Black Excellence within the Black Experience of TV and Film
NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor—arguably one of the most electrifying and game-changing defensive players in football history—is getting the full biopic treatment. Stoked Sports & Entertainment has locked in the life rights to NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor through an exclusive deal with BEL Productions — and they are gearing up to roll out […]
Halle Bailey and Lilli Cooper are set to star in A24’s upcoming untitled musical comedy, written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. The film, which began production earlier this month, follows a reserved woman (played by Julianne Moore) who is unexpectedly cast in a local community theater musical. As she immerses herself in the role, her off-stage […]
Apple TV+ has unveiled the premiere date and first-look images for Smoke, an intense new crime drama from acclaimed writer and executive producer Dennis Lehane. Inspired by true events, Smoke follows arson investigator Dave Gudsen (Egerton) and police detective Michelle Calderone (Emmy nominee Jurnee Smollett) as they track down a pair of serial arsonists whose […]
Leslie Odom Jr. is stepping back into the role that changed everything. Nine years after his final bow, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor is returning to Broadway’s Hamilton this fall to reprise his iconic portrayal of Aaron Burr. The limited engagement kicks off Tuesday, September 9 and runs through Sunday, November 23 at the […]
The 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® is set to light up New Orleans once again from Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6 — and this year’s message is personal: We Are Made Like This. Anthony Anderson and Kenny Burns will host the three-day celebration, which returns to honor the 55th anniversary […]
Game. Set. Legacy. Serena Williams is bringing her championship mindset behind the scenes as executive producer for Carrie Soto Is Back, a series adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling tennis novel. Written and executive produced by Amanda Kate Shuman (The Wheel of Time, Berlin Station), Carrie Soto Is Back follows the rise, fall, and defiant […]
For the first time in its nearly 80-year history, a fully Nigerian production is heading to the Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival—and it’s about time. Produced by Fatherland Productions in co-production with Element Pictures, and in collaboration with MUBI and Crybaby, My Father’s Shadow marks a definitive turning point in how far Nigerian […]
Ryan Coogler is pulling no punches when it comes to Sinners. The award-winning filmmaker sat down with Sway on Sway’s Universe to speak passionately about why he made the film, the cinematic experience he’s chasing, and why audiences need to get to the theaters now—not later. “For me, I just wanted to make something that, […]
Broadway and Off-Broadway are buzzing with fresh stories, bold revivals, and standout performances this year—but we’re shining a spotlight on the newer, limited-run, and maybe lesser-talked-about projects that deserve your attention. From world premieres to long-overdue revivals, these 22 productions showcase the creative heartbeat of New York theater in 2025. Whether you’re looking to discover […]
Oscar nominee Andra Day is stepping back onto the big screen — this time in Bradley Cooper’s upcoming feature Is This Thing On? Directed by Cooper for Searchlight Pictures, the film also stars Laura Dern, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes with Cooper, who’s also producing the film under his Lea Pictures banner, taking on a […]