Beyoncé is said to be planning a surprise live performance for this year’s Academy Awards, to take place remotely from tennis courts in Compton, California.According to reports by Variety, the concept began solidifying just last week, with the ceremony due to take place this Sunday (March 27).The singer is nominated for ‘Best Original Song’ for the track ‘Be Alive’, which was recorded for the film King Richard, about Richard Williams, father of tennis stars Venus and Serena. The location of the rumoured performance is where he famously trained his daughters in the sport.It’s reported that Will Smith, who plays Richard Williams in the film, could potentially appear as part of Beyoncé’s performance, before heading straight to the Oscars ceremony 20 miles away in Hollywood.
Aunjanue Ellis, Quinta Brunson, Nia Long and Chanté Adams Named Essence Black Women in Hollywood Honorees
02.03.2022 - 16:49 / variety.com
Wilson Chapman editorAunjanue Ellis, Quinta Brunson, Nia Long and Chanté Adams will be the honorees at the Black Women in Hollywood awards, Essence announced Wednesday.Now in its 15th year, the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards honors Black female actors, creators and entertainers in the entertainment industry. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Damson Idris (“Snowfall”) and will be commemorated by Essence magazine via a story in the March/April issue and special digital-exclusive covers for each honoree.“For 15 years, our Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards has heralded the strengths and accomplishments of Black women who are making an impact in Hollywood,” Essence CEO Caroline Wanga said in a statement.
“This year — as we highlight the Black Cinematic Universe — our four honorees each exemplify the power, life and joy that is a direct reflection of our community. We are also thankful for our partners for supporting our vision as we continue to shine a light on the beauty and resilience of Black women everywhere.” Ellis is a current Oscar nominee for her supporting turn in “King Richard,” playing Oracene Price, the mother of Venus and Serena Williams.
She has previously received nominations at the Emmys for her work in “When They See Us” and “Lovecraft Country.” She’ll next be seen in the AMC legal drama “61st Street,” opposite her “Lovecraft Country” co-star Courtney B. Vance.Brunson is the creator, executive producer, showrunner and star of “Abbott Elementary,” the critically-acclaimed comedy series about the staff of a Philadelphia public school currently airing its first season on ABC.
Oscar predictions: Will 'Power of the Dog' reign supreme?
Ahead of the 94th Academy Awards this week, Associated Press Film Writers Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle share their predictions for a ceremony with much still up in the air.BEST PICTUREThe Nominees: “Belfast”; “CODA”; “Don’t Look Up”; “Drive My Car”; “Dune”; “King Richard”; “Licorice Pizza”; “Nightmare Alley”; “The Power of the Dog”; “West Side Story.”BAHR: At this point it really feels like the award will go to “The Power of the Dog." It is paradoxically both a safe choice and a game changer in that it would be a first best picture win for Netflix after years of trying. Jane Campion’s last major shot at picture (and director) was with “The Piano,” but in 1994 that basically stood no chance against “Schindler’s List.” This time, it’s her film that has the leg up on the Spielberg.
‘Abbott Elementary’ star Quinta Brunson worked for a phone sex line — briefly
appearance on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” Brunson, 32, shared the comedy of errors that eventually led to her to acting.Before starring in her own sitcom, the writer found an audience at BuzzFeed, who scooped up the comedienne after a skit she published online went viral. Since then, she’s lent her voice to multiple animated characters on Adult Swim’s “Lazor Wulf” and to her eponymous character on Netflix’s “Big Mouth.” But not every work transition has been so charmed, the “She Memes Well” author revealed during the interview.
Oscar Predictions: Will 'Power of the Dog' reign supreme?
Ahead of the 94th Academy Awards, Associated Press Film Writers Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle share their predictions for a ceremony with much still up in the air.BEST PICTUREThe Nominees: “Belfast”; “CODA”; “Don’t Look Up”; “Drive My Car”; “Dune”; “King Richard”; “Licorice Pizza”; “Nightmare Alley”; “The Power of the Dog”; “West Side Story.”BAHR: At this point it really feels like the award will go to “The Power of the Dog." It is paradoxically both a safe choice and a game changer in that it would be a first best picture win for Netflix after years of trying. Jane Campion’s last major shot at picture (and director) was with “The Piano,” but in 1994 that basically stood no chance against “Schindler’s List.” This time, it’s her film that has the leg up on the Spielberg.
Kid Cudi & Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson Talk About Their Friendship During 'Meyers' Interview (Video)
Did you know that Kid Cudi and Quinta Brunson are friends?
Shawn Mendes, Tracee Ellis Ross, Halle Bailey, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs join lineup of presenters at the 94th Academy Awards
Shawn Mendes, Tracee Ellis Ross, Halle Bailey and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs have been unveiled as presenters at the 94th Academy Awards. They will also be joined by Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson.
30 Actors That Should Have Oscar Nominations by Now
Clayton Davis With Oscar voting set to begin on March 17, four new actors will be entering the history books with “Academy Award winner” next to their name. The honor of an Oscar nomination is one of the highest a person can receive in Hollywood.
Variety’s Oscar Voting Guide: A Final Look Before Voting Begins
Jenelle Riley Deputy Awards, Features EditorIt’s been less than a year since the Oscars aired a stripped-down version of the show at Union Station, but the 95th annual Academy Awards is set to take place March 27, back at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. With voting opening March 17, we take a look at the top categories and where things stand.A Perfect 10 For the first year, the Oscars expanded the best picture race to guarantee 10 films.
Charlamagne Tha God, Nicole Brown, Reinaldo Marcus Green & Danielle Lawson Celebrate Black Excellence
Charlamagne tha God, Nicole Brown, Reinaldo Marcus Green, and Danielle Lawson were among the talented creatives who attended the annual African American Film Critics Association Awards on Wednesday night, honoring some of Hollywood’s biggest and brightest.
Aunjanue Ellis on ‘King Richard,’ Working with Will Smith and How She Still Can’t Believe She’s an Oscar Nominee
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.