Category Archives: Spotlight

America Ferrara to Receive Groundbreaker Award at Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema & Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements

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America Ferrara is receiving a special Critics Choice honor…

The 39-year-old Honduran American Golden Globe– and Emmy-winning actress is among the honorees for the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema & Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements.

America FerreraHosted by Nicco Annan, the event is slated for December 4 at the Fairmont Century Plaza.

Unlike last year, when the CCA held separate ceremonies for Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements, this year, because of the strikes, the CCA is presenting a one-time-only combination show, featuring more than 20 honorees who created some of this year’s most acclaimed films and television shows.

“For the last few years, the CCA has hosted individual Celebrations of Black, Latino and AAPI Cinema & Television. CCA will return to individual shows in 2024, but doing this special celebration allows us to continue the CCA’s tradition of supporting inclusion and creativity in our industry,” said CCA CEO Joey Berlin. “I am extremely proud to recognize this diverse group of honorees together on this one special night.”

This year’s honorees include:

Emmy Award-winning actor and producer Edward James Olmos who will receive the Icon Award for his incredible career including Zoot Suit, Selena, Stand and Deliver, Blade Runner, Miami Vice and most recently FX’s Mayans M.C.

Emmy Award-winning actress, producer and advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph will receive the Career Achievement Award for her extensive work in film & television with over 100 credits including ABC’s Abbott Elementary as well as Instant Mom, Ray Donovan, Moesha, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Mistress, The Distinguished Gentlemen and To Sleep with Anger.

The Comedy Trailblazer Award will be bestowed upon comedian and actor Ken Jeong, whose notable credits include The Masked Singer, The Afterparty, Community, Crazy Rich Asians, I Can See Your Voice and The Hangover franchise.

Emmy Award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright will be honored with the Visionary Award for his performance in Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios’ American Fiction.

Emmy- and SAG Award-winning actress America Ferrara will accept the Groundbreaker Award for her performances in Warner Bros.’ Barbie and Sony Pictures/Black Bear Pictures’ Dumb Money.

Oscar-nominated Charles D. King will receive the Producer Award for his most recent work on Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone.

Award-winning director, producer, actress and advocate Eva Longoria will be recognized with the Breakthrough Director Award (Film) for her feature directorial debut, Searchlight Pictures’ Flamin’ Hot.

Greta Lee will receive the Actress Award (Film) for her performance in A24’s film Past Lives, while Colman Domingo will be recognized with the Actor Award (Film) for his performance in Netflix’s Rustin.

The Ensemble Award will be awarded to Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Fantasia Barrino, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Domingo and Corey Hawkins for their performances in Warner Bros.’ The Color Purple.

Actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph will be honored with the Supporting Actress Award (Film) for her performance in Focus Features’ The Holdovers.

Emmy-nominated narrative filmmaker and documentarian Allen Hughes will be celebrated with the Documentary Series Award for his work directing FX’s Dear Mama.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker and playwright Kemp Powers will be honored with the Animation Award for his directorial work on Sony Pictures’ film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Animator and filmmaker Makoto Shinkai will accept the International Animation Award for Crunchyroll/Sony Pictures’ film Suzume.

Actor and producer Damson Idris will receive the Actor Award (TV) for his performance in FX’s Snowfall.

Current Emmy-nominated actress and comedian Jessica Williams will be recognized with the Supporting Actress Award (TV) for her performance in Apple TV+’s Shrinking.

Actor Oscar Montoya will be honored with the Supporting Actor Award (TV) for his performance in Starz’s Minx.

Breakthrough Performance Awards will be bestowed upon Teyana Taylor for her performance in Focus Features’ A Thousand and One, Emmy-nominee Camila Morrone for her performance in Prime Video’s Daisy Jones & The Six, and Charles Melton for his performance in Netflix’s May December.

Current multiple Emmy-nominated director and writer Lee Sung Jin will be honored with the Breakthrough Director Award (TV) for his work on Netflix’s series Beef.

Receiving the Rising Star Awards will be Xolo Mariduena for his performance in Warner Bros.’ The Blue Beetle, and current Emmy nominee Keivonn Woodard for his performance in HBO’s The Last of Us.

Cardi B Getting “Freaky” on Offset’s Upcoming Solo Album “Set It Off”

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Cardi B is supporting her husband’s solo career…

The 30-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning rap superstar will appear twice on Offset’s upcoming solo album Set It Off.

Cardi B, Offset, JealousyIn addition to appearing on the previously released collaboration “Jealousy,” Cardi B will also appear on a second track with her rapper-husband, “Freaky.”

The Migos MC’s album is due out on October 13.

Other guests on Offset’s album include Travis Scott on “Say My Grace,” Don Toliver on “Worth It,” Future on “Broad Day,” Latto on “Fine As Can Be”, Yung Nudy on “Dope Boy,” Chloe on “Princess Cut,” and Mango Foo on “Skyami”.

Set It Off is the follow-up to Offset’s 2019 solo debut, Father of 4, which spun off the hits “Red Room” and the Grammy-nominated “Clout,” also featuring Card B.

Manchester United to Sign Sergio Reguilón on Season-Long Loan from Tottenham

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Sergio Reguilón is the Man(chester) of the hour…

Manchester United is set to sign the 26-year-old Spanish soccer player on a season-long loan from Tottenham, according to ESPN.

Sergio Reguilón, Reguilón has been given permission to travel for a medical after the two clubs agreed terms following United’s decision to switch their attention from Chelsea‘s Marc Cucurella.

Manchester United is in the market for left-back cover having learned Luke Shaw is facing several weeks out with a thigh injury, joining back-up option Tyrell Malacia on the sidelines.

Cucurella was on United’s shortlist but Chelsea’s decision to play him in Wednesday’s EFL Cup win over AFC Wimbledon meant he could not join Erik ten Hag‘s side and then play for a third club this season if his loan spell at Old Trafford was cut short in January, when Shaw and Malacia are expected to be available.

Reguilon has been deemed surplus to requirements by new Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou after spending last year on loan at Atletico Madrid.

He joined Tottenham from Real Madrid in 2020 for £25 million, making 52 Premier League appearances.

Max Renews “And Just Like That…,” Featuring Sara Ramirez, for a Third Season

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And just like that, Sara Ramirez will be staying in the Big Apple a little longer.

Max has renewed And Just Like That…, featuring the 47-year-old Mexican actor and singer, for Season 3 ahead of the Sex and the City spinoff series’ sophomore finale on August 24.

Sara Ramírez“We are delighted to share that since the launch of Season 2, And Just Like That.. ranks as the No. 1 Max Original overall and is the most-watched returning Max Original to date,” Max Head of Content Sarah Aubrey said in a statement.

“As we approach the highly anticipated season finale on Thursday, we raise our cosmos to Michael Patrick King and his magnificent team of writers, producers, cast and crew who continue to charm us, 25 years later, with dynamic friendships and engaging stories,” she added. “We cannot wait for audiences to see where Season 3 will take our favorite New Yorkers.

Following the death of her beloved husband Mr. Big (Chris Noth), Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) has moved on this season to her longtime standby, Aidan Shaw (John Corbett). Their reconnection was swift and intense but as time has passed and their lives evolved, is there a world where Carrie and Aidan can make a real go at it? It’s complicated but hasn’t it always been?

Miranda is on a journey of self-discovery as her relationship with Che (Ramirez) has concluded and now she’s unsure how to label herself or if she needs to at all. Charlotte (Kristin Davis) is on a similar path, figuring out her identity outside of being a devoted wife and mother.

Lest we forget Samantha (Kim Cattrall) is making a small appearance in the finale that will certainly shake things up.

“We are thrilled to spend more time in the Sex and the City universe telling new stories about the lives of these relatable and aspirational characters played by these amazing actors. And Just Like That… here comes Season 3.”

The series is developed and executive produced by Michael Patrick King, alongside executive producers John Melfi, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky.

The HBO series Sex and the City was created by Darren Star and based on the book Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell.

Jesse Garcia Starring in Just-Wrapped Pandemic Thriller “Yesteryear”

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Jesse Garcia is celebrating yesteryear…

The 40-year-old Spanish and Mexican American actor, who currently stars in Flamin’ Hot, has wrapped production on the pandemic thriller Yesteryear.

Jesse GarciaGarcia stars along side Joanna Cassidy, Timothy V. Murphy, Tiffany Chu, Yusuke Ogasawara, Crystal Echohawk and Chester Gregory.

Garcia and Gregory will portray truth seekers running a podcast called Revolutionary Radio next door to Alma as they dive into a world of conspiracy. Cassidy will portray Alma’s insightful colorful therapist. Murphy will play a strange man with whom Alma has a violent yet playful encounter. Chu will portray the sultry Olivia, who influences Alma to partake in Only Fans. Echo Hawk will portray Alma’s angelic mother through flashbacks in memory.

From writers and producers, Adam VillaSeñor and star Q’orianka Kilcher, Yesteryear follows Alma Deswood (Kilcher), a struggling, young Native American actress who psychologically unravels in quarantine amidst the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter movement, and other 2020 world events. As Alma’s mind is deconstructed, she is forced to navigate complex relationships, hallucinatory nightmares, and painful memories taking her on a journey of introspection that twists the fabric of her reality.

The cast also includes Scott Haze, Angela Sarafyan, Idara Victor, Wes Studi, Nick Cassavetes, Peter Facinelli, Tanaya Beatty and Grant Roberts. Additional supporting cast includes Zyana Perry, Tyler Wood and Cody Vaughan.

VillaSeñor and Kilcher note regarding the completion of production, “We are very proud to announce the completion of our production Yesteryear, an enthralling time capsule that delves deep into the collective human experience we all faced during the pandemic, BLM, and many other events during 2020. With a unique and psychological approach inspired by anime, this film breaks boundaries, evoking the visionary spirit reminiscent of recent films such as Everything Everywhere All At Once and Across the Spider-Verse. Yesteryear weaves together diverse genres, encompassing drama, thriller, action, horror, romance, sensuality, and dark comedy, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and layers. Our project strikes the balance between commercial appeal with artistic flair. We are incredibly grateful to our exceptional cast and crew whose contributions brought this extraordinary project to life.”

Music will be composed by executive producer and Hans Zimmer collaborator, Andrew Kawczynski, whose credits include Dune, Top Gun: Maverick, The Eight Hundred and Emmy winner Jeff Pitts will sound design the picture.

Rudi Garcia Named New Coach of Serie A Side Napoli

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Rudi Garcia has landed a new job…

Italian champions Napoli have named the 59-year-old Spanish-French former-soccer-player-turned-manager as their new coach, replacing Luciano Spalletti, the Serie A side said on Thursday.

Rudi Garcia Napoli did not specify the length of Garcia’s contract. 

Garcia coached Italy’s AS Roma from 2013-16, before moving to French Ligue 1 sides Marseille and Lyon.

Garcia coached Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr last season. They finished second in the Saudi Pro League with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack.

Al Nassr parted ways Garcia in April, amid reports of an uneasy relationship with Ronaldo.

Former Napoli coach Spalletti, who led them to their first Italian league title since 1990, asked to take a break from the job for a year.

Juanpa Zurita to Star in & Executive Produce “Carpe DM with Juanpa” for Roku

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Juanpa Zurita is ready to seize the day…

The 27-year-old Mexican social media influencer, vlogger, actor and model will star in and executive produce Carpe DM with Juanpa for Roku.

Juanpa Zurita “Can I fly a jet, ride a bull, jump a Monster Truck? A lot of us have these strange curiosities buried in the back of our minds or saved in our inboxes for later. Yet we do nothing,” reads the show’s synopsis.

Zurita is out to change that.

In each episode of the bilingual series Carpe DM with Juanpa, he will face challenges that push his body and mind to the limit all across the United States. Along the way, Juanpa will show all of us the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone and bringing your inner adventurer to life.

The six-episode series is produced by INE Entertainment and ARCO. Eric Day, Mark Koops, and Sarah Davies executive produce for INE. Juanpa Zurita and Brenda Tubilla executive produce for ARCO. Dave Lingwood is also set to executive produce.

Zurita rose to acclaim in 2013 by making comedy videos on the Vine app. Later, he diversified his activities by publishing vlogs and entertainment videos on the YouTube platform, and most recently he started his own water company in the middle of a drought, exploiting the resources of his own country.

He has created various campaigns in favor of humanitarian aid, in one of which he raised 25 million Mexican pesos through donations to make houses to several victims of an earthquake in Mexico City, in September 2017. In 2016, he began modeling for fashion brands including Pull&Bear, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein.

Manolo Gonzalez Vergara to Host Roku Competitive Cooking Show “Celebrity Family Cook Off”

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Manolo Gonzalez Vergara is heading to the kitchen…

Roku has ordered a celebrity cooking show Celebrity Family Cook Off, which will be hosted by the 31-year-old Colombian actor and executive produced by his mother Sofia Vergara.

Manolo Gonzalez Vergara & Sofia VergaraThe streamer has greenlit the new series, which will see famous families face off in the name of charity.

In each episode, a food-loving celebrity and a family member compete against another celebrity family duo in a two-round battle, dinner followed by dessert. Each round of the competition will feature a culinary challenge inspired by a hit movie or television series. The winning celeb-family duo will receive a cash prize to donate to a charity of their choice.

Gonzalez Vergara will be joined by judges Kalen Allen and Fariyal Abdullahi.

The six-episode series is produced by Butternut, the Wheelhouse company run by former Food Network boss Courtney White and Latin World Entertainment, the company founded by Luis Balaguer and Vergara.

It is Roku’s latest food show after The Great American Baking Show, Morimoto’s Sushi Master, Martha Cooks and Emeril Tailgates.

Brian Tannenbaum, Head of Originals, Roku Media, said, “It’s incredible to have the opportunity to collaborate with Sofia Vergara and Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, alongside the production teams at Butternut and Latin World Entertainment, to serve up Celebrity Family Cook Off, a new Roku Original series that will dish out food, family and competitive spirit in the name of charity.”

“We’re so excited to be partnering with Roku to bring you a fun, new cooking competition! Working as a family is great and doing it in the spirit of giving back is even better,” said Manolo Gonzalez Vergara.

Courtney White added, “This show perfectly blends Sofia and Manolo’s infectious love for family with their shared passion for food. We think this series will be an absolute delight for viewers and a great addition to Roku’s endless entertainment offerings. Our team at Butternut is excited to be part of the fun.”

Danny Trejo to Star in Indie MMA-Themed Drama “American Underdog”

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Danny Trejo is mixed-ing things up…

The 78-year-old Mexican American actor and Machete star has landed a role in American Underdog, an indie drama set in the world of MMA.Danny TrejoVeronica Falcón will also star in the film, which is now in production in Chicago.

The film, marking the feature directorial debut of Peruvian-American filmmaker Gustavo Martin, will also star Vishy Ayyar and Andrew Gray.

The film’s protagonist is Jai (Ayyar), an ex-con on a soulful path wrestling with personal redemption when outside circumstances pit him in the ring against the fierce opponent, Marcus (Gray).

Trejo portrays Dennis, who reluctantly comes out of retirement to train his former student, while Falcón steps into the role of Marcella, a local gym owner and community legend shepherding Jai in his return to fighting.

A production of Peach Partners, in association with Mulberry Films and MxW Ventures, American Underdog will also star Suleka Mathew (Your Honor), Taylor Treadwell (Big Little Lies), Omi Vaidya (3 Idiots), Ranjita Chakravarty (Never Have I Ever) and Jaspal Binning (The Newsroom).

Martin and Matthew Mascia wrote the script, with Naveen A. Chathapuram (The Last Victim, Brown Nation), Rashaana Shah (IFC’s Bollywood Hero) and Cristy Coors Beasley (The Westsiders, LonelyGirl15) aboard to produce.

Trejo is best known for his work in such films as Machete, Grindhouse, Planet Terror, From Dusk Till Dawn, Heat, Good Mourning, The Ridiculous 6, Predators, Halloween, Smiley Face, The Devil’s Rejects, the Spy Kids franchise, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, xXx and Con Air, among many others.

His notable television credits include Better Things, American Gods, The Flash and Sons of Anarchy.

Falcón can currently be seen in the second season of HBO’s Perry Mason and has also appeared on shows like Ozark, Why Women Kill and Queen of the South, to name a few.

Her notable film credits for the actress include The Starling, Jungle Cruise, The Forever Purge and Voyagers. Up next for release for her is the Amazon Studios drama A Million Miles Away with Rosa Salazar, Garret Dillahunt and Michael Peña.

Roku Renews Jessica Alba’s “Honest Renovation” Series for Second Season

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It’s an Honest time for Jessica Alba…

Roku is requesting more honest time from the 42-year-old half-Mexican American actress and entrepreneur.

Jessica AlbaThe streamer announced the renewal of Alba’s home improvement series Honest Renovation, which she hosts and executive produces alongside Lizzy Mathis, for Season 2.

The original series follows the pair as they renovate the homes of deserving families while having candid conversations about parenthood across eight one-hour episodes.

Production on Season 1 originally kicked off in late 2022.

“Becoming a parent was exciting, scary, and confusing all at once. Parenthood is the most transformative life experience, and no matter how much you think