Angelique Jackson: Celebs Rumors

Angelique Jackson In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Amazon has announced the first in-person installment of its Voices series, featuring a conversation with “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” author and screenwriter Jenny Han.Han, whose series adaptation of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” launches June 17 on Prime Video, will sit for a for a wide-ranging discussion about her New York Times bestselling books moderated by journalist Dino Ray Ramos (The Diaspora Times). The three-hour event, titled “Voices: Asian & Pacific Islander Representation in Film & Media,” will take place on May 19 from 4-7 p.m.

Wilson Chapman editorIn “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” longtime Marvel Cinematic Universe hero Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) is at her most villainous, butting heads with the title character (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) over the course of the film. But Olsen, whose portrayal of the mystical Scarlet Witch has made her a consistent MCU fan favorite, insists that no matter what Wanda goes through, she’ll continue to defend the character.“I remember people saying at the end of ‘Wandavision,’ ‘She has no accountability!'” Olsen told Variety senior entertainment reporter Angelique Jackson on the red carpet at the “Multiverse of Madness” premiere on Monday.

Angelique Jackson After two years of upheaval due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sundance Institute has announced dates for the 2023 edition of the Sundance Film Festival.The fest will take place as an in-person and virtual hybrid, running Jan. 19-29, in Park City, Utah, and beyond, with selections also screening on Sundance’s digital platform.“We can’t wait to return to our home in Park City and present exciting new work from around the world live and in person,” stated festival director Tabitha Jackson.

Angelique Jackson Issa Rae has been tapped to serve as the ambassador for the 2022 American Black Film Festival (ABFF), and she’s bringing a special treat to Miami Beach. Rae will screen her highly anticipated HBO Max series “Rap Sh*t” for the festival’s closing night.“I’m honored to be this year’s Festival Ambassador,” said Rae, announcing her participation.

Angelique Jackson In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander heritage month, HBO Max is launching a special collection dedicated to AAPI stories.Starting May 1, HBO Max will spotlight its Asan American and Pacific Islander Voices Collection, with hours of curated programming including its Max Originals like “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” “Tokyo Vice,” “Take Out With Lisa Ling” and “House of Ho.” The collection also boasts hit movies including “In the Mood for Love,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Aquaman” and “Bend It Like Beckham;” as well as Warner Bros. streaming exclusive “Moonshot.” Plus, it will highlight anime and other global animation with a dedicated page that includes content from Studio Ghibli.

Angelique Jackson “Fast and Furious” director Justin Lin announced that he will no longer direct the franchise’s next installation, “Fast X.”Lin shared the news on social media, writing: “With the support of Universal, I have made the difficult decision to step back as director of Fast X, while remaining with the project as a producer.”Lin’s statement continued: “Over 10 years and five films, we have been able to shoot the best actors, the best stunts, and the best damn car chases. On a personal note, as the child of Asian immigrants, I am proud of helping to build the most diverse franchise in movie history.

Angelique Jackson CBS Studios has set in motion two initiatives focused on providing a diverse range of emerging creators with opportunities in filmmaking and casting.First, CBS Studios has announced a new casting fellowship targeted toward BIPOC representation. Developed to address the diversity gap in the casting industry, the 10-week program allows fellows to have a fully immersive, hands-on experience working in a casting office, along with mentorship from the studio’s casting executives.The studio has also set its second cohort for the CBS Leadership Pipeline Challenge, which arms 35 early-career storytellers with $5,000 budgets to make mission-inspired short films.“We always strive to create opportunities for prospective executives… In only its second year, this inclusive program is helping us grow an even more vibrant and motivated studio team,” CBS Studios President David Stapf said of the initiatives conceived by casting executives Lori Erickson and Rob Decina.

Angelique Jackson Producer Jesse Collins and his eponymous Jesse Collins Entertainment have signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for representation.Collins is the CEO and executive producer of all programming for the Emmy-nominated television and film production company. He most recently executive produced the 2022 Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show, featuring a performance by Dr.

Angelique Jackson Longtime UNICEF ambassadors Orlando Bloom, Sofia Carson and Lucy Liu have signed on as executive producers for the documentary “If You Have,” which chronicles the 75-year history of UNICEF.Directed by Academy Award winner Ben Proudfoot, who won the 2022 documentary short prize for “The Queen of Basketball,” the film spotlights UNICEF’s life-saving work for children and families around the world, as told through the eyes of those who were there.“I could not be more thrilled to be working with Orlando Bloom, Sofia Carson, Lucy Liu and their teams to bring the world’s attention to the cause of children and the remarkable work of UNICEF over the years and of course today as it undertakes the largest vaccine supply operation of all time,” Proudfoot told Variety in a statement announcing the partnership. “After such a dark chapter in human history, having these three archangel executive producers lifting up ‘If You Have’ will bring this much needed story of optimism and inspiration to millions of homes around the world.” Founded in the aftermath of World War II, UNICEF has worked in over 190 countries to provide health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more to the world’s most vulnerable children and families.Bloom became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2009 and has traveled extensively with the organization, most recently to Moldova, in March of this year, where he met with children and their families who were fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Angelique Jackson Lily-Rose Depp, Hoyeon and Renate Reinsve will star in Joe Talbot’s sophomore feature “The Governesses” for A24.A24 has greenlit the project, with Talbot set to direct and Depp (“The Idol”), Screen Actors Guild Award winner Hoyeon (“Squid Game”) and Cannes best actress winner and BAFTA best actress nominee Reinsve (“The Worst Person in the World”) on board to star.The movie marks Talbot’s second collaboration with the studio after his critically acclaimed feature debut “The Last Black Man in San Francisco.” The screenplay is by Talbot and poet/novelist Olivia Gatwood (“Life of the Party”).Based on Anne Serre’s novel of the same name, the story follows three rebellious governesses who upend the household they work in –– inspiriting the minds of the boys in their care, igniting the imaginations of the bohemian couple who employ them and abandoning their charges for erotic adventures. The project, which will be shot in Spain, was developed with the support of BBC Film, which will co-finance alongside A24.

Angelique Jackson “The Harder They Fall” actor RJ Cyler has signed with CAA and Management 360 for representation.Ronald “RJ” Cyler II was most recently seen in the Sundance selection “Emergency,” which is set to hit theaters and begin streaming on Amazon Prime Video in May. He also portrayed real-life cowboy Jim Beckwourth in Jeymes Samuel’s Netflix western “The Harder They Fall,” stealing scenes amid the star-studded ensemble of Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Regina King, Lakeith Stanfield, Zazie Beetz, Edi Gathegi, Danielle Deadwyler and Delroy Lindo.Cyler will next be seen in the HBO Max comedy series “Rap Sh*t,” created by Issa Rae, and will play a leading role in “Freedom’s Path,” an upcoming film set in and around the Underground Railroad, written and directed by Brett Smith.

Angelique Jackson Nancy Meyers is set to write, direct and produce a new feature film for Netflix.Meyers previously partnered with the streamer in 2020 to release the short film “Father of the Bride Part 3 (ish).” The special project premiered on Netflix’s social channels, bringing together the cast of “Father of the Bride” and “Father of the Bride Part II,” as well as Robert De Niro, Florence Pugh and Ben Platt for a very special Banks family reunion that benefited World Central Kitchen.More to come…

Wilson Chapman editorThis June, acclaimed singer-songwriter Yola will be making her film acting debut in Baz Luhrmann’s hotly anticipated “Elvis” biopic. On the Grammys red carpet, Yola discussed her excitement about portraying Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock and Roll, in the film.“It’s just the privilege I have to speak her name, and to speak on it,” Yola told Variety senior entertainment writer Angelique Jackson.

Anna Tingley If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. The biggest names in music will gather in Las Vegas this Sunday for the 2022 Grammy Awards, which will take place on April 3 at 5 p.m.

Angelique Jackson In the latest toy-related movie news, Play-Doh is being molded into an animated feature film from eOne and Hasbro.The prospective picture will be written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Emily V. Gordon, with Jon M.

Angelique Jackson “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” creator Tim Federle makes his directorial debut with the film “Better Nate Than Ever,” adapted from his award-winning book by the same name.The story follows 13-year-old Nate (newcomer Rueby Wood), an awkward, aspiring theater kid who can’t land a role in his school play, yet follows his dream from his hometown of Pittsburgh to audition on Broadway. Lisa Kudrow, Joshua Bassett, Aria Brooks and Broadway legends Michelle Federer and Norbert Leo Butz also star.As the cast and crew gathered at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood Tuesday night to celebrate the film’s April 1 launch on Disney Plus, Federle spoke to Variety about the story’s discussion of sexuality, the importance of LGBTQ representation in entertainment and weighed in on the controversy over Disney’s handling of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Angelique Jackson Hillman Grad, the multi-platform entertainment company founded by actor, producer and Emmy-winning writer Lena Waithe, has promoted veteran executive Rishi Rajani to CEO.In his new role, Rajani will oversee all divisions across Hillman Grad, guide the company’s overall strategic and creative direction, and develop new business partnerships. Waithe will retain her position as founder and chair.Since joining the company in 2018 as president of film and television, Rajani has played a key role in furthering Hillman Grad’s mission to “create art that redefines the status quo by amplifying and celebrating the stories and voices of diverse, historically marginalized communities across all industries.” “Rishi Rajani has worked tirelessly to help make Hillman Grad what it is today,” stated Waithe, announcing the promotion.

Angelique Jackson In June 2021, Oscar-nominee and Emmy-winner Riz Ahmed and Pillars Fund’s Kashif Shaikh and Arij Mikati outlined the urgent need for more Muslim representation in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera, during an extensive interview with Variety.The trio announced plans to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative, dubbed the Pillars Artist Fellowship, with a mission to provide resources and mentorship to a group of talented Muslim artists to help them use their talents to change the game in the film and television industries. Today, Pillars Fund, Ahmed and his Left Handed Films banner unveil the inaugural cohort of fellows.“We spent months getting to know many talented candidates,” stated Shaikh, Pillars Fund’s co-founder and president.

Angelique Jackson Ms. Opal Lee, whose march to Washington helped make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday, has signed with CAA for representation.The 95-year-old activist is often referred to as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” after making it her life’s mission to bring national awareness to the cause.

Angelique Jackson As Samuel L. Jackson took the microphone to introduce the screening of “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey,” the acting icon reflected on the 12-year journey to get the limited series made.“This was a project that’s been eating me up for 10-12 years, and I’ve been chasing it and running it to different places trying to get it done,” Jackson told the crowd inside the Regency Bruin Theatre in Westwood.

Angelique Jackson Alessandro Nivola is the latest actor to join Sony’s “Kraven the Hunter,” starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Russell Crowe, Ariana DeBose and Fred Hechinger.The latest in Sony Pictures’ universe of Marvel characters, which includes the “Spider-Man” and “Venom” films, “Kraven the Hunter” is set to be released theatrically Jan. 13, 2023.

Angelique Jackson Sherri Shepherd wasn’t a nominee at the 13th AAFCA Awards on Wednesday night, but she certainly had the look of a winner.Shepherd was on hand at the annual awards show — which celebrates the best in film each year — to present the best actress award to her “Chi-town sister” Jennifer Hudson, who the organization’s near-100 members honored for playing Aretha Franklin in “Respect.”“I’m so in awe of her, that she has reinvented herself but she’s still singing those soulful gospel songs, then she’s pop, then she can get in there and act her butt off and did an amazing job in ‘Respect,’” Shepherd told Variety about Hudson on the red carpet outside the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. “Now the girl’s got her own talk show — welcome to the block, sis! — so, it’s very, very exciting to support her in this manner.” Of course, Hudson isn’t the only one with a new show.

Angelique Jackson CBS is doubling down on its commitment to Sheryl Underwood, the Emmy-winning host of “The Talk.”Underwood has inked a multi-year deal to remain on the panel of the daytime talk series through Season 15 (“The Talk” is currently in its 12th season), plus she’s entered into a new two-year first-look deal with CBS Studios.“‘The Talk’ will forever be my home; I have no intentions of going anywhere, but while I have this platform and while I have access to the audience, I want to be as integral in the success of the corporation of CBS as I possibly can,” Underwood tells Variety of expanding her relationship with the network. “I want to be able to create content — not just for me to star in, but for other people to get the same opportunity and go on the same journey, especially women and stand-up comics.” Underwood joined “The Talk” in September 2011, as the show entered into its second season, and earned a Daytime Emmy Award alongside her fellow hosts in 2017.On behalf of CBS, CEO George Cheeks stated: “Sheryl has been critical to ‘The Talk’s’ success for more than a decade and we’re excited that she will be part of the conversation for several years to come.

Angelique Jackson “Belfast” star Jude Hill is charming his way through award season one Spider-Man at a time.In January, Hill, who made his feature film debut playing a younger version of writer-director Kenneth Branagh in the autobiographical movie, told Variety that one of the highlights of his time in Hollywood thus far was meeting “Spider-Man: No Way Home” star Tom Holland.“‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ was the first film that made me tear a bit. I cried four times during that film; it’s a work of art,” Hill shared, before recounting their chance meeting at a restaurant in Paris.“As soon as [Holland] walked past us, I realized who he was,” he continued.

Sasha Urban editorWearing a blush pink floral Prada gown and matching headband, Dame Helen Mirren told Variety at the 28th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards that she felt like the “homecoming queen.” A fitting title, since she was on hand as the 57th recipient of the SAG Life Achievement Award. But Mirren admitted her upcoming role as villain Hespera in the superhero film “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” set to release in 2023, won’t be quite as romantic.“I had such a good time in ‘Shazam,’ playing a Roman goddess,” Mirren told senior entertainment writer Angelique Jackson during Variety On the Carpet presented by DIRECTV.

Angelique Jackson NFL legend Tom Brady just announced his retirement from football, but TB12 is already getting back in the game, all thanks to Hollywood.The seven-time Super Bowl champion will produce and appear in the new movie “80 for Brady,” which is led by an equally impressive cast: Academy Award-nominee Lily Tomlin, Academy Award-winner Jane Fonda, Academy Award-winner Rita Moreno and Academy Award-winner Sally Field.The movie is inspired by the true story of 4 best friends and New England Patriots fans who take a life-changing trip to Super Bowl LI to see their hero Tom Brady play, and the chaos that ensues as they navigate the wilds of the biggest sporting event in the country.Paramount Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to the project from Endeavor Content, who will produce the film alongside Brady’s 199 Productions and Academy Award-winner Donna Gigliotti. The film is directed by Kyle Marvin (star of “WeCrashed” and co-writer and star of “The Climb”), who co-wrote the latest script with Michael Covino, based off a draft by Emily Halpern & Sarah Haskins (“Booksmart”).

Angelique Jackson MGM’s “Creed III” has partnered with the Georgia Film Academy (GFA) to hire eight student interns to work on the boxing drama, which marks star Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut.“On behalf of Michael and the filmmaking team for ‘Creed III,’ we are thrilled to welcome Georgia Film Academy students into our ‘Creed’ family,” said Elizabeth Raposo, president of Jordan’s Outlier Society.

Angelique Jackson When “King Richard” star Aunjanue Ellis was approached to portray Oracene “Brandy” Williams (née Price) in a film about the early years of Venus and Serena Williams’ tennis career, the actor was primarily excited to celebrate the first family of tennis. Ellis describes the opportunity to play Price as “one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had as an actor,” but admits that there was so much about the Williams household — and about Price specifically — that she didn’t know.“I only knew of her from being in the stands and having these dope shades on every time.

Angelique Jackson DC’s “Wonder Twins” are getting the feature film treatment, with a new live-action movie in the works for HBO Max. Warner Bros has hired Adam Sztykiel, who worked on the upcoming “Black Adam,” starring Dwayne Johnson, to write and direct the movie, based on the DC characters.

Angelique Jackson Bleecker Street has secured North American rights to Catherine Hardwicke’s new action-comedy, “Mafia Mamma,” starring Toni Collette, Monica Bellucci and Rob Huebel.Collette stars in the film as a suburban American woman, who inherits her grandfather’s mafia empire and must learn navigate her new role as the head of the family business, defying everyone’s expectations.Based on an original idea by acclaimed French novelist, screenwriter and filmmaker Amanda Sthers, Hardwicke directs from a screenplay written by Debbie Jhoon and Michael J. Feldman (Peacock’s “AP Bio,” Hulu’s”Deadbeat”).

Angelique Jackson On Tuesday, “The Power of the Dog” director Jane Campion made Oscars history as the first woman to receive two best director nominations. Campion is nominated in the 2022 Oscars directing category opposite Steven Spielberg for “West Side Story,” Kenneth Branagh for “Belfast,” Paul Thomas Anderson for “Licorice Pizza” and Ryusuke Hamaguchi for “Drive My Car.” Her first Oscar nod for directing came in 1994 when she was nominated for “The Piano” at the 66th Academy Awards.

Angelique Jackson When “Nanny” writer-director Nikyatu Jusu got a message from the Sundance team in late January asking to jump on a call, the first time filmmaker realized that the project must’ve won an award, which would be presented publicly the next day.First, Jusu thought that the prize might go to the film’s star Anna Diop, who’d been earning rave reviews for her performance as Aisha, a Senegalese woman who recently immigrated to America and begins working for a wealth family on the Upper East Side in New York City. Then, she speculated the prize could be for cinematographer Rina Yang’s work lensing the film, which would be a win for the whole team.

Angelique Jackson Bleecker Street has acquired the U.S. rights to Abi Damaris Corbin’s “892,” starring John Boyega and the late Michael K.

Angelique Jackson When “King Richard” star Aunjanue Ellis and “The Harder They Fall’s” Regina King paired off for Variety‘s Actors on Actors, presented by Amazon, Ellis asked King to dish on one of her favorite performances from her fellow actor — Marcee Tidwell in 1996’s “Jerry Maguire.”“You’re taking me back to a long time ago. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since that film,” King told Ellis.The film debuted on Dec.

Angelique Jackson Showtime Documentary Films has acquired “2nd Chance,” about the life and legacy of Richard Davis, from director and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Ramin Bahrani (“The White Tiger,” “99 Homes,” “Chop Shop”).The feature length-documentary centers on Davis, the charming and brash inventor of the modern-day bulletproof vest, who shot himself 192 times to prove his product worked.Written, directed, and produced by Bahrani, “2nd Chance” is produced by Daniel Turcan & Johnny Galvin of Vespucci, Charles Dorfman and Jacob Grodnik. The film is executive produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer (“The Act of Killing,” “The Look of Silence”), Myles Estey, Bahareh Azimi and Marlon Vogelgesang.

Angelique Jackson “Aquaman” star Jason Momoa is in talks to join the “Fast” family.Variety has learned that Momoa may join Vin Diesel and the “Fast and Furious” crew in the upcoming 10th installment of the high-octane franchise.The Hollywood Reporter was first to report Momoa’s involvement in the upcoming film.