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Phyllis Somerville, actor of stage and screen, dies at 76
Read full article: Phyllis Somerville, actor of stage and screen, dies at 76NEW YORK Phyllis Somerville, an actor with a lengthy career of roles in film, television and Broadway productions, has died. Somervilles manager Paul Hilepo says the actor died Thursday in New York City of natural causes. A native of Iowa, Somerville moved to New York in the 1970s. On television, she appeared in The Big C, NYPD Blue and was in films like Arthur and was among The Curious Case of Benjamin Button cast members nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award. In The Big C, she played the foul-mouthed neighbor to Laura Linney's character, a straight-laced history teacher who is given a grim cancer prognosis.
Michael B. Jordan wants you to view a drive-in movie, on him
Read full article: Michael B. Jordan wants you to view a drive-in movie, on himFILE - In this July, 26, 2019 photo, actor and producer Michael B. Jordan poses for a portrait during the 2019 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. Jordan has partnered with Amazon Studios for A Night at the Drive-In that will bring diverse films to drive-in theaters for free screenings. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK For Michael B. Jordan, timing is everything. So when the SAG award winner marched in a Los Angeles Black Lives Matter protest last month demanding that Hollywood drastically increase its diversity in the executive ranks, it was a moment he felt prepared for. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said the partnership falls into the companys efforts to support social justice initiatives. What were doing right now while we have the energy and the momentum, lets continue to keep the conversation pushing forward, Jordan said.
21 Savage launches free online financial program for youth
Read full article: 21 Savage launches free online financial program for youthLOS ANGELES Rapper 21 Savage will be launching a free online financial literacy education program for youth sheltered at home during the coronavirus pandemic. His efforts will include a partnership with Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to provide free WiFi and tablets for underserved students in the city. 21 Savage said he wants to empower youth to manage their money. The rapper launched his Bank Account program in 2018 to teach financial literacy to teenage students across the United States. It was updated on July 2, 2020 to fix a reference to the recipients of the program.
21 Savage launches free online financial program for youth
Read full article: 21 Savage launches free online financial program for youthLOS ANGELES Rapper 21 Savage will be launching a free online financial literacy education program for youth sheltered at home during the coronavirus pandemic. His efforts will include a partnership with Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to provide free WiFi and tablets for undeserved students in the city. 21 Savage said he wants to empower youth to manage their money. His program will work with mobile banking service provider Chime and EverFi, an education technology platform. The rapper launched his Bank Account program in 2018 to teach financial literacy to teenage students across the United States.
Johnny Mandel, the Oscar- and Grammy- winning composer, dies
Read full article: Johnny Mandel, the Oscar- and Grammy- winning composer, diesFILE - Johnny Mandel appears at the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Awards Ceremony and Concert in New York on Jan. 11, 2011. Mandel, the Oscar- and Grammy- winning composer, arranger and musician, died Monday, June 29, 2020, of a cardiac ailment at his home in Ojai, Calif. There are many ways to describe the legendary composer Johnny Mandel. I just work with whats there and try to do the best with whats there.As an arranger, Mandel worked with some of the greatest singers of his time. Why didnt you write the lyrics to The Shadow of Your Smile? Mandel told the NEA.
Awkwafina, Zendaya among 819 invited to join film academy
Read full article: Awkwafina, Zendaya among 819 invited to join film academyCynthia Erivo, John David Washington, Eva Longoria, Zendaya and Awkwafina are among the 819 people who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. If they accept, which most do, those in the new class will have voting privileges at this years Oscars. A handful of actors from this years best picture winner Parasite, including Jang Hye-Jin, Jo Yeo-Jeong, Park So-Dam and Lee Jung-Eun, were also invited to join. The Academy said that 49% of the new invitees are international and represent some 68 countries. It has since surpassed those goals and continues to infuse membership classes with both women and people from underrepresented communities.
Beyoncs message, epic performances stand out at BET Awards
Read full article: Beyoncs message, epic performances stand out at BET AwardsIn this video grab issued Sunday, June 28, 2020, by BET, Beyonce accepts the humanitarian award during the BET Awards. The singer dedicated her award to the Black Lives Matter movement, and encouraged activists to continue to push forward. DaBaby rapped a verse from the Black Lives Matter remix of his hit song Rockstar with Roddy Ricch at the awards. While holding a baseball bat, DaBaby then stood on a stage behind a group of people who had their fists raised high while others held Black Lives Matter signs. During the performance, video clips were shown of the national protests over the deaths of unarmed Black people including Floyd, Arbery and Taylor.
New this week: 'Clemency,' BET Awards, HAIM, 'Doctor Sleep'
Read full article: New this week: 'Clemency,' BET Awards, HAIM, 'Doctor Sleep'(Neon via AP)Heres a collection curated by The Associated Press entertainment journalists of whats arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. Written and directed by Chinonye Chukwu, Clemency was well-reviewed but got unjustly overshadowed by some of the higher profile awards contenders when it was released in December. Doctor Sleep: The Directors Cut: This Danny Torrance-focused sequel to The Shining was a little divisive upon release, which wasnt all that surprising. Film Writer Lindsey BahrMUSICGrey Daze: Fans of the late Grammy-winning screeching rock singer Chester Bennington will get a chance to hear him one more time. HAIM: Its been three years since sister trio HAIM have released a new album.
'Chariots of Fire,' 'Lord of the Rings' actor Ian Holm dies
Read full article: 'Chariots of Fire,' 'Lord of the Rings' actor Ian Holm diesFILE - In this Dec. 12, 2012 file photo, actor Ian Holm appears at the premiere of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" in London. Holm, the acclaimed British actor whose long career included roles in Chariots of Fire and The Lord of the Rings has died, his agent said Friday. Holm died peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by his family and carer, his agent, Alex Irwin, said in a statement. (Photo by Jon Furniss/Invision/AP, File)LONDON Ian Holm, an acclaimed British actor whose long career included roles in Chariots of Fire and The Lord of the Rings has died. Holm died peacefully Friday morning in a hospital, surrounded by his family and carer, his agent, Alex Irwin, said in a statement.
Ava DuVernay joins the film academy's Board of Governors
Read full article: Ava DuVernay joins the film academy's Board of GovernorsLOS ANGELES Filmmaker Ava DuVernay has been elected to the film academys Board of Governors for the first time. The academy has increased the number of women and people of color on the board. Incumbent governors reelected include Whoopi Goldberg, Dolemite Is My Name screenwriter Larry Karaszewski and Participant Media CEO David Linde among others. The organization that puts on the Oscars said that the number of women on the board has gone from 25 to 26 and people of color from 11 to 12. The Board of Governors represent each of the academys 17 branches and work to set the organizations strategy, finances and fulfillment of its mission.
Winfrey, Pitt part of Grammys special for essential workers
Read full article: Winfrey, Pitt part of Grammys special for essential workersFILE - This May 28, 2019 file photo shows Singer Harry Connick Jr. with his daughter Georgia at a special screening of "Pavarotti" in New York. The Grammys is putting together an event featuring Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Herbie Hancock and Harry Connick, Jr. to honor essential workers across America. It will follow host Connick Jr. and his filmmaker-daughter Georgia on road trip celebrating and thanking essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – The Grammys is putting together an event featuring Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Herbie Hancock and Harry Connick, Jr. to honor essential workers across America. Winfrey, Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Queen Latifah, Renée Zellweger and Drew Brees will also deliver special messages to workers.
Tye Tribbett sends positive vibes with song amid virus
Read full article: Tye Tribbett sends positive vibes with song amid virusNEW YORK – Grammy-winning gospel singer Tye Tribbett has fused Kendrick Lamar’s hit song “Alright” into a new tune to send a message to people during the coronavirus pandemic: We are going to be all right. Tribbett released the new song “We Gon’ Be Alright” on Friday. The new track interpolates part of Lamar’s anthemic 2015 song, which was co-produced by Pharrell and won two Grammy Awards. Tribbett, 44, said he’s hoping to offer some light to the world during a time of darkness. Tribbett won the best gospel album and best gospel song Grammys at the 2014 show.
Broadway star Nick Cordero has leg amputation due to virus
Read full article: Broadway star Nick Cordero has leg amputation due to virusNEW YORK – Tony Award-nominated actor Nick Cordero has had his his right leg amputated after suffering complications from the coronavirus, his wife says. “We took him off blood thinners but that again was going to cause some clotting in the right leg, so the right leg will be amputated today,” she said earlier Saturday. Cordero entered the intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on March 31 and has been on a ventilator and unconscious after contracting COVID-19. Cordero played a mob soldier with a flair for the dramatic in 2014 in Broadway’s Woody Allen 1994 film adaptation of “Bullets Over Broadway," for which he received a Tony nomination for best featured actor in a musical. It has also claimed the life of Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally.
Two-time Emmy-nominated actress Paula Kelly has died at 77
Read full article: Two-time Emmy-nominated actress Paula Kelly has died at 77LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in the film “Sweet Charity,” has died. Kelly died Sunday of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Los Angeles' Ebony Repertory Theatre. Kelly earned a best supporting actress Emmy nod in 1984 for portraying public defender Liz Williams on the first season of NBC's “Night Court” and received another in 1989 for playing a lesbian on the ABC miniseries "The Women of Brewster Place." Kelly made her Broadway debut in the 1964 musical “Something More!” directed by Jule Styne and starring Barbara Cook. Her other film credits include “The Andromeda Strain,” “Top of the Heap” and “Soylent Green.” Her vast TV credits also include “Santa Barbara,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Kojak” and “The Golden Girls.”
Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey headline arena like rock stars
Read full article: Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey headline arena like rock starsMichelle Obama, left, and Oprah Winfrey participate at "Oprah's 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus" tour at the Barclays Center on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in New York. “Does this feel like déjà vu for you?” Winfrey asked. “He’s going to kill me.”When Winfrey asked if the energy in their home was different now that the kids are gone, Obama exclaimed: “It is so good, y’all.”“OK, you guys, get out of the gutter!” Obama added. “Just vote.”The conversation turned slightly political, again, when Winfrey asked Obama what the next chapter of her life would entail. When the topic turned to health and Winfrey asked Obama what she appreciates about her body, she said: “It’s mine.
Billie Eilish, a voice of the youth, tops the Grammy Awards
Read full article: Billie Eilish, a voice of the youth, tops the Grammy AwardsGary Clark Jr. poses in the press room with the awards for best rock song, best rock performance and best contemporary blues album for "This Land", at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles. The 18-year-old made history at the Grammy Awards Sunday. also won best pop vocal album. Her brother Finneas O'Connell also won awards for engineering and producing the album. Tyler, the Creator said later that the rap album Grammy was a backhanded compliment.
Taylor Swift, Spike Lee make year's top entertainment photos
Read full article: Taylor Swift, Spike Lee make year's top entertainment photosLizzo performs "Truth Hurts" at the BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 23, 2019. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)Taylor Swift performing at the American Music Awards, the fabulous reaction Phoebe Waller-Bridge gave when winning a trophy at the Emmy Awards and the time Spike Lee gleefully jumped into the arms of Samuel L. Jackson at the Oscars are among the top entertainment moments of 2019. The list includes the emotional moments when Ali Stroker won a Tony Award and when Kane Brown broke down as he accepted the Artist of the Year Award at the CMT Awards. Other images that made an impression include Jennifer Lopez strutting down a runway in Milan, Elle Fanning posing at the Cannes film festival and a dynamic shot of Maggie Rogers performing at the Coachella Music & Arts Festival . Other musicians who were captured include Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, the Jonas Brothers, Kacey Musgraves and Lizzo.
AP’s top albums of 2019: Ari Lennox, Summer Walker, Anitta
Read full article: AP’s top albums of 2019: Ari Lennox, Summer Walker, Anitta(Republic Records via AP)NEW YORK, NY – The top 10 albums of the year by Associated Press Music Editor Mesfin Fekadu:1. A nomination — or eight — isn’t necessary for any real music fan to realize how outstanding, soulful and poignant Lennox’s debut album is. Lennox’s “Shea Butter Baby” is the best album of the year, no matter if awards shows think differently, including you, the Soul Train Music Awards. Summer Walker, “Over It”: Summer Walker’s debut album is perfect, as she spits matter-of-fact lyrics over some beats that borrow from classic ‘90s R&B hits including Usher, Destiny’s Child and 702. But even when she’s not sampling a song, Walker can hold her own, delivering a flawless album that’s easy to obsess over.
Rosalía marks historic night for women at Latin Grammys
Read full article: Rosalía marks historic night for women at Latin Grammys1” won album of the year at the Latin Grammys in 2006. He helped the former Fifth Harmony member, who didn’t attend the show, win her first pair of Latin Grammys before she’s even won a Grammy Award. Like Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee earned a nomination in one of the urban categories: best urban fusion/performance. “Thank you so much.”The Latin Grammys kicked off its 20th anniversary show with a festive performance highlighting various sounds from the genre as 20 artists united onstage to honor Latin music. Other performers included Luis Fonsi, Ozuna and Residente, who extended his record as the most decorated artist in the history of the Latin Grammys to 25 wins.
Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Cabello to perform at AMAs
Read full article: Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Cabello to perform at AMAsNEW YORK, NY – The two biggest breakthrough acts in music this year, Billie Eilish and Lizzo, will perform at the 2019 American Music Awards later this month. Eilish is competing for six AMAs, including favorite female pop/rock artist and favorite pop/rock album. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Lizzo, nominated for three AMAs, released her debut in 2013 but she achieved major success this year. Lizzo released her major-label debut album, "Cuz I Love You," earlier this year.