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Ever since her breakout role of starring role of Max Fox in FX’s comedy-drama series Better Things, we have all known that Mikey Madison is going to be a star and now with her film Anora winning Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival 2024 the young actress is well on her way to becoming an acting-powerhouse. Madison began her career at a very young age by starring in a couple of short films and then she starred in her first feature film Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey in 2014 when she was 15-years-old but the film didn’t get released until 2017. Since then she has starred in many great films including a small role in Quentin Tarrantino‘s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood and Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin‘s Scream. So, if you also enjoy...

Exclusive: Anonymous Content on Wednesday announced its signing of director Anthony Mandler.

Most recently, Mandler directed and produced the MGM Western drama Surrounded, starring Letitia Wright, Jamie Bell and the late Michael K. Williams, which premiered at the Sun Valley Film Festival and was released digitally in June 2023.

Up next, he’s set to direct the psychological thriller Head Games, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Henry Golding — a film scripted by Colin Liddle that’s scheduled to go into production in Rome in October.

Mandler made his feature film directorial debut with the critically acclaimed 2018 Netflix pic Monster, starring Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jennifer Hudson, Jeffrey Wright, John David Washington, and Jennifer Ehle. Written by Radha Blank, Cole Wiley and Janece Shaffer, the film based on the 1999 YA novel by Walter Dean Myers premiered at Sundance, where it was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize – Dramatic.

Through his production company Arcovison Pictures,...

Filmmaking rarely travels a straight path, but for “Monster” it was exceptionally twisty. After the legal drama starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. premiered at Sundance in 2018 in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, it’s seen a title change, its first distribution deal fall through, and the original title restored. Producers Tonya Lewis Lee and Nikki Silver say it was all worth it: The movie premiered on Netflix May 7 and was among the top 10 Netflix titles in the U.S. last week.

“It has been a long journey, but it has been a really good journey,” Lee said. “It didn’t go the way we thought it would, but ultimately we landed where we were supposed to land. People are seeing it, they’re feeling it, and they’re responding to it.”

“Monster” is based on the 1999 YA novel by Walter Dean Myers, which follows a high school honor student (Harrison) who...

After premiering at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, Monster has finally made its way to Netflix. The film - which is based on the 1999 novel of the same name by Walter Dean Myers - tells the story of 17-year-old student Steve Harmon who is accused of being involved in a convenience store robbery-turned-murder. Through a series of flashbacks, the gripping film follows his life before and during the trial.

The movie boasts a star-studded cast, which includes Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Harmon himself; Jennifer Hudson as Mrs. Harmon; A$AP Rocky as William King, Nas as Raymond "Sunset" Green - shall we go on? Frankly, the cast alone is reason enough to watch. Keep reading to see who else is in Monster and make sure to check it out on Netflix Asap.

Fait Accompli: Mandler Mines the Gray Zone of Truth and Consequences

While more of an interesting conversation piece than the accomplished melodrama it deserves to be, Anthony Mandler makes his directorial debut with Monster, based on the 1999 novel by noted YA author Walter Dean Myers. A commendable cast, many with a presence overpowering the limited characterizations they’re allowed to play, isn’t quite enough for the film to succeed as an astute social issue drama. Mandler and his Dp David Devlin come from the realm of music videos (Mandler has directed sixteen such items for Rihanna alone), and there’s a definite sense of parallel film school vibes not only in the film’s text but behind the scenes as well.…...

The New York City courtroom in which 17-year-old honors student Steve Harmon stands accused of felony murder isn’t the customary dark wood and tan walls affair. “Monster” there’s a reason beyond stylish production design for the palette of grays. For the involving, nuanced drama — a Sundance 2018 competition title starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. — explores the gray areas of guilt, innocence and criminal justice, especially as they pertain to young Black men, who are too often seen as guilty till proven otherwise. Innocent is likely too much to ask of a system in which young men like Steve are seen as the beasts, as the monsters of the movie’s title.

Streaming on Netflix, “Monster” is based on the 1999 young adult novel by Walter Dean Myers (who died in 2014). The themes of the award-winning book remain timely and are made even more so by screenwriters Radha Blank, Colen C. Wiley and Janece Shaffer.

Monster, based on the novel by Walter Dean Myers, had its world premiere at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. But oddly enough, it never found an official wide release – until now. Netflix scooped the adaptation up and will finally release it in May, with the first trailer now available to watch below. The movie follows […]

The post ‘Monster’ Trailer: The Award-Winning Novel From Walter Dean Myers is Now a Netflix Movie appeared first on /Film.

Netflix has released the first trailer for Monster, the Anthony Mandler-directed legal drama based on the novel of the same name by Walter Dean Myers. The film first premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, and it’s finally getting a wide release on Netflix’s streaming platform on May 7th.

Monster stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Steve Harmon, a 17-year-old honor student, photographer, and film buff who lives with his family in Harlem and attends an elite high school. When Steve is suddenly convicted of felony murder, what follows...

UTA announced today that Jason Richman will co-lead its Media Rights Group, which represents an expansive roster of authors, books, articles, podcasts, journalists, estates and life rights. Richman will co-run the division alongside long-time motion picture literary partner Keya Khayatian, who has helped lead the group since 2017.

“I am thrilled to co-lead the Media Rights division with Keya Khayatian,” Richman said in a statement. “We share a dedication to ensuring the artists we represent at UTA have the broadest opportunities to develop and adapt their work for the screen, particularly in this moment when the world needs the comfort of great content more than ever. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of UTA, which does this work on behalf of artists better than anyone in the creative community, and look forward to helping lead this team forward in this new position.”

Richman has worked at UTA since 2010, with...

United Talent Agency (UTA) has named Jason Richman the co-lead of its Media Rights Group. He will work alongside longtime MP Literary Partner Keya Khayatian.

UTA’s Media Rights department represents a roster of authors, book, articles, podcasts, journalists, estates, life right and thought leaders, and has closed over 250 deals in the past 12 months.

For example, the group secured Netflix’s film adaptations of Tanya Smith’s memoir “Ghost in the Machine,” which has Issa Rae and David Heyman producing, as well as Jesse Q. Sutanto’s novel “Dial A for Aunties,” Hulu’s series adaptation of Charles Yu’s novel “Interior Chinatown” and Zakiya Dalila Harris’ upcoming novel “The Other Black Girl.” The group also secured the deal for Amazon’s series adaptation of National Book Award winner “Felix Ever After” by Kacen Callender, Charlotte McConaghy’s novel “Migrations” starring Claire Foy for SunnyMarch and the HBO Max limited...

Jason Richman has been named Co-Head of UTA’s Media Rights Group, and he will run the division with longtime motion picture lit partner Keya Khayatian, who has helped lead the group since 2017.

The Media Rights department represents a roster of authors, books, articles, podcasts, journalists, estates, life rights and thought leaders, and it has closed over 250 deals in the past 12 months, and nearly 200 since the beginning of the global pandemic, the agency said. That includes a Netflix deal for film adaptations of Tanya Smith’s memoir Ghost In The Machine, with Issa Rae and David Heyman producing, and Jesse Q. Sutanto’s novel Dial A for Aunties; Hulu’s series adaptations of Charles Yu’s National Book Award-winning novel Interior Chinatown and Zakiya Dalila Harris’ upcoming novel The Other Black Girl; Amazon’s series adaptation of National Book Award winner Kacen Callender’s novel Felix Ever After; SunnyMarch’s...

Agent worked on Cherry rights deal.

UTA has appointed Jason Richman co-head of its media rights group alongside longtime literary partner Keya Khayatian who has helped lead the group since 2017.

The group represents authors, books, articles, podcasts, journalists, estates, life rights and thought leaders, and notable deals include sale of the rights to Jessica Bruder’s Nomadland: Surviving America In The Twenty-First Century, which has become Searchlight Pictures’ awards heavyweight this season.

Richman joined UTA in 2010 and most recently negotiated the sale of rights to Celeste Ng’s debut novel Everything I Never Told You to Annapurna TV, and arranged...

Cynthia Erivo will star in a film about the true story of Sara Forbes Bonetta, an African princess who in 1850 was offered as a “gift” to Queen Victoria and became her goddaughter.

The untitled film will be executive produced by Benedict Cumberbatch and developed and financed by BBC Film. Erivo will also produce herself along with Solome Williams of their company Edith’s Daughter, as will Leah Clarke and Adam Ackland for SunnyMarch and Rienkje Attoh for So & So Productions.

The film is based on “At Her Majesty’s Request,” a biography written by Walter Dean Myers that shows how a princess with the West African Egbado tribe (now Yewa) of the Yoruba people was orphaned and then sold into slavery before Captain Frederick E. Forbes of the British Royal Navy took her to England and offered her to the Queen.

Forbes Bonetta was originally born Omoba Aina and...

Sundance premiere ensemble includes Jennifer Hudson and Jeffrey Wright.

Netflix has acquired worldwide rights to social justice drama Monster, which premiered in competition at the 2018 Sundance festival.

Based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Walter Dean Myers, Monster is the feature debut of commercial and music video director Anthony Mandler.

With a screenplay by Radha Blank, Colen C Wiley and Janece Shaffer, the film centres on a 17-year-old honour student from Harlem who is charged with murder and thrown into a legal battle that could land him in prison for the rest of his life.

The ensemble...

Exclusive: We hear that Blockers filmmaker and Pitch Perfect franchise scribe Kay Cannon will direct the biopic Del & Charna about Charna Halpern and her partnership with the late legendary improv maestro Del Close. Together they built Chicago’s Improv Olympic, a prestigious comedy training ground for Saturday Night Live players and scribes, as well as the New York and Hollywood showbiz scene that boasts an all-star award-winning alum roster of Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, Jon Favreau, Adam McKay, Stephen Colbert, Rachel Dratch, Cecily Strong, Seth Meyers, Matt Walsh, Vanessa Bayer, Bob Odenkirk, David Koechner, Andy Dick, Cannon herself and many more.

Del & Charna will follow the unlikely pairing and tumultuous 19-year relationship of Close and Halpern, the latter who continues to own, run and teach at the Io theater. Together as friends, saviors and soulmates, the duo helped each other overcome his addiction, financial ruin, and...

Exclusive: Trans activist and model Corey Rae is getting a second crown — so to speak. Red Crown Productions has acquired the rights to Harry Tarre’s screenplay Queen which is based on Rae’s article “How I Became the World’s First Transgender Prom Queen — A Personal Essay.”

As the title of the article suggests, the screenplay is based on the true story of Rae’s real-life high school transition process and how she became the world’s first openly transgender prom queen. The film will be produced by Daniel Crown and Yoni Liebling of Red Crown Productions, and executive produced by Corey Rae and Harry Tarre, along with Amanda Crown, the Creative Executive, who brought the picture to Red Crown.

Rae first shared her story publicly on her blog in 2016 after transitioning (2009-2012). She looks to help break social stigmas surrounding transgender women. “I couldn’t be more excited...

Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios said on Monday it has acquired the 2018 Sundance film “All Rise,” starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson.

The film, which was titled “Monster” while in competition at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, is based on the award-winning and New York Times-bestselling novel of the same name by Walter Dean Myers, which received the Coretta Scott King Award that recognizes outstanding books for young adults and children by African Americans that reflect the African American experience.

“All Rise” tells the story of Steve Harmon (Harrison), a 17-year-old honor student whose world comes crashing down around him when he is charged with felony murder. The film follows his dramatic journey from a smart, likeable film student from Harlem attending an elite high school through a complex legal battle that could leave him spending the rest of his life in prison.

Also Read: Bethany Hamilton Doc...

Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures has acquired worldwide rights to All Rise, the drama written and directed by Anthony Mandler that premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival as Monster. The pic based on Walter Dean Myers’ New York Times-bestselling novel of that name is now headed for a fall 2019 domestic theatrical release.

Jennifer Hudson, Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Ehle, A$AP Rocky, Nas, Tim Blake Nelson, Paul Ben-Victor and John David Washington co-star in in commercial and music video director Mandler’s feature film debut, which premiere in Competition in Park City.

The plot centers on Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison Jr), a 17-year-old honor student whose world comes crashing down when he is charged with felony murder. The film follows his dramatic journey from a smart, likeable film student from Harlem attending an elite high school through a complex legal battle that could leave him spending the rest of his life in prison.

This year alone, John David Washington had a full slate of films including Reinaldo Marcus Green’s Monsters and Men, where he played a conflicted police officer as well as the Anthony Mandler-directed drama Monster based on the novel by Walter Dean Myers. He also appears in Robert Redford’s (supposed) last acting hurrah The Old Man & the Gun and also has a role in HBO’s Ballers. And last — but certainly not least — he steps into the lead as the real-life Ron Stallworth in Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman. The man has been busy. He deserves a vacation.

But before taking that vacation, Washington stopped by the New Hollywood Podcast to talk about Monsters and Men, Monsters and BlacKkKlansman and how they tackle issues that have been significant for decades within the black community.

We then switched gears as he joked about his “benchwarming” days in the NFL, his road to acting, and one question he doesn’t like being asked in interviews (I think you can take a wild guess at what that is). We also spend a good chunk of time talking about one of his favorite TV shows which involves a Manolo Blahnik-loving sex columnist and her three friends living their fabulous lives in Manhattan. Needless to say, we had a lot to discuss — and laugh about.

Listen to the episode below.

Author: Nathan McVay

Sundance can be the greatest experience for film lovers. It also can be an internal struggle and mind draining ten days. What will be the next big hit? What is the can’t miss revolutionary film? What is the worst film here? Between our Sundance contributors Ty Cooper and Nathan McVay, the two saw nearly 30 films. While we have published some of their full length reviews the two wanted to let everyone know their brief takes on all the films they caught. Below is their very brief one sentence reviews and star ratings of all the films of Sundance. Hearts Beat Loud Ty- The annual obligatory Sundance musical that features songs that were obviously not written for their leading lady. 2/5 Stars Nathan- Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons are fantastic but this film is too heavy and pretentious for its own good. 3/5 Stars Blindspotting Ty- A jarring and...

Author: Ty Cooper

Music Video directors are killing it it at Sundance this year, and for good reason. As a producer, you want a director you can trust, and directors with heavy experience shooting music videos really are a natural choice. Not only are they good zeroing in on the average attention span of audiences, but they are also no stranger to exorbitant production costs and insane time restrictions. That is likely the reason veteran Mv director Anthony Madler was chosen to take the reins in this year’s film adaptation of the popular Walter Dean Myers novel, Monster.

For those not familiar with the book, Monster is the story of Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), an artistic youth from the streets of Harlem whose penchant for photographs sometimes puts him in the wrong places at the wrong time. When Steve unwittingly gets implicated in the fatal heist of a local convenience store,...

Originally published in 1999, Walter Dean Myers’s novel Monster has been a favorite among young-adult readers, using both a third-person screenplay device and first-person diary format to tell the story of honors student Steve Harmon, a black teenager with dreams of becoming a filmmaker, who is arrested and tried for felony murder in New York […]

The post ‘Monster’ Director and Star on Bringing the Classic Novel to Life [Sundance Interview] appeared first on /Film.

Based on a Ya novel by Walter Dean Myers, “Monster,” adapted by Radha Blank, Cole Wiley and Janece Shaffer, is a messy, conventional but likeable film that will likely strike a chord with unadventurous moviegoers rather than cinephiles who are used to these kinds of stories by now, most notably in pictures like “The Hurricane,” “The Green Mile,” and “In the Name of the Father.”

The story revolves around Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a well-mannered, law-abiding Harlem teenager who winds up arrested for his involvement in a robbery and murder at a 7/11.

Continue reading Overstylized ‘Monster’ Can’t Hide Film’s Conventional Core [Sundance Review] at The Playlist.

Joe Klotz has edited numerous films to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival: Junebug (2005), Choke (2008), Precious (2009) and The Yellow Birds among others. At this year’s festival he edited Monster, an adaptation of the 1999 young adult novel from Walter Dean Myers. The film, directed by Anthony Mandler, tells the story of an African-American teenager on trial for acting as a lookout during a lethal corner store robbery. Klotz shared his thoughts on editing the film prior to its five screenings at Sundance this week. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the editor of your film? What […]...

“I was immediately drawn to the story and the way that it asked this very large question about could one moment in your life define your whole life,” said director Anthony Mandler during his turn at Deadline’s Sundance Studio to speak on his directorial debut feature, Monster. Based on the young adult novel by Walter Dean Myers, its a familiar story that centers on Steve Harmon, played by rising star Kelvin Harrison Jr, a bright, sensitive 17-year-old who stands trial for…...

Anthony Mandler makes his directorial debut at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival after having spent a career directing music videos for the likes of Jay-z, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Drake and many other artists. The film, Monster, is an adaptation of the hard-hitting young adult novel of the same name from Walter Dean Myers. Mandler tapped his longtime collaborator David Devlin to shoot his first feature. In addition to his music video work with Mandler, Devlin has worked as a 2nd unit cinematographer with Janusz Kaminski on 12 Steven Spielberg films. The Montana-based Dp spoke with Filmmaker about using vintage anamorphic […]...

Ever since its publication in 1999, author Walter Dean Myers’ award-winning novel Monster has be a favorite among young adults, providing them a glimpse into the world of Steve Harmon, a black teenager whose life is thrown into chaos when he is arrested and put on trial for taking part in a robbery gone wrong, […]

The post ‘Monster’ Review: Powerful Crime Drama Finds the Intersection of Race, Justice, and Storytelling [Sundance] appeared first on /Film.

Monster

He might have been itching to direct a project as early as 2013 with the book to screen project of Tokyo Vice with Daniel Radcliffe, but lensing on Anthony Mandler‘s directorial debut began in October of 2016. With a lengthy background as a music video helmer, we should expect Monster to at least look the part.

With Kelvin Harrison Jr toplining, this also includes Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Hudson, Rakim Mayers, Jennifer Ehle, Tim Blake Nelson, A$AP Rocky and Nas this was written by Colen C Wiley and Janece Shaffer and is based on the novel by Walter Dean Myers. Charged with felony murder for a crime he says he did not commit, the film follows his dramatic journey through a complex legal battle that could leave him spending the rest of his life in prison. This could be as impactful as last year’s last year’s Sundance hit Crown Heights.

It’s always nice to get a bit of interesting casting news on a Friday afternoon. John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. is producing the upcoming crime drama Monster (not to be confused with the Charlize Theron serial killer movie, or the upcoming The Monster from director Bryan Bertino). This is a film based on the novel of the same name by Walter Dean Myers, about a young man accused of a crime he claims he did not commit. With filming about to begin in New York, the cast has been rounded out to include Jennifer Hudson, and hip-hop artists A$AP Rocky and Nas.

Monster tells the story of teenage honors student and filmmaker Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) who is deemed a monster after being charged with a murder he says he didn’t commit. As Steve fights the system accusing him, he moves from being an...

John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co. has partnered with Bron Studios and Tonik Productions to co-produce and finance the contemporary drama Monster, based on the novel by Walter Dean Myers. The film stars Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, A$AP Rocky, Nas and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Anthony Mandler will make his feature directorial debut from a script by Colen C. Wiley and Janece Shaffer. The film will begin principal photography this week in New York City. The pic centers Steve…...

Canada’s Bron Studios is joining forces with Tonik Productions and Get Lifted Film Co to finance and co-produce Monster, feature debut of music video and commercials director Anthony Mandler.

The contemporary drama begins principal photography this week in New York City with an ensemble cast including The Birth of a Nation’s Kelvin Harrison Jr, Dreamgirls’ Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Ehle, A$AP Rocky and Nas.

Colen C Wiley and Janece Shaffer wrote the script, based on the novel by Walter Dean Myers about an elite Harlem high school student charged with murder and facing a complex legal battle.

Aaron L Gilbert, co-founder of Bron (whose recent productions include The Birth of a Nation), will produce with Tonik’s Nikki Silver and Tonya Lewis Lee, Get Lifted’s Mike Jackson and Edward Nahem of Charlevoix. Bron, Tonik and Get Lifted are producing in association with Charlevoix as well as Red Crown and Creative Wealth Media.

Executive producers...

Canada’s Bron Studios is joining forces with Tonik Productions and Get Lifted Film Co to finance and co-produce Monster, feature debut of music video and commercials director Anthony Mandler.

The contemporary drama begins principal photography this week in New York City with an ensemble cast including The Birth of a Nation’s Kelvin Harrison Jr, Dreamgirls’ Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Ehle, A$AP Rocky and Nas.

Colen C Wiley and Janece Shaffer wrote the script, based on the novel by Walter Dean Myers about an elite Harlem high school student charged with murder and facing a complex legal battle.

Aaron L Gilbert (pictured), co-founder of Bron (whose recent productions include The Birth of a Nation), will produce with Tonik’s Nikki Silver and Tonya Lewis Lee, Get Lifted’s Mike Jackson and Edward Nahem of Charlevoix. Bron, Tonik and Get Lifted are producing in association with Charlevoix as well as Red Crown and Creative Wealth Media.

Executive...

Walter Dean Myers, a renown young adult and children’s author, died on Tuesday, July 1, at the age of 76.

Walter Dean Myers Biography

Myers, who authored more than 100 books in 45 years, earned a reputation for being unafraid to portray the bittersweet realities of children growing up in cities. For example, one of his most famous books, Monster (2001), is about a 16-year-old who has been convicted of murder.

His narrators and protagonists are mostly African-American teenagers struggling to find their place in the world, and he often advocated for more diverse characters featured in print. In March, Myers exposed the huge discrepancy between the number of children’s books featuring white characters and those featuring minorities.

Myers began his career in 1969, when he won a contest for picture book writers. The contest, sponsored by the Council on Interracial Books for Children, lead to the publication of Myers’ first book: Where Does the Day Go?...

The 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards went off without a hitch earlier this evening (February 22) with "12 Years a Slave" continuing to make waves snagging the biggest prize of the night.

Before her film won Outstanding Motion Picture, the gorgeous Lupita Nyong'o added another piece of hardware to her already impressive collection taking home a trophy for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, while Kerry Washington snagged up her second Image Award with a win for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series. Kerry's show "Scandal" also won Outstanding Drama Series.

In addition, the hilarious Kevin Hart took home Entertainer of the Year, while Oprah Winfrey paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela with a touching speech and musical dedication.

"He was everything we have all have heard and more. He was humble and he was unscathed by any kind of bitterness after all that we know he's been through," Winfrey said.

The 45th NAACP Image Awards were presented Saturday night (Feb. 22), with names like Kevin Hart, Kerry Washington, "12 Years a Slave" director Steve McQueen and Lupita Nyong'o being honored.

The Image Awards pay tribute to the best in film, TV, writing, music and literature. Take a look at the full list of winners below.

Winners are in bold.

Entertainer of the Year

Kevin Hart

Film

Outstanding Motion Picture

"12 Years A Slave" "Fruitvale Station""Lee Daniels' The Butler""Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom""The Best Man Holiday" 

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

Forest Whitaker - "Lee Daniels' The Butler"Chadwick Boseman - "42"Chiwetel Ejiofor - "12 Years A Slave"Idris Elba - "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom"Michael B. Jordan - "Fruitvale Station"

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

Angela Bassett - "Black Nativity"Halle Berry - "The Call"Jennifer Hudson - "Winnie Mandela"Kerry Washington - "Tyler Perry Presents Peeples"Nicole Beharie...

Adding their picks to the awards season deluge, the 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards unveiled the official list of nominees.

Not surprisingly, “The Butler” will compete in categories including Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Supporting Actor & Actress and Writing.

Meanwhile, Kerry Washington’s “Scandal” is up for Outstanding Drama Series, and Ms. Washington herself received a nod for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.

NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock gushed, “This has been an incredible year from the artistic community, with phenomenal contributions across the board from the music, television, motion picture, and literature genres that have the power and impact to drive social change.”

The 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards will go live on Friday, February 21st.

And the nominees are:

Television

Outstanding Comedy Series

"House of Lies" (Showtime)

"Modern Family" (ABC)

"Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)

"The Game" (Bet)

"The Soul Man" (TV Land)

Outstanding Actor in...

Mary Evans/John Gay/English Heritage/Everett Collection

A few weeks ago, my 9-year-old son asked if he could start watching the news in the morning.

Partly, this was a scam. He’s not typically allowed to watch TV during the school week, except for the evening news and sports, and so this was his way of getting some more screen time. When the TV is off he’s more likely to read, so I’d rather keep the tube off.

Still making the rounds on the festival circuit, Case 219 is an intense dramatic film that deals with teenage school violence and the ramifications it causes. It stars Evan Ross, Levin Rambin, Taylor Nichols, Melora Walters and Harold Perrineau.

Based on the novel Shooter by Walter Dean Myers, the story of a high school shooting rampage unfolds in a series of tense and suspenseful documentary style interviews conveyed through the eyes of a Los Angeles Times journalist. The film penetrates the everyday lives of the shooter’s best friends and family in pursuit of learning what triggered the violent acts. These provocative and haunting interviews leave the audience with the dilemma of who is really to blame.

Director and screenwriter James Bruce discovered the book Shooter when his teen-age son, Samuel, handed it to him and said, “Dad, you should make a movie out of this book.” After reading Shooter,...

The 42 annual NAACP Image Awards nominations were announced Wednesday (Jan. 12) by actresses Kimberly Elisa and Sanaa Lathan, rapper 50 Cent, singer Smokey Robinson and actors Columbus Short and Affion Crockett at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, CA.

ABC and NBC led the TV categories with 18 nominations each, followed by CBS and the Lifetime Movie Network with 10 apiece. "Grey's Anatomy" and "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" tied at five noms apiece, while "For Colored Girls" topped all other movies or TV series with seven nominations. Tyler Perry's film and television projects had a combined total of 20 nominations.

The entire list of nominees is as follows:

Television

Outstanding Comedy Series

• "30 Rock" (NBC)

• "Are We There Yet?" (TBS)

• "Glee" (Fox)

• "Modern Family" (ABC)

• "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" (TBS)

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

• David Mann - "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" (TBS)

• Dulé Hill - "Psych" (USA)

• Lavan Davis...