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F3PR: Rachel Zegler & Ben Platt to star in the 25th anniversary celebration of The Last Five Years at the Hollywood Bowl

2026-02-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

BEN PLATT AND RACHEL ZEGLER TO STAR
IN THE 25^th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF
JASON ROBERT BROWN’S THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Directed and Conducted Live by Jason Robert Brown

HOLLYWOOD BOWL - FRIDAY, APRIL 3

Pre-Sale Tickets Available Starting
Wednesday, February 4 at 10 AM PT

General On Sale Begins Friday, February 6 at 10 AM PT

Tony, GRAMMY, and Emmy Award-winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen, Pitch Perfect, Parade) and Golden Globe and NBR winner Rachel Zegler (Evita, The Hunger Games, West Side Story), two of the most dynamic and celebrated performers of their generation, star together in a very special new concert staging of Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years at the iconic Hollywood Bowl on Friday, April 3. Tickets for the general public go on sale beginning Friday, February 6, at 10 AM, with presales starting Wednesday, February 4, at 10 AM.

American Express is providing eligible Card Members access to Amex Presale Tickets®, available for purchase HERE starting Wednesday, February 4^th at 10 am local time through Thursday, February 5^th at 10 pm local time, before the general public on-sale, while supplies last. Terms apply. This is one of the many entertainment benefits American Express® Card Members can access across select arts, theater, sports and music events through Amex Experiences™.

To mark the 25^th anniversary of this iconic musical, Tony Award-winner Brown (Parade, The Bridges of Madison County) will direct his masterpiece of love, heartbreak, and the passage of time, and will also take to the stage to conduct. This special performance of The Last Five Years will be as you’ve never seen it before: raw, intimate, and electrifying. With Platt, Zegler and Brown joining forces, this powerhouse concert transcends revival and redefines musical theatre at its most powerful. Two stars. One beloved composer. One relationship. One unforgettable night.

The Last Five Years is presented by Live Nation-Hewitt Silva in association with Lambert Jackson and Cuffe and Taylor, with Direction by Jason Robert Brown and Associate Direction by Emma Butler.

Live Nation-Hewitt Silva (LNHS) is the exclusive promoter of concerts at the Hollywood Bowl outside of the LA Philharmonic summer season. Andrew Hewitt and Bill Silva have produced non-classical concerts at the Hollywood Bowl since 1991, hosting artists such as the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Eagles, Whitney Houston, Fleetwood Mac, Sade, Radiohead, Sting, Andrea Bocelli, Stevie Nicks, Billy Joel, Luciano Pavarotti, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Coldplay, Lauryn Hill, Peter Gabriel, Dead & Company, Lana Del Rey, Depeche Mode, Tame Impala, Roger Waters, The Weeknd, and countless others. With their combined superior talent bookings and music offerings, LNHS has transformed the iconic venue into L.A.'s premier contemporary concert destination. One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been awarded Pollstar's "Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year" 16 times. The 2025 lineup featured some of the biggest names in contemporary entertainment, such as Cleo Sol, Phish, Halsey, Outlaw Music Festival, Ricky Gervais, Dimension 20, Leon Bridges, Tyler Childers, Mumford & Sons, Neil Young, The Who, LCD Soundsystem with Pulp, AJR, Shawn Mendes, Junior H, B-52s & DEVO, and Danny Elfman & Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert. livenation-hewittsilva.com  Instagram | Facebook

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F3PR: Ellis Jacob to Receive Legend of Cinema Award at CinemaCon 2026

2026-02-18T12:07:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

ELLIS JACOB TO RECEIVE
LEGEND OF CINEMA AWARD
AT CINEMACON 2026

Pioneering CEO of Canada’s Largest Cinema Chain
to be Recognized for Decades Long Leadership and Vision
at the Forefront of the Global Exhibition Industry

Canadian Cinema Icon Becomes Second Recipient of
Cinema United’s Most Prestigious Award
Following Legendary Filmmaker Martin Scorsese

Brand new program spotlights importance
of diverse stories from key partners
of the global exhibition community

LOS ANGELES, CA – (Feb. 18, 2026) – Ellis Jacob, President and CEO of Canada’s leading entertainment and media company Cineplex, will receive the Legend of Cinema Award during opening night at this year’s CinemaCon. Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United, announced today that Jacob will receive the organization’s most prestigious award, joining acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese as the only two individuals to receive this recognition.

“Ellis has been a leader at the forefront of global exhibition for decades,” said O’Leary. “He has created an entertainment empire that cannot be matched and has been a tireless advocate on behalf of theatre owners around the world. He is a beloved figure who fully embodies the passion of our industry, and we are honored to be able to show our heartfelt appreciation in this way.”

Jacob served as Chair of Cinema United’s Executive Board from 2018-2020. In 2022, he received the CinemaCon Marquee Award, which recognizes an exceptional executive within the industry whose strategic vision, leadership and business acumen elevates theatrical exhibition.

“No one has played a more central role in guiding our industry through the turbulence and uncertainty of the past years than Ellis,” added O’Leary. “His role in positioning exhibition for future success simply cannot be overstated. He has been a strong supporter of Cinema United and a valued mentor to me in my capacity as CEO. On behalf of the entire exhibition industry, we want to thank Ellis for everything he has done.”

Jacob, who will retire this year, became President and CEO of Cineplex in October 2003. He began working in the motion picture exhibition industry in 1987; since then, his passion and leadership has helped transform the moviegoing experience across Canada and beyond. With over 100 years of history in Canada, Cineplex is the fourth largest circuit in North America. Jacob’s visionary leadership has helped transform the company from a theatre chain into an exhibition, amusement and media giant that provides exceptional entertainment experiences for people of all ages. Prior to his current role, Jacob was President and CEO of Galaxy Entertainment Inc., which he co-founded in 1999.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Legend of Cinema Award. I have spent my entire career believing in the power of moviegoing to bring people together. The theatrical experience has always held a unique place in our culture and I am truly humbled to be recognized with this award. I have been fortunate to work with inspiring partners across the exhibition community who share a commitment to ensuring that cinemas continue to thrive,” said Ellis Jacob, President and CEO, Cineplex.

The Legend of Cinema Award recognizes those individuals who have dedicated their careers to preserving and elevating the unparalleled magic of the shared theatrical experience. Their dedication to moviegoing underscores the crucial role cinemas play as cultural landmarks and economic drivers in communities around the world.

CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United and the world’s largest gathering of theatrical exhibitors, will run from April 13-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

About Cinema United

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 31,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries worldwide. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter.

About CinemaCon®

CinemaCon attracts upwards of six thousand motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry -- from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas -- all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. CinemaCon works with the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its trade show partners. The Coca-Cola Company –- one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of the movies -– is the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon. For more information, visit cinemacon.com. Follow CinemaCon on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter and TikTok.

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The Movie Report #1353 - February 13, 2026

2026-02-13T03:12:00.000-08:00

#1353 - February 13, 2026

MOVIES:

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F3PR: Angel, Row K Entertainment, STUDIOCANAL to Take the Main Stage for Inaugural "CinemaCon® Film Showcase"

2026-02-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

ANGEL, ROW K ENTERTAINMENT AND STUDIOCANAL
TO TAKE THE MAIN STAGE FOR
INAUGURAL “CINEMACON® FILM SHOWCASE”

Brand new program spotlights importance
of diverse stories from key partners
of the global exhibition community

“CinemaCon® Film Showcase” will be held
at the Colosseum in Caesars Palace
Monday afternoon on April 13

LAS VEGAS – Feb. 12, 2026 – CinemaCon®, the world’s largest convention for the global cinema industry and the official convention of Cinema United, announced today that it will host a Monday afternoon program for the first time in The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, titled the “CinemaCon® Film Showcase.” The presentation on April 13 will feature Angel, Row K Entertainment, and STUDIOCANAL, all three of which will showcase exciting new films from their upcoming theatrical slates to the global exhibition community.

“As a global industry that depends on a diverse pipeline of movies from a wide array of distribution partners, we are incredibly excited to welcome Angel, Row K Entertainment, and STUDIOCANAL to be part of this important new program on Monday afternoon,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “Movie theatres around the world in cities and towns of all sizes rely upon these movies 52 weeks out of the year. They are essential to our industry, and by shining a light on these companies, we celebrate their importance in bringing great movies to fans of all ages across the globe.”

CEO of STUDIOCANAL, Chief Content Officer of CANAL+ Anna Marsh commented: "We are thrilled to be part of CinemaCon 2026 and to take part in this inaugural film showcase. Presenting our slate at The Colosseum and connecting with the exhibition community is a very special moment for STUDIOCANAL and the Canal+ group. We remain firmly committed to films made for the big screen, and we thank Michael O’Leary and his team for providing such an important platform to highlight the creativity, ambition and investment behind bringing great stories to cinemas across the globe.”

“Theaters thrive when audiences have options,” said Executive Vice President and Head of Theatrical at Angel, Brandon Purdie. “Angel is committed to bringing audiences a bold, varied slate of films. We’re proud to stand with Cinema United, CinemaCon, and our partners in exhibition as we redefine the future of theatrical moviegoing together.”

“CinemaCon is a powerful reminder that the theatrical experience remains the heartbeat of our industry, bringing audiences together in a way no other medium can,” said Row K Co-Chairmen Christopher Woodrow and Raj Singh. “Row K was built around the belief that great films deserve to be experienced on the big screen, and we’re proud to join Angel and STUDIOCANAL to showcase a slate designed to deliver bold storytelling, unforgettable performances, and the kind of communal moviegoing moments that only theaters can provide.”

Hosted by Cinema United, CinemaCon is the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition, taking place April 13-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

About Angel

Angel (NYSE: ANGX) is a media and technology company guided by two million grassroots Angel Guild paying members championing values-driven stories. The company is one of the most disruptive forces in entertainment, bringing audience-powered films to theaters worldwide. With theatrical hits such as Solo Mio, DAVID, Sound of Freedom, Homestead, and The King of Kings, Angel has proven that stories chosen by the audience, for the audience, resonate on a massive scale. Angel is committed to working hand-in-hand with exhibitors, recognizing their vital role in delivering powerful, uplifting stories to audiences everywhere. The company invites theater owners to be part of shaping the future of cinema. For more information, visit www.angel.com.

About Row K Entertainment

Row K Entertainment (“Row K”) is a U.S. theatrical distribution company built to meet the growing demands of the modern film marketplace. The company focuses on wide-release, star-driven, and prestige-filmmaker-led films with global appeal. Named for the seat often considered the best view in the theater, Row K is dedicated to elevating the cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. CAA Media Finance, which helped ideate Row K, serves as an advisory partner to the company. Row K is a subsidiary of Media Capital Technologies, a leading entertainment investment company.

Launched in 2025, Row K has quickly established itself as a force in distribution with a breakout debut year marked by several high-profile festival acquisitions. The company’s 2026 slate includes Dead Man’s Wire, directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, Colman Domingo, and Al Pacino, which opened in January; Poetic License, the directorial debut of Maude Apatow and starring Leslie Mann, Cooper Hoffman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Nico Parker, and Cliff “Method Man” Smith; Cliffhanger, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Pierce Brosnan and Lily James; and Charlie Harper, directed by Tom Dean and Mac Eldridge and starring Nick Robinson and Emilia Jones.

About STUDIOCANAL

STUDIOCANAL, CANAL+’s in-house studio, is Europe’s leading film and television studio, with worldwide production and distribution capabilities. It operates directly in nine major European markets including Austria, Benelux, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, and offices in the United States and China. STUDIOCANAL finances, produces, and distributes 200 films per year. It owns one of the most prestigious catalogues in the world and the largest catalogue of European titles, boasting more than 9,400 titles from 60 countries. With a catalogue spanning 100 years of film history, STUDIOCANAL has invested close to 25 million euros into the 4K restoration of nearly 1,000 classic feature films over the past 7 years.

STUDIOCANAL also produces over 15 series each year, including local creations and premium international co-productions, and distributes its scripted productions and CANAL+ Originals globally (2,000 hours of current and library content in distribution). Projects are produced in-house by STUDIOCANAL or through its worldwide network of production companies, including 2e Bureau, Flab, Kissman, and Grands Ducs Films in France; Birdie Pictures, Urban Myth Films, Strong Film & Television, Sunny March TV and Brock Media in the UK; Bambú Producciones and Te Espero en Marte in Spain; Lailaps Films and STUDIOCANAL Series in Germany; Opus TV in Poland; Sam Productions in Denmark; Dingie in Belgium; and The Picture Company in the United States.

About Cinema United

About CinemaCon®

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F3PR: RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate is opening night film for 34th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival

2026-02-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

RZA’S ONE SPOON OF CHOCOLATE
SELECTED AS OPENING NIGHT FILM FOR THE
34^th ANNUAL PAN AFRICAN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL

LOS ANGELES — The 34^th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) announced today that One Spoon of Chocolate, written and directed by RZA, will serve as the festival’s Opening Night film. The highly anticipated red carpet screening is presented by 36 Cinema and will take place Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (7 p.m.), at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, with RZA in attendance.

A tense and stylish action thriller, RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate follows an ex-military convict seeking a fresh start in a small town, only to find himself pulled into a whirlpool of danger—delivering a gripping, high-impact thriller infused with RZA’s signature vision and edge. The film marks a bold cinematic statement from the visionary founder of the Wu-Tang Clan and Shameik Moore, Blair Underwood, RJ Cyler, Paris Jackson, Emyri Crutchfield, Michael Harney, and Harry Goodwins.

“Opening PAFF with One Spoon of Chocolate underscores our commitment to bold, globally resonant Black storytelling and to filmmakers who push the form forward,” said Oduduwa Olatunji, PAFF’s Executive Director. “RZA’s film is kinetic, urgent, and unapologetically cinematic—an electrifying way to launch our 2026 film festival.”

PAFF’s Opening Night is an industry-forward event drawing filmmakers, distributors, press, and tastemakers from across the entertainment ecosystem. The selection of One Spoon of Chocolate positions the film at the center of Black History Month’s premier celebration of Black film, art, and culture, and reaffirms PAFF’s role as a key launchpad for discovery and dialogue.

The 34^th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival runs now through February 22, 2026, with the film festival taking place February 16 through February 22.

For tickets, schedules, and festival updates, visit paff.org.

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F3PR: Tony Rock to host All-Star Night of Comedy at 2026 Pan African Film & Arts Festival

2026-02-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

TONY ROCK TO HOST
ALL-STAR NIGHT OF COMEDY IN INGLEWOOD AT
2026 PAN AFRICAN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL

Comedy legend Tommy Davidson leads
a stacked night of comedy, culture, and nonstop laughs

LOS ANGELES — The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) turns up the laughs with PAFF Soul Comedy, a one-night, can’t-miss comedy event taking over the Miracle Theater in Inglewood on Wednesday, February 11 at 8 p.m.

Hosted by Tony Rock, PAFF Soul Comedy delivers a stacked lineup of comedy heavyweights, TV favorites, viral standouts, and club legends—all in one room for a night of nonstop laughter.

Headlining the evening are Tommy Davidson (In Living Color) and Finesse Mitchell (Saturday Night Live), joined by an all-star roster featuring London Brown, Ron G, John Grimes, and Carmen Barton.

From sharp observational humor to laugh-out-loud storytelling, PAFF Soul Comedy brings together voices that define Black comedy across generations—delivering big energy, real laughs, and an unforgettable live experience.

Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

PAFF Soul Comedy is sponsored in part by Lenox & Parker Magazine.

For more information about PAFF 2026 programming, visit paff.org.

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F3PR: PAFF ArtFest returns to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw

2026-02-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

PAFF ARTFEST RETURNS
TO BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW

February 7-16, 2026

LOS ANGELES — The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) will open with its free ArtFest, taking place February 7–16, 2026, at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw in the heart of Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District.

ArtFest launches PAFF’s 34th annual celebration of Black creativity, culture, and storytelling, setting the tone for the festival ahead of the film festival portion, which runs February 16–22, 2026.

Anchored by the 2026 theme PAFF Soul, ArtFest centers the emotional, spiritual, and cultural core of Black artistic expression.

This multi-day experience brings together a vibrant, curated marketplace of visual artists, makers, designers, and artisans from across the African diaspora. From home goods and wearable art to handcrafted jewelry and body care rooted in tradition, ArtFest is where culture meets everyday living. Alongside fashion showcases and interactive cultural programming, ArtFest offers direct access to artists while creating real economic opportunity, cultural exchange, and a space for community to gather, connect, and be seen.

A longtime cornerstone of PAFF, ArtFest transforms Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza into a vibrant cultural hub—welcoming families, longtime supporters, and first-time attendees into an accessible space that reflects the creativity, resilience, and joy of Black communities.

The PAFF Film Festival will follow February 16–22, 2026, showcasing a global slate of films, special events, and industry conversations across Los Angeles.

For tickets, schedules, and festival updates, visit paff.org.

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F3PR: Pan African Film Festival returns to Los Angeles February 7–22, 2026

2026-02-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

34^th ANNUAL PAN AFRICAN
FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL (PAFF)
RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES
FEBRUARY 7–22, 2026

A Black History Month Celebration
of Global Black Storytelling

LOS ANGELES — The 34^th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF), the nation’s largest and longest-running global Black film and arts festival, returns to Los Angeles February 7–22, 2026, celebrating global Black stories through film, art, and culture.

The 2026 festival theme, PAFF Soul, centers the emotional, spiritual, and cultural core of Black storytelling—honoring narratives that speak to identity, resilience, memory, love, struggle, and liberation. PAFF Soul reflects the festival’s enduring commitment to work that moves audiences beyond spectacle and into meaning, truth, and connection.

PAFF’s film festival program will feature a robust slate of screenings that includes 27 World Premieres, 22 U.S. Premieres, 41 West Coast Premieres, and 18 Los Angeles Premieres. Over 150 films will be presented at The Culver Theater and Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw XD, reinforcing PAFF’s role as a leading platform for discovery, distribution, and global Black storytelling.

In addition to the film festival, PAFF’s beloved ArtFest will take place February 7–16, 2026, at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. This multi-day experience brings together a vibrant, curated marketplace of visual artists, makers, designers, and artisans from across the African diaspora. From home goods and wearable art to handcrafted jewelry and body care rooted in tradition, ArtFest is where culture meets everyday living. Alongside fashion showcases and interactive cultural programming, ArtFest offers direct access to artists while creating real economic opportunity, cultural exchange, and a space for community to gather, connect, and be seen.

PAFF will also present a robust lineup of free and accessible community programming, including free panels spotlighting the business, craft, and future of filmmaking with industry leaders, a free children’s festival, complimentary screenings for seniors, a comedy show, a curated spoken word performance, book signings, and a wide range of culturally relevant events designed to engage audiences of all ages. Together, these offerings reflect PAFF’s commitment to community, creativity, and celebrating the breadth of Black culture beyond the screen.

For more than three decades, PAFF has remained a vital platform for emerging and established filmmakers and artists from across the African diaspora, offering audiences bold storytelling and a cultural celebration that reflect the complexity and brilliance of Black life worldwide.

For tickets, schedules, and festival updates, visit paff.org.

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The Movie Report #1352 - January 30, 2026

2026-01-30T00:42:00.000-08:00

#1352 - January 30, 2026

MOVIES:

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The Movie Report #1351 - January 16, 2026

2026-01-16T02:21:00.000-08:00

#1351 - January 16, 2026

MOVIES:

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F3PR: World premiere of Song Sung Blue to close AFI FEST 2025 presented by Canva

2025-09-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

WORLD PREMIERE OF SONG SUNG BLUE
TO CLOSE AFI FEST 2025 PRESENTED BY CANVA

Passes Now on Sale

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Los Angeles, CA, September 10, 2025 — Today, the American Film Institute (AFI) announced that the World Premiere of Focus Features' Song Sung Blue, written and directed by Craig Brewer, will close the 39^th edition of AFI FEST presented by Canva on Sunday, October 26.

Based on a true story, the film follows two down-on-their-luck musicians, played by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it's never too late to find love and follow your dreams. The film is produced by John Davis (p.g.a.), John Fox (p.g.a.) and Craig Brewer (p.g.a.) and features Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, with Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi.

“AFI FEST is proud to close our annual celebration of excellence and artistry with the World Premiere of Song Sung Blue – a timely film about love and resilience – music and magic,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “Audiences will leave the theater chanting the refrain of 'Sweet Caroline' – so good, so good, so good!”

The festival will take place October 22–26 at the TCL Chinese Theatres in the heart of Hollywood and feature a curated selection of Red Carpet Premieres, Special Screenings, World Cinema, Documentaries and Short Films.

As previously announced, Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro will serve as the Guest Artistic Director for this year’s festival, and the festival will open with Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, starring Jeremy Allen White and written for the screen and directed by Scott Cooper.

Passes to AFI FEST 2025 are now available for purchase online at FEST.AFI.com. Festivalgoers have the opportunity to purchase a Star Pass or upgrade to a Patron Pass. The AFI FEST Star Pass is a five-day pass with access to all screenings (excluding Red Carpet Premieres), early screening selection before individual tickets go on sale, priority theater access, entry to the festival lounge, invitation to the festival mixer to mingle with filmmakers and guests, a complimentary AFI FEST tote and free Rush Line access to all screenings. The AFI FEST Patron Pass features all the benefits of the Star Pass plus two tickets to all of the star-studded Red Carpet Premieres held at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and priority screening selection before Star passholders.

The full festival lineup will be unveiled on September 30. Individual tickets will be available on October 6.

AFI FEST is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifying festival for the Live Action, Animated and Documentary Short Film categories for the annual Academy Awards®. AFI FEST is also a qualifying festival for consideration for the British Short Film categories of both the BAFTA Film Awards and the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

AFI is a nonprofit, donor-powered organization. Join AFI’s Premiere Circle to support the American Film Institute and enjoy access to exclusive one-of-a-kind opportunities at AFI events, including AFI FEST. To learn more, email Advancement@AFI.com.

Canva, the all-in-one visual communication and collaboration platform, returns as the exclusive Presenting Sponsor of AFI FEST 2025. Designed to empower entertainment professionals to visualize their ideas into impactful film and TV projects, Canva will be integrated throughout AFI FEST including hosting industry networking events, hands-on training workshops for filmmakers, and powering the festival's digital and printed materials. Entertainment professionals can explore resources to pitch projects, plan shoots, and bring creative visions to life at canva.com/entertainment.

About the American Film Institute (AFI)

American Film Institute (AFI) is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to champion the moving image as an art form. Established in 1967, AFI launched the first comprehensive history of American film and sparked the movement for film preservation in the United States. In 1969, AFI opened the doors of the AFI Conservatory, a graduate-level program to train narrative filmmakers. The Conservatory, which counts Deniese Davis, Affonso Gonçalves, Susannah Grant, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Melina Matsoukas and Rachel Morrison as Alumni, is ranked the #1 film school in America. AFI’s enduring traditions include the AFI Life Achievement Award, which honors the masters for work that has stood the test of time; AFI AWARDS, which celebrates the creative ensembles of the most outstanding screen stories of the year; and scholarly efforts such as the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and the AFI Archive that preserve film history for future generations. AFI exhibition programs include AFI FEST presented by Canva and year-round exhibition at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Maryland. AFI Movie Club is a destination for movie lovers from around the world to celebrate and engage with the art form every day. Other pioneering programs include workshops aimed at increasing diversity in the storytelling community, including AFI DWW+ and the AFI Cinematography Intensive for Women. Read about all of these programs and more at AFI.com and follow us on social media at Facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute, YouTube.com/AFI, Twitter.com/AmericanFilm, TikTok.com/@americanfilminstitute, and Instagram.com/AmericanFilmInstitute.

About AFI FEST presented by Canva

Now in its 39^th year, AFI FEST presented by Canva is a world-class event, showcasing the best films from across the globe. This year’s edition takes place in Los Angeles from October 22-26, 2025 With an innovative slate of programming, the five-day festival presents screenings, panels and conversations, featuring both master filmmakers and new cinematic voices. AFI FEST presented by Canva includes high-profile films with Q&As featuring the films’ cast and crew and a robust lineup of fiction and nonfiction features and shorts, providing a one-of-a-kind experience for movie fans. Additional information is available at FEST.AFI.com. Connect with AFI’s film festival at Facebook.com/AFIFEST, Twitter.com/AFIFEST, Instagram/AmericanFilmInstitute, TikTok/@AmericanFilmInstitute, and YouTube.com/AFI.

About Canva

Launched in 2013, Canva is a free online visual communications and collaboration platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast range of templates ranging from presentations, documents, websites, social media graphics, posters, apparel to videos, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Entertainment professionals can access resources to help them express their ideas, pitch film and TV projects, plan shoots and beyond at canva.com/entertainment.

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DeVon Franklin, Serayah, and Tyler Lepley premiere Ruth & Boaz in Hollywood

2025-09-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

Fresh off of tackling his first principal acting role in Tyler Perry's series Divorced Sistas, DeVon Franklin is once again collaborating with Perry, but this time in his longtime "day job" as a producer. The premiere screening of this latest work, the modern day-set, music-fueled Bible story update Ruth & Boaz, had its premiere screening last night, Wednesday, September 3, at Netflix's Tudum Theater in Hollywood. The stars playing the titular characters, Serayah and Tyler Lepley, were also on hand with Franklin and moderator Erica Campbell for a spirited Q&A discussion, which can be viewed in its entirety below.

Ruth & Boaz begins streaming on Netflix worldwide on Friday, September 26.

(Special thanks to CR8 Agency and Netflix)

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The Movie Report #1333 - August 29, 2025

2025-08-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

#1333 - August 29, 2025

MOVIES:

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F3PR: Guillermo del Toro named as Guest Artistic Director of AFI FEST 2025 presented by Canva

2025-08-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

GUILLERMO DEL TORO NAMED
AS GUEST ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF
AFI FEST 2025 PRESENTED BY CANVA

Passes Now on Sale

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Los Angeles, CA, August 25, 2025 — Today, the American Film Institute (AFI) announced that Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro will serve as the Guest Artistic Director for AFI FEST presented by Canva.

“Guillermo del Toro is one of the great champions of the art form — a visionary filmmaker, a passionate cinephile, and a tireless advocate for bold, original storytelling,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “As Guest Artistic Director of AFI FEST, he brings a singular perspective that will inspire audiences of all generations.”

Previous Guest Artistic Directors for AFI FEST include Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, Greta Gerwig, David Lynch, and Agnès Varda.

Frankenstein, del Toro’s definitive take on the Mary Shelley classic, will be released in select theaters on October 17 and Netflix November 7.

As previously announced, the 39^th edition of the Institute’s annual film festival will open with Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, starring Jeremy Allen White and written for the screen and directed by Scott Cooper. Passes to AFI FEST 2025 are now available for purchase online at FEST.AFI.com. Festivalgoers have the opportunity to purchase a Star Pass or upgrade to a Patron Pass.

The AFI FEST Star Pass is a five-day pass with access to all screenings (excluding Red Carpet Premieres), early screening selection before individual tickets go on sale, priority theater access, entry to the festival lounge, invitation to the festival mixer to mingle with filmmakers and guests, a complimentary AFI FEST tote and free Rush Line access to all screenings. The AFI FEST Patron Pass features all the benefits of the Star Pass plus two tickets to all of the star-studded Red Carpet Premieres held at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and priority screening selection before Star passholders.

The full festival lineup will be unveiled on September 30. Individual tickets will be available on October 6.

About the American Film Institute (AFI)

About AFI FEST presented by Canva

About Canva

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F3PR: Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere to open AFI FEST 2025 presented by Canva

2025-08-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE
STARRING JEREMY ALLEN WHITE
TO OPEN AFI FEST 2025 PRESENTED BY CANVA

Passes Now on Sale

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Los Angeles, CA, August 21, 2025 — Today, American Film Institute (AFI) announced that 20th Century Studios' Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, written for the screen and directed by Scott Cooper, will open the 39^th edition of AFI FEST presented by Canva on Wednesday, October 22.

Jeremy Allen White stars as Bruce Springsteen in the film, which traces the musician in 1981 and 1982 on the cusp of global superstardom as he records his landmark album “Nebraska” and struggles to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past.

“AFI FEST is the stage and the screens where the world’s stories come together in Hollywood,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “To open with Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere honors the global impact of an American icon and the true artistry it takes to tell his tale.”

“It’s a true honor to open AFI FEST with Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere. AFI has always championed bold, meaningful storytelling, and I’m grateful to be part of that tradition. While Bruce’s roots will forever be in New Jersey, Los Angeles played a profound role in shaping his artistic voice. I want to thank Bob Gazzale and everyone at AFI for this extraordinary privilege," said Scott Cooper.

About the Film

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere chronicles the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 Nebraska album when he was a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom, struggling to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past. Recorded on a 4-track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom, the album marked a pivotal time in his life and is considered one of his most enduring works—a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe. Starring Jeremy Allen White as the Boss, the film is written for the screen and directed by Scott Cooper, based on the book Deliver Me from Nowhere by Warren Zanes. The film also features Jeremy Strong as Springsteen’s long-time confidant and manager, Jon Landau; Paul Walter Hauser as guitar tech Mike Batlan; Stephen Graham as Springsteen’s father, Doug; Odessa Young as love interest, Faye; Gaby Hoffman as Springsteen’s mom, Adele; Marc Maron as Chuck Plotkin and David Krumholtz as Columbia executive, Al Teller. The film is produced by Cooper, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Eric Robinson, and Scott Stuber. Tracey Landon, Jon Vein, and Zanes executive produce. The film will be released in theaters on October 24, 2025.

The 39^th edition of the Institute’s annual film festival will take place October 22–26 at the TCL Chinese Theatres in the heart of Hollywood and feature a curated selection of Red Carpet Premieres, Special Screenings, World Cinema, Documentaries and Short Films.

The full festival lineup will be unveiled on September 30. Individual tickets will be available on October 6.

About the American Film Institute (AFI)

About AFI FEST presented by Canva

About Canva

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F3PR: Ryan Coogler & Armenian Film Society to induct Sev Ohanian into Armenian Film Hall of Fame

2025-08-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

FILMMAKER RYAN COOGLER AND
ARMENIAN FILM SOCIETY TO HONOR
FILM PRODUCER SEV OHANIAN
AND INDUCT HIM INTO
ARMENIAN HALL OF FAME

AFS Gala to celebrate 10 years
of AFS’s important work on the evening of September 7
during third annual Armenian Film Festival

Special conversation with Proximity Media
founders Coogler and Ohanian at
Glendale’s historic Alex Theatre on September 7

GLENDALE, CA (Monday, August 4, 2025) – The Armenian Film Society (AFS) today announced special high-profile events that will be featured at the 2025 Armenian Film Festival, running September 3-7. On Sunday, September 7, AFS will honor veteran producer Sev Ohanian during the Armenian Film Society Gala at Vertigo Event Venue in Glendale. The honor will be presented by Ohanian’s longtime business partner and two-time Academy Award nominee Ryan Coogler.

On Sunday afternoon, September 7, prior to the Gala, the Armenian Film Festival will host a special conversation at Alex Theatre between director/writer/producer and two-time Academy Award nominee Ryan Coogler (Sinners, Black Panther, Creed, Fruitvale Station) and his longtime business partner producer/screenwriter Sev Ohanian (Searching, Run, Missing, Judas and the Black Messiah). Tickets and more information are available here.

Coogler and Ohanian will discuss their friendship and career trajectory from film school at the University of Southern California, their early breakout film, the production company Proximity Media that they launched along with Coogler’s wife Zinzi Coogler, and their mutual interest in supporting AFS’s work.

Ohanian is a prolific screenwriter and producer behind Searching, Missing, and Run — thrillers that earned critical and commercial success, including Hulu’s most-watched film and over $75 million at the global box office. He co-wrote and produced these films with his wife and producing partner, Natalie Qasabian. In 2018, he founded Proximity Media with Ryan and Zinzi Coogler to tell event-driven stories across film, TV, documentaries, and podcasts. The trio’s recent credits include executive producing Marvel’s Ironheart and the Nat Geo documentary Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time. Most recently, they produced the hit film Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, which grossed over $360 million worldwide and received widespread acclaim.

Ohanian’s first ever movie was the 2008 no-budget film he shot on his father’s home video camera titled My Big Fat Armenian Family. Based on his popular online short videos, the movie told the story of a cultural clash between Armenian immigrant parents and their Americanized teenage children, all unfolding over a weekend getaway to Palm Springs. Today, Ohanian continues to champion Armenian storytelling through a filmmaking scholarship fund he established with Natalie, in partnership with the Armenian Educational Foundation, supporting aspiring filmmakers in Armenia.

Proximity’s first film, Shaka King’s Judas and the Black Messiah, was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Daniel Kaluuya won the Oscar for “Best Supporting Actor” for his role as Chairman Fred Hampton and H.E.R won for “Best Original Song” for “Fight for You.” Proximity’s second film: Space Jam: A New Legacy, the 2021 sequel to the hit 1996 film, was released by Warner Bros. in theaters and on HBO Max. The film came in #1 at the U.S. box office, earning an estimated $32 million domestically during its opening weekend. Ohanian served as the primary on-the-ground producer on both of these films.

Coogler’s high-profile directing career launched with his feature-film debut Fruitvale Station, grossing a stunning $17 million globally for a project produced on less than $1 million. His subsequent films have been enormous box office smash hits including a massive haul of $1.3 billion worldwide for Black Panther, $800 million worldwide for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, $275 million worldwide for Creed III, and an incredible $360 million worldwide for his new Warner Bros. film Sinners, an original story written by Coogler.

“We are thrilled to mark 10 incredible years of Armenian Film Society, dedicated to elevating Armenian artists worldwide.” said Armen Karaoghlanian, Founder & CEO, Armenian Film Society. “Since 2015, AFS has served as a creative and cultural hub for Armenian film, showcasing new and emerging filmmakers and films. We are thrilled to mark this milestone with our Gala and a special conversation with two visionary filmmakers who have transformed Hollywood through their collaboration: Ryan Coogler and Sev Ohanian.”

Ohanian said, “I’m incredibly honored — this organization means the world to me. Armenians have a deep tradition of storytelling, and AFS has become a home for that legacy to thrive. To be recognized by them is something I’ll carry with me. And having Ryan, whose partnership has always been rooted in shared values and purpose, present the award makes it even more meaningful."

Ryan Coogler & Sev Ohanian
(left photo by Ricky Middlesworth; right photo by Leslie Andrews)

ABOUT AFS AND AFF

Founded in 2015, Armenian Film Society (AFS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and a creative and cultural hub that champions Armenian films and empowers Armenian filmmakers.

With branches in Los Angeles and London, AFS hosts year-round programming and has partnered with notable organizations such as Vidiots, American Cinematheque, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. AFS has welcomed guests such as Oscar winning directors Sean Baker and Ben Proudfoot, as well as Mychael Danna, Atom Egoyan, and Sev Ohanian.

AFS serves as a cultural bridge, connecting Armenian stories to the wider world through the universal language of cinema. AFS’s events always have an Armenian connection, but all our events are open to the public and consistently draw diverse audiences. We've become a cultural force, regularly hosting Oscar winners and industry legends, drawing sold-out crowds, and earning global press.

Now in its third year, AFS’s Armenian Film Festival draws in thousands of attendees each year. The 2025 Armenian Film Festival is presented by The Envelope by the Los Angeles Times. The inaugural Armenian Film Festival London was held in December 2024 at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London.

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F3PR: BET Experience presented by SheaMoisture announces FanFest headliners

2025-05-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

BET EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY SHEAMOISTURE
ANNOUNCES FAN FEST HEADLINERS:
GLORILLA TO PERFORM SATURDAY, JUNE 7,
WITH MUSTARD PERFORMING SUNDAY, JUNE 8

AMERIE, ANYCIA, BOSSMAN DLOW, CRIME MOB,
KALAN.FRFR, KERI HILSON, LARUSSEL, MARIO,
AND PRETTY RICKY JOIN THE LINEUP
FOR A STAR-STUDDED WEEKEND
OF LIVE PERFORMANCES AND
IMMERSIVE FAN FEST ACTIVATIONS

Los Angeles, CA, May 7, 2025 – BET Media Group today revealed new details for an electrifying weekend of live performances from Amerie, Anycia, BossMan Dlow, Crime Mobb, GloRilla, Kalan.FrFr, Keri Hilson, LaRussell, Mario, Mustard, and Pretty Ricky at BET Experience, presented by SheaMoisture: Fan Fest 2025. Taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 7 & 8, this 2-day cultural celebration will feature immersive Fan Fest activations, bringing together the best in music, culture, and community, culminating in the highly anticipated BET Awards 2025.

Kicking off the festivities on Saturday, June 7, chart-topping rap sensation GloRilla will headline with her high-energy anthems, alongside viral phenom BossMan Dlow. The excitement turns up with special sets from Southern rap legends Crime Mob, R&B icon Mario, timeless hitmaker Amerie, and rising rap star Anycia. GRAMMY-winning producer Mustard brings his signature sound to the Fan Fest stage on Sunday, June 8, along with R&B group Pretty Ricky, songstress Keri Hilson, rising star Kalan.FrFr, and lyrical powerhouse LaRussell. With two nights of non-stop hits, throwback classics, and surprise moments, BET Experience Fan Fest 2025 delivers an unforgettable celebration of hip-hop and R&B.

Beyond the electrifying mainstage performances, BET Experience Fan Fest 2025 offers fans an immersive weekend with can’t-miss activations, including:

BETX Industry Talks: Through panels, masterclasses, and moderated conversations led by industry pros—writers, creators, artists, and actors—attendees gain real-world insights, tools, and unfiltered advice on navigating the business of entertainment.
106 & Park Set: A lineup of the show’s iconic hosts will take center stage, guiding fans through an immersive recreation of the original 106 & Park set, complete with photo opportunities, surprise appearances, and nostalgic moments.
Club Eden: Inspired by smash hit BET+ original series All The Queen’s Men, this upscale lounge offers craft cocktails, special guest DJ sets, and enchanting energy.
We Got You, Sis! Salon: Featuring bold beauty activations that put Black women’s beauty and fashion center stage, while providing a welcoming space for relaxation.
BETX Open Casting Call: Aspiring talent will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to audition live in front of Emmy® Award-winning Casting Director and BET Head of Original Programming Casting, Robi Reed, the BET Talent & Casting team, and other entertainment industry leaders. Find out more information on how to participate at ttps://www.BETExperience.com.

HOW TO ATTEND:

BET Experience sets the tone for Monday, June 9, with the premiere of BET Awards 2025. Additional BET Experience 2025 talent and programming will be announced at a later date. Stay informed with real-time updates by following BET Experience on Twitter @bet and join the conversation using #BETX.

BET Experience 2025 is co-produced by Live Nation Urban.

ABOUT BET EXPERIENCE

BET Experience is the destination for elevating unapologetic Blackness with authentic entertainment, access, and lifestyle experiences. Through the lens of millennial and Gen Z audiences, BET Experience cultivates the intersection of who this coveted segment is and where it’s headed.

ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA; PARAP), is the world’s largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international.

For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms.

ABOUT LIVE NATION

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

Live Nation Urban (LNU) remains North America’s preeminent producer of concert experiences, festivals, and platforms headlined, curated, and owned by black talent. Operating in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, the company sets the tone for culture with over a dozen sought-after festival brands such as Roots Picnic, Broccoli City, Exodus Music & Arts Festival, ONE Musicfest, Strength of a Woman, and more.

Beyond their captivating live events, Live Nation Urban has established themselves as key social architects in black culture with their innovative initiatives that include Juneteenth: A Global Celebration (broadcast on CNN), Kerry Washington’s Thicker Than Water book tour, and a special Hip-Hop 50 event at the home of Vice President Kamala Harris in addition to tours by artists such as Ari Lennox, Kirk Franklin, Davido, LL Cool J, Jill Scott, Jodeci, and Raphael Saadiq. The LNU-produced A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop special garnered a nomination at the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Variety Show. Live Nation Urban continues to grow across hip-hop, R&B, soul, and gospel as the most trusted purveyor of live urban music.

For additional information, visit https://livenationurban.com/.

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F3PR: BET Media Group announces first wave of lineup for star-studded BET Experience 2025 concert series

2025-04-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

BET MEDIA GROUP ANNOUNCES
FIRST WAVE OF LINEUP FOR STAR-STUDDED
BET EXPERIENCE 2025 CONCERT SERIES

BUJU BANTON, JAGGED EDGE, DONELL JONES,
ERIC BELLINGER, THE ROOTS, LIL KIM,
REDMAN & METHOD MAN, BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY,
RAEKWON, GOODIE MOB, E-40, DJ QUIK, HAVOC,
AND MANY MORE ELECTRIFYING ARTISTS
SET TO TAKE THE STAGE

The Free BETX FanFest Returns to the
Los Angeles Convention Center June 7-8,
and Waymaker Men's Summit at BETX
Makes Its BETX debut June 5-6

Los Angeles, CA, April 10, 2025 – BET Media Group today revealed the first wave of talent and programming set to take over Los Angeles for BET Experience 2025, a multi-day celebration showcasing the best in music culture, and community happening June 5–8, ahead of Culture’s Biggest Night, BET Awards 2025.

BET Experience: Buju Banton kicks off the festivities on Wednesday, June 5, with a powerful headlining performance from the global reggae icon at the Hollywood Palladium.

On Saturday, June 8, the legendary Roots Picnic returns to the Hollywood Bowl for A Roots Picnic Experience: Class of ‘95 featuring The Roots, Lil' Kim, Redman & Method Man, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Raekwon, Goodie Mob, E-40, DJ Quik, and Havoc.

BET will also present BET R&B Night at the YouTube Theater on June 8, showcasing a night of unforgettable performances by Jagged Edge, Donell Jones, and Eric Bellinger with a special R&B ONLY set featuring Tiára Monique and JABARI. In addition to their own set, R&B ONLY will host the evening, keeping the vibes flowing between performances with their signature DJ sets throughout the night.

Pre-sale tickets for BET R&B Night are available starting TODAY at BETExperience.com, with tickets for Buju Banton and Roots Picnic also available for purchase.

BETX 2025 is transforming Culture’s Biggest Night into Culture’s Biggest Week, promising to take you higher with the ultimate celebration of Black culture and entertainment. Anchoring this year’s Experience is fan-favorite BETX 2025 FanFest, a free event taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center starting Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8. For more information, visit BETExperience.com.

Additionally, BET Experience joins forces with WayMaker Men’s Summit on June 5 and 6 at The Beehive by SoLa Impact, offering two days of empowering conversation, networking, and community-building focused on men of color. Register for WayMaker Men’s Summit at BETX at https://waymakersummit.com/.

BET Experience 2025 is co-produced by Live Nation Urban.

ABOUT BET EXPERIENCE

ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP

For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms.

ABOUT LIVE NATION

For additional information, visit https://livenationurban.com/.

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The Movie Report #1313 - April 4, 2025

2025-04-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

#1313 - April 4, 2025

MOVIES:

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CinemaCon 2025, Day 4: Big Screen Achievement Awards + Closing Night Party

2025-04-04T06:23:00.000-07:00

(animated photo by Michael Dequina)

CinemaCon 2025 came to its traditional close with the Big Screen Achievement Awards and Closing Night Party, honoring notable acting and filmmaking talent, nearly all of whom are not only involved in upcoming releases featured throughout the week at the various studio presentations, but had actually appeared on the Colosseum stage earlier at said presentations. As with every "full" convention since the pandemic, some awards, namely Director of the Year and the Cinema Vérité Award, were given at earlier studio presentations to, respectively, Christopher McQuarrie and James L. Brooks. This year's complete list of honorees for the awards night, in the order in which they were given:

Vanguard Award: Lindsay Lohan
Star of Tomorrow: Ben Wang
Distinguished Decade of Achievement in Film: Channing Tatum
Action Star of the Year: Ana de Armas
Cinema Icon Award: Mark Hamill
Star of the Year: Glen Powell
Next Generation Award: David Jonsson
Rising Star of 2025: Madeleine McGraw
Career Achievement in Comedy: Cheech Marin & Tommy Chong

For the fourth consecutive year, what were the usual pre-awards show press conferences did not take place this year, and at this rate, I'm not counting on them ever returning. The CinemaCon and Cinema United PR team did, however, provide full video of all of the evening's speeches to the media, as seen below:

Opening remarks by
Bob Bagby, Chairman, Cinema United & CEO, B&B Theatres;
Josh Nations, Global VP of Strategic Partnerships, The Coca-Cola Company;
and host Kevin Frazier
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

Lindsay Lohan, Vanguard Award honoree
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

Ben Wang, Star of Tomorrow honoree
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

Channing Tatum, Distinguished Decade of Achievement in Film honoree
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

Ana de Armas, Action Star of the Year honoree
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

Mark Hamill, Cinema Icon Award honoree
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

Glen Powell, Star of the Year honoree
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

David Jonsson, Next Generation Award honoree
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

Madeleine McGraw, Rising Star of 2025 honoree
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

Cheech Marin & Tommy Chong, Career Achievement in Comedy honorees
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

Also, video of James L. Brooks's acceptance of the Cinema Vérité Award from his Ella McCay stars Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis, and Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman at this afternoon's Walt Disney Studios presentation was also provided:

James L. Brooks, Cinema Vérité Award honoree
(video courtesy Getty Video for CinemaCon)

Following that final event at the Colosseum, the Octavius Ballroom was once again the scene for the absolutely final event of the week, the Big Screen Achievement Awards afterparty, sponsored by the convention's longtime presenting sponsor, Coca-Cola.

(photo by Michael Dequina)

And so ends another full week at CinemaCon. Hopefully I will be returning on April 13 - 16, 2026 for CinemaCon 2026!

(Very special thanks to Heather Lewandoski and the CinemaCon PR team for all their helpful and generous assistance at the convention, as well as Mitch Neuhauser and the CinemaCon crew and Harry Medved and the Cinema United team)

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CinemaCon 2025, Day 4: Instagram round-up

2025-04-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

CinemaCon 2025 has come to an end. Here is a recap of my live updates on Instagram throughout the day today.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Dequina (@twotrey23)

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CinemaCon 2025, Day 3: Amazon MGM Studios

2025-04-03T00:56:00.000-07:00

This year's CinemaCon marked the debut appearance of the merged Amazon MGM Studios, and while the previous, separate incarnations of the distributors were no strangers to the convention (for a few years, the former Amazon Studios hosted a luncheon presentation before graduating to a mainstage Colosseum program in 2019 with a screening of high profile Sundance acquisition Late Night -- whose commercial underperformance then caused the company to reassess its theatrical strategy; MGM's distribution entity venture with Annapurna Studios, United Artists Releasing, made its one and only official convention appearance during the COVID-delayed and -limited summer 2021 edition), this was the one presentation of the week that had the most, for lack of a better term, suspense, given that its theatrical slate was, at least in comparison to the other major studios, a bit of a mystery. Little of that, however, remained once the presentation came to a close, for in its slick, star-studded practice, it was a clear statement to the exhibition industry and the company's distributor brethren. As Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios said in his remarks near the top of the show, "When Amazon commits to something, we tend to do it big."

Note that Hopkins's remarks happened near the top of the show, for executive speeches did not kick off the presentation. To go another step farther, unlike the standard for all CinemaCon presentations, whether at the Colosseum or at any of the ballrooms in the Caesars Palace conference center, neither an obligatory general segment or speech dedicated to this week-long event's true purpose -- motion picture exhibition -- nor a sponsor announcement or sizzle reel began the presentation. (One could argue, I suppose, that the "Amazon" side of the studio name makes the e-commerce behemoth its own sponsor.) Once the lights dimmed, it was straight to trailers and talent.

Mike Hopkins, Head of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios
(photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Project Hail Mary (March 20, 2026): This screen adaptation of Andy Weir's science fiction novel of the same name finds Ryan Gosling (who also produces) as a school science teacher enlisted to take part in the titular outer space expedition to find a star similar to the Earth's sun. During his solo journey into the unknown, he encounters an alien life form, at which point the lengthy preview reel came to an end, without revealing any of the creature's look. It was only after this "cold open" reel did Hopkins take the stage for his introductory remarks, during which he stated the studio's aim to release 15 films in theatres annually by 2027, with 2026 already on track to come close to that goal with 14 releases currently on that year's schedule. He then handed off to Kevin Wilson, head of the theatrical distribution, to serve as primary host for the remainder of the evening.

Kevin Wilson, Head of Theatrical Distribution, Amazon MGM Studios
(photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Wilson was soon joined on stage thereafter by Gosling and directors/producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (the latter joining his longtime partner on stage after being absent from Sony's Beyond the Spider-Verse segment on Monday), who discussed the film and its mix of adventure, humor, and heart, which did come through in the reel. The ever-cheeky Gosling was in top form, extolling the virtues of the theatrical experience in his wry, witty way ("We tried to put it on a TV once. It wouldn't fit."), and often needling the scripted patter prepared for him and his directors on the teleprompter. (He would not be the only one to do so tonight.) Worth noting was how with this and every other film touted during evening, not only was a card showing the title and a key image shown on screen, but a listing of the film's producers. Perhaps this was Amazon MGM's more subtle way (certainly in comparison to Sony Pictures on Monday night) of announcing that they, too, are filmmaker friendly.

Project Hail Mary star/producer Ryan Gosling
and directors/producers Christopher Miller & Phil Lord
(photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Verity (May 15, 2026): No talent involved with the first Colleen Hoover novel screen adaptation since last summer's hit It Ends with Us appeared in person, but Hoover, director Michael Showalter, and stars Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett gave taped greetings followed by a very preliminary teaser glimpse of the thriller, where Johnson is hired to serve as ghostwriter for a famous and now physically incapacitated author (Hathaway) by her husband (Hartnett). All manner of twists and twisted reveals ensue.

The Thomas Crown Affair (2026): Principal production has yet to start on the third iteration of the romantic cat-and-mouse caper thriller, previously brought to the screen with much success by Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, and director Norman Jewison in 1968; and Pierce Brosnan, Rene Russo, and director John McTiernan in 1999. Handling both lead star and directing duties this time around will be Michael B. Jordan, who greeted the audience and briefly discussed the film via a video message. Oddly, no mention was made of his recently announced leading lady, Taylor Russell.

After the Hunt director/producer Luca Guadagnino
and stars Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield
(photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Luca Guadagnino's After the Hunt (October): The first of only three 2025 releases touted during the presentation is what looks to be the studio's major awards gun, in which a longtime university professor (Julia Roberts) finds herself in a moral and ethical quandary after her prized student (Ayo Edebiri) makes devastating allegations against a beloved colleague (Andrew Garfield). Director/producer Guadagnino, previously seen on tape earlier in the week at Lionsgate's presentation, was live and in person to introduce an early extended sneak peek alongside Edebiri and Garfield.

Mercy star Chris Pratt
(photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Mercy (January 23, 2026): In this science fiction thriller set in not too far removed future, Chris Pratt must prove his innocence in his wife's murder within 90 minutes to an AI judge (Rebecca Ferguson) while strapped in a chair or be executed on the spot. Based on the first look extended trailer, this looks to be very much in director Timur Bekmambetov's proven genre popcorn entertainer wheelhouse. Taking the scripted stage shenanigans to another level, following the footage, Pratt himself was wheeled onto the stage strapped to the very same chair in the film and ordered to compliment the exhibitors in the audience a sufficient amount within five minutes or face execution. Pratt, Bekmambetov (who briefly stood from his seat in the audience as part of the gag), and Ferguson (on tape) were good sports who were able to sell the bit and, in turn, the film itself.

Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie (2026): When an image of a smiling Hugh Jackman cradling a sheep came up on the big screen accompanied by that title, one could easily take this film to be one of those fake parody movie punchlines (and, indeed, it immediately elicited audible laughter), but it is very, very real. Also quite real is the earnest, easy-going charm this family friendly, UK-set mystery-comedy displayed in both the behind the scenes footage and a couple of taped greetings from ever-affable stars Jackman and Emma Thompson, the latter's shot on the fly on her phone from a balcony overlooking a street, which led to a hilariously spontaneous, off-the-cuff set-up/payoff joke with a passerby hauling a giant suitcase. The pair is but the tip of the iceberg as far as the top flight cast, which also includes Tosin Cole, Hong Chau, Regina Hall, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, and Patrick Stewart.

Crime 101 director/co-screenwriter/producer Bart Layton,
star Halle Berry, and star/producer Chris Hemsworth
(photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Crime 101 (2026): When Bart Layton's adaptation of the Don Winslow novella was initially announced, it was largely assumed to be a 2025 awards play, what with its pedigree and an ensemble cast led by Chris Hemsworth, Oscar winner Halle Berry, and Oscar nominees Mark Ruffalo and Barry Keoghan. Alas, it looks to be another year before audiences see how a string of heists that form a trail along Los Angeles's U.S. 101 freeway brings together a diverse and disparate group of individuals in the city -- and based on the extended first look presented in person by Hemsworth, Berry, and Layton, it could be worth the wait for moviegoers and awards voters alike.

Is God Is stars Mallori Johnson,
Vivica A. Fox, and Kara Young
(photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Is God Is (Fall): What is looking to be positioned for awards this calendar year is debut director Aleshea Harris's adaptation of her hit Off-Broadway play. In this Orion Pictures production, two polar opposite twin sisters (Mallori Johnson and Kara Young) hit the road to fulfill their mother's (Vivica A. Fox) dying wish: to find and kill their estranged, abusive father (Sterling K. Brown). That killer (bad pun intended) hook, combined with the trio of stars' live, onstage description of the film as being inspired by Greek tragedy, hip-hop, Afropunk, and spaghetti western, does not quite come close to the very distinctive, very promising look, feel, and vibe of the preview reel shown. Out of any film previewed so far at this entire convention, let alone in this studio presentation, this is the one that has intrigued me the most. Janelle Monáe also stars for director Harris, who did not appear on stage with Fox, Johnson, and Young but stood up from her seat in the auditorium to greet the audience when called out.

Sue Kroll, Head of Marketing; and Courtenay Valenti,
Head of Film, Streaming, and Theatrical, Amazon MGM Studios
(photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Sue Kroll, Head of Marketing; and Courtnay Valenti, Head of Film, Streaming, and Theatrical, both veterans of theatrical distribution (and both most notably at Warner Bros.), steered the presentation into the home stretch. They gave a verbal update on the status of the first post-Eon/Broccoli family James Bond adventure (newly installed producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are hard at work in the UK) and made mention of the Scott Stuber-led revival of the United Artists label before taking a look at three more titles.

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother (2026): Although he appeared on the Colosseum stage literally hours prior at Universal's afternoon presentation, star Mahershala Ali appeared on tape to apologize for not sticking around and to briefly talk about his upcoming action thriller with director Bassam Tariq (who, as it happens, was the first in the revolving door of directors tapped to helm Ali's long-gestating Blade reboot), which is imminently set to begin production.

Masters of the Universe (June 5, 2026): An extended video look at director Travis Knight's live action take on the iconic 1980s television animated series and toy line featured very little actual footage but a lot of behind the scenes glimpses, from production sketches, costume tests, and set tours of the sword-and-sorcery world of Eternia. Knight described himself as mostly a fan of the toys -- not surprising, given his history as a producer and director of stop-motion animation at his company LAIKA -- and that came through in the eerily accurate looks at Nicholas Galitzine as heroic Prince Adam / He-Man, Camila Mendes as compatriot Teela, and Alison Brie as villainess Evil-Lyn. Rather strategically, Jared Leto's take on big bad Skeletor was largely, literally shrouded. Idris Elba also stars in what will be the studio's first big-budget blockbuster test.

The Accountant² stars Daniella Pineda, Cynthia Addai-Robinson,
and Jon Bernthal; and star/producer Ben Affleck
(photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

The Accountant² (April 25): Somewhat oddly serving as the presentation finale selection, given that its release is mere weeks away, was the sequel to the 2016 action thriller starring Ben Affleck as an autistic accountant with (to paraphrase Liam Neeson) a particular set of skills. Fresh off of the film's unveiling at SXSW last month, Affleck, returning co-stars Jon Bernthal and Cynthia Addai-Robinson, new co-star Daniella Pineda, and returning director Gavin O'Connor appeared on stage to discuss the film (and, in Affleck's case, poke fun at the teleprompter script, bringing to mind not only Gosling's appearance at the top of the show, but Affleck's infamous Armageddon Criterion Collection commentary track) and introduce an extended preview reel.

The grand curtain call had all of the evening's talent returning to stage for a big selfie, a modern day variation of the big studio "class photos" that would be taken every year at what was then known as ShoWest and be published in Premiere magazine -- which is how I first learned about the convention as a kid and became interested in attending and covering it... someday.

(photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

CinemaCon has seen its fair share of theatrical distributors come and go (e.g. STXfilms and... the original incarnation of Amazon Studios), but armed with both experienced leadership and a long legacy in the annals of motion picture history, here's hoping the Lion's roar will continue to ring in cinema halls worldwide for many more years to come.

(photo by Michael Dequina)

Stay tuned here and on my Instagram, TikTok, Spill (user name: @twotrey23 ), and Twitter all week for ongoing coverage of all the goings-on at CinemaCon 2025!

The Movie Report wants to attend all your film special events! Please send any and all invitations to this address. Thanks!

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CinemaCon 2025, Day 3: Instagram round-up

2025-04-02T23:23:00.000-07:00

The third day of CinemaCon 2025 is in the books! Here is a recap of my live updates on Instagram throughout the day today.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Dequina (@twotrey23)

Stay tuned here and on my Instagram, TikTok, Spill (user name: @twotrey23 ), and Twitter all week for ongoing coverage of all the goings-on at CinemaCon 2025!

The Movie Report wants to attend all your film special events! Please send any and all invitations to this address. Thanks!

Please help support this site through a generous donation
via Buy a Me a Coffee!

CinemaCon 2025, Day 2: Fandango 20th anniversary party

2025-04-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

(photo by Michael Dequina)

Fandango's annual CinemaCon party at the Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis held a little more significance than in previous years, for it was a celebration marking the online ticketing service's 25^th anniversary. That said, the event otherwise followed the same format as in previous years, with self-service buffet tables of food, bars, and carving stations peppered throughout the pool area space. Situated at carefully spaced distances were a number of photo stations, both manned and unmanned, each themed to an upcoming film release.

Paramount's Smurfs display
(photo by Michael Dequina)

Focus Features's Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale display
(photo by Michael Dequina)

Sony/Columbia's Karate Kid: Legends display
(photo by Michael Dequina)

Universal/DreamWorks's How to Train Your Dragon display
(photo by Michael Dequina)

Disney/Pixar's Elio display
(photo by Michael Dequina)

Disney's Lilo & Stitch display
(photo by Michael Dequina)

Lionsgate's Ballerina display
(photo by Michael Dequina)

Warner Bros./DC Studios's Superman display
(photo by Michael Dequina)

But, make no mistake, this was a Fandango event, with the primary theming at the entrance and in the main pool itself reflecting the host company's brand, which also had its own photo station.

(photo by Michael Dequina)

Stay tuned here and on my Instagram, TikTok, Spill (user name: @twotrey23 ), and Twitter all week for ongoing coverage of all the goings-on at CinemaCon 2025!

The Movie Report wants to attend all your film special events! Please send any and all invitations to this address. Thanks!

Please help support this site through a generous donation
via Buy a Me a Coffee!

CinemaCon 2025, Day 2: official Lionsgate video

2025-04-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

Lionsgate has released its official video clips from this morning's presentation at CinemaCon 2025. Below are red carpet interview snippets with all the talent that appeared on stage at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Ballerina star Ana de Armas
and director Len Wiseman

The Long Walk stars David Jonsson and Mark Hamill,
and director Francis Lawrence

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping director Francis Lawrence

Now You See Me Now You Don't director Ruben Fleischer

The Housemaid stars Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried,
and Brandon Sklenar; and director Paul Feig

Hurry Up Tomorrow star/executive producer Jenna Ortega
and director/co-writer/editor/producer Trey Edward Shults

Stay tuned here and on my Instagram, TikTok, Spill (user name: @twotrey23 ), and Twitter all week for ongoing coverage of all the goings-on at CinemaCon 2025!

The Movie Report wants to attend all your film special events! Please send any and all invitations to this address. Thanks!

Please help support this site through a generous donation
via Buy a Me a Coffee!