Celebrity Coverage
Salli Richardson-Whitfield Was ‘Totally Surprised’ by Her First Emmy Nomination – Essence
Salla Richardson-Whitfield’s mid-career change of favor has paid off.
The actress-turned-producer/director earned her first Emmy nomination this yr for her work on the critically acclaimed HBO series, making history as the primary black woman nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. Ironically, it was for her work on the series that was prematurely canceled, .
But before she dominated the director’s chair, Richardson-Whitfield was a star of film and tv within the ’90s, starring out and in of The Jamie Foxx Show, ROC and even lending her voice to a classic animated drama.
We caught up with Richardson-Whitfield just after news of her historic nomination broke to seek out out what led to her going from in front of the camera to behind it, finding success in underappreciated spaces and ultimately getting invited to the party of a lifetime after a three-decade Hollywood profession.
ESSENCE: Despite a profession spanning nearly 35 years, 65 acting credits, and 37 directing credits, these two Emmy nominations are your first. How did you are feeling once you heard you were nominated in not only one, but multiple categories?
Richardson-Whitfield: Completely absent! I used to be on set and I used to be more focused because I knew HBO was promoting the show, so I used to be hoping they’d get a nod, and after they did, I used to be like, “Great, I can go to the party.” But nothing in my wildest dreams said I’d get multiple nominations, let alone be nominated for guiding. So I used to be very, very surprised.
This was surprising, especially to many fans, for the reason that show was, unfortunately, canceled last September.
Part of me was very surprised since the show was canceled. Really, out of all of the shows I’ve done in my profession up to now, I used to be really blissful that it was this show and this particular episode because I used to be very pleased with it.
Unfortunately, I believe it just got here out on the flawed time. Some of the players had issues with not being a component of it, after which we had COVID, after which we had the strike – it was just the flawed time. But I believe it should be certainly one of those shows where people look back and say, “We really missed the opportunity.” It’s a extremely cool show. Great characters, and visually something different than what’s been on TV before.
For those that are unfamiliar with the topic, and particularly ’90s kids who know you all too well, especially as an actress, explain the way you ended up making a profession as a director.
I’d say it has been about eight years since directing took over for me. I used to be shooting Ava Duvernay’s first feature, . During that process, probably because I used to be talking a bit an excessive amount of, Ava said to me, “I think you’re a director, but you don’t know it.” And only for her to breathe those words from God into me made me say, “Hmm… that’s how I think.”
Then I used to be on a show where I talked to them about perhaps giving me a probability to direct. And in fact I did my due diligence, I did a bit little bit of shadowing and I read books, and Ava gave me some tapes on blocking. They trusted me and gave me a probability. And after that first episode I knew that eventually this was going to be something that I used to be going to enter. It’s almost like all those 20, 25, 30 years of acting were my training ground to develop into a director.
How do you’re thinking that this Emmy shall be different from others you’ve got attended previously and now that you just’re nominated?
Well, I’ve never been to an Emmy! So I’m super excited.
Really?? That’s shocking.
Again, that is why I used to be so excited once I got nominated. I assumed, “Okay, I produced this show. At least I can go.” So the proven fact that I’m nominated for 2 Emmys for the primary time makes it that a lot better. Win or lose, at the least I’m there.
What are your immediate plans beyond the Emmys?
Well, I even have a brand new show that I’m shooting for HBO called , and it stars Mark Ruffalo. It’s produced by the identical showrunner, Brad Inglesby, who was behind So that is one other show that I’m really enthusiastic about, a unique type of crime. I’ve done a bit little bit of that, but this time I can really delve into that genre more. And the forged is amazing. And I hope I’ll be there next yr when the following Emmy nomination comes out.
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
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.
Celebrity Coverage
Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence
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.
Celebrity Coverage
Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence
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.
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