December 06, 2018
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
Despite an adventurous theme and a strong desire for new experiences and opportunities, a more spiritual and dreamy tendency could prevail. The issue of beliefs might be on the agenda, which could affect how you approach an idea or project. Should you have faith that it will go as expected, or should you get help from a mentor with prior experience? A more practical focus suggests that you make a start that involves both options. The new moon on Thursday allows for a positive start to new ventures, especially those involving travel or study. And with chatty Mercury turning direct the same day, the coming weeks can go more smoothly, with fewer hitches and delays.
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
While you might be embracing more intense issues with a view toward making key changes, your social life sparkles, too. You might need to balance your inner and outer lives if you’re going to be productive this week. However, this could be difficult midweek, when a social event that seems particularly alluring takes you away from more pressing issues. Thursday’s new moon in your sector of shared assets and deep psychological issues can be an opportunity for a new beginning. Even if you only have the intention of changing things, this can be enough. If you want to make concrete progress, you might need to let go of aspects of the past before you can move into the future. On that same day, lively Mercury turns direct, which can bring an end to any misunderstandings.
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
There could be a lot going on regarding certain relationships, team projects, and your social life. Early in the week, you might be torn between leisure activities and attending to your goals and responsibilities. If you feel really stuck, taking a little time out to consider your priorities could help you be more productive. Lively Mercury, your guardian planet, turns direct on Thursday, which could make it easier to navigate the coming weeks, especially during this busy time of year. With a new moon in this sector on the same day, you’ll have an opportunity to take the initiative regarding certain relationships. This can be a good time to start a collaboration or take a romance to a new level.
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
Work beckons, but so do more enticing aspects of life, such as the chance to travel, explore subjects of interest, or lose yourself in new ideas or fascinating books. You’ll need to find a balance between getting your daily tasks completed and indulging a fascination with new interests. Thursday’s new moon in your sector of work and lifestyle brings an opportunity to make a fresh start. If you’re beginning a new job, this lunar phase can be excellent for helping you adjust and feel at home in your new environment. If you’re beginning a new routine, the new moon can be equally helpful by enabling you visualize what it will be like for you if you can maintain this. Expressive Mercury also turns direct on Thursday, helping you gather your thoughts.
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
You might want to explore new ideas and creative opportunities, but there could be a matter to attend to first. This might involve sorting out a confusing or frustrating issue that seems hopelessly entangled. Take your time because this could take a little while to resolve. If you can detach from it, you might find that some clarity is possible. Thursday brings a new moon in your sector of leisure, creativity, and romance, which can be an opportunity to take things to a new level. A hobby could become a small enterprise, or a budding romance could move into deeper waters. Inquisitive Mercury turns direct on the same day, and this can smooth the path ahead and help you accomplish your goals.
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
You might have things to do at home, but other people could have demands as well. If they really want something out of you, they could try all sorts of tricks to get your attention. To keep the peace, you might need to find a balance between your needs and theirs. It could be difficult to understand someone’s motives, and if you sense that they’re not being quite truthful, postpone forging any agreements or making any commitments. Thursday’s new moon in your home zone can be an opportunity to get domestic projects up and running. With chatty Mercury turning direct on the same day, real estate deals could also proceed more smoothly.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
Getting your priorities in order could be difficult this week because others might be demanding and perhaps even needy at times. You may have to strengthen your boundaries if you are to get everything done as intended. Still, your compassionate side can win out, and you may find yourself lending a helping hand even if you do have to sacrifice your own agenda. Thursday’s new moon in your sector of communication can be a positive this week, perhaps an opportunity to launch a product or website or sign a deal or agreement. With chatty Mercury turning direct on that same day, you’ll also find it easier to navigate through this holiday month with fewer delays.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
Creative and romantic opportunities are plentiful this week, but they will require money. Think very carefully about the cost of a creative project or new relationship. While this can seem materialistic, the cosmos is urging you to trust your instincts. You have an inborn ability to know when something isn’t as it should be, and the coming days are a chance to use it. Thursday’s new moon in your money zone can lead you to take the initiative regarding key projects. It’s also a chance to plan for all the extra expense involved in the coming weeks. You can set yourself up for the year ahead by making a few simple adjustments. And with expressive Mercury turning direct on the same day, recent difficulties and frustrations can begin to ease.
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
While you might feel full of vim and vigor, the domestic scene and members of your family may require support over the week ahead. Someone could be feeling a little bit lonely and in need some attention, and if so, this is something to deal with gently, without compromising your own agenda. Thursday’s new moon in your sign is the best of the year for you and an opportunity to set your intentions for the coming twelve months. Make a list of all the things you hope to accomplish. Reading it through will help the ideas sink in, and you could find yourself moving forward quite naturally. And with thoughtful Mercury pushing ahead that same day, any difficulties or misunderstandings you’ve experienced could begin to resolve.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
You could feel like retiring from the world and keeping yourself to yourself, but you might be dragged into an issue that has nothing much to do with you. A detached perspective would be very helpful here, enabling you to understand the truth of the matter. Still, this could rumble on for some time, so patience may be necessary. Despite this, Thursday’s new moon in a secluded sector of your chart could inspire you to adopt a practice that helps you stay calm in everyday life. Meditation or some other discipline might help you feel more at peace. Inquisitive Mercury turns direct on that same day, and so relationships may gradually improve and frustrations begin to ease. This could make a big difference to the coming weeks and your enjoyment of the holiday season.
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 18
You might be wondering if someone is taking advantage of you, particularly over the days ahead when the sun in your social sector squares off with ethereal Neptune. In this instance, trust your gut and you won’t go far wrong. Cosmic forces are encouraging you to take extra care when making purchases or dealing with paperwork or processes that involve a lot of money. It’s vital to read the fine print and check that everything is to your satisfaction. With a happy focus on your social sector and a new moon in this zone on Thursday, you’ll have opportunities to connect with friends and initiate new plans and projects. Frustrations and delays can also begin to ease as chatty Mercury forges ahead on that same day. If plans have been on hold, things will soon get moving again.
Pisces
FEB 19 - MAR 20
Responsibilities and ambitions could be very much on your mind, yet you might feel complacent about them and have to push yourself to get anything done. And with the sun angling toward nebulous Neptune in your sign on Wednesday, you might experience tension in this regard. Sorting out your priorities and making a to-do list could certainly help. However, it would be a shame not to make use of Thursday’s new moon in your sector of goals to push forward with a plan that’s important to you. If you can focus on and visualize the outcome, this could ignite your enthusiasm and inspire you to make a start. With expressive Mercury turning direct on the same day, your efforts should begin to bear fruit sooner rather than later.
December 06, 2018
By Kam Williams
Contributing Writer
Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) was a promising prodigy whose formal training in classical piano began when he was admitted to Russia's prestigious Leningrad Conservatory at the age of 9. Because he had the misfortune of being raised in Florida in the Jim Crow Era, it was very unlikely that his extraordinary talent would be appreciated anywhere in the South upon his return to the States.
The North was decidedly different. While still in his teens, Don was invited by conductor Arthur Fielder to perform with the Boston Pops Orchestra. He would later compose symphonies for the New York Philharmonic and was even allowed to rent an apartment above Carnegie Hall.
In the early Sixties, Don decided to throw caution to the wind by embarking on an eight-week concert tour across the Deep South. This would involve playing numerous “white only” venues where, despite being the headliner, he might not be able to dine or use the restroom.
As far as finding a place to stay, he would turn to the Green Book, a priceless guide for African-Americans in need of public accommodations across the segregated South. And to make sure he kept out of trouble on the road, he hired Tony Lip Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), a blue-collar bouncer from the Bronx.
Thus unfolds Green Book, a fact-based buddy flick revisiting the unlikely friendship forged between a stuffy classical artist and his rough-edged driver in the face of their racial and class differences. The movie represents a bit of a departure for director Peter Farrelly, whose name has long been associated with lowbrow comedies like Dumb and Dumber, Shallow Hal and There's Something about Mary.
The relatively-sophisticated Green Book proves to be far more reminiscent of Driving Miss Daisy (1989) than of Farrelly's earlier bottom-feeding fare. In fact, the palpable chemistry generated by co-stars Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen will not be forgotten by the Academy come Oscar season.
A touching biopic with a timely universal message about brotherhood and tolerance.
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for violence, mature themes, profanity, racial slurs, smoking and suggestive material
Running time: 130 minutes
Production Studio: Dreamworks Pictures / Amblin Partners / Innisfree Pictures / Wessler Entertainment / Participant Media /Conundrum Entertainment / Cinetic Media
Studio: Universal Pictures
To see a trailer for Green Book, visit: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=QkZxoko_HC0
December 06, 2018
By Lauren Victoria Burke
NNPA Newswire
Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis will portray legendary politician Shirley Chisholm in a feature film for Amazon Studios. Chisholm was the first African American woman in U.S. history to be elected to Congress.
The announcement regarding the film landed on the same day as news of a Shirley Chisholm statue in New York City’s Prospect Park was announced by New York’s first lady Chirlane McCray on the last day of November. November 30 would have been Chisholm’s 94th birthday.
The film project is currently entitled “The Fighting Shirley Chisholm.” According to Deadline Hollywood, “Davis will produce and star as the U.S. Representative.”
Amazon Studios won a bidding war for the rights to produce the Shirley Chisholm film. The project is the first Amazon Studios production deal emerging from the partnership between Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions and Amazon.
Maggie Betts will direct the movie. Her feature film “Novitiate” was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017.
Chisholm represented parts of Brooklyn which made up what was then the 12th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1969 to 1983. In a historic move, Chisholm ran for president in 1972. She was the first African American to mount a major party run for President as well as the first African American woman to run. Chisholm passed away in 2005 in Florida at the age 80.
Viola Davis won an Oscar in 2017 for supporting actress in her role with Denzel Washington in the film version of August Wilson’s play “Fences.” Davis also won a Golden Globe and SAG award for the performance.
Betts, who will direct the Chisholm biopic, is represented by Homegrown entertainment which is focused on “creating content by and about women and people of color with authentic stories, depictions and representation.”
November 29, 2018
LAWT News Service
Warner Bros. Television Group (WBTVG) and Emmy®-winning/Oscar®-nominated writer/producer/director Ava DuVernay are joining forces for a landmark, multi-year creative partnership. Warner Bros. Television Group President and Chief Content Officer Peter Roth announced the deal today. In keeping with Studio practice, financial terms were not disclosed, but it is an exclusive multi-year overall development and production pact for Ms. DuVernay and her Forward Movement production company that takes effect in January 2019. This marks her first overall deal with any studio.
Under terms of the agreement, Ms. DuVernay will develop new television projects — including but not limited to drama and comedy series, longform/event series, documentaries, potential digital content and more — for all platforms, including broadcast networks, premium/pay and basic cable channels, and streaming/on-demand platforms.
Peter Roth said, “Ava DuVernay is one of the leading lights in our industry, a brilliantly talented writer, producer, director and entrepreneur whose ability to inspire with her art is exceeded only by her ability to entertain. We have had the great pleasure of working with her on Queen Sugar and The Red Line, and we are extremely excited about the new stories she has to tell.”
Ava DuVernay said, “I’ve had nothing but beautiful experiences working with Peter Roth, Susan Rovner and Brett Paul. They love and support artists in wonderful and nourishing ways. They work within a traditional studio headed by Kevin Tsujihara that is stirring with untraditional energy and fresh protocols for intentional, inclusive image-making. Warner Bros. is a terrific partner about matters of visibility and belonging for all kinds and cultures of people, which is our mission at Forward Movement. I couldn’t be happier to call Warner Bros. TV my production home.”
This partnership continues WBTVG’s on-going strategic commitment to collaborate with the finest creators in our industry and support their vision by taking advantage of the artistic freedoms that an independent studio can provide.
WBTVG’s relationship with Ms. DuVernay began in 2015, when Warner Horizon Scripted Television signed on to produce Queen Sugar, the drama series that Ms. DuVernay created for OWN and executive produces alongside Oprah Winfrey. The series was renewed for a second season in August 2016 — before the first season even debuted in September 2016. Queen Sugar completed its third season in August 2018 and has already been renewed for a fourth, which will debut in 2019. She will continue to serve as executive producer.
A creative and pioneering leader, Ms. DuVernay established an unprecedented initiative by assembling an all-female directing team for each season of Queen Sugar, which will continue during the show’s upcoming fourth season. She has also given showrunning opportunities to those who have never before held the position, with a new showrunner taking the helm each season.
In addition to Queen Sugar, Ms. DuVernay is an executive producer (along with Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter) of Warner Bros. Television’s The Red Line, a highly anticipated event series for CBS from writers Caitlin Parrish & Erica Weiss about the devastating effects felt by three different families when an innocent African-American doctor is shot by a white police officer in Chicago. The pilot was directed by Victoria Mahoney, who Ms. DuVernay previously tapped to direct on Queen Sugar.
Ms. DuVernay’s Forward Movement production company will produce her new series in association with Warner Bros. Television, Warner Horizon Scripted Television or the Television Group’s digital studio, Blue Ribbon Content. Warner Bros. International Television Distribution will distribute the shows around the world.
Outside of her association with WBTVG, Ms. DuVernay is currently producing, writing and directing the Netflix miniseries Central Park Five. Her company Forward Movement is also working with professional football player and social activist Colin Kaepernick to develop a comedy series based on his life during high school. For her documentary 13th, Ms. DuVernay was nominated for three Emmy® Awards, winning two — Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming — and was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Feature. She had previously directed the acclaimed motion picture Selma, which was nominated for two Oscars, including Best Picture, and won one, for Music (Original Song). She recently directed the feature film A Wrinkle in Time, making her the first black woman director to surpass $100 million at the domestic box office. Her prior film credits include I Will Follow and Middle of Nowhere, which garnered her the Best Director Award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival as the first black woman to be so honored.
In this Feb. 25, 2018 photo, Director Ava DuVernay poses for a portrait at The W Hotel in Los Angeles. (Rebecca Cabage/Invision/AP)