Teyana Taylor’s Golden Globe Nod Crowns a Year When the Culture Took Center Stage

Teyana Taylor in “One Battle After Another.” Her fearless performance in Ryan Coogler’s drama, now a Golden Globe contender, embodies the rise of authentic, culture-rooted storytelling that reshaped this year’s awards season. (Photo Courtesy Warner Bros.)

Teyana Taylor walked into awards season as an outsider again — no big-budget campaign, no glossy magazine spread, no studio whispering her name into voters’ ears. But when the 2026 Golden Globe nominations dropped today, the Harlem-born artist’s name landed right where it belonged: on the list.


Her supporting role in “One Battle After Another,” a bruising indie drama that went from festival buzz to nine nominations, marked one of the few times the Globes have recognized a performer who started her career choreographing for Beyoncé and grinding through the same hip-hop hustle that Hollywood pretended didn’t exist.

For longtime fans who first saw her dancing in Jay-Z videos or directing her own visuals under the moniker “Spike Tey,” the news hit different. Taylor, now nominated for Best Supporting Actress for “One Battle After Another” — the year’s most-nominated film — walked into awards season with the same mix of grit and grace that’s carried her through every reinvention.

Where the Culture Showed Up at the 2026 Golden Globes

Key nominees announced Dec. 8, 2025, for the 83rd Golden Globes:

• "One Battle After Another" – Leads all films with 9 nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and a Supporting Actress nod for Teyana Taylor.
• "Sinners" – Scores 7 nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director (Ryan Coogler), Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan), Best Original Score (Ludwig Göransson) and Best Original Song for "I Lied to You" by Göransson and Raphael Saadiq.
• Tessa Thompson – Nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for "Hedda".
• Cynthia Erivo – Nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for "Wicked: For Good", which also picked up Best Original Song nods.
• Ayo Edebiri – Returns to the TV comedy race for her work in "The Bear".
• Quinta Brunson – Continues her awards run with another nomination for "Abbott Elementary" in the comedy series field.

For the full list of 2026 Golden Globe nominees, visit GoldenGlobes.com.

She wasn’t alone. With "Sinners," Ryan Coogler’s return to prestige filmmaking, Michael B. Jordan earned a Best Actor nod, solidifying the pair as modern cinema’s Scorsese and De Niro.. Composer Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq’s “I Lied to You” brought the film its fourth nomination, giving soul music a rare home inside a category once dominated by pop ballads and movie musicals.

From Teyana to Michael, from Cynthia Erivo’s “Wicked: For Good” nomination to Ayo Edebiri and Quinta Brunson representing television’s comedy elite, the 2026 Globes quietly told a story years in the making: the artists shaped by Black music, hip-hop aesthetics and R&B storytelling no longer sit at the margins of Hollywood — they are the pulse.

That change didn’t come from committees or press releases. It came from the culture refusing to wait for permission. When the HFPA scandal forced the Globes to rebuild, the world outside kept moving — through mixtapes, streaming, indie film circuits, and TikTok threads where music, politics, and performance blur daily. The result? Hollywood’s old party suddenly sounds like something new.

There are still gaps. No major hip-hop documentaries or biopics made the cut. Streaming platforms with Black showrunners remain under-nominated. But the list feels alive — reflective of a generation that grew up with Dilla drums under Scorsese cuts and Nina Simone lyrics sampled on Billboard hits.

If the Globes are finally listening, it’s because the culture stopped asking to be heard.

50 Cent Takes His Feud Global With Netflix Doc 'Sean Combs: The Reckoning'

Promotional poster for Netflix’s “Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” a four-part documentary series executive-produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. The series, directed by Alex Stapleton, explores decades of sexual-assault and trafficking allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs and premieres December 2, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Netflix)

When 50 Cent trolls, it’s entertainment. When he warns, it’s prophecy. And this time, Curtis Jackson wasn’t joking.

The Queens mogul’s long war of words with Sean “Diddy” Combs has exploded into something bigger — a global event. Netflix just dropped the trailer for “Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” the four-part documentary executive-produced by 50 Cent and directed by Emmy nominee Alex Stapleton, set to premiere December 2, 2025. It’s the project nobody in hip-hop wanted to touch — until now.

“They said I was capping 🤷 What happened?” 50 wrote on Instagram after posting the teaser. The clip opens with a voice, low and final: “You can’t continue to keep hurting people, and nothing ever happens.” Then the screen cuts to black, stamped with 50’s calling card — “GLG 🚦 GreenLightGang 🎥 G-Unit Film & TV.”

The message landed like a gavel. For years, 50 and Diddy have traded public jabs — one man the corporate kingpin of the “All About the Benjamins” era, the other a bulletproof hustler who built an empire off instincts and smoke. But what started as an ego clash has now turned into one of hip-hop’s most consequential reckonings.

The series pulls back decades of headlines, lawsuits, and whispers around Diddy’s rise — from “No Way Out” and Bad Boy’s platinum run to Cîroc, Revolt TV, and the empire that once made him untouchable. Netflix’s synopsis calls it a “complex human story spanning decades,” but the timing says more than the tagline ever could. The streaming giant announced “The Reckoning” just a week after Combs’ 2024 arrest on federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting individuals for prostitution.

50 Cent had been teasing this moment since December 2023, when he first revealed plans to produce a documentary on the mounting allegations, pledging to donate proceeds to sexual-assault victims. At the time, many thought it was just another viral 50 stunt. By the fall of 2024 — after raids, indictments, and settlements — nobody was laughing.

In a joint statement, 50 and Stapleton said their mission was to “give a voice to the voiceless and present authentic and nuanced perspectives,” while reminding viewers that Combs’ story “is not the full story of hip-hop and its culture.” It’s a take that shows how carefully this project is walking the line — a film that both calls out individual power and protects the broader culture it came from.

The rivalry itself is pure hip-hop mythology — born in the early 2000s, when 50 accused Diddy of exploiting artists and disrespecting the streets that made him. For years, their feud simmered through cryptic interviews and social media. When the lawsuits hit, 50 shifted from jokes to journalism, posting court filings and clips like he was running his own newsroom. His followers called it obsession; now it looks like documentation.

Alex Stapleton’s direction adds weight to the production. Known for “Reggie” and “Black Hollywood: They’ve Gotta Have Us,” she approaches the story like an autopsy of fame and silence — combining survivor testimonies with archival footage and insider accounts from inside Diddy’s once-impenetrable circle. Netflix insiders describe “The Reckoning” as “methodical, not messy” — a rare attempt to dissect power without glorifying it.

When the trailer hit social media, hip-hop stopped scrolling. Within hours, 50’s post hit six figures in likes. Comments split between applause and disbelief — some called it overdue justice, others called it opportunism. But either way, the same name dominated the feed: Diddy.

Fifty Cent’s greatest gift has always been timing — and this time, his timing might have changed the course of hip-hop’s accountability era. The streets remember the shine, the suits, the whispers, and the silence. Now, with “The Reckoning” set to stream worldwide, it’s all coming back under lights no bottle service can dim.

Watch the full teaser below:

Watch: ‘Michael’ Trailer Revisits Thriller-Era Magic With Jaafar Jackson

The teaser poster for “Michael” features depictions of Michael Jackson across different stages of his career for the upcoming Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic. (Courtesy Lionsgate)

Lionsgate released the first trailer for “Michael,” Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic about the King of Pop, offering the closest look yet at how one of music’s most iconic stories will be retold for a new generation. The teaser will play in theaters ahead of “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” and the film is scheduled to hit theaters April 24, 2026.

Jackson is portrayed by his nephew Jaafar Jackson, whose resemblance has drawn attention since production began. The trailer opens in a recording studio with Quincy Jones — played by Kendrick Sampson — telling Jackson the tracks are ready before the film flashes through childhood moments, breakthrough performances and unmistakable visuals from “Thriller,” set to the pulse of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”

The cast features a wide lineup of heavy hitters: Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Miles Teller as attorney John Branca, Jessica Sula as LaToya Jackson, Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe and Kat Graham as Diana Ross. Additional roles include Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Kevin Shinick as Dick Clark and KeiLyn Durrel Jones as longtime security chief Bill Bray.

The project — written by John Logan and produced by Graham King alongside estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain — wrapped principal photography in 2024 before undergoing additional shooting. Early rumors suggested the story might be split into two films, but the current marketing push frames a single, full narrative.

The teaser closes on an intimate detail: Jackson asking, “Q, can you lower the lights for me, please?” as the studio dims and his silhouette comes into focus — an image signaling that Fuqua’s film aims to revisit not just the legend, but the artist behind it.

Watch the full trailer below.

Obamas May Produce Tiger Woods Film Chronicling His Greatest Run in Golf

A film about Tiger Woods’ rise to golf dominance is in development at Amazon MGM Studios, with Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, in talks to produce.

According to Deadline, the movie will be directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, who helmed the critically acclaimed King Richard, the biopic about Venus and Serena Williams’ father that won Will Smith an Academy Award. The project will adapt Kevin Cook’s book, “Tiger Slam: The Inside Story of the Greatest Golf Ever Played,” focusing on Woods’ legendary run of four consecutive major championship wins between 2000 and 2001.

While Woods’ career has been marked by both triumph and controversy, the film will steer clear of his personal scandals and legal troubles, instead spotlighting his early dominance in golf. In 1997, Woods became the first Black golfer to win a major tournament, revolutionizing the sport and inspiring a new generation. Three years later, he achieved what became known as the “Tiger Slam,” winning the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, PGA Championship, and the Masters in succession — an accomplishment unmatched in modern golf.

Cook’s book details Woods’ tactical genius, mental discipline, and unrelenting pursuit of perfection, with insights from his caddies, coaches, and competitors.

Should Higher Ground officially join the project, it would mark another high-profile sports venture for the Obamas’ company. Their previous work includes the Netflix basketball documentaries “The Starting Five” and “The Redeem Team,” as well as the civil rights biopic “Rustin.”

Irwin Winkler, the legendary producer behind “Rocky,” “Creed” and “Goodfellas,” is also attached.

Despite injuries threatening his career in recent years, Woods has remained an enduring figure in golf. Last December, he partnered with his 15-year-old son, Charlie Woods, at the PNC Championship, showing glimpses of his old form. He continues to make select tournament appearances, though his latest Achilles injury puts his future in doubt.

The timeline for the film’s release remains unclear, but Amazon MGM has ramped up its theatrical investments, planning 12 to 14 major releases per year starting in 2026.

This biopic will be the latest in a string of Woods-related projects, following HBO’s two-part “Tiger” documentary, which examined both his meteoric rise and the scandals that led to his temporary fall from grace.

omingo Earns Second Consecutive Best Actor Nod, Following in Denzel Washington’s Footsteps

Colman Domingo, nominated for Best Actor at the 97th Academy Awards for his role in Sing Sing, continues to make history with back-to-back Oscar nods. He is the first actor to achieve this milestone since Denzel Washington in 2018. (Photo: Courtesy of A24)

The 97th Academy Awards nominations have been announced, offering a glimpse into the year’s most celebrated achievements in film. From blockbuster spectacles to groundbreaking performances, the list reveals a dynamic field of contenders. The Oscars, set to air live on March 2, will once again take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, showcasing the best of global cinema.

This year’s nominations are particularly significant for Colman Domingo, who made history in 2024 as the first Afro-Latino to earn a Best Actor nomination for “Rustin.” Domingo has now secured his second consecutive nod, this time for his stirring performance in “Sing Sing,” a deeply moving film about the resilience and humanity of incarcerated individuals. He becomes the first actor to achieve back-to-back nominations in the category since Denzel Washington’s dual nods for “Fences” (2017) and “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (2018).

Domingo’s nomination not only underscores his immense talent but also highlights a significant shift in Hollywood toward recognizing more diverse voices and stories. He joins a competitive Best Actor lineup that includes Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”), Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”), Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”), and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”).

Spotlight on Black Excellence and Representation

The 2025 Oscars are a banner year for Black artists across multiple categories. Cynthia Erivo, celebrated for her powerhouse performances on both stage and screen, earned a nomination for Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked.” The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical received widespread recognition, including a Best Picture nod and a Supporting Actress nomination for Ariana Grande.

Zoe Saldaña also shines among this year’s nominees, earning a Supporting Actress nod for her performance in “Emilia Pérez,” a genre-defying musical that has captivated audiences worldwide. The film, which blends themes of identity and artistry, earned multiple nominations, including for Best International Feature.

The Best Original Song category further amplifies Black artists’ contributions, with Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada’s “Like a Bird” from “Sing Sing” joining a competitive slate of nominees.

A Broader Field of Stories

While Black artists and narratives are receiving well-deserved recognition, the Oscars also celebrate diverse storytelling across genres. Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic “Dune: Part Two” leads the technical categories, earning nominations for Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Sound, among others. “Wicked” dazzled with its lush production, earning nods for Costume Design, Production Design, and Film Editing, while films like “Nosferatu” and “The Brutalist” showcased bold and inventive cinematic visions.

In the animated realm, “Inside Out 2” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” headline the Best Animated Feature category, reaffirming the Academy’s commitment to honoring creativity in all its forms. Documentary categories, meanwhile, spotlight urgent and compelling narratives, including “Black Box Diaries” and “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat.”

Domingo’s Legacy in the Making

As the Oscars near, Colman Domingo’s historic nomination continues to resonate. His back-to-back recognition not only cements his place in Hollywood history but also serves as a reminder of the power of representation on the industry’s biggest stage. Through performances that celebrate the complexity and depth of Black experiences, Domingo stands as a beacon of what Hollywood’s future can look like.

“I’ve always wanted to tell stories that matter,” Domingo said in a recent interview. “This recognition isn’t just for me—it’s for everyone who has ever been overlooked or underestimated.”

The 97th Academy Awards promises to be a night to remember, honoring groundbreaking achievements while pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Click here for a complete list of the nominees. 

Rapper and Actor Saafir Dead at 54

Photo Credit: Instagram/xzibit

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Reggie "Saafir" Gibson, a pioneering West Coast rapper and actor, who died Tuesday morning at the age of 54. His death was confirmed by close friend and longtime collaborator, Xzibit, who shared the news via an emotional Instagram post.

"Approximately at 8:45 am this morning, my brother Reggie known to the world as Saafir passed away," Xzibit wrote. "We have so much history I can't even explain what I'm feeling right now. We surrounded him and let him know how much we loved him. He can rest now."

Rest in Peace Saafir 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/lGtXmKVE5R

— Tommy Boy Records (@TommyBoyRecords) November 20, 2024

Emerging in the early 1990s, he gained recognition for his intricate wordplay, complex rhyme schemes and socially aware lyrics. His debut album, "Boxcar Sessions," released in 1994, remains a landmark in West Coast underground hip-hop. He solidified his position in the genre with notable works like "The Hit List" and "Trigonometry."

In addition to his solo success, Saafir was a member of Digital Underground, the groundbreaking collective that famously featured Tupac Shakur and the late Shock G. He also collaborated with Xzibit and Ras Kass to form the Golden State Project, initially called the Golden State Warriors, until legal challenges from the NBA prompted a name change.

Saafir's talent extended beyond music. He appeared in the 1993 film "Menace II Society," directed by the Hughes brothers, portraying Harold Lawson. The movie, noted for its gritty depiction of life in South Central Los Angeles, became a pivotal work in urban cinema.

One of my favorite rap songs EVER

Ahmad, Ras Kass and Saafir - Come Widdit (1994)

All three went ballistic.

RIP Saafir pic.twitter.com/OvOtZV7iVc

— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) November 19, 2024

In recent years, Saafir faced a series of health challenges, including the removal of a cancerous tumor from his spine, which left him using a wheelchair. Despite these setbacks, his spirit and impact on the music industry remained strong and inspiring.

Xzibit called on the hip-hop community to support Saafir’s family during this challenging time. "Friends, Family, everyone that rocked with us from the Hip Hop community, if you could be so solid and reach out for @chopblack his younger brother, and @lilsaafir his son, the family really needs to be supported during this time," he said.

'Black Panther 3' Rumors Heat Up as Denzel Washington Discusses Marvel Role

Courtesy Photo Paramount Pictures 

During a media tour for the upcoming "Gladiator" sequel, Denzel Washington surprised fans by revealing potential plans to join Marvel's "Black Panther 3," hinting at a major new role in the MCU.

Denzel Washington is on the cusp of joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the highly-anticipated
"Black Panther 3." In an interview with Australia’s "Today" show, Washington said that director Ryan Coogler is crafting a role tailored specifically for him in what would mark the actor's first foray into the MCU.

Denzel Washington has revealed he’ll be starring in Black Panther 3! Ryan Coogler is currently crafting a role specifically for him. Anyone remember when Chadwick Boseman gave that heartfelt speech thanking Denzel for paying his tuition? God bless his soul.

Mrs. Trump Thomas… pic.twitter.com/v8vhswHsM2

— Video Hub (@videosdatgohard) November 12, 2024

"I don't know how many more films I'm gonna make, probably not that many. I want to do things I haven't done," Washington shared, hinting at the possibility of winding down his illustrious career while still seeking new creative challenges.

Though Marvel Studios has yet to confirm "Black Panther 3," Washington’s remarks have fueled speculation that development is in motion. His potential involvement promises to elevate a franchise already steeped in cultural significance. "Black Panther" (2018) shattered box office records and barriers, grossing over $2 billion worldwide alongside its sequel, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" (2022), while earning acclaim for representing African culture and celebrating Black excellence.

The franchise's accolades speak volumes. The original film became the first superhero movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, taking home three Oscars for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score. It also earned the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and a Grammy Award for its standout soundtrack.

Central to this success was the late Chadwick Boseman, whose portrayal of King T'Challa became a beacon of pride and inspiration. Revered for his authenticity and depth, Boseman's legacy continues to resonate, both on and off the screen. His untimely death in 2020 marked a profound loss, with tributes pouring in from across the globe. Boseman was posthumously honored with a Golden Globe for his role in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." His impact extended beyond performance; he credited Washington for funding his Oxford acting education, famously saying, "There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington."

The significance of the "Black Panther" films extends beyond Hollywood. They reshaped narratives by spotlighting African heritage, challenging industry norms, and becoming a cultural milestone. For many, the films were a celebration of representation and a redefinition of what is possible in mainstream cinema.

As for Washington’s potential role, speculation runs high. Some suggest he could play Bashenga, the legendary first Black Panther and Wakanda's founder, bringing his gravitas to pivotal flashbacks. Others envision him as T'Chaka, offering a nuanced portrayal of a younger version of T'Challa’s father. Alternatively, Washington could inject depth as a formidable new antagonist, posing a fresh challenge to Wakanda’s stability and resilience.

Marvel has yet to provide an official word on "Black Panther 3" or confirm Washington’s involvement. However, fans are already eagerly anticipating what this legendary actor could bring to the world of Wakanda.

Quincy Jones, Maestro Who Shaped American Music, Dies at 91

Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer whose work spanned across genres and generations, from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album, the best-selling album of all time, to writing award-winning film scores, died on Sunday at the age of 91.Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, said the music titan died at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by family.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” Jones’ family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

Jones' career rose from humble beginnings, running with gangs on the South Side of Chicago, to reaching the heights of the music and entertainment industry.

He was among the first Black executives to break through in Hollywood and became a prolific producer, arranger, and composer, responsible for some of the most memorable moments in American music.

Jones worked with an extraordinary roster of talent over the decades, collaborating with stars such as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Michael Jackson. His contributions to music included jazz, pop, and soul, as well as landmark film scores. He was instrumental in producing Jackson's “Thriller,” which went on to become the best-selling album of all time, and he also co-produced “We Are the World,” the 1985 charity anthem for famine relief in Africa.

Jones’ influence went beyond music. He worked on television and film projects, including composing scores for “Roots” and “In the Heat of the Night.” He also organized President Bill Clinton’s first inaugural celebration, underscoring his role as a cultural figure who bridged music and public life.