EXCLUSIVE: Mathew Knowles, father of Beyoncé and former manager of Destiny’s Child, is gearing up for his own King Richard-style origin story as part of a wide-ranging deal with investment fund APX Capital Group.
04.03.2022 - 04:11 / variety.com
Clayton Davis Aunjanue Ellis was content being a journeywoman actor in the business and providing for her family — but now the acclaim is pouring in.And yes, that includes an Oscar nomination for her role as Oracene ‘Brandy’ Williams in Reinaldo Marcus Green’s “King Richard.” On the latest episode of the award-winning Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, we talk to Ellis about what it feels like to now be an Academy Award nominated actress, which she still can’t say out loud. She discusses her experience with working with double Oscar-nominee Will Smith (for best picture and actor) and the difference between his “lore” and the “good person” she was privileged to work with, in addition to her cast members.
Listen below: Ellis tells the podcast that didn’t turn her phone on until around 11 p.m. on the day of the Oscar nominations, and was flooded with multiple messages.
However, it was one from actor Russell Hornsby that touched her deeply, when he shared that her nomination “was for everybody, for all of us.”“I think people have been watching my professional life for a long time and witnessing the heartbreaks that I thought were kind of my own,” Ellis says. “But I think were people who wanted things to happen for me.”Written by debut screenwriter Zack Baylin and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, “King Richard” tells the story of Richard Williams (Smith) and his determination and execution to raise, train and coach Venus and Serena Williams.
The Oscar and two-time Emmy-nominated actress portray Oracene ‘Brandy’ Williams, the mother of the future sports icons, played by breakout stars Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton. Receiving multiple accolades this awards season, including a SAG ensemble nomination, the film also stars
.EXCLUSIVE: Mathew Knowles, father of Beyoncé and former manager of Destiny’s Child, is gearing up for his own King Richard-style origin story as part of a wide-ranging deal with investment fund APX Capital Group.
Video: Six actors hope to join the list of multiple-Oscar winners at the 2022 Oscars (Cover Video)Bella Hadid reflects on battle with eating disorderScott Hall, WWE legend, dead at 63Court rules in favor of request to ban the release of details regarding Bob Saget's deathJussie Smollett's legal team pushes for emergency release following threatening callIN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Kim Kardashian calls out Kanye West over child custody commentsIN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Jane Campion apologises to Venus and Serena Williams over 'thoughtless comment'Dylan O'Brien tests positive for Covid-19Evan Rachel Wood 'not scared' of Marilyn Manson's defamation lawsuitBen Stiller and Mark Ruffalo pay tribute to William HurtGeorge Michael's estate takes action against Tory Lanez over Careless Whisper sampleBritney Spears calls out father Jamie on InstagramHilary Duff reflects on 'anxiety-inducing' Vanity Fair cover photoshootPete Davidson will be onboard Blue Origin's next space flightMila Kunis 'awestricken' by strength of Ukrainian people during warKim Kardashian calls out Kanye West over child custody commentsJane Campion apologises to Venus and Serena Williams over 'thoughtless comment' The 53-year-old is currently nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for the third time for his portrayal of Venus and Serena Williams' father Richard Williams in King Richard. The film is nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
Aunjanue Ellis is opening up about her career and her experience working on the Richard Williams biopic, King Richard.MORE: Savannah Guthrie takes time off Today for 'much-needed' rest, says co-starAunjanue plays Oracene "Brandi" Williams, Venus and Serena William's mother, alongside Will Smith, who plays their father.
EXCLUSIVE: After directing Will Smith to a SAG Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated performance in King Richard, which has been nominated for six Oscars including Best Picture, Reinaldo Marcus Green has set up a new project with Lionsgate—an untitled dramedy that he will write, direct and produce for the studio.
NEW YORK -- Saul Williams' latest project is a blend of words and pictures.The rapper, actor and poet is working with illustrator Paul Davey (otherwise known as “mattahan”) on a graphic novel, “Let There Be Dark,” which publisher First Second Books calls a “high wire dance” that “mixes free verse and short personal essays and interrogates darkness.” The book is scheduled for the fall of 2023.“Through his words and Davey’s visionary art, the reader is taken on a dreamlike journey of ideas and questions that seek to root out white supremacist norms while it enchants the eyes and transports the mind,” according to a statement released Thursday by First Second Books, a Macmillan imprint.Williams, known for the film “Slam” and such albums as “Volcanic Sunlight,” said in a statement that he was excited to explore “the boundless mystery and beauty that connects deep sea, deep space, dark skin, and why we close our eyes when we kiss.”
Prince William is continuing to feel the "constant strain" of his and his brother Prince Harry's "rift", a royal expert says.The 39 year old and his younger brother, 37, were reported to have grown apart from one another following Harry's move to the US with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020. Royal expert Duncan Larcombe tells OK!: "It’s very clear to those that know William that the rift with his brother is not something that he can just forget about. "It's very much, as you can imagine, a constant strain.
Michael B. Jordan to thank for the movie's upcoming sequel. Last week,ET confirmed that Will Smith, who played scientist Robert Neville in the original film, will star opposite the actor in a follow-up flick.“The idea came up,” Smith told ET’s Denny Directo at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Monday about his discussion with Jordan.
Fresh Prince alums Daphne Maxwell Reid and Vernee Watson-Johnson are set to return as guest stars in Bel-Air, the Peacock reboot of the 90’s hit sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.
Will Smith’s “Welcome to Earth” will likely premiere its second season at the end of the year. An Instagram reel published in Will’s Instagram shows him having fun in Guatemala, suggesting the country will make an appearance on the Disney+ series.Will Smith is the screen parent of Venus and Serena Williams in their upcoming biopic ‘King Richard’King Richard star says she ‘freaked out’ when she met Serena WillamsA post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)The video shows Will having a blast in Guatemala, dancing with people, signing autographs and making the most of his time there. “Thank you Guatemala for all of your love!” he captioned the reel.
I Am Legend is on the way starring Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan.According to Variety, a follow-up feature – which Smith and Jordan will also produce – is in the works for Warner Bros, with a script penned by Akiva Goldsman.Smith and Jon Mone, co-president and head of motion pictures at Westbrook Studios, will produce with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing, while Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo will produce under their Outlier Society banner.James Lassiter will serve as an executive producer.
King Richard director Reinaldo Marcus Green, writer Zach Baylin, star Aunjanue Ellis and film editor Pamela Martin joined Warner Bros’ panel at Deadline’s Contenders Film: The Nominees event.
Will Smith's set to star opposite Michael B. Jordan in the sequel, ET can confirm.Smith, who starred in the original 2007 film, and Jon Mone, co-president of Westbrook Studios, will produce and James Lassiter will serve as the executive producer.
Will Smith has been having a pretty good 2022. The superstar already landed a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in the sports drama “King Richard” and looks to return to a role that audiences might not have seen coming.
Angelique Jackson Will Smith and Michael B.
EXCLUSIVE: Warner Bros. is really upping the stakes to its I Am Legend franchise to a stratospheric level and bringing back for the next chapter, not just original star Will Smith, but he’ll be joined by Black Panther actor Michael B. Jordan in what will rep the duo’s first big movie together as stars and producers. Talk about two big stars getting together, between Smith and Jordan combined, their movies have grossed a massive $12.3 billion at the box office.
The average price of petrol has hit a new record high as the cost of oil soars due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.