#ruth carter went off on this costume design | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

nomanwalksalone · 4 years ago

Photo

STYLE ON FILM: MO’ BETTER BLUES

by André Larnyoh

Like many others who were (or still are in some cases) stuck inside during this strange summer, I have immersed myself back into the world of cinema. Personally I’ve been enjoying working my way through Spike Lee’s early “joints” (I lost patience after Chi-Raq whilst Da 5 Bloods only just managed to hook me in). As I rewatched a few favorites and ticked others off the list, I suddenly realized something; the sense of style in these films is actually on point. From Mookie’s Dodgers jersey in Do The Right Thing to Delroy Lindo’s shirts in Crooklyn, his characters have got a natural sense of game that just blends into the overall experience.

To really get what I mean, you need to watch Mo’ Better Blues, Spike Lee’s fourth “joint”. Focused on trumpeter Bleek Gilliam (played by Denzel Washington)’s struggle to balance his ego, a fragile love triangle, and a band I was hooked from the synopsis alone. With the focus being on jazz musicians, naturally the influence for the creative team and these characters would be the 1950’s heyday of the genre. So we’re talking about wide legged trousers, sharp double breasted suits and boxy shirts.

However, this movie is set in 1990. The plan wasn’t to make a period piece, so it fell to Spike Lee's longtime collaborator, the costume designer Ruth E. Carter, to parallel the jazz influences with the contemporary. Luckily for her, as most of us know, the 90's was all about louche tailoring. Armed with designers such as Giorgio Armani, whose suits leaned towards the boxy 50’s style, Yoji Yamamoto, a Japanese designer known for very simple and elegant lines in his tailoring, and Saville Row tailor Ozwald Boateng, Carter merges the two eras seamlessly. Whilst there is a notable change of energy from highly stylized scenes in the nightclub to Bleek’s home in New York, the consistent through line is the clothes.

Bleek’s garments are for the most part subdued and strong, reflecting his serious nature when it comes to his music. Other members of his band focus a lot on accessories (there's an earring with a chain and pair of spectacles on the end just to give you an idea), but Bleek keeps things simple. Preferring strong broad shouldered tailoring with a nipped waist in dark and neutral colors, he lets his trumpet do all the speaking for him. He does, however, have brushes with the avant garde, opting for loose mandarin pullovers when at home and donning an updated Mao suit in blood orange when ranting at his audience about the overabundance of love songs on the radio. For the most part, color is not a big part of Bleek’s wardrobe. With his rival, saxophonist Shadow Henderson (Wesley Snipes), it is the complete opposite. There is still an emphasis on louche tailoring, but Shadow prefers to play with colors donning a red roll neck under a royal blue single breasted jacket. Not only does it make him the centre of attention as he rips through a solo, but it also offsets any assumptions about his person through his name.

It is through gambling addicted manager of the band, Giant (Spike Lee) that we see the most eclectic and expressive clothes of the entire film. Spike Lee wanted his character to have Sammy Davis, Jr. levels of exuberance with the way he dressed. Taking inspiration from the Zoot suits of the 30’s (reflecting how out of touch he is), Giant limps through the streets of New York with an uneasy gait, oversized jackets hanging off his diminutive frame in glen checks and varying shades of brown, maroon and electric blue. With the pork pie hats and the dark circular glasses it gives the manager a sense of presence to make up for his lack of charisma and his oft abused stature.

Fashion and style are cyclical, so it should come as no surprise that the 90’s continue to bleed back into our current world. Just look at how many people went on about Michael Jordan’s suits after watching The Last Dance. As we can see from Mo’ Better Blues this was still the case, just trade MJ and Scottie Pippin (the real MVP by the way) for Dizzy Gillespie and Lee Morgan.

#styleonfilm #andrelarnyoh #mo better blues

32 notes · View notes

obsidianarchives · 5 years ago

Text

Sineya, The First Slayer Reimagined — How 'Buffy' Failed Black Girl Magic

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a seminal work in both television as a medium and speculative fiction as a genre. One of the things that made Buffy such an addictive treat and a show worthy of its undeniable legacy is its deep and intricate lore. According to creator Joss Whedon in the DVD commentary of the pilot, Warner Brothers was particularly interested in all things having to do with the concept of the “Hell Mouth” that served as the central conceit for the show’s spooky happenings.

For all of Buffy’s wonderful storytelling and intricate worldbuilding, there were some serious cultural blind spots in the writers’ room. The most egregious example of this is the depiction of The First Slayer or “The Primitive” as she was referred to on the show. She was thankfully given an actual name later: Sineya. Her origin was the truly unhelpful and nebulous “Africa” found in many a western story.

In the penultimate episode of season 4, “Primeval,” the season’s arc came to a close when Buffy and her newly reunited “scoobies” invoked the essence of the First Slayer to bind them into a more powerful force so they could defeat Adam, a part-demon/part cybernetic Frankenstein monster. (This show is weird.)

It’s a huge love letter to one of the most salient themes of Buffy, strength through the reliance on and trust in her loved ones was her true strength, not her supernatural powers. However, in the Buffyverse no good deed goes unpunished. In the season finale, “Restless,” the gang has to contend with an affronted Sineya trying to kill them in their dreams because she was made to believe that to be the Slayer is to fight alone. Thematically, this is such a solid foundation to build from. The episode itself is regularly included on lists of best Buffy’s episodes. The events here reverberate throughout the rest of the show and set up the huge arcs of season 5.

As the first slayer, Sineya was forced by warlocks called the Shadow Men to take an undiluted dose of shadow demon energy into her. It made her a stronger, more effective weapon against the forces of evil. She was more powerful than subsequent slayers in her mystical line, but she lost some of her humanity in the process. Because of this, she spent her days shunned by the human settlements and villages she protected from vampires and other beasties. Sineya’s story is depicted quite poignantly in the Buffy comics, but most of her context is left out of her appearances on the show. In fact, in “Restless,” a Spirit Guide speaks for her because she’s lost human speech.

"I have no speech. No name. I live in the action of death, the blood cry, the penetrating wound. I am destruction. Absolute .... alone." -Sineya

Throughout the run of Buffy, Buffy herself remarks that she is “only a girl” and laments that she has never had a say in being The Chosen One. It, therefore, makes poetic sense that Sineya was similarly also “just a girl” chosen. And repeatedly Buffy is seen as special not because of anything inherent to her but because she went against tradition and chose to partner with others to fulfill her sacred duty. But where Sineya’s television appearances fail is when we examine some of the tropes and downright racially motivated slights used against this figure of great strength and great sadness. The first issue is that because Sineya has lost speech, a spirit guide is used to speak for her. This spirit guide takes on the form of white Wiccan character, Tara McClay.

This prickles the senses in an unpleasant way for those who have experienced the emphatic white feminist undergrad hopped up on the power of suffragette sentiment deciding it’s her duty as an enlightened woman to give voice to the needs of a “primitive” woman from a backward culture that needs saving.

The next issue is Sineya’s physicality. Without the context of what she’d been through, this first meeting is a lot to take in. Sineya is hunched and bestial, reaching for Buffy with outstretched talons, daring not touch her form gleaming in the sandy desert setting. When she speaks, the few words she is permitted by the script, it’s with a deep bitten off growl through a mouth full of ruined yellow fangs. Her hair is a wig that has been mangled and matted — I’m guessing this was some failed attempt at giving her locs. It’s this last detail that prompts Buffy to quip that she should pay more attention to hair care. If that’s not a completely tone-deaf line played for laughs to make our flaxen-haired protagonist look stronger at the expense of the “ugly” other, I don’t know what it is.

When Buffy has her moment of realization that she’s talking to the first Slayer, instead of showing any empathy or connection or pausing to consider that she might be a rich fount of knowledge about her own origin, she snottily runs down all the reasons she's better than Sineya. Buffy walks and talks and doesn’t sleep on a bed of bones. Way to show your privilege and good fortune there, Buf.

Before Sineya is defeated, she oracles one of the most important lines of the show, “You think you know what you are and what’s to come. You haven’t even begun.” This not only sets up huge events in the narrative but it also gives Buffy a new drive to learn about her origin and power. She goes on multiple vision quests to commune with her spirit guide. Instead of it taking on Tara’s visage, it takes the form of Sineya, which is at once a nice touch and a big cheat.

If I were redrawing Sineya, I’d place her in a specific region of Africa. Humankind started in Africa, but I’m guessing the slayer line is a few hundred or maybe a thousand years old, not millions. I’d have short flashbacks of Sineya’s life, contextualizing her for Buffy and for the audience. Above all else, I’d view her as a person and not a plot device to make Buffy look stronger by defeating her.

I’d then hire Ruth E. Carter who was already a prominent costume designer at the turn of the century. She’d do some research to find the best options aesthetically and bring her own imagination to making the look her own. There are valuable and interesting components to the story that are worthy of the narrative but the execution was offensively delivered.

The final issue with Sineya in Buffy is that the storyline is never closed. One could argue that Buffy rededicating herself to being a Slayer in more than just duty but in mind and spirit is what led her to make the world-changing decision she does in the series finale. She convinces Willow to rewrite the spell of the Slayer so that every girl with the potential will be a Slayer at the same time. Perhaps just before or even during the spell, Buffy and Sineya could have had one final reckoning about whether the Slayer should be alone or be legion.

After a scene designed to respect both their journeys, which champions female autonomy, Sineya would give Buffy and Willow her blessing thus allowing Willow to complete the spell to imbue all the Potential Slayers with their full power. After all, Buffy, Faith, Kendra, Xin, Nikki and countless others dating all the way back to, Sineya their foremother have paid the price for that power with their blood and their lives.

#Buffy the Vampire Slayer #Magic #Women in Television #Black Girl Magic

24 notes · View notes

yaachtynoboat711 · 5 years ago

Text

The Plus One

A/N: Allow me to break once more from Fonder to give you all this Oscar fic mini-series (literally two, maybe three chapters). Here’s all the fluff your hearts can handle before I resume with Chapter 7 and 8.1 I know it’s late, but this is for @sonofnjobu ’s WIP FF. I had wisdom teeth taken out last week so I was out of action. This fic is very descriptive and interactive, so please, enjoy!

Word Count: 2.7k

Warning(s): FLUFF, possibly some errors/typos

Sunday mornings— the days of rest and recreation for you and your fiancée Winston. Lately, the two of you would spend half the day planning the wedding with you all’s planner. Sometimes, you and Winston would maybe get up before 10, no later than 11 to lounge around. Yet, this Sunday morning wasn’t like any other Sunday. No ma’am: this Sunday was filled with the preparation and the attendance of the 91st Academy Awards in Los Angeles! You’d been in LA since the week of your Jimmy Kimmel interview for further wedding planning, final Oscar-related consultations, and just a well-needed breather.

Within the past few months, you’d been working on Maryland’s suit lawsuit against the Trump administration. While in California, you’d met with the lawyers responsible for the state’s lawsuit. You and your partners hit the ground running after Christmas break and basically moved into the firm during the government shutdown and the weeks following. Around this time last year, you were face-first in your cases. You’d be damned if you would once again miss the opportunity to be Winston’s plus one for the awards ceremony due to work.

Your phone’s alarm began sounding off at 9:45 a.m. You decided to turn in the night before while Winston attended Common’s pre-Oscar party. It must’ve been Opposite Day. It would be you going out and Winston stayed in. Usually, you’d be snuggled up in your man’s arms sleeping. Instead, you were on your stomach, head to the side and resting on top of your hands. Dead to the world. You did,however, match Wins’ fly and slept in a new gold megabonnet to match his velvet durag (you’d bought him 10-15 new durags for Valentine’s Day). By the time your eyes reluctantly opened, you noticed that he was gone. Before you could curl your lip and whimper, you picked up your phone to find Wins’ text to start you off for the day.

You sat up on your elbows and smiled at the sight of the two white waffle bathrobes staring at you. The longer robe read “Duke” in crimson stitching, while the other read “Abdullah-Duke” in blue stitching. When you got out of bed, you caressed and carefully observed your robe. Baby boy ain’t skimpin’ on the quality of these robes. Ol’ extra ass. You quickly went into the shower, waterproof speaker in hand. From City Girls to Megan Thee Stallion to Kurt Carr and to Broadway soundtracks, your 25-minute shower performance was one for the books. Once you’d finished showering and doing your Oscars skincare routine, you went back into the bedroom to find Winston stretched out on the bed, his gapped grin stretching from ear to ear.

“Well, good morning, Mama Bear. That was one helluva performance you put on in there.” He looked you up and down like you were the last oxtail, slowly licking his top lip. “I see somebody likes their new robe.”, Winston complimented as he watched you walk towards him. He re-adjusted his stance so you could straddle his lap.

“Good morning to you,too, Daddy Bear. I don’t like it at all—I love it.”, you said in the crook of his neck as you kissed it repeatedly.

“You ready for today?”

You paused, going through the day’s mental Rolodex of events. “Of course—we’ll be together. You’ve been on an Oscars red carpet, I haven’t. Guide me. Show me your ways, Master Duke.”, you said dramatically. Winston’s deep, almost maniacal laughter sounded in your ear. He stared into your light brown eyes and smiled. Kissing your fivehead, he said, “You’re so dramatic. Of course. I’m excited for tonight...like very excited.” He kissed your ring and then your lips. You cheesed like the spoiled princess you knew you were. The two of you continued to cuddle, which eventually led to your lips finding their way onto his. Just as his curious hand ventured underneath your robe, there was a knock on the hotel suite door. Your head fell back in frustration and you reluctantly got out of Winston’s lap and smoothed your robe out as you walked to the door.

Winston whistled. “I hate to see you go, but I love watching you leave.” He tucked his lip under his top row of teeth.

“Shut yo corny ass up...Gabe.” Your face twisted and you placed an emphatic but playful tone on “Gabe” before sticking your tongue out. You looked through the peephole and opened the door for your assistant Jacqui, your wig stylist Maya Elise, and your makeup artist Alicia (your usual glam artist Justin was out of the country. It was time.

Not long after your glam squad arrived, Winston’s team came trickling in. The last-minute decision to get a two-bedroom suite instead of one was paying off. You and Winston broke off into different rooms and began your transformations.

Two hours and a whole Gillette advertisement later, you were reunited with your big head for lunch. When you emerged from the room, you were taken aback to see your fiance sporting an immaculate low fade. His beard was trimmed just right, enough to know it’d been flourishing in its growth. Ahh, my favorite seat looks like a meal for real. He stood feet from you in his white robe, giving you one of those looks.

As if on cue, your twin sister Farrah knocked on the door.

“Li, I’m so sorry. The one time I try to work on something last-minute, I’m almost an hour late. Where’s your room?”, Farrah said as she tried to catch her breath. She was holding your dress in her signature purple garment bag across her arms.

“ Rah! It’s okay, Boop. First off, slow down. Secondly, I’m over here.”, you pointed your fan behind you indicating where to put the dress. You excused yourself and returned to your room.

Farrah was an up and coming size-inclusive fashion designer and most importantly, your fraternal twin sister. You and Farrah were on completely different ends of the same spectrum. Growing up, you were often fighting her bullies on her behalf because she was a pacifist to the core; a terribly sensitive and somewhat reserved Cancer. She graduated from the same high school as you at 16, two years after you did. She graduated with her BFA in Fashion from North Carolina A&T, where she’d met her would-be husband and star Defensive Lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, Braxton King. Professionally, She went by Issa Jenae, her two middle names. Though she and her family had just moved to Philadelphia from Boston, she spent most of her time in LA and New York. Nearly 85% of your dresses were designed by your sister. So, naturally, she was elated to design your Oscars dress.

Your sister was hanging the garment bag up on the closet door when you got back in. You were anxious to see the dress, as you had no idea what it was going to look like. When she asked you what you had in mind, you replied that you wanted something that was “subtly Wakandan”. With the help of Black Panther’s costume designer and Oscar nominee Ruth E. Carter, Farrah was able to make your wish shake. One of the advantages of having your twin sister design your dresses was that she’d knew you better than any other designer could. Your off-shoulder gown was fittingly inspired by the Jabari tribe with the purple and gold-threaded triangular pattern on the exterior and the gorgeous interior satin royal purple lining. The slit on the right side showed just enough of your thigh tat. Like the other dresses she’d made for you, it was customary for Farrah to hand-sew an insult of some sorts somewhere into the dress. Today’s insult: whore, sewn into the left side of the slit’s opening.

Being that it was one of the many inside jokes you two shared, you searched tirelessly for the insult. When you finally discovered it, you let out the ugliest sound as began laughing. “Bitch, you play too fuckin’ much. Whore? Really?”, you commented as you began unzipping the dress.

“Why not? I wasn’t the one sleepin’ with half of Black Hollywood, now was I?” You stared at her in pure disbelief. That raggedy bitch just airing your dirty laundry out there, but if the roles were reversed, she’d call your umi with the quickness. She was the true Cancer. “Exactly. I rest my case. Now go change, whore.”

You muttered some dirty words and passive aggressive wishes under your breath as you carefully slipped into your dress. Farrah zipped you up and spun you around to get a better look at her masterpiece of a dress. With your wig on and your shoes and accessories still needing to be put on, your transformation was almost complete.

You toyed with the idea of what kind of accessories you’d wear for tonight’s activities. Simplicity won you over for your picks. You wore three necklaces: a choker-like gold bar with “Khalida” written in Arabic, your everyday rose gold “K”, and your gold zodiac pendant. In addition to your 2nd engagement ring, a local Black jeweler allowed you to wear their oversized black fleur-de-lis cocktail ring (it was Mardi Gras season, after all) for the awards ceremony. In an unusual twist, you decided to wear a bracelet. This bracelet wasn’t just any other bracelet—it was a gold bracelet shaped as scissors (a shameless Us plug for your fiancé).To finish the look, you wore your cowrie shell and gold link anklets. You were ready to fuck that carpet up.

Once Maya-Elise finally laid the baby hairs on your half-up half-down Yaki blowout wig, you walked out of the pits of hair hell one last time. For the first time in history, you were ready before Winston. This never happened. Like...ever. Instead of seeing Winston, you were, however, greeted by your bonus family sitting in the living area of the suite.

“My daughter! Has Winston seen you yet?!”, Mama Cora remarked as you twirled for her.

“No, Coco, because for the first time ever, I’m the first one ready. You know this never happens. Wait—he didn’t dip, did he?”, you asked as you tried to peak at his door.

“Of course not! He wouldn’t ditch the most beautiful woman in Hollywood—not in his right mind,at least. I’d actually have to rough him up.”, Cindy joked.

You and Jacqui walked out to the suite’s main balcony take pictures for the ‘Gram. Six Vogue-worthy pictures later, Jacqui uploaded the photo set with “Dark-haired YAAncé” as the caption. You walked back into the suite to see a handsome thick figure with his back towards you. Winston was so wrapped up in his conversation with his barber Red that he didn’t realize that you’d been outside, yet alone beat him getting ready.

“I wonder what Yaa’s wearing tonight. She mentioned something about there being purple somewhere in the equation? I don’t know...I never know with that gyal of mine.”, he chuckled as he shrugged.

Red’s shoulders bounced in laughter. “I mean...why don’t you ask her? She’s right there.” Red looked around his solid physique to acknowledge your presence.

“How am I going to ask her if she’s not rea—”. Winston turned his head in the direction Red had pointed to. Noticing something different, he whipped around once more, this time, turning his whole body around towards you. The two of you stood maybe two feet apart, taking in each other’s ensembles and beauty.

You were in love with his low fade, especially after the Sisqo phase for the New Years Trip (there could be only one platinum blonde in this relationship). Red got him right for tonight. Then there was the tux. THAT. FUCKING. TUX. It didn’t help that he was already thicker than three-day-old oatmeal. His suit was just fitted enough. In true Winston C. Duke fashion, he couldn’t just wear a basic tux. Nope. Hell nawl. The jacket had white piping on the lapel and the pockets, along with two white bands on either arm. The pants had the white stripe going down either side. Surely, the ancestors wanted to see you cut up over your man and how delicious he was looking. As you undressed him with your eyes, you’d caught his little intentional lip bite and lick. It was subtle enough for only you to catch it.

You fanned yourself harder the closer you got up to him. Shit, that nigga was looking delicious. Winston and everyone else laughed at your speechlessness. Your mouth was totally agape and your head shook. You finally pointed your white coffin-shaped nail at Winston and looked around the room to make sure everyone else was seeing the same meal you were looking at.

“Are you gonna say something, K.D.?”, Winston asked as he closed your mouth and lifted your chin in one smooth motion with one finger.

“Baby...sweetheart...honey bunches...Chris baby…answer me this one question...”, you stammered.

“Yes?”

“Who the fuck told you...TO LOOK THIS FUCKIN’ GOOD?! LIKE, WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT AND THE PRIVILEGE?! THE NERVE OF YOU! THE ABSOLUTE UNMITIGATED GALL, THE NEGROSITY OF YOU, ON THIS 24TH DAY OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF MY NATIONAL ANTHEM!”,you gassed, punching your hand and pointing your acrylic nails and clacking them against each other every which way for dramatic emphasis.

Winston doubled over in hysterical laughter, to the point of tears, at your response. “Wow, I must say, it does feel good to be on the receiving end of your gassing. I knew I had to come with it if I was going to be your date tonight. If I haven’t learned anything else about you in all these years of knowing you, it’s that no matter where you’re going, you’re gonna bring it. You’ve kinda forced me to step out of my usual tux zone and further into the world of high fashion...all without knowing what your dress looked like. I think I did pretty good, dontcha think?” He finally closed the gap between the two of you and held your small hands into his big hands.You rolled your eyes to keep from laughing. You weren’t going to give into that Gabe Wilson-level corniness.

“Ehhh...you did aight. Ion know who you tryna dress up for, but you cute or whateva.”, you said nonchalantly.

He lowered his voice to where only you could hear, “I must say that you, my dearest Khalida, the love of my life, are looking sublime right now. I don’t even care what you have in store for the after party look, I just know that in this very moment, I’d have you on this table if everyone weren't here.” You smirked.

“You know, I had the same thought about you when were eating lunch. I’m happy our freakiness is in tandem.”, you paused to look around the room, “Now let’s go and flex for the ‘gram, shall we?”

Everyone crowded both elevators to the lobby to get a full glimpse at the soon-to-be Duke’s. The lighting in the hotel’s courtyard was perfect—a studio could never.

“Alrighty...the lighting’s good here, love birds.”, Jacqui reported as she searched for the perfect late afternoon light. The two of you walked to the exact spot Jacqui deemed appropriate. He insisted that you walk before him, just so he could check you out from the back. He gazed in amazement as he noticed the highlight on your shoulders when the sun kissed them. The purple and gold in your dress both complemented your caramel skin. Winston bit his lip as all the thoughts of sin and lust bombarded his mind. God, you outdid yourself when you created her. He finally caught up to you and promptly rested his arm around your full waist, pulling you into him. The two of you stared into each other’s eyes, cameras or people be damned. As Jacqui caught the candid shots, the two of you whispered nasty sweet nothings into each other’s ear. After spending 20 minutes in the courtyard, Jacqui escorted you and Winston to the hotel’s service entrance, where their SUV was waited patiently for you all. As the two of you looked at the SUV, Winston squeezed your hand. “You ready, Dr. Abdullah?”, he asked as he looked down to you.

“When you are, Mr. Duke.”

The two of you shared three deep breaths before loading into the car, eager to show up and out for the Oscars.

I GOT THE TAGLIST IN THE BACK! @muse-of-mbaku @kumkaniudaku @eriknutinthispoosy-deactivated2 @whoramilaje @mbakusthrone @mbakuwife @crushed-pink-petals @supersizemeplz @inlovewithmakeupcomicsanimelove @jackburtonsays @randomwordprompts @bartierbakarimobisson @wakandan-flowerz @blackpantherreblogs @babygirlofwakanda @eerythingisshaka @washyourlinens @turn-thy-paige @doublesidedscoobysnacks @wakandas-vibranium @oceanscorazon @oshasimone @destinio1 @sonofnjobu @teheeboo @sarahboseman @iamrheaspeaks @chaneajoyyy @lovelynervouschaos @cay-cah @coonflix @katasstrophey @mareethequeen @jozigrrl @great-neckpectations @jellybean531 @yofavcocoa @storibambino @maya-leche @blackgirloneshots @royallyprincesslilly @texasbama @ljstraightnochaser @certifiednatural @abeautifulmindexposed

#dukeandthedoctor #winston duke x oc #winston x yaa

53 notes · View notes

blacknerdproblems · 6 years ago

Link

BLACK HISTORY IS MADE

Hollywood’s biggest night was when Black Panther premiered…oh…and then there was the 91st Academy Awards the other night.

It was a night of firsts for Black women, Spike Lee, and the levels of people of color winning!! We started off without a hitch. Regina King grabbed the Best Supporting Actress just as she did with the Golden Globe, and keeping that tradition alive never felt so good. Black Panther being said so many times, Black names featured throughout the night, and beyond that the amount of people of color listed after those words, “And the nominees are….” was so gratifying. We were wracking up the points.

Best Costume Design winner Ruth E. Carter accepted her award with all the style she has been giving us since Mo’ Better Blues and I’m Gonna Get You Sucka. She aptly thanked Spike Lee in her speech having worked on the director’s best films such as Malcolm X and Do The Right Thing. Big ups to Western Mass where Carter grew up, right near my hometown in Springfield, MA. Ruth E. Carter has been doing the Blackest of Black for a whhhhile. Remember School Daze, BAPS, Baby Boy, Love and Basketball?!! Yet, out of her over 30 year career, this is her first Oscar and the first Black PERSON to win in this category. Whenever I hear that I’m like, what year is this? Cardi B is the first Black woman to win best rap album when Missy Elliot and MC Lyte exist and the first Black person just won Best Costume Design at the Oscars.

I don’t want to sully these wins with comparisons and the striking long wait it has been. We want to congratulate us on this night. We keep up the momentum with Hannah Beachler winning Best Production Design for her work on Black Panther, also becoming the first Black person to win in that category. I cannot scream and give side eye so hard at the same time. Let’s talk about it! I said in our previous article on Oscar predictions that this category BETTA BE a win for Black Panther. The thought and detail that went into those costumes could not be ignored, Ryan Coogler basically won as well, with Beachler and Carter thanking him and Marvel for their wins. Beachler has been serving this excellence in every one of her projects from Creed I & II, Moonlight, Miles Ahead, AND Lemonade. She’s been doing this for the culture in a real way, yet – first Oscar win, first Black PERSON again to win in a category. You know what though – it proves she is still doing it for the culture in a big way, the first of the firsts. Congratulations!

Read on here. [x]

#oscars 2019 #ruth carter #ruth e carter #hannah beachler #black panther #oscars #academy awards #blacknerdproblems #black nerd problems

10 notes · View notes

wp-yahoo-style-1042-yahoopa-blog · 7 years ago

Text

All of the best 2018 Met Gala looks

The Met Gala has long been known as fashion’s biggest night. But this year, it’s fashion’s most controversial as well.

On Monday evening, all of Hollywood’s biggest stars and fashion influencers took to the carpeted red stairs of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the Costume Institute’s latest exhibit. This year, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination explores the intersection of the sartorial and sacred. In the exhibit curated by Andrew Bolton, pieces from the Vatican and design houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and more will be on display. However, on the red carpet, a variety of celebs are wearing their own interpretation on the religious theme.

Amal Clooney, Rihanna, and Donatella Versace are 2018’s co-hosts of the event alongside Anna Wintour. Other A-list attendees include Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Cardi B, and Ashley Graham.

Rihanna

The singer and co-host stole the show in a Pope-inspired look by Maison Margiela. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Amal Clooney

Clooney also stunned in a custom Richard Quinn ensemble, which included satin pants. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Donatella Versace

Donatella went with a standout skirt over-top a dress from Versace, of course. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Jennifer Lopez

The religious theme couldn’t stop JLo from showing some thigh in this Balmain creation. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Ashley Graham

Graham showed off her heavenly body in a Prabal Gurung gown that featured one million sequins. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Kim Kardashian

The mogul didn’t need husband Kanye by her side, when she had a gold Versace gown complete with two crosses. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Kylie Jenner

The youngest Jenner had her first “parent’s night out,” wearing an edgy Alexander Wang creation. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Anna Wintour

Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief chaired her 20th Met Gala, wearing Chanel. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Cardi B

The rapper wanted to channel her Catholic roots in this look by Jeremy Scott. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Selena Gomez

Gomez wore a sheer Coach dress for the second year in a row. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Miley Cyrus

Cyrus was a fan favorite, wearing a gorgeously sleek dress by Stella McCartney. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Blake Lively

Lively looked like a queen in Atelier Versace, before making an after party outfit change. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Zendaya

The actress was a glamorous gladiator in Versace. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Paris Jackson

Jackson looked Game of Thrones ready in Stella McCartney. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Ariana Grande

Grande talked about being inspired by the Sistine Chapel when collaborating with Vera Wang on her gown. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Madonna

This gothic Jean Paul Gaultier looked extraordinary on the gala’s chosen performer. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Bella Hadid

The younger Hadid attended her fourth Met Gala in a vampy Chrome Hearts look. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Gigi Hadid

The model paired an old Hollywood glam hairstyle with a mosaic-inspired Versace gown. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Kendall Jenner

Jenner embodied bride goals in an all-white jumpsuit by Off-White. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Karlie Kloss

Kloss looked runway ready in a chic Brandon Maxwell off-the-shoulder dress. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Cara Delevingne

Christian Dior likely had to confirm the attendee under this epic creation. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Gisele Bündchen

Bündchen gave a shoutout to Versace for making her dress eco-friendly. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Issa Rae

Issa Rae looks calm, cool, and collected in this Michael Kors look. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Nicki Minaj

Minaj’s red and black Oscar de la Renta ensemble brought her to the dark side. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Mindy Kaling

Kaling looked royal in a Vassilis Zoulias crown and gown. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Janelle Monae

Monae ensured that her Marc Jacobs dress worked within her black and white color scheme, but added a pop of color with a hat. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Hailey Baldwin

Baldwin looked ethereal in Tommy Hilfiger. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Rita Ora

The singer channeled her feature on Iggy Azalea’s ‘Black Widow’ in a black Prada ensemble. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Cindy Crawford

Crawford looked red hot in Versace. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Kris Jenner

The matriarch wouldn’t be upstaged by her daughters, wearing this gorgeous gown by Tommy Hilfiger. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Solange

Solange one-upped everyone at the event, wearing a latex ensemble by Iris van Herpen. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Emily Ratajkowski

Ratajkowski was draped in Marc Jacobs gold, with a thigh-high slit and open back. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Nick Jonas

Jonas may have taken the subway to the event, but he rocked Dolce & Gabbana on the red carpet. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Irina Shayk and Bradley Cooper

The model outshined her husband in a gold Versace gown with feathers. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Darren Criss

After recently playing Versace’s killer, the actor wore a Dolce & Gabbana creation with his own face on it. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Emilia Clarke

Clarke looks like a true queen in this Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda gown. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Hikari Mori

Hikari Mori in Prabal Gurung. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson in Thom Browne. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Riley Keough

Riley Keough in Louis Vuitton. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Liu Wen

The model has attended the gala nine times, and has worn Michael Kors to three of them. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Cassie

Both Cassie and her date Diddy wore pants to the event. Cassie’s just happened to be Thom Browne. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Scarlett Johansson

Johansson stunned audiences when she stepped out in a Marchesa dress. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

The fashion icons are known for their annual appearance at the Met Gala. This year, they both wore vintage Paco Rabanne. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Emma Stone

Stone looked sexy and sophisticated in Louis Vuitton. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Yara Shahidi

Shahidi just made the 18-year-old cut, and celebrated by showing up in Chanel. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Salma Hayek

Hayek wore the Garden of Eden on her Altuzarra gown. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Jared Leto

Leto was a guest of Gucci’s, wearing their best interpretation of what Jesus might actually wear. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Letitia Wright

Attending her first Met Gala, Wright wore a custom dress by Chanel with hand embroidered crosses. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Winnie Harlow

Harlow wore a gorgeous white Tommy Hilfiger gown with a dramatic headpiece. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga in Louis Vuitton. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Michelle Williams

Williams glistened in a silver Louis Vuitton look. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Priyanka Chopra

Chopra paired a strapless Ralph Lauren dress with a jeweled hood. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Jennifer Connelly

Jennifer Connelly in Louis Vuitton. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Jaden Smith

Smith might be a guest of Louis Vuitton, but he didn’t neglect to bring his latest record with him as a date. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan in Off-White. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Lili Reinhart

Reinhart attended her first Met Gala, wearing H&M. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Olivia Munn

The actress had to be sewn into her chainmail H&M dress. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Amanda Seyfried

Seyfried looked like a Renaissance princess in a golden-yellow Prada gown. (Photo: AP)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Sarah Jessica Parker

SJP had the internet divided over her Dolce & Gabbana look. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Katy Perry

Perry was ready to take flight in her angelic Versace mini dress, paired with thigh high boots and wings. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Liza Koshy

Koshy bared her bottom in a see-through Alessandra Rich dress. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Lisa Love

Lisa Love attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Bee Shaffer

Anna Wintour’s daughter arrived in Valentino Couture. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Keltie Knight

The ET correspondent showed up in Anna Wintour earrings. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Alicia Quarles

Alicia Quarles in Christian Siriano. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Jenna Bush Hager

Jenna Bush Hager is hardly recognizable in Lela Rose. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter channeled her inner Wonder Woman in Zac Posen. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Princess Beatrice of York

Princess Beatrice of York made her Met Gala debut. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons in H&M. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Jasmine Sanders

The model lived up to her Golden Barbie nickname in an H&M design. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Offset, Quavo, and Takeoff of Migos

The three men of Migos were inspired by their 2013 debut single titled Versace. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Frances McDormand

McDormand made quite the entrance in a Valentino cape and gown. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Lily Collins

Collins went to the dark side in a sheer black Givenchy dress, and accessorized with some rosary beads in hand. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Katherine Langford

Katherine Langford in Prada. (Photo: AP)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Cynthia Erivo

Erivo nailed her entire look with a Sistine Chapel inspired manicure. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Lauren Santo Domingo

Lauren Santo Domingo in Calvin Klein by Appointment. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Zoe Kravitz

Zoe Kravitz is nearly undressed in a Saint Laurent dress, that resembles a veil. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman looks regal in Gabriela Hearst. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Shaun White

Shaun White attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Doutzen Kroes

Doutzen Kroes in Sies Marjan. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Kate Bosworth

Bosworth channeled a porcelain doll in this Oscar de la Renta gown and veil. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Katie Lee

Katie Lee attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Misha Nonoo

Misha Nonoo attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Donald Glover

Donald Glover in Gucci. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Amber Heard

Heard achieved a full look with a red Carolina Herrera gown and gorgeous gold headpiece. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Andreea Diaconu

Andreea Diaconu attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross in Michael Kors Collection. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning in MIU MIU. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Ralph Lauren. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger in Prabal Gurung. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway in Valentino. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Hailee Steinfeld

Steinfeld was angelic in Prabal Gurung. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Kate Upton

Kate Upton attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Gabrielle Union

Union is looking summer ready in a gorgeous yellow Prabal Gurung. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Katharine McPhee

Katharine McPhee attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Kerry Washington

Washington stunned in gold, and a Lorraine Schwartz headpiece. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley in Ralph Lauren. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman in Versace. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Laura Dern

Laura Dern attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood in Altuzarra. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Greta Gerwig

Greta Gerwig in The Row. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Kate Moss

Kate Moss in Saint Laurent. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller in Louis Vuitton. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Rooney Mara

Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson in Prada. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey in Gucci. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Claire Danes

Claire Danes attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Jill Kargman

Jill Kargman attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Taylor Hill

Taylor Hill attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Wendi Deng Murdoch

Wendi Deng Murdoch attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Talita von Fürstenberg

Talita von Fürstenberg attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Eiza Gonzalez

Eiza Gonzalez attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

Karen Elson

Karen Elson attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle

#news #met gala #rihanna #photos #_lmsid:a0Vd000000AE7lXEAT #_revsp:wp.yahoo.style.us #red carpet #met gala 2018 #anna wintour #_uuid:d95fca08-0704-36ad-96e1-e49f19759228 #style #slideshow #donatella versace #amal clooney #celebrity style #Heavenly Bodies #gallery

7 notes · View notes

afrofuturisticality-blog · 7 years ago

Text

A first look at Afrofuturism

My introduction into Afrofuturism began with Black Panther, Marvel’s blockbuster hit directed by Ryan Coogler with an almost entirely black cast. I am glad that it was my beginning because I thought the movie was not only fabulous, but it was also inspiring to me as a black woman. Although, even as the character Erik Killmonger drew out a sense of sympathy and support as the little boy left behind, his reaction/actions were indicative of the stereotype a black man is expected to fulfill: one of hated, violence, and revenge. I was happy to see that blacks were not portrayed as the violent beasts that Colonizer propaganda has stereotyped us to be, but instead capable of thinking beyond that and able to be forgiving and supportive, even to and despite our oppressors. Even as an enslaved people and since, the black race has been forgiving and willing to work with the Colonizers to create a better world for all, even though that has never been acknowledged. Control and fear of retaliation has always been on the minds of the colonizers because they know they are deserving of feeling the wrath of the black man and others they have viciously oppressed.

Brilliantly done, Black Panther grew from a comic series written for Marvel and created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, while Reggie Huggins, a black man, imagined and created the character Shuri. Huggins told our class when he visited that he wanted both girls and boys to be able to have a Halloween costume of a leader of Wakanda—Halloween costumes being the manifestation of the dreams children hold of being a super hero. He made Shuri strong, smart, funny, and able to fight as one who has been trained for true leadership since birth. Comics have often inspired young boys to reach for the stars and dream big. Shuri shows little girls that they can too. Huggins created Shuri for his animated Black Panther TV series written for Marvel. This movie helped me to imagine a Wakanda, a place where we (a nation of Black people, made up of many nations of Black people who came together in harmony) were technologically advanced, as perhaps we could have been. I especially loved the ending where T’Challa was questioned as to what Wakanda could possibly have to offer. Based on the propaganda the world has been fed about Africa and Black people, the question was expected, but knowing the answer could leave no doubt as to the superiority of their development. The feeling it gave me was tremendous.

Luckily, my Afrofuturism class began just after Black Panther’s release in the theaters and I went to see it a second time and was followed by a panel discussion including Mr. Huggins, Ruth E. Carter, the costume designer of the movie, and my professor: T. Due, an afro-futurism writer, recent Octavia Butler award winner, and a celebrity in her own right. I usually refuse to re-watch anything until enough time has passed for me to completely forget it, but I knew immediately after the movie ended that I wanted to see it again. Even now I would love to see it a third time. We were assigned the task of watching Episodes One through Six of The Black Panther TV series written and produced by Reggie Huggins, ending our Black Panther ride. The first novel the instructor had us read was Octavia Butler’s Dawn. As I began reading it, I felt as if I was watching a horror movie and became anxious. I considered dropping the course as I had dropped the same instructor’s previous course before my first day of class when I discovered it was going to have horror movies that I would be required to watch. I had many nightmares years ago when Alien came out, and to this day, I still remember the scene where the alien popped out of the man’s belly. I had nightmares for weeks and I do not watch any type of horror movies. I had wanted to stay in the class last quarter because almost everyone I knew at this school and all of my friends were in it, but I was afraid that I would not be able to get any work done because I was afraid I would have nightmares.

However, with the book, Dawn, I continued to read and discovered it left the scary behind and transformed into the weird. It was thought-provoking and curious. While it, like Alien, involved extraterrestrials, it was written in such a way as not to incite fear, but rather a sense of ewww – a shuddering in my soul. My daughter says I was “squicked.” However, it was very intriguing and I found it difficult to put down. It was an easy read when compared to the textbooks I am accustomed to reading daily, yet it too causes one to think and consider an alternative to life as we know now it.

Another discovery I’ve made is that W.E.B. DuBois wrote fiction even while a political activist, scholar, civil rights leader, historian and Pan Africanist. He wrote an Afro-futuristic short story named The Comet. It was very good also and like Space Traders—a short story written by Derrick Bell and produced for TV by Reggie Huggins—they each drew a sense that most if not all Black people engaging either would immediately believe they knew the answer to the question presented in each piece. I have found this new genre (new to me) to be based in reality and intriguing, while imagining an alternative future—one filled with the unimaginable. I remember when there were no computers or cell phones and I see those imaginings in Afrofuturism not so far off, as the world and its inhabitants continue to evolve in ways that include the unexpected.

Of course our professor is very enthusiastic about our class and she has tons of reading, watching movies, movie shorts, and music videos for us to engage. She also showed us Janelle Monae’s short film Many Moons featuring Monae’s alter ego an android named Cindi Mayweather. It brought to mind once again how reality based this genre actually is with its lyrics depicting life and the realization that Saudi Arabia, a country that has historically been oppressive to women and so remains, has given citizenship to the first non-human entity—an android named Sophia. Immediately, when I heard about Sophia, I thought about how the women of Saudi Arabia must feel knowing that a machine has been designated as superior to them, and wondered what that would mean for Blacks. What new ideas have been or will be sparked in the oppression of Blacks? But I am too busy to let my mind go there as each day brings new concerns. With five classes this quarter and such a huge amount of material to cover, I am thankful that Afrofuturism has peaked my interest and it feels like I am taking a break when engaging the material, something new to me.

8 notes · View notes

richincolor · 7 years ago

Text

Black Panther Discussion Post

Marvel’s Black Panther was a highly anticipated movie and since it was released a little over a month ago has broke all sorts of box office records. Of course all of us saw the movie (some of us more than once) and like many others, we had to share our thoughts with each other. Check out our thoughts of Black Panther below. #WakandaForever

K. Imani: Favorite character? I know I’m struggling with choosing one because this beautiful ensemble cast just worked well with each other. All had their awesome moments and their strengths balanced each other out. But, if I had to choose I’d have to go with Shuri. I loved her smarts, I loved her enthusiasm, and I loved her relationship with her brother. She was just so cute and had one of the best lines in the film. My 10 year old niece loved her, so I’m hoping that young Black girls like my little niece can see how amazingly smart Shuri is and think about going into STEM fields.

Jessica: Who doesn’t love Shuri? But just to mix things up a little, I’m going to say Okoye. She delivers some of the funniest and badass lines of the movie. I mean, her introduction is her snarking on T’Challa for freezing in a fight. Her loyalty to Wakanda is clear-eyed and courageous, which I love. I’d want her on my side in any fight.

Crystal: I totally adored Shuri. She’s brilliant and hilarious. She is also someone who loves strongly and lifts others up. She’s an encourager, but also pokes at people too. They know she’s got their back, but she’s also cozy enough with people to tease them a bit. It’s hard to choose just one though. There were so many amazing characters.

Audrey: Definitely Shuri (for all the reasons you guys mentioned), but I also really loved Nakia. I was thrilled that her introduction was about saving other women (and a child soldier) because I always love it in fiction when women get to rescue other women. (More of this, please!) She also was keenly aware of the fact that even though Wakanda had survived and prospered, there were so many others who hadn’t, and she wanted to use her privilege (and Wakanda’s) to help others.

Jessica: I think a lot of people online have made this observation already -- Erik/Killmonger’s motives were legit, but Nakia truly had it all figured out. She set the tone for the movie and T’Challa’s growth. Like, T’Challa, pro-tip for life: Always listen to Nakia.

K. Imani: Glad that you should bring up Killmonger, Jessica because the question is #TeamKillmonger or no? Because he’s such a complicated antagonist. I can’t really call him a villain because I empathize with him so much. His comment to the museum worker that all those artifacts were stolen was so on point. I also like that he challenged T’Challa on Wakanda’s isolation and the fact that they have the power to help out the oppressed around the world. His methods, however, not so much. Also, his last line was a total stab to the heart for me.

K. Imani: To me this felt like the first feminist movie from Marvel. All the women in this movie had agency and we saw all of them using their strengths in different ways. They were fierce and feminine at the same time, and T’Challa really depended upon all of them. He listened to what they had to say and treated them as equals. Not to cross streams, but I felt Black Panther did a better job of being a feminist film than Wonder Woman because all the women owned their power and it didn’t come from the love from a man. What do you all think?

Jessica: I haven’t watched Wonder Woman (eep!), but I love how present, varied, and interesting all the women were in Black Panther. You’ve got Shuri, the meme-savvy, tech-savvy younger sister. Nakia, an activist, warrior, and hero in her own right who knows better than T’Challa what the future of Wakanda is. And then you have Okoye, who portrays strength and tradition, and isn’t afraid to take some know-it-all white guy down a peg. Plus, you can’t forget the regal and awesome Queen Ramonda. And I think it’s pretty safe to say that T’Challa is the great hero that he is because he spends time with all these incredible women who lead the way.

Crystal: I agree. The women were powerful and varied. The men were there, but they couldn’t have accomplished anything without the women at their sides. There were so many different women involved too. The power came from the panther goddess to begin with and of course there were the women warriors (Dora Milaje), but there was also Shuri, Nakia and even an elder tribe leader. These women had power and they were not afraid to use it.

Audrey: As much as I loved Wonder Woman, I am incredibly tired of the “one elite woman on a team of men” trope, even if she is the most powerful of all the men by far. There simply wasn’t enough time in that movie to give the Amazons any meaningful depth because Diana left the island so quickly and then got swallowed up by the World of Men (and 95% Men All The Time).

In contrast, Black Panther was populated with so many women with significant screen time that they weren’t reduced just to The One Woman on the Team. They held different and respected roles, had individual personalities and strengths, and made significant contributions to the plot in different ways.

Audrey: One of the other things I loved about the film was the costume design by Ruth E. Carter.So much thought and detail went into it, that even though I know very little about the traditional clothing the designs were based on, it was obvious to me that there were distinct tribes in Wakanda. And! The Dora Milaje wore armor that actually looked like it could function as armor. (And is gorgeous to boot.) What worldbuilding elements were your favorite?

Jessica: It’s so hard to choose. I’ll go with all the advanced tech integrated into society. That moment when whatever-his-face woke up after being patched up and wanders over to the window to see all of Wakanda in its high-tech, futuristic glory was pretty cool, visually speaking. Speaking of Wakanda being this incredible society -- and now I’m going off on a tangent -- but I do wonder about what Wakanda does about crime and punishment. Erik’s final line was so, so important and profound. But I did wonder if things could have been different. I like to imagine that Wakanda has managed to abolish prison/incarceration.

K. Imani: Oh the world-building! Aside for the storytelling, I think that might be what I love most about the movie. It was clear that BP team did their homework in their integration of the different tribes into creating Wakanda. I loved seeing how the diversity of Africa was represented in the tribes of Wakanda and how it truly felt like what an African country that wasn’t touched by colonialism would look like. For me, seeing African culture celebrated on screen made my heart explode with pride.

That's just some of what we've had to say. What about you? Share your thoughts on Black Panther in the comments below.

#wakandaforever #black panther

8 notes · View notes

agentxthirteen · 7 years ago

Text

Okay, no, I’m going to say it. Ruth Carter worked on the costumes for Black Panther, and she and Ryan Coogler worked HARD. She took her first designs to him after doing tons of research and stretching herself, and he said it wasn’t “futuristic” enough and she went back to the drawing board and revamped EVERYTHING. She worked her ass off to figure out how a traditional, uncolonized African country would advance centuries beyond everyone else and show it in part through their clothes.

And in Infinity War, it looks like the Russos were like, “Yeah, a thick orange poncho jacket is futuristic.”

No, it’s noooooooooooooooooooooot. The costumes in Black Panther were a dream, and that jacket looks like a Forever 21 knockoff of a Stella McCartney design.

OH OH OH OH OH

And don’t forget - you can now SEE the machinery in T’Challa’s claws or something now. Like Shuri would ever allow that crap. But no, a subtle, aesthetic strength isn’t TOUGH enough or something ugh it’s not real power unless you can SEE it.

#i mean i don't know the most about clothes #but shuri's outfits in black panther were a m a z i n g #and in what i've seen of infinity war so far #it looks like a massive downgrade

9 notes · View notes

kathleenkaiser · 5 years ago

Text

“ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD” NAMED BEST PICTURE,

TAKES FOUR AWARDS AT 25TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

“1917” EARNS THREE AWARDS

“FLEABAG” LEADS TELEVISION RECIPIENTS WITH THREE AWARDS

(Los Angeles, CA – January 12, 2020) – The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced the winners of the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards tonight, live from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Hollywood’s brightest shined at the gala event, which aired on The CW Network and was hosted for the second year by acclaimed film, television, and stage star Taye Diggs.

In the film categories, “Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood” took home four awards, the most of the night, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Brad Pitt, Best Original Screenplay for Quentin Tarantino, and Best Production Design for Barbara Ling and Nancy Haigh. “1917” followed closely behind, winning three categories.

Best Actor and Best Actress awards were bestowed upon Joaquin Phoenix for “Joker” and Renée Zellweger for “Judy,” respectively, while Best Supporting Actress went to Laura Dern for “Marriage Story.” The Best Director race resulted in a tie between Sam Mendes for “1917” and Bong Joon Ho for “Parasite.”

Among the television categories, “Fleabag” took home the most awards, winning Best Comedy Series, Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Andrew Scott. Alex Borstein was a repeat winner for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” as was Best Actor in a Comedy Series winner Bill Hader for “Barry.” “Succession” took home two awards including Best Drama Series and Best Actor in a Drama Series for Jeremy Strong. “Watchmen” was also awarded two trophies, for Best Actress in a Drama Series for Regina King and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Jean Smart. Billy Crudup was awarded Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in “The Morning Show.”

Keegan-Michael Key was on hand to deliver a special tribute to Eddie Murphy, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Murphy was feted for his extraordinary career, including most recently his brilliant performance in Best Comedy winner “Dolemite Is My Name.” As previously announced, Kristen Bell received the #SeeHer Award for portraying strong female characters whilepromoting women on screen and off, and the award was presented by her co-star from “The Good Place” Ted Danson.

Critics’ Choice Awards are bestowed annually to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. Historically, they are the most-accurate predictor of Academy Award nominations.

The 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards show was produced by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment. The CCA is represented by Dan Black of Greenberg Traurig.

About CCA:

The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 400 television, radio and online critics. It was organized last year with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the blurring of the distinctions between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com.

About The CW:

THE CW TELEVISION NETWORK launched in 2006 as America’s fifth broadcast network, with programming targeting younger viewers, a demographic highly sought after by advertisers. The CW, a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation, broadcasts a six-night, 12-hour primetime lineup, Sunday through Friday. The CW’s primetime programming is also available to stream for free, without authentication, on the ad-supported cwtv.com and The CW app, now available on every major OTT platform. In daytime, The CW broadcasts a Monday through Friday afternoon block, and a three-hour Saturday morning kids block. The CW’s digital network, CW Seed, launched in 2013, and offers original short-form digital content as well as past seasons of fan-favorite television series. For more information about the network and its programming, visit www.cwtvpr.com.

CONTACTS:

Andy Gelb / Elyse Weissman

SLATE PR

310-461-0111

[email protected] / [email protected]

Nate Kirtman / Jodi Karp

The CW Network

818-977-5993

[email protected] / [email protected]

WINNERS OF THE 25TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

FILM

BEST PICTURE

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (Sony)

BEST ACTOR

Joaquin Phoenix – Joker (Warner Bros.)

BEST ACTRESS

Renée Zellweger – Judy (Roadside)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (Sony)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Laura Dern – Marriage Story (Netflix)

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS

Roman Griffin Davis – Jojo Rabbit (Fox Searchlight)

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

The Irishman (Netflix)

BEST DIRECTOR (TIE)

Bong Joon Ho – Parasite (Neon)

Sam Mendes – 1917 (Universal)

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (Sony)

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Greta Gerwig – Little Women (Sony)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Roger Deakins – 1917 (Universal)

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Barbara Ling, Nancy Haigh – Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (Sony)

BEST EDITING

Lee Smith – 1917 (Universal)

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Ruth E. Carter – Dolemite Is My Name (Netflix)

BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP

Bombshell (Lionsgate)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Avengers: Endgame (Disney)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Toy Story 4 (Disney)

BEST ACTION MOVIE

Avengers: Endgame (Disney)

BEST COMEDY

Dolemite Is My Name (Netflix)

BEST SCI-FI OR HORROR MOVIE

Us (Universal)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Parasite (Neon)

BEST SONG (TIE)

Glasgow (No Place Like Home) – Wild Rose (Neon)

(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again – Rocketman (Paramount)

BEST SCORE

Hildur Guðnadóttir – Joker (Warner Bros.)

TELEVISION

BEST DRAMA SERIES

Succession (HBO)

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Jeremy Strong – Succession (HBO)

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Regina King – Watchmen (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Billy Crudup – The Morning Show (Apple)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Jean Smart – Watchmen (HBO)

BEST COMEDY SERIES

Fleabag (Amazon)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Bill Hader – Barry (HBO)

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag (Amazon)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Andrew Scott – Fleabag (Amazon)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Alex Borstein – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon)

BEST LIMITED SERIES

When They See Us (Netflix)

BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (Netflix)

BEST ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Jharrel Jerome – When They See Us (Netflix)

BEST ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Michelle Williams – Fosse/Verdon (FX)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Stellan Skarsgård – Chernobyl (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Toni Collette – Unbelievable (Netflix)

BEST ANIMATED SERIES

BoJack Horseman (Netflix)

BEST TALK SHOW (TIE)

The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS)

Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC)

BEST COMEDY SPECIAL

Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s All in the Family and The Jeffersons (ABC)

WINNERS BY FILM FOR THE 25TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

1917 (Universal) – 3

Best Director – Sam Mendes (Tie)

Best Cinematography – Roger Deakins

Best Editing – Lee Smith

AVENGERS: ENDGAME (Disney) – 2

Best Visual Effects

Best Action Movie

BOMBSHELL (Lionsgate) – 1

Best Hair and Makeup

DOLEMITE IS MY NAME (Netflix) – 2

Best Costume Design – Ruth E. Carter

Best Comedy

JOJO RABBIT (Fox Searchlight) – 1

Best Young Actor/Actress – Roman Griffin Davis

JOKER (Warner Bros.) – 2

Best Actor – Joaquin Phoenix

Best Score – Hildur Guðnadóttir

JUDY (Roadside) – 1

Best Actress – Renée Zellweger

LITTLE WOMEN (Sony) – 1

Best Adapted Screenplay – Greta Gerwig

MARRIAGE STORY (Netflix) – 1

Best Supporting Actress – Laura Dern

ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD (Sony) – 4

Best Picture

Best Supporting Actor – Brad Pitt

Best Original Screenplay – Quentin Tarantino

Best Production Design – Barbara Ling, Nancy Haigh

PARASITE (Neon) – 2

Best Director – Bong Joon Ho (Tie)

Best Foreign Language Film

ROCKETMAN (Paramount) – 1

Best Song – (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again (Tie)

THE IRISHMAN (Netflix) – 1 Best Acting Ensemble

TOY STORY 4 (Disney) – 1

Best Animated Feature

US (Universal) – 1

Best Sci-Fi or Horror Movie

WILD ROSE (Neon) – 1

Best Song – Glasgow (No Place Like Home) (Tie)

WINNERS BY TELEVISION PROGRAM FOR THE 25TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

BARRY (HBO) – 1

Best Actor in a Comedy Series – Bill Hader

BOJACK HORSEMAN (Netflix) – 1

Best Animated Series

CHERNOBYL (HBO) – 1

Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television – Stellan Skarsgård

EL CAMINO: A BREAKING BAD MOVIE (Netflix) – 1

Best Movie Made for Television

FLEABAG (Amazon) – 3

Best Comedy Series

Best Actress in a Comedy Series – Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series – Andrew Scott

FOSSE/VERDON (FX) – 1

Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television – Michelle Williams

LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS (NBC) – 1

Best Talk Show (Tie)

LIVE IN FRONT OF A STUDIO AUDIENCE: NORMAN LEAR’S ALL IN THE FAMILY AND THE JEFFERSONS (ABC) – 1

Best Comedy Special

SUCCESSION (HBO) – 2

Best Drama Series

Best Actor in a Drama Series – Jeremy Strong

THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH JAMES CORDEN (CBS) – 1

Best Talk Show (Tie)

THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL (Amazon) – 1

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – Alex Borstein

THE MORNING SHOW (Apple) – 1 Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Billy Crudup

UNBELIEVABLE (Netflix) – 1

Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television – Toni Collette

WATCHMEN (HBO) – 2

Best Actress in a Drama Series – Regina King

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Jean Smart

WHEN THEY SEE US (Netflix) – 2

Best Limited Series

Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television – Jharrel Jerome

WINNERS BY STUDIO / NETWORK FOR THE 25TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

NETFLIX – 9

HBO – 6

SONY – 5

AMAZON – 4

UNIVERSAL – 4

DISNEY – 3

NEON – 3

WARNER BROS. – 2

ABC – 1

APPLE – 1

CBS – 1

FOX SEARCHLIGHT – 1

FX – 1

LIONSGATE – 1

NBC – 1

PARAMOUNT – 1

ROADSIDE – 1

youtube

WINNERS ANNOUNCED LAST NIGHT at the 25th Annual CRITICS CHOICE Awards – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood named BEST PICTURE of 2019! “ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD” NAMED BEST PICTURE, TAKES FOUR AWARDS AT 25TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

#25thAnnualCriticsChoiceAwards #criticschoice #Winnerofthe25thAnnualCriticsChoiceSAwards

0 notes

frontstreet1 · 5 years ago

Text

This image released by Netflix shows Eddie Murphy in a scene from “Dolemite Is My Name,” which will be shown at the Toronto Film Festival. (François Duhamel/Netflix via AP)

Actor Eddie Murphy arrives with his girlfriend Paige Butcher on the red carpet for the new movie “Dolemite Is My Name” in Toronto, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)

Actor Eddie Murphy and his girlfriend Paige Butcher pose for photographs on the red carpet for the new movie “Dolemite Is My Name” in Toronto, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)

TORONTO — It took Eddie Murphy more than a decade to get a movie made about Rudy Ray Moore. Judging by the response to the film at the Toronto International Film Festival, the wait was worth it.

“Dolemite Is My Name” drew some of the best reviews of Murphy’s career, following the film’s premiere over the weekend in Toronto.

It had been a while. Murphy’s last two leading performances — 2016′s “Mr. Church” and 2012′s “A Thousand Words” — were little seen and little loved.

But “Dolemite Is My Name” was a passion project for the 58-year-old comedian. He long ago met with Moore, who died in 2008 at the age of 81, to discuss making a movie about the comedian. Moore’s famous character — the straight-talking, kung fu-fighting pimp Dolemite — was his stand-up persona and star of the 1975 Blaxploitation classic “Dolemite.”

“I never let go of the idea. It was always something I thought could be a great movie. I had been sitting on the couch. I took some time to do nothing,” Murphy said in an interview. “It goes back to when Rudy was alive. I literally went to see him at a club. It just didn’t come together. And there was no Netflix back then.”

“Dolemite Is My Name,” directed by Craig Brewer (“Hustle & Flow”), will be released by Netflix in theaters Oct. 4 and begin streaming on Oct. 25. It’s penned by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, who memorably wrote another tale about an inexpert filmmaker: “Ed Wood.”

“Dolemite Is My Name” chronicles the ramshackle, threadbare making of “Dolemite” with Wesley Snipes playing director D’Urville Martin. It’s a paean to low-budget moviemaking and a celebration of creating something out of nothing, outside a movie system that made scant room for African-American stories.

For Brewer, a Memphis, Tennessee, native, it’s a testament to the independent filmmaking of his youth.

“I came up in my career as a guerrilla filmmaker. You show up and you shoot. You don’t have permits. You don’t have professionals help you. You just have a bunch of other people like you who have a blind passion,” Brewer said. “Sometimes those passion projects turn into something wonderful even though they’re terrible.”

For “My Name Is Dolemite,” the reception in Toronto was electric — especially for a performance that for many recalled Murphy’s performances of the ’80s. During the standing ovation that followed the film’s premiere, cast member Keegan-Michael Key suggested the lengthy applause shouldn’t stop for Murphy. ”

We should just stand all night and clap for him,” Key said.

The film has helped kick off a comeback for Murphy. After years of working seldom if at all, Murphy is currently shooting a sequel to “Coming to America,” also with Brewer directing and Snipes co-starring. Later this year, the former “Saturday Night Live” castmember will host the show for the first time since 1984. And after years away from the stage, he’s plotting a return to stand-up, with a tour planned for next summer.

But before all that, Murphy was again performing stand-up, only as Rudy Ray Moore and outfitted in the costumes designed by Oscar-winner Ruth Carter for “My Name Is Dolemite.” The filmmakers recognized what a privileged sight they were watching.

“Eddie comes in as Rudy and he starts telling jokes. And like Eddie does, he goes completely off book. If something comes, he just rolls into it,” Brewer said. “Then he left and I turned to the audience and said, ‘Y’all, do you realize what just happened? I don’t think he’s done that in like years! Decades!’”

By JAKE COYLE – Sept 8. 2019

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

In ‘Dolemite Is My Name,’ a return to form for Eddie Murphy TORONTO — It took Eddie Murphy more than a decade to get a movie made about Rudy Ray Moore.

#Eddie Murphy #Toronto International Film Festival #‘Dolemite Is My Name #’

0 notes

businessliveme · 6 years ago

Text

‘Green Book’ Beats ‘Roma’ for 2019 Best Picture at Oscars

“Green Book,” Universal Pictures’ film about race relations in the U.S. South in the early 1960s, was crowned best picture of 2018, an upset win that dashed Netflix’s hopes that “Roma” would garner the streaming giant’s first top Oscar.

Alfonso Cuaron won the Academy Award for directing “Roma,” his Spanish-language look at family and class in Mexico. The movie won three awards and still gave Netflix some bragging rights, even if it wasn’t for best picture, after a costly Oscar campaign for the film.

Olivia Colman, Rami Malek Win Top Acting Award

Olivia Colman won the Academy Award for best actress for her portrayal of Queen Anne in the Fox Searchlight film “The Favourite,” a big upset for the category.

“Oh it’s genuinely quite stressful,” Colman said from the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. She called out the work of her two co-stars, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, whose characters vie for their queen’s favor in the picture.

Rami Malek won the Academy Award for best actor in a leading role for his portrayal of rock ’n’ roll frontman Freddie Mercury in the 20th Century Fox film “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

The success of the film, about an immigrant, gay man living his life unapologetically, is “proof that we are longing for stories like this,” Malek said from the stage.

‘Spider-Man’ Adds to Marvel’s Growing Awards Pile

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” won the Academy Award for best-animated feature, grabbing an Oscar for Sony Pictures and adding to the pile of awards amassed Sunday by Walt Disney’s Marvel Entertainment, which also garnered statuettes for “Black Panther.”

“Black Panther” and its staff grabbed early Oscars for costume and production design. Production co-designer Hannah Beachler became the first African-American ever to win that award, while Ruth Carter’s win for costumes was also a first.

Cuaron Wins for Foreign Film, Cinematography

“Roma” and its director Alfonso Cuarón netted two early awards for best cinematography and best foreign-language film, giving Netflix a couple of wins. The Spanish-language black-and-white movie looks at class in Mexico through the life of a domestic servant.

Cuarón sent word to the pressroom that he wouldn’t be appearing backstage for questions until later, when the results are in for his bids for best director and best original screenplay. “Roma” is one of eight movies up for best picture.

African-Americans Are Early Academy Award Winners

Many of the early awards went to African-Americans, showing Hollywood is getting the message after excluding minority groups from key roles and jobs for years. The winners included best supporting actress for Regina King, for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk,” Mahershala Ali for his portrayal of virtuoso musician Dr. Don Shirley, and costume and production-design Oscars for “Black Panther.”

“Thank you for honoring African royalty and the empowered way women can look and lead onscreen,” Ruth Carter, who won for costume design, said from the stage.

Key figures in the industry have gone so far as to demand “inclusion riders” in contracts, pressing studios and producers to give women and minorities a better shot at major acting and behind-the-scenes roles.

The Oscars were also the first for a film from Disney’s Marvel cinematic universe.

Regina King Wins for ‘Beale Street’ Role

Regina King won the first big award of the night for her supporting role in “If Beale Street Could Talk,” in which she plays a mother working tirelessly to free her innocent son from prison. The film is the first English-language adaptation of a James Baldwin work for the big screen.

“To be standing here, representing one of the greatest artists of our time, James Baldwin, is a little surreal,” King said from the podium.

“Black Panther,” a best-picture nominee, garnered its first Oscars of the night, winning for costume design and drawing a thundering ovation from the audience. It also won for production design, giving co-designer Hannah Beachler the first-ever such award for an African-American.

First Hostless Oscars Open With Queen Tribute

The Oscars kicked off with a tribute to Freddie Mercury, with rock group Queen performing with Adam Lambert as frontman. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a biopic about the late, great rocker, is one of eight pictures vying for best picture, though none of the band’s music is nominated.

The Oscar producers ended up without a host after choosing comedian and actor Kevin Hart, who was forced to step down over a backlash against old jokes judged homophobic. The last time the show went without a host was in 1989. That telecast was panned and Walt Disney Co. filed a copyright infringement lawsuit after an actor dressed as a Snow White image performed a duet with Rob Lowe, without clearance, according to Variety.

Hostless Oscars Opens With Netflix Poised to Make History

The first hostless Oscars in 30 years got underway in Los Angeles, with Netflix Inc. threatening to upend decades of tradition by becoming the first streaming company to snare Hollywood’s most-coveted award with its best-picture nominee “Roma.”

Seven other nominees stand in its way, many tackling social issues. “Green Book” and “BlacKkKlansman” explore U.S. race relations, while films about Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and Queen Anne deal with sexual orientation. “Black Panther” is the first superhero movie with an African-American in the lead role, while “A Star Is Born” retells a Hollywood classic. “Vice” looks at the life of Vice President Dick Cheney.

The following is the complete list of Oscar winners from Sunday night’s 91st Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Best Picture “Green Book” (Universal) A Charles B. Wessler/Innisfree Pictures/Participant Media/DreamWorks Pictures Production; Jim Burke, Charles B. Wessler, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly and Nick Vallelonga, Producers

Best Director Alfonso Cuarón in “Roma” (Netflix)

Best Actress Olivia Colman in “The Favourite” (Fox Searchlight)

Best ActorRami Malek in “Bohemian Rhapsody” (20th Century Fox)

Best Supporting Actor Mahershala Ali in “Green Book” (Universal)

Best Supporting Actress Regina King in “If Beale Street Could Talk” (Annapurna Pictures)

Best Original Song “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” (Warner Bros.) Music and Lyrics by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt

Best Original Score “Black Panther” (Walt Disney)Music and Lyrics by Ludwig Goransson

Best Adapted Screenplay “BlacKkKlansman” (Focus Features)Written by Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee

Best Original Screenplay “Green Book” (Universal) Written by Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly

Achievement in Visual Effects “First Man” (Universal) Paul Lambert, Ian Hunter, Tristan Myles and J.D. Schwalm

Best Documentary Short Subject “Period. End of Sentence.” (A Pad Project Production) Rayka Zehtabchi and Melissa Berton

Best Animated Short Film “Bao” (Walt Disney) A Pixar Animation Studios Production, Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb

Best Live Action Short Film “Skin” (Salaud Morisset) A New Native Pictures Production

Best Animated Feature Film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

Best Foreign Language Film “Roma” (A Netflix/Participant Media/Esperanto-Filmoj Production)

Achievement in Sound Mixing “Bohemian Rhapsody” (20th Century Fox) Paul Massey, Tim Cavagin and John Casali

Achievement in Sound Editing “Bohemian Rhapsody” (20th Century Fox) John Warhurst and Nina Hartstone

Achievement in Cinematography Alfonso Cuarón in “Roma” (Netflix)

Achievement in Production Design “Black Panther” (Walt Disney) Hannah Beachler, Jay Hart

Achievement in Film Editing “Bohemian Rhapsody” (20th Century Fox) John Ottman

Achievement in Costume Design “Black Panther” (Walt Disney) Ruth Carter

Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling “Vice” (Annapurna Pictures) Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe and Patricia DeHaney

Best Documentary Feature “Free Solo” (National Geographic) A National Geographic Documentary Films/Little Monster Films/Itinerant Media/Parkes+MacDonald/Image Nation Production

The post ‘Green Book’ Beats ‘Roma’ for 2019 Best Picture at Oscars appeared first on Businessliveme.com.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2tAlt7V via IFTTT

#IFTTT #WordPress

0 notes

yasbxxgie · 7 years ago

Text

For ‘Black Panther,' Hannah Beachler designed a futuristic African nation that was never colonized [MP3]

Her list of credits includes Don Cheadle's Miles Davis film "Miles Ahead," Barry Jenkins' Oscar-winning "Moonlight," and Nicolas Winding Refn's upcoming Amazon detective series "Too Old to Die Young." She was also a production designer on the singer Beyonce's visual album "Lemonade."

Before this run of high-profile projects, Beachler worked in horror films and commercials. But it was the independent drama "Fruitvale Station," directed by Ryan Coogler, that turned her career in the direction it is today.

Her collaboration with Coogler continued in "Creed" and, the Marvel film "Black Panther" which is due in theaters early next year. It stars Lupita Nyong'o, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Daniel Kaluuya, Sterling K. Brown, Andy Serkis and Chadwick Boseman as the eponymous superhero and leader of the fictional world of Wakanda.

"For me, it was always understanding that Wakanda had been there for 10,000 years and then what does it look like now?" says Beachler. "It was supposed to be a place that was never colonized too, so what does that look like?"

For many "Black Panther" fans, Wakanda is an example of "Afrofuturism," a term used to describe an art form, often found in comic books, that explores the experiences of black people through science fiction. Mark Dery first coined the term "Afrofuturism" in his 1994 essay "Black To The Future."

When Beachler stopped by The Frame, she talked about the challenges and opportunities in designing a new world for "Black Panther;" her work on "Moonlight" and what it was like to get the call to work on "Lemonade" without being told who the singer was.

To hear the full conversation click the play button at the top of the page. To get more content like this, subscribe to The Frame podcast.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:

ON BUILDING THE WORLD OF WAKANDA:

It was a challenge for us. For Ryan and I we saw the opportunity to create something with Marvel that they haven't done. You know, that's the way I looked at how I would utilize the money is I had more of an opportunity to bring place to it. And be more detailed about it. And because it wasn't a place that existed or had really been defined in any other film -- I'm talking about Wakanda -- we could really play with that and we wanted to do a lot of practical builds. We didn't really want to use a lot of blue screen. And that's also where the money went.

ON BUILDING REAL SETS INSTEAD OF RELYING ON VISUAL EFFECTS:

We had a lot of extensions. I would build so far and then I would extend. We tried not to put the VFX in front. Pretty much every single set is practical and then the bigger world outside of that would become an extension. It was a lot about making sure that those VFX were in the background. And that it was tactile and tangible and the actors had things to act off of and could sit in and you know that's really where it went. It was to creating all of these builds. And even some of the exterior stuff that you see in the trailer, we built. You know the waterfall? We built it. And it was an extension then because it was really tall. I mean it was huge. But it was fantastic to have that water being real being live being there and people wading in it all day everyday and fighting in it and doing the thing that they're doing and having the extras in their beautiful costumes by Ruth Carter up on the set. It was just breathtaking and when you see something like that for the first time that you did, that you worked on for months, it was just... it just took my breath away.

ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BUILDING A UTOPIAN AFRICAN WORLD:

It's the first time I actually did a world building on that. And it was a lot of research. I mean we went to Africa. I was there for quite some time. Ryan and the producers joined. And we traveled extensively for a few weeks. And it was a lot of research. It was talking to people, taking pictures of everything and connecting with... we were in South Africa mainly... connecting with it, with the motherland. And understanding all of the tradition, all the different tribes, how they responded to each other, what things were important in their lives. That was part of building that world and then pushing it all into the future so for me it was always understanding that Wakanda had been there for 10,000 years and then what does it look like now. And there was a lot of discussion because it was supposed to be a place that was never colonized too. So what does that look like? There was a lot of discussion about that and how we make that relevant.

ON THE CHALLENGES IN REPRESENTING WHAT AFRICA COULD BE IF IT WEREN'T COLONIZED:

It's a huge thing. And it was daunting because I felt a lot of responsibility to get it right. And also to create Wakanda, create its own feel and look, outside of... because over time it has morphed. All of these tribes came together, and while they're individual tribes, they've created this country, so in a sense they are one. I hope people could look at it and really feel, like, Okay, yeah, this feels good, this feels right. It doesn't feel false in some way and that this could have been what happened. Of course, you know, vibranium helps.

ON ENSURING AUTHENTICITY IN HER WORK WITH EACH DIRECTOR SHE WORKS WITH:

The really important thing to me as a designer is that for every director that I work with -- because they're all different -- that I am doing a service to their vision. I have to change who I am and what I'm looking for. I have my aesthetic and I have certain things that I do and colors that I work with. So it's important for me to be able to connect the work I do with Nicholas [Nicolas Winding Refn] will be different than anything else that I've done. ... We want to kind of do maybe a punk rock film noir Los Angeles ... Nick Refn style.

ON GETTING THE CALL TO WORK ON "LEMONADE":

Well I had done an "Apple - The App Effect" for Apple commercial and I had done a Nike commercial in Tampa with a director and he had used the same cinematographer who was working with Kahlil Joseph (the director of "Lemonade") and since they were going to New Orleans he was Chayse Irvin, who was the cinematographer, was like, Hey, I worked with this production designer Hannah Beachler, and Kahlil, he knew Ryan (Coogler) so he reached out to Ryan and was like, Oh, you know I want to bring Hannah on. So they called me.

I actually just got done with "Moonlight." I just got home and I was kind of tired. So the first time I was like, You know, I'm not available. And then I thought about it because I really didn't know who the singer was. They didn't tell me. And I was like, I'm not available, you know. And then a week went by and I thought, Oh man, you know, I would like to go down. ... And then I thought, Well that went by. And then they called me the next week and I jumped on it as fast as possible. ... I didn't know until I literally walked in and talked to Kahlil and he told me [that it was Beyonce]. ... I'm glad I said yes. [89.3 KPCC]

#hannah beachler #john horn #kpcc #the frame #mp3 #interview #interviews #black women #black panther #ryan coogler #barry jenkins #moonlight #lemonade #beyonce #kahlil joseph #miles ahead #fruitvale station

0 notes

pointofgeeks · 8 years ago

Photo

New Post has been published on http://www.pointofgeeks.com/black-panther-official-synopsis-and-cast-revealed/

BLACK PANTHER: Official Synopsis and Cast Revealed

If you are a fan of Marvel films, it’s officially time to get excited once again. This year we are getting Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 and Thor: Ragnarok, while it will be followed up next year with an even bigger slate, with Avengers: Infinity War and the introduction of Black Panther.

Cameras officially began rolling earlier this week in Georgia for Black Panther. Audiences were first introduced to T’Challa during the events of Captain America: Civil War and he almost stole the show – if it wasn’t for that pesky Spider-Man. The hero’s full story will be explored with an impressive cast led by Chadwick Boseman (Get On Up), Michael B. Jordan (Creed), and Lupita Nyong’o (Queen of Katwe), and directed by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed).

Every Marvel movie has a sub-genre and Black Panther is being positioned as Marvel’s James Bond movie. Now that we have the official synopsis, the film is coming into a clearer light. The “old enemy [that] reappears on the radar” is more than likely Erik Killmonger, who will be played by Jordan. In the comics, Killmonger and T’Challa grew up knowing each other, in some iterations they even went to college together in the U.S. It has been uncovered that there will be scenes of T’Challa that take place at St. Mary’s College in the Bay Area, so it’s possible that the comic history will be adapted.

The synopsis also confirms for the first time officially that Andy Serkis (War for the Planet of the Apes) will return as Ulysses Klaue, aka Klaw. We last saw the character in Avengers: Age of Ultron getting his arm chopped off. However, his comic backstory is intertwined with Black Panther, his family, and vibranium, so it would seem to be a necessity to include him as a wild card in the plot, or more. This is also an opportunity to see Serkis in his own skin, after the motion capture master spent the past few years as Caesar the ape and Supreme Leader Snoke, in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Sometimes, the most important things are in the details. It’s encouraging to see that Coogler has brought along key members of his production staff from Creed and Fruitvale Station, including his production designer and editor. Hopefully, this is an indication that Coogler’s vision and perspective will bleed through the superhero formula. Check out the official press release and synopsis.

Official Press Statement:

MARVEL STUDIOS BEGINS PRODUCTION ON “BLACK PANTHER”

Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis Star in the Newest Chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe BURBANK, CALIF. (January 26, 2017)—Marvel Studios announced today that production has begun on “Black Panther,” starring Chadwick Boseman (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Get on Up”), Michael B. Jordan (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”), Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “12 Years a Slave”), Danai Gurira (“The Walking Dead,” upcoming “All Eyez on Me”), Martin Freeman (“Hobbit” trilogy, “Sherlock”), Daniel Kaluuya (upcoming “Get Out,” “Sicario”), with Academy Award® nominee Angela Bassett (“American Horror Story,” “London Has Fallen”), with Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” Lee Daniels’ “The Butler”), and Andy Serkis (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”).

Additional cast members include Letitia Wright (“Urban Hymn,” “Glasgow Girls”), Winston Duke (“Person of Interest, “Modern Family”), Florence Kasumba (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Emerald City”), Sterling K. Brown (“Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”) and John Kani (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Coriolanus”).

Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”) directs Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” from a screenplay he co-wrote with Joe Robert Cole (“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”). The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on February 16, 2018, will be shot in Atlanta and South Korea.

“Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take his place as King. However, when an old enemy reappears on the radar, T’Challa’s mettle as King and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a conflict that puts the entire fate of Wakanda and the world at risk.

Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” is produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Coogler’s creative brain trust includes his frequent collaborators: director of photography Rachel Morrison, A.S.C. (“Dope,” “Fruitvale Station”), production designer Hannah Beachler (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”), editors Claudia Castello (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”) and Michael P. Shawver (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”); along with costume designer Ruth E. Carter (“Selma,” Lee Daniels’ “The Butler”), visuals effects supervisor Geoffrey Baumann (“Doctor Strange,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), Academy Award®- winning makeup designer Joel Harlow (“Star Trek Beyond,” “Black Mass”) and seven-time Academy Award® nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudick (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”).

Based on the Marvel comic character that first appeared in “Fantastic Four Vol. 1” Issue 52, published in 1966, “Black Panther” joins Marvel Studios’ slate of releases in its Phase 3 commitment to introduce film audiences to new heroes and continue the adventures of fan favorites over the course of four years and nine films.

In 2016, Marvel Studios continued its unprecedented success with the release of “Captain America: Civil War,” which opened on May 6 with the fifth largest opening weekend of all time and has since garnered box office receipts of over $1.1 billion worldwide.

The juggernaut studio ended the year with its newest Super Hero “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Rachel McAdams. The film opened #1 at the box office on November 4 and went on to gross more than $659 million worldwide to date. The two films propelled Marvel Studios’ #1 domestic box-office opening streak to a record-breaking 14 consecutive films.

Black Panther opens on February 16th, 2018.

What do you think of the new synopsis for the film? Let us know in the comment boards, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Share our stories by clicking below!

Source: Marvel

#Movies / TV #News/Rumors

0 notes