Samuel L. Jackson, wife LaTanya Richardson, offered support for Smollett in letter read at sentencing

King Richard alongside Dixson, may be performing it during the telecast, reports.Beyoncé’s team is reportedly “in deep talks with producers” about performing her nominated track virtually from tennis courts in Compton, California—the very place where King Richard subjects Venus and Serena Williams began playing. According to Variety’s sources, she could potentially open the show after a live introduction from the film’s best actor nominee, Will Smith, who would then head to the Dolby Theatre.Although this is Beyoncé’s first Oscar nomination, it wouldn’t be her first performance at the awards show.

CHICAGO -- Jussie Smollett walked out of a Chicago jail after serving six days and walked into months, if not years, of uncertainty — from what's next for his career as an actor and performer to whether he'll eventually be back behind bars.The former star of the TV show “Empire" was sentenced last week to 150 days in jail plus probation and a fine after a jury found him guilty of lying to police about being the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack in downtown Chicago in 2019. His release late Wednesday came hours after an appellate court ordered he could go free during the appeal process, which wouldn't be completed before Smollett had served his full sentence.Smollett, who is Black and gay, has maintained his innocence.

Gallery: From SKINNING SQUIRRELS to BALLET DANCING. . . You'll never believe the skills these actors learned for their movies (BANG Showbiz)The Broadway composer - who is also known for his megahit 'Hamilton - explained how the Oscars became an "entry point" to his fascination with his career and how he feels he has now come "full circle" since falling in love with 'The Little Mermaid.

What's next for Jussie Smollett after his release from jail on Wednesday? Several legal experts gave their opinions in interviews with Fox News Digital. Smollett was granted a release on bond from the Cook County Jail in Illinois pending the appeal of his conviction.

CHICAGO -- Jussie Smollett was released from jail following six nights behind bars after an appeals court agreed with his lawyers that he should be free pending the appeal of his conviction for lying to police about a racist and homophobic attack.The former “Empire” actor walked out of the Cook County Jail on Wednesday surrounded by security. He did not comment as he got into an awaiting SUV, but his attorneys said Smollett, who is Black and gay, was the target of a racist justice system and people playing politics.The appeals court ruling came after a Cook County judge sentenced Smollett last week to immediately begin serving 150 days in jail for his conviction on five felony counts of disorderly conduct for lying to police.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media WriterAn appeals court ordered former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett released from jail on Wednesday, just seven days into a 150-day sentence for faking a hate crime.In a 2-1 ruling, the justices ordered Smollett released pending the appeal of his conviction, on the condition that he post a $150,000 bond.Smollett was sentenced to serve five months in the Cook County jail, after being convicted at trial in December of five counts of disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony. Smollett was found guilty of staging a hate attack, in which he claimed to have been assaulted by two men who yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him and put a noose around his neck in January 2019.Smollett was also ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution to the City of Chicago, for the cost of paying overtime to officers who investigated the purported attack.

Samuel L Jackson is thanking his wife for helping him become the man he was meant to be. The movie star and his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, reflected on their family and relationship amid celebrating 41 years of marriage. In an interview with PEOPLE published on Wednesday, the couple agreed that the secret to their long-lasting marriage was making a commitment to stay together.

Jussie Smollett has been moved from a psych ward and into a jail cell with a bed, according to his brother, Jocqui Smollett. Jocqui took to his brother's official Instagram account early Tuesday with a video message to the former "Empire" actor's supporters with a "day five update." "So I just got to see him. Just want to give y'all an update on his status.Thank you so much for the support, all the hashtag #FreeJussie, it's working.

Actress Jurnee Smollett has called for Cook County to “#FreeJussie” on the heels of her brother Jussie Smollett’s Thursday sentencing to 150 days in jail for staging a fake hate crime back in 2019.

The twists, turns and oddities of the legal saga surrounding Jussie Smollett’s claim in 2019 that he was the target of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago culminated Thursday with his sentencing. It follows a trial in December that concluded with a jury convicting Smollett on five counts of disorderly conduct. Smollett was acquitted on a sixth count.

Jussie Smollett began a 150-day jail sentence for staging a hate crime against himself in protective custody, separated from other detainees and watched by security cameras and an officer, jail authorities said Friday. Sheriff's deputies immediately took Smollett to the Cook County Jail Thursday night after Judge James Linn sentenced the Black and gay actor to 30 months of felony probation, starting with a five-month term in jail, for lying to police that he had been the target of a racist and homophobic attack.

The Osundairo brothers are speaking out following Jussie Smollett’s sentencing for faking a 2019 hate crime and lying to law enforcement. Bola Osundairo, who had taken the stand as a prosecution witness in the Smollett trial, detailed the brothers’ alleged involvement in how the hoax had been carried out.

CHICAGO -- A judge sentenced Jussie Smollett to 150 days in jail, branding the Black and gay actor a narcissistic charlatan for staging a hate crime against himself to grab the limelight while the nation struggled with wrenching issues of racial injustice. Smollett responded by defiantly maintaining his innocence and suggesting he could be killed in jail.The sentence and Smollett’s post-hearing outburst capped an hourslong hearing Thursday and more than three years of legal drama following Smollett's claim that he had been the target of a racist and homophobic attack.Smollett didn't make a statement when offered the opportunity before the judge announced the sentence, saying he was listening to his attorneys' advice.

Empire star guilty on five counts of felony disorderly conduct for making fraudulent reports to police that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic assault in January of 2019. The 39-year-old Smollet was accused of staging the hate crime and charged, though he continued to plead his innocence throughout the trial.Speaking for more than 30 minutes before announcing Smollett’s sentence, Cook County Judge James Linn noted that the actor’s premeditation for the act was an “aggravating factor” in the case.“There’s a side of you that has this arrogance, and selfishness and narcissism that’s just disgraceful,” said Linn.

the former Empire actor was found guilty on five counts of disorderly conduct pertaining to a police report he filed on January 29, 2019 – the same day the alleged attack took place.Smollett’s lawyer Nenye Uche said at the time that he would appeal the conviction, adding that his client was “committed to clearing his name”.While handing Smollett his sentence in a Chicago court yesterday (March 10), Cook County Judge James Linn said: “Let me tell you, Mr Smollett, that there is nothing I can do here today that will come close to the damage that you have already done to your own life.“You’ve turned your life upside down by your misconduct and your shenanigans.”He added: “You took some scabs off some healing wounds, and for one reason: You wanted to make yourself more famous, and for a while it worked. The lights were on you.

Jussie Smollett (Pic: Shutterstock.com)

Jussie Smollett learned his fate Thursday after a judge delivered the terms of his sentence following a contentious four hours in a Chicago courtroom. Mere minutes after being ordered into custody to begin serving 150 days in jail, the actor addressed the court one last time – despite the fact he said prior to having his sentence read that he had nothing to say. The former "Empire" star, 39, stood up and affirmed his innocence in a passionate declaration to Cook County Judge James Linn, saying, "I'm not suicidal." "I respect you, your honor," Smollett said as he placed his hands together in a gesture toward the bench.

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. The 73-year-old star has appeared in over 150 films, including the popular Star Wars franchise as Jedi Mace Windu and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nick Fury. Samuel’s fame also comes from movies like Goodfellas, The Red Violin, Jurassic Park, Django Unchained, and Pulp Fiction, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Samuel has also done voice acting in The Incredibles, Turbo, and more animated films. Talk about an impressive career!