(L-R) Actor and SAG committee member Jason George, SAG Committee Chair JoBeth Williams, recording artist/actor Common, actress Sophia Bush, SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris and SAG Executive Producer Kathy Connell at 23rd Annual SAG Awards Nominations held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, CA. (Photo by Valerie Goodloe)
Recently, media outlets came out in numbers at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood to sit in on nomination announcements for the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards) to be simulcast live on TBS and TNT January 29, 2017.
With the height of award season in full effect, eyes are glued to television, phone and computer screens in hopes that more African Americans not only get a seat at the table of glorified thespians, but a victory in the acting boardroom too.
SAG has traditionally been known to “get it right” in terms of diversity inclusion, particularly in their 2015 nominations and award ceremony, compared to its Academy Award counterparts and their #OscarsSoWhite controversy.
Executive Producer of the SAG Awards Kathy Connell says diversity is nothing new for the organization as they’ve “always had a diverse list of nominees” throughout it’s years of existence. “Our members have an opportunity to look at what’s out there and nobody knows better than another actor what it takes to do a fine performance, and they acknowledged quite a number this morning,” Connell said.
While acknowledgement rests few and far between positive Black roles being accepted in mainstream media, it appears that many Black actors are taking a stand to star in roles that reflect power and purpose. Take Hidden Figures, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, for example. The women collectively bring to a light a major piece of NASA’s untold history, three Black women of who were integral in sending American astronaut John Glenn into space.
Top SAG nominations for African Americans this year included, Denzel Washington, who is up for “Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for Fences, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer who are both up for “Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role” for their roles in Fences and Hidden Figures, respectively. African American casts received 3 out of 5 nominations for “Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture,” for Fences, Hidden Figures and Moonlight.
The category for ‘Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television or Limited Series” included nominations for Sterling K. Brown and Courtney B. Vance in The People v. O.J. Simpson: The American Crime Story, while Kerry Washington snagged the nomination for her role as Anita Hill in Confirmation in the same category for a female actor.
Meanwhile, the category for “Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series” includes Uzo Aduba for her reprised role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange is the New Black on Netflix. Up for the male nomination in the same category is Anthony Anderson for his role as Andre Johnson on ABC’s Black-ish. Other nominations for
The Sentinel also spoke with Jason George, African American actor and SAG Awards committee member who provided his thoughts on diversity inclusion in the selection process. “We hope for it, and we try and make sure it’s there, but at the end of the day if they’re not making the movies with diversity, and race and ethnicity, then they don’t get nominated, and as you can see this year, they’re there,” George stated. “It just tells me that the industry is waking up that there’s money to be made by telling really diverse stories,” he continued.
The voting process itself is quite quantitative with a series of moving parts. Two nominating panels, one for television and one for film, each have 2,500 SAG-AFTRA members (selected at random) in the United States choose the year’s nominees. The nominations are then sent to the 121,546 SAG-AFTRA members in good standing across the country, which have the ability to vote on all categories. Once results are tallied, they are sealed and prepared for reveal at the awards ceremony.
SAG Awards Committee Chair JoBeth Williams says the committee not only helps to “define the rules of the requirements for nominations,” but is also involved in every aspect of awards’ production and ballot process. “We obviously want the best performances, and of course we want to support diversity. And because we have such a diverse membership, we want our awards to reflect that,” Williams said.
The 23rd Annual SAG Awards will be simulcast live from coast to coast on TBS and TNT January 29, 2017.
December 22, 2016
Aries
Mar 21 - Apr 19
Your personal planet Mars enters Pisces and a more secluded sector of your chart, so your focus could turn inward. Perhaps this isn't such a bad thing. With some crucial aspects showing up that encourage positive change in your life, stepping back can allow you to make the most of this, especially if you use this time to consider your priorities. Mercury turns retrograde on December 19, so avoid committing to legal issues or anything that involves a lot of money.
Taurus
Apr 20 – May 20
Your social sector will be stirred to action from December 19, and you could be much busier than you have been with key events and holiday occasions. You could hold a big party or charity fundraiser, and with your organizational skills it's likely to go very well. As Mercury turns retrograde this week, be careful about signing anything that commits you for the long term. It might be better to wait until Mercury forges ahead again, on January 8.
Gemini
May 21 - Jun 20
The stirring energies of Mars will influence your sector of career and ambition from December 19. With the holiday week coming up, this is a good time to zero in on key goals and firm up your resolve to succeed in 2017. Your personal planet Mercury rewinds this week, so it pays to be careful with financial matters. Christmas Day looks like fun, as do the days ahead in general. Relax and unwind, but be ready for changes that could revolutionize your life.
Cancer
Jun 21 - Jul 22
With your career planet Mars entering your sector of travel and exploration, you may feel moved to take a class that helps you on your journey to success. Mercury's retrograde phase, starting this week, suggests not taking others at their word. They may mean well, but do your own fact checking before you sign anything. Christmas Day should be a very upbeat, homey occasion that you'll very much enjoy, bonding you closely with family and friends.
Leo
Jul 23 - Aug 22
With a powerful focus on your sector of transformation and shared finances, a deeper pulse could influence your thinking and emotions. You may realize how certain patterns have kept you from achieving as much as you'd like, and this could encourage you to gently let them go. The Sun's move into your lifestyle sector could make you determined to eat more healthfully even though this week will likely be a time of indulgence. Wait until the December 28 New Moon to start.
Virgo
Aug 23 - Sep 22
With your personal planet Mercury retrograde from December 19, the next three weeks could bring delays, but they could also see you finding answers to issues that have been problematic recently. Mars also enters your relationship sector, which could encourage negotiation and bring an opportunity to clear the air. As the Sun spends this holiday week in your leisure sector, this period looks very pleasant and enjoyable for all involved. You'll have some big ideas in mind!
Libra
Sep 23 - Oct 22
This holiday week should be a very upbeat and positive time for you. As well as celebrating with friends and family, there are other interesting possibilities showing up. In particular, you may be thinking about forming a partnership with someone, something that could prove very good for both of you. Don't be tempted to rush into anything, though, as a patient approach is best if you're looking for the venture to be solid over the long term.
Scorpio
Oct 23 - Nov 21
Mercury's retrograde phase may not be very welcome during this holiday week, but it could bring some interesting happenings into the mix, as well as a few delays. A missed appointment or detour could result in a lucky encounter that changes your fortunes in some way. Family celebrations look very special this year, as Venus aligns with Jupiter on December 25. There is also a progressive backdrop that could see you ready to change your job or career.
Sagittarius
Nov 22 - Dec 21
This holiday week may not work out as you envisioned, but it can still be a highly entertaining time. If you're offered an opportunity to go to someone else's place for a celebratory meal, you might just do that. With Mars moving into your domestic sector and the sign of Pisces, you may feel like kicking back and taking time out for yourself. This can bring an opportunity to mull over an idea that inspires you greatly.
Capricorn
Dec 22 - Jan 19
You may feel energized and ready for action as the Sun enters your sign this week. Be prepared for a few changes to your holiday arrangements, as things could shift at the last minute. However, what happens as a result could be equally upbeat, if not more so. Social plans should keep you busy with guests and events as well as networking and mingling. With Mercury retrograde in your sign, it would be wise not to rush into anything until after January 8.
Aquarius
Jan 20 - Feb 18
The Sun enters a quieter, more secluded sector of your chart just as this holiday week gets underway. It signals a time of year when you might prefer to take time to reflect on your priorities. Don't deny yourself this opportunity, as there are influences around that encourage progressive and constructive change. You may want to think about how this applies to you and how it might revolutionize your life. The holiday weekend looks very upbeat, certainly something you will enjoy.
Pisces
Feb 19 - Mar 20
The stirring energies of Mars in your sign reanimate and reinvigorate your dreams and desires. There's a very interactive ambience as the Sun enters your social sector. When it comes to holiday occasions, you may be the one organizing it all and making sure everyone is happy. But with Mercury retrograde, don't be surprised if one or two friends can't make it or if last-minute adjustments change your plans. Even so, you may have your mind set on more ambitious projects.
December 22, 2016
LAWT News Service
Essence recently announced the initial lineup for the 2017 Essence Festival Concert Series in New Orleans featuring headliners Diana Ross and Mary J. Blige, among many others. The 23rd annual event will take place June 30-July 2, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The initial performance lineup is outlined below. Additional acts will be announced in the coming weeks.
Artists confirmed to perform at the nightly Essence Festival concerts over Fourth of July weekend at the Louisiana Superdome include: Diana Ross, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan, Doug E Fresh, Erykah Badu, India.Arie, Jazmine Sullivan, John Legend, June’s Diary, Lalah Hathaway, Lizzo, Master P, Michel’le, Moses Sumney, Ro James, Shaggy, Sir the Baptist, Solange, Teyana Taylor, The Jones Girls Feat. Shirley Jones, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Tweet, Yuna, and many more to be announced soon.
is year’s Festival lineup puts women at the forefront of an incredible weekend of entertainment featuring more than 40 of the world’s most gifted artists and performers,” said Essence President Michelle Ebanks. “It is an honor to welcome the inimitable Diana Ross to the Festival for the first time. Plus, Festival veteran Mary J. Blige is back to share ‘Strength of a Woman’ with her most passionate fans.”
The A-list nighttime concerts will feature more than 40 acts and will take place across five stages — including the Festival’s renowned Mainstage and four intimate Superlounges. Mary J. Blige will headline a special night, themed My Path to Strength, introducing her highly anticipated album “Strength of a Woman.”
Weekend ticket packages are on sale Friday, December 16 at 10am CT with prices starting at $126. For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the Essence Festival visit Essence Festival. Join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2017 Essence Festival on Facebook.
The 2017 Essence Festival is presented by Coca-Cola.
December 15, 2016
Complied by Shonassee Shaver
Contributing Writer
Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) performs at farewell concerts on his Run A Circle In A Straight Line Tour
Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) bids farewell to music and his U.S. fans with final performances on his Run A Circle In A Straight Line tour, a finality of his performing career. He performed at The Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills on December 13th and at The Crest Theatre in Sacramento on December 14th. The final shows will take place at the Apollo Theater on December 21st and at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. from Dec. 31st through January 2nd. Considered one of the most talented and influential MC's to date, he will perform songs from old classics to new and will create unique music performances nightly for fans. Bey dropped a new album with producer Ferrari Sheppard for his December 99th project and will release two additional albums: Negus in Natural Person and As Promised with Mannie Fresh. In January 2016, Bey was ordered to leave South Africa and not return for five years, having outstayed a tourist visa granted in May 2013. He was charged with using an unrecognized World Passport and having lived illegally in South Africa since 2014. Bey announced his retirement from the American music business early this year. After these final U.S. performances, he will return to Africa to focus on his arts, culture and lifestyle collective, A Country Called Earth (ACCE) which he founded with Ferrari Sheppard (www.acountrycalledearthcom) in 2014. Yasiin Bey will also continue to pursue his newly found artistic form of expression as a painter.
Music Superstar Kelly Rowland gets candid on motherhood in her first book “Whoa, Baby!”
Multi-talented recording artist, actress, and executive producer Kelly Rowland will add author to her long list of accomplishments with the upcoming release of her first book, “Whoa, Baby!”: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (And Wonder What the #*@& Just Happened). Rowland writes a parenting book for first-time mothers, based on her own experience with her son Titan Jewell. According to the book synopsis, “[Rowland] was a little freaked out about what had happened to her body and the overwhelming new thoughts and emotions” after she gave birth to her son. The book will explore all aspects of motherhood, reports eurweb.com. The book, co-authored by her personal OB-GYN Dr. Tristan Emily Bickman, will be published by Da Capo Lifelong Books and hit shelves on Tuesday, March 28th. “Dr. Bickman and I wanted to create an answer to what to expect after childbirth. No one told me what to expect physically, emotionally, or mentally,” Kelly explains. “The purpose of Whoa, Baby! is to comfort the mother and give her knowledge of what’s going on with her. We cover everything!” When Kelly gave birth to her son Titan, it was love at first sight but she was also a little freaked out about what happened to her body—not to mention the overwhelming new thoughts and emotions. In Whoa, Baby!, Rowland and her OB-GYN Dr. Bickman team up to cover everything a first-time mom needs to know: the gross physical stuff, the hormonal and emotional stuff, and the just plain weird stuff. Whoa, Baby! is often hilarious and always honest and down-to-earth. From falling asleep with the pump on to swollen legs and lack of sleep, Rowland and Dr. Bickman cover every surprising challenge that new moms face. “Whoa, Baby!” is available for pre-order via Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Powells.com and decapopress.com.
Boyz II Men release new music from upcoming Holiday Special, “The Snowy Day” on Amazon, premiered by Essence Magazine
Iconic R&B trio, Boyz II Men are back with new holiday music. With classic Christmas song “Let It Snow” featuring Brian McKnight, the trailblazing group returns just in time with a holiday special, “The Snowy Day,” debuting on Amazon Original holiday special. Essence Magazine premiered “Snowy Day,” stating, “The track includes the same smooth vocals we've come to love from the group... ‘Snowy Day’ wraps around you like a blanket and makes you yearn for a cozy night with family.” “The Snowy Day” is an animated holiday special based on the award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. The book is well-known as one of the first picture books to feature an African-American protagonist, has won many awards, including the Caldecott medal–one of the highest honors in children’s literature, and was included in the Library of Congress’ list of “Books that Shaped America.” The special follows Peter, a young boy in a red snowsuit, as his mother sends him on an adventure to Nana’s house to retrieve their traditional Christmas mac and cheese dinner. Enjoying the snowy day along the way, Peter encounters friends from the neighborhood, including storekeepers and bakers to the older boys he admires – and a group of acapella singers voiced by Boyz II Men. When the neighborhood comes together to celebrate new traditions with Peter and his family, Peter realizes that the true meaning of the holiday is who you spend it with. Narrated by Laurence Fishburne (“Black-ish” and “The Matrix”) and featuring voice talent by Regina King (“American Crime”), Jamie-Lynn Sigler (“The Sopranos”), and Angela Bassett (“American Horror Story”), the special was executive produced by Fishburne and Helen Sugland (“Akeelah and the Bee”). “We are thrilled to be a part of Amazon’s holiday special this season,” said Boyz II Men founder, Nathan Morris. “We hope our fans can enjoy ‘Snowy Day’ with their family and friends as they celebrate this Thanksgiving.” Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, Boyz II Men, remains the best-selling R&B group of all time, with over 64 million albums sold. In 2013, the trio started their acclaimed Las Vegas residency at the Mirage Hotel & Casino. “Snowy Day” are available exclusively to download and stream on Amazon Music, both Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music.