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Category: Film & TV

  • American Idol Alum Fantasia Barrino Is Thankful She Once Lost Everything As It Contributed Positively To Her Journey

    American Idol Alum Fantasia Barrino Is Thankful She Once Lost Everything As It Contributed Positively To Her Journey

    To the world, Fantasia Barrino might have been a winner on American Idol, but she once lost everything before her role in The Color Purple. Following her Grammy win and Oscar nomination, the entertainer talks about her past life and struggles.

    Fantasia Feels Grateful For The Pain She Experienced After American Idol Victory

    Fantasia Barrino, who landed the lead role in The Color Purple, may take home a Golden Globe award. Before that, she earned a Grammy after years of singing.

    Despite not knowing too much, the songbird channeled her energy into her first love. She sang through the ups and downs, blessing the world with her voice and sharing her story. Surprisingly, this was a coping mechanism.

    Looking back at her life, she obtained some scars from the unsavory experiences. But today, she stands tall because of them. In her words:

    “I’m grateful for it. … If I did not go through that, I wouldn’t be the woman that I am today.”

    Working on The Color Purple made Fantasia aware that her past could be anyone’s reality. The actress teamed up with Oprah Winfrey, executive producer, and actresses Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks for the lead role — Celie. While speaking about the character that landed her a Golden Globe nomination, she said:

    “Celie and I have a lot in common when it comes to family situations, losing things, and feeling ugly and unseen.”

    Fantasia Barrino Lost Everything After Her Initiation To The Spotlight

    As a young adult from a humble background, Fantasia Barrino was naive even after winning the American Idol. Unlike what many young celebrities are privy to know and enjoy today, there was nothing seemingly fantastic for Fantasia.

    She found navigating her way through fame difficult and was hit by some personal woes. This included getting served a lawsuit by her father, who opposed her Life Is Not A Fairytale memoir. She overdosed on aspirin and a sleep aid.

    In a recent chat with People, the singer shared:

    “It wasn’t easy. I lost a lot. I lost everything.”

    Fantasia’s naivety made her believe that trust and fondness were the cards to attaining success in the industry. Following her comeback, the American Idol winner knows that there must be agreements, and the industry is business-based.

  • Losing Boardwalk Empire Role Because of His Skin Color Affected Him, Says Colman Domingo

    Losing Boardwalk Empire Role Because of His Skin Color Affected Him, Says Colman Domingo

    Colman Domingo would have starred in “Boardwalk Empire,” but he had one problem — how he looked. Nothing was said about his talent or voice, but sadly, his skin color. Years after the heartbreaking news from his agent, he recalls how that set him on a new path.

    Colman Domingo Thought His Boardwalk Empire Rejection Would End Him

    As a newbie in the acting business, Colman was full of hope and dreams. He has no problem auditioning for under-five roles only to make a breakthrough in the future. In his statement to The New York Times, Colman said he auditioned for Boardwalk Empire and did his best to impress the panelists. The producers wanted the maitre d’ of a club owned by a Black man.

    Fortunately, he got the call from his agent, but it was bad news. Colman was informed that Boardwalk Empire producers wanted a light-skinned man for the role. It did not matter his performance, he was not suited for it.

    According to Variety, the setback made Colman feel less of himself. He admitted to losing his mind before telling the agent:

    “I can’t take it anymore, I think this is going to kill me.”

    Colman Domingo Is Living His Dreams

    Thankfully, Colman Domingo did not hurt himself; instead, he managed to build his own Boardwalk Empire. A decade after being called too dark-skinned for a role, he has become one of Hollywood’s most wanted. In this year alone, he has starred in Rustin and The Color Purple. Apart from working with great minds, including Oprah Winfrey, who served as executive producer for The Color Purple, Colman can brag about the film being a hit. It debuted on Christmas Day, recording $18 million.

    Colman can also hang his head high as he had been tapped for a few industry recognitions following his involvement in some films. For The Scottsboro Boys, he made it to the Tony nominee list. He won an Emmy for Euphoria, and now, for his Rustin performance, he might be nominated for an Oscar.

  • Taraji P. Henson Adopted Her No-Nonsense “Cookie” Attitude In Reality — She Fired Her Entire Team

    Taraji P. Henson Adopted Her No-Nonsense “Cookie” Attitude In Reality — She Fired Her Entire Team

    Taraji P. Henson became the name on everybody’s lips after her delivery on Empire, but her team was dismissed afterward. For seven years, she was the feisty, courageous, and tough-love woman on the Empire series. However, she soon lost her sparks — no thanks to a dormant team. Once the show ended in 2020, she experienced a dip in her acting career, and Taraji was quick to blame her team.

    Taraji P. Henson’s Team Takes The Fall

    The 53-year-old came prepared to have a dialogue with Angelique Jackson, an interviewer from Variety. During the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, she bluntly chimed in that everyone on her team was cut loose.

    As Cookie, she sought opportunities to keep her family on top, and there was always a way. As Taraji, she wanted to bank on the show’s success to maintain a level of notoriety. She was prepared to work on different deals, but when this did not happen, there had to be someone responsible. As per Page Six, once Taraji P Henson realized that her team was dormant, she fired them.

    In her words:

    “Where is my deal? Where’s my commercial? Cookie was at the top of the fashion game. Where is my endorsement? What did you have set up for after this?… And so, when they didn’t get it right, I was like, ‘Well, that’s it,’ and they had nothing else. You’re all f—kin’ fired.”

    Taraji Henson’s Empire success might not have gotten her many gigs, but she earned loyal fans. Following her revelation, her audience gave a thunderous clap, agreeing with her reasoning.

    Once her reason for being out of the movie scenes for so long was settled, she slipped into the prejudice against black women. The Oscar nominee reiterated her train of thought from her Gayle King interview.

    She maintained that black women were underpaid, but she was willing to upset the imbalance. “You can’t just pay me anything ’cause I’ll say no,” said Taraji.

  • Operation Valentine An Air Force Action Film

    Operation Valentine An Air Force Action Film

    Set to release on the 16th of February 2024 is India’s biggest Air Force action bilingual film shot in Telugu and Hindi. It’s directed by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada and written by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada, Aamir Khan, and Siddharth Raj Kumar inspired by true events

    The upcoming movie is an action drama trailer that displays patriotism in a mind-blowing performance that showcases the heroes of the Air Force on the frontlines, and the difficulties they faced as they fought one of the biggest, fiercest aerial attacks that have rocked India.

    In addition, the teaser promises adrenaline-inducing action and adventure, along with a blooming romance. It stars Varun Tej and Manushi Chillar. It is set in the backdrop of war and is said to be a romantic tragedy. Varun Tej is playing an officer from the Indian Air Force.

    The film is centered on two people falling in love, and how they sacrifice their love for their beloved country. Operation Valentine is said to be based on true events and is billed as “a patriotic, edge-of-the-seat entertainer.”      

    #Clique, what are your thoughts on this film?

  • Warner Bros Discovery In Talks To Merge With Paramount Global

    Warner Bros Discovery In Talks To Merge With Paramount Global

    The CEO of Warner Bros Discovery David Zaslav and Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish held a meeting in New York City on Tuesday to discuss terms of a possible merger, sources reveal. 

    Their meeting was said to have lasted several hours as the duo discussed various ways each company would complement the other. An example of this is Paramount+ and Max merging to better rival Disney+ and Netflix. 

    A combination of these platforms would create a news and entertainment giant that is likely to trigger more consolidation in the industry. Shari Redstone, the owner of Paramount’s parent company, has been in talks with Zaslav about a deal. 

    However, it is unclear if Warner Bros would buy Paramount Global or its parent company, National Amusements Inc (NAI). The deal, if successful, could drive substantial synergies with Warner Bros using its international distribution footprint to boost Paramount’s franchises, while Paramount’s children’s programming assets could be essential to Warner Bros’ long-term streaming ambitions.

    In addition, CBS News could be joined with CNN to establish a global news powerhouse. Several CBS crime dramas, such as

    “NCIS”

    and

    “Criminal Minds,”

    could be combined with Investigation Discovery and TruTV.

    Due to their increasing debt, Paramount is under constant pressure to find a strategic partner or buyer. Their stock rose 12% following a report from Puck that Skydance Media and RedBird Capital Partners were eyeing a potential deal to buy a majority stake in NAI earlier this month. 

    The talks between Warner Bros. and Paramount are still early and may not ultimately result in a deal. However, given the acceleration of cord-cutting and the growing encroachment of Big Tech on media, neither company can remain on the sidelines for long.

    #Clique, what are your thoughts on this?

  • Taraji P. Henson Chokes Up: Explains That The Industry Doesn’t Pay Fairly and How She Considered Quitting Acting

    Taraji P. Henson Chokes Up: Explains That The Industry Doesn’t Pay Fairly and How She Considered Quitting Acting

    Taraji P. Henson recently pointed out in an interview with Gayle King on SiriusXM that when asked if she had considered retiring from acting, her heart fell to pieces right there and then.
    Regarding the under-paid nature of work in Hollywood, she expressed frustration while noting that her hard work is bringing substantial returns yet, she’s only receiving a small fraction of what she nets.

    Henson also talked about the financial difficulties faced by actors, noting that much of their income is eaten up after paying taxes and compensating team members. In addition, she stated that Black actors and stories both have limited overseas marketing potential, one of the reasons for their imbalance in pay.

    The Color Purple director confirmed her account and added that he himself battled to get his intended leading actors into the film. Henson’s insistence upon fair pay is also related to her wish for other actresses and for a better industry all around.

    Watch Henson’s complete interview here. Warner Bros. releases

    “The Color Purple”

    on Dec. 25 in theaters.

    Clique, what are your thoughts on this?

  • Kate Winslet Stars In The Regime

    Kate Winslet Stars In The Regime

    This film unravels an authoritarian regime and follows a story of one year within the walls of its palace.

    This film’s trailer is a two-minute preview that promises a lot more comedy as opposed to its political drama backdrop and a potential tragic conflict. It traces how Winslet’s chancellor selects an attack dog to insulate herself from criticism, subterfuge, and, ultimately, reality.

    The Regime is an upcoming American series from HBO starring Kate Winslet, Andrea Riseborough, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Hugh Grant. Will Tracy is a writer, executive producer, and showrunner on the series with Stephen Frears and Jessica Hobbs directing episodes and executive producing.

    The series is expected to have six episodes and is set to debut on March 3. The HBO limited series from

    ‘The Menu’

    and

    ‘Succession’

    writer, Will Tracy, also stars Guillaume Gallienne, Andrea Riseborough, Martha Plimpton, and Hugh Grant.

    Clique, will you be seeing this series?

  • Beyonce Pulls A Surprise Stunt For Her Brazilian Fans as She Visits Them At “Renaissance” Film Screening

    Beyonce Pulls A Surprise Stunt For Her Brazilian Fans as She Visits Them At “Renaissance” Film Screening

    Beyonce’s ‘Renaissance’ film is yet to premiere worldwide, but the buzz surrounding it in Brazil is already overwhelming. Ahead of its debut in Brazil, the production was screened in Brazil, one of the foreign countries to witness some Queen Bey glory — literally.

    Beyonce Attended The Renaissance Film Screening In Brazil

    To show her appreciation to her fans in Brazil, who are dying to see her Renaissance film, Beyonce visited the screening venue. On Dec. 21, she reached Salvador after flying in a private jet. The singer honored an invite to an after-screening party by attending “Club Renaissance.” There, a sea of excited fans screamed their guts out for her attention.

    Without any hint of pride, Beyonce acknowledged her Beyhive members. In a viral video posted by a Brazilian media outlet, she was spotted saying:

    “I came because I love you so much. It was very important to be here, right here.”

    Even though her appearance at the Renaissance film screening shocked many Brazilian fans, there was evidence that she was in town. As per Page Six, Sleuthing fans would have observed her change in location.

    Since May, Beyonce has been working to make an incredible Renaissance film. The singer, who began touring in May and wrapped up in October, hopes to show fans what the experience meant to her.

    The Renaissance film hit the cinemas on December 1. A few days ago, Beyonce thrilled fans by announcing that the film would be shown in fifteen more countries. In a rumors tone, she told fans online:

    “Y’all didn’t have to break my website. But I told y’all, the renaissance is not over.”

    Her Surprise Visit Comes After Private Family Tour in NYC

    Beyonce’s surprise appearance comes days after the singer and her husband, Jay Z, treated the family to a private bus ride in New York City. The power couple rented a bus that conveyed their three kids, Sir, Rumi, Blue Ivy, and Grandma Gloria.

  • Taraji P. Henson Pays Tribute To Oprah Winfrey after Her Interview on Pay Disparity With Gayle King Goes Viral

    Taraji P. Henson Pays Tribute To Oprah Winfrey after Her Interview on Pay Disparity With Gayle King Goes Viral

    Taraji P. Henson has Oprah Winfrey, The Color Purple E.D., to thank for helping her in the fight against pay disparity in the industry to be heard. The actress shared a heart-melting post tagging the media mogul. This comes after Henson’s interview proved the news.

    Taraji P. Henson Talks Pay Disparity with Gayle King

    During her appearance on SiriusXM, Taraji P. Henson unburdened her mind to King over pay disparity. The 53-year-old confessed that her pay has refused to commiserate with the job done for years. Sadly, this is a problem most women of color have complained about. While speaking to the interviewer and co-stars from her new movie, Danielle Brooks and Blitz Bazawule, she shared:

    “I hear people go, ‘You work a lot.’ I have to. The math ain’t matching.Big bills come with what we do… The fact that we’re up here, there’s a whole entire team behind us. They have to get paid.”

    Her reveal got cheers from fellow actresses, including Gabrielle Union, Viola Davis, and Keke Palmer. The woman made a repost while adding that her words were nothing but the bitter truth.

    Taraji P. Henson Post Featuring Media Mogul, Oprah Winfrey

    Ahead of the release of The Color Purple, Henson hailed Oprah Winfrey, who stands as the executive producer of the new film. Two days after spitting out her reality with King, she took advantage of the throwback Thursday ritual and reflected on her relationship with Oprah.

    The Empire star posted a friendly snap featuring her and the media mogul — smiling from ear to ear. Via the caption, Taraji P. Henson referenced Oprah Winfrey as one of her strongest support systems, especially on the pay disparity issue. Henson thanked the billionaire for coming through by different means, including encouragement and guidance.

    The accompanying caption read:

    “It is also imperative to have women of color in decision-making positions across ALL industries. She told me personally to reach out to her for ANYTHING I needed, and I did! It took ONE CALL… ONE CONVERSATION… and ONE DECISION MAKING BLACK WOMAN to make me feel heard.”

    According to People, Henson once contemplated leaving the US because she got tired of using her strength. Fortunately for her, before the migration happened, one woman gave her some listening ears. The Color Purple, produced by Oprah Winfrey, has Henson playing Shug Abery. Its storyline is an adaptation of the first film produced in 1985. It is set to hit the cinemas on Christmas Day.

  • Vin Diesel’s Ex-Worker Turned Sexual Accuser Says He Assaulted Her in His Hotel in 2010

    Vin Diesel’s Ex-Worker Turned Sexual Accuser Says He Assaulted Her in His Hotel in 2010

    It has been more than a decade, but the woman who allegedly suffered sexual battery from Vin Diesel has yet to put all of it aside. After finding inspiration from the new California law, she slammed the actor with a lawsuit and a ton of unscrupulous conduct.

    Vin Diesel’s Former Assistant Says Actor Is Guilty of Sexual Battery

    Asta Jonasson is the name of the person who brought Vin Diesel’s sexual battery accusations to life. The former assistant filed a complaint stating that she had a nerve-wracking experience with the Fast and Furious star. In the lawsuit reported by Vanity Fair, Asta was alone with Diesel in the Atlanta St. Regina Hotel when he attacked her.

    It was an unexpected incident that seemed inevitable as she had been hired to remain in close proximity to him. On a night in September 2010, Diesel took advantage of this closeness by forcibly pulling her onto his bed.

    Statement from the lawsuit read that Diesel “molested her body, running his hands over Ms. Jonasson’s upper legs, including her inner thighs. Terrified, Ms. Jonasson closed her eyes, trying to dissociate from the sexual assault and avoid angering him.”

    Asta Wants Vin Diesel To Pay For His “Alleged” Sexual Misconduct

    Vin Diesel’s former assistant wants him to pay for sexual battery, discrimination based on sex/gender, emotional trauma, hostile work environment, and unlawful termination.

    This lawsuit has somehow addressed Asta’s unfair treatment as an employee of One Race. One Race is a firm jointly founded by Diesel and his sister.

    According to the plaintiff, Diesel was not the only one involved in sexual battery. Asta was reportedly ordered by a One Race exec to visit his hotel room.

    The alleged trauma was not the only blow that hit hard, but getting fired inappropriately. Asta lost her job in One Race barely a month after employment. Samantha Vincent, sister to her employer, terminated the contract, and it felt wrong. As per People, the words in the documents read:

    “It was clear to her that she was being fired because she was no longer useful — Vin Diesel had used her to fulfill his sexual desires and she had resisted his sexual assaults. Ms. Jonasson felt like she was a piece of trash to be discarded.”

    Diesel’s accuser ensured to list out her job description in the lawsuit. She was employed to organize parties and attend to the actor’s needs. Her presence was to remain close by whenever the Fast and Furious star was partying to avoid controversial news.

    Unfortunately, she might have been too close for her safety. The lawsuit comes on the heels of the Speal Out Act, which limits the power of non-disclosure agreements in sexual assault cases. She had formerly signed a non-disclosure agreement as a One Race staffer.