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NBC has announced a new music special for the upcoming holiday season: “A Motown Christmas.” The event will be hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey and executive produced by Debbie Allen and Suzanne de Passe. Performers will include Robinson, Bailey, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Temptations, Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, October London, Mgk, Pentatonix, Jordin Sparks, and the cast of the Broadway show “Mj The Musical.” It airs Wednesday night, December 11, at 9:00pm Eastern and Pacific.

Jen Neal, Executive Vice President of Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, said in a statement, “Motown’s timeless hits have played as a soundtrack for American families for the last six decades. NBC is honored to spotlight the iconic legacy of Motown with a festive celebration for the holiday season.”

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De Passe added,...

NBC will celebrate Motown’s legacy with A Motown Christmas, a two-hour holiday special hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey. The special, produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill, will air Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt and next day on Peacock.

The special will include performances featuring more than 25 Motown hits, performed by Robinson, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the Temptations. Contemporary artists including Bailey, Ashanti, Andra Day, BeBe Winans, Jamie Foxx, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, mgk, October London and Pentatonix will also pay tribute to iconic Motown hits. There also will be a world exclusive performance from the Broadway company Mj the Musical.

Motown hits such ranging from “ABC,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to “Dancing in the Streets” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”, “My Girl”, “Reach Out (I’ll be There)” and “Tears of a Clown”, plus “Stop...

The 39th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony turned Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, into a “celebration” Saturday night as Kool & the Gang, Dave Matthews Band, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest and Cher showed up to accept inductions from Chuck D, Julia Roberts, Method Man, Dr. Dre, Dave Chappelle and Zendaya.

The event returned to the hometown of the Rock & Roll Museum for the first time since 2021. This year’s top music-industry honor in the performer category went to Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne and A Tribe Called Quest. Musical Excellence Award honorees included Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick and Norman Whitfield; Alexis Korner, John Mayall and Big Mama Thornton received the Musical Influence Award. Motown executive Suzanne de Passe received the Ahmet Ertegun Award — the fifth woman to accept the accolade.

Four out of...

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame celebrates its biggest, brightest stars in the 39th Annual Induction Ceremony. Viewers at home can be a part of the excitement and enjoy powerful performances via live stream. The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony streams live on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. Et on Disney+ with a Subscription to Disney+.

How to Watch the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony When: Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. Et Where: Disney+ Stream: Watch with a Subscription to Disney+ or Paramount+. Sign Up Now $9.99+ / month disneyplus.com

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About the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The beloved 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony returns to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio this week. For nearly 40 years, this high-energy event has recognized some of the most accomplished...

Busta Rhymes, Chuck D, Dr. Dre, Demi Lovato, Dua Lipa, James Taylor and Julia Roberts are among the line-up of presenters and performers set for next month’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the hall’s Foundation announced today.

See the complete roster announced today below. Additional presenters and performers will be revealed leading up to the show date.

The ceremony is set for October 19 at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest, along with Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thornton for Musical Influence, and Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield for Musical Excellence. Legendary Motown exec Suzanne De Passe will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The ceremony will stream live coast to coast on Disney+ Saturday,...

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has rolled out a list of performers and presenters for the ceremony set to stream live on Oct. 19, with actor Julia Roberts, hip-hop producer Dr. Dre, pop superstar Dua Lipa and country luminaries Keith Urban and Jelly Roll among those slated to pay tribute to the 2024 inductees next month in Cleveland.

As is its fashion, the Hall often does not distinguish in advance between those who will perform live and those who will offer induction speeches, leaving fans guessing about not just that but who will be honoring who. In many cases it’s easy to connect the dots, though, as when Jimmy Buffett’s longtime band member Mac McAnally and frequent duet partner Kenny Chesney are slated to show up in the year Buffett is being inducted.

The 17 musicians or entertainment luminaries announced Wednesday as taking part in the webcast:

Busta Rhymes

Dr.

Jaafar Jackson, who will portray his late uncle Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic “Michael,” has signed with CAA for representation.

Jaafar Jackson is the son of Jermaine Jackson and the nephew of the King of Pop. He makes his acting debut in the Antoine Fuqua-directed, Gk Films-produced movie, which is set for worldwide release on April 18, 2025. “Michael” is also produced by John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate. Lionsgate is distributing the film in the U.S. and Japan, while Universal Pictures has rights for all offshore territories.

In April, Lionsgate dazzled the CinemaCon crowd by sharing a first look at the highly anticipated film, revealing the scope of its examination of the musician’s life, as Jaafar portrays the private man behind the moonwalk. Fans had already gotten a peek at his physical transformation when the studio released an image of Jaafar in costume,...

Biopics depicting the lives and careers of musicians is a genre of film that has grown in extreme popularity in recent years. Films like ‘Elvis’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ have been box office hits, and even helped create Oscar buzz for the lucky actor who portrays the real-life lead of the film. One singer who has yet to have his biopic is Michael Jackson. While Jackosn’s biopic musical, Mj, is going strong on Broadway, a film of Jackson’s life has yet to be onscreen. However, the story of Michael Jackson may not be too far out from our screens. Here is everything we know about the recently announced Michael Jackson biopic. Things to do: Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here. Limited Time Offer – Free Subscription to The Hollywood Insider Click here to read more on The Hollywood Insider’s vision, values and mission statement...

We are living in a time when Hollywood is actually making a lot of musical biopics, so it does not surprise us that one of the biggest musical artists of all time, Michael Jackson, will also be the center of an upcoming biopic. Lionsgate has acquired the rights to his story, and the upcoming film Michael is currently set for an April 18, 2025 release. The movie is a gamble due to Jackson being a controversial figure, but from what we can deduce, the executives at Lionsgate have a lot of confidence in the project.

Jim Packer, president of worldwide television distribution at Lionsgate, recently talked to the media and revealed his enthusiasm over the upcoming film, claiming that it will be Lionsgate’s biggest project of all time!

Packer told the media about his confidence in the movie, going as far as to claim that it is the studio’s biggest project ever.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has revealed the names of 16 artistes who will be inducted in 2024. According to ‘Variety’, the diverse list includes R&b/rock pioneer Big Mama Thornton, pop superstars Cher and Dionne Warwick, as well as 1970s-rooted rockers like Peter Frampton, Foreigner, and Ozzy Osbourne, alongside 1990s icons such as the Dave Matthews Band and Mary J. Blige.

Jimmy Buffett’s inclusion among the inductees comes as a surprise. His entry is unexpected not only because the late singer/songwriter was not on the ballot this year but also because he had never been nominated before.

‘Variety’ reports that the Rock Hall’s committee, seemingly in a sentimental mood after Buffett’s passing seven months ago, chose to honour him via a separate, non-voted category for “musical excellence”.

This honourary category also serves as the entry point for two other performers, who had previously been...

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed its class of 2024: Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band, Cher, A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, Peter Frampton, Foreigner, and Kool & The Gang will all be inducted during a ceremony held in Cleveland on October 19th.

In addition, Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category.

Other inductees include Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thornton, all of who will be honored with the Musical Influence Award. Entertainment producer Suzanne de Passe will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The inductees were determined by an international voting body of more than 1,000 artists, historians, and members of the music industry. In order to be eligible, a nominee’s first recording must have been released at least 25 years ago.

Osbourne was previously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall...

The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were announced live on ABC this evening by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 inductee Lionel Richie during the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night” episode of “American Idol,” where the Top 14 finalists took on songs from legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees as America voted live for the Top 12. See the full class of 2024 inductees below.

See Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Mariah Carey, Cher should be inducted in 2024 [Poll Results]

Performer Category:

Mary J. Blige Cher Dave Matthews Band Foreigner Peter Frampton Kool & The Gang Ozzy Osbourne A Tribe Called Quest

Musical Influencer Award:

Alexis Korner Big Mama Thornton John Mayall

Musical Excellence Award:

Dionne Warwick Jimmy Buffett MC5 Norman Whitfield

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

Suzanne de Passe

Music’s highest honor, the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will be live on Saturday, October 19, at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has officially announced this year’s inductees: Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest will join the class of 2024 in the Performer category.

Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick, and Norman Whitfield will be presented with the Musical Excellence Award; Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Big Mama Thornton will receive the Musical Influence Award; and Suzanne de Passe is getting the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The induction ceremony will be held on October...

The incoming 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class includes superstar acts such as Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton and Kool & the Gang.

Fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Lionel Richie and Ryan Seacrest announced the inductees Sunday during American Idol. The icons will officially be anointed as rock ‘n’ roll royalty on Oct. 19, when the 39th annual induction ceremony takes place at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. It will stream live on Disney+.

Cher, Osbourne, Foreigner, Frampton and Kool & the Gang are receiving the honor after appearing on the ballot for the first time. Osbourne is being inducted to the Rock Hall for a second time; he was inducted as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006.

The prestigious event will also honor Jimmy Buffett, Dionne Warwick, Norman Whitfield and MC5 with the Musical Excellence Award; Big Mama Thornton,...

The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were announced tonight on American Idol by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 inductee Lionel Richie.

A Tribe Called Quest, Cher, Foreigner, Dave Matthews Band, Kool & the Gang, Mary J. Blige, Peter Frampton, and Ozzy Osbourne were announced as the performers being inducted.

Jimmy Buffett is set to be recognized for his musical excellence. Other inductees include Dionne Warwick, Norman Whitfield, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, MC5, Suzanne de Passe, and Big Mama Thornton.

Related: ‘American Idol’ Sets Mandisa Tribute Following Death Of Season 5 Contestant

Nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2024 included Cher, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. & Rakim, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Jane’s Addiction, Kool & the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, Sinead O’Connor, Ozzy Osbourne, Sade and A Tribe Called Quest.

The 2023 inductees included Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliot, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, and The Spinners.

Richie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 alongside Pat Benatar (and Neil Giraldo), Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics (Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart), Carly Simon and Dolly Parton.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, established in 1983, is located in Cleveland, Ohio. Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record. A committee nominates an artist, and “rock experts” evaluate the nominees and vote on the candidates who are inducted.

The upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is embracing the Motown sound — announcing key castings including Larenz Tate as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and Kat Graham as the legendary Diana Ross.

As the film chronicles Jackson’s rise to prominence — first as a member of the Jackson 5, then as a solo artist — the record label will factor in significantly. “Power” franchise star Tate (who coincidentally played “Thriller” producer Quincy Jones in 2004’s “Ray”) takes on the Motown impresario Gordy, who redefined American music by platforming such acts as the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Diana Ross & the Supremes.

Graham portrays Ross, who, as lead singer of the chart-topping group, was asked to officially introduce the Jackson 5 to the world and remained a lifelong influence on Michael Jackson.

Other new cast members of the Lionsgate...

“Michael,” the splashy forthcoming biopic about Michael Jackson from director Antoine Fuqua, has added actor Laura Harrier in a key role.

Harrier, of “BlacKkKlansman” and “Spider-man: Homecoming” fame, will portray pioneering female music executive Suzanne de Passe in the Lionsgate project.

De Passe was a creative assistant to Motown founder Berry Gordy, and is credited with convincing Gordy to sign The Jackson 5 to his label. De Passe costumed the world famous family group in early days, and later played a critical role in bringing the band and other Motown sensations to live television. She worked closely with Michael Jackson from childhood, standing by him as a teacher and mentor, helping him navigate the music business.

Harrier is a Screen Actors Guild award nominee for her work in Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” and also appeared in the Ryan Murphy Netflix original series “Hollywood.” She most recently starred opposite Jack Harlow in...

On Wednesday night, the African American Film Critics Association honored the top actors, directors and films of the year at the 15th annual Aafca Awards, in a Los Angeles ceremony hosted by Roy Wood Jr.

One of night’s top honors — which were announced in advance — went to American Fiction star Jeffrey Wright, who delivered a humorous speech about the debt actors owe to critics as he accepted the Legend Award.

“There is a line in The Dresser which, to my mind, is the film that best captures what it is to be an actor,” he began. “Albert Finney, playing this blustery, brilliant, Shakespearean actress, says these horrible words: ‘The critics. Hate the critics. I have nothing but compassion for them. How can one hate the crippled, the mentally deficient, and the dead?'”

“I’ve been changed,” Wright said to a response of thunderous laughter. “After this moment I...

Clarence Avant, who was dubbed the “Godfather of Black Music,” died Sunday in Los Angeles, his family has confirmed. He was 92.

A statement provided by his family including son-in-law Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-ceo, announced Avant’s passing “with a heavy heart,” and said he had “passed away gently.”

“Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” the statement said. “Top artists and executives like Quincy Jones, JayZ, Whitney Houston, Pharrell Williams, Lionel Richie, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sean Combs, L.A. Reid, Suzanne de Passe, Kenny ‘Baby Face’ Edmonds, Jon Platt, Irving Azoff, Snoop Dogg Reginald Hudland, Benny Medina and Queen Latifah all credit Avant for his inspiration and guidance.”

The news comes almost two years after the shooting death of his wife, Jackie Avant, during a break-in at the family’s Beverly Hills home...

Angela Bassett, Kerry Washington, Effie T. Brown and Debra Martin Chase have been named special honorees at the 2023 Black Reel Awards.

The Black Reel Awards — also known as “The Bolts” — are an annual awards ceremony hosted by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African Americans in Film (Faaaf) recognizing the “excellence of African Americans and the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora in the global film industry.” The 23rd annual ceremony, presented in partnership with idobi Radio, will take place on Feb. 6, 2023.

“Since its inception, the Black Reel Awards have remained at the forefront of acknowledging the accomplishments of exceptional Black creatives. Each of these women has left an indelible mark on cinematic history and the culture,” said Black Reel Award founder and CEO Tim Gordon in a statement. “Idobi shares our passion for excellence, and together we take great delight in honoring this prolific group of icons.”

Bassett will...

Elvis Mitchell’s new Netflix documentary Is That Black Enough You?!? is a whirling exploration of a specific slice of Black movie history. Its main point of interest is the 1970s and its borders. The moment of Blaxploitation, Melvin Van Peebles, liberation politics, Pam Grier, Ali/Frazier, Lady Sings the Blues, and on and on. Mitchell, a longtime film critic, formerly of the New York Times and elsewhere, is not merely sifting through this history for history’s sake, even as the broad backbone of this film is a year-by-year accounting of the decade.

Click here to read the full article.

It happens every few decades, each time more reverentially than the last: declarations of Black art’s existence. There are whispers of a renaissance, talk of watershed moments. Certain demographics rush to celebrate its arrival, and those allergic to trends (or with a memory longer than a decade) dutifully remind that it’s always been here. Chatter about representation, necessity, meaning and craft is run through until it fizzles. And then we do it again.

Elvis Mitchell’s Is That Black Enough for You?!?, which premiered at the New York Film Festival and lands on Netflix Nov. 11, is the kind of work that tries to free us from this purgatory of intellectual relitigation. The documentary — dense and considered — examines the impact and legacy of Black films released during the late 1960s to late 1970s, a decade remembered for the proliferation of Blaxploitation flicks.

Great American Family is continuing to rollout their slate of original holiday movies. Jessica Lowndes, Paul Greene and seven-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight will star in “Someday at Christmas,” set to premiere this November. Production begins today on the film, which marks the reunion of Knight with former Motown chief, writer-producer Suzanne de Passe.

“Great American Christmas,” the network’s franchise, will return with a new slate of original holiday movies premiering every Saturday and Sunday on October 21. Christmas movies will air all day and all night through the end of 2022.

This marks Greene’s first appearance on Great American Family. The “When Calls the Heart” star is a staple on Hallmark Channel, leading nine of their movies since 2015. This year, he will also appear in CBS’ holiday movie, “Fit for Christmas,” alongside Amanda Kloots.

In February, Lowndes signed a four-picture deal to star in, write, direct and executive produce...

Jessica Lowndes and Paul Greene are teaming up!

Great American Family revealed Thursday that Jessica Lowndes, Paul Greene (When Calls the Heart), and Golden Globe ® nominee (Pipe Dreams) and seven-time Grammy Award ® winner (22 nominations), the “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight are set to star in Someday at Christmas.

The flick is an original Christmas movie, which is set to premiere on the network this November.

The film reunites Knight with former Motown chief and acclaimed, award-winning writer-producer, Suzanne de Passe.

The new film begins production on September 9 and will be part of Great American Christmas, the network’s holiday programming franchise which returns on October 21 with a new slate of original holiday movie premieres every Saturday and Sunday and Christmas movies all day and all night through the end of 2022.

“As anticipation builds for year two of Great American Christmas, we are delighted to be working with the incomparable Gladys Knight...

There were big winners at the 22nd Annual Black Reel Awards which was presented by idobi. Featuring 12 live awards and 5 honorees, and unveiling a new statuette, the ceremony made sure to conduct tributes to films which made their mark in Black Cinema History.

This year’s show became a battle of cinematic royalty, beginning with a duel twenty years in the making. In 2001 Denzel Washington faced off against Will Smith in the Outstanding Actor category with Washington’s performance in Training Day beating out Smith’s work in Ali. In the return match, Smith proved he is the reigning king with his role in King Richard receiving the Outstanding Actor award over Washington’s “king” in The Tragedy of Macbeth. King Richard also claimed the awards for Outstanding Film and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Aunjanue Ellis).

Jeymes Samuel’s masterpiece, The Harder They Fall claimed a record 20 Bolt nominations. Fall cashed...

Motown founder Berry Gordy had a galaxy of star executives helping him build the company into the powerhouse it became, but not many of them shone as brightly as Suzanne de Passe.

Joining the company relatively late in its heyday, de Passe moved from her native Harlem to Detroit in 1968 and soon convinced a skeptical Berry to sign a group of kids calling themselves the Jackson 5. She quickly took charge of developing the group into the pop-culture juggernaut they immediately became — their first four singles went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — developing their live show, imaging, choreography, television appearances and much more. Her next signing? An R&b combo called the Commodores featuring a young singer named Lionel Richie.

After being named the company’s West Coast head of A&R she went on to work with Rick James and others, while gradually transitioning into her main career: as a TV and film executive,...

In recognition of their contributions to the world of entertainment, the executive committee of the Black Reel Awards is pleased to announce the recipients for honorary awards this year.

Two-time Black Reel Award winner and director of the new movie, Bruised, Halle Berry will receive the prestigious Vanguard Award for her tireless and inspiring work in the film community. Nate Moore, Vice President of Production and Development for Marvel Studios, will also receive a Vanguard Award for his contributions to and promotion of diversity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Actor, producer and twelve-time Black Reel Award nominee, Laurence Fishburne will receive the Sidney Poitier Trailblazer Award. Fishburne will be the first actor to receive the honorary award named for the legendary icon since the passing of Poitier, just weeks ago. Other honorees include Chaz Ebert who will receive the Ruby Dee Humanitarian Award and producer Suzanne De Passe who will...

Allen Hughes is set to direct “What’s Going On,” a biopic about the late legendary soul singer Marvin Gaye at Warner Bros., according to an individual with knowledge of the project.

Hughes will also produce the project with Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine and Andrew Lazar.

The script was written by poet and playwright Marcus Gardley and acquired by the studio. Motown and the late singer’s estate were part of the deal, allowing the use of Gaye’s signature songs.

The film has a budget north of $80 million — the most ever for an African American music biopic. Jan Gaye, the late singer’s widow, is executive producing the film along with Suzanne de Passe. Casting is currently underway for the actor to portray Gaye in the film, which will begin production in 2022 for a 2023 release.

The “What’s Going On” album, which turned 50 last month, was inspired by Gaye...

Exclusive: Warner Bros has landed What’s Going On, a biopic of iconic soul singer Marvin Gaye that Allen Hughes will direct, and produce with Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine and Andrew Lazar. The studio acquired a script by poet-playwright Marcus Gardley (he wrote the musical The Color Purple for WB) and the singer’s estate and Motown are part of the deal so there will be rights to use all of Gaye’s signature songs. This finally will bring to the screen the singer’s story, after many previous attempts by different filmmakers stalled or fell short of the rights needed.

“This is so personal for me,” Hughes told Deadline. “When I made my first film with my brother, we were fortunate to get “What’s Going On” into the trailer for Menace 2 Society, and it was a game changer in elevating the marketing of that film. Every film of...

Dee Harris-Lawrence, who is co-showrunner of CBS legal drama All Rise, is staying in the Warner Bros. family after striking an overall deal with the studio.

Harris-Lawrence, who is also showrunner of OWN’s David Makes Man, has closed an exclusive multi-year deal with the company – first studio overall pact.

She came on board All Rise, which is produced by Warner Bros. Television, alongside co-showrunner Greg Spottiswood in December 2019 following the exit of Sunil Nayar. The second season of the drama, which stars Simone Missick, launched earlier this month.

Harris-Lawrence will continue on All Rise as well as David Makes Man, which is also in production for its second season. She will also develop dramas, comedies and longform projects for streaming services including WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, cable and broadcast networks.

Prior to joining All Rise and David Makes Man, Harris-Lawrence was co-executive producer and writer on Unsolved: The Murders...

The Television Academy Foundation has added four new members to its board of directors: Endemol Shine’s Cris Abrego, Bunim/Murray Productions co-founder Jonathan Murray, Own president Tina Perry and composer Rickey Minor.

Abrego is chairman, Endemol Shine Americas, and CEO, Endemol Shine North America, and oversees shows in the U.S. including Big Brother, MasterChef and Lego Masters.

Minor is a music director, composer and producer whose credits include The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno, American Idol and America’s Got Talent. He picked up an Emmy in 2017 for Taking The Stage: African American Music and Stories That Changed America and also serves as a board appointee to the Academy’s Executive Committee and co-chair of the Academy’s Diversity Committee.

Murray co-founded The Real World and Keeping Up With the Kardashians producer Bunim/Murray. He has served multiple terms on the board of the TV Academy representing the Reality...

Coming to Film Forum in New York City is “Black Women,” a 70-film screening series that spotlights 81 years – 1920 to 2001 – of trailblazing African American actresses in American movies.

Scheduled to run from January 17 to February 13, the series is curated by film historian and professor Donald Bogle, author of six books concerning blacks in film and television, including the groundbreaking “Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks: An Interpretive History of Blacks in American Films” (1973).

“Last year, Bruce Goldstein, the repertory programmer at Film Forum, asked me if there was something I was interested in doing, and this was a topic that I had been thinking about, because I recently updated my book on the subject, ‘Brown Sugar,’ which dealt with African American women in entertainment from the early years of the late 19th century to the present,” said Bogle. “That’s really the way it came about, and it just developed from there.

"He became that mentor for us all. He became that Godfather." Netflix has unveiled an official trailer for a documentary titled The Black Godfather, introducing us to one of the most beloved behind-the-scenes men in the world: Clarence Avant. Not many know of him, but everyone knows the people he coached and advised - from presidents to athletes to major entertainers of all kinds. Directed by Oscar-nominee Reginald Hudlin and featuring interviews with Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Bill Withers, Snoop Dogg, P. Diddy, Lionel Richie, Suzanne de Passe, David Geffen, Jerry Moss, Cicely Tyson, and Jamie Foxx, among others, The Black Godfather documentary pulls the curtain back on the maestro himself, shining a spotlight on the man who's spent his entire career ensuring that it shined on others. This seems like an entertaining and amusing documentary, that also looks like it's packed with some great intelligence and wisdom.

Clarence Avant is one of the music business’s most legendary executives. Mentored by Joe Glaser, the longtime manager of Louis Armstrong, Avant has been in the business since the 1950s, managing Sarah Vaughan, R&B singer Little Willie John and others, before he became a powerhouse at Venture and Sussex Records, signing Bill Withers and more while his own a broadcasting company and producing films like Paramount’s Save the Children.

Avant is the subject of a new Netflix documentary The Black Godfather, which is going to be released on...

In the Academy Awards’ 90-year history, just nine black women have won Oscars. But here’s where it gets worse: Only one of those nine won in a non-acting category, Irene Cara, who co-wrote Best Original Song winner “Flashdance… What a Feeling” from “Flashdance” (1983). Cara could get some long overdue company this year from three people — all from the same film, “Black Panther.”

Three of “Black Panther”‘s seven nominations include black women as part of its nominees: Hannah Beachler is up for Best Production Design; Ruth E. Carter earned her third career Best Costume Design bid; and Sza co-wrote Best Original Song contender “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar, Sounwave and Anthony Tiffith.

Not only is Beachler the first African-American woman to be nominated for Best Production Design, but she’s the first African-American ever to be shortlisted in the category. Carter broke down that barrier in her category...

On the same day that a Michael Jackson-centric episode of Urban Myths was pulled from broadcast over its controversial casting, Lifetime revealed that the network is prepping their own biopic revolving around the King of Pop.

Tentatively titled Searching for Neverland, the Lifetime movie captures Jackson's final years through the perspective of two of his personal bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard.

Navi, the self-proclaimed "world's greatest Michael Jackson impersonator," will make his acting debut portraying the late singer in the Lifetime biopic, and The Walking Dead vet Chad L. Coleman will portray Whitfield,...

Hours after Sky Arts announced it would not air the controversial Michael Jackson episode of the British series Urban Myths, Lifetime has announced Jackson-related project of its own.

The network announced via press release on Friday that a Michael Jackson TV movie is currently in pre-production. The movie, working title Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland, is based on the best-selling book, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days, and will begin filming in Los Angeles in February.

Watch: 'Urban Myths' Episode Featuring Joseph Fiennes as Michael Jackson Is Cut Following Backlash

Searching for Neverland will tell the story of Jackson's final days through the eyes of his trusted bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard. The Walking Dead's Chad L. Coleman has been cast as Whitfield, while Michael Jackson tribute artist Navi will play the King of Pop, in his acting debut.

Suzanne de Passe, Madison Jones and [link...

Back in June, James Franco starred in the remake of the 1996 slasher “Mother, May I Sleep With Danger?” for Lifetime. The film was something that traditional Lifetime movie audiences weren’t used to seeing, but it seemed to have worked out well for Franco and the network.

Now, the ever busy filmmaker is set to star in and executive produce his second Lifetime film, “High School Lover.” Not much is known about the TV movie, only that it will debut February 4. The first image, which you can see above, was also released.

Read More: ‘Beaches’ Remake Trailer: Idina Menzel Belts ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ in Lifetime Promo

Additionally, Lifetime also announced a handful of other projects that they will be debuting and producing this year.

Currently in pre-production is “Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland,” a movie from Suzanne de Passe which follows the iconic singer’s final years. It will star Navi,...

Music biopics have done very well for Lifetime, which had cable's #1 and #2 original movies of 2016 in key demographics with Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart and Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le. For 2017, the network is taking on the King of Pop with Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland (working title), executive produced by Suzanne de Passe (The Jacksons: An American Dream), who has a long-standing relationship with the Jackson family, and staring Navi, a…...

Michael Jackson is getting the Lifetime movie treatment. Lifetime announced Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland (working title), a new flick based on the best-selling book Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days. The movie is told through the eyes of Jacksons trusted bodyguards, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard. Navi, who Lifetime calls the world's No. 1 Michael Jackson tribute artist will star as the King of Pop. This is his acting debut. The Walking Dead's Chad L. Coleman will play Whitfield. Filming is expected to begin in Los Angeles in February. Suzanne de Passe, who also worked on The Jacksons: An American Dream, will executive produce with Madison Jones and Robert...

The story of Miriam Makeba, one of the most important voices in South Africa's transformation from apartheid to the presidency of Nelson Mandela, is being turned into a feature film by Suzanne de Passe (Lady Sings The Blues) and Madison Jones of de Passe Jones Entertainment. Also producing is Broadway producer Willette Klausner, music producer David Franco and Makeba's former publicist and confidant Marc Le Chat. Makeba was Africa’s first Grammy winner, she recorded and…...

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The 1970s Richard Pryor-headlined comedy Car Wash - that gave us the song of the same name - is getting a remake...

Universal is eyeing up a remake of the 1976 comedy Car Wash, that originally starred Richard Pryor. He led the cast, alongside The Pointer Sisters, Bill Duke, George Carlin, Otis Day and Lorraine Gray. You may very well be familiar with the title song, too.

Car Wash followed the employees of, well, a car wash across a day of their lives. The new version thus far only has producers attached. Suzanne Coston is producing the rename, with Suzanne de Passe executive producing.

As of yet, it’s unclear how closely the new film will reflect and/or mirror the first, and the search is on for a writer for the new film. More news as we get it, as always…

The Tracking Board.

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VH1 has picked up a one-hour scripted series inspired by “The View” host Star Jones’ 2011 book “Satan’s Sisters,” the network announced on Thursday. “Satan’s Sisters” follows the drama surrounding fictional ladies’ talk show “The Lunch Hour,” before and behind the scenes, as its five female co-hosts discuss life, love, family and politics. The show is slated for a 2017 premiere, and will be executive produced by Josh Berman, Star Jones, Suzanne DePasse and Madison Jones, and Susan Levison. Writers for the series are Amy Engelberg and Wendy Engelberg who also serve as executive producers, and the series is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television.

VH1 has given the greenlight for "Satan's Sisters," a new scripted drama series inspired by Star Jones' 2011 satirical novel.

That book follows the behind-the-scenes story of a popular daytime ladies talk show titled "The Lunch Hour," and is inspired by Jones' time on "The View" where she was one of the most controversial panelists throughout the show's entire run.

In the story, five female co-hosts seem to be best friends and sisters on screen but behind the scenes it's all power struggles, personal demons, diva fits, love affairs, man troubles, cat fights and cocktails.

Jones will serve as an exec producer on the series, along with Josh Berman, Suzanne DePasse, Madison Jones and Susan Levison.

Source: Variety...

The Oscars are less than 96 hours away, so you only have a limited amount of time to brag about your insane knowledge of Academy Awards history. Ready for a brutal 21-question foray into Oscar's grisly past? Let's roll. (We give you the questions on the first page. Jot down your responses, then check the answers, along with the accompanying questions, on the next page. The videos embedded here aren't related to the questions. They're just fun!) 1. What ‘90s Best Actor winner gave the shortest onscreen performance ever nominated (and therefore awarded) in that category? This is measured by total minutes and seconds spent onscreen. 2. The first (and so far only) black female nominee in the Best Original Screenplay category was a co-writer of what biopic released in the 1970s? 3. From 1937 to 1945, the Academy guaranteed nominations in one particular category to any studio that submitted a qualifiable entry. What was the category?...

The touring production of Motown the Musical sent a special 'Happy Trails' to the Broadway Production of Motown, closing today, Sunday Jan. 18. With direction and arrangement by Jesse Nager Smokey Robinson the video features Julius Thomas III Berry Gordy, Allison Semmes Diana Ross, Jarran Muse Marvin Gaye, Krisha Mercano Suzanne De Passe, and Rod Harrelson dance captain, all of whom joined the tour from the Broadway company. The video also has appearances from the entire company currently in Philadelphia. Check it out below...

By Anjelica Oswald

Managing Editor

Last year’s Oscar ceremony made history when director Steve McQueen became the first black filmmaker to win for best picture with 12 Years a Slave and Alfonso Cuaron became the first Latin American to win for best director with Gravity. This year’s ceremony could make history as well: Ava DuVernay could become the first black female to be nominated for best director for Selma, and if Angelina Jolie lands a nomination for Unbroken, it will be the first time two women are nominated in the same year.

In 2012, DuVernay became the first black woman to win for best director at the Sundance Film Festival with Middle of Nowhere.

Lee & Low Books found that 99 percent of best director winners are male and 99 percent of best actress winners are white (93 percent of best actor winners are also white).

The lack of diversity at the Oscars does...

He's been in negotiations to direct the untitled Martin Luther King Jr. biopic at Dreamworks for a few months now, the one set to star his "Any Given Sunday" star Jamie Foxx as the famed civil rights leader.

Today, Stone took to Twitter to confirm he's no longer involved in the project due to creative differences with the producers. From the sounds of it Stone wanted to make a warts-and-all style biopic, whereas the producers want something which paints a more flattering picture. Here's Stone's tweets on the subject:

"Sad news. My Mlk project involvement has ended. I did an extensive rewrite of the script, but the producers won't go with it.

The script dealt with issues of adultery, conflicts within the movement, and King's spiritual transformation into a higher, more radical being

I'm told the estate and the 'respectable' black community that guard King's reputation won't approve it. They...

Oliver Stone is in early talks to direct an untitled biopic about Martin Luther King Jr. at Warner Bros. Pictures and DreamWorks.

Jamie Foxx is also in early talks to star as Mlk in the movie which has been in development since 2009. The story would follow the famed civil rights activist from his rise all the way to his assassination in 1968.

Kario Salem penned the script with Steven Spielberg, Suzanne De Passe, Madison Jones and Samuel Nappi producing.

Source: Variety...

With "JFK," "Nixon" and "W." under his belt, Oliver Stone knows his way around (controversial) biopics of famous American leaders. But even with that said, he's not the first guy we'd think of for a movie about Martin Luther King Jr. Then again, we're not the folks at DreamWorks, who are eyeing Stone to direct, and Jamie Foxx to star in a currently untitled project they're developing. The weight behind this one is immense, with Steven Spielberg leading the producers that also include Suzanne De Passe, Madison Jones and Sam Nappi, and Ronald Harwood ("The Pianist," "Australia") first cracking the script while Kario Salem ("Chasing Mavericks") is working on it now. But perhaps most crucially, the project has members of the Mlk family involved as well. Now for the caveats: THR says, "neither Stone nor Foxx have offers at this stage but meetings have taken place. The two are keen...