#cynthia deserves all the awards

[fandomspacenqueue]

Utterly heartbreaking how the reveal about the truth of the Wizard through the beginning of Defying Gravity is just one long sequence of betrayals for poor Elphaba. First she gets manipulated by the Wizard and Madame Morrible into casting a spell that harmed the monkeys, which she never intended or wanted (and the way the Wizard and Morrible were framed during this scene almost as if they were Elphaba's proud parents was an extra gut punch). Then she learns that not only are they responsible for the plight of the Animals, they've both actively lied to her about it. And of course, that the Wizard is nothing but a fraud. Then, while she's reeling from the complete shattering of her entire worldview, they start trying to cajole and threaten her into falling in line (Morrible's "Think about your future, dearie" line sounded SO menacing to my ears), even recruiting her own best friend into basically ganging up on Elphaba. Watching the horror and heartbreak grow on Cynthia Erivo's face with each passing moment brought tears to my eyes; just an absolute tour de force in emotional acting.

Then, after the chase/balloon sequence (where, notably, Elphaba and Glinda almost got away! To have come so close to escaping only to be foiled at the last moment must've felt so crushing), we get Morrible's speech demonizing Elphaba to the entirety of Oz. Again, I can't praise Cynthia's acting enough. She really sold "thought the situation had already hit rock bottom only to discover there was still a ways to go" so well. And the sheer betrayal of the very first person we saw on screen treat grown Elphaba with kindness and never react negatively to her skin color to then turn around and use that to paint Elphaba as a monster. Morrible is just so evil.

And finally, this might be a bit of a controversial take, but I see Glinda refusing to go with Elphaba as the icing on the cake of betrayal. They've had guards chasing after them. They've just heard a broadcast framing Elphaba as Public Enemy Number One in Oz. She's in very real danger. Yet, in Elphaba's greatest hour of need, her best friend refuses to stand by her. Yes, it was an impossible and unfair situation. Yes, the choice Glinda makes is about more than just her personal relationship with Elphaba. Yes, Elphaba does not hold Glinda's choice against her. I understand all of that. But I still cannot see Glinda's refusal to stand with her best friend against those who would harm her as anything other than one final betrayal on this horrible day. Not to mention Glinda then joining the very regime hunting Elphaba down in the next Act.

On that note, it really hurts to think about just how stacked the deck was against Elphaba no matter what she chose. Having been discriminated against all her life through absolutely no fault of her own, she makes an almost too perfect "enemy" for the Wizard to hold up to the public, feeding into all their preexisting prejudices about her. She stood absolutely no chance against this character assassination, especially coming from the Wizard, who has been all but deified in Oz. And even if she had chosen to try to work against the Wizard from within the system, as I've seen so many takes argue she should've done, leaving aside the morality of participating in a fascist regime in the vague hope that someday she might be in a position to overthrow him (of which there is absolutely no guarantee), I'd argue that her chances of success were already greatly diminished from the moment she learned the truth. The Wizard and Morrible had seen how horrified she was. I don't think they'd ever fully trust her because of it, so they'd always be on guard against her. And even if Elphaba played along long enough for that to change, that would surely take a very long time, at which point would it even be possible to undo any of the damage done under the regime? I do believe she made the best decisions she could possibly make in this situation, but the cards she was dealt were just shitty all around.

My heart weeps for Elphaba. All the kudos to Cynthia Erivo's stunning portrayal of her, especially during the Defying Gravity sequence. Just utter perfection.

[merinathropp]

okay here's my massive and hugely late Wicked movie review in case anyone is still interested alksdjalskdjaldk bless you all for your patience

Glinda - 11/10 no notes I am besotted. I was so wrong about Ariana Grande, she was pitch perfect and melted into the character. She played Glinda with all the nuance she desperately deserves, she was SO MUCH MORE than just a mean blonde girl, she had a sort of 'spoiled rich girl innocence' and genuine sweetness in everything she did. And the RANGE!!!! Her expressions during No One Mourns get the award for First Thing To Make Me Weep, there was SUCH pain and bitter resolve underneath her composure. Ariana the woman that you are.

Fiyero - I feel like Fiyero is a character who only works if you make him a bit camp and silly and absolutely commit to The Flynn Rider-ness of it all, and Jonathan ABSOLUTELY DID. He was outrageously charming. Love that he flirted with girls and boys and even members of staff, really drove home the whole 'scandalous reputation' thing. Equal opportunity Fiyero Flirting. What a time to be alive.

Elphaba - Okay this is where things get complicated. I really struggled with Cynthia's Elphaba. I totally respect that she wanted to take the character in a different direction, making her more vulnerable and soft-spoken and sad.

It just didn't work for me, because it stripped Elphaba of all the things I love about her in the show: her fierceness, her rage, her explosive nature, her terrible temper. I just adore how messy she is. And I missed that in the movie.

I've seen people talk a lot about how Cynthia's Elphaba is 'internal' - she doesn't let her emotions show, she keeps it all on the inside. Again, this was a choice that really bugged me. So many classic Elphaba Reaction Moments were reduced to Cynthia just...looking?? It drove me mad.

Her vocals were out of this world. She looked absolutely stunning. But I just can't connect with this new version of Elphaba as much as her stage counterpart.

Sets, Props & Costumes - GORGEOUS. A literal feast for the eyes, this is a sumptuous movie and I kept wanting to pause the frame just to take in all the little details. Everything felt so distinctly Ozian, all the bizarre textures and fabric choices and steampunk Victorian vibe...ughhhh obsessed.

Screenplay - I think my overall take for this section is: The additions they made were fun, but if I'd been in charge, I would have prioritised completely different things lol.

With the 3 hour runtime, I guess I just assumed they would put all that glorious extra time towards Gelphie and Fiyeraba? Especially because there are SO many juicy cut scenes from older versions of Wicked (e.g. workshops, San Francisco tryouts), and this was an amazing opportunity to bring some of that stuff back.

But instead, we got like...A Sentimental Man dance break, more dialogue with the Wizard, a big action sequence with Elphaba and Glinda escaping the guards, a new song about the ancient sorcerers of Oz, loads of Pfannee and Shenshen dialogue etc.

Again, I don't think any of this stuff was bad! But I wish the extra time had gone towards expanding the character relationships rather than like...The Wizard Will Dance For You Now lol.

(Not to mention they cut some of Fiyeraba's dialogue - a BIZARRE choice, I scream into the void etc, these two have such limited time together already, Why Would You Cut More Of It)

Misc Things I Loved - Galinda and Elphaba's new little 'signature wave' for each other, based on their Ozdust dance. Destroyed me emotionally every time they used it.

- Popular was a MASTERCLASS in adapting a musical theatre number to screen, I was so worried it would be Too Much but they pitched it just right. It was hysterically funny but still sincere, Galinda was very much 'kid who's had too much sugar at 3am' and she was so DRAMATIC and silly and sweet, I'm besotted fjhakjsdhaksjda.

- ALL THE CHOREOGRAPHY. Bursting with energy, highly musical. I found myself wishing the camera would slow down / zoom out a bit, so we could enjoy it more fully.

- Doctor Dillamond actually saying to Elphaba that she has a friend in him, and gently offering her one of his hooves to so they could 'shake hands'. My friend and I were both like 'we did not expect to get emotional about the goat professor, yet here we are'.

- Fiyero 'yeah I ate grass as a child' Tigelaar. he absolutely did. not a single doubt in my mind.

- The Wizard, trying to convince Elphaba to join him: uhhhh you can even bring your...friend...with you! (I was literally like HAHAHA HE GETS IT oh no. he gets it. oh no. I just loved that he seizes immediately on the one thing that might sweeten the deal for Elphaba, which is having Glinda with her.)

[sentientunconsciousness]

Quick Grammys 2025 Thoughts:

Chappell Roan winning best new artist - DESERVED

Doechii winning best rap album - DESERVED

Billie Eilish was SNUBBED

Beyoncé, love you queen, but I’m tired

Cowboy Carter was good, but not above the others, and DEFINITELY not above HMHAS 🤷‍♀️

Christ Stapleton got SNUBBED by a NON COUNTRY ALBUM?!????

Chappell’s performance - everything I wanted

Doechii’s performance - everything I didn’t know I needed

Lady Gaga’s new song is dance bop excellence 💃 🪩

WTF was Jaden Smith wearing?! Monster House?!

Why are Kanye and Bianca still allowed out in public?

Love how the Grammys said “fuck you Drake” not once, but TWICE

Props to Kendrick, sweep those awards king 👑

Cynthia Erivo performing “Fly Me To The Moon” was ethereal and peak black excellence

Chappell’s SPEECH!!!!!

Artists using their platform to talk about important things that matter to all is just 🤌

Teddy Swims has a voice like velvet and his drip is always ✨immaculate✨

SABRINAAAAA MY SHAYLAAAAA

[gimlilithegreat]

My main exposure to wicked before this week was 2 girls at my school who took every opportunity to glitter up and sing loathing and popular at each other.

So I knew Elphaba was green and the other one was pink. And they hated each other?

Defying Gravity is dope af so the original cast recording is on my go to playlist

I did Not That Girl in a singing lesson once but was convinced it was from Chess or something.

So me before Wicked:

- it’s some kind of high school drama with green people

- it has something to do with the Wizard of Oz

- Kristen Chenoweth is amazing

- Elphaba is in love with the Wizard? And is in a weird love triangle with the pink lady? And then she turns evil?

I heard villain origin story and was like ahh, yes, evil witch.

I know.

My best friend pissed herself laughing when I explained my understanding of the plot. IN MY DEFENCE she says “you can still be with the wizard” and how was I meant to know that was in a weird platonic, creepy fatherly way?!

I went to see it last Sunday. And then went to see in IMAX again today.

Omg guys.

I am in love.

So here are my impressions of Wicked:

- the costume department deserve all the awards

- I hope they do a hobbiton style place I can visit with these sets because the sets look immaculate.

- Anyone who watches this musical and doesn’t see the immediate parallels between the story and real life racism is willfully blind.

- I need Cynthia Erevo to release an album where she covers every song ever and Jesus Christ that woman can act.

- Ariana Grande’s comic timing is impeccable and her throwing props and failing to catch them in popular was iconic.

- Dancing through life, I would only accept that level of blatant, cocky charm from a gay man.

- That being said, anyone not in love with Jonathan Bailey by the end of this film is a stronger woman than I am.

- As much as it’s the least practical library I’ve ever seen in my life I want it so bad.

- Madame Morrible. What the fuck. I totally did not see that coming, Michelle Yeoh could manipulate me into doing /terrible/ things. Her name is literally Horrible with an M and I am still on that train.

- The frog fountain people in emerald city are incredible and I love them.

- Those monkeys are terrifying. But Michelle Yeoh turning and walking away from them is the best shot in the whole film.

- Jeff Goldblum is walking an incredibly thin line between quirky uncle and creepy uncle. And I am so not sure if that is as the wizard or if it’s just a Jeff Goldblum thing.

- Defying gravity has made me sob twice now and love it.

[destinyc1020]

It would be exciting if Timothee won. I feel like it would feel fresh and new for The Academy to pick him. By all accounts, he is very good in the movie and would be deserving. I’m going to see it this weekend!

It would be really cool too see a younger actor win for Best Actor at the Oscars for a change! But I know how the Academy is.... 🙄

They USUALLY don't give awards to younger (especially handsome) actors. It also depends on who you're up against that year too. If Timothée weren't up against Adrien this year, then maybe I would say he has a chance, but because he's up against Adrien this year, I just don't feel like Timmy will win for a biopic about a musician, over a more gritty story about a Hungarian immigrant coming to America after escaping post-war Europe.

That's like, as much as I would love to see it, I don't see Cynthia Erivo (or Ariana for that matter) winning for "Wicked", even though, she probably had to do a lot of hard work with singing and dancing, over Karla in "Emelia Perez", or Demi Moore in "The Substance", which has a much deeper and more significant message.

I hate to say it, but that's just how the Academy is. 🤷🏾‍♀️

But! The academy may reason that Adrien already has an Oscar (Currently, still the YOUNGEST male to ever win one for the Best Actor category), so they may give it to Timmy instead lol...

But, I doubt it.

I'd be here for the upset though lol! 😏

[femme-foucault]

Award Season Guesses - late December 2024

Alright, well I still haven't seen The Brutalist (or Nickel Boys) because it's not releasing outside NYC and LA until sometime in January and I have no intention of seeing A Complete Unknown precisely because I am a Bob Dylan fan. So I haven't really updated my list of predictions from about a month ago or so. I am tempted to include The Substance but it is a sliiiiiim possibility given how the Oscars snubs work in horror. So here are my predictions as of late December 2024.

Above the Line Awards:

Alphabetical order as usual. My suspected winners in bold and runner-ups/potential "upsets in italics.

Best Picture:

Anora*

The Brutalist

A Complete Unknown

Conclave

Dune Pt 2

Emilia Perez

Nickel Boys

A Real Pain

Sing Sing

The Substance (????)

Wicked Pt 1

I am going on a limb and guessing The Substance does get in even though I think it is reeeeally a stretch. The Academy snubs horror films all the time, especially in acting (see Toni Collette in Hereditary and Mia Goth in Pearl). But the GG noms made me reconsider even though the GG is a critics/journalism awards show and the Oscars are an industry awards show and like any "election," demographic patterns vary. But actually if anything I think critics are snobbier about horror than industry people so that's a good sign. No idea what will win -- which is fun! 2024 was not nearly as good as 2023, which was an unusually packed year for great movies. But in a way, that makes Awards Season more fun because there isn't a clear front runner. I am leaning Anora right now for BP like I have been all year, but I would NOT underestimate either Wicked or Emilia Perez. I don't like the latter movie very much and while I did really enjoy Wicked I wouldn't say it was the best of the year. But don't underestimate the Oscars leaning populist because all three of the last BP winners in awards season were very much "crowd pleasers" over more "artsy" choices like Power of the Dog or Poor Things. (It feels odd to call Oppenheimer a "crowd pleaser" as that movie is so bleak, but technically, it counts in the sense that many people saw it and both general audiences and industry people liked it. So I'd put it next to EEAO and CODA as a "crowd-pleaser" Best Picture winner and a "populist" choice due to it making so much money because of Barbeheimer despite being, technically, a kinda weird movie when you dissect it. So don't underestimate Wicked!).

Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora), Edward Berger (Conclave), Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), maaaaybe Coralie Fargeat, but ONLY if The Substance gets into Best Picture. I have taken Denis Villeneuve (Dune Pt 2) out of my predictions even though he deserves it because Dune Pt 2 was better than the first one. But until I see The Brutalist, I can't evaluate it. I wouldn't be surprised if we got a rare Best Picture and Best Director split.

Best Actress in A Lead Role: Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Perez), Angelina Jolie (Maria), Mikkey Madison (Anora).....and if and only if The Substance The Substance gets into picture, maaaaaybe Demi Moore. She probably deserves it (I haven't seen The Substance because I'm squeamish), but the Academy is awful about nominating horror performances (see Toni Collette for Hereditary). The alternative might be Nicole Kidman for Babygirl.

Best Actor in a Lead Role: Adrian Brody (The Brutalist), Timothee Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Daniel Craig (Queer), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave).

I am leaning Brody based on trailers alone (the Academy loves an accent and a WWII-post Holcaust drama) but even if Chalamet is mid -- and apparently he is quite good -- the Academy isn't above rewarding lame music biopics. See Austin Butler's nomination for Elvis and Rami Malek winning for Bohemian Rhapsody. ACU is apparently good -- I really hate that kind of biopic so I am not there for it -- so all Chalamet has to do to be decent for the boomer crowd who likes Dylan to vote for him.

Best Supporting Actress: Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Isabella Rossellini (Conclave), Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez), Margaret Qualley (The Substance).

Still leaning Saldana but Grande is not to be underestimated (the Academy are more likely to award comedic performances in supporting -- see Ryan Gosling's nom last year. He might have won if RDJ didn't have The Narrative). I am putting Rosselini in there now that she got into GG and if I am going to lean towards The Substance, maybe Qualley. Felicity Jones isn't doing well in critics circles but I think if The Brutlaist is popular, she could be the Emily Blunt of the season (the person who gets nominated for being in a popular movie and tags along but doesn't win anything, which is what happened with Emily Blunt last year because Oppenheimer was so popular with the industry and critics that she got a lot of "tag along" noms but no real wins).

Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), Clarence Maclin (Sing Sing), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), Denzel Washington (Gladiator II)...and someone else. Idk maybe one of the Anora guys (Yura Borisov (Igor?). I don't see the supporting performances from Conclave aside from Rosselini getting in because while everyone was good...that is part of the problem. No one but her really stood out because everyone in the supporting cast was so solid and I think Anora is a bit similar in that regard except that Borisov's character sticks out as having a sliver of decency. It's weird to think that the sentence "Oscar winner Kieran Culkin" might be a thing. As much as I like Culkin from Succession, my actual vote would be Maclin. But no one saw that movie :( I am including Washington even though Gladiator II got poor to mixed reviews because he's Denzel. He is such a great actor who was snubbed for his best performances that now they nominate him all the time to make up for it, and it's such a weak year in this category that I'm not complaining.

Original Screenplay: Idk what is original and adapted, but I think Anora wins Screenplay, especially if it doesn't win Best Picture. The recent trend is sometimes to throw a movie that won't be awarded anywhere else a screenplay award (see last year with both American Fiction and Anatomy of A Fall). The other possibility might be A Real Pain if they decide to award it.

Other than Anora, I think: The Brutalist, A Real Pain, The Substance, and maybe September 5 if they follow the Globes (which they don't always do because the Golden Globes are a press/critics award and the Oscars are industry so different voting demographics).

Adapted Screenplay: No idea what is even in this category. The distinction between Original and Adapted is pretty arbitrary at times (see: Barbie in Adapted last year). My guesses are A Complete Unknown (based on a specific Dylan bio apparently), Conclave (based on a novel), Emilia Perez (I think inspired by something?), Sing Sing (loosely based on a true story) and idk what the fifth slot is.

Who I think will win in the tech categories:

Best Production Design: Wicked. Dune Pt 2 might be an upset.

Costume: Obviously Wicked.

Special Effects: Probably Dune Pt 2 but it could be something I haven't heard of that the effects branch likes, because that happens often.

Hair and Make Up: If The Substance gets in, maaaybe. This is the one category that horror is recognized so I wouldn't be surprised if The Substance and maybe even Nosferatu gets in. But it might be Wicked if the Academy does what it often does and people outside the nominating branches just vote for the movie they like more, in which case it would be Wicked. Dune Pt 2 should get at least a nomination for Rebecca Ferguson's possessed henna.

Cinematography: Either Conclave or Anora. It really depends how 1) Anora does in general and 2) if it does well, if there is a "share the love" vibe. The Academy doesn't do the massive Titanic/Lord of the Rings sweeps anymore (and I'm fine with that) -- see last year giving Zone of Interest the Sound award and American Fiction got Adapted Screenplay when a lot of people thought Oppenheimer was a lock for both because it was the BP frontrunner and, if this was the 2000s, probably would have taken them by default. In the EEAAO year, an Edward Berger film (All Quiet on the Western Front) won cinematography over EEAAO in an upset, so it wouldn't be unprecedented if that happened again with Conclave.I hope it's not Emilia Perez. That movie is very flashy but I don't like the cinematography much. It's all flash no style. Dune Pt 2 will definitely be nominated but I feel like its spring release hurt it.

Score: It'd be cool if Challengers got nominated but I don't see it, unfortunately. The score branch is not that cool and prefers instrumental scores over tech/synth music, even though Trent has been nominated before. I don't know what will win, since Dune 2 is not even eligible.

Sound Design: It better be Dune Pt 2. I think Wicked and probably A Complete Unknown will get nominated because of the music mixing (which, in Wicked, was very subtle and well done and apparently ACU sounds great too). But I really don't like biopics about musicians so I'd rather it not. I wouldn't mind a Wicked nom here, but Dune Pt 2 is so inventive in its sound design that I am rooting for it.

[littlelostmaybelots]

Crowley, Aziraphale, and Yoko Ono

"It was love. You can't tell me that the man who wrote Help! didn't need love. It had Help in the title! Help, I need someone! He was literally asking for it!" 

"That's your problem, Angel. The man who wrote that song already had it. Cynthia and Julian?? You remember we went and visited – ”

“– yes he really was the sweetest baby–”

“– good job on getting Paul involved there, by the way–” 

“–yes well, but like I was saying just because he was a terrible father doesn’t mean he didn’t deserve–”  

“--he was a terrible man! You saw Cynthia’s face!” 

“...well. Yes. But I thought. Perhaps with the right person.”

“Angel there is no way you thought you made Yoko happen.” 

“My miracle was that the biggest songwriter in the world, who was making every single lover in the world feel the love pouring out and pouring into them, heaven was OVERJOYED with him in the early days, by the way, well, I just wished that he would find someone who he deserved. Who deserved him. We all deserved that.” 

“...”

“What did you do?”

“Same thing, actually.” 

“No, really?? But. Huh. Do you think –”

“–yeaah, we might have come on a bit strong if we both–”

“It broke up the BAND we could have just had them have a bit of a tiff–”

“– did you know, Happiness is a Warm Gun had a real moment downstairs, I got an award–”

“Crowley! CROWLEY. Crowley.” “Come on now Angel, it all worked out. You did love While My Guitar Gently Weeps–”

“--Harrison.” 

“Oh. Here Comes the Sun, you had that on all April–”

“ALSO HARRISON.” 

“...well I mean there had to have been–” “I COULDN'T STEP OUT WITHOUT HAVING WHY DON’T WE DO IT IN THE ROAD ON BLAST–”

“-- I did like that one. Mmm. You know, Angel…”

“...what. Why are you looking at me like that. Stop it at once. Why are you coming here. I’m mad at you. ” 

“You remember Come Together?” 

“I am furious. I do NOT remember Come Together. Put your hand away at once. I’ve never heard the song in my life. Leave my buttons alone! Not Sexy Sadie either. Crowley if you must just let me shut the door at – oh you just miracled – is that even – anyway you mustn’t forget that I’m – god right there–”

“You know, it’s worth even more when an angel takes her name in vain.” “If you don’t stop talking and kiss me right now I’m going to make the Kardashians talk about communism and it will all have been in vain.”

[jllongwrites]

The New Hampshire Writers’ Project (NHWP) and WKXL, Concord’s talk radio station are presenting a special collaboration the week of July 24 through July 28 — “New Hampshire’s Author’s Week.”

Each morning Ken Cail will host an NHWP member author on Ken Cail & Company, the station’s popular morning show. Each conversation will explore the respective author’s style, genre, inspiration, a glimpse into their lives, and a sneak peek at new releases and award-winning books. Each episode will air from 8 to 9 am during the morning commute. Episodes will also be available on demand through the station’s website.

Banner%20Two.png

The line-up is:

Monday, July 24 th, R.W.W. Greene, accomplished science-fiction author. His latest book, Earth Retrograde, Book II of the First Planets, will be released in October 2023. Rob’s interests are nearly as fascinating as his books, ranging from collecting old typewriters and keeping bees.     

Tuesday, July 25th, Christina Holbrook, an author whose debut romance novel, All the Flowers of the Mountain, is set in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The novel won an IPPY award and the Colorado Book Award earlier this year. Her latest book, Table for One, a collection of short stories is being released next month.

Wednesday, July 26 th, Cynthia Neale, author of historical novels, cookbooks, essays, and screenplays is currently engaged in a book tour for her latest historical-fiction novel, Catharine, Queen of the Tumbling Waters.

Thursday July 27th, Dan Pouliot recently launched his first book in the young adult supernatural fantasy series, Super Human. The books explore the relationship of fears, desires, expectations, our subconscious on human potential.

Friday, July 28 th, David Moloney released a fiction novel that provides a portrait of nine fictional corrections officers in a NH jail, as only a former worker in a NH Department of Corrections could tell it.

Listeners can tune in on 1450 AM, 103.9 FM in Concord or 101.9 FM in Manchester or listen to the LIVE stream on the website at www.nhtalkradio.com.

"We at WKXL are beyond thrilled to be partnering with the New Hampshire Writers Project for ‘New Hampshire Author's Week!’ This collaboration has given us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our talented local authors and provide them with the platform they truly deserve,” said Catherine C. Martinez, General Manager of WKXL. “For 77 years, WKXL has been dedicated to delivering local news and uplifting the voices, talent and small businesses of our community. Together, let's inspire and uplift our local literary voices too!"

“The WKXL Author Series is a wonderful promotional outlet for our NHWP members and their books! Ken Cail is an incredibly talented and personable host and interviewer, who has the ability to create a heartwarming and insightful human story with his conversation. WKXL and Ken Cail are giving NHWP's authors an opportunity of a lifetime. What a great way to reach new readers and inspire new authors,” said Masheri Chappelle, Board of Trustees Chair, NHWP.

[wilwywaylan]

Nicolas Cage got an Academy Award for Best Actor, and he deserved every golden inch of it. That man can act. He can also chew the scenery like it's filet mignon.

The site nanarland.com talks about the three ways of acting when stuck in a bad movie :

doing the bare minimum, waiting for your paycheck. Side effect : showing the whole world that you just don't care (see : George Clooney in Batman and Robin)

keeping your dignity by doing a good job, often being a beacon in the dark (see : Sean Connery in Highlander 2, Lance Henriksen in a lot of cameos, Cynthia Rothrock when protected by Jalal Mehri ...)

going UP TO ELEVEN because you're in a bad movie no matter what, better have fun. (see : every second fiddle in B movies, Billy Drago, Brad Dourif, etc etc etc)

Nicolas Cage opted for the third one and we can only thank him for that. Because it may be bad, it may be cheesy and it may even be ridiculous. But at least it will never be boring.

(also please remember that, unlike all those people who "started at the bottom" and "pulled themselves up by their bootstraps" but kept their famous names to reap from the recognition, Nicolas Cage decided from the start to change his name and make his own way. His real name is Nicolas Coppola (yes, he's Francis Ford Coppola's nephew). Nicolas Cage deserves our respect.)

Hey, here is some new frustrating discourse.

I'm going to clear this up super duper quick.

And then we can move on and discuss more important things.

Okay?

Here goes...

Nicolas Cage is an incredible actor who is very bad with money so he has to act in terrible movies because otherwise they will repossess his dinosaur skull collection.

But even when he is in terrible movies with terrible writing he refuses to phone in his performances. And sometimes when you are acting your ass off while saying some of the dumbest dialogue ever conceived it can give the appearance the acting is the issue rather than the writing and story.

Hayden Christensen knows that feeling all too well.

So next time you see Nic Cage in a B movie acting a fool, just know he probably bought some new shrunken heads and forgot to pay the mortgage on his volcano island.

[mariailoveyou-guerin]

so #GoldenGlobe were today and let’s get into it how did wicket get box office over insideout2 let’s be fr it’s participation trophies bc some of these winners ain’t it and I’m like yall just giving to everyone there in most of these #GoldenGlobes2025 Demi over Cynthia be serious

but Adrian Brody now that’s a man that deserved it, he so talented youngest Oscar winner for a reason! Jolie losing (idk the winner so can’t speak on it) but Angelina losing Demi zoè winning okay 😂 sure #GoldenGlobes also Jessie losing but Stan winning it’s just popularity for

the moment like what’s happening only Jolie Adrian categories was given to deserved winners Emilia winning over a real pain? #GoldenGlobe see what I mean popularity contest in most categories! Cynthia was so robbed bc how did Demi win like Hollywood never stops being predictable

nickel boys robbed but it’s by a deserving movie so it’s fine unlike how wicket won over DW don’t even like the opinions much but it’s said box office it’s clear inside out 2 didn’t see it and know #GoldenGlobes2025 was gonna say mr mrs smith robbed but it’s by shogun so can’t speak

because I haven’t seen it yet and slow horses getting the recognition it deserves love to see it #GoldenGlobe Zoe winning over Felicity in acting category is the biggest joke the others like Ari she’s but F be so fr in acting woman cant even act she’s just like Z their token

they love to token a mixed girl who’s name starts with a Z, so I was right not seb being in 2 things alt why had to give for one of those performances #GoldenGlobes2025 makes sense they was just nominating anyone in that category Timothy Daniel seb 😂 ofc Adrian won easy by a

land slide because his only competition was Coleman/Ralph but their movies didn’t get as much attention/buzz I believe! #GoldenGlobe why is Emilie nominated for foreign but also other categories and winning in both? N 💰 so you telling me Kieran won over Denzel but Jessie didn’t

Over Seb and that’s how you know it’s joke because what? how did kieran in over Denzel unserious award show! At least I know he talented so not mad about but it’s just cuz of succession buzz from last year #GoldenGlobes2025 nothing more it’s so obvious bc over DW Edward Jeremy

A real pain getting snob but somehow Kieran the only time it wouldn’t be a snob wins? make it make sense? #GoldenGlobe challenge for score sure if u say so? when so many options love participation trophy show! I’m sorry but her hacks gone they only giving that show these awards

bc of the woman whom they all been watching for 50y and it was nice first 2 seasons but now it’s been idk I feel like 5y even ted the bear or Barry didn’t get that nor abbot succession ended that’s why it stopped winning but rest was fair #GoldenGlobe it’s not anymore at least

baby reindeer getting its deserved award #GoldenGlobe looking at the catogtied and it really was yt in everything especially male/female leads except the one category with our token Z girls! fact Eddie got nominated but Lashana didn’t really said 1-2 bw only + the token Z girls

how is lashana not nominated but Eddie was? both were amazing in that show guess they filled their quota for bw nominees but not yt people ones! said yall get 1 viola trophy and go #GoldenGlobe + Jake recognition yes + the insult to Colin like they did Denzel😂but at least he won

why was in same category with Ewan cooper? are they joking? just said popular shows/actors put them there! Lionel still getting robbed for his bear performances now it’s all of them not just him for once #GoldenGlobe my girl Liza Dekota did but he’s by mother Jessica so it’s fine

+ Jeremy didnt his category was easier to win at so not shocked also he deserved not just for this show but his performance as lip was so underrated and he never got the recognition he deserved for that so I’m glad he gets it #GoldenGlobes2025 Lionel will deserve it too them next

now why does every category except comedy look like this? and even then they just gave it to a yt bc of nostalgia most of these really are just that Zoe Demi Jodie Jean ect be make or female they really only gave viola one and said here be happy🥷 #GoldenGlobe #GoldenGlobes2025

[shellstahh1817]

Do you think Ariana and Cynthia did a good enough job to win the awards? IMO it’s definitely good but for me the hype is more than the necessity for an award. I think Angelina should get it!

To be honest I truly do. They embodied the characters and that can only be done through an amazing performance. When I watch wicked I don’t see Ari and Cynthia, I see full transformation into the character. They have such subtleties in their performance like Ari acting with her eyes and Cynthia has a way of showing you every emotion she’s feeling just in the nonverbal. There’s also the fact that they sang live, essentially a Broadway performance in a movie.

I still have to see Angelina’s but I feel it’s comparable to what I said above, I watched her interview with Cynthia and it really was a silkier experience, performance.

Cynthia just really blew me away and in this I do think she deserves it above Angelina since she isn’t that seasoned but still rose to the occasion. Angelina isn’t someone who I think blows people away as much as Cynthia since Angelina already is at the standard of excellence.

Ari is the one I’m torn on, it’s hard for me to see good performance in comedy sometimes and that’s just cause of the way award shows have been. I wasn’t a fan of Barbie being nominated (Ryan or Margot) but seeing Ariana get nominated I’m now understanding how comedic roles get assessed. It’s just been my own bias in terms of “award worthy”. Ariana is so funny and she really makes you feel, I think she’s worthy of being mentioned with the other actresses. My fear in all of it is that Ariana will get recognized and Cynthia won’t due to Ariana’s existing star power etc. I hope both get their flowers but as I’m working through the list of movies it’s tough. I really have loved Zoe in Emilia.. I loved seeing her do something different. Sometimes awards are about what you give to the craft and the talent you harness. So it all depends what the academy looks at and considers in their voting.

[ihrtmichael]

extended wicked review for my wicked mutual:

starting off w the negatives just ti get them out of the way i think this was due to the theater i was in but the sound was YEOWCH like that shit was koud n the instruments/effects drowned out some of the singing which was a bummer, the cgi animals gave me new disorders, & i fear i just am not amicable enough to ariana grande to fully enjoy her scenes </3

openly bicurious fiyero was a hit & glinda little lace fit in the popular number MHM im not femme enough to truly rock it but i want it anyway cythia erivo was genuinely stunning & mindblowing & stole the motherfucking SHOW like just ate every second she was onscreen im in love the costumes were great & so were the sets when they werent glaringly cgi. indina menzel & kristen chenowith cameo bopped. madame morrible was a milf & i wish shed give ME some private lessons iykwim

those negatives are TOTALLY fair i feel like in general sound mixing in movies lately has been ASS and i noticed that during "what is this feeling" during one part i could BARELY hear ari and cynthia over everyone else!!! maybe when it comes to digital next week the mixing will be different but idk. and i'm sort of in the middle with ariana! she is very cute in the movie but there are also some parts where it just feels like she's impersonating kchenoweth and other moments where i just see... ariana. so the awards conversation around her kinda... "confusafies" me 🫣 act 2 is where glinda REALLY gets a chance to shine/has more award worthy moments so we will see what happens! i saw a few leaks earlier this year and it looks pretty good and there's so much more material she can play with so i shall remain hopeful 🙏🏽

cynthia is AMAZING and she needs way more love cuz it is actually pmo 😭 !!! i did not want to walk out of the movie thinking the movie cast would be the best versions of these characters but GOODNESS cynthia has SKYROCKETED to the top of my favorite elphies list 💚 !! if anyone deserves all of the awards it is HER. she moved me to tears MULTIPLE times throughout the movie and also... JONNY BAILEY FIYEROOOOO 🥹 i don't care for fiyero in the show/largely prefer him in the book, but WOWIE the way he was written for the movie and the way jonny played him is just !!!! so perfect !!! i did NOT expect him to totally steal my heart !!! although i prefer gelphie i am SO excited for more fiyeraba moments in part 2 next year. they did a WAY better job laying out the groundwork for their relationship in this movie vs the show. they feel so much more believable as an eventual couple to me 💚 "as long as your mine" is going to DEVOUR!!!! and i NEED glinda's ozdust dress i am so deeply considering making it but lemme chill i still have another dress to finish that i started over the summer.,,, i SCREECHED when i saw idina n kristin and ALSO MY MAN STEPHEN SCHWARTZ !!!!!!! 💚💚💚 !!!!!!!!!! my sister also was googoo gaga for madame morrible and i need the toxic age gap problematic slash fanfic of her n elphaba like...... yesterday please and thank you !!!

AN KNEE WAYS i am so glad you had fun and thank u for sending your review !!!! 🥹🥹🥹🥹

[tiredkilljoy]

Wicked

Part 1

I cannot believe this movie- from its opening bars you know of its story from the depiction of Dorothy and the gang on the yellow brick road but the movies soundtrack is all encompassing and in your face in a way the official broadway soundtrack lacks.

I cried at least 5 times. And Ariana’s first lines sung?! Incredible- it’s actually insane the work she went through to achieve such sound. I was in awe so much I almost missed the beginning scene.

I wasn’t prepared for how much I would be so taken aback by the tone and strength of Cynthia Erivo- which is insane because I’ve seen her performances before.

Everything about this was beautiful beyond compare and such a gushing love letter to the entire story. I spent the entire time just in awe of the performances- truly we have on display some of the best singers of our generation.

From the behind the scenes you can tell that they took painstaking meticulous care with everything and by god did it pay off.

Truly Cynthia opened her mouth and sung so effortlessly and I cried like a baby.

I viewing experience of a lifetime for sure! Our director extraordinaire- Jon M Chu did something so incredibly special with this movie. Every frame of it was just perfection. The production cast and crew deserve all the accolades it’s gonna be a clean sweep in awards season for sure!

I’m just hoping and praying that wicked in theatres globally start hiring more black women to play Elphaba.

Overall I’m ready to see it again. Immediately.

I will be buying this on dvd, for sure!

What a time to be alive!

[mothlily78]

This is very long

This story is an existential horror drama

Imagine the promt: hey, what if the characters realized they were in a story? What would their reactions be? That's this.

I said i wouldn't give context. I lied. ANYWAY Character description and Context!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Noah James Ryder (third to be self aware),

Ashton Elliot wells (ash) (fourth to be self aware)

Piper Jade birch (pj) second to be self aware. Found out during a research sleepover they didn't tell cyn about

April Josephine Lee Jock jack of all trades type shit but with sports second to be self aware. Found out with Piper during a research sleepover they didn't tell cyn about

Cynthia belle Jones (only goes by cyn) first to be self aware

[REDACTED]

19-21 age range

[REDACTED]

April: she fades into the background alot and is notorious for jumpscaring people too often, though barely anyone actually knows her name, she has won her schools a substantial amount of awards for all the sports she participates in. She is short tempered and usually confident but she thinks that she deserves to not be remembered by anyone. gossip girly. Is scared of dogs. She's prolly read some freaky fanfics at one point. Can beat you up and will. Allergic to peanuts

Piper: has interests in art, math debate, the smartest out of anyone in this group but is a lot more laid back than she acts at school. Likes to go hunting, kayaking, fishing, and hiking with her dad. always carries a notebook and has to write down new things she sees each day along with a detailed description of what happened that day. Almost drank a lethal dosage of caffeine on finals day, and then almost at a lethal amount of cherry pits. Has a Mary sue oc

Ashton: he parents everyone around him and is always concerned about how people are doing, though he is the parent and the oldest, he acts naive and a bit childish, but he only acts that way because he doesn't want to hide parts of himself, especially his child self. He carries a 2002 barbie handbag everywhere that has anything and everything anyone could need inside. He knows how to do crazy things with hair but enjoys simple braids the most. Has a terrible sleep schedule. He could be evil if he wanted to, all of them think Ashton is the murderer because he's quiet randomly busy and constantly says he has to do something after school like buying snacks, shopping for general medicine or going on a date or something. They find out near the end that Ashton is genuinely like that and is just a nice guy that has a busy schedule but wants to make time for his friends and tries to make up for it by always having anything they could need

Cynthia: has 5 siblings and never really got time with her parents and always held a grudge because of that. Really hates that she's not real. Comes to the conclusion of not real and every other character is just a grey body = no consequences = kill background characters to vent her frustration at only being a character in a story. she thinks she's really funny. The designated driver and the only one who can hold her alcohol

Noah: usually is like: probably won't happen but sure let's go marching off to disappointment. Could be used for a comedic effect sometimes. Very precise about time, likes having alot of friends even if he doesn't really talk the whole time when he was young being moved from schools multiple times and being bullied alot, he tried to return to normal but is very Pessimistic. wants to help, thinks he can't without someone else. Wants to help, knows he can't, hides how much he hates the repeating day concept. If he keeps repeating the same day, he can't run away from his problems. Doesn't like anything, if it all ends in failure, why even try. He knows he can't help much in the main story so he tries to be honest about it which results in a Pessimistic front. Loves sanrio, and his favorite characters are kuromi and hello kitty. Ignores. anything romantic. Edit: ya girl finally gave this little bitch a mild personality

[REDACTED]

There are probably a ton of typos, here's the 5th draft of the characters. This is alot to read i know, but I just felt like giving context for the characters. Going to post the 1st draft mild summary tomorrow. I know this is not good, this is the first story I'm writing that I'm trying to not drop after a few months.

[bethestaryouareradio]

Party Time

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“Dignity is not built on possessing honors, but on the awareness that you deserve them.” Aristotle

A MESSAGE from Founder/Executive Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN

Evidently, for the past year, the principal of my high school had been campaigning his club organizers to invite me to speak about the time when I was named The Outstanding Teenager of California, selected from a pool of over 10,000 young people with proven potential and promise of future leadership. My high school principal, Dr. Sam Tracas, had nominated me, and winning the honor was a shock and thrill to all of us. The award was presented in a grand ceremony by the former Governor of California and President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. WOW!

This past week, wearing my letter sweater, I joined Dr. Tracas to recall that historically significant time and the recognition that winning bestowed upon the school and the town. I was delighted to reconnect with Dr. Tracas, a legend in education, and a mentor to many. Together we spoke to the attendees about that important occasion and the positive effects that resulted.

Since I was a teen, my mission has been to inspire and uplift others. My goal is to shine a light on the stars that burn brightly within each individual so that she/he will realize her/his potential. We are not born equal. We are born something far better…we are unique, we are special, and we each have the ability and the responsibility to share the gifts that are distinctive to us. 

Help each other to shine. Be kind. Be a mentor. Thank you, Dr. Tracas for believing in me. I pass the torch forward to elevate others. We are all outstanding. We are all deserving of honors.

Congratulations to everyone for being YOU!

PS: Come party with me and our Be the Star You Are!® volunteers and supporters at the Parade and Pear and Wine Festival on September 28th as we celebrate our 25th anniversary of serving the world and being honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year.

Be aware. Be the spark. Shine brightly! You are the STAR!

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

PARTY TIME!

Parade, pears, and party at the park! CELEBRATE OUR 25th ANNIVERSARY at the PEAR and WINE FESTIVAL on Saturday, September 28th. The town of Moraga is turning 50. Be the Star You Are!® is celebrating 25 years of volunteer service to the world as well as being honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year.

Our parade and party chairperson, Ella has been working to make the event fantastic and fun. BTSYA volunteers will be ready to march at 9:30 with the parade leaving from the Serbian church on School Street at 10 am.

At 11 am our two festival chairpersons, Keerthi and Sharanya, welcome the public to our Be the Star You Are!® booth where activities for kids including our popular Plant the Seeds of Literacy project, a reading circle, book giveaways, book signings, and more, will be offered. Expect lots of freebies, too.

At 1 pm, come cheer for our volunteers who will be recognized on the stage for their dedication to BTSYA and for winning the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year award.

At 2 pm. the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Board members will perform a ribbon cutting at the BTSYA booth to celebrate our 25th anniversary.

The party follows with delectable treats from Ella and Julia.

Thousands of people enjoy the Pear and Wine Festival featuring food, wine, beer, music, crafts, pear pies, and tons of activities for kids.  It's going to be a super-fun event, so we hope to see you there.

The Moraga Commons Park

1425 St Marys Rd,

Moraga, CA 94556

The event is FREE and the festival is fabulous!  Let's party!

Tune into Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio on Sunday, September 22 when our teens talk about the plans for the parade, party, and festival. Chairpersons, Keerthi and Sharanya, videographer, Sean, parade and party planner, Ella, and treats from Julia.

PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARDS

We are proud to announce that Be the Star You Are!® 501c3 is a certified organization for 'The President’s Volunteer Service Award'. The President’s Volunteer ServiceAward is an opportunity to honor the most outstanding volunteers and recognize the impact they make in our world.

BTSYA is approved to recognize its volunteers who meet the requirements in terms of volunteer service hours and apply for the award.

In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.

The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.

Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.

Detailed requirements can be found here: https://presidentialserviceawards.gov/eligibility#volunteers

For more information on how to apply, contact our PVSA Certification Coordinator, Eraniyan Gunaseelan by email: eraniyan@gmail.com

BOOKS ARE THE GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING

Proceeds from the sale of our books benefit Be the Star You Are!® outreach programs. Volunteer videographer, Sean, created the video. 

All proceeds benefit Be the Star You Are!® charity. Buy autographed, first-edition signature books today and receive extra freebies at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

Looking for books for the family? Read the reviews by teens for teens at our Be the Star You Are!® Creative Community. 

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