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Jamie Foxx Reflects on Health Journey: 'I Saw the Tunnel,' Accepts Vanguard Award

Posted by: JG Posted date: Tuesday, December 05, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,

Jamie Foxx, the 55-year-old Oscar-winning actor, took center stage at the Critics Choice Association's Celebration of Cinema and Television on Monday night, marking a poignant comeback following a recent health scare.
The crowd gave the artist a standing ovation as he accepted the Vanguard Award for his outstanding career and compelling role in "The Burial," presented by co-star Jurnee Smollett. This appearance, part of an event spotlighting Black, Latino, and AAPI achievements, signaled Foxx's return since his hospitalization in April.

Addressing health rumors, Foxx humorously remarked, "It's crazy I couldn't do that six months ago. I couldn't actually walk." Candidly sharing his challenges and emphasizing their profound impact, he joked, "I saw the tunnel, I didn’t see the light!" Expressing gratitude for his recovery, Foxx, who faced a medical emergency during "Back in Action" filming in Atlanta, has maintained a low profile since April.

In a heartfelt 12-minute speech, Foxx expressed gratitude, cracked jokes about his health scare and confirmed his recovery in a Chicago facility. Underlining a newfound respect for life and art, he urged fellow artists not to give up on their craft.

Acknowledging unwavering support from his sister and daughter, Foxx thanked them for keeping health battle details private, emphasizing the importance of a supportive circle.

The Hollywood A-lister, renowned for roles in "Ray," "Ali," and "Dreamgirls," has yet to disclose specific health details. Nevertheless, Foxx's return underscored his resilience and determination to embrace life and continue his artistic journey.

In a touching conclusion, he expressed, "Lord, have mercy, Jesus," thanking unforeseen events that led him back to the stage for the Vanguard Award.
Despite recent legal challenges, including a 2015 sexual assault lawsuit, Foxx's return signals a complex chapter in his career. Navigating triumphs and tribulations, Foxx remains a multifaceted talent with an Academy Award and a successful music career.

Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' Reigns Supreme with $21 Million Box Office Triumph

Posted by: JG Posted date: Monday, December 04, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,

Beyoncé's directorial debut, "Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé," dominated the box office this weekend, raking in an impressive $21 million in North American ticket sales, as reported by AMC Theatres. In a post-Thanksgiving, early December market known for sluggishness, "Renaissance" defied expectations, marking the first time a film has surpassed $20 million on this weekend in two decades.

The global debut of Queen Bey's concert movie reached $27.4 million, including $6.4 million from 2,621 overseas cinemas. Despite falling slightly below offshore projections, the film maintains a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from both audiences and critics.

In the realm of IMAX, "Renaissance" secured the second-largest global opening weekend for a musical act film, generating $5.1 million globally, with $500,000 from 125 overseas screens. France led the international releases with $1.4 million, followed by the UK at $1.2 million and Australia at $400,000. Upcoming releases include Brazil, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, Thailand, and more.

Beyoncé, the 32-time Grammy winner, wrote, directed, and produced "Renaissance," providing an intimate look into the tour for her Grammy-winning album. The film debuted in 2,539 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, along with 94 international territories.

While "Renaissance" did not reach the monumental debut of Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" in October, industry analysts consider it a solid start for a concert film. The "Renaissance" tour, spanning 39 cities and 56 shows, grossed over $500 million and attracted more than 2.7 million concertgoers.

Beyoncé's strategic release in a traditionally slow box office period paid off, as the film faced unique competition, providing an excellent opportunity for success. Despite the inevitable comparisons to Taylor Swift's film, both artists, supportive of each other, opted for AMC Theatres over traditional studios for distribution, each earning at least 50% of ticket sales.
Critics and audiences lauded "Renaissance," achieving a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A+ CinemaScore. With a slightly older audience estimated around 900,000, this concert film's success, coupled with Taylor Swift's earlier triumph, marks an unprecedented year for the genre.

Industry analyst Paul Dergarabedian noted, "To have two concert films topping the chart in a single year is pretty unprecedented," emphasizing that while the films share a genre, they are distinct in circumstances and approach.

In a weekend where the box office saw a total expected gross of only $85 million, "Renaissance" stood out as a testament to Beyoncé's enduring popularity and cinematic prowess.

In the midst of this success, Lionsgate's "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" claimed second place with an estimated $14.5 million, and "Godzilla Minus One" secured third place with $11 million, marking the biggest opening for a foreign film in the U.S. this year.

Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour Shatters Records with $580 Million Triumph

Posted by: JG Posted date: Friday, December 01, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , ,

Photo Credit: Beyonce.com
In a groundbreaking triumph for Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour, the musical powerhouse has shattered records with a staggering $580 million gross and 2.8 million tickets sold in 2023.

According to Billboard the tour, spanning May 10 to October 1, achieved a historic monthly streak with over $100 million in earnings for July, August and September. Beyoncé's August haul of $179 million set a new benchmark, marking the highest reported monthly gross since chart tracking began in February 2019. Surpassing Bad Bunny's 2022 record, Beyoncé now holds the title for the biggest single-year sum for a solo artist in Boxscore history.

The Renaissance Tour's phenomenal success positions Beyoncé at the pinnacle of Billboard's Top Tours Chart, claiming the No. 1 spot. Her year-end earnings of $579.8 million and 2.7 million tickets sold, including the record-setting October 1 show, outshine the competition.

Notably, the Renaissance Tour is the seventh highest-grossing tour in Boxscore history, and Beyoncé stands as one of two solo women to break into the Top 10, alongside Taylor Swift. This achievement further solidifies her status as the first Black woman to rank in the Top 10 highest-grossing tours.
The year-end chart, traditionally dominated by male artists like Bad Bunny, The Rolling Stones, U2, Ed Sheeran and Elton John, witnessed a transformative moment with the dominance of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift in 2015 and 2016.
Beyoncé's remarkable feat adds another chapter to the limited instances of women leading the Boxscore report. Taylor Swift, reciprocating the support she received during her Eras Tour film premiere, attended the Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé London premiere in a dazzling silver Balmain gown. Swift expressed her admiration on Instagram, underscoring Beyoncé's influence on her artistic journey.

"Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé," a cinematic chronicle of her record-breaking tour, has made a resounding impact at the box office. With initial North American previews exceeding expectations and amassing $5 million, the film offers audiences an intimate look into Beyoncé's multifaceted life.

Co-written, executive-produced, and co-directed by the 32-time Grammy winner, the film's global opening is anticipated to reach $30-$40 million.

Oscar-Winning Actor Jamie Foxx Under Fire in Alleged 2015 Assault at Rooftop Bar

Posted by: JG Posted date: Thursday, November 23, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , ,

John Bauld, via Wikimedia Commons

Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx is facing a legal challenge as he was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed on Wednesday in New York City. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleges that the incident occurred in August 2015 at the Catch NYC rooftop lounge, where Foxx allegedly groped her against her will.

The lawsuit, filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, claims that the assault took place in a secluded corner of the rooftop after the plaintiff and her friend approached Foxx for a photo opportunity. According to the complaint, Foxx's behavior escalated from compliments to unwanted physical advances, including groping the plaintiff's breasts and violating her under her pants.

Foxx's representatives have not yet responded to the allegations outlined in the lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages. The lawsuit also names Mark Birnbaum, the owner of Catch NYC, and the establishment itself as defendants, asserting that they enabled the assault and failed to adequately supervise their employees.

The plaintiff's legal team argues that the incident caused the woman pain, suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, and humiliation, prompting her to seek medical treatment. The lawsuit is one of many filed under the Adult Survivors Act, taking advantage of a one-year window allowing victims to pursue sexual abuse claims that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations.

This legal action adds Foxx to the list of high-profile figures facing accusations of sexual misconduct under the Adult Survivors Act, including music industry veteran Jimmy Iovine, actors Russell Brand and Bill Cosby, former movie producer Harvey Weinstein, and hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. As the deadline for filing such claims approaches, these lawsuits are part of a broader movement seeking accountability and justice for survivors of sexual abuse.

Watch: Diddy Unveils Trailer for 'Off The Grid' Film: An R&B Love Story Linked to Latest Album

Posted by: JG Posted date: Monday, October 30, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , ,

Diddy has unveiled the official trailer for his forthcoming film, "Off the Grid," inspired by and soundtracked by his latest album, which offers a glimpse into a whirlwind R&B love story, with the central theme of escaping the complexities of life in favor of romantic seclusion, devoid of modern-day distractions.

In the lead role, rising talent Eva Apio, an Ugandan actress and supermodel, makes her acting debut in this significant project. Her selection came after a three-month casting process.

"Working with Eva was an incredible experience; her talent and energy brought my vision to life," said Diddy of the decision to cast Apio, in a statement announcing the trailer which is closely related to his album, "The Love Album: Off the Grid," and provides a visual and emotional extension of the project.

"Off the Grid" marks a pivotal moment in Diddy's career, representing his debut as a director and screenwriter. The film also marks his eighth acting role in a movie.

In 2021, Diddy founded Love Records, an all-R&B label dedicated to creating timeless R&B music in collaboration with the next generation of artists, producers, and songwriters. The label's first artist, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jozzy, released her album "Songs for Women, Free Game for Nxxxas" in February 2023, setting a high standard for the label.

"The Love Album: Off the Grid," was released in September 2023, receiving critical acclaim. The album features prominent artists such as Justin Bieber, Abel Tesfaye (formerly known as The Weeknd), Mary J. Blige, Summer Walker, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, and more. "The Love Album" secured a place in the top 10 of Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, debuting at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and reaching No. 2 on the Top R&B Albums chart.

The official release date for "Off the Grid" is yet to be announced. Watch the trailer below:

'Shaft' Icon Richard Roundtree, Who Showcased Musical Talents, Passes at 81 After Cancer Battle

Posted by: JG Posted date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , ,

Richard Roundtree, the legendary actor celebrated for his groundbreaking portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the iconic 1971 film "Shaft," passed away Tuesday at the age of 81 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

The confirmation of Roundtree's passing was provided by his manager, Patrick McMinn, who had been managing his career since 1987. McMinn, in a statement, reflected on Roundtree's profound impact on the film industry. He stated, "Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film. The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."

Roundtree's remarkable journey began with a modeling career, but at the age of 28, he secured the role of John Shaft in the iconic "Shaft" film. The action-packed movie, released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, achieved tremendous success, grossing $12 million against a meager budget of $500,000 and helping rescue the studio from financial woes. It set the stage for an era of prolific Blaxploitation filmmaking and underlined the historical oversight of Black talent by Hollywood.

However, Roundtree's influence extended far beyond the silver screen. In 1972, he ventured into the world of music with the release of his debut album, "The Man from Shaft." This musical project marked a distinct departure from his tough-guy image as a private investigator and showcased his versatility as an artist.

"The Man from Shaft" was a unique creation, with Roundtree's singing debut produced by the accomplished musician Gene McDaniels. McDaniels, known as a singer, songwriter, and producer, played a pivotal role in shaping the album's sound. Roundtree's vocals were complemented by a talented ensemble of musicians, including jazz luminaries such as Hubert Laws, Pepper Adams, Jerry Dodgion, Sonny Fortune and Billy Harper. This collaboration resulted in a musical fusion that combined elements of jazz and funk, creating a distinctive and memorable sound.



The lead track of the album, "Gets Hard Sometimes," exemplified the fusion of genres, incorporating a funky groove that bore the hallmark of McDaniels's musical style. While "The Man from Shaft" did not achieve widespread commercial success, it represented a significant and memorable project in Roundtree's artistic journey, highlighting his willingness to explore different creative avenues beyond acting.

Roundtree's groundbreaking role in "Shaft" led to two rapid sequels, "Shaft's Big Score" and "Shaft in Africa," as well as a short-lived 1973 "Shaft" television series on CBS, which he viewed as a less favorable chapter in his illustrious career.

As the years went by, Roundtree's career continued to flourish, extending beyond his initial stardom. He featured in films such as "Earthquake," "Man Friday" alongside Peter O'Toole and Larry Cohen's monster comedy "Q — The Winged Serpent." In addition to his film work, he made notable guest appearances on television, including roles in "Roots," "Magnum P.I." and "The Love Boat."

In 2000, Roundtree revisited the world of "Shaft" in John Singleton's revival of the franchise, co-starring with Samuel L. Jackson, who played a character related to Roundtree's original private eye. This collaboration continued in 2019 with Tim Story's comedic take on the series.

Born on July 9, 1942, in Rochester, New York, Roundtree briefly attended Southern Illinois University before embarking on his modeling career. In the late '60s, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, which initiated his involvement in New York stage productions.

Roundtree's remarkable career spanned over five decades, and his portrayal of Shaft, his contributions to genre filmmaking, and his captivating screen presence added vibrancy to films like "Se7en," "Brick" and "Speed Racer." His recent work included a role in "Moving On," a comedy featuring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was later released in theaters.

He was married twice, first to Mary Jane Grant from 1963 to 1973, and later to Karen M. Cierna from 1980 to 1998. He is survived by his four daughters, Nicole, Tayler, Morgan and Kelli Roundtree, as well as his son, James.

Legendary Pop Icons Taylor Swift and Beyoncé Unite at Movie Premiere

Posted by: JG Posted date: Thursday, October 12, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , , ,

Photo Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for TAS
Beyoncé, a Swiftie?

A seismic collision of two music industry titans unfolded on a star-studded Wednesday night in Los Angeles when Beyoncé made a surprise appearance at the premiere of Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" concert film.

Swift's Instagram post following the event conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for Beyoncé's support, offering an intimate peek into their legendary union. The post included a heartwarming video of the two icons sharing popcorn inside the movie theater. Swift's sentiments resonated deeply, with the songstress expressing, "I'm so glad I'll never know what my life would've been like without @beyonce's influence."


Swift didn't stop there; she lavished praise on Beyoncé, commending her groundbreaking contributions to the music industry. Swift highlighted the invaluable lessons the Queen Bey has imparted to her and other artists: "The way she's taught me and every artist out here to break rules and defy industry norms. Her generosity of spirit. Her resilience and versatility. She's been a guiding light throughout my career, and the fact that she showed up tonight was like an actual fairytale."

The premiere marked the eagerly awaited unveiling of Swift's "Eras Tour" movie, which offers a captivating behind-the-scenes look at her record-breaking stadium tour. The film's box office prospects are nothing short of monumental, with early projections suggesting a colossal domestic debut exceeding $100 million. Responding to insatiable fan demand, Swift electrified her devotees with a thrilling announcement just an hour before the premiere — the film's release would be expedited by a day.

Beyoncé is currently in the final stages of negotiations to bring her own concert film to life, featuring the astounding "Renaissance" tour. This remarkable project is poised for release through AMC Theatres, the same platform that Swift utilized for her "Eras Tour" movie. While specifics remain under wraps, insiders have tantalizingly hinted at a December 1 release date for Beyoncé's highly anticipated concert film.

Remarkably, the Knowles-Carter family has shown unwavering support for Taylor Swift in the past. Just last month, Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother, took to social media to celebrate the profound contributions of both artists to the music industry and their undeniable ability to "stimulate the economy."


The intersection of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift at this premier heralds a momentous meeting of two reigning queens—a convergence of music's most potent forces. Both artists have enthralled audiences worldwide this year with their powerhouse concert tours, and now they are extending their impact to the silver screen. In an industry frequently marred by rivalries, the mutual support and camaraderie between these two global superstars make for a powerful statement.

Watch: Beyoncé's 'Renaissance World Tour' Comes Alive in New Film

Posted by: JG Posted date: Monday, October 02, 2023 / comment : 0 , , , , , , , ,

Beyoncé is gearing up to mesmerize global audiences as she takes her acclaimed "Renaissance World Tour" from the stage to the silver screen.

Following the tour's triumphant finale in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday night, the iconic diva unveiled the hotly-anticipated trailer for "Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé." This cinematic sensation is set to premiere worldwide in theaters on December 1.

The forthcoming film promises an inside look at the extraordinary journey of the "Renaissance World Tour," spanning its inception and grand opening in Stockholm, Sweden, to the climactic finale in Kansas City, Missouri.

It also delves into Beyoncé's unwavering dedication, meticulous involvement in all aspects of production, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to crafting a lasting legacy while perfecting her artistry.

"The film encapsulates Beyoncé's unwavering determination, dedication, and comprehensive involvement in every facet of production, showcasing her creative genius and her mission to establish an enduring legacy while elevating her craft," underscores the official synopsis.

Get a sneak peek of this cinematic treat by watching the first trailer below.

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