Tag: Acting

The Odyssey is the biggest movie in the world, yet right-wing commentators insisted Christopher Nolan had gone woke by casting Black actors in prominent roles. But the reality is far different. Black actors appear briefly with minimal screen time. Travis Scott speaks the first words but that lasts ten seconds. Lupita Nyong'o plays two roles with only a few minutes of screen time. Corey Hawkins appears slightly longer as a despicable character. Zendaya gets minimal screen time looking upset. The imaginary woke takeover conservatives invented had far more Black representation than what Nolan actually delivered. He provided exactly what he always does: a movie as white as his previous films. The outrage was directed at a version of The Odyssey that never existed.

Samuel L. Jackson left rehab two weeks before playing crackhead Gator Purify in Spike Lee's Jungle Fever. The raw performance, an exorcism of his own addiction, was so powerful Cannes revived its Best Supporting Actor award after a 10-year hiatus.

Dwayne Johnson opens up about the struggles behind his persona and his challenging new role as Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine." The New York Times profile explores his wrestling days, rise to fame, and personal battles, requiring him to channel anguish and vulnerability.

Danielle Brooks is building her career on her own terms, creating opportunities for overlooked talent. She emphasizes "build" as her guiding principle, shaping a meaningful career beyond acting and opening doors for artists from all backgrounds. Her success inspires Black Cosmopolitans, showing that success means reshaping the room for future generations.

Tupac, a legendary rapper, honed his skills at the Baltimore School for the Arts. He studied acting, poetry, jazz, and ballet, even playing the Mouse King in The Nutcracker. His artistic roots shaped his music.

Jurnee Smollett gained 20 lbs for "Smoke" to portray Michelle's muscular presence. She prioritizes her son Hunter's exposure to diverse fields, not pushing him into acting despite his interest, aiming for him to explore and find his passion.