Review: "Fruitvale Station" Heartbreakingly Beautiful and Beautifully Heartbreaking

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 30 (of 2014) by Leroy Douresseaux

Fruitvale Station (2013)
Running time:  85 minutes (1 hour, 25 minutes)
MPAA – R for some violence, language throughout and some drug use
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Ryan Coogler
PRODUCERS:  Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Rachel Morrison (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Claudia S. Castello and Michael P. Shawver
COMPOSER:  Ludwig Girabsson

DRAMA/HISTORICAL

Starring:  Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Ariana Neal, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray, Anha O’Reilly, Kenan Coogler, and Trestin George

Fruitvale Station is a 2013 drama from writer-director Ryan Coogler.  A docu-drama and quasi-historical film, Fruitvale Station is a dramatization of the last day in the life of Oscar Louis Grant III, a real-life African-American man who was shot to death by a police officer.  Actor Forest Whitaker is one of the film’s producer (although he does not appear in the film), and Harvey Weinstein is one the film’s executive producers, although he does receive a screen credit in the film as such.

Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old San Francisco Bay Area resident, and his friends were traveling on a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train during the early hours of New Year’s Day 2009.  After a fight on the train, Grant and his friends were detained by BART Police officers at Fruitvale Station in Oakland, California.  While being restrained Grant, who was lying face down and allegedly resisting arrest, was fatally shot by BART Police officer Johannes Mehserle.  Grant was pronounced dead around 9 a.m. that morning at Highland Hospital in Oakland.

The incident at the train station is the basis of Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station.  The film follows Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan) from the early morning of New Year’s Eve 2008 to his death.  The film examines his relationship with his girlfriend, Sophina (Melonie Diaz), who is the mother of his child, Tatiana (Ariana Neal).  The film also pays particular attention to Grant’s close relationship with Tatiana and his relationship with his mother, Wanda (Octavia Spencer), which had improved since Oscar’s stint in jail.  By illustrating the energy he brought to life, the film celebrates how much Oscar meant to his family and friends.

I often dread watching films based on real-life events when I know that the lead character died or was killed.  It took me three days to watch Fruitvale Station because I knew the heartbreak that was coming, and this film is indeed poignant and heartbreaking.  It eulogizes Oscar Grant, while simultaneously mourning a unique soul lost through senseless death.  By portraying Oscar’s relationships, Coogler emphasizes what a tragic loss Oscar was for his friends and family.  However, Coogler makes that sense of loss feel genuine in ways that films about real life people often do not.  Some movies about the senseless killing of person can make the viewer feel outrage.  Fruitvale Station simply cause hurt deep in the soul.

Michael B. Jordan as Oscar and Octavia Spencer as his mother, Wanda, give tremendous performances.  Spencer (who is one of the co-executive producers of this film) shows that she can build characters that seem real right down to their souls.  I can see why many thought that she would get an Oscar nod for her work here, which she ultimately did not.

Jordan is so good; it is as if he disappeared and then, reappeared as the real Oscar Grant.  After such a performance, people will obviously think that the sky is the limit for this bright and talented young actor.  Because of his performance, I don’t think I could watch Fruitvale Station again.  I cannot let Jordan, Spencer, and Coogler break my heart and make me cry again.

9 of 10
A+

NOTES:
2014 Black Reel Awards:  9 nominations:  “Outstanding Motion Picture” (Forest Whitaker-producer and Nina Yang Bongiovi-producer – The Weinstein Company), “Outstanding Actor, Motion Picture,” (Michael B. Jordan), “Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture” (Melonie Diaz), “Outstanding Supporting Actress, Motion Picture” (Octavia Spencer), “Outstanding Director, Motion Picture” (Ryan Coogler), “Outstanding Screenplay-Adapted or Original, Motion Picture” (Ryan Coogler), “Outstanding Ensemble” (Nina Henninger-Casting Director), “Outstanding Score” (Ludwig Göransson), and “Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Female” (Melonie Diaz)

2014 Image Awards:  1 win: “Outstanding Independent Motion Picture;” 4 nominations: “Outstanding Motion Picture,” “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” (Michael B. Jordan), “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture” (Octavia Spencer), and “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture - Theatrical or Television” (Ryan Coogler)

Thursday, July 03, 2014


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

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"Blood Lad" Anime on Neon Alley and Hulu

VIZ MEDIA PREMIERES THE SUPERNATURAL ACTION COMEDY ANIME SERIES BLOOD LAD ON NEON ALLEY AND HULU

An Otaku Vampire Obsessed With The Human World Falls Hard For a Pretty Girl That Becomes A Ghost And He Vows To Help Her Regain Her Body; Series Premiere Features New English Dub Cast

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, dials up the action and laughs for the special premiere of the anime series – BLOOD LAD – now available on Hulu and Neon Alley. The entire 10 episode paranormal action comedy series about an otaku vampire and a ghost girl features a brand new English dub cast and will available on the Hulu and Neon Alley for a limited time only!

A trailer and episodes may be viewed at: http://www.hulu.com/blood-lad.

BLOOD LAD will launch on NeonAlley.com, VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. Episodes will also be available on the free, ad-supported Hulu and Hulu Plus subscription service, where users can watch on a variety of devices including Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 (PS3®) or PlayStation®4 (PS4™) systems Roku, Chromecast, and mobile devices. A full list of Hulu and Hulu Plus-enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices.

Adapted from Yuki Kodama's bestselling manga (graphic novel) series, BLOOD LAD introduces Staz, who is one of the toughest vampires in the demon world. But unlike his ancestors, he finds being a vampire to be a serious pain and prefers to spend his time watching anime and playing video games instead. When a Japanese girl named Fuyumi wanders into his territory, Staz cannot hide his excitement at finally meeting a living human from his favorite culture. Unfortunately, Fuyumi dies after being swallowed by a monster, leaving her bare soul behind. Staz vows to Fuyumi that he will bring her back to life by any bloody means necessary.

VIZ Media is the North American master licensor for the BLOOD LAD (rated TV-14) anime property. The company also plans to release the entire series for home media in a special Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD combo-pack, as well as a Standard Edition DVD set on September 2nd. Both editions are available now for pre-order from leading retailers. The BLOOD LAD Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD combo-pack MSRP will be $69.99 U.S. / $89/99 CAN; the Standard Edition DVD MSRP will be $44.82 U.S. / $43.23 CAN.

“A nerdy vampire’s obsession with the human world collides with a girl that becomes lost in the demon world after wandering into a portal that suddenly opens in her bedroom, and the stage is set for plenty of thrilling supernatural action and laugh out loud comedic hijinks,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Manager, Animation Marketing. “Anime fans will not want to miss this special premiere of BLOOD LAD, which features an amazing English dub cast including Bryce Papenbrook and Xanthe Huynh in the lead characters’ roles and supported by other top voice talents including Cristina Vee, Wendy Lee, Johnny Yong Bosch and Kyle Hebert. Catch the premiere of BLOOD LAD on Neon Alley and Hulu ahead of its special home media release this September!”

Additional information on Neon Alley is available at: www.NeonAlley.com.

For more information on BLOOD LAD, or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

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Amazon Studios Announces New TV Pilot, "Hysteria"

Amazon Adds Dramatic Thriller Hysteria to Its Third Pilot Season

Amazon Studios collaborates with Universal Television and Alcon Television Group for an hour-long character-driven thriller from Shaun Cassidy (Invasion) starring Mena Suvari (American Beauty), James McDaniel (Orange Is The New Black), Josh Stewart (The Dark Knight Rises), Adan Canto (X-Men: Days of Future Past), Laura San Giacomo (Saving Grace) and T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy)

Hysteria joins The Cosmopolitans, Really and Hand of God for Amazon’s highly-anticipated third pilot season, which will debut later this year on Amazon Instant Video


SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced it has added the hour-long dramatic thriller Hysteria, from Amazon Studios, Universal Television and Alcon Television Group, to its third pilot season, which will debut later this year on Amazon Instant Video. Starring Mena Suvari (American Beauty) as “Dr. Logan Harlen,” James McDaniel (Orange Is The New Black) as “Carl Sapsi,” Josh Stewart (The Dark Knight Rises) as “Ray Ratajeck,” Adan Canto (X-Men: Days of Future Past) as “Matt Sanchez,” Laura San Giacomo (Saving Grace) as “Grace Pelayo” and T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy) as “Carter Harlen,” Hysteria follows a doctor (Suvari) who returns to her hometown of Austin, Texas to investigate a growing epidemic that appears to be spreading through social media. The show is written by Shaun Cassidy who also serves as Executive Producer alongside Adam Schroeder, Sharon Hall, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Bryan Zuriff, and Director Otto Bathurst. Customers will once again be invited to watch and provide feedback on the pilots they want to see turned into full series, which will then become available on Prime Instant Video.

    “We’re very excited to be collaborating with Universal Television and Alcon Television Group to bring Hysteria to life for viewers”

“We’re very excited to be collaborating with Universal Television and Alcon Television Group to bring Hysteria to life for viewers,” said Roy Price, Director of Amazon Studios. “Shaun is known for creating shows with layers of mystery, depth of character and topical themes. His script immediately hooked us and we can’t wait to hear what customers think.”

“I can think of no better platform than Amazon to tell a story that explores the price of fear and the very real threat of viral connection becoming contagion,” said Shaun Cassidy.

Directed by Bathurst, who recently won the BAFTA for his work on the critically acclaimed U.K. mini-series Peaky Blinders, Hysteria takes viewers to Austin where members of a girls’ competitive dance team are stricken with a strange, psycho-physiological illness that manifests in violent fits and spasms. Neurologist Logan Harlen (Suvari) is called back to her hometown to investigate the cause. Fighting her own demons (and the growing manipulation of a brother on death row), Logan develops an uneasy suspicion that the hysteria surrounding the girls might actually be linked to social media and her own tragic past. In addition to Suvari, McDaniel, Stewart, Canto, San Giacomo and Knight, Hysteria also stars, Ella Rae Peck and Jenessa Grant. Guest stars include Jason Douglas, Heather Kafka, Asjha Cooper, and Evie Thompson.

About Amazon Studios
Last year Amazon Studios launched its first two prime time series Alpha House and Betas, and recently debuted its first two children’s series, the Annecy International Animated Film Festival Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment, as well as Creative Galaxy from Angela Santomero, the creator of Blue’s Clues. A third kids’ series, Annedroids, from Emmy nominated Sinking Ship Entertainment will debut in July. Amazon Studios recently announced six additional, original series including Chris Carter’s The After; Michael Connelly’s Bosch; Jill Soloway’s Transparent; Mozart in the Jungle from Paul Weitz, Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman; Wishenpoof! from Angela Santomero; and Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street from David Anaxagoras, as well as a second season of Alpha House. Amazon Original Series are available exclusively to Prime members through Prime Instant Video.

Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script and Amazon Studios will read and review all submissions. Those who choose to make their projects public will also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community.

Comprehensive cast and crew information, including bios and filmographies, is available on Amazon's IMDb (www.imdb.com), the world’s most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content.

About Amazon.com
Amazon opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by three principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.

Former Disney Animator, Lino DiSalvo, Joins Paramonut Animation

PARAMOUNT ANIMATION ANNOUNCES LINO DISALVO AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc., announced today that veteran animator Lino DiSalvo has joined Paramount Animation as its new Creative Director. The announcement came from Adam Goodman, President of the Paramount Film Group, who oversees Animation for the studio.

A 16 year veteran of Walt Disney Animation Studios, DiSalvo most recently served as Head of Animation on the Academy Award®-winning and highest-grossing animated feature of all time, “FROZEN.” DiSalvo began his career at the Walt Disney Company as a Character Animator. Prior to “FROZEN,” he served as Supervising Animator on “TANGLED” and “BOLT.” His other film credits include animating on “MEET THE ROBINSONS” and “CHICKEN LITTLE.” With his new role, DiSalvo will be assisting Goodman and the Paramount Animation team to build a world-class feature animation studio.

“From its inception, we have aspired to work with the industry’s greatest artists and storytellers, and Lino’s addition to our little animation family is thrilling given his incredible talent. CG animation is still in its earliest days and his extraordinary artistry, coupled with the endless potential of the medium, makes for an incredibly exciting time to be building our own animation business, and gives us a lot of continued inspiration for the future creatively,” said Goodman.

“I couldn't pass up this amazing opportunity to work with the absolute all-star team of artists at Paramount Animation. The possibilities for reinventing and reimagining CG feature animation are virtually endless, and I am excited to be at Paramount helping to forge that incredible, new future," said DiSalvo.

Paramount Animation is currently in production on the original film “MONSTER TRUCKS,” a hybrid of live action and CGI animation directed by Chris Wedge (“ICE AGE,” “EPIC”). The film is set for release in May 2015.

Next up for the division is “THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER,” from directors Paul Tibbitt (animation) and Mike Mitchell (live action), releasing in February of 2015.

DiSalvo, who begins immediately in his new role, is represented by UTA.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

"Sailor Moon Crystal" Debuts on Neon Alley and Hulu, July 5th 2014

VIZ MEDIA PREMIERES ANTICIPATED SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL ANIME SERIES ON NEON ALLEY AND HULU ON JULY 5TH

North America’s Leading Anime Distributor Launches Reboot Of The Famed Fantasy Action Series; Free Streaming Episodes Premiere At The Same Time As Japanese Debut!

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delivers the much-anticipated launch of the new SAILOR MOON anime series – SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL – on July 5th on Hulu and Neon Alley. The series, which reboots the beloved shojo fantasy action property, debuts simultaneously in North America at the same time as its online streaming premiere in Japan, making a true simultaneous release. Future new episodes (subtitled) will debut in North America and Japan the first and third Saturday of each month.

Based on Naoko Takeuchi’s legendary manga (graphic novel) series, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL (rated ‘TV-PG’), retells the story of Sailor Moon as she searches for her fellow Sailor Guardians and the Legendary Silver Crystal to stop the dark forces of Queen Beryl. Visit www.NeonAlley.com and Hulu.com/sailor-moon-crystal for more information; the trailer may also be viewed at http://www.hulu.com/watch/651047 and http://youtu.be/I0B5gnKvHKQ.

SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL will be available through NeonAlley.com, VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. Episodes will also be available on the free, ad-supported Hulu and Hulu Plus subscription service, where users can watch on a variety of devices including Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 (PS3®) or PlayStation®4 (PS4™) systems Roku, Chromecast, and mobile devices. A full list of Hulu and Hulu Plus-enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices.

“Fans everywhere have eagerly awaited the launch of the new SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL series, and we are very excited to announce its premiere on Neon Alley and Hulu starting next month,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Manager, Animation Marketing. “More than two decades after it first captivated millions of fans, the smash hit story of the valiant sailor guardians returns in a big way to thrill a whole new generation of viewers. Join in the celebration throughout the summer as VIZ Media marks the return of this legendary anime property!”

The original smash hit SAILOR MOON anime series was inspired by the bestselling manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoko Takeuchi (published in North America by Kodansha). In the series, Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy but kindhearted teenage girl who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. Meeting allies along the way who share similar fates, Usagi and her team of planetary Sailor Guardians fight to protect the universe from forces of evil and total annihilation!

Additional information on Neon Alley is available at: www.NeonAlley.com.

For more information on SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL, or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

"12 Years a Slave," Beyonce Lead 2014 "BET Awards" - Winners Announced

Young Money, Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams and August Alsina Win Big at The “BET Awards” ‘14

Epic Evening Features Performances by Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Jennifer Hudson, Nicki Minaj, Yolanda Adams and More

50Th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Bill Receives the 2014 Humanitarian Award Presented by State Farm®

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It was a night full of electrifying performances, emotional speeches and unforgettable moments at the “BET Awards” '14 -- also known as the "Black World Cup," according to hilarious host Chris Rock -- which aired live from the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE on Sunday, June 29.

Pharrell Williams opened the show with an energetic rendition of "Come Get It Bae" surrounded by a bevy of cheerleaders, and was joined by surprise performer and fellow Virginia native, the amazing Missy Elliott, who brought the crowd to their feet to "Pass That Dutch." Williams became a familiar face on the stage after winning both "Best Male R&B/Pop Artist" and "Video of the Year," and again coming on to present music icon Lionel Richie with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Young Money and Beyoncé took home the most trophies with three awards, as did acclaimed film “12 Years A Slave” which swept the film award categories. Pharrell Williams and August Alsina each won two awards.

The tribute to Richie included a presentation of classics "Hello" and "Still" by John Legend and a pulsating rendition of "Brick House" by Ledisi. Just before Richie came on stage to accept his award, Yolanda Adams delivered a soulful, inspired performance of "Jesus Is Love," bringing the crowd to its feet (and some to tears!) and prompting Richie to admit he was "glad [he] sang the song first." Richie showed off his own skills when he sat at the piano and serenaded the audience with "Easy," then got the crowd dancing along to "All Night Long."

Chris Brown made a triumphant return to the “BET Awards” stage that drew a standing ovation. He proved he hasn't missed a beat delivering an incredible performance of "Loyal," which was amped up even more with appearances by Lil Wayne, Tyga and Travis Barker.

Always one to get the crowd going, Lil Wayne got the mosh pit popping with "Krazy" and "Believe Me." Jennifer Hudson showed off her incredibly powerful pipes during a performance of "Walk It Out" and debut of her new single "It's Your World" as a disco roller derby swirled around her. One of today's hottest rising stars, Jhené Aiko joined John Legend on stage for one of the most impressive performances of the evening.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his first album, Usher performed an action-packed medley of his biggest hits, including "Yeah!" "Confessions," "Caught Up" and "Love In This Club," which drew a standing ovation. Nicki Minaj gave an dramatic Alice In Wonderland-inspired performance of "Chi-Raq" and "Pills N Potions," filling the stage with oversized mushrooms, a contemporary dancer and a white rabbit.

T.I. showed off his lyrical prowess with "No Mediocre," while Iggy Azalea wowed the crowd with her skills with her hit single "Fancy." Fan and crowd favorite August Alsina, whose earlier performance alongside Trey Songz and Chris Brown drew squeals from all of the ladies in the house, took home the Coca-Cola Viewers' Choice Award. Robin Thicke gave a mesmerizing performance of "Forever Love," while surprise performers Troop, Color Me Badd and Silk scored huge cheers, as each group took the stage for their biggest hits for a '90s throwback medley of "All I Do Is Think of You," "I Wanna Sex You Up" and "Freak Me."

Presenter Kerry Washington, making her first television appearance since giving birth to daughter Isabelle in April, got in on the night's fun with co-presenter Kevin Hart, who tried to convince the crowd that he was, in fact, Oliver Pope, a reference to Kerry's alter-ego Olivia Pope on her hit show "Scandal."

Taking a cue from Ellen DeGeneres' pizza delivery at this year's Oscar® Awards, Rock provided the audience with a delivery of Roscoe's Chicken 'n Waffles, which they accepted with enthusiasm. Rock had the crowd laughing throughout the night, thanks to his riffs on a range of hot topics, from Donald Sterling to Jay-Z and Solange to Dr. Dre and the Beats/Apple deal.

A taped performance of Beyoncé and Jay-Z of "Partition" capped the epic night, which delivered on its promise to be the hottest ticket in town. The "BET Awards" '14 drew the biggest names in music, entertainment and sports, with appearances by Gabrielle Union, Keke Palmer, Regina Hall, Larenz Tate, Bow Wow, Keshia Chante, Eva Marcille, Terrence Jenkins, Keyshia Cole, Mike Tyson, Nick Cannon, Zendaya, DeSean Jackson, Boris Kodjoe, Gary Owen, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Chadwick Boseman, Tyrese and Nate Parker.

Tim King (Founder, President and CEO of Urban Prep Academies) and Denzel Thompson (a 19-year-old founder and manager of a successful community urban farm and garden) were recognized as the 2014 Shine-A-Light recipients.

The “BET Awards” is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers and athletes in 19 categories.

In addition to all of these incredible moments, the complete list of “BET Awards” ’14 winners is:

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Beyoncé

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
Pharrell Williams

Best Group
Young Money

Best Collaboration
Beyoncé f/ JAY Z – Drunk In Love

Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Drake

Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Nicki Minaj

Video of the Year
Pharrell Williams – Happy

Video Director of the Year
Hype Williams

Best New Artist
August Alsina

Best Gospel Artist
Tamela Mann

Best Actress
Lupita Nyong’o

Best Actor
Chiwetel Ejiofor

YoungStars Award
KeKe Palmer

Best Movie
12 Years a Slave

Subway Sportswoman of the Year
Serena Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year
Kevin Durant

Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award
August Alsina f/ Trinidad Jame$ - I Luv This

Centric Award
Jhené Aiko – The Worst

Best International Act: Africa
Davido (Nigeria)

Best International Act: UK
Krept & Konan

FANdemonium Award
Beyoncé

BET.com/BETAwards (http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards.html) is the official site for the “BET Awards” ’14 and features all the incredible content from this year’s show. Join the conversation on social media by following BET’s multiple social media platforms dedicated to the BET Awards:

    On Twitter & Instagram: @BETAwards, Use hashtag: #BETAwards
    On Facebook: facebook.com/TheBETAwards
    On Tumblr: betawards.tumblr.com

The “BET Awards” ’14 took place along with the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® in Los Angeles from June 27-29th. The show will premiere on BET's international network Tuesday, July 1 at 8:00 p.m. GMT.

Encore viewings of the show will air on BET on:

    Monday, June 30 at 7:00 p.m.* (immediately followed by the post-show)
    Saturday, June 5 at 8:00 p.m.*
    Thursday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m.*

Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Music Programming and Specials and Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials, will serve as Executive Producers for the “BET Awards,” along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

*All times ET/PT

ABOUT “BET AWARDS”
The BET AWARDS is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the Nielsen Company. The BET AWARDS franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT:
Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service television and film production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins. For more than a decade, Collins, the company’s CEO, has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. Formerly Executive Producer/EVP of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced ground-breaking and award winning television programming including the BET Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, BET Honors, The UNCF Evening of Stars and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Collins currently executive produces “The Real Husbands of Hollywood,” (now going into its 3rd hit season) alongside industry Icons Stan Lathan and Ralph Farquhar; and has worked with superstar talent such as Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince, Mariah Carey and many more.

Follow us @BET_PR

The Fourth Negromancer of July 2014

It's July 2014 and it's still a month away from Guardians of the Galaxy.

Welcome to Negromancer 2.0.  This is the rebirth of Negromancer, the former movie review website as a new movie review and movie news site.

All images and text appearing on this blog are © copyright and/or trademark their respective owners.