movies
Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood Return to Urbanworld
Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood will serve as ambassadors of the 30th annual Urbanworld Film Festival taking place Oct. 14-18 in New York City.
The post marks a notable return to Urbanworld for the married filmmakers who have a long history with the festival. Prince-Bythewood screened her adaptation of The Secret Life of Bees at Urbanworld in 2008, and the 2014 festival opened with her romance drama Beyond the Lights. Bythewood also brought ESPN’s 30 for 30 episode “One Night in Vegas” to Urbanworld in 2010 and the BET TV movie Gun Hill in 2013. The pair attended the festival in support of NatGeo’s Genius: MLK/X in 2023 as well.
“Urbanworld has been a consistent touchstone for filmmakers to bring our stories, connect with our community and support the next generation, and it has always felt like home for us,” the pair said in a joint statement. “We’re honored to return as festival ambassadors to celebrate 30 years of Urbanworld while sharing what’s next. Art over fear.”
As ambassadors, the Bythewoods will give audiences a unique look into their personal and creative journeys through special programming at The New School, Urbanworld’s Innovation Summit partner. There will also be a spotlight moment highlighting Prince-Bythewood’s upcoming adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, ahead of its Jan. 15, 2027 release, at Regal Union Square, the festival’s host theater.
“Gina and Reggie represent the caliber of artists and storytellers we want to celebrate at Urbanworld,” said festival director Verona Cesair Jones in a news release. “Their work, leadership and commitment to storytelling have made an undeniable impact on our industry. As I begin my first year leading the festival and Urbanworld celebrates 30 years, we’re proud to honor them as our festival ambassadors and give them their flowers.”
Urbanworld was founded in 1997 by Stacy Spikes as a space to champion established and emerging multicultural storytellers; three decades later, Spikes remains committed to that mission.
“Gina and Reggie have been part of the Urbanworld story for many years, and having them return together as festival ambassadors is a powerful way to celebrate our 30th anniversary,” said Spikes. “Urbanworld has always been about creating a platform for artists to tell their stories, build community, and open doors for those coming behind them. Gina and Reggie embody that spirit, and we’re proud to celebrate them as we look toward Urbanworld’s next 30 years.”
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movies
Saoirse Ronan Addresses Rumor That Husband Jack Lowden Has Been Cast As The New James Bond
Saoirse Ronan is addressing a rumor that her husband, Jack Lowden, has been cast as the next James Bond.
In a new interview, Ronan was asked about Lowden portraying the 007 agent in the film franchise.
“Well, Gary Oldman thinks he’s James Bond,” Ronan said in an interview with the Associated Press.
She continued, “[That’s] its own thing. We’re kind of getting on with our life, to be honest. We have plenty of other things to be dealing with. So, yeah, it’s not really a subject that’s coming up in our house, to be honest. The dog needs to be walked, the dinner needs to be made—we’re most focused on that.”
Lowden’s name came up during an interview in September, when Oldman said he wanted his Slow Horses co-star to take on the iconic action role.
“It’s been rumored that he’s on the shortlist,” Oldman told Global News. “We’re going to find out pretty soon, aren’t we? Because they have picked him. They have made their choice, but they have not announced it yet. So my fingers are crossed for Jack.”
Ronan herself has pitched herself to play a villain in the James Bond universe.
“I want to go dark,” she told Empire. “I said that I wanted to be a Bond villain and I’m dead serious.”
She continued, “I think it would be really interesting, having a young female villain. Especially for girls and women, to see someone who can just take all that pent-up anger and direct it somewhere, there’s something interesting in that dramatically. So I would love to do more of that.”
In March of this year, Deadline reported that Nina Gold had closed a deal to become the casting director for the next James Bond film. Gold’s credits include HBO’s Game of Thrones, the Netflix series The Crown, and five films in the Star Wars franchise.
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movies
George Cheeks Teases Skydance TV Strategy In Memo To Staff
George Cheeks, who has a shiny new role in the Skydance corporation, called the first day of the combined Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery the “start of a new chapter”.
In a memo to staff, Cheeks, who is now Co-Chair and Chief Content Officer, Skydance TV, teased the strategy of the new division that now includes CBS, Warner Bros. Television Studios, CBS Studios and Paramount Television Studios, CBS News, CBS Sports, TNT Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports.
“By bringing together Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, we’ve assembled a remarkable collection of television brands, networks and studios, backed by some of the most talented teams in the industry,” he wrote.
Cheeks did not particularly go into detail on the new structure and his direct reports in the note, but Deadline revealed a few days ago that Channing Dungey, who was Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros Television Group and US Networks, will now also oversee the Paramount cable networks such as MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET as well as VH1, Paramount Network, TV Land, CMT, Pop TV and Logo TV.
The former NBCUniversal exec, who is also in charge of CBS Studios, run by David Stapf, and Skydance TV, run by Matt Thunell, called the Skydance Television group an “unmatched mix of networks, studios, platforms and programming genres.”
He said that the TV studios, which will remain separate, for now, at least, will continue to “create franchises, premium originals and unscripted hits that entertain viewers of all ages and interests”.
He also lauded CBS, which he said “remains a cornerstone”. He praised the sports operations, which will now be run by CBS Sports boss David Berson, with TNT Sports chief Luis Silberwasser exiting.
Cheeks also called CBS News, run by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, “one of the most important brands in journalism, delivering national and worldwide news across broadcast, streaming and digital”.
The cable side now features more than 50 channels. “There are too many standout shows to name individually, but one thing is clear: the breadth and quality of programming across this group is unrivaled, spanning some of the most watched, most acclaimed and most award-winning in the industry,” he added.
Cheeks admitted that staff is eager to hear more about the leadership, structure and strategy and said that more details will be shared soon.
“This is a moment of transition. With that comes uncertainty. The stress of this is not lost on me. Expect to hear more on our structure and priorities in the weeks ahead,” he wrote. “The work ahead is significant, and so is the opportunity. I am energized by the possibilities. Together, we’ll build on our collective strengths to create an even stronger future.”
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movies
‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 35, Week 4 Recap: Mariah Carey Night
SPOILER ALERT! This post contains details from Tuesday night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars.
We’re officially a month into Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, and the contestants are starting to feel the pressure of the competition.
After Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart were eliminated last week (which shook the remaining couples awake as they were definitely not the worst ones by a mile), the competitors are all taking on Mariah Carey in Week 4.
Reality star Ciara Miller with Brandon Armstrong. The reality star really wanted to earn some 7s for her jazz routine to “Emotions” and prove she’s meant to last in this competition. Carrie Ann Inaba called it her “best dance so far, my dear.” Get those 7s, girl! SCORE: 21 out of 30
Paralympian Ezra Frech with Daniella Karagach. These two came out swinging with another fiery performance, this time dancing a rumba to “Anytime You Need a Friend.” Derek Hough was thoroughly impressed: “It was seriously sophisticated. It was.” SCORE: 24 out of 30
Actor Harry Shum Jr. with Jenna Johnson. They’re looking for another set of solid scores from the judges for their tango to “It’s Like That.” This week, Jenna goes on the Grey’s Anatomy set with her celeb partner to practice in between takes. Fun fact: Harry danced in the original music video for this song, too. “A red hot tango from a man on a mission! Sharp as a knife. So intense. I mean, it gave me whiplash!” Bruno Tonioli says. Bonus points for the Glee reunion with former DWTS champ Amber Riley back in the ballroom to sing for this one. SCORE: 24 out of 30
Actress Jenna Dewan with Val Chmerkovskiy. Jenna is frustrated by her feedback from the judges, but she wants to take their critiques seriously. This week, she wants to focus on showing a softer and slower side to her dancing with a rumba to “My All.” Watch out Season 35, Jenna Dewan found her groove! All Derek Hough could do was stand up and clap. “All I have to say is: There she is.” SCORE: 24 out of 30
Reality star Tyler Cameron with Sharna Burgess. Tyler managed to skate by last week thanks to Taylor’s elimination, but he seems to know he needs to kick things into high gear if he wants to make it any further in the competition. This week, he and Sharna danced a foxtrot to “#Beautiful.” Color, well, nearly everyone surprised! The man can move! “The improvement is incredible. You should be proud of yourself,” Bruno tells him. SCORE: 21 out of 30
Reality star Maura Higgins with Mark Ballas. The Traitors duo is finding their groove, and Maura is settling into her clear natural affinity for dance. This week, they are taking on a waltz to “If It’s Over.” She’s already danced in frame, but now she wants to improve and go for higher scores. “I feel like right now the world needs that kind of beauty!” Carrie Ann exclaimed. SCORE: 25 out of 30 (a 9 from Carrie Ann! Maura falling to the ground in disbelief says it all.)
Late-night sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez with Whitney Carson. These two took a trip to New York City for rehearsals this week, since Guillermo is there for his day job. They are dancing a samba to “Obsessed.” As Witney says, “nothing can really prepare you for the samba.” He’s really trying, though. And hey, the steps he did (few as there were) were in time! “Listen, that wasn’t quite a samba, but it was 100% Guillermo,” Derek says. SCORE: 15 out of 30
Savannah Bananas midfielder Jackson Olson with Emma Slater. Jackson took a little break from rehearsals this week to celebrate his birthday, but he’s still putting his all into coming back strong after some lukewarm feedback from the judges in Week 3. He’s performing a waltz to “Without You.” There must be something in the air this week, because he looked like a completely different dancer. “I can see you almost for the first time,” Bruno tells him. SCORE: 21 out of 30
Actress Tatyana Ali with Jan Ravnik. The Fresh Prince star is living ut a childhood dream dancing to Mariah Carey. And she’s got the in-the-know pro this week, because Jan has toured with the pop star. They’re doing a jazz dance to “Fantasy.” After last week, can anyone be surprised that she kills it? Carrie Ann wanted her to have more energy for a jazz routine. Derek and Bruno agree. “But overall, I just love seeing what you’re doing,” Derek says. SCORE: 20 out of 30
Comedian and podcaster Connor Wood with Rylee Arnold. Rylee, Connor isn’t sure if you’ve noticed, but you tend to include grinding choreography in all of your routines. Well, the tradition continues this week, because they’re dancing a rumba to “Touch My Body.” I mean, what’s a girl to do? Unfortunately, the hips were not moving, but he did do a nice worm. “There’s a lot of moments where you’re playing it safe,” Derek says. Bruno loved it. “Frisky!” SCORE: 19 out of 30
Actress Julia Stiles with Ezra Sosa. Julia is riding high after receiving her highest scores last week. She’s really got to impress this week with a Viennese waltz to “Vision of Love” if she wants to keep the positive momentum going. “For me, that was a breakthrough,” Carrie Ann said. Well, ok then! SCORE: 21 out of 30
Olympian Amber Glenn with Pasha Pashkov. It’s a lot of pressure to close out the night, especially as the couple who walked away with the first 8s of the season and tied at the top of the leaderboard last week. This time, they’re dancing a rumba to “Hero.” Pasha calls the dance “the ultimate test” of their synchronicity as a couple. Turns out, they didn’t need to worry at all. “You never lost the ability to fill the room,” Bruno says. SCORE: 23 out of 30
Who goes home?
The competition is getting tough, so there’s not very many weeks that Guillermo can keep getting away with this, but somehow Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong go home on Tuesday night.
Next week is Super Bowl Night. Stay tuned to see what that means.
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