Entertainment
Will Black Excellence Shine at the 2024 Emmys?
Hollywood’s journey toward diversity has been long and infrequently slow. But the 2024 Emmy Awards were one other step forward in recognizing the contributions of creators, actors and directors of color. Of the 96 possible acting nominations this 12 months, 30 nominees they were people of color, including 17 black people nominatedRecognition of talent transcended racial lines, with nominations also coming from the LGBTQ and Indigenous communities.
This 12 months’s level of diversity continues to be a positive trend for Black creators, actors and directors, signaling long-awaited recognition from the industry, making history times.
An awesome (and unexpected) victory
The 2024 Emmy Awards Gala brought some surprises, including a special moment when Lamorne Morris won his first Emmy for his role in . In a lightweight and emotional acceptance speech, Morris thanked God, his mother and jokingly acknowledged his daughter’s approval while gushing about fellow nominee Robert Downey Jr. The win not only highlighted Morris’ talent, but in addition contributed to the growing representation of black actors who’re recognized for his or her craft.
Black Actors and Actresses Nominations and Past Trends
Here are a few of the 17 black nominees who were recognized for his or her work on screen:
- Idris Elba, Lead Actor in a Drama Series for “Hijack”
- Donald Glover, Lead Actor in a Drama Series for “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”
- Quinta Brunson, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, for “Abbott Elementary”
- Ayo Edebiri, Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, for her role in the film “The Bear”
Supporting actors and actresses from series like “Abbot Elementary,” “Fargo” and “The Bear” also ranked high amongst the nominees, with the likes of legendary Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams and Lionel Boyce amongst them.
For a few of the nominees, this wasn’t their first time on the Emmy red carpet. This 12 months’s nomination was Idris Elba’s sixth, while Donald Glover previously took home acting and directing awards for his work on “Atlanta” in 2017. He was the first black director to win Emmy for Directing for a Comedy Series.
While the 2024 Emmys signal progress, the industry still has an extended technique to go. Historically, black performers have been severely underrepresented at the Emmys. Between 1966 and 2014, fewer than 5% of nominations for lead actor in a comedy or drama went to black actors. The deceased Sammy Davis Jr. was one among the first black performers to be honored for “Best Special Performance” in 1956, but it surely could be years before similar honors became more common.
In 1963, Harry Belafonte made history as the first black person to win an Emmy for a special appearance, marking an early win for black representation in an era when such recognition was rare. But it wasn’t until the Eighties that black actors began to make more consistent strides. Isabella Sanfordfor instance, she became the first black woman to win the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1981 for her role as Louise Jefferson in .
In 1990, James Earl Jones he won for his performance Jackie Harry made history as the first and only black woman to win the award in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category.
Recently, historic nominations have included: Viola Daviswho in 2015 became the first black woman to win the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in . Her iconic acceptance speech underscored the ongoing battle for opportunity in Hollywood: “The only thing that separates women of color from everyone else is opportunity.” The moment became a cultural touchstone, inspiring future generations of performers. Sterling K. Brown in 2016 and 2017 for his roles in the movies and , he won two Emmy Awards in a row.
Black Excellence Behind the Camera
The 2024 Emmy Awards also saw an increase in recognition for Black talent behind the camera. Salli Richardson-Whitfield was nominated as director of a drama series for guiding “Beat LA” in Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, making her the first Black woman nominated in the category — a groundbreaking achievement for gender and racial diversity at the awards show.
In addition to his nominations for his work on camera, Donald Glover has been nominated as a author for “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” This isn’t Glover’s first foray behind the scenes at the Emmys, but his continued presence on the nominee list bodes well for black creators in Hollywood.
Diversity also appears on the nomination lists for lesser-known awards, equivalent to the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Program (Prerecorded), which incorporates comedian Trevor Noah’s “Where Was I” and Dave Chappelle’s “The Dreamer.”
What the 2024 Emmys Mean for Black Representation in Hollywood
The increased attendance at the Emmys and other elite Hollywood awards shows in recent times reflects calls from artists and activists to acknowledge their labor. “Issa Rae”I support all blacks“The comments from 2017 and 2022 likely still ring true, and she or he’s probably not the just one rooting for more representation amongst Emmy winners.
Just like the ancestors, equivalent to Harry Belafonte—the first Black person to win an Emmy—broke molds and pioneered diversity on the small screen. The Black actors, actresses, creators and directors who earned a spot at the 2024 Emmys, whether or not they won of their category or not, are breaking barriers and helping to construct a more inclusive industry that may welcome more Black talent in the future.
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Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
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.
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.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
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.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
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.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
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.
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.”
Entertainment
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 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.
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