Deadline has launched the streaming site for its 2023 Contenders Television award-season event, which wrapped over the weekend after a total of 40 scripted series showed off their wares in front of voters at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles.
04.04.2023 - 18:33 / variety.com
Angelique Jackson When actor and singer Michaela Jaé Rodriguez landed her big break in 2017, starring as Blanca Evangelista in FX’s “Pose,” it was a rare opportunity for a trans performer to take on a leading role and the type of authentic representation the LGBTQ community continues to fight for in mainstream media. As the show ended its groundbreaking three-season run in 2021, Rodriguez made history as the first transgender performer to win a Golden Globe award and the first to be nominated for an Emmy in a lead category. And the Variety Power of Women honoree hasn’t stopped smashing glass ceilings since. Previously billed as MJ, the entertainer now goes by her full name, Michaela Jaé. She currently stars opposite Maya Rudolph in the Apple TV+ comedy “Loot,” plus she’s stepping behind the scenes to produce movies and hard at work on her long-awaited debut album. With celebrity came the responsibility to advocate for her fellow trans people, and with each new endeavor, Rodriguez’s platform to speak out has grown larger.
Her voice has been particularly important of late as the LGBTQ community faces an onslaught of anti-queer legislation has been proposed in mostly Republican-led states, from laws restricting drag performances to bills that would outlaw gender-affirming therapies for children under 18. At the Power of Women luncheon, where she was introduced by Sandra Bernhard, Rodriguez gave an emotional address, drawing awareness to the discrimination against that community. “We have those who dare to claim that human rights are not universal to those who live in our country. One of the greatest privileges that we can grant ourselves as human beings is the blessing to know who we are innately. This isn’t something
Deadline has launched the streaming site for its 2023 Contenders Television award-season event, which wrapped over the weekend after a total of 40 scripted series showed off their wares in front of voters at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles.
EastEnders' Lola has been seen being taken to the beach in a wheelchair by her loving husband Jay in heartbreaking final scenes for the soap. In October 2022, the hairdresser, played by Danielle Harold, found out the devastating news of her terminal cancer diagnosis (a brain tumour), with doctors telling her she has just months to live.
John Leguizamo is voicing his support for the LGBTQ community with a very special message. The Hollywood star decided to show support for his “trans brothers and sisters” on social media, sharing his love for his friends, family, and colleagues.Fans of the actor applauded him for publicly acknowledging his support, with many referencing his iconic character Chi Chi Rodriguez in the 1995 film ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar’“I’m all for trans and lgbtq+ cause love is love.
Tulsa King stars Jay Will, Garrett Hedlund and Max Casella were at Deadline’s Contenders TV event on Sunday to discuss their Paramount+ show and its lead Sylvester Stallone.
If Loot co-creator Alan Yang had his way, Season 2 of the Apple TV+ series would drop tomorrow.
In a speech before the State Administration & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee, Fine defended the bill, insisting it’s not about drag specifically, but about protecting children from being exposed to sexual content. He also sought to turn opponents’ arguments around, feigning outrage over linking the gay and lesbian community to those who allegedly “target children” and implying anyone who has a problem with the bill has sinister motives.“They’re the ones that are saying this definition applies to them.
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is sending a strong message to Florida lawmaker Webster Barnaby after he addressed the transgender community as “mutants.” The Hollywood star took to social media to share some empowering words, declaring that she is proud to live her truth. “We have people that live among us today on planet Earth that are happy to display themselves as if they were mutants from another planet,” Barnaby said, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.The ‘POSE’ actress decided to post a stunning image of a fan-made illustration, in which she can be seen dressed up as the popular X-Men character Psylocke. Made by Argentinian artist Artecco, the image stole everyone’s attention, accompanied by a positive message by MJ.“Rep.
Angelique Jackson The all-star cast for Netflix’s adaptation of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” has been revealed. Oscar winner Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington will star in the feature film, reprising their roles from the highly successful Broadway revival of Wilson’s play, which recently concluded its run at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Set in 1936 Pittsburgh during the aftermath of the Great Depression, “The Piano Lesson” follows the lives of the Charles family, a household led by Doaker Charles (Jackson), and an heirloom, the family piano, which is decorated with designs carved by an enslaved ancestor. Washington plays Boy Willie, Doaker’s nephew, a role Jackson originated in the 1987 production.
Lea Michele rocks a chic brown dress while arriving for Variety’s 2023 Power of Women held at The Grill on Tuesday (April 4) in New York City.
Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer Pearls of wisdom and displays of affection were shared widely on Tuesday afternoon when honorees Judy Blume, Natasha Lyonne, Rosie Perez, Kelly Ripa and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez took the stage at Variety‘s Power of Women New York luncheon, presented by Lifetime, at midtown restaurant The Grill. While all five women touched on the key lessons they’ve learned in life and the importance of those who teach them during the luncheon, hosted by “Saturday Night Live’s” Ego Nwodim, it was iconic YA author Blume who made much of her speech a tribute to public educators and librarians who are trying to protect students’ rights amid increased government scrutiny and censorship in public education.
Elizabeth Wagmeister Senior Correspondent “Support is what all women in every industry could always use more of — and will seldom ask for,” Kelly Ripa said, as she took the stage at Variety‘s Power of Women: New York event on Tuesday afternoon. “Offer support to someone who needs it. Encourage others to do the same. Sometimes just being asked is enough.” Ripa’s advice was part of her stirring speech at Variety‘s annual luncheon where she was one of five Power of Women honorees, along with Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Rosie Perez, Natasha Lyonne and Judy Blume. “Don’t ever be afraid to advocate for yourself. Don’t ever be afraid to advocate for others,” Ripa continued. “Knowing that a person or group of people have your back can be the most powerful thing in the world.”
Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter Natasha Lyonne is enjoying something of a career renaissance, and she’s attributing the undeniable success to her female friendships. As she took the stage at Variety‘s annual Power of Women event — on her birthday, no less — she toasted to her “community of women,” among them Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph, who have cheered on each other’s rise in Hollywood. “It’s pretty eccentric to see how much we grow up together in this business and how meaningful it is to stick together along that ride,” she said on Tuesday afternoon at midtown Manhattan’s The Grill. Lyonne joked that she and her “dear pal” Rudolph started the production company Animal Pictures to “ensure we’d have time to hang out with each other,” and that she co-created “Russian Doll” as an excuse to “get existential with my friend and co-creator Amy Poehler.”
Beyoncé and Jay-Z are celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary on 4 April, and the powerhouse couple are nothing if not honest when it comes to talking about the highs and lows of their relationship. Given that they met in 2000 when Beyoncé was 18, and 12 years Jay-Z’s junior, the odds of their relationship lasting so long were stacked against them.They might be two of the most successful recording artists of all time, but they’ve faced multiple challenges, from Jay-Z’s infidelity to family fallouts and their struggle to have children.
Angelique Jackson Earlier this month, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez was honored by the Human Rights Campaign with the Equality Award for her work advocating for the LGBTQ community. Accepting the award at the JW Marriott in Downtown Los Angeles, Rodriguez delivered a rousing speech addressing the onslaught of more than 400 anti-queer bills that have been introduced across the country, “I remember growing up in Jackson, New Jersey, and feeling free,” Rodriguez told the crowd at the HRC Los Angeles dinner on March 25. “When I was four years old, I had no knowledge of the restrictions that society wanted to place on my body or on my existence. My light. The boxes they wanted to fit me and the standards they wanted me to uphold. I had full autonomy to be just me.”
Naman Ramachandran Studiocanal has confirmed that “Paddington in Peru,” the third instalment of the beloved bear’s adventures, will commence production on July 24. The film is set to be helmed by Dougal Wilson, making his feature film directorial debut. He has previously made commercials for brands including Apple, Ikea and the BBC as well as U.K. department store John Lewis’s annual Christmas commercial. Among his many industry awards and honours, Wilson’s film “We’re the Superhumans” for the Channel 4 Paralympics, garnered two Black D&AD Pencils and the Film Grand Prix at Cannes Lions. He was also nominated by the DGA for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials in 2020.
EXCLUSIVE: Make that a triple marmalade sandwich. Long-awaited movie threequel Paddington In Peru is on course to start production on July 24, we can reveal.
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is not only “a boss” onscreen while portraying Sofia in “Loot” but offscreen as well.
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez doesn’t take too much notice of J.K. Rowling’s controversial comments about the transgender community.
now-viral photo featuring more than 50 prominent Black stars, including Tracee Ellis Ross, Michael B. Jordan, Laverne Cox and fellow Newark, New Jersey native Queen Latifah. “She’s somebody who lifted me up when I never thought anyone would,” Rodriguez says with pride.
As attacks on the LGBTQ community rise in the U.S., celebrities are showing their allyship.