The movie “Precious” keeps racking up accolades. After recently gaining Golden Globe nods, now the movie has been nominated for Screen Actors Guild awards. Comedian Mo’Nique is up for a Outstanding Supporting Actress Award, while Gabourey Sidibe is up for Outstanding Actress. The two also received Golden Globe nominations. Congratulations!
In hopes of saving a needy battered woman’s shelter she has volunteered with for years, Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry is sharing her own experiences with domestic violence. She witnessed her mother Judith being beaten by her father, Jerome Jesse Berry, reports The Times. Her father left her Cleveland, Ohio home when she was four years old.
“I saw my mother battered, and could not do anything to stop it,” she said. “My father was tyrannical, lashing out at her for no reason. I felt the effects that had on our family — I’ve experienced what these women have gone through.
“I never had to run to a shelter, but I did choose the wrong partners,”Berry added. Not always good men. Luckily, in recent years, I have been smart enough to hit the door when violence even becomes a possibility. That is something I will not tolerate.”
After battling cancer for two years, Tisha Taylor Murphy, the wife of actor/comedian Charlie Murphy died in the couple’s New Jersey home.
Charlie Murphy, 50, is best known for his role in the 2003-06 Comedy Central hit series “Chappelle’s Show.” He is also the older brother of Eddie Murphy.
The couple were married in 1997 and have two children together. Charlie Murphy has a third child from a previous relationship.
The first Disney animated film with an African-American princess came in no. 1 this weekend with $24.2 million in box office receipts. I’ve heard mixed reviews from critics and movie goers that the plot needs work and that there is too much happening. So what did you think of the movie?
Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon will be on the small screen Sunday night with the premiere of the new A&E reality show, “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty.” The six-episode series will follow the brothers as they prepare for a reunion concert tour. It will also reveal how they are dealing with the death of their brother, Michael.
The Simmons family came out last night for the tenth annual holiday party for the RUSH Philanthropic Arts Foundation in New York. The charity organization was created by the Simmons brothers (Russell, Rev. Run and Danny) to aid underserved New York youth in showcasing their talents in art, spoken word, rap and dance.
“As we all know to be true, the cultivation of creativity in our youth is crucial to their growth. To withhold art education is to deprive them of full development,” said Russell Simmons. “The Rush Philanthropic annual holiday event continues to harvest the important seeds planted in the talented youth across New York City while celebrating their creative expression.”
Shaunie O’Neal, estranged wife of Shaquille O’Neal, will be a star and executive producer of the VH1 reality series, “Basketball Wives.” Premiering March 5, the show will showcase the lives of wives and girlfriends of professional basketball players. The cast includes Jennifer Williams (wife of Eric Williams), Evelyn Lozada (ex-fiance of Antoine Walker), Mesha O’Neal (wife of Jermaine O’Neal), Royce Reed and Faith Rain (Udonis Haslem’s girlfriend).
“I have always recognized that behind every NBA star is a strong, exceptional woman, one who must deal with the unique challenges of being married to the game as well as the player,” O’Neal said about the eight episode series.
This is going to be interesting!
The self proclaimed “Pied Piper of R&B” is penning a memoir, which will detail his musical career, the death of his mother and the child pornography case he faced. R. Kelly has collaborated and written songs for well-known musical artists such as Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion.
“I’m writing this book as Robert, not R. Kelly,” said the 42-year-old singer. “I’m tired of being misunderstood. I will show you the tears, fears, and sweat. I will open my heart and reveal the good in my life as well as all the drama. I want to tell it like it is.”
The book will be published in 2011 by SmileyBooks, a publishing company founded by host Tavis Smiley.
“We are thrilled to be the conduit through which R. Kelly will tell his own story,” Smiley said. “He has earned the right to tell his story his own way.”
I might have to check this out. Would you read his book?
Sade is back! Her first single,” Soldier of Love,” was just released today. Check her website, www.sade.com to hear it. Her album is expected to drop Feb. 8. This will be her first studio album since 2000’s “Lover’s Rock.”
So, what do you think of her new single? I’ve only heard it once so I will listen to it a few more times before I give an opinion!
Rapper Nelly hosted his fourth annual Black and White Ball in St. Louis Sunday night. The black tie event provides scholarships to local residents. Hip hop producer Jermaine Dupri, track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the Isley Brothers and comedian Bill Bellamy were some of the guests.
Nelly’s daughter Chanell Haynes was there.
Nelly’s mom Rhonda was there as well.
R&B singer Mario was the featured performer.