The 2024 Independent Spirit Awards took place on Sunday at the traditional Santa Monica beach tent location, with Aidy Bryant hosting. “Past Lives” took home the coveted Best Feature award, with “Beef” being honored as Best New Scripted Series. Check out the full list of winners and nominees below.
Best Feature
“Past Lives”
Producers: David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon
“All of Us Strangers”
Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Sarah Harvey
“American Fiction”
Producers: Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson, Nikos Karamigios, Ben LeClair
“May December”
Producers: Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, Grant S. Johnson, Pamela Koffler, Tyler W. Konney, Sophie Mas, Natalie Portman, Christine Vachon
“Passages”
Producers: Michel Merkt, Saïd Ben Saïd
“We Grown Now”
Producers: Minhal Baig, Joe Pirro
Best Lead Performance
Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”
Jessica Chastain, “Memory”
Greta Lee, “Past Lives”
Trace Lysette, “Monica”
Natalie Portman, “May December”
Judy Reyes, “Birth/Rebirth”
Franz Rogowski, “Passages”
Andrew Scott, “All of Us Strangers”
Teyana Taylor,...
Best Feature
“Past Lives”
Producers: David Hinojosa, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon
“All of Us Strangers”
Producers: Graham Broadbent, Pete Czernin, Sarah Harvey
“American Fiction”
Producers: Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson, Nikos Karamigios, Ben LeClair
“May December”
Producers: Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, Grant S. Johnson, Pamela Koffler, Tyler W. Konney, Sophie Mas, Natalie Portman, Christine Vachon
“Passages”
Producers: Michel Merkt, Saïd Ben Saïd
“We Grown Now”
Producers: Minhal Baig, Joe Pirro
Best Lead Performance
Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction”
Jessica Chastain, “Memory”
Greta Lee, “Past Lives”
Trace Lysette, “Monica”
Natalie Portman, “May December”
Judy Reyes, “Birth/Rebirth”
Franz Rogowski, “Passages”
Andrew Scott, “All of Us Strangers”
Teyana Taylor,...
- 2/25/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Josh Close (Killers of the Flower Moon) has signed on to star in American Solitaire, an indie drama marking the first feature from writer-director Aaron Davidman.
He stars in the film as a U.S. soldier struggling to make sense of civilian life when he is confronted with the complexities of gun violence in America. Pic’s producers are Davidman, Lisa Bruce, David Oyelowo and Dylan Kussman (Wrestling Jerusalem). Marcus Gardley is serving as consulting producer.
Most recently, Close was seen playing Horace Burkhart, the brother of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Osage murderer Ernest, in Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award-nominated epic Killers of the Flower Moon. Prior to that, he starred opposite Trace Lysette and Patricia Clarkson in the acclaimed drama Monica, which was released by IFC Films after world premiering in Venice.
He stars in the film as a U.S. soldier struggling to make sense of civilian life when he is confronted with the complexities of gun violence in America. Pic’s producers are Davidman, Lisa Bruce, David Oyelowo and Dylan Kussman (Wrestling Jerusalem). Marcus Gardley is serving as consulting producer.
Most recently, Close was seen playing Horace Burkhart, the brother of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Osage murderer Ernest, in Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award-nominated epic Killers of the Flower Moon. Prior to that, he starred opposite Trace Lysette and Patricia Clarkson in the acclaimed drama Monica, which was released by IFC Films after world premiering in Venice.
- 2/20/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Directed by Blitz Bazawule from a script by Marcus Gardley, Alice Walker’s novel comes to life on the big screen once again with this stage-to-screen adaptation of the classic coming-of-age story. Fantasia Barrino leads the cast in her feature film debut as Celie, who, despite a life of hardships (from personal to societal), finds strength and solace in sisterhood. Featuring an A-list ensemble including Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Colman Domingo, Taraji P. Henson, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., and more, the Oscar-nominated “The Color Purple” makes its streaming debut on Max on Friday, Feb. 16. You can watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max.
How to Watch 'The Color Purple' When: Friday, February 16, 2024 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. 7-Day Free Trial$9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com About 'The Color Purple'
“The Color Purple” takes on a new hue as Brenda Russell, Allee Willis,...
How to Watch 'The Color Purple' When: Friday, February 16, 2024 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Max. 7-Day Free Trial$9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com About 'The Color Purple'
“The Color Purple” takes on a new hue as Brenda Russell, Allee Willis,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Renewed at Disney+
Lightning will strike twice: following a successful, acclaimed first season, Disney+ has officially renewed “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” for a second season.
Adapted from Rick Riordan’s book series of the same name, the series follows the title protagonist Percy (Walker Scobell), a 12-year-old modern demigod who is just coming to terms with his newfound supernatural powers when Zeus (the late Lance Reddick) accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. With help from his friends Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Grover (Aryan Simhadri), Percy begins a journey across America to find it and restore order to Olympus. Season 1 also starred Virginia Kull, Glynn Turman, Jason Mantzoukas, Megan Mullally, Timm Sharp, Dior Goodjohn, Charlie Bushnell, and more.
Watch the trailer for “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” below:
According to Disney CEO Bob Iger in the latest quarterly earnings call, Season 1 has...
Lightning will strike twice: following a successful, acclaimed first season, Disney+ has officially renewed “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” for a second season.
Adapted from Rick Riordan’s book series of the same name, the series follows the title protagonist Percy (Walker Scobell), a 12-year-old modern demigod who is just coming to terms with his newfound supernatural powers when Zeus (the late Lance Reddick) accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. With help from his friends Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Grover (Aryan Simhadri), Percy begins a journey across America to find it and restore order to Olympus. Season 1 also starred Virginia Kull, Glynn Turman, Jason Mantzoukas, Megan Mullally, Timm Sharp, Dior Goodjohn, Charlie Bushnell, and more.
Watch the trailer for “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” below:
According to Disney CEO Bob Iger in the latest quarterly earnings call, Season 1 has...
- 2/9/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Warner Bros. PIctures’ The Color Purple will make its streaming debut on Max on February 16.
The Blitz Bazawule-directed musical adaptation stars Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Danielle Brooks.
Adapted from the novel and Broadway musical, the film takes on the classic story of love and resilience. Torn apart from her sister Nettie (Bailey) and her children, Celie (Barrino) faces many hardships in her life, including an abusive husband simply called Mister (Domingo). With the support of sultry singer Shug Avery (Henson) and stand-her-ground stepdaughter Sofia (Brooks), Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.
Bazawule directs from a screenplay by Marcus Gardley, whose script is based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray,...
The Blitz Bazawule-directed musical adaptation stars Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Danielle Brooks.
Adapted from the novel and Broadway musical, the film takes on the classic story of love and resilience. Torn apart from her sister Nettie (Bailey) and her children, Celie (Barrino) faces many hardships in her life, including an abusive husband simply called Mister (Domingo). With the support of sultry singer Shug Avery (Henson) and stand-her-ground stepdaughter Sofia (Brooks), Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.
Bazawule directs from a screenplay by Marcus Gardley, whose script is based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond when “The Color Purple” arrives for purchase Digitally at home on January 16. This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones. The film will also be available to purchase on 4K Uhd, Blu-ray and DVD on March 12. “The Color Purple” is directed by Blitz Bazawule from a screenplay by acclaimed playwright and WGA Award winner Marcus Gardley (“The Maid”). Bazawule is a Ghanaian multimedia artist who ... Read more...
- 1/16/2024
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Mean Girls,” a movie adaptation of the Broadway musical, which in turn was born from the 2004 comedy … with Tina Fey adapting the screenplay and featuring Jenna Fischer and Jon Hamm. In theaters January 12th.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Yes, the mean gals and school life of North Shore High are on display musically, and updated from its 2004 roots to present time, as transfer student Cady (Angourie Rice) is trying to fit in, with help from outcasts Janis (Alee Cra-val-ho) and Damian (Ja-quel Spivey). When Cady is invited to the alpha girls lunch table, with mean leader Regina (Renee Rapp), she is about to begin a journey that makes her an insider to all the nasty tactics that the gang uses to rule their high school domain. Which attitude will Cady adopt?
“The Color Purple” is in theaters since December 25th. Featuring Fantasia Barrino,...
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Yes, the mean gals and school life of North Shore High are on display musically, and updated from its 2004 roots to present time, as transfer student Cady (Angourie Rice) is trying to fit in, with help from outcasts Janis (Alee Cra-val-ho) and Damian (Ja-quel Spivey). When Cady is invited to the alpha girls lunch table, with mean leader Regina (Renee Rapp), she is about to begin a journey that makes her an insider to all the nasty tactics that the gang uses to rule their high school domain. Which attitude will Cady adopt?
“The Color Purple” is in theaters since December 25th. Featuring Fantasia Barrino,...
- 1/11/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
At the 2022 Oscars, Sian Heder won Best Adapted Screenplay for “Coda,” her adaptation of the French film “La Famille Bélier.” “Coda” also claimed Best Picture, thereby becoming the fifth remake to win the top Oscar. In 2021 playwright Florian Zeller shared in the Oscar win for Best Adapted Screenplay with Christopher Hampton for bring his stage hit “The Father” to the screen. In his directorial debut Zeller bagged Anthony Hopkins his second Best Actor Oscar. (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2024 Oscar predictions for Best Adapted Screenplay.)
Screen versions of stage works had won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars 15 times before. The most recent of these was in 2017 when “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney prevailed for adapting the latter’s un-produced play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.” Prior to that you have to go all the way back to 1989 when Alfred Uhry won for adapting...
Screen versions of stage works had won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars 15 times before. The most recent of these was in 2017 when “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney prevailed for adapting the latter’s un-produced play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.” Prior to that you have to go all the way back to 1989 when Alfred Uhry won for adapting...
- 1/11/2024
- by Paul Sheehan and Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
‘The Color Purple’: Read The Screenplay By Marcus Gardley That Finds A New Way In To An Iconic Story
Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series spotlighting the year’s most talked-about scripts continues with The Color Purple, directed by Blitz Bazawule and written by Marcus Gardley. The music-filled film boasts a stacked cast including Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Halle Bailey, Corey Hawkins and more.
Alice Walker’s 1983 Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name was originally adapted into a feature by Steven Spielberg in 1985 in a film that starred Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. The story was then adapted into a musical created by Marsha Norman, which ran on Broadway from 2005-2008 and got a revival in 2015. That musical was then adapted for the screen by Gardley, whose credits included writing on The Chi and the Z: The Beginning of Everything, and the Warner Bros movie was born, with Winfrey and Steven Spielberg back from the original film as producers.
The story centers on...
Alice Walker’s 1983 Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name was originally adapted into a feature by Steven Spielberg in 1985 in a film that starred Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey. The story was then adapted into a musical created by Marsha Norman, which ran on Broadway from 2005-2008 and got a revival in 2015. That musical was then adapted for the screen by Gardley, whose credits included writing on The Chi and the Z: The Beginning of Everything, and the Warner Bros movie was born, with Winfrey and Steven Spielberg back from the original film as producers.
The story centers on...
- 1/4/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The Oscar-tipped new hit movie based on Alice Walker’s award-winning novel is frustratingly coy about the queerness of its protaganist
Alice Walker’s Pulitzer prize-winning book The Color Purple follows the central years of Celie, a Black girl in 1900s Georgia who survives abuse at the hands of her father and husband, Mister.
There’s a surgical balance in how to depict Celie: someone deprived of love and compassion, but never passive, never weak. Unfortunately, the most recent big-screen musical remake, directed by Blitz Bazawule and written by Marcus Gardley, doesn’t live in the fullness of Celie’s life, notably Celie’s queerness.
Alice Walker’s Pulitzer prize-winning book The Color Purple follows the central years of Celie, a Black girl in 1900s Georgia who survives abuse at the hands of her father and husband, Mister.
There’s a surgical balance in how to depict Celie: someone deprived of love and compassion, but never passive, never weak. Unfortunately, the most recent big-screen musical remake, directed by Blitz Bazawule and written by Marcus Gardley, doesn’t live in the fullness of Celie’s life, notably Celie’s queerness.
- 1/2/2024
- by Gloria Oladipo
- The Guardian - Film News
The 2024 Oscars is set for March 10, 2024 in its traditional home, the Dolby Theater. Films released theatrically from January 1 to December 31 of 2023 are eligible for consideration for the 96th annual Academy Awards. Scroll down for our updated 2024 Oscar predictions for Best Picture. (Only movies confirmed for release in 2023 are included; keep checking back as new contenders enter the race.)
Some of the early Oscar hopefuls were launched at Sundance in January and Cannes in May. Four more film festivals — Telluride, Venice, Toronto and New York — will showcase more movies. However, the ongoing writers and actors strikes could reduce the visibility of those contenders. Likewise for those films that forego the festival circuit entirely.
Voting for the 10 shortlisted categories runs from Dec. 14 to 18, with the semi-finalists revealed on Dec. 21. Nominations voting kicks off on Jan. 11, 2024 for six days with the slate of final contenders announced on Jan. 23. Final voting starts on Feb.
Some of the early Oscar hopefuls were launched at Sundance in January and Cannes in May. Four more film festivals — Telluride, Venice, Toronto and New York — will showcase more movies. However, the ongoing writers and actors strikes could reduce the visibility of those contenders. Likewise for those films that forego the festival circuit entirely.
Voting for the 10 shortlisted categories runs from Dec. 14 to 18, with the semi-finalists revealed on Dec. 21. Nominations voting kicks off on Jan. 11, 2024 for six days with the slate of final contenders announced on Jan. 23. Final voting starts on Feb.
- 12/29/2023
- by Paul Sheehan and Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Whoopi Goldberg's cameo appearance in the new musical version of 'The Color Purple' was kept top secret until the film's release.The 68-year-old actress made her big screen debut in the original 1985 movie - based on the novel by Alice Walker - and won an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and it's now been revealed she returned to make an appearance in Blitz Bazawule's new musical take on the story, but the director went to great lengths to keep the cameo quiet.He told Variety: "We had to be stealthy about her involvement from the beginning. Only key crew were aware that Whoopi was playing the role."We also never mentioned her in any press and she remained uncredited for the role."The actress played the lead role of Celie in the first film, and the character is played by Fantasia Barrino and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi in...
- 12/29/2023
- by Louise Mary Randell
- Bang Showbiz
Spoiler Alert: This story contains spoilers from “The Color Purple,” now playing in theaters.
As “The Color Purple” director Blitz Bazawule and his star-studded cast made their press rounds ahead of the musical movie’s Christmas Day release, they paid a special trip to visit “The View” and Whoopi Goldberg, who starred in the 1985 movie adaptation of Alice Walker’s classic novel.
It’d been nearly 40 years since Goldberg played Celie, an abused and uneducated Southern Black woman whose journey to liberation is at the center of Walker’s tale. Bazawule and stars Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson wanted to give her her flowers.
“’The Color Purple’ is sacred ground. You don’t just show up to it with nothing to offer or nothing to contribute,” Bazawule said, when Goldberg asked why he decided to sign on for the film. “It’s been a brilliant, Pulitzer Prize-winning book.
As “The Color Purple” director Blitz Bazawule and his star-studded cast made their press rounds ahead of the musical movie’s Christmas Day release, they paid a special trip to visit “The View” and Whoopi Goldberg, who starred in the 1985 movie adaptation of Alice Walker’s classic novel.
It’d been nearly 40 years since Goldberg played Celie, an abused and uneducated Southern Black woman whose journey to liberation is at the center of Walker’s tale. Bazawule and stars Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson wanted to give her her flowers.
“’The Color Purple’ is sacred ground. You don’t just show up to it with nothing to offer or nothing to contribute,” Bazawule said, when Goldberg asked why he decided to sign on for the film. “It’s been a brilliant, Pulitzer Prize-winning book.
- 12/29/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “The Color Purple,” the film musical adaptation of the beloved novel by Alice Walker, produced by Steven Spielberg … the director of the 1985 film version … and Oprah Winfrey. In theaters since December 25th.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
Fantasia Barrino is Celie, a star-crossed Southern black woman who is stuck in America during the bad old Jim Crow days of the first half of the 20th Century. She survives in a family – in which her father Alfonso (Deon Cole) rules with a harsh and iron hand – by bonding with her beloved sister Nettie (Halle Bailey). When Celie is married off to her equally harsh “Mister” (Colman Domingo), she gives shelter to Nettie, but Mister separates the sisters, severing Celie’s only connection to love. She relies thereafter on her developed bonds with Sofia (Danielle Brooks) and the counterintuitive daughter of the local preacher, blues singer...
Rating: 5.0/5.0
Fantasia Barrino is Celie, a star-crossed Southern black woman who is stuck in America during the bad old Jim Crow days of the first half of the 20th Century. She survives in a family – in which her father Alfonso (Deon Cole) rules with a harsh and iron hand – by bonding with her beloved sister Nettie (Halle Bailey). When Celie is married off to her equally harsh “Mister” (Colman Domingo), she gives shelter to Nettie, but Mister separates the sisters, severing Celie’s only connection to love. She relies thereafter on her developed bonds with Sofia (Danielle Brooks) and the counterintuitive daughter of the local preacher, blues singer...
- 12/27/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The movie musical The Color Purple is now in theaters and it features an exciting cameo from a beloved star.
We won’t spoil it for people who want to be surprised when they watch the movie for the first time, so stop reading now if you don’t want to see the spoilers.
The movie is based on three properties – Alice Walker‘s beloved novel, Steven Spielberg‘s 1985 film, and the acclaimed Broadway musical.
Keep reading to find out more…
So, who made that surprise cameo in the new movie?
It was Whoopi Goldberg, who originated the role of Celie in the classic movie almost 40 years ago!
Whoopi plays the role of the midwife early on in the movie and delivers Celie’s baby.
“Symbolically, that felt like the perfect part, because she’s the one to not only encourage her during the birth, but it’s like she...
We won’t spoil it for people who want to be surprised when they watch the movie for the first time, so stop reading now if you don’t want to see the spoilers.
The movie is based on three properties – Alice Walker‘s beloved novel, Steven Spielberg‘s 1985 film, and the acclaimed Broadway musical.
Keep reading to find out more…
So, who made that surprise cameo in the new movie?
It was Whoopi Goldberg, who originated the role of Celie in the classic movie almost 40 years ago!
Whoopi plays the role of the midwife early on in the movie and delivers Celie’s baby.
“Symbolically, that felt like the perfect part, because she’s the one to not only encourage her during the birth, but it’s like she...
- 12/26/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Blitz Bazawule could care less about The Color Purple’s recent award nominations. The film’s director isn’t worried about the movie-musical’s Best Picture snub at the Golden Globe or wowed by the musical’s five Critics Choice nominations and three mentions on the Oscars’ shortlist for its music. He understands the significance of such accolades, but says he prefers to focus on how viewers will receive the Broadway musical adaptation.
“I honestly do not pay attention to any of it,” Bazawule tells Rolling Stone, the day the Critics Choice nominations were announced.
“I honestly do not pay attention to any of it,” Bazawule tells Rolling Stone, the day the Critics Choice nominations were announced.
- 12/25/2023
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
The rough edges of Stephen Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation have been softened but the evocative energy of this movie-musical’s three female leads is magical
This heartfelt movie-musical of The Color Purple sugars the pill and softens the blow, planing down the original’s barbed and knotty surfaces, taking away some of the shock of violence and tragedy and tilting the experience more towards female solidarity and triumph over adversity. But that’s perhaps part of a creatively emollient process that began in 1985 with Steven Spielberg’s powerful if bowdlerised screen version of the Alice Walker novel; the film was then transformed into a hit Broadway musical in 2005, which is now the template for this new adaptation.
There’s certainly an absolute powerhouse trio of female leads here, supercharging the action with their fierce charisma. Fantasia Barrino plays courageous abuse survivor Celie (the part originally played by Whoopi Goldberg); Taraji P Henson...
This heartfelt movie-musical of The Color Purple sugars the pill and softens the blow, planing down the original’s barbed and knotty surfaces, taking away some of the shock of violence and tragedy and tilting the experience more towards female solidarity and triumph over adversity. But that’s perhaps part of a creatively emollient process that began in 1985 with Steven Spielberg’s powerful if bowdlerised screen version of the Alice Walker novel; the film was then transformed into a hit Broadway musical in 2005, which is now the template for this new adaptation.
There’s certainly an absolute powerhouse trio of female leads here, supercharging the action with their fierce charisma. Fantasia Barrino plays courageous abuse survivor Celie (the part originally played by Whoopi Goldberg); Taraji P Henson...
- 12/19/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
When you watch a movie like "The Color Purple," it's almost more difficult to criticize because of how well-meaning it is, and how good its intentions are. The story of the Black woman Celie as she grows up in the still extremely harsh and racist American South in the 1900s started as an Alice Walker novel before being adapted for the big screen by Steven Spielberg in 1985, eventually leading to a Broadway musical that's now being dramatized all over again on the big screen for a Christmas Day release. It's not that this story is new, per se, though a new generation may yet be discovering it through its musical version as opposed to Spielberg's '80s-era take. The concepts and ideas at the core of this story remain arresting, vital, and heartbreaking, but the way those concepts are executed in this big, sometimes splashy and sometimes grim musical are messy at best,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Josh Spiegel
- Slash Film
Where do you stand on the 1985 film version of “The Color Purple,” which was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, but won none? Some feel it wasn’t Steven Spielberg’s story to tell. Others marvel at how a director of the upbringing depicted in “The Fabelmans” managed to recognize and reflect so many aspects of Black culture: the music, the spirituality, the multiple catharses to which it builds. Looking back, Spielberg did justice to Alice Walker’s Pulitzer-winning novel, but he also left room to expand and improve.
Now, nearly four decades later, a rousing new version arrives from director Blitz Bazawule, who collaborated with Beyoncé on her 2020 visual album “Black Is King.” Instead of rejecting what came before, the Ghanian filmmaker embraces and builds upon it, collaborating with Spielberg, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey to update the material for the next generation (all three serve as producers). The main change,...
Now, nearly four decades later, a rousing new version arrives from director Blitz Bazawule, who collaborated with Beyoncé on her 2020 visual album “Black Is King.” Instead of rejecting what came before, the Ghanian filmmaker embraces and builds upon it, collaborating with Spielberg, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey to update the material for the next generation (all three serve as producers). The main change,...
- 12/19/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
For a story so filled with trauma and sorrow — violence, suffering, racism, child abduction, spousal abuse — the second screen adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel, The Color Purple, is a surprisingly joyful experience. The prevailing takeaway is its resounding themes of spirituality, self-discovery, redemption and resilience. Based on the 2005 Broadway musical that was revived to great acclaim 10 years later, the production marks a confident move onto a much larger canvas for Ghanaian multimedia artist Blitz Bazawule. It nods graciously to the imprint of Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film while vigorously forging its own identity.
The connection to the earlier version is partly built in by having Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones back on board as producers (alongside stage producer Scott Sanders). It’s also evident in the color palette of those shimmering Amblin skies, in two songs from the movie incorporated into the Broadway score and in an unbilled cameo early on.
The connection to the earlier version is partly built in by having Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones back on board as producers (alongside stage producer Scott Sanders). It’s also evident in the color palette of those shimmering Amblin skies, in two songs from the movie incorporated into the Broadway score and in an unbilled cameo early on.
- 12/19/2023
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alice Walker started the phenomenon with her Pulitzer-winning 1982 book, and three years later Steven Spielberg turned it into a movie that got 11 Oscar nominations. In 2005, it took on new life as a Broadway musical, and in 2015 that musical got a Tony- and Grammy-winning revival.
Along the way it made big film and stage stars out of Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Cynthia Erivo, Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino, the latter now making her feature starring debut as Celie in the new film version of the musical she led 18 years ago on Broadway. The Color Purple is indestructible, and that is also a good word to describe director Blitz Bazawule’s and screenwriter Marcus Gardley’s take that breathes exciting life into the story for new and older generations but also, to quote an original song from this film, really finds a way to “Keep It Movin’.”
Musicals have gone through a tough time recently.
Along the way it made big film and stage stars out of Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Cynthia Erivo, Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino, the latter now making her feature starring debut as Celie in the new film version of the musical she led 18 years ago on Broadway. The Color Purple is indestructible, and that is also a good word to describe director Blitz Bazawule’s and screenwriter Marcus Gardley’s take that breathes exciting life into the story for new and older generations but also, to quote an original song from this film, really finds a way to “Keep It Movin’.”
Musicals have gone through a tough time recently.
- 12/19/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephen Colbert’s usual monologue had a surprise guest on Thursday’s episode, with Oprah Winfrey dropping by for a visit. Despite her radiant, all-purple suit, Winfrey insisted she was not there to promote her upcoming film, The Color Purple.
As Colbert wrapped his monologue, he said this time of the year is “exciting” as “all the big prestige movies are coming out in time to qualify for the awards, and one I’m very excited about is the new adaptation of The Color Purple.”
“I’m not the only one,...
As Colbert wrapped his monologue, he said this time of the year is “exciting” as “all the big prestige movies are coming out in time to qualify for the awards, and one I’m very excited about is the new adaptation of The Color Purple.”
“I’m not the only one,...
- 12/15/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
One more trailer has arrived for the musical version of The Color Purple ahead of its theatrical release next month in the UK.
To date, the only major cinematic interpretation of The Color Purple is the fondly-remembered 1985 adaptation by Steven Spielberg.
However, the story (which of course began life as a 1982 epistolary novel by Alice Walker) has since been adapted for Broadway and that musical version has now been turned into an upcoming film starring Taraji P. Henson (Hidden Figures), Danielle Brooks (Orange Is The New Black) and singer Fantasia Barrino, which is set to be released on 26th January.
The Color Purple ‘tells of the struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the early 1900s. It’s also about the strong bond shared by three friends.’ Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation saw Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Margaret Avery in the leading roles. Winfrey is involved in...
To date, the only major cinematic interpretation of The Color Purple is the fondly-remembered 1985 adaptation by Steven Spielberg.
However, the story (which of course began life as a 1982 epistolary novel by Alice Walker) has since been adapted for Broadway and that musical version has now been turned into an upcoming film starring Taraji P. Henson (Hidden Figures), Danielle Brooks (Orange Is The New Black) and singer Fantasia Barrino, which is set to be released on 26th January.
The Color Purple ‘tells of the struggles of an African American woman living in the south during the early 1900s. It’s also about the strong bond shared by three friends.’ Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation saw Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Margaret Avery in the leading roles. Winfrey is involved in...
- 12/12/2023
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
From left: Taraji P. Henson , Fantasia Barrino, and Danielle Brooks in The Color PurpleImage: Warner Bros.
The Color Purple has had a fascinating journey through popular culture over the past four decades. Ever since Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was published in 1982, the story of a young Black woman...
The Color Purple has had a fascinating journey through popular culture over the past four decades. Ever since Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was published in 1982, the story of a young Black woman...
- 12/11/2023
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
Some of Hollywood’s best and brightest stars walked the red carpet at the world premiere of The Color Purple on Wednesday night (December 6) in Los Angeles.
The movie’s stars – including Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, Ciara and H.E.R. -arrived at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures dressed in their chicest outfits.
They were joined by so many other celebrities, who showed support at the big event. The guestlist included Oprah Winfrey (who acted as a producer for the movie), Ariana DeBose, Chloe Bailey, Quinta Brunson and so many others.
Since it was such a star-studded night, we pulled together a complete guestlist and photos of everyone on the red carpet. That way you can easily see who attended and what they were wearing!
Head inside to see photos of every star who attended the premiere of The Color Purple…
Keep scrolling to see photos of everyone who...
The movie’s stars – including Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, Ciara and H.E.R. -arrived at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures dressed in their chicest outfits.
They were joined by so many other celebrities, who showed support at the big event. The guestlist included Oprah Winfrey (who acted as a producer for the movie), Ariana DeBose, Chloe Bailey, Quinta Brunson and so many others.
Since it was such a star-studded night, we pulled together a complete guestlist and photos of everyone on the red carpet. That way you can easily see who attended and what they were wearing!
Head inside to see photos of every star who attended the premiere of The Color Purple…
Keep scrolling to see photos of everyone who...
- 12/7/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Max is nothing if not a goldmine of content, with basically something to watch for everyone, and today we are making a list of the best new movies coming to Max in December 2023 that you can watch in the upcoming month. The movies in this list are ranked according to their availability dates.
Paranormal Activity (December 1)
Synopsis: After a young, middle-class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Especially while they sleep. Paranormal Activity builds suspense all the way to the shocking ending.
Skyfall (December 1)
Synopsis: Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.
Paranormal Activity (December 1)
Synopsis: After a young, middle-class couple moves into what seems like a typical suburban house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Especially while they sleep. Paranormal Activity builds suspense all the way to the shocking ending.
Skyfall (December 1)
Synopsis: Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.
- 12/7/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
The Oprah Winfrey Network will give viewers an inside look into the making of “The Color Purple” in the hour-long special “OWN Celebrates The New Color Purple,” which premieres Friday at 10 p.m. Et/Pt.
Oprah Winfrey, who executive produced the new adaptation, hosts the behind-the-scenes special, conducting interviews with the film’s cast and offering an intimate look at how the story became a cultural phenomenon. Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R. and Fantasia Barrino — who stars as Celie — will share how they prepared to portray their roles in the film. Director Blitz Bazawule, screenwriter Marcus Gardley, choreographer Fatima Robinson and costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck will also discuss how they reimagined the classic story through their contributions.
Winfrey will also reflect on the impact that playing Sofia in the 1985 film had on her life — beyond earning a best supporting Oscar actress nomination — and the relevance...
Oprah Winfrey, who executive produced the new adaptation, hosts the behind-the-scenes special, conducting interviews with the film’s cast and offering an intimate look at how the story became a cultural phenomenon. Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R. and Fantasia Barrino — who stars as Celie — will share how they prepared to portray their roles in the film. Director Blitz Bazawule, screenwriter Marcus Gardley, choreographer Fatima Robinson and costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck will also discuss how they reimagined the classic story through their contributions.
Winfrey will also reflect on the impact that playing Sofia in the 1985 film had on her life — beyond earning a best supporting Oscar actress nomination — and the relevance...
- 12/4/2023
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
The upcoming release of “The Color Purple” musical film marks a full circle moment for Oprah Winfrey, who is producing the new adaptation 38 years after playing Sofia in Steven Spielberg’s take on Alice Walker’s seminal novel. Oprah earned an Oscar nomination for supporting actress, and now “The Color Purple” musical could earn her another one as a producer if it lands a best picture nomination. Oprah produced the film along with Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
In a new Essence cover story with the musical film’s cast — Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R. and Fantasia Barrino — Oprah revealed the salary she earned for her Oscar-nominated role in Spielberg’s “The Color Purple.” It was low, but it was the only shot Oprah had at achieving her life goal of starring in the film.
“I can’t even begin to tell you what it means to me...
In a new Essence cover story with the musical film’s cast — Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R. and Fantasia Barrino — Oprah revealed the salary she earned for her Oscar-nominated role in Spielberg’s “The Color Purple.” It was low, but it was the only shot Oprah had at achieving her life goal of starring in the film.
“I can’t even begin to tell you what it means to me...
- 10/18/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
There has been a real trend for movies becoming musicals and then making the transition back to cinemas. For The Color Purple, it has some top-notch people attached both in front of and behind the camera. And you'd expect no less, given that Alice Walker won the Pulitzer for her 1982 novel, and that Steven Spielberg turned it into a movie in 1985 that went on to land 11 Oscar nominations. The musical adaptation itself took Tony nominations, so you'd be right in thinking that hopes are high for the new musical movie version. Check out the latest trailer…
The story, adapted this time by Marcus Gardley (and using Marsha Norman's musical book) follows the journey of Celie (Fantasia Barrino), an African-American woman in the deep South from the early to mid-20th century. Celie struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her stepfather, husband, and others over the course of four decades.
The story, adapted this time by Marcus Gardley (and using Marsha Norman's musical book) follows the journey of Celie (Fantasia Barrino), an African-American woman in the deep South from the early to mid-20th century. Celie struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her stepfather, husband, and others over the course of four decades.
- 10/10/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Warner Bros. Pictures has dropped a new trailer (its second) for the new edition of “The Color Purple,” the “extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond” that adapts the hit 2005 Broadway musical. It’s based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and Steven Spielberg‘s 1985 film adaptation that was nominated for 11 Academy Awards (winning none). The rousing new trailer includes brief scenes from the film that opens wide in theaters on Christmas Day from producers Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones and Scott Sanders and director Blitz Bazawule. The script was penned by playwright Marcus Gardley, who won a WGA Award for “Maid” in 2022. The all-star cast includes Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Halle Berry, Colman Domingo, H.E.R., Corey Hawkins, Louis Gossett Jr., Ciara and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi. Watch the new trailer above.
See‘The Color Purple’ confirmed to compete in comedy/musical...
See‘The Color Purple’ confirmed to compete in comedy/musical...
- 10/10/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Almost 40 years after Steven Spielberg debuted his adaptation of author Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Color Purple" and turned it into an Oscar-nominated awards darling (though it came away with zero wins, incredibly enough), and almost 20 years after the story was adapted as a celebrated musical on Broadway, Warner Bros. is getting another kick at the can. This time, they're combining the best of both worlds. Most everyone knows the classic story about Black sisters growing up under severe abuse and racial discrimination in the American South, spanning decades of their lives in an epic drama. But there's still plenty of heartfelt drama and stirring musical numbers to bring to life on the big screen, as audiences across the world are about to find out.
Directed by multi-hyphenate artist Blitz Bazawule, "The Color Purple" has snagged a prime Christmas Day release date that should attract plenty of families...
Directed by multi-hyphenate artist Blitz Bazawule, "The Color Purple" has snagged a prime Christmas Day release date that should attract plenty of families...
- 10/10/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Taraji P. Henson is busting down doors and taking names as fan favorite character Shug in the upcoming movie musical adaptation of “The Color Purple.” Based on the acclaimed Alice Walker novel, filmmaker Blitz Bazawule’s film follows Celie (Fantasia Barrino) as she finds solace and perhaps more with Henson’s dazzling jazz singer Shug.
Star Barrino reprises the role of Celie after previously portraying the character in the Broadway show from 2007 to 2008 before embarking on the national tour in 2010. The Broadway show began in 2005 and was later revived in 2015, with Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo among the actresses who played Celie onstage. “The Little Mermaid” breakout Halle Bailey plays the younger version of Celie in the film that spans decades.
“Maid” writer and playwright Marcus Gardley penned the script, based on Walker’s novel and the musical stage play book by Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell,...
Star Barrino reprises the role of Celie after previously portraying the character in the Broadway show from 2007 to 2008 before embarking on the national tour in 2010. The Broadway show began in 2005 and was later revived in 2015, with Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo among the actresses who played Celie onstage. “The Little Mermaid” breakout Halle Bailey plays the younger version of Celie in the film that spans decades.
“Maid” writer and playwright Marcus Gardley penned the script, based on Walker’s novel and the musical stage play book by Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
In 1985, Steven Spielberg brought Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Color Purple, to the big screen and racked up Academy Award nominations for himself, for the film’s stars, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and Margaret Avery, and the film’s composer, Quincy Jones. Warner Bros. now re-adapts the story based on the musical version from director Blitz Bazawule, a multi-medium artist whose breakout first feature is the highly acclaimed The Burial of Kojo.
The official synopsis from Warner Bros. reads,
“A story of love and resilience, The Color Purple is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.”
This new incarnation of the classic story features an ensemble cast that includes Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), SAG Award winner and Tony Award nominee Danielle Brooks,...
The official synopsis from Warner Bros. reads,
“A story of love and resilience, The Color Purple is a decades-spanning tale of one woman’s journey to independence. Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.”
This new incarnation of the classic story features an ensemble cast that includes Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), SAG Award winner and Tony Award nominee Danielle Brooks,...
- 10/10/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The “A Bold New Take” behind the scenes featurette from The Color Purple begins with producer Oprah Winfrey saying, “There’s nothing that’s been more vital to me culturally, artistically, than The Color Purple.” Interviews with the cast , including Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, and Taraji P. Henson, and director Blitz Bazawule describe the importance of the story and why it’s still incredibly relatable.
Fantasia Barrino stars as the adult Celie, with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi playing the young Celie. Halle Bailey plays young Nettie, Ciara is adult Nettie, Danielle Brooks plays Sofia, Taraji P. Henson stars as Shug Avery, and Colman Domingo stars as Mister. Corey Hawkins is Harpo, H.E.R. is Squeak, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is Mama.
Taraji P Henson, Fantasia Barrino, and Danielle Brooks in ‘The Color Purple’ (Photo © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc)
Blitz Bazawule (The Burial of Kojo) directed and Marcus Gardley (The Chi) wrote the screenplay...
Fantasia Barrino stars as the adult Celie, with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi playing the young Celie. Halle Bailey plays young Nettie, Ciara is adult Nettie, Danielle Brooks plays Sofia, Taraji P. Henson stars as Shug Avery, and Colman Domingo stars as Mister. Corey Hawkins is Harpo, H.E.R. is Squeak, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is Mama.
Taraji P Henson, Fantasia Barrino, and Danielle Brooks in ‘The Color Purple’ (Photo © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc)
Blitz Bazawule (The Burial of Kojo) directed and Marcus Gardley (The Chi) wrote the screenplay...
- 9/15/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
For many playwrights, film and television work has historically served as a supplement to their income from the theater world. But in recent years, writers say, studios have begun to poke holes in that safety net, leaving some stage scribes as frustrated and angry as their screenwriting colleagues.
“TV really seemed like a way to have more stability, to be able to just have a middle-class life doing the thing I love, get health insurance, support my family,” 72 miles to go … playwright Hilary Bettis said Wednesday outside Netflix’s Union Square offices in New York. “And now it feels like the rug is being pulled out from under us.”
Taco truck courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda at Playwrights Picket in NYC on Aug. 16.
Held as a themed Playwright Picket supported by the Writers Guild of America, the picket lines featured a free taco truck sent by Lin-Manuel Miranda and also saw members of the Dramatists Guild,...
“TV really seemed like a way to have more stability, to be able to just have a middle-class life doing the thing I love, get health insurance, support my family,” 72 miles to go … playwright Hilary Bettis said Wednesday outside Netflix’s Union Square offices in New York. “And now it feels like the rug is being pulled out from under us.”
Taco truck courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda at Playwrights Picket in NYC on Aug. 16.
Held as a themed Playwright Picket supported by the Writers Guild of America, the picket lines featured a free taco truck sent by Lin-Manuel Miranda and also saw members of the Dramatists Guild,...
- 8/16/2023
- by Caitlin Huston and Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s a coming-of-age story of epic proportions! New from Amazon Studios is the highly anticipated comedy series “I’m a Virgo,” which will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video on Thursday, June 22. “When They See Us” and “Moonlight” star Jharrel Jerome leads the cast as Cootie, a 13-foot-tall Black man living in Oakland, California, and experiencing the world in all its guts and glory for the first time. The fantastical, absurdist series comes from “Sorry to Bother You” filmmaker Boots Riley, who directs all episodes of the comedy. All seven episodes will be released simultaneously on June 22 on Prime Video. You can watch I'm a Virgo: Season 1 with a 30-Day Free Trial of Amazon Prime Video.
How to Watch ‘I'm a Virgo’ Series Premiere When: Thursday, June 22, 2023 Where: Amazon Prime Video Stream: Watch with a 30-Day Free Trial of Amazon Prime Video. 30-Day Free Trial$8.99 / month amazon.com...
How to Watch ‘I'm a Virgo’ Series Premiere When: Thursday, June 22, 2023 Where: Amazon Prime Video Stream: Watch with a 30-Day Free Trial of Amazon Prime Video. 30-Day Free Trial$8.99 / month amazon.com...
- 6/23/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
I’m a Virgo is a triumph of imagination and ideology.
A boomerang throwback to Amazon’s early streaming years when poignant oddballs like Transparent and Patriot dominated Jeff Bezos’ slate, the Boots Riley-created series that launches Friday on Prime Video is a revitalizing return to originality both for the platform and the franchise-heavy small screen itself.
Watch it, with both eyes open.
With dead-end basketball and branding deals, societal toxicity, fast food and a faster-moving love interest played in breakout fashion by Olivia Washington, the heart of the poetic show is 13-foot-tall Cootie, portrayed in towering fashion by Jharrel Jerome. Leading the 19-year-old Oakland native’s unsure steps to the outside world after years of being hidden, the When They See Us Emmy winner ups his already considerable game to unfurl a naturalism that grounds the magical realism all around him.
Too late for this year’s Emmys, regardless...
A boomerang throwback to Amazon’s early streaming years when poignant oddballs like Transparent and Patriot dominated Jeff Bezos’ slate, the Boots Riley-created series that launches Friday on Prime Video is a revitalizing return to originality both for the platform and the franchise-heavy small screen itself.
Watch it, with both eyes open.
With dead-end basketball and branding deals, societal toxicity, fast food and a faster-moving love interest played in breakout fashion by Olivia Washington, the heart of the poetic show is 13-foot-tall Cootie, portrayed in towering fashion by Jharrel Jerome. Leading the 19-year-old Oakland native’s unsure steps to the outside world after years of being hidden, the When They See Us Emmy winner ups his already considerable game to unfurl a naturalism that grounds the magical realism all around him.
Too late for this year’s Emmys, regardless...
- 6/23/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Plot: A darkly-comedic fantastical coming-of-age joyride about Cootie, a 13-foot-tall young Black man in Oakland, CA. Having grown up hidden away, passing time on a diet of comic books and TV shows, he escapes to experience the beauty and contradictions of the real world. He forms friendships, finds love, navigates awkward situations, and encounters his idol, the real life superhero named The Hero. I’m A Virgo is a mythical odyssey that questions the purpose of the mythical odyssey.
Review: Boots Riley’s feature film directional debut, Sorry To Bother You, was a festival darling when it premiered in 2018. It has taken Riley half a decade to bring his sophomore effort to the screen. I’m A Virgo is a seven-episode series premiering on Prime Video, which has given Riley three times as much space to tell an epic and surreal story that is part fairy tale, part parable, and utterly unique.
Review: Boots Riley’s feature film directional debut, Sorry To Bother You, was a festival darling when it premiered in 2018. It has taken Riley half a decade to bring his sophomore effort to the screen. I’m A Virgo is a seven-episode series premiering on Prime Video, which has given Riley three times as much space to tell an epic and surreal story that is part fairy tale, part parable, and utterly unique.
- 6/14/2023
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Tina Turner, the rock and roll legend who died Wednesday at 83, spoke openly and candidly about domestic abuse at a time when resources for women were scarce and difficult to access. Throughout her career, the iconic singer shared her experiences of overcoming an abusive relationship with her ex-husband Ike Turner, and her story of strength has become a source of inspiration for generations.
In a resurfaced 1986 interview with Italian television host Serena Dandini, Turner revealed why she turned down a leading role in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple. The artist,...
In a resurfaced 1986 interview with Italian television host Serena Dandini, Turner revealed why she turned down a leading role in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple. The artist,...
- 5/25/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
The Color Purple has always attracted awards, from the Pulitzer Prize Alice Walker won for the original 1982 novel to the 11 Oscar nominations earned by Steven Spielberg's 1985 film adaptation. Since then, it has gone on to Tony nominations thanks to the musical version, which is now headed to screens itself. Check out the first full trailer…
The story, adapted this time by Marcus Gardley (and using Marsha Norman's musical book) follows the journey of Celie (Fantasia Barrino), an African-American woman in the deep South from the early to mid-20th century. Celie struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her stepfather, husband, and others over the course of four decades.
With Blitz Bazawule in the director's chair and original film star Oprah Winfrey this time among the producers, the cast also features Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks and Halle Bailey,...
The story, adapted this time by Marcus Gardley (and using Marsha Norman's musical book) follows the journey of Celie (Fantasia Barrino), an African-American woman in the deep South from the early to mid-20th century. Celie struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her stepfather, husband, and others over the course of four decades.
With Blitz Bazawule in the director's chair and original film star Oprah Winfrey this time among the producers, the cast also features Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks and Halle Bailey,...
- 5/22/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
The Color Purple has been made and remade a number of times across many mediums since the release of the 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. It was adapted for the big screen with Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film starring Oprah Winfrey, Akosua Busia, and Whoopi Goldberg. In 2005, an original production of the story hit Broadway. Later this year, those two interpretations will collide with Halle Bailey and Fantasia Barrino at the helm.
The 2023 edition of The Color Purple will arrive in theaters on Dec. 25 in a musical film adaptation...
The 2023 edition of The Color Purple will arrive in theaters on Dec. 25 in a musical film adaptation...
- 5/22/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
The first The Color Purple trailer has arrived with American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino reprising her Broadway role. The epic musical reunites Steven Spielberg, the director of the 1985 film, with Oprah Winfrey, who made her feature film debut playing Sofia. Quincy Jones, a producer on the original film, is also back as an executive producer along with Spielberg and Winfrey.
Fantasia Barrino’s picked the perfect project as her movie debut, starring as the adult Celie, with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as the young Celie. Halle Bailey plays young Nettie, Ciara is adult Nettie, Danielle Brooks is Sofia, Taraji P. Henson is Shug Avery, and Colman Domingo stars as Mister. Corey Hawkins is Harpo, H.E.R. is Squeak, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is Mama.
Blitz Bazawule directed the musical and Marcus Gardley wrote the screenplay based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman,...
Fantasia Barrino’s picked the perfect project as her movie debut, starring as the adult Celie, with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as the young Celie. Halle Bailey plays young Nettie, Ciara is adult Nettie, Danielle Brooks is Sofia, Taraji P. Henson is Shug Avery, and Colman Domingo stars as Mister. Corey Hawkins is Harpo, H.E.R. is Squeak, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is Mama.
Blitz Bazawule directed the musical and Marcus Gardley wrote the screenplay based on the novel by Alice Walker and the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
‘The Color Purple’ Musical Showcases Halle Bailey and Fantasia Barrino in Bold First Trailer (Video)
Oprah Winfrey said at this year’s CinemaCon that director Blitz Bazawule’s musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel is “not your Mama’s ‘Color Purple’,” and based on the first trailer, she’s right. Warner Bros. released the first trailer today, and between cinematographer Dan Laustsen’s cinematography and Fantasia Barrino’s soaring vocals, there’s enough packed into two minutes to bring out all the emotions.
Like Walker’s groundbreaking 1982 novel on which the musical is based, this feature follows Celie (Barrino as an adult and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as a child), a Black woman struggling to survive in the South during the 1900s.
We see several sequences similar to what director Steven Spielberg had in his own adaptation of Walker’s book, released to theaters in 1985, including scenes of young Celie and her sister, Nettie (played by “Little Mermaid” star Halle Bailey as a teen) sitting in a tree,...
Like Walker’s groundbreaking 1982 novel on which the musical is based, this feature follows Celie (Barrino as an adult and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as a child), a Black woman struggling to survive in the South during the 1900s.
We see several sequences similar to what director Steven Spielberg had in his own adaptation of Walker’s book, released to theaters in 1985, including scenes of young Celie and her sister, Nettie (played by “Little Mermaid” star Halle Bailey as a teen) sitting in a tree,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
The trailer for Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg’s musical remake of The Color Purple has arrived. American Idol winner Fantasia stars as Celie, reprising her Broadway role. Watch it below.
In the preview, a young Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi) is separated from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey) after being married off to an older man known only as Mister (Colman Domingo). As time goes on, Celie finds strength in the sisterhood of women she meets, like jazz singer Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), Squeak (H.E.R.), and Sofia (Danielle Brooks).
Directed by Blitz Bazawule from a screenplay by Marcus Gardley, The Color Purple also features Corey Hawkins as Harpo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Mama, and Ciara as Nettie. Louis Gossett Jr., David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, Tamala J. Mann, Stephen Hill, Jon Batiste, and Elizabeth Marvel also appear.
Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, The Color Purple...
In the preview, a young Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi) is separated from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey) after being married off to an older man known only as Mister (Colman Domingo). As time goes on, Celie finds strength in the sisterhood of women she meets, like jazz singer Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), Squeak (H.E.R.), and Sofia (Danielle Brooks).
Directed by Blitz Bazawule from a screenplay by Marcus Gardley, The Color Purple also features Corey Hawkins as Harpo, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Mama, and Ciara as Nettie. Louis Gossett Jr., David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, Tamala J. Mann, Stephen Hill, Jon Batiste, and Elizabeth Marvel also appear.
Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, The Color Purple...
- 5/22/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
I know where I'll be this Christmas: seated for Blitz Bazawule's musical reinvention of Alice Walker's classic novel "The Color Purple." Musician and "Black Is King" director Bazawule will draw from the Broadway version of the story for a movie that'll probably look a whole lot different from Steven Spielberg's 1985 adaptation. The first trailer for the new movie just dropped, and it promises a vibrant, surprisingly joyous take on a deep story of love and friendship in the face of abuse.
/Film got a first look at the new "The Color Purple" at CinemaCon last month, where intertitles declared the movie "Not Your Mama's Color Purple" and producer Oprah Winfrey (who played Sofia in Spielberg's version) promised that "It's not your mama's 'Color Purple,' but your mama's gonna really like it." Bazawule's version, which comes from a script from "The Chi" and "Maid" writer Marcus Gardley,...
/Film got a first look at the new "The Color Purple" at CinemaCon last month, where intertitles declared the movie "Not Your Mama's Color Purple" and producer Oprah Winfrey (who played Sofia in Spielberg's version) promised that "It's not your mama's 'Color Purple,' but your mama's gonna really like it." Bazawule's version, which comes from a script from "The Chi" and "Maid" writer Marcus Gardley,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
A bold new take on the beloved classic, here’s a first look at the brand new trailer for The Color Purple.
Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The screenplay is by Marcus Gardley, based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.
“The Color Purple” stars Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
The executive producers Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Mara Jacobs,...
Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.
The screenplay is by Marcus Gardley, based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.
“The Color Purple” stars Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
The executive producers Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Mara Jacobs,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
From Pulitzer Prize-winning book to Oscar-nominated film to Tony Award-winning musical, the beloved story of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple has been translated until multiple mediums. Now, the musical comes to life on the big screen, directed by Blitz Bazawule.
On Monday, Warner Bros. dropped the upcoming film’s first trailer, ahead of a Christmas Day release date later this year.
The trailer follows Celie (the younger version is played by Phylicia Mpasi and the adult version by Fantasia Barrino), after she is separated from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey, Ciara). In the years to come, the film explores Celie’s lifelong series of struggles as a Black woman living in the American South of the early 1900s.
In a virtual Q&a ahead of the release of the trailer, producer Oprah Winfrey and director Bazawule discussed the making of the film and the impact of Walker’s tale,...
On Monday, Warner Bros. dropped the upcoming film’s first trailer, ahead of a Christmas Day release date later this year.
The trailer follows Celie (the younger version is played by Phylicia Mpasi and the adult version by Fantasia Barrino), after she is separated from her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey, Ciara). In the years to come, the film explores Celie’s lifelong series of struggles as a Black woman living in the American South of the early 1900s.
In a virtual Q&a ahead of the release of the trailer, producer Oprah Winfrey and director Bazawule discussed the making of the film and the impact of Walker’s tale,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Sydney Odman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg have reunited to revive “The Color Purple” into a movie musical, directed by Blitz Bazawule.
After debuting footage for distributors at CinemaCon last month, Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for the new adaptation, which is set to premiere in North America on Dec. 25. The film will open internationally beginning Jan. 18, 2024.
The trailer features visually bold motifs as it takes audiences inside Celie’s headspace with “American Idol” winner Fantasia reprising her Broadway role, in her major motion picture debut. It also gives an insight into the sisterhood of the women at the heart of the story. Elevated by grandeur, the highlights are the musical clips and jaw-dropping production set against the backdrop of Mister’s Farm.
Starring alongside Fantasia are Danielle Brooks as Sofia, who earned a Tony nomination for the role in the 2016 Broadway revival, Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, Colman Domingo as Mister,...
After debuting footage for distributors at CinemaCon last month, Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for the new adaptation, which is set to premiere in North America on Dec. 25. The film will open internationally beginning Jan. 18, 2024.
The trailer features visually bold motifs as it takes audiences inside Celie’s headspace with “American Idol” winner Fantasia reprising her Broadway role, in her major motion picture debut. It also gives an insight into the sisterhood of the women at the heart of the story. Elevated by grandeur, the highlights are the musical clips and jaw-dropping production set against the backdrop of Mister’s Farm.
Starring alongside Fantasia are Danielle Brooks as Sofia, who earned a Tony nomination for the role in the 2016 Broadway revival, Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, Colman Domingo as Mister,...
- 5/22/2023
- by Charna Flam, Jazz Tangcay and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Alice Walker’s timeless novel “The Color Purple” is returning to the big screen for the first time in four decades.
Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated 1985 adaptation followed a young Black woman named Celie (then played by Whoopi Goldberg) trying to find her identity in rural Georgia while coping with her abusive father and the prejudices of the post-Antebellum South and forming a close connection with jazz singer Shug. A stage musical adaptation of Walker’s book debuted on Broadway in 2005, with Celie played by the likes of Lachanze and Cynthia Erivo throughout its run and revival. Now, in director Blitz Bazawule’s Warner Bros. film version of the musical (out Christmas Day), R&b star Fantasia Barrino, who appeared on Broadway in the show from 2007 to 2008 and then in the national tour two years later, takes on the role of Celie, with Taraji P. Henson as Shug. Watch the first...
Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated 1985 adaptation followed a young Black woman named Celie (then played by Whoopi Goldberg) trying to find her identity in rural Georgia while coping with her abusive father and the prejudices of the post-Antebellum South and forming a close connection with jazz singer Shug. A stage musical adaptation of Walker’s book debuted on Broadway in 2005, with Celie played by the likes of Lachanze and Cynthia Erivo throughout its run and revival. Now, in director Blitz Bazawule’s Warner Bros. film version of the musical (out Christmas Day), R&b star Fantasia Barrino, who appeared on Broadway in the show from 2007 to 2008 and then in the national tour two years later, takes on the role of Celie, with Taraji P. Henson as Shug. Watch the first...
- 5/22/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Without giving away a single favorite thing, Oprah Winfrey brought the house down with a surprise appearance at CinemaCon 2023.
Revelers at the annual convention of movie theater owners were delighted by the mogul’s cameo at Tuesday’s presentation from Warner Bros. Pictures. Winfrey is a producer on the studio’s upcoming movie musical “The Color Purple,” based on the 1985 Steven Spielberg classic in which the former daytime host starred.
“‘The Color Purple’ in 1985 was the biggest and most important thing that happened to me. This is a full circle moment to be part of this film. It holds great personal meaning,” Winfrey told the crowd.
Appearing with director Blitz Bazawule, the pair showed the first footage ever screened from the project — a rousing and lush production that particularly showcased femme fatale Taraji P. Henson.
The film will open this coming Christmas Day, and boasts serious musical and Hollywood star power.
Revelers at the annual convention of movie theater owners were delighted by the mogul’s cameo at Tuesday’s presentation from Warner Bros. Pictures. Winfrey is a producer on the studio’s upcoming movie musical “The Color Purple,” based on the 1985 Steven Spielberg classic in which the former daytime host starred.
“‘The Color Purple’ in 1985 was the biggest and most important thing that happened to me. This is a full circle moment to be part of this film. It holds great personal meaning,” Winfrey told the crowd.
Appearing with director Blitz Bazawule, the pair showed the first footage ever screened from the project — a rousing and lush production that particularly showcased femme fatale Taraji P. Henson.
The film will open this coming Christmas Day, and boasts serious musical and Hollywood star power.
- 4/25/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
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