There's no question that 2016's "Hidden Figures" faced an uphill battle from the beginning of its development. The film was only the third feature directed and co-written by an independent filmmaker, Theodore Melfi, who wrote the script with Allison Schroeder. A period piece set in the 1960s, it follows the true story of three brilliant Black mathematicians who join a task group at NASA in order to help America's space program, and there's no question that the women are the movie's heroines. Being released into a climate that was very hostile to both people of color and women at the time (aka the first months of the Trump administration) and not having a huge pedigree of A-list talent behind the camera, "Hidden Figures" would have to be great in order to be noticed, just like the women the film's about.
Surely, the studio executives at Fox Searchlight, being risk-averse as per their jobs,...
Surely, the studio executives at Fox Searchlight, being risk-averse as per their jobs,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
One of the most anticipated TV shows this fall is Apple TV+'s "Lessons in Chemistry." Based on the bestselling novel by Bonnie Garmus, the series stars Brie Larson, Lewis Pullman, and Aja Naomi King in a story of a midcentury American woman who struggles to gain a foothold in a scientific world that refuses to respect her. With perfectly retro sets and costumes evoking the 1950s, it feels like the kind of show that could be based on real life - but it actually isn't.
Is "Lessons in Chemistry" Based on a True Story?
If you've been flipping through "nostalgia" TV channels or frantically googling in hopes of finding out more about the real Elizabeth Zott, you'll be disappointed. Elizabeth, Calvin, Harriet, and the rest of your favorite characters are all fictional creations, courtesy of the creative mind of author Garmus. They do, however, have a little bit of real life in them,...
Is "Lessons in Chemistry" Based on a True Story?
If you've been flipping through "nostalgia" TV channels or frantically googling in hopes of finding out more about the real Elizabeth Zott, you'll be disappointed. Elizabeth, Calvin, Harriet, and the rest of your favorite characters are all fictional creations, courtesy of the creative mind of author Garmus. They do, however, have a little bit of real life in them,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Amanda Prahl
- Popsugar.com
The title of “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” teases galactic possibilities and plays with the notion of the unfinished work. Not the film’s labor — directors Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson have crafted an eloquent and engaging portrait — but that of its spiky, brilliant subject. One of the luminaries of the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s into the 1970s, the now 79-year-old Giovanni continues to address the pain and joys, the anger and resilience of the descendants of the Middle Passage, who know much about uncertain and dangerous journeys.
Giovanni was born in Knoxville, Tn, in 1943, before moving with her parents and sister to Cincinnati, Oh. During the summers as a child, she returned to Tennessee to visit her maternal grandparents. She later attended Fisk University in Nashville and currently lives in Christiansburg, Va, not far from Virginia Tech, where until recently, she was a Distinguished Professor of Writing and English.
Giovanni was born in Knoxville, Tn, in 1943, before moving with her parents and sister to Cincinnati, Oh. During the summers as a child, she returned to Tennessee to visit her maternal grandparents. She later attended Fisk University in Nashville and currently lives in Christiansburg, Va, not far from Virginia Tech, where until recently, she was a Distinguished Professor of Writing and English.
- 1/20/2023
- by Lisa Kennedy
- Variety Film + TV
The 28th Critics’ Choice Awards took place in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Chelsea Handler hosted the ceremony, which honored the year’s best films and television. Everything Everywhere All At Once was the most nominated film at 14, and Abbott Elementary led television nominations with six total.
After the Golden Globes last week, the show offered another clue to how the upcoming Academy Awards will shape up.
Everything Everywhere All At Once won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan), Best Director (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.
Better Call Saul won most of the television awards, including Best Drama Series, Best Actor in a Drama Series (Bob Odenkirk) and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Giancarlo Esposito).
>Watch Janelle Monae’s uBIO – Her Story In Her Words!
Kate Hudson presented Janelle Monáe with the SeeHer award, noting their advocacy for the Lgbtqia+ community.
After the Golden Globes last week, the show offered another clue to how the upcoming Academy Awards will shape up.
Everything Everywhere All At Once won Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan), Best Director (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.
Better Call Saul won most of the television awards, including Best Drama Series, Best Actor in a Drama Series (Bob Odenkirk) and Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Giancarlo Esposito).
>Watch Janelle Monae’s uBIO – Her Story In Her Words!
Kate Hudson presented Janelle Monáe with the SeeHer award, noting their advocacy for the Lgbtqia+ community.
- 1/16/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
Janelle Monáe was presented with the SeeHer Award at the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, which broadcast live via CW from Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California. Monáe was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
“She’s an advocate, an ally, a warrior,” her Glass Onion costar Kate Hudson said of Monáe, highlighting their work as an advocate for the Lbgtqia+ community. Monáe received a standing ovation as she took to the podium to speak.
Monáe’s inspirational speech focused...
“She’s an advocate, an ally, a warrior,” her Glass Onion costar Kate Hudson said of Monáe, highlighting their work as an advocate for the Lbgtqia+ community. Monáe received a standing ovation as she took to the podium to speak.
Monáe’s inspirational speech focused...
- 1/16/2023
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery star Janelle Monáe was the recipient of the SeeHer Award at the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday for their inclusive work and representation in Hollywood.
Related: Critics Choice Awards Photos: Live From The Red Carpet and Gala Ceremony
The SeeHer Award recognizes people who advocate for gender equality, defy stereotypes, portray characters with authenticity and push boundaries in the industry. During their speech, Monáe reflected on their own journey with identity, saying: “There were so many times in my life where I couldn’t see my light. I couldn’t see past my circumstances.”
Related Story ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ Takes Best Picture At Critics Choice Awards – Complete Winners List Related Story Critics Choice Awards Will Require Covid Test Of All Attendees As List Of Dropouts From Virus Grows Related Story How To Watch Sunday's Critics Choice Awards On TV & Online
“If you know my story,...
Related: Critics Choice Awards Photos: Live From The Red Carpet and Gala Ceremony
The SeeHer Award recognizes people who advocate for gender equality, defy stereotypes, portray characters with authenticity and push boundaries in the industry. During their speech, Monáe reflected on their own journey with identity, saying: “There were so many times in my life where I couldn’t see my light. I couldn’t see past my circumstances.”
Related Story ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ Takes Best Picture At Critics Choice Awards – Complete Winners List Related Story Critics Choice Awards Will Require Covid Test Of All Attendees As List Of Dropouts From Virus Grows Related Story How To Watch Sunday's Critics Choice Awards On TV & Online
“If you know my story,...
- 1/16/2023
- by Katie Campione and Destiny Jackson
- Deadline Film + TV
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a crowd-pleasing, laugh-filled whodunit with a packed ensemble. The Rian Johnson sequel features a returning Daniel Craig as Southern gentleman detective Benoit Blanc, and this time he’s joined by fellow A-listers like Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista, as well as rising stars like Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., and Jessica Henwick. The Netflix film begins streaming just in time for the holidays, but many fans have already watched the mystery unfold during the film’s short theatrical run in November.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback for Glass Onion singled out the heavy-hitting ensemble, but particularly heaped praise upon Janelle Monáe as Cassandra “Andi” Brand, a mysterious character whose presence is crucial to the film’s plot. No spoilers here, but Monáe delivers a finely tuned, layered performance that suggests the musician-turned-actress is continuing to level-up in front of the camera. If...
The overwhelmingly positive feedback for Glass Onion singled out the heavy-hitting ensemble, but particularly heaped praise upon Janelle Monáe as Cassandra “Andi” Brand, a mysterious character whose presence is crucial to the film’s plot. No spoilers here, but Monáe delivers a finely tuned, layered performance that suggests the musician-turned-actress is continuing to level-up in front of the camera. If...
- 12/24/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Janelle Monáe reflected on her multifaceted career at a Screen Talk hosted by BFI London Film Festival programmer Grace Barber-Plentie. The conversation, which took place ahead of the European premiere of “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” included the musician-actor citing Johnny Depp’s career as one she’d like to emulate given the “transformative” characters he has played. Monáe stressed that it was only Depp’s acting career that she admired, and not Depp as a person.
“When I think about careers, this person’s life as an actor, only… Johnny Depp has a very badass career,” Monae said, citing Willy Wonka and Sweeney Todd as “dramatic roles” she aspires to play in her own work. “Whatever the Janelle Monáe version of them is, maybe it’s something even better, I want to be able to do those transformative characters that people are dressing up as for Halloween.”
Monae...
“When I think about careers, this person’s life as an actor, only… Johnny Depp has a very badass career,” Monae said, citing Willy Wonka and Sweeney Todd as “dramatic roles” she aspires to play in her own work. “Whatever the Janelle Monáe version of them is, maybe it’s something even better, I want to be able to do those transformative characters that people are dressing up as for Halloween.”
Monae...
- 10/14/2022
- by Ella Kemp
- Variety Film + TV
Pat Murphy’s movie follows a young woman returning to Northern Ireland and a reckoning with sneering soldiers, brutal police and sexist hostility
A steady flame of rapture and pain burns through Pat Murphy’s captivating Maeve from 1981, now rereleased: it is vehemently acted, superbly composed and remarkably shot on the streets of Belfast. It is a fierce, gaunt prose poem of a movie, born of the British Film Institute’s art-cinema aesthetic of that era, starkly realist and yet at the same time mysterious and wan. It is theatrically stylised, always stumbling across dreamlike tableaux of its own devising. There is something of Terence Davies here, and also Ibsen and Beckett. This was an approach that went out of style in British cinema quickly enough, although Richard Billingham’s Ray & Liz from 2018 is a potent, intelligent reminder.
Mary Jackson plays Maeve Sweeney, a young woman from a Catholic...
A steady flame of rapture and pain burns through Pat Murphy’s captivating Maeve from 1981, now rereleased: it is vehemently acted, superbly composed and remarkably shot on the streets of Belfast. It is a fierce, gaunt prose poem of a movie, born of the British Film Institute’s art-cinema aesthetic of that era, starkly realist and yet at the same time mysterious and wan. It is theatrically stylised, always stumbling across dreamlike tableaux of its own devising. There is something of Terence Davies here, and also Ibsen and Beckett. This was an approach that went out of style in British cinema quickly enough, although Richard Billingham’s Ray & Liz from 2018 is a potent, intelligent reminder.
Mary Jackson plays Maeve Sweeney, a young woman from a Catholic...
- 5/11/2021
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Walt Disney, Frank Capra, Whitney Houston, Billie Holiday, Johnny Cash and Alex Trebek are among the entertainment industry figures who have been added as proposed honorees in the National Garden of American Heroes monument project unveiled by President Donald Trump in July.
As he began his final 48 hours as President, Trump issued an amended executive order Monday that added dozens of names slated to be honored in the the planned statuary park. The location for the park has yet to be determined. Trump first announced the plan on July 3 during his speech at Mt. Rushmore.
Among the entertainment-related names making the cut are Louis Armstrong, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Irving Berlin, Humphrey Bogart, Kobe Bryant, Frank Capra, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Woody Guthrie, Charlton Heston, Alfred Hitchcock, Bob Hope, Elvis Presley and Jimmy Stewart. The monument will honor those deemed to be “historically...
As he began his final 48 hours as President, Trump issued an amended executive order Monday that added dozens of names slated to be honored in the the planned statuary park. The location for the park has yet to be determined. Trump first announced the plan on July 3 during his speech at Mt. Rushmore.
Among the entertainment-related names making the cut are Louis Armstrong, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Irving Berlin, Humphrey Bogart, Kobe Bryant, Frank Capra, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Woody Guthrie, Charlton Heston, Alfred Hitchcock, Bob Hope, Elvis Presley and Jimmy Stewart. The monument will honor those deemed to be “historically...
- 1/18/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
On July 22, the New York Times revealed that Disney Theatrical Productions is developing a musical based on the 2016 film Hidden Figures. The production studio confirmed the plans, announcing the intention to assemble a creative team of Black artists for the show that has supposedly been in development since 2018. Aside from the news that film critic Elvis Mitchell will serve as a creative consultant, other details like casting and potential production dates have yet to be determined.
Hidden Figures follows the story of the struggles at NASA faced by mathematician Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), NASA supervisor and mathematician Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and NASA engineer and mathematician Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe). The movie was loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly's book of the same name. Since casting has yet to be complete, fingers crossed that Monáe may reprise her role and put herself on the Egot path.
Hidden Figures follows the story of the struggles at NASA faced by mathematician Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), NASA supervisor and mathematician Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and NASA engineer and mathematician Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe). The movie was loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly's book of the same name. Since casting has yet to be complete, fingers crossed that Monáe may reprise her role and put herself on the Egot path.
- 7/24/2020
- by Grayson Gilcrease
- Popsugar.com
Nasa will rename its D.C. headquarters after Mary W. Jackson — the space program’s first Black female engineer. Jackson was portrayed in the 2016 film “Hidden Figures” by Janelle Monae.
“Our headquarters building in Washington, D.C., will be named after Mary W. Jackson, the first African-American female engineer at Nasa,” the administration tweeted on Wednesday. “She started in@NASAaero research and later moved into the personnel field, working to ensure equal opportunity in hiring and promotion.”
Accompanying the video was a video explaining Jackson’s rise from a mathematician in the then-segregated West Area Computing Division at the Langley Research Center to becoming an engineer at Nasa — the first Black woman to hold that position.
Also Read: Lionsgate Nabs Apocalyptic Drama 'Rapture' From 'Antebellum' Filmmakers
Monae, who portrayed the pioneer in the Oscar-nominated film “Hidden Figures,” retweeted the announcement about the headquarter’s renaming.
Several other notable...
“Our headquarters building in Washington, D.C., will be named after Mary W. Jackson, the first African-American female engineer at Nasa,” the administration tweeted on Wednesday. “She started in@NASAaero research and later moved into the personnel field, working to ensure equal opportunity in hiring and promotion.”
Accompanying the video was a video explaining Jackson’s rise from a mathematician in the then-segregated West Area Computing Division at the Langley Research Center to becoming an engineer at Nasa — the first Black woman to hold that position.
Also Read: Lionsgate Nabs Apocalyptic Drama 'Rapture' From 'Antebellum' Filmmakers
Monae, who portrayed the pioneer in the Oscar-nominated film “Hidden Figures,” retweeted the announcement about the headquarter’s renaming.
Several other notable...
- 6/25/2020
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Katherine Johnson, one of the Nasa mathematicians portrayed in the Oscar-nominated 2016 film Hidden Figures, died Monday, Nasa said. She was 101.
Johnson “was an American hero and her pioneering legacy will never be forgotten,” Nasa Administrator Jim Bridenstine wrote on Twitter.
“At Nasa we will never forget her courage and leadership and the milestones we could not have reached without her. Ms. Johnson helped our nation enlarge the frontiers of space even as she made huge strides that also opened doors for women and people of color in the universal human quest to explore space,” Bridenstine said in a statement.
Johnson was portrayed by Taraji P. Henson in the Theodore Melfi-directed film, which tracks the untold true story of physicist Johnson, space scientist Dorothy Vaughan (played by Octavia Spencer) and mathematician Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe). The pioneering African-American women performed work that was crucial to U.S. success in the space race and most impactfully,...
Johnson “was an American hero and her pioneering legacy will never be forgotten,” Nasa Administrator Jim Bridenstine wrote on Twitter.
“At Nasa we will never forget her courage and leadership and the milestones we could not have reached without her. Ms. Johnson helped our nation enlarge the frontiers of space even as she made huge strides that also opened doors for women and people of color in the universal human quest to explore space,” Bridenstine said in a statement.
Johnson was portrayed by Taraji P. Henson in the Theodore Melfi-directed film, which tracks the untold true story of physicist Johnson, space scientist Dorothy Vaughan (played by Octavia Spencer) and mathematician Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe). The pioneering African-American women performed work that was crucial to U.S. success in the space race and most impactfully,...
- 2/24/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifts off with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. Edt July 16, 1969, from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A
It’s been exactly 50 years since the U.S. launched Apollo 11, the first mission to land men on the moon.
Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin landed the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle on July 20, 1969.
“Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.”
See these films as we celebrate to 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11’s historic mission to the moon.
For All Mankind, a superb 1989 documentary film by Al Reinert about the Apollo program (1969–1972).
https://www.amazon.com/All-Mankind-Neil-Armstrong/dp/B004BQTEGA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5S09S9184CAC&keywords=for+all+mankind&qid=1563568375&s=instant-video&sprefix=for+all+ma%2Cprime-instant-video%2C144&sr=1-1
Apollo 11, a 2019 documentary film by Todd Douglas Miller with restored footage of the 1969 event.
It’s been exactly 50 years since the U.S. launched Apollo 11, the first mission to land men on the moon.
Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin landed the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle on July 20, 1969.
“Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.”
See these films as we celebrate to 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11’s historic mission to the moon.
For All Mankind, a superb 1989 documentary film by Al Reinert about the Apollo program (1969–1972).
https://www.amazon.com/All-Mankind-Neil-Armstrong/dp/B004BQTEGA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5S09S9184CAC&keywords=for+all+mankind&qid=1563568375&s=instant-video&sprefix=for+all+ma%2Cprime-instant-video%2C144&sr=1-1
Apollo 11, a 2019 documentary film by Todd Douglas Miller with restored footage of the 1969 event.
- 7/19/2019
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Universal Pictures has entered into a first-look production agreement with Janelle Monae’s Wondaland Pictures, the film division of Wondaland.
Under the deal, Wondaland and Universal Pictures will aim at developing “multi-genre content with an emphasis on championing underrepresented voices and groundbreaking perspectives.”
The studio announced the deal Monday and noted that Monae stars in Universal’s “Welcome to Marwen,” which opens Dec. 21, and Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet,” with an anticipated release in 2019 via Universal’s affiliate Focus Features.
“There is an exciting, artistic revolution taking place in our industry, and Janelle and the talented team at Wondaland are at the forefront,” said studio chairman Donna Langley. “Their forward-thinking, inclusive approach to content and storytelling make them a perfect fit for our studio.”
Monae is also starring in the Stx animated movie “UglyDolls” and is expected to perform original songs for the film. Her previous acting credits include “Moonlight” and...
Under the deal, Wondaland and Universal Pictures will aim at developing “multi-genre content with an emphasis on championing underrepresented voices and groundbreaking perspectives.”
The studio announced the deal Monday and noted that Monae stars in Universal’s “Welcome to Marwen,” which opens Dec. 21, and Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet,” with an anticipated release in 2019 via Universal’s affiliate Focus Features.
“There is an exciting, artistic revolution taking place in our industry, and Janelle and the talented team at Wondaland are at the forefront,” said studio chairman Donna Langley. “Their forward-thinking, inclusive approach to content and storytelling make them a perfect fit for our studio.”
Monae is also starring in the Stx animated movie “UglyDolls” and is expected to perform original songs for the film. Her previous acting credits include “Moonlight” and...
- 11/19/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
At its most basic premise, “Hidden Figures” is the story of three African American women whose contributions to Nasa remained an unknown story for far too long. But beneath this umbrella plot are smaller stories that add to the importance and support of the main narrative. While the film arguably centers specifically on the work and perseverance of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), it is the stories of Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) and Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) that bolster the meaning behind “Hidden Figures” and creates a more dynamic, meaningful message for audiences.
Continue reading ‘Hidden Figures’ & The Power Of Well-Conceived Subplots at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Hidden Figures’ & The Power Of Well-Conceived Subplots at The Playlist.
- 11/11/2018
- by Julia Teti
- The Playlist
1981: James Reynolds debuted as Abe on Days of our Lives.
1993: Luke & Laura returned to General Hospital, with Lucky!
1996: Guiding Light's Annie vowed to get clean.
2007: Jack Branning arrived in EastEnders' Albert Square."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1965: The Days of our Lives pilot was re-shot with Frances Reid replacing Mary Jackson as Alice Horton.
1965: On Another World, Tony Douglas (Alex Canaan) was unhappy with Alice Matthews' (Jacqueline Courtney) timid attitude about intimacy.
1969: NBC aired the 1,000th episode of Days of our Lives.
1979: On As the World Turns, the...
1993: Luke & Laura returned to General Hospital, with Lucky!
1996: Guiding Light's Annie vowed to get clean.
2007: Jack Branning arrived in EastEnders' Albert Square."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1965: The Days of our Lives pilot was re-shot with Frances Reid replacing Mary Jackson as Alice Horton.
1965: On Another World, Tony Douglas (Alex Canaan) was unhappy with Alice Matthews' (Jacqueline Courtney) timid attitude about intimacy.
1969: NBC aired the 1,000th episode of Days of our Lives.
1979: On As the World Turns, the...
- 10/29/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
For the Fourth of July, let’s get into the All-American spirit with good old-fashioned patriotic movies? Whether you’re an astronaut, a Congressman, a mathematician or a hockey player, you typify the kind of best Americans that the movies want to celebrate on Independence Day.
The theme of our photo gallery above is all about the American spirit, which can be a rah-rah film (like “Miracle” or “Top Gun”), fighting for the people back home or even going against the grain to fight for what’s right in society. Our gallery also includes “The Right Stuff,” “Field of Dreams,” “Forrest Gump,” “Hidden Figures” and more. James Cagney, Kevin Costner, Tom Cruise, Sally Field, Tom Hanks, Taraji P. Henson, James Stewart and Denzel Washington are some of the big names in starring roles.
Enjoy a hot dog and sit back to peruse (or even watch again) these 15 wonderful movies that...
The theme of our photo gallery above is all about the American spirit, which can be a rah-rah film (like “Miracle” or “Top Gun”), fighting for the people back home or even going against the grain to fight for what’s right in society. Our gallery also includes “The Right Stuff,” “Field of Dreams,” “Forrest Gump,” “Hidden Figures” and more. James Cagney, Kevin Costner, Tom Cruise, Sally Field, Tom Hanks, Taraji P. Henson, James Stewart and Denzel Washington are some of the big names in starring roles.
Enjoy a hot dog and sit back to peruse (or even watch again) these 15 wonderful movies that...
- 7/4/2018
- by Tom O'Brien and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
“Hidden Figures” is going from the big screen to the small screen. The story of the pioneering black women who worked for the Nasa space program during the Cold War was a sleeper hit at the box office and an Oscar nominee for Best Picture. Now it’s in development as a series on National Geographic, as reported by our sister site Variety. Will it win Emmys?
The 2016 film was based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly and starred Taraji P. Henson as mathematician Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer as supervisor Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monae as engineer Mary Jackson. They were among the unsung women at Nasa who were crucial to American success in putting a man in orbit and then putting a man on the moon. The historical drama was an unexpected financial success, taking in $169 million domestically and $235 million worldwide against a $25 million budget. It also earned three Oscar nominations: Best Picture,...
The 2016 film was based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly and starred Taraji P. Henson as mathematician Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer as supervisor Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monae as engineer Mary Jackson. They were among the unsung women at Nasa who were crucial to American success in putting a man in orbit and then putting a man on the moon. The historical drama was an unexpected financial success, taking in $169 million domestically and $235 million worldwide against a $25 million budget. It also earned three Oscar nominations: Best Picture,...
- 4/6/2018
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Nat Geo has put in development a potential series inspired by the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures, Deadline has confirmed.
Details are few, as the project is in its early stages. Chernin Entertainment’s Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping, executive producers of the film, are on board to executive produce the TV project. Nat Geo will also produce.
The Theodore Melfi-directed historical film tells the untold true story of three brilliant African American women working at Nasa who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history.
Based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s book Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race, the film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe as Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, respectively, who performed work that was crucial to American success in the space race and most impactfully, in the successful 1969 Apollo moon landing.
Details are few, as the project is in its early stages. Chernin Entertainment’s Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping, executive producers of the film, are on board to executive produce the TV project. Nat Geo will also produce.
The Theodore Melfi-directed historical film tells the untold true story of three brilliant African American women working at Nasa who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history.
Based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s book Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race, the film stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe as Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, respectively, who performed work that was crucial to American success in the space race and most impactfully, in the successful 1969 Apollo moon landing.
- 4/5/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Hidden Figures is the incredible untold story of brilliant African-American women working at Nasa, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race, and galvanized the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big. Photo Credit: Hopper Stone.
The Academy Science and Technology Council will present “Hidden Figures/Modern Figures: A Journey of Breakthroughs in Cinema and Space Travel,” in collaboration with Nasa, on Wednesday, November 29, at 7:30pm at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
The evening will feature a panel discussion with Nasa scientists and “Hidden Figures” filmmakers for an examination of the past, present and future in space math, diversity and the movies.
Hidden Figures opened in cinemas on January 6, 2017.
Moderated...
The Academy Science and Technology Council will present “Hidden Figures/Modern Figures: A Journey of Breakthroughs in Cinema and Space Travel,” in collaboration with Nasa, on Wednesday, November 29, at 7:30pm at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
The evening will feature a panel discussion with Nasa scientists and “Hidden Figures” filmmakers for an examination of the past, present and future in space math, diversity and the movies.
Hidden Figures opened in cinemas on January 6, 2017.
Moderated...
- 11/15/2017
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“Hidden Figures” may no longer be in theaters, but the year’s most inspiring feature is continuing to impact change on the audiences that loved it best: the next generation of female leaders.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that “for the first time in the history of the U.S. State Department, a Hollywood movie has inspired a publicly funded exchange program, #HiddenNoMore, that will bring 50 women working in science, technology, engineering, and math in 50 countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America to the United States.”
Read More:Why ‘Hidden Figures’ Is the Inspiring Awards Season Contender We Need Now — Consider This
While the State’s International Visitor Leadership Program has existed for decades, THR reports that the attention heaped on the Ted Melfi film bolstered its appeal and notoriety. Set in the early sixties at the height of the Space Race, the feature follows the true stories of a trio...
The Hollywood Reporter reports that “for the first time in the history of the U.S. State Department, a Hollywood movie has inspired a publicly funded exchange program, #HiddenNoMore, that will bring 50 women working in science, technology, engineering, and math in 50 countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and Latin America to the United States.”
Read More:Why ‘Hidden Figures’ Is the Inspiring Awards Season Contender We Need Now — Consider This
While the State’s International Visitor Leadership Program has existed for decades, THR reports that the attention heaped on the Ted Melfi film bolstered its appeal and notoriety. Set in the early sixties at the height of the Space Race, the feature follows the true stories of a trio...
- 8/10/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Author: Competitions
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment celebrates the incredible untold true story of three brilliant African-American women working at Nasa, with the home entertainment release of Hidden Figures arriving on Digital Download 19th June 2017, and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD on 3rd July 2017. To celebrate, we’re giving away 2 Blu-ray copies!
Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This stunning achievement restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race between Russia and the U.S.A., and galvanised the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
Check out this great featurette from the Blu-ray™ and DVD extras featuring Theodore Melfi and Octavia Spencer talking about the legacy of Dorothy Vaughn.
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment celebrates the incredible untold true story of three brilliant African-American women working at Nasa, with the home entertainment release of Hidden Figures arriving on Digital Download 19th June 2017, and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD on 3rd July 2017. To celebrate, we’re giving away 2 Blu-ray copies!
Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This stunning achievement restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race between Russia and the U.S.A., and galvanised the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
Check out this great featurette from the Blu-ray™ and DVD extras featuring Theodore Melfi and Octavia Spencer talking about the legacy of Dorothy Vaughn.
- 6/26/2017
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment celebrates the incredible untold true story of three brilliant African-American women working at Nasa, with the home entertainment release of Hidden Figures arriving on Digital Download 19th June 2017, and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD on 3rd July 2017. To celebrate, we’re giving away 2x Blu-rays!
Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This stunning achievement restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race between Russia and the U.S.A., and galvanised the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
Directed by Theodore Melfi (St. Vincent), and written by Allison Schroeder (Pineapple Express), Hidden Figures was nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best...
Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This stunning achievement restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race between Russia and the U.S.A., and galvanised the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
Directed by Theodore Melfi (St. Vincent), and written by Allison Schroeder (Pineapple Express), Hidden Figures was nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best...
- 6/15/2017
- by Roobla Team
- The Cultural Post
Author: Competitions
To mark the release of Hidden figures on 3rd July, we’ve been given 2 pairs of tickets to an exclusive screening of the film at a central London location on 19th June.
Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This stunning achievement restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race between Russia and the U.S.A., and galvanised the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 13th June 2017 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash alternative is...
To mark the release of Hidden figures on 3rd July, we’ve been given 2 pairs of tickets to an exclusive screening of the film at a central London location on 19th June.
Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This stunning achievement restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race between Russia and the U.S.A., and galvanised the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Small Print
Open to UK residents only The competition will close 13th June 2017 at 23.59 GMT The winner will be picked at random from entries received No cash alternative is...
- 6/5/2017
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
How important is resemblance, really?
As we mentioned in our newsletter yesterday, Christian Bale is reportedly in talks to star as former vice president Dick Cheney in an Adam McKay helmed biopic, alongside Amy Adams as Lynne Cheney and Steve Carrell as Donald Rumsfeld. The news, broken by Variety, has lead to a host of reactions across the internet, including a number of Dark Knight and American Psycho related jokes because, you know, duh. Front and center in many of these reactions is speculation (though in some cases, anticipatory salivation might be more accurate) over how Bale will transform for the role.
After all, Christian Bale is known for physical metamorphoses that rank just below those of caterpillars on an impressiveness scale; he famously lost 60 pounds for his role in The Machinist (bringing the 6' actor to a skeletal 120-ish pounds), and afterwards went directly to Batman Begins, eating and weight-lifting his way to 220 pounds, which...
As we mentioned in our newsletter yesterday, Christian Bale is reportedly in talks to star as former vice president Dick Cheney in an Adam McKay helmed biopic, alongside Amy Adams as Lynne Cheney and Steve Carrell as Donald Rumsfeld. The news, broken by Variety, has lead to a host of reactions across the internet, including a number of Dark Knight and American Psycho related jokes because, you know, duh. Front and center in many of these reactions is speculation (though in some cases, anticipatory salivation might be more accurate) over how Bale will transform for the role.
After all, Christian Bale is known for physical metamorphoses that rank just below those of caterpillars on an impressiveness scale; he famously lost 60 pounds for his role in The Machinist (bringing the 6' actor to a skeletal 120-ish pounds), and afterwards went directly to Batman Begins, eating and weight-lifting his way to 220 pounds, which...
- 4/7/2017
- by Ciara Wardlow
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
It had been over a year since Janelle Monáe had performed on stage, but fans couldn’t tell as the petite powerhouse rocked the mic during the grand opening of Lord & Taylor’s new 5th Avenue shop The Dress Address last Thursday.
“It was so electrifying,” Monáe told People just after her set. “I miss the people, the stage, performing my songs.” The Grammy-nominated singer had taken time off to try her hand at acting, which proved a very good bet: She starred in both the Oscar-nominated historical hit Hidden Figures and the Oscar-winning indie film Moonlight.
“This year has been surreal,...
“It was so electrifying,” Monáe told People just after her set. “I miss the people, the stage, performing my songs.” The Grammy-nominated singer had taken time off to try her hand at acting, which proved a very good bet: She starred in both the Oscar-nominated historical hit Hidden Figures and the Oscar-winning indie film Moonlight.
“This year has been surreal,...
- 3/30/2017
- by Janine Rubenstein
- PEOPLE.com
“Hidden Figures” tells the story of three strong women of color overcoming both white male and white female prejudice and discrimination in their personal and professional lives, all while sending the first man into space. Based on the true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, these women demonstrate tenacity, intelligence, and authority in the white-dominated Nasa program of 1961.
Read More: ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘black-ish’ Win Big at 48th NAACP Image Awards
“Hidden Figures” was nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay at this year’s 89th Academy Awards. At the ceremony, the real-life Katherine Johnson was brought on stage in front of the Academy and guests by the cast of “Hidden Figures” Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, where she received a standing ovation.
Read More: ‘Hidden Figures’ Trailer: Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer Star in the Untold Story of Women...
Read More: ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘black-ish’ Win Big at 48th NAACP Image Awards
“Hidden Figures” was nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay at this year’s 89th Academy Awards. At the ceremony, the real-life Katherine Johnson was brought on stage in front of the Academy and guests by the cast of “Hidden Figures” Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae, where she received a standing ovation.
Read More: ‘Hidden Figures’ Trailer: Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer Star in the Untold Story of Women...
- 3/27/2017
- by Kerry Levielle
- Indiewire
During the Oscars Sunday, the stars of Hidden Figures paid tribute to Katherine Johnson, one of the women who inspired the nominated film. Johnson, a renowned Nasa mathematician, came out on stage with Taraji P. Henson, who portrayed her onscreen, Janelle Monáe, and Octavia Spencer. Hidden Figures, a box office hit, has helped raise the profiles of Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan, but now Johnson is being immortalized in another fashion: blocks. According to the Associated Press, Johnson is one of the people featured in Lego’s new “Women of Nasa“ set. The other scientists turned into toys include Margaret Hamilton, Sally Ride, Nancy Grace Roman, and Mae Jemison. Stem-lovers and admirers of awesome ladies will have to wait a while before they can purchase the collection; it won’t be available until either late 2017 or early 2018, the AP noted.
- 3/2/2017
- by Esther Zuckerman
- avclub.com
Retired mathematician Katherine Johnson — whose pioneering work partially inspired Hidden Figures — appeared at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, where she was hailed as “a true Nasa and American hero” by Taraji P. Henson, the woman who plays her onscreen.
Johnson, 98, appeared onstage alongside Henson and Figures‘ two other lead actresses, Janelle Monáe and Octavia Spencer, as they announced the winner for Best Documentary Feature.
In their introductory remarks before handing out the prize, the film’s stars focused on the importance of unearthing history’s hidden stories, such as the life and career of Johnson and her fellow black Nasa...
Johnson, 98, appeared onstage alongside Henson and Figures‘ two other lead actresses, Janelle Monáe and Octavia Spencer, as they announced the winner for Best Documentary Feature.
In their introductory remarks before handing out the prize, the film’s stars focused on the importance of unearthing history’s hidden stories, such as the life and career of Johnson and her fellow black Nasa...
- 2/27/2017
- by Adam Carlson
- PEOPLE.com
Taraji P. Henson didn’t have to think twice about signing on to star in Hidden Figures.
The actress opened up about working on the Oscar-nominated film while walking the red carpet at the Academy Awards on Sunday.
“It became a passion project,” she said. “I said, ‘I dont even care how much I’m getting paid.’ I signed on right away. Projects like this don’t come along often.”
Henson said she was immediately touched by the three real-life women that the film was based on, calling Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson “selfless heroes.”
“We know the...
The actress opened up about working on the Oscar-nominated film while walking the red carpet at the Academy Awards on Sunday.
“It became a passion project,” she said. “I said, ‘I dont even care how much I’m getting paid.’ I signed on right away. Projects like this don’t come along often.”
Henson said she was immediately touched by the three real-life women that the film was based on, calling Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson “selfless heroes.”
“We know the...
- 2/27/2017
- by Jodi Guglielmi
- PEOPLE.com
When it comes to the Oscar-nominated films that make up the ceremony’s Best Picture category, it’s more than likely every contender will fit at least one of these four groups: Biopics, devastating true life stories of people overcoming adversity, soaring movie-musicals, and the type of film with one scene that will leave you shamelessly ugly-crying in the theater.
Of course, not all of this year’s Best Picture nominees are guaranteed to make you sob in public (and if you do, we’re not judging) but if you’ve got a limited amount of tissues at your disposal,...
Of course, not all of this year’s Best Picture nominees are guaranteed to make you sob in public (and if you do, we’re not judging) but if you’ve got a limited amount of tissues at your disposal,...
- 2/25/2017
- by Julia Emmanuele
- PEOPLE.com
Janelle Monae is known for her signature black-and-white looks, but she rocked a pop of yellow at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Gala in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Et's Courtney Tezeno caught up with the Hidden Figures and Moonlight star, where she opened up about her ensemble, and the sweet meaning behind her black-and-white "uniform."
Exclusive: Janelle Monáe Delivers One-Two Punch With ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’
"I picked this out a long time ago. I knew this is what I wanted to look like for Essence," Monae revealed.
Getty Images
"I'm a no stress, no drama type of girl and my mom is here, too, tonight," she said. "My story has been really inspired by her… her wearing her uniform and being a high school janitor and me wearing my uniform, which is black and white, to honor her and pay homage to those who work every single day to make this country go round and around...
Et's Courtney Tezeno caught up with the Hidden Figures and Moonlight star, where she opened up about her ensemble, and the sweet meaning behind her black-and-white "uniform."
Exclusive: Janelle Monáe Delivers One-Two Punch With ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’
"I picked this out a long time ago. I knew this is what I wanted to look like for Essence," Monae revealed.
Getty Images
"I'm a no stress, no drama type of girl and my mom is here, too, tonight," she said. "My story has been really inspired by her… her wearing her uniform and being a high school janitor and me wearing my uniform, which is black and white, to honor her and pay homage to those who work every single day to make this country go round and around...
- 2/25/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Thirteen-year-old Taylor Richardson was so inspired after watching the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures that she set out to raise enough money for 1,000 girls to see the encouraging flick in theaters.
The seventh grader from Jacksonville, Florida, first saw the movie at The White House Hidden Figures in Space Exploration event in December during a special screening. Taylor, an admirer of engineer and astronaut Mae C. Jemison, grew up dreaming of space exploration and aspires to work for Nasa one day.
The movie — starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe — is a biographical drama based on the book of...
The seventh grader from Jacksonville, Florida, first saw the movie at The White House Hidden Figures in Space Exploration event in December during a special screening. Taylor, an admirer of engineer and astronaut Mae C. Jemison, grew up dreaming of space exploration and aspires to work for Nasa one day.
The movie — starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe — is a biographical drama based on the book of...
- 2/24/2017
- by Rose Minutaglio
- PEOPLE.com
Since its release late last year, Hidden Figures has captured audiences and critics with its award-winning performances and ultra-inspiring plot.
The film, which is up for a Best Picture Oscar, tells the story of three African-American mathematicians working at Nasa — Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan — whose research helps John Glenn become the first American astronaut to orbit Earth.
In honor of Hidden Figures‘ many accolades this awards season, we rounded up a bevy of fun facts and set secrets to hold you over until the Academy Awards this Sunday night.
1. While the three leading roles ultimately went to Octavia Spencer,...
The film, which is up for a Best Picture Oscar, tells the story of three African-American mathematicians working at Nasa — Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan — whose research helps John Glenn become the first American astronaut to orbit Earth.
In honor of Hidden Figures‘ many accolades this awards season, we rounded up a bevy of fun facts and set secrets to hold you over until the Academy Awards this Sunday night.
1. While the three leading roles ultimately went to Octavia Spencer,...
- 2/21/2017
- by Grace Gavilanes
- PEOPLE.com
Theodore Melfi’s feelgood biopic about three African-American women working for Nasa in the 1960s breaks boundaries with a knowing kick of its kitten heel
Traditionally the period drama sweeps the red carpet at the Academy Awards, training the best picture statuette in its sights with the aid of lavish costumes, detailed sets, a casual approach to factual accuracy and important historical figures stuttering or slaying evil kings. In 2017, however, it’s not easy to argue the case for this sort of crowd-pleaser when the rest of this year’s slate boasts largely gritty, groundbreaking and norm-challenging nominees. But Hidden Figures manages to both stay faithful to the genre’s most enjoyable elements while puncturing the boundaries with a knowing kick of its kitten heel.
Theodore Melfi’s biopic tells the previously untold story of Katherine G Johnson (Taraji P Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe...
Traditionally the period drama sweeps the red carpet at the Academy Awards, training the best picture statuette in its sights with the aid of lavish costumes, detailed sets, a casual approach to factual accuracy and important historical figures stuttering or slaying evil kings. In 2017, however, it’s not easy to argue the case for this sort of crowd-pleaser when the rest of this year’s slate boasts largely gritty, groundbreaking and norm-challenging nominees. But Hidden Figures manages to both stay faithful to the genre’s most enjoyable elements while puncturing the boundaries with a knowing kick of its kitten heel.
Theodore Melfi’s biopic tells the previously untold story of Katherine G Johnson (Taraji P Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe...
- 2/21/2017
- by Kate Hutchinson
- The Guardian - Film News
The 89th Annual Academy Awards will take place Sunday February 26th at 8:30pm Eastern time. Here is our overview of the major awards nominees in case you didn’t get to see them yourself.
There’s always a lot of talk leading up to the big day about who will win what awards. We try to make our predictions based on trends from the past, but we can’t help to be swayed by our own personal opinions. Some movies truly strike a chord with us, while others aren’t interesting at all. Furthermore, Oscar films are usually heavy in the drama department and therefore they aren’t always the easiest or most entertaining movies to watch.
That’s why we’re here. Here is your guide to the nominees of this year’s Academy Awards. We’ve compiled the following brief summaries, interesting facts, and critical reviews for all these films and people.
There’s always a lot of talk leading up to the big day about who will win what awards. We try to make our predictions based on trends from the past, but we can’t help to be swayed by our own personal opinions. Some movies truly strike a chord with us, while others aren’t interesting at all. Furthermore, Oscar films are usually heavy in the drama department and therefore they aren’t always the easiest or most entertaining movies to watch.
That’s why we’re here. Here is your guide to the nominees of this year’s Academy Awards. We’ve compiled the following brief summaries, interesting facts, and critical reviews for all these films and people.
- 2/20/2017
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (G.S. Perno)
- Cinelinx
This drama about a trio of African-American women doing maths wonders for Nasa has few subtleties, but is done with such verve it’s hard to dislike
Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe are Katherine Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, a trio of Nasa scientists who each played their part in sending astronaut John Glenn (the first American to orbit the Earth) into space in 1962. These three are fun, fast-talking and fabulously coiffed (thanks to costume designer Renee Ehrlich Kalfus). They’re also African American women, which perhaps explains why this nugget of history has remained untold until now. Sure, some of it feels a little obvious, but with its “based on a true story” title card, cartoon palette and bouncy Pharrell (co)-penned soundtrack, this splashy, feelgood period piece is every bit as enjoyable as a best picture Oscar-nominated blockbuster could hope to be.
The...
Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe are Katherine Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, a trio of Nasa scientists who each played their part in sending astronaut John Glenn (the first American to orbit the Earth) into space in 1962. These three are fun, fast-talking and fabulously coiffed (thanks to costume designer Renee Ehrlich Kalfus). They’re also African American women, which perhaps explains why this nugget of history has remained untold until now. Sure, some of it feels a little obvious, but with its “based on a true story” title card, cartoon palette and bouncy Pharrell (co)-penned soundtrack, this splashy, feelgood period piece is every bit as enjoyable as a best picture Oscar-nominated blockbuster could hope to be.
The...
- 2/19/2017
- by Simran Hans
- The Guardian - Film News
Janelle Monáe is shooting for the stars.
After carving out her own unique corner of the pop world, the six-time Grammy nominee has ascended to Hollywood stardom with memorable performances in two of the year’s hottest films, Moonlight and Hidden Figures.
“I allow the universe to rearrange and reinvent me,” she said in American Way magazine’s February issue. “I have had a gathering phase.”
But when the universe came to her with the script for Hidden Figures, a true-to-life film about the African-American women who helped put a man in space, Monáe — who has said that she...
After carving out her own unique corner of the pop world, the six-time Grammy nominee has ascended to Hollywood stardom with memorable performances in two of the year’s hottest films, Moonlight and Hidden Figures.
“I allow the universe to rearrange and reinvent me,” she said in American Way magazine’s February issue. “I have had a gathering phase.”
But when the universe came to her with the script for Hidden Figures, a true-to-life film about the African-American women who helped put a man in space, Monáe — who has said that she...
- 2/16/2017
- by Mike Miller
- PEOPLE.com
Taraji P Henson leads a strong ensemble in Hidden Figures, a story of Nasa's past that makes for compelling and important cinema.
Cinema is good at this. At finding little known stories, and shining a beacon of light on them. In the case of Hidden Figures, arriving in UK cinemas off the back of Oscar nominations and a $100m+ gross at the Us box office, author Margot Lee Shetterly got there first; it’s her best seller that’s the basis of this excellent film. The movie adaptation does it proud.
The story here focuses on the space race in the early 1960s, specifically the moment where it looked as if Russia had firmly seized the initiative. As Nasa was struggling to get an American into space, Russia was having far more success, and the pressure was duly on.
That pressure in part fell on the shoulders of Al Harrison...
Cinema is good at this. At finding little known stories, and shining a beacon of light on them. In the case of Hidden Figures, arriving in UK cinemas off the back of Oscar nominations and a $100m+ gross at the Us box office, author Margot Lee Shetterly got there first; it’s her best seller that’s the basis of this excellent film. The movie adaptation does it proud.
The story here focuses on the space race in the early 1960s, specifically the moment where it looked as if Russia had firmly seized the initiative. As Nasa was struggling to get an American into space, Russia was having far more success, and the pressure was duly on.
That pressure in part fell on the shoulders of Al Harrison...
- 2/16/2017
- Den of Geek
As Dorothy Vaughan in Theodore Melfi's Hidden Figures, Octavia Spencer joins a cast of extraordinary characters working at Nasa in the 1960s during the height of segregation and the struggle for civil rights. Along with Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and an entire team of gifted black women mathematicians, Vaughan was instrumental in helping perform the complex calculations necessary to launch astronauts into the cosmos. And yet Hidden Figures is the first movie to tell…...
- 2/14/2017
- Deadline
In honor of Black History Month, 21st Century Fox and AMC Theatres will screen Hidden Figures on Saturday in 14 major markets nationwide for free.
The Oscar-nominated historical drama — sharing the untold stories of Katherine Goble, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who were vital in launching astronaut John Glenn into space in 1962 — will screen on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Los Angeles; Miami; Atlanta; Chicago; New Orleans; Baltimore; Washington; New York City; Detroit; Dallas; Oakland, Calif.; St. Louis; and Charlotte, N.C.
Additionally, school and community groups can go online and request a free screening in their community. The...
The Oscar-nominated historical drama — sharing the untold stories of Katherine Goble, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who were vital in launching astronaut John Glenn into space in 1962 — will screen on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Los Angeles; Miami; Atlanta; Chicago; New Orleans; Baltimore; Washington; New York City; Detroit; Dallas; Oakland, Calif.; St. Louis; and Charlotte, N.C.
Additionally, school and community groups can go online and request a free screening in their community. The...
- 2/14/2017
- by Ashley Lee
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Author: Stefan Pape
If there is one criticism to be had about Theodore Melfi’s Hidden Figures, it’s how conventional the storytelling formula is, abiding stringently to the tropes and beats of the genre. But when done in such an affectionate manner, and when telling such an important story, particularly pertinent now as America regresses, to present the narrative in such an accessible way is not necessarily a bad thing, ensuring this tale is told to many, and with impressive box office figures in the States, and a handful of Oscar nominations to boot, it’s proven to have been something of a triumph.
Based on a true story, we meet Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae), with a broken down vehicle on the side of the road, having to explain themselves to a police officer – suspicious about the intentions...
If there is one criticism to be had about Theodore Melfi’s Hidden Figures, it’s how conventional the storytelling formula is, abiding stringently to the tropes and beats of the genre. But when done in such an affectionate manner, and when telling such an important story, particularly pertinent now as America regresses, to present the narrative in such an accessible way is not necessarily a bad thing, ensuring this tale is told to many, and with impressive box office figures in the States, and a handful of Oscar nominations to boot, it’s proven to have been something of a triumph.
Based on a true story, we meet Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae), with a broken down vehicle on the side of the road, having to explain themselves to a police officer – suspicious about the intentions...
- 2/13/2017
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Remember when Michelle Williams seemed to be a shoo-in for best supporting actress? Her performance in Kenneth Lonergan’s tragic drama “Manchester by the Sea” won the New York Film Critics Circle, which honored Williams for her small but mighty role.
That was just a month ago, but the final weeks of Oscar season have their own laws of relativity. Now the best supporting actress statue seems to be “Fences” star Viola Davis’ to lose, followed by Octavia Spencer of “Hidden Figures.”
Here’s how I see the breakdown of the race, by nominee.
Viola Davis
Williams might have stayed the Oscar frontrunner if Paramount hadn’t placed “Fences” Tony-winner Viola Davis in the Supporting Actress race instead of the more crowded Best Actress field. She kills it, and gives Williams serious competition. Both landed Critics Choice, Globe, SAG, and BAFTA Award nominations, and Davis took home the Critics Choice,...
That was just a month ago, but the final weeks of Oscar season have their own laws of relativity. Now the best supporting actress statue seems to be “Fences” star Viola Davis’ to lose, followed by Octavia Spencer of “Hidden Figures.”
Here’s how I see the breakdown of the race, by nominee.
Viola Davis
Williams might have stayed the Oscar frontrunner if Paramount hadn’t placed “Fences” Tony-winner Viola Davis in the Supporting Actress race instead of the more crowded Best Actress field. She kills it, and gives Williams serious competition. Both landed Critics Choice, Globe, SAG, and BAFTA Award nominations, and Davis took home the Critics Choice,...
- 2/8/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Remember when Michelle Williams seemed to be a shoo-in for best supporting actress? Her performance in Kenneth Lonergan’s tragic drama “Manchester by the Sea” won the New York Film Critics Circle, which honored Williams for her small but mighty role.
That was just a month ago, but the final weeks of Oscar season have their own laws of relativity. Now the best supporting actress statue seems to be “Fences” star Viola Davis’ to lose, followed by Octavia Spencer of “Hidden Figures.”
Here’s how I see the breakdown of the race, by nominee.
Viola Davis
Williams might have stayed the Oscar frontrunner if Paramount hadn’t placed “Fences” Tony-winner Viola Davis in the Supporting Actress race instead of the more crowded Best Actress field. She kills it, and gives Williams serious competition. Both landed Critics Choice, Globe, SAG, and BAFTA Award nominations, and Davis took home the Critics Choice,...
That was just a month ago, but the final weeks of Oscar season have their own laws of relativity. Now the best supporting actress statue seems to be “Fences” star Viola Davis’ to lose, followed by Octavia Spencer of “Hidden Figures.”
Here’s how I see the breakdown of the race, by nominee.
Viola Davis
Williams might have stayed the Oscar frontrunner if Paramount hadn’t placed “Fences” Tony-winner Viola Davis in the Supporting Actress race instead of the more crowded Best Actress field. She kills it, and gives Williams serious competition. Both landed Critics Choice, Globe, SAG, and BAFTA Award nominations, and Davis took home the Critics Choice,...
- 2/8/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Not too long ago, if the names Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson were mentioned most of us would would have asked, “Who are they?” Not any longer. Now we know.
- 2/4/2017
- by Jazz Tangcay
- AwardsDaily.com
Hidden Figures has inspired three girls in Milwaukee to dress up as the main characters in the hit movie.
Taking part in a school project for Black History Month, Morgan Coleman, Ambrielle-Baker Rogers and Miah Bell-Olson dressed as Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three black women who played an important role in launching Nasa astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Rogers’ mother, Jerrica, detailed the concept of the project to The Huffington Post.
“His (teacher Terrance Sims) goal is to create a series of posters that positively affirm the excellence of his students in addition to the other...
Taking part in a school project for Black History Month, Morgan Coleman, Ambrielle-Baker Rogers and Miah Bell-Olson dressed as Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three black women who played an important role in launching Nasa astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Rogers’ mother, Jerrica, detailed the concept of the project to The Huffington Post.
“His (teacher Terrance Sims) goal is to create a series of posters that positively affirm the excellence of his students in addition to the other...
- 2/1/2017
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taraji P. Henson just taught a masterclass on tripping with grace.
The actress nearly took a tumble while collecting her trophy for best performance by a cast in Hidden Figures at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday night, but was able to steady herself before crashing into the awards table.
Henson, trailed by her Hidden Figures costars Octavia Spencer and Jim Parsons, then gathered her dress and confidently sashayed up to a row of photographers and journalists with a grin.
“I’m a bit of a klutz, too, and that’s what makes me human,” she told the crowd.
The actress nearly took a tumble while collecting her trophy for best performance by a cast in Hidden Figures at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday night, but was able to steady herself before crashing into the awards table.
Henson, trailed by her Hidden Figures costars Octavia Spencer and Jim Parsons, then gathered her dress and confidently sashayed up to a row of photographers and journalists with a grin.
“I’m a bit of a klutz, too, and that’s what makes me human,” she told the crowd.
- 1/30/2017
- by Mike Miller
- PEOPLE.com
Politics and current events hung over this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards, but the stars made it their business to address the world's injustices and call for unity in what had to be the most politically-charged awards show in recent memory.
However, not everything was heavy and topical. From hilarious acceptance speeches to fascinating wardrobe choices to passionate pleas for peace and unity, here are 11 of the night's most memorable moments.
More: 2017 SAG Awards: The Complete Winners List
1. Stars Explain Why They Are Actors
To kick off the show, celebrities like Kerry Washington, Jeff Bridges, Sterling K. Brown and others spoke to the camera about what made them an actor. While each of the speeches was passionate and emotional, actress Ellie Kemper stole the show.
"Six months ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, and he gave me my greatest role yet: the role of Mom," Kemper said. "I'm kidding...
However, not everything was heavy and topical. From hilarious acceptance speeches to fascinating wardrobe choices to passionate pleas for peace and unity, here are 11 of the night's most memorable moments.
More: 2017 SAG Awards: The Complete Winners List
1. Stars Explain Why They Are Actors
To kick off the show, celebrities like Kerry Washington, Jeff Bridges, Sterling K. Brown and others spoke to the camera about what made them an actor. While each of the speeches was passionate and emotional, actress Ellie Kemper stole the show.
"Six months ago, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, and he gave me my greatest role yet: the role of Mom," Kemper said. "I'm kidding...
- 1/30/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
One year of good films with black actors and themes does not eradicate decades of invisibility and lopsided representation – but several big wins at Sunday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards demonstrated some positive steps forward in Hollywood’s quest for more diversity.
Several actors of color took home awards at this year’s ceremony – and unlike last year, it was the film side offering up the night’s biggest inclusive wins. “Fences” took home awards for Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, “Hidden Figures” won for its cast, and Mahershala Ali won for his supporting role in “Moonlight.”
As a result, many of the night’s top acceptance speeches drove home the message of inclusion and acceptance.
Read More: Review: Political and Passionate SAG Awards Make a Strong Case for Ceremonies Without a Host
Viola Davis, who won for Female Actor in a Supporting Role for “Fences,” said that the increase...
Several actors of color took home awards at this year’s ceremony – and unlike last year, it was the film side offering up the night’s biggest inclusive wins. “Fences” took home awards for Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, “Hidden Figures” won for its cast, and Mahershala Ali won for his supporting role in “Moonlight.”
As a result, many of the night’s top acceptance speeches drove home the message of inclusion and acceptance.
Read More: Review: Political and Passionate SAG Awards Make a Strong Case for Ceremonies Without a Host
Viola Davis, who won for Female Actor in a Supporting Role for “Fences,” said that the increase...
- 1/30/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
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