Connect with us

Entertainment

America Ferrera is a trailblazer whose Oscar nomination for Barbie is a belated nod to her brilliance

Published

on

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: America Ferrera attends the

Though hard-fought, America Ferrera’s rise to glory is nothing wanting legendary. She dared to dream the not possible and turned it into reality with tremendous determination, grace and grounding. It wasn’t night. In fact, it took several stellar performances over 22 years for the chubby Honduran girl raised by a working-class single mother to get the Academy’s attention. All this attention is long overdue, but the way in which it turned out is removed from ideal.

Ferrera’s nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Gloria, the girl responsible for ruining Barbie’s pink, picturesque, perfect life in Barbieland in Greta Gerwig’s hit feminist satire is a major victory for everyone who has rooted for her all these years. But the enjoyment fades once you zoom out a little and consider how an actress of Ferrera’s caliber and credibility deserves greater than just a nod to DEI.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 30: America Ferrera attends the
America Ferrera attends the ‘Barbie’ party on the Museum of Contemporary Art on June 30, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo: Don Arnold/WireImage)

While “Barbie” was certainly one of the largest movies of last 12 months, grossing an incredible $1.4 billion and firmly entering the cultural zeitgeist, Ferrera’s character was only a small a part of it. In a world stuffed with Barbies and Kens, Gloria appears only on the periphery, but Ferrera makes sure that she leaves her mark. Her 137-second monologue, which begins with the words “It’s impossible to be a woman,” perfectly captures the injustice, anger and ridiculousness of getting to be one in a man’s world.

However, the 39-year-old actress, director and producer has played more essential roles in her extensive profession spanning over twenty years. Notable twists that deserved more attention, audience and praise than they received. She was a sensible, sincere Carmen in “The Sister of the Traveling Pants” (2005, 2008), looking for love, acceptance and herself, a teenager who finally found herself. She was the unforgettable, utterly chaotic, yet delightful Amy on NBC’s “Superstore” (2015-2021), on which she also served as certainly one of the manager producers.

Then there’s her extraordinary title character within the comedy-drama series “Ugly Betty” (2006-2010), a character that won her a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award (the primary Latina to accomplish that within the “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series” category). But in a unique profession that has included many difficult and boundary-blurring roles, what stands out essentially the most, even in any case these years, is her riveting debut within the feature film “Real Women Have Curves” (2002).

Directed by Patricia Cardoso, she plays Ana, an ambitious, determined 18-year-old Mexican-American who is fed up with society’s expectations of what a woman should look and be like. She’s feisty but relatable, honest, unapologetic, and yet vulnerable. Widely considered an epochal film, it was fearless in its attack on conventional ideas about femininity, achieving major successes on the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and the San Sebastian International Film Festival. He was also honored with the Humanitas Award and the Imagen Award and received special recognition from the National Board of Review. But not a single Oscar nomination. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences completely missed this.

Ferrera was only 18 years old when the film hit theaters. Had she been white, she wouldn’t only have been nominated, but most definitely won – her performance within the film is so fierce – and have become certainly one of the youngest actresses (including all ethnicities) to take home the coveted gold trophy. I can not stop desirous about how Jennifer Lawrence made a splash with her role in Silver Linings Playbook (2012). She didn’t just win an Oscar. It completely modified her profession, catapulting her to superstardom.

I’m wondering how different Ferrera’s trajectory would have been if the Academy had been as committed to diversity, equity and inclusion because it is today. That’s mainly why her nomination hurts all of the more now. Not only is the Academy terribly overdue for this tour de force, but nominating her for a role much smaller than her capabilities seems counter to expectations in an awards season stuffed with meatier, denser performances.

Her other nominees are Danielle Brooks for “The Color Purple,” Da’Vine Joy Randolph for “The Holdovers” and Jodie Foster for “Nyad.”

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

Published

on

By

Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

Published

on

By

India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

on

By

Instagram

With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending