Winsome Sinclair, a prolific casting director best known for her frequent collaborations with Spike Lee, has died at the age of 58 after a battle with colon cancer. News of her passing was confirmed by producer and publicist Cassandra Butcher in a post on Instagram.
“Winsome Sinclair brought light to everyone she encountered, with a unique ability to see more in people than they could see in themselves,” Butcher wrote on Instagram. “A true fan of life and culture, her passion for the arts and her deep love for family and community will continue to inspire those who know her. Winsome’s legacy in the film industry and the lives she touched will live on, reminding us of her vibrant spirit and the stories she helped bring to life.”
Born in 1966, Sinclair began her career in Hollywood as a casting production assistant on Lee’s 1991 film “Jungle Fever” before rising to...
“Winsome Sinclair brought light to everyone she encountered, with a unique ability to see more in people than they could see in themselves,” Butcher wrote on Instagram. “A true fan of life and culture, her passion for the arts and her deep love for family and community will continue to inspire those who know her. Winsome’s legacy in the film industry and the lives she touched will live on, reminding us of her vibrant spirit and the stories she helped bring to life.”
Born in 1966, Sinclair began her career in Hollywood as a casting production assistant on Lee’s 1991 film “Jungle Fever” before rising to...
- 8/14/2024
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Winsome Sinclair, the casting director who helped bring in actors for Waiting to Exhale, Amistad, Precious, The Best Man and a dozen films directed by Spike Lee, has died. She was 58.
Sinclair died Monday in hospice care on Long Island after a long battle with colon cancer, publicist Clorissa Wright-Thomas told The Hollywood Reporter. Her family was at her bedside.
The New York native launched the global casting agency Winsome Sinclair and Associates in New York in 1996, then relocated the business to Atlanta in 2014 amid that city’s production boom.
Sinclair also cast extras for the John Singleton-directed features Higher Learning (1995), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) and Abduction (2011), for the Malcolm D. Lee-helmed The Best Man (1999) and Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016) and for the Dee Rees-directed Pariah (2011) and Bessie (2015).
She handled similar duties on the Hughes brothers’ Dead Presidents (1995), Forest Whitaker’s Waiting to Exhale (1995), Steven Spielberg’s...
Sinclair died Monday in hospice care on Long Island after a long battle with colon cancer, publicist Clorissa Wright-Thomas told The Hollywood Reporter. Her family was at her bedside.
The New York native launched the global casting agency Winsome Sinclair and Associates in New York in 1996, then relocated the business to Atlanta in 2014 amid that city’s production boom.
Sinclair also cast extras for the John Singleton-directed features Higher Learning (1995), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) and Abduction (2011), for the Malcolm D. Lee-helmed The Best Man (1999) and Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016) and for the Dee Rees-directed Pariah (2011) and Bessie (2015).
She handled similar duties on the Hughes brothers’ Dead Presidents (1995), Forest Whitaker’s Waiting to Exhale (1995), Steven Spielberg’s...
- 8/14/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Colman Domingo’s star has been on the rise for over a decade now with his Tony-nominated role in Kander and Ebb’s “The Scottsboro Boys” on Broadway leading to roles in Spike Lee films “Miracle at St. Anna” and “Red Hook Summer,” as well as parts in Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” and Ava Duvernay’s “Selma.” Last year alone saw Domingo featured in four feature films and his performance in “Rustin” earned him his first Academy-Award nomination.
This weekend saw the wide release of his latest awards contender, “Sing Sing,” which sees Domingo as an inmate of the eponymous prison and participant in their Rehabilitation Through the Arts (Rta) program. The film also features actual former members of the Rta program playing versions of themselves. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Domingo reflected on the process of making the film and how it was unlike any other...
This weekend saw the wide release of his latest awards contender, “Sing Sing,” which sees Domingo as an inmate of the eponymous prison and participant in their Rehabilitation Through the Arts (Rta) program. The film also features actual former members of the Rta program playing versions of themselves. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Domingo reflected on the process of making the film and how it was unlike any other...
- 8/4/2024
- by Harrison Richlin
- Indiewire
The American Society of Cinematographers has done the right thing.
The group said today that Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee will receive its Board of Governors Award next month.
“Spike Lee is one of the most brilliant filmmakers of our time, and the social impact of his work is immeasurable,” ASC President Shelly Johnson said. “This award celebrates his respect for the partnership between director and cinematographer and how two people unite to tell a visual story in a way that can only be recognized as that of collaboration.”
The Brooklyn-raised Lee began his storied career in the 1980s as a writer-director of such films as She’s Gotta Have It, School Daze and Do the Right Thing, for which he earned a Best Original Screenplay Oscar nomination. Many more celebrated films would follow, including Malcolm X, Mo’ Better Blues, Jungle Fever, Crooklyn, Clockers, He Got Game, Summer of Sam, Girl 6,...
The group said today that Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee will receive its Board of Governors Award next month.
“Spike Lee is one of the most brilliant filmmakers of our time, and the social impact of his work is immeasurable,” ASC President Shelly Johnson said. “This award celebrates his respect for the partnership between director and cinematographer and how two people unite to tell a visual story in a way that can only be recognized as that of collaboration.”
The Brooklyn-raised Lee began his storied career in the 1980s as a writer-director of such films as She’s Gotta Have It, School Daze and Do the Right Thing, for which he earned a Best Original Screenplay Oscar nomination. Many more celebrated films would follow, including Malcolm X, Mo’ Better Blues, Jungle Fever, Crooklyn, Clockers, He Got Game, Summer of Sam, Girl 6,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Mubi has unveiled their February 2024 lineup, featuring Roy Andersson’s little-seen 1991 short World of Glory, Nicole Holofcener’s Lovely & Amazing starring Catherine Keener with an early Jake Gyllenhaal performance, and special Black History Month selections: Spike Lee’s Red Hook Summer, Kasi Lemmon’s Eve’s Bayou, Carl Franklin’s One False Move, and more.
Check out the lineup below, including recently added January titles, and get 30 days free here.
Just-Added
American Movie, directed by Christopher Smith | Festival Focus: Sundance
Pieces of April, directed by Peter Hedges | Festival Focus: Sundance
The Blair Witch Project, directed by Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez | Festival Focus: Sundance
But I’m a Cheerleader, directed by Jamie Babbit | Festival Focus: Sundance
Secretary, directed by Steven Shainberg | Festival Focus: Sundance
Medicine for Melancholy directed by Barry Jenkins | First Films First
Antiviral, directed by Brandon Cronenberg | First Films First
Shithouse, directed by Cooper Raiff | First Films First
Age of Panic,...
Check out the lineup below, including recently added January titles, and get 30 days free here.
Just-Added
American Movie, directed by Christopher Smith | Festival Focus: Sundance
Pieces of April, directed by Peter Hedges | Festival Focus: Sundance
The Blair Witch Project, directed by Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez | Festival Focus: Sundance
But I’m a Cheerleader, directed by Jamie Babbit | Festival Focus: Sundance
Secretary, directed by Steven Shainberg | Festival Focus: Sundance
Medicine for Melancholy directed by Barry Jenkins | First Films First
Antiviral, directed by Brandon Cronenberg | First Films First
Shithouse, directed by Cooper Raiff | First Films First
Age of Panic,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Proud New Yorker Spike Lee took time to address the 22nd anniversary of Sept. 11 during a keynote talk at the Toronto Film Festival on Monday.
Specifically, Lee recalled he was in Los Angeles on that Tuesday in 2001 and was scrambling to get back to his hometown in crisis to be with his family.
“The world has changed since that day,” Lee said of 9/11 on Monday during a Visionaries session presented by The Hollywood Reporter.
Lee began his keynote with a 30-minute episode of NYC Epicenters 9/11 -> 2021 1/2, his 2021 four-part documentary for HBO that filters the Covid-19 pandemic, the racial reckoning of the summer of 2020, the Jan. 6 insurrection and the tragedy of 9/11 through the director’s New York city perspective.
“There’s some rough things you’ll see. But as a filmmaker, I’ve never been one to hide shit. It’s not simulated computer stuff. This is real, what happened to,...
Specifically, Lee recalled he was in Los Angeles on that Tuesday in 2001 and was scrambling to get back to his hometown in crisis to be with his family.
“The world has changed since that day,” Lee said of 9/11 on Monday during a Visionaries session presented by The Hollywood Reporter.
Lee began his keynote with a 30-minute episode of NYC Epicenters 9/11 -> 2021 1/2, his 2021 four-part documentary for HBO that filters the Covid-19 pandemic, the racial reckoning of the summer of 2020, the Jan. 6 insurrection and the tragedy of 9/11 through the director’s New York city perspective.
“There’s some rough things you’ll see. But as a filmmaker, I’ve never been one to hide shit. It’s not simulated computer stuff. This is real, what happened to,...
- 9/11/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Since he launched his feature directorial career with She’s Gotta Have It, the longest break Spike Lee has taken between narrative films is the four years between 2008’s Miracle at St. Anna and 2012’s Red Hook Summer. With it being three years since 2020’s Da 5 Bloods, we’ve been awaiting word on when his next film would be confirmed and now it looks like a contender has emerged with Da Understudy.
In what would mark a reteam with Jonathan Majors––who starred in Da 5 Bloods and is enjoying a major moment in the spotlight with Magazine Dreams, Creed III, and the Marvel Machine––and the actor is set to star and produce the film from Westbrook Studios and Amazon Studios, Deadline reports. Lee is in early talks to direct the film, which is scripted by Tom Hanada, Zach Strauss, and Tyler Cole. The film tells the story of...
In what would mark a reteam with Jonathan Majors––who starred in Da 5 Bloods and is enjoying a major moment in the spotlight with Magazine Dreams, Creed III, and the Marvel Machine––and the actor is set to star and produce the film from Westbrook Studios and Amazon Studios, Deadline reports. Lee is in early talks to direct the film, which is scripted by Tom Hanada, Zach Strauss, and Tyler Cole. The film tells the story of...
- 3/7/2023
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Spike Lee will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Achievement in Motion Picture Direction at this year’s DGA Awards, Directors Guild of America President Lesli Linka Glatter announced today.
The DGA’s highest honor will be presented to Lee at the 74th annual DGA Awards on Saturday, March 12. Lee is the first Black director to get the award, which recognizes extraordinary efforts in the art of cinema, He joins a roster of just 35 helmers so honored, including Frank Capra, Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, Billy Wilder, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Miloš Forman and, most recently, Ridley Scott.
In a statement, Glatter said, “Icon. Trailblazer. Visionary. Spike Lee has changed the face of cinema, and there is no single word that encapsulates his significance to the craft of directing. From his groundbreaking Do the Right Thing, BlacKkKlansman, and everything in-between – to his signature ‘double dolly’ shot, Spike is an innovator on so many levels.
The DGA’s highest honor will be presented to Lee at the 74th annual DGA Awards on Saturday, March 12. Lee is the first Black director to get the award, which recognizes extraordinary efforts in the art of cinema, He joins a roster of just 35 helmers so honored, including Frank Capra, Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, Billy Wilder, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Miloš Forman and, most recently, Ridley Scott.
In a statement, Glatter said, “Icon. Trailblazer. Visionary. Spike Lee has changed the face of cinema, and there is no single word that encapsulates his significance to the craft of directing. From his groundbreaking Do the Right Thing, BlacKkKlansman, and everything in-between – to his signature ‘double dolly’ shot, Spike is an innovator on so many levels.
- 1/19/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Back in October 2019, before the pandemic, we brought you news about American Civil War movie Freedom’s Path.
The feature, which charts the friendship between a Union soldier and a runaway slave who is helping facilitate the Underground Railroad, stars Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting), Rj Cyler (Me And Earl And The Dying Girl) and Gerran Howell (Catch 22). Post-production has just wrapped.
As it turned out, the project would mark the final stops on the journey of two veteran actors who died while the movie was in post-production: Thomas Jefferson Byrd, a frequent Spike Lee collaborator, and New Orleans native Carol Sutton, both of whom had supporting roles.
Both actors died in sad circumstances. Tony-nominee Byrd was murdered in Atlanta and Sutton died of complications from Covid.
Today, the production has chosen to release two images of the admired actors in their final film, marking the first official stills from the movie.
The feature, which charts the friendship between a Union soldier and a runaway slave who is helping facilitate the Underground Railroad, stars Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting), Rj Cyler (Me And Earl And The Dying Girl) and Gerran Howell (Catch 22). Post-production has just wrapped.
As it turned out, the project would mark the final stops on the journey of two veteran actors who died while the movie was in post-production: Thomas Jefferson Byrd, a frequent Spike Lee collaborator, and New Orleans native Carol Sutton, both of whom had supporting roles.
Both actors died in sad circumstances. Tony-nominee Byrd was murdered in Atlanta and Sutton died of complications from Covid.
Today, the production has chosen to release two images of the admired actors in their final film, marking the first official stills from the movie.
- 9/21/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ashlee Brian and Devika Parikh have been tapped as series regulars for The Kings Of Napa, OWN’s new drama series from Claws executive producer/showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois, Warner Bros. Television and Harpo Films. Additionally, Curtis Hamilton (Charming the Hearts of Men), Heather Alice Simms, Samantha Walkes (upcoming Orphan: First Kill) and Isiah Whitlock Jr. (Your Honor) are set for recurring roles.
Created by Sherman Barrois, who serves as showrunner, The Kings of Napa is focused on a picturesque Napa Valley, California vineyard owned by the Kings, an aspirational African American family whose wealth and status lands them on the pages of design magazines and society pages. The wine business has brought the family success and acclaim, but following the patriarch’s sudden exit from the company, his three children must grapple for the reigns to...
Created by Sherman Barrois, who serves as showrunner, The Kings of Napa is focused on a picturesque Napa Valley, California vineyard owned by the Kings, an aspirational African American family whose wealth and status lands them on the pages of design magazines and society pages. The wine business has brought the family success and acclaim, but following the patriarch’s sudden exit from the company, his three children must grapple for the reigns to...
- 7/8/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Billions and Mozart in the Jungle actor Daniel Breaker has joined the cast of Tina Fey and Meredith Scardino’s Girls5eva.
The 8-episode Peacock comedy is created and written by Scardino and will premiere on the NBC streaming platform on Thursday May 6. The comedy series, which stars Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell and Busy Philipps, follows a one-hit-wonder girl group from the 90’s. When the band’s hit gets sampled by a young rapper, its members reunite to give their pop star dreams one more shot. They may be grown women balancing spouses, kids, jobs, debt, aging parents, and shoulder pain, but can‘t they also be Girls5eva?
Breaker will play Scott, Dawn’s (Bareilles) husband. Despite being supportive, he struggles to adjust to the changes that the group brings: a new roommate in Wickie (Goldsberry), and Dawn’s shifting priorities as she commits to restarting a music career.
The 8-episode Peacock comedy is created and written by Scardino and will premiere on the NBC streaming platform on Thursday May 6. The comedy series, which stars Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell and Busy Philipps, follows a one-hit-wonder girl group from the 90’s. When the band’s hit gets sampled by a young rapper, its members reunite to give their pop star dreams one more shot. They may be grown women balancing spouses, kids, jobs, debt, aging parents, and shoulder pain, but can‘t they also be Girls5eva?
Breaker will play Scott, Dawn’s (Bareilles) husband. Despite being supportive, he struggles to adjust to the changes that the group brings: a new roommate in Wickie (Goldsberry), and Dawn’s shifting priorities as she commits to restarting a music career.
- 4/14/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
James Ransone has been cast in Scott Derrickson’s upcoming film for Blumhouse and Universal, The Black Phone. Derrickson and frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill adapted the script based on Joe Hill’s short story. Derrickson, Cargill and Jason Blum, for Blumhouse, are producing the film. Universal and Blumhouse will present the Crooked Highway production. Joe Hill is an executive producer.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Rex/Shutterstock Scott Derrickson ‘Doctor Strange’ Launch Event, Westminster Abbey, London, UK – 24 Oct 2016
James Ransone has created indelible performances on the big and small screens as well as the stage, performing in a wide variety of projects that span from intimate indies to blockbuster genre films.
Ransone starred in It Chapter Two as Eddie Kasprak, one of the members of “The Losers Club,” opposite Jessica Chastain and Bill Hader, et al. His performance in the movie garnered such praise as “James Ransone...
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Rex/Shutterstock Scott Derrickson ‘Doctor Strange’ Launch Event, Westminster Abbey, London, UK – 24 Oct 2016
James Ransone has created indelible performances on the big and small screens as well as the stage, performing in a wide variety of projects that span from intimate indies to blockbuster genre films.
Ransone starred in It Chapter Two as Eddie Kasprak, one of the members of “The Losers Club,” opposite Jessica Chastain and Bill Hader, et al. His performance in the movie garnered such praise as “James Ransone...
- 3/20/2021
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Based on the short story of the same name by Joe Hill, The Black Phone is shaping up to be quite the Sinister reunion, as James Ransone (who played Deputy So & So in 2012's Sinister and Ex-Deputy So & So in Sinister 2) has joined Ethan Hawke (who played Ellison Oswalt in Sinister) in the cast of the new Scott Derrickson film that he co-wrote with C. Robert Cargill:
James Ransone has been cast in Scott Derrickson’s upcoming film for Blumhouse and Universal, The Black Phone.
Derrickson and frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill adapted the script based on Joe Hill’s short story.
Derrickson, Cargill and Jason Blum, for Blumhouse, are producing the film. Universal and Blumhouse will present the Crooked Highway production. Joe Hill is an executive producer.
About James Ransone:
James Ransone has created indelible performances on the big and small screens as well as the stage,...
James Ransone has been cast in Scott Derrickson’s upcoming film for Blumhouse and Universal, The Black Phone.
Derrickson and frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill adapted the script based on Joe Hill’s short story.
Derrickson, Cargill and Jason Blum, for Blumhouse, are producing the film. Universal and Blumhouse will present the Crooked Highway production. Joe Hill is an executive producer.
About James Ransone:
James Ransone has created indelible performances on the big and small screens as well as the stage,...
- 3/19/2021
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Spike Lee is being honored with the American Cinematheque Award, and it undoubtedly encapsulates the director’s nearly five decades of artistic achievement. The award will be presented Jan. 14 in a virtual ceremony. “It’s a recognition of the body of work, and I’ve been putting in the work since the fall of 1979,” says Lee.
Previous American Cinematheque Award honorees include Amy Adams (2017), Bradley Cooper (2018) and Charlize Theron (2019).
After graduating from Morehouse College, Lee attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in the graduate film program. He has been a tenured professor and the artistic director since 2002. Lee also eyes the next generation of filmmakers and considers himself a “proud parent” when looking at all of his students, including directors Shaka King (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) and Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”).
“I’ve always felt that teachers that teach well are also learning from their students,...
Previous American Cinematheque Award honorees include Amy Adams (2017), Bradley Cooper (2018) and Charlize Theron (2019).
After graduating from Morehouse College, Lee attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in the graduate film program. He has been a tenured professor and the artistic director since 2002. Lee also eyes the next generation of filmmakers and considers himself a “proud parent” when looking at all of his students, including directors Shaka King (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) and Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”).
“I’ve always felt that teachers that teach well are also learning from their students,...
- 1/14/2021
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Spike Lee will receive the American Cinematheque Award and will be honored during a virtual tribute on Jan. 14, 2021.
American Cinematheque chair Rick Nicita said the legendary director always keeps his finger on the pulse of society.
“As a cultural arts organization that celebrates the importance of film in our society, Spike Lee is the perfect choice for the Cinematheque’s annual award,” Nicita said. “Spike’s ability to perceive and depict the tone of contemporary society is shown in his movies, ranging from ‘Do the Right Thing,’ ‘She’s Gotta Have It,’ ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘BlacKkKlansman’ to name only a few. He continues his outstanding output with this year’s ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ‘American Utopia.’ We look forward with great anticipation to where he will next shine his light.”
“BlacKkKlansman,” which Lee co-wrote and directed, won the Academy Award for adapted screenplay. He was also nominated for an Oscar for directing and producing “BlacKkKlansman.
American Cinematheque chair Rick Nicita said the legendary director always keeps his finger on the pulse of society.
“As a cultural arts organization that celebrates the importance of film in our society, Spike Lee is the perfect choice for the Cinematheque’s annual award,” Nicita said. “Spike’s ability to perceive and depict the tone of contemporary society is shown in his movies, ranging from ‘Do the Right Thing,’ ‘She’s Gotta Have It,’ ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘BlacKkKlansman’ to name only a few. He continues his outstanding output with this year’s ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ‘American Utopia.’ We look forward with great anticipation to where he will next shine his light.”
“BlacKkKlansman,” which Lee co-wrote and directed, won the Academy Award for adapted screenplay. He was also nominated for an Oscar for directing and producing “BlacKkKlansman.
- 10/22/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Atlanta police on Friday announced a suspect had been arrested in connection to the Thomas Jefferson Byrd homicide case.
Antonio Demetrice Rhynes, 30, of Atlanta, was taken into custody Friday morning on suspicion of fatally shooting the actor, who appeared in such Spike Lee films Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer. Police said tips and evidence led them to Rhynes.
Once processed the suspect will be taken to the Fulton County Jail, police said.
The 70-year-old Byrd was shot and killed Oct. 3. A motive for the killing remains unclear.
Lee created a GoFundMe page to help Byrd’s children, which so far has raised ...
Antonio Demetrice Rhynes, 30, of Atlanta, was taken into custody Friday morning on suspicion of fatally shooting the actor, who appeared in such Spike Lee films Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer. Police said tips and evidence led them to Rhynes.
Once processed the suspect will be taken to the Fulton County Jail, police said.
The 70-year-old Byrd was shot and killed Oct. 3. A motive for the killing remains unclear.
Lee created a GoFundMe page to help Byrd’s children, which so far has raised ...
- 10/16/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Atlanta police on Friday announced a suspect had been arrested in connection to the Thomas Jefferson Byrd homicide case.
Antonio Demetrice Rhynes, 30, of Atlanta, was taken into custody Friday morning on suspicion of fatally shooting the actor, who appeared in such Spike Lee films Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer. Police said tips and evidence led them to Rhynes.
Once processed the suspect will be taken to the Fulton County Jail, police said.
The 70-year-old Byrd was shot and killed Oct. 3. A motive for the killing remains unclear.
Lee created a GoFundMe page to help Byrd’s children, which so far has raised ...
Antonio Demetrice Rhynes, 30, of Atlanta, was taken into custody Friday morning on suspicion of fatally shooting the actor, who appeared in such Spike Lee films Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer. Police said tips and evidence led them to Rhynes.
Once processed the suspect will be taken to the Fulton County Jail, police said.
The 70-year-old Byrd was shot and killed Oct. 3. A motive for the killing remains unclear.
Lee created a GoFundMe page to help Byrd’s children, which so far has raised ...
- 10/16/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spike Lee Honors Late He Got Clockers” Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd — Spike Lee payed tribute to the late actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd Sunday on Instagram, who starred in many of the director’s films including Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer. In his post Lee revealed that Byrd was murdered Saturday night in Atlanta, [...]
Continue reading: Spike Lee Honors Late He Got Game & Clockers Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd...
Continue reading: Spike Lee Honors Late He Got Game & Clockers Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd...
- 10/5/2020
- by Scott Mariner
- Film-Book
Actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, who had featured in many films by director Spike Lee, died of gunshot wounds here this weekend. He was 70.
Byrd died on Saturday "from multiple gunshot wounds to the back", a spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement to eonline.com. Officers responded to a "person injured call" around 1.45 am on Saturday and, upon arrival, the authorities said they found "a male lying unresponsive at the location".
Byrd's death is currently under investigation, the police said.
Spike Lee took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late actor, who appeared in his projects such as "Chi-Raq", "Clockers", "Red Hook Summer" and "He Got Game".
"I'm So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia," Lee wrote on Instagram.
The director noted the films he worked with the late actor on, and concluded by...
Byrd died on Saturday "from multiple gunshot wounds to the back", a spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement to eonline.com. Officers responded to a "person injured call" around 1.45 am on Saturday and, upon arrival, the authorities said they found "a male lying unresponsive at the location".
Byrd's death is currently under investigation, the police said.
Spike Lee took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late actor, who appeared in his projects such as "Chi-Raq", "Clockers", "Red Hook Summer" and "He Got Game".
"I'm So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta, Georgia," Lee wrote on Instagram.
The director noted the films he worked with the late actor on, and concluded by...
- 10/5/2020
- by Glamsham Editorial
- GlamSham
Tony-nominated actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd who is best known or his many roles in Spike Lee’s films was found killed in Atlanta. He was 70.
According to media reports, Byrd was found unresponsive early Sunday morning. Paramedics pronounced him dead as they found multiple gunshot wounds in his back.
Byrd was a frequent collaborator with Lee, appearing in eight of his films including Clockers, Get on the Bus, Girl 6, He Got Game, Bamboozled, Red Hook Summer, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus and Chi-Raq. He also appeared in the Netflix series adaptation of Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It. His film credits also include the 1996 crime drama Set It Off as well as the Oscar-winning pic Ray.
A graduate of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Byrd made his Broadway debut in the revival of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Carl Gordon, Charles S. Dutton and Stephen McKinley Henderson.
According to media reports, Byrd was found unresponsive early Sunday morning. Paramedics pronounced him dead as they found multiple gunshot wounds in his back.
Byrd was a frequent collaborator with Lee, appearing in eight of his films including Clockers, Get on the Bus, Girl 6, He Got Game, Bamboozled, Red Hook Summer, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus and Chi-Raq. He also appeared in the Netflix series adaptation of Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It. His film credits also include the 1996 crime drama Set It Off as well as the Oscar-winning pic Ray.
A graduate of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Byrd made his Broadway debut in the revival of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Carl Gordon, Charles S. Dutton and Stephen McKinley Henderson.
- 10/4/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Thomas Jefferson Byrd, an actor in several of Spike Lee’s films, was killed in Atlanta on Saturday, the Atlanta Police Department confirmed to Variety. He was 70.
On Saturday, Atlanta police officers were dispatched to 2259 Belvedere Ave., responding to a call about an injured person at 1:45 a.m. Upon arrival, officers located Byrd lying unresponsive at the location. Emergency medial services responded to the scene, identified Byrd and pronounced him dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the back.
Homicide detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the investigation is currently ongoing. The Atlanta Police Department tells Variety that the information is preliminary in nature and could change as the investigation continues or new information comes to light.
Byrd appeared in several of Lee’s films, including “Clockers,” “Get on the Bus,” “Bamboozled,” “Chi-Raq,” “Red Hook Summer,” “Girl 6” and “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.” He...
On Saturday, Atlanta police officers were dispatched to 2259 Belvedere Ave., responding to a call about an injured person at 1:45 a.m. Upon arrival, officers located Byrd lying unresponsive at the location. Emergency medial services responded to the scene, identified Byrd and pronounced him dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the back.
Homicide detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the investigation is currently ongoing. The Atlanta Police Department tells Variety that the information is preliminary in nature and could change as the investigation continues or new information comes to light.
Byrd appeared in several of Lee’s films, including “Clockers,” “Get on the Bus,” “Bamboozled,” “Chi-Raq,” “Red Hook Summer,” “Girl 6” and “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.” He...
- 10/4/2020
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Spike Lee is paying tribute to late actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, who starred in a myriad of the director’s films including Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer.
Lee took to Instagram Sunday to reveal that Byrd was murdered Saturday night in Atlanta, Georgia. In his post, Lee shared a photo of Thomas as the character Errol Barnes in his 1995 film, Clockers.
“I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta,Georgia,” Lee wrote. “Tom Is My Guy.”
Lee shared that Byrd starred in a variety of his ...
Lee took to Instagram Sunday to reveal that Byrd was murdered Saturday night in Atlanta, Georgia. In his post, Lee shared a photo of Thomas as the character Errol Barnes in his 1995 film, Clockers.
“I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta,Georgia,” Lee wrote. “Tom Is My Guy.”
Lee shared that Byrd starred in a variety of his ...
- 10/4/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Spike Lee is paying tribute to late actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd, who starred in a myriad of the director’s films including Clockers, He Got Game and Red Hook Summer.
Lee took to Instagram Sunday to reveal that Byrd was murdered Saturday night in Atlanta, Georgia. In his post, Lee shared a photo of Thomas as the character Errol Barnes in his 1995 film, Clockers.
“I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta,Georgia,” Lee wrote. “Tom Is My Guy.”
Lee shared that Byrd starred in a variety of his ...
Lee took to Instagram Sunday to reveal that Byrd was murdered Saturday night in Atlanta, Georgia. In his post, Lee shared a photo of Thomas as the character Errol Barnes in his 1995 film, Clockers.
“I’m So Sad To Announce The Tragic Murder Of Our Beloved Brother Thomas Jefferson Byrd Last Night In Atlanta,Georgia,” Lee wrote. “Tom Is My Guy.”
Lee shared that Byrd starred in a variety of his ...
- 10/4/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: Fear the Walking Dead standout Colman Domingo has signed a first-look deal with AMC Studios, the studio behind the AMC zombie drama series, a spinoff from The Walking Dead.
Domingo made his debut as Victor Strand in a two-episode guest arc during Fear the Walking Dead’s first season and was made a series regular at the start of Season 2. He made his directorial debut on the show and has directed two episodes to date.
“From the moment AMC viewers first saw Colman Domingo as the mysterious and dynamic Victor Strand in season one of Fear The Walking Dead, they haven’t been able to look away, and neither have we,” said Sarah Barnett, President of AMC Networks Entertainment Group & AMC Studios. “He has become a core character of the series and, as anyone who knows him knows, his talents go far beyond that one character in that one show.
Domingo made his debut as Victor Strand in a two-episode guest arc during Fear the Walking Dead’s first season and was made a series regular at the start of Season 2. He made his directorial debut on the show and has directed two episodes to date.
“From the moment AMC viewers first saw Colman Domingo as the mysterious and dynamic Victor Strand in season one of Fear The Walking Dead, they haven’t been able to look away, and neither have we,” said Sarah Barnett, President of AMC Networks Entertainment Group & AMC Studios. “He has become a core character of the series and, as anyone who knows him knows, his talents go far beyond that one character in that one show.
- 2/24/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Roma Maffia (Nip/Tuck) and Tony nominee Daniel Breaker (Passing Strange) are set for recurring roles in the upcoming fifth season of Billions, Showtime’s drama series starring Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis. Season 5 is in production in New York and will premiere on the network in 2020.
Created by executive producers/showrunners Brian Koppelman and David Levien, along with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Season 4 of Billions saw former enemies Bobby Axelrod (Lewis) and Chuck Rhoades (Giamatti), and Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff), the chief counselor to each, come together to form an uneasy but highly effective alliance, aimed at the eradication of all their rivals. They include Grigor Andolov (guest star John Malkovich), Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon), Bryan Connerty (Toby Leonard Moore) and Waylon “Jock” Jeffcoat (guest star Clancy Brown).
David Costabile, Condola Rashad, Kelly AuCoin and Jeffrey DeMunn also star. Julianna Marguiles and Corey Stoll will guest star in...
Created by executive producers/showrunners Brian Koppelman and David Levien, along with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Season 4 of Billions saw former enemies Bobby Axelrod (Lewis) and Chuck Rhoades (Giamatti), and Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff), the chief counselor to each, come together to form an uneasy but highly effective alliance, aimed at the eradication of all their rivals. They include Grigor Andolov (guest star John Malkovich), Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon), Bryan Connerty (Toby Leonard Moore) and Waylon “Jock” Jeffcoat (guest star Clancy Brown).
David Costabile, Condola Rashad, Kelly AuCoin and Jeffrey DeMunn also star. Julianna Marguiles and Corey Stoll will guest star in...
- 12/13/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee might not be in the awards season mix this year — after finally winning his first Oscar last year for scripting “BlacKkKlansman,” he’s deserving of a break — but the indelible New Yorker will be on hand to accept at least one huge honor in 2020. Film at Lincoln Center has announced that Lee will be honored at the 46th Chaplin Award Gala on Monday, April 27, 2020. “We are delighted to honor Spike Lee, an original and iconic New York filmmaker,” said Ann Tenenbaum, Film at Lincoln Center’s Board Chairwoman, in an official statement. “It is thrilling to welcome his bold voice into the pantheon of artists who have received the Chaplin Award.”
The Chaplin Award Gala is the organization’s most important fundraising event of the year and all proceeds benefit the organization in its mission to support the art and craft of cinema. The annual gala...
The Chaplin Award Gala is the organization’s most important fundraising event of the year and all proceeds benefit the organization in its mission to support the art and craft of cinema. The annual gala...
- 11/7/2019
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Looking to make a comeback, director Nate Parker was in contrition mode Sunday at the Venice Film Festival, admitting that he had been “tone deaf” in his past remarks regarding the rape charge he faced as a college student.
“The last three years have been such a learning experience for me,” he said at a press conference on the Lido for his new film, the police-brutality drama “American Skin.” “I feel like I have gained so much wisdom from people in my circle,” he added.
“Three years ago I was pretty tone deaf to the realities of certain situations that were happening in the climate. And I’ve had a lot of time to think about that, and I’ve learned a lot from it,” he said. “And being tone deaf, there were a lot of people that were hurt in my response, in the way I approached things. I apologize to those people.
“The last three years have been such a learning experience for me,” he said at a press conference on the Lido for his new film, the police-brutality drama “American Skin.” “I feel like I have gained so much wisdom from people in my circle,” he added.
“Three years ago I was pretty tone deaf to the realities of certain situations that were happening in the climate. And I’ve had a lot of time to think about that, and I’ve learned a lot from it,” he said. “And being tone deaf, there were a lot of people that were hurt in my response, in the way I approached things. I apologize to those people.
- 9/1/2019
- by Nick Vivarelli and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
After snagging nominations at the Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Awards, SAG Awards, BAFTAs and more, Spike Lee‘s “BlacKkKlansman” has emerged as one of the leading contenders in the Oscar race for Best Picture. It tells the true story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), a black police detective who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s with the help of a Jewish officer (Adam Driver). Gold Derby recently spoke with Driver, screenwriters Charlie Wachtel and David Rabinowitz, cinematographer Chayse Irvin, production designer Curt Beech, film editor Barry Alexander Brown, composer Terence Blanchard and hair stylist Lawanda M. Pierre about their work.
See Will ‘BlacKkKlansman’ win Spike Lee his long overdue Oscar?
“There’s obviously an importance to the story overall that you want to get right,” says Driver. Though it’s set in the late 1970s, Lee makes direct references to both our past and present, from D.W. Griffith...
See Will ‘BlacKkKlansman’ win Spike Lee his long overdue Oscar?
“There’s obviously an importance to the story overall that you want to get right,” says Driver. Though it’s set in the late 1970s, Lee makes direct references to both our past and present, from D.W. Griffith...
- 1/18/2019
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
Lawanda M. Pierre reveals that Spike Lee “is very secretive sometimes when it comes to projects.” When he first called her about serving as hair department head on “BlacKkKlansman,” the only thing he wanted to know was whether or not she could “do an afro wig for a male lead? When I asked him, ‘Well, what is this for?’ he laughs and just hangs up.” But it didn’t matter that Lee was intentionally vague. “When he calls I pretty much do it.” Watch our exclusive video interview with Pierre above.
This Focus Features release tells the true story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), an African-American police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the late 1970s with the help of a white detective (Adam Driver) acting as his proxy.
See Adam Driver: ‘BlacKkKlansman’ shows how racism ‘has been part of the conversation in this country for so...
This Focus Features release tells the true story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), an African-American police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the late 1970s with the help of a white detective (Adam Driver) acting as his proxy.
See Adam Driver: ‘BlacKkKlansman’ shows how racism ‘has been part of the conversation in this country for so...
- 12/5/2018
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Carl Lumbly and Curtiss Cook are set to recur on season two of Showtime’s “The Chi.”
Gregory will play Kimberly Hendricks, described as a razor-sharp power attorney working on behalf of Ronnie (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine). Her previous film and TV roles include “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World,” “Better Call Saul,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Vice Principals,” “Devious Maids,” “I Think I Love My Wife” and “Red Hook Summer.” She is represented by Buchwald.
Lumbly has been cast as Walter Dion Burkes, the ranking member and founder of the 63rd St. Mob. Burkes is described as keeping a low profile, but still has influence on the streets. Lumbly’s credits include “Supergirl,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Sounder,” “Alias,” “L.A. Law,” and “Cagney and Lacey.” He is represented by Kass Management.
Cook will play Douda, described as a successful Southside businessman and hustler, who also has ties to Reg (Barton Fitzpatrick). With Reg’s help,...
Gregory will play Kimberly Hendricks, described as a razor-sharp power attorney working on behalf of Ronnie (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine). Her previous film and TV roles include “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World,” “Better Call Saul,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Vice Principals,” “Devious Maids,” “I Think I Love My Wife” and “Red Hook Summer.” She is represented by Buchwald.
Lumbly has been cast as Walter Dion Burkes, the ranking member and founder of the 63rd St. Mob. Burkes is described as keeping a low profile, but still has influence on the streets. Lumbly’s credits include “Supergirl,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Sounder,” “Alias,” “L.A. Law,” and “Cagney and Lacey.” He is represented by Kass Management.
Cook will play Douda, described as a successful Southside businessman and hustler, who also has ties to Reg (Barton Fitzpatrick). With Reg’s help,...
- 9/6/2018
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
“BlacKkKlansman,” which premiered in May at the Cannes Film Festival, is quintessential Spike Lee, impassioned and messy and vital as anything he’s done in decades.
It’s also far more accomplished a piece of filmmaking than many of Lee’s recent narrative films. Let’s face it, the director of “She’s Gotta Have It,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Malcolm X” has long been an iconic director, educator and activist, but films like “Red Hook Summer,” “Miracle at St. Anna,” “Oldboy” and even the spirited but uneven “Chi-Raq” just didn’t have the impact or the quality of his earlier films.
His television documentaries, including “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts” and “If God Is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise,” have fared better.
Also Read: 'Dog Days' Film Review: Intertwined Lives of Owners and Pets Makes for Obediently Heartwarming Comedy
But...
It’s also far more accomplished a piece of filmmaking than many of Lee’s recent narrative films. Let’s face it, the director of “She’s Gotta Have It,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Malcolm X” has long been an iconic director, educator and activist, but films like “Red Hook Summer,” “Miracle at St. Anna,” “Oldboy” and even the spirited but uneven “Chi-Raq” just didn’t have the impact or the quality of his earlier films.
His television documentaries, including “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts” and “If God Is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise,” have fared better.
Also Read: 'Dog Days' Film Review: Intertwined Lives of Owners and Pets Makes for Obediently Heartwarming Comedy
But...
- 8/8/2018
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
It’s been a rough few years to be a Spike Lee fan. He’s one of our best living filmmakers, but his output in the last decade has been underwhelming in one way or another, whether being a bit dull (“Miracle At St. Anna”), quite good but underseen (“Red Hook Summer,” “Chi-Raq”), quite bad and also underseen (“Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus”), or career-nadir-bad and also totally unseen (the “Oldboy” remake).
Continue reading Spike Lee To Direct ‘Black Klansman’ With Jordan Peele Producing at The Playlist.
Continue reading Spike Lee To Direct ‘Black Klansman’ With Jordan Peele Producing at The Playlist.
- 9/8/2017
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
Nate Parker became an overnight sensation in Hollywood after his film The Birth of a Nation, which he wrote, starred in, directed and produced, earned universal praise, scoring an unprecedented $17 million deal at the Sundance Film Festival and earning him glowing comparisons to Orson Welles. But the acclaim has been overshadowed by his involvement in a 1999 rape case after recent reports surfaced that the woman had committed suicide in 2012, shining a harsh spotlight on a man who endured a troubled childhood before charting his path to stardom. Birth of a Nation, a historical drama that tells the story of Nat Turner's famous 1831 slave revolt,...
- 8/18/2016
- by Michael Miller, @write_miller
- PEOPLE.com
Nate Parker became an overnight sensation in Hollywood after his film The Birth of a Nation, which he wrote, starred in, directed and produced, earned universal praise, scoring an unprecedented $17 million deal at the Sundance Film Festival and earning him glowing comparisons to Orson Welles. But the acclaim has been overshadowed by his involvement in a 1999 rape case after recent reports surfaced that the woman had committed suicide in 2012, shining a harsh spotlight on a man who endured a troubled childhood before charting his path to stardom. Birth of a Nation, a historical drama that tells the story of Nat Turner's famous 1831 slave revolt,...
- 8/18/2016
- by Michael Miller, @write_miller
- PEOPLE.com
A dark chapter in the past of actor and filmmaker Nate Parker has come back to haunt him ahead of the release of The Birth of a Nation, a movie about a Virginia slave rebellion in 1831 that many heralded as an Oscar frontrunner when it screened at Sundance in January. In recent weeks, details surrounding a rape accusation he faced while in college have come to light and, despite his acquittal of the charges, he has had to confront them in the press and on his social media.
In 1999, an...
In 1999, an...
- 8/17/2016
- Rollingstone.com
All this week, IndieWire will be rolling out our annual Fall Preview, including offerings that span genres, a close examination of some of the year’s biggest breakouts, all the awards contenders you need to know about now and special attention to all the new movies you need to get through a jam-packed fall movie-going season. Check back every day for a new look at the best the season has to offer, and clear your schedule, because we’re going to fill it right up.
“White Girl,” September 2 – Elizabeth Wood, Writer and Director
Elizabeth Wood’s feature film debut was almost immediately deemed “shocking!” and “racy!” and “wild!” as soon as it debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, but underneath a film about throwing caution to the wind in the pursuit of both terrible decisions and the capricious joys of youth beats a big, honest heart. Wood’s...
“White Girl,” September 2 – Elizabeth Wood, Writer and Director
Elizabeth Wood’s feature film debut was almost immediately deemed “shocking!” and “racy!” and “wild!” as soon as it debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, but underneath a film about throwing caution to the wind in the pursuit of both terrible decisions and the capricious joys of youth beats a big, honest heart. Wood’s...
- 8/16/2016
- by Kate Erbland, Chris O'Falt, David Ehrlich, Steve Greene and Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
Sundance Institute announced that Nate Parker is this year’s Vanguard Award recipient. The award will be presented to the director and actor at the Night Before Next celebration on August 11 at the Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. The summer festivity will benefit the Institute and its artists on the eve of Sundance Next Fest.
“Night Before Next will bring our community together to celebrate and support independent artists who create bold, original work,” said Keri Putnam, Executive Director of Sundance Institute. “In this spirit, we are excited to honor Nate Parker as he prepares to release the extraordinary film ‘The Birth of a Nation,’ which we supported during development and premiered at our Festival.”
Read More: ‘The Birth of a Nation’ Trailer: Nate Parker Is a Child of God in New Look at His Sundance Prizewinner
Parker, who is making his directorial debut with “The Birth of a Nation,...
“Night Before Next will bring our community together to celebrate and support independent artists who create bold, original work,” said Keri Putnam, Executive Director of Sundance Institute. “In this spirit, we are excited to honor Nate Parker as he prepares to release the extraordinary film ‘The Birth of a Nation,’ which we supported during development and premiered at our Festival.”
Read More: ‘The Birth of a Nation’ Trailer: Nate Parker Is a Child of God in New Look at His Sundance Prizewinner
Parker, who is making his directorial debut with “The Birth of a Nation,...
- 6/28/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Fox Searchlight Pictures has released the first trailer for director Nate Parker’s The Birth Of A Nation.
Set against the antebellum South, The Birth Of A Nation follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. As he witnesses countless atrocities – against himself and his fellow slaves – Nat orchestrates an uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom.
In his Sundance Film Festival review, The Hollywood Reporter’s Todd McCarthy says the film, “offers up more than enough in terms of intelligence, insight, historical research and religious nuance to not at all be considered a missed opportunity. Far more of the essentials made it into the film than not; its makers’ dedication and minute attention are constantly felt, and the subject matter is still rare enough onscreen as to be welcome and needed,...
Set against the antebellum South, The Birth Of A Nation follows Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat’s preaching to subdue unruly slaves. As he witnesses countless atrocities – against himself and his fellow slaves – Nat orchestrates an uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom.
In his Sundance Film Festival review, The Hollywood Reporter’s Todd McCarthy says the film, “offers up more than enough in terms of intelligence, insight, historical research and religious nuance to not at all be considered a missed opportunity. Far more of the essentials made it into the film than not; its makers’ dedication and minute attention are constantly felt, and the subject matter is still rare enough onscreen as to be welcome and needed,...
- 4/15/2016
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
For his debut as a feature film writer and director, Nate Parker has told the story of a personal hero: Nat Turner. The Birth of a Nation is also the first major fiction film about Turner, the leader of an infamous 1831 slave rebellion. Parker himself stars as Turner, having appeared in more than 20 films to date, including Red Hook Summer, The Great Debaters and Ain’t Them Bodies Saints. Below, Parker speaks with Filmmaker about his film’s eye-catching title, Turner’s legacy and what he hopes modern audiences take away from this story. The Birth of a Nation premieres in the U.S Dramatic Competition at […]...
- 1/25/2016
- by Soheil Rezayazdi
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
For his debut as a feature film writer and director, Nate Parker has told the story of a personal hero: Nat Turner. The Birth of a Nation is also the first major fiction film about Turner, the leader of an infamous 1831 slave rebellion. Parker himself stars as Turner, having appeared in more than 20 films to date, including Red Hook Summer, The Great Debaters and Ain’t Them Bodies Saints. Below, Parker speaks with Filmmaker about his film’s eye-catching title, Turner’s legacy and what he hopes modern audiences take away from this story. The Birth of a Nation premieres in the U.S Dramatic Competition at […]...
- 1/25/2016
- by Soheil Rezayazdi
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
There were a few reasons I fully expected to be disappointed by “Chi-raq.” For one, I’d seen the trailer. For another, “Red Hook Summer.” And for a third reason, this horrifying quote from Spike Lee about how a sex strike could effect on-campus rapes, as if 1.) women are the ones who should be tasked with stopping on-campus rapes and 2.) rape is more connected to acts of sex, than acts of power, dominance or violence. Equally disturbing was this song that was allegedly going to be featured in the film. Luckily, that song does not appear in its entirety—specifically, those troubling lyrics that seem to speak out against Black Lives Matter activists, nor does Spike Lee’s quote about the...
- 1/7/2016
- by Shannon M. Houston
- ShadowAndAct
This list originally ran in August 2012, tied to the release of Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer. In the three years since, Lee has released a 2013 remake of Oldboy, last year's Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, and, as of this week, the powerful mess of a film Chi-Raq. We've updated this list to include those recent offerings from this true Hollywood original. Spike Lee has been making films for a little more than a quarter century, and while he's had both misfires and masterpieces, the one thing you can say about his movies is that they are never, ever boring. We went through the Lee canon and ruthlessly ranked his films, from worst to best. We included only his theatrical releases — Lee has made several television documentaries and even a TV pilot — with one notable exception (his Katrina doc for HBO, When the Levees Broke), because it's one of...
- 12/4/2015
- by Will Leitch,Tim Grierson
- Vulture
Sexual Healing: Spike Lee’s New Joint Aims to Anoint
Provocateur Spike Lee continues to fling his ambition into surprising experimental formats and narratives. Following the box office failure of his 2008 war drama Miracle at St. Anna, Lee has branched out inventively, though his feature narrative products have not often received the same level of critical acclaim elicited by his early titles from the late 80s and early 90s when he was a lone representative of black independent cinema at the art house. After funding 2012’s Red Hook Summer out of pocket and controversially trawling Kickstarter for 2014’s Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (a remake of Bill Gunn’s 1973 classic Ganja & Hess), he’s back with his grandest platform in quite some time with Chi-raq, so named for the controversial moniker Chicago has earned due to the astronomical urban violence plaguing the metropolis’ South Side. Assembling an impressive cast, including...
Provocateur Spike Lee continues to fling his ambition into surprising experimental formats and narratives. Following the box office failure of his 2008 war drama Miracle at St. Anna, Lee has branched out inventively, though his feature narrative products have not often received the same level of critical acclaim elicited by his early titles from the late 80s and early 90s when he was a lone representative of black independent cinema at the art house. After funding 2012’s Red Hook Summer out of pocket and controversially trawling Kickstarter for 2014’s Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (a remake of Bill Gunn’s 1973 classic Ganja & Hess), he’s back with his grandest platform in quite some time with Chi-raq, so named for the controversial moniker Chicago has earned due to the astronomical urban violence plaguing the metropolis’ South Side. Assembling an impressive cast, including...
- 12/2/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
It’s been difficult to be a Spike Lee apologist in the last few years. While some of the director’s dramas like “25th Hour” have found their rightful due as contemporary masterpieces, the subsequent dearth of Lee’s worthwhile narrative efforts, and the flop of many, have hastened some critics to declare the filmmaker's best days are behind him (one could argue a premature honorary Oscar doesn’t help that notion). In some cases, beyond conveniently forgetting “Inside Man,” this assertion is hard to argue, as his narratives of any class or budget had stem-to-stern problems, whether its glossy Hollywood remakes (“Oldboy”), or Kickstarter-funded micro-indies (“Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus”). A focused control of tone seemed to have escaped the filmmaker in egregiously fundamental ways and even medium works have jumped the shark at their points of intended provocation (“Red Hook Summer”). There were lifeboats to point to — while...
- 11/30/2015
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
The holiday season is here and like a lot of you, I plan on staying inside as much as I can and watching some great TV and movies. Thankfully Netflix is here to help with a new batch of offerings for December. They are also removing some titles you may want to watch while you can! Of course we are all waiting to see this Bill Murray Christmas special which arrives December 4th. Have a safe and happy viewing month everyone! Check out the full listings below:
All Title Dates are Subject to Change
Netflix U.S. Release Dates Only
Available 12/1
#DeathToSelfie (2014)
30 for 30: Chasing Tyson (2015)
50 Shades of They: Season 1
A Christmas Star (2015)
A Genius Leaves the Hood: The Unauthorized Story of Jay Z (2014)
Amnesiac (2015)
Broadchurch: Season 2
Cbgb (2013)
Christmas Wedding Baby (2014)
The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury (2004)
Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)
Darkman (1990)
Detectorists: Season 1
I’m Brent Morin — Netflix Original...
All Title Dates are Subject to Change
Netflix U.S. Release Dates Only
Available 12/1
#DeathToSelfie (2014)
30 for 30: Chasing Tyson (2015)
50 Shades of They: Season 1
A Christmas Star (2015)
A Genius Leaves the Hood: The Unauthorized Story of Jay Z (2014)
Amnesiac (2015)
Broadchurch: Season 2
Cbgb (2013)
Christmas Wedding Baby (2014)
The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury (2004)
Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)
Darkman (1990)
Detectorists: Season 1
I’m Brent Morin — Netflix Original...
- 11/27/2015
- by Graham McMorrow
- City of Films
The film-maker is back at the top of his game with this incendiary look at life in a gang-ravaged Chicago, featuring a break-out performance from Teyonah Parris – and giving Amazon Studios a terrific debut
Related: Do the right thing: Spike Lee's Chicago film must avoid the city's crime clichés
Don’t come to Chi-Raq looking for a carefully articulated, plot-driven exposé into America’s gang and gun cultures. Oh, a message gets out, but this a Spike Lee joint and, as his mid-career has shown, he’s shrugged off the cloak of the “prestige film-maker” and fully embraced the more risky title of Artist. Recent projects Red Hook Summer and Da Sweet Blood of Jesus have been near-misses; “stylish” and “interesting”. With Chi-Raq, his big, go-for-broke swing finally fully connects with the ball and knocks it out of the park. While formally quite different from his more universally-respected early work,...
Related: Do the right thing: Spike Lee's Chicago film must avoid the city's crime clichés
Don’t come to Chi-Raq looking for a carefully articulated, plot-driven exposé into America’s gang and gun cultures. Oh, a message gets out, but this a Spike Lee joint and, as his mid-career has shown, he’s shrugged off the cloak of the “prestige film-maker” and fully embraced the more risky title of Artist. Recent projects Red Hook Summer and Da Sweet Blood of Jesus have been near-misses; “stylish” and “interesting”. With Chi-Raq, his big, go-for-broke swing finally fully connects with the ball and knocks it out of the park. While formally quite different from his more universally-respected early work,...
- 11/25/2015
- by Jordan Hoffman
- The Guardian - Film News
It's last call for several horror films, including "The Silence of the Lambs" and the "The Omen" trilogy, which are leaving Netflix in December.
Also going bye-bye: Both versions of manly tearjerker "Brian's Song" and classics including "All About Eve" (1950), "The Great Escape" (1963) and "The Hustler" (1961). And if you want to stream '80s favorites "The Dark Crystal" (1982) or "Labyrinth" (1986), better get on that before December 1.
Here's what's leaving Netflix in December 2015.
Leaving December 1
"All About Eve" (1950)
"The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes": Season 1 (2012)
"Batman Begins" (2005)
"Beverly Hills Cop III" (1994)
"Brian's Song" (1971)
"Brian's Song" (2001)
"The Brothers Grimm" (2005)
"The Burbs" (1989)
"Cop Land" (1997)
"Damien: Omen II" (1978)
"The Dark Crystal" (1982)
"Employee of the Month" (2006)
"Forces of Nature" (1999)
"Get Low" (2009)
"The Great Escape" (1963)
"The Guardian": Season 1-3
"The High and the Mighty" (1954)
"The Hustler" (1961)
"Insomnia" (2002)
"Juice" (1992)
"K-19: The Widowmaker" (2002)
"Labyrinth" (1986)
"Last Night" (2010)
"Left Behind: The Movie" (2000)
"Left Behind II: Tribulation Force...
Also going bye-bye: Both versions of manly tearjerker "Brian's Song" and classics including "All About Eve" (1950), "The Great Escape" (1963) and "The Hustler" (1961). And if you want to stream '80s favorites "The Dark Crystal" (1982) or "Labyrinth" (1986), better get on that before December 1.
Here's what's leaving Netflix in December 2015.
Leaving December 1
"All About Eve" (1950)
"The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes": Season 1 (2012)
"Batman Begins" (2005)
"Beverly Hills Cop III" (1994)
"Brian's Song" (1971)
"Brian's Song" (2001)
"The Brothers Grimm" (2005)
"The Burbs" (1989)
"Cop Land" (1997)
"Damien: Omen II" (1978)
"The Dark Crystal" (1982)
"Employee of the Month" (2006)
"Forces of Nature" (1999)
"Get Low" (2009)
"The Great Escape" (1963)
"The Guardian": Season 1-3
"The High and the Mighty" (1954)
"The Hustler" (1961)
"Insomnia" (2002)
"Juice" (1992)
"K-19: The Widowmaker" (2002)
"Labyrinth" (1986)
"Last Night" (2010)
"Left Behind: The Movie" (2000)
"Left Behind II: Tribulation Force...
- 11/24/2015
- by Sharon Knolle
- Moviefone
Filmmakers, Actors and Actresses and Hollywood’s A-listers turned out for the first Oscar awards show of the season – the 7th annual Governors Awards.
The star-studded evening was held in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday. (Nov 14, 2015)
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award went to Debbie Reynolds, and Honorary Awards were presented to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.
The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.” The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.”
Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs opened the 2015 Governors Awards with a tribute to the Paris tragedy and spoke about The Academy’s response...
The star-studded evening was held in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday. (Nov 14, 2015)
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award went to Debbie Reynolds, and Honorary Awards were presented to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.
The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.” The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.”
Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs opened the 2015 Governors Awards with a tribute to the Paris tragedy and spoke about The Academy’s response...
- 11/15/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
©A.M.P.A.S.
The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted Tuesday night (August 25) to present Honorary Awards to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Debbie Reynolds.
All three awards will be presented at the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards on Saturday, November 14, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.
“The Board is proud to recognize our honorees’ remarkable contributions at this year’s Governors Awards,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “We’ll be celebrating their achievements with the knowledge that the work they have accomplished – with passion, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference – will also enrich future generations.”
Lee, a champion of independent film and an inspiration to young filmmakers, made an auspicious debut with his Nyu thesis film, “Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads,” which won...
The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted Tuesday night (August 25) to present Honorary Awards to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Debbie Reynolds.
All three awards will be presented at the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards on Saturday, November 14, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center.
“The Board is proud to recognize our honorees’ remarkable contributions at this year’s Governors Awards,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “We’ll be celebrating their achievements with the knowledge that the work they have accomplished – with passion, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference – will also enrich future generations.”
Lee, a champion of independent film and an inspiration to young filmmakers, made an auspicious debut with his Nyu thesis film, “Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads,” which won...
- 8/28/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted Tuesday night (August 25) to present Honorary Awards to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Debbie Reynolds. All three awards will be presented at the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards on Saturday, November 14, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center®. “The Board is proud to recognize our honorees’ remarkable contributions at this year’s Governors Awards,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “We’ll be celebrating their achievements with the knowledge that the work they have accomplished – with passion, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference – will also enrich future generations.” Lee, a champion of independent film and an inspiration to young filmmakers, made an auspicious debut with his Nyu thesis film, “Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads,” which won a Student Academy Award® in...
- 8/27/2015
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
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