Adriana Barraza to Star in the Feature Film “Monica”

Adriana Barraza has landed her next role…

The 64-year-old Oscar-nominated actress will star opposite Trace Lysette, Patricia Clarkson and Anna Paquin in the feature film Monica, from Italian filmmaker Andrea Pallaoro.

Adriana Barraza

The drama will chart the story of a transgender woman (Lysette) who returns home to the Midwest to care for her dying mother (Clarkson).

The tale of a fractured family is said to explore themes of abandonment, ageing, acceptance and redemption.

From an original screenplay by the director and Orlando Tirado, the film is scheduled to begin production at the end of the year.

Barraza earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Babel. She most recently appeared in Rambo: Last Blood, and starred in the series Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.

Liza Colón-Zayas to Appear in OWN’s Coming-of-Age Drama Series “David Makes Man”

Liza Colón-Zayas is OWNingthe day…

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has added ten recurring and guest star cast members to the ensemble of its upcoming coming-of-age drama series David Makes Manincluding the Puerto Rican actress and playwright.

Liza Colón-Zayas

From Oscar-winningMoonlight co-writer Tarell Alvin McCraney and Warner Horizon Scripted Television. David Makes Mancenters on David, a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty. He must choose between the streets that raised him or the higher education that may offer him a way out.

Set in South Florida, the lyrical drama, inspired by events in McCraney’s own life, explores the inherent trauma sustained in the fight for survival.

In addition to Colon-Zayas, who starred in The Purge: Election Year, other cast additions include Lela Rochon, Trace Lysette, Juanita Jennings, Lindsey BlackwellSolomon Valdez ([Bi]Polar), Teshi Thomas, and newcomers Nick Creegan, Kimaya Naomi and Logan Rozos.

Colon-Zayas plays Principal Fallow. She runs the magnet school that David, Seren and Marissa attend.

Valdezwill play Willie Derrick, an 11-year-old wanna-be dope dealer.

They join the previously announced series regular ensemble cast that includes Akili McDowell, Phylicia Rashad, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Isaiah Johnson, Ade Chike Torbert, Jordan Bolger, Cayden K. Williams, Travis Coles and Alana Arenas, along with guest stars Gillian Williams, Elvis Nolasco, and Ruben Santiago-Hudson.