March 08, 2018
By Brittany K. Jackson
Contributing Writer
Very rarely do you see Hollywood come together for a night to celebrate the work and accomplishments of casting directors, but this is happened for famed casting director Leah Daniels Butler recently. The younger sister to film producer and director Lee Daniels, Butler has casted some of the nation’s greatest actors for sitcoms and films such as “The Wayans Brothers”, “Love that Girl”, “Lee Daniel’s The Butler”, “Precious”, and “Empire”, to name a few.
The post Oscar celebration took place at a very swanky Hollywood venue, The District by Hannah, where we spoke to a host of celebrities decked out in their best dresses, suits and furs. In attendance were music artists Kenny Lattimore, MAJOR, Sevyn Streeter, actors Sheryl Lee Ralph, Melvin Jackson Jr., celebrity fashion designer Leontine Abdullah, comedians Michael Colyar and Alex Thomas and many more who shared their experiences working with Butler.
A very dapper Darius McCrary, known for his role on the hit TV-show family matters also showed up to the carpet with very sweet words for Butler. “She just one of the most amazing casting directors. I’m not saying that because she’s been in my life for years. I’m not saying that because people consider me to be one of her favorites,’ he said. “Leah Daniels Butler is amazing at getting you to lock in at a certain level in the room and bringing the best out of you there, unlocking some amazing nuisances an levels once you get to set,” McCrary added.
Bre-Z, the rapper and actress known for her role on “Empire” and “The New Edition Story” says she credits her entire career to Butler. “If it wasn’t for Leah Daniels I wouldn’t be here. We come from the same city Philadelphia. She’s just been a strong Black woman with a great eye,” she said. Bre-Z also noted her experience being casted for “Empire”, saying Butler was so gracious in giving her another opportunity to nail the audition. “When I auditioned for “Empire”, she (Butler) said, you know what, go eat some lunch and come back and I came back and nailed it,” Bre-Z added.
Dressed in a white Wakandan style ensemble, Lisa Raye McCoy says women must continue to past the torch just as Butler has done for so many actors in the game. “Every time I see her help someone else, it reminds me of my humble beginnings. Every start you get is a new beginning, so I’m just waiting for that next movie because you’re only good as your last one,” McCoy said. “Directing is another way to expand and explore my acting. I’m going to do that in front and behind the scenes. I want to be able to pass the torch to someone else,” she added.
Butler says that she’s truly humbled to be honored for the part that she plays in diversity and inclusion. In terms of casting, Butler says that she’s always looking for authenticity over perfection. “It’s always finding truth in whatever that performance is, finding a way to connect to it. And just understand that you don’t always have to say yes. If you don’t connect to a role, you’re not offending anybody by passing. Give it to somebody else; don’t be afraid to share the wealth,” Butler said.
Lastly, Butler says she wants to continue to serve at the forefront of diversity inclusion in the world of acting. “My hope and my wish is that we don’t have to be honored for something that should be the norm. I hope that everybody can see themselves reflected on television,” Butler said. “If you’re Black, White, Asian, Brown, whatever your ethnicity is, whatever your disability is, whether you’re transgender. If you’re a wheelchair user, if you’re deaf, whatever the struggle that you’re up against, we should all see ourselves reflected on film and television and that’s what I want to do,” she continued.
To see all exclusive interviews from the evening, be sure to visit www.lasentinel.net.
March 08, 2018
Aries
March 21 – April 19
You've just won the cosmic jackpot when it comes to powers of attraction! This Tuesday, amorous Venus moves into your sign and remains in Aries through March 31. What happens when the planet of love and beauty is in your sign? Well, for starters, you'll be impossible to resist. Your magnetism will reach a level of hot and spicy that everyone seems to want a taste of. If you're in a relationship, then you'll remind your partner how important it is for you to be number one. If you're single ... get ready to mingle!
Taurus
May 21 - Jun 20
The sexiest romantic experiences happen behind closed doors ... or in our fantasies. This week, you'll get one or the other but if you're lucky, you just might get both. Venus, your ruler, will slide into the most private area of your chart -- the secretive12th house -- and will remain here through March 31. During this time you might uncover more secrets about your lover than you anticipated, but it's equally likely that you'll be caught up in reverie about what you wish your love life could be. Guess what? If there's ever a time to make that dream come true, it's now.
Gemini
May 21 - Jun 20
If you're in a relationship, then you and your sweetheart are about to enjoy a week together that's anything but boring. You might be ready to add some spice to your sexual connection, and if so, this might be a time where you consider sharing one of your more "out there" sexual ideas with your partner. This might not be anything taboo, but could be more about having some good, clean fun outdoors. Sex in the woods or on the beach perhaps? You get the idea... If you're single then this is the week to install the latest dating app on your phone. You might be pleasantly surprised at where those swipes lead!
Cancer
Jun 21 - Jul 22
You might be more focused with climbing the ladder of success this week than climbing into bed with your sweetie. If that's the case, remind yourself that there is a time for everything and that you simply must focus on where your personal energy is leading you. In fact, you do have extraordinary opportunities for professional success this week and there is likely to be an unexpected offer waiting in the wings. And yet, this might somehow tie into your love life after all. Someone at the top of the ladder you're climbing might be ready to offer his or her heart.
LEO
Jul 23 - Aug 22
With Mars still moving through your romance sector, you certainly have plenty of options in your love life. You might be juggling more than one lover these days, and if so, you'll feel as if you're having the time of your life. Don't forget however, that while you taste from the buffet of romance, someone's heart might be at stake. Be clear about what your current relationships are and don't mislead anyone. You don't need that kind of love karma. If you are in a committed relationship, then temptation might be around you this week.
Virgo
Aug 23-Sep 22
Deep, erotic, and fulfilling intimacy is all available to you and your partner now. The only thing standing in your way up until this point has been your capacity to move toward all of this with courage. Now, it seems as though you're ready to cast aside any fear and doubt you have about getting what you truly crave in your love relationship. Your partner will be pleasantly surprised at your sudden intensity and will surely want to reciprocate. Joint finances between you and your mate are also on the rise. Sweet!
Libra
Sep 23 - Oct 22
Love is definitely on the docket for you this week. In fact, it might be the only thing that matters. Venus will move into your partnership sector on Tuesday, making it a cycle of smooth sailing for you and your mate through March 31. If you and your sweetie are considering a stronger commitment to one another, this might be the time when you receive an unexpected proposal for marriage. You'll say yes, and before you know it, you might even be considering starting a family. If you're single and have a business where you see clients, then one of them might soon become a lover.
Scorpio
Oct 23 - Nov 21
If you're single, then you might want to pay careful attention to who's watching you at the gym. It might sound trite, but as you're working out and going about your routine, there's a very real chance that someone is checking you out. He or she might also try impressing you with their physical prowess if you happen to look their way. Exciting! If you're in a relationship, then you and your sweetheart will enjoy taking care of each other in small but meaningful ways this week. Consideration and respect will be the hallmark of your love connection.
Sagittarius
Nov 22 - Dec 21
With Mars still moving through your sign, you've got no shortage of sexual energy! Fortunately, it also appears that you have no shortage of outlets either. This could be tricky, since you might have recently been experiencing wanderlust of your heart where you are not exactly sure who to choose out of more than one romantic option. It seems that everyone in your life has something special to offer you, and as a result, you've been neglecting any real commitment. This week, however, something might shift. You may realize that one of your lovers has suddenly captured your heart. This could be a game changer.
Capricorn
Dec 22 - Jan 19
Domestic harmony will somehow make your love life even sweeter this week. This can go several different ways: One possibility is that you and your lover are ready to take the leap and move in together. Now, there might be a few people in your life who think you're rushing into things, but that doesn't mean they're right. It's time to listen to your heart and take a leap in whatever direction it's telling you to. Another possibility is that you are already in a stable relationship and sharing space, but the two of you are itching to redecorate. Go for it -- but remember to split the bill because it might get costly!
Aquarius
Jan 20 - Feb 18
Love is definitely on your brain this week. Venus will move into your communication sector on Tuesday along with mental Mercury. As a result, you seem to be thinking a lot about taking a new risk in matters of the heart. A brand-new relationship might present itself, or you and your sweetheart might have a chance to go in a new direction together. What you do depends a lot on how much courage you have now to take a risk. Guess what? You're in a gambling kind of mood now. Roll the dice!
Pisces
Feb 19 - Mar 20
Conversations with your sweetheart this week about finances will prove to be quite beneficial. Your mate is likely to have an idea or two about how to take a new direction with your personal budgeting habits. You won't see this advice as controlling, but rather innovative and helpful. Another possibility is that your sweetheart is currently serving as your greatest cheerleader while you try something new professionally. The faith he or she has in you will help you take a risk you might not otherwise take in terms of generating new income. It will pay off.
March 08, 2018
By ANDREW DALTON
AP Entertainment Writer
Wakanda’s reign shows no signs of waning. “Black Panther” is king of the box office for the third straight weekend.
The release from Marvel and Disney brought in $65.7 million domestically this weekend, easily outpacing new releases “Red Sparrow” and “Death Wish,” according to studio estimates Sunday.
“Black Panther” has now grossed $500 million domestically after three weeks of release. It’s the third fastest film to reach the $500 million plateau.
“Disney is clearly on a roll with ‘Black Panther’ showing incredible strength as it posts the third biggest third-weekend gross of all time,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for comScore, “and most notably becomes the 10th highest grossing movie of all time in North America after just 17 days in theaters.”
Fox’s “Red Sparrow,” featuring Jennifer Lawrence as a Russian ballerina-turned-super-spy, earned $17 million in its first weekend.
Another new release, “Death Wish,” MGM’s reboot of the Charles Bronson action franchise starring Bruce Willis, was third with $13 million.
“Both newcomers performed to expectations but had to compete in a marketplace totally dominated by ‘Black Panther’,” Dergarabedian said.
The totals come on a weekend when all industry eyes are on the Academy Awards, which will be handed out in Hollywood later Sunday.
None of the major nominees remain in the box office top 10, though some continue to bring in receipts. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” reached $52 million domestically through Sunday, and “The Shape of Water” passed $57 million.
“Black Panther,” directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan, has become a groundbreaking cinematic phenomenon, giving unprecedented representation for a film of its kind to Africans and African-Americans while winning over every corner of the culture. It should soon shoot past the billion-dollar mark worldwide.
Wakanda’s king may finally be knocked from his box-office throne next weekend with the release of director Ava DuVernay’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” another Disney film that gives groundbreaking representation to African-Americans on both sides of the camera.
“Disney wins no matter how you slice it with that film expected to have a strong debut as ‘Black Panther’ continues to draw big crowds,” Dergarabedian said.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to comScore. Where available, the latest international numbers also are included. Final three-day domestic figures will be released Monday.
1. “Black Panther,” $65.7 million.
2. “Red Sparrow,” $17 million.
3. “Death Wish,” $13 million.
4. “Game Night,” $10.7 million.
5. “Peter Rabbit,” $10 million.
6. “Annihilation,” $5.6 million.
7. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” $4.5 million.
8. “Fifty Shades Freed,” $3.3 million.
9. “The Greatest Showman,” $2.6 million.
10. “Every Day,” $1.5 million.
March 08, 2018
By Lauren Victoria Burke
NNPA Newswire
“I just won an Oscar. WTF?!?” Jordan Peele tweeted after being handed the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for “Get Out” during the 90th annual Academy Awards. The film made $255 million at the box office on a $4.5 million budget.
Director Jordan Peele, 39, a comedian and writer made history as the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. There has only been three African American nominees in the category over 90 years.
“I stopped writing this movie about 20 times...I thought it was impossible. I thought it wasn't going to work,” Peele remarked after winning. Not only was “Get Out” a massive financial success, the film’s “sunken place” is now a part of the American pop culture lexicon.
“Get Out” received four Oscar nominations in total including a nomination for Daniel Kaluuya for Best Actor. Gary Oldman won the Best Actor award for his performance as Winston Churchill in “The Darkest Hour.”
Keegan-Michael Key, who starred with Peele in the Comedy Central show “Key & Peele,” was photographed at an Oscar party jumping up and down after his comedy partner won the Oscar.
“An award like this is much bigger than me. This is about paying it forward to the young people, who might not believe they can achieve the highest honor in whatever craft they want to push for,” Peele said as he held his Oscar and spoke with reporters after his win. “I feel proud to be at the beginning of a movement, where I feel like the best films in every genre are being brought to me by my fellow Black directors.”