two sisters cruelly separated in their childhood, the love of one of them for two infants taken from her at birth. Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, it tells us quite simply that every thing and everybody needs love, and that putting our faith in love will make everything come out all right.
While I wish with all my heart that I were sanguine enough to believe this,...
- 12/15/2023
- by Arthur Knight
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One more trailer has arrived for the musical version of The Color Purple ahead of its theatrical release next month in the UK.
To date, the only major cinematic interpretation of The Color Purple is the fondly-remembered 1985 adaptation by Steven Spielberg.
However, the story (which of course began life as a 1982 epistolary novel by Alice Walker) has since been adapted for Broadway and that musical version has now been turned into an upcoming film starring Taraji P. Henson (Hidden Figures), Danielle Brooks (Orange Is The New Black) and singer Fantasia Barrino, which is set to be released on 26th January.
The Color Purple ‘tells of the struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the early 1900s. It’s also about the strong bond shared by three friends.’ Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation saw Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Margaret Avery in the leading roles. Winfrey is involved in...
To date, the only major cinematic interpretation of The Color Purple is the fondly-remembered 1985 adaptation by Steven Spielberg.
However, the story (which of course began life as a 1982 epistolary novel by Alice Walker) has since been adapted for Broadway and that musical version has now been turned into an upcoming film starring Taraji P. Henson (Hidden Figures), Danielle Brooks (Orange Is The New Black) and singer Fantasia Barrino, which is set to be released on 26th January.
The Color Purple ‘tells of the struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the early 1900s. It’s also about the strong bond shared by three friends.’ Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation saw Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Margaret Avery in the leading roles. Winfrey is involved in...
- 12/12/2023
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
She’s beautiful and she’s here! As the calendar turns to December, a big month for Warner Bros. Discovery begins ahead of its big Christmas Day release: Blitz Bazawule’s reimagining of “The Color Purple,” based on the award-winning stage musical of the same name and starring Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Ciara, and more.
Ahead of the theatrical release, Max will usher in the month with not only the original 1985 film but also the upcoming documentary special “Oprah and The Color Purple Journey,” which will premiere on Max on Dec. 28 and take viewers through the making of the new movie musical adaptation and Winfrey’s history with the property.
The streamer will also add dozens of other titles from its multiple properties including OWN, HGTV, and CNN Max; film collections like James Bond and “The Pink Panther”; new comedy...
Ahead of the theatrical release, Max will usher in the month with not only the original 1985 film but also the upcoming documentary special “Oprah and The Color Purple Journey,” which will premiere on Max on Dec. 28 and take viewers through the making of the new movie musical adaptation and Winfrey’s history with the property.
The streamer will also add dozens of other titles from its multiple properties including OWN, HGTV, and CNN Max; film collections like James Bond and “The Pink Panther”; new comedy...
- 11/30/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
In 1964 Barbra Streisand became a star when she opened the original Broadway production of “Funny Girl” as real-life actress, singer and comedian Fanny Brice. Despite rave reviews, she ended up losing the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical to Carol Channing for “Hello, Dolly!” But in 1968 Babs made her motion picture debut in a film adaptation of “Funny Girl” directed by William Wyler, reprising her role as Fanny. She went on to win the Oscar for Best Actress (famously in a tie with Katharine Hepburn for “The Lion in Winter”). In 1970 Eileen Heckart was Tony nominated for her featured performance as Mrs. Baker in “Butterflies are Free,” but lost to her co-star Blythe Danner. But in 1972 Heckart reprised her role in a film adaptation, which won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
SEERay Richmond: Oprah discusses taking her ‘The Color Purple’ journey full circle following Thursday night world...
SEERay Richmond: Oprah discusses taking her ‘The Color Purple’ journey full circle following Thursday night world...
- 11/29/2023
- by Jeffrey Kare
- Gold Derby
Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson, standout performers from Blitz Bazawule’s daring re-imagining of Alice Walker’s beloved novel “The Color Purple,” are vying for recognition in a fiercely competitive supporting actress race.
Following three consecutive days of screenings in Los Angeles, the film has garnered enthusiastic applause from voters, critics and industry professionals, sparking burning questions about the potential award prospects for Brooks as the fiercely independent Sofia or Henson as the sultry blues singer Shug Avery.
Could both secure nominations? And if so, might either claim the coveted statuette? Insights from Oscar history offer some clues.
In February 1940, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the nominees for its 12th annual ceremony. Among the supporting actress nominees were two actresses from “Gone With the Wind”: Olivia de Haviland and eventual Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel, who made history as the first Black person to win an Academy Award.
Following three consecutive days of screenings in Los Angeles, the film has garnered enthusiastic applause from voters, critics and industry professionals, sparking burning questions about the potential award prospects for Brooks as the fiercely independent Sofia or Henson as the sultry blues singer Shug Avery.
Could both secure nominations? And if so, might either claim the coveted statuette? Insights from Oscar history offer some clues.
In February 1940, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the nominees for its 12th annual ceremony. Among the supporting actress nominees were two actresses from “Gone With the Wind”: Olivia de Haviland and eventual Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel, who made history as the first Black person to win an Academy Award.
- 11/18/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Just two years after Anita of “West Side Story” became the first non-white fictional character to inspire multiple Academy Award nominations, three others are on their way to earning the same distinction. As was the case in 1986, 30% of 2024’s female acting Oscar slots could be filled by stars of “The Color Purple,” the new version of which serves as an adaptation of the similarly titled stage musical rather than Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. If Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson all reap bids for their fresh takes on the parts for which Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Margaret Avery were previously recognized, the overall list of doubly Oscar-nominated fictional characters will expand to include 20 examples.
In “The Color Purple,” Barrino executes the lead role of Celie Johnson, who she initially played on Broadway as a direct successor to 2006 Tony-winning originator Lachanze. As in the book and first film,...
In “The Color Purple,” Barrino executes the lead role of Celie Johnson, who she initially played on Broadway as a direct successor to 2006 Tony-winning originator Lachanze. As in the book and first film,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul but before achieving all of that she starred in The Color Purple back in 1985. Her performance as Sofia in the Steven Spielberg-directed film went on to earn her a nomination at the Oscars.
Ahead of the film adaptation of The Color Purple musical, which Winfrey produces, she is looking back and remembering the amount of money she got for her role as Sofia. Although the paycheck wasn’t huge, Winfrey says the experience was life-changing.
“I can’t even begin to tell you what it means to me — a person who wanted nothing more in my life than to be in The Color Purple,” Winfrey told Essence magazine in an interview conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike. “God taught me to surrender — that was the big lesson for me,” Oprah said. “They were only offering $35,000 to be in this film, and it is the best $35,000 I ever earned.
Ahead of the film adaptation of The Color Purple musical, which Winfrey produces, she is looking back and remembering the amount of money she got for her role as Sofia. Although the paycheck wasn’t huge, Winfrey says the experience was life-changing.
“I can’t even begin to tell you what it means to me — a person who wanted nothing more in my life than to be in The Color Purple,” Winfrey told Essence magazine in an interview conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike. “God taught me to surrender — that was the big lesson for me,” Oprah said. “They were only offering $35,000 to be in this film, and it is the best $35,000 I ever earned.
- 10/18/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
In 1985, Steven Spielberg brought Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple, to the big screen and racked up Academy Award nominations for himself, for the film’s stars, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and Margaret Avery, and the film’s composer, Quincy Jones. Warner Bros. now re-adapts the story based on the musical version from director Blitz Bazawule, a multi-medium artist whose breakout first feature is the highly acclaimed The Burial of Kojo.
The official synopsis from Warner Bros. reads,
“A story of love and resilience, The Color Purple is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.”
This new incarnation of the classic story features an ensemble cast that includes Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), SAG Award winner and Tony Award nominee Danielle Brooks,...
The official synopsis from Warner Bros. reads,
“A story of love and resilience, The Color Purple is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.”
This new incarnation of the classic story features an ensemble cast that includes Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), SAG Award winner and Tony Award nominee Danielle Brooks,...
- 10/10/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for The Color Purple, based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book and the musical adaptation of her 1982 novel.
The film centers on Celie (the younger version is played by Phylicia Pearl Mpasi and the adult version by American Idol alum Fantasia Barrino), a poor Black woman living in the American South of the early 1900s. The first trailer, released in May, showed Celie being separated from her sister Nettie (played by Halle Bailey and Ciara). Over the course of several years, the film explores Celie’s struggles as she yearns to find herself and her own joy.
The new trailer jumps between Celie and Nettie’s childhood together and Celie missing her later as she’s determined to reunite with her.
“I know my sister’s somewhere in the world,” Celie says via voiceover as viewers see an image of the older Nettie played by Ciara.
The film centers on Celie (the younger version is played by Phylicia Pearl Mpasi and the adult version by American Idol alum Fantasia Barrino), a poor Black woman living in the American South of the early 1900s. The first trailer, released in May, showed Celie being separated from her sister Nettie (played by Halle Bailey and Ciara). Over the course of several years, the film explores Celie’s struggles as she yearns to find herself and her own joy.
The new trailer jumps between Celie and Nettie’s childhood together and Celie missing her later as she’s determined to reunite with her.
“I know my sister’s somewhere in the world,” Celie says via voiceover as viewers see an image of the older Nettie played by Ciara.
- 10/10/2023
- by Kimberly Nordyke and Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Welcome to Oscar Experts Typing, a weekly column in which Gold Derby editors and Experts Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen discuss the Oscar race — via Slack, of course. This week, we discuss Best Supporting Actress, which feels wide open right now.
Christopher Rosen: Hello, Joyce! I’ve had this Leonard Bernstein quote stuck in my head since we saw “Maestro” on Monday night: “A work of art does not answer questions, it provokes them; and, its essential meaning is in the tension between the contradictory answers.” I bring it up because it feels somewhat appropriate, not just for the content of “Maestro” but the state of this year’s Best Supporting Actress race. A few weeks ago, this race wasn’t particularly opaque. But now that “Killers of the Flower Moon” star Lily Gladstone has decided to campaign for Best Actress, it’s chaos magic. “The Holdovers” star Da’Vine Joy Randolph...
Christopher Rosen: Hello, Joyce! I’ve had this Leonard Bernstein quote stuck in my head since we saw “Maestro” on Monday night: “A work of art does not answer questions, it provokes them; and, its essential meaning is in the tension between the contradictory answers.” I bring it up because it feels somewhat appropriate, not just for the content of “Maestro” but the state of this year’s Best Supporting Actress race. A few weeks ago, this race wasn’t particularly opaque. But now that “Killers of the Flower Moon” star Lily Gladstone has decided to campaign for Best Actress, it’s chaos magic. “The Holdovers” star Da’Vine Joy Randolph...
- 10/6/2023
- by Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
As we move closer to September, this year’s Oscars season begins to move into view. As it does, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of this year’s contenders, continuing here with Best Supporting Actor. This is a category that, last year, awarded Ke Huy Quan a victory for his performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” But who will take to the Oscars podium this year? Well, in order to look ahead, we must first look back. Let’s take a look at the last 10 years of Oscars history.
Drama is the overwhelming favorite here, with nine out of the last 10 winners all coming from drama films. Only Quan, for the sci-fi “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” is the exception. What is more overwhelming, however, is the fact that all 10 of those winners won for films that were also nominated for Best Picture. In fact,...
Drama is the overwhelming favorite here, with nine out of the last 10 winners all coming from drama films. Only Quan, for the sci-fi “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” is the exception. What is more overwhelming, however, is the fact that all 10 of those winners won for films that were also nominated for Best Picture. In fact,...
- 8/24/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” last year made Oscar history by becoming just the third film ever to win three awards in acting categories — Michelle Yeoh (Best Actress), Jamie Lee Curtis (Best Supporting Actress), and Ke Huy Quan (Best Supporting Actor). “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1952) and “Network” (1977) also pulled off this triple play
No film has ever won all four acting prizes but plenty have contended across the board, with the most recent being “American Hustle” in 2014. “Network,” “Mrs. Miniver” in 1943, “From Here to Eternity” in 1954, “Peyton Place” in 1958, “Bonnie and Clyde” in 1968 and “The Godfather: Part 2” in 1975 all snagged five acting nominations in total.
So, how about this year? Are there any movies that could match that haul of five nominations? Or even become the first picture to win all four acting Oscars? Let’s take a look through this year’s early contenders to see which movies...
No film has ever won all four acting prizes but plenty have contended across the board, with the most recent being “American Hustle” in 2014. “Network,” “Mrs. Miniver” in 1943, “From Here to Eternity” in 1954, “Peyton Place” in 1958, “Bonnie and Clyde” in 1968 and “The Godfather: Part 2” in 1975 all snagged five acting nominations in total.
So, how about this year? Are there any movies that could match that haul of five nominations? Or even become the first picture to win all four acting Oscars? Let’s take a look through this year’s early contenders to see which movies...
- 8/14/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
‘The Color Purple’ trailer: Fantasia Barrino leads all-star cast in movie musical first look [Watch]
Less than a week after Apple and Paramount debuted the first trailer for 2024 Oscars hopeful “Killers of the Flower Moon,” another presumed awards contender has taken its first bow in the spotlight. On Monday, Warner Bros. released the first trailer for “The Color Purple,” filmmaker Blitz Bazawule’s adaptation of the Alice Walker novel and subsequent musical.
Originally adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg in 1985, “The Color Purple” was turned into a Broadway production in 2005 and revived again in 2015. Throughout its life, the property has been an awards magnet. The 1985 film was nominated 11 times at the Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Whoopi Goldberg and Best Supporting Actress for Margaret Avery and Oprah Winfrey. On Broadway, the original production landed multiple Tony Award nominations and won Best Actress in a Musical for Lachanze. The 2015 revival also won Best Actress honors for Cynthia Erivo while netting a Best Featured Actress...
Originally adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg in 1985, “The Color Purple” was turned into a Broadway production in 2005 and revived again in 2015. Throughout its life, the property has been an awards magnet. The 1985 film was nominated 11 times at the Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Whoopi Goldberg and Best Supporting Actress for Margaret Avery and Oprah Winfrey. On Broadway, the original production landed multiple Tony Award nominations and won Best Actress in a Musical for Lachanze. The 2015 revival also won Best Actress honors for Cynthia Erivo while netting a Best Featured Actress...
- 5/22/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
The trailer for Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg’s musical remake of The Color Purple has arrived. American Idol winner Fantasia stars as Celie, reprising her Broadway role. Watch it below.
In the preview, a young Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi) is separated from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey) after being married off to an older man known only as Mister (Colman Domingo). As time goes on, Celie finds strength in the sisterhood of women she meets, like jazz singer Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), Squeak (H.E.R.), and Sofia (Danielle Brooks).
Directed by Blitz Bazawule from a screenplay by Marcus Gardley, The Color Purple also features Corey Hawkins as Harpo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Mama, and Ciara as Nettie. Louis Gossett Jr., David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, Tamala J. Mann, Stephen Hill, Jon Batiste, and Elizabeth Marvel also appear.
Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, The Color Purple...
In the preview, a young Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi) is separated from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey) after being married off to an older man known only as Mister (Colman Domingo). As time goes on, Celie finds strength in the sisterhood of women she meets, like jazz singer Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), Squeak (H.E.R.), and Sofia (Danielle Brooks).
Directed by Blitz Bazawule from a screenplay by Marcus Gardley, The Color Purple also features Corey Hawkins as Harpo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Mama, and Ciara as Nettie. Louis Gossett Jr., David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, Tamala J. Mann, Stephen Hill, Jon Batiste, and Elizabeth Marvel also appear.
Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, The Color Purple...
- 5/22/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
From Pulitzer Prize-winning book to Oscar-nominated film to Tony Award-winning musical, the beloved story of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple has been translated until multiple mediums. Now, the musical comes to life on the big screen, directed by Blitz Bazawule.
On Monday, Warner Bros. dropped the upcoming film’s first trailer, ahead of a Christmas Day release date later this year.
The trailer follows Celie (the younger version is played by Phylicia Mpasi and the adult version by Fantasia Barrino), after she is separated from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey, Ciara). In the years to come, the film explores Celie’s lifelong series of struggles as a Black woman living in the American South of the early 1900s.
In a virtual Q&a ahead of the release of the trailer, producer Oprah Winfrey and director Bazawule discussed the making of the film and the impact of Walker’s tale,...
On Monday, Warner Bros. dropped the upcoming film’s first trailer, ahead of a Christmas Day release date later this year.
The trailer follows Celie (the younger version is played by Phylicia Mpasi and the adult version by Fantasia Barrino), after she is separated from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey, Ciara). In the years to come, the film explores Celie’s lifelong series of struggles as a Black woman living in the American South of the early 1900s.
In a virtual Q&a ahead of the release of the trailer, producer Oprah Winfrey and director Bazawule discussed the making of the film and the impact of Walker’s tale,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Sydney Odman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The era of 1970s Black cinema is at the forefront for film critic Elvis Mitchell’s Netflix documentary, “Is That Black Enough for You? How one decade changed the movies (and me).”
The documentary, which makes its world premiere in the Spotlight section of the 2022 New York Film Festival, debuts in select theaters October 28 before streaming on Netflix November 11. Mitchell writes, directs, and narrates the feature, which includes interviews with Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne, Zendaya, and Whoopi Goldberg, as well as actors Billy Dee Williams, Harry Belafonte, Mario Van Peebles, Margaret Avery, and Charles Burnett.
“They were proof that we were here, that we create culture, that we have voices, and that we will be heard,” Fishburne says in the trailer about the legacy of Black filmmakers.
David Fincher and Steven Soderbergh produce the documentary, along with Angus Wall and Ciara Lacy.
The official synopsis reads: From celebrated writer and film historian Elvis Mitchell,...
The documentary, which makes its world premiere in the Spotlight section of the 2022 New York Film Festival, debuts in select theaters October 28 before streaming on Netflix November 11. Mitchell writes, directs, and narrates the feature, which includes interviews with Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne, Zendaya, and Whoopi Goldberg, as well as actors Billy Dee Williams, Harry Belafonte, Mario Van Peebles, Margaret Avery, and Charles Burnett.
“They were proof that we were here, that we create culture, that we have voices, and that we will be heard,” Fishburne says in the trailer about the legacy of Black filmmakers.
David Fincher and Steven Soderbergh produce the documentary, along with Angus Wall and Ciara Lacy.
The official synopsis reads: From celebrated writer and film historian Elvis Mitchell,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
After two weeks of solid showings at the box office, excellent reviews and passionate fan responses, “The Woman King” has become one of the year’s standout hits, with plans to be competitive in the awards races for both major and artisan category attention.
One of the film’s standout stars, Thuso Mbedu, who plays the young Nawi, will be campaigning for supporting actress attention, Variety has learned. Academy Award winner Viola Davis (“Fences”) will be the sole actress campaigning for lead actress.
Mbedu, who was the breakout sensation of 2021’s Emmy-nominated series “The Underground Railroad” from director Barry Jenkins, will compete in supporting alongside her co-stars Sheila Atim, Jayme Lawson, Adrienne Warren and most prominent, Lashana Lynch. All of the male actors, including John Boyega, will be competing in supporting actor.
Beginning with “Gone with the Wind” (1939) duo Olivia de Havilland and winner Hattie McDaniel, who became the first...
One of the film’s standout stars, Thuso Mbedu, who plays the young Nawi, will be campaigning for supporting actress attention, Variety has learned. Academy Award winner Viola Davis (“Fences”) will be the sole actress campaigning for lead actress.
Mbedu, who was the breakout sensation of 2021’s Emmy-nominated series “The Underground Railroad” from director Barry Jenkins, will compete in supporting alongside her co-stars Sheila Atim, Jayme Lawson, Adrienne Warren and most prominent, Lashana Lynch. All of the male actors, including John Boyega, will be competing in supporting actor.
Beginning with “Gone with the Wind” (1939) duo Olivia de Havilland and winner Hattie McDaniel, who became the first...
- 9/26/2022
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
In 2021, Juneteenth, the celebration of the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans, was established as a federal holiday, and with new holidays to celebrate, there are new opportunities for holiday movies, of course. From director Dawn Wilkinson (“A Nashville Christmas Carol”) and writers Matt Allen (“Mighty Oak”), Lisa Mathis and Krista Suh, comes “Block Party,” a summer family comedy that’s ostensibly themed around Juneteenth.
The connection to Juneteenth feels tenuous at best, as characters continually name-check the holiday but never stop to explain or discuss the meaning of the celebration. The script assumes that the audience is familiar with the holiday and its importance, which is perhaps a heartening sign that Juneteenth doesn’t need to be explained anymore, but most great holiday films at least touch on the significant themes of the holiday (e.g. “the true meaning of Christmas”).
“Block Party” feels strangely divorced from what Juneteenth actually signifies,...
The connection to Juneteenth feels tenuous at best, as characters continually name-check the holiday but never stop to explain or discuss the meaning of the celebration. The script assumes that the audience is familiar with the holiday and its importance, which is perhaps a heartening sign that Juneteenth doesn’t need to be explained anymore, but most great holiday films at least touch on the significant themes of the holiday (e.g. “the true meaning of Christmas”).
“Block Party” feels strangely divorced from what Juneteenth actually signifies,...
- 6/7/2022
- by Katie Walsh
- The Wrap
BET+ announced its robust summer slate Wednesday, which includes the highly anticipated Martin reunion and new seasons of All the Queen’s Men, Family Business and The Ms. Pat Show.
Streaming Thursday, June 16, Martin: The Reunion is a 90-minute special hosted by comedian Affion Crockett that “takes fans back to the iconic Martin living room set and reunites the original cast — Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carly Anthony Payne II — for a once in a lifetime celebration” of the Fox sitcom, which ran for five seasons between 1992 and 1997. Per BET+, the retrospective will be complete with “musical performances...
Streaming Thursday, June 16, Martin: The Reunion is a 90-minute special hosted by comedian Affion Crockett that “takes fans back to the iconic Martin living room set and reunites the original cast — Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carly Anthony Payne II — for a once in a lifetime celebration” of the Fox sitcom, which ran for five seasons between 1992 and 1997. Per BET+, the retrospective will be complete with “musical performances...
- 5/25/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
A new month brings new titles to HBO Max’s ever-changing (and formidable) roster of films. While the streaming service is parting with some notable movies in May — such as “Pride & Prejudice,” leaving May 27, and “Speed,” leaving at the end of the month — it’s more than making up for the loss with critically acclaimed additions, ranging from enduring indie fares to franchise-spanning blockbusters.
Below, TheWrap highlights seven films spanning a wide variety of genres, at least one of which is sure to resonate or encourage you to go out of your cinematic comfort zone.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” John Bramley / Summit Entertainment / Courtesy Everett Collection
Stephen Chbosky’s painfully accurate teen indie spawned a plethora of films dedicated to exploring high school angst and mental health, but it arguably did it best, capturing the 2010s zeitgeist with excruciating precision and dominating Tumblr discourse for years to come.
Below, TheWrap highlights seven films spanning a wide variety of genres, at least one of which is sure to resonate or encourage you to go out of your cinematic comfort zone.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” John Bramley / Summit Entertainment / Courtesy Everett Collection
Stephen Chbosky’s painfully accurate teen indie spawned a plethora of films dedicated to exploring high school angst and mental health, but it arguably did it best, capturing the 2010s zeitgeist with excruciating precision and dominating Tumblr discourse for years to come.
- 5/22/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The Juneteenth comedy Block Party is set for a wide theatrical release via Iconic Events Releasing on June 8, also having been picked up for linear and streaming by BET and BET+ starting June 16.
The film from director Dawn Wilkinson centers on Keke McQueen (Antoinette Robertson), a recent Harvard grad who is eager to ditch her hometown of Grand Rapids, Mi, for her dream job in Atlanta. But when Keke discovers that her once-super-sharp Grandma Janice (Academy Award nominee Margaret Avery) is showing early signs of dementia, she puts her career at stake in order to save Grandma’s renowned Juneteenth block party. In the process, Keke falls back in love with her hometown.
Block Party also stars Faizon Love, Luenell, Golden Brooks, Charlyne Yi, John Amos, Gary Anthony Williams, Brad William Henke, Birgundi Baker, Bill Cobbs, Terayle and Merle Dandridge. Branch Out Productions’ Lisa Mathis wrote the script and...
The film from director Dawn Wilkinson centers on Keke McQueen (Antoinette Robertson), a recent Harvard grad who is eager to ditch her hometown of Grand Rapids, Mi, for her dream job in Atlanta. But when Keke discovers that her once-super-sharp Grandma Janice (Academy Award nominee Margaret Avery) is showing early signs of dementia, she puts her career at stake in order to save Grandma’s renowned Juneteenth block party. In the process, Keke falls back in love with her hometown.
Block Party also stars Faizon Love, Luenell, Golden Brooks, Charlyne Yi, John Amos, Gary Anthony Williams, Brad William Henke, Birgundi Baker, Bill Cobbs, Terayle and Merle Dandridge. Branch Out Productions’ Lisa Mathis wrote the script and...
- 5/17/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sierra McCormick (American Horror Stories), Tony Todd (Candyman), Katie Sarife (Annabelle Comes Home), Gina Hiraizumi (Doom Patrol), Emmy nominee Morgan Fairchild (Murphy Brown) and Nicky Whelan (The Binge) have boarded Robin Givens’ mockumentary-style comedy, The Nana Project. They join an ensemble that also includes Oscar and Golden Globe winner Mercedes Ruehl, Nolan Gould and Will Peltz, as previously announced.
Set primarily at Timeless Acres Retirement Home, the film follows a documentary crew who develop an interest in one of its star residents—feisty chess master Helen “Nana” Lewis (Ruehl). With the help of her friends Jennifer (Whelan), Francesca (Fairchild), Jack (Todd), Esther (Tilton), Kitty (Beth Broderick), Gladys (Margaret Avery) and Lisa (Hiraizumi), Nana begins training for an upcoming chess tournament. She plans on dominating the competition but her real plan involves reuniting her estranged grandsons, Andrew (Gould), a dedicated veterinary student, and Cody (Peltz), a flashy male model and influencer.
Set primarily at Timeless Acres Retirement Home, the film follows a documentary crew who develop an interest in one of its star residents—feisty chess master Helen “Nana” Lewis (Ruehl). With the help of her friends Jennifer (Whelan), Francesca (Fairchild), Jack (Todd), Esther (Tilton), Kitty (Beth Broderick), Gladys (Margaret Avery) and Lisa (Hiraizumi), Nana begins training for an upcoming chess tournament. She plans on dominating the competition but her real plan involves reuniting her estranged grandsons, Andrew (Gould), a dedicated veterinary student, and Cody (Peltz), a flashy male model and influencer.
- 5/12/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
On June 12, the night of the 75th Tony Awards, Jennifer Hudson could become the 17th individual to achieve Egot status: that rare grand slam of winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony over the course of your career. She already has the Ego. As a producer of Best Musical nominee “A Strange Loop,” she could finally spill the T.
Hudson started her run at the Oscars, winning Best Supporting Actress for her feature film debut in the 2006 screen adaptation of the musical “Dreamgirls.” Then in 2009 she won Best R&b Album at the Grammys for her self-titled debut album; in 2017 she collected a second Grammy as a vocalist on the Broadway cast recording of “The Color Purple.” Her Emmy, probably her least known achievement, came in 2021 when she won Best Interactive Media for a Daytime Program at the Daytime Emmys as a producer of the animated short “Baba Yaga.”
SEE...
Hudson started her run at the Oscars, winning Best Supporting Actress for her feature film debut in the 2006 screen adaptation of the musical “Dreamgirls.” Then in 2009 she won Best R&b Album at the Grammys for her self-titled debut album; in 2017 she collected a second Grammy as a vocalist on the Broadway cast recording of “The Color Purple.” Her Emmy, probably her least known achievement, came in 2021 when she won Best Interactive Media for a Daytime Program at the Daytime Emmys as a producer of the animated short “Baba Yaga.”
SEE...
- 5/9/2022
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Patti Labelle will bless The Neighborhood with her presence when she makes her debut as the Butler family matriarch in the May 9 episode of the CBS comedy.
TVLine has your exclusive first look at the Grammy-winning R&b legend’s arrival. Labelle plays Marilyn, the oft-mentioned but never-before-seen mother of Cedric the Entertainer’s Calvin. In “Welcome to the Mama Drama,” Marilyn comes to town when Calvin is honored by the Chamber of Commerce for all the ways Calvin’s Pit Stop has given back to the community.
More from TVLineYoung Sheldon Recap: Mary Fights With George, Leans on Pastor...
TVLine has your exclusive first look at the Grammy-winning R&b legend’s arrival. Labelle plays Marilyn, the oft-mentioned but never-before-seen mother of Cedric the Entertainer’s Calvin. In “Welcome to the Mama Drama,” Marilyn comes to town when Calvin is honored by the Chamber of Commerce for all the ways Calvin’s Pit Stop has given back to the community.
More from TVLineYoung Sheldon Recap: Mary Fights With George, Leans on Pastor...
- 4/29/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Multiple Grammy winner Jon Batiste is set to make his acting debut in the upcoming big-screen musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” directed by Blitz Bazawule and set at Warner Bros., an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Batiste will play the role of Grady. Grady is Shug Avery’s husband and described as a debonair, sweet-talking piano man, who is the epitome of charm and eloquence. Taraji P. Henson is set to star as Shug Avery. The rest of the cast includes Corey Hawkins, Aunjanue Ellis, Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Ciara, Louis Gosset Jr., David Alan Grier and H.E.R. in what will also be the musician’s acting debut.
“The Color Purple” is set for release by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2023. Production is currently underway in Georgia.
Bazawule is best known as the director of Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” and he’ll direct from...
Batiste will play the role of Grady. Grady is Shug Avery’s husband and described as a debonair, sweet-talking piano man, who is the epitome of charm and eloquence. Taraji P. Henson is set to star as Shug Avery. The rest of the cast includes Corey Hawkins, Aunjanue Ellis, Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Ciara, Louis Gosset Jr., David Alan Grier and H.E.R. in what will also be the musician’s acting debut.
“The Color Purple” is set for release by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2023. Production is currently underway in Georgia.
Bazawule is best known as the director of Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” and he’ll direct from...
- 4/15/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
A search for The Neighborhood‘s third showrunner is officially underway.
Sitcom veteran Meg DeLoatch (Family Reunion), who was brought in ahead of Season 4, has exited the CBS comedy ahead of its recently ordered Season 5, TVLine has confirmed. She remains under an overall deal with CBS Studios.
More from TVLineTracy Morgan Visits The Neighborhood: Meet Calvin's Wealthy Brother CurtisS.W.A.T.'s Lina Esco Previews Her Musically 'Different' Directorial Debut, to Be Followed by 'Crazy' Episode 100Survivor's Latest Victim Talks Game-Changing Trek, Tie Vote Madness and Why 42 Felt Like 'a Game of Roulette'
Our sister site Deadline,...
Sitcom veteran Meg DeLoatch (Family Reunion), who was brought in ahead of Season 4, has exited the CBS comedy ahead of its recently ordered Season 5, TVLine has confirmed. She remains under an overall deal with CBS Studios.
More from TVLineTracy Morgan Visits The Neighborhood: Meet Calvin's Wealthy Brother CurtisS.W.A.T.'s Lina Esco Previews Her Musically 'Different' Directorial Debut, to Be Followed by 'Crazy' Episode 100Survivor's Latest Victim Talks Game-Changing Trek, Tie Vote Madness and Why 42 Felt Like 'a Game of Roulette'
Our sister site Deadline,...
- 3/26/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Oh, brother!
Tracy Morgan (30 Rock) makes his debut as Calvin’s brother Curtis on the Monday, March 28 episode of The Neighborhood (CBS, 8/7c) — and TVLine has your exclusive first look at his grand entrance.
More from TVLineNeighborhood Shake-Up: Meg DeLoatch Out as Showrunner After One SeasonS.W.A.T.'s Lina Esco Previews Her Musically 'Different' Directorial Debut, to Be Followed by 'Crazy' Episode 100Survivor's Latest Victim Talks Game-Changing Trek, Tie Vote Madness and Why 42 Felt Like 'a Game of Roulette'
As longtime fans of the CBS sitcom already know, Calvin resents Curtis’ relationship with their mother, who...
Tracy Morgan (30 Rock) makes his debut as Calvin’s brother Curtis on the Monday, March 28 episode of The Neighborhood (CBS, 8/7c) — and TVLine has your exclusive first look at his grand entrance.
More from TVLineNeighborhood Shake-Up: Meg DeLoatch Out as Showrunner After One SeasonS.W.A.T.'s Lina Esco Previews Her Musically 'Different' Directorial Debut, to Be Followed by 'Crazy' Episode 100Survivor's Latest Victim Talks Game-Changing Trek, Tie Vote Madness and Why 42 Felt Like 'a Game of Roulette'
As longtime fans of the CBS sitcom already know, Calvin resents Curtis’ relationship with their mother, who...
- 3/25/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
The Neighborhood is adding a branch to the Butler family tree, casting 30 Rock alum Tracy Morgan in the frequently mentioned but never-before-seen role of Calvin’s brother Curtis.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Morgan will guest-star in the March 28 episode of the CBS comedy, aptly titled “Welcome to Bro Money, Bro Problems.” As longtime fans of the CBS comedy already know, Calvin resents Curtis’ relationship with their mother, who began favoring her younger son after he won the lottery. Curtis is described by THR as Calvins “frenetic younger brother” who possesses “a deep love” of spending his fortune, which...
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Morgan will guest-star in the March 28 episode of the CBS comedy, aptly titled “Welcome to Bro Money, Bro Problems.” As longtime fans of the CBS comedy already know, Calvin resents Curtis’ relationship with their mother, who began favoring her younger son after he won the lottery. Curtis is described by THR as Calvins “frenetic younger brother” who possesses “a deep love” of spending his fortune, which...
- 2/18/2022
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks were announced as the leads of “The Color Purple” movie musical Thursday during the ABC News special “Soul of a Nation Presents: Screen Queens Rising.”
“American Idol” Season 3 winner Fantasia will play Celie and “Orange Is the New Black” alum Danielle Brooks will play Sofia.
In 2021, Brooks starred as trailblazing gospel singer and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson in Lifetime’s Emmy-nominated “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia.”
Fantasia played the role of Celie from 2007 to 2008 during the original Broadway run of “The Color Purple.” Brooks earned a Tony nod for playing Sofia in the Broadway revival, which ran from 2015 to 2017.
Oprah Winfrey, who portrayed Sofia in Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film and is producing the new Warner Bros. adaptation, called Brooks during Thursday’s interview to pass the torch. “I am here representing all things purple to tell you that you are our Sofia. I’m so...
“American Idol” Season 3 winner Fantasia will play Celie and “Orange Is the New Black” alum Danielle Brooks will play Sofia.
In 2021, Brooks starred as trailblazing gospel singer and civil rights activist Mahalia Jackson in Lifetime’s Emmy-nominated “Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia.”
Fantasia played the role of Celie from 2007 to 2008 during the original Broadway run of “The Color Purple.” Brooks earned a Tony nod for playing Sofia in the Broadway revival, which ran from 2015 to 2017.
Oprah Winfrey, who portrayed Sofia in Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film and is producing the new Warner Bros. adaptation, called Brooks during Thursday’s interview to pass the torch. “I am here representing all things purple to tell you that you are our Sofia. I’m so...
- 2/4/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Taraji P. Henson has signed on to star alongside H.E.R. and Corey Hawkins in Blitz Bazawule’s (Black Is King) adaptation of The Color Purple for Warner Bros., Deadline has confirmed.
The upcoming film is based on the Tony-winning musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning epistolary novel by Alice Walker. It comes on the heels of a classic 1985 film adaptation from director Steven Spielberg and centers on Celie, a Black Southern woman who struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over the course of four decades.
Henson will play Shug Avery, a jazz and blues singer played in Spielberg’s adaptation by Margaret Avery, and by icons including Jennifer Hudson in various adaptations for the stage.
The Chi‘s Marcus Gardley handled the screenplay adaptation. Oprah Winfrey, who played Sofia in the 1985 film,...
The upcoming film is based on the Tony-winning musical from Marsha Norman, Brenda Lee, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, which was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning epistolary novel by Alice Walker. It comes on the heels of a classic 1985 film adaptation from director Steven Spielberg and centers on Celie, a Black Southern woman who struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over the course of four decades.
Henson will play Shug Avery, a jazz and blues singer played in Spielberg’s adaptation by Margaret Avery, and by icons including Jennifer Hudson in various adaptations for the stage.
The Chi‘s Marcus Gardley handled the screenplay adaptation. Oprah Winfrey, who played Sofia in the 1985 film,...
- 2/1/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson has joined the cast of the upcoming big screen musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” directed by Blitz Bazawule and set at Warner Bros., an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Henson will portray Shug Avery in the film, and she joins a cast that already includes Corey Hawkins and H.E.R. in what will be the musician’s acting debut.
“The Color Purple” is currently set for release by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2023.
Bazawule is best known as the director of Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” and he’ll direct from a script by Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”). “The Color Purple” also has a book by Marsha Norman and music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and the musical was a hit for its joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, blues and African rhythms.
“The Color Purple” originated as Alice Walker’s Pulitzer...
Henson will portray Shug Avery in the film, and she joins a cast that already includes Corey Hawkins and H.E.R. in what will be the musician’s acting debut.
“The Color Purple” is currently set for release by Warner Bros. on December 20, 2023.
Bazawule is best known as the director of Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” and he’ll direct from a script by Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”). “The Color Purple” also has a book by Marsha Norman and music by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, and the musical was a hit for its joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, blues and African rhythms.
“The Color Purple” originated as Alice Walker’s Pulitzer...
- 2/1/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Oscar- and Emmy-nominee Taraji P. Henson will star as Shug Avery in Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple.”
The forthcoming Warner Bros. movie is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, which is itself an adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The production is directed by Bazawule, best known for his work on Beyoncé’s “Black is King,” “The Burial of Kojo” and “Cherish the Day.”
Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”) wrote the screenplay, based on Alice Walker’s novel, the 1985 Warner Bros. Pictures film, and the stage musical.
In Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film version, Margaret Avery played Shug Avery — the jazz and blues singer introduced as Mister’s long-time mistress before becoming Celie’s confidant — while such talents as Jennifer Hudson, Michelle Williams, Heather Headley, Elisabeth Withers, Angela Robinson and Nicola Hughes took on the role in productions of the stage musical.
Oprah Winfrey, who made her feature...
The forthcoming Warner Bros. movie is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, which is itself an adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The production is directed by Bazawule, best known for his work on Beyoncé’s “Black is King,” “The Burial of Kojo” and “Cherish the Day.”
Marcus Gardley (“The Chi”) wrote the screenplay, based on Alice Walker’s novel, the 1985 Warner Bros. Pictures film, and the stage musical.
In Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film version, Margaret Avery played Shug Avery — the jazz and blues singer introduced as Mister’s long-time mistress before becoming Celie’s confidant — while such talents as Jennifer Hudson, Michelle Williams, Heather Headley, Elisabeth Withers, Angela Robinson and Nicola Hughes took on the role in productions of the stage musical.
Oprah Winfrey, who made her feature...
- 2/1/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Antoinette Robertson, who most recently starred in all four seasons of the acclaimed Netflix series, Dear White People, has signed with APA for representation.
Robertson, who will next be seen starring opposite Margaret Avery in director Dawn Wilkinson’s Juneteenth holiday comedy Block Party, also recently wrapped a role in director Tim Story’s upcoming comedy, The Blackening, opposite Jay Pharoah, Jermaine Fowler, and Dewayne Perkins. The film penned by Perkins and Tracy Oliver watches as seven black friends who go away for the weekend must rely on their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies to survive, when they find themselves trapped in a cabin with a vindictive killer.
Robertson has previously recurred in series including The Haves and the Have Nots for OWN, The CW’s Hart of Dixie and CBC’s Diggstown.
APA’s signing of the actress follows its addition of clients including actors Nick Stahl,...
Robertson, who will next be seen starring opposite Margaret Avery in director Dawn Wilkinson’s Juneteenth holiday comedy Block Party, also recently wrapped a role in director Tim Story’s upcoming comedy, The Blackening, opposite Jay Pharoah, Jermaine Fowler, and Dewayne Perkins. The film penned by Perkins and Tracy Oliver watches as seven black friends who go away for the weekend must rely on their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies to survive, when they find themselves trapped in a cabin with a vindictive killer.
Robertson has previously recurred in series including The Haves and the Have Nots for OWN, The CW’s Hart of Dixie and CBC’s Diggstown.
APA’s signing of the actress follows its addition of clients including actors Nick Stahl,...
- 1/27/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Butlers and the Johnsons are bonded for life following the events of The Neighborhood‘s Season 4 premiere.
In a moment, we’ll ask you for your thoughts on Monday’s season opener — the CBS comedy’s first episode produced under the leadership of new showrunner Meg DeLoatch, who was tapped to succeed original series creator Jim Reynolds following the conclusion of Season 3 — but first, a terse recap:
More from TVLineNew 'Neighborhood' Showrunner Meg DeLoatch Wants to Go 'Deeper' With Season 4'Bob Hearts Abishola' Season 3 Premiere Asks: What Is Best for Dele? Weigh In!Grade the NCIS: Hawai'i Premiere -- Plus,...
In a moment, we’ll ask you for your thoughts on Monday’s season opener — the CBS comedy’s first episode produced under the leadership of new showrunner Meg DeLoatch, who was tapped to succeed original series creator Jim Reynolds following the conclusion of Season 3 — but first, a terse recap:
More from TVLineNew 'Neighborhood' Showrunner Meg DeLoatch Wants to Go 'Deeper' With Season 4'Bob Hearts Abishola' Season 3 Premiere Asks: What Is Best for Dele? Weigh In!Grade the NCIS: Hawai'i Premiere -- Plus,...
- 9/21/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Sitcom veteran Meg DeLoatch knew she’d have her work cut out for her when she signed on as showrunner of CBS’ The Neighborhood, replacing series creator Jim Reynolds.
As it heads into Season 4, the Cedric the Entertainer-led comedy currently stands as TV’s No. 2-rated sitcom (trailing only CBS’ own Young Sheldon), so she didn’t want to change too much. (What’s that old saying? If it ain’t broke…?) But she also wanted to put her own stamp on it — and most importantly, dive deeper into the lives of the Butlers and the Johnsons than the series...
As it heads into Season 4, the Cedric the Entertainer-led comedy currently stands as TV’s No. 2-rated sitcom (trailing only CBS’ own Young Sheldon), so she didn’t want to change too much. (What’s that old saying? If it ain’t broke…?) But she also wanted to put her own stamp on it — and most importantly, dive deeper into the lives of the Butlers and the Johnsons than the series...
- 9/19/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Dear White People star Antoinette Robertson and Oscar-nominated Margaret Avery are set to star in Block Party, the Juneteenth family holiday comedy for Branch Out Productions and BuzzFeed Studios.
Robertson will play Harvard grad Keke McQueen, who returns from a lucrative career in Atlanta to her hometown of Grand Rapids when she discovers her once sharp Grandma Janice (Avery) is showing early signs of dementia.
As Keke tries to save her grandma’s annual Juneteenth block party, she falls back in love with her hometown and its people. Dawn Wilkinson is directing Block Party based on a script written by Krista Suh,...
Robertson will play Harvard grad Keke McQueen, who returns from a lucrative career in Atlanta to her hometown of Grand Rapids when she discovers her once sharp Grandma Janice (Avery) is showing early signs of dementia.
As Keke tries to save her grandma’s annual Juneteenth block party, she falls back in love with her hometown and its people. Dawn Wilkinson is directing Block Party based on a script written by Krista Suh,...
Dear White People star Antoinette Robertson and Oscar-nominated Margaret Avery are set to star in Block Party, the Juneteenth family holiday comedy for Branch Out Productions and BuzzFeed Studios.
Robertson will play Harvard grad Keke McQueen, who returns from a lucrative career in Atlanta to her hometown of Grand Rapids when she discovers her once sharp Grandma Janice (Avery) is showing early signs of dementia.
As Keke tries to save her grandma’s annual Juneteenth block party, she falls back in love with her hometown and its people. Dawn Wilkinson is directing Block Party based on a script written by Krista Suh,...
Robertson will play Harvard grad Keke McQueen, who returns from a lucrative career in Atlanta to her hometown of Grand Rapids when she discovers her once sharp Grandma Janice (Avery) is showing early signs of dementia.
As Keke tries to save her grandma’s annual Juneteenth block party, she falls back in love with her hometown and its people. Dawn Wilkinson is directing Block Party based on a script written by Krista Suh,...
The end of the 2020 Awards Season is upon us! As Hollywood A-listers and executives party all the way up to and through the main event on Sunday night, Variety will be all over town reporting from inside all the biggest A-list bashes and the most intimate gatherings. Keep checking back for all the latest updates…
Alfre Woodard’s 11th Annual Sistahs Soiree
The Private Residence of Jonas Tahlin, CEO of Absolut Elyx, Los Angeles, Feb. 5
More than a decade after throwing her first gathering of actresses of color, Alfre Woodard’s annual bash has become part of her living legacy.
“I didn’t get to come last year, I was about four hours into the wilderness of Vancouver Island and four hours, two planes, a ferry and a jet away,” Woodard told Variety, lounging on a velvet couch inside the lavish private estate where she hosted this year’s event.
Alfre Woodard’s 11th Annual Sistahs Soiree
The Private Residence of Jonas Tahlin, CEO of Absolut Elyx, Los Angeles, Feb. 5
More than a decade after throwing her first gathering of actresses of color, Alfre Woodard’s annual bash has become part of her living legacy.
“I didn’t get to come last year, I was about four hours into the wilderness of Vancouver Island and four hours, two planes, a ferry and a jet away,” Woodard told Variety, lounging on a velvet couch inside the lavish private estate where she hosted this year’s event.
- 2/6/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
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