The Walt Disney Company Earns 15 Academy Award Nominations
Nominations for the 93rd Oscars® were recently announced, and films from across The Walt Disney Company combined to earn 15 Academy Award® nominations for 2021.
Searchlight Pictures’ critically acclaimed Nomadland received six nominations, including Best Motion Picture. The film’s star, Frances McDormand, is nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Chloé Zhao received nods for Best Achievement in Directing, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Achievement in Editing. With Nomadland, Searchlight Pictures has now garnered 19 Best Picture Oscar Nominations and a grand total of 164 Academy Award nominations. The studio has won 40 Academy Awards since 1994, including four Best Picture winners since 2009: Slumdog Millionaire, 12 Years a Slave, Birdman and The Shape of Water.
Disney+ received its first Oscar nominations since launching in 2019. The service is home to a variety of nominated content including Onward, Soul, and the animated short Burrow, all from Disney and Pixar; Disney’s Mulan and Disney’s The One and Only Ivan. Soul and Onward are both nominated for Best Animated Feature, and Soul received two additional nominations this morning for Best Original Score and Best Sound. Disney’s Mulan received nominations for Best Costume Design and Best Visual Effects; Disney’s The One and Only Ivan is nominated for Best Visual Effects; and Disney and Pixar’s Burrow is among this year’s nominees for Best Animated Short Film.
The Hulu Original film The United States vs. Billie Holiday garnered a nomination for its star, Andra Day, who is among the nominees for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Hulu is also the exclusive streaming home to Searchlight Pictures’ Nomadland.
Here is the complete list of nominations from across The Walt Disney Company:
Nomadland (Searchlight Pictures): 6 Nominations
Best Motion Picture—Frances McDormand, Peter Spears, Dan Janvey, Mollye Asher, Chloé Zhao
Best Actress in a Leading Role—Frances McDormand
Best Achievement in Directing—Chloé Zhao
Best Adapted Screenplay—Chloé Zhao
Best Achievement in Editing—Chloé Zhao
Best Achievement in Cinematography—Joshua James Richards
Soul (Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Disney+ / Disney Music Group): 3 Nominations
Best Animated Feature
Best Original Score—Jon Batiste, Atticus Ross, Trent Reznor
Best Achievement in Sound
Mulan (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Disney+): 2 Nominations
Best Costume Design
Best Visual Effects
Onward (Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures): 1 Nomination
Best Animated Feature
The One and Only Ivan (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Disney+): 1 Nomination
Best Visual Effects
Burrow (Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Disney+): 1 Nomination
Best Animated Short Film
The United States vs. Billie Holiday (Hulu): 1 Nomination
Best Actress in a Leading Role—Andra Day
Soul director Pete Docter, producer Dana Murray and co-director Kemp Powers said, “Thank you to the Academy for this incredible honor, we are truly humbled. Soul represents several years of research, intense work, self-doubt and also a good deal of fun. Our journey on the film was similar to that of Joe Gardner’s—well, except the part where he falls down a manhole. As we struggled with story clarity and tried out who-knows-how-many different endings, we began to realize how important it was to savor what may have felt like minor moments along the way: the satisfaction of jotting down a preliminary sketch on a scrap of paper; hearing the first chords from the earliest music demos; laughing with the crew. Though we might not have known it at the time, moments like these helped inspire us and fed back into the film in innumerable ways. Though we are living through challenging times, being recognized by the Academy gives us hope that the joy we found and put into our film was shared by audiences, and nothing could be more meaningful than that.”
The talented musicians who created the score for Soul—Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste—had this reaction to their Oscar nominations: “We are astounded and incredibly grateful to be considered for the Academy Award for Best Original Score on behalf of Soul. This was a profoundly rewarding creative collaboration filled with so much love, light and lineage. The warm reception of the film continues to humble us. We will be celebrating this tremendous honor in anticipation of the ceremony to come.”
Onward director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae shared, “Thank you to the Academy for honoring our film. We share this nomination with the entire cast and the crew at Pixar who were essential in bringing the magic and wonder of Ian and Barley’s journey to life. Onward was a very personal story, exploring the idea of what one would do if they had more time with a loved one they’d lost. It’s incredibly meaningful to see how this has resonated with audiences, and we couldn’t be more thankful to the Academy for their recognition.”
“We are incredibly honored to receive this nomination and be celebrated alongside such an inspiring collection of shorts—it means the world to us and the entire Burrow crew. Burrow is a short that encourages people not be afraid to open themselves up to others—and to be recognized in a year when maybe a lot of people have been feeling isolated, really means the world to us,” said Burrow director Madeline Sharafian and producer Michael Capbarat. “A sincere thank you to the Academy for this recognition.”
Mulan’s nominees for Best Visual Effects—Sean Faden, Anders Langlands, Seth Maury and Steve Ingram—said, “The VFX team of Mulan is so thrilled and deeply honored to be recognized by our branch! Thanks to our VFX producer Di Giorgiutti, our production family and our actual families! Thanks to our SFX team and all of the VFX companies (Weta, Imageworks, Framestore, Image Engine and Crafty Apes) for their stellar work and friendship. A special thanks to the amazing team at Disney including producer Jason Reed and our wonderful executive Mimi Steele, our fearless director Niki Caro and incredibly supportive DP Mandy Walker and amazing production designer and costume designer Grant Major and Bina Daigeler for giving us such rich textures to work with. It was fun bringing this world to life and I hope people will get a chance to see the work again.”
The film’s costume designer, Bina Daigeler, said, “I am over the moon and so thrilled to be nominated. It’s such a great honor and thank you to the Academy for my nomination. I am so happy to see my name alongside my amazing costume designer colleagues. Mulan was such a great and important experience. I am full of gratitude to get this recognition, especially during this rough time, and am sharing my happiness with my friends around the world.
“This nomination is a testament to the passion and talent of the visual effects artists at MPC Film,” said The One and Only Ivan’s Production VFX Supervisor Nick Davis. “We are honored to receive an Oscar nomination for the visual effects of The One and Only Ivan. I’d also like to thank our friends at Disney and our director, Thea Sharrock.”
The 93rd Oscars will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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Monday, March 29, 2021
Seven Disney Releases Earn a Combined 15 Nominations at the 93rd Oscars
Saturday, March 20, 2021
NatGeo Rolls Out Spring 2021 Content with "Genius: Aretha" Sun., March 21st
National Geographic Announces Spring 2021 Content Rollout at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour
STORYTELLING THROUGH THE EYES OF …
PREMIERES INCLUDE
‘Genius: Aretha’ Premieres Sunday, March 21;
ADVENTURE NIGHT:
Returning Series ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls’ and New Series ‘Race to the Center of the Earth’ Premiere Monday, March 29;
‘National Geographic Presents: IMPACT with Gal Gadot’ Digital Series Premieres April 19;
Disney+ Original Series ‘Secrets of the Whales’ Premieres Earth Day, April 22;
PERSONALITY NIGHT:
Returning Series ‘Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted’ and New Series ‘Breaking Bobby Bones’ Premiere Memorial Day
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic President of Content Courteney Monroe unveiled the spring schedule of premieres for National Geographic’s premium science, adventure and exploration content at the Television Critics Association Virtual Winter Press Tour.
“In the wake of this extraordinary and unprecedented year, we remain focused at National Geographic on telling stories that remind us that beauty and wonder still exist in our world,” said Monroe. “From ‘IMPACT with Gal Gadot’ to ‘Secrets of The Whales’ and the return of ‘Uncharted with Gordon Ramsay,’ National Geographic transports audiences around the globe, inspiring a new generation of explorers and adventurers.”
Highlights of National Geographic Content’s new premieres include the highly anticipated March 21 debut of “Genius: Aretha” starring Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin; March 29 premiere of a night of adventure with new series “Race to the Center of the Earth,” from “The Amazing Race” producers, paired with a new season of fan-favorite adventure series “Running Wild with Bear Grylls”; Memorial Day premiere of new personality-driven series “Breaking Bobby Bones” paired with a new season of “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted”; new digital doc shorts series “National Geographic Presents: IMPACT with Gal Gadot” dropping on April 19 across National Geographic digital and social platforms; and the Disney+ Earth Day premiere of the original series “Secrets of the Whales,” from executive producer James Cameron and featuring National Geographic Photographer Brian Skerry.
Full press releases and trailers for “Genius: Aretha,” “Running Wild with Bear Grylls,” “Race to the Center of the Earth,” “National Geographic Presents: IMPACT with Gal Gadot,” “Secrets of the Whales,” “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted,” “Breaking Bobby Bones” and “Red Summer” can be found at natgeotvpressroom.com.
National Geographic Content - NEW PREMIERE DATES (U.S. ONLY):
MARCH
OWN THE ROOM on Disney+ from National Geographic Documentary Films (NEW DOC)
Premieres Friday, March 12
Five students from disparate corners of the planet take their big ideas to Macau, China, host of one of the most prestigious entrepreneurship competitions in the world, the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards. Santosh is from a small farming town in Nepal; Alondra works the register at her family’s bakery in Puerto Rico; Henry is a programming wiz from Nairobi; Jason is a marketing machine from Greece; and Daniela is an immigrant escaping the crisis in Venezuela, taking on the chemical industry from her lab at NYU. They’ve each overcome immense obstacles in pursuit of their dreams, from hurricanes to poverty to civil unrest. Their ideas have already changed their own lives, but are they ready to change the world?
DR. OAKLEY, YUKON VET on Nat Geo WILD (Returning Series)
Premieres Saturday, March 13, 9/8c
All previous seasons of “Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet” are available to stream on Disney+
Every day is a unique challenge for Dr. Michelle Oakley, the only all-species vet for hundreds of miles across the Great North. Whether wrestling bison, tracking ibex in the mountains, performing surgery on a wolverine, or braving fierce landscapes to return moose calves to the wild, Dr. Oakley will do whatever it takes to keep the animals in her charge safe and healthy.
GENIUS: ARETHA on National Geographic (New Season of Anthology Series)
Four-night Television Event Premieres Sunday, March 21 at 9/8c, with back-to-back episodes, available next day on Hulu
“Genius” is National Geographic's critically acclaimed anthology series that dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world’s most brilliant innovators, their extraordinary achievements and their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. This third season will explore Aretha Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. Franklin was a gospel prodigy, an outspoken civil rights champion and is widely considered to be the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career. Starring double-Oscar® nominee Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin and Emmy®-award winning Courtney B. Vance as C.L. Franklin, “Genius: Aretha” will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul. Previous seasons, “Genius: Einstein” and “Genius: Picasso” are available to stream on Hulu.
RUNNING WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS on National Geographic (Returning Series)
Premieres Monday, March 29 at 9/8c
The previous Nat Geo season of “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” is available to stream on Disney+
National Geographic is officially the new home of the wildly popular hit series “Running Wild with Bear Grylls.” In its second season on National Geographic, world-renowned survivalist Bear Grylls returns to the wilderness eager to push the mental and physical limits of a brand-new slate of celebrities in the hit adventure series “Running Wild with Bear Grylls.” Hollywood’s fan favorites come along for another adventurous ride to join Grylls in new challenges that make even the bravest shudder. Each week, a new celebrity guest leaves the luxury of their homes to venture into some of the most extreme environments in the world to conquer fears, test their limits and sometimes dabble in nature’s not-so-tasty delicacies. Continuing to push superstars’ comfort levels, this season Grylls travels the globe from the deserts of Utah to the Dolomites of Italy and the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California for more epic, life-changing adventures. This season’s celebrities include: Anthony Mackie (“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”), Bobby Bones (“Breaking Bobby Bones,” “American Idol”), Terry Crews (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Deadpool”), Gina Carano (“The Mandalorian”), Keegan-Michael Key (“Brain Games,” “Prom”), Danica Patrick (former professional racing driver), Danny Trejo (“Machete,” “Sons of Anarchy”) and Rainn Wilson (“The Office,” “Utopia”).
RACE TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH on National Geographic (New Series)
Premieres Monday, March 29 at 10/9c
The epic seven-part series, created by award-winning producers Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri, is an adrenaline-fueled global competition that pits four teams of three against one another in a nonstop sprint across the globe for a $1 million prize. “Race to the Center of the Earth” is an extreme non-elimination competition that follows four groups of adventurers, each starting from different corners of the earth, as they race to a buoy holding the grand prize. Racing from different corners of the planet — South America, Russia, Canada and Southeast Asia, the teams will face untamed jungles, frozen arctic, arid deserts, bustling cities, treacherous mountains and vast oceans to reach the location where all four routes intersect. The first team to arrive at the buoy claims it all. Embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, these adventurous teams, made up of friends and co-workers, are confident their bond is what will lead them to the finish line.
APRIL
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRESENTS: IMPACT WITH GAL GADOT on National Geographic digital and social platforms (New Digital Series)
Premieres weekly beginning Monday, April 19
In the heart of some of the most difficult circumstances in the world, there exist beacons of hope. National Geographic Presents: IMPACT with Gal Gadot is a compelling new six-part short-form documentary series from executive producers Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”), Jaron Varsano (“Cleopatra”), Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth (“Freeheld”), Entertainment One’s (eOne) Tara Long (Emmy®-nominated “L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later”) and RPC’s Ryan Pallota, that follows the powerful stories of resilient young women around the globe who overcome obstacles and do extraordinary things.
SECRETS OF THE WHALES on Disney+ (New Series)
Four-Part Event Series Premieres Earth Day, April 22
(From executive producer James Cameron and featuring National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry)
Epic, revealing and emotional, that’s what you get when immersed in the secretive world of whales and see life and love from their perspectives. From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and conservationist James Cameron, “Secrets of the Whales” plunges viewers deep within the epicenter of whale culture to experience the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures of five different whale species: orcas, humpbacks, belugas, narwhals and sperm whales. Featuring the expansive knowledge and skill of acclaimed National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Brian Skerry, the four-part Earth Day special-event series unveils new science and technology to spotlight whales as they make lifelong friendships, teach clan heritage and traditions to their young, and grieve deeply for the loss of loved ones. Filmed over three years in 24 global locations, throughout this epic journey, we learn that whales are far more complex and more like us than ever imagined. Narrated by award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver (“Alien,” “Avatar,” “Gorillas in the Mist”), this is a personal story that very few are lucky enough to witness … until now.
In addition, National Geographic magazine’s May issue (available online at natgeo.com mid-April) will be a single topic Earth Day issue showcasing Skerry’s bold new photography. Skerry’s latest work will also be featured in the National Geographic book “Secrets of the Whales,” timed to the series (on sale April 6).
KINGDOM OF THE POLAR BEARS on Nat Geo WILD (New Special)
Two-hour Special Premieres Earth Day, April 22 at 8/7c
As the Arctic changes faster than ever, Dennis Compayre, a veteran polar bear guide, makes an epic first-time journey following his beloved bears through the brutal Canadian winter and onto the frozen waters of Hudson Bay. In this high-stakes, high-reward venture, the team documents the secret world of polar bears and the mysterious and disappearing kingdom of ice that sustains them. The winter hunting and birthing season is a critical time for these bears and is largely undocumented, deemed too difficult and dangerous for humans to follow … until now. The team, armed with traditional ecological knowledge and the latest 4K camera technology, witnesses never-before-seen seal-hunting strategies and documents rapid adaptations to climate change, including whale predation and open-water hunting.
MAY
CRITTER FIXERS: COUNTRY VETS on Nat Geo WILD (Returning Series)
Premieres Saturday, May 22, 9/8c
Season one of “Critter Fixers: Country Vets” is available to stream on Disney+
Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson are two lifelong friends who own and operate Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospitals, located 100 miles south of Atlanta. Together with their loving staff, these physicians bring real heart, soul and a lot of humor to their treatment and care of more than 20,000 patients a year across their two locations. Between emergency visits to the office and farm calls throughout rural Georgia, this special team is constantly bombarded with unique cases. From adhering Tilapia scales to save an attacked dog to assembling a splint on a rare South American bird, for the Critter Fixer team, there is no such thing as “normal.”
GORDON RAMSAY: UNCHARTED New Episodes on National Geographic (Returning Series)
Eight-Part Third Season Premieres Monday, May 31 at 9/8c, Available Next Day on Disney+
Seasons one and two of “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted” are also available to stream on Disney+
Gordon Ramsay laces his boots, grabs his knives and buckles up as he hits the road to embark on exhilarating adventures, exploring world cultures through food in National Geographic’s “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted.” The multi-Michelin-star chef and Ironman athlete feasts his way around the globe – risking life and limb in daring missions – in pursuit of culinary inspiration and edible excellence. Under the guidance of local experts and food legends he meets along the way, Ramsay will partake in culinary customs, learn about delicious delicacies and taste fresh flavors unique to each region. In the upcoming third season, Ramsay goes off the grid and off recipe as he feasts his way through Texas, Portugal, Croatia, Puerto Rico, Iceland, Maine, the Smoky Mountains and Mexico.
BREAKING BOBBY BONES on National Geographic (New Series)
Premieres Monday, May 31 at 10/9c, with two back-to-back episodes, then moves to Sundays at 10/9c with two new episodes premiering each week
In each half-hour episode of “Breaking Bobby Bones,” Bobby Bones pursues his own mantra—Fight. Grind. Repeat.—by traveling to far-flung destinations across the country to find people with unique jobs, skills, hobbies and abilities. Upon arrival, he meets local everyday heroes who challenge him to conquer (or at least attempt) the tricks of their trades while exploring the triumphs and tragedies that made these heroes who they are today. Through their joint experiences, viewers come along for the ride learning what it’s like to become a tenacious stunt artist, kayak the Colorado River blindfolded and play para hockey on a sled. It’s an action-packed celebration of Americans who work hard, play hard and, above all, take pride in everything they do.
JUNE
RED SUMMER (w.t.) on National Geographic (New Documentary Film)
Premieres June 2021
National Geographic Documentary Films partners with acclaimed filmmaker Dawn Porter ("The Way I See It," "Good Trouble: John Lewis") and Trailblazer Studios on a documentary special that sheds new light on a century-old period of intense racial conflict. “Red Summer” (working title) comes 100 years on from the two-day Tulsa Massacre in 1921 that led to the murder of as many as 300 Black people and left as many as 10,000 homeless and displaced. The film will premiere in June on National Geographic, commemorating Juneteenth when the last Black slaves in the U.S. heard of their emancipation. Award-winning Washington Post journalist and Tulsa native DeNeen Brown is at the heart of the film, reporting on the search for mass graves in her hometown. Digging into the events that lead to one of the worst episodes of racial violence in America's history, Brown uncovers new insights into this early 20th century period known as the Red Summer. Brown is uniquely placed to explore today's new civil rights movement in the context of the Tulsa Massacre and the Red Summer. With inside access to family members of those killed, law enforcement, archeologists and historians, Brown makes sense of the science and the politics intertwined throughout the search for Tulsa's mass grave. Leaving no stone unturned, “Red Summer” also untangles the role the media played in covering events at the time in order to reveal the full extent of the nation's buried past.
AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS: ANIMAL EDITION on Nat Geo WILD (New Series)
Premieres Sunday, June 20 at 8/7c
“America’s Funniest Home Videos” has been a household staple since its inception, providing hilarious entertainment from some of the most happy coincidences and epic fails in television history. But there’s no question that animal videos featuring furry friends and scaly celebrities are the most entertaining yet. A spinoff of the ABC hit, “America’s Funniest Home Videos: Animal Edition” presents knee-slapping, tear-jerking animal humor to Nat Geo WILD!
About National Geographic Partners:
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 133 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
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Wednesday, March 17, 2021
First of Eight Episodes of "Genius: Aretha" Debuts Sun., March 21st
National Geographic and Double Oscar® Nominee Cynthia Erivo Reveal Highly Anticipated Premiere Date and New Trailer for the Emmy® Award-Winning Anthology Series, GENIUS: ARETHA
The Third Season of the Limited Series Starring Erivo as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, and Courtney B. Vance as C.L. Franklin Will Premiere Double-Stacked Episodes Over Four Consecutive Nights, Beginning Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 9/8c With Episodes Available Next Day on Hulu
‘Chain of Fools’ Trailer is Here.
THE NETWORK’S PODCAST SERIES, THE MAKING OF, ALSO RELEASES BEHIND THE SCENES GENIUS: ARETHA THEMED EPISODE
‘The Making Of’ GENIUS: ARETHA, Episode 1 is Here.
GENIUS: ARETHA Hails From 20th Television and Imagine Television; Brian Grazer and Ron Howard Serve as Executive Producers Along With Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks As Executive Producer and Showrunner and Emmy and Golden Globe Winner Anthony Hemingway As Executive Producer and Director
Legendary Hit Record-Producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman Also Serve as Executive Producers
WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic and Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet,” “The Color Purple”) revealed during the network’s TCA session the highly anticipated premiere date and official series trailer for the multiple Emmy award-winning anthology series, GENIUS: ARETHA. From 20th Television and Imagine Television, this new season will premiere in the U.S. on the channel with double-stacked episodes across four consecutive nights, beginning on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at 9/8c. The premiere episodes will be available the next day on Hulu, culminating in a celebration of Aretha Franklin’s birthday, with all eight episodes available to stream by Thursday, March 25, 2021.
Additionally, National Geographic’s ongoing podcast series THE MAKING OF released the first of three GENIUS: ARETHA themed episodes, which features in-depth interviews with individuals who are both in front of the camera and also those behind the scenes. The latest episode features GENIUS: ARETHA’s cinematographer Kevin McKnight, costume designer Jennifer Bryan and choreographer Dondraico Johnson. They discuss the process of recreating and honoring key and iconic moments in Aretha Franklin’s life that will be covered in GENIUS: ARETHA. THE MAKING OF podcast is hosted by the celebrated entertainment journalist Stacey Wilson Hunt and is available to stream on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and other podcasting platforms.
GENIUS is National Geographic’s critically acclaimed anthology series that dramatizes the fascinating stories of the world’s most brilliant innovators and their extraordinary achievements with their volatile, passionate and complex personal relationships. This third season will explore Aretha Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career, as well as the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world. Franklin was a gospel prodigy, an outspoken civil rights champion and widely considered the greatest singer of the past 50 years, receiving countless honors throughout her career. GENIUS: ARETHA will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted series on the life of the universally acclaimed Queen of Soul.
Without knowing how to read music, Franklin taught herself to play the piano; at the young age of 12, she began to record songs and sing on gospel tours with her father. She signed her first record deal at age 18 with Columbia Records. In 1966, she moved to Atlantic Records, where she recorded many of her most iconic songs. In 1979, she began a 40-year friendship and partnership with Clive Davis, which produced a number of hit songs, including the highest charting and bestselling song of her career, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” a duet with George Michael. The legendary singer is one of the world’s bestselling musical artists of all time, with more than 75 million records sold globally during her career. Her voice was identified as a “natural resource” by her home state of Michigan.
The previously announced cast includes triple threat Tony®-, Emmy®- and GRAMMY® Award-winning Erivo as Aretha Franklin who will be performing many songs from Franklin’s rich catalogue; the Emmy-winning Courtney B. Vance (“The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”) as Aretha’s father, C.L. Franklin; Malcolm Barrett (“Timeless,” “Preacher”) as Ted White, Franklin’s first husband and business manager; David Cross (“Mr. Show,” “Arrested Development”) as legendary music producer Jerry Wexler, who guided Franklin as she developed into a confident singer and commercial success; Patrice Covington (“The Color Purple”, “Ain’t Misbehavin’”) and Rebecca Naomi Jones (“Oklahoma!,” “The Big Sick”) portray Erma and Carolyn Franklin, respectively, as Aretha’s sisters and frequent background singers, who supported and collaborated with their famous sibling; Steven Norfleet (“Watchmen,” “Dynasty”) as older brother Cecil Franklin, who stepped in as Aretha’s manager following her divorce from Ted White; veteran actress Pauletta Washington (“Beloved,” “She’s Gotta Have It”) as Aretha’s nurturing and loving paternal grandmother, Rachel; Omar J. Dorsey (“Queen Sugar”) as James Cleveland; Marque Richardson (“Dear White People”) as King Curtis, Kimberly Hébert Gregory (“Vice Principals”) as Ruth Bowen; and introducing Shaian Jordan as young Aretha Franklin, aka Little Re.
EPISODES INCLUDE:
RESPECT
Sunday, March 21, at 9/8c
Desperate for a hit, Aretha travels to Muscle Shoals in 1967 to record her first album with Atlantic Records. After suffering the loss of her surrogate mother, Little Re braves her first solo in 1953, in her father’s, C.L. Franklin, church.
UNTIL THE REAL THING COMES ALONG
Sunday, March 21, at 10/9c
Struggling to find her sound, Aretha catches the attention of Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records in 1966. Meanwhile, Little Re has her first touring experience on the Gospel Circuit in 1954 with C.L. Franklin and meets her idol, Clara Ward.
DO RIGHT WOMAN
Monday, March 22, at 9/8c
Aretha juggles her music career and her commitment to the civil rights movement, led by Martin Luther King Jr., in 1967 and 1968. Meanwhile, Little Re leaves behind her newborn child to return to the Gospel Circuit in 1955, meeting with music legends James Cleveland and Little Sammie Bryant.
UNFORGETTABLE
Monday, March 22, at 10/9c
Aretha is featured on the cover of Time Magazine in 1968, but she’s devastated when the article focuses on the scandalous details of her personal life. Barbara Franklin and Young C.L. Franklin struggle to establish themselves in Memphis in 1941, before Little Re is born.
YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK
Tuesday, March 23, at 9/8c
Aretha, inspired by Angela Davis and the Soledad Brothers, records her protest album “Young, Gifted and Black” in 1970. Despite Jerry Wexler’s uncertainty, the album is a success. Barbara Franklin makes a decision that has a devastating effect on Little Re in 1951.
AMAZING GRACE
Tuesday, March 23, at 10/9c
Aretha records her best-selling live Gospel album “Amazing Grace” in 1972 at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, ignoring her sibling’s pleas to record instead at New Bethel with their father, C.L. Franklin. Little Re discovers that she’s pregnant with her second child, forcing her to leave school. While pregnant, she records her first album at New Bethel in 1956.
CHAIN OF FOOLS
Wednesday, March 24, at 9/8c
As the Queen of Soul enters the age of disco, Aretha will do anything to remain relevant—including stealing an opportunity from her sister Carolyn. She receives a GRAMMY nomination but is ultimately snubbed from winning the award. While at the ceremony, she meets with Arista founder Clive Davis. Meanwhile, Jerry Wexler leaves Atlantic Records, and he and Aretha part ways.
NO ONE SLEEPS
Wednesday, March 24, at 10/9c
Despite significant emotional losses, including a second divorce and the death of her father in 1984, Aretha pushes herself artistically and triumphs. She begins a successful career at Arista, with the help of Clive Davis, and in an unforgettable GRAMMY performance in 1998, she solidifies her eternal reign as the Queen of Soul.
The series will feature many of Franklin’s biggest recordings and hit songs from the comprehensive Warner Music catalogue, including “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” “Chain of Fools,” “Don’t Play That Song” and “Save Me.” In addition, the series will feature Franklin’s performances of “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Freeway of Love” and “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves.” Additionally, the third season of the acclaimed anthology series features a number of well-known personalities who crossed paths with Franklin, including Dinah Washington, King Curtis, Clara Ward, Art Tatum, Reverend James Cleveland, Sydney Pollack, Angela Davis, Martin Luther King Jr., Curtis Mayfield and George Michael.
The series is produced by 20th Television and Imagine Entertainment. Imagine has partnered with Warner Music Entertainment for this third season, which will again be executive produced by Imagine’s Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. Pulitzer Prize recipient, MacArthur “Genius” grant receiver and Tony Award winner Suzan-Lori Parks (“Topdog/Underdog”) is showrunner, executive producer and lead writer. Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA TV Award winner Anthony Hemingway (“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”) will also executive produce and serve as director.
Legendary hit-record producer Clive Davis and Atlantic Records chairman and CEO Craig Kallman are executive producers. Imagine’s Anna Culp also serves as executive producer, and Peter Afterman is producer. Returning executive producers include Francie Calfo (GENIUS: EINSTEIN, GENIUS: PICASSO, “Empire”), Ken Biller (GENIUS: EINSTEIN, GENIUS: PICASSO), Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane (MWM Studios), and Sam Sokolow (EUE/Sokolow).
For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com or our press site www.foxflash.com, or follow us on Twitter using @NGC_PR.
About National Geographic Partners LLC:
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 133 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About Imagine Television Group:
Imagine Television Group is comprised of Imagine Television and Imagine Television Studios. Imagine Television was founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and is run by Imagine Television President Samie Kim Falvey. The company’s productions have been honored with 195 Emmy nominations and 30 Golden Globe nominations. Last year, the company formed Imagine Television Studios to produce and finance a slate of projects that currently includes the series “Why Women Kill” for CBS All Access from Marc Cherry; “Swagger” for Apple with Kevin Durant and Reggie Rock Bythewood; “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” for Hulu from The RZA and Alex Tse; and “68 Whiskey.” Imagine Television is also producing “Filthy Rich” with Tate Taylor for Fox. Current programming includes Fox’s award-winning series “Empire,” Netflix’s “Arrested Development” and Nat Geo’s Emmy®-winning GENIUS anthology series. Earlier productions include Fox’s Golden Globe- and Emmy®-winning Best Drama Series “24”; NBC’s Peabody Award-winning series “Friday Night Lights”; Fox’s Emmy®-winning Best Comedy “Arrested Development”; Fox’s “Shots Fired” and “Lie To Me”; WB’s “Felicity”; ABC’s “SportsNight”; and HBO’s “From the Earth to the Moon,” which won the Emmy® for Outstanding Mini-Series. Howard and Grazer began their collaboration in 1985 with the hit film comedies “Night Shift” and “Splash,” and continue to run Imagine as executive chairmen.
ABOUT 20TH TELEVISION:
A part of Disney Television Studios, 20th Television is one of the industry’s most prolific suppliers of entertainment programming, including the No 1. Series on all of broadcast, NBC’s THIS IS US from Dan Fogelman; Fox’s No. 1 drama, 9-1-1 and its spinoff 9-1-1: Lone Star from Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear, its No. 1 comedy LAST MAN STANDING starring Tim Allen; Hulu’s recent smash hits SOLAR OPPOSITES from Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan and LOVE, VICTOR from Isaac Aptaker, Elizabeth Berger and Brian Tanen; FX’s No. 1 series AMERICAN HORROR STORY from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk; TBS’ No. 1 series AMERICAN DAD created by Mike Barker, Matt Weitzman and Seth MacFarlane; and the longest-running primetime scripted series in the history of television, THE SIMPSONS, in addition to dozens of others. 20th Television shows have amassed a collective 2000 Emmy nominations and 263 Emmy wins, as well as multiple Golden Globes, Humanitas Prizes and Peabody Awards. The studio’s landmark series from its 70 year library include such classics as BATMAN, M*A*S*H, GLEE, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, BONES, BOB’S BURGERS, EMPIRE, FAMILY GUY, 24, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, FUTURAMA, KING OF THE HILL, NEW GIRL and THE X-FILES.
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Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).
Sunday, February 14, 2021
NatGeo and ESPN Announce "The March on Washington: Keepers of the Dream" Documentary Special
National Geographic and ESPN’s The Undefeated Trace the Ongoing Plight and Journey of the Civil Rights Movement In THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON: KEEPERS OF THE DREAM
“Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time …” - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 March on Washington ‘I Have a Dream’ speech
One-Hour Documentary Special Gives a Timely and Powerful Look at Events Leading to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 March and 2020's March on Washington 57 Years Later as the Nation Reels From Civil Unrest and a Global Pandemic
The March on Washington: Keepers of the Dream Set to Premiere Thursday, Feb. 18, at 10/9c on National Geographic and Will Be Available Next Day on Hulu - Friday, Feb. 19
View YouTube Promo here or https://youtu.be/O0Bsj08WiEQ
WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic announced that THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON: KEEPERS OF THE DREAM is set to premiere Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 at 10/9c and available next day on Hulu. The timely one-hour documentary special is from National Geographic and The Undefeated, ESPN’s content initiative exploring the intersection of sports, race and culture. It will trace the raw and uncensored journey of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of the heroes who marched for justice and equality in the 1960s, and the experiences of those on the front lines of the current fight for racial equality.
“THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON: KEEPERS OF THE DREAM is a bold and powerful look at this nation’s dark history and the path Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. paved for us despite grave opposition”
THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON: KEEPERS OF THE DREAM will feature historic footage, as well as the most gripping and poignant, first-hand accounts and emotional commentary from historians, activists and journalists, including Wes Moore (author), Dr. Mary Frances Berry (professor, UPENN), Dr. Vernon Allwood (‘63 March attendee), Chris Connelly (journalist), Dr. Todd Boyd (professor, USC), Bill Murphy Jr. (civil rights attorney), Jemele Hill (journalist), Clarissa Brooks (social activist) and Mariah Parker (social activist). The documentary will also illustrate the resilience of the civil rights movement and the sentiment of the people behind it.
The journey begins with events that set the stage for the March of 1963 - from the horrific photo of the corpse of 14-year-old Emmett Till, murdered by Mississippi vigilantes who were acquitted of all charges, to the broadcasts of police attacking peaceful Black protesters in Birmingham, Alabama. These images created the necessary public opinion and momentum for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders to carry out their historic march and demand federal action.
Yet after the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Acts were subsequently passed, violence toward Black America continued. The documentary will follow the history of these attacks, juxtaposed with examples of Black progress that have threatened to obscure a dangerous reality.
A deep dive into the events that led to the historic racial upheaval of 2020, including the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, will also explore a modern focus of King’s declaration: that the future of the Civil Rights Movement would be the struggle for “genuine equality.”
Candid insights on the long history of racial inequality include Moore’s testament to the current climate of unrest, “... the argument and demand is that there has to be a greater accountability and acknowledgement of Black life ... Whether we are talking about the marches of the ‘60s or the marches that are taking place right now, that is what the marches are about - it's about changing systems.”
The special concludes with images from the 2020 March on Washington and will bring full circle the themes which center on an underlying systemically volatile relationship between Black people and the police, and how it continues to be a deferred dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON: KEEPERS OF THE DREAM is a bold and powerful look at this nation’s dark history and the path Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. paved for us despite grave opposition,” said Courteney Monroe, president, Content, National Geographic. “We are proud to have partnered with The Undefeated on this timely documentary special that provides a no-holds-barred look at the oppression faced by generations in this country as well as celebrates the unifying spirit and solidarity of the movement, then and now.”
“This compelling documentary takes viewers through the evolution of the March on Washington, and in the process highlights the galvanizing power of marches to fuel social change,” said Kevin Merida, senior vice president and Editor-in-Chief, The Undefeated. “We are proud to partner with National Geographic on this important film. The doc is a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made to make America better and how much work is left to be done.”
Produced by National Geographic Studios and The Undefeated. National Geographic’s Aneka Hylton-Donelson along with The Undefeated’s Kevin Merida and Sharon Matthews serve as executive producers. ESPN’s Emmy®Award-winning filmmaker Marquis Daisy is director, with The Undefeated’s senior writer Jesse Washington as producer and writer, and Chris Weber is SVP of National Geographic Studios.
The television special on National Geographic is an extension of ESPN’s Black History Always initiative – a companywide content commitment to highlight Black stories beyond the traditional Black History Month. #BlackHistoryAlways began with the Jan. 18th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday, continues through the 2021 NBA All-Star Game in early March and concludes during Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, 2021.
Using original short-form content across its platforms, National Geographic will also be celebrating Black voices in the worlds of science, adventure and exploration during Black History Month -- including National Geographic Explorer Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, Mae Jemison and Courtney B. Vance of GENIUS: ARETHA. In addition to its on-air, social channels and digital platforms, National Geographic's “Overheard” podcast and the National Geographic magazine will have dedicated content that will celebrate Black storytellers, leaders and heroes.
For the past year, National Geographic’s podcast series “Overheard” has explored the journeys of photographers and scientists who are focusing a new lens on history. On Feb. 12, 2021 National Geographic presented “In Conversation,” a special episode featuring explorer Tara Roberts, computer scientist Gloria Washington and photographer Ruddy Roye as they reframe Black history through their work—across maritime archeology, artificial intelligence and photo journalism. Listen @natgeo.com/listen.
National Geographic Kids (natgeokids.com) will also be updating its African American Heroes digital hub with four new profiles: John Lewis, Katherine Johnson, George Washington Carver and Bessie Coleman.
About National Geographic Partners LLC:
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 133 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About ESPN’s The Undefeated:
The Undefeated is ESPN’s multiplatform content initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture. The digital hub, TheUndefeated.com, which launched in May 2016, combines innovative long-form and short-form storytelling, investigation, original reporting and provocative commentary to enlighten and entertain African Americans, as well as sports fans seeking a deeper understanding of black athletes, culture and related issues.
In addition to its cutting-edge content, The Undefeated seeks to be a thought-leader on race, sports and culture in the country – convening insightful forums to discuss and debate topical issues affecting sports and race in America.
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Tuesday, January 5, 2021
ViacomCBS Announces Deal to Add More Content to "Hulu + Live TV"
ViacomCBS Announces Expanded Distribution Agreement with Hulu
New Deal Brings 14 Additional ViacomCBS Cable Networks to Hulu + Live TV, Including BET, Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC) announced a new distribution agreement that adds more content from ViacomCBS’ leading portfolio of news, entertainment and sports networks to Hulu’s live TV subscription streaming service, Hulu + Live TV.
The comprehensive, multi-year deal includes continued carriage of CBS broadcast stations, CBS Sports Network, Pop TV, Smithsonian Channel, and The CW, as well as continued distribution of ViacomCBS’ premium subscription service, SHOWTIME®. The deal will also introduce fourteen additional ViacomCBS networks to Hulu + Live TV, including BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, VH1, CMT, Nick Jr., TV Land, BET Her, MTV2, NickToons, TeenNick and MTV Classic.
“We are excited to have reached an expanded agreement with Hulu that underscores the value of our powerful portfolio of brands to next-generation TV platforms and viewers,” said Ray Hopkins, President, U.S. Networks Distribution, ViacomCBS. “Hulu continues to be a great partner, and this agreement ensures that Hulu + Live TV subscribers are now able to enjoy the full breadth of our leading content across news, sports and entertainment for the first time.”
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About ViacomCBS:
ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, CBS All Access, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the US television audience and boasts one of the industry’s most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents.
For more information about ViacomCBS, please visit www.viacomcbs.com and follow @ViacomCBS on social platforms.
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Monday, August 19, 2019
Disney Announces "Disney+" International Launch Dates
Today, The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment confirmed that Disney+ will launch in Canada and the Netherlands, in tandem with the U.S., on November 12, 2019, and in Australia and New Zealand on November 19, 2019. DTCI also announced that Disney has reached global agreements with nearly all the major platforms to distribute the Disney+ app across partner mobile and connected TV devices. The streaming service is expected to launch in most major markets within the first two years.
Disney+ will offer fans of all ages a new way to experience the unparalleled content from the company’s iconic entertainment brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more, and will be available on nearly all major mobile and connected TV devices at launch with global distribution agreements in place with Apple, Google, Microsoft, Roku and Sony.
As the global rollout for Disney+ begins on November 12, Disney+ will be priced at $8.99CAD per month (or $89.99 per year) in Canada and €6.99 per month (or €69.99 per year) in the Netherlands. The following week, Disney+ will launch in Australia and New Zealand on November 19, priced at $8.99AUD per month (or $89.99 per year) and $9.99NZD per month (or $99.99 per year), respectively.
At launch, consumers will be able to subscribe to Disney+ directly or via in-app purchase and start streaming from the following partner platforms and devices (dependent on country):
Apple (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV, and fully integrated with the Apple TV app; customers can subscribe to Disney+ via in-app purchase)
Google (Android phones, Android TV devices, Google Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices)
Microsoft (Xbox One)
Sony / Sony Interactive Entertainment (all Android based Sony TVs and PlayStation®4)
Roku (Roku® streaming players and Roku TV™ models)
This news follows the recent announcement that consumers in the U.S. will get a new and exciting value proposition with a bundled offering of Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for just $12.99USD. This means they get all of the Disney+ programming plus thousands of live sporting events, sports-themed original series and award-winning sports documentaries from ESPN+; as well as Hulu’s award-winning original content and on-demand streaming library.
Additionally, Disney+ is now live on social media. Consumers may follow along at the below accounts, or visit DisneyPlus.com to register their email and be kept up to date on the service.
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Friday, July 26, 2019
Disney Celebrates 116 Nominations at 2019 Primetime Emmy Awards
Tuesday, July 16, 2019, the nominations for the 2019 Primetime Emmy® Awards were announced from the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre at the Saban Media Center in North Hollywood. Walt Disney Television received 95 nominations, with FX receiving 32, led by "Fosse/Verdon" and "Pose;" 15 nods were given to National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD; and Disney Channel received a nomination for the animated series "Star Wars Resistance." Additionally, the streaming service Hulu received 20 nominations, while ESPN was recognized for its 30 for 30 series. Across all platforms, The Walt Disney Company has 116 nominations for 2019.
The Emmy Awards will be presented live September 22, 2019. A complete list of every Disney Emmy nomination is included below, and to view the entire list of this year’s nominees, visit Emmys.com.
WALT DISNEY TELEVISION
Fosse/Verdon (FX Networks/Fox 21 Television Studios/FX Productions)—18 nominations
Outstanding Limited Series
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie: Sam Rockwell
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie: Michelle Williams
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Limited Series Or Movie: Margaret Qualley
Outstanding Writing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special: Steven Levenson and Joel Fields
Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special: Thomas Kail
Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special: Jessica Yu
Outstanding Casting For A Limited Series, Movie Or Special
Outstanding Period Costumes
Outstanding Hairstyling For A Limited Series Or Movie
Outstanding Makeup For A Limited Series Or Movie (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Limited Series, Movie Or Special
Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Period Or Fantasy Program (One Hour Or More)
Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Limited Series Or Movie
Outstanding Music Direction
Outstanding Music Supervision
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Limited Series Or Movie
Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction Or Reality Series
This Is Us (20th Century Fox Television)—9 nominations
Outstanding Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series: Sterling K. Brown
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series: Milo Ventimiglia
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series: Mandy Moore
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series: Chris Sullivan
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series: Ron Cephas Jones
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series: Michael Angarano
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series: Phylicia Rashad
Outstanding Music Composition For A Series (Original Dramatic Score): Siddhartha Khosla
The Oscars (ABC)—8 nominations
Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
Outstanding Directing For A Variety Special: Glenn Weiss
Outstanding Music Direction
Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special
Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety Special
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Variety Series Or Special
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Special
Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within An Unscripted Program
Pose (FX Networks / Fox 21 Television Studios / FX Productions)—7 nominations
Outstanding Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series: Billy Porter
Outstanding Casting For A Drama Series
Outstanding Period Costumes
Outstanding Hairstyling For A Single-Camera Series
Outstanding Makeup For A Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction Or Reality Series
Free Solo (National Geographic)—7 nominations
Outstanding Directing For A Documentary/Nonfiction Program: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
Outstanding Cinematography For A Nonfiction Program
Outstanding Picture Editing For A Nonfiction Program
Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within An Unscripted Program
Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
Outstanding Sound Editing For A Nonfiction Program (Single Or Multi- Camera)
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Nonfiction Program (Single or Multi-Camera)
American Horror Story: Apocalypse (FX Networks/20th Century Fox Television)—5 nominations
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series: Jessica Lange
Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
Outstanding Hairstyling For A Single-Camera Series
Outstanding Makeup For A Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Limited Series, Movie Or Special
Rent (20th Century Fox Television)—5 nominations
Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special
Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety Special
Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special (Non-Prosthetic)
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Special
Dancing with the Stars (ABC)—4 nominations
Outstanding Costumes For Variety, Nonfiction Or Reality Programming
Outstanding Hairstyling For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special
Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A Variety Series
Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special (Non-Prosthetic)
Shark Tank (ABC)—3 nominations
Outstanding Structured Reality Program
Outstanding Directing For A Reality Program: Ken Fuchs
Outstanding Casting For A Reality Program
How to Get Away with Murder (ABC/ABC Studios)—3 nominations
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series: Viola Davis
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series: Glynn Turman
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series: Cicely Tyson
Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ (ABC)—3 nominations
Outstanding Variety Special (Live)
Outstanding Directing For A Variety Special: James Burrows and Andy Fisher
Outstanding Production Design For A Variety Special
Hostile Planet (National Geographic)—3 nominations
Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Series
Outstanding Writing For A Nonfiction Program: Bruce Kennedy
Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special (Original Dramatic Score)
Life Below Zero (National Geographic)—3 nominations
Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program
Outstanding Cinematography For A Reality Program
Outstanding Picture Editing For An Unstructured Reality Program
black-ish (ABC/ABC Studios)—2 nominations
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series: Anthony Anderson
Outstanding Contemporary Costumes
The Simpsons (20th Century Fox Television)—2 nominations
Outstanding Animated Program
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance: Hank Azaria
Family Guy (20th Century Fox Television)—2 nominations
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance: Seth MacFarlane
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance: Alex Borstein
What We Do in the Shadows (FX Networks)—2 nominations
Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour)
Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation
Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC/ABC Studios)—1 nomination
Outstanding Variety Talk Series
The Conners (ABC)—1 nomination
Outstanding Multi-Camera Picture Editing For A Comedy Series
Bob’s Burgers (20th Century Fox Television)—1 nomination
Outstanding Animated Program
Modern Family (ABC/20th Century Fox Television)—1 nomination
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation
The Orville (20th Century Fox Television)—1 nomination
Outstanding Special Visual Effects
Rel (20th Century Fox Television)—1 nomination
Outstanding Cinematography For A Multi-Camera Series
Star Wars Resistance (Disney Channel)—1 nomination
Outstanding Children’s Program
The Floor (National Geographic)—1 nomination
Outstanding Narrator
Savage Kingdom (National Geographic)—1 nomination
Outstanding Narrator
ESPN
30 for 30—1 nomination
Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series
Hulu
The Handmaid’s Tale—11 nominations
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Bradley Whitford
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Cherry Jones
Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One Hour or More)
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour)
Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour)
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour)
Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series
Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
The Act—2 nominations
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series: Joey King
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie: Patricia Arquette
Catch-22—2 nominations
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special
Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Limited Series, Movie or Special
Castle Rock—1 nomination
Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
Fyre Fraud—1 nomination
Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program
I Love You, America With Sarah Silverman—1 nomination
Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
Minding the Gap—1 nomination
Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special
PEN15—1 nomination
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
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Monday, June 3, 2019
"One-Punch Man" Joins VIZ Media at Licensing Expo 2019
VIZ MEDIA BRINGS THE POWERHOUSE ACTION OF ONE-PUNCH MAN TO LICENSING EXPO 2019
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media showcases one of pop culture’s hottest brands as it highlights ONE-PUNCH MAN at Licensing Expo 2019.
Season 2 of the runaway hit anime series just launched on HULU with new simulcast episodes streaming weekly on the same day as the Japanese TV broadcast premiere. VIZ Media is the master licensor for ONE-PUNCH MAN and holds digital streaming, TV broadcast, EST, home media and consumer product/merchandising rights for the property for the territories of North America, Latin America and Oceania.
New ONE-PUNCH MAN licensing partners include:
BAIT: streetwear apparel collection
Fanwraps: decals and stickers
Funko: “POP!” and “Vinyl” figure collections
Great Eastern: novelty accessories and collectibles
In4Mation: streetwear apparel collection
Issac Morris Limited: apparel and accessories
Just Funky: drinkware and accessories
The Loyal Subjects: "Action Vinyls" collection
McFarlane Toys: ultra-articulated action figures
Monogram: key rings and pins
Pyramid: posters and stationery
Sprayground: backpacks
Come visit VIZ Media at booth R202 at the Licensing Expo to learn more about the franchise that's celebrated by anime, action, superhero and comedy fans alike!
About ONE-PUNCH MAN
Based on the best-selling manga series created by ONE and illustrated by Yusuke Murata (also published by VIZ Media, every volume of the ongoing series has been a Top 10 bestseller on Bookscan Graphic Novel sales chart), ONE-PUNCH MAN depicts the adventures of Saitama, a young man who only became a hero for fun. But after three years of “special” training, he finds that he can beat even the mightiest opponents with a single punch. Though he faces new enemies every day, it turns out being devastatingly powerful is actually kind of a bore. Can a hero be too strong?
Additional information on ONE-PUNCH MAN is available at: https://www.viz.com/one-punch-man.
About Licensing Expo
Licensing Expo is the world’s largest and most influential annual licensing industry event and takes place June 4th – 6th, 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Details on the event are available at: www.licensingexpo.com. VIZ Media will be located in Booth # R202.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular SHONEN JUMP brand and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.
Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at viz.com.
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Friday, May 17, 2019
Disney and Comcast Agree to Disney's Control of Hulu
BURBANK, Calif. & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) announced that Disney will assume full operational control of Hulu, effective immediately, in return for Disney and Comcast entering into a “put/call” agreement regarding NBCUniversal’s 33% ownership interest in Hulu. Under the put/call agreement, as early as January 2024, Comcast can require Disney to buy NBCUniversal’s interest in Hulu and Disney can require NBCUniversal to sell that interest to Disney for its fair market value at that future time. Hulu’s fair market value will be assessed by independent experts but Disney has guaranteed a sale price for Comcast that represents a minimum total equity value of Hulu at that time of $27.5 billion.
Disney and Comcast have agreed to fund Hulu’s recent purchase of AT&T Inc.’s 9.5% interest in Hulu, pro rata to their current two thirds/one third ownership interests and, going forward, Comcast will have the option but not the obligation to fund its proportionate share of Hulu’s future capital calls and will be diluted if it elects not to fund. Disney has agreed that only $1.5 billion of any year’s capital calls can be funded through further equity investments with any capital in excess of that annual amount being funded by non-diluting debt. Whether Comcast funds its share of those equity capital calls or not, Disney has agreed that Comcast’s ownership interest in Hulu will never be less than 21% such that Comcast is guaranteed to receive at least $5.8 billion under the put/call agreement.
In addition to the put/call agreement, Comcast has agreed with Hulu to extend the Hulu license of NBCUniversal content and the Hulu Live carriage agreement for NBCUniversal channels until late 2024 and to distribute Hulu on its Xfinity X1 platform. NBCUniversal can terminate most of its content license agreements with Hulu in three years’ time, and in one year’s time NBCUniversal will have the right to exhibit on its own OTT service certain content that it currently licenses exclusively to Hulu in return for reducing the license fee payable by Hulu.
About The Walt Disney Company:
Disney, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with operations in four business segments: Media Networks; Parks, Experiences and Products; Studio Entertainment; and Direct-to-Consumer and International. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $59.4 billion in its Fiscal Year 2018. For more information about Disney, please visit www.thewaltdisneycompany.com.
About Comcast Corporation:
Comcast Corporation is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest high-speed internet, video, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About Hulu:
Hulu is the leading premium streaming service offering live and on-demand TV and movies, with and without commercials, both in and outside the home. Launched in 2008, Hulu has grown to more than 28 million customers in the U.S. and is the only service that gives viewers instant access to current shows from every major U.S. broadcast network; libraries of hit TV series and films; and acclaimed Hulu Originals like Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning series The Handmaid’s Tale, Emmy® Award-nominated The Looming Tower, Shrill, The Act, Marvel’s Runaways and Castle Rock, and Oscar®-nominated documentary film Minding the Gap, as well as live news, entertainment and sports from 21st Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, CBS Corporation, The CW, Turner Networks, A+E Networks and Discovery Networks – all in one place. Upcoming Hulu Originals include Catch-22 from George Clooney; Four Weddings and a Funeral from Mindy Kaling; Wu-Tang: An American Saga from Brian Grazer and The RZA; and Little Fires Everywhere from Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.
Forward Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may include expectations regarding our business plans, products, expectations regarding growth and performance, and other statements. Forward-looking statements herein may contain words such as “will,” “may,” “expect,” “believe,” similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made. Management does not undertake any obligation to update these statements. Actual events may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company, as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control, including changes in competitive conditions; consumer preferences; international, political, regulatory, health concern and military developments; and changes in domestic and global economic conditions that may affect our businesses generally. Additional factors are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2018 under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and subsequent reports.
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Monday, April 8, 2019
"One-Punch Man" Anime Season 2 Debuts on Hulu Tues., April 9th
Catch Season 2 On Hulu The Same Day As The Japanese TV Broadcast Premiere
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media proudly announces the premiere of Season 2 of the hit anime series ONE-PUNCH MAN on April 9th, 2019, the same day as the Japanese broadcast.
ONE-PUNCH MAN will be presented in Japanese audio with English subtitles with new episodes every week on Hulu, the streaming home for Season 2 in the U.S. Catch the official trailer for ONE-PUNCH MAN Season 2: https://youtu.be/7zLNi2wj3ZA
Based on the best-selling manga series created by ONE and illustrated by Yusuke Murata (published by VIZ Media), after three years of “special training,” Saitama's become so strong that he’s practically invincible. In fact, he’s too strong – even his mightiest opponents are taken out with a single punch. Alongside Genos, his faithful disciple, Saitama begins his official hero duties as a member of the Hero Association, while Garou, a man utterly fascinated by monsters, makes his appearance.
“We’re excited to once again partner with Hulu to bring another action-packed season of ONE-PUNCH MAN to subscribers,” says Brian Ige, Vice President, Animation. “This new addition to the streaming service joins VIZ’s already expansive catalogue of hit series available on Hulu.”
Additional information on ONE-PUNCH MAN is available at: viz.com/one-punch-man.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular SHONEN JUMP brand and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.
Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at viz.com.
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Friday, February 16, 2018
"Call Me by Your Name," "The Handmaid's Tale" Top 2018 USC Libraries Scripter Award
Francis Ford Coppola received the libraries’ Literary Achievement Award at the 30th-annual celebration
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The authors and screenwriters behind the film “Call Me by Your Name,” and the television series “The Handmaid’s Tale” received the 30th-annual USC Libraries Scripter Award in the Feb. 10, 2018 ceremony at USC’s Doheny Memorial Library.
The Scripter Award recognizes the year’s best cinematic adaptation of the written word, and includes feature film and television adaptations.
In her welcoming remarks, USC Libraries Dean Catherine Quinlan paid tribute to the legacy of the Scripter Awards, “Scripter is celebrating its 30th birthday, and whether it’s your first Scripter or your thirtieth, I am grateful to everyone who has supported this fine, enduring Trojan tradition.”
USC Provost Michael Quick hailed the importance of libraries. “More than places where students have a space to learn and faculty have collections from which to launch their scholarship, libraries are the core for what we stand for in higher education,” he said.
In the television category, the selection committee chose “Offred,” the first episode of the “The Handmaid’s Tale,” written for the screen by creator and executive producer Bruce Miller. The series, streaming on Hulu, is based on the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood.
Miller acknowledged Doheny Library, which hosted the ceremony. “The Handmaid’s Tale has been very wonderfully and generously feted over the last few months, but there’s something about getting an award in a library that is particularly wonderful.”
The other finalists were the writers behind episodes of “Alias Grace” (distributed by Netflix), “Big Little Lies” (HBO), “Genius” (National Geographic), “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” (HBO), and “Mindhunter” (Netflix).
In the film category, the winners were writer André Aciman, author of “Call Me by Your Name,” and screenwriter-director James Ivory, who adapted Aciman’s work for the screen.
Ivory, a USC alumnus, noted that he had been to Doheny Library before. “I left this building exactly 60 years ago when I graduated from the USC film school and they had the ceremony out in front of the library, and I haven’t been back since—not to this building. It’s amazing to come back,” Ivory said. “I’m glad to be back for an adaptation of a very good book. As you know, I’ve made my career and name through adaptations.”
Due to a three-way tie in the nominating round, seven films were eligible this year. The other finalist films were “The Disaster Artist” (distributed by A24), “Logan” (20th Century Fox), “The Lost City of Z” (Amazon Studios), “Molly’s Game” (STX Entertainment), “Mudbound” (Netflix), and “Wonder Woman” (Warner Bros.).
Earlier in the evening, Quinlan honored USC trustees and longtime USC Libraries supporters Ronald and Valerie Sugar as the 2018 Ex Libris Award winners. In receiving the award, Ronald Sugar said, “The libraries are an essential underpinning of the mission of this university. And as the university grows and evolves to meet a world of social and technological change, so must its libraries. Catherine, you and your team have provided more than a decade of innovative leadership to advance and expand the reach of this precious academic resource.”
Legendary writer-director-producer Francis Ford Coppola received the 2018 Literary Achievement Award. Coppola noted that his films based on earlier written works gave possessive credit to the original author. The 1972 classic “The Godfather,” for example, which Coppola directed and adapted for the screen, was marketed as “Mario Puzo’s ‘The Godfather’”—not “Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘The Godfather.’” “Anyone who’s adapted screenplays,” Coppola explained, “knows the author did the heavy lifting.”
In-kind donors to the event included A24 Films, Amazon Studios, Hulu, Netflix, Picador USA, and Urth Caffé.
Scripter began in 1988, co-founded by USC Libraries board members Glenn Sonnenberg and Marjorie Lord. For more information about Scripter—including additional images from the ceremony—visit scripter.usc.edu.
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Saturday, January 6, 2018
Negromancer News Bits and Bites from January 1st to 6th, 2018 - Update #35
STREAMING - From ScreenDaily: Kiernan Shipka will be the star of the untitled "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" series that is based on the horror comic book, "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina."
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SCANDAL - From THR: Four women accuse Oscar-winning filmmaker, Paul Haggis, of sexual misconduct, including two rapes.
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COMICS-FILM - From Local10: Black Panther movie causing excitement around the country.
From Comicsverse: This Is Everything You Need to Know About 2018 Comic Book Movies and TV Shows Coming Out in 2018.
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MOVIES - From Variety: Ridley Scott in talks to direct "Merlin Saga" for Disney. The movie would be based on the book series by T.A. Barron.
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CULTURE - From TheNewRepublic: "Water in the raw," the latest stripped-down lifestyle scam.
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COMICS-FILM - From THR: Marvel Studios' "Captain Marvel" has cast DeWanda Wise (Netflix's "She Gotta Have It") in an unspecified supporting role. The film stars Oscar-winner Brie Larson and Oscar-nominee Jude Law and is directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. The movie is scheduled to open March 8, 2019.
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STREAMING - From TVLine: Hulu is reviving "Animaniacs." The animated TV series originally aired for 1993 to 1998, first on Fox Kid and Kids' WB, neither of which exist anymore. Steven Spielberg will return to executive produce.
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CANNES - From Variety: Cate Blanchett has been named Cannes Jury President for this year's film festival (the 71st edition of the festival), which begins May 8th and ends May 19th, 2018.
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STREAMING - From ShadowandAct: The sequel to the Will Smith Netflix's film, "Bright," directed by David Ayer and co-starring Joel Edgerton, is official. Max Landis will not be returning as writer. [By the way, this film is not in theaters; viewers can stream it on Netflix.
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STREAMING - From ShadowandAct: Hulu developing a period comedy/drama about drag queen icon and celebrity, RuPaul, entitled "Queen." J.J. Abrams is producing.
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COMICS-FILM - From ShadowandAct: Grammy-winner Kendrick Lamar and TDE are producing the "Black Panther" soundtrack. The soundtrack album will contain music featured in the film and inspired by the film. This is the first time that Marvel Studios will integrate multiple original songs in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film.
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SPORTS - From ESPN: What does NBS star hope to find with the Boston Celtics?
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STREAMING - From Variety: Netflix's stock reaches an all-time high, $206.21 per share before closing at $205.05, coming off good news about the Will Smith-David Ayer film, Bright.
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MOVIE - From Variety: Will Smith and James Lassiter's production company, Overbrook Entertaiment, has decided not to re-up its first-look deal with Sony Pictures.
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STAR TREK - From Variety: It's the 25th anniversary of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."
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CULTURE - From Wired: Teens aren't partying anymore.
From TheNewYorker: What If Parents Loved Strangers’ Children As Much As Their Own?
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JAMES BOND - From BleedingCool: The next actor to play James Bond, after Daniel Craig, could be black or a woman, says Bond producer Barbara Broccoli.
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HEALTHCARE - From MotherJones: Go Fund Yourself - crowdfunding personal medical crisis.
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BOX OFFICE - From Variety: "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" wins the four-day New Year's Day weekend, 12/29/2017 to 1/1/2018 with an estimated take of $68.4 million.
From TheWrap: For the first time since 1959, the top three movies at the North American box office feature female leads - "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Wonder Woman."
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MUSIC - From Variety: Actor-recording artist Justin Timberlake announces a new music album to be released Feb. 2nd, 2018. Entitled "Man of the Woods," it is first studio LP since the two-set "The 20/20 Experience." The first single arrives Friday, Jan. 5th.
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MUSIC-CULTURE - From TheNewRepublic: Have the richie-poos taken over the British pop music scene.
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STREAMING - From BleedingCool: Stephen King says that he is in the dark about the development of "Castle Rock," the Stephen King-theme series on Hulu.
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TELEVISION - From ShadowandAct: 30 highly anticipated projects from featuring African-Americans in front of or behind the camera that were announced in 2017.
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STREAMING - From ShadowandAct: "She's Gotta Have It" gets a second season from Netflix. The film is based on Spike Lee's 1986 film.
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POLITICS - From NYT: Nigerians live in huts. It can no longer be denied - President Trump is a racist and a bigot.
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POLITICS - From TIME: Robert Redford: The GOP 'Tax Scam' Is a 'Dirty Deal' for America.
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MOVIE - From TheWrap: Jodie Foster says big-budget, superhero blockbusters are ruining movie.
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BLM - From NewYorkMagazine: An interview with the late Erica Garner, the anti-police brutality activist and civil rights activist, who died recently. She was the daughter of Eric Garner, who died as the result of police brutality.
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CELEBRITY - From THR: Zac Efron shares the story of his phone call with the late Michael Jackson that had both of them in tears.
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VIDEO:
From BleedingCool: Shannon Tindle, the creator of "Kubo and the Two Strings" has been working on an animated series based on Disney's "The Haunted Mansion," to which Disney still has not committed. Tindle shared a 60-second animated teaser for the potential series.
From BET: The cast of "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" on the importance of diversity.
OBITS:
From TMZ: Actor and comedian, Jerry Van Dyke, has died at the age of 86, Friday, January 5, 2018. Jerry is best known for his supporting role in the former ABC series, "Coach" (1989 to 1997), alongside series star, Craig T. Nelson. Jerry is also the younger brother of legendary entertainer, Dick Van Dyke.
From Newsweek: Singer and child actor, Jon Paul Steuer, has died at the age of 33, Monday, January 1, 2018. Star Trek fans know Steuer as the first actor to play the child Klingon, Alexander, the son of Worf in "Star Trek: The Next Generations." He also appeared in the ABC comedy series, "Grace Under Fire."
From CBS: In a video, CBS Sunday Morning Says "Hail and Farewell" to those we lost in 2017.