Remembering #Kobe Bryant: Basketball Legend, Father - Update #116

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

LIFE GOES ON...:

From NBA:  This is video of the unveiling of the Kobe Bryant statue.

From NBA:  Mike Trudell writes about the unveiling of the Kobe Bryant statue.

From Insider:  Three years after he died, NBA legend and champion and Olympic gold medalist, the late Kobe Bryant, seems to be making more money than ever.

From NBCNews:   In an unanimous verdict, a federal jury awarded the widow of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant $16 million in damages over leaked photographs of the site of the helicopter crash that killed her husband and one of their daughters, Gianna, in 2020.  First responders snapped of bodies at the crash and shared them with members of the public and the jury agreed with Vanessa Bryant that this invaded her privacy and caused her emotional distress.  The jury also awarded co-plaintiff Chris Chester, whose wife Sarah and 13-year-old daughter Payton also died in the crash, $15 million in damages.

From Deadline:  Vanessa Bryant plans to donate her proceeds from the judgment she won against L.A. County (16 million) to the nonprofit Mamba and Mambacita Sports foundation, which she founded to give sports education to underserved athletes.

From CBSNews:  Deputy Doug Johnson, the Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy who was among the first to arrive at the scene of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed Lakers star Kobe Bryant, his teen daughter and seven others, testified Friday, Aug. 12th that he "didn't do anything wrong" when he snapped 25 pictures at the site, some of which contained close-up images of body parts, and sent the pictures to others.

From YahooSports:  Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant's widow, announced on Thursday, March 24th that the Bryant family's partnership with Nike has been renewed, with an agreement to donate "net proceeds" from Kobe's shoes to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation and establish a youth basketball center in Southern California.

From NBA:   To celebrate "Kobe Day," here is the "Ultimate Career Mixtape: Kobe Bryant."

6/22/2021 - From Deadline:  Vanessa Bryant has settled the wrongful death lawsuit she launched last year over the helicopter crash that killed her NBA legend husband, Kobe Bryant, and eldest daughter, Gianna, along with seven others in January 2020.

6/7/2021 - From BET:   Natalia Bryant paid tribute to her late father, basketball great Kobe Bryant, during her high school graduation on Friday, June 4th.  Natalia is expected to attend USC beginning in the fall.

 2/15/2021 - From YouTube:  See Vanessa Bryant's "Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame" Class of 2021 Enshrinement speech for her late husband, Kobe Bryant.

5/14/2021 - From YahooSports:  Vanessa Bryant shows off portion of Kobe Bryant Hall of Fame exhibit she helped design

5/13/21 - From YahooSports:  New and more shocking information has come out of Vanessa Bryant's lawsuit against L.A. County.  Initially, it was believed that four deputies took and shared anywhere form 25 to 100 grisly photos at the helicopter crash site where Bryant's husband, Kobe, and daughter, Gianna, and six others, including two other children, were killed.  Now, it is believed that at least 18 fire and police department employees took photos of the crash site and that another 66 people may have "relevant" knowledge of the conduct.

4/19/21 - From BET:   Vanessa Bryant shares intimate wedding photos to mark the 20th anniversary (April 18th) of her marriage to the late Kobe Bryant.

3/17/2021 - From YahooSports:   In an Instagram post Wednesday, Vanessa Bryant named four Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies who allegedly took and shared unauthorized graphic photos of the helicopter crash that killed her husband Kobe, daughter Gianna and seven others.  In a lawsuit, they are named as Joey Cruz, Rafael Mejia, Michael Russell, and Raul Versales.

2/27/2021 - From YahooSports:  Kobe Bryant's widow, Vanessa Bryant, wants to publicly release the names of the Los Angeles County deputies who were accused of sharing photos of the crash site where her husband and daughter, Gianna ("Gigi"), and seven other poor souls, including two other minor children.

From NBA:  15 years ago, January 22, 2006, Kobe scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second highest point total by a player in an NBA game (after Wilt Chamberlain's 100 points).

From ClutchPoints:  Shareef O'Neal, son of NBA legend and champion, Shaquille O'Neal, will wear the number 32 when he plays for his father's alma mater, Louisiana State University (LSU).  That number combines the two jersey numbers worn by his mentor, the late Kobe Bryant, 8 and 24.  Shaquille also wore the number 32 when he played for the Orlando Magi.

From BET: Vanessa Bryant is celebrating the Los Angeles Lakers following their victorious finals win snagging the NBA Championship over the Miami Heat on Sunday, Oct. 11th. Paying tribute to her late husband, Kobe Bryant and daughter, Gianna, Vanessa wishes that the father-daughter duo “were here to see this.”

From BET:   A new law has been signed to respect victims of crime scenes and other tragic accidents after photos of the helicopter crash which killed Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and seven others leaked online.

From YahooSports:   LeBron James, currently of the Los Angeles Lakers, expresses his one regret about Kobe Bryant.

From TMZ:  Vanessa Bryant is suing the L.A. County Sheriff and his department, claiming they caused her severe emotional distress ... when deputies allegedly took personal cellphone photos of the bodies of her late husband, NBA legend and champion, Kobe Bryant, and their daughter, Gigi Bryant, at the scene of the helicopter crash that took their lives.  At least eight deputies took photos of bodies at the crash site, and one tried to use it to pick up a woman at a bar.

From YahooSports:  Kobe's widow, Venessa Bryant, criticizes L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva for demanding reward money from LeBron James and for covering up that his deputies were passing around photos from the helicopter crash scene that killed her husband and daughter, Gianna.

From YahooSports:  Kobe's former teammate, Pau Gasol, and his wife, Catherine McDonell, welcomed a baby girl.  Her middle name is in honor of Kobe's daughter, Gianna.  The baby's name is "Elisabet Gianna Gasol."

From HuffPost:  On what would have been the late Kobe Bryant's 42nd birthday, we get "Thoughtful Quotes About Parenthood From Kobe Bryant."

From BET:  Kobe Bryant's widow, Vanessa, shares photos of her daughters hanging out with Kobe's former teammate, NBA champion and Olympic medalist, Pau Gasol.

From YahooEntertainment:  Grammy-winning recording artist, Taylor Swift, gifts Kobe Bryant's daughter, Natalia, a cardigan for her new album, "Folklore."

From IGN:  Both the current generation and next-generation versions of the upcoming video game, "NBA 2K21," will have cover art honoring the late professional basketball legend and NBA champion, Kobe Bryant.

From Deadline:   The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner on Friday released its examination reports (autopsy reports) for the nine victims of the January helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.

From NBA:  NBA.com writer Kevin Ding says that ESPN's Michael Jordan documentary, "The Last Dance," shows the how far Kobe's connection went.

From YahooSports:  On her 38th birthday, Vanessa Bryant opens a letter her husband, the late Kobe Bryant, penned in January before he died.

From BET:  Happy Birthday, Vanessa - her spectacular life in photos.

From PopCulture:  On what would have been her 14th birthday, Kobe Bryant fans around the world celebrate the life of his daughter, Gianna, who died with him.

From ESPN: (4/17) - Gianna Bryant and the two teammates who died with her: Alyssa Altobelli, and Payton Chester were named honorary selections in the 2020 WNBA draft.

From YahooSports:  Kobe Bryant has officially been elected to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Class of 2020.

From BET:  Kobe Bryant's widow Vanessa Bryant posts a picture of herself with two of her daughters and Kobe Bryant's sisters.

From BET:  Vanessa Bryant shares video from Kobe and Wesley King's new book, "The Wizenard Series: Season One."

THE MEMORIAL:

From YahooSports:  In the ongoing scandal of L.A. County deputies sharing graphic photos of the Kobe Bryant helicopter crash site, Sheriff Alex Villanueva says that he ordered eight deputies to delete photos of the crash that they had in their possession. Apparently, this was done last week to keep the matter quiet.

From NBA:  Laughter and tears flow at the memorial for Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.

From YahooSports:  Los Angeles County deputies allegedly leaked graphic photographic images from the Kobe Bryant crash site.

From YahooSports:  Tom Brady tweets emotional statement about Kobe Bryant: "He was the real life superhero our world needs."

From YahooSports:  Major League Baseball super agent, Scott Boras, will grant one of Kobe's final wishes.

From YahooSports:  Hours after eulogizing Gigi and Kobe Bryant, Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu makes NCAA history.

From Deadline:  Kobe Bryant Memorial: Beyoncé, Jimmy Kimmel, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, NBA Legends & Vanessa Bryant Lead Celebration Of Life

From Variety:  Michael Jordan delivers a moving, tearful memorial to his friend, Kobe.

From YahooSports:  Kobe Bryant's friend, former agent, and current Los Angeles Lakers general manager, Rob Pelinka, talks about the final text he received from Bryant.

From ESPN:  From the Staples Center the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" in a live-stream.

From BET:  The cable network will air the memorial service (#ForKobeAndGigi) live; check your local cable television listings.  The cable net is also live streaming the event, with coverage hosted by Marc Lamont Hill and Jemele Hill.  The link at the beginning of this post will take you to BET's YouTube page.

From THR:  The memorial for Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, (Monday afternoon, Feb. 24th), will feature 35,000 roses and number of performances.

From YahooSports:  The life of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant told through his most iconic images

From NBA:  Boston Celtics legend, Bill Russell, wore a No 24 Kobe Lakers jersey to the the Celtics vs. Lakers game on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 23rd.

From THR:  The 2020 NAACP Image Awards ceremony this past Saturday night (Feb. 22nd) featured a tribute to Kobe and Gianna.

DEVELOPING NEWS/INVESTIGATION:
From YahooSports:  NBA legend, Kobe Bryant (1978-2020), one of the greatest modern professional basketball players, died Sunday morning, January 26, 2020 in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, Yahoo Sports confirmed.  Kobe's daughter, Gianna, was also on board as was another player and parent en route to a travel basketball game, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported.

From BET:  Kobe Bryant's widow, Vanessa Bryant, has announced that she will change the name of Kobe's "The Mamba Sports Foundation" to "The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation" to honor both Kobe and their later daughter, Gianna.

From YahooSports:  The Los Angeles Lakers have revealed details about the Feb. 24th memorial service celebrating Kobe and Gianna.

From NBA:  Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, laid to rest in a cemetery near their home.

From YahooSports:  The investigation of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and seven other people, has found no signs that the helicopter suffered engine failure.

From YahooSports:  Friday night (Jan. 31st), the Los Angeles Lakers revealed a new Kobe Bryant "KB" logo for the floor of the Staples Center where they play and for their uniforms.

From YahooSports:  Kobe Bryant's wife, Vanessa Bryant, makes her first public statement since the Kobe and their daughter, Gianna, were killed in a helicopter crash, Sun., Jan. 26th.

From YahooSports:  Los Angeles County officials said the Sunday morning helicopter crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also claimed the lives of seven other victims - nine victims in total.

From YahooSports:  L.A. County officials makes it "official" that nine people died in the helicopter crash that claimed the life of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. The article also names some of the other victims.

From HuffPost:  All nine victims have been identified in the Jan. 26, 2020 helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.

From YahooSports:   The Los Angeles County Coroner's office has informed news outlets that all nine bodies have been recovered from the helicopter crash site where Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, and seven other people were killed.

From YahooNews:  Kobe Bryant's wife and Gianna's mother, Vanessa Bryant, with touching Instagram profile photo.

From YahooNews:   Experts now wonder why helicopter pilot in Kobe Bryant crash flew in fog.

From YahooSports:  Helicopter in Kobe Bryant crash lacked key safety feature, a "terrain awareness system."

From People:  Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, attended Catholic mass at Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of the Angels in Newport Beach and received communion before the taking the helicopter flight in which they would lose their lives.

From YahooLifestyle:  Kobe Bryant's surviving daughters must now grieve a sister: Why sibling loss gets "minimized."

From YahooSports:  Harbor Day School in Corona Del Mar, CA has retired the No. 2 jersey of Kobe Bryant's daughter, Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, who died with him in a helicopter crash.

From BET:  Vanessa Bryant leaves heart-breaking tribute to her daughter, Gianna Bryant.

NEWS SITES WITH REGULAR UPDATES:

From LATimes:  This link leads to a live sports blog with updates and new articles on the ongoing story of the death of Kobe Bryant.

From Deadline: The site has a dedicate Kobe Bryant page with links to their news and tributes articles.

From BET:  Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash: Here’s What We Know

NBA NEWS, PLAYERS AND NOTES:

From YahooFinance:  WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said that Kobe is the only current or former NBA player to visit her in the seven months she has been commissioner.

From NBA:  An NBA.com video of highlights from Kobe Bryant's years a star high school basketball player.

From Variety:  At a 2020 NBA All-Star Game brunch President Barack Obama speaks about the loss of Kobe and Gianna Bryant and the seven other victims of the helicopter crash.

From SI:  Dr. Dre's 2020 NBA All-Star Game video tribute to Kobe Bryant is... something else...

From ESPN:  Kawhi Leonard wins the first "Kobe Bryant MVP Award" an the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, Sun., Feb. 16th, 2020.

From NBA:  On Sat., Feb. 15th, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that the MVP Award for the NBA All-Star Game has been permanently named for Kobe Bryant.

From YahooSports:  Tonight's 2020 NBA All-Star Game featured tributes to Kobe Bryant.

From NBA:  This is NBA.com's Kobe Bryant tribute page.

From BostonGlobe:  Boston Celtic Gordon Hayward talks about his secret workouts with Kobe.

From NBA:  The best of Kobe on the "NBA on TNT"

From NBA:  A NBA.com video obituary for Kobe Bryant

From NBA:  Kobe Bryant honored throughout the league.

From NBA:  Los Angeles Clippers star, Paul George, narrates a tribute to Kobe, Gianna, and the other victims in the helicopter crash.

From NBA:  Three-time NBA champion Stephen Curry on Kobe's passing.

From NBA:  Inside "Mamba Forever," the emotional tribute essay from Howard Beck of "Bleacher Report."

From ESPN:  The NBA has postponed the Tues., Jan. 28th between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers, in response to the death of Laker legend, Kobe Bryant.

From NBA:  NBA commissioner Adam Silver's statement on passing of Kobe Bryant

From NBA:  This link goes to a page of video highlights from Kobe's NBA career and also includes and also a photo essay by NBA/Lakers photographer, Andrew Bernstein, on his favorite Kobe photos.

From NBA:   NBA players, coaches, legends and other personalities on Bryant's passing.


TRIBUTES/HISTORY/GENERAL:

From PopCulture:  A young great white shark has been named for Kobe Bryant.

From BET:  A father reveals how Kobe Bryant made his son's dream come through Make-a-Wish Iowa.  The boy, who eventually died of cancer at 13, was buried in the the jersey Kobe game him.

From PopCulture:  "The Big Bang Theory" actress Kaley Cuoco says the death of Kobe Bryant left her feeling "gutted."

From BET:  Jay-Z reveals one of the last things Kobe told him.

From YahooEntertainment:  An oral history of Kobe and Glen Keane's Oscar-winning animated short, "Dear Basketball."

From Deadline:  Author Paulo Coelho, who had been working on a children's book with Kobe Bryant, wants to delete the unfinished draft and discontinue work on the book.

From YahooSports:  NBA superstar LeBron James reveals his new ""Mamba 4 Life" tatoo honoring former Laker Kobe Bryant.

From YahooSports:  NBA superstar LeBron James, of the Los Angeles Lakers, was surprised at the joy Kobe Bryant found in his family life in his post-NBA career.

From Variety:  At a Super Bowl Week concert in Miami, recent Grammy winner Lizzo is joined on stage by actor-singer Harry Styles and also offers a tribute to Kobe, Gianna and the other victims of the helicopter crash that killed them Sun., Jan. 26th.

From YahooSports:  Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe's one-time teammate, will donate the proceeds from his big Super Bowl LIV party to the families of the nine victims in the crash that killed Kobe.

From THR:  Talk show hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon tear-up on the first episodes of their respective shows since the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and seven other people.

From YahooSports:  "Mamba Mentality," Kobe Bryant's motto, looms over Super Bowl week.

From THR:  Renowned animation filmmaker and legendary Disney animator, Glen Keane, shared an Oscar win with Kobe Bryant for the animated short film, "Dear Kobe."  In a column for "The Hollywood Reporter," he writes about his first meeting with Bryant.

From YahooSports:  Allen Iverson, one ne of Kobe Bryant's greatest rivals, speaks about being "devastated and heartbroken" over his death and offers a story.

From YahooSports:  Los Angeles united in grief for the loss of its adopted son, Kobe Bryant.

From YahooEntertainment:  In a rare interview, Los Angeles Lakers super-fan, Jack Nicholson, releases a statement about Kobe Bryant.

From BET:  Remembering Kobe Bryant's relationship with his daughter, Gianna, who also died in the helicopter crash that killed her father.

From BET:  Shareef O'Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, shares a message that Kobe sent to him the morning Kobe died.

From MarketWatch:  This viral video shows how Kobe Bryant mirrored his idol, NBA legend, Michael Jordan.

From YahooSports:  Pro golfing legend, Tiger Woods, speaks on the passing of his friend, Kobe Bryant.

From YahooSports:  Upon hearing of Kobe Bryant's death, NBA star, Kyrie Irving, reportedly left Madison Square Garden before his team, the Brooklyn Nets, took on the New York Knicks.  Irving and Bryant were close, and Irving saw Bryant as a mentor.

From YahooSports:  President Trump and former President Obama take to Twitter after the shocking news of the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash.

From YahooEntertainment:  The 2020 Grammy Awards are being held at Staples Center tonight (Sun., Jan. 26th).  The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers also play there, and today, they lost one of their all-time players, Kobe Bryant.  Even with the Grammys, fans are gathering at the Staples Center to celebrate Kobe's life.

From Deadline:  Fellow Los Angeles Lakers legends:  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal offer tributes and condolences to their fallen Laker, Kobe Bryant.

From ESPN - In Europe, Kobe Bryant remembered for his "Italian qualities."

From IMDb:  The site remembers Kobe Bryant in a gallery of 58 photos.

Amazon has a Kobe Bryant shopping page.

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from January 16th to 22nd, 2022 - Update #21

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

MOVIES - From Deadline:  The release dates for "Mission: Impossible 7" and "Mission: Impossible 8" have been pushed back again.  The Tom Cruise-starring films will move to July 14, 2023 and June 28, 2024.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Writer-director Michael Mann and novelist Meg Gardiner have written "Heat 2," a novel that will act as both a prequel and sequel to Mann's 1995 classic crime film, "Heat."  The film follows the conflict between an LAPD detective, played by Al Pacino, and a career thief, played by Robert De Niro.

ANIMATION/NETFLIX - From Deadline:  Beloved animated duo, "Wallace & Gromit," will return in 2024 for the first time since the 2008 Oscar-nominated short, "A Matter of Loaf and Death."  Netflix will stream the film in all non-U.K. territories, which will be handled by the BBC.

DISNEY - From Deadline:  Disney is apparently working on a live-action version of its 1970 animated feature film, "The Aristocats."

OSCARS - From Deadline:  The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the 276 feature films that are eligible for consideration in the "Best Picture" category at the 94th Oscars, which are set to air live March 27, 2022 on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

DISNEY+ - From Deadline:  Disney+ has picked up a basketball-themed coming of age drama, "The Crossover."  20th Television is producing with LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and Jamal Henderson of The SpringHill Company are executive producing.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Director Adam McKay ("Don't Look Up") and screenwriter Billy Ray ("Captain Phillips") have together for "J6," a film about the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

TECH - From Variety:  Space Entertainment Enterprise (S.E.E), the company co-producing Tom Cruise’s upcoming space movie, plan to launch a sports arena and production studio in zero gravity by 2024.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Robert Pattinson ("Twilight," "The Batman") is in talks to star in "Mickey7," the next film from Oscar-winning director, Bong Joon Ho ("Parasite").

STREAMING - From Variety:  Amazon's "Lord of the Rings" series has a full title, "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power."  It starts streaming on Amazon Prime Sept.2, 2022.

MOVIES - From ETCanada:  "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe play Grammy Award-winning recording artist, actor, and music video director, "Weird Al" Yankovic in a biographical film.

MUSIC - From AZCentral:  Rock and pop music icon, Debbie Harry, talks about her memoir, "Face It," with writer Ed Masley.  The book traces her life from topping the music charts with seminal 1980s band, "Blondie," to beyond.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 1/14 to 1/16/2022 weekend box office is "Scream" with an estimated take of 30.6 million dollars.

From Negromancer:  My review of "Scream" 2022.

SCANDAL - From Vulture:  "The Undoing of Joss Whedon" is a feature and interview from New York Magazine's "Vulture" site that goes into great details about the scandals of writer-director Joss Whedon ("Marvel's Avengers," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer")

ANIMATION - From Deadline:  "South Park" will begin its 25th season on Wed., Feb. 2nd on Comedy Central.

MOVIES/TV - From THR:  The "Heat Vision" column looks at the coming year in genre films and television series, especially superhero and science fiction productions.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   NBC has given a pilot order to a reboot of its beloved former TV series, "Quantum Leap" (1989-93).

OBITS:

From THR:   Stand-up comedian, actor, and game show host, Louie Anderson, has died at the age of 68, Friday, January 21, 2022.  Although he was best known for his stand-up act, Anderson often appeared in television and film.  He won a Primetime Emmy Award and was nominated twice more for his work on the FX series, "Baskets" (2016-19)  He won two Daytime Emmys for his performance on his children's animated TV series, "Life with Louie" (1994-98).  Anderson was also the first host of the third revival of the game show, "Family Feud," from 1999-2002.

From Deadline:  Film and television producer, Mace Neufeld, has died at the age of 93, Thursday, January 20, 2022.  Neufeld began as a talent agent, managing such stars as Don Knotts and Don Adams.  After starting as a producer of TV series, Neufeld executive produced the legendary horror film, "The Omen" (1976).  Neufeld is best known for producing several films based on novels by the late Tom Clancy:  "The Hunt for Red October" (1990), "Patriot Games" (1992), "Clear and Present Danger" (1994), "The Sum of All Fears" (2002), and "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" (2014).  Most recently he produced "The Equalizer" films starring Denzel Washington.

From Variety:  The French actor, Gaspard Ulliel, has died at the age of 37, Wednesday, January 19, 2022.  In 2004, Ulliel won the Cesar Award (French Oscars) for "Most Promising Actor" for the 2004 film, "A Very Long Engagement."  He won the "Cesar Award for Best Actor" for his lead role in the 2016 film, "It's Only the End of the World."  Ulliel was set to play the character "Anton Mogart / Midnight Man" in the Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "Moon Knight."

From Variety:  American fashion journalist and creative director, Andre Leon Talley, has died at the age of 73, Tuesday, January 18, 2022.  Talley is best known for his association with "Vogue" magazine.  From 1988-95, he was the magazine's first African-American male creative director.  He was also "Vogue's" editor-at-large from 1998 to 2013.  Regarded as a "fashion icon," Talley championed diversity in the fashion industry.  He also served on the judging panel of the TV series, "America's Next Top Model" for few cycles (seasons) in 2010 and 2011.

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AWARDS:

From Deadline:  Netflix's Black Western, "The Harder They Fall," was named the "Best Picture" of 2021 at the 13th annual African American Film Critics Association Awards.  The Western tied with "King Richard" for most wins with four.  Will Smith was named "Best Actor" for "King Richard."

From Deadline:  The nominations for the 2022 / 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards have been announced.

From Variety:  The snubs and surprises in the nominations for the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards.

From Variety:   At the 2022 / 79th Golden Globes, "The Power of the Dog" wins "Best Motion Picture-Drama" and "West Side Story" wins "Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy."

From Variety:  The National Society of Film Critics names the Japanese film, "Drive My Car," the best film of 2021.

From AwardsWatch:  The nominations for the 22nd Annual Black Reel Awards were announced a few weeks ago. Netflix's Black Western, "The Harder They Fall," has a record 20 nominations.  The winners will be announced February 27, 2022.

From AwardsWatch:  The Columbus Film Critics Association announced the nominations for their annual film awards.  Director Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" leads with 12 noms.  The winners will be announced Thurs., Jan. 6th, 2022.

From Deadline:  The Los Angeles Film Critics Association has named the Japanese film, "Drive My Car," the "Best Picture" of 2021.

From Deadline:  The 2022 / 37th annual Film Independent Spirit Awards have announced their nominations. "Zola" leads with six nominations. The winners will be announced Sun., March 6, 2022.

From THR:  The 2022 / 79th Golden Globes Awards nominations have been announced.  "Belfast" and "The Power of the Dog" lead with seven nominations each.  Winners will be announced Jan. 9th, 2022.

From GoldDerby:   The 2022 Critics Choice Awards nominations have been announced. "Belfast" and "West Side Story" leads with 11 nominations each. Winners will be announced Jan. 9th, 2022.

From Deadline:   The American Film Institute announced the "2021 AFI Awards" Top 10 list, and the list includes "Dune," "The Tragedy of Macbeth," and "West Side Story."

From THR:  Director Aleem Khan's "After Love" tops the 2021 British Independent Film Awards, winning six awards, including "Best Film of 2021."

From Variety:   The New York Film Critics Circle has named the Japanese drama, "Drive My Car," as the "Best Film of 2021."

From Deadline:  The National Board of Review hands director Paul Thomas Anderson's "Licorice Pizza" it "Best Film" and "Best Director" awards.  Will Smith picks up the "Best Actor" award for "King Richard."

From THR:  Netflix’s "The Lost Daughter," directed by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, dominated the 2021 Gotham Awards in New York on Monday night (Nov. 29th).  The film won in four of the five categories in which it was nominated, including "Best Feature."

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"RUST" ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING DEATH:

From Deadline:  This link will take you to Deadline's Halyna Hutchins page, which articles related to everything about her shooting death on the set of the Western film, "Rust."

From Deadline:   Alec Baldwin has finally turned over his cell phone to police for their probe into the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Baldwin's Western film, "Rust," last October in New Mexico.

From Variety:  One of the producers of tragic Western film, Rust, Emily Salveson, pushes tax shelters and hid income.

From THR:  "I let go of the hammer and 'Bang,' the gun goes off" says Alec Baldwin says in his first interview of the moment when a gun he was holding accidentally killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film, "Rust."

From Deadline:  Alec Baldwin will sit down with ABC's news-reading clown George Stephanopoulos for a one hour special tomorrow night to talk about what happened on the set of the movie "Rust."  It will be Baldwin’s first extensive interview about the shooting.

From Deadline:  Industry veteran, Thall Reed, the father of Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the Western, "Rust," may have handed the police a tip on why the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, was shot to death on the set.

From THR:  A search warrant affidavit filed Tuesday for a prop shop sheds light on how alleged live ammunition ended up on the set of the Western film, "Rust," where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in October.

From Deadline:  A month after cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, was shot and killed on the New Mexico set the movie Western, "Rust," by a prop gun “discharged” by Alec Baldwin, those closest to the cinematographer held a private ceremony and interred her ashes at an unknown location.

From Deadline:  Actor Daniel Baldwin defends his brother, Alec Baldwin, in the accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film, "Rust."  "Someone loaded that gun improperly," Daniel says.

From Deadline:  The newest lawsuit involving the tragic shooting on the set of the Western film, "Rust," has been filed by the film's script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell, against Alec Baldwin, the producers, the production company, armorer Hanna Gutierrez Reed, and others.

From Deadline:  Serge Svetnoy, the gaffer on "Rust," has filed a lawsuit against several parties related to the film, including the production, the financiers, star Alec Baldwin, armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, and first Assistant Director David Halls.

From THR:   In the wake of the tragic accidental shooting on the set of his film, "Rust," Alec Baldwin on Monday took to social media to urge Hollywood to employ a police officer on every film and TV set that uses guns.

From THR:   The budget for "Rust" - Alec Baldwin was set to earn $150,000 as lead actor and $100,000 as producer, while $7,913 was earmarked for armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and $17,500 was set aside for the rental of weapons and $5,000 for rounds.

From Deadline:  Attorneys for Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of the film, "Rust," said that they’re looking into whether a live bullet was placed in a box of dummy rounds with the intent of  “sabotaging the set.”

From THR:   Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the film, "Rust," released a statement through her lawyers.  She says she had “no idea where the live rounds came from” that were recovered by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's during the investigation of the accidental on-set shooting death of Halyna Hutchins.

From Jacobin:  An opinion piece says that cinematographer Halyna Hutchins' death on the set of the film, "Rust," was not a freak accident, but was about Alec Baldwin and his fellow producers' cost-cutting decisions.  Baldwin accidentally fired the gun that killed Hutchins.

From Deadline:   Two of executive producers on "Rust," Allen Cheney and Emily Salveson, disavow responsibility for the film's troubled production.

From THR:   Iconic "Ghostbusters" actor Ernie Hudson is reeling from the news of the death of Halyna Hutchins, like the rest of Hollywood. Hudson also appeared in the film, "The Crow," the film in which its star, Brandon Lee, was killed because of an on-set accidental shooting.  He also agrees with the call to ban real guns from movie sets.

From THR:  The Sheriff of Sante Fe County says that his office has recovered three guns and 500 rounds of ammunition from the set of the movie "Rust" where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed.

From Deadline:  Regarding criminal charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust," District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis, "all options are on the table - no one has been ruled out."

From THR:  Does Hollywood Need Guns? Will new regulations lead to an overreactions to a tragedy.

From Deadline:   "Rust" producers have opened an internal investigation into the fatal shooting on the set of the Western film.  They have hired outside lawyers to conduct interviews with the film's production crew.

From Deadline:  "Rust's" AD (assistant director), Dave Halls, has come under scrutiny in the wake of the on-set shooting death of the film's cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.

From Deadline:  The affidavit of Sante Fe Sheriff's Department Detective Joel Cano has been made public. It can be read at "Deadline."  The affidavit was for a search warrant from the property were the Western, "Rust," was being filmed.

From THR:  The production company behind "Rust" has shut the film down until the police investigation into the fatal, on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins is through.  The Sante Fe County Sheriff's Office has also revealed a timeline of the shooting.

From Deadline:  The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department confirmed Thursday night that Alec Baldwin “discharged” a prop gun on the New Mexico set of the movie, "Rust."  As a result, one crew member, director of photography Halyna Hutchins, was killed and director Joel Souza was injured and remains in a local hospital - his condition unknown.

From THR:  "Rust" director, Joel Souza, who was wounded in the accidental on-set shooting, says that he is "gutted" by the death of his cinematographer on the film, Halyna Hutchins.

From Deadline:  The fatal shooting on the set of "Rust" may have been "recorded" according to detective for Santa Fe Sheriff's Department.

From Deadline:  The production company behind the film, "Rust," will launch an internal safety review after the fatal accident that killed Halyna Hutchins; possible prior gun incidents; and a camera crew walkout.

From CNN:   Crew member yelled "cold gun" as he handed Alec Baldwin prop weapon, court document shows.

From Variety:  Actor Alec Baldwin releases statement on the death of Halyna Hutchins: "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness."

From Variety:  The prop gun that killed “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza on during an on-set accident on Thursday contained a “live single round,” according to an email sent by IATSE Local 44 to its membership.

LeBron James' The SpringHill Company Preps "Fantasy Football" for Paramount+

The SpringHill Company and Genius Entertainment Partner with Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films to Produce New Live-Action Movie, Fantasy Football

First-Ever Film Adaption of Hush Hush, Based on New York Times Best-Selling Young Adult Novel, Also Enters Production

Fantasy Football and Hush Hush to Lead Slate of a Dozen New Films from Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Studios Set for 2022 and Beyond

Fantasy Football and Hush Hush Will Debut Exclusively on Paramount+, In addition to Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films’ The J Team, Starring JoJo Siwa, Which Will Premiere on Paramount+ on Friday, Sept. 3, As Previously Announced

HOLLYWOOD--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films today announced the production of new original live-action movie Fantasy Football, executive produced by The SpringHill Company (Space Jam: A New Legacy), the empowerment-led media conglomerate spearheaded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter and in partnership with wunderkind and creative mastermind Marsai Martin and Joshua Martin of Genius Entertainment (Little). In Fantasy Football, 15-year-old Carmen Coleman (Marsai Martin, Black-ish) discovers she can control her professional football player dad’s prowess on the field through her video game. Zoe Marshall (Charmed) is writing the Fantasy Football screenplay, based on an original screenplay by Richard T. Jones & Jeremy Loethen and Tim Ogletree. Marshall is represented by JR McGinnis at Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson, Ashley Holland at WME and Adesuwa McCalla at MetaMorphic Entertainment. Spencer Beighley and Jamal Henderson of The SpringHill Company are executive producing along with Carol Martin for Genius Entertainment. Jamila Jordan-Theus will produce for Genius Entertainment as well. Production is set to begin in early 2022.

Additionally, Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films announced production on Hush Hush, a film adaptation of the New York Times best-selling young adult (YA) novels by Becca Fitzpatrick. Hush Hush follows 16-year-old high school student Nora Grey, who befriends new student, Patch, and finds herself drawn to his brooding charm against her better judgment. As Nora starts seeking answers about who Patch really is, she unwittingly gets caught in the crosshairs of an ancient battle between fallen angels and the immortal -- a struggle that comes to threaten her life and reveals a shocking secret about her own identity. The Hush Hush screenplay is being written by Monet Clayton (Every Note Played), with production slated for late 2021 in partnership with BCDF Pictures and Entertainment 360. Clayton is represented by ICM, Fourth Wall and attorney Sean Marks.

Both films, led by Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Films Studio head Syrinthia Studer, are scheduled to bow in 2022.

Fantasy Football and Hush Hush will debut on Paramount+, the streaming service for ViacomCBS, and follow the upcoming launch of The J Team, which premieres on Paramount+ on Sept. 3. The J Team marked the first production under the Nickelodeon and Awesomeness Live-Action Film Studio.

Following on Awesomeness’s live-action movie successes including the smash-hit To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before film franchise, The Perfect Date, and Before I Fall, the combined studio is diving into the family and YA film market with a dozen titles lined up for 2022 and beyond.

“We are excited to team up with SpringHill and Awesomeness, two creative powerhouses aligned in the mission to celebrate dynamic stories and invoke inspiration within our audiences. Collectively, we are companies that hold the family brand and themes at its core, so this felt like an incredible trifecta to bring Fantasy Football to life. This film is a true reflection of our growing slate: championing new heroes, challenging social ‘norms’, and showcasing the power of following your dreams,” stated Jamila Jordan-Theus, Head of Motion Picture for Genius Entertainment.

Added Studer, “With the continuing growth of Nickelodeon and Awesomeness’s live-action film studio business, we are curating a slate of aspirational, heartfelt films for everyone. From the fantasy and romance themes found in Hush Hush, to the love of sport and family captured in Fantasy Football, we can’t wait to entertain audiences everywhere with new YA and family stories about what they already love.”


About SpringHill Company:
The SpringHill Company is a global consumer and entertainment brand created to empower greatness in every individual by uniting three companies built by LeBron James and Maverick Carter: UNINTERRUPTED, the Sports Emmy-winning athlete empowerment media and consumer product company, SpringHill Entertainment, the premium scripted and unscripted film and television production company, and The Robot Company, the brand and culture consultancy. With a dynamic and diverse team committed to creating the most culturally inspired brands, entertainment, and products. The SpringHill Company is built to be the defining brand for a new generation. On the feature front, they are releasing ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ later this month, and are currently in production on ‘House Party’ for New Line, as well as the Adam Sandler-led ‘Hustle’ for Netflix. The SpringHill Company is represented by WME and Ziffren Brittenham.

About Genius Entertainment:
Genius Entertainment, founded by Actress/Executive Producer Marsai Martin alongside Joshua and Carol Martin, creates stories meant to inspire, illuminate, and celebrate the diverse experiences of girls and people of color.

About Awesomeness:
Awesomeness, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS, is a media company focused on serving the global Gen Z audience through its digital publishing, film and television studio divisions. Approaching its 10th year anniversary, Awesomeness has become the destination for youth culture, cultivating a loyal audience with hit programming on the world’s biggest streaming services including Netflix (smash-hit film series “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before,” Emmy® winner “Trinkets”) and Hulu (Emmy® winner “Zac & Mia”, Emmy® nominee “Pen15”), along with the company’s immensely popular short-form programs on YouTube (“Twin My Heart,” “Noah Beck Tries Things,” “AwesomenessTV’s Next Influencer,” “Brent Rivera’s Dream Vacation,” “My Dream Quinceañera,”), that garner hundreds of millions of views. As a leading media brand, Awesomeness’ worldwide distribution footprint spans owned, social and premium SVOD platforms. Founded in 2012, Awesomeness is headquartered in Los Angeles, with additional offices in New York.

About Nickelodeon:
Nickelodeon, now in its 42nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC).

About Paramount+:
Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service from ViacomCBS, combines live sports, breaking news, and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. The service is also the streaming home to unmatched sports programming, including every CBS Sports event, from golf to football to basketball and more, plus exclusive streaming rights for major sports properties, including some of the world’s biggest and most popular soccer leagues. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream ViacomCBS Streaming’s other live channels: CBSN for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis, and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 18th to 24th, 2021 - Update #17

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   CBS has revealed a first-look teaser trailer for "CSI: Vegas," the sequel to its long-running, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

CULTURE - From Slate:  BY Dahlia Lithwick: "We Are All Our Own Militia Now": The new Texas abortion law, paired with rising vigilantism and the ideas that fuel “stand your ground,” points to a frightening future.

MUSIC - From YahooTheRoot:   The first Prince album to be released posthumously will be available for streaming beginning July 30th.  Prince died in April 2016, and the album, entitled "Welcome 2 America," was apparently recorded 11 years ago.

MOVIES - From RollingStone:   A year from now, July 22, 2022, Jordan Peele's next feature film will debut ... says Peele.  He releases a teaser poster for the film with a title, and the title is "Nope."

STAR TREK - From WeGotThisCovered:  While the streaming series, "Star Trek: Picard," is currently in production of its second season, rumors say that there could be as many as three more seasons.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Rob Zombie has provided a first look at the makeup and costume design for his big screen adaptation of "The Munsters."

TELEVISION/OLYMPICS - From Deadline:   The site offers the Tokyo Olympics full TV & streaming schedule: how to watch everything from gymnastics to track & field, basketball and soccer on NBC, Peacock and more.

SPORTS - From YahooSports:   The Milwaukee Bucks are the 2021 NBA World Champions.  They beat the Phoenix Suns 105-98 in Game 6 on Tues. July 20th to win the best-of-seven series, 4 games to 2.  Star player Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 50 points.  This is the Bucks first NBA title since 1971.

CELEBRITY - From APNews:   HarperOne will publish Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis' memoir, "Finding Me," April 19, 2022. Davis is currently working on the memoir.

SCANDAL - From ABCNews:   This morning (Tues., July 20th), New York State Dept. of Corrections officials handed over convicted rapist, Harvey Weinstein, for extradition to California to face sexual assault charges there.

COVID-19 - From THR:   Hollywood’s major studios and guilds have come to a tentative, short-term agreement on new on-set COVID-19 protocols, finally taking vaccines into account.

CELEBRITY - From YahooLife:   Grammy-winning recording artist, Megan Thee Stallion, is the cover stallion on the 2021 edition of the "Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit" issue.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Lionsgate has acquired worldwide rights to Kevin Smith’s "Clerks III," which is in pre-production in New Jersey and will begin production next month.  The film will be a sequel to his 1994 cult hit classic, "Clerks," and to he first sequel, 2006's "Clerks II."

MOVIES - From Collider:   Warner Bros. releases a bunch of character posters for its upcoming blockbuster film, "Dune," which is due October 22nd in theaters and on HBO Max.

MOVIES - From Collider:   Actor Bill Skarsgard (Pennywise the Clown in "It") is joining "John Wick 4."

BOX OFFICE - From Variety:   The winner of the 7/16 to 7/18/21 weekend box office is "Space Jam: A New Legacy" with an estimated take of 31.6 million dollars.

BUSINESS - From Deadline:  There are rumors of a Comcast/ViacomCBS merger and NBCUniversal/Lionsgate merger, among others.

ANIMATION - From THR:   There will be at least two animated series based on "Game of Thrones." While a single animated project was previously reported to be in development in January, HBO Max is now working on at least two more potential shows.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from April 1st to 10th, 2021 - Update #33

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

STREAMING - From THR:   Eddie Murphy's sequel film, "Coming 2 America," was Amazon's first streaming film to finish #1 on Nielsen's streaming rankings (for the week of March 1 to 7).  Now, it has become the first feature film from any of the four platforms that Nielsen monitors to repeat at #1 (March 8 to 14).

MOVIES - From WeGotThisCovered:   Rumors say that Robert Downey, Jr. is still trying to get troubled movie star, Johnny Depp, a part in Downey's third entry in his "Sherlock Holmes" franchise.

TELEVISION - From THR:  Tyler Perry is developing a new series, "Mabel" for Showtime.  "Mabel" will act as a prequel to Perry's "Madea" films as the new series will chronicle Madea's life going back to 1972.

SCANDAL - From THR:  The magazine and its website offer an article featuring tales of Hollywood and Broadway super-producer, Scott Rudin's abusive behavior towards his young assistants and other professionals. 

From Deadline:  Oscar-nominated producer Megan Ellison, who has worked with Scott Rudin says that his behavior is worst than what "The Hollywood Reporter" claims.

MOVIES - From Deadline:   Rising stars Jorge Lendeborg Jr. and Tosin Cole are in negotiations to lead New Line’s reimagining of the 1990 cult comedy, "House Party," produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter's The SpringHill Company. Award-winning music video director Calmatic will be helming in his feature debut.

SCANDAL - From YahooLATimes:   Zachary J. Horwitz, who is an actor under the name, Zachery Avery, was arrested on Tues., April 6th under the federal charge of operating a ponzi scheme.  Horwitz reportedly owes investors 227(!) million dollars.

DC COMICS TO MOVIE - From THR:   "Justice League" actor Ray Fisher gives a bombshell interview about his experiences with key figures in the making of the film, including acclaimed writer-director Joss Whedon.

From Vulture:  A history of allegations of abuse on the part of Joss Whedon.

COVID-19 - From Deadline:  California Gov. Gavin Newsom says that the state will be ending most COVID restrictions and will be "opening up" on June 15th, 2021.

From Deadline: Tyler Perry is reportedly going to end the COVID quarantine bubble at his studio in Atlanta because most of his crew has been vaccinated.

SPORTS - From YahooSports:  The Baylor University Bears are the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament Champions.  The Bears (28-2) beat the Gonzaga University Bulldogs (31-1) 86-70 in the men's championship game on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   Byron Allen's Allen Media Group owns the free-to-air TV network, "This TV."  Now, This TV has signed a distribution deal with eight major ABC-owned TV station subchannels in order to expand its reach.

CELEBRITY - From YahooEntertainment:   30 years ago, actress Melanie Thandiwe Newton's name was misspelled in the credits of her first film, the Australian pic, "Flirting."  Since then, the world knows her as "Thandie Newton," but now she is reclaiming the "w" and she is Thandiwe Newton.  "Thandiew" is pronounced "tan-DEE-way."

LGBTQ - From YahooEntertainment:  Oscar-winning actress, Kate Winslet, says she knows many gay actors, especially young actors, who fear that coming out will derail their careeers.

SCANDAL - From Deadline:  Former movie studio boss and Oscar-winning producer, Harvey Weinstein, is appealing his New York state sex crime convictions, which landed him in prison for 23 years.  Meanwhile, on April 9th, there will be a hearing to extradite him to Los Angeles to face multiple sex crime charges.

MOVIES/STREAMING(?) - From WeGotThisCovered:  Paramount is reportedly developing a "Star Trek" project that is set only on Earth.

SAG AWARDS - From Variety:   If you care ... "Variety" is live-blogging / updating the 2021 / 27th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards with the announcement of the winners as they happen.

From THR:  "The Trial of the Chicago 7" tops the 2021 SAG Awards.

From THR:   Michael Keaton becomes the first actor to be part of three winning ensembles in the category of "Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture."  In addition to being a cast member of tonight's winner, "The Trial of the Chicago 7," Keaton was also a member of "Birdman" (2014) and "Spotlight" (2015), which both won "Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture."

BOX OFFICE - From Variety:   The winner of the 4/2 to 4/4/2021 weekend box office is "Godzilla vs. Kong" with an estimated take of 32.2 million dollars. This is the best pandemic-era opening weekend.

From Deadline:  "Godzilla vs. Kong" earns an estimated 48.5 million dollars during its first five days at the domestic box office.

From Deadline:   Warner Bros./Legendary's "Godzilla vs. Kong" opened on Wed., March 31st, 2021 and had the biggest opening day since the COVID pandemic, 9.6 million dollars in domestic box office.

ANIMATION - From Deadline:  Emmy-winning actress Zendaya has been cast as "Lola Bunny" in "Space Jam: A New Legacy," the sequel to the 1996 film, "Space Jam," which starred Michael Jordan.  The film is due July 16, 2021.

MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:  Actor Edward Norton said that he got his breakthrough role, as a 19-year-old altar boy who kills a Catholic bishop in the 1996 film, "Primal Fear," when Leonardo DiCaprio passed on the role.  Norton would earn an Oscar nomination for the part.

MUSIC - From Variety:   HYBE (formerly known as "Big Hit Entertainment"), the home of South Korean pop super-group, BTS, and Ithaca Holdings, which manages Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande (among others), have merged.

STREAMING - From Deadline:   Popular cast member, Rege-Jean Page, will not be returning for Season 2 at "Bridgerton."

MOVIES - From THR:   Actor Steven Yeun is in talks to join Oscar-winner Jordan Peele's upcoming thriller.  The title of the film has not been announced, but it is due July 2022.

MOVIES - From THR:  Anthony Ramos has apparently made a star turn in the upcoming film, "In the Heights."  Now, he is in final negotiations to be the lead in next installment of the "Transformers" film franchise.  Steve Caple, Jr., who directed "Creed II," is scheduled to direct the film.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:   CBS has officially picked up "CSI: Vegas," a sequel to the original series, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," for the upcoming TV season.  Original series stars, William Petersen and Jorja Fox, will return to join a new cast.

JAMES BOND - From Collider: How to Watch the James Bond Movies in Order (Chronologically and by Release Date)

OBITS:

From XXL:   The rapper, Earl Simmons, better known as "DMX," has died at the age of 50, Friday, April 9, 2021.  His debut LP, 1998's "It's Dark and Hell is Hot," debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 LP chart.  His first five LP would reach #1 and would be certified platinum.  DMX was also an actor and appeared in numerous films, including the 2001 hit, "Exit Wounds."

From Deadline:   The voice-over artist, Mark Elliot, has died at the age of 81, Saturday, April 3, 2021.  He was best known for his work with The Walt Disney Company doing voice-overs for Disney promos and trailers.

From Deadline:   The film and television actress, Gloria Henry, has died at the age of 98, Saturday, April 3, 2021.  Henry is best known for playing "Alice Mitchell," the mother of Dennis Mitchell in the former CBS sitcom, "Dennis the Menace" (1959-63).  She also appeared in numerous TV series, such as "Perry Mason," "The Thin Man," and "Dallas," to name a few.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 7th to 13th, 2020 - Update #27

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Support Leroy on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Warner Bros. has moved the release of Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" from July 10th to July 31st.

TELEVISION - From YahooEntertainment:  The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner has said that TV writer Jas Waters ("This is Us"), who was found dead Tues., June 9th died by suicide.

POLITICS - From YahooSports:  Basketball superstar and legend and NBA champion, LeBron James, has joined other Black athletes and celebrities to form a voting rights group, "More Than a Vote."  The group will be organized as a "501(c)(4) nonprofit."

BLM - From ProPublica:  The Police Have Been Spying on Black Reporters and Activists for Years. I Know Because I’m One of Them. by Wendi C. Thomas

BLM - From YahooNews:  In May 2019, when the late Derrick Scott told Oklahoma City police officers that he could not breath, one of them, Jarred Tipton, said, "I don't care."  Scott was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

CELEBRITY-NFL - From YahooEntertainment:  "How can I do better as a white man," asks Matthew McConaughey.

BLM - From YahooNews:  Basketball legend and NBA and NCAA champion, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is not surprised by the NFL's apology to Black NFL players, nor is he surprised by President Donald's reaction to it.

OLD-TIMEY RACISM - From Deadline:  HBOMax is removed the classic film, "Gone with the Wind," from its streaming library.  The film will return to with a "discussion of its historical context."

From YahooEntertainment:  By the way, the Walt Disney Company is not making it controversial live-action/animation film, "Song of the South," available on Disney+.

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MOVIES - From LATimes:  Once upon a time, the FBI destroyed the career and life of a young actress (Jean Seberg) because of her association with the Black Panther Party.

BLM - From YahooEntertainment:  Actress Niecy Nash (TNT's "Claws") says that her 28-year-old son, Dominic, had a scary run in with cops after he rolled past a "Stop" sign.

TRAILER - From THR:  "Bill & Ted Face the Music" drops its first trailer.  The film is due August 21st.

BLM - From WashPost:  Newly released video shows N.J. trooper, Sgt. Randall Wetzel, fatally shooting unarmed black man, Maurice Gordon, during traffic stop tussle

PRINCE - From YahooEntertainment:  The estate of the late recording artist, Prince, shares a note from him concerning intolerance.

CULTURE - From NYMag:  Frank Rich: America’s Eternal Battle With Itself - there is no rock bottom.

TELEVISION - From YahooEntertainment:  Marta Kaufman, who created NBC's beloved sitcom, "Friends" (with David Crane), apologizes for the series' lack of diversity.

BLACK ACTOR - From Deadline:  British actor Noel Clarke ("Bulletproof," "Star Trek Into Darkness") reveals that a "high-profile agent" recently mistook him for another Black actor.

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GRADUATION 2020 - From Variety:  Michelle Obama’s Graduation Speech Encourages Activism Beyond Hashtags and Posts.

From Variety:  Barack Obama Urges Graduates to Fight Conspiracy Theories, Use "Fact-Based Debate."
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COVID-19 From Deadline:  California Governor Gavin Newsom Announces Guidelines For Restarting Film & TV Production On June 12, If Local Conditions Permit

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Arsenio Hall Looks Back On Hosting A Talk Show During 1992 L.A. Riots, Details Run-Ins With Police & Donald Trump

POLITICS - From THR:  Vice-President Joe Biden formerly clinches the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, Friday, June 5th.

OSCARS-RACE - From People:  Director Ava DuVernay and actor David Oyelowo said that their film, "Selma" was snubbed at the 87th Academy Award because cast and crew wore "I can't breathe" T-shirts at the film's 2014 premiere.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  The television series writer and journalist, Jas Waters, has died at the age of 39, Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Waters worked on the second season of NBC's "This is Us" and recently on Showtime's "Kidding."  As a journalist, Waters worked for "Vibe" magazines.

From THR:  R&B and pop singer, Bonnie Pointer, has died at the age of 69, Monday, June 8, 2020.  She was a founding member of the vocal group, "The Pointer Sisters."  She was with the group from its founding in 1969 to 1977 when she departed for a solo career.  With her sisters, Bonnie won a Grammy for the song, "Fairytale," but she only managed a few moderate hits in her solo career.

From CNN:  The contemporary artist, Christo, has died at the age of 84, Sunday, May 31, 2020.  Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and his late wife, Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon (2009), were known for their monumental environmental artworks which often involved massive installations made of fabrics.

GEORGE FLOYD AND PROTESTS:

From RSN:  George Floyd buried today, June 9th, 2020.

From YahooEntertainment:  Spike Lee has released a new short film that connects the dots from his iconic film, "Do The Right Thing" to the police killings of Eric Garner and George Floyd.

From NBCNews:  (5/26) - A Minneapolis black man, George Floyd, dies after pleading with a police officer that he could not breathe.

From BET: - George Floyd died of asphyxiation says autopsy.

From LATimes:  Op-Ed: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says: Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge.

From Medium:  President Barack Obama tells young people "How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change."

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 NEWS:

From CDC:   The Centers for Disease Control has a "COVID Data Tracker."

From YahooNews:  Why does COVID-19 kill some people and hardly affects others?

From YahooNews:  Yahoo has a dedicated page of links updating news about COVID-19.

From Deadline:  The news site "Deadline" has a dedicated page for news about coronavirus and the film, TV, and entertainment industries.

From TheNewYorker:  The venerable magazine has a dedicate COVID-19 page free to all readers.

From YahooNews:  Re: the federal government's response to COVID-19: What if the most important election of our lifetime was the last one - 2016?

From YahooLife:  What is "happy hypoxia?"  And do you have this COVID-19 symptom?

From JuanCole:  Remeber when President Donald went crazy and suggested that we ingest household cleaning supplies and UV light to fight COVID-19.  Here is the video and commentary from Juan Cole.

From TheIntercept:  The federal government has ramped up security and police-related spending in response to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, including issuing contracts for riot gear, disclosures show. The purchase orders include requests for disposable cuffs, gas masks, ballistic helmets, and riot gloves...

From NPR:  A sad milestone: over 100,000 American have died due to COVID-19.

From TheAtlantic:  The Coronavirus Was an Emergency Until Trump Found Out Who Was Dying. The pandemic has exposed the bitter terms of our racial contract, which deems certain lives of greater value than others.

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