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WATCH: Zendaya Considers What Role Race Factor Plays in ‘Challengers’ Off-Court Romance

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The actress details the role of Tashi Duncan, her biggest departure thus far, and the way her blackness affects her motivation

Zendaya is a robust presence as Tashi Duncan – her biggest departure yet – in her latest film. Tashi may be very independent with a laser focus, exuding confidence and sexuality, with a bent to be manipulative.

Not only does Zendaya capture this complex balance with expert precision, but she also does so by portraying the character at very different points in her life – from a pre-college teenager to a married mother in her 30s.

“I kept turning the pages,” Zendaya says of the film’s script. “It was like a challenge. The character was incredibly complex, chaotic and difficult.”

The tennis romantic drama directed by Luca Guadagnino and co-produced by Zendaya herself tells the story of the matches played each on and off the court between tennis prodigy turned coach Tashi and childhood friends and tennis partners turned distant enemies. Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh O’Connor).

Married to Art and currently on a losing streak after achieving greatness because of her training, Tashi’s plans to redeem his profession are thwarted when the couple meets Patrick, Art’s former friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend. As the past and present collide, tensions mount and Tashi must decipher what it can take to win. From 2006 to 2019, we see Tashi in various stages of early maturity as she navigates her profession, family, and sophisticated love life.

“For me, it was just about keeping track of who she was emotionally,” the actress said of taking Tashi from her teens to her 30s. “Who is she, where is she and what is this injury doing to her. When she’s younger, there’s a certain level of carefreeness and joy in her – there’s a spark in her that fades over time and she becomes jaded and desperate to hold on as much as she can to keep her life together.”

Zendaya wonders what factor plays a role in 'Challengers' off-court romance.

Maintaining what Zendaya describes as a “false calm,” Tashi strives to attain goals and take responsibility – a state of being the actress says is all too familiar to many Black women.

The film never directly addresses Tashi’s racial identity, despite depicting a love triangle between a black woman and two white men. However, as Zendaya points out, her Blackness influences several key elements of the story.

“It’s something that’s been done in a sophisticated way,” he tells ESSENCE. “Her connection to tennis and why she is so obsessed with it is due to her access to it. Because he doesn’t come from the identical privileged background as these two boys. Because there may be nothing left to lean on. Because her family couldn’t afford the varsity they went to, and so they didn’t want her to go there anyway.

“There are certain aspects specific to her experience that I think seem very genuine and also inform her relationship with the boys,” Zendaya says. “It may not be the first conversation, but yes [woven] all the time in a very beautiful, nuanced way, because it’s true. This is her reality, her psyche and the reason why she goes through life the way she does.”

is already in cinemas across Poland.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Celebrity Coverage

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

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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 predicted 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 Nineteen 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 have a look at 17 of the perfect celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence

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This holiday season, a few of the most talented Black music artists are reimagining the sounds of Christmas. From the soulful sounds of gospel legends to the contemporary kind of rising stars, these albums offer something for everybody who wants so as to add splendor to their celebrations. Whether it’s fresh takes on timeless classics, moving original songs, or reissues of beloved favorites, these projects bring joy, warmth and a way of community to everyone.

Jennifer Hudson makes her holiday debut with a track that mixes powerful vocals and heartfelt melodies. CeCe Winans brings a spiritual touch and Coco Jones adds her unique talent. Celebrating her thirtieth anniversary, Mariah Carey returns to the zeitgeist, and the reissue of Boyz II Men offers the right, cozy soundtrack.

As you decorate the halls and meet your family members, let these albums fill your space with music that uplifts, inspires and sets the right holiday mood. Here’s a more in-depth have a look at Black artists bringing joy to the world with their Christmas 2024 releases.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence

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Images by Dave Benett/Getty

Earlier this week, Model of the Year nominee Anok Yai appeared at the Fashion Awards gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And regardless that the night ended there controversial joke for this yr’s award, the look of her hair stood out, as did her skilled achievements.

Paired with an archival John Galliano gown from 1994, her hairstyle was as avant-garde as the supermodels of the day – and was the most groundbreaking look of the night. On the foundation, a pixie cut with micro-mushrooms framed her sculpted features, and the sides stopped just at the tip of her eyebrows.

However, the summit took an unexpected turn. Almost like a headdress, straight, long strands gathered at the top of the head, overlapping right into a bow. The look was romantic and evoked the essence of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense, of which it’s the face. “I carry a bottle in every purse, it’s an addiction” Yai said in front of the red carpet.

The iconic outfit was repeated by Rihanna, who two days later arrived in an identical style at the thirty eighth annual Footwear Awards Gala in New York. With slight moderation – longer, blunt bangs and full updo – hairdresser Nafia Biała used an identical technique. Could this be the hottest hair trend of the season? These two icons actually suggest that.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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