News

Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on October 31st, reviewing the film “The Graduates,” a fictional account regarding mourners one year after a tragedy. The film opened in select theaters November 1st, and will roll out through November, see local listings.

A high school was the victim of a mass shooting, and the film is set one year later. The story concerns how three people deal with the loss of a popular student named Tyler. The mourners are two students … Tyler’s girlfriend Genevieve (Mina Sundwall) and best friend Ben (Alex Hibbert), who left the school after the incident… and the school’s basketball coach/Tyler’s father John (John Cho). Each are dealing with the loss in their own way, and each have one more step in the process of coming to terms.

”The Graduates” is in select theaters through November.

Put filmmaker Hannah Peterson on a film set, and she’ll know how to do most jobs. Director, writer, editor? Check, check, check. Actor? She did a tiny role for Sean Baker. Dp, costume designer, line producer? Check, check, check. Casting? For Baker’s “The Florida Project,” she “would go into Targets and Wal-Marts and approach people.” For Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland,” she was “finding real people, and then watching how that becomes imbricated into the script and how those people become a part of this bigger movie engine.”

So when it came time to make her feature film debut, “The Graduates,” Peterson had her skills locked and her inclinations set. The film, which premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, where it was nominated for Best U.S. Narrative Feature, feels like a spiritual companion to Baker and Zhao’s early work, a finely told story about real human drama.

The Graduates is a quiet film. Written and directed by Hannah Peterson, it tells the story of a high school one year after a deadly shooting. Genevieve (Mina Sundwall)––whose boyfriend Tyler was one of the victims––has been struggling to get through her final year, anxious to graduate and hopefully start anew at college. Her mother (Maria Dizzia) walks on eggshells, doing whatever she can to help Genevieve past this impossible trauma and keep her grades and test scores up enough to get her out. Meanwhile, Tyler’s best friend Ben (Alex Hibbert) has returned from a stay away, reforming his friendship with Genevieve. Finally, the school basketball coach (John Cho) does his best to push himself and his team through the season. Tyler was his son.

Peterson introduces the high school in silent silhouette, haunted by its recent past. The camera is often a bit shaky and unstable,...

Exclusive: Power alum Rotimi is set for a heavily recurring role in the upcoming seventh season of The Chi.

Rotimi plays Charles, Pastor Ezekiel’s (Daniel J. Watts) former assistant who returns to the church for a second chance. The character was introduced in the Season 6 finale and the storyline will continue with Rotimi returning for a multi-episode arc in Season 7.

Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe under her Hillman Grad banner and executive produced by Common (Selma), The Chi centers on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. The Paramount+ with Showtime series is produced by 20th Television.

Season 6 cast included Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James and Curtiss Cook.

Along with Waithe and Common, the series...

In one of Moonlight's most iconic shots, Mahershala Ali's Juan holds Alex Hibbert's Little on the surface of the ocean, his hands gently cradling the boy's head and legs. The water laps around the camera. The score swells. "That right there?" Juan says. "You in the middle of the world." He is teaching Little how to swim. This film will teach you how to feel, as director Barry Jenkins gently guides you through one of the most heartbreaking, moving and beautifully executed character studies in recent cinematic memory.

Moonlight first came into being as an unproduced play, titled 'In Moonlight, Black Boys Look Blue' and penned by Tarell Alvin McCraney back in 2003, after his mother passed away. A semi-autobiographical piece based on McCraney's experience growing up in Miami's Liberty City, it was shelved – until a few years later, when fellow Liberty City kid Jenkins read it and...

Will Emmett's business be all he hopes it will be in the sixth season of The Chi TV show on Showtime? As we all know, the Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like The Chi is cancelled or renewed for season seven. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustrated when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the sixth season episodes of The Chi here. *Status Update Below.

A Showtime drama series created by Lena Waithe, The Chi TV show stars Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James and Curtiss Cook. The story is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who...

Though it's been on the air since 2018, and there have been various cast changes, The Chi has remained one of Showtime's most popular series. Season six will be the show's biggest season yet, with 16 episodes. Are members of the audience craving that much more of this series? Could the extra episodes be used to wrap up the show? Will The Chi be cancelled or renewed for season seven? Stay tuned. *Status Update Below.

An ensemble drama series created by Lena Waithe, The Chi TV show stars Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and Curtiss Cook. The story is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. In the sixth season,...

Our favorite residents of the South Side of Chicago will be back. The Chi has been renewed for a seventh season on Showtime. The second half of the sixth season will resume on Friday (on-demand and streaming) and on Sunday night on the cable channel.

An ensemble drama series created by Lena Waithe, The Chi TV show stars Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and Curtiss Cook. The story is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. In the sixth season, big dreams are finally realized but at a cost and everyone will is tested in unimaginable ways as they calculate the risks and rewards...

Ahead of the highly anticipated season six premiere, Paramount+ with Showtime today announced that it has already given the green light to The Chi Season 7. The first half of season six was record-breaking for The Chi, with the drama series delivering its most-watched season yet on streaming, surging nearly 25 percent over season five.

The second half of season six of The Chi returns on Friday, May 10, on-demand and on streaming for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan before making its on-air debut on Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. Et/Pt. The seventh season will start production later this month in Chicago.

“Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching narratives in The Chi resonate deeply, offering a powerful lens into both the complexities of life in Chicago as well as the Black experience in America,” said Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer,...

“The Chi” has been renewed for Season 7 at Paramount+ with Showtime.

The news comes ahead of the series’ return for the second half of its sixth season, which will debut on Paramount+ with Showtime on May 10 before its linear debut on Showtime on May 12 at 9 p.m.Et/Pt. Like the first half, the second will consist of eight episodes. The seventh season will begin production in Chicago later this month.

“Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching narratives in ‘The Chi’ resonate deeply, offering a powerful lens into both the complexities of life in Chicago as well as the Black experience in America,” said Nina L. Diaz, president of content and chief creative officer for Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks. “On the heels of a record-breaking season and ahead of this week’s return, we’re excited to provide fans with the promise...

Showtime is keeping its presence in the Windy City.

The premium outlet, now known as Paramount+ With Showtime, has ordered a seventh season of its drama series The Chi. The renewal for the series, created by Lena Waithe, comes two days ahead of its return to Paramount+ With Showtime for the second half of season six.

Production on the seventh season is slated to begin later this month in Chicago.

“Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching narratives in The Chi resonate deeply, offering a powerful lens into both the complexities of life in Chicago as well as the Black experience in America,” said Nina L. Diaz, president of content and chief creative officer for Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks. “On the heels of a record-breaking season and ahead of this week’s return, we’re excited to provide fans with the promise of...

Paramount+ With Showtime is staying put in The Chi a while longer, renewing the drama for a seventh season, TVLine has learned.

The pickup comes just days before The Chi resumes Season 6, returning on Friday, May 10, via Paramount+ With Showtime (the streaming service plan). The linear return will then follow on Paramount+ With Showtime (the premium cable channel formerly known as Showtime) on Sunday, May 12, at 9/8c.

More from TVLineLopez vs. Lopez Renewed for Season 3Night Court Renewed for Season 3The Conners to End With Short Season 7 at ABC (Report)

“[Series creator] Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching...

Eight more episodes of The Chi are finally on the way. Showtime has announced a premiere date for the rest of season six of the drama with the release of a new photo and trailer. The first half of the season finished airing in September.

Starring Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and Curtiss Cook, The Chi follows a group of friends living in the South Side of Chicago.

Read More…...

Paramount+ with Showtime today released the official trailer and key art for the upcoming second half of season six of The Chi series. The series will return on Friday, May 10, on streaming and on-demand for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan before making its on-air debut on Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.

The Chi series recently wrapped production in Chicago on the remaining eight episodes of the supersized 16-episode season. Produced entirely in its namesake city, the show is produced by 20th Television.

Created and executive produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe under her Hillman Grad banner and executive produced by Academy Award and Emmy winner Common (Selma), The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.

The record-breaking season-six premiere, which...

Paramount+ with Showtime has released the trailer and key art for the upcoming second half of season six of The Chi, which will return May 10.

The series recently wrapped production in Chicago on the remaining eight episodes of the supersized 16-episode season.

The season-six premiere, which ranks among the top Showtime premieres ever in streaming viewership, picked up with Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Kiesha’s (Birgundi Baker) blended union tested by his perilous partnership with Douda, (Curtiss Cook), who is dealing with the fallout of Q’s murder and its effect on the shifting loyalty of his inner circle. Victor’s (Luke James) tangled past impacts his new role as city councilman. Newlyweds Jada (Yolonda Ross) and Darnell (Rolando Boyce) fear for son Emmett after he makes a desperate, life-threatening move. Rob (Iman Shumpert) and Tiff’s (Hannaha Hall) cannabis business and Jake’s (Michael V. Epps) apparel line take off,...

Exclusive: Showtime’s The Chi will feature four additional new actors in recurring guest star roles when Part 2 of Season 6 premieres on May 10. They are Kadeem Hardison (A Different World), Leon (Swarm), Brett Gray (I’m A Virgo) and Daniel J. Watts (Werewolf By Night).

Hardison plays Professor Gardner, a college literature professor; Leon plays Alonzo, a charming, street-savvy attorney with old ties to Alicia (guest star Lynn Whitfield); Gray plays Damien, a whip-smart young man who will impact Emmett’s (Jacob Latimore) life in more ways than one; Watts plays Pastor Ezekiel, a charismatic pastor of a megachurch.

Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe under her Hillman Grad banner and executive produced by Common, The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.

In Season...

The fifth episode of “True Detective: Night Country” will be available to stream early on Max beginning Feb. 9 at 9 p.m. Et/ 6 p.m. Pt, in order to avoid the Sunday night streamroller that is the Super Bowl. The show will still get its HBO linear premiere on Feb. 11 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt, opposite the Big Game.

Jodie Foster, Kali Reis, Finn Bennett and Fiona Shaw star in the series, with Christopher Eccleston, Isabella Star Lablanc and John Hawkes rounding out the cast. Anna Lambe, Aka Niviâna and Joel D. Montgrand are guest stars.

Issa López serves as showrunner, writer and director. Foster executive produces alongside Mari Jo Winkler, Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak for Pastel. Chris Mundy, Alan Page Arriaga, Steve Golin, Richard Brown, Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Cary Joji Fukunaga and Nic Pizzolatto also executive produce.

First Looks

Hulu has unveiled the trailer for the...

Exclusive: Audiences appeared eager for the return of Showtime’s The Chi.

The drama series saw a 65% surge in streaming viewership on Paramount+ with the debut of the first eight episodes of Season 6 on August 4.

In the first seven days, the Season 6 premiere drew more than 1.8M viewers, according to Paramount Global. That makes it the most-watched season premiere of The Chi to date.

“The Chi’s record-breaking performance validates our decision to integrate our streaming services with the new Paramount+ with Showtime,” said Chris McCarthy, President/CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks. “Exceptionally created by Lena Waithe, The Chi embodies the best of Showtime with rich characters and compelling, layered storytelling that keeps viewers coming back for more.”

Added Domenic Dimeglio, EVP and chief marketing officer, Paramount Streaming: “As the first new season of a Showtime scripted series to premiere on Paramount+, The Chi broke out with its largest premiere audience ever,...

Vulture Watch

The relationships of these various characters and couples keep evolving. Will audience members remain interested? Has The Chi TV show been cancelled or renewed for a seventh season on Showtime? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of The Chi, season seven. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?  

What's This TV Show About?

An ensemble drama series airing on the Showtime cable channel, The Chi TV show stars Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and Curtiss Cook. The story is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded...

After a series high in streaming numbers last season, “The Chi” is back and bigger than ever. The hit Showtime series returns with its sixth season this Friday, Aug. 4 on Paramount+ With Showtime in an expanded 16-episode, two-part season packed with new highs, lows, partnerships, declarations of love, political ambitions, businesses, questions of faith, and more threads that further tie the tight-knit community together. “The Chi” Season 6 will be available to watch on Paramount+ With Showtime on Aug. 4 with a linear TV premiere on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 9 p.m. Et on Showtime. You can watch with a 30-Day Free Trial of Paramount Plus.

How to Watch ‘The Chi’ Season 6 Premiere When: Friday, August 4, 2023 Where: Paramount Plus Stream: Watch with a 30-Day Free Trial of Paramount Plus. 30-Day Free Trial$5.99+ / month paramountplus.com

For a Limited Time, Get 1 Month of Paramount+ With Code: Lioness

About ‘The Chi’ Season 6 Premiere

Created by Lena Waithe,...

In advance of the much-anticipated expanded season of The Chi, Showtime has released the official trailer and key art for its hit drama series returning this summer. After reaching a series high in streaming last season, the first eight episodes of the extended 16-episode sixth season will stream weekly on the Paramount+ with Showtime plan beginning Friday, August 4, with the season premiere debuting on linear Sunday, August 6 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt on Showtime. Created and executive produced by Emmy(R) winner Lena Waithe under her Hillman Grad banner and executive produced by Academy Award(R) and Emmy winner Common (Selma), The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. Produced entirely in its namesake city, The Chi is produced by 20th Television. This season, life...

Change is in the air in the official trailer for The Chi Season 6.

Showtime dropped the first look at the highly-anticipated next chapter of the series.

As previously reported, The Chi Season 6 will premiere Friday, August 4, streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime and on-demand, before making its on-air debut Sunday, August 6 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt on Showtime.  

The premium cabler also announced the series will be getting its biggest episode order to date, with 16 new episodes ordered.

"Life in The Chi reverberates between the highest highs and lowest lows," reads the official logline for Season 6.

"Big dreams are finally realized but at a cost and everyone will be tested in unimaginable ways as they calculate the risks and rewards of their next big move."

"Emmett and Kiesha's blissful blended union is tested by his insatiable drive to expand Smokey's and a new perilous partnership, while Kiesha finally races toward a rewarding new career.

Updated, 12 Pm: Showtime has released the official trailer and key art for Season 6 of Lena Waithe’s critically acclaimed drama series The Chi. New challenges await Kevin (Alex Hibbert), Jake (Michael Epps) and Papa (Shamon Brown Jr) and the rest of the Chi fam in the upcoming expanded season. Season 6, which is split into two parts of eight episodes each, premieres its first half on August 4 streaming on Paramount+ and on demand, followed by its linear debut at 9 p.m. Sunday, August 6.

You can watch the new trailer above and previous teaser trailer below.

Previous, June 21: The Chi is coming back this summer.

Showtime announced the sixth season of its drama series will premiere Aug. 4 streaming on Paramount+ and on demand, before making its on-air debut at 9 p.m. Sunday, August 6, on Showtime. The season will be made up of 16 episodes that will be split into two eight-episode installments.

Exclusive: Emmy winner Lynn Whitfield (The Josephine Baker Story) is set for a key recurring role on the upcoming sixth season of Showtime’s The Chi, from 20th Television.

Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe and her Hillman Grad banner and executive produced by Common (Selma), The Chi is a coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.

Whitfield will play Alicia, an intimidating, old-money matriarch who will spare no expense to get what she wants.

In Season 6, big dreams are finally realized but at a cost and everyone will be tested in unimaginable ways as they calculate the risks and rewards of their next big move. Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Kiesha’s (Birgundi Baker) blissful blended union is tested by his insatiable drive to...

Season 5 of “Love Island USA” is set to premiere on July 18 exclusively on Peacock, the streamer announced Wednesday.

The fifth season of “Love Island USA” will take place in Fiji with an all-new group of singles. Throughout the season, islanders will compete in challenges, face temptations and forge new relationships. Each week, new episodes will be available for streaming six days a week.

“Love Island USA” stands as Peacock’s most-streamed original reality competition series, heightening the anticipation for the show’s fifth season. David George, Adam Sher, Simon Thomas, Ben Thursby-Palmer, Andy Cadman, Iona Mackenzie and Claudine Parrish serve as executive producers, alongside Tom Gould, Richard Cowles, Mike Spencer, Richard Foster and Chet Fenster. The series is produced by ITV Entertainment.

Watch the concept trailer below.

Greenlights

Roku greenlit “Empty Nest Refresh,” a new home renovation series hosted by Liza Koshy and featuring design expert Orlando Soria.

The six-episode...

The Chi is getting supersized. Showtime has announced the sixth season's premiere date with the news that eight more episodes have been ordered. Season six of the drama will be split into two parts.

Starring Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and Curtiss Cook, the series follows a group of people living in the South Side of Chicago as they deal with life and all its ups and downs. Lena Waithe created the show.

Guest stars this season include Kandi Burruss, Vic Mensa, Carolyn Michelle Smith, Jason Weaver, Iman Shumpert, Nia Jervier, L'lerrét Jazelle, Hannaha Hall, Ahmad Ferguson, Genesis Denise Hale, Joel Steingold, Judae'a Brown, Miriam A. Hyman, Tyla Abercrumbie, Tai Davis, Rolando Boyce, and Tory O. Davis.

Read More…...

One of Showtime's best series has a return date, and we're getting more episodes than before.

The premium cabler announced this week that The Chi Season 6 will get underway on Friday, August 4, streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime and on-demand, before making its on-air debut Sunday, August 6 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt on Showtime.

Showtime revealed that the upcoming season would span 16 episodes after The Chi Season 5 reached new streaming highs.

But they won't be airing consecutively. Instead, Showtime is airing the 16-part season in two parts.

"The Chi is Showtime at its best – complex characters and sophisticated storytelling that leave our viewers wanting more, which is why we've expanded this season to its biggest yet," said Chris McCarthy, President/CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks.

"Lena is a gifted creator and we're fortunate to collaborate with her on this iconic series – one of our biggest – as we...

Tribeca Festival has announced the lineup of its 2023 festival, which includes new films from actors Chelsea Peretti and David Duchovny and documentaries about Rock Hudson and news anchor Dan Rather.

This year’s event, which takes place from June 7-18, will feature 109 feature films from 127 filmmakers across 36 countries. There will be 93 world premieres, one international premiere, eight North American premieres, one U.S. premiere and six New York premieres.

Among the lineup, there are offerings from 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. For the first time, more than half of feature films in competition (68%) are directed by women, while 41% (45) of all feature films are directed by women. Additionally, 36% (39) of feature films are directed by Bipoc filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.

This year’s festival also spotlights a number of films directed by actors, such as “First Time Female Director” by Peretti; “Maggie Moore(s)” by...

The 22nd edition of NYC’s Tribeca Film Festival appears to have star power to spare, with Michael Shannon, John Slattery, Chelsea Peretti, David Duchovny, Jennifer Esposito, Randall Park, real-life couple Hamish Linklater and Lily Rabe and Steve Buscemi among those with new films premiering among the 100-plus features screening this year from June 7 through June 18.

A few interesting stats: There are 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. 41% of all feature films are directed by women and, for the first time, more than half of competition feature films are directed by women. And 39 of the feature films represented are directed by Bipoc filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.

For the third year, the Tribeca Fest will include the “Expressions of Black Freedom” program, including a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which will highight the world premiere of “All Up in the Biz,” a documentary about hip-hop legend Biz Markie,...

During his early years of theater and indie film acting, Luiz Guzmán did a spell as a youth counselor in New York City. The actor with a grizzled countenance and a world-weary voice appears to have tapped into those memories for drama “Story Ave.” The actor brings an anchoring warmth to his portrayal of the Mta conductor who is held up by the unsure and anguished, but also infuriating, protagonist in Aristotle Torres’ affecting debut feature (co-written with Bonsu Thompson).

Asante Blackk — of “This Is Us” and “When They See Us” — is Kadir, a high-schooler and aspiring artist whose younger brother has just died. A post-funeral reception makes clear that he and his mother (along with her boyfriend) are not a comfort to each other in this time of grief. Kadir is bedeviled by vivid nightmares that seem to damn him for not having done something to save his brother,...

Showtime has ordered a sixth season of “The Chi.”

Created and executive produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe and executive produced by Academy Award and Emmy winner Common, “The Chi” is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. The Season 5 finale will stream on September 2 and premiere on-air on Sunday, September 4.

In Season 5, Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Tiff (Hannaha Hall) forge ahead as co-parents, while Tiff moves in with Rob (Iman Shumpert). Kevin (Alex Hibbert) finds new love in gaming and Simone (Antonyah Allen), while Jake (Michael V. Epps) and Papa (Shamon Brown Jr.) try to resolve things with Jemma (Judae’a Brown) and Maisha (Genesis Denise Hale). New mom Kiesha (Birgundi Baker) works to build her life with baby Ronnie while pursuing her education, while Nina (Tyla Abercrumbie...

It’s a typical story, one that legions of independent filmmakers have experienced since the dawn of Sundance. You pour your energies into making your debut movie — in Barry Jenkins’ case, it was Medicine for Melancholy, his 2008 lo-fi romantic comedy in which a San Francisco bike messenger and a boho young woman spend a day hanging out. Your film travels the festival circuit, you win an award or two, and after the victory lap, you start thinking about what comes next. You go to Hollywood, where you work on a...

When you walk into the Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto, the first thing you see are leaves — crisp-looking, fall-colored, hanging in mass from the low-ceiling over the back seats. It’s the sort of aesthetic flourish designed to make you feel that you’re not just watching, say, a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, you’re sitting in the middle of it. And in its own weird way, this quaint touch added to the experience of seeing the festival’s first public showing of Moonlight, Barry Jenkins’ ambitious sophomore...