Entertainment
How Cord Jefferson Made the Oscars Not So White
A number of weeks ago, an area supermarket owner informed me that he was halfway through my newest book, “Black AF History: The Unwhitewashed Story of America,” and said he had never read anything prefer it. His compliment made no mention of history, research or storytelling, but since I had received the same compliment myself, I knew exactly where he was going.
“I love stories about your family,” he explained. “You never hear stories about regular black families.”
“Yes,” I replied.
That’s all. That’s the whole story.
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On Sunday, “Black screenwriter” and director Cord Jefferson took home the Oscar for best adapted screenplay for writing “American Fiction,” a dark film about “Black novelist”, who was uninterested in writing “The Black Books”. During his victory speechJefferson graciously thanked his colleagues for “trusting a 40-year-old black guy who had never directed anything before” and implored studio executives to “recognize that there are such a lot of individuals who want the opportunity I’ve been given.” However, what caused the most emotion was Jefferson’s press conference behind the scenes.
“There are audiences who are interested in something else.” Jefferson explained. “A story with black characters that will appeal to a lot of people doesn’t have to take place on a plantation. It doesn’t have to take place in projects. There doesn’t have to be drug dealers involved. You don’t have to have gang members involved. There is an audience that presents different representations of people’s lives. There is a market for representations of Black life that is as broad and as deep as any representation of people’s lives.”
Some viewers, each black and white, interpreted the newly minted Oscar winner’s public remarks as an elitist shot at black filmmakers or movies about black people. Others saw Jefferson’s criticism as a part of an ongoing dialogue in Black America about Hollywood’s obsession with “movies about slaves”, white saviors and movies that fetishize Black trauma.
I’m not aware about Jefferson’s internal dialogue, so it’s unattainable to say which side of this argument is more correct. Regardless of his intentions, there was a subtle, fundamental point in Jefferson’s speech that everybody appeared to miss:
Why won’t Hollywood let black people make “white movies”?
While the mainstream media eagerly discusses “Black cinema” — films with majority black actors in leading roles — the converse is rarely discussed (even during the 337-day period of white history months). That’s why no one takes it into account Martin Scorsese a “white director”, although in his half-century profession he made dozens of movies and not using a single black lead role.
White movies are called “films”.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about American Fiction is its lack of extraordinary. It would take 4 hands to count the variety of movies depicting an peculiar white family coping with grief, loss and familial turmoil. Erica Alexander was pretty much as good in “American Fiction” as Meryl Streep in “August: Osage County” or Frances McDormand in “Nomadland” or any of her Oscar-winning performances as a white woman playing a white woman. While Jeffrey Wright’s performance was spot on, it didn’t live as much as his gut-wrenching performance in “All day and night” Or “OG” While Cord Jefferson undoubtedly made a great movie, what’s much more remarkable is that a black filmmaker was allowed to make a movie that did not depend on the tropes mentioned earlier. The fact is that it is a movie revenue from ticket sales greater than double budget just isn’t surprising. Studios that relegate black movies to lower budgets have experienced this studies which show that “African-American films are doing better at the box office.”
In Caucasian cinema, making a great, interesting white film is the surest strategy to gain critical acclaim. Young white actresses can strike Oscar gold by playing a spunky housewife who stares longingly into the distance (truthfully, I can not tell Cate Blanchett from Kate Winslet, which is why I call all young white actresses “Gwyneth Paltrows”). More white actors won (94) than the total variety of black actors and actresses who’ve ever been nominated (76).
But because quite a few Research shows that white audiences are less curious about and fewer prone to empathize with movies that feature “minority cast members” Black characters, Black actors and filmmakers must portray a specific brand of black pain to receive the same accolades as their white counterparts. White audiences cannot see the humanity of Black people unless it falls into one in all 4 categories:
- Be an actual person: One-third of Black’s Oscar-nominated performances feature historical figures, including Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx), Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker), Richard Williams (Will Smith) and Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya)
- Be helpful: You could be a slave (Hattie McDaniel in “Gone with the Wind”; Lupita Nyong’o in “12 Years a Slave”; Denzel Washington in “Glory”) a servant (Octavia Spencer in “The Help”; Sidney Poitier in “Lily of the Valley”, Morgan Freeman in “Driving Miss Daisy”) or just serving the white hero. (Whoopi Goldberg in “Ghost” Morgan Freeman in “Million Dollar Baby”
- A black one who can sing, dance, run, or do something that white people appreciate can almost change into a human being(Mahershala Ali in “Green Book”, Jennifer Hudson in “Dreamgirls”, Cuba Gooding Jr. in “Jerry Maguire”)
- Suffer: High-stakes, hyperbolic trauma is one in all the few lenses through which white people can see the humanity of black people. (Da’Vine Joy Randolph in “The Holdovers”; Mary J. Blige in “Mudbound”; Halle Berry in “Monster’s Ball”)
None of which means Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voters hate Black people or think less of the movies we make. The best Black art, music, and other types of cultural meaning-making accurately represent Black lives and inform Black individuals who they’re to one another. Conversely, the job of an Oscar voter is to guage black art through the lens of how black people perceive it. And for that specific purpose, the Oscars.
In fact, the most notable achievement of “American Fiction” could also be that white people took notice.
Jefferson didn’t mean that movies about bandits, maids, and slaves were less worthy of attention and praise. It wasn’t even about the need for mid-budget movies (studios were greenlighting white mid-budget movies all the time). His ultimate premise was that everybody deserved to be told because… Or as some call it:
Diversity.
Right.
Inclusion.
That’s all. That’s the whole story.
Entertainment
Shaunie has set new rules with second husband Keion Henderson after her traumatic marriage to Shaquille O’Neal
‘Basketball Wives’ producer Shaunie Henderson has been very open about her marriage to NBA star Shaquille O’Neal and the way devastated she was when she came upon he had repeatedly cheated on her.
Shaq himself admitted to being a serial cheater and publicly apologized for his behavior of their marriage. So it was no surprise when she admitted that she entered right into a relationship with Pastor Keion Henderson, carrying with her loads of baggage stemming from her past experiences with the previous Los Angeles Lakers star.
Reflecting on her marriage to Shaq, she admitted that fidelity is a top priority when on the lookout for a new man and told Henderson that he had to deal with a couple of “deal breakers” if he was to be her man.
While she talked about boundaries within the early stages of their relationship on “The GrOOw Zone” podcast last week, the preacher said she made an inventory about them.
“I think I came in with boundaries that aren’t there anymore,” Shaunie said after admitting that boundaries in a relationship are changing.
“Okay, tell people the list you gave me,” the reverend told his wife of two and a half years.
Although she stated that it was not an inventory, she noted that there have been certain things she didn’t tolerate. Shaunie stated, “The one who… no cheating… That one. … I got here with deal breakers, like for those who do that, I’m out. I do not have it.
Shaq has spoken openly about how his infidelity and broken vows contributed to the breakdown of his marriage to Shaunie. In a revealing conversation on “The Pivot Podcast” in 2022, the NBA legend admitted to leading a “double life” and took full responsibility for his or her breakup, saying: “I used to be offended. She was amazing. It was all me.
In addition to the contestant’s confessions, Shaunie recently revealed in her memoir “Undefeated: Changing the Rules” that she doubted she ever truly loved Shaq during their marriage.
Reflecting on the deep issues that plagued their relationship, she noted that she seemed in love with the life-style of marriage and motherhood.
Update: Video and audio
Shaquill O’Neal claims he was to blame for his divorce from Shaunie O’Neal. Shaq said: “I didn’t protect her and I didn’t protect the oath”#shaquilloneal #shaunieoneal pic.twitter.com/DJD1K4FUhn
— Media On Blast 🟢 (@mediaonblast) April 19, 2022
Regardless of how Shaunie felt on reflection, his infidelity hurt her deeply. She was also offended by allegations that Shaq had an affair with fellow “Basketball Wives” star Laura Govan, who was engaged to fellow NBA star Gilbert Arenas on the time and was a family friend. Although each denied the allegations, leaked text messages allegedly between Govan and Shaq increased tensions, contributing to their separation and eventual divorce in 2009.
Despite the challenges, Shaq and Shaunie remained committed to raising their 4 children in a friendly way.
While this understandably set the tone for Shauna’s developing relationship with Keion, it did introduce some uncertainty that wasn’t necessarily present in the course of the date.
As their relationship deepened, Shaunie found that she began to query whether it was fair to impose such restrictions.
“Is it fair to enter into a relationship and impose restrictions on a person for a crime they did not commit?” Keion asked her. Shaunie admitted that this was not the case, but explained that it was a part of her healing journey.
While its boundaries on the time reflected vital needs, additionally they served as partitions, potentially limiting the organic development of their connection. Shaunie noticed that she wasn’t alone on this – many individuals enter new relationships with a defensive attitude, projecting the pain of the past onto someone new. For her, eliminating these boundaries was a process that took trust and time.
Now with a stronger footing in her relationship, Shaunie now not sticks with deal breakers. Instead, it emphasizes open communication and mutual respect. Now, together, they use their experiences to help others overcome similar relationship challenges.
Shaunie and Keion have been married since 2022 and that is their second marriage. Keion has a teenage daughter with his ex-wife Felicia Henderson.
Entertainment
Kim Kardashian’s lingerie photoshoot draws criticism from fans who say it’s ‘extremely shameful’
Kim Kardashian’s latest SKIM partnership appears to be under fire for the second time, lower than per week after the serial businesswoman announced her collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana.
Initially, critics accused Kim and her sister Kourtney Kardashian – each of Armenian descent – of attempting to imitate the style and aesthetic of Italian icons comparable to Sophia Loren in promotional photos for the Dolce & Gabbana and SKIMS collaboration.
However, the newest response focuses on Kim wearing a Catholic rosary during a promotional shoot.
In the photo sent on her Instagram, the 44-year-old mother of 4 is seen wearing white underwear from the SKIMS and Dolce & Gabbana lines. Although the rosary just isn’t the focus of the shoot, its presence was met with heavy criticism on social media, with many individuals questioning the appropriateness of pairing a non secular symbol with revealing underwear.
Social media users didn’t refrain from commenting on The Daily Mail.
“Why does she always wear a cross when she’s half naked… like wtaf,” one person asked.
Another joked: “Nothing about you is sacred, take off your rosaries lol.”
A 3rd commenter said: “Uhm, did you ever consider the rosary before you took a half-naked photo of him? This is beyond shameful for your actions!”
Some critics have compared her to Madonna, who was famous for incorporating religious symbols into her provocative fashion selections within the Nineteen Eighties.
One person wrote in Spanish: “Quizás se inspira de la cantante Madonna,” which translates to “Maybe she was inspired by the singer Madonna.”
Another noted: “Madonna made a splash with this style in the 80s, but it was a stylish twist,” before adding: “She’s just blah, lazy and disrespectful. The worst thing is that she doesn’t even know that she is insulting thousands and thousands by attempting to be upset. Just thirsty.
The response deepened, with one user sarcastically asking: “Where is the holy water!!??? It must be splashed.
For Catholics, the rosary is a sacred symbol of piety and prayer. Traditionally it’s used as a tool to guide worshipers through a meditative sequence of prayers, with each bead representing a selected a part of the ritual.
It is usually utilized by Roman Catholic believers to reflect on significant events within the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. A full rosary normally incorporates 59 beads, divided into five groups, or dozens, each containing 10 smaller prayer beads.
Kim Kardashian posed in white SKIMS underwear paired with a rosary, revealing her washboard belly.
The photos sparked controversy amongst some social media users who accused Kim of mocking Catholicism due to the religious symbolism of the rosary. pic.twitter.com/PBDuAe7MyJ
— Reporter (@thereportercom) November 24, 2024
This just isn’t the primary time Kim has faced criticism for wearing religious symbols.
After recently celebrating her forty fourth birthday, she made headlines after wearing an Attallah cross, a big amethyst and diamond pendant famously worn by Princess Diana.
A cross fabricated from gold, silver and precious stones was one in all Diana’s signature items. Kim acquired the pendant in 2023 and wore it on November 2 on the Art+Film gala on the Los Angeles County Museum.
Critics accused her of being “obsessed” with wearing items that after belonged to deceased iconic women.
Adding fuel to the fireplace, Kim styled the cross by wearing a white Gucci gown with a plunging neckline, allowing the pendant to rest between her neckline. Fans called the look disrespectful, arguing that it reduced a big symbol to a mere accessory.
Although there’s at all times controversy surrounding the Kardashians, the cooperation with the Italian brand turned out to be extremely successful.
The vCollection officially launched in select stores and on SKIMS.com on November 19. According to to page six, the positioning crashed as a result of heavy traffic.
The SKIMS x Dolce & Gabbana collaboration features luxury underwear described as “curve-emphasizing pieces for everyday confidence.” It also includes sexy items that may be worn outdoors, like a skintight leopard print dress that retails for $498.
Despite the backlash, neither Kim Kardashian nor her team responded to the controversy. Why should they? It seems that the controversy has pushed her brand and made it the mega money-maker that it’s.
Entertainment
Tina Turner turned to Cher for advice years before 1976. The beating that led to Ike Turner’s breakup reveals new memories
Pop singer Cher has never forgotten the connection advice she gave to her longtime friend Tina Turner; a conversation that could have helped save Tina’s life.
In her bomb new memoir, Cher: The Memoir Part 1, Cher recalls how Tina turned to her for advice on how to leave her abusive husband, Ike Turner. The memoir gives an insight into the “Believe” singer’s personal life and reveals shocking details of her early relationship with Sonny Bono, who she says was “abusing” her.
In the Seventies, the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” appeared twice on Cher’s variety show along with her husband Ike. Cher recently left Bono, citing infidelity and involuntary servitude, and the 2 singers became fast friends.
One day while filming, Tina broke down and asked her friend and fellow singer to apply makeup to cover up a bruise on her arm. In her memoir, the Grammy winner recalled the “Private Dancer” artist, asking how she found the courage to leave Bono, who owned all of the rights to her music.
“I looked at her and said, ‘I just left and moved on,'” Cher writes.
The “I Got You Babe” singer met Bono when she was 16 and he was 27, and the couple moved in together while waiting to get married. Bono had just divorced his first wife, Donna Rankin, which required a waiting period under California law, and Cher was too young to legally marry. It was during this time that Cher had a terrifying encounter along with her late ex-husband, during which he pushed her against a wall after pushing their dog together with his foot.
“He didn’t scream or hit me, but he held my arms and his face was tight,” Cher revealed in her memoir via “People” “I was so against the abuse because I saw my mom go through it that I was like, F— this.”
Cher and Tina Turner performing “Shame, Shame, Shame” on The Cher Show, 1975 pic.twitter.com/ISgNY3pDTa
— David Rush (@dav1drush) May 24, 2023
“If you touch me like that again, I will leave your ass and that will be the last time you see me,” Bono said. They married in 1969 and in the identical 12 months their child Chaz was born. The pop duo eventually divorced in 1975.
Meanwhile, Tina endured much worse horrors while living with Ike, as she wrote about in her autobiography, “I, Tina,” published in 1986, during her meteoric rise as a solo artist – and nine years after the divorce. Their story was also documented within the film “What’s Love Got to Do with It” starring Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishburne.
Like Cher, Tina was just a teen when she met 25-year-old Ike, and three years later they’d a son, Ronnie Turner.
In a 1981 interview with People, the “Nutbush City Limits” singer recalled the terrifying night of July 1, 1976, when she finally escaped from her abusive ex while on tour and staying in a Dallas hotel. Two more years passed before they officially divorced.
“Ike got a bit irritated that day and hit me with the back of his hand. I wagged my finger at him and said, “Okay, you.” Then he beat me all the best way from the airport to the hotel,” she said. “When he fought, he used things, not only his hands. When we got to the hotel, the left side of my face was swollen like a monster. But I never cried. I laughed. I laughed because I knew I used to be leaving. No more of this.
Stop posting joyful family photos of Ike and Tina Turner when she herself said, “I was so scared of that man.”
As a black woman exposing the horrors of domestic violence within the Nineteen Eighties, she stood up for all women. She broke the silence.
We owe it to her, very much. pic.twitter.com/HpHqaU56nc
— Dr. Charlotte Proudman (@DrProudman) May 25, 2023
Turner convinced a friend to buy her a plane ticket to Los Angeles, and he or she flew out that evening with 36 cents in her pocket. Ike eventually died of a cocaine overdose in 2007, and Tina later admitted that she never forgave him for abusing her.
In her memoir, Cher writes that she noticed Ike’s stoic personality during his time on her show. She stated that during rehearsals, Ike “didn’t smile once” and played the guitar “without any emotion”.
“I just knew that whatever I was feeling, it wasn’t good,” she recalled.
After leaving Ike, Tina returned to the Cher show in 1977 as a solo star, making her first television appearance without Ike, singing “Makin’ Music is My Business”. Cher and Tina would remain lifelong friends until Tina’s death in 2023.
Reactions to the reports have been mixed on social media, with some wondering why Cher, now 78, is digging into Tina’s personal life. “Cher, don’t comment on Tina, give her a break, thanks to the management,” one among them commented Instagram user as one other said: “Why are you bringing this up now, Cher!?”
However, many praised Cher for telling the reality about her dear friend. One person wrote: “I LOVE TT and Cher!!! And one thing Cher doesn’t do is lie.”
“Tina probably almost overdosed, or read her book, or watched what love has to do with it. Ike gave her hell,” said one other person.
Another added: “You can tell who really knows their friendship story and who doesn’t. Cher was one among the last people to see Tina alive and visited her. Tina and Cher have been dead for a long time. You guys are weird with this false failure.
Part 2 of The Cher Diaries is scheduled for release in 2025.
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