Colman Domingo to Receive Vantage Award from the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Colman Domingo has a new vantage point…

The 56-year-old Emmy-winning Belizean-Guatemalan American actor and activist has been named as one of this year’s honorees of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ annual fundraising gala in October.

He’ll be honored alongside filmmaker John Carpenter and Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron.

The gala, co-chaired by Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, will take place on October 17.

Domingo will receive the Vantage Award honoring an artist who is helping to challenge dominant narratives around cinema.

Theron will receive the Icon Award, celebrating an artist whose career has had a significant global impact.

Carpenter, a director and composer, will receive the Luminary Award, given to an artist whose singular contributions have expanded the creative possibilities of filmmaking.

“The Academy Museum Gala is a celebration of the artists and storytellers whose work continues to shape the cultural impact of cinema around the world,” said Academy Museum Director and President Amy Homma. “For our sixth annual Gala, we are honored to recognize John Carpenter, Colman Domingo, and Charlize Theron, whose extraordinary careers exemplify the creativity, innovation, and excellence that continues to move the industry forward.”

The Academy previously announced upcoming programs that include Theron in conversation with the museum’s Teen Council on August 22, featuring a screening of Mad Max: Fury Road (2015); Carpenter will host three nights of screenings of his films, including Halloween (1978), on September 26, in celebration of The Horror Show, the Academy Museum’s new large-scale exhibition.

The 2026 Academy Museum Gala Host Committee, also announced today, includes Jessica Alba, Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Adrien Brody and Georgina Chapman, Jon M. Chu, Kirsten Dunst, Nicholas Galitzine, Ludwig and Serena Göransson, Regina Hall, Kate Hudson, Jessica Lange, Greta Lee, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Rami Malek, Demi Moore, Olivia Munn, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Questlove, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen, Bird Runningwater and Teyana Taylor.

Taylor Zakhar Perez to Star in Netflix’s “13 Going on 30” Reboot

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Tom Castaneda

Taylor Zakhar Perez is 13 going on 30…

The 34-year-old part-Mexican American actor has joined the cast of Netflix’s 13 Going on 30 reboot.

Zakhar Perez is part of a roster of new cast additions that includes Owen Thiele, Nasim Pedrad, Supriya Ganesh and Myra Molloy.

Other newcomers include Charley McCain, Henry Samiri, Audrina Miranda and Kai Zen.

Emily Bader and Logan Lerman lead the cast, which also includes Adeline Rudolph, Jessica Alba, Taylor Ortega,Tim Meadows and Dan Bucatinsky.

The original film’s stars, Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer, will reportedly appear in the reboot.

No word yet on the sequel’s plot. Production kicked off in L.A. last month.

A 2004 rom-com from Columbia Pictures, 13 Going on 30 centers on a 13-year-old girl who magically wakes up as her 30-year-old self and must navigate adulthood while rediscovering who she really is. Garner played the grown-up version of the character, starring opposite Mark Ruffalo in the film from Gary Winick, with Greer playing her frenemy Lucy Wyman.

13 Going on 30 grossed roughly $96 million in theaters and has endured for decades as a cultural touchstone, making a reboot inevitable.

Already, Garner has executive produced a stage musical adaptation that premiered at the Manchester Opera House last fall. Original screenwriters Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa penned the book for the stage adaptation, which features original songs by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner.

Brett Haley is directing the feature reboot from a script by Hannah Marks, with revisions by Flora Greeson.

Kodachrome Boards Andy Garcia’s Film “Maserati: The Brothers”

Posted on December 21, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Andy Garcia’s latest project has new backing…

Berlin-based production and finance company Kodachrome has boarded Bobby Moresco’s Maserati: The Brothers, which stars the 69-year-old Cuban actor, Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino, Jessica Alba and Michele Morrone.

The film, spearheaded by Italian producer Andrea Iervolino, revolves around Alfieri Maserati, the visionary engineer whose name would become synonymous with innovation and performance in the automotive world.

Michelle Alexandria of Light Year Pictures and the film’s executive Stephanie Garvin, founder of Hollywood Expansion Corporation negotiated the deal on behalf of Kodachrome.

Production is currently underway, with Kodachrome contributing financing and strategic production support, particularly in European territories.

“We’re honored to be part of a project that combines cinematic storytelling with one of the most iconic names in racing history,” said Michael Müllner, managing director at Kodachrome. “The name Maserati evokes success, emotion, daring design, and pure racing power; all the ingredients for great cinema.”

Jessica Alba to Star in & Produce Untitled R-Rated Female Ensemble Comedy for Netflix

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Alba is preparing to take on a new film project…

The 44-year-old half-Mexican American actress and entrepreneur’s Lady Metalmark Entertainment has closed a deal with Netflix for an untitled R-rated female ensemble comedy, which she’ll star in and produce alongside partner Tracey Nyber.

The project stems from an original pitch, inspired by business retreats that Alba has attended over the years as an entrepreneur.

Madison Vanderberg will adapt the screenplay, drawing on her extensive experience in female workplaces as a journalist for various women’s lifestyle sites.

“As a successful entrepreneur, I’ve had years of first-hand experience with corporate culture and the irony/absurdities that can lie between the lines as a female executive,” Alba told Deadline. “We were thrilled by Madison’s approach to this subject. She exquisitely highlights those elements that are ridiculous while creating indelible characters who are trying to navigate the world of modern corporate culture – all while still holding onto their humanity. Netflix is the perfect partner on this project – they are leaders in the field of comedy and have nurtured many of the strongest female comedians of the last decade.”

Said Vanderberg, “Having spent many years in women’s media working exclusively with and for women, I jumped at the chance to mine those experiences and to work with Jessica and Netflix on this comedy about a unique sisterhood of alpha female execs.”

Alba created Lady Metalmark in 2024 with a mission to cultivate diverse, female-driven, and culturally rich storytelling across film, television, and digital media.

The R-rated comedy brings her back to Netflix following her work producing and starring in their thriller Trigger Warning, which debuted at #1 in 67 countries and has been viewed over 91 million times globally. The third season of Honest Renovations, a hit unscripted series at Roku which she created, executive produces and hosts with Lizzy Mathis, premieres August 14.

Upcoming, she’ll also be seen starring opposite Anthony Hopkins, Andy Garcia, and Al Pacino in the film Maserati: The Brothers from Oscar winner Bobby Moresco.

Jessica Alba to Star in the Action Thriller “The Mark”

Posted on April 29, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Alba is ready to make her mark in Down Under…

The 44-year-old Mexican American actress has signed on to lead action thriller The Mark, a spy film set to begin production in Australia in July.

In the film from director Justin Chadwick, Alba plays Eden, an enigmatic spy on a covert and dangerous mission. When Eden pulls single father Ben Dawson into her world of high-stakes espionage, his life is turned upside down. Mistaken for the world’s deadliest assassin, Ben becomes the perfect decoy for Eden. She uses the mix-up to expose a powerful network of corrupt politicians, placing Ben in the crosshairs of the CIA, Interpol, and ruthless crime syndicates. With enemies closing in from all sides, Eden must keep Ben alive long enough to complete her mission — while Ben must summon his inner action hero to stay alive and return to the person who matters most: his daughter.

Ronnie Christensen penned the script. Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier will produce for Highland Film Group, alongside Kia Jam of K. Jam Media. Henry Winterstern will executive produce for Highland Film Group, which is co-financing the project alongside Aperture Media Partners.

A Golden Globe nominee who has appeared in over 25 films to date, Alba most recently executive produced and starred in the Netflix thriller Trigger Warning, which debuted at #1 in 67 countries and has been viewed over 91 million times globally.

Next up, she’ll be seen in Maserati: The Brothers opposite Anthony Hopkins and Andy Garcia.

The star launched her production company Lady Metalmark Entertainment in 2024.

Jessica Alba’s Lady Metalmark Entertainment Boards Swiss-Peruvian Film “Queens” as Executive Producer

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Alba has joined a royal project…

The 43-year-old half-Mexican American actress and Tracey Nyberg’s Lady Metalmark Entertainment has boarded Queens, Switzerland’s official selection for the international feature Oscar, as executive producer.

The film follows two teenage sisters living in Peru in 1992 as the country slides into political unrest. They are about to leave with their mother to live in the U.S. but they need their father to sign consent papers — he’s been absent for years but now he decides to win back his two “queens.”

Abril Gjurinovic, Gonzalo Molina, Luana Vega and Jimena Lindo star. The film won the Audience Award at this year’s Locarno Film Festival and the Grand Prix in Generation Kplus at the Berlinale, after world premiering at the Sundance Film Festival.

Reynicke, who co-wrote the screenplay with Diego Vega Vidal, drew on her own experience of leaving Peru as a young girl during a period of political turmoil in the early 1990s. She now lives in Switzerland, and the film is a Swiss-Peruvian co-production.

The film is a great fit for actor, producer and businesswoman Alba, who founded the Honest Company. Her shingle Lady Metalmark Entertainment is committed to work with diverse artists and to champion female-driven, culturally diverse and Latino inspired stories.

“We are honored to join Klaudia Reynicke’s extraordinary film Queens as executive producers,” said Alba and Nyberg in a joint statement. “This powerful story illuminates the unshakable strength of a mother’s love and her relentless drive to create a better future for her children. Capturing stellar performances amidst the rugged beauty of Lima, Peru, Klaudia is a filmmaker of exceptional talent — something we are excited for audiences to discover as they laugh and cry alongside Elena and her daughters, with a story that will resonate long after the credits roll.”

“In Queens, I wanted to craft a film that was both personal and universal, a story about sisterhood, identity, migration and love,” said Reynicke. “Jessica Alba understands these themes on an emotional level, which is why having her as an executive producer feels like a dream. With her passion and heritage guiding the film, Queens becomes more than just a story, it’s a tribute to the strength of families and the hope that carries us forward. I am equally thrilled that her partner, Tracey Nyberg, is joining us as an executive producer, bringing her expertise and dedication to amplify the impact of this story. This collaboration is a testament to the power of women supporting each other to tell stories that matter — stories about childhood, parenthood, resilience, and the strength we find in hope.”

Carlos Eric Lopez Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Posted on March 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Eric Lopez has new representation…

The Mexican-American personality, founder, photographer, creative director and cultural curator with more than a decade of experience in the entertainment and lifestyle industry has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

Lopez is behind the yearly Dia de Muertos celebration that brings together prominent figures from the Latino community, uniting hundreds of artists, tastemakers, executives, musicians, grassroots organizers and celebrities.

Last year’s celebration honored Gael García Bernal with the Life & Legacy award. He’s also the founder of Cura Lita, a beverage company that celebrates and honors the Latino community and its rich heritage.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to bring my culture, ancestry, and other Latinos with me on this new adventure,” Lopez said in a statement to Deadline. “Together, we’ll write a new chapter of success and empowerment for Latinos everywhere, because when one of us grows, we all grow.”

Last year, CAA launched of CAA Latino, an initiative to drive new opportunities to its Latino and Hispanic clients including Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Angel Manuel Soto and Ana de Armas, while also expanding their roster with new talent.

In addition to Carlos Eric Lopez, On My Block star Jessica Marie Garcia recently joined the agency.

Salma Hayek to Receive Giving Tree Award at the 2023 Baby2Baby Gala

Posted on September 16, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Salma Hayek is being celebrated for her commitment to children in need…

The 57-year-old Mexican American actress/producer will receive this year’s Giving Tree Award at the 2023 Baby2Baby Gala taking place on November 11 in Los Angeles.

The Giving Tree Award is awarded annually to a public figure who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the lives of children in need around the world.

Past honorees include Amy Adams, Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, Vanessa Bryant, Jennifer Garner, Kate Hudson, Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chrissy Teigen and Kerry Washington.

“I am so honored to be receiving the Giving Tree Award from Baby2Baby. My 39 years of involvement in supporting the wellbeing of women and children give me a deep appreciation and admiration for their heartfelt commitment and efficiency to get the job done. I am very am proud to share their mission and am eager to keep learning from these remarkable women,” said Hayek in a statement.

After lobbying Congress to extend the Violence Against Women Act, she co-founded The Kering Foundation, which leads initiatives aimed at liberating women around the world from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Hayek later partnered with Gucci to create Chime For Change, a program advancing education, health, and justice of girls. In 2015, she visited Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon alongside UNICEF and mounted the “Chime for Education” campaign to raise money to educate refugee children.

In 2017, Hayek spearheaded fundraising efforts for earthquake victims in Mexico and helped raise nearly a million dollars for UNICEF. During the disaster relief effort, she also partnered with the PepsiCo. Foundation and Habitat for Humanity to deliver 180 houses for displaced victims of the earthquake. Hayek remains actively engaged in a range of pressing social justice issues and is a longtime supporter of multiple leading nonprofit organizations including Girl Effect, The Cameron Boyce Foundation and Fondo Semilla.

“It’s our honor to pay tribute to Salma Hayek Pinault with this year’s Giving Tree Award for her extensive work on behalf of vulnerable children and families,” shared Baby2Baby co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof. “From her commitment to combating social injustices and disaster relief efforts to her work supporting refugee children, Salma exemplifies everything that this award represents. We applaud how she has used her platform to increase resources and opportunities for women and girls, and we are thrilled to highlight her extraordinary commitment to these causes.”

Jessica Alba To Take Part in Creative Artists Agency’s Amplify Summit 2023

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Alba is amplifying her voice…

The 42-year-old half-Mexican American actress and entrepreneur has joined the list of Hollywood speakers and attendees for the Creative Artists Agency’s Amplify Summit 2023.

The invitation-only event kicks off on June 26 in Ojai, Calif., and will convene leading artists, thought-leaders, and executives of color from the industries of entertainment, sports, media, brands and technology.

While there, invitees will have the opportunity to explore business and social justice initiatives, as well as potential collaborations that could “accelerate transformational change in rooms of leadership and popular culture,” according to the event’s organizers.

“CAA Amplify has long utilized CAA’s role as conveners and connectors to create business opportunities for our communities, bringing decision makers together in one room,” CAA’s Natalie Tran, who has been a lead organizer for the summit since its inception. “Now, more than ever, the collective expertise and influence of the CAA Amplify network are essential to drive stronger collaborations in storytelling and partnerships that will help spark change across our industries.”

The complete list of attendees frequently straddle multiple industries and titles, and have notable award nominations and wins.

That includes actors Lupita Nyong’o, Steven Yeun, Xolo Maridueña, Thuso Mbedu, Yara Shahidi and Jillian Mercado; directors Ava DuVernay and Blitz Bazawule; showrunners Quinta Brunson and Sierra Teller Ornelas; recording artists Chloe and Halle Bailey, and Becky G.; comedians Roy Wood Jr. and Ego Nwodim; NBA pro-athletes Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul; author Anand Giridharadas; media personality Tabitha Brown; The Honest Company founder Alba and CEO Carla Vernón; Planned Parenthood president Alexis McGill Johnson; president of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker; and co-founder and CEO of Inflection AI, Mustafa Suleyman, among other leaders.

Jessica Alba to Star in Sports Feature “Flash Before the Bang” About All-Deaf Track & Field Team

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Alba is flash-ing forward…

The 42-year-old half-Mexican American actress will star opposite Russell Harvard and Daniel Durant in the sports feature film Flash Before the Bang, inspired by the true story of an all-deaf high school track and field team in 1980’s Oregon.

From deaf writer-director Jevon Whetter, on whose experience the story is based, the film features Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as executive producers along with Fanshen Cox in association with Trujulo Productions. Alba is also an exec producer.

Production is due begin in September in Georgia on the project, in which more than half of the characters in the ensemble cast will deaf and portrayed by deaf actors. Brothers Jevon and Delbert (producer) Whetter are from a multigenerational deaf family, while actors Harvard and Durant are also deaf.

The Exchange is introducing the title to international buyers at the Cannes Film Market this week with UTA Independent Film Group representing U.S. rights.

Based on real events, the story centers on a bullied deaf track runner who seeks opportunity at a high school for the deaf – but his hopes of glory are dashed by the unmotivated team and a deaf coach in the throes of a mid-life crisis.

The underfunded, overlooked team will have to dig deep to overcome adversity at every turn in their attempt to seize an unprecedented victory at the 1986 Oregon State Track and Field Championship.

Flash Before the Bang will be the second film to implement the inclusion rider for this executive-producing team, after Damon and Affleck’s sneaker movie Air did for the first time this year.

Jevon Whetter said: “I am convinced that the world is ready for an uplifting story that authentically depicts people with disabilities as they deserve to be portrayed – as multi-dimensional beings with hopes, flaws, and dreams who are capable of becoming fighters, heroes, and champions.”

Producer Del Whetter had a front row seat to the action as it unfolded in 1986: “I watched with my own eyes as Jevon’s younger brother and as a fan on the stands. This story is one of the most profound life changing moments that I ever experienced, and I cannot wait for the world to see this story on the screen and be inspired by it too.

Alba added: “I was deeply moved by this script based on the true story of the filmmaker Jevon Whetter, which shows the little-known reality of what life was like for deaf and disabled people who were cut off from society in almost every way prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. I’m so excited to be a part of this groundbreaking story about deaf people, made by deaf filmmakers, with a primarily deaf cast for mainstream audiences.”

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