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  • ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ rarities are in Lawrence Kasdan’s university archive

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    ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Researchers, documentary filmmakers and others will soon be able to get their hands on screenwriter and director Lawrence Kasdan’s papers at his alma mater, the University of Michigan.

    Archivists are about a quarter of the way through cataloging the 150-plus boxes of material that document the 76-year-old filmmaker’s role in bringing to life iconic characters like Indiana Jones and Yoda, and directing actors ranging from Geena Davis and Glenn Close to Morgan Freeman and Kevin Costner.

    “All I wanted to ever do was be a movie director. And so, all the details meant something to me,” Kasdan said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I couldn’t be happier to have this mass of stuff available to anybody who is interested.”

    The archive includes scripts, call sheets and still photos — including a few rarities.

    Before Costner became an Oscar winner and Hollywood icon, he worked various studio jobs while taking nighttime drama lessons. His break — or so he thought — came when Kasdan cast him in 1983’s “The Big Chill.”

    Costner played Alex, whose death brings his fellow Michigan alums together. Unfortunately his big flashback scene ended up on the cutting-room floor.

    What are believed to be among the only existing photographs of the famously deleted scene are part of the Kasdan collection, now housed in Ann Arbor.

    “Different people will be interested in different things,” Kasdan said, pointing to his work writing the “Raiders of the Lost Ark” screenplay as one possible destination for researchers. The archive features audio cassette recordings of Kasdan discussing the film with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. It also includes Polaroids taken of cast and crew members on the sets of his movies.

    There are props, too, including a cowboy hat from the 1985 Western “Silverado,” worn by none other than Costner. Kasdan and the kid from California would work together again on “Wyatt Earp” in the ’90s. Costner also starred in “The Bodyguard,” which Kasdan wrote.

    A number of unproduced scripts also are part of the collection.

    “I’ve always considered myself a director and a writer. And if you are really interested in any particular movie, you can follow the evolution of that movie in the archive,” Kasdan said.

    Library staff members are working chronologically through Kasdan’s material, meaning the papers for Kasdan’s earliest work — including “Body Heat” and “The Big Chill,” as well as the scripts for two “Star Wars” classics, “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” — can be accessed first.

    The remaining material should be completely processed by late 2026, said Phil Hallman, the curator of the collection. Hallman hopes to have Kasdan visit, perhaps next fall, to see the archive and take part in a symposium.

    Kasdan’s papers are part of the University of Michigan Library’s Screen Arts Mavericks and Makers Collection, which includes Orson Welles, Robert Altman, Jonathan Demme, Nancy Savoca and John Sayles. Kasdan, who grew up in West Virginia and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1970 and a master’s two years later, is the lone Michigan alum among the group.

    “To be there, held in the same place as those wonderful directors, is really a great honor,” Kasdan said.

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  • Movie Review: ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ brings back the magic with new faces and tricks

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    Ten years or so between installments of a successful Hollywood franchise is a lifetime. When it comes to the third “Now You See Me” movie — poof! — time doesn’t matter. These magicians still got it.

    “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” does what sequels apparently must do these days — load up the characters, return to favorite bits and go global — but nails the trick, a crowd-pleasing return that already has a fourth in the works.

    “It is very good to be back,” says Jesse Eisenberg as the egotistical, perfectionist J. Daniel Atlas, the brains behind the magician-robber outfit. It’s hard to argue with that sentiment on the strength of this outing, directed with assurance by Ruben Fleischer.

    “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” acts as a sort of pivot, bringing back the veterans — all of them, in various forms — as well as introducing three Gen Z eat-the-rich magicians played by Dominic Sessa, Justice Smith and Ariana Greenblatt. They’re clearly the future. It’s in good (sleight of) hands.

    The movie starts off with a clever rip-off of nasty crypto bros in Brooklyn and expands to scenes in Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, France and South Africa. It’s got Nazis, “Harry Potter” vibes and some Louvre museum heist energy. We didn’t need the F1 chase through Abu Dhabi, but no one’s complaining.

    The original Four Horsemen — Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Isla Fisher — are supplemented by Lizzy Caplan, who had replaced Fisher in the second installment. Morgan Freeman returns as the gravel-voiced mentor.

    Rosamund Pike in “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.” (Katalin Vermes/Lionsgate via AP)

    The prize at the movie’s heart is a diamond — but no mere bauble. It’s the Heart Diamond, the largest ever discovered, with a price tag of half a billion dollars. It’s the size of a smoked turkey leg.

    The diamond is owned by a particularly vile South African diamond mine scion who uses her ultra-wealth to launder money for warlords and arms dealers. She is played deliciously by Rosamund Pike with a snide disdain and a nifty Afrikaner accent.

    The secretive magic society known as The Eye unites the old Horsemen and the new trio (the Three Ponies?) to steal the diamond, stored in one of those multilevel, biometric “Mission: Impossible”-style bunkers.

    Capturing it won’t enhance their bank statements. Remember, they’re all really anti-capitalist, share-the-wealth magicians — most likely democratic socialists, in vogue right now. “This is a chance to drive a stake through the devil herself,” Eisenberg’s character says.

    Hollywood is funny that way, creating a multimillion-dollar franchise on the back of heroic left-wing activist characters and convincing the UAE to set it on their streets.

    This image released by Lionsgate shows Dominic Sessa, from left, Justice Smith as Charlie, and Ariana Greenblatt in a scene from "Now You See Me: Now You Don't." (Katalin Vermes/Lionsgate via AP)

    Dominic Sessa, Justice Smith and Ariana Greenblatt in “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.” (Katalin Vermes/Lionsgate via AP)

    At first, it’s hard, with eight heroes rushing around, to figure out the primary dynamics. The older Horsemen are strangely muted here — except for Caplan, a hoot — and the young need some seasoning. Intergenerational bickering keeps the movie alive.

    There’s a quick stop at a French chateau where some real magic takes place, literally. The last two “Now You See Me” installments got very green-screen and CGI when it came to effects, but the third very refreshingly steps back into old-fashioned trickery. In a single take, we see each of the heroes try to top the others with a card trick, misdirection or illusion.

    There’s also a hall of mirrors, an upside-down room, an infinity staircase, a perspective-warping room and a nifty escape from a chamber filling with sand. Kudos to the filmmakers for embracing physical tricks over digital trickery. Also, cute use of Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.”

    All this leads to a huge showdown between the diamond princess and our motley magicians. You won’t guess who’s been pulling the strings all this time. Seriously, you won’t. And a new generation of magician-thieves are minted. That was a hard trick to pull off.

    “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” a Lionsgate release in theaters Friday, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for some strong language, violence and suggestive references. Running time: 112 minutes. Three stars out of four.

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  • Morgan Freeman Shoots Down Retirement As His Legal Team Is “Very Busy” With AI Imitators: “You’re Robbing Me”

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    As some of his peers embrace generative artificial intelligence with their own likeness, Morgan Freeman is putting his imitators on notice.

    The Oscar winner recently brushed off “the idea of retirement” as he shared his reaction to AI recreations of his voice and likeness online, revealing that his “lawyers have been very, very busy” with “quite a few” cases.

    “I’m a little PO’d, you know,” he told The Guardian. “I’m like any other actor: don’t mimic me with falseness. I don’t appreciate it and I get paid for doing stuff like that, so if you’re gonna do it without me, you’re robbing me.”

    Although his frequent collaborator Michael Caine recently partnered with ElevenLabs to “preserve and share” his voice in their ‘Iconic Voice Marketplace‘ along with several other living and dead stars, Freeman plans to keep using his talents for the time being.

    “Sometimes the idea of retirement would float past me,” he admitted. “But as soon as my agent says there’s a job or somebody wants you or they’ve made an offer, the whole thing just boils back into where it was yesterday: how much you’re going to pay, where we’re gonna be?”

    The Now You See Me: Now You Don’t actor also chimed in on the discourse around AI creation Tilly Norwood, one of 40 avatars being rolled out from AI talent studio Xicoia.

    “Nobody likes her because she’s not real and that takes the part of a real person, so it’s not going to work out very well in the movies or in television,” said Freeman. “The union’s job is to keep actors acting, so there’s going to be that conflict.”

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    Glenn Garner

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  • Legendary actor Morgan Freeman talks about

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    In an exclusive interview, legendary actor Morgan Freeman spoke about his “Symphonic Blues Experience,” which is a journey through the history of Delta Blues music. Narrated by Freeman, the performance combines a blues band and symphony orchestra.

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  • Edwin Moses documentary to debut Sept. 21 at his alma mater, Morehouse College

    Edwin Moses documentary to debut Sept. 21 at his alma mater, Morehouse College

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    A documentary exploring how Edwin Moses blended science with athleticism to become the world’s greatest hurdler in the 1980s, then parlayed his fame into a mission to fight for better pay and fair sports, will debut Sept. 21 at his alma mater at the Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival.

    The movie’s title “MOSES-13 Steps” is a reference to the number of steps he took between hurdles. At the time, most hurdlers took 14 steps. Moses, who got a Master’s degree in physics, used science to determine how he could shave fractions of seconds off his 400-meter hurdles by lengthening his stride and saving one step. That also involved learning to jump off a different foot — no small feat in the most technical sport on the track.

    The movie uses archival footage and interviews to follow Moses’ journey from childhood through a career that included an unmatched 122-race winning streak. He used his name recognition to demand higher appearance fees for both himself and fellow track stars. Moses later became an outspoken critic of the Olympic movement’s drug-fighting policies, and eventually became chair of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

    “This film delves into the life of the Olympic 400-meter hurdles champion Edwin Moses. On the track, no one could match him for a decade. Off the track, he left an even greater legacy,” said one of the film’s producers, actor Morgan Freeman.

    On the night of the premiere, Moses will receive a pair of awards: the film festival’s Enlightened Lens Documentary Feature Award, and the first humanitarian award named after Moses himself, which recognizes his contributions on and off the track.

    ___

    AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

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  • The POTUS Is Fictional: Best US Presidents in Film

    The POTUS Is Fictional: Best US Presidents in Film

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    Here’s an article from the Wayback Machine . . . causes one to think: can politics get any worse?

    Originally published 2/25/2021

    Here’s the best conspiracy theory you’ll hear all day (among the many coming out of the White House): None of this is happening.

    Everything since the 2016 presidential election is just B-roll for a parody movie about the American presidency. Our actual president is dancing with Annette Bening at a state dinner. Our president is balancing the federal budget with common sense. Our American president is kicking ass on Air Force One.

    Like most people these days, I rely on movies to feel anything close to a real emotion. When it comes to political fervor, most of my passion for democracy comes from watching movies about fictional presidents, preferably with excellent cinematography and unrealistically attractive actors who recite Aaron Sorkin lines in bold pantsuits during dramatic “walk-and-talk” tracking shots. Who hasn’t closed their eyes and pretended The West Wing’s Martin Sheen was running America with his soft, uncular gaze?

    But rather than analyze what that says about my and most Americans’ civic values (or the fact that 96.5 percent of us don’t give a f**k about democracy, according to a recent Yale study), I’m going to keep searching for the next great American president in my Netflix queue.

    These are the best fictional American presidents (and their finest moments).


    Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), Independence Day

    What is it about disaster movies that used to bring such solace? Was it witnessing unity in the face of adversity? Was it the emotional gravitas of humanity’s final reckoning? Was it all the really cool explosions?

    More importantly, whatever happened to major studios’ steady roll-out of disaster movies every year? Oh, that’s right. We’re Living in One.

    As much as Donald Trump wishes he had the charisma of Bill Pullman, President J. Whitmore’s inspiring speech at the end of 1996’s Independence Day is too iconic to forget:

    “We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests.

    “Perhaps it’s fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom, not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution—but from annihilation. We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist.”


    Tom Beck (Morgan Freeman), Deep Impact

    Americans coming together in order to survive a global catastrophe? Utterly preposterous (literally: Americans are more politically divided over the current global health crisis than other advanced countries).

    But Mimi Leder’s 1998 movie gave us his majesty Morgan Freeman as President Tom Beck. Freeman’s solemn speeches make this mediocre disaster movie a must-see.

    “Millions were lost, countless more left homeless, but the waters receded. Cities fall, but they are rebuilt. And heroes die, but they are remembered,” he says.

    “We honor them with every brick we lay, with every field we sow, with every child we comfort and then teach to rejoice in what we have been re-given. Our planet, our home. So now, let us begin.”


    Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline), Dave

    A classic American Everyman doing a better job running the government than the elected official? What madness.

    In Ivan Reitman’s 1994 Oscar-nominated movie, Kevin Kline is Dave, and Dave is all of us. He also happens to be the doppleganger for the president of the United States.

    Among the movie’s most memorable scenes is when Dave Kovic, an “affable temp agency owner,” owns the sh*t out of the presidential cabinet by balancing the federal budget with common sense and basic math.


    James Marshall (Harrison Ford), Air Force One

    In this small movie you’ve probably never heard of, President James Marshall is played by Harrison Ford, a small screen actor you’ve also probably never heard of.

    Wolfgang Petersen’s 1997 action movie finds the POTUS and his family held hostage by communist radicals on Air Force One. While the American government rallies to rescue the president, he decides to just start kicking ass. Later, in an off-the-cuff speech, he decides to stop acting like a polite politician and act like a leader.

    “And tonight, I come to you with a pledge to change America’s policy. Never again will I allow our political self-interests to deter us from doing what we know to be morally right,” he says. “Atrocity and terror are not political weapons. And to those who would use them: Your day is over.”

    The American President (1995) 1990s romantic comedy movie trailer Michael Douglas Annette Bening

    Michael Douglas plays President Andrew Shepherd in Aaron Sorkin’s 1995 film. Annette Bening plays Sydney Ellen Wade, a passionate lobbyist for Earth-saving environmental legislation (pre-Greta Thunberg and climate scientists finally b*tch-slapping us in the face”)–who becomes the POTUS’s girlfriend.

    If you haven’t watched President Shepherd’s affirmation of democracy and human decency in the face of political subterfuge, then you’re missing one of the finest speeches in American rhetoric to ever win an Oscar:

    “America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship. You’ve gotta want it bad, ’cause it’s gonna put up a fight,” he declares in his national address.

    “It’s gonna say, ‘You want free speech? Let’s see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who’s standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours.’

    “…We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is, I promise you Bob Rumson is not the least bit interested in solving it. He is interested in two things, and two things only: making you afraid of it, and telling you who’s to blame for it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win elections.”

    In a year when reality feels so much more surreal and dystopian than fiction, movie presidents encourage us to keep believing in impossible governmental ideals–like fair democracy, equal rights, and not being assholes.

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    Meg Hanson

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  • Inside the AFI Awards Gala Honoring Nicole Kidman

    Inside the AFI Awards Gala Honoring Nicole Kidman

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    Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. Getty Images for AFI

    On a balmy April evening in Hollywood, the stars aligned to honor one of cinema’s most acclaimed talents: Nicole Kidman. At the iconic Dolby Theatre, the Australian actress reached rarified air, becoming only the 49th recipient of the prestigious American Film Institute (AFI) Life Achievement Award in its nearly 50-year history. Kidman is the first Australian, and one of the youngest, to receive this highest honor.

    The festivities began back in November 2022, when it was announced Kidman would join the ranks of previous AFI honorees like Bette Davis, Alfred Hitchcock, Sidney Poitier and Tom Hanks. After postponement due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, the ceremony finally took place on April 27. The televised tribute, airing on TNT on June 17, celebrated Kidman’s career through film clips and testimonials from her co-stars.

    In the days preceding this grand convocation, Kidman stoked anticipation by sharing intimate behind-the-scenes shots on Instagram alongside some of the illustrious presenters—her dear friends and frequent collaborators Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Morgan Freeman and Naomi Watts. “Just a few of the people I can’t wait to see again on Saturday,” the actress teased in the heartwarming snaps, whetting appetites for the emotional reunions to come.

    On the Dolby red carpet, Kidman stunned in a gold Balenciaga gown with a five-inch train, accessorized solely with gold rings and a one-of-a-kind 26mm De Ville Mini Trésor watch from Omega in Moonshine Gold, pavéd with glittering diamonds and emerald hour markers. She was joined by husband Keith Urban and daughters Sunday and Faith, marking their first public appearance with the actress.

    Keith Urban, Faith Margaret Urban, Sunday Rose Kidman-Urban, Sybella Hawley and Nicole Kidman. Variety via Getty Images

    The evening’s festivities kicked off with 2011 AFI honoree Morgan Freeman setting the tone in a video spoof of Kidman’s infamous AMC Theatres “we make movies better” ad. His quip, “Nicole Kidman. She makes movies better,” resonated with everyone who took the stage to honor the actress that night. A lineup of celebrities paid tribute, including Zac Efron, Zoe Saldana and a disguised Mike Myers, who slinked onstage donning one of the eerie orgy masks from Eyes Wide Shut. In a recorded Zoom segment, fellow Aussies Cate Blanchett and Hugh Jackman engaged in cheeky banter with Jimmy Fallon, collectively praising Kidman while playfully joshing that Blanchett should have been the first Australian honored.

    The most emotional highlights came from Kidman’s loved ones. Her husband brought her to tears saying she showed him “what love in action really looks like” when his substance abuse issues arose shortly after their 2006 wedding. “Nic pushed through every negative voice, I’m sure even some of her own, and she chose love. And here we are, 18 years later.”

    Nicole Kidman accepts the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award from Meryl Streep. Getty Images

    Big Little Lies co-star Witherspoon lauded Kidman’s collaborative talents as a producer, recalling how their hit show materialized from their shared desire to bring it to life. “Instead of fighting it out in court or some televised Las Vegas boxing match, we decided to team up. Because there’s one thing Nicole knows very, very well—there’s power in collaboration and even more power in sisterhood,” Witherspoon explained, adding, “That’s why I’m here tonight, sister. I want to thank you for being a friend and the best colleague ever.”

    Streep, who presented Kidman with the Life Achievement Award after receiving it herself in 2004 for The Hours, poked fun at being “incessantly called the greatest actress of my generation.” She revealed the hardest part is facing someone “really, really, really, really, really, really great” like Kidman, who did things Streep couldn’t on Big Little Lies. Still, Streep assured Kidman her best work lies ahead.

    Miles Teller, Reese Witherspoon, Lee Daniels, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Zac Efron. Getty Images for AFI

    In her speech, Kidman expressed gratitude to the directors, living and late, who enabled her unconventional roles, name-checking Stanley Kubrick, Lars von Trier, Baz Luhrmann, Jane Campion, Yorgos Lanthimos and Sydney Pollack. “It is a privilege to make films. And glorious to have made films and television with these storytellers who allowed me to run wild and be free and play all of these unconventional women,” she said, adding, “Thank you for making me better at my craft and giving me a place, however temporary, in this world.”

    Miles Teller and Morgan Freeman. Variety via Getty Images

    As Hollywood royalty congregated to enshrine Kidman’s legacy, it was clear this revered actress’s cinematic journey has reached immortal heights. Just as opening speaker Morgan Freeman serenaded the radiant star with a line from one of her most beloved musical roles in Moulin Rouge!, prophetically intoning: “How wonderful life is, now you’re in the world.” For this cinematic luminary, the brightest adventures still lie ahead.

    Inside the AFI Awards Gala Honoring Nicole Kidman

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    Paul Jebara

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  • 25 Famous Black Actors Of All Time: From Denzel Washington To Will Smith

    25 Famous Black Actors Of All Time: From Denzel Washington To Will Smith

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    Hollywood teems with aspiring actors seeking stardom, yet only a select few attain great success. For black actors, the journey is often more arduous, marked by discrimination and limited opportunities. Who are some of the greatest black actors in the film industry? From Oscar winners such as Denzel Washington, and iconic figures like Sidney Poitier, to charismatic movie stars like Will Smith, each distinguished Black actor mentioned here has rightfully earned their spot through an impressive body of work and unforgettable performances. In honor of Black History Month this February, here’s a compilation of some of the famous black actors in the industry.

    25 famous black actors of all time

     

    1. Denzel Washington

     

    Denzel Washington is a highly accomplished black actor known for his outstanding performances in movies. Born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York, he has become one of Hollywood’s most respected and successful stars. Denzel has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor, showcasing his incredible talent and versatility on the big screen. His impressive filmography includes iconic roles in blockbuster films like Training Day, Glory, and Malcolm X.

     

    2. Forest Whitaker

     

    Forest Whitaker

    Forest Whitaker is a highly regarded African American actor known for his remarkable contributions to the film industry. Born on July 15, 1961, in Longview, Texas, he has established himself as a versatile and talented performer. Forest has received various accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for his captivating portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the film The Last King of Scotland.

    Throughout his career, Forest Whitaker has showcased his acting prowess in a wide range of roles, from intense dramas to inspiring biopics. His notable works include performances in movies such as Bird, The Butler, and Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai. Additionally, Forest has been recognized for his contributions to both film and humanitarian efforts.

     

    3. Morgan Freeman

    Morgan Freeman

    Morgan Freeman, born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, is an iconic actor and film narrator with a career spanning decades. Known for his distinctive voice and commanding presence, Freeman has earned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Million Dollar Baby.

    Freeman’s filmography boasts a diverse range of roles, from memorable characters in classics like The Shawshank Redemption and Driving Miss Daisy to powerful performances in contemporary hits like The Dark Knight and Invictus.

    4. Will Smith

    Will Smith

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    Will Smith, born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the best black actors, producer, rapper, and one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. He gained fame in the late 1980s as part of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince before making his film debut.

    Smith’s acting career took off with the hit TV series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, showcasing his comedic and dramatic talents. He seamlessly transitioned to the big screen with blockbuster successes like Independence Day, Men in Black, and Bad Boys.

    5. Sidney Poitier

    Sidney Poitier

    Sidney Poitier, born on February 20, 1927, in Miami, Florida, is a legendary actor, film director, author, and the first African-American to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. Raised in the Bahamas, Poitier moved to the United States at age 15.

    Poitier’s acting career took off in the 1950s, and he became a trailblazer for black actors during a time of racial inequality in Hollywood. He earned acclaim for his roles in films such as Lilies of the Field, for which he won the Academy Award in 1963, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.

    Beyond breaking barriers, Poitier also directed films like Uptown Saturday Night and A Piece of the Action. His impact extends to his writing, with notable works like his autobiography, The Measure of a Man.

    6. Jamie Foxx

    Jamie Foxx

    Jamie Foxx, born Eric Marlon Bishop on December 13, 1967, in Terrell, Texas, is among top black actors, singer, comedian, and producer. He adopted the stage name Jamie Foxx to avoid gender bias in the entertainment industry.

    Foxx rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian and gained recognition with his work on the sketch comedy show In Living Color in the early 1990s. He transitioned to acting, making his mark in films like Any Given Sunday and Collateral.

    His breakthrough came with the biographical film Ray (2004), portraying legendary musician Ray Charles. Foxx’s remarkable performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, establishing him as a leading figure in Hollywood.

     

    7. Cuba Gooding Jr.

    Cuba Gooding Jr.

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    Cuba Gooding Jr., born on January 2, 1968, in The Bronx, New York, is an acclaimed actor known for his versatile performances across various film genres. He comes from a family with connections to the entertainment industry, with his father being a singer.

    Gooding gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Tre Styles in John Singleton’s critically acclaimed film Boyz n the Hood (1991). His breakthrough performance earned him praise and set the stage for a successful acting career.

    One of Cuba Gooding Jr.’s most iconic roles came in 1996 when he starred as the charming football player Rod Tidwell in Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire. His memorable line, Show me the money! became a cultural catchphrase, and he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role.

     

    8. Mekhi Phifer

    Mekhi Phifer

    Mekhi Phifer, born on December 29, 1974, in Harlem, New York, is an African American actors actor best known for his roles in both television and film. He grew up in a single-parent household and pursued acting as a career from a young age.

    Phifer gained significant recognition for his captivating performances as Dr. Gregory Pratt on the medical drama series ER, where he appeared from 2002 to 2008. His portrayal of the character earned him widespread acclaim and showcased his versatility as an actor.

    In addition to his television success, Mekhi Phifer has appeared in several notable films. One of his breakthrough roles was in the critically acclaimed film Clockers (1995), directed by Spike Lee. He continued to make a mark in the industry with roles in movies like Soul Food (1997), and 8 Mile (2002) alongside Eminem, and O (2001), a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello.

    9. Laurence Fishburne

    Laurence Fishburne

    Laurence Fishburne, born on July 30, 1961, in Augusta, Georgia, is a highly acclaimed black movie star, producer, and director. With a career spanning several decades, Fishburne has established himself as a versatile and respected figure for his memorable performances in the entertainment industry.

    Fishburne gained early recognition for his role as a troubled teenager in the film Boyz n the Hood (1991), directed by John Singleton. However, his breakthrough came with the iconic role of Morpheus in the groundbreaking science fiction film The Matrix (1999), directed by the Wachowskis. The success of The Matrix trilogy solidified Fishburne’s status as a prominent actor in Hollywood.

    10. Wesley Snipes

    Wesley Snipes

    Wesley Snipes, born on July 31, 1962, in Orlando, Florida, is a versatile American actor, film producer, and martial artist. Known for his charismatic screen presence and action-packed roles, Snipes has left a significant mark on the entertainment industry.

    Snipes gained prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s with roles in films such as Major League (1989) and New Jack City (1991). However, he became a household name with his portrayal of the vampire hunter Blade in the successful Blade film trilogy, beginning with Blade in 1998.

    11. Samuel L. Jackson

    Samuel L. Jackson

    Samuel L. Jackson, born on December 21, 1948, in Washington, D.C., is an iconic American actor and film producer with a prolific career spanning decades. Known for his commanding presence, distinctive voice, and versatility, Jackson has become a widely recognized figure in the entertainment industry.

    Jackson’s breakthrough came with his collaboration with director Spike Lee in films like Do the Right Thing (1989) and Jungle Fever (1991). However, it was his role as Jules Winnfield in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994) that catapulted him to international fame, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

    12. Larenz Tate

    Larenz Tate

    Larenz Tate, born on September 8, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, is one of famous african american actors known for his dynamic performances in film and television. With a career spanning several decades, Tate has established himself as a talented and versatile actor.

    Tate gained early recognition for his breakout role in the critically acclaimed film Menace II Society (1993), where he portrayed the character O-Dog. He continued to showcase his acting prowess in movies like Dead Presidents (1995), Love Jones (1997), and The Postman (1997).

    In addition to his success in film, Larenz Tate has made a significant impact on television. He has been featured in various TV shows, including his notable role as Bart Black Shawn Johnston in the popular series Power.

    13. Chadwick Boseman

    Chadwick Boseman

    Chadwick Boseman, born on November 29, 1976, in Anderson, South Carolina, was a black American actor known for his powerful performances and significant contributions to the film industry. Unfortunately, he passed away on August 28, 2020, at the age of 43.

    Boseman gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of historical figures, most notably Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013) and James Brown in Get on Up (2014). However, he achieved global stardom and became an icon for his role as T’Challa/Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, debuting in Captain America: Civil War (2016) and headlining Black Panther (2018).

    14. Eddie Murphy

    Eddie Murphy

    Eddie Murphy, born on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York, is a highly influential black actor, comedian, writer, producer, and singer. Murphy’s career began in the late 1970s as a cast member on the comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he gained widespread recognition for his comedic talent.

    In the 1980s, Eddie Murphy transitioned to film and became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. His breakout role came in 48 Hrs. (1982), followed by numerous successful films such as Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Coming to America (1988), and The Nutty Professor (1996). Murphy displayed his versatility by taking on various roles, from action films to family comedies.

    15. Idris Elba

    Idris Elba

    Idris Elba, born on September 6, 1972, in London, England, is a British actor, producer, musician, and DJ. Known for his commanding presence and versatility, Elba has established himself as one of the most respected and sought-after actors in the entertainment industry.

    Elba gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Stringer Bell in the acclaimed television series The Wire (2002-2004). His notable film roles include performances in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), where he portrayed Nelson Mandela, Beasts of No Nation (2015), and as Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films

    16. Michael B. Jordan

    Michael B. Jordan

    Michael B. Jordan, born on February 9, 1987, in Santa Ana, California, is one of the best black actors and producers out there. He rose to prominence for his compelling performances in both film and television, establishing himself as a leading figure in the entertainment industry.

    Jordan’s breakthrough came with his role as Wallace in the critically acclaimed television series The Wire (2002-2004). He gained widespread recognition and acclaim for his portrayal of Oscar Grant in the film Fruitvale Station (2013).

    His career continued to soar with notable roles in movies like Creed (2015), where he played the lead role of Adonis Creed, and as Erik Killmonger in Marvel’s Black Panther (2018).

    17. James Earl Jones

    James Earl Jones

    James Earl Jones, born on January 17, 1931, is a top black actor known for his commanding voice and versatile performances in both stage and film. With an illustrious career, he has received acclaim for his work in classics like The Great White Hope on Broadway, earning him a Tony Award.

    Jones is also famous for providing the voice of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise. His impactful contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified him as a legendary figure in acting.

    18. Don Cheadle

    Don Cheadle

    Don Cheadle, born on November 29, 1964, is an accomplished American actor, producer, and author. With a career spanning decades, Cheadle has showcased his talent in a variety of roles, earning critical acclaim and several award nominations. He gained recognition for his performances in films like Hotel Rwanda, earning an Academy Award nomination, and in the Ocean’s Eleven trilogy. Cheadle’s versatility extends to television, where he starred in the series House of Lies, earning a Golden Globe Award. 

    19. Billy Dee Williams

    Billy Dee Williams

    Billy Dee Williams, born on April 6, 1937, is an American actor, artist, and singer. He gained fame for his smooth and charismatic performances, earning him a place as a notable figure in Hollywood.

    Williams is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise, appearing in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. 

    Beyond his sci-fi roles, he showcased his acting prowess in films like Lady Sings the Blues alongside Diana Ross and Mahogany. Williams is recognized not only for his acting but also for his artistic talent, as he is a skilled painter.

    20. Terrence Howard

    Terrence Howard

    Terrence Howard, born on March 11, 1969, is an American actor, singer, and film producer. He rose to prominence for his versatile performances in various films and television shows. Howard gained critical acclaim for his role in Hustle & Flow, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He is also known for his role as James Rhodey Rhodes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in the first Iron Man film. 

    21. Harry Belafonte

    Harry Belafonte

    Harry Belafonte, born on March 1, 1927, is an American singer, actor, and social activist. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential entertainers in the world. Belafonte’s career spans over seven decades, during which he achieved fame as a singer with hit songs like Banana Boat Song (Day-O) and Jamaica Farewell.

    In addition to his musical success, Belafonte made significant contributions to the civil rights movement. He used his platform to advocate for social justice, participating in various protests and supporting initiatives to address racial inequality, adding him to the list of good black actors in Hollywood. 

    22. Keith David

    Keith David

    Keith David, born on June 4, 1956, is an American actor and voice actor with a prolific career spanning film, television, and theater. Known for his distinctive voice and versatile acting skills, David has become a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

    He has appeared in a wide range of films, including notable roles in Platoon, The Thing, They Live, and Crash. In addition to his on-screen work, David has made significant contributions as a voice actor, lending his talents to animated projects, video games, and narration.

    23. Richard Pryor

    Richard Pryor

    Richard Pryor, born on December 1, 1940, was an iconic American stand-up comedian, actor, and social critic. Widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians in the history of stand-up comedy, Pryor’s influence extends far beyond the stage. His innovative and raw approach to comedy addressed social issues, racism, and personal experiences, setting a new standard for the genre.

    Pryor’s career spanned several decades, and he released numerous comedy albums, earning multiple Grammy Awards for his work. He also found success in the film industry, starring in movies such as Silver Streak, Stir Crazy, and Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip.

    24. Danny Glover

    Danny Glover

    Danny Glover, born on July 22, 1946, is an acclaimed American actor, film director, and political activist. With a career spanning several decades, Glover has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond.

    Glover gained widespread recognition for his role as Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon film series alongside Mel Gibson. His performances in films such as The Color Purple, Witness, and Predator 2 further solidified his status as a versatile actor.

    In addition to his successful acting career, Glover is known for his activism and advocacy work. He has been a vocal supporter of various social and political causes, including civil rights, labor rights, and humanitarian issues.

    25. Clifton Powell

    Clifton Powell

    Clifton Powell, born on March 16, 1956, is an American actor, producer, and comedian known for his diverse contributions to film and television. With a career spanning several decades, Powell has established himself as a versatile performer in the entertainment industry.

    Powell has appeared in numerous films, showcasing his acting prowess across various genres. Some of his notable film credits include roles in Menace II Society, Dead Presidents, and Ray. In addition to his work in film, Powell has made appearances on television shows, gaining recognition for roles in series like South Central, Roc, and House of Payne.

    ALSO READ: 66th Grammy Awards: Stellar Performance Lineup Revealed Ft Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Bruna Boy, and More

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  • Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman on narrating

    Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman on narrating

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    Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman on narrating “Life on Our Planet” series – CBS News


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    Legendary actor Morgan Freeman joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss the new Netflix documentary series, “Life on Our Planet.” Freeman narrates the series, which is executive produced by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of life’s 4-billion-year journey on Earth, through its ruling dynasties, the underdogs, and the cataclysmic events that reshaped it.

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  • Morgan Freeman: ‘Black History Month,’ ‘African American’ are insulting terms – National | Globalnews.ca

    Morgan Freeman: ‘Black History Month,’ ‘African American’ are insulting terms – National | Globalnews.ca

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    Morgan Freeman doesn’t like the terms “African American” or “Black History Month.”

    In a candid interview about race relations in the U.S., Freeman, 85, told the U.K.’s Sunday Times that Black History Month is an “insult.”

    “Black history is American history; they’re completely intertwined,” Freeman argued. “You’re going to relegate my history to a month?”

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    Are Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson brothers? They think it’s possible

    The Oscar award-winning actor went on to say he doesn’t like being called “African American” because the label is inaccurate.

    “I don’t subscribe to that title,” Freeman said. “Black people have had different titles all the way back to the N-word and I do not know how these things get such a grip, but everyone uses ‘African American.’”

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    He continued: “What does it really mean? Most Black people in this part of the world are mongrels. And you say Africa as if it’s a country when it’s a continent, like Europe.”

    He compared the term to others like Irish-American or Italian-American, which denote a country of origin.

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    Suspect charged after Black teen who visited wrong house shot in Kansas City

    Freeman said he instead prefers the term “Black.” He said he agreed with actor Denzel Washington’s iconic quote about being “very proud to be Black, but Black is not all I am.”

    “I’m in total agreement,” Freeman concurred. “You can’t define me that way.”

    This is not the first time Freeman has voiced upset about the term “African American.” In 2012, he told The Guardian he preferred “Black” as a classification “because ‘Black’ is beautiful. One syllable vs. seven.”

    In the Sunday Times interview, Freeman also briefly opened up about his iconic film career, which began amid the American civil rights movement. He said he owes his success to courage, luck and a changing political and social landscape in the U.S.

    Freeman claimed there were little-to-no Black actors in movies during his youth until Sidney Poitier, the first Black actor to win an Academy Award, began to pave the way.

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    Freeman said he continues to see change in the film industry today.

    “All people are involved now,” he explained. “Everyone. LGBTQ, Asians, Black, white, interracial marriages, interracial relationships. All represented. You see them all on screen now and that is a huge jump.”


    Click to play video: '‘The Last of Us’ season 2 will be shot in Vancouver'


    ‘The Last of Us’ season 2 will be shot in Vancouver




    Freeman gave the rare interview as promotion for the Zach Braff-led film, A Good Person, which he stars in alongside Florence Pugh. The film was released March 24, 2023, and is currently in theatres.

    The Memphis-born actor is well-acclaimed and won an Oscar in 2005 for his role in Million Dollar Baby. Freeman was also nominated for Street Smart (1987), Driving Miss Daisy (1989), The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and Invictus (2009).

    &copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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  • The Truth About Aliens Is Still Out There

    The Truth About Aliens Is Still Out There

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    What were those three “aerial objects” downed following the Chinese spy balloon?

    The Atlantic

    The question is not whether aliens exist—I’m firmly in the “Hell yeah, they do!” camp—but rather when we’ll have enough hard evidence to end the decades-long debate over said existence.

    Believers in UFOs have gotten some tantalizing clues over the past few years. Those 2019 New York Times videos of zig-zagging, Tic Tac–like vessels with curious propulsion are always worth a rewatch. Likewise, the huge New Yorker feature by Gideon Lewis-Kraus, “How the Pentagon Started Taking UFOs Seriously,” is pretty much required reading before you offer a qualified opinion on the issue. As my colleague Marina Koren wrote yesterday, UFO sightings are indeed getting more frequent, even if the data don’t necessarily scream ALIENS!

    Read: A new age of UFO mania

    Nevertheless, it’s not just you; the events of the past week have felt different. Our military’s targeted takedown of multiple aerial objects over North America brought UFOs back to the forefront of our national conversation—enough to elicit a presidential address on the matter this afternoon.

    Hollywood has primed us for what to expect from our commander in chief ahead of an interstellar crisis. (Think Bill Pullman’s predawn megaphone pump-up speech before the Independence Day climax, or Morgan Freeman somberly telling his Deep Impact constituents that, yes, the comet is coming, and millions of you are screwed.) Today, sadly, President Joe Biden did not unveil the grand truth about UFOs with clasped hands on the Resolute desk, nor did he march down the dramatic carpeted corridor leading to the East Room for an Osama-bin-Laden-is-dead-style surprise. Like much of the Biden presidency, today’s event had a decidedly un-Hollywood feel to it. In fact, the speech wasn’t in the White House at all but next door, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s sterile and cacophonous South Court Auditorium. It felt less like a triumphant milestone in our shared knowledge of the universe and more like an inoffensive midday presentation at an auto show.

    Biden began by explaining that the U.S. and Canadian militaries were still working to recover the debris from the three recently downed somethings. “We don’t yet know exactly what these three objects were,” he said, tantalizingly. “But nothing right now suggests they were related to China’s spy-balloon program or that they were surveillance vehicles from any other country.”

    This is when the aliens-are-real crowd’s ears momentarily perked up. A sentence later, they perked back down.

    “The intelligence community’s current assessment is that these three objects were most likely balloons tied to private companies, recreation, or research institutions studying weather or conducting other scientific research,” Biden said. He rejected the idea that there has been a “sudden increase in the number of objects in the sky” and instead offered that sightings have increased because our radar capabilities have increased. To be sure, he did not say the word aliens.

    Juliette Kayyem: The simple explanation for all these flying objects

    Indeed, Biden seemed less interested in rallying us for alien warfare and more intent on calming U.S.-China relations. As the speech ended, a reporter asked Biden whether his family’s business relationships overseas have compromised his ability to deal with China. Another yelled that the recent shootdowns have been criticized as an “overreaction.” For a moment, Biden appeared ready to respond, but he decided otherwise.

    The raison d’être of his speech today—government transparency—ended up dominating online chatter in the hours that followed, for what conservatives (and some UFO enthusiasts) saw as a glaring lack of it.

    And so, the question remains: What were those three “aerial objects” intentionally downed following the Chinese surveillance balloon? If movies have taught us anything, it’s that the government is currently building a massive underground ark where a small percentage of the population can stave off an impending large-scale intergalactic attack, meaning today’s press conference was merely a way of buying more time. If logic has taught us anything, it’s that the truth is more prosaic, and one of the objects in question may belong to a midwestern club of balloon enthusiasts currently missing a balloon.

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  • Sally Field to receive SAG lifetime achievement award

    Sally Field to receive SAG lifetime achievement award

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    LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sally Field will be honored at the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards with the SAG lifetime achievement award.

    The actors guild announced Tuesday that Field will be the 58th recipient of the tribute award, following recent honorees including Helen Mirren, Robert De Niro, Alan Alda and Morgan Freeman.

    “She has an enduring career because she is authentic in her performance and always projects likability and humanity — she just connects. That’s part of why she has sustained her massive fandom and incredibly rich and layered career,” said Fran Drescher, SAG-AFTRA president, in a statement. “Sally is a massive star with a working actor’s ethos — just keep doing the work, being as good as you can. Every stage of an actor’s life brings different opportunities, and you just need to keep working. Sally does not stop and we hope she never does.”

    Field, 76, has won two Oscars (for “Norma Rae” and “Places in the Heart”) and three Emmys (“Sybil,” “ER,” “Brothers & Sisters”). She received the National Medal of Arts in 2015 and the Kennedy Center Honor in 2019. Her recent credits include playing Jessie Buss on “Winning Time” and the 2015 film “Hello, My Name Is Doris.” She co-stars in the upcoming “80 for Brady.”

    The SAG Awards will take place Feb. 26 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles and be livestreamed on Netflix’s YouTube channel.

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  • Morgan Freeman and BTS’s Jung Kook Help Kick Off Controversial World Cup in Qatar

    Morgan Freeman and BTS’s Jung Kook Help Kick Off Controversial World Cup in Qatar

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    Sunday marks the first day of matches in the 22nd FIFA World Cup. (Even if you are not a soccer fan, surely you are familiar with the FIFA organization, the totally above-board organization immortalized in the cinematic masterpiece United Passions.) The time zone-defiant event often leads to boosters of a particular national team heading to bars at 6 o’clock in the morning to cheer along, turning entire neighborhoods into airport lounges of “anything goes” alcohol consumption. 

    The quadrennial competition’s host country this time is Qatar, a selection not without its share of controversy. There have been allegations of bribery and of the mistreatment of migrant workers who built the stadia, leading to a reported 6,500 deaths. Also, there’s Qatar’s record on LGBT rights. (Homosexuality is illegal there, and if caught can lead to a three-year prison sentence.)

    As such, booking celebs for the opening ceremony proved a little difficult. Dua Lipa and Rod Stewart are known to have passed. (Stewart said he turned down a $1 million offer, but said, “it’s not right to go.”) But Jung Kook of BTS and Morgan Freeman elected to make an appearance at the newly opened Al-Bayt Stadium. Robbie Williams also plans to perform during the competition, and defended his decision, saying, “anybody leaving messages saying ‘no to Qatar’ are doing so on Chinese technology.” Many other artists are rumored to appear, but thus far, the organizers are trying to maintain surprises.

    At the kick-off event, before a capacity crowd of 60,000 people, the 85-year-old Oscar-winning Freeman emerged to poorly lip-synch some purple prose, wondering if he was welcome in this mysterious realm. Ghanim al-Muftah, a Qatari YouTuber with Caudal Regression Syndrome, was there to reassure him of FIFA and Qatar’s benevolence. After some rather stilted dialogue, the two men reached out their hands, but did not touch. In the background were camels. The whole thing certainly had a touch of David Lynch to it. 

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    After some flag-raising and marching spectacle (and an appearance by La’eeb, the event’s Caspar the Friendly Ghost-esque mascot), international pop sensation Jung Kook took to the stage to perform his new hit “Dreamers,” an official anthem of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    “Look who we are/we are the dreamers/we make it happen/‘cause we believe it,” he sang. 

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    After some words from Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, who has three wives, the first game commenced. At press time, Ecuador was beating Qatar 2-0.

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    Jordan Hoffman

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